E's favorite show/princess is Sophia the First. In one particular episode, Sophia enters her pet rabbit into an animal show and he sings "I'm a Blue Ribbon Bunny, I'm the best in show..." It's a fun song and she's delightfully happy singing and dancing along.
So we're sitting in church, she's on my lap, facing me and smothering me with her squish hugs and wiggly giggles. Suddenly she grabs my face and puts her forehead against mine and sings "You're my Blue Ribbon Mommy, you're the best I know! You're my Blue Ribbon Mommy, the best in show!"
make. me. melt.
That evening we went for a drive up the canyon and spotted some wild turkeys.
me: "Look Lovely! It's a mama turkey and her babies!"
her: "Oh!....looks tasty."
me: "...what?! you can't eat that turkey!"
her: "well not in the car!"
while I laughed, she mused to herself, "I wonder where the daddy is. I will cook him and bite him. a big bite."
Monday, August 25, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
31
I managed to squeeze in plenty of celebrating for my 31st birthday this year.
On Saturday morning I challenged myself to another half marathon. Determined to PR a sub 2 hour race, I had been looking forward to it for weeks. But when the time came, I was ill prepared. I had planned on racing with my cousin/running buddy as I have once before. But at the last minute, I found out he wasn't coming. So nervously, I arrived alone and managed to figure out the bus shuttle (something I had never done before). I got shuttled to the start, casually talking to other runners along the way.
Soon the race started and I was eager and excited and felt ready. Unfortunately, I had no way to pace myself. The race had not provided pacers, much to my surprise, and I had really been counting on that when I found out my cousin wasn't coming. And on top of that, I couldn't get my GPS to work. But I put my music on and set out at a steady pace. I typically do my training runs (4-6 miles) at a 9:00 pace. Even with a 9:30 pace, I should have been able to finish in 2 hours. I ran steadily, enjoying the downhill but taking it easy so I didn't burn out. I eventually tired of course but it never got discouraging or really difficult. Eventually, I came across the finish and for the first time really, realized what had happened. I saw the time clock at 2:09. I'm sad to admit that my heart plummeted and I was incredibly disappointed. I realize that I was only 10 minutes over my goal but I know I could have pushed myself harder or paced myself better than that. I missed my goal and that was hard to take. I accepted my medal, collected my gear, stayed briefly to get a snack, but with no one in particular to celebrate with, and not really in the mood to celebrate, I made my way to my car and left.
I found a nearby gym, showered and got dressed up for the next adventure of the day--a cousin's wedding. I met my husband (and our fantastically fun family) at the wedding luncheon and was thrilled to see everyone, share in the soon-to-be-wed joy and thoroughly enjoyed a delectable lunch. We were seated with cousins right next to the head table and laughed and talked and and listened to the speeches. It was a beautiful experience to share with family, soon continued by the wedding itself. We were so happy to be included in the event and it was an incredible experience. We lingered around the temple for family pictures, absorbing and sharing that amazing euphoria and delight unique to such a special and sacred occasion.
As family dispersed to ready for the reception, we slipped away. Because months before the wedding date had been announced, we had bought theater tickets for that night. So we made our way to downtown and met both sets of our parents for dinner at the Olive Garden. Fun conversation, great food and soon we were on our way across the street to see Wicked. It was amazing! Having previously seen it in London, I wondered how it would compare. It was very different, with some unique portrayals and personality but still bursting with talent and energy. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially that we got to share the evening with our parents and both of my brothers and their wives.
Having been awake for 20 hours, I wasn't very good company and slept half the ride home (sorry honey), but happy with such a wonderful day.
But guess what. It actually wasn't my birthday. I considered Saturday to be my celebration (13 miles in honor of turning 31, time with family and friends, an incredible date night with dinner and theater), but my "real" birthday was two days later. Husband had to work all day, briefly waking me for a kiss and a "happy Birthday" at 5 am. So a few hours later, the girls and I were up and about. I taught a water aerobics class, we stopped at the school to find L's class and meet her teachers and then hurried home to change and ready for our field trip.
