Jingle Bells - Ella

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~ Fun With Moon Sand ~

~Time to Put Moon Sand Away ~

Merry Merry!!

Fun New Stuff

It has been SO long since my last post. October to be exact..and that really was just a lazy filler for me not wanting to blog. A cute one..but lazy on my part. A lot has happened but nothing of great significance. We had a great Thanksgiving...we went to my Aunt Carol's with Mom and ate lots of yummy food, then the weekend after Dad, Rikki, Raelinn and John all came over and we ate lots more yummy food.

Actually food has been in abundance near me, around me, on my plate, in my mouth and well..you get the picture. In fact - I have been over eating (really enjoying it) and not running anymore! I am sadly disappointed in myself. It wasn't really until I realized just a couple of my jeans still fit me (barely) that I decided I am treating myself unfair by not eating healthy.
I am joining in the cliche' that I once said I never would and making it a new year's resolution to eat healthy and exercise at least 4 to 5 times a week. I used to get irritated when the gym got extremely busy around January. I scoffed at the resolutioners and their dieting...just knowing they would be gone by mid-march. But HEY - Wake up lady...at least they are trying!! Who are you to judge with your double bacon cheeseburger! And now I am eager to join them. Only my resolutions usually start later in the year and are very sporadic to say the least. New year...new me? No, not new me.
Just a me trying to be healthier I guess.
K - Nuff bout that!

Christmas was really nice this year. We went to Rikki's the middle of December and did Christmas with my mom. Raelinn made us dinner (Ziti) It was really good. I had a couple of extra days off work around Christmas day to spend with the kids. We played in the snow, we made goodies, we ate (tee hee), we played games. Just good and relaxing time and we really didn't have to get out of the house at all. I don't think I left my house for a good 5 days! I can't remember the last time I didn't leave the house for that long. Well besides the snow playing and a little driveway shoveling. John came and stayed a couple of days with us. It was nice spending the time with him as well.

I have to say..I am a snow lover. BIG time! And I love a white Christmas. This year however the day after Christmas - I was like OK Mother Nature..bring on the sun - and spring - and flowers - and would it be too much to ask for a rainbow? OK - getting ahead of myself - But I am already ready for spring. Bring on the baby bunnies!!

I hope everyone really did have a Merry Christmas. I get all meloncholy during and especially after the holiday season. I think about family near and far and wish we could all be together.
However the blessings in my family this winter season have been abundant.
Peace to All.

Our Summer/Fall

Fall has definitely arrived - can't you tell by the 80 degree weather?? Even with the leaves beginning to cover the ground the splash pad sprinklers are still alive with wet children wearing sun block. My flowers are confused and to be honest I am too! I am hoping for some real fall weather soon!

Gage's team (the Jaguars) won their football game Saturday. It was a very exciting game for us because Gage had 2 touch downs and an interception! It was very exciting! (Did I say that already?) His last fall game is this Saturday - then on to basketball. One sport merges into the next almost seamlessly. He just can't get enough!

Ella may be starting gymnastics soon. I'm not sure if it is too early for her, but I have been told that the younger ones do better because they get over being shy more quickly. We'll see! She is usually not the one to be shy, but lately she has been clinging to me. If she wants to do it and has fun, then I'm all for it.

We went to the pumpkin patch Saturday (Bart's Farm). The kids picked out pumpkins, fed the horses, moo'd at the cows, and sat on a tractor. It was good fun. What I really like about Bart's farm is that it is ran where the family lives. It is their house and land that they open up to us to make our own pumpkin farm memories on. And what a nice family! What they sell during pumpkin season goes to help fund their children's college education. That is the kind of business I like to support and these are the memories I love to make!

I have my 2nd race this weekend. It is the 2007 Especially for You Women's Race Against Breast Cancer. I will be doing the 5K run. This race has raised over $819,000 since June 2005. The money helps women who are unable to afford breast-cancer screening, and to teach the extreme importance of early detection.

The fight against cancer is extremely important to me for many reasons. Many of my family members have been touched by this horrible disease. No one can ever do enough or too little to help.

Just Cuz it's Jon

These are from a few years ago at a John Kerry ralley. I am sharing just because.

Some GREAT people

Some pictures from the picnic with the Fam!

Well I did it. My first 5k. It was awesome. I got there a little early to scope it out, and because I was so nervous. I saw all of the other runners near the start line and spread about around the area. They were stretching, running (I guess some runners run to warm up but I didn't want to waste my energy! ) and chatting with all of their running partners and buddies. In a way it felt good to be running alone, I could go at my own pace - no distractions and I only had to worry about breathing and not attempting to carry on a conversation with anyone.

