Training Begins

Today my training for the marathon began. I have been running/ walking on the treadmill, but it was actually nice today finally so I was able to run outside. Different since our neighborhood is the Rocky Mountains. My uncle told me there was a great training program in Runners World online, so that really was a great resource!! They say to start running/ walking in intervals and increase the running slowly (actual set times for each week) and do this 4 days per week. The focus in the beginning also is on the amount of time not miles, so I went for 30 minutes. Nice! 30 minutes free of crying and hanging on my leg! What a treat! I am going to do a 5K first in April just to get my feet wet. I am really excited about it- it felt great and love having a goal!

Then about an hour later, I did go get a coffee- yum!!!!

When I Get Big

Okay, I have posted 3 things just today, but had to share what David said to me yesterday. We were riding in the car going our usual places and David says, "Mom, when I get big, I want to be just like you!" I was so proud of this, but then he added, "I will drive all around and have my spanking spoon." Hmmmm, not so proud.

Goal at 40

This year I turn 40! My birthday is in December, so I have a few months left in my 30's. I decided to set a goal for myself and post it to the world to make myself stick to it. Every year right around my birthday, there is a marathon right near me and I am going to do it! I have never done anything like this before, but I thought this is a perfect goal for me for 40! I need to lose weight anyway and run for my sanity. Maybe this will help relieve some stress? I know I feel much happier and more patient after Pilates. It also is impossible to get around this day and they run right down the street from me, so I might as well join in. I am actually quite excited about it and I have plenty of time to train. If I am ready earlier, I might just do the Turkey Trot Run, too. And maybe not. If anyone has ideas on great running shoes, please share. I have cross trainers and need support for all the saggy body parts. :) Get ready White Rockers, here I come! Do you think they would give me my Exxon French Vanilla Supreme coffee on the stops? ----- Probably not.

Princess Caroline

Back to school today and of course, Caroline now has a cold. We have been home for a week and really haven't been out much, so it is amazing she has this runny nose and cough. Every 2 minutes, she comes running and yelling- "Runny nose, runny nose!" She does not handle sick well- she does not like anything wet or dirty near her. She cries when there is even a small drop of water on her shirt! All the clothes come off in the midst of her panic. She also has only worn a princess shirt since Christmas day. Thank goodness she got 5 of them- 2 even light up. She dances around like Cinderella- what a girly girl!! Boys and girls are soooo different! She wants to be a princess while David runs through the house like a super hero! Entertaining. I must go - Caroline is on my legs saying, "Holda me!"

Supernanny Update

Well, I spoke with the person who sets up the visits and she is going to send me a 10 page questionaire to fill out about our family. She actually said our family sounds really interesting and she wants to get more information and we have a good chance to be on this season or next. Now I am nervous.

The Taming of the Barbarians

We haven't been to school in a week, and it is too cold outside to play, so we have gone a bit nuts in the house. It is amazing how just a bit of playdough makes it all okay. We made some great playdough together and they played with it for a long time!!! It all gets really quiet with their little hands working so hard. Very nice when I am trying to make dinner. Every once in a while, Caroline decides to taste it- that is so her to eat everything she sees and touches, but at least it is safe- gross, but safe. It is a great no cook recipe that I found! Just store it in a bag in refrigerator and can last about a week.

No Cook Playdough

1 cup cold water

1 cup salt

2 tsp. oil

3 cups flour

2 TBSP cornstarch

powdered paint or food coloring (optional)

Mix water, salt, oil, and coloring. Gradually work in flour and cornstarch until it reaches a bread dough consistency. Knead and use. Easy- may need to add more water/ flour to get to right consistency. Have fun!!!!

Saying goodbye to Babyhood

As the tears roll down my face, I pass the rocking chair to another home. I rocked my baby David all the time- for feedings, putting him to sleep, cuddling and reading books. Then Caroline came along and when I rocked her, David would climb up on the chair to join us. The chair seemed to be the "quiet time with mom" chair. Then Kate came along and the chair didn't get as much use because now Caroline and David would climb up to join us and, yes, it was a bit crowded. Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to the little small baby times and now look for a bigger rocker that we can all fit in together for quiet time with mom. I know it seems silly and the chair became a clothes rack, but I was really sad to let go. David is doing a little acting- he really wasn't that sad. A fine example of the drama we face each day.

Supernanny

Okay- I must confess to moments of desperation and frustration. A few months ago, I was so upset with David for doing something- I don't remember at all what it was now. He went through a terrible stage that I thought we would never get out of. He still has moments of relapse, but he is better. Now Caroline has jumped up to take his naughty place. Anyway, in my moment of "I can't do this", I emailed and applied for supernanny to come save us. I do really love the show and love her ideas, but never thought I would get a response. Well, I got a call and they want to talk to me! I haven't called back yet, but I am going to. Things have settled down, but she is so great! We could only benefit. It is just kind of funny- in those moments, you turn to prayer for help and Supernanny!!

Tea Party

This morning, as I was busy making breakfast, David was quietly playing in the living room. I thought he was just watching TV since it was unusually quiet for about 15 minutes. I walked into the living room and found David hosting a tea party. He had his Spiderman blanket out for the picnic. He also had all the plates, bowls, and cups out- and on each plate was some food. There were his bear friends, a rabbit, a frog, and a dog. Each had their own place to sit and plate with food. It was so cute how he had everything so nice and arranged. He was so proud of himself, so Caroline came and joined him and the friends. I was just really impressed at what a great host he was! After a few minutes, Caroline came along and kicked everything. She was getting him back for all the times he destroyed her tea parties. Not nice manners for a guest! We will need to work on that. :)

Baby Kate is growing so quickly!!!

Our last little baby is quickly changing before our eyes. I was always and still am excited to see the new things the kids can do, but it is a little sad at times, too. I love watching them discover new things- learning how to walk, talk, and about the world with new fresh eyes. Now I hear the little pitter patter of running feet in my hallway- what a sweet sound! Sometimes I yell out- no running!- but then I think- one day I am going to miss that sound. I need to treasure this- not where they just go nuts, but just treasure them being kids. How precious to hear these little feet and laughing!!

They are all growing before our eyes, but just knowing Kate is the baby- makes me want to freeze the moment. We actually already changed her crib (that she never slept in) into the toddler bed. She loves to play in it and pretend to night night, but not quite ready to sleep the whole night there. She is now climbing everywhere- I don't know if she has hiking mountains in her future, but right now it seems she will. She is on the kitchen table and counters- just climbing from one thing to another- and oh, so proud of herself! She is saying words now and running and playing with David and Caroline. For a while, they would not play with her, but now they are slowly letting her in their circle. It is so exciting to see the love between all of them. Even with Brent- they adore him and he is always holding or playing with one of them. Of course, he has his moments of wanting quiet or at least no kids around, but he loves them and enjoys them. I am so proud and overjoyed when I see them all together. They have fun together and I want them to always treasure each other. I just love them all so much - I can't even believe how blessed I am to have them. I am so thankful for my family.

American Idol Dance Off

We have a few stars in the making. Kate and Caroline love singing and dancing- so get ready America! After seeing Mommy on the dance mat, the kids (and adults) decided they wanted to try it, too. Yes, this was a gift for me! I was so excited to receive this- as scary as that is. I just need a microphone. Very fun! David will do it, but not with a big audience. Kate goes into a trance listening to her music and sings her big part at the end. So cute! Even Grammy and Brent had a try, but I don't know if there is a future for them in the dancing competition. I don't know if the beer in Grammy's hand really helped her out much. Sorry no video of them, just Kate and Caroline.