Fun Weekend in Houston!!!

           I'm about to cross the finish line.....YIPPEE!!!!

Logan's view of the finish line......

Running the first half of the race (I didn't know Logan saw me....)

The DQ Cowboy pumpjack at Luling, TX. (There were pumpjacks EVERYWHERE!!!)

We had a fun weekend in Houston! Friday night, Logan's parents and my parents came in and we all had dinner together here at our house. And sure enough, Dad had to turn around and leave early Saturday because of work. Mom stayed with Weiss all weekend and left today (Monday), so that was a big help because I am sore after the marathon, but nothing Tylenol won't help! Anyway, Logan and I left for Houston Saturday about 10:30 AM for Houston and stopped in Lockhart for lunch at Smitty's Market (it had been recently recognized in Texas Monthly BBQ edition). And it was REALLY good! We had brisket, he had sausage, and I had ribs, which I had been really craving. YUMMO! We then stopped at Luling for softserve (me) and an Oreo Blizzard (Logan). He will randomly pull off the road when he sees a DQ because Logan always says "Texas stop sign!" Anyway, we finally made it to Houston and to the Marathon Expo, where I picked up my number and shirt. They also got my pre-race weight, which there's more on that later!

We then went to Urban Outfitters in Rice Village, got some Jamba Juice, and looked around a bit. I wanted Ethopian food, so we looked the closest restaurant up with a program on Logan's phone. We drove to the location, and of course, it was in a ghetto part of town, next to a Dollar-King store ("Everything $1.09 or less!"). Needless to say, we'll just go to the place in Austin....We went back to the Galleria and ate at Kenny and Ziggy's, a New York style Deli. And it WAS really authentic; it had a Yiddish menu where we had to do a Wikipedia search on our phones before we placed our order! I had chicken soup with a matzo ball and a kreplach. He had a corned beef sandwich, and it was HUGE! Very good place, by the way! There are only two locations: the one at the Galleria and downtown Houston. Anyway, afterwards, we went to Barnes and Noble, looked around, and bought some books! Great date night! We then went to our hotel room and I went to bed pretty early (10:30 is early for me!). 

We woke at 5 AM and got ready to go downtown for the marathon. Logan dropped me off, where I made my way into the convention center before the marathon and dropped off my gear. The race started at 7 AM, but my heat was at 7:10. (It was a MUCH better way to start than San Antonio's marathon, where we had to stand in place for more than an HOUR behind the starting line!!!) Anyway, I LOVED the route and all of the beautiful neighborhoods through Rice Village and the Tanglewood area. I drank at nearly every water stop because I was thirsty and it was unnaturally warm for a January marathon! I had to stop at the Port-O-John at mile 10ish and mile 21, so I was "well hydrated!" I saw Lexy and her family at mile 18, and Logan at mile 20! I told him I felt good, and I was, at the time. It's amazing how quickly you can change, however. My pace started out better than normal, but I really slowed down about mile 21... It started getting really hot (they posted a runner's heat advisory) and I was running out of steam because the course at the end really wasn't shaded. And to top it off, there were 3 or 4 underpasses on a major road we had to overcome, which is difficult at the very end of a marathon! So my time was about 5 minutes later than my last! But I DID have a great time, and I would love to run Houston again in the future!

Anyway, I crossed the finish line and they took my post-race weight. Most people lose about 4 lbs., but I had gained 2!!!!! So the medical team wanted to ask me some questions. Some of the answers I gave made them ask for a blood and urinalysis, and they ran some lab work. They said I had "mild" hyponatremia---I was over hydrated (which may have also kept me from running optimally, as well). This can actually be life-threatening if it is extreme, but mine was more like when you feel "water logged." My sodium was a bit off, as well. I was worried about becoming dehydrated during the route, and my body was also thirsty, so I kept drinking!!!

We left from the convention center to come home and stopped for "Billy's BBQ" and DQ at Bastrop. We came into Marble Falls at about 6, where Mom was keeping Weiss! He was asleep (late nap) when we got there.... Anyway, it was a fun weekend, and marathon #2 is now under my belt. Next stop: the Austin Half-Marathon!