The Marion mayor, or previous mayor I'm not sure which, finally told everyone to line up from the loud speaker. I honestly wasn't sure where I should line up. I have read 2 books now by John Bingham, and let me tell you - they helped me out SO much. I decided to head towards the middle of the pack. I knew the front would be where the more competitive runners would be (thanks John B) and the back would be mostly where the walkers were.

Then they said start. Actually to be quite truthful, I'm not sure if they said start or if a bell rang or a shot went off or what because I was in some sort of zone. I was just staring at everyone and wondering if I would make it up this huge hill. Then I just saw everyone start and away I went.

I am so happy to say that everyone was so friendly. I was afraid I would be shunned for being chubby, or not wearing the right kind of running shoes (or whatever).
:) :O ;P
That was not the case at all! I saw a couple of people I knew and they made me feel right at home. I also talked to a few people I didn't know and you know what? I realized they are just like me!

I am so happy that I did this. It has given me a sense of real accomplishment and even though I may not look like a runner, I finally really feel like one.

The race results are at www.cvra.net under the Swamp Fox link. My time if you don't want to look (but you should anyways - lol) was 29:39.

Thank you to all of my friends and family for your encouragement and interest. I was thinking of all of you and your kind words at the starting line and carried them with me to the end.

This is just the beginning for me people!! Watch out! hehe

I would also like to say that I had such an awesome time in Nashua visiting my family. Picnic's like that remind me of how everyone used to get together when I was a kid. I am so happy Sarah and Jeremy were able to come "home" for a visit.
Even though I didn't get to visit with you (Sarah) as much as I wanted to!!
It's hard though (hard as in you want to spend time and talk to everyone!) when there are so many people you love around that you don't get to see enough!

Dad sent me some pics that I will add later on- he takes some good pictures! I didn't take any again - I always forget something!

Take Care Everyone!!

News

Let's see.....

• Gage started school on the 21st. He loves his new teacher, and I like her a lot too. He seems to have picked up right where he left off.
• Ella started at her daycare/preschool on the 27Th, Mother Goose. The first few mornings have been rough dropping her off. She cries and clings to me (or Wade). Very tough. Her teachers say she does great during the day and calms down within minutes of us leaving, so that's good!
• I started a new job, same company. I am learning a lot. Brain over load. Wow.
• Mom came to visit on the 25Th. We went to Usher's ferry and out for a late lunch, then watched a movie while the kids were at the park with friends. It was fun!
• This Sunday we are going to Nashua for a visit. We are all pretty excited!
• The 8Th of September is my first race! Yippee! It's called the Swamp Fox run. It's a 5k and part of the Marion Swamp Fox Festival. Unfortunately Wade and Gage won't be able to make it because Gage has a football game - so I have enlisted my friend Kara to be there to cheer me on. Come out if you can!

Guess that's it for now. I will post some pics soon of the kids and of course Myla, Gage's new pet!

ORN

Last night: 4.5 miles - 46 minutes.
Way to get back in the game!

Happy Birthday John!!!!!!!

My baby brother is 23 today - WOW! I don't know how he survived childhood with a sister like me.

John, thank you for your forgiveness for all of the horrible things I did to you when we were kids and into my teenage years. There were good and bad times shared (more good than bad of course!) Sometimes situations weren't always the best - sometimes they were the best ever!! This is what being part of a family is about. I love you and you are always on my mind no matter where we are near or far. You will always be my brother - and you are the best darn brother I could ask for!!

I hope you have a great day, and a great year! Live life to it's fullest when opportunity allows, and if it doesn't allow - make it!


LOVE YOU!

Water falls from the cliff of habit and emotions slowly soaking into the sponges below.

"I think that second kids blossom and spread inside that airy absence of scrutiny, while first kids are so often sweltering inside a kind of worried parental greenhouse where they get clipped into odd, neurotic topiary children." Catherine Newman

I was told once or twice when Gage was younger that I was too careful with him. With Gage I thought each time out would permanently damage his heart, or ruin our adult relationship with one another. I found myself dwelling over how what I said or did would affect him for the rest of his life. Like maybe some day he would be walking along with his wife, hand in hand, and he would remember that time I lost my frazzled mind a little and became upset and yelled at him because he tracked mud on the carpet. And would that affect how he treated her, or himself? With Ella, I don’t think that much into it, and I think it’s to her benefit. I have also learned not to let the little stuff get to me so much. So what if she is covered in mud with dried buggers on her face. It will wash off. And yes, I have chilled out with Gage too, although the damage has been done. If he grows up to be neurotic and hovering over his own children, I am to blame.

