My Boston Marathon 2010!

My Boston Marathon 2010! by nanskimtn at Garmin Connect - Details

2010 Boston Maratahon results!♥

3:23:17- 7.46 min/mile

5291 overall

712 woman

overall- 41th master!  

Other fun facts

57 minutes behind the winning female!   (2:26)

Record number of women at Bostono 2010 = 11,000 plus

Fun Facts about the Boston Marathon 2010

My 25th marathon (including the 4 Ironman triathlons)

My 5th Boston ('93, '01, '07, '08, and '10)

My 3rd marathon in one year! 

My 3rd ACS DetermiNation marathon campaign in one year!

Total raised for ACS $1340, $1100 and $1560 = $4000 for the year!

Boston Marathon DetermiNation

20 donors

Top donor  = Free Conference (via Ken Ford)

Links to Boston bits and bites!

DP Turtles Against Cancer

Ryan Hall

Ryan and Sarah Hall

Sarah Stanley

Local athletes run Boston!

 

Bib Name Age M/F City State Country Ctz   *   7536 Cook, Nancy E. 45 F Belchertown MA USA     Checkpoints 5k 10k 15k 20k Half 25k 30k 35k 40k 0:21:39 0:43:50 1:06:20 1:30:01 1:35:06 1:54:01 2:19:19 2:45:26 3:11:37 Finish Pace Projected Time Official Time Overall Gender Division 0:07:46 3:23:17 5291 712 41

ACS DetermiNation = $1560 raised (Boston)

$4000 raised for the year with ACS DetermiNation

 My shoes - Nike Voomero!

My set up for the morning - ready to go!

The sweetest man on earth & my number one fan!

The back of the shirt says it all for ACS DetermiNation

 The friends I made.....  Cara & Cara's Crew from Atlanta

DP_Turtle (a Twitter connection) and his family from Chicago

And me at the Marriott with my dozen roses for this spectacular finish!

Marking the Miles to Boston - 3 days to go!

Through my efforts to raise money in the fight against cancer through ACS DetermiNation I have reached $1400!  As I prepare for the race these last days, I want to thank all my donors to all 3 of my marathons this year including Marine Corps Marathon in November and VT City last May.  I have raised more than $4000 this year and am so proud and thankful for all the support of my friends and family and colleagues that have generously donated to my efforts.

The course to Boston is posted in the images and this link will take you to this cool site I found where you can get the detail on each mile. 

I am running each mile in memory or in honor of someone designated by my supporters and as I run it is through the strength and spirit of those people that will carry me to the finish line.  I will update this as I get responses

Mile 1 - In honor - Mary Beth Redell from American Airlines

Mile 2 - In honor - Crissy  (Sasha's "Sister")

Mile 3 - Agnes Fisk - (our neighbor in Jericho & good friend of my mom)

Mile 4 - In memory of Sharon (Louise & Robin's sister)

Mile 5 - In memory - Vickie Williams (sister of Toni Williams)

Mile 6 - In memory - Patrick

Mile 7 - In memory - Diana Love (the most amazing Sullivan Cty NH volunteer)

Mile 8 - In memory of Marie & Stub

Mile 9 - In memory of Virginia Nonnenmacher (my stepfather's sister)

Mile 10 - In memory - Michelle Courchesne (Mike & Adam's sister)

Mile 11 - In memory - Tia Lydia & Naunie (Starkey Family)

Mile 12 -In memory - Tara Tamasi (friend of Sharon Raymond)

Mile 13 - In honor - Dick & Phylecia Wilson

Mile 14 - In honor - Kevin Brunk - GO TEAM 25K!

Mile 15 - In honor - Carina Thorrsen (Gray Ghost Inn)

Mile 16 - In honor - Nathan McCusker

Mile 17 - In honor - Jan Fischer (Judy's sister in law fighting breast, liver & bone cancer)

Mile 18 - In honor - Susan Silodor (my dear friend who now lives in Portland OR)

Mile 19 - In memory - Sr. Bernadette Whitney (Frank Whitney's sister)

Mile 20 - In memory - Bob Pemberton (Joyce's husband)

Mile 21 - In honor - Bev Gross (WY Relay friend / staff / volunteer!)

