In 55 days I will be running my 2nd marathon...26.2 miles! I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC back in Oct. 1999 and was thrilled I did it. A huge accomplishment and a great experience with the Aids Project LA training group. I ran that marathon to honor my cousin, Jimmy, a US Marine! I didn't have a time goal, just wanted to finish and I did with lots of emotion. I enjoyed having my Uncle Don, Cousin Jen & her husband Rob (who ran with me for a few minutes) and my cousin Ryan there to cheer me on. I said I would never run another one...
Well here I am 11 years & 2 kids later in the final training stages to run another one. This one will be even more emotional! This one is to support my best friend/sister, Michelle. This one is for Mitch, an amazing person that gave so much to this world & died way too early. This one I'm running with my husband (well technically speaking probably a few hours behind him but we will start out together and he'll be at the finish line when I get there). This one is for my kids...to show them that if they want to accomplish something, they can!
The kids have been a part of the training since the beginning. We have taken them in the stroller on some of our shorter training runs, they have listened to the Ipod, they have helped me stretch, they have asked "how was your run mommy?", they have driven in the car to go find Bryan or I running so they can wave and tell us "great job!" and "go Team Mitch". They are as invested as we are (as much as a 4 & 2 year old can be) Keira has asked to go running with me. Isaac knows what my running socks & shoes look like and will actually say "no run" since he knows the mileage is getting longer which means the time away is longer but in the end he is always happy & willing to give hugs, kisses & hi fives when I get back!
This marathon, I have family members running in the marathon & 1/2 marathon (how cool is that?!) I will also have LOTS of family & friends along the course and at the finish and I'm honored to be a part of TEAM MITCH! Just like my last marathon, I don't have a time goal...my only goal is to beat my last time. What an great feeling that will be!! In '99, I was a single, 24 year old with no real responsibilities other than my job. But by the time this marathon takes place June 6, 2010 in San Diego, I will be a 35 year old wife & mother of 2 with lots of responsibilities! I thought finding time to train last time was hard since I lived in Orange County and worked in LA. Now, finding time to train is even harder! Not only do I have Keira & Isaac to take care of, but I watch Addison & Matthew during the week too and am working 2 days/week at Trader Joe's, but somehow the runs still happen and I will finish this adventure with one foot in front of the other.
The fund-raising for this marathon is special to me! Team Mitch is raising $10,000 to establish the Mitchel Steinke Lifetime Scholarship for the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) that will send a kid to Air Academy Camp each year in Mitch's name. If anyone deserved to have a lifetime scholarship in his name...it is Mitch! The kids know Team Mitch has a purpose and are just as excited about the marathon as the rest of us. Watch this short video below that Keira & Addison made the other day. They were totally talking about Team Mitch on the way to school, so I told them I would videotape them and they could watch themselves on "tv"...
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit, https://secure.eaa.org/development/index.html
Be sure to select "OTHER" when it asks what program you want to support and type in Mitchel Steinke Scholarship. Or for those that have asked for a physical address where they can send a check...
Makes checks payable to Experimental Aircraft Association
be sure to write Mitchel Steinke Scholarship in the memo section.
Mail to:
EAA Aviation Center
P.O. Box 3086
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086
We still have about $4,000 left to raise...will you help us reach our goal? Every little bit helps! Maybe you can give up your Starbucks for the day, or your lunch/dinner out, or your next beer or trip to the movies? We don't need hundreds of dollars from everyone, just a few bucks to get us one step closer! Mitch deserves this! Addison & Matthew deserve this! And of course Michelle deserves this!
Thanks for your support! Go Team Mitch, Live in the Moment!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Until We Meet Again...
I have had so many everyday things to post about the past two months but I like to keep things in chronological order (I don't know if that is more for me or more for the kids when they look back on their journeys, but that's what I like to do). On October 9th, Mitch, our best friend/brother/neighbor died in a plane crash. The news was shocking! The past 9 weeks have been some of the hardest in our lives! I didn't know how to put into words what this loss means to all of us (Bryan, myself, Keira & Isaac) so I just didn't write about it, but I need to write something to acknowledge what an amazing person Mitch is and share his philosophy on life...live each day to the fullest, have fun and do what you love! Mitch had an incredible impact on our lives and will NEVER be forgotten!
Here is the email I sent out asking for prayers right after Mitch died. For those of you that didn't see it, it will give you a little background...
