itasca's oktoberfast 2011 5k

as i'm sure you know, dave & i became triathletes this summer.  we've been training since february and did a race in july and another in august.  at the end of august we went to see my family in georgia.  we have been back for 3 weeks now and things at the gym haven't been going well.  we haven't been in the pool since we were at my grandparent's house, and we have only been to the gym together maybe twice in those 3 weeks.  luckily, dave rides his bike 2 nights a week from home, and i have been taking ian and going to the gym during the day.  we really hoped to squeeze in one more triathlon before the season ended, but the weather in illinois has not been above 70 since we've been home...  and this is the last weekend of triathlon season... so.... guess we'll start again next year!  

so.... i think it was me who had the brilliant idea... let's do a 5k!!!  it'll be SO fun!  i have ran 2 5ks in my entire life-  1.  sophomore year cheerleading camp.  2.  schaumburg triathlon.  both of these had similar results.  i'm not a runner.  i don't love it.  i don't get a "runner's high."  i don't like it.  but what will i be doing at 9 am saturday morning you ask?  running a 5k.  why?  why?  maybe it was the promise of free beer & brats after the race (wait, i don't even like beer!)  maybe it was the free goodies (those are always nice).  whatever it is, i'm crazy... and i'll be running a 5k saturday morning.  not sure if dave & i are running  together or not.  it is fun to have someone to run with, but i definitely would just be holding him back...  we'll see.  so please send luck, prayers, and well wishes this way.  i certainly need them!!!

results on monday?  yes!

christmas is coming- shutterfly promotion

every year around this time, things start to get busier and busier.  it's the beginning of what the retail world calls "the holiday season."  yes, it's only november 3rd, but christmas decorations are up in stores (and some have been for weeks), seasonal employees are being hired, and people are getting started on (or finishing) their holiday shopping.  obviously, we have big changes this christmas- we have a sweet baby boy celebrating his first christmas, and then we get to turn around 3 weeks later and celebrate his birthday.  to say i have a lot on my plate is an understatement.  i'm already busy buying gifts, throwing lists together, and getting plans for ian's birthday on paper.  the list grows longer every day, and one of the biggest items on that list- christmas cards- i wish they would address and stamp themselves...

one tradition that started when dave & i got married was to send a holiday photo card.  it's a little cheesy, but it's what we do.

 here we are in 2007, 2008 & 2009.  notice my pregnant face couldn't even fit into the last picture...

i can't wait to add sweet little ian into the mix of things this year.  i've already been busy on shutterfly checking out their huge assortment of christmas cards.  not wasp-y mcwasp (as seth cohen described his mother)?  they also have hanukkah cards, invitations (for that huge holiday bash you're throwing), and if you're really, really into the holidays- thanksgiving cards.  

i'm not sure where we ordered our cards from in '07 or '08, but we chose shutterfly for our photo cards last year, and i was really pleased.  the cards were easy to customize and arrived quickly and to our exact specifications.  i also use shutterfly all the time to make photo books.  i've probably made at least 5 since ian was born, and each time they come out better than i expect them to!  so, being that i'm on the ball already- i've narrowed down my christmas card choices to 5 options, all i've got to do is get the husband's input and take the perfect family photo!

seriously, it could go in any direction right now, but i think i'm leaning toward 2, 3 & 4 right now!  i love the simple designs- nothing too busy and i love cards that aren't just "happy holidays."   i also like that with most cards you can specify the amount of pictures you want.  i will opt for either a one picture card with a family photo or a two picture card with a family photo and photo of ian being all cute.  you're going to want a christmas card from me...

right now shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards- (the promotion ends today, but they do promotions throughout the holidays)- check it out!

disclaimer- i was not compensated for this post.  i did however receive 50 free holiday cards for blogging about shutterfly and passing their promotional information on to you.  all opinions are my own.  want 50 free holiday cards for yourself, just by blogging?  go here

what a crazy weekend...  more on that later

so crazy, that i gave ian formula today.

i feel so guilty.

:(