Morgan Family Week in Review -- 25-31 December 2011

Sunday - 25 December 2011 - We all got up at 6am and I started working on the Prisnut and the boys were chomping at the bit to open presents. We started opening gifts at about 7am and then it was all over about 40 minutes later. Afterwards we got ready for 11am Church. We only made it about 50 minutes before the the baby was ready to go home. The boys spent the remainder of the day playing with their new DS's and I was able to watch a little football.

Monday - 26 December 2011 - Tara was spent from the Christmas Day so she and I basically slept the entire day except for watching the 1st Harry Potter movie. We did not get out of bed until 4 pm in the afternoon.

Tuesday - 27 December 2011 - On Tuesday morning we started watching the 2nd Harry Potter movie, but did not finish it. Then we spent the rest of the day starting to put away nativity decorations.

Wednesday - 28 December 2011 - Wednesday we worked on the garage in the morning and then for dinner Tara and I went to Freebirds.

Thursday - 29 December 2011 - Thursday, I took Phoenix and Zion to Jump Street at the the mall. Then we chilled out at the house the remainder of the day.

Friday - 30 December 2011 - Friday morning we work on getting the house back in order. I worked in the garage and Tara in the house. I had lunch with Jerel Walters at Texas Roadhouse for lunch. For dinner I picked up three family pizzas and we went to the Hinze's for dinner.

Saturday - 31 December 2011 - Got to sleep in until almost 9am. Then I got up and did a little work around the house and then jumped in the shower. Tara and I headed out at about 11:30 and we stopped by Josh and Chrissta's. They gave us two of the cutest little rocking chairs for the boys. After that we stopped by Michaels to check on our frames we were having done for the upstairs family room. We had my birthday lunch at Estancia Chucurria at the Arboretum. Then we took the new Sherlock Holmes movie at Gateway.

1Morgan Family Week in Revie w -- 18-24 December 2011

18 December 2011 - Sunday - Tara got up with the boys and I got to sleep in. We all had breakfast together and then we chilled out at the house and put the boys down for a nap at 10:30 (which they never really fell asleep). Then at 1:30 we loaded up the car and headed south on IH35 to San Antonio to take the boys to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. We arrived at 3:40 and stayed until almost 7pm. All three boys had a great time. We left the park and stopped by McDonald's and then headed back up IH35. We all had a great time and can't wait until we take a trip together back to Fiesta Texas.

19 December 2011 - Monday - Tara took the boys to see the new Chipmunks movies in Cedar Park with Chrissta's family. I went to see "The Sitter" in Round Rock. Spent the rest of the day preparing for Tara's surgery the next day.

20 December 2011 - Tuesday - Tara and I had to check in at the hospital at 1300 and then we were escorted to our pre-surgery room at 1330. We then sat for the next 4.5 hours until they took Tara for surgery at 1800. I went to get something to eat and then went to Frys to buy the boys new headphones (ran into a lawyer friend from DADS) and then I headed back to the hospital. Dr. Stovall came and spoke to me a little after 2000 and then I was told at 2100 that I could go up to Tara's room (438). Right after I made it to the room they brought in Tara about 2130. I stayed with her for about 30 minutes and then I headed home to relieve Josh who was at the house watching the boys.

21 December 2011 - Wednesday - Got up with Zion at about 0630. Sarita came at 0700 and then I headed to Cedar Park to Discount Tire for the Beast. Afterwards I went to Home Depot to say hello to some old friends. I found out that one of my coworkers, Gary Corbett, was suffering from back cancer and is in a rehab facility near 183 and Spicewood Springs. I then went to drop of the tires with the mechanic and then I headed to the hospital to see Tara. After I checked in on Tara I headed to south Austin and dropped off a Christmas gift with the Thorley family. Then I had an 1100 appointment at the VA Clinic on Montopolis to see the occupational therapist about the shoulder and back pain. Whinen my appointment was finished, I headed out to Del Valley to drop off the present for the Smith family. I ate lunch at the new chinese buffet next to Tinseltown. After I ate I went to see the new Mission Impossible, Ghost Protocol. Then I headed back to the hospital and stayed with Tara for about an hour and then I came home to see the boys before they went to bed.
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22 December 2011 - Thursday - Got up with Exodus 0550 and then Phoenix got up and 0615 with Zion pulling up the rear and about 0630. Once Sarita got here at 0700, I called Tara to check in on her. Afterwards I headed to the Williamson County Courthouse Annex on 3406 only to find out that I am no where near getting the Beast titled in my name. I have to track down the previous owner and get them to sign an application. After 20 minutes at the Courthouse, I headed down 620 to Walmart to pick up the remainder of the Site to Store order for Phoenix for Christmas. Then I had to make a trip to Target to get cases for Phoenix and Zion's Nintentdo DS's. Afterwards I came home, checked on the boys and then took a nap.
In the afternoon, I organized the jewelery amoire and then I wrapped Tara's presents for Christmas while watching several episodes of Terra Nova.

23 December 2011 - Friday - Got up with the boys and worked around the house during the morning. In the afternoon, left the house at 1:30pm to pick up Tara from the Hospital at 2:00 pm. Got Tara home and then chilled out the remainder of the day.

24 December 2011 - Saturday - Got up with the boys and then got everything together to make a Prisnut for my mom. Spent most of the day around the house. Tara rested most of the day. Once it got dark we took some presents over to to the Delis' home and then stopped by McD's and checked out Christmas lights along the way. Once the boys went to bed Tara and I got the last of the presents wrapped and under the tree.

Morgan Family Week in Review -- 11-17 December 2011

Sunday - 11 December 2011 - Tara and I were able to sleep in as Meka got up with the boys. We all got showered and dressed, had a hearty breakfast and then headed to Church. I was sort of sad as it was going to be my last Sunday with my Sunday School Class. We found out today that our new block for Church in 2012 would be from 8:30-11:30, and in 2013 we would meet from 10:30-1:30. After Church we all rested and then after dinner, we decided to have Family Home Evening and for our activity we delivered Christmas Presents. Then I came home to disappointment as the Cowboys surrendered a 12 point lead to the Giants to lose the game and their 1st place standing in the NFC East.

Monday - 12 December 2011 - Monday I worked from home in the morning as I was getting my computer system worked on virtually from Dell. Tara had a 9:15 appointment with Dr. Stovall which I listened to over the telephone. After it was all said and done, we decided to have a second surgery. Tara set it up for Tuesday the 20th of December. Worked on getting my Test Directer reinstalled all Monday afternoon and then called it a day about 4pm. I had my first coach's meeting at the YMCA for Zion's soccer team the Force at 6:30.

Tuesday - 13 December 2011 - I had my lab draw at the VA in Cedar Park and then grabbed a quick breakfast at IHOP and then headed into the office. Tara came and picked me up for lunch and we went to Mongolian at La Frontera. Afterwards we stopped by Best Buy to secure my Christmas present. Then she dropped me off and headed back to the house. I worked until 4 and then stopped by Hunt and Company to pick up two lots I had won on the 3rd. Afterwards I stopped by Half Price Books (looked for a Christmas Present for a coworker) and then I met Tara at Cinemark Tinseltown to see New Year's Eve (nice feel good movie). Tara then went to Walmart to pick up several presents which shipped Site to Store and I headed home. Got the boys in bed and then we ate some leftovers for dinner and wrapped a few more presents while watching some TV.

Wednesday - 14 December 2011 I went into the office on Wednesday for half the day. On Wednesday night Tara attended a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party with Natalie in the Brushy Creek Ward.

Thursday - 15 December 2011 I had to attend a Town Hall meeting in the basement of RR1 by our new CIO, Andi K. After the meeting I stopped and talked to her for a minute about the new people strategy. I told her that I would follow up with an email. After the town hall I had my bi-weekly 1x1 with my manager in Ireland. I then made my way to the office holiday party held at Renee Morris' home in the Paloma Lake subdivision. After our Christmas party, I stopped by my office at school to pick up papers and drop off a few gifts to Jill, Karen, Barbara, and Vanessa. From there I stopped by JCPenny, to U-Haul (to pick up covers for the twin bed I am moving to the garage), Timemasters, and Walmart to pick up bread.

Friday - 16 December 2011 - Friday morning Phoenix has his Christmas party at school which Tara, Zion, and I attended. Then when we came home, Tara and Ellis Demars stopped by for a short visit. Then Tara and I had lunch from Subway where I ran into Brandon and Jill Wagonner from Church. Worked the remainder of the day and then on Friday night after dinner we took a Christmas gift to Robert at JC Penny. We capped the night with a visit to The Yogurt Experience.

Saturday - 17 December 2011 - I got up with the boys at 530 am. Worked on a few Christmas Cards and continued cleaning the upstairs family room. Once Tara got up I had to go back to JC Penny to pick the curtain panel that I left in the cart from the night before. I then headed down to LCM for a 1030 appointment. I came home and lunch and then Tara and I headed down to Bass Concert Hall to see Beauty and the Beast. After the show we headed downtown to have dinner at Mai Thia which is owned by the previous owner of Thamnak Thai in Cedar Park. We headed back north to Round Rock, did some grocery shopping at HEB. Then I came home to watch the Dallas Cowboys finally win a game in December.