Mile 22 - In honor - Don Distasio (EA CEO) ACS leadership!

Mile 23 - In memory - Angelo Maresca (Sue Ann's dad)

Mile 24 - In memory - Kenneth P. Cook Sr. (Steve's dad)

Mile 25 - In memory - John Tung (Betty's dad)

Mile 26 - In memory - My dad - Louis Augustus Peck

.2 --- ME!  Let the strength & love carry me to the finish!

Post it Tuesday!

 

The List - - one week until the Boston Marathon!

I remember Pre-Race Boston 2007 running into these 2 women from Kentucky & hanging out in the tent in the rain before the marathon in Hopkinton.  It was a crazy year for me --- I borrowed her phone and called Steve to let him know I was ok and thinking about him.... the one that stuck with me was the "stuff" that they packed to be ready!  So I thought I would make my list prior and be ready!  :)

Lay it all out - have it all ready - be prepared!
Day before list:
Layout clothes (shorts, shirt, jog bra, socks)
Nike Voomero Sneakers (powder)
Race chip for timing attach to sneakers
Body Glide
GU and Performance
Pin number to jersey
Jacket
Warm up pants
Hat?
Advil

Day of list:
Vaseline
Banana
GU & powerbar
Garbage bag - rain gear
Body Glide
Advil
Recovery drink
Bengay
Xtra socks
Nike sneakers
Warm up clothes packed!




Links to building my performance:
Training Peaks - the daily email kept me on TRACK -- even though I took every Saturday and Sunday off all winter! 
Hal Higdon - The man behind those emails.  His tips and training advice and program is the best for a marathon.  This is the 5th marathon I have run under his guise.  My virtual coach!
Itunes!  and if it is free its me!  I find amazing music on Itunes and love all my playlists.... :)

My husband / coach / partner / cheerleader / #1 fan  ---- LOVE HIM!  :)

US at the Marine Corps Marathon 2009!

Articles of motivation:
Boston State of Ready
Jon Gordon - Feed the Positive Dog

And more.....  
Twitter !   #bostonmarathon #ACSDetermiNation   --- Yay!  Follow me @nanskimtn

One week to go and the anticipation is building as you hear from people everywhere getting ready, last training runs, hating the taper, eating up a storm, loving their vita mix, all just like me!  So excited!


Here's a glimpse of my race resume to share, although it is in need of updating (Sept 2009) to inclue my first in age finish at the Marine Corps Marathon --- >>- it gives me confidence -- YES - - another Boston!  Ready to go!

10 days.... to Boston.... Glamazon Friday Confessional

OK - this is the Friday confessional blog carnival and I have wandered to my blog to post something for my 10 day countdown to Boston.  I am not sure how this game goes except you must confess something and then link away with Mr Linky on the above link to Glamazon ( a fellow blogger I connected to in virtual world).

I confess:

1. I hate the "taper"!
It is time to taper, meaning cut your runs down in distance and intensity. The Boston Marathon is 10 days away and I am getting very anxious.  Excited. Uptight?  Just not liking the TAPER!

I feel like I am finally in shape and especially this year without training on Sat and Sun - (oh boy - that is another confession - YES - I took off every Sat and Sunday all winter to ski coach).... I feel especially GUILTY not to run and not to run fast!  But I am going to try it anyway.  Hal Higdon (my virtual coach - isn't that funny, everything is pretty virtual these days..) on Training Peaks says "Don't worry if you gain a pound or two".  Well yuck!  I am thinking the suit I am wearing needs to look just perfect for me, and for my husband and for the camera lens of all those photos I love to take when I am doing these marathons!  But oh well, one must try and meet the diet needs to maintain the weight and do my BEST!

2. I hate the scale.  I have "big bones", muscular thighs and the scale is not usually so nice to me.  I look fantastic at 145 and frail at 140.  But when it hits 150 I just want to scream.


