Day 462

Our First Fondue Experience

Last night we had our first fondue experience.  Chris' sister and brother-in-law treated us, for Chris' birthday present, to Simply Fondue.  We gathered with two other couples and had a wonderful time.

For me it all started with a yummy "Mocktini".  I always asked for a yummy non-alcoholic drink when I am out and they sure had one!  Next came our salad course.  I had a strawberry, spinach salad.  Then the fondue...

We chose the spicy cheese for the first fondue.  There were many things to dip like bread, vegetables, fruit and even some pickles!  Yummy!

Then, for the main course, we decided against cooking the meat in oil and instead opted for the skillet to cook.  It was so fun to cook right in front of us and the meat was good.  

And then, the best part, DESSERT!  Our table chose three different types of chocolates to dip into.  My favorite was the fudge brownie one.  There were so many delicious types of food to dip:  strawberries, pineapples, cherries, cookie dough, brownies, etc.  Oh, and when I saw someone else's plate with rice krispie treats I had to have a word with Chris.  This is the man who was so annoying when picking out the chocolate because he acts like he is so picky.  Well that picky one devoured the dessert while dipping each piece in the chocolate and did not inform me of the rice krispie treats!  

An excellent dinner and fun time out.  Thanks Shawna and Marc!

Day 461

On the Way to the Run (Kona Has a Nutty Look)

Woo Hoo...Go Kona and Chris

Pat Tillman's Shadow Run in San Jose

The Group Before the Run

Start and Finish Line- 4.2 Miles for #42

Almost Finished

Recovering After the Race...It was HOT

Pat Tillman has become a major hero of Chris'.  Last year for the Mark Hahn jet ski race, Chris raised money for the Pat Tillman foundation which raises money to give scholarships to men and women coming back from active duty.

For this year, Chris decided to participate in the Shadow Run for Pat Tillman.  This is a huge race down in Tempe, AZ but it is much smaller in Pat's hometown of San Jose.  There are many of these shadow runs held throughout the country.

We were up bright and early to drive down to San Jose.  Kona and Chris were ready to run while Dixie and I planned to cheer them on.  

Everyone did great and I was able to see that I could do this next year...with Sparky!

Day 460

Margarita Time, A Virgin for Me

I still can make my yummy margaritas with limeade, fruit but no tequila.  Chris was demanding :) me to make my wonderful margaritas and it sure sounded good.  I was very careful to make my virgin drink first, put the red rim on my glass and then made Chris' leaded drink.

Day 459

Thank God for Sunshine!

After having what felt like a month of rain, the sun made its appearance!  It is wonderful to have sunshine and to break out spring clothing.

Day 458

Elvis

I don't think I have explained the strange Elvis thing that goes on between my friend Felicia and I. 

Well, back in high school Felicia and I were at the gym.  I think we were both on the bikes or stair master and Felicia randomly turns to me and said, "Elvis".  Nothing more, no expression, just says it and turns back to working out.  Random!

This became our obsession...crank calling each other with simply saying, "Elvis" or writing a note with just one name on it.  And now, almost 20 years later we are leaving Elvis photos on each others' Facebook walls, still leaving phone messages and sending mail with just that one name. 

Day 457

Too Perfect!

As we start preparing for our baby to arrive in August, we have realized that sleeping in must be enjoyed since it will soon end.  This photo was posted on Facebook and it is so fitting.

Day 456

Revolutionary Timeline

Up Close

In honor of going back to school after Spring Break, I thought a post about my latest bulletin board was appropriate.  Here I have our Revolutionary Timeline.  The kids were given one of eight events that led up to the American Revolution.  They had to take notes then write a paragraph.  This paragraph had to be typed and displayed on a faded photo representing the event. 

Day 455

Cal vs. St. Mary's Rugby

This seems to have become an annual event.  Chris and I put Dixie and Kona in the car, grabbed some sandwiches and headed to Moraga for the event.  This year, St. Mary's pulled off a surprise victory.

Now, look at the picture closely...this photo taken from Cal's blog shows Chris and I in the top left corner.  Yes, barely visible but there indeed.

