May Happenings

I love my Aunt Linda. She is in California and we are in Colorado so of course I don't get to see her very often but growing up she was always the super cool aunt that took us to the drive in when we had sleepovers. Anyway, even though she never comments on my blog, she has informed me that she is a faithful reader and from time to time she let's me know that I have truly been slacking on my blog updates. It is good to know that at least one person is interested in my family's life. So Aunt Linda...this post is for you!

May was a FUN and BUSY month! Mom and Dad came home from their mission in Chile. Cali was born only DAYS after they arrived in Chile. So they finally got to meet face to face at the airport almost 2 years later. And thanks to the modern marvel of iCHAT, Cali knew exactly who they were and was happy to go right into their arms. So sweet!

The welcoming committee consisted of mine and Tiff's family. My kids didn't hold up their signs as planned but you get the gist of what they were trying to say, right?

Mom and Dad made it home right on time to attend Bella's kindergarten graduation. Bella was so happy to have them there.


Bella and her good friend, Kara. I can't believe these girls are first graders now! Conspicuously missing from the pictures is Bella's BFF, Sophie. She left for vacation the day of graduation.

Bella and her wonderful Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hevers.

In May, I also went from this...

to this! I was so happy to get that dang cast/boot off after wearing it for 7 weeks!

But, I have been a little discouraged to realize that my foot is still healing and that the doc said it will take up to a year for a full recovery. Needless to say, I've had to back off of serious running and it has been really disappointing to me. Even just regular walking and being on my feet has been painful. So as not to be totally inactive and have the opposite problem of atrophy, I run once a week, just about 4 miles. I am on the fence still as to if this is a good idea.

And Blaine has been experiencing his own health issues. A pulled muscle has kept him away over the past few months from playing ultimate frisbee like he enjoys. And we recently discovered that he has been anemic all these years because his body can not even absorb iron. So he has been seeing a Hematologist and will now have regular IV infusions of iron probably for the rest of his life. He had his first one last week. We call him Iron Man now and I am anxiously awaiting the promised side effect of his ice chewing to go away. He has also been promised much more energy. We shall see...

And just to end on a cute note... Here's a picture of Ezra, the astronaut, at the Denver Museum. We had a fun day there when Mom and Dad A came out for a quick visit.

And it wouldn't be a blog post with out a mention of Cali getting into something edible. This pic. is of her getting into the cookies. I found her eating them "double stacked". I mean, seriously, why eat them one at a time when eating them two at a time is so much more efficient??? This girl is on to something!

Cali's Breakfast

Cali helped herself to breakfast this morning while I was upstairs getting ready. Ezra ratted her out by yelling to me that Cali got into some chocolate. Once I cleaned her and the mess up, I went back upstairs to finish getting ready. That's when I was informed that she had found my "emergency stash" of suckers in my purse (emergency equals grocery shopping with three crazy kids in need of bribery). I love how she unwrapped all 7 suckers and turned them into a bouquet.

Course 1: Baker's Chocolate

Course 2: A bouquet of suckers


This girl can sniff out and find sugar from a mile away!

Tomorrow I'm going to start her day off right with a bowl of wheaties.

Bella's dance recital

We put Bella in ballet/tap dance this year. Every Tuesday she complained about having to go. I told her she could quit dance when this year is over. Afterall, I certainly don't want to waist money on something she hates. Imagine my surprise then, when at her dance recital I realize that she is a SHINING STAR!!! She is really good. And not only is she good, but she exuded CONFIDENCE and grace while performing. My reserved and shy little girl was transformed on the stage. She smiled and executed her routine VERY WELL. Dare I brag a bit??? She was the best one in her class! All of the other kids were looking to her to help them remember the routine. And I think she was bit by the performance bug because she is now begging me to take dance again next year. She loved putting on make-up and getting into her fancy costume. Even though I really don't like glamming my 6 year old up like that, I figure once a year is doable. Anyway, see for yourself how well she did on the video below. I apologize for the fuzziness at some points...I'm an amateur with amateur equipment afterall.

April Awe

Caught the kids with their friends digging up the backyard. Busted!

A budding guitarist.