One of my amazing favorite cousins (I have lots of favorites, but I rarely get to see this one in particular as she lives in Boston) was here for the wedding and we spent the day together at the zoo! We took a ride on the train with my girls squealing delight at every thing they saw. We visited the giraffes and zebras and monkeys before stopping for lunch at the "Beastro". The girls begged for animal-shaped juice bottles which they proudly carried and repeatedly drained through the afternoon. We rode on the carousel, where E got to ride her beloved favorite zebra. And we visited the animals, where they loved elephants, sea lions and polar bears and they looked adorable toting their cute animal umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. Their favorite animal of the day was when we got an especially great view of the tiger as he, in a rare occurrence, left the shady comfort of his usual spot and sauntered down into perfect view. He wandered for several minutes and then continued into his wading pool to cool off. As he did so, he was directly on the other side of the glass from us, probably only 18" away from L. He turned directly toward her with a giant yawn which probably would have terrified her except that she had turned away from him in that moment. Soon he pattered away, back to his shady lounge spot and we were off again. Finally we arrived at the much awaited and anticipated splashpad. My cousin and I enjoyed ourselves, sitting nearby talking and laughing at our kids' antics. L spent nearly the whole time on the slide, making round after round. A made countless friend, organizing several trains down the slide, directing her newly banded crew on the pirate ship and teaching the other fairies how to dance in the fountains. E spent most of her time in the fountains, running through the jet sprays, splashing through puddles and trying to get my cousin's baby to follow her and play with her. My cousin's two kids enjoyed themselves as well. Her baby stuck close to us for the most part, especially fascinated by everyone's shoes but her 4 year old sat on one of the fountains, adjusting and moving to spray the water directly at people as they passed. We stayed until close, reluctanly saying goodbye and loading the kids up again.
Close to home, I picked up a pizza but worn out from the hot sun and fun activities, we didn't eat much. I put the kids to bed early and then lounged in a bubble bath with a book until my amazing husband arrived home late at night. He surprised me with a gorgeous bouquet of red roses and white flowers, as well as gourmet cupcakes to share.
And lastly, tonight. My sweet little L, always so sincere and perceptive and eager to share and please others, begged her daddy to take her to the store. They returned home with a chocolate cake and the three girls piled onto daddy's lap to decorate it with m&ms. After dinner, daddy served the cake, they sang to me, got extra rounds of hugs and kisses and concluded a particularly wonderful birthday.
On Saturday morning I challenged myself to another half marathon. Determined to PR a sub 2 hour race, I had been looking forward to it for weeks. But when the time came, I was ill prepared. I had planned on racing with my cousin/running buddy as I have once before. But at the last minute, I found out he wasn't coming. So nervously, I arrived alone and managed to figure out the bus shuttle (something I had never done before). I got shuttled to the start, casually talking to other runners along the way.
Soon the race started and I was eager and excited and felt ready. Unfortunately, I had no way to pace myself. The race had not provided pacers, much to my surprise, and I had really been counting on that when I found out my cousin wasn't coming. And on top of that, I couldn't get my GPS to work. But I put my music on and set out at a steady pace. I typically do my training runs (4-6 miles) at a 9:00 pace. Even with a 9:30 pace, I should have been able to finish in 2 hours. I ran steadily, enjoying the downhill but taking it easy so I didn't burn out. I eventually tired of course but it never got discouraging or really difficult. Eventually, I came across the finish and for the first time really, realized what had happened. I saw the time clock at 2:09. I'm sad to admit that my heart plummeted and I was incredibly disappointed. I realize that I was only 10 minutes over my goal but I know I could have pushed myself harder or paced myself better than that. I missed my goal and that was hard to take. I accepted my medal, collected my gear, stayed briefly to get a snack, but with no one in particular to celebrate with, and not really in the mood to celebrate, I made my way to my car and left.