Day 454

Cadillac Stroller...The Bob

I took Chris with me to Babies R Us to finish the registry.  There were a few items that I wanted his opinion on like the highchair, car seat and stroller.  Chris was amazed with the store and to my surprise had a great time looking at baby stuff.  Then, he fell in love with the Bob, the Cadillac of running strollers.  This is a top choice on our registry because we know that it will be put to good use! 

Day 453

Braided Spaghetti Bread

On the Inside

Check out this recipe if you would like a definite carbo load.  Bread filled with spaghetti, sauce, cheese and I added ground turkey.  It was a yummy meal!

http://rhodesbread.com/blog/blog/braided-spaghetti-bread

Day 452

A Second Registry

Bed Skirt

My mom, mother-in-law and I met for lunch at P.F. Chang's.  After lunch we ventured to Pottery Barn.  I did a second registry for the more decorative items to go in Sparky's room.  

Chris and I had decided on a transportation theme with boats, trains, and airplanes but I didn't want the bedding to be too babyish.  So, I found this madras print shown in the bed skirt picture.  Then I found bedding with sailboats and one with trains.  

I think this baby will have a cute room!

Day 451

Baby Registry!

My friend Kim went to Babies R Us to hep with my baby registry.  Thank goodness she came to help...it was overwhelming.  I scanned so much stuff and became very overwhelmed with how many things a baby needs.  

After registering, I treated Kim to lunch at On the Border and our other friend Samantha joined us.  We completely pigged out on yummy food and dessert too! 

It was a good way to spend our rainy Spring Break day!

Day 450

Mr. Pickle

Chris submitted our Mr. Pickle picture in hopes of a free sandwich.  The task for the contest was to take Mr. Pickle on a trip and take a picture.  We took Mr. Pickle to Spring Training back in March. 

Day 449

Taking Over

I had been so uncomfortable lately, waking up in the middle of the night and not able to fall back asleep.  So, I set up a makeshift bed on the couch so I could go there instead of tossing and turning.  

It was still set up in the morning when I was getting ready and Dixie took over, as you can see.  But, Dixie sure hates pillows and she shoved off the big pregnancy pillow in order to make herself comfortable.

Day 448

Let Us Remember Why We Celebrate Easter

We had a wonderful Easter this year.  The day started when Chris and I attended church.  It was so nice to celebrate the real reason for the holiday Easter.  I do love the Easter bunny, candy, and colored eggs but it has frustrated me to witness many people who ignore the real reason for the day.  Church allowed for us to reconnect with our faith.

Our day continued with some lunch together and then a fun walk with the dogs.  Kona went chasing after a ball into the water at Shadow Cliffs while Dixie went for a quick dip and then ate, ate, and ate some more grass.

After our journey it was time to get ready for a family dinner.  We went to my parents house where they hosted dinner with us and Chris' parents too.  Chris and I feel so lucky that both sets of our parents are not only friends but truly one family.  I know this is not the case for all in-laws and not even for some.  

I had forgotten my camera but the Easter table looked beautiful, my mom and dad put in a lot of work to make the night special.  Ooh, the food was yummy...spinach salad, ham, tri-tip, potatoes, carrots, and baked apples and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.

But, I was EXHAUSTED at night's end.  I keep thinking I am able to do all the same things as I did pre-pregnancy without feeling tired but, no.  Going, going, going cannot be the way for this growing gal.  

Happy Easter...He is risen.

Day 447

Brunch--Me, Mom and Grandpa

I was invited to brunch with my mom, aunt, and grandpa at my grandpa's housing establishment.  They were putting on a special early Easter brunch.  The food was excellent and it was so nice to visit with my grandpa.  He is still so sharp and looking great for 94! 

Day 446

A "Windblown" Look

I received another print out of Sparky the day before.  The ultrasound tech turned on the 4D picture.  Sparky's arm was in the way and was not cooperating for the picture.  But cooperating or not, I found the detail in this picture to be just amazing.  And we decided...he has the Walker nose!

The visit went well and all is looking great!

