New pictures of the kids

Move over Twilight and make room for the Mortal Instruments

Dear Edward and Jacob,

You have captivated my heart for some time now. I will always be fond of you but I need to be with Jace and Alex of the shadowhunter world for the time being.

Kindest regards,

Anamarie

Books 1,2 &3

Book 4 (5 & 6 to come in the next two years)

Oh and lets not forget the prequel to the Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices:

Book 1

Book 2 (not released yet) and Book 3 Clockwork Princess (not released yet)

Oh by the way, it's best to read in publication order.

Here sweetie this is for you!

There are two sides to every story...

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Are You Excited? Read a Special Message from Stephenie

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/
http://www.breetanner.com/

Just thought I'd share.

HA HA I LOVE IT!!

Twas the Night Before Christmas -Twilight Version (post Breaking Dawn)
by Leandra on December 22, 2009

‘Twas the night before Christmas in the house of Cullen,
All were quite busy, no one was sullen.
Emmet downed a pine with just one blow,
Which Alice had decorated so grand, don’t you know!
Only one stocking was hung up tonight,
For a child named Renesmee, who squealed with delight!
For this celebration was made for one cause;
The arrival of none other than Santa Claus.

Back at the cottage, with paper and bows, Bella wrapped presents for Nessie…with Rose.
Delighted, that now, they were sisters, so dear;
It’s amazing what happened in just one short year.
Charlie and Sue, engaged, now, to marry,
Were also quite busy, no time to tarry.
Charlie cursed quietly under his breath.
They still couldn’t leave. Where were Leah and Seth?
When, finally, Sue’s two kids did arrive,
With the car fully loaded, they pulled out of the drive.
It seemed kind of silly to leave break of dawn,
But he wouldn’t argue, no, not Charlie Swan.

Carlisle and Esme were cooking up stuff,
But with werewolves coming, would there be quite enough!
Folks soon would arrive, but one thing to do first;
Go on a hunt to make sure there’s no thirst.
Alice could see that they still had one hour,
Which was plenty of time for some deer to devour.

Edward drove up with wrapped presents galore,
Brought some in the house, then went back for more.
“This time,” he thought, “she’ll accept what I give…
She’s my Bella, my wife, for as long as we live.”
On the back porch, Nessie did what she oughta,
For the reindeer, she put a big bowl of water.
Next to the tree, on a cloth made of silk,
For Santa, some cookies and a tall glass of milk.

Candles were lit and the tables were set
For a Christmas morning none would forget.
The music was playing. There were lights on the trees.
The house would be found with the greatest of ease.
The guests were arriving. All Cullens were there
To greet their new friends and wish holiday cheer.
People were laughing and eating the food.
Even Leah was in a good mood.
If one looked at Jasper, they’d see a broad smile;
He’d keep Leah happy, at least for awhile!

Only one person seemed very sad.
Renesmee said, “Mama, I must have been bad.
Santa should be here, but where is his sled?
Has he gone to see other children instead?”
“Hey, Renesmee,” said Emmet, “what’s all that noise?
Could that be Santa Claus, bringing you toys?”
Nessie ran to the window. All talking did pause.
For there in the yard was dear old Santa Claus.
Instead of reindeer, eight wolves pulled the sled.
By a ninth wolf, in front, the others were led.
“It’s Rudolph, Mama!” and Bella smiled back.
For the wolf, with the red nose, was Jacob Black.
With tears in her eyes, she thought, “Oh, that boy!
He’d do just about anything to bring Nessie joy.”
Suddenly, Santa was gone…that was weird.
He was now in the house with red suit and beard.
His eyes, how they twinkled. He carried a sack.
If you looked very closely, you’d see Billy Black.
Then Paul and Embry and others were there.
Soon, Quil arrived, carrying Clare.

It was a time full of happiness…no one was sad.
A celebration that good triumphed bad.
A time to put old issues to rest,
As each saw the other for their very best.
Then, Carlisle and Billy looked very mysterious.
“We have something to say, and it’s really quite serious.
Loyalty proven…It wasn’t an act.
And the time is right for a brand new pact.
Quileutes and Cullens exist hand in hand,
Free to walk on the other’s land.
If ever we’re threatened, with death, by others,
We’ll all stand together…sisters and brothers.”

