New Years' Eve 2012

We had a great evening at home with Amy and Ryan. They are transplants from Chicago/Michigan and the most down to earth, regular people we know in Indiana! :) I made lasagna earlier in the day and was able to just pop it in the oven for dinner. It was wonderful...I used the venison Tom sent home with me from our Christmas visit - super good! Amy brought over a crazy, yummy, warm, chocolate cake desert from heaven - we all enjoyed that! Mya went out to a party for the evening with a girlfriend and Jackson hung out with us for a bit and then spent the rest of the evening on X-box. Great night with great friends!

Amy and Ryan

Happy 2012!!

Ready for the night!!

Christmas 2011

We really enjoyed our Christmas celebration this year! With last years surprise (to the kids) trek to Florida and subsequent realization that our vision of the trip was not anything that it turned out to be...we decided to stay in familiar surroundings. Actually, with it being Jackson's last Christmas at home, we decided to let him help us plan our Christmas time. He wanted to stay home and have an old fashioned Christmas day - which simply means staying home on Christmas day and playing with new toys. 

Sounded perfect to us! :)

We enjoyed some great meals together, great conversation, and just some great quiet time around the house with all of us here. I can't necessarily say it was a perfect, Norman Rockwell-ish couple of days but for our little family and the expectations that we have for one another...it was perfect for us - feeling very blessed!

Christmas 2011

Puck - enjoying a new chew toy...he was so happy!

Jackson enjoying his  Christmas morning

Opening gifts

Enjoying his day - putting his new bowflex cart together...

Turkey and ham dinner

Our pretty tree!

Christmas prep

So...we are feeling kind of sappy this season with the idea that this may be the last Christmas at home for Jackson. We are feeling the pressure and desire to keep things as familiar as possible (he has always done much better knowing what to expect!) yet exciting enough to be memorable. In the end, we will spend time together and create that Christmasy feeling together.

For the last several years, we have cut down a tree together at a tree farm near Daleville.  We were able to finally get three of us together (kind of late in the month) to find a tree and let Jackson chop it down. Well...it ended up being a very cold day and we could not come to a compromise. We decided on one in the barn already cut down - oh, well. Jackson helped tie it on to his car and drove it home. He has always been so helpful with the Christmas preparations - helping me get boxes down from the attic, getting a tree, setting it up - makes me very teary eyed to imagine what next season will feel like.

Mya and I made some Christmas goodies together again this year. We have tried to perfect G'ma Ann's spritz cookies; we're getting pretty good according to John! I also made several batches of granola for John's office staff. It is super yummy and pretty healthy...seems like I always run out of steam before I can make a batch for us to enjoy!

Run the Mounds

Run the Mounds - at the start of the race

Last weekend at the Muncie Mini the cutest old man sparked a conversation with John and I in our Boston jackets. He ran Boston several times (many years ago) and we really enjoyed swapping running stories with him. Turns out, he runs with a local running club, Anderson Road Runners, and shared information about a 5 mile trail run on Sunday - sounded perfect to me!! I have been intrigued by the idea of trail running for a few years now and really think it is the 'next step' in my running.
John ended up injuring his hip at the mini so he agreed to come out and take pictures. Jackson wanted to try the 5 mile run so I signed up the two of us (Mya had orchestra).
Turned out to be a beautiful fall day - cool, bright, windy. The hills were crazy hard - I'll never disrespect the flat Indiana roads we run on again!

I took first place in the women's masters division (yup...over 40 age group -- affectionately referred to as the 'old lady age group') - took home a cool medal, new back pack, and sweat towel.

Jackson has been fighting a cold all week and didn't do as well as he wanted...but a PR for him as it was his first 5 mile race -- and a tough one at that!

Muncie Mini and 5K

Roz came down to spend a few days with us over Fall Break. John and Roz usually set up an 'away' Badger game to attend each fall but they couldn't fit it in to their busy schedules this year. So...he ended up just coming to 'hang' with us for a few days, run a local event, and watch the Badger game on TV.
The Muncie Mini is a 13.1 mile course that runs by several local landmarks - Ball Memorial Hospital, through Ball State campus, Cardinal Greenway, Minnetrista, River Greenway. It is a double loop and one that John and I know very well.
It was a beautiful morning for a run and we enjoyed seeing a lot of our running 'buddies' on the course - both as participants and volunteers. I was surprised by my PR of 1:40:17 - it felt awesome! John had an outstanding run as well with 1:29:41. Both times qualify us for the New York City Marathon which is on our bucket list - pretty cool! But, next fall is going to be very busy with Jackson graduating from basic training so I'm not sure we are going to commit yet to the marathon - we'll see...
Roz had a great race also and came in about 30 seconds behind John. Roz was in the lead for the first part of the race but John caught him at the beginning of the second loop. Roz was telling us before the race that he never wins anything at races - that whoever he races with, usually comes home with some hardware...but never him. So, we were super excited for him (as was he!!) when we heard his name called for winning his age division. He went up to the podium, received his 1st place ball jar award, and had his picture taken. But then...just a few seconds later, one of the race directors came over to him and told him their was a mistake and he didn't really win the position...so, they took the award/prize back. He was crushed -- but then took three race shirts home!! :)

 So proud of him!!