3. My computer addiction level is high.
My work computer died and I am limping along with this very cool set up that Steve did for me on the Mac.  I really need to get off the computer and do a little cross training during the day and even at night to get back to that Triathlon shape of the old days.   :)
But sometimes it just draws me and I can't seem to stop.  Gotta get off this thing!

4. This is my first confessional post and I promise to do better next time.  After reading some of the blogs that are posted and linked for this carnival, I realize that there is so much more....  :)

TGIF
I love Fridays --- especially after 5 PM!

World's Most Mentally Sexy Dad

 From "Dad Blogs"
(I discovered them through T3T)

 Since the dawn of time--or perhaps longer, it has been thought that in order for male to become more desireable it was all about our  or to become sexier in the eyes of their significant others a long series of workouts with an ab cruncher were in order. But, as we have come to discover, women find their  husbands sexy when they step up and pitch in. That could mean scrubbing the toilets, mopping the floors or changing the catbox. Other turn ons for moms include being a good dad and a complimentary mate.

World’s Most Mentally Sexy Dad

After the Australian and American Most Mentally Sexy Dads have been crowned, the top five from each country will be given two weeks to submit a second round entry. These second round entries will be sent to all American and Australian judges.

The judges will give each entry a score from 0 – 10, for a total out of fifty, based on the five following criteria:

Judging Criteria:

Sincerity – Does the entrant seem sincere in his effort to be Mentally Sexy?

Engineered Originality – How original is the entry? How hard did this guy try to be Mentally Sexy?

X Factor – Is there something special about this entry that sets it apart from the crowd? Something extra Mentally Sexy?

Sustainability – From the information provided does it seem the entrant will be able to maintain Mental Sexiness long-term? Or is this a flash in the pan attempt at glory?

So rather than nominate my amazing husband, I thought I would just highlight him here on my blog.  Knowing that he is a shoe in for this award, but not wanting the national fame, I think I will just crown him now and tell you all why.  

So here it is ..... My interview with my husband --- 

Why is he the World's Most Mentally Sexy Dad?  (and physically too - be only for me!)

 (His answer in my words)
I coach my kids in skiing, in soccer & all other sports and of course in life.  I support my wife along the way with her running endeavors and photography.  I teach all that to show passion in what you do is the most important thing.   My children are all so successful in their lives, happy and strong, fit and beautiful because of the love and support that we give them as a family, and especially from me --- the "Dad".  :)
I have been coaching skiing since the 70's, coaching my own kids since they were 3-4 years old and now my older children are now 24 and 22.   Schuyler is 8 and I value this time with him in J5's so much that I have dedicated my teaching to these kids and Schuyler to show how focused coaching can really make a difference in their performance.  It is a joy to watch them ALL improve and grow.

Engineered?
I am an engineer!  :)  I am who I am, the originality speaks for itself.  There is no one like me.

Xtra Mentally Sexy?
(again - his answer in my words)
I do not consider anything I do to be an attempt at "fame" but just to be the best I can be in all aspects of life, especially as a father.  I lost my father at a young age and realize what it means to have that love and support.  My mom did such a great job with our family of 9 boys and one girl, filling in as "dad", and I really love the values and love that she shared with all of us.

***********
He is a winner, the winner in my life!  I love my husband so much!

Top Three Thursday - Birthdays!

This blog carnival is truly as easy as it sounds...

Each week, The (Un)Experienced Mom (who is on vacation, and not posting today!) and "Confessions from a Working Mom" will pick a category, then ask you to share your Top 3 thoughts on it. We hope you'll play along with us!

This week, in honor of "Confessions from a Working Mom's" Blog Birthday Bash asks
What are your Top 3 favorite ages?
(Or, your Top 3 favorite ages for your kids?)


