arizona

We spent our Spring Break {which we are thankful to still have at 27 years of age} in Arizona visiting Lynley and Shawn. Since Shawn is part of the Dodgers organization, he and Lyn are lucky to spend a few months out of the year in AZ and we were even luckier to visit for a week! They have this little program during this time of the year called, "Spring Training," so most of our time was spent at baseball games good restaurants. I think we ate our way through Scottsdale. No surprise there, our vacations kind of revolve around food. But, besides good food, we also got to do some other exciting things too, including watching some baseball games, which is what most people actually travel to Spring Training in search of.

Baseballin'...

We went spent some time at Camelback Ranch, which is where the Dodgers and White Sox have their training facilities and share a field. We got to cheer on the Dodgers in three games, but got especially excited when Shawn came into pitch! Go #38! We saw him throw 4 pitches. Batter out. Inning over. Job well done!

{Camelback Ranch}

{The only game we had to have blankets. Cheering on the Dodgers!}

{Go Shawn!! Strike him out!}

Runnin/Hikin'...

We also so did some outdoorsey things. I know, giving up precious time by the pool to hike and stuff...who are we? I'm not sure either. We did the 4 mile Peoria Run the first full day we were there. Which, may I add, was the furthest Lynley and I have ever ran in our lives, but was a nice "light day" for Dad and Tate. Later that week, we hiked Squaw Peak. It was a really pretty hike and hard work too. We washed our hard workout down with a Smash Burger and milkshake. What a day! 

 {Peoria 4 mile run}

 {Tate and I pre hike}

 {Lyn and Dad at the bottom of Squaw Peak}

{The crew at the top taking in the view}

Wigwamin'...

Life at the Wigam is nice. This is the hotel, built in the 1920's mind you, that my parents stayed at for the week. Tate and I stayed with Lynley and Shawn, but were sure to reap the many benefits of the Wigwam which included but were not limited to: the best breakfast burrito I've ever had, heated pool, bonfire surrounded by rocking chairs, and endless supply of cold oranges. Oh, and how could I forget bocce ball! Oh, bocce ball, how we love you. This became a fam favorite as we had a little tourney going on all weekend. Tate, Mom and Lynley vs. Dad, Shawn and me. After our lives have been changed at the Wig, we are now crossing our fingers for a bocce ball court to appear at our parents' new house when it gets built. 

 {Welcome to the Wigwam} 

{Built in 1929, served as quarters for cotton farmers' and a vacation home for families of Good Year executives. Now serves as quarters for vacationers and Samantha the cat}

{Bocce-ing is serious business}

{Tourney finished. I think you can tell who won and who is looking on jealously.}

Grubbin'...

If there are two things Arizona is not short on it's cactus and good restaurants. And I am not complaining. Lynley and Shawn had done their research before we came out and already had a long list of restaurants they wanted to take us to. I think we actually had more restaurants than number of meals to eat. Not only was everything delicious, all the ingredients were so local and fresh. It was great! I literally was full for 2 days after I got back home. 

 {At Arrowhead Grille celebrating Tate's birthday}

 {"Hey, everybody look at me...it's my birthday!"}

 {Lunch at Olive & Ivy, maybe my favorite place, before a quick shopping trip and a baseball game. This place has the most interesting and delicious stuff! Bacon wrapped dates and Sweet Potato Cannelloni. Yum!} 

{Last supper at Chelsea's Kitchen minus Tate since he had to get back to Waco run some samples, or check some carbon or save the earth or something.} 

{We took a food tour of Phoenix was was...um...interesting to say the least. This one deserves it's very OWN blog post, so more on that later...}

It was such a great trip and a wonderful way to spend Spring Break! The week flew by. No regrets, except I wish we could have stayed longer. Thanks Lyn and Shawn for showing us the ropes in AZ. Can't wait until next year! 

stand up

This message brought to you by yours truly, Ironman Tate: 