Morgan Family Week in Review -- 4-10 December 2011

Sunday – 4 Dec 11 - Conference weekend at Church, we did not
attend. Tara is still in a lot of pain and not feeling well. Josh came over in
the afternoon and we gave Tara a blessing.

Monday – 5 Dec 11 – Worked from home all day. Phoenix had
sealants applied at Dr. Freeze’s office. Melanie said that Phoenix did not want
to participate afterwards. We should have just let him say home after his
appointment. For family home evening Tara and I decided to have a discussion
about inappropriate touching.

Tuesday – 6 Dec 11 – Worked in the office all day. Then
later that evening picked up several clocks from Bill Thompson (www.downsizingestates.com).

Wednesday - 7 Dec 11 – Worked in the office for a half day
then the rest of the day from home. Tara had an appointment with Allison.

Thursday – 8 Dec 11 – I went into the office in the morning
and then had two Social Media courses by Adobe Connect in the afternoon. Phoenix
and Zion had appointments with Dr. Kaiser in Round Rock in the morning. Thursday
night Tara had a Compassionate Service meeting at Katherine B’s house.

Friday – 9 Dec 11 – Worked from home. Tara spent the day
helping Kelly prepare for Tabbie’s birthday party. I met Nicole Watson for
lunch. Then I headed down to LCM for an hour of heaven. Afterwards I went to
WalMart to pick up the Electronics layaway for Christmas. On my way home
stopped by the Parmer CVS to pick up some prescriptions for Tara and the boys.
Came home and did a quick car change and then we all headed to the Lowe’s to
celebrate Tabitha’s 2nd Birthday.

Saturday – 10 Dec 11 – Up at 5:30 with Exodus. In my attempt
to win father of the year award let the boys eat M&Ms for breakfast
(actually I promised that they could have them for breakfast at the party we
were at last night.) On Saturday evening Tara and I attended a benefit at River
Place Country Club to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) http://www.texascasa.org/

Morgan Family Week in Review -- 27 November - 3 December 2011

Sunday – 27 November 2011 – Up at 8 or so and then we lazed around the house. Vicki made waffles and Chuck and I settled in to a day of Football. We took a break to head to Rouse’s to pick up stuff for lunch/dinner. Vicki made Chili Mac which was yummy. Watched the noon game, the three o'clock game and then Vicki’s mom and dad came by with a cake and flowers to celebrate Vicki’s Birthday. Then we had some more chili mac for dinner and watched the seven o'clock game. Headed to bed about 11pm

On this end Tara and Meka took the boys to church and this Sunday they released Bishop Romero and call Brother Albright and Brad Nelson to the Bishopric.

Monday – 28 November 2011 – Up at 6:30 packed bags and then Vicki and I went to meet her housing contractor, then headed in to the Hard Rock, Meet all of her staff and then hit the tables and one arm bandits…..was robbed along the way.

Then we met for lunch and afterwards, I explored the hotel and printed my boarding pass. Vicki took me to the airport at about 145 and I made my way home to Austin. Great time on all flights until we got to Austin and the plane had to wait to pull up to gangway for about 20 minutes. Picked up the car from The Parking Spot and got home little after 8pm to see the boys before they went to bed.

Tuesday – 29 November 2011 – This was my last day off from work. In the morning I went into Compass Bank to set up our Mad Money accounts for 2012. Then I picked up a few items at Sams, and then went to the Discount Theater in Round Rock in the afternoon to see The Thing.

Wednesday – 30 November 2011 – Work in the office, Lunch with Jamie E. at Chipotle, Michaels, Dollar Tree, Home, Walk to Racine Trail Park-stopped by to say hello to Sister Albright and Bishop Albright, Set up the Christmas Ducks and small Christmas trees – Phoenix three good days in a row

Thursday – 1 December 2011 – Work early, Walked Phoenix to the school, Run at noon with KB, Phoenix 4 good days in a row, Tara took Phoenix for an eye exam and to order new glasses. A year later this optometrist says that he should NOT be wearing bifocals and that his eyesight has gotten worse. (Nearsighted) and that he does NOT need VISION therapy. Meeting with Edna and other faculty concerning strategic initiatives. Home, Football, Philly lost….yeah.

Friday – 2 December 2011 – Had to work early and then take Tara to the Cedar Park Surgery Center in order to get a targeted epidural. Then we went home so Tara could rest for the remainder of the day. I picked up Phoenix from school in which he had a good day which made for five good days in a row.

Saturday – 3 December 2011- Not much to report for today. I had to stay close to work as we had a deployment. Took a short break and headed over to the stamp auction at Hunt and Company and put in a bid on a few items. Then came home to watch a few football games. That evening Tara and I went to dinner at Rosa's in Cedar Park and then hit a few stores for Christmas.

Morgan Family Week in Review -- 19 - 25 November 2011

Sunday – 20 November 2011 – Tara still not feeling good so she stayed home and I let her sleep and only went to church to teach my Sunday school class and then I came home and she went back to bed. 5:30 we had family and friends over to celebrate Exodus 2^ND Birthday (Delis, Hinze, Lowe and Steed)

Monday – 21 November 2011- Tara had follow up the Dr. Stovall. She is still in a lot of pain. He wants to do another MRI and then if it is negative her wants to send her for a Targeted Epidural. At lunch time we had a party at Gattiland for Zion which was attended by, Penman, Barbee, Steed, and Waldorf. I picked up Josh and had him tag along.

Tuesday – 22 November 2011 – Worked from home Not much to report

Wednesday – 23 November 2011 – Had the day off and spent most of it with Tara doing some running around. We ran into Deb Pope at Walmart and then we hit the bank, stopped by my mom’s house and then went to Sprouts to get our dinner for Thanksgiving.

Thursday – 24 November 2011 – Up early and put on my cleats and headed to Cedar Valley, but no one was there so I came home and started trimming trees for the winder. Then I took a break to go to Walmart to pick up a some lawn and leaf bags and then came home and Phoenix and Zion help me load up the branches. Afterwards to started setting up all of the blow up characters in the front yard. In between we had our Turkey dinner that we only paid 29.99 from Sprouts and I watch the Cowboys eek one out. We had baked potatoes for dinner and then I sat down to watch the UT game until about 9:30. Then I headed to WalMart to partake in the madness that is Black Friday. I ran into Beth Delis who was with her sister and her mom. Beth’s sister got on her hands and knees and got all of the size 8 pajamas we wanted to get and then after I was able to pay a young man 5 dollars to find me a cart (they were in short supply). Once I had my basket loaded then I finally got in line to get my mother a TV. At midnight they released the TVs and I was able to get one and then I stopped by WhatABurger on my way home.

Friday – 25 November 2011 – Day started at 6am when Tara went to JoAnn’s to purchase Suggle fabric for only 1.99 a yard. Then once Tara came back home, Zion and I headed to my moms to deliver the TV we purchased at WalMart early that day. Zion and I picked up my moms cable box and return it to Time Warner and picked up a new HD Box and then came back to her apartment to set it up. During the same time, Tara took Phoenix to JCPenny for his 6 ½ year pictures. Afterwards, we all went home to take a much needed nap. Lazed around the remainder of the day and then had Turkey day leftovers for dinner.

Saturday – 26 November 2011 – Up at 4:30am and headed to airport at 5. Was raining so I had to drive slow, but made it to the Parking Spot about 5:40. Then caught shuttle to ABIA. Once I printed my boarding pass, it took me about 20 minutes to get through security. First flight to Dallas was right on time and then in Dallas only had about 40 minutes to get on my next flight. Arrive at Biloxi Airport and Vicki and her husband, Charles (Chuck), picked me up. We then headed to Chucks work to pick up a car he needed to drop off. After a short stop at their house we then went to see the house they were remodling and then stopped by her mom’s house to say hello. Was able to get a short nap in and then at 5:30 we headed into Gulfport to the Hard Rock. We met up with Vicki’s sister, XXXXX and her daughter and friend and had dinner at the Buffet (Crablegs, Shrimp, Mussels……Yummy). At about 7:30 we went upstairs for my surprise from Vicki. She got us VIP Meet and Greet passes and I got to meet Chris Cagle before the concert and take a picture with him. Then at 8 the concert started and it was everything that I thought it would be…..FANTASTIC. Afterwards we headed home and finally got in bed about midnight.

Morgan Family Week in Review -- 13 - 19 November 2011

Sunday – 13 November 2011 – Met the Galloway crew at Twin Lakes for an 8 mile run, then we went to Chuch where I taught Sunday School and then came home and watch football and have dinner.

Monday – 14 November 2011 – Family Home Evening we showed by the boys how to use the Emergency flashlights and radio.

Tuesday – 15 November 2011 - Nothing much to report today but work and school.

