Downtown at night

So, one Saturday night, Tyson, Reed, and I decided to go and see some of the monuments. I always love seeing them at night with the lights. Also, it seems to be less crowded and you can find parking! So, nighttime is the time to go. We stopped by the Washington Monument. I had forgotten how tall it is! Reed loved touching it and standing against the wall. It was fun to see him checking it out. He is such a curious little boy. I love that he loves to discover things! Of course, Daddy had to tell Reed how cool this monument is and just what it means!

We also stopped by the World War II Memorial. This one is one of my favorites! We walked around and found the Virginia stone and had to take a picture! I was a little sad that the water had been drained. The water fountains are just so beautiful. I guess they were cleaning them or something because they are all filled up again. So, it was just poor timing, but I still love it! It is amazing to me how much history is here! I am still awed by it.

We didn't have time to make it to the Lincoln, another favorite, but we will again. It just nice to be able to spend the evening with my two most favorites guys!

Daddy and Reed :)

This is pretty cool.

Wow, Dad can reach high!


Wow! This thing is huge!

They didn't turn out super well, but I love the flags that surround the monument.

From Reed's point of view

WWII Memorial - It is really beautiful - I will get some water pictures next time!

The Big Race

So, I am sure you have been waiting on baited breath to know about my half-marathon. It all started about 5 am on Saturday morning. I woke up after not sleeping for long enough and proceeded to get ready for my race. I had to ride the metro to DC because parking would have been just a hassle. So, I got already and triple-checked everything and drove the truck to the metro stop. As I was buying my ticket another lady was trying to do the same thing, only her credit card was not working! So, I bought her ticket and we ended up chatting for the whole metro ride! It was nice to have someone to talk to and it calmed my nerves (although I don't know why I was nervous, but I just was). She has been running for a while and talked all about running and groups I could join and everything. It was actually nice to hear from someone who has more experience with this running stuff. So, when we got to the stop, people poured out of the metro and we followed the masses. As my new-found friend was trying to stick her metro ticket behind her phone the wind came up and blew her ticket from her hand and on to the metro tracks!!! Luckily, everything worked out for her and she was able to get to the race. So, as I was getting ready for the race, I could hear the news announcers over a loud speaker. It was then that I realized how big of a thing this was.

The race started, but I had to wait for about 7-8 minutes to actually cross the start line. It was actually amazing to see thousands upon thousands of people running! The weather was absolutely perfect for running. It was a little chilly since the race started at 7, but after a mile, it was perfect! It was just gorgeous watching the sun rise on Washington, DC. I ran by the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln. Then, we turned and ran on other random streets. There were a few big hills, but I made it through! It actually felt amazing - it's hard to explain unless you have done the same thing. But, I loved it - it was the perfect amount of miles! I pushed myself, but did not feel like dying at the end. I finished strong :)

I really got energized by all the people cheering us on! It was fun to see the people out there. I even got to see Ryan and Barb (bro and sis-in-law). They took the only 3 pictures of me proving that I actually ran - don't worry, those pictures will be forthcoming. Anyways - I also loved all the people running - I know I already said that, but it was awesome! There were even some people with signs cheering us on. Other people provided free beer (it was pretty funny, I have to admit). Oh, the water/Powerade stations grossly underestimated how many people would drink out of cups. Because when I got to almost all the stations, there were no cups available. So, we had to drink from the gallon. No time to think about gross germs, so I took some swigs and kept jogging! I ended up finishing in 2:16:36 - a 10:26 minute mile...not bad for 13.1 miles :)

So, I officially want to do another half marathon, actually probably many more. I am still not sure about the marathon. I think I will probably train for at least one in my lifetime. But, who knows!

Tyson, Reed, and my dad ended up missing me at all the spots they had planned to see me at! Apparently, I was running too fast :) They were so upset! I have to admit, I was beginning to doubt if they had even come to the race. But, Reed was clapping with all the people, so there is proof that others saw them - so, I guess they did come! After the race, we all went and had some french toast at Ryan and Barb's house. It was fabulous!

Oh, I forgot to mention that we got these cool medals for finishing, I will post the pictures when I get them! All-in-all it was a fabulous morning. It was truly inspiring to be among all those people. There was just such positive energy going through out the entire race. I can't believe it's over!!! I am looing for other smaller races to run, just to keep myself constantly motivate to run. But, I will definitely be using this training method again (thanks to Hal Higdon). It made it attainable - something that I needed.

So, for those of you who are wondering if you can do it or not - you can!!!! You just have to put in the time before to train your body :) Running is amazing! I am glad that I can run!

Just one more side note - the first marathon runners finished in about 2:22:00 ....that's craziness if you ask me! We finished at almost the same time, but they ran twice as many miles as I did!

