Puppy Play Date @ White Rock Puppy Park!

This past Friday, Sally, a good friend from work, and her husband Paul joined Ray and I and the pups at White Rock Dog Park. I think Sally's text after our excursion definitely says it all. "Raging success! No one was fined by animal control and our children will sleep like rocks!!! Thanks so much and can't wait to plan our next outing!"

We definitely had a blast! Their two pups, Derby and Beau (please excuse the potential misspelling of names)... were too cute. Derby the dachshund definitely had a mighty dog's personality and had some of the larger dogs running in circles.... a definite alpha dog. Toby absolutely loved him! It is crazy how much this little guy looks like Orion. Beau was an absolute sweet heart. He was such a loving puppy.

Again... as Sally said it was a definite success but I think the summer heat got to all of us and after about an hour and a half it was time to call it quits. What a fun evening with friends and a great first outing for the kiddos:) But we couldn't leave without a few fun family photos! Enjoy!

The Zellner Fam!

The Gathings Group!

To such a fun couple... we had such an amazing time as did the pups! We are definitely looking forward to our next outing:)

Back to School & Corporate Challenges!

As I have previously mentioned (a few times at least... may be an understatement) I will be going back to school this August to obtain my Alternative Certification. I am merely a few content tests away from receiving my full acceptance letter from the program I am looking to use. But again, this girl will be extremely busy from August 14 to October 16. The only available session is located in Grand Prairie... which means I'll be making a pretty far trek one to two days a week for 10 weeks. Check out this crazy schedule:

Saturday, August 14: 9AM-4PM
Saturday, August 21: 9AM-4PM
Wednesday, August 25: 6PM-9PM
Saturday, August 28: 9AM-4PM
Wednesday, September 8: 6PM-9PM
Monday, September 13: 6PM-9PM
Saturday, September 18: 9AM-4PM
Wednesday, September 22: 6PM-9PM
Saturday, October 16: 9AM-4PM

It's about that time again... time for the Richardson Corporate Challenge!


Ray will be joining PFS Web and will be participating in a variety of challenges including a 5K, Dodgeball, Dominoes, Kickball, the coach for Punt Pass and Kick, and potentially volleyball that will begin this September through October.

As provided by the website found here...

"The Richardson Corporate Challenge is an Olympic style competition involving as many as 22 athletic and non-athletic events held in late August through early October. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony and after plenty of competition ends with a closing ceremony. Companies compete in events ranging from softball to volleyball and billiards to golf. Activities are scheduled during the week after normal business hours and on weekends. Employees, spouses, and Retirees are eligible to participate. The benefits are endless! Put the Corporate Challenge in your company’s budget and see for yourself what you get in return. For starters, Camaraderie, boosted morale, teamwork, pride and reduced stress plus tons of company fun!

Congratulations to all of the companies who participated in 2009 and raised $118,000 for Special Olympics Texas."

What an amazing amount of upcoming activities. I hope you all have such a wonderful Friday and upcoming weekend!

Africa, Perfect Storm, Coupons, & Homework?!?!

Happy Thursday and a very happy MORE than half way through the week:) This week I have been busy, productive, and lazy all at the same time... You may question if that is possible... but I am definitely good at it. While some of you may have realized I have taken a few days off of posting... I know... could you ever believe it?!?! But as previously mentioned things have been a little hectic. So I would love to catch us back up to speed on all that is going on in the Zellner household.