Jackson ran the 5K and took 2nd place! The medal ceremony was presented while we were still on the course so he had a stranger take a picture of him on the stand because he knew his mom would want a picture (so thoughtful...and correct!). We really enjoyed standing around with him after the race and bragging about our son's finish to the rest of our running crew.

Jackson with his medal - the rest of us with t-shirts! 

Puck with Jackson's medal

We enjoyed a quiet evening at home with the Badger game, a good dinner, and drinks...of course!

Labor Day Weekend

Wow - what a great weekend!

Mya and I were suppose to do the Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon (and 5K) together but she was invited to go camping with a girlfriend for the weekend...you can guess where she ended up. She had a blast with Lauren in Kentucky celebrating Lauren's 16th birthday! So once again, John was support crew for another event...he's really getting good at it! We were up before the sun on Saturday to get to the start line in downtown Indy. It was a 'women only' event and was really geared to the celebration of our gender. I have to admit that being on the course with only women brought out  a more competitive side in me -- kind of rocked me a bit especially because I didn't train for this event like I should have. But overall, I was happy with the outcome. I'd love to do the event again next year with some of the teachers in my building and maybe some other local gals -- hopefully John will be game to chauffeur and take pictures! :)

After the event, John and I spent the day hitting some of our favorite Indy spots...Circle City Mall, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, Trader Joe's, and Meijer to pick up dinner for the evening. We made a fabulous dinner at home (with roasted Brussel sprouts - yum!) and had some great conversation with Jackson while we hung out in the kitchen together. The evening was topped off with a movie, Source Code.

We spent most of Sunday morning organizing kitchen cupboards and such...one of John's favorite things to do when he is avoiding the real work of school -- I brought a trunk load to Goodwill! We took Jackson out to dinner and watched a movie at home, Jane Eyre.

Finished off Monday by going in to school for almost 4 hours to get organized and ready for the week. And under the guides of living vicariously through his son...for dinner, John made beer battered Johnsonville brats and homemade fries (in oil!!) - yummy! We had turkey burgers and baked potatoes.

Finishing up!

                                  

                                             93rd  out of 1500 women and 15th out of 226 in my age group

                                            

                                                           Margharita pizza and a diet coke - well worth it!!

First day of the last year in HS - crazy!

Well, the final year of school for Jackson is here - just can't believe it! We had a bit of a bumpy start due to problems with his schedule but everything is ironed out and he is on his way! :) The most exciting part of his schedule is that he gets to leave school every day at noon to go to MACC (Muncie Area Career Center) for welding.

My GREAT Birthday Day

Really, really enjoyed my birthday day with John and the kids! Just a nice simple day with time together and dinner made to order. My all time favorite food is pizza (I think...it's so hard to pick just one!). John made up a barbecue chicken pizza and a taco pizza - they were both delish! He also perfected a pear martini that we had last month down in Broad Ripple - my new favorite drink.

As a mom, birthday days are just kind of weird for me - celebrate me? Really? I feel guilty. I am really so blessed and to get a whole day to myself just seems excessive. This year in particular it just really hit me how fortunate I am and how all I really want is for those that I love to be happy and content. I know it sounds sappy...but, it's true! For me...the greatest gift today was to see Jackson smile at me, to talk with and engage in meaningful conversation with Mya, and for John to take pride in the family we created! 

Happy Birthday to ME! 

Hangin' in the kitchen with mya-girl...one of our favorite ways to spend an evening!

Sophomore Year

Can it be true? Our baby is starting 10th grade? She'll turn 16 this year? She'll be driving? Please, please tell me how to stop time!!

When we received Mya's class schedule at registration - she cried...I know, kind of dramatic but this girl has a plan and it didn't fit in her plans!! After several phone calls and meetings with the guidance counselor, we were finally able to come up with a compromise. But, wow - she is going to be busy!! She is taking two math classes - Geometry and Algebra II Honors, Chemistry, Pre-AP English 10, Spanish II, Band, and Speech...with her brother - Uugh!! Lord, help us all. She has been telling me for years (yes, years...I  just haven't been listening) that she wants a challenge with math. It really comes easy to her and most years she earns above 100% in her math classes. Well, this year she is going to really let us know what she's made of - Go Mya - show them all what you've got, girl!!