With emotion filled comments and tears in some eyes,
People were hugging and saying goodbyes.
Cars, loaded with gifts, food, and holiday cheer,
All promised to be on hand next year.
“Renesmee is snoring, so we’d better go;
But Carlisle and Esme, I want you to know
I love you so much.” Bella said, so sincere.
“Before we go, let me make this quite clear.
The decision to change was mine from the start,
No need for another…your son IS my heart.”

Hands clasped together, Bella and Ed
Carried Nessie home, and put her to bed
“She’s perfect,” he said, “but then, so are you.
Who would have guessed, after all I’ve been through,
That I would have love and a life filled with bliss.”
Then he hugged her and gave her the most tender kiss.
Of course, there was more…’twas a night full of passion.
But, I’ll tell you the rest in Stephenie fashion.
The love that they shared was honest and true.
Having said that, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!

Love and hugs to all of you…Gracie

This was written by Gracie over at Danger Magnet site.
This is pretty cool!!!

New Moon Mix

John Barrowman

Born in Scotland, grew up in the mid-west somewhere, now lives in Wales. He a singer, actor and entertainer, plus he's gay, so sorry ladies. I am really liking his stuff so I thought I'd share. This is from his newest album; Music Music Music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBe22HYEbe0

Sorry, all the video's woudn't let me post here, so use the link.

OH SNAP!! WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!?!

El Vaquero Loco, means the crazy cowboy in spanish. Man alive, were we crazy!

THURSDAY
I left that morning bright and early to get to Wyoming with some sunlight left in the sky by the evening. Jullie (Brian's wife) ran a short 3 mile run with me that evening on a great trail next to their house.

FRIDAY
No running this day to relax and recover my legs for Saturdays big run. Hung out with family and had a great time.




My siblings, L-R Brian, James, Darin, Kristina, Joy, Anamarie

Brian is wearing a metal detector around his arm, but it looks like he's got a brace for his leg or something.

Went to a pre-race meeting, I won a head lamp which is really cool. Kristina won a free pair of running shoes, the ones that cost like $130.00 each. So lucky. Here is a list of the participants as of that time.



SATURDAY
We were given these maps to orient ourselves if we wanted to know where we were during the run. We were actually only running half the race. There were people who ran 32 miles. Our starting point was the 32 milers turn-around point. Yes crazy. So on the map below where it says 15.9 on the bottom is where we started. And yes, the first 5-7 miles were up hill to about 10,000 ft in elevation.

The first aid station was at 5 miles and it was practically a straight up climb to the very top after that. There are two little ponds or lakes at the very top which was nice. Once there, we got a really nice gradual decline for about 2 miles. Then the trail dead-ends into a valley and the only way out is up the face of the surrounding mountains or turn around and go home. I had worked to dam hard at this point to turn around now. I was in the middle of this valley stairing up at this mountain I had to climb. And yes it was straight up the face with only one switch back. Hate is not a strong enough word to describe my feelings for this mountain. They were no longer called hills at this point, those were long over with, mountains is what you had to deal with. I don't have a picture either because I was so in shock of what I was about to do, I had forgot to pull my phone out. It's a good thing though, because it was so brutal, it doesn't deserve a place in my blog at this point, maybe next year. If it treats me better:-)

I was only 1/4 of the way up this last beast of a mountain and three other fantastic 32 milers started at the bottom. They passed me before I even hit the 1/2 way mark. Lovely. Not only am I the second to last person on the trail at this point, I just got laped by a man that looked to be in his 50's. With ski poles no less, to help get himself up that last disgusting mountain. It took all my strength and self talk to get one foot in front of the other up this climb. I even went up sideways to work some other muscles and let my quads have a break. I wouldn't look up to see how close I was to the top because it would just depress me. I kept my eyes down at my feet counting steps and then turning my body, count again, turn body, for probably a good 45 min to an hour.

Once I was to the top there were three nice men there at the last aid station. One asked me if I was doing alright since he noticed I was going a little slower than most. Ya think! I told him I was fine just taking my time, keeping my heart rate under control, making sure I didn't faint from the serious lack of oxygen at this point of 10,000 ft. He told me the rest of it was downhill, he promised! Turns out he was right. How nice of him not to lie, like the others!

The last 4 miles after that were all downhill, so downhill in fact that I couldn't run it. I tried to trot down but after some near misses in falling completely on my butt, I decided a bruised tailbone wasn't worth it. I did make some good time though coming down rather than going up. If there were no rocks sticking out I could run, but if there were rock, no thanks, I'd just high step it over them. The last 1/2 mile or so was level enough that I could actually RUN. It felt good to RUN, to stretch my already cramping and dead legs. Oh, by the way, I had no groin muscles at this point. I think they all but disintegrated.