Wednesday – 16 November 2011- Wednesday was Zion's birthday and Tara (along Kelly and Tabbie) with took him to lunch at McDonald's with the gift card that Grandma Margaret gave him.

Thursday – 17 November 2011- Thursday was Exodus' birthday, but with appointments and work (Dell and School) we decided to celebrate his birthday on Sunday with family and friends.

Friday – 18 November 2011 – Had the day off from Dell. Participated as a panel member in the Round Rock ISD Academy Presentations. This is held at the Round Rock Campus of Texas State so that RRISD 9^th graders get an opportunity to talk to people who work in the fields of the academies in which they might want to participate. Lasted all of the morning until about 2 pm and then I stopped by the Cinemark in Round Rock to see Breaking Dawn Part I.

Saturday – 19 November 2011- In the morning we got up and dressed the boys for their annual picture with Santa. The first one did not turn out well because as Santa made his way to his chair he tripped over the chain and scared Exodus who wanted nothing to do with him when it was our turn to take the picture so we got in line again and tried to take a 2^nd picture which turned out worse that the 1^st. On a positive note we got in line the 2^nd time with an old co-worker, Angie Fitzgerald, and her family and also the Turners from the Brushy Creek Ward. T Then we had lunch at the Mall Food Court and then in the afternoon, I took Phoenix and Zion to a Texas State Foot ball Game.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 6 - 12 November 2011

Sunday - 06 Nov 11 - On Sunday morning we took the boys to the Olsen Meadows park and then afterwards I had to pick up a steroid prescription for Tara from CVS. Finally watched the Cowboys get a win and then I hooked up some ribeyes on the grill for dinner.

Monday - 07 Nov 11 - For FHE we opened up the package of hand crank flashlights and the hand crank radio and showed the boys how to use them in case of an emergency.

Tuesday -08 Nov 11 – I headed in early to work as I had a GCCS all-hands meeting in Houston. Then I worked until lunch time and then headed home to put the baby down for his afternoon nap. I worked from home the remainder of the day and then was able to hang out at the house at that night.

Wednesday – 09 Nov 11 – I went in to work for the morning. On Wednesday morning, Tara and Kelly took Zion and Exodus up to the chruch for a playdate. I headed home at lunch to get the baby into the crib and grabbed some lunch and then took Phoenix to his appointment with Alison. On Wednesday night Tara and I attended the Texas State Round Rock Campus Veterans Day Celebration and then afterwards we had dinner at Mimi's at University Oaks (This is the 2nd time that we have had dinner there in the past 60 days and it was horrible again). 

Thursday – 10 Nov 11 – Tara was released to drive today. She said that her pain intensity is getting better, but that she is still in quite a bit of pain. We both went in to talk to Alison at Tara’s noon appointment. That afternoon I tried to tie off several defects which I had been working so that I could enjoy my day off on Friday. Afterschool Phoenix had a playdate with Cade Weibel. Then that evening I had to teach MGT 4390J.

Friday – 11 Nov 11 – I started my day off with a  visit to Great Oaks Elementary for their Veterans Day Celebration. Then Rebecca Sage and I went to Denny’s for a free breakfast. After breakfast I came home for a short spell to see Tara handcraft Zion’s 4^th Birthday party invitations. I then headed out for some free Veteran’s Day chicken wings and a stop by Wal-Mart to pick some items for the house. Afterwards I came home to relax for a little while. After school Pheonix had a playdate with William Hammond. Then a 5pm Tara and I headed to Applebee’s for a free Veterans Day dinner.  After dinner Tara and I went to see the movie Tower Heist (I was actually pleased with Eddie Murphy’s performance.) After the movie we went back to Wal-Mart for a few items for Sunday dinner.

Saturday – 12 Nov 11 – Up at 5:45 am with Exodus and then the other boys got up in 15 minute increments. Once I had everyone dressed, and hair done, we headed to IHOP for breakfast. We then came some so that Tara could take Phoenix to the Brushy Creek Recreation Center for a Birthday party from one of his 1^st Grade classmates. After the party, Tara and I stopped by Timemasters to check on our grandfather clock and to pick up batteries for several of the clocks around the house. Then we proceeded downtown to the UT Campus for the matinee production of South Pacific.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 30 October - 5 November 2011

Sunday – 30 Oct 11 – Sunday morning I got up at about 5 and fed the boys. Then Meka came at 8am and I headed out to Dell Diamond. I knocked out a kick 5k to Support BLOV (Bobcats Leaving Out Violence). Then I came home and got ready for church. Only Meka, the boys and I went. Tara still was not feeling well. This Sunday was the Annual Primary Program. Phoenix and Zion did an outstanding job with their individual parts, and with the all of the singing parts. Sunday after church was a very relaxing day. All of the boys went down for naps. Sunday afternoon Beth Delis came by to visit with Tara and to drop off dinner. Then later the Owar’s brought us over a casserole, and then the Peeks brought over a pasta dish and a peach cobbler.

Monday – 31 Oct 11 – On Monday we were up about 5:30 and then started getting ready for school. I pickup the Penman’s and then dropped them all off at school. I am working from home every day this week because Tara cannot drive for two weeks. Monday night we had Family Home Evening at 5:30 in which the kids are really starting to get into. This was our second week in a row. After FHE I sat down at the computer to formalize the FHE schedule. I need to get upstairs to find the several books that we have for FHE ideas.

Tuesday – 1 Nov 11 – Got up at 5:45 and started getting Phoenix ready for school. Loaded up Phoenix and headed to pick up the Penman boys at 7:22. Came home and then settled in to a day of work. At lunch time I took Tara to an appointment with Allison and then we stopped in for a quick lunch at Hao Hao’s. At 2:26 I started walking up to the school to pick up the boys from school and then we all walked home. When we got to our house, I gave the Penman boys some wood projects to work on from Home Depot and gave Phoenix a new reading light. Tuesday night I headed up to Texas State to teach 4375. While I was gone, Barb Sage brought over dinner which we put in the frigde to have on Wednesday night.

Wednesday – 2 Nov 11 – Up at 5:30am to start the day. Since it was so early decided to bake some brownies and cakes as thank you gifts for all of the people who had brought over meals (Owour, Delis, Peek, Lugo), there are several other friends (Sage, Barber, and Bolliger), but I only had four mixes at the house right now. Then I worked from 8-5. That evening I loaded up all of the goodies in the car and delivered them to folks.

Thursday – 3 Nov 11 – Up at 6 am, the day starts for the Morgan boys. Had to work in the morning and then had a 10am appointment with the MDCP Social Worker and nurse for recertification for another year. We also had to stop by the school to see Phoenix and when we got there to sign in Chrissta had Phoenix in the office because he had been disruptive in the cafeteria. I worked the remainder of the day and then drove carpool again. Phoenix’s teacher was waiting for me at the carpool line to tell me that he had hit his wellness teacher. That afternoon he had one hour of restriction in his room for his negative behavior. At 5pm Sarita came over to drive Tara for a followup MRI because her back pain had returned and I went up to the Round Rock Campus to teach MGT 4390J. After school I came home and had some chicken with Tara and then at 10:05 I went to the movies to see Time Out.

Friday – 4 Nov 11 – Up again at 6 am, the dawn breaks again. I make eggs and toast for the boys and then take Phoenix to school. He forgets his school bag and so I send an email to his teacher saying that I will drop it off after I take Zion and Exodus over to Michele Steed’s for a play date with Sophie. I drop off the other two boys at about 8:45 and then I stop by the school to drop off the back pack. Then I take the mini van by Lamb’s Automotive to put air in all four tire and then come back to the house. By the way this is one of my days off. At 10 I go by Michael's to check on some frames which have not arrived yet and then stop by Target to exchange the GoGo Fur Walking Pup for a cheaper one at Walmart. At 11:30 I stop in at Chase Bank to open another account to make $125. This will be the start of our savings to go to Disney World in two years. Pick up the two younger boys at 12:30 and then I pick up the carpool bunch at 2:49. Phoenix receive a sticker in his folder today so he got to go over to Liam’s to have a play date. I then came home to get on the computer to update the blog for the past two weeks. Friday night I picked pizza from Papa John's and we had a nice quiet evening at home.

Saturday - 5 Nov 11 - On Saturday morning I headed out in the morning for Coats for Kids and then stopped by HEB Plus to pick up flowers for a few friends. When I came home I gave a bunch of flowers to Barb Sage, and then I delivered flowers and gluten free brownies to Tiffany Barber. I then rushed home and showered and headed out to Cedar Park to meet Kyle Grant and Mandy & Brian Photilack (and of course Master Owen). We all then carpooled to Driftwood to have lunch at Saltlick. We meet Amber O'Dell an her son Cole on the way and then met Liz Grossman and her husband Chris along with her new baby. After lunch we went to Wimberly to drop off Liz's baby and pick up her oldest boy Michael. At about 2:30 we headed to San Marcos to the football game. The Bobcats were playing Prarie View A&M University. It was a pretty good game, and we were down through the 3rd Quarter. Then we all headed home and Mandy, Brian, and Owen stopped by the house so that she could see Master Owen.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 23-29 October 2011

29Sunday – 23 Oct 11 – Sunday morning we were able to sleep in as Meka stayed the night and got up with the boys. I got up and made 2nd Breakfast and then we all went to church. Taught Lesson 39: Lengthen Your Stride for my Sunday School class. Came home to watch some football, Dallas is playing the Rams today. Finished off the day by heating up the leftover Rudy’s for dinner.