Mya 'Tri's Indy

We spent an awesome day together with Mya at the Tri Indy event in downtown Indy. All three of us were suppose to do the event but John was given orders by the sport doc to stop running for four weeks - so, he stepped up as event photographer, coach, cheerleader, and our own personal wrench...he was awesome!

Mya has asked to do triathlons but I've been reluctant due to the open water swim (I have had a few panic attacks in the water...yikes!). But at this particular event you swim in the canal that runs through Indy and it's only 4ft deep! So, I thought....let's give it a 'tri' -- especially if I can swim right behind her! 

Our 'coach' dropped us off at the registration tent so we could pick up our packets with the timing chip and running bib. As John went and parked the car, we went to the transition area to set up our gear and bikes. We were not on the same rack and when I came back to check on Mya her bag was gone along with her running bib. There is always some drama on race morning - this was our drama - so, we went back to the tent to get new numbers...we were all set!

As we walked down the canal to the swim start, John was giving last minute advice and strategies to her. She was pretty quiet. But, man - when she hit the water, she was off! The swim was really cool because John could walk right alongside us on the canal - snapping pictures the whole way. She did great and I was not able to make up the 2 second difference between us - in fact she gained on me pretty easily.

She exited the water first (phew...glad that part was over!) and ran to the bike. I caught a glimpse of her in transition and just reminded her that I'd be right behind her! :) I was able to catch her about two miles into the bike course...this time it was 'Hey, hot stuff...it'd be easier if you rode at a higher cadence'. To which she replied "...ugh...Mom, go away!' I was just trying to be helpful!! I ended up feeling really good on the bike (the tandem riding with John has helped) and having a pretty good run.

She looked great at the finish line...super strong and fit - just like a true triathlete...which she is!

...at the swim start

Swimming in the canal

finishing up the bike portion

And here comes Mya

Feeling good 

Doesn't she look like a pro?

So proud of this girl!

Indiana State Fair Band Day

The Yorktown Marching Band finished their season yesterday at the IN State Fair. The title of their show was The Dawning of a New Day and it truly moved me to tears (I am kind of emotional these days!!). I thought they looked fantastic - crisp and clean and tight. They earned an 18th place position out of 45 bands - so they were able to perform in the evening competition as an exhibition. I was so, so proud of all the kids...especially Jackson! He earned the 'most outstanding drum line member' award for the year and served as drum captain.

Look at that smile! Thanks to Katja for getting him  'show his pearly whites'!

John and I enjoyed our time at the fair - truth be told we were in and out in about 90 minutes. We gawked at all the ridiculous food choices - deep fried twinkies, deep fried snickers, deep fried butter...oh, my! We ended up getting caught up in a little rain which prolonged our stay in a tent that was selling belt buckles, lighters, and various offensive articles of clothing. But all in all, great people watching! :)
We left the fair and went down to Broad Ripple to explore the 'State Street' atmosphere of Indy. We found a fantastic restaurant, The Usual Suspects, where I enjoyed an amazing 'pear-y mason' martini, stuffed shrimp quesadillas for an appetizer, and their signature dish - Osso bucco...an award winning specialty of the house. Yummy!! John ordered the snapper and had to send it back twice because it wasn't cooked all the way through - he was getting a little peeved (Jackson and Mya understand the intensity) but helped me eat my dish and they didn't charge us for the snapper. So, we'll go back for sure - but won't order the snapper!

Full Band - Jackson is bottom left.

Look at my handsome boy - so proud!!

Father's Day Dinner

John enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day dinner prepared by our lovely Mya...I got to enjoy it too! :)

I was originally very concerned about her preparing a meal for her father...thoughts of John picking at his dinner due to high calorie count or just plain bad taste plagued my mind. But, we were both completely stunned by the presentation and the taste of dinner.
She researched several healthy recipes she thought her dad would enjoy on the internet and I brought her shopping at Meijer. She was so specific and thorough with her preparation -- it was kind of driving me crazy! But, I put on my happy face and tried to support this special dinner for her dad.

On the menu for the evening was

• Appetizer - Bruschetta bread 
• Dinner - Lemon pepper broiled salmon, Herb roasted red potatoes, Spinach Twist...twisted by Mya
• Dessert - Incredible Yogurt...of course!

It was delish! The big surprise of the evening was that Spinach Twist - it tasted like vegetarian lasagna! So yummy my mouth is watering as I write this. And the broiled salmon was broiled perfectly - which is hard to do!

She has always wanted to cook for us (key =  for us not with me!). We will certainly welcome another dinner researched and prepared by our Mya-girl!

