Is Anyone Out there?

You may have thought I had forgotten my Blogger password.  You would be wrong.  As embarrassing as it is, the truth is, I just haven't been here in over a month.  Yes.  I believe it has been longer than five weeks.  In all fairness, I think the last post was a fair warning.  The kids are keeping me so busy, and time moves so quickly.  While to me it feels like I just posted yesterday, reality says it has been over five weeks.  It's a bit sobering.

While I would love to dive into each item I'm going to share here and make it it's own post, it just isn't going to happen.  Also, I don't feel like I can come here after so long and not do a catch up.  Here's to hoping that catching up on the blog is not all I do this year.

Like I mentioned before, the kids are still no joke.  Their activities are large and in-charge.  Combined with homework, we barely have time to sit and watch TV.  I know.  The horror of it all.  Currently, we are in Jiu Jitsu twice a week, Battle of the Books (which ends on Wednesday, but more on that later), AWANA (which we've skipped since the beginning of February because we can't fit it in), and we are between basketball and soccer season.  I can barely talk about that last item.  Soccer season.  I'm not, and never desired to be a "soccer mom".  I don't really like the sport all that much, but even more so, I do not like that this sport takes place outside during the craziest weather seasons Colorado has to offer.  I have no love in my heart for sitting outside for an hour freezing my tail off in either frigid temps, snow, rain, or high (freezing cold) winds.  But let's get real.  We live in Colorado.  We often see all of those things in the course of an hour.  Easily.  I'm no friend of cold weather.  Combine that with a game that holds my attention for a short time, and I'm out.  Apparently, I'm one of the few.  My son may be one of the only kids on his team that will be playing soccer for the first time this season.  I will try not to complain about this anymore.  The Little Man is over the moon that his, "mommy finally let me play the game I love the most." I'm a horrible, selfish mother.

The Girl is about to wrap up Battle of the Books this season, tomorrow.  I'm proud to say that they won the area championships last week and tomorrow her team will be battling it out for top seat in the district!  It's been a very happy time in this house since Friday when they won.  They made it to the same spot last year and lost.  So, this year's win was that much sweeter.  I'm both excited and nervous for her.  I know these kids really know their stuff, and they'll do their very best.  I just hope for her, it gets them a win.  Will she survive if it doesn't?  Absolutely.  However, I can't help but want this for her.  I'll have to keep the blog updated....you know in a few months.

My Champion

The whole team!

Um, oh yea, I went to Hawaii.  Never in my whole life did I ever think I would say that I have been to Hawaii (or any of the the Hawaiian islands) twice in less than a year.  Never.  I mean, I never stepped foot on an island until The Hubs and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2010.  Also, I never thought it possible for us to go there and not pay a red cent for our flight, hotel, or 90% of what we ate.  It was a true gift and blessing for Scott and I to be able to go on this trip at the end of February without our kids, and an even bigger blessing that my in-laws were so willing to keep our kids for the five days we were gone.  It was a sweet time of slowing down and reconnecting as a couple.  Not to mention spending time with my parents (who also came with us) and just feeling spoiled.  God's creation absolutely floors me.  I know I have heard people "ooo" and "ahhh" over the mountains.  Their majestic beauty is something to notice for sure.  However, the beach, the ocean, the tropical plant life, and sea life do it for me.  I can't tell you how many times I had to stop, catch my breath, and then just praise Him for all He has made, and His creativity and power in it all.  From lava flows and volcanoes, to watching whales play in the ocean, splashing their whale tales, I was astounded by the beauty of all of it. I am hoping to spend a post on this later, including pictures.  