Anything Is Possible. As many of you know, my grandma, Jackie Barrett, was diagnosed with lung cancer in late October 2012.  Initially, it was feared the cancer had reached her lymph nodes; however, further tests revealed that the cancer was isolated in the upper lobe of her right lung.  I feared the worst, trying to make sense of why this was happening to my family, and more specifically, to my grandma.  Many of you can identify with this struggle, as you or family members may have experienced it firsthand. Prayers were immediately said for grandma by family and friends, including some of you who have never met her, and for that I am grateful. God is good all the time. In His sovereignty, He answered those prayers through a successful surgery in December 2012.  The doctor reported he was able to remove all of the cancer from Grandma’s right lung, and she is now on the long road to recovery.  Throughout this experience, I have been amazed by my Grandma’s determination and unwavering faith that all would happen, be it good or bad, according to God’s plan.  Grandma never doubted God’s will through this process and was a wonderful example of placing your life in His hands.  I am reminded that through faith in Christ…

Anything Is Possible.

This is also the motto of Ironman.  Triathlons, Ironman in particular, have become a huge part of my, and in turn, my family’s life over the past 3 years.  Two years in a row I have raced in Ironman Texas in the Woodlands with my father-in-law, Bill Nicholson.  For those of you who don’t know, an Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, and 112 mile bike ride, and then a marathon, 26.2 miles, for a total of 140.6 miles, all in under 17 hours. It is the best and worst experience of your life.

Triathlon, by its very nature, is a selfish sport. It’s considered an individual endeavor, and you would think at times on the 140.6 mile course you would feel more isolated than ever.  However, thanks to all of you, it has never seemed that way. Many of you have followed me through my 3 year journey to Ironman. You have cheered me on, sent positive thoughts, worn bright orange t-shirts, and most importantly, lifted me up in prayer. You will never know how much your support means to me. This year, I want to make my third journey to the Ironman finish line more than just an individual endeavor.  This year it will be a team effort more than ever. It will be a celebration of life, a triumph of answered prayers, and a time to Stand Up 2 Cancer in honor of my Grandma and all other “Grandma Jackies” out there.

Stand Up 2 Cancer is a wonderful organization, created to fund cancer research grants and actively work towards finding a cure. This year a Stand Up 2 Cancer team, Team Jackie Barrett, has been created to raise funds specifically for lung cancer research.   I am looking for 140 teammates to join me in the fight against cancer at Ironman Texas on May 18, 2013.

What does it mean to be a teammate? Well, essentially for every $10 you donate, you will sponsor 1 mile of my 140.6 race. As a team, we will collectively raise $1,406 for cancer treatment and research across the nation! Feel free to participate to whatever degree you can, be it 1 mile, or for all of those over achievers out there, the whole bike leg!  If we get more than 140 team members, don’t worry, we will just have double sponsors on some miles. The more the merrier!

On May 18, I will jump into the muddy waters of Lake Woodlands for a leisurely swim, ride the rolling hills of the Sam Houston National Forest, and take a little jog along the waterways of the Woodlands. In doing so, we will celebrate life, serving an all-powerful God, and fighting for the good. Go Team Barrett!

Standing Up 2 Cancer one mile at a time.  Will you Stand Up with us?

To join Team Barrett, click here 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” –Hebrews 12:1-2

52 in 52

Ok, so not too long ago I randomly started singing a song I hadn't heard since circa 1998 when scrunchies were cool and Taylor Hanson held the keys to my heart. It got me thinking how crazy it is that I can unintentionally memorize lyrics to a song...lots and lots of songs actually...and then instantly recall the words years later. Seriously, where is the mega filing cabinet in my brain that houses all of that junk and why does it reject important things like I don't know, ummm, my computer password and my driver's license number, for crying out loud! I started asking myself how many important things, like scripture, I could recall. Maybe 2 verses if my life depended on it, maybe. However, these things are the truths I rely on, believe in, and depend upon, yet I can't recall them on a regular day much less in a time of need. It's time to use that "mega filing cabinet" space for good. It's decided then...

52 in 52! I am going to memorize a verse a week. With 1 verse a week, I'll hopefully study, learn and store away 52 verses in 52 weeks over the course of a year. I thought about putting verses to the tune of Spice Girls and NSYNC songs, but decided against it mostly for Tate and Wrigley's sake. I am going to try it this way first and see how it goes. 