Most of you have heard Bryan and I talk about our neighbors, our best friends, Mitch & Michelle. We both moved into our houses at the same time back in 2003 and were instant friends! Keira is 9 months older than Addison and Isaac is 8 months older than Matthew. How perfect that we both had girls first and then boys. Keira & Addison became instant best friends just like their parents and I'm sure once the boys are a little older, they too will be best friends. The 4 of us had so many plans and dreams to do together with the our families. Unfortunately, all of the plans and dreams will have to be done without Mitch.
Mitch died Friday afternoon in a plane crash. He was an excellent pilot and loved flying. (Bryan has flown with him several times and he even took my dad on a flight to Sedona this past May) This is obviously an unexpected tragedy and shock to all of us! I am doing my best to hold it together (although sometimes I feel like I am going to lose it) so I can help Michelle through this extremely difficult time, but Bryan lost his best friend and is having a hard time processing this news.
I waited to tell Keira until Michelle had talked to Addison. Both girls found out yesterday afternoon. Michelle told Addison with her family surrounding her and I told Keira shortly after she woke up from her nap yesterday. Neither of the girls know the details surrounding his death, just that he had an accident. They are so young, we don't want them to be traumatized by plane flights. I mention this to you only because Keira may talk about Uncle Mitch (which we have encouraged her to do) but she has also has questions like "why did he have an accident? why is his body broken?" For now, I am telling her, "I don't know all the details, but Uncle Mitch is in Heaven with Grandma Eileen and he is watching over you." She has told me a few times "I miss Uncle Mitch" and she has been very sensitive and a little clingy since she heard the news (which of course is to be expected).
Please pray for our family, for Michelle, Addison and Matthew and for all of Mitch's family & friends that love and miss him.
Here are the opening remarks I read at his Celebration of Life...
Good afternoon, welcome and thank you all for coming. Or as Mitch would have said “WHAT UP DOG?” I’m Christine Appleton and my family has been lucky enough to live right next to Mitch & Michelle and have become best friends and family with them.
This Celebration of Life is about doing our best to honor a man who in one way or another had a HUGE impact on so many people. High School friends have planned another Celebration in honor of Mitch tonight in California. What a perfect way to pay tribute to an amazing person! You know Mitch loves the fact that he is having 2 parties in one night! And apparently there is one more in California tomorrow as well.
This service was intentionally called a “Celebration of Life” as opposed to a memorial, because Michelle and the rest of Mitchel’s family wanted to keep this event as True to Mitch as they could. We are sitting in an outdoor Amphitheater because Mitch loved to be outside and loved to play at the park with Addison & Matthew. All of the poems and songs have been selected because they were either one of Mitch’s favorite or the lyrics express how Mitch lived his life. A small group of family & friends met with the pastor a few nights ago so he could learn a little more about Mitch. It was close to 2 hours of stories and laughter that totally (another Mitchism) could have continued for days. Michelle even said “I want Friday to be just like that.”
While of course we are all grieving and in shock about why we lost someone who had so much more to offer the world, the family wants today’s focus to NOT be on what was lost but on what was gained by knowing Mitch. We hope you will help us remember Mitch by sharing your memories later in the service.
In just a few minutes you will meet Pastor Eric, after spending time with him this week, I think all of us were confident that he was the right person to help us with today's celebration. Although Eric never had the joy of meeting Mitch, I know if he had, they would have hit it off......BBQ's and play dates would have ensued!
Just one more special person that Mitch has brought into his circle of friends....It makes me so happy to know that this group of amazing people will continue to grow!
But before we get to Pastor Eric, I would like to introduce Vaughn Shackleford & Randy Martin, two people that have been in Mitch's circle of friends since the beginning. Vaughn, Randy and Mitch grew up together and were like brothers...having adventures and playing sports, which is why they are the perfect pair to read a poem titled "Adrenaline Junkie".
