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.

Bahama Mamas

Things I’ll remember:

-Non-stop chatting and fun with my sisters.
-Bingo and telling a persistent bar-tender that “we’re all pregnant”.
-Sleeping deeper than I have in a long time.
-Crying the night before I left because I was going to miss my kids…And then thinking, “Kids? What kids?” the very next day.
-Feeling like I was in an alternate universe with my sisters…not a care in the world.
- CocoCay: A make believe island (Royal Carribean owns it) but a restful, relaxing day in the sun.
- Nassau: Most beautiful aqua water and white sand.
-The bartenders snubbing us whenever we asked for a soda from our pre-paid soda package.
-Eating more than necessary and somehow still being bothered that the windjammer was closed at certain hours.
-Time? Time didn’t seem to exist.
-Sweet, fun, boisterous Sally.





A few thoughts I’ve had upon returning:

-“When will the room stop swaying?”
-“Who’s bright idea was it to run a marathon a week and a half AFTER a cruise?.”
-“I’m so glad that I have sisters whose company I enjoy so much.”





A tip for those of you who may consider going on a cruise to the Bahamas with your sisters:

-Be sure to leave valuables behind (such as a husband and children you love). Otherwise…you may never go back home!

Speaking of those left at home...they were having lots of fun with their daddy. Blaine did his best to make it a fun weekend. Here are some pics of them driving in "the swagger wagon" and of their camping trip in our living room.

Bedtime

Bedtime. I have a love hate relationship with the concept of bedtime. I love that it is time for the little ones to settle down and go to sleep. I hate that it is usually a big struggle to get them settled into bed and even more of a struggle to get them to stay in their beds. Usually when bedtime hits, I am exhausted. I’ve been with the kids all day and I am ready for a little down time, which usually consists of unloading and loading the dishwasher with out Cali’s “assistance”, folding laundry, and straightening up before I go to bed. But, I digress. Any mom can attest how nice it is to have a few moments to herself when the kiddos are tucked safely in their beds. So, imagine my surprise last night when I was fighting back the tears as I put the kids to bed. I was lingering in their room, even in their beds with them. I didn’t want to say goodnight.

Today I am on my way to board a cruise to the Bahamas. It is going to be a blast! I am going with my sisters and I can’t think of a better way to unwind. But, oh, I am going to miss those little critters. Sure they keep my house messy, my thoughts jumbled, and add a bit of stress to my daily life. But, they also give me more love than sometimes I think my heart can hold. I am overflowing with love for them and from them. I get nervous when I leave them. I am their primary care provider and they are used to me. I know Blaine is going to do just fine at the helm but I am the one with the anxiety. I just need to let it go. I’m sure that will be easier to do when my toes are in the sand.

I had to leave by 5:00 am this morning. Bella told me she wanted to wake up to say goodbye. I told her it would still be dark and not to worry about getting up. But, at 4:15am, a little red-headed, bed-headed, lioness looking thing came stumbling out of her room to give me a hug. I don’t know how she times her internal clock like that but she woke up early every morning last month when I was on jury duty to see me off also. This from a girl who usually sleeps until 8 or 9am. Now that is love.

So, while I may be having the time of my life in the Bahamas…a big chunk of my heart will be home with my babies. Together with Blaine, they are my sun, my moon, and my stars. They are my world and I am grateful for a chance to miss them so that I can appreciate them even more when I return home.

Missing in Action

I have been MIA in the blogging world. Here is a synopsis of the past few months, according to me.

-Jury duty selection. Fascinating but inconvenient experience. But, how many people can say that they stopped a trial to ask the judge permission to use the restroom? I can.

-Training for a marathon. On a whim, I agreed to run a marathon with my sister in law, Kelli. While training, I developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot. For a while I was worried that it was going to be a deal breaker. Thankfully with lots of stretching, alleve, orthodic inserts, and foot tapings, I am about 90% better. But, did the podiatrist really say that I had to stop wearing my flip flops and floppy converse shoes? OUCH! Now that hurts!

Here's Cali taking my running shoes for a spin.


-While I was cooking dinner and talking on the phone one night, Cali got her foot stuck in a kitchen chair. After unsuccessfully trying to work it out, seeing her foot swell, and hearing her screaming, I called my neighbor and told him to bring over a power tool to cut the chair. He brought over Vaseline. It worked just fine. I guess I’m not a totally rational thinker in a crisis...that is Blaine's job. But, I did think to give Cali a sucker, which calmed her down. She was stuck in the chair for a good 20 minutes. After awhile, she just thought she was hanging out eating a sucker.