Monday- 24 Oct 11 – Monday was a day off for me and for Tara. Tara had a 10 am with Allison and then we headed downtown to have lunch at Fogo de Chao. After lunch we headed up north to Georgetown to see the new version of the Three Musketeers. When we came home, we gathered up all of the kids and we had Family Home Evening. We sang a song, had a prayer and then we worked on Thank You notes to Uncle Sid and Aunt Karen thanking them for the wonderful time we had this past summer. Then we closed with a song a prayer.

Tuesday -25 Oct 11 – I worked at the office and for lunch five of us headed to 5 Guys Burgers. I forgot my school bag so Tara and I did a handoff in the parking lot of Sprouts and then I headed up towards school. After I had my bag in hand, I headed to MFC to get a treatment on my leg which has been bothering me since the marathon. Then I stopped by the Outlet mall to check out the renovated Coach store and saw the most wonderful Men’s Black Laptop bag which was $298, which was on clearance at 50% off and plus another 30% off. Called Tara and told her that is what I wanted for my birthday present this year. Afterwards I headed up to school to teach my MGT 4375 class.

Wednesday – 26 Oct 11 – I got up and had a short work out with Jill (Pushups, situps, and a three mile walk). Then I headed into the office until lunch time and then headed to LCM for one more massage. Afterwards, I headed over to WalMart to put the electronics for Christmas on layaway for Phoenix and Zion. Then I went home to work for the remainder of the afternoon. Afterwork I took Phoenix to his soccer practice and then we came home. Kirsten Banks stopped by before dinner to borrow our double jogging stroller.

Thursday – 27 Oct 11 – Up at 4:30 and out the door at 5;15 so that we could be at the North Austin Medical Center at 5:30 to prep for Tara’s back surgery. We were checked in at 5:45 and in our own room. They came and wheeled Tara out for her surgery at 7:45 and told me to wait in the waiting area. I went to the cafeteria and had a quick breakfast and then had several calls for work while I was waiting. Dr. Stovall came out about 10:30 and said that the surgery was a success and that Tara’s spinal nerves were wrapped around more of her vertebre than what they had previously thought. He told me they would call me once they got her to a room. After that I left the hospital and went to JCPenny to pick up the towels we had ordered as our family Christmas gift. The hospital called while I was on my way back to say that she was in room 439 on the Ortho wing. I stay with Tara who was out of it until about 2:30 and then I went home to check on the boys and to take a shower and head to school to teach that night. That evening Kelly Lowe and Beth Delis went to visit Tara in the hospital and take her something to eat.

Friday – 28 Oct 11 – Once Sartita got here at 7 am I headed back to the hospital at 7am to be with Tara. The PA came to check on ther at 7:45 and then Dr. Stovall came to check on her at 8:30. Tara was released at 11am and then we headed home for the remainder of day. That evening Kathy Lugo and Katherine Bolliger brought over dinner.

Saturday – 29 Oct 11 – Saturday morning I got up with the boys and took them to Primary Practice at 9am, and dropped off Exodus with Madi and then went to Sam’s to get some sample of the Christmas Card for this year. Then I picked up all the boys and we came home to eat lunch and then relax for a little while. Phoenix and I left for a 2pm game and then we came home and fed the boys nuggets and then got ready for the Trunk or Treat. Tara stayed while Sarita and I took the boys.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 16

OMG!!!! I can't believe that this week is finally here. My body is healing up and my aches and pains seem to be subsiding. I was supposed to go to see Dr. Morris on Monday but did not make it due to a meeting at work. On Monday morning Jill and I ran 1 mile, walked 1 mile, and then ran the last mile. Was feeling good physically, but just not in the mood to be up this early in the morning. Then on Wednesday we ran the full three miles and believe it or not it was the fastest time for 3 miles during the 16 week training program. We were not trying to push ourselves, it just happended without thinking about it. On Thursday morning I was by myself when I walked the last training session of three miles. As I reflected, I thought was an accomplishement it was that I had completed all of the 16 week program except for missing one 8 miles run when Tara had her procedure at ARA and only jogging four of five miles on a day when I had to get back to the house to for a work call.

Friday – 21 Oct 11 – Friday morning I slept in as my first meeting was not until 8am. Tara had an appointment with Allison Webb. At lunchtime, I headed to the airport and picked up Christin Carbiener, who flew in from Phoenix. We stop by Mighty Fine at the Arbor Walk and then came home so that I could get in a few more hours of work. After work we headed up the Rouge Running to pick up my race packet and then to HEB to pick up dinner for the Gary and Marlene Peek. We came home, showered, and changed clothes and, Tara, Christin, and I headed down MOPAC for a 6:30pm reservation at Chez Zee. We met Jon and Suzette Seldon for dinner and have a wonderful time. After dessert we came home and I started to prepare for my race the next day.

Saturday – 22 Oct 11 – I arose at 5:50am and jumped in the shower and got all my things ready for the race. I headed over to Brushy Creek Lake Park at 6:15 and arrived at 6:30. I met Christopher Webber at the Splash Park. The race started a few minutes after 7am and Chris and I settled into a nice 15 minute pace. Chris ran the first 8.75 miles with me and kept me going pretty steady. At the first loop, Tara was waiting for me to switch out my IPhone with the Ipod Classic and so I was on my own for the next 8.75 miles. I was doing fine, but noticed that I was moving a little slower, but felt pretty good overall. None of the nagging injuries that I had been hampered with the past eight weeks were bothering me. I finished the first lap in 2:17, but the second took over 2:30. At the start of the 3rd lap, my friend Christin joined in the fun to finish the race with me. It was so going, but we talked the whole way while listening to music and crossed the finish line at 7:17.



I had finished my first marathon. Waiting for me at the finish line, were Tara, Phoenix, Zion, Exodus, Meka, the entire Hinze family, and Kyle Eli (my friend Jill would have been there but she could not find the turn in to the park and made it a little later). When I crossed the finish line, I broke out in tears of joy and pain. I had finished my first marathon and all of the people that I loved were there to see me. It was wonderful. Several of the other racers actually met me about .2 miles from the finish and jogged in with me while telling me I could finish. My only wish was that my father was still living so that they could have shared in the accomplishment. I received lots of accolades on my Facebook page. When I got home I was given another surprise. My wife had made the following for me:



It made me tear up again. Then I took a quick shower and Christin and headed into Austin to LCM to have a much deserved massages. On our way home we stopped by Rudy’s to pick up dinner for everyone. We didn’t get home until about 6:30pm which is about an hour later than the boys are used to eating so of course they were starving. We all got full on the best barbeque in Texas and then to wash it all down we all loaded in the minivan and headed to The Yogurt Experience for dessert. On our way home Suzette called Christin and wanted to meet us at the Crate and Barrel at the Arbouretum so we came home and loaded Christin up and headed down the toll to drop her off. I was so hungry and wire when I came home after a quick stop at HEB, I ate again and then I stayed up until 12:15am watching television.

Sunday 23 Oct 11 - One day after the maraton and my body was in some real pain. I noticed three over four blisters on my feet and all of my joints were hurting and I was stiff all over. The one thing that I did notice was that that my IT Band which had been hurting for almost six weeks was fine. I made it to church and then came home and camped out in front of the TV for the remainder of the day. During my chruch lesson the subject was about lengthening your stride by Spencer W. Kimball. It kept me thinking about two of the runners in front of me who were able to run/walk the entire marathon and they finsihed almost an hour in front of me and feeling much better than I did. They had mentioned after the marathon that they were utilizing the Galloway method and that I was more than welcome to come and train with them on Wednesdays and Sundays. They had also metioned that only on 1/10 of 1 percent of the US population had ever finsihed a marathon.

Monday 24 Oct 11 - Took the day off and spent time with Tara. We went to lunch at Fogo de Chao and then to see the new Three Musketeers movie in Georgetown. I was still sore but moving a little better. Several people on FB suggested that I walk for a little while on Sunday and I should have taken their advice.

Tuesday 25 Oct 11 - Had to go into work today, but felt much better. After work I headed to Dr. Morris's office for a treatment on my leg as I have noticed a lump on the back side of my thigh slightly above my knee.

Wednesday 26 Oct 11 - Had a massage to work on the lump on the back side of my thigh. If it has not gone away within a week or so, I will go in to see Dr. Diaz or the VA and possibly have an xray.