Well, it's week 3 people! So far, so good. Feel free to join in the fun. The more the merrier! Click the link on the side bar to see the verse for this week and the ones from past weeks. My goal is to update it every Monday. Let the fun begin...well technically it began 3 weeks ago, so let the fun continue! 

"If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends"

uh, I mean...

"REJOICE always, PRAY continually, give THANKS in all circumstances: for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

{yeah that's better, and much more useful!}

three-peat

You might be a triathlete if...

When asked how old you are, you answer 25-29

You think it's natural to do your business behind a tree.

You think a marathon is a cool down. 

You participate in the corporate race just to increase your bike speed. 

You go for an extra lap after completing the city-wide 5k to make it an adequate training day. 

Your wife is not worried you left for your run 2 hours ago. 

Your "cologne" you wear to work is called chlorine. 

You consider sugar water, goo, and salt tablets proper nutrition. 

You clean your bike more than your car. 

You know what a 'fartlek' is and say it with a straight face.

You never round up or down milage when asked how far you ran, because 0.1 is important too.  

You have a $4,000 bike strapped to your $2,000 car.

You consider Clif bars as one of the four food groups.

You can't decide which Zoot t-shirt to wear to your race registration.

You've peed on yourself by choice.

You've asked, "Does this spandex make my butt look big?"

{and lastly and most importantly...}

Nobody believes you when you say, "never again!"

This could not be more true. I believe last May, after finishing his second Ironman and shuffling out of the medical tent with an IV, Tate said we would take a year off. {I say "we" because we both participate- he trains, sweats and dry heaves, while I worry, pray and clap until my hands are numb. It's a team effort.} Well, that "year" lasted a short 8 months. These triathletes are hungry for more swimming, more running, more biking, more sweating, more exhaustion, and more thrill. Only one thing can fill this craving...

It's official, Tate and Dad are now registered for Ironman Texas 2013. 

We are going for a THREE-PEAT, people! 

Some of us were excited...

While some were nervous, but still supportive like any good wife would be...

And others just wanted a belly rub...she doesn't ask for much in life. 

Let the fun begin! Ironman Texas. The Woodlands, Texas. May, 18, 2013. 

See you there!

"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

texoma christmas y'all

So many places, so little time. This Christmas we took a little tour of the greater Texoma area.  From Waco to Oklahoma to Amarillo to Allen back to Waco to New Braunfels. Whhhew! We are beyond blessed to have lots of wonderful, crazy, loving family. We did our best to see as much fam as we could over the break, and we got a lot of QT in the car...like a LOT. Let's start at the beginning of our journey...

12.20.12 Waco, Texas

Tate and I started off Christmas together by cooking dinner and opening one present each. The gift-giver gets to choose your gift. Being only married for a few years, we don't have many traditions of our own, so maybe this will catch on. We were going to watch a Christmas movie, but packing for our long trip took priority. Boo. I will be looking stylin' in my new J Crew blazer {that Tate picked out and thought of all on his own} and he will be looking good as always in his new watch. Wrigley was a little less grateful as she stuck her nose up at her candy cane bone and didn't even bother glancing at her new toy. Only children.

12.21.12 Edmond, Oklahoma

We enjoyed spending time with family and puppies, lots and lots of puppies! My aunt has 6 dogs so there is always a cuddle buddy. We made our traditional King Christmas meal, of course, of fried shrimp, steak, mac and cheese, homemade fries, coleslaw, and featured newer additions such as chicken and baked mac and cheese. We opened {what verb do you use here} stockings, which is my favorite tradition of all! Everyone has their different stocking method, but most of us prefer to pull one item out at a time and announce it to the entire group. It takes a while, but we don't mind. We like to really draw out the stocking opening process. Later, we opened presents, and did our Dirty Santa gift exchange. We also played Bunko, thanks to Jan the game organizer {one of her many titles}, which I think may be turning into a new tradition. Us kids all thought Bunko was just for old ladies, but that is certainly not the truth. It's a good time! And the iTunes gift cards are a good encouragement to participate too.

