Village Creek State Park

Jason and I headed to Village Creek State Park outside of Beaumont this past weekend to enjoy the last few days of 2012.  We stayed in the primitive walk in sites and nearly had the park to ourselves.

After setting up camp the first afternoon, we took a quick 2 mile hike (round trip) down to the swimming sandbar.

 

We had to speed walk back since it was getting dark.  Once back, we started the fire, cooked dinner, and tried to stay warm.  My little feet were cold!  

 

After freezing all night (literally, it was 29 degrees most of the night... 4 pairs of socks, 2 pants, 2 shirts, a hat, and gloves and I was still cold!), we woke up and made oatmeal and coffee for breakfast.  I can't believe this trip was colder than our trip to Alaska!

We didn't do much yesterday other than going on a 4 mile hike.  It was kinda neat to see the landscape change through the hike. 

 

  

Overall, we really liked the park.  The primitive sites were pretty big and well maintained.  If we go back, I'd love to rent a kayak to take down the creek.

To see more pictures from our trip, click here.

Have a fun and safe New Years Eve!

Christmas 2012

I didn't take many pictures this Christmas, and of course the ones I did take were of the baby and dog.  I mean, they are way cuter than the rest of us anyways, so it makes sense.  

       

 

Luke seemed to enjoy Christmas way more this year.  Last year he was just a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.  This year he really liked his presents, especially his new tractor and car book.

 

 

Radar's glad to be home.  He likes seeing everyone, but he's getting older and needs his sleep or else he becomes one grumpy pup.



 

I'm not ready to take down the Christmas decorations this year.  Our house becomes so boring in January once everything is put away.  Maybe we'll keep the tree up and just change out the decorations for each holiday.  A Valentine's tree, an Easter tree, a 4th of July tree... the possibilities are endless.  That would be fun, huh?

My Husband is Adequately Preparing Me for my Seventies

Christmas came early for Jason and I.  You know, just in case the Mayans were right.  And boy did Jason do a good job.  I had asked for a sewing machine since many of the crafts I have pinned on Pinterest require sewing, and he didn't just stop with the sewing machine.  He found an antique sewing desk and a couple of sewing how-to books. 

 

I have big plans for my new sewing/ craft area.  A pegboard, maybe?  Colorful embroidery hoops?  So many possibilities.  Ooo... and I can't wait to find an antique chair to redo for the area.

 

 

Needless to say, Jason has continued to prepare me for my seventies.  I mean, with the quilt rack he got me last Christmas and the rocking chair he got me for our anniversary, I'm going to be the most prepared old lady out there. 



 

Hope you enjoy your Christmas festivities! 

Running Running Running

For the past 4-5 months or so, Jason's been training for the marathon and I've been slowly learning to run.  It feels like only a month ago when Jason was dreading his first "long" run which was 8-9 miles. Now he's running over 18 miles at a time.

When I first started, I wasn't sure what I could do.  I first started by running 0.5 miles.  Then I tested a mile, just to see if I could do it.  I worked up to 2-3 miles with short walks every 0.3-0.5 miles or so, and now I'm up to running > 4 miles with little to no breaks.

Here are pictures from Jason's first 25k and my first 5k last month.  Jason's ran a 5k, 10k, half marathon, but this was his first 25k.  It was my first race ever.  Jason did super stellar and I finished, so I consider that a victory. 



























And here are pictures from today's 5 mile fun run.  Jason sat this one out since he can run 5 miles in his sleep.  (Jason's "short" runs at this point in his training are no less than 6 miles.)

     
I think we're getting a cold front tonight, but running in 80+ degrees weather in December was a bit ridiculous if you ask me. 

I'm looking forward to watching Jason run his marathon.  Maybe I'll find a 10k to run in the next few months. 

Christmas Crafts

If you ever visit my Pinterest page, you know I've had some holiday crafts saved that I've been wanting to do.  Well, this weekend I tackled a few. 

Ornaments

First, I made three ornaments: a Christmas tree, a snowman, and a snowflake star.  (Follow each of the links to see the inspiration for these projects.)  All you need to make these are craft paper, twine, ribbon, buttons, scissors, Mod Podge, foam brush, and some cardboard for backing (I used a cereal box).  Other than the craft paper which I bought as a 60 page pack for $6.50 at Hobby Lobby, I had the rest of the supplies on hand.

        

 

The star snowflake was harder to make than expected, but I think it was because I had really thick paper.  I suggest using a thinner craft paper if you attempt to make one yourself.

Bird Garland

My second project was bird garland for over one of our interior doorways.  I couldn't find any garland I liked, so I actually found a twig wreath at Hobby Lobby and stuck some holly berries in it to make it a bit more festive.  The only other supplies you need for this project are craft paper, ribbon, and scissors.  The whole project cost under $8.

Scrap Paper Christmas Tree

My last project was a scrap paper Christmas tree which I think I am going to hang in my office at work.  If you still have your craft paper, scissors, Mod Podge, and foam brush out from making ornaments, then the only other thing you need is canvas.  I used one that was 8" x 10", but you can choose any size you like.  You could make this project using scrap fabric as well.

 

So, there you have it - three inexpensive holiday craft projects.  Luckily, Jason likes (or at least tolerates) all of my crafting and the resulting products.  I'm pretty happy with the results as well.

Thanksgiving 2012

Jason, Radar, and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family fun.

Highlights of the week included visiting Grandma in the nursing home with Mom, Trey, Melanie, and Luke...

  Spending time at the ranch with Jason's family...

 











And lots and lots of playing with Luke...

Good times all around.  Now, time to prep for Christmas.  :)

Winter Greens & Lettuce

On my morning off (am I like the only one with today off?), I worked out in the garden.  I fertilized and mulched our existing plants, added some winter lettuces, and separated the leek seedlings. 

The broccoli and cauliflower are coming along nicely.

 

The Swiss chard and kale are still trucking along too.  We made some Swiss chard and kale quiche last week, and doesn't this kale recipe look yummy?  Might need to try it soon.

 

Also, I didn't originally know that you need to separate the leek seedlings, so I went ahead and did that.  Hopefully they survive.  They look so tiny planted individually.

 

As far as winter greens and lettuces, I planted some arugula, Mascara lettuce, 7 Wonders lettuce, and Bloomdale spinach.

Radar wasn't too happy with me this morning since he got a bath, but he helped protect me while I worked either way.  Such a loyal little pup.