I found a nearby gym, showered and got dressed up for the next adventure of the day--a cousin's wedding. I met my husband (and our fantastically fun family) at the wedding luncheon and was thrilled to see everyone, share in the soon-to-be-wed joy and thoroughly enjoyed a delectable lunch. We were seated with cousins right next to the head table and laughed and talked and and listened to the speeches. It was a beautiful experience to share with family, soon continued by the wedding itself. We were so happy to be included in the event and it was an incredible experience. We lingered around the temple for family pictures, absorbing and sharing that amazing euphoria and delight unique to such a special and sacred occasion.
As family dispersed to ready for the reception, we slipped away. Because months before the wedding date had been announced, we had bought theater tickets for that night. So we made our way to downtown and met both sets of our parents for dinner at the Olive Garden. Fun conversation, great food and soon we were on our way across the street to see Wicked. It was amazing! Having previously seen it in London, I wondered how it would compare. It was very different, with some unique portrayals and personality but still bursting with talent and energy. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially that we got to share the evening with our parents and both of my brothers and their wives.
Having been awake for 20 hours, I wasn't very good company and slept half the ride home (sorry honey), but happy with such a wonderful day.
But guess what. It actually wasn't my birthday. I considered Saturday to be my celebration (13 miles in honor of turning 31, time with family and friends, an incredible date night with dinner and theater), but my "real" birthday was two days later. Husband had to work all day, briefly waking me for a kiss and a "happy Birthday" at 5 am. So a few hours later, the girls and I were up and about. I taught a water aerobics class, we stopped at the school to find L's class and meet her teachers and then hurried home to change and ready for our field trip.
One of my amazing favorite cousins (I have lots of favorites, but I rarely get to see this one in particular as she lives in Boston) was here for the wedding and we spent the day together at the zoo! We took a ride on the train with my girls squealing delight at every thing they saw. We visited the giraffes and zebras and monkeys before stopping for lunch at the "Beastro". The girls begged for animal-shaped juice bottles which they proudly carried and repeatedly drained through the afternoon. We rode on the carousel, where E got to ride her beloved favorite zebra. And we visited the animals, where they loved elephants, sea lions and polar bears and they looked adorable toting their cute animal umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. Their favorite animal of the day was when we got an especially great view of the tiger as he, in a rare occurrence, left the shady comfort of his usual spot and sauntered down into perfect view. He wandered for several minutes and then continued into his wading pool to cool off. As he did so, he was directly on the other side of the glass from us, probably only 18" away from L. He turned directly toward her with a giant yawn which probably would have terrified her except that she had turned away from him in that moment. Soon he pattered away, back to his shady lounge spot and we were off again. Finally we arrived at the much awaited and anticipated splashpad. My cousin and I enjoyed ourselves, sitting nearby talking and laughing at our kids' antics. L spent nearly the whole time on the slide, making round after round. A made countless friend, organizing several trains down the slide, directing her newly banded crew on the pirate ship and teaching the other fairies how to dance in the fountains. E spent most of her time in the fountains, running through the jet sprays, splashing through puddles and trying to get my cousin's baby to follow her and play with her. My cousin's two kids enjoyed themselves as well. Her baby stuck close to us for the most part, especially fascinated by everyone's shoes but her 4 year old sat on one of the fountains, adjusting and moving to spray the water directly at people as they passed. We stayed until close, reluctanly saying goodbye and loading the kids up again.
Close to home, I picked up a pizza but worn out from the hot sun and fun activities, we didn't eat much. I put the kids to bed early and then lounged in a bubble bath with a book until my amazing husband arrived home late at night. He surprised me with a gorgeous bouquet of red roses and white flowers, as well as gourmet cupcakes to share.
And lastly, tonight. My sweet little L, always so sincere and perceptive and eager to share and please others, begged her daddy to take her to the store. They returned home with a chocolate cake and the three girls piled onto daddy's lap to decorate it with m&ms. After dinner, daddy served the cake, they sang to me, got extra rounds of hugs and kisses and concluded a particularly wonderful birthday.