I heard my family cheering before I could see them. Then I heard the cow bell telling me I was almost there. Shoot, I could have run 2 more miles, if it was level like that road. Oh well. My final time 6 hours 47 min and 31 seconds. Done! finished! My goal completed! I could rest in peace now, just kidding, I'm gonna do it again next year so I can better my time!!




My brother has said that if the Celestial Kingdom is anything like these mountains, it is going to be something really great to get to be there.

These pictures were taken with my cell phone, Joy, Mom & Kristina's camera's. Enjoy the scenery.

Anamarie, Kristina, Jennie

From R-L: Jennie is in short sleeve bright blue, I am three people down from her in the light blue shirt and black shorts, Kristina is two down from me in the white short sleeve, and black shorts with the hat and her arms folded. I love how all the REALLY serious ones are starting to run and we are still standing there waiting for them to go so we don't have to worry about them passing us later on.

That's me with my red and black hydration pack.

That's us going up the side of the first mountain.

Our first mountain.

The first clearing we came to.

Very small trail to run along.

This is the first time I could turn around and get a good picture of where we had just been to see the full effect.




Kristina

This is one of two streams we had to cross by actually getting our feet soaking wet. The other 6 or 7 streams we could get across without getting wet.

My sister in law, Jennie (James' wife). She was amazing, she just had a baby 8 months ago and did excellent.

The brush was only about knee high right here but at one time it was over our heads, literally. It was so cool, sorry no picture.

About 4 miles into the run at this point.

Looking left from the above picture.

The pink and blue ribbons are the path we had to follow.

Looking ahead (at Kristina).

Another stream we had to cross, the next picture is of the same stream looking down to the right.



Looking behind, lost Jennie here.

Kristina crossing yet another stream, she is always in front of me.

Still patches of snow on the ground.

So pretty.

Looking back.

Looking ahead.

Almost to the top . This is looking to the mountain to the right.

Looking back. Amazing!

Coming over the crest in the mountain that was supposed to be the lake and second aid station.

Nope, just a small draining pond. I must continue on in search of the lake, because once there I am halfway done.

Maybe this is the last rise I have to go over....

YES!!! For the love of all that is good and great. I made it halfway!! And to the second aid station where I had to sit and change my wet socks. My hands were swollen now and so cold from the wind and altitude, it took all I had to get my shoes undone and clean, dry socks on.

What I get to run down through after that first big mountain.

Waterfall. So beautiful.



Almost there! I did not start out wearing a long sleever shirt, but once we were at the very top I was keeping my hands in my arm pits because they were cold from being swollen, I wan't cold just my hands but this group of guys took off their outter layer shirt and coat for Kristina and I, So nice of them.


This is us after the race with me enjoying my "Huckelberry Soda" (all the finishers got a free burger and soda).

Kristina's shoes (left) were brand new, Mine of course used to be somewhat white and gray.

Me feet after I took my shoes and socks off. Like the dirt lines.

The Lake at the very end of the run.

25k finishing times!!

1. Ray Landon 2:27:40!
2. Trevor Ricks 2:42:26
3. Steve Romeo 2:46:36
4. Mike Sullivan 3:03:36
5. Cody Brough 3:09:20
6. Brian Daly 3:13:34
7. Katherine Dowson 3:13:56
8. John Barnhill 3:14:54
9. Steve Bohrer 3:32:50
10. Jennifer Kruger 3:37;33
11. Robert Jones 3:38:00
12. Markell Bateman 3:38:05
13. Casey Parry 3:38:20
14. Jo Gathercole 3:39:44
15. Tami Parry 3:40:02
16. David Shelton 3:45:10
17. Anna Lindstedt 3:46:04
18. Stephanie Thompson 3:50:19
19. John Goddard 4:02:36
20. Dimitrije Milovich 4:05:32
21. Jim Wilisey 4:07:03
22. Krissy Landon 4:11:58
23. Al Boyce 4:12:58
24. Michelle Weber 4:24:24
25. Kathleen Autenrieth 4:35:00
26. Tanae Nelson 4:40:01
27. Brian O'Donnell 4:39:00
28. Kristina Bringhurst 5:22:00
29. Doug Mangrum 5:38:00
30. Trish Mayers 5:51:38
31. Steve Sabat 6:16:48
32. Anamarie Fagg 6:47:31
33. Jenny Olenslager 7:23:21