My spin instructor....

Torie and Sara chillaxin' in the back yard! I still refer to her as Torie, my spin instructor that saved my life! She has become an important part of my life and am glad we got to spend Thanksgiving together this year!

Sara and Ben...

Giving love to little Ben. This little guy is growing up so quickly...already running around with the big kids!

Chillin' in the lounger....

Jack taking a break from all the action. I just adore this little guy...he is my new best bud!

Jack and Jake

My good buddy Jack posing with my little brother Jake! Glad that Jake was able to come celebrate Turkey day with us at the Franklund's.

Secret Mission....

I had to get a picture of Dustan carving the turkey...he doesn't like his picture taken but thought this shot was great! The turkey was delicious the Franklund's did an amazing job of hosting this year! I am thankful for such good friends!!

Waiting patiently....?

The kids decided to have a seat outside and that I was their waitress...I took the orders and it was quite easy....everybody wanted OJ. I was glad to help out....love all these kiddos! It was a beautiful day outside this Thanksgiving about 55 degrees and sunny....

Gravy 2009!

I got to help Wendy make the gravy this year....I think this is starting to become a tradition! Last year I made it with the Foss's. It was amazing this year if I do say so myself!

Hanging with most of the kids....

Attacking Sara for a picture....I don't think Maggie was too sure about all this she was being cautious.

Being silly....

Delanie and I posing for Torie....it took a couple shots but finally got it! This little girl is a sweetheart!

The girls...

My bestest friends in Colorado....I love you girls! Gina, me, Torie, and Wendy...hanging in Wendy's kitchen....taking a break from all the cooking to get a shot with them.

Rockin'

Daniel and Ian were rocking it out in the bounce house. Great idea Franklunds....best investment to date I'm sure.

Up!

I bought "Up" for Maggie and it was a big hit with the kids! Good distraction...glad they liked it. :)

Wait and See....

So, I found a new song that I'm loving...it's called "Wait and See." You can listen to it if you'd like cuz it's the first song on my playlist on my blog!
My mom asked me today if I was writing things down....Torie has asked me that too....maybe I should be documenting my life a little more....hmmmm...Shock Advised in the making?

Go Red for Women!

Michelle Seidl and I at the Medtronic booth at the Go Red for Women luncheon sponsored by the American Heart Association. She is the woman that checks to make sure my device is in proper working order....she rocks! She asked me to come and share my story about going into cardiac arrest with others. I had a great time and was honored to share my story with others.

Swimming Swans.....

Wendy and I have joined a beginner swimming class at the Y....our teacher says we are more intermediate...we are always showing off, aren't we? I have learned a ton about how to do the swimming strokes correctly and got a great cardio workout 2 days a week. Thanks for inspiring me to do another class Wendy...love ya!

We are soo cool!

Gina and I sporting our classic shot! Girl's night last Wednesday chillin' at my pad! This Wednesday I hope they will be helping me pack up my house! :)

Getting ready for winter?

Gina and I were getting ready to whether the wind and cold after girl's night at the Franklunds. Really..we were just being weird, and it wasn't even that cold out. :)

Back at it!

Torie and I spinning at 5:15AM.
I love her class and will not go to any other spin class.
She makes me feel safe and understands me and my issues! ;)
I have to thank Wendy for making me a spin lover!

Nothing can stop me now....

An early Tuesday morning....5:15 AM to be exact...but I have to get back in the saddle sometime. I don't think Torie was thrilled at the bike I chose...sorry! I now know that I spin on the other side of the room as to not "mess" with her.

I need to do this for me...it is hard at times...not so much the spinning part as the "thinking" part!

"I will survive" and love being back in spin. Despite what others think I take it easy and am learning my limits!

Hanging with the kids.

Playing with the kids after a wonderful Sunday dinner at my place. We then went for a walk around my neighborhood! I always love my walks with Torie and the kids!

Thoughts....

Yes, it has been 2 months ago today that my life changed forever!
I will always remember how lucky I am to be alive...
I heard a quote last night from Grey's Anatomy that brought tears to my eyes and made complete sense to me...

"Did you say it?
I love you!
I don't want to ever live without you.
You changed my life.
Did you say it?
Make a plan.
Set a goal.
Work toward it.
Every now and then, look around.
Break it in. Cuz, this is it! It might all be gone tomorrow!"

Susan G. Komen 2009!