Children for the most part are like sponges – not only sopping up every thing people around them say or do, but also they are so soft. They can be twisted and bent with the flick of a hurtful word but will reshape themselves in moments with a little help or sometimes on their own.

I can never express the love I have for my kids enough, however recently I have found that I really need something that is only for me. I found that being a mom is not, or doesn’t have to be, my only identity. It sounds cruel to me and a little selfish, but how can I teach them to enjoy life if I don’t know what I enjoy in life besides them? This running thing (that I always go back to and I’m sure is boring to most) has given me this. I know it’s minimal, but it’s only for me, and I really enjoy it – even if I am not good at it. My next goal is to take acting classes. I am not shooting for the stars here, just a small role in a local play. I want to give my kids and myself something to look up to and appreciate – in me.

Saturday we went to Petco – and Gage got a pet. He decided after quit a bit of consideration that he wanted a guinea pig. The turtles were too hard to take care of, the leopard geckos too small, Petco lady told him hamsters are apt to bite – gerbils chew everything.
A guinea pig is cuddly, cute and interacts with you. Gage adopted a pig by the name of Myla. She was brought in by a college student on her way to the dorms, having to leave her pet behind.
Myla is still really scared of us, but I hope in time, she will do a little less hiding and a lot more speaking. Gage is extremely protective of his new friend. He doesn’t like loud noises near her. You now have to quietly knock on his door and be permitted entrance. However don’t count on it if Myla is out of her igloo. Poor Ella has almost been completely banned from his room, and I have had to intervene a few times during smashed finger in the door incidents. Ella is so curious and wants so much to be a part of Myla’s life. Once or twice I have had to sneak her out so Ella could pet and cuddle her. Gage did permit Ella to help feed and water this morning and I think if it weren’t for him hushing her to a whisper; she would have burst with eager joy.

Already I see the neurotic parenting that is his heritage.

PS - pictures coming soon - I promise!

The excitement of school starting is upon us. Gage is counting down the days in anticipation. I guess I remember doing that as well when I was younger. It wasn't until I got older did I count down the days in the dreadful summer is over manner. Little Miss Ella gets to start at her new school this month also! She is going to a daycare/preschool and she is extremely excited. For a girl that loves her sippy cup, but wants to be 6 years old all the time, I am sure it will be a very confusing transition for her, and somewhat sad for me. I don't know why it will be sad except to say what I always say - they grow up so darn fast. I thought she just started to crawl - but somehow yesterday she was swinging like a mad woman even letting go with one hand to brush the hair from her face! Low and behold, my little baby is 3. When in the heck did that happen?
With age comes wisdom doesn't it? Just how much wisdom is in the eyes (or head in this case) of the beholder I think! Please remind me at what point in our lives we realize that we may not after all have always known more than our parents? Gage really knows everything...just ask him....he will tell you. :) Even Ella sometimes jumps on the I know more than my mom at all times wagon. This wagon by the way is about to get a flat tire courtesy of dear old mom! So is life, and we will muddle through it until the water's are clear again and all feels back to normal.

Gage is now asking for a pet turtle. I really think that every kid should have a pet to care for. I think pets help to teach responsibility, love and of course over time - loss. I explained to him this would be his pet. His pet to feed, water, play with and - AND - clean up after. He is all for it - for now anyways. We have yet to decide on this but will keep you posted!

I completely forgot somehow to mention Ella's birthday, it was a great time. I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

On a more boring - down right dull note to most:
I am seriously slacking on my running again. I haven't ran since my last post. Thursday!
Yikes! I crave it and I dread it. I guess this is what people mean by a love/hate relationship.

Soon we will be saying good bye once again to buttered corn, fresh tomatoes and backyard baseball. With the end of summer brings the changing leaves and crisp fall air. Football games and warm sweaters.
There is always a stretch of what could feel like eternity or sometimes even a split second that I find myself looking forward to the approaching season, but longing for the previous to blow in once again. In this space of time I wish to place myself physically in the middle old memories, but relentlessly anticipate making new ones. Because I obviously cannot be in two places at once, or time travel mind you, I will enjoy yesterday, yesterday and today will be enjoyed today. Looking back occasionally to smile and reminisce.