Easter morning. I think Cali ate all of the kids chocolate bunnies. She just kept going back for more and more.

Bring on the sunshine!!!

Pretty in their Easter best.

Silly in their Easter best.

My stylish boot. It really adds some class to my wardrobe.

Self timed Easter family pic.

March Madness

At our house, it has nothing to do with basketball, rather the fun and exhaustion of spring break. Of course, I only have 1 of 3 kids in school, and she is only in half day kindergarten, so it isn't like spring break is that big of a deal yet but it was nice to not have a schedule for a week and to get the kids out and about more. We went frequently to the park, to the zoo, to jumpin' (jumpy castle place), lots of play dates with friends, and the kids had fun sleeping downstairs on the couches. (I don't know why that is fun except for it is different from the routine!) Other fun things that happened this month was celebrating daddy's birthday and a visiting leprechaun who left little green footprints that led to a pot of gold chocolate. Nothing like chocolate for breakfast...yum!








Oh, and Cali has started crawling out of her crib! What??? She is only a year and a half. We had the other two in cribs until they were 2.5 and 2, respectively, and neither one ever tried to climb out. I guess Cali has inherited Blaine's climbing skills. She also really enjoys being on the computer and on our cell phones. She regularly sends my friend text messages (and I am not joking!)

But, the real madness in the month came when I was out for a routine run and suddenly could not take another step with out excruciating pain. Turns out I have "overused" my feet this past year resulting in a stress fracture. Uuuuggggh!!! I am now sidelined for 6 weeks in a lovely boot. I'm starting to think that my body isn't a fan of running, what with the plantar fasciitis and stress fracture and all. But, I promise, I will never run another marathon again if I can just have decent feet to run a few miles on a few times a week. Is that too much to ask for? I've been a bit depressed about this whole thing!

Ezra the photographer and silly face maker.

Mama's a Marathon Runner

A year ago this week I ran my first 3 miles outside. On Saturday, I ran a full marathon. That's 26.2 miles of pure running! What a difference a year makes!
My sister-in-law Kelli was my partner in crime. Because she lives in Georgia, she and I had never even run together before this marathon. It was great to have her to talk to for 18 of the 26.2 miles. (BTW, Kelli is tall but I think I am standing a bit downhill from her!)

The experience itself was surprisingly very doable. Before the race, I had only ever ran 16 miles consecutively. But the weather in Albany was just right (except for between miles 14 and 16 when it poured on us!) and there weren't too many hills. And even more than the physical part of it, somehow I was able to keep myself mentally strong. I just kept telling myself things like, "Just put one foot in front of the other" and "If I can run 16, I can run 18." And then, "If I can run 18, then I can run 20". And then, "If I can run 20, it would be stupid to walk now." And on and on until I was crossing that finish line. I'd say a marathon is 40% physical and 60% mental.


I have great friends and family who supported me all along the way, even though most of them obviously couldn't come out to Georgia with me. One friend made me a marathon play list, which came in handy once Kelli and I separated, and another friend made me this awesome care package of goodies. (And believe me, I've needed it).

And my sister watched Bella and Ezra while Blaine, Cali, and I were out of town. They cheered me on from Colorado.

I completed the marathon in 5 hours and 13 minutes. That's not an exceptional time but I was happy with it! I'm pretty sore and can barely walk 2 days out. Although I am thrilled that I did this, as of right now, I'm marking this off as a once in a lifetime accomplishment. I think a triathalon may be in my future, but until then, I'll work on going up and down my stairs without wincing in pain!

Happy 90th Birthday, Beema!

My Grandma is 90 years old today! I swear she hasn't aged my whole life. She is spry on her feet and in her mind and although she has been slowed down a little over the past few years, she still keeps up with so many things. She sews, she does humanitarian aid, she sends emails, and she checks blogs. Recently she has become a great, great Grandma. I am grateful to be named after her. Ezra is named after her great, great grandfather. And Cali has inherited her very lips.

Since I know that you will read this Beema, I just wanted to tell you how much we all love you. We are so grateful for your example of faith and strength. The way you have lived your life has given all of your posterity an enduring legacy to follow. Have a wonderful 90th birthday! We can't wait to celebrate with you this summer.