Although 9 weeks have passed, there are moments where it feels like it has only been a few days since we lost him and there are other moments where it feels like it's been years since we last saw his beautiful smile and heard his laugh and famous sayings. We saw Mitch (& Michelle and the kids) probably 5 days/week and sometimes twice in one day. Mitch & I would take the kids to the park in the morning and then we'd meet for dinner that same night. The kids are starting to adjust to not having Uncle Mitch around but it's not been an easy adjustment. Even Isaac at 21 months knows Uncle Mitch is not with us but he answers questions about him and points him out in pictures. The kids still ask about him and talk about him and all the fun things we did and the funny things he said like "snap-a-lap-a-ding-dong". We still go to Uncle Mitch & Aunt Michelle's house. He will forever be a part of their lives and I am happy they got the chance to know him and hope they will hold on to their memories with him!
As for Bryan & I...we are also trying to adjust to life without Mitch. I use to joke that Bryan & Mitch were "brothers from another mother" because they were so much alike! While it hurts to think about all the things we won't be able to do with Mitch (like our family trips to Walt Disney World, hiking & camping, Hawaii etc) we try to focus on what we did get to do with Mitch, from the little things (meals we shared, laughs we had, trips with the kids to the waterpark/ music in may/ the park, swimming at their house and the list goes on) to the big things (road trip to California-in the same car, with 4 adults and 4 kids age 3 and younger-so we could to to Disneyland, and our road trip to the snow-again in the same car, but the boys were both under 1...oh the memories will last forever.
We still see Michelle and the kids at least 5 times a week, that will never change! They are our family. Keira even said one day in the car "Daddy and Uncle Mitch are brothers" and I told her "they are like brothers, you have to have the same mom to be brothers" and she said "oh, Isaac and Matthew are like brothers and Addison and me are like sisters and you and Aunt Michelle are 'dark sisters'." When I asked her why we were 'dark sisters' she said "because you both have darker hair." That girl cracks me up!
Mitch, we love you, we miss you, we thank you for your friendship/the laughs/the memories. It was never goodbye, but until we meet again!!
Here is the email I sent out asking for prayers right after Mitch died. For those of you that didn't see it, it will give you a little background...
Most of you have heard Bryan and I talk about our neighbors, our best friends, Mitch & Michelle. We both moved into our houses at the same time back in 2003 and were instant friends! Keira is 9 months older than Addison and Isaac is 8 months older than Matthew. How perfect that we both had girls first and then boys. Keira & Addison became instant best friends just like their parents and I'm sure once the boys are a little older, they too will be best friends. The 4 of us had so many plans and dreams to do together with the our families. Unfortunately, all of the plans and dreams will have to be done without Mitch.
Mitch died Friday afternoon in a plane crash. He was an excellent pilot and loved flying. (Bryan has flown with him several times and he even took my dad on a flight to Sedona this past May) This is obviously an unexpected tragedy and shock to all of us! I am doing my best to hold it together (although sometimes I feel like I am going to lose it) so I can help Michelle through this extremely difficult time, but Bryan lost his best friend and is having a hard time processing this news.
I waited to tell Keira until Michelle had talked to Addison. Both girls found out yesterday afternoon. Michelle told Addison with her family surrounding her and I told Keira shortly after she woke up from her nap yesterday. Neither of the girls know the details surrounding his death, just that he had an accident. They are so young, we don't want them to be traumatized by plane flights. I mention this to you only because Keira may talk about Uncle Mitch (which we have encouraged her to do) but she has also has questions like "why did he have an accident? why is his body broken?" For now, I am telling her, "I don't know all the details, but Uncle Mitch is in Heaven with Grandma Eileen and he is watching over you." She has told me a few times "I miss Uncle Mitch" and she has been very sensitive and a little clingy since she heard the news (which of course is to be expected).
Please pray for our family, for Michelle, Addison and Matthew and for all of Mitch's family & friends that love and miss him.
Here are the opening remarks I read at his Celebration of Life...
Good afternoon, welcome and thank you all for coming. Or as Mitch would have said “WHAT UP DOG?” I’m Christine Appleton and my family has been lucky enough to live right next to Mitch & Michelle and have become best friends and family with them.
This Celebration of Life is about doing our best to honor a man who in one way or another had a HUGE impact on so many people. High School friends have planned another Celebration in honor of Mitch tonight in California. What a perfect way to pay tribute to an amazing person! You know Mitch loves the fact that he is having 2 parties in one night! And apparently there is one more in California tomorrow as well.