July 24th
We woke up early to celebrate Pioneer Day. We packed a cooler and piled the kids into the car, driving into the valley for the big parade. We found a spot and were soon joined by some friends and Grandma and Grandpa (our annual tradition). We shared snacks, enjoyed the bands and admired the floats. I watched the runners, more than once wish I had committed to that morning's half marathon (oh well, next year then!). The girls loved playing with their friends and bounced back and forth between our picnic spot under the trees and their spot among the crowd, closer to the floats. After the parade finished, our party continued over lunch at an Italian restaurant where A demonstrated her great love for spaghetti and E mostly just bounced from one lap to another. But L sat closely with her long time best friend, playing and talking and coloring happily.
Eventually we parted ways and ran a few errands. That evening we spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a bbq and fireworks. Daddy did the honors, conducting our fireworks show while the girls squealed and shrieked, professing their admiration or distaste for the various effects.
The next day, we packed and readied so as soon as Daddy was finished with work, we hooked up our trailer and set out to go camping with my family. However, the drive took much longer than anticipated with not just one, but two blown tires. We arrived at camp very late, after all the other kids were in bed and settled into the same as well.
But then we got to spend the whole next day playing. The kids rode the loop around camp endlessly on their scooters and especially loved the puzzles I had brought. In the afternoon we visited a nearby splash pad and were very impressed with how big and creative and fun it had been made. The kids had a blast and lasted a long while. Back at camp, the kids disappeared again to play with cousins, games of pretend or with toys or taking hikes. They all came running back for campfire cones for dessert of course and worn out from a busy hot day, were easy to put to bed.
We spent one more morning playing, enjoying our relaxed atmosphere and freedom to run before finally heading home in the afternoon...and quickly making site reservations for another weekend coming soon.
Eventually we parted ways and ran a few errands. That evening we spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a bbq and fireworks. Daddy did the honors, conducting our fireworks show while the girls squealed and shrieked, professing their admiration or distaste for the various effects.
The next day, we packed and readied so as soon as Daddy was finished with work, we hooked up our trailer and set out to go camping with my family. However, the drive took much longer than anticipated with not just one, but two blown tires. We arrived at camp very late, after all the other kids were in bed and settled into the same as well.
But then we got to spend the whole next day playing. The kids rode the loop around camp endlessly on their scooters and especially loved the puzzles I had brought. In the afternoon we visited a nearby splash pad and were very impressed with how big and creative and fun it had been made. The kids had a blast and lasted a long while. Back at camp, the kids disappeared again to play with cousins, games of pretend or with toys or taking hikes. They all came running back for campfire cones for dessert of course and worn out from a busy hot day, were easy to put to bed.
We spent one more morning playing, enjoying our relaxed atmosphere and freedom to run before finally heading home in the afternoon...and quickly making site reservations for another weekend coming soon.
girls weekend part 2
We managed to have a girls weekend twice in a row since we soon embarked on our 3rd annual girls weekend. This time, both of my sister-in-laws were able to attend as well as my mom and myself, only missing my kid sister who obviously lives too far for such an occasion.
We met at the dino park, quickly wandering the small museum and eagerly heading for the dino grounds and best of all, the playground. The cousins greeted each other as if it had been weeks, instead of days, and dove into their games and pretend play. The adults took longer to settle in with the loss of multiple cell phones and chasing the more mischievous children.
Using my sister in law's timeshare again, we had a great two bedroom condo and quickly made ourselves at home. We devoured Papa Murphy's pizza and then had a movie night with oreo's and milk. We were missing my oldest niece for the weekend but other than that, we had all the girl cousins together. The three oldest (age 6 and up) got to stay up late, watching "The Little Princess" and sleeping on the murphy bed in the living room while the younger kids had a much tougher time settling into their temporary home.