1. Third grade - Age 9 - I remember times with family, with church, Rock Point, Jericho, Vermont, adventures on the river at The Old Red Mill.  I remember our happy family unit when Dad worked at IBM and Mom started her hobby farm with goats, maple syrup & even took a shot at grapes and making Cold Duck (yuck).  :)  She made wheat bread, whole wheat chocolate chip cookies and taking time fighting over what show to watch on our tiny TV set.  Riding bikes on Mill Street, rolling down into a pile of leaves at the bottom of the hill and sledding in all different areas of town.  This will be a time in my memory forever.  It has been interesting on facebook reconnecting with friends from back in these days.... spurring on these memories.  I am thankful.  I miss my dad when I remember these times even more than ever.


2. Junior Year in High School (BFA Fairfax) - Age 17.  I remember the State Class M Championships playing ball with the girls - Laurie Jucket (point guard) - Diana Gates (power forward) and Carolyn Stewart.  It was a time of teamwork, realizing your strengths, your weaknesses.  I was so active in everything, student council, honor society, band, and all the sports.  I still have my letter jacket!  I loved my friends and all the great times.  Suzy, Amy & Cindy are three friends I have reconnected with on facebook, and it is amazing after so many years, how we have picked up our friendships once again.


3. Now!  45?  :)  OK yes, I am 45 and this birthday and the ones I have had recently have to be the BEST.  Just because I appreciate life so much more now than ever.  I love my family, my friends, my husband (the most amazing man EVER).  This is it.  I will celebrate these birthdays more and more each year, because I cherish each moment with the ones that I love so much.  Celebrate life.  Celebrate your birthday.  It is YOU they celebrate and YOU deserve the best.  I love birthdays, mine and everyone elses that I care about - and plan on celebrating them all as much as possible.  We have ice cream cake for every birthday, even Stephen who hates cake.... Schuyler's party is the big event each year, with tons of kids, lots of photos, costume party & just the most fun ever!  Samantha's birthday is a family treat with her friends and margaritas, Stephen's is just something small but special & Steve's is an intimate affair (with me!).     I love birthdays!!

11 days until Boston! - Hydration Tips & Boston.com

Boston.com Post ---->  I found this promotion while on Twitter and decided to take a chance and share my picture and a quick story / promo on DetermiNationa and why I run!  Very cool that it was chosen.  Here is the post (in case they delete it) :)

 Washington DC marathon - my second of 3 marathons for the American Cancer Society DetermiNation. I run because I am strong, I run for all to celebrate life, so more people can celebrate more birthdays & my son may some day see a cancer free world. Boston here I come! My 25th marathon... as a top master runner in New England.... counting down... 14 days.

******************************************************************************
Then we get these weekly emails from BAA ---- today's email was quite informative, and worthy of a post!  I have issues with hydration after my ER visit in 2007 --- so I will definitely head this advice.
Hydration Tips for a Successful Race

To help runners stay properly hydrated leading up to and throughout race day, Gatorade will provide Gatorade Endurance Formula™ on-course to athletes participating in this year's race.

G Series Pro Gatorade Endurance Formula is designed and used by elite athletes for endurance sports. It is a specialized sports drink with nearly twice the sodium (200 mg) of Gatorade® Thirst Quencher to help meet the needs of athletes during long-distance training and competitions.

To help runners stay properly hydrated leading up to and through race day, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute recommends utilizing the R.A.C.E. formula for hydration:

Replace Fluid Losses.
It's important for athletes to minimize dehydration (weight loss during exercise). Marathon runners should try to prevent a loss of more than 1% to 2% of their body weight (e.g., a 150-lb athlete should not lose more than 1.5 to 3 lbs. per race). By weighing yourself before and after training runs under various environmental conditions, you can develop a good sense of your fluid replacement needs on race day and make adjustments based on the weather that day.

Avoid Over-Drinking. 
Over-drinking (weight gain during exercise) can increase the risk of hyponatremia, a rare but dangerous condition that has been associated with excessive fluid intake and to some extend the loss of sodium in the sweat. While the sodium in Gatorade can reduce the risk of hyponatremia during the marathon, the risk still exists if too much of any fluid is consumed. Replace fluids based on weight loss, not guessing.

