The Next Big Goal.....

That's right folks...It's time for a new goal...First came the 60 pounds, then the half-marathon...Now after gaining a few pounds back, which means for someone that has lost a lot....a travesty....So whats next....The Eugene Marathon in Eugene, Oregon. The race is taking place on May 4th. Training started Monday, almost two weeks after finishing the half-marathon.

I really have not talked to a whole lot about the half-marathon....., so in brief let's just say it was one of my biggest accomplishments personally. Found myself at one time almost breaking down as I reflected on the last 9 months of working out, running and changing my lifestyle. Crossing the finish line was amazing, and I can only imagine what the feeling will be crossing the finish line in Eugene.

Granted the hours after the race will be brutal....but it will all be worth it. So for now the journey has began, and I encourage all to ask frequently how the training is going. That keeps me motivated along with knowing that I will be running in some of the footsteps of my heroes at this race....Primarily Steve Prefontaine.

"We take these risks not to escape life but to keep life from escaping us."

Christmas Picture 2007

It is complete and you should be seeing it in the mail sometime in the next two weeks. That's right the Kasparek Family Christmas Photo 2007 is done. With the help of a tripod and a little bit of luck, you should all have a nice photo of us to hang on your fridge. That is if you make the mailing list.....and we like you....Of course Christmas photos cannot be complete without the bloopers and extras from the kiddies...ENJOY and look for the photo and our annual letter soon...Happy Holidays....

The Kasparek House Lighting Party

The holiday season is official now! Last night was the 5th Annual Kasparek House Lighting Party. It was a small, but festive group and we cheered for Chris when he flipped the switch on his masterpiece.










I went a little overboard making food so all our guest were stuffed at then end of the night. We even had wrapped pickles left over!




Camden was thrilled to have more feet to explore as he belly crawled around the table visiting everyone. He also loved having Grace feed him dinner!
















Emma was a great little hostess making sure everyone knew exactly where the gingerbread cookies and candy canes were. She got a package from Japan earlier in the day and was excited to play dress up with Claire. :)

Gingerbread Chef

Now that I have a real oven after 4 years, I've decided to venture out in the baking world a bit. I am not going to have my own show on the Food Network any time soon, but for this girl who didn't know how to make rice 10 years ago...I've made big improvements! :)

My favorite assistant was there to help make gingerbread cookies for the first time.

Camden was mesmerized by the electric mixer and tried to grab for the rolling pin a few times, but my little Bugs Bunny was content with his carrot. :)

Glamorous gift wrapping

Emma loves to wrap gifts. If I gave her a roll of scotch tape to play with she'd be entertained for hours. She had on all her jewelry yesterday afternoon and I told her she was the most glamorous gift wrapper I'd ever seen!

Meanwhile, Camden is mastering the art of belly crawling. He was bored with his toys in the living room and came into the dining room to help us out.

Big sister for hire

Emma felt like being extra helpful this evening and decided she would feed Camden his dinner. I don't know how much is actually in his belly right now, but Camden was laughing the whole time!

A man on a mission...

As we turned our calendars over to December, Chris was determined to get his annual holiday masterpiece completed this weekend. We all know how much Chris loves the Iowa Hawkeyes...well if there is something that rates right up there with his beloved black and gold, it's Christmas. His first holiday away from home 9 years ago, he decorated his apartment for Christmas at Halloween. Since we've been married I have to persuade him not to get the decorations up before Thanksgiving. We were in Seattle last weekend and Chris has been itching all week to get his lights up (after all, next weekend is the 5th Annual Kasparek House Lighting Party).

Armed with his new staple gun and his sketched blueprint of the house/yard he got to work yesterday morning (note the sunny sky...)

Camden cheered on Daddy by chewing on his sleeve. ;)

After getting most of the house decorated and commenting on the fact that he needed a taller ladder, he moved on to the pine trees as the snow began to fall...

And here he is 24 hours and about 6 inches of snow later finishing up the lights! Our neighbor let him borrow a taller ladder to finish.

Emma was there today to "help" Daddy :)