Houston is Almost Here......(gulp)

Hello, all! I hope you are finding yourself warm and cozy this week; it has been some crazy weather! It's so cold in the morning, and yet it's warm enough for Weiss to go outside or to the park comfortably in the afternoons.... bizarre! That's Texas for you, though!

We've had a pretty low-key week so far; Weiss and I went to the Marble Falls Library for the first time today with Hannah, Sophia ("Phia" as Weiss calls her) and little Gabriella. We used to go to our local San Antonio Library nearly every week, and it really spoiled us (and ME), because you could get anything under the sun from all the availability of the SA library network. However, the Marble Falls Library was okay, and we'll be back, for sure! Weiss was in a rambunctious mood today in the library (very loud and running everywhere), so I don't know what I would have done without Hannah helping me when I was registering for a library card! Anyway, we went to HEB and then to Hannah's house to play for a bit. Last night, I got to watch the ONLY reality show I succumb to: AMERICAN IDOL!!!! I was sooooo excited for it to be back on, but since Logan and I don't have DVR/TiVo right now (just basic cable---yuck!), we can't record/rewind to critique the songs/rewatch. It's not so cool right now, but hopefully, before the finals, we'll have some "other" arrangement.... I will definitely be tuned in tonight....I am going to speed home from choir practice!!!!!

Naptimes are back to normal! HOORAY!!!! I am so happy.... That was a big challenge, and although Weiss still fights them, I fight back.... he desperately needs his daily nap or he is Mr. Cranky Pants later in the evening!!! My parents are coming down this weekend to keep Weiss when Logan and I go to Houston early Saturday morning. They are coming on Friday and staying until Monday. (Or at least Mom is for sure---they are taking separate cars in case Dad gets busy in the funeral home. I know that may sound weird and morbid to some of you, but get over it!!!! Haha!!!) I am running in my last marathon for a while---the Houston Marathon. I am excited, but somewhat nervous. It will be fun to people watch and experience the race, but it IS 26.2 miles, so I am a bit apprehensive. So if you are reading this, I could use some prayers Sunday morning from about 7AM to noon.......(Thanks!) I'll keep you all updated and send some pictures your way.... I know I've been bad about posting pictures lately.... :(

The Weekend is Upon Us!!!!

It's hard to believe another week has gone by, and here we are in 2009.... Our little man is growing by the minute, and he is talking more and more. He puts several words together in groups--kind of a "quasi sentence." He's so much fun and more entertaining and outgoing as he grows.

Last night, Mia (Cinda) and Brian and Debbie Davenport came over to see Weiss. It was Brian and Debbie's first time to see Weiss, and he was really hamming it up! He was in his Elmo pajamas and found his safety orange "Abilene Zoo" cap and was wearing it around the house. To top it off, he found a passy in his room, and had it in his mouth part of the time. I should have taken a picture.... Silly kiddo! They really got a kick out of him!

Today, Weiss and I went to my MOPS24 group at our old church in San Antonio (Community Bible) and got to see many "old" friends. And it seems EVERYONE is pregnant with baby #2 (or even #3 for some)..... Anyway, you girls KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! Rhonda and Pete Bauerlein spoke today about marriage, and they are incredible speakers.... They have three daughters, and I have been blessed to know two of them at CBC--Aimee and Brittany, both awesome people. I have heard them before and remember them being good, but today really hit home. They truly exemplify a Godly marriage and the perfect complement of husband and wife.... Aimee, thanks for sharing your parents with us today at MOPS, and thanks for listening during the "swimming" lessons!!! Haha! (Sorry guys---it's a MOPS inside joke...)

Anyway, Weiss and I went to SuperTarget, got Starbucks and came on home, where we then met with Daddy and went to the park. We fed the ducks, and I sure wish I had brought along my camera.... The lighting was beautiful this evening and the male mallard ducks were in. I had never seen any before at Johnson Park. Weiss had a great time. He ran around and burnt off some energy, or so we thought.....We ran into the Homeyers and their dog, Max. I am SO EXCITED they are expecting and can join the "parents" club!!! Yeah!!! They are such fun people and we appreciate their friendship. Anyway, we got home and ate, and Weiss talked to B-Paw and LuLu on the iChat... He loves it and was showing off and bouncing off the walls. Logan finally got the little man asleep. He is so much fun and keeps us on our toes.... 

An Addendum....