Check Your Urine. 
If it's light yellow (like lemonade) that's usually a sign of good hydration.  Crystal-clear urine often indicates over-hydration and the need to cut back.  Dark urine (like the color of apple juice) may signal dehydration and the need to drink more.

Eat a Salty Diet.
If you are a heavy sweater or if you finish workouts with your skin and clothes caked with white residue, your diet should contain enough salt to replace those losses. Salting your food to taste is encouraged; during training runs and on race day, favor salty carbohydrate snacks and sports drinks over water to help replace the sodium lost in sweat.


This message is endorsed by the B.A.A.'s medical directors:

Pierre d'Hemecourt, MD (Co-Medical Director)
Sophia Dyer, MD (Co-Medical Director)
***********************************************************

From Training Peaks:

You do not need to patronize Italian restaurants to ensure an adequate supply of complex carbohydrates. I sometimes choose a Chinese restaurant, because rice is also high in carbohydrates. Nancy Clark, R.D., director of nutrition services for SportsMedicine Brookline in Boston, and author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook (among the best books on the subject) points out that you can get plenty of carbs in most American restaurants. If you eat soup (such as minestrone, bean, rice, or noodle), potatoes, breads, and vegetables along with your main dish, and maybe grab a piece of apple cobbler off the dessert tray, you can end up eating more carbohydrates than fats or protein.
For more nutritional advice, go to: nancyclarkrd.com.

Tshirt Statements- St. Louis, Mad River & Belchertown!

Top Photo:
Back of Turner's sweatshirt
"Mad River Glen Free Ski Team - Catch US if you Can"







Middle Photo:

From St. Louis, MO -

It's not a gay thing

It's not an international Thing

It's Not A Political Thing

It's Not A Religious Thing!

It's Not a Straight Thing!

It's Not A White Thing!

It's Not A White Thing!

It's Everything!

Experience Diversity

The Multicutltural Center and International Student Affairs

Bottom Photo:




One of our boys at practice last night in Belchertown:

"Yes I Was Born In A Barn!"

Speedwork & 9 miler - 12 days to Boston!

Training the last days before Boston ----- and feeling GREAT!
Below photo Steve took this winter when I was training with Oakley (March) --- in my CW-X tights.  Love them!

April 7 Training Run: 9 miles @ 8.5 min/mi  (including stop & Oakley warmup)
Transfer Station Loop Plus by nanskimtn at Garmin Connect - Details
 April 6 Speedwork Training Run:  5 mi @7:55 min/mi
Speedwork on Rural Road by nanskimtn at Garmin Connect - Details

12 days before Boston and getting in some great speedwork to feel strong for the big day!  Running up Bay Rd Hill this morning my mind wandered to Heartbreak Hill and a few memories I have of that piece of Boston --- and how it will feel this year.....

The Good:

• Training is going well - 4 -20 milers with lots of hills in training
• Met some great people along the way with the DetermiNation campaigns and local training friends. 
• ACS has a special shuttle to the start.  Will feel Xtra special at Boston this year.  
• The start is all downhill for the first 11 miles!
• Twitter has been a fun mode to keep me connected to all that is happening.
• Goal????  3:08  (not sure I can do a PR after that amazing 2007 3:05 in Boston) 
• CWX tights!

The Bad

• I think of "bad" as BAD - meaning good  :)  So this is more GOOD - talk about a positive thinker
• Music --- I love my music and discovering and listening to new music on my runs
• Media - I was featured on Boston.com  --- was hoping for More.com (but haven't heard anything) and maybe even other ops, but who knows.  I haven't run fast yet, but you need to tell your story a LOT to get some attention.
• Goal????  3:15 will match my Marine Corps Marathon time and that was good --- still have a shot at a good master (age group finish)
• Nutrition - still need to figure this out ----watching my stomach issues and trying to eat right and get hydrated even with 2 weeks out.
• Weight is ok - need to drop just a few more to feel just perfect
• Need new shoes --- ordering today - hope they break in on time.