The Hubs has been on a serious diet for the last five weeks.  I totally blame this diet for the lack of blogging.  Totally.  He has been gluten free, yeast free, and sugar free since February 11th.  The gluten and sugar are actually not too difficult.  Challenging, yes.  Difficult, not so much.  I mean, 15% of the country is gluten free which means at the super markets in my area, I can find numerous products that are either made without gluten, or are naturally gluten free.  They are all clearly labeled and easy to find.  Also, when I search the internet, there is a wealth of information, recipes, and advice from so many people who have gone before and paved the way.  The yeast piece of this diet? Yea.  It's REALLY difficult.  Yeast is in everything, and it is not clearly labeled, and not many people have paved the way here.  In all seriousness, this diet became a full-time job for me for at least 3 weeks.  I spent probably 40+ hours a week researching about the diet, finding recipes, searching for substitutes, shopping for new foods, finding stores where the new products were sold, etc.   I went from rocking dinner about 95% of the time to only serving something somewhat tolerable about one in every four to five dinners.  The other dinners we gagged back, and it pains me to say, we would just throw out a lot of stuff.  The diet was supposed to help resolve some major inflammation in his body, thus helping in some other health issues that he battles everyday.  While inflammation is down and he has lost 30 pounds, we aren't quite sure that anything else has been fixed or alleviated.  However, my husband is determined to follow this through to the end.  So, two more weeks of this, and we'll try something different.  It should be interesting, to say the least.  Also, it has reopened my eyes to the crud we put into our bodies each day.  No wonder we are breaking down and have so many different ailments.  I'm convinced that we, as a society, are slowly killing ourselves with our food.  That's a whole different topic, and I better stop there.

My youngest sister got engaged.  Yup!  I could not be happier for her or her man.  They will say "I do" on August 1st this year.  It is a speedy engagement, but it will be full of fun and special times.  I can not wait to celebrate her in this precious season of her life.  My kids are just as excited, and I have especially loved watching them take in this special time.  The Girl is all about the ring, the dress, and the romance of it all.  The Little Man has been very sweet in praying for her stress levels. Making sure to ask God for His help for her to get done what needs to be done, and that she'll be happy with all the decisions that are made.  He also is quick to tell people that his aunt is going to get married and he'll have a new uncle.  Precious.

Combining the trip to Hawaii and daylight savings, proved to be extremely difficult.  I suffered from some serious jet lag due to the time change and the red eye flight that we had to make, twice (our airplane broke down leading to a canceled flight, and then we had to take another red-eye the next evening with no sleep during the day in between).  Just when I was catching up, painfully I might add, the time change came, and I was off again.  I'm convinced that this exhaustion led to my first cold in about four years.  I had forgotten how miserable you feel when your head is congested and your body is just crummy feeling all over.  Thankfully, I was able to fight it off in about five-ish days.  I really reevaluating the way I treat the kids and The Hubs when they are sick.  Compassion and grace are good things.

Here's to hoping I make it back again before another month goes by.  I do miss it here, but have been writing in my journal frequently.  One day I hope to share.

A Month of Thanks-Revisited

Last year, I spent the whole month of November blogging about things I was thankful for.  It proved to be much more eye-opening and heart transforming than what I thought it could be.  Turns out, when you think upon those things which are "Excellent and worthy of praise"  peace, trust, and joy fill your heart.  Crazy.

I have carried this with me through out the year, and have looked forward to making a concentrated effort not only to put this into practice again, but to also write about it.  Something about putting things down on paper (or in blog land, whatever) seems to really solidify things in my head as well as connect those learned things to my heart.

All that to say:  "It's BAAACK!"  All month, (God willing) I will be blogging about things in which I am thankful for.  In addition, I have made a small change.  I will also be trying to stretch my creativity by trying to Instagram it as well.  Hey, it worked for me this summer.  What can it hurt?  The kids are participating in "A Month of Thanks" as well.  They are filling out one leaf each night at dinner with one thing they were thankful for for that day. The leaves are then getting strung out garland style.  My hope is at the end of the month, and right before we start Advent season, we can look back at how blessed and loved we are.  With this reflection in mind, we can go into Advent season full and ready to give and love because we have been so abundantly provided for and loved first. 

So with that in mind, we have Day 1:

I am thankful for the bike ride I got to take today.  While on the path I was fully aware of the beauty that God gives us through Autumn.  I tried to soak in as much of the colors and mild weather as I could, knowing it would be over soon.

Later, I hit up the grocery store and I was thankful for not only the abundance of food we have in this country, but the variety. 

At any given time, I can go to this grocery store, either by foot or by car, and pick up anything my heart (and stomach) desires.  I do not have to worry about a shortage, or even if things are in season (as long as I want to pay the price for out of season produce).  It's there waiting for me each day.

How very blessed we are.

