Oh that Brandon...I can't believe how awesome he is!  I mean, he has his limitations.  His blogging skills lately are abysmal.  But these are easily overlooked when you see what he's up to:

For our anniversary he did a little shopping, and all on his own, found a bracelet set that was to die for!  Check it out:

He even took me to look at them, I guess so he could judge my reaction.  Unfortunately, the price tag was outrageous.  I really liked them.  I guess my reaction was favorable, though because he went and made me a set.  I'm often worried about his creative nature, but this time he kept it in check and this was the result:

I was astounded that he could just go out and create this!  What an awesome guy!  But it gets better.  Since he was a little late getting this together (only a month AFTER our anniversary), he decided to keep going.  He made matching sets for the girls for Christmas, including necklaces to match:

We all proudly wore this beautiful jewelery to church that day, and were so proud to have these original and loving tokens!

Now if we could just make HIM a little more presentable...

Marathonica

Sooooo...I've given in to myself.  I have been struggling with finding motivation to maintian an exercise schedule.  I do best with a goal and a training schedule.  So, with 27 1/2 weeks to train, I signed up today for the Windermere Marathon!  Again.  (For the third time.) 

I'll be following a different training regimen this time, which may or may not work out so well.  We're talking hill workouts, sprints, fartleks, etc. 

Also, this training program includes intermediate RACES!  Beginning with a 5k in a few weeks. I suppose this will mean just going for a personal best on some of the race days, because races generally cost money and are on specific days that will not likely match my schedule.  Maybe I'll be pulling others in for those days to put some pressure on. 

Anyway, I'm excited.  To kick it off, I ran this evening while the girls were at gymnastics.  I did a hill work out with a total run of about 4 miles.  Felt great! 

Who wants in?   Plenty of time to sign up.

Halloween is Fun

The Spokenagels do Halloween 2011:

 Tonight we not only got to do some sweet trick-or-treating, but we also got to be in a neighborhood parade!

Several of Caitin's school friends were there, and it was great to see them chattering and parading through the neighborhood.  They were all so excited to be dressed up and the

Finally...A Little Progress

Back in...May(?) I informed Sarah that I was done working on the basement for the Summer.  She was not very impressed, but indulged me.  I was a bit burnt on the project.  We had a great summer, despite the disarray of the house.

Of course...in order to get motivated, I had to buy a tool.  I've always wanted to be able to shed some good light on my work.  This was crucial in the new and yet-unlighted closet. 

Here's how we spent our Summer:

Now that it's time, we both got in on the action.  Sarah painted the wall to eliminate that hideous green before I continued the framing and sheetrock processes.  There is still plenty to do, but I'm leaving the walls open in the framed condition while we figure out the electrical components.  

Yesterday I found myself two boards shy of being able to finish the framing on the west wall.  Two boards...

This game closet is ready for primer and then shelves.  Again, Sarah...your turn.

A Day for Climbing

Today Caitin and I climbed. She was successful. I dislocated my shoulder for the 12th time. Her video is worth watching:



I especially love that she checks her pedometer after the climb. Cause that's important data to track. Sometimes I forget to check my dislocatometer.