After talking to Justin tonight, I found a book I am going to order for Logan, because it is so us. (Well, most of it.) And it is really funny. If you can't see the title, it's called "The Definitive Guide to Stuff White People Like." (You can read the first chapter on Amazon.com.) The website was the inspiration for the book, but Justin said he and his friend think it is hilarious yet true. http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com

He NAPPED today!!!

In an earlier post, I was so worried about Weiss foregoing his naps. However, I think we are making some progress.... today, he NAPPED!!!!! 

HALLELUJAH!!!!

Hopefully tomorrow he will, as well, because he goes to Children's Church when I am at Community Bible Study from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, so maybe that will wear him out.... Today has been a fun day... It was really cold, so our run was cancelled this morning (low thirties and raining---we would have been popsicles!!!) and Weiss and I stayed in, except for going to get some groceries. We got to do a live video chat with my parents for the first time on my new computer, and Weiss really liked that. After I got that set up (which was opening/activating my old AOL IM account), I got to chat with two long lost friends: Shannon Stovall, from McMurry University (we were in the same program, Model UN, and played women's soccer together for 2 seasons) and did an iChat with Justin Knight, a friend who graduated high school with me and who now lives in Denver. I was so happy to chat with old friends!!!! Anyway, it was a fun day, and Weiss is always doing crazy things to make me laugh....

Recap of our fun weekend.....

It's been a fun weekend. Cinda took Weiss so Logan and I could spend some time together, and we saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which was really great. (Logan really liked it, and so that says alot....) We went to Starbucks and got coffee and had their new Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte for the first time, which we are both now addicted to. (I had one Friday evening, Saturday morning, and he just brought me one back this afternoon....ADDICTED!!!) 

Anyway, Saturday, Logan went to get a deer, but didn't see anything worth shooting. (NOTE: For those of you who don't know us that well, we love venison and usually keep our freezer stocked, but I guess we'll eat more beef this next year....) I got a cut and color and then Logan and I met at Round Mountain to eat at the "Real New Orleans Restaurant." If you haven't been there, it is excellent Cajun food for this area. The people who run it are originally from New Orleans and left right before Hurricane Katrina. We had fried chicken, red beans, rice and sausage, crawfish etouffe, seafood gumbo, bread pudding, and topped it off with New Orleans style coffee. It was excellent, but we felt like slugs after we left. However, the weather was so nice, we got in 9 holes of golf here at Meadowlakes. (It was my first time golfing since I had Weiss!!!) We then drove straight out to Cinda's at Kingsland and ate short ribs with parsnips and thyme, sweet onion shortcake and a great slaw she made with green apples and anise. As always, her cooking was superb. We took Weiss home, but him to bed, and then Logan and I watched "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." We had a SUPER FUN weekend.

Today (Sunday) we got up and went to early church and Sunday School. When we got home, I put corned beef and cabbage on for our evening meal. I went on a run with Zoey dog and then Logan napped while Weiss and I went to Logan's beloved store, Walmart. (Not really.... he despises Wally World!) Anyway, when we were leaving, Weiss was saying, "Holy, holy?" I finally figured out: I have been listening to Chris Tomlin's newest CD, and track 8 says "holy, holy" many times, and I guess Weiss really likes the song. When the song was over, he would say, "More Holy, holy?" So we listened to the same song to and from Walmart. I was smiling the entire way. I tend to listen to praise and worship, but sometimes I still listen to pop or other music. However, the little man is retaining EVERYTHING he sees, hears, and does. It is amazing. It makes me all the more aware of that old saying, "garbage in, garbage out." Some of you may not agree with me on that, but as a mommy, I definitely feel that way in this crazy world we all live in and where Logan and I are raising our child. God, through my child, keeps me aware daily that everything I do or say influences the molding and upbringing of my child. So that is a BIG responsibility to consider, but I am thankful. 

Well, it WAS a Happy New Year, until our crazy day....

WHOA!!!! Today has been "one of those" days.... And I mean crazy.... Granted, we had no where to be or really to do, but let me fill you in......