Here we are at the beginning of the walk. There were over 7,000 people that joined in the festivities! What a perfect day, a cool September morning, for a walk through the Garden of the Gods. I glad that I was here to rock the walk!!
Wendy, Joanne, Me, Sarah, and Christine.

Here we go...

We met in front of the little white church before the race started to get together with some of Wendy's former co-workers. Our new tradition every September. Next year we are going to do the 5K run!!

I think he's excited....

Jack before the race started....he looked much different after the race! He was a great participant..he even walked with me for a while....kept me at a good pace! I love this little man!

Look at me...

Maggie told me to take this shot. She said she would put the orange on her head and I was to take a picture. What a good idea...she is such a smart girl! We had a blast during the walk...I love this girl!

Hitchin' a ride!

Maggie riding on mom's shoulders...so Sara could ride in the stroller? It was a good idea anyway!!

Trying something new.

I tried to get Maggie and I in a classic self shot! Well, you get the picture.

Taking the bull...

Crystal and I taking the bull by the horns...first picture of the night with many more to follow! We were like the papparazi, taking so many photos. Memories..good memories...great memories!

Rock Bottom Brewery.

Girl's night out started at Rock Bottom Brewery in Downtown Denver. We had some good food and then went to the show "Girl's Only" over in the theater district. This night was a blast, reminds me that I need to do this type of thing more often. Love you girls!!

Taking advantage...

Torie and I being silly. Well, I think I am being a little crazy, if I say so myself!

The man!

The only man that should be allowed to this show! We kind of took advantage of him but settled down to take this photo. Gina is still getting a little frisky with him. ;)

Theatre District...

After the show, "Girl's Only", in the Denver Theater District!

Great show, great friends, and lots of laughs.

Crystal, Lauren, Gina, me, Wendy, and Torie!

Group photo plus??

Just us girls ready to have a shot at Hard Rock Cafe and apparently we attracted some men to join us.....

Lovin' life!

Gina, me, and Torie! This night was all about us and having fun..I think we accomplished that!

Bad influence!

Lauren and Sara cheesin' for the camera! This girl is a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to hang out with her...we need to do this more often!!

Why do I play along?

Being naughty in the bar. Torie will get a talkin' to from my Mom, I'm sure of it! :)

Making memories!

Torie, Torie, Torie! She is a beautiful woman and I am so lucky to have her in my life! She makes me laugh all the time! I just love this pic of both of us, we rock!!

My best girls!!

Wendy, Sara, and Torie! Wendy was very sick of having her picture taken at this point...but when you are so cool...you must get used to the fame!

Getting away!

I needed a break from Colorado Springs and my everyday life. I decided to take a road trip about 4 hours away and camp out overnight. It was exactly what I needed
peace....quiet....hiking...
beautiful scenery....
no phones, no computers...
nothing but relaxing and taking it all in...
God is Great!!!

Marker 1.

Taking a hike around the rim of the canyon. This is where it all begins...what a beautiful evening. It was so nice to get away. Mental health weekend was needed desperately.

What are your thoughts?

I thought this was a pretty area to walk through..what does it remind you of?

Taking a break.

What a view and who's that cool girl on the rock?? She rocked another hike..back in the saddle again! :)

Looking over the edge...

I will be heading down there tomorrow! Looking down at the Gunnison River from atop the Black Canyon.

Sunday in the Canyon.

I got up early Sunday morning and drove 45 minutes....hiked down 220 stairs....and walked 3/4 of a mile to take an awesome boat tour through Black Canyon. Breathtaking!!

Favorites...

This was one of my favorite shots.

Looking up!

Amazing!!

Peaceful...

Sunlight sparkling on the water...beautiful scenery... Peaceful....Sunday morning....

Cheesin'

What a totally cheesy smile! I love being a DORK! Also, I loved my life jacket...wore it the whole ride...Cabella's is where it's at people!

Chipita..something FALLS!

A nice sight before the end of the adventure through the Black Canyon. Chipita Falls, I think. Memory isn't what it used to be. Some of you are very lucky..due to that! ;-)

Amazing day!

Finished the boat tour....now for the real challenge, back up the canyon! I rocked it from the bottom of the stairs to the top in 9 minutes. There was approximately 220 stairs...I was proud..my first real climb in over 1 1/2 months. :)

Me!

Sara C in her classic shot! I went to Cripple Creek last Sunday for my friends birthday. We went to a play at an awesome little theater up there. Supporting the little guys when I can. So, this shot is me just before I was leaving for that afternoon!

Happy to be DOING things and back to life as it is now!