Walker No More!

We first got her walker on July 13th, of last year. Sofia was then only 5 months. She started by pushing herself backwards little by little then all of the sudden, she started walking up and then out of nowhere started running with it and the rest is history. Well, since Sofia is now walking she doesn't need her walker anymore. So, today we are putting it in storage (hopefully her sibling will be able to use it, no i'm not pregnant yet, but I'm praying for another less grueling pregnancy) and so far her high chair and playpen remain.

The day Sofia got her Walker! ohhhh, she was only 5 months..geez, time flies.

Getting ready to put the walker away. No need for it anymore, Sofia gets around on her own without it just fine.

Ice Cold in Dallas

We felt the cold last night here in Dallas. When there is ice, everything stops! Schools close and crazy drivers are well, crazy drivers driving on ice. We got down to 16 degrees this morning! Even John said, "dang! is cold outside!" But since we live in Texas all ice will be melted by this afternoon and all is back to normal. Thank goodness is Texas and warmer weather is on its way.

Resolution Run

I placed 6th in my age group. One of these days, I will claim the number one spot. I keep all my 5K time results and this one is one of my best times. I ran it in 32:04, I was the 64th to cross the finish line out 117 runners.

My best time was the Addison 5K at 32:08 in March 2008, this time was pre-baby body status. Not too shabby. I have alot to improve though, I know I can run faster, just have to stick to my training and I can do it!

Female 35 to 39 Place Name City Bib No Age Overall Time Pace

1. Jaime Dooley McKinney 28:37.1 9:14/M
2. tisha vana Celina 30:26.0 9:49/M
3. Shelley Carter Celina 30:38.1 9:53/M
4. Honey Lacy Celina 30:41.0 9:54/M
5. Tammi Ray Celina 30:41.3 9:54/M
6. SANDRA SEAMAN plano 32:04.7 10:21/M
7. jessica duffey plano 32:24.6 10:27/M
8. Amy Fisher Allen 37:34.7 12:07/M
9. Julie Cubine mckinney 37:43.7 12:10/M
10. Kym Spurgin McKinney 37:44.3 12:10/M
11. N'Dora Foster Plano 38:54.2 12:33/M
12. Jessica Kaltenbach Wylie 40:33.2 13:05/M
13. Laura Rohman Frisco 42:12.9 13:37/M
14. melissa jefferson frisco 45:03.5 14:32/M
15. Maria Galland Little Elm 47:37.0 15:22/M
16. Machen Ward Plano 52:05.9 16:48/M
17. *Becky Call 1:06:30.7 21:27/M

Cold Weekend

This Weekend we decided to stay inside away from the cold temperatures, it was 30 degrees outside, we did manage to go to Sam's and get my prescription and get some pizza, didn't eat my fave 4 berry sundae because it was too cold outside, this was the excuse I gave myself to stop me from getting me one. This weekend, I also finished a tooth Softie for Sofia, in honor of her first tooth, It has not come out yet, but to honor the first one whenever it decides to show up, I made her one. The fabric is pretty stretchy so the tooth I made actually looks like an octupus, but I finished it! darn it! even if its butt ugly and doesn't look like a tooth it is finish.

We also managed to watch two movies (from Netflix) Run, Fat boy, Run and Death at a Funeral. They are both English movies, and even though they sound so cool when they speak, I need to have subtitles so that I can comprehend what they are saying. You know what I mean, Mate! They are pretty funny and I'm not much into comedy, they are both independent movies so, I give them both a 4.5 out of 5.

Ms. Independent

Sofia has now reached full walking capacity. It is so weird looking at her walk so well; a few months back she could barely sit on her own. It is amazing how much happens their first year. She can't stop walking and I can see her baby fat going away and turning into a toddler right before my eyes. At the end of the day when I'm rocking her to sleep, I am reminded of God's unconditional love and how much I have to learn from Him.

Kawasaki Baby

Cool Childrens Music

So, every morning, yes, seven days a week, we wake up to Jack's Big Music Show and we all find ourselves dancing and singing with Sofia, she loves to see her parents act all goofie and weird but what she doesn't know is that we are already goofie and weird and that's ok in the Seaman world. So, this morning Jack's show played our favorite show and as it is customary in our household that we dance. So, here are the songs they played today. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuPWn_YIVbo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m37oqM9qkGk&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsJiCDa8ZUA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS6HMstgl-U

Speed Class

No, i'm not doing so great. But i'm losing weight and that's what counts! My two buddies and I decided to leave the Speed class and go down to 201 class because it is easier, we had already talked to the 201 coach and were signing up with her group when Michele, our speed class coach, said, "Not on my watch!" so, she dragged us back and told us to give it one more try. We are still struggling but I'm seeing the results. There are several people who have lost so much weight.