It Begins

Summer Break is here.  Thank you, Lord.  May was a whirlwind, but now I'm ready to buckle down and commit to this project of "Instagramming" my blog.

Sort of.

I mean when I have the chance.

We kicked off the first weekend of break with a MASSIVE garage sale in which we were selling donations in order to raise money for Garage Sale 4 Orphans.   God planted this project in our minds, then our hearts, and then in the hearts of our small group.  It was a large endeavor, but in the end, God showed off in a big way.  We were totally blown away by His goodness, abundance, and grace as we were able to raise $7,500 for orphans in Haiti.  My heart could burst with joy as I think about four or five orphans and a widow being cared for in a home of their own, and being shown God's love for them.  To know that God allowed us to be apart of that and to witness the ways in which He works and loves is humbling and amazing.  Here are some pics of the event:

Day One: We took up the entire back portion of the cul-de-sac (thank you to the neighbors who gave up their driveways for our stuff!):

Yes, some one donated their car, and someone else donated a phone booth:

Day Two: It felt like we had just as much stuff.  We were major price slashers this day.

This is our small group (minus three people):

 Love these people and their hearts!


That brings us to today.  The first full Monday of Summer Break.  While I do have activities planned for these monkeys (and, whether they like it or not, it will involve some school work), this first week will be all about relaxing.

Day One was jam packed with TV, movies, and video games. 

Overwhelmed

It's been too long.

Too many things have happened.

Too many funny things said.

Butt jokes.

Gardening.

A vacation.

Pictures.

Oh, the pictures!

I'm missing a Scripture Memory verse.

Getting ready for school to start.

Meeting our teachers.

Trying to find a way to cover it all is far too overwhelming for me.  However, I do want to cover it all.

Just know I'm thinking about it. 

In Which my Blog Becomes a Photo Album

In my attempt to make sure that I am photographing my own children more, it seems as though I now have a lot of pictures to share.  Also, I am trying to be very intentional in how we spend our time this summer, since this winter was a total blur, and I now realize how precious our time is together.  So, about once a week, we have been going on little "field trips".   Being more intentional about taking photos + being intentional about how we spend our time = LOTS OF PICTURES OF OUR ADVENTURES.

On this, here, blog.

Since I can hardly wait to tackle the "Blogger photo Uploader Monster" let's get at it.

First up: The Fourth of July.

Yup, just a little behind.

The Little Man came up with the idea of going to a MLS game (that's Major League Soccer for all you non-sport watching types)  (Oh wait, that's me), and then watch the fireworks after the game.  I have to say, it was a great idea, and the firework show was probably the best I've ever seen.

Two thumbs up, Little Man!

We started with a dinner that is reserved for special occasions.  Not only because it's one of my most favorite burgers around, but because the calorie and fat count are so astronomical that it's a wonder we don't instantly clog an artery.

Look, all things good are going to cost ya, right?  That's why we like to practice moderation when it comes to Smash Burger. (Note: I think the look of pure pleasure is clearly written all over The Girl's face in this pic):

Back to pure goofiness:

The man with the plan:

You can't go to a game with out Dippen' Dots.  Plus, it was a little toasty out...even in the shade.

While the game and the side show (see above photos) were fun, this is what I came for:

It was after this night out that I was gifted with the whole family sleeping in until 9:45.  It all started in the car:

The next day we enjoyed "hangin'" with our friends at the annual 4th of July picnic our church throws.

That's all I got from that event as I spent the afternoon eating my own body weight in potato chips and french onion dip.  Hey, I was trying to make a healthier choice and avoid the hamburgers and hot dogs (I think I already mentioned the calorie count of the Smash Burger I so thoroughly enjoyed the night before).  Moderation, people, moderation.

Ahem.

Later that week, we headed a bit out of town and took a tour of the Celestial Seasonings Factory.  It was actually fairly interesting to see how they organized things, how all the machinery worked, and to see the mass amounts of tea.  Seriously, I never knew that much tea existed in all the world let alone just in this factory.  But our favorite parts, as if I have to tell you seeing as how I've already exposed you to my eating issues, was the free tea sampling.  We got to try all sorts of teas, hot and cold, and for free.  And not for free were some pretty amazing Biscotti.  Perfect.