Monday: Ray and I attended the Cavaliers Performance in Denton, TX. It was so wonderful to see his aunt and cousins! To read more about the performance, view here. We also received our 26.2/13.1 for Africa shirts. They are absolutely amazing and as soon as I have a camera I will be posting pics of them!
Tuesday: This was one of my most productive days to date. I purchased a wedding gift for my cousin's wedding this Sunday, paid for the Alternative Certification Program, chose my schedule (so do expect this lady to be a bit busy from August 14-October 16), cut coupons for Katy's coupon class on Wednesday, sent my application to school districts, requested transcripts, and studied in the form of Homework?!?! I never thought I would say that again after graduation over 3 years ago. Ha. After work, I journeyed to the grocery store for a few essentials as we were getting pretty low. All of a sudden a random torrential downpour flooded the parking lot as I realized I had just removed the umbrella from my purse. So standing soaking wet with bags in hand I then realize my window had fallen as rain rushed inside. It was definitely one of those days... but I guess I found the humor in it... until the next morning when my car smelled like mildew. Poor Pontiac. Just one more year... that's all I ask:)
Wednesday: Ray and I both participated in separate activities after work. While I was at Katy's coupon class, he met up at the church to play basketball with some guys from our ABF. The class was great and very beneficial. I definitely look forward to seeing what type of deals I can score at Kroger, CVS, and maybe Walgreens every now and again.
Thursday: Oh did I mention that the dyer hasn't worked for about a week. Sadly we've just been drying things about 3-4 times... but it wasn't until this rain has hit that we realized how bad our dryer situation is... so today thank goodness Ray is calling someone to come out and fix it. And yes for those of you who know about our previous situation with NOT emptying the lent trap... I did make sure that this was not the reason for a faulty dyer. I know people live without their washer/dryers... I sadly am not one of these people. I am very much looking forward to properly working utilities:) So in regards to tonight's plans... I will say I am thankful for a night of rest and relaxation. I do have the intention to study and prepare for my upcoming content tests. More will be posted on my program status. I can't wait.

Well I guess that catches us back up to speed on what we've been up to. I wish you all a wonderful almost TGIF! Look forward to many more posts and (hopefully) pics to come!

Mad World with Stephen & the Cavaliers!

This past Monday, Ray and I traveled to Denton, TX to meet up with Ray's family to cheer on his cousin, Stephen, and the Cavaliers.

What an amazing performance!!! Different Drum and Bugle Corps from around the United States gathered to compete and it was the Cavaliers who took home first place with their version of Mad World including tunes from Full Metal Jacket, Donnie Darko, and a rendition of Charlie Chapman's... smile.

I am amazed at the dedication and passion these members have. Each and every day they travel to a new location... many times in a different state to compete... and on August 14, 2010 they will prove their skills and everything they have worked for this summer at the finals in Indianapolis! Stephen, we are so proud and excited we were able to share in such an amazing competition!!! To learn more about the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps... view here.

Enjoy some pictures from the night...
borrowed from Aunt Sally:)






The Cavalier's Encore!

The cousins and in-laws:)

Sally, Stephen & Will Parsons!

ABF Ball Game... Ranger's Style!

This past Friday, many of our ABF couples met up at the Ranger's Stadium in Arlington to cheer on our team against the L.A. Angels. It turned out to be an amazing game... plus it's always great to take home a win! Sadly we were minutes away from seeing the only run made the entire game... but still it was a time of great fun, good friends, tasty treats, and ended with the best firework show I have EVER seen!

Here are some pictures that I kindly borrowed from Katy Link of our fun evening with friends at a Ranger's Game!

The Hutchinsons and Zoutendams!

The Davis' and Goodings'

Matt and Katy Link

The ladies!

The Gents! (Eric I love your positivity:)

We had such a fun time with such sweet friends. Here's to the next monthly ABF activity:)

Lately...Week's Review!

Happy Friday to all of my fellow bloggers. What an interesting week we've had. While at times it could not have gone by any slower and other times I was extremely productive... and all have gotten us to where we are today... Friday! YAY!

In this Week's Review... things have been pretty great.... again minus the broken camera. I realized that I would feel lost without it (since it had been broken last Friday... one full week!) but I didn't realize I would feel the separation issues that I have been. It seems like so many cute things have been happening with the hubs or pups or random things at work... but nope I can only catch it by word of mouth... which I do anyway but goodness a snap shot of the action would be so amazing right now. But luckily my wonderful sister-in-law Farrah is coming to my rescue. So I should have one shortly...