She is happy in this picture because she has her sucker.


-The tooth fairy was hired this month! Bella’s bottom front tooth became loose and after wiggling it for a few weeks, it was barely hanging on. Bella wouldn’t let anyone touch it except in a moment of weakness she let Blaine and he yanked it out. It’s a good thing too because her adult tooth was waiting right behind it already growing in. Bella woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me that the tooth fairy had come. She was so excited and I can’t get over how quickly she is growing up.


-I’ve been running on Saturdays with some good friends. Usually we run between 6 to 10 miles and a few weeks ago, Haley and I ran a half marathon of our own making. Then, in order to go farther than I’ve ever gone before, I organized a 16 mile run where friends could meet up with me at different times to join me. I ran a 4 mile loop 4 times to make it easier for friends to come and go. Right around mile 13.5, when I realized that I had just passed the point that I’ve never run before, Blaine came driving up with the kids. Bella and Ezra hopped out, gave me a hug and a water bottle and Cali said her first sentence while crying: “I want mama”. Their little visit meant a lot and 16 miles later, I was feeling good about my accomplishment. I’ve got such great running buddies, too. It makes all the difference to have someone to talk to.

-For Valentine’s Day, the young women delivered singing Valentine grams for their camp fundraiser. The kids were thrilled with their balloons and suckers.


-Cali started nursery at church. She loves it. No longer are we roaming the halls with a very busy toddler for 3 hours. Church is becoming doable again! On Sunday, Bella told me that Cali was playing with the bubbles when she picked her up from nursery. Ezra heard this and said, “OOOOH! I wish I was still a baby!” I asked, “Why is that, bud?” And he responded, “So I can still go to my other class!” Poor Ez…he is having a harder adjustment to being a sunbeam. He misses the toys and the bubbles in nursery. He sure is cute though. I mean, just look at this kid! He wants to wear ties to church now and I’ve never seen a cuter superman in my life. When wearing his superman PJs, he only responds to “superman”. The other night he called me “Super Mama”. Hey, if the shoe fits...



-My days have been busy and sometimes I get tired and stressed out. But in my calm moments, I recognize how truly blessed I am to have an amazing family. I love my husband and my children more than words can express. Children have a way of expanding your heart and multiplying your capacity to love. My kids keep me hopping and I don’t always appreciate the craziness that they provide, but I would be so lost with out them. I am one lucky lady to have what I have.

Christmas has come and gone...

But I hope the magic feeling that Christmas brings of love, excitement, happiness, a belief in something good...I hope that those feelings will linger and that my kids will grow up with memories of a fun-filled, love-filled childhood.

Santa brought Bella a razor scooter,

and Ezra an extension to make his train track an 8 track,

and Cali this turtle bouncy, toy thingy.

Ezra also received a spiderman snow mask and spiderman slippers. He kept the mask on as he opened up all of his presents and made us call him spiderman all day. :)

Christmas day was so warm and sunny, we took the kids to the park practically dressed in summer clothes. It reminded me of Christmases growing up in CA.

Even though you can't see his mouth, you can tell that Ezra, er, uh, I mean Spiderman, is smiling because of his eyes. So cute!



Since Cali is also allergic to dogs, this dog that moves, talks, and grows might be the closest she'll ever get to a pet puppy.

And when Ezra isn't playing the role of spiderman, he can be found playing the role of batman, thanks to his new cape that Grandma A made him. Blaine specifically asked his Mom to make the kids some capes because he remembers how fun it was running around his house with his cape on. I remember underroos quite fondly myself! Bella uses her cape more like a princess cloak and Cali runs around with her's on but I don't think she knows why!

The morning after Christmas, Ezra was sooooo exhausted that he came down stairs, said he only wanted blueberries for breakfast and then promptly fell asleep at the table.

And we've been having lots of family fun while Bella has been out of school and Blaine has had a few days off. We took the kids ice skating. Bella LOVED it and Ez endured it for about 5 minutes before he was done!


And tumbling towers has become a nightly family ritual. We put Cali to bed and then play a few games because the family that plays together stays together...right?!?

I love my family!