There is this guy in particular that lost a 100lbs!!!! I just need to lose 7lbs so, even though i'm not excited about this class, i'm sticking with it. My current pace is at 8:13, yes I have improved and she's really pushing us. I'm running a 5K this coming Sunday in McKinney with my running buddy Ann, the run is call "The Resolution Run." I hope this runs gives me the resolution to stick with this class. Three more weeks to go!

I'm Rooting for America, Not the Coach!

Good luck, Mr. President
posted on January 20, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

At about the time this post appears, Barack Obama will take the oath of office and officially become our 44th president, following in the footsteps of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan — and also Millard Fillmore, Chester Arthur, and Jimmy Carter. To steal a phrase from a popular movie, any president is like a box of chocolates; you don’t know what you’re going to get until it’s too late.

People have asked me since the election how I will approach the Obama presidency, but it’s really not that much of a mystery. I’m not going to be rooting for his failure, because I’m rooting for America. I believe most people feel the same way; Obama won the election and for better or worse, he’s our president. But that doesn’t mean that any of us will sit quietly for the next four years or the next four days.

The campaign is over, and now Obama has to govern, which means he has to start backing policies and initiatives that will reveal himself and his direction very clearly. If Obama really wants to succeed in restoring the economy and creating jobs, he’ll have to find ways to motivate capital back into action — which will mean keeping taxes low, especially on capital-gains rates, and cutting government intervention. Policies which confiscate capital will make the situation worse, and I will point that out as often and as vociferously as possible.

On foreign policy, we need strength, deterrence, and tenacity in dealing with enemies. Allies who don’t support that won’t be worth much as allies, and multinational organizations more intent on anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism are a waste of time. Expect me to loudly criticize the Obama administration for following useless policies designed to increase the Kumbaya factor at the expense of our national security.

Campaign issues, like Bill Ayers, Jeremiah Wright, and so on, no longer matter. Obama won the election. In four years, he’ll run for re-election, and what will matter will be the things Obama did between now and then. When Obama does something right, I’ll praise it, but I’ll speak up when policies go bad and mistakes are made. That’s part of being an American.

Best of luck, President Obama. My prayers are with you, for support and wisdom as you assume the burden of this office and lead our country. When you fail to provide that leadership or demonstrate wisdom, though, don’t expect me to be silent. I’m rooting for America, not the coach.

Adios, Presidente!

All Presidents have their failures, but W. had guts. I hope to see you around Dallas so I can have your autograph. I'm proud of your service in our country! Farewell, President! Now, let's have fun watching the looney lefties eat at each other!

Sam's Sundae

This weekend John and I went to Sam's to buy Sofia's last two cans of Formula (I pray that they are!) and other stuff we needed. At the same time sampling all the food from all these vendors. So we got to our lane and right in front of me was my favorite two things from Sam's. Their pizza and the 4 Berrie Sundae that I haven't eaten since the day I got pregnant. I couldn't drink milk during my pregnancy because it just came back out and after I delivered, well, I was losing weight. So, I asked John if he wanted one or two slices of pizza, and with a smile on my face, I ordered my sundae. Yummi. No, I didn't feel guilty. I don't eat this everytime I got to Sam's or else it wouldn't be as special. If you have never tried this Sundae, you are in for a treat! Forget Braums! This is the real deal! - Sandra.

A Marriage Weekend

Once again, Retrouvaille is conducting a marriage weekend beginning tomorrow, Friday the 16th through Sunday the 18th. John and I have registered 35 married couples who are at the end of their ropes.

Please help us pray for these couples as they embark into this weekend filled of hope and enlightenment.

If you know anyone who is struggling in their marriage our next session will be in April.

God Bless - Sandra.

Sofia at 11 months

11 months and I have felt every bit of those months. Here she is today is her 11 month mark and I'm still sleepy, tired but happier than ever. And a month from today, we'll be celebrating her First Birthday! Yipee!

Sofia is walking!!

See for yourself! The wrath of Sofia's feet is upon us and look out! She's fierce! I give the credit to my mom, she's so patient and truly Sofia is getting heavy so my mom took it upon herself to start teaching her. She was only holding on our index finger to walk and since she didn't need that much support anymore, my mom thought it was time. Watch it for yourselves!

Below is the Sofia Waka..something tribal dance..whatever...

and at least now, i'm not the only one waking up to mess up hair...