The Ugly

• Weather:  I hear it may reach the 60's which is hot for me.  I like it cold.
• Screams from the college girls at Wesley College in Natick (guys love it - I find it ear piercing)
• 12 days is going to go fast!
• Goal?????  Depends on HOW ugly - but a lot of people "just want to finish" --- I always want more, which is credited to my competitive nature.  3:30?  I guess that would be ok.   But I really want to push hard!

Winning Wine Wednesday ! St. Suprey Sauvignon Blanc

Here it is ---- a concept to share along with all the memes for blogging in the virtual neighborhood --- This is a day to share your favorite wine for the week.  Please comment if you have had this wine, like this wine, hate this wine or have some other wine story to share!  :)

  

My choice this week: 

Winery: St Suprey Vineyards - Sauvignon Blanc 2007

 

Region: California , America
Vintage:		2007
Size:		750ml
Wine Type:		Sauvignon Blanc / Fume Blanc

Value/ Price:  $11.99-19.99

How you were introduced? 
A great summer time wine to enjoy with friends!  Steve and I love to enjoy this one with a 3 egg omlett on the deck overlooking the rocks!  :)  A great tasting fresh flavorful wine!

Cellar/Tasting Notes

Aromas jump from the glass with abundant fresh green lime and grapefruit, combined with subtle notes of melon and orange rind. The flavors are full, round and vibrant, textured with the same green lime and grapefruit, and followed by refreshing tones of citrus and crisp acidity.

Links of interest:

Wine Searcher.com = to find the best price, where to buy your favorite wine and vintage!

Post it Tuesday!

Boston Marathon Training & Info - 13 days and counting!

Recent Speedwork 
7:51 avg pace - Speedwork on Rural Rd - 4/5/10
Speedwork on Rural Road by nanskimtn at Garmin Connect - Details

My Statistics
3rd marathons in one year

3rd DetermiNation campaigns in one year - raising money for the American Cancer Society

More than $4000 raised in one year through DetermiNation for the ACS

3rd Boston marathon in less than 4 years

My PR = Boston 2007 = 3:05:59
Photos - 2007 Boston (top) and 2008 Boston (lower)

Boston Marathon Numbers

2010 = 7576  Weather Forecast:  62 High / 49 Low - Sunny with some clouds

2008 = 3800  Time: 3:18:35  Weather:  Warm & Sunny

2007 = 6552    Time:  3:05:59  Weather:  Cold & Rainy

Boston Information for 2010:

DATE:  Monday, April 19, 2010

25,000 runners

Race Facts for 2010

Boston Marathon Milestones

My favorite milestone is that women were allowed to run in 1972

9725 female entrants in 2007 was a new record!

TIME

Push Rim Wheelchair Start: 9:22 a.m.
Elite Women Start: 9:32 a.m.
Elite Men & Wave 1 Start: 10:00 a.m.
Wave 2 Start: 10:30 a.m.
(I will be in Wave 1)
DISTANCE

26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 Kilometers)

OTHER:
DetermiNation volunteers needed  - contact Gillian.Quigley@cancer.org

Our plan / itinerary:
Sunday - arrive
11 - Pancake breakfast with ACS
12 - register, get number, shopping at the Expo!
3 - Check into hotel
5 - Early dinner with Samantha
7 - Go to sleep early

Monday -
7 am - Early morning special shuttle with ACS
Hopkinton - Marathon village scene (don't forget to take mini camera!)
10 am - Start!
1-2 pm - Finish!
4 - ACS Reception
6 - dinner
7 - Dancing!  :)