The bottom line is that I am ready to start working out again. I am signing up this week to run in the Georgetown Turkey Trot (5 miler), and the 2012 Resolution Run on the 1st of January. I plan on competing in the Austin Marathon on the 19th of February 2012 and I plan on using the Galloway training method with the goal of finishing in 6:30 or less.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 16-22 October 2011

Sunday – 16 Oct 11 – We all got up and I made a big 2nd Breakfast for the boys. Then we all headed to Church. I taught Lesson 38: Spencer W. Kimball—Model of Forgiveness to my Sunday School class and then came home and had a nice relaxing day. Watched Football (Dallas Disappointed) and then we had Chef Salads for dinner and some yummy pumpkin bars for dessert.

Monday – 17 Oct 11 – Got up and ran 3 miles with Jill in Georgetown and then we started our 1st day of the 100 Pushup Challenge. Tara had a 8:45 appointment with Dr. Stovall to talk about what we should do about her back pain. The appointment went well and we went home to decide if and when she would have surgery. Worked all day and then met my team at Homefield Grill after work because one of our old team members, Julie Diep, was in town for a few days.

Tuesday -18 Oct 11 – Tara had an appointment with Allison Webb at 11am. I worked at the office all day, and then had to go and teach my MGT 4375 Course, Organizational Behavior and Human Relations.

Wednesday – 19 Oct 11 – On Wednesday I received a call from Phoneix’s Vice Principal because he had acted up in class, threw a pencil, and was being noncompliant with the substitute in his class. I picked him up early that day so that I could take him to an appointment with Allison Web. Afterwards, he headed over to La Frontera to see Dr. Morris for one last treatment before my marathon.

Thursday – 20 Oct 11 – Tara took Phoenix to 1st Grade Reading night at 6:30. I taught my MGT 4390J, Organizational Change.

Friday – 21 Oct 11 – Friday morning I slept in as my first meeting was not until 8am. Tara had an appointment with Allison Webb. At lunchtime, I headed to the airport and picked up Christin Carbiener, who flew in from Phoenix. We stop by Mighty Fine at the Arbor Walk and then came home so that I could get in a few more hours of work. After work we headed up the Rouge Running to pick up my race packet and then to HEB to pick up dinner for the Gary and Marlene Peek. We came home, showered, and changed clothes and, Tara, Christin, and I headed down MOPAC for a 6:30pm reservation at Chez Zee. We met Jon and Suzette Seldon for dinner and have a wonderful time. After dessert we came home and I started to prepare for my race the next day.

Saturday – 22 Oct 11 – I arose at 5:50am and jumped in the shower and got all my things ready for the race. I headed over to Brushy Creek Lake Park at 6:15 and arrived at 6:30. I met Christopher Webber at the Splash Park. The race started a few minutes after 7am and Chris and I settled into a nice 15 minute pace. Chris ran the first 8.75 miles with me and kept me going pretty steady. At the first loop, Tara was waiting for me to switch out my IPhone with the Ipod Classic and so I was on my own for the next 8.75 miles. I was doing fine, but noticed that I was moving a little slower, but felt pretty good overall. None of the nagging injuries that I had been hampered with the past eight weeks were bothering me. I finished the first lap in 2:17, but the second took over 2:30. At the start of the 3rd lap, my friend Christin joined in the fun to finish the race with me. It was so going, but we talked the whole way while listening to music and crossed the finish line at 7:17.



I had finished my first marathon. Waiting for me at the finish line, were Tara, Phoenix, Zion, Exodus, Meka, the entire Hinze family, and Kyle Eli (my friend Jill would have been there but she could not find the turn in to the park and made it a little later). When I crossed the finish line, I broke out in tears of joy and pain. I had finished my first marathon and all of the people that I loved were there to see me. It was wonderful. My only wish was that my father was still living so that they could have shared in the accomplishment. I received lots of accolades on my Facebook page. When I got home I was given another surprise. My wife had made the following for me:


It made me tear up again. Then I took a quick shower and Christin and headed into Austin to LCM to have a much deserved massages. On our way home we stopped by Rudy’s to pick up dinner for everyone. We didn’t get home until about 6:30pm which is about an hour later than the boys are used to eating so of course they were starving. We all got full on the best barbeque in Texas and then to wash it all down we all loaded in the minivan and headed to The Yogurt Experience for dessert. On our way home Suzette called Christin and wanted to meet us at the Crate and Barrel at the Arbouretum so we came home and loaded Christin up and headed down the toll to drop her off. I was so hungry and wire when I came home after a quick stop at HEB, I ate again and then I stayed up until 12:15am watching television.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 15

Can't believe that I have been running for 15 weeks straight. My side still aches, but I actually looked forward to my long run this past week. I only had to get in 8 miles and then head to JCPenny with the family for our Christmas picture. This week I had Monday and Wedenesday treatments on my IT Band with Dr. Morris. The weather is finally getting cooler in the morning, but running in the afternoons is still not an option.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 9-15 October 2011

Sunday - 9 Oct 11 – Sunday morning we were able to sleep in as Meka had the boys. I got up about 8 and we all took showers and then I make breakfast for everyone. We all went to church and I taught lesson number 37 about Spencer W. Kimball to my Sunday School Class. After church we came home to relax and enjoy and afternoon of football. Tara had picked up earlier in the week a family-sized chicken pot pie from Costco that we had for dinner.

Monday – 10 Oct 11 – Monday morning I ran three miles in Georgetown with Jill. Phoenix was home today due to an in service day for the teachers. Tara and I had a 10:40 am appointment with Phoenix’s teacher, Melinda McBride. We ended up talking to her for almost an hour. It was good to know that his teacher really cares about him. Afterwards I had a preventative Chiropractic appointment with Dr. Morris. During my lunch hour I headed up to the Round Rock Discount Theater to purchase tickets for the 2:30 showing of The Smurfs in 3D. When I purchased the tickets I ran into Michele Thorley from the Austin Ward. I was able to get to talk to her and Andrew and found out that Andrew was the Bishop of the new Zilker Park ward.

Tuesday – 11 Oct 11 – Tuesday morning I headed into work and then after work I went to see Abduction in Cedar Park and then to my office at school.

Wednesday 12 Oct 11 – Wednesday morning started with a 5 mile run with Jill and then home to get ready for work. Worked in the office in the morning and then went and visited my mother during my lunch hour. Wednesday Phoenix had an appointment with Allison. On Wednesday afternoon, I had another appointment with Dr. Morris. Then came home and we all had dinner together. Tara had a Compassion Service Meeting at the church from 7-830 and it was lights out for both of us at 9:11 pm.

Thursday – 13 Oct 11 – Thursday morning started with a 5am wake up and trip to Shipley’s. I have made it a tradition when I substitute Seminary I always bring donuts. It was great lesson on Patriarchal Blessings (Genesis 49). Attendees in my class included: Natalie Flaten, Megan Matheson, Jeremy and Brianna Sitze, Jennifer Waldorf, Alex Beck, Cody Gibby, Baily High, Ashley Rawlins, Lindsay Woodfield, Ximena Briceno, and last but not least (and a few minutes late), my nephew, Benson Hinze. I really felt the spirit teaching the class this morning and I hope that I was able to hit home the objective of the lesson how our Patriarchal Blessings can serve as a Liahona in our lives. Afterwards I came and changed clothes and ran 3 miles with Kirsten Banks while Tara watched the kids so that the Zion and Exodus could have play date with Malcolm and Aubrey. Thursday night I was involved with a deployment at work which last from about 5:pm to almost 10pm.

Friday – 14 Oct 11 – Friday was an easy day at work and at home and since I worked until 10pm on Thursday night, I knocked off from work at about 1 pm. Friday night Tara and I went to Lakeline mall to go to the ATT store to see the IPhone 4GS and the grab some dinner at the Chinese Restaurant in the Food Court. After dinner, we made a short shop at Wal-Mart and then we went to visit the Banks for game night. We did not end of playing any games at the Banks but we had a great time visiting and talking with them for a couple of hours.

Saturday – 15 Oct 11 – Got up at 6 for my last long run of 8 miles at Brushy Creek Lake Park. Then I went home and took a quick shower and we all got dressed and headed to JCPenny to take our family picture for Christmas. After the pictures I took Phoenix to his soccer game and then I went to McDonald to pick up some lunch. After we got home I headed to LCM for a one hour massage. Actually came home and watched a little of the UT game. That evening Tara and I went to a different JCPenny and ordered our family Christmas gift (new towels for the house), and then went to dinner at Wing’s-n-More on Howard Lane and used the .50cent Restaurant.com Certificate. After dinner we went to Target to purchase Zion’s birthday gift for next month, and made one last stop by HEB before heading home.

