Has it really been a week since I last had anything fun/important/deep/insightful/hilarious (ok, that may be a stretch) to say? This can't be so. Well it is so, but it doesn't mean that nothing fun/important/deep/insightful/hilarious is happening in our lives. Quite the opposite. I have pictures to prove it but my smart/crazy husband built a new computer (yes, built) and so my usual downloading pictures from my cameras on the laptop while watching tv at night process isn't quite the same and I haven't had the time to download them on the new computer (upstairs, not in front of the tv) as he has requested.
What has happened in the last week? Well, as the post below shows, one of my best friends had her second child, I drove down to Des Moines for a weekend spent with great friends and to attend a (very fun) bachelorette party (pictures coming eventually), I prepped the house and refrigerator for weekend guests (only two trips to the store), I celebrated the 25th birthday of my fabulous friend, Erin, with a movie, dinner and good conversation, oh, and the main reason that I have been MIA this past week is b/c I've been last minute training for the St. Paul Triathlon this Sunday morning at 7:30 am. This will be my second year doing the race and also my last year. *smile. At this very moment, I am thinking..."what am I doing to myself?" but I remember crossing the finish line last year and just loving the feeling of having accomplished such a feat so I'm excited at the same time. Here are some pictures from last year...
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I was so thankful to be done with that swim! The water freaked me out and I ended up doing the entire 1/2 mile with my head above water. My shoulders and neck were sore for days. And yes, that's a spandex trisuit. Don't be jealous. I borrowed it from a friend and it was awesome!
Don't let the "smile" fool you. I was clueless as to how tiring the upcoming 45 minute, 12 mile bike portion was going to be. I don't think I caught my breath until mile 6.
Almost done with the 3.1 mile run, Sarah! Pick those knees up! (I seriously thought I was sprinting. It appears, however, to be more of a fast walk...)
The three on the left did the triathlon as a team - Dan, Laura (great childhood friend) and Rachel. Me and my friend, Erin, (far right) did the entire thing individually. It was quite the experience and one I'll never forget (but will soon be reminded of in 2 days...)
This is a picture of me not being able to stand up after finishing the race. I was on top of the world upon crossing the finish line and then BAM! "ohhhh, I don't feel so well. I think I will just sit down for a little while." Tom said he got emotional watching me (during the race, not during the picture below), which just blesses my heart. He was so proud of me. Love him.
I think we really surprised ourselves! After a long summer of training, Erin and I actually completed a sprint triathlon. We had talked and talked and talked about it and finally made up our minds to sign up and do it. She was and is a great motivator, encourager and inspiration to me.
I think I can...I think I can...
In addition to celebrating a majorly memorable anniversary, dad is basking in the blissfulness of turning 62! (I'm guessing he may not agree with me on that one.) What a day! Happy birthday to my favorite dad!
Also, Happy 1st Anniversary to my brother Brent and his wife, Sara! I can't believe it's already been one year since your wedding below. You guys bring out the best in one another and have MUCH to celebrate today. Congratulations! Love you both!
I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning....
With our best tough faces. You should be scared - very scared - of Erin. 
The alarm went off at 5:25 am on Sunday and after hitting snooze a few times, getting ready, drinking some coffee and loading the bikes - we were off! Tom and Trisha just can not contain their excitement as they anticipate participating in their first triathlon as a team (my brother swimming; Trisha biking; and Tom running.)
I wish you could see just how burned I was after laying out on Saturday - not one of my wisest decisions! Thankfully it didn't bother me too much during the race.
My older brother, Scott, and I super excited before the race. He is the reason I wanted to do a triathlon in the first place. I remember cheering him on during races when he was in high school and thinking they were soooooo cool. Such an adrenaline rush!
I think we had the largest support group there this year. *smile. My in-laws, Pam & Greg, made the 6 hr drive from Council Bluffs, IA to come and cheer us all on. (Can you tell I'm not blood related?)
And of course my own parents wouldn't have missed it for the world. I think it brings back some fond memories for them of chasing us around the cross country course in high school. It's the same but different b/c there is water and bikes involved but still involves lots of running, loud cheering and picture taking.
Group shot of the athletes before the race started.
Scott (removing his cream colored swim cap) as he exits the lake.
Congratulations to myself for having put my face in the water this year! *smile. What a difference it makes! I thought I would improve my swim time even more just for having done that but I was still happy with my 25:17 swim time for the 1/2-mile and didn't leave the water absolutely drained like I did last year.
Erin dominated the swim, of course.
Scott either taking off or returning from the 12-mile bike ride.
Trisha so relieved to be done and pass the chip on to Tom.
Me almost finished with the 45:35 ride.
Tom did an amazing job on the run for his team, finishing in just over 23 minutes. So proud of him!
Scott approaching the finish line and last few seconds of the race.
Erin sprinting to the end!
So close! I finished the 5k in 27:59 (and I will have you know I passed several people on my way in...*smile.)
Good-bye Banana Republic Extra Fine Italian Merino dry clean only sweater. 
There they are! $3 and $2.
I wasn't even sure what the pretty metal thing was when I bought it but for $3, I figured we could find a place for it somewhere. Tom thinks it goes in front of a fireplace or door? I honestly thought you hung it above a door on the wall...anyone know? It's very heavy so I'm guessing I'm wrong (gasp!).
They had all of my favorite brands of clothes. I would have hit the jackpot if I were a different size in pants but I still love my three new sweaters for $9 total (and all three either Limited or Banana.)
Guess who is excited for fall?! These were $2 each and I figured they would be pretty with tea lights on the mantel or shelf.
Both of our parents generously gave us floor lamps when we first moved in to our house two years ago. I bought this lamp shade for $2 to spruce this bronze/brown stand up. It may not be the perfect size, but I think it looks better than the original (see below.)
And I am very happy to report that this gray/gold stand (and original shade to stand above) are by the door on their way to the garage to eventually be picked up by the Lupos Foundation of MN as a donation. Yay!
And my steal of the day....this gorgeous Limited suit. The jacket fits perfect while the pants are just a taaaad too small. *smile. She had $10 on it but when I explained that only one piece fit (for now) she said, "how does $5 sound?" Um, for a never been worn, Limited suit? I think I'll take it! I'm picturing the jacket with dark jeans and heels for a date with my hubby and I now have another pair of "goal pants" to add to my "maybe someday" section of the closet in the guest bedroom. All girls have "goal pants" right? *smile.
There were a few other odds and ends as well, including an almost full container of Swifer wet jet cleaner for our Swifer for $.50. What a sale!
My friend, Deana, inspires me every day. Her son Andrew thought it would be funny to put his pet frog on my shoulder (look closely.) Thankfully it wasn't his pet cricket! Her other son, Will, was a very, very scary pirate. 
Charles City girls celebrating Libby's bachelorette party! I basically grew up with most of these girls. It just amazes me to think about all we have been through and all we have to look forward to (an October wedding and a February baby!) We had a blast catching up, opening gifts, eating at Graze and taking a Hummer limo out and about in Des Moines.
Me and Libby, the soon to be bride. I am so excited for her to experience married life and all it's greatness. *smile
This is a picture of me not being able to stand up after finishing the race. I was on top of the world upon crossing the finish line and then BAM! "ohhhh, I don't feel so well. I think I will just sit down for a little while." Tom said he got emotional watching me (during the race, not during the picture below), which just blesses my heart. He was so proud of me. Love him.
I think we really surprised ourselves! After a long summer of training, Erin and I actually completed a sprint triathlon. We had talked and talked and talked about it and finally made up our minds to sign up and do it. She was and is a great motivator, encourager and inspiration to me.
I think I can...I think I can...