Really?!? Yes, he did!

     Trying to keep myself busy tonight - the eve before Jackson signs his contract with the Army.

John and I are all set to take the day off tomorrow and be present at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Indy to help Jackson read through his MOS (Military Occupational  Specialty) and be sworn into the FSTP (Future Soldiers Training Program).  Are you impressed? My son is joining the Army - I better learn this stuff!! :) 

     So, last night our wonderfully talented and amazing neighbor  took what will be considered Jackson's senior pictures...before the haircut! She really was able to capture the essence of 'Jackson' with his guitar, and up in a tree, and on the railroad tracks - can't wait to share the photos. But, he really did go to Sports Clip this morning for a haircut...it's all gone! He sent a picture to G'ma Moore who forwarded it to G'pa but I haven't seen it yet - he wants me to wait until tomorrow. He did donate his hair to Locks for Love and plans to grow it until he ships off to basic training (about two weeks after graduation). 

He did not have to get his hair cut. The Army did not require or even suggest it. And truth be told, I wanted him to wait. He cut it out of respect for the process of enlisting in the Army. 

Dedication!

Side note - Jackson called G'pa Moore (who served in the Army during the Vietnam War) and asked him if he wanted to be present at the swearing in tomorrow - G'pa will be here!

Our Jack-Son

I am so, so excited for and proud of my son! He is on his way to making the most important decision yet in his life. Here is the best recap that I can put together...
On Tuesday last week, he went to Indy to take the ASBAV test - a very important test that will help determine what job he is most suited for in the Army. He was feeling a ton of pressure because he knew he needed to get a score of 70 to do the type of job he wants in the Army. I received a call from Staff Sargeant Warrell before Jackson made it home that afternoon, stating that Jackson received a 74 - the average American scores a 50!! He also said that Jackson has the qualifications to do any job in the Army that he wants - so proud! On Thursday, John and I met with the recruiter in Muncie to sign parental consent for Jackson to join the Army (he's still only 17 years old). And although it was emotional (I didn't cry in front of the recruiter, though!) and scary and concerning, I am comforted by my faith...in my son who has an amazingly, beautiful life force and a strong sense of who he is and what he wants and the passion and drive to make it happen for him on his terms. As a parent, I can't ask for anything more from him.
So the next step happens Tuesday. Jackson will be traveling down to Indy on Monday at noon to go through a battery of physical and health tests. If all runs smoothly, he will be sworn in to the US Army on Tuesday afternoon as a future soldier in the delayed entry program. Before he signs, he will receive a contract that will tell him exactly what the Army is offering (we get to look it over also) and his ship date for basic training (most likely two weeks after graduation). He is looking to be an infantry-man with the hopes of furthering his training with the Rangers.
John and I will be there - with cameras and the biggest smiles on our faces (and tears in our eyes); so proud of our son! And ultimately so thankful for direction in his life.

Happy Easter w/ The Craney Clan

 

Enjoying the IN sun!

Roz and family made their annual Easter trip 'down South' to Muncie again this year. It was Harper's first visit to Indiana and she was very impressed with the sunshine we ordered especially for her! :) It was a quick visit but we were able to get in our long weekend run together, Easter dinner, a visit from the Easter bunny, and Sunday morning church -- all within a 24 hour time period!

Our annual long Easter run
and, yup...Roz without a shirt!

Of course the Easter bunny left a basket for the kids on Easter morning but I was kind of sad for Jackson as he seemed disappointed that he didn't have to 'hunt' for his basket - poor guy...I guess the Easter bunny just thought he wouldn't want to play that game anymore. What does the Easter bunny know?

Such a fun girl - so, so sweet!

The Craney Family - Easter 2011

Happy Easter!

The rainbow cheesecake - can you see all the colors?

Mya and I ended up going to two services on Sunday morning. We went to an early church service at a Lutheran church in town with the Craney's and then Mya and I went to First Presbyterian (our church) to help with the breakfast and then stayed for the 11:00 service. Mya made a rainbow cheesecake to bring to church - it was a huge hit. And as much as I complained the night before as we were running around town looking for all the ingredients - I was very proud of the final product and her perseverance! :)

Mya's 15th Birthday

We celebrated Mya's 15th birthday at The Cheesecake Factory in Indy...her fav!! She invited her friend from XC and track, Carly, to come along for the celebration. The restaurant is inside The Fashion Mall so it was great that the girls could go window shopping while John and I relaxed at the bar during our wait for a table. She thoroughly enjoyed her tiramasu cheesecake and we enjoyed a wonderful evening with two amazingly confident and mature young ladies. But, 15 years...with my girl??? Crazy!!

Happy 15th Birthday