Our second day was spent lounging around. Grammy brought crafts, fun letter erasers the kids used to personalize new school pencils, coloring books, stickers books and more. We watched movies, played with toys and spent a couple hours in the fantastic pool. The older girls loved the pool noodles and floated around lost in their own play while the younger ones stuck close to us, bouncing between the main pool's shallow end and a nearby kiddie pool. The taco bar that night was a hit and we celebrated with root beer floats during our bedtime movie. Each night we did "happy and sad"s with all the cousins, which while lengthy was so fun. After all the kids were tucked into bed, the women, plus the oldest cousin--my 9 year old niece, stayed up late to do a craft, painting fun mantlepiece blocks.
Our third day started with pedicures, fancy hair and even a little make up as we dressed up and readied for a special occasion. We took all the girls to Olive Garden for lunch, with the intention of a fancy "etiquette" dinner. The kids had a blast and were probably more well behaved than usual, at least for toddlers. We had intended to spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum but much to our dismay, found it had closed early that day. While we debated what to do over ice cream cones, we unfortunately got caught up in a messy situation with my brother's heinous ex-wife and had to take one of the cousins home. We eventually returned to the condo and went for a quick evening swim. Once again, the women stayed up late to watch a chick flick, (except for me, I fell asleep 20 minutes into the movie).
Our last morning was spent packing, feeding kids, finishing projects and finally, getting in one last swim before we enjoyed a picnic lunch together. Until next year.
We met at the dino park, quickly wandering the small museum and eagerly heading for the dino grounds and best of all, the playground. The cousins greeted each other as if it had been weeks, instead of days, and dove into their games and pretend play. The adults took longer to settle in with the loss of multiple cell phones and chasing the more mischievous children.
Using my sister in law's timeshare again, we had a great two bedroom condo and quickly made ourselves at home. We devoured Papa Murphy's pizza and then had a movie night with oreo's and milk. We were missing my oldest niece for the weekend but other than that, we had all the girl cousins together. The three oldest (age 6 and up) got to stay up late, watching "The Little Princess" and sleeping on the murphy bed in the living room while the younger kids had a much tougher time settling into their temporary home.
Our second day was spent lounging around. Grammy brought crafts, fun letter erasers the kids used to personalize new school pencils, coloring books, stickers books and more. We watched movies, played with toys and spent a couple hours in the fantastic pool. The older girls loved the pool noodles and floated around lost in their own play while the younger ones stuck close to us, bouncing between the main pool's shallow end and a nearby kiddie pool. The taco bar that night was a hit and we celebrated with root beer floats during our bedtime movie. Each night we did "happy and sad"s with all the cousins, which while lengthy was so fun. After all the kids were tucked into bed, the women, plus the oldest cousin--my 9 year old niece, stayed up late to do a craft, painting fun mantlepiece blocks.
Our third day started with pedicures, fancy hair and even a little make up as we dressed up and readied for a special occasion. We took all the girls to Olive Garden for lunch, with the intention of a fancy "etiquette" dinner. The kids had a blast and were probably more well behaved than usual, at least for toddlers. We had intended to spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum but much to our dismay, found it had closed early that day. While we debated what to do over ice cream cones, we unfortunately got caught up in a messy situation with my brother's heinous ex-wife and had to take one of the cousins home. We eventually returned to the condo and went for a quick evening swim. Once again, the women stayed up late to watch a chick flick, (except for me, I fell asleep 20 minutes into the movie).
Our last morning was spent packing, feeding kids, finishing projects and finally, getting in one last swim before we enjoyed a picnic lunch together. Until next year.
girls weekend part 1
I rather abruptly decided to join my mom on a weekend adventure to a family reunion with all of her cousins. Husband was unable to go, Papa was unable to go, and I had already offered to watch two of my nieces for the weekend. But somehow, in talking to my mom and my other sister-in-law, we decided we would go anyway. Thus, our impromptu girls weekend.
Friday morning we spent packing and loading, then I had to slip away to teach a GroupPower class (my clear favorite) and then I hurried home, took a record short shower and hopped into the driver's seat of my sister's 15 passenger van. Grammy (my mom) rode shotgun while my sis ran herd on the nine children piled in behind us, the oldest of which was my 6 year old. crazy? definitely.