Running Journal - Non Runner's Marathon Trainer - Week 14

This was a pretty good week. My IT Band was still nagging me, but the run were all pretty easy. My Saturday run start ok, but then about a mile and a half in I started to walk because my back was hurting, my hip was hurting and my foot hurt. I walked for about 3 or 4 mintues and then I started to run again and was able to run the last 8 miles.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 2-8 Oct 2011

Sunday was a days of watching Conference and Football and also cleaning and organizing the toys in the front room. Wanted to get to our 72-hour kids, but we ran out of time. We also decided that we needed to get Phoenix's behavioru under control. We checked his folder from school and in the first 28 days of school he came home with negative reports 1 out of every 3 days. Tara and I decided that each day that he recevies a negative report that he has to be 'restricted' to his room for one hour with one book on his bed. We all had a great spaghetti dinner and then finished with the toys in front room. We ended up throwing away a 3 or 4 bags of junk, designated several larger items to give to one of my hometeaching families, and put away alot in the toy box in the front room.

Monday morning I ran 5 miles with Jill and then worked from home the rest of the day. Tara had carpool this week and then had an appointment with Allison at 1pm. Phoenix came home with a negative report so he had one hour of restriction.

On Tuesday I went into the office and my manager announced that she was taking on a new role so her last day was on Friday. We had a short 1x1 to determine whether I would be taking the Product Data GFO role or would someone else. Pheonix has an hour of restriction today. On my way home I stopped by Walmart and then I had to stop at the carlot on 620 that is working on The Beast to see how much it was going to cost to get her running and inspected.

On Wednesday, I went into the office after my morning run of 8 miles by myself in the neighborhood in which I tweaked my IT Bang again. I stopped by Round Rock Donuts on my way in. For lunch I had a 1x1 with Sam Delis in the RR2 Cafeteria. Tara has her weekly Chriopractic appointment and then stopped in the Rehab hospital to visit Marlene Peek. Afterwards she had to make a trip back to see Dr. Hartman in Cedar Park. Phoenix had an hour of restriction today. After work I went to see Dr. Morris for a treatment and then I came home so that Tara could take Phoenix to soccer. When Tara and Phoenix came home, I went to hometeach the Banks Family.

On Thursday I worked from home and walked my required 5 miles with Kirsten Banks. Tara spent the day teaching Kelly how to make the dough for yeast and cinnamin rolls. Tara also made split pea soup for her Relief Society Enrichment at 7pm. Phoenix had got a sticker in his folder today. After work I met the SLAO members at Showplace Lanes and we held our meeting and then we all bowled for 2 hours. We had a great time since it had been almost a year since I last bowled.

On Friday I had a volunteer activity at the Down Home Ranch with my team from work. We moved and set up about 5000 poinsettas in preparation for selling at Christmas time. Tara took the boys to Barnes and Noble on Friday morning and then she had an afternoon appointment with Allison. After I was down out on the ranch, we all had lunch at the Southside Market in Elgin, and then I hit WalMart and CVS. Phoenix had two warnings today at school, but he ended up getting a sticker. This meant that he got to have his cousin Xander spend the night (he lost the privledge of attending two birthday parties on Saturday for the three negative reports). When I came home, I mowed the lawn and then spent about 2 1/2 hours cleaning the back yard.

Saturday morning I got up will all of the boys and Xander and then Tara got up at 7am and I went for a 9 miler at Brushy Creek Lake Park. Afterwards I showered, ate, and watched a few minutes of the UT/OU game and then headed to Austin for a massage.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 25 Sep - 1 Oct 2011

Sunday – 25 Sep 11 – Sunday
morning Tara got up with the boys and then I got up and the boys and I showered
and then I started working on breakfast while Tara took her shower. Meka came
over at 10 and we all went to Church together. I came home after Sunday School
and Tara and the boys came home 45 minutes later. Tara made pork steaks and
homemade rolls for dinner and took the time to deliver her friend Kelly a plate
of fresh hot rolls. After dinner we all sat down and finished the season of
America’s Got Talent (AGT)! It was so neat to see Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. win
it all…..a true rags to riches story.

Monday – 26 Sep 11 – Monday
morning started with a short 5 mile run, and then I came home to start work for
the day. Then at 9:30am Tara and I had dual appointments at Great Oaks Family
Practice to talk to the NP about several issues that have been nagging us. Then
I headed back home to get some work done. At lunch Herman Horn came by the
house to do a 2^nd Interview as one of his case study participants
for his dissertation. In the afternoon Tara made homemade chicken noodle soup
and I had to go see Dr. Morris for another treatment on my IT Band which was
acting up from the beginning of my run on Saturday. Came back home and had
dinner and watched some football while I waited to have a 9:30 call with China.

Tuesday – 27 Sep 11 – Tuesday
morning Tara had to have a diagnostic procedure done at ARA which took a total
of about five hours and then she needed to be on bed rest for the following 24
hours. We came home and between Meka and
me we were able to take care of the kids.

Wednesday – 28 Sep 11 – Exodus
did not like the fact that Tara was in bed and he cried out every 15 minutes
from about 1 to 3:30 am. Needless to say I did not make my 5:30 run. I worked
from home on Wednesday.

Thursday – 29 Sep 11 – I ran
at 4:30 in the morning with Kirsten. Things returned to normal and at 8:30 am
Tara and I went to Great Oaks to be Guest Readers in Phoenix’s 1^st
Grade class. Then I headed into the office for the rest of the day.

Friday – 30 Sep 11 – On Friday
I worked during the day from home. That evening Tara and I went up to ToysRus
and then picked up some dinner and came home.

Saturday – 1 Oct 11 – Got up
and headed out for the last of my long runs. It took over five hours, but I
finished my 18 miles without any problems. After my run I went home and had a
quick shower and then went to LCM for an hour of heaven. After my massage, I
grabbed a gyro at Phoencia and went to see Phoenix and his Mustangs at their
2pm soccer game. We came home and chilled in the afternoon and then that
evening Tara and I went to Cedar Park Regional Medical Center to visit Marlene
Peek. After Gary and I administered a blessing Tara and I went to diner Rosa’s Café.
Then we headed to HEB and did our weekly shopping.

Running Journal - Non Runner's Marathon Trainer - Week 13

This was not one of my best weeks. Jill and I ran our 5 miles on Monday in Georgetown. On Tuesday which was normally a day off, I had to take Tara in for a procedure and when we got there the doctor said that Tara would need to stay in bed for 24 hours after the procedure. I had not planned for that and the baby was up all night on Tuesday night going into the Thursday which meant that I did not make my run on Wednesday. Then on Thursdays I was due to run 8 miles and due to work commitment, time, and my side hurting I only finished four of the 8 miles today. Made sure that I relaxed and stretched and hydrated on Friday and got to bed early on Friday night. My run on Saturday was great. I started at 5:30 and was a little tight for the first three miles but then I hit my zone and was able to do all 18 miles with no problems. Luckily I had a massage set up for noon after my run as a reward.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 12

Monday and Wednesdays 5 mile runs were pretty routine. On Monday Dr. Morris said that I did not need any further treatments on my IT Band. On Wednesday Jill and I clocked our third mile under 14 minutes.

On Thursday I did not feel like running at all, but Kirsten pumped me up and we knocked out 8 miles.

On Saturday I started my run at 5:30 am from the Splash Park. From the beginning of the run I could feel the nagging pain in my hip through about mile 5 or 6. I ate a package of granola bars before the run and had another trail mix bar at mile 9. For some reason about mile 13 I got really really hungry and really thirsty. I have been very cautious by drinking water at every stop along the way, but for whatever reason I was very very thirsty today. I kept plowing through and I made it to 17.1 miles before I had to walk. By then all I could think about getting to the finish (18 miles) and getting something cold to drink and something to eat.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 18-24 September 2011

