A Memorable Weekend

This was a big weekend for Paul and I. For Paul he reached a big milestone - he turned 30 on Saturday! Since he is such an amazing father and husband I planned a big birthday bash for him that night, but before we could get down to the party we dedicated our morning to doing the Susan G. Komen run at Fresno State.

The event is a 5k run that raises funds and awareness surrounding breast cancer. This horrible disease has touched our lives in several ways and unfortunately, I fear there will be future people we know that will fight this disease. This year I ran for my aunt Cheryl who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for stage 3 breast cancer. One of Paul's close childhood friends has a mother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so he ran in honor of her recent diagnosis with breast cancer.

I ordered shirts for the event that said "Save Second Base" and was able to get several co-workers and friends to do the run. Paul had the best time by far in running it in 24 minutes! I set a new personal best for my 5K record at 27 minutes. But everyone who finished did awesome! This event was the first for my friend Debbie and she really rocked it!


Me and some of my work friends after the run.

After the race that morning Paul came home to relax and enjoy his birthday while I ran all over Fresno getting everything prepared for the party. But I have to say that it was all worth it because our backyard looked beautiful and everything turned out really nice for Paul's birthday party that night. Everyone came in cocktail attire, with no kids, and we enjoyed desserts, appetizers and just a few drinks.

The set up in our backyard...

Paul's birthday cake...

A few of his gifts friends brought...

Some chocolate dipped strawberries I made...

And some mini cupcakes I got (you can never have enough dessert!)...

Me and my handsome husband!

The house is now cleaned up and put back together, our rugrats have returned from Grandma and Grandpa's house, the cake is just about gone, but we have some lasting memories from a great weekend. Happy 30th Birthday Paul, I can't imagine my life without you and I hope you know all the joy you bring into our life. We love you so much.

Celebrations

This past weekend was a busy one full of celebrations. I feel so blessed to have so much to celebrate in my life! October 9th I celebrated my 29th birthday. I was initially pretty bummed out that I had to work on my birthday but once I got to work I immediately found myself feeling better after I found my office decorated and cupcakes waiting for me.

That evening Paul, Alex and I drove down to Santa Monica to see my childhood friend, Natalie, get married on Saturday. I wouldn't have missed this day for all the money in the world. I have known Natalie as long as I can remember, her parents are like my second parents - in fact my kids call them Grandma and Papa Toy. The ceremony was so beautiful, out on the Santa Monica beach. I was glad that it was such a beautiful day for them and it was a great chance to catch up with the Toy family and see many faces I hadn't seen in a long time, including Natalie's brother Jonathan who was her "man of honor." Natalie was a beautiful bride and was positively glowing. Alex, being the flirt he is, followed her around all day and was quite smitting. Congratulations Natalie and Marc!

Natalie, Jonathan and I.

Natalie & Marc with us after the ceremony.

Alex goofing around on the playground on the beach.

Natalie and Alex posing, very sweet!

Another celebration that took place this week was welcoming a four legged friend into our family. We adopted Ernie on Sunday and he has quickly become a solid addition to our family and secured a place in all of our hearts. With his quirky little underbite and funny personality we just love him to pieces. Alex ran around a good part of the day saying "I'm so glad Ernie is here!" He loves to run after him saying "Ernie, Ernie, Ernie" and Amelia follows behind saying "Onie Onie Onie" in her attempt to call him as well. Some people may think I am crazy taking on another responsibility in my life right now (and I probably am) but rescuing this little guy and seeing the delight on my children's face makes it all worth it.

The blushing bride....

Not me, it has been 6 years already since I was a blushing bride, but my cousin Sarah is getting married!! She and her boyfriend (now fiance) Josh have decided to walk down the aisle this coming April. Since the big day is only 6 months away, we went dress shopping at David's Bridal for her today. My little cousin has always been adorable, she was so stinking cute as a toddler, but to see her today all grown up in her beautiful wedding gown, full of excitement for her future, was a beautiful thing to witness. As you can see, she will make a gorgeous bride and I hope her fiance realizes how lucky he is.
Sarah's friend Ashley and I also tried on bridesmaid dresses and decided upon this one (but pay NO attention to the hideous color, they will be yellow).

Besides playing "wedding planner" this weekend with Sarah, our household took it easy. I continued with my training for my half marathon next month, completing 7 miles this morning. I had gotten off track this past week so I was happy to be able to complete this much mileage today. However, my muscles are none to happy right now.

Alex has been under the weather all weekend with a virus that is giving him a horrible sounding cough and fever. So far, fingers crossed, Amelia hasn't gotten it. Alex's weekend consisted mostly of him laying in bed watching Batman or Shrek in our bed. Amelia thought this was a great idea and climbed into bed with him several times.

Well, I am off to ice my knees and turn in early tonight. Wishing everyone else out there a happy, and healthy, week.