In other news... I/we have/will... (no particular order)
1. Signed up for Circle of Friends, an opportunity to serve individuals with cognitive disabilities through our church. Our first planning meeting will be held in mid August and the first group activity will begin in September.
2. Signed up for Joyland, an opportunity to serve the needs of children from birth through four on Sundays.
3. Started training modules online for the Certification Program. I am currently waiting to hear if they have received the sent transcripts and make my deposit to the program.
4. We will be going to the Ranger's Game this weekend with our ABF!
5. I went Running this morning. Yay for 6:30AMs?!?!
6. Took the Pups on a Walk last night around the neighborhood. I love to get out with them... but this heat is making them a bit out of shape. Plus poor Mattie is strutting her little gimp leg.
7. Joined Team World Vision.
8. Signed up for White Rock Marathon/Half Marathon on December 5, 2010.
9. Wednesday night, I had a fun Girl's Night with Daniela.
10. Saturday we are looking forward to a fun Pool Day. I am so looking to get these tan lines under control for my Cousin's Wedding next Sunday! I am also looking forward to seeing my family including my mom, dad, brother, aunt, uncles, cousins, and great aunt!!!
11. Had a great enchilada Dinner with our neighbor, Ralph, this past Tuesday night.
12. We will be meeting Ray's aunt and cousins for a concert in Denton next Monday.
13. Next Wednesday, I will enjoy a great Coupon Class session with Katy Link.
14. Ray will complete his July monthly half marathon within the next two weeks! Congrats love this will be your 7th half for the year. Way to go!
15. A great friend from work found out that they will be having a little girl. I can't wait to meet Harley!
16. This little cutie turned 7 months old this past Wednesday! Picture borrowed from his wonderful mom and my amazing friend:)


Happy week in reviews! Have such a wonderful weekend. More updates and posts to come... hopefully pictures as well:)

Team World Vision & White Rock Registered!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

The hubs and I are registered for The Dallas White Rock Marathon/Half Marathon on December 5, 2010. As previously mentioned we will be running with Team World Vision through the Heights Baptist Church to support our Water Project in our Partner village of Kyalulangira, Uganda.

To view my PERSONAL Team World Vision Page here.
or you can click on the picture link on the right hand side listed under Team World Vision Donations.

I am so very excited and anxious for our team to begin our group runs. While I am still in the process of getting back into the shape I was previously in... I am so very excited about the opportunity to participate for such a wonderful cause. Enjoy some pictures from The Dallas White Rock Marathon/Half Marathon on December 14, 2008.

Michael and Raymond complete their first marathon!
(26.2 miles and still looking great!)


Ray and I with our first race medals!

One of my favorite parts of the race was hearing the amazing fans shout my name. Something incredible happened and it gave me such a great boost of energy. I thought to myself... they know me and are cheering for me! Then you come to realize that your bib has your name on it... but still such an incredible experience:)

More posts will be coming shortly with all the amazing updates. Be sure to check out our pages within the next few days to assist us in our donation goal for Team World Vision.

5K AMs, Accomplished, & Great News!!!

This morning, the alarm sounded at 6:30AM. The sun had barely peeked over the trees and I was not looking forward to an early AM run. I kept catching myself saying I didn't get enough sleep... I'm too tired to attempt this and so on and so forth. But my husband in his muffled sleeping voice kept telling me how proud he was which did resonate in my head... Finally I forced myself out of bed. I am so happy I had. This morning was great. Even though it has been over a year since one of our races and I am honestly not in the shape I used to be... it is so motivating to see how many individuals from our honeymooners class will be running the White Rock Marathon and Half for Team World Vision.

This morning I only ran about a good two plus miles... I'm hoping that one of these days I can find a path by our apartment that is a little more accurate for a 5K. Regardless I am proud. This morning felt great... don't get me wrong. I was completely out of breath and my face looked like a ripened tomato but no stitches or pains which has always been the worst part for me. Plus I even got proposed to! Some random guy on a bicycle (older gentleman) told me he was proud and I was doing a great job. He said I looked beautiful and asked if I would marry him. Then he questioned me if I was dating anyone. I kindly told the man I was married but thanked him for the compliment and went on my marry way... looking so incredibly "beautiful" with sweat covering my face which happened to be that glowing red I previously mentioned. Ha! But all in all a great start to the morning.

So I will leave you with this... I would love to say that I will be so incredibly motivated and go running 3-4 mornings out of the week... but lets be real. I am just so excited about getting back into great shape and helping such an amazing cause. More posts will be coming shortly to keep you updated on our running status. Only 137 days left until the race.