Sunday – 18 Sep 11 – On Sunday we all got up for Church and then came home for a relaxing afternoon of football. Kelly Lowe came over for dinner and stayed with us until about 8 pm. It was really fun having her visit with the family. Tara made Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner.
Monday – 19 Sep 11 – 5:30 am run with Jill in Georgetown, and then I worked from home. Tara had carpool this week in which she took Phoenix and the Penman boys to school all week. At lunch I went in for a chiropractic evaluation on my IT Band. Dr. Morris said that I was good to go, to keep up with the foam roller, and let her know if the pain comes back. At 5:30 Tara and I headed up to the Marriott at La Fonterra to attend the 2011 Round Rock Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards Banquet. Dr. Rehbein the Director of the Round Rock Higher Education Center purchased a table for the school. Attendees included Dr. Rehbein came with her daughvter Christina, Virginia Resta, and Dr. Heuring, Dr. Mara XXXX, and her husband, XXXX XXXXX, and another couple which I will fill in later. We had a good time hearing about different folks from the Round Rock community. At the end of the banquet , Dr. Rehbein introduced me to Dr. J. Chavez, the Round Rock ISD Superintendent. After a short exchange, he suggested that I work with the district as the stand of the new Business and Economics Academy for the district.
Tuesday - 20 Sep 11 – Was a pretty normal Tuesday. Work at the office, lunch at Fuddruckers with Jamie, and then off to teach MGT 4375 at Texas State. Tara had lunch with Jill Mast, Kelly Lowe, Beth Delis, and Allison Hepworth at Chili’s.
Wednesday – 21 Sep 11 - Was up at 4:45 am for a run in Georgetown with Jill. Then at 9 am I had to get a Hep B and a Flu shot. After work, I went to the Art Institute of Austin for a tour by one of my ex-students, Jaclyn Box, one of the Institute’s Assistant Admissions Directors. At six Tara left the house to meet Jill Seidenberger at Mimi’s for dinner before heading into Austin to see Saints Unified Voices directed by Gladys Knight. The concert was held at the Austin Stake Center and it was packed to the rafters. It was really neat seeing people that we knew. Mike Dowling and his wife sat in front of us and in the two empty seats next to us, Perry Seale sat next to us with a friend he brought from National Instruments. The concert was AMAZING. When Gladys Knight did her version of I am A Child of God, it brought Tara and I to tear. The concert let out at close to 11 pm and was almost midnight when Tara and I got home.
Thursday – 22 Sep 11 – After only four hours of sleep, I had to get up at 4:45 am for a call for work. Then later that morning I ran 8 miles with Kirsten Banks and Tara did us a solid and watch Malcolm and Aubrey while we ran. I had a 10:30 at the VA with the Pharm-D and my numbers all looked great. Hopefully by my next visits I can get off one of my meds. Thursday evening I went to a SLAO (Student Leadership and Activities Organization) and we announced officers for the academic year, bowling night, and committee assignments. After class I came home and Tara stay up with me and we watched the premiere of The Big Bang.
Friday – 23 Sep 11 – About nine in the morning, Tara got a call from Melanie McBride, Phoenix’s 1st Grade teacher and he had hit another student who had cut in line in front of him. She knew of the deal we had with him that if he got five (5) Smiley faces this week that he could have Kona Ice on Friday after school. That day, I had to finalize work on two SRSs on Friday morning, and then at lunch I sent up to Texas State to judge a photography exhibit. When I got there Dawn handed me a packet that was as thick as my dissertation. She told me if I did not have time that I could skip it because I told her that I had to meet Phoenix at school that afternoon so that he could get Kona Ice. In the afternoon, I went up to Great Oaks and had Kona Ice with Phoenix. The lines were very long, but Jackie Davis let us in line with her and her children and we were on our way home after about 30 minutes. At 5:15 pm we headed back up to school to view the Photography Exhibit sponsored by the Round Rock Arts Council. We saw some really great photographs and we met one of the photographers who is also the football photographer for the Round Rock Leader (the local newspaper). I told him my nephew was playing in the game that he was working and he told me that he would try and get some shots of him and then send them to me. After the Photography Show we went and picked up some dinner at Freebirds and took it with us to see Benson’s football game at the Palace. At half time we left the game and came home to get some shut eye.
Saturday – 24 Sep 11 – Started the day at 5:30am with an 18 mile run (for details see my Running Journal). Stopped by HEB and the Donut Shop and then came home at lunch, cleaned up and then left with Tara to downtown Austin. We attended the matinee showing of Rain at the Long Center and were both very impressed with the show and the center. Afterwards we went to have dinner together at Mongolian Grille and then did a little bit of shopping at Kohl’s and Sam’s before coming home to settle in the for evening. The Morgan house was pitch black by 9pm.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 11-17 September 2011

Sunday – 11 Sep 11 – Tara and I attended church at the Highpoint Fellowship. It is where our neighbors Barb and Russ attend out in Cedar Park. We had a wonderful time singing and listening to a sermon about the 9-11 attacks and how the gospel is our on true comfort and aid to strike out the fear in which terrorist try and plant in our hearts and minds. Later that day I settled in for the first full day of football. Later that evening the Banks (Tim, Kirsten, Malcolm, and Aubrey) came over for dessert and to watch the Dallas Cowboys game. It was so sad that the Cowboys lost, but I think that we found some lifelong friends in the Banks family. During the game, Tara headed down to ABIA to pick up my mom who had flown to Ohio to attend the wedding of a close family friend. Tara did not get home until about 11:45 and we did not get into bed until after midnight.
Monday – 12 Sep 11 – Up at 4:45 for a 5:30 Georgetown run with Jill, Monday was a cool morning. Afterwards I came home and work the better part of the day and then after work and after dinner, the family gathered up and went get Shaved Ice on Mays. On the way home from getting the shaved ice, Zion started screaming that he lost the penny that he had found. I tried to settle him down and told him that I would find it when we got home and that’s when he said that, “You can never find it, because I swallowed it.” When we got home Tara called Treehouse to be told that we needed to check his stool for a week until we found the penny or we would need to bring him in for an X-ray.
Tuesday – 13 Sep 11 – On Tuesday morning, I went into work at Dell (had lunch with Julie and Jamie at the Vietnamese Restaurant by HEB) and then after work I headed up to Texas State to teach my MGT 4375 class.
Wednesday – 14 Sep 11 – Another 5am run with Jill in Georgetown and then worked from home the remainder of the day. After work I had a treatment with Dr. Morris and also ran into Jamie Echols. After my treatment, I took Phoenix to his first soccer practice of the season and then he and I had a daddy date and we went out for some Mexican food at a nearby restaurant.
Thursday – 15 Sep 11 – Kirsten Banks and I meet at 4am at the Church and we ran 8 miles and finished by 6:15 so that she could get home to relieve Tim. I worked from home the rest of the day and then that night headed up to Texas State to teach MGT 4390J.
Friday – 16 Sep 11 – Friday morning, I worked from home all day. Then after work I took my angel out to dinner at one of favorites: Baris Pizza and Pasta in Pflugerville. Afterwards we stopped into Harbor Freight to pick up some really cheap stocking stuffers for Christmas. We also made reservations at 7:15 pm at Gumbo’s so that we could have some dinner. That sat us out on the patio where a singer was singing mostly country songs which was great. We had our dessert (Chocolate Bread Pudding), while we listened and sang along and it was a nice relaxing evening.
Saturday – 17 Sep 11 – On Saturday morning I got up at 4:30 for a 16-mile 5am run. After the run I came home and took a shower and then Tara, my mom, and I jumped in the Altima and headed to Corsicana to attend the funeral of my Godmother’s daughter Vera Parham. We left at about 10 until 11, and arrived at 10 after 1pm. We went straight to my Godmother Aline’s house so that we could change clothes. When we arrived the house had about 40 people there and was very crowded. After we changed clothes, we were about to leave, but then everyone there said that we had to wait to say a prayer. Once Charles, Vera’s son arrived, Bishop Davis said a prayer and then we all headed up the street to 6th Avenue Baptist Church. As we were waiting to go in to the church (it was almost 100 outside), we noticed more and more people coming to the church which could only hold about 150 people. By the time that we got to the front of the church, my mother was feeling light headed so we went around to the back to find Mable Scott (Scott Funeral Home) to let her know that we were going to stop by to see her husband Bob, but that we were leaving because it had become too hot and we could not get inside the church. We went by the funeral home to visit with Bob and Faith (his daughter) and then we headed back to Round Rock.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 11

Monday (missing Garmin Data) 5 Miles with Jill in Georgetown

Wednesday - 5 Miles with Jill in Georgetown

Thursday - 8 Miles with Kirsten

Saturday - 16 Miles at 5:30 am starting from the house and then headed out 8 miles and then doubled back. Felt really good all the way there and all the way home.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 28 August - 10 September 2011

Sunday - 28 August 2011 - We all attended all three hours of church. At the end of the three hour block, I was looking for Tara and the boys and she had already made her way to the car so after about 25 minutes of searching I found her and we made our way home to a delicious crock pot pot roast and potatoes. The boys did not really want anything to do with dinner. After we ate we pull out the water bath canner and hookup over 46 1/2 pints and 9 pints of fig jam. This was not the smartest thing in the world to have four burners going at once when the temperature is over 100 degrees outside. We had the AC set on 70 but by 8 pm the house was a nice balmy 80 degrees. Later that evening we settled into catching up on America's Got Talent episodes.

Monday - 29 August 2011 - I had a 5:30 run in Georgetown and Phoenix went to school at 7:20. Tara and the Penman's are taking turns dropping off and picking up the kids so she had this week off.

Tuesday - 30 August 2011 - Tuesday morning I had to go in to work early for an All Hands meeting by Liz Kreller my 2nd line manager. Tuesday evening my 4375 class met for the first time.

Wednesday - 31 August 2011 - I had a 5:30 morning run in Georgetown with Jill and then I came home to settle in for work. My hip was still bothering me, so I went to see Dr. Murphy to get an adjustment. He also referred me to a Sports Chiropractor, Dr. Tara Morris, whom he shares as office.

Thursday - 1 September 2011 - Kristen Banks and I met at the Church at 5:00 and ran for five miles and then she broke off and I completed the last two miles by myself. Tara took me to lunch at Moonies in Cedar Park and then we went to Walmart and purchased a new tank for Red. Afterwards I stopped in at Home Depot to have a carpet measure set up for the next day. On my way to school that evening I stopped in at REI and traded in my Garmin 410 for the new Garmin 610. Thursday night Tara attended Parent's information night at the school with Mrs. McBride.