Weekend Fun...

The months of January and February were crazy time for Tyson. It was busy season....meaning there were nights he did not get home until 2 am and then left for work at 7:30 am. He also worked most of the Saturdays and even had to work one Sunday (well, two, but one of them he was able to stay home). So, he was ALWAYS working. But, we did find one Saturday in February where magically, Tyson did not have to work. We decided to take advantage of the time and see more of the American History Museum. We still had not seen the ruby slippers and Kermit....so, we made the trek by metro and had a great time! The ruby slippers were great and Kermit was Kermit :)

We also slipped by the war part of the museum. It was actually really neat the way they have it all set up. Wars are very interesting and intriguing to me. I particularly am interested in WWII. I probably could have stayed there all day, but decided that we did want to see other things as well. There are these stamps that you can get in that part of the museum. You pick up the pamphlet at the beginning of the exhibit and then, 4 time throughout the exhibit you find these stampers and press it in to your pamphlet. It actually was pretty neat. All-in-all fun times at the museum. Plus, Reed did a fabulous job at staying asleep almost the entire time we were there!

As we were leaving, we both were pretty hungry and had always wanted to stop and get a Polish Sausage. (It just seems like something you need to do in DC) So, we stopped and got some. They were delicious!!! Expensive, but well worth the experience :) Yeah for fun Saturdays! (Scroll to the bottom for a video of Tyson and Reed playing the piano!)

The famous ruby slippers. Fun Fact: In the book the slippers are silver, but for the movie they chose red because it stands out on the yellow, brick road more.


Tyson loved Kermit!


Yummy!!!! Polish Sausage :)

It was fantastic and just hit the spot. The best Polish Sausage ever!

Reed absolutely loves the piano! It is one of his favorite things in the whole world! He crawls up to it and stands up and then reaches to play the keys. He even walks up and down the piano, playing all of the different notes. Here he is with Tyson playing away. Note: Tyson is playing a song he made up! How cool!!!

My baby is 1....

I cannot believe that Reed is 1!!!! March 14, 2009 marked his birthday and my one-year anniversary of being a mom :) We had such a great day!!! But, it all started a little earlier than I would have liked. Tyson was supposed to arrive at 12:15 am, but was delayed and did not end up landing at the airport until about 2:45 am!!! So, I had to go and pick him up and then come back home. Then, Reed woke up at 7:30 am...so, I was pretty tired, but so excited for Reed's birthday!

Even though Reed didn't quite understand, he had tons of fun :) One of the most exciting things was when Reed went with daddy to pick up his balloons. Reed's favorite thing is balloons...I think I have already talked about his obsession. So, the fact that Reed got to sit in the back of the car with 6 balloons - well, it was pretty much the best morning ever! Even after arriving home, he could not help but play with the balloons, smiling and laughing. It was awesome!

We went to this amazing park - Clemyjontri - for his party. It is pretty much kid wonderland for free. It is huge, and there are toys and slides for tons of people. It was a bit chilly, but mostly the parents got cold because they weren't running around playing! So, the kids absolutely had a great time playing. Reed loved the slides. He loves to go down on his stomach, face-first. But, amazingly, he does a fabulous job stopping himself and not going too fast. Smart kid!

Then, the kids came over and decorated their train cakes. This was by far the best idea I have ever had! Everyone had such a great time decorating their own trains. My mom colored lots of frosting, we had skittles, nerds, m&ms, and I found these flat, rope-like candies made by air heads. I seriously did not think it was going to be as great as it turned out to be. I am doing this activity for the next 5 birthdays at least. Even the adults got to decorate a cake (I made 38 little cakes). It was fabulous!

When time came to sing, Reed did not really know what was going on. Tyson had to help him blow out the candle (but even Tyson missed the first time)! Reed did not really want his cake. When I tried to give him some frosting, he just got this weird look on his face as if to say, "Mom, what is this?" So, he ended up destroying it later in the day (but still did not really want to eat it, just destroy it). After the excitement died down, Reed ended up falling asleep at his own party! That's what happen when you party hard :)

After Reed woke up and ate lunch, we opened presents and let him destroy his cake. He did not really know what to do with his cake still. But, once he decided that it felt cool, he squished it between his fingers and enjoyed himself :) Next, the presents! He was so excited about each present that he did not really care about opening the next. But, once that one was open, he wanted to play with it. He really raked in the presents!!! I was actually pretty surprised. I guess I was not expecting people to bring presents, but it was awesome that they did! Reed got TONS of toys, some books, clothes, and even his very own stool with his name engraved into it! Thanks to everyone who gave Reed gifts! He seriously loves all of them!