That's The Girl enjoying her tea time snack.  What?  You don't usually enjoy your tea with a bag of potato chips?  Well, if you had a peanut allergy, that might be the only thing you find that is safe.  So, you just roll with it.

OK.  Here's the deal.  This is a working factory.  With food.  That other people eat.  There is no risking hair contamination.  The only thing funnier, was the men with the beard protectors AND hair nets.  Awesome.  (That's my mom.  She's been joining us for our little "field trips"  and I'm sure she's thrilled to see herself, hairnet and all, on the blog.  Way to be a good sport, Mom.)

Some souvenirs.  If you know me in real life, you should ask me about my chap stick obsession.  These little beauties joined the collection, and I'm fairly certain that they are rare finds:

Next up: The Aquarium.  Little factoid for ya: I've never been.  I know.  How many times have I been to the zoo or the museum?  Well, too many to count, but somehow I've passed up this place.  So, since it was our first time, you know there are going to be a TON of pics.  Here's what I whittled down to:

They each had a turn in the dive suit:

What's she looking at?

Oh!  Well, hello.

We went with our cousin, aunt, and our field trip buddy, grandma:

I found out on this trip that The Little Man is fascinated by sharks.  So when we saw this guy swim up to the glass, after freaking out for a bit, he had to have his picture taken.  Not a great shot, but they swim fast.

"MOM!  LOOK A SHARK!" Considering we were at an aquarium, I heard this a few times today.

The Girl taking in the hugeness of this fish:

 This picture just makes me laugh.  All three of them looking up into a tank:

Both kids were ecstatic to be able to touch a starfish.  The Little Man was proud of how brave he was.  Those starfish are frightening, I tell ya.

MOM!  Look at this big fish with big teeth!

Oh, hi Mr Barracuda.  Nice of you to show us your teeth.

 

You too, Mr. Shark.

Jelly fish are so beautiful to me.

The Girl was dying to get her pic taken with this fish.  I'm not sure why, I just obliged.

SHARKS!

Every once in a while we would see a large sea turtle swim by the glass.  This one came by just as I had my camera out, and like The Little Man, The Girl told me to quick take her pic with the turtle and sat down next to it.  It quickly swam away.  She then asked, "Did you get it? Did you get my picture with the sea turtle?"  As I took a look at the LCD, I just looked up and said, "Yup.  Sure did!  You're good to go!"

I think she totally had a silhouette in mind when she asked.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program...Hopefully...

I am missing this place.  This place where I remember and record the everyday.  This place where I change my perspective on the often times mundane little details of my life as a mommy, and make them special.   This place where it's mostly about them, and only sometimes about me. 

I don't know if I have shared this before, but each year I turn this blog into a bound book as a gift to not only myself (hopefully, my children will read it one day), but also my mom and mother-in-law.  This past weekend, while spending time at my mom's house, I had some time to sit back and read my own blog.  As I perused through the first year my blog was around, I was taken back by all the details I took time to write down.  I think I hardly missed a day! While it may not have been overly exciting information to the rest of the world, I loved reliving those days I can't hardly even remember now.  I totally forgot about all The Little Man's little antics while he potty trained.  I forgot how I thought we would be in Potty Training World forever (although, admittedly, sometimes I think we visit a neighborhood fairly close by).  There were also many cute one-liners The Girl threw around that I thought I would never forget.  Guess what only three short years will do to you? 

I guess I could go on and on as I walk down memory lane with you all, the point being: I miss this place, I miss recording our lives more regularly, I miss making this a priority, and in the meantime, I am missing out on a future opportunities to sit back and recollect what my grandmother calls "The Golden Years".

Here's the kicker: I wish that this meant I would be promising to be here more.  However, I know that I would probably break that promise.  I am going to say that I am going to TRY to be here more.  I can't say that the quality will be all that great, not that it has up to this point anyway, but I do want to get down the details.  The small things I think I will remember, but don't.  If it's well written, well that will be the icing on the cake.  Otherwise, I will be fine with just merely record keeping.