12.23.12 Amarillo, Texas

"Amarillo By Morning" was the song of the day. Well, actually we got there around noon to just in time to miss church {awww, durn our timing} and met up with Robby and LaVon for some lunch. Although we were only in town for a few days, we managed to find time to make a shopping trip or two {shopping is a Barrett spiritual gift}. It was the first time I had actually bought a gift on Christmas Eve, but I was peered pressured by the other gifted shoppers. But when in Rome Amarillo... We went to church Christmas Eve and had a wonderful meal with family, friends and the cutest 2 year olds on the planet. I gladly sacrificed my new mint green cords I got at Aunt Kelly's to tiny red jello covered hands as one of those cuties crawled in my lap during dinner. We woke up to lots of snow Christmas morning! We ended up getting snowed in and weren't able to make it to Lubbock to see Tate's Grandmother. But Plan B was nice too. We ended up hanging around the house for a relaxing morning of reading the Christmas story and opening presents around the cozy fire. It was the year of the foot! I think we opened 8 pairs of shoes, lots of socks, and a shoe shine kit {dad presents...glad I'm not one}. We wished we could have seen family in Lubbock since we don't get there often, but had a nice day, lounging around in pajama pants, watching Robby wreck his new remote control helicopter into the wall...and coffee table...and chandelier.

                                                                                                                                                         

12.26.12 Allen, Texas

5 1/2 more hours of quality time in the car...we ran out of things to talk about around hour 1, so thinks got a little awkward {not really}. We attempted to listen to my first book on tape, but I nixed that idea on CD 2. Bru-tal. The 27th was Nicholson Christmas!  We ate lunch together at my parents' house and then opened presents around the Christmas tree. This year I was really excited for some reason to see everyone open gifts from us. We normally know what we are getting, but this year there were lots of fun surprises! Mom acted surprised when she opened her iPhone 5 she bought herself, Lynley took pics on her new "mom quality camera," Shawn got extra awkward when we opened underwear, and Wrigley avoided all eye-contact with all boxes out of fear for her own life. In true celebration of 'the year of the foot,' we collectively got 9 pairs of shoes. That night all the besties and husbands met at the Ringlers for Friendsmas. So far it's gotten better with each year...can't wait to see what next year holds! We had lots of food at our little Mexican potluck. Then in true fashion we played games, lots of games! Some planned and some improvised. Then we did our gift exchange. But, the night wouldn't have been complete without making the guys take lots of pics of us...so we did and they complained. All was normal in the world. Before we left town we were able to meet up with my grandparents for lunch. It was great to catch up a bit since we didn't see them for Christmas Eve.

12.29.12 New Braunfels, Texas

On to New Braunfels to see Tate's grandparents, aunt, and uncle! We there a few hours before Grandma came home from the hospital. She had been the hospital for a little over a week after having lung surgery due to cancer. It was such a blessing to have her home in time for our Barrett-Vanstory Christmas! Perhaps the best Christmas present of all- she is now "cancer free," thank you Lord! PaPa cooked us a yummy meal of chicken fried venison, mashed potatoes and corn. I tried to divert my attention as Uncle Randy showed pics of the deer he shot WHILE eating fresh venison. Nice! Later we opened presents. We were extra thankful this year, being all together and having Grandma home too. I'm sure she was exhausted and a bit on sensory overload with all of us crowding around her asking her questions. We spent the night at Aunt Roxi and Uncle Randy's beautiful new house. The next day a few of us kicked it "out-of-town-LaVon" style, skipping church and hitting up the outlet mall {but I guess if your spiritual gift is shopping then you can worship at the outlet mall too}. Later, we met up with the others for Uncle Randy's homemade stew and then hit the road for home sweet Waco!

12.30.12 Waco, Texas

Hello house, do you remember us? It was such a nice trip, but we were also thankful to be home...ahh, home...it is still so nice to say that {we've only been in our new house for 5 months}. Wrigley and I were reunited with our lonely couch and didn't move for a few hours. The unpacking can wait since I don't have to work for a week. The joys of working for a school district are sinking in...just...about...now...zzzz

MERRY Christmas and HAPPY everything to you!