The last exciting bit of the day was when Reed got to take a ride in his new car seat! He didn't really know what to do about facing forward, but loved that he could see the light on the ceiling of the car. He was excited but confused that he could see us, but liked it at the same time. So, all-in-all, an exciting day :)

I cannot believe that my baby is no longer as much of a baby! I am so happy to be Reed' mom - he is an amazing kid! I just love my little man :)



I cannot believe that one year ago my little man was this small!

He has been a sweet heart since day 1 :)

Sadly, he lost his baby tan after a couple weeks, but I still hope he will be able to tan :)

One year later.......

This is the best day ever!!!!! I got balloons!

Balloons are my favorite :)

Pure joy!

Is there anything cuter? I think not :)

Thanks for the balloons!

Reed's birthday train - decorated by Grandma Rowberry!It definitely was the best-looking train there :)


"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Reed. Happy birthday to you!"


Reed is a bit confused at why he gets to be so close to fire....

Daddy tries for the second time and finally blows out Reed's candle :)

After an exciting morning at the park, Reed needed a nap! (In the background, just parts of the cool park he got to play in)

"What is this thing, and what am I supposed to do with it?"

"Oh, it feels kind of cool...."

"Here, mom. You can have a piece."

"Hmmm, it's all gone. I wish I could smash some more cake."

"Ooooh, presents!"

"My very own cell phone! Yipee!!!"

"I don't really know what is going on, but I am going along for the ride."

Boys vs. Girls

The other day I was talking to a friend about parks. I ended up mentioning how our park has wood chips/bark and Reed loves to crawl in it and put them in his mouth. (He has also found the dirt underneath and tasted that as well). Well, this friend has a little girl about Reed's age and she mentioned how her daughter does not like touching the wood chips with her hands. It just made me chuckle a little - she is such a girl and Reed is such a boy, even now. They really are different :)

So, we were able to play at our park a few more times (actually these pictures were taken in February) and Reed found some sticks to play with! He absolutely loved them. He hit them on the ground, stared at them, poked the slide, and even tried eating the stick (that didn't work out - it was a little hard for him). Of course, I had to do a photo shoot of the whole event :) Enjoy!

Tomorrow is Reed's birthday and I seriously cannot believe that he will be 1!!!! What happened to all of the time? This ear simply flew by. I am so grateful to have Reed in my life. He is truly an amazing child (I guess he's not a baby anymore).



Yummy - this stick tastes good! But, it is a little hard...

Look! I got two sticks - I am so cool!

Whoa - what is this thing?

Must touch it. Must examine it.



Reed absolutely LOVES balloons - every time we go to a store especially grocery stores) there are balloons everywhere! I never would have noticed if Reed didn't point out each and every balloon! So, we got a balloon from Trader Joe's (free...it's the best) and Reed was watching it on the ceiling. I love it :)

I might be obsessed with.....

running! It's weird, but I have been warned. Many people have told me that as you are training for a half-marathon or even full-marathon, you gain this love of running. I was extremely skeptical. While I am grateful that I can run and feel good after because of endorphins :), I never thought I would really start to love running. I liked it. I knew it was a good form of exercise, but I did not know how addicting it could become. Now, I still do no love running on the tread mill....it is just a bit hard to love it because you can't see all the pretty things outside. But, when I ran 10 miles on Saturday on the W & OD trail, I simple began to love running! It was a beautiful day (I know that helped) and so many people were outside jogging, biking, and playing flag football :) The buds are starting to come out on the trees. It was just perfect outside. I ended up running the 10 miles at about a 10:30 min mile (give or take a couple minutes, I had to stop at some stop lights for a couple minutes). After, I felt so good. I think I am obsessed.

I must give a shout out to my man, Hal Higdon. Although Hal does not know me personally, he has helped me a lot over the last 11 weeks. I am doing his training for the novice half-marathon. He made the schedule very easy to follow and very reachable. I honestly cannot believe that I jogged 10 miles last Saturday, but at the same time, I did not get sore and could have kept going. So, thanks, Hal. If you want to run a race and want some sort of guide to follow, definitely look this guy up! His training schedule are free online and he has schedules at every level: novice, intermediate, and veteran.

In honor of my new-found love, hobby, obsession, I posted a picture of some very good friends of mine - my running shoes! I usually do not spend tons of money on one pair of shoes. Running shoes are my exception. I want to protect my joints and not screw up my body totally. So, I figured that buying the appropriate shoe for my body is necessary and will save me bills in the future! So, here are my old running shoes (still in my closet for other purposes) and my new running shoes that will be there with me through my half-marathon!

P.S. Reed's other top tooth broke through the skin on Friday, March 5th!