With that, here's my favorite quote from this weekend taken from The Little Man after his daddy helped him in the shower.  We have been working on teaching him how to shower  by himself lately.  I can hardly wait for the day when I can say, "Son, go hop in the shower, " and he does.  And he comes out clean.  And I can trust that he got all the soap rinsed out of all the parts where soap shouldn't stay.  After he and his daddy finished up in the shower, The Little Man was in for some bonus lessons:

p: Mommy!  Guess what! 
me: What, buddy?
p: Daddy was teaching me how to take a shower!
me: I know bud.  Are you getting any better?
p: Yup!  I got so good that when I got done Daddy gave me some lotion lessons too!

Clean and moisturized.  Just the way I like 'em.

Driving, and Luches, and Volunteer Time Oh My!

Just so we're clear, it's not for lack of material that I am not blogging very often.  Oh, no.  It most certainly is not.  What I thought was an all time low for number of posts per month, is now going to become even lower I fear.  While there is plenty to chat about here on the o'l blog, there just isn't much time to chat.

I'm sure you knew that by now.  I however, am still flabbergasted day in and day out at the amount of busy that is my life.  And really?  There isn't too much to show for it.

Sad.

The Hubs and I started noticing something with my car lately.  It seemed as though, we were constantly filling it with gas.  And by constantly, I mean once a week. 

Because I am quite the world traveler. 

Usually, a tank will get me two to two and a half weeks.  Everything I need is within a five mile radius.  While some might call that boring or maybe feeling trapped in, I call it blessed.  I love that everything is so close and there is little opportunity for me to have to fight off traffic to get to where I need to be.  Another word I would use: convenient.

Lately, however, I have been quite the traveler.  Unfortunately, it's primarily all been done in that same five mile radius.  Having two kids in two different schools and on two different schedules equals more car time.  Add to that errands, errands, a few activities, appointments, and then a few more errands and BOOM, there you have it.  I feel like I am never out of the car some days. 

I always thought that when the kids were in school I would have all this time that I would have to fill.  I thought maybe I would go back to work (Doing what, I have no idea because what I wouldn't be doing is teaching.  How people are able to be parents and teachers at the same time BLOWS MY MIND.  That's a whole lot of "kid" in one day.  The thought of picking up the ol' lesson planner gives me the willies.  Of course, there is always Been Blessed (at least that is what the plan was), but WOW! Running your own business takes a TON of time.  Especially when said business is run exclusively by yourself.).   However, what I am finding, at least right now, is that when your kids are in school, you don't have more time, you have less time. It feels much more busy now than it ever has.

So what are we spending our time on?  Well, as most mom's of school aged children will say, it's a lot of little things that add up to a whole bunch of time.  Things like:

1. Driving.  If your kids don't go to a neighborhood school or are attending a preschool, where there is no bus service provided, you are taking your sweet little cherubs to and from school.  Everyday.  Since The Girl's school is a charter school, no one takes the bus.  Everyone is driven to school.  That means there is a carpool lane.  That wraps around the entire school and neighboring neighborhood.  And you must wait your turn in it. 

2.  Lunches and snacks.  Yes, The Girl's school does provide a hot lunch everyday, however, they are not that affordable, and the quality of food is only so-so.  So while she does order lunch about once a week, there are all the other days of the week that we must pack.  The Little Man's pre-school does not provide lunch at all.  He must pack everyday.  And don't forget the snacks and the water bottles!  OH! and The Little Man?  Yes, my sweet little boy.  He will not touch lunch or snack if he thinks it has gotten too hot in his lunch box (honestly, I can't say I don't blame him.  The thought of a warm turkey sandwich with mayo on it makes me want to gag, too).  So, we have ice packs for all lunch boxes and snack packs.  Once we ensure that everyone will have a lunch and snack that will both a) stay the proper temperature and b) not leak all over everything (remember the water bottles!) we are ready roll.

3. Homework.  I really don't need to write too much here do I?  Honestly, the amount of homework given to kids these days is a bit ridiculous.  Maybe it's just me?  Being a former teacher, I do understand the value of homework.  Really, I do.  However.  The Girl is only seven, and just like all humans, she will only be seven for one year.  I don't know.  I just think she should be able to come home and play a few days a week.  I will say a few things, though.  First, the amount of homework really isn't too bad about 90% of the time.  Second, we are getting into a better routine and having a better attitude about it which is about 95% of the battle.  