For more information on the Dallas White Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, and relay races click here. Be sure to sign up for early registration. Cut off for early registration is September 30, 2010.

Morning's Accomplishments:

1. Morning Run: Practice for Dallas White Rock 1/2 Marathon: Race Day December 5, 2010
2. Get further information about the Alt Cert Program: Sent in official transcripts... Program is officially underway.
2. Emailed contact for Circle of Friends: Engage Opportunity through The Heights.
3. Required Apartment information for new apartments has been sent... move out date Sept 24, 2010. We're moving to McKinney!
4. Reviewed points card... every mile helps us get closer and closer to our trip next year.
5. Emailed contact for Joyland so we may serve within the church.

This week has already been such a great week (minus a broken camera... boo:( but a lot of small details have officially been taken care of to meet our current goals. I am so excited and look forward to many more posts and updates:)

Well you've heard him correctly... we have great news here!

1. Friday, Ryan lost his job. Monday he starts a better one!
2. This Holiday Ryan, Farrah, and this little cutie...

will be joining us for Christmas!

I am so amazed at how perfect God's timing is. God is the author of our stories. I am so thankful for the story he has written for us:)

Did You Know????

1. I broke my camera this past weekend:( boooo!
2. Ray and I will be moving to McKinney, TX at the end of September (to an apartment).
3. I am currently in the process of getting an alternative certification.
4. Ray and I are saving for a trip to France next year. We want to travel to Paris, the city of lights, and to many of the country's well known wine regions.
5. I am really looking forward to starting a family... I've definitely caught the fever:)
6. It's about that time for Ray to complete his next monthly half marathon.
7. I would already love to plan a trip to Tuscon!

Hit'n The Books!

Today is a very special day... it is the day that I have finished a very important application. Within 48 hours as specified, I should be moving forward in my journey... In no time flat I'll be back to hitting the books. I can't wait to start the certification process. More updates will be posted shortly. Wish me luck:)

All For You!!!!

This past Friday, we hosted the Brushwood Bye Bye Bash in honor of our good friends, Kaylan & James. We incorporated special events including our annual wine & cheese party, Family Thanksgiving dinner, and a night out at Family Karaoke. Enjoy some of our entertaining moments for the Brushwood's final days in Dallas. Let the celebration of new adventures begin!

Our honorary couple: The Brushwoods... still glowing from their wonderful honeymoon in Costa Rica!

The Table Decor:

Appetizers: Fruit & Cheese Platter, Deviled
Eggs, & Pecan Tassies. Obviously delicious. Yum!

The Ladies w/ Yummy Deviled Eggs...
our typical Deviled Egg Picture!

The Ladies!

The gents!

Family Style Thanksgiving in July

Our Thanksgiving meal included foods such as pork loin two ways (one with an onion jus and another made with teriyaki seasoning), rolls, salad, fruit salad, home made macaroni and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

The group @ our Wine & Cheese Thanksgiving Dinner!

Let the Party Begin ... faux birthday that is...

We had originally discovered Family Karaoke when searching for a party place for Ray and Kaylan's joint birthday party a few years ago... we've been enjoying birthdays and new years eves at our favorite karaoke house ever since!

Welcome to Family Karaoke!

The Ladies singing some tunes!

The Men at Family Karaoke

We sang to some classic tunes including... some of our Journey favorites and other amazing '80s and '90s hits, and even some Disney classics. Ha. But most importantly we ended our night with our truly most memorable song... our Family song... All for You by Sister Hazel.

Some Lady loving song... Dustin didn't seem enthused.

Breaking out the tambourines...

The ladies singing Africa by Toto

We are the World.

The Raylan & Jaylan crew! Ha

Rock'n out to middle school 90s tunes with the hubs.

Karaoke Funtivities!

What an amazing night! Our times together have been such an amazing celebration! To Kaylan and James, may you have such a wonderful journey in your new life adventures. We wish you both all the love and luck in the world... and remember one final thing...

..."Words can't say it, I can't do
Enough to prove, it's all for you."