The children were amazing well behaved, mostly sleeping or fascinated by their cousins' tablets. The miles melted away as we talked and snacked and planned. We arrived several hours later, just in time to unload the babies at our weekend rental to a babysitter and take the older girls to a performance of Cinderella. Grandma Great had arranged for all of us to come and the girls loved it, despite being wiggly after sitting for most of the day.
The next morning we played through breakfast and arrived at the family reunion festivities, kicking off with an "Amazing Race", following clues that led us to various places in town, each with a story and memory of my great grandparents. The kids mostly watched a movie but mom, my sis and I loved it. Back at reunion headquarters, the kids played in the park and splashpad for hours while the adults picnicked, played Jeopardy and shared stories. A couple of adorable and amazing 11-12 year olds adopted our herd of toddlers, asking if they could watch them at the park or play with the at the splash pad. Thrilled with our self-appointed babysitters, we agreed and got to enjoy spending time with our own cousins. We spent the evening at the city pool which Grandma Great had rented as a private party for our large family and the kids were absolutely delighted. By the time we made it home, the kids were happy and worn out from a wonderful day and barely made it through dinner before they crashed for the night.
On Sunday, with all of our beautiful daughters, we attended church with Grandma Great before piling back into the van and heading for home.
Friday morning we spent packing and loading, then I had to slip away to teach a GroupPower class (my clear favorite) and then I hurried home, took a record short shower and hopped into the driver's seat of my sister's 15 passenger van. Grammy (my mom) rode shotgun while my sis ran herd on the nine children piled in behind us, the oldest of which was my 6 year old. crazy? definitely.
The children were amazing well behaved, mostly sleeping or fascinated by their cousins' tablets. The miles melted away as we talked and snacked and planned. We arrived several hours later, just in time to unload the babies at our weekend rental to a babysitter and take the older girls to a performance of Cinderella. Grandma Great had arranged for all of us to come and the girls loved it, despite being wiggly after sitting for most of the day.
The next morning we played through breakfast and arrived at the family reunion festivities, kicking off with an "Amazing Race", following clues that led us to various places in town, each with a story and memory of my great grandparents. The kids mostly watched a movie but mom, my sis and I loved it. Back at reunion headquarters, the kids played in the park and splashpad for hours while the adults picnicked, played Jeopardy and shared stories. A couple of adorable and amazing 11-12 year olds adopted our herd of toddlers, asking if they could watch them at the park or play with the at the splash pad. Thrilled with our self-appointed babysitters, we agreed and got to enjoy spending time with our own cousins. We spent the evening at the city pool which Grandma Great had rented as a private party for our large family and the kids were absolutely delighted. By the time we made it home, the kids were happy and worn out from a wonderful day and barely made it through dinner before they crashed for the night.
On Sunday, with all of our beautiful daughters, we attended church with Grandma Great before piling back into the van and heading for home.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
quote of the day
A: "this chocolate is so good for me. "
Me: "uh well. Its a treat. You need lots of good growing food and sometimes a treat. But no, its not good for you to eat just chocolate."
A: "but it makes me feel good! So it helps me!"
Yeah, she has a point.
Me: "uh well. Its a treat. You need lots of good growing food and sometimes a treat. But no, its not good for you to eat just chocolate."
A: "but it makes me feel good! So it helps me!"
Yeah, she has a point.
quote of the day
Me: "Why don't we go back to sleep? Your eyes still look tired."
A: "They're not tired. They just have salmon in them."
Me: "...Sam in them?"
A: "No! SA-MON. So I can sleep."
Me: "Oh! The sandman came and left sand in them so you can sleep?"
A: "Yeah, salmon."
A: "They're not tired. They just have salmon in them."
Me: "...Sam in them?"
A: "No! SA-MON. So I can sleep."
Me: "Oh! The sandman came and left sand in them so you can sleep?"
A: "Yeah, salmon."
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