Day 445

A Card from My Brother and Family

My brother Derek has proposed such wonderful names for our baby.  The first was Derek Bolp Walker and now George W. Walker.  I had to take a picture of this card...too funny.

Day 444

A Favorite Quote

The kids were struggling with behavior this week with Spring Break looming.  I pointed out this poster and we talked about having good character.  A good reminder for all.

Day 443

Returning the Keg

Chris initially wanted ME to return the keg.  I would have to bring the keg, in the car, to a school and then return it on the way home.  That idea was vetoed right away.  Like I need parents and staff members walking by my car seeing a keg in it!  

So, instead we returned it together after the gym that night.

Day 442

Sparky

Chris and I call our baby "Sparky".  Let me explain...

The night before we found out we were pregnant, Chis and I were at the ASU vs. Cal game in Arizona.  We took a picture with Sparky, the mascot.  We decided if we were pregnant that month, the baby would be called "Sparky". So when the pregnancy test was positive, we started out by calling the baby, "Spark".  

When we saw the amazing heartbeat flickering the baby became "Sparky".  Then, as we awaited to find out the gender of Baby Walker, we thought that if it was a girl, she could be "Sparkly".  

Baby Walker is a boy and is called Sparky and sometimes the formal name of Sparky McSparkles.  But, we have decided that whatever birth certificate name we choose (which is top secret) for this baby, he will always be Sparky.  :)

Day 441

Lunch With Mom

And a Movie

Since the rain cleared up, Chris went shooting with the guys and I went out with my mom for lunch and a movie. 

Lunch was excellent at Guy Fieri's restaurant.  I had the best French Dip...yum!

After, we ventured on to see The Hunger Games.  I had read the entire trilogy and knew what to expect but my mom was new to this story.  I thought the movie was well done and stayed true to the novel.  My mom was disturbed about the concept of kids killing kids.  I see that it is disturbing but there is so much discussion that could be had about this topic.  I saw the books and movie, to be a great display of characterization with a thought provoking plot.

Day 440

The Birthday Party Boy

The Hosts

Our Makeshift Party Room

Red Solo Cup

More and More and More Cake

The game plan was to have a group go clay shooting at a fun spot in Morgan Hill and to then have everyone over for a barbecue to watch the Final Four and to celebrate Chris' birthday.  Well...it rained and rained.  At least we knew in advance.

So, Chris worked so hard to clean out the garage so that we could have enough room for all of our guests...our original plan was to have the backyard available.  Then, our neighbor proposed the use of his projector and screen.  And, a party was born.

We had about 25 guests, lots of food, fun and don't forget that keg!  There was a good time had by all. 

Day 439

Change it to "Evening Sickness"

I went out to dinner with some girlfriends from work while we waited to go to a school event.  I had a headache but thought eating would help...NOPE!  

Mid-bite I had to run off to find the bathroom.  The sickness has eased up and I have only thrown up a handful of times but I just had to do this for my picture to remember these moments.  

Of course, every ache, pain, and sickness is ABSOLUTELY worth it for baby!

Day 438

Idea for Baby's Room

My bestest girlfriend said she would give us the gift of her art work for the baby's room.  So, I have been searching for ideas.  I know that I want to do a transportation theme for the room...planes, trains, and automobiles (ooh, and boats too).  Thanks Felicia!

Day 437

The Kids' Art

My Art

Our latest masterpieces could sure make you dizzy!  These art pieces were fun and they look good too.

Day 436

A Clemson Beanie for the Baby--From My Parents

Comfy Giants' Shorts--From My Parents

Lots of Socks--From the Furry Ones

Baby Giants' Gear--From/For the Baby

Framed Bull Run Picture--From ME

Framed Pat Tillman Picture--From ME

German Chocolate Cake

Even though it was a rainy Tuesday, Chris had a great birthday.  He opened up all of his gifts and then we headed off to a yummy dinner at Outback.  After dinner came the sweet treat.  I sure enjoyed the eating treats!  :)  Happy 35th, Chris!

Day 435

Getting Ready

I got my shop on for Chris' birthday.  I especially loved the camouflage wrapping paper.