Take Care!

Didn't run Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I am not running today. Tomorrow is going to have to be a good long one (I would like to try 5 miles) - we'll see!
I went and saw my Grandma S last night and visited with my Aunt KT and family. I don't see any of them enough!!
~Will post more later - I still need to get in and add pictures to my Picasa - maybe tonight I will do that. :)

Take Care!!

Yesterday's run (8-9-07) 2.6 miles

I haven't been on here for a new entry for quite a while! We have been busy, and though we have been having a lot of fun, I am excited things are slowing down a bit.

I went to see Raelinn's play. She was fabulous!! I really hope she continues to try out for plays because she really seems to enjoy it, and she did such a great job!

We also made our 2nd annual trip to Backbone. This year we decided it would be easier on all of us if we rented a cabin. We rented one of the older cabins they have - and it reminded me of camp as a child and family reunions in Indiana. The "cabin aroma" definitely triggered the smell sensory node in my brain and helped the memories along. I don't know what it is about older cabins, but they smell like....well, like cabins. This is not a bad thing by any means. It's more of an old wood, wet sandy kid kind of smell and I love it.

We hiked the backbone trail this year - and wow, what an adventure. Once I realized how extremely high up we were and that the drop off was on both sides, I realized, duh this is the backbone of backbone - hence the title "Backbone Trail". I was a little mother henish asking the kids not to run or jump or skip or peer over the edge while please, just please staying in a single file line. However, not to let my fear over power my absolute coolness, I did let them climb up and down and into a few things that were probably against my better judgement. Of course the kids (Raelinn and Gage) were probably a lot less frightened than I was and I really wanted them to experience something they probably wouldn't have a chance to again for a while.

We did quite a bit of exploring in the stream. It's extremely cold water (until you numb up a bit) but it is so beautiful and you never know what you may see around each bend. In our case, we saw an abundance of beautiful wild flowers, hawks, shells, trees, rocks, lots of animal tracks and a dead beaver. The beaver was definitely the highlight for some of us. I'm sure you can guess who!

Raelinn made her 2nd annual spelunk to the farthest point back in backbone cave that an adult could squeeze in to. This year I actually joined her! It was awesome. A little squat walking, some crawling, and then you get to stand for a few feet before you squat walk and crawl the rest of the way back. Then we came to the hole that she of course begged me to let her shimmy though. I being the sane one in this case, had to tell her no, that she could continue on once she was older or convinced her mom to take the trip in the cave with her next year. Once again not to let my fear get in the way of my super coolness, I let her hang the front most part of herself through the hole while holding a flashlight and I holding her legs so she could at least see what treasure or adventure she had to look forward to treating herself to - when she was older.

They may have heard that phrase quite a bit on our hike also. I am a mom first after all! And we all want to find the even divide between letting our children (or niece) be adventurous and being safe. We did go back to the cave a second time and this time Gage joined us - and we saw bats! I couldn't believe it. Very cool I must say.

Ella has changed so much this year from the last time we were there. She actually wasn't afraid to get into the water and swim/splash around, and she is so much more aware of everything around her when we are hiking. I hope they continue to love nature as much as I do.

Gage, Wade and Rae did fish a bit but didn't have much luck. I think the kids may need a little more patience yet and Wade was a tad busy with untangling lines and putting hooks back on.

We also rented a flat bottom boat and rowed around the lake. The kids were extremely hot and wanted to take off their life vests so I decided to see how deep the lake was. I put my oar in and lo and behold - about three feet deep. The bottom was a little mushy and backbone lake has not been known to be that clean for quite sometime or I would have let them walk across it.

I also have to mention that we befriended a little pregnant cat that lived under a cabin while we were there. She actually had her kittens before we left! Our wonderful cabin neighbors decided to take all three of them home to CO with them! We also had the pleasure to enjoy them playing their guitars and singing around the camp fire. You just can't beat that!

The time spent with family cannot be measured and it is never long enough. This is one place I don't know that we will grow tired of in the near future. Every where you go in the park is simply breathtaking if you can take a long enough breath to stop and enjoy.

I have so many more pictures but I guess I can't publish them all. Take a peek in the Picasa web album every now and again and when I have time I will get more pictures on there.

Family reunion there anyone? 2008?

I'm off for now - Take Care!!

PS - I started running again - yipee!

last week I ran Thurs-2m, Fri 2m, and Saturday 4m!

This week so far has been Mon-3m, Tues 2M, Today (Wed) 2.6M

I need to keep it up!!!