Speed Training Class

To continue on and fulfill one of my 2009 resolutions, I had first decided to train for the Half Marathon, however, due to John's work schedule it was going to be impossible for me to make the morning training runs during the week, since John leaves home by 6:15am and be there for Sofia when she woke up.

So, I decided to join the Speed Class. This class helps you improve your 5K, 10K time. My best 5K time was at 32 minutes (two years ago pre-baby body.) Now, I would love to better my time and win my age group. Since I have never done this class, I was very nervous last week on our first day. I was lucky to see 4 of my former running buddies there with me that had also joined the speed class, they were also nervous. We are all nervous because we don't know what type of training we are about to get but if we were able to train for 8 miles, speed should be a walk in the park, or so we think.

Anyways, at the end of my Turkey Trot training, I was running at 9:34 the mile, last week they timed our mile run pace and I ran at 9:04 pace!!!!! I am actually getting better!!! I was impressed because I know I have gained Christmas/New Years/Vacation weight.

I ran solo this past Saturday, it was windy and cold (yes, it was Texas cold) so, it was cold enough for me to quit after 45 minutes, my goal was 70 minutes but, I didn't even feel a drop of sweat anywhere in me, mind you, it is very hard for me to sweat unless it is very hot, so, I decided that 45 minutes is good enough after three weeks of no exercise or running at all. Now, my next goal is to be consistent on my ab work..... -Sandra

Crazy John

This is what happens on a regular vacation day. Yes, I know it is dangerous. But she seems to love it just as much. What am I to do!? - Sandra

Finish What I Start Part 1

ok. so, one of my resolutions was to finish whatever project I begin. So, to hold myself accountable, I started with a pillow I begin sewing this past October. I stopped because I found it difficult to close it and to top it off John had to show me how to. So, I quit because John actually showed and I was mad at myself that my husband knew how to close a pillow and I didn't so the pillow just looked at me telling me to either get rid of it or finish it. So, after my second attempt to close it, I didn't do so bad. Now, John is talking about making new curtains for our living room. It will be cheaper for us to do it, but we'll see. I've never done curtains but he bought me this sewing book for Christmas....long story short, I loved to sew when I was younger, way before I was dragged to come to the States. We'll see how it goes. but here's the pillow that beg me to finish it.
John also bought me, for Christmas, the book below. It was on my Amazon.com wish list for a very long time. I love hand sewing and I was very excited he got it for me. When I was little I used to make dresses for my dolls out of...my brother's shirts, my mom's skirts etc, etc, etc, but of course, I never touched my clothes. So, this really takes me back to what I really used to enjoy.
The cross below is my first attempt at making a softie. I decided to make this cross for Sofia and put a ribbon to hang it on her door knob. I was so excited after I finished; I made one for my sister Wendy for her b/day (I forgot to take a picture of it) and the one below is for my mom. Again, I had two weeks of time off from work so, doing all of this was not stressful. Now, I have to figure out and/or find the time to do more Softies now that I'm back at work full time but I'm hooked. Now, some require the sewing machine, but first I have to get the fear out of using my Mom's so that I can make the one's that are so cute.


The pic above is the back of the cross that I made for my Mom and the pic below is the front of the cross. The hanging fabric that I used for this cross was from my pj pants. It was annoying me so I figured what better use than this. I love cutting stuff i'm not supposed to, so I may even go to John's dresser and see what I can find...heheheh - Sandra

Warm January Weekend

This past weekend we had an incredible nice 80 degree weekend. It was so nice, you almost forgot it was January, it felt like April.
What you talking about Willis?

Our dog Lenny sunbathing on a hot sunny January day.

New Years Celebration

We went to David's and Yesenia's house in Rockwall to ring in the New Year, as we have done, I believe for the past three years, we spend the night over at their house and made breakfast the next day. Here's the pics!

Auntie Wendy with Sofia...it is so past her bed time...




As always, I blame David for the 1800 Reposado.

Anthony and Jakob.

and yes, we had Kareoke...I sang, John sang. I thought I did pretty good, I think I heard some giggles behind my back, but who cares, I was hooked! John kept fighting me the mic, I think he wanted to sing that song, "I'm too sexy."