Logan, Weiss and I slept in, planning to spend a lazy day at home watching the Rose Bowl (I mean "Logan" watching the Rose Bowl, while Courtney reads a book....) and eating our black-eyed peas. My alarm went off as usual: 5:30 AM. I decided to sleep in because I thought we could go on a "family run" today, since my two running buddies are in Houston for a marathon. Anyway, we out Weiss in the jogging stroller, put Zoey on a leash, and leave the house at around 11:00 AM. On the way out, Logan said he was going to lock up. Since we had not left from the front door, it was deadbolted shut, along with the back door. Logan left through the garage door, stepping over the sensor so the door would shut behind him.

At 11:50ish, we return. The house is locked. We are locked out. Logan thought the front door was open because he didn't realize I had locked the door last night (in our ridiculous neighborhood, there's no need to really lock your door because of the anal guards at the front gate...they practically get your Social Security number if you don't live in Meadowlakes). I was paying attention to Weiss, so I didn't tell him the front door was locked; I was oblivious at the time when he locked up. Anyway, our phones, keys, and everything are in the house. We had a spare hidden, but it was not in its place because Logan loaned it to a repairman, it was returned, but never made its way back to spot outside... 

So--the only other option is his family lakehouse in Kingsland, which had a spare. Thankfully, his mom is there. Since we don't park in the garage because of our disorganization, we can get to Logan's car, which has a spare set of keys inside. After unlocking his car with the touchpad (thank the Lord for those!!!) we retrieve the spare set of keys and head out of Meadowlakes. We get in the car, along with Zoey dog, and I am hounding on him because I thought he knew I locked the door at night, he should have checked it, et cetera. Logan crawls through a four-way stop. I didn't even realize it. A city cop sees it. We get pulled over in the middle of town. (Oh--by the way, Logan's ID is locked in our house.) 

One of my friend's husbands from our Mom to Mom Bible study is a city cop. I had never met him because he is always on call when she's at church or when we've met at the park with the kiddos. I asked Logan, "Does it say 'Officer Pedrazas' on his patrol car?" He said, "yup." He was very nice, and of course, he asked for Logan's license, and Logan didn't have it. Kuddos for Logan, he knows his Texas DL #, which I need to memorize myself. Anyway, I pulled the "I know your wife and little girl from church" card as quickly as I could. (Jessica, if you happen to be reading this, I'm sure you're used to this by now with people you know....)WE GOT OFF WITH A WARNING!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

As we were pulling away from the cop to head out of town (Kingsland is still about 15 miles away), Logan realizes we are out of gas. Not "50 miles until empty," either. Like "running on fumes" empty. His car's computer couldn't give an estimate for how "empty" it was. Thankfully, we have to drive by HEB, which has the cheapest gas in town, along with SuperWalmart. (They always have price wars going on with gasoline.) We have no means of paying, so we find enough loose change in the car to scrap up about three dollars. 

We get to Kingsland, and thankfully, Cinda was there working on the computer, paying bills. She let us eat (what a blessing....I was getting hungry from no breakfast!). Despite her hospitality, there was NO SPARE at the lakehouse. We tried to call Dickey, but he was snowskiing in Taos, so we couldn't reach him on the slopes. So.....we called all of the people in town we thought would have spare keys, to no avail. 

We finally call an elderly neighbor who was friends with the woman who previously owned our home. Her husband answered. He said Jackie--his wife--was taking a nap. So I asked him if they had a spare to the house. He said yes!!! We could come by and get it. So--we head back to Meadowlakes, thinking our day of calamities is remedied.

I jump out of the car at Jackie's house to ask for the key. She answers the door. "I'm sorry; we don't have a key---he thought it was the other neighbor...." OH. So, we use her phone to call the locksmith, which he said he would come in 30 minutes. We wait over one hour. Keith from "Bill's Lock 'N Key" finally arrives, because he was swamped with the New Year's hullaballoo aftershock. It takes Keith over an hour (or more) to pick the lock....he said it was one of the most difficult locks he's seen in a LONG time. (Logan and I did enjoy visiting with him. But then again, we enjoy visiting with anyone. Don't get me wrong--he was an interesting dude.) Anyway, at 5:10 PM and $70 later, we reenter our home. 

I put Zoey in the shower with me because she had been "sweating" all day, and Logan is preparing the grill. YUM. We have the Rose Bowl on, and I am here, finally comfortable. 

At least today was a nice day to be locked out of our house, and Weiss was in a good mood. Anyway, WHAT A WAY to begin 2009!!!!