These are the new ones - absolutely comfortable :)

These are oldies but goodies :)

Finally!!!

For Christmas we received a new bed from Tyson's parents. Well, it was meant as a Christmas present, but the mattress was supposed to arrive mid-January. So, we actually got the king-sized box spring before Christmas and put our full mattress on top. It looked a bit silly, but it was actually kind of nice to have a little ledge to put random things on :)

Anyways, mid-January rolls around and no word on our mattress. We thought there must just be some delay, so we didn't worry about it.

Then, February comes - still, no mattress, but we got an email saying it had passed inspection. Well, at least we got an email. Mid-February rolls around and we finally got another email from the company saying that it had been inspected (again?...I still don't know). A couple of days later we received an email giving us a tracking number for the bed. So, on February 16th, it was loaded and left CA. The email said it could come anytime from that day (obviously not, since it was in CA) to March 2nd. So, we begin to believe that it was a scam and the company didn't really exist or something. In late February I looked online with the tracking number and it said the mattress had gone all the way to Indiana by the 20th, but was unloaded there! Then, a couple of days later - February 26th - the mattress was loaded again.

So, nothing came on March 2nd....still might be a scam, probably is. Then, on Tuesday, we got a call. It was some delivery company calling to set up a delivery time!!! We finally thought, "Hey, we might get this mattress after all!" So, on Thursday, March 5, 2009. Our mattress FINALLY arrived!!!!! Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma Walker for the amazing bed! It was a great....Christmas, well, more like, St. Patrick's Day gift! It is super comfy :) Needless to say, here it is - our new bed!

This is the bed all made up. As you can see, our queen comforter does not quite fit. Good enough for now. I just need to find the bed skirt :)

Reed had to test out the new bed

It definitely met his approval :)

Wow, I can't believe this! We actually got the mattress to go with our box spring! Woo Hoo!



This is a video, for all those who are obsessed with Reed, like I am, of Reed walking along the couch. My baby is almost one! Weird!

I was Tagged.....

1. Where is your phone? On the piano
2. Where is your significant other? At work
3 .Your hair color? Brown and some grown out highlights
4. Your Mother? Janis
5. Your Father? David
6. Your favorite thing? Being with Reed and Tyson
7. Your dream last night? Harry Potter dream - I am on book 6 right now
8. Your dream/ Goal? To visit every country
9. The room you're in? Living room
10. Your hobby? Piano and singing
11. Your fear? Bees
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Las Vegas
13. Where were you last night? At home watching "Pretty in Pink" with my neighbor
14. What you're not? Tall
15. One of your wish-list items? travel to Europe
16. Where you grew up? Aurora, CO and Henderson, NV
17. The last thing you ate? Caramel Corn Rice Cakes
18. What are you wearing? Jeans, John Mayer T-shirt, and a hoodie
19. Your TV? Is off right now
20. Your pet? Have not had one since I was married
21. Your computer? Broken by Tyson, so I am using his.
22. Your mood? Content
23. Missing someone? Tyson and Jen
24. Your car? Ford Escort
25. Something you're not wearing? Necklace
26. Favorite store? H&M
27. Your Summer? Hershey, PA;Las Vegas, NV; Washington, DC
28. Love someone? Of course
29. Your favorite color? Pink (but I love almost every other color as well)
30. When was the last time you laughed? During my last piano lesson
31. Last time you cried? A couple of weeks ago in the leasing office (a bit embarrassing, I know)

I choose not to TAG anyone...just do it if you want.

Money.... It's all I want

In mid-February, Reed and I, along with some gals and kids in our play groups, went to the Bureau of Engraving Printing. Basically, we got to see how money is printed! It was actually pretty amazing all the things they do to make the money. Some fun facts are - It comes out on these huge sheets that they actually end up rolling to make more malleable and ready for cutting. When the bills are put in stacks there are workers there watching all the stacks. Those workers trains for two years to be able to do that!

The tour was pretty short, but definitely interesting! Reed liked how they had huge stacks of bills. I could tell he wanted to touch all the money - that's all he wants :)

There were two more interesting things we found at the end of the tour in the gift shop. First, Texas just thinks they are better than the rest of us. I say that because if the bills are printed in Dallas the serial number has a star at the end. Also, there is an FW on the bill if printed in Fort Worth. So, yes, they are the Lone Star stated - the only one that gets to put a special star on bills! Also, we found this chart to see how tall you are in money. Since all I care about is money, I had to take some pictures and see how much I am worth! I am worth $1, 492, 100! Reed is worth about $687,350. Not too shabby! How much are you worth?


Since most of you are between these heights - I zoomed in.

Reed doesn't quite make the chart - - so,

we had to use the formula at the bottom! Enjoy!