I Am Second

In the past few months, we have noticed billboards in the Dallas area that have the message "I am second" and not until last night John and I decided that we needed to see what that message was all about. After we did, he and I were crying. Check out the website.

http://iamsecond.com/

and yes, I am second as well. In the winter of 2007, I received the divorce papers and that's when it finally hit me, I am alone. Then my spirit started to break down. I was faced with two options; be depressed and drink or be depressed and seek the Lord. I didn't want to drink anymore so, I decided to seek the Lord but I didn't know how. The months ahead were difficult for me, I felt my spirit being torn apart, one by the divorce and the failure of my marriage and on the other side by the Lord, he was mending my soul and it really hurt. Looking back at the mending of my soul, I felt him search me and within the search he rescue this little girl that I had abandoned for so long...the emotionally and physically abused little girl that I had tucked away deep in my heart.

One of the commentators in this website states the abuse his father inflicted upon him left him with scars, the ones that you can't see; the same happened to me and to rescue what was left of her, I safely tucked her away in a safe place where no one could see her scars, I was afraid of anyone seeing her, afraid they could see my scars and take advantage of her again so I hid her and protected whatever was left of her.

During the winter of 2007, the Lord kept saying to me "all is not lost" it was hard to believe because everything before me was dissolving, it was hard to trust Him but I had nothing to lose anymore so I kept going. At the end I was able to be the person that I was before my scars were inflicted within me and so the awakening begin in Him. The rest of the story most of you know. Without Him, I wouldn't be here telling this story. I am second and always will be. -Sandra.

John's Resolutions

Here's to another year of setting resolutions. Resolutions have become sort of a Tradition, and it gets alot of Hype from the media, but on a personal level regardless of what it is or where it came from, it is a good thing. On a positive note it could be a good time to sort of take a inventory of your life and be honest and recognize what areas your could improve on. So I say why not? So without further adieu...

1. Get in shape... and yes round is a shape, but I actuallly want to stay physically active for at least 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. That includes Jogging, and lifting weights.
Incidentally, I would like to run a half next year. God willing. The benefits: I know I'm taking care of this vessel God gave me, I stay healthy so I can be around for those who love me, promotes a good self image (lets face it if you feel uncomfortable in your own skin you won't be effective at reaching out to others), and I set an example to my child on how to take care of yourself.

2. Read Bible Daily- Benefits: I will have a better understanding of the Word, have more courage sharing my faith, get insights on how to be more loving, and gain wisdom.

3. Be more Loving- Practice daily, being uplifting instead of critical, understanding instead of judgemental, listen instead of protecting myself (defensiveness and pride), tell the truth in love (lets face it: we are not doing any favors by trying to keep the peace and not point out what we know is behavior that is destructive or hurting others..this takes courage), be an encourager instead of a discourager, and give more of my time (big one...cause I know I can be selfish in this area)

4. Be more disciplined- Daily- create good eating habits, drink more water, excercise habits, and good work habits (clean office, neat appearance, and good language).

5. Be more Balanced- as often as possible- Making time for God ( reading, praying, titheing, and fellowship), making time for the family/spouse time/ and baby time ( less time at work... I know sounds contradictory, but its not),seeking knowledge, house work ( so it does not build up and kill the balance, which incidentally kills my procrastination habit), and me time (recharge my personal batteries with things I enjoy... in moderation of course).

All the while trying not to take myself to seriously ( I still gotta be goofy) and being content with what I do have. Of course if I complete all these things this year I will be perfect............

I think I will keep this one again for next year...just in case I fall short...

Happy New Year!!
-John

Love is a Habit

I have decided to do these over in the blog column rather than the side bars. No one could comment on any of the thought provoking insights, and I am interested in comments and opinions :)!

Author: Rick Warren of Purpose Driven Life

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)*** *** *** ***If you only love on and off like a light switch, you do not love others like God wants you to love. Jesus said, “If you only love those who love you what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6:32 NIV).His point is this: anybody can love those who love them. Becoming a master lover means you learn to love the unlovable. It’s when you love people who don’t love you, when you love people who irritate you, when you love people who stab you in the back or gossip about you.This may seem like an impossible task and it is – that’s why we need God’s love in us, so we can then love others: “We know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:16 NIV).When you realize how much God loves you – with an extravagant, irresistible, unconditional love – then his love will change your entire focus on life. If we don’t receive God’s love for us, we’ll have a hard time loving other people. I’m talking about loving the unlovely, loving the difficult, loving the irritable, loving people who are different or demanding.You can’t do that until you have God’s love coming through you. You need to know God’s love so it can overflow out of your life into others.Love must become your lifestyle, the habit of your life. But it starts with a decision. Are you ready?Your life is worth far more than you think, and by learning to love others with the love God gives you, you will have an influence far greater than you could ever imagine. If you will commit to this, you will experience love as God means it to be, filled with hope, energy, and joy.My prayer for you is “that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love …” (Philippians 1:9 NCV).

-John