Tour de Amherst - #4 - 20 miler

Tour de Amherst - #4 - 20 miler by nanskimtn at Garmin Connect - Details

First weekend off of the spring after finishing at Mount Snow on Sunday.... so I planned to do a long run this morning.  I headed out with my Garmin which I love because I can improvise on route and just run as if it is a tour of the countryside.  I find that I get bored on the bike path.... but it is so flat and fast and no traffic, that I have to put pieces of it in my route.  I ran out toward Amherst thinking of touring the green because it was such a cool scene yesterday seeing everyone out enjoying the spring....  but I didn't make it that far.  It's quite the run from Belchertown when you add in all these side roads.  I felt great after warming up with Oakley with a little speed --- I kept an eye on my pace right around 8:30 - 8:40 m/mi.  I think that is where I am most comfortable in training.  Thinking about Boston because it is so close and really how will I perform on that day.  What are my goals?  What do I really think I can do?  I will put some thought to that this week.  :)  Most likely right around 3:15 depending on my stomach which was my detriment in DC.   I love my music and Rihanna kept me going the whole way --- her upbeat music and voice just kept pushing me the whole way.  


2 high spots to my tour ----

Links to spots of interest along the way!

Sycamore Stables, South Amherst

Norwottuck Trail 

Fuel:  Banana, 1 GU and Shaklee Performance
Recovery:  Pineapple juice, OJ, Frozen Strawberries & Yogurt, Performance & Physique with ice in the vita mix.
Powersong:  "Rude Boy" by Rihanna

 16 days to go to BOSTON!
Taper time.....   need to feel out my speed a little more this week to see what my stomach can handle in order not to be feeling yucky in the marathon like in DC.

$1320 raised --- only $680 to meet my $5000 goal for ACS Determination! 
Please support my efforts.  I am now #5 in the rankings!  I think I could get #3, but need some help!  Thank you to all my donors!

"Keep on running..."

The Blessing Basket for Easter

Tonight we went to Whole Foods and put together this vision of an Easter Basket I had in mind for a few weeks.....  They have these "Blessing Baskets" from Ghana of different sizes and handles.  A couple years ago I put together a smaller basket for a Christmas present and was thinking these would be so perfect for Easter.  We are going to Terry's party tomorrow and I thought this would be really something that Tange would truly appreciate.   A truly wholesome natural Easter Basket!  


Check all the links to the food stuff inside and the link to the Blessing Project!  Very nice!

Blessing Basket Organic Contents:
Terra Chips
Annies Bunny Grahams
Yogi Strawberry Crisps
Zchips
McCann's Steel Cut Oatmeal
Austrailian Cheddar Cheese
Goji Berries
Dan's Truffles 
Whole Paws Bisquits (for Pink)

And we made one for our family too!

Happy Easter everyone!

Top Three Thursday - What's behind your name?

The Blog Carnival continues.....   You should try it:)  Just link above or at http://www.confessionsfromaworkingmom.com/  add yourself to Mr. Linky and blog hop around and meet some new bloggers in this virtual world!

This week's rendition of T3T is the question:   
"What are your top 3 favorite names?" 

Schuyler - I have to say there is a reason why I named my son --- after my grandfather on my dad's side.  Schuyler Shepard Peck was his name and my due date was 100 years to the date when Grampa Schuyler was born in Saratoga, NY.  Then of course I was 5 days late...... none the less 100 years and 5 days later, the next Schuyler was born.  I didn't know that fact until the end of my pregnancy, and it makes a great story.  Schuyler is a very strong, tall, young boy now and following in my dad's footsteps, so I am very proud that I named him Schuyler.  What an amazing child.

Nancy - I actually love my name.  My mom's story is that she named her dolls Nancy Ann and was going to name me that (also after my Grama Anne who turns 90 this year!)....  but the neighbor up the street named her little girl that name and I was left with Nancy Elizabeth.... which I think is very regal / royal / fancy and no crazy nick names..... just a "Nance" or Fancy Nance ----- :)  I think it a very pretty name too --- :)

Stephen -- yes, my husband's name -- and not JUST because I am so madly in love with him.....  But the "phen" is the best on this name...  and after you hear the Taylor Swift song "Hey Stephen" you love it even more.



Until next time!  :)
Leave a note if you stop by!
N

Photo booth fun!
This first one is about 2 1/2 years ago ---
The bottom one is from today!