Secondly, on Thursday, The Girl brought home an invitation she had gotten from the Math club at school.  Apparently, they would like to put together Math teams from grades 2-6 and participate in a Math competition at the end of the year.  She was invited to join the team.  Of course, I was very proud of her and excited at the thought of her doing something extra curricular that would boost her self confidence.  She didn't feel the same way.  At all.

I think her exact words were, "I think this is about the dumbest thing they could have ever asked me to do!  I would never want to do anything like this ever in my whole life!  What are they thinking!?!"

I still have the invitation. 

Clearly, I cannot (and should not) force her to do anything that she feels that strongly about, but on the other hand, I really think it would be so good for her.

I really have to start wrapping my head (and heart) around the fact that just because someone is really good at something doesn't mean that they like doing it.

4.  Volunteer time.  Right now, my volunteer time is at a minimum.  And, yes, I feel like a major slacker.  I do get into the school, though, and I will be doing more in the next few weeks ahead.  For some reason, right now, an hour a week feels like I am donating half my day.  And that is just for The Girl's school.  When The Little Man's school even looks like they are coming after me looking for a volunteer, I panic and run.  Sad, I know.  I have rationalized though that it is just pre-school *ahem* Jr K, and we will only be at that school for one year.

5. Speaking of running and school, the other thing that is sucking the life out of me taking up large amounts of time is running.  While the kids are in school, and I am not running away from volunteering,  I am still running, but for another reason.  I signed up to run another half marathon in October.  I know.  What was I thinking?  I don't really think I was thinking at all, actually.  I think I went crazy for a little bit, and got all swept up in the fact that I knew quite a few people that were running the same race, the fact that it was the inaugural race for our city for this particular series of races, and that since I have already raced in this series this year, I will be getting a special medal.  Because at the end of the day, it is all about the medal.  *ahem*  I keep telling myself that this is the last big race I am doing for a VERY long time.   Of course, I think I was saying the same thing, at about the same point in training, for the last one.  But this time I am SERIOUS.  I mean it.  Really.

I have lots of lunches, homework, driving, and volunteer time I need to be focusing on.

And maybe some more consistent blogging.

Top 10 of 2009

Welcome 2010. I don't know how to say you. Two thousand ten, is what I am inclined to say since we just left two thousand nine, but I am told that is totally un-cool. I guess I am supposed to call you twenty ten. When I think about it, I guess that makes sense since we never called 1990 one thousand nine hundred and ninety. Who am I though? I will try to get used to calling you twenty ten, and desperately cling any way I can to any shred of coolness I have left.

I will admit, when I thought about doing this post, I got sick to my stomach. I have been blessed this past year to photograph many other families. I loved meeting each of them, and learning their stories, but that left very small amounts of time to photograph my own family, and when I had a chance to photograph them, I was tired of taking pictures. I knew this going into this top ten post. I thought I would be lucky to get even ten photos period of my kids, let alone them being "favorites". Sure enough, when I went back to find ten posed, perfect pictures, I couldn't find ten. However, as I went through all of my 2009 photos, I found so many other photos that I loved so much more. Photos that weren't posed, that weren't technically perfect, photos that weren't planned, but lived.

So I learned two things putting this post together: 1) I need to take more photos of my own kids, even if I am feeling a little burned out because these are my kids, and these are our family's stories. 2) I love photographs of our life. Sure I love the posed and traditional shots too, but the photos where my girl's hair isn't perfect, but her smile is a mile wide because she is having the time of her life are precious. They have life. They tell a story. They breath. I won't stop posing my kids for more formal pictures, but in Twenty Ten I am going to work on capturing them beautifully, living their childhoods out.

Here's to Two Thousand Nine (in no particular order):

Snow play in an October blizzard:


Running from the waves in Newport Beach:


My favorite family portrait of '09


Finding pine cones at cousin's cabin:


Running through sprinklers this summer:


Blasting off rockets this past spring:


Chasing the wind, also this spring:


More posed for fall color with summer tans look:


More posed pictures from a session when The Little Man turned four:




We did get to play a bit at this session:


The Girl's six year old session:


Yummy lashes:




So if you were counting, there were more than ten, but I honestly could not edit this down any more. In fact my heart hurts about leaving out some other photos. When all was said and done, I had found over thirty "favorites".

That's a great year.