Snow Weekend!

We had early snow (for the DC area) this past weekend. It was a lovely, thick, heavy, and good packing and sledding snow. I headed out Saturday morning to teach Music Play class and then decided to come straight home (I had originally planned to help my friend Mary, of Herban Lifestyles, at a craft fair. But we both decided that the weather was too much to risk the roads). I got home and all my boys were bundled up and outside having a blast. A snowman in the front yard was created and dubbed "Chick Hicks" (he had a clementine nose and wood chips for eyes and teeth - you use what you've got, right?). And lots of backyard sledding happened. Nate was pretty worn out when I got home so I got him down for a lovely 3 hour nap. During his nap James and I made candy cane cookies. I admit I am not a great baker. But that's okay, they were tasty. Just unattractive.

Greg made a great fire and we watched college football and had chili for dinner.

On Sunday I ran the Reston Runners "Fall Into Winter" 10k. I was worried the bad weather/snow/ice might derail the roads and make running un-safe. However, I did get over to the community center and sign up. I ended up running a 55:35, with a pace of 8:57. I'm pleased as my goal (with barely running these days) was a 9 minute mile. So go me! I am disappointed in myself, though, because the winner of my age group was just 4 minutes faster than me - and I've run that pace (8:17) before during my tempo runs pre-marathon. So, I know it's out there and I have some goals. I think now that I've done the marathon I want to work on my short distance speed. I'd love to run a 1/2 marathon again in under 2 hours. We shall see....

We spent the rest of Sunday cleaning, playing, and baking more cookies. This time James and I made cutter cookies (trees, stars, stockings and Santa) and decorated them. Quite delicious. We had a leftover dinner and just relaxed with another fire.

Our week is pretty busy but also semi-slow. The weather mid-week does NOT look good. Guess I'll be doing more 30 Day Shreds with James. He's very insistent that I exercise and generally chooses Level 3. Yikes! But hey, when you use Little People as your weights of COURSE it's easier. Hopefully Greg will fix the treadmill and I will get back on track with running. And hopefully in the new year I can get new shoes so I don't lose another 6 toenails. Sigh.

Happily, we are going to pay for our new cabinets today - I've signed off on the design, and cannot WAIT. Tomorrow I go to look at granite. And next week I look at backsplash options and to choose the shade of our new hardwood floors. It's all coming together. Packing up and moving stuff out of the kitchen and dining room will be annoying (where to put it all?! Our house is NOT that big!!), but, so worth it.

After "Curious George" we are off to the cabinet place and then the grocery store. We had a fun playgroup this morning. Tonight is rehearsal. And tomorrow Mom comes over to help out -- plenty of stuff going on, but always happy that we are warm, safe, and well fed. It's the little things!

Photos to follow in separate post.