Friday - 2 September 2011 - Friday morning I had my first appointment with Dr. Tara Morris at her Lamar office. Then I met my AKPsi posse for lunch at Pluckers, and then checked my email and my boss told us to take the rest of the day, so I went to see the Debt. That afternoon Home Depot came and did the measure for the carpet. For dinner Tara and I went to see My Idiot Brother at the Alamo Draft House.

Saturday - 3 September 2011 - On Saturday I got up for the first of three 16 milers. I was in a little pain and ended up doing alot of walking after about 10.5 miles, but I finished. I was so tired that I slept for almost three hours in the afternoon. For dinner, Tara and I ate at Taco Bell, and then went to the Regal 16 to see Crazy, Stupid Love.

Sunday - 4 September 2011 - We all attended the three hour block at Church and then came home to relax for a while and then we headed out to Lakeway (the long way: 620-45-MOPAC-Bee Caves-71-620) to celebrate Justin Yule's 40th Birthday. When we got out to their house I called my mom for about 20 minutes to tell her happy birthday.It was a wonderful party which was catered by Pappa's catering (they had the big SHRIMPS), a great guitarist/musician, and a full bar. We tried going home east on 620 but the police turned us around at Mansfield Dam due to the wild fires in Steiner Ranch. On the way home we listened to KLBJ and found out that the Bastrop wildfires were out of control, and there were several other fires in the area.

Monday - 5 September 2011 - On Monday morning I slept and met Jill in Georgetown to run 5 miles at 7 am. On my way home from the run I called Lara Gradt to find out if they had been affected by the wildfires and she told me that her and her family were staying in a hotel in Lakeway waiting to get back into their home. I also reached out to Stephanie Pike who lives in Steiner. She said that they were staying in a friends empty apartment. After I came home and cleaned up we loaded up the van with Ms. Meka and headed out to Cedar Park to The Big Bounce followed by lunch at McD in which all of the kids had a double cheeseburger (no nuggets). For dinner that evening we headed over to Round Rock to have dinner with the Tucks. In attendance were Jill's parent's and her sister-in-law and her three boys. After dinner we had Family Home Evening which consisted of Jill's preparing a wonderful lesson about Labor Day. We all had dessert after (I made the yummy five flavor cake.) and then headed home to prepare for another week.

Tuesday - 6 September 2011 - I went into work at Dell on Tuesday and was able to spend the day with my counterpart, Juile Diep. Julie, Jamie, and I all went for Thai next to the HEB on 1325. My friends were able to get into their homes who were affected by the wildfires.

Wednesday - 7 September 2011 - Wednesday at 5:30 am I ran 5 miles in Georgetown and then came home to several meetings. I had my chiropractic appointment at 11:15 and then that afternoon at 4pm Tara had her appointment with Dr. Tipton at the Back and Spine Center. $50 later we left with no idea where her hip/back pain is coming from. You would think that after four appointments he would have already asked for up to date xrays and MRIs. We met Scott, Kasey Ann, Reed, and Ryder Rasmussen for dinner at Mesa Rosa to celebrate Scott's birthday which was on Sunday, but we were all at Justin's.

Thursday - 8 September 2011 - I woke up at 445 am to shower and shave and prepare to teach 9th Grade Seminary. I lelft the house early so that I could go by Shipley's and get the class donuts. My class was about the blessing of family history and mostly came from Moses Chapter 6.  I took the book that Aunt Karen put together for families at the reunion this summer to show examples (Thanks again Aunt Karen).  Then later on Thursday I ran 8 miles with Kirsten Banks and then settled in for a laid back day at work. In the afternoon I received a call from Mama Nell (Zanell Cain) to find out the Vera Parham (my Godmother's daughter) passed away earlier that morning and that her mother-in-law, Rosie Lee Sims James, 101, a resident of Corsicana, Texas, entered Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Sept. 4, 2011.

Friday - 9 September 2011 - Friday morning I had to take my mom to the Airport so that she could fly to Ohio to attend a wedding. On my way back to town, I had a appointment with Dr. Tara Morris to work on my IT Band which I injured about two weeks ago. After my appointment with her, I swung by Scott's for his quarterly house clearing. This quarter was a car full of toys. For lunch lunch I saw Contagion at Regal 16. Then i came home to take about 2 hours of Ethics training online. For dinner Tara and I went to Hudson's on the Bend. It was quite the experience in fine dining.

Saturday - 10 September 2011 - Saturday started at 6am with a 16 mile run at Brushy Creek Trail. After I made my way home, we gathered up the boys and went back to the Brushy Creek Splash Park. After lunch we all watch America's Got Talent and then Tara took a nap while I picked up around the house and worked on updating the blogs.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 10

This week started with a mile increase during the week from 4 to 5 for my short runs and from 7 to 8 for my medium.

On Monday and Wednesday I ran with Jill in G-town. It was so nice. On both Monday and Wednesday mornings the temperatrue dipped down into the the 60's which is almost 20 degrees cooler than it has been.

For my medium run on Thursday, I took an early lunch and ran at 9 in the morning with Kirsten Banks. We started at the chruch and then went out almost four miles and then doubled back and split off when she took her kids to Pepper Rock Park and I headed back to the Church.

Saturday morning started good with a great night of sleep. Since the temperature dropped this past week, I decided not to start my run until 6 am. I also remembered to take a protein bar and the extra Ipod this morning. I started about 6:10 and ran into a few familiar faces on the trail (Dianna (Phoenix's old soccer coach), Michael Duke, Jenny Taylor Schleuter, Jay Van Sickle, and Leilani Parente Rogers). Today was the first day that I did feel any pain in my hip. I have three more treatments left with Dr. Tara Morris and I would recommend anyone to her if they have the same injury. Jammed all 16 miles to some great tunes, especially 3 Doors Down and Bruno Mars.

Running Journal - Non-Runners Marathon Trainer - Week 9

Week 9 started with week 2 running in Georgetown at San Gabriel Park with Jill Seidenberger. On Monday while we were finishing our 4 mile run, I was pushing myself up the hills like I normally do, but today, I tweaked something in my hip and I had to walk the last quarter of a mile. Tuesday was a non running day, and then

Wednesday I met up with Jill again to do another 4 miles. Took it real easy today and was able to finish the run. On Wednesday afternoon, I made a visit to Dr. Murphy our family Chiropractor. He gave me an adjustment, and referred me to Tara Morris a Sports Chiropracter.

On Thursay I met up with Kirsten Banks at the Stake Center and we ran starting at 5:10 until 6:30 and were able to get in 5 miles and then doubled back to the RRSC and then broke off from her and compelted another 2 miles.

I had an appointment with her on Friday and she determined that I had injured my IT Band and determined a course of treatment. The good thing was that I did not have to stop my training.

On Saturday I rose at 4:30 to get ready for the first of three (3) 16 miles long runs. I started at 5:15 and the first 8 miles was fine and then when I hit mile 10, I started to think that I could walk for a little while and then pick back up running, but that never happened. Once I started walking, I never really picked up running again except for a few short spurts. I finished the entire 16 miles in 4.5 hours.

Morgan Family Week in Review - 21-27 August 2011

Sunday morning we woke up to Zion and Exodus having snotty noses so we pulled split shift at church with Tara and Phoenix going to Sacrament and then coming home and then I went to teach my Sunday School Class. We loaded up the van and headed to the Salt Lick in Round Rock to meet, Mandy, Brian, & Owen, Kyle & John, and their friend, Bob Hamill. I ordered the family style plate and Tara order the prime rib. When Tara's plate arrived it was the biggest prime rib I had ever seen in my life.

Monday morning, I ran (4 miles) for the first time with Jill Seidenberger at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown and Monday was the Phoenix's last day of summer before the start of school. Tara took Phoenix to see Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D at the Dollar Theater in Round Rock. On Monday, I also finished putting together the drawers for bunk beds and noticed that one of the drawers were damaged so I called the company (Hayneedle) about my concerns over the damage to the headboards and the drawers. To my surprise when I called the company, they said that they would replace everything without me having to send the damaged pieces back (They actually said to either donate them or throw them away.)

On Tuesday morning, I took Phoenix to his first day of 1st Grade. On Tuesday night we met the Banks at Double Dave's which was nice until Zion caught his head on the edge of a video game and his head swelled up the size of a goose egg.

Wednesday was a laid back day. I came into the office in the afternoon for a team meeting following a round of lay offs at Dell. This was a very surreal experience as I have not had to deal with people being layed off before.

Thursday night I was back in the saddle having to start my 11th year of teaching at the Round Rock Higher Education Center.

Friday I met Jamie and Renee for lunch and we went to the UT Club. Friday afternoon, I went to see Columbiana at the Cinemark Round Rock. Friday evening we had pizza for dinner and then got caught up on America's Got Talent.

Saturday morning I went for a 14 mile run at Brushy Creek Park and then went shopping at HEB, Sam's, and Costco. Saturday afternoon, Tara met my mom at Tinsletown North to see "The Help".