This service was intentionally called a “Celebration of Life” as opposed to a memorial, because Michelle and the rest of Mitchel’s family wanted to keep this event as True to Mitch as they could. We are sitting in an outdoor Amphitheater because Mitch loved to be outside and loved to play at the park with Addison & Matthew. All of the poems and songs have been selected because they were either one of Mitch’s favorite or the lyrics express how Mitch lived his life. A small group of family & friends met with the pastor a few nights ago so he could learn a little more about Mitch. It was close to 2 hours of stories and laughter that totally (another Mitchism) could have continued for days. Michelle even said “I want Friday to be just like that.”
While of course we are all grieving and in shock about why we lost someone who had so much more to offer the world, the family wants today’s focus to NOT be on what was lost but on what was gained by knowing Mitch. We hope you will help us remember Mitch by sharing your memories later in the service.
In just a few minutes you will meet Pastor Eric, after spending time with him this week, I think all of us were confident that he was the right person to help us with today's celebration. Although Eric never had the joy of meeting Mitch, I know if he had, they would have hit it off......BBQ's and play dates would have ensued!
Just one more special person that Mitch has brought into his circle of friends....It makes me so happy to know that this group of amazing people will continue to grow!
But before we get to Pastor Eric, I would like to introduce Vaughn Shackleford & Randy Martin, two people that have been in Mitch's circle of friends since the beginning. Vaughn, Randy and Mitch grew up together and were like brothers...having adventures and playing sports, which is why they are the perfect pair to read a poem titled "Adrenaline Junkie".
Although 9 weeks have passed, there are moments where it feels like it has only been a few days since we lost him and there are other moments where it feels like it's been years since we last saw his beautiful smile and heard his laugh and famous sayings. We saw Mitch (& Michelle and the kids) probably 5 days/week and sometimes twice in one day. Mitch & I would take the kids to the park in the morning and then we'd meet for dinner that same night. The kids are starting to adjust to not having Uncle Mitch around but it's not been an easy adjustment. Even Isaac at 21 months knows Uncle Mitch is not with us but he answers questions about him and points him out in pictures. The kids still ask about him and talk about him and all the fun things we did and the funny things he said like "snap-a-lap-a-ding-dong". We still go to Uncle Mitch & Aunt Michelle's house. He will forever be a part of their lives and I am happy they got the chance to know him and hope they will hold on to their memories with him!
As for Bryan & I...we are also trying to adjust to life without Mitch. I use to joke that Bryan & Mitch were "brothers from another mother" because they were so much alike! While it hurts to think about all the things we won't be able to do with Mitch (like our family trips to Walt Disney World, hiking & camping, Hawaii etc) we try to focus on what we did get to do with Mitch, from the little things (meals we shared, laughs we had, trips with the kids to the waterpark/ music in may/ the park, swimming at their house and the list goes on) to the big things (road trip to California-in the same car, with 4 adults and 4 kids age 3 and younger-so we could to to Disneyland, and our road trip to the snow-again in the same car, but the boys were both under 1...oh the memories will last forever.
We still see Michelle and the kids at least 5 times a week, that will never change! They are our family. Keira even said one day in the car "Daddy and Uncle Mitch are brothers" and I told her "they are like brothers, you have to have the same mom to be brothers" and she said "oh, Isaac and Matthew are like brothers and Addison and me are like sisters and you and Aunt Michelle are 'dark sisters'." When I asked her why we were 'dark sisters' she said "because you both have darker hair." That girl cracks me up!
Mitch, we love you, we miss you, we thank you for your friendship/the laughs/the memories. It was never goodbye, but until we meet again!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
I'm part of the crew
It's official, I started my first day at Trader Joe's last night, 5-11pm...it was weird to be back at work but I think I will enjoy having a few hours to interact with random people and getting to know some of my co-workers. Eventually I think I will like the casual dress code including Hawaiian t-shirts, but last night I wore one of Bryan's since mine weren't in yet and I felt slightly androgynous. My shorts were baggy in the waist (thanks Michelle, it must be from the running) and then I had on his shirt it was not a cute look, but what can you do? I still had a grandpa say if I helped him to his car he would take me home and then decided his wife wouldn't appreciate that :o) Gotta love the old men. He was a nice guy (not creepy).
When I talked to Keira this morning and asked her if she had fun with daddy she said, "We watched 2 movies. 2 long movies." She was so excited. I'm sure she was thinking I hope we get to do this every night that mommy goes to work :o) While my first instinct was to be annoyed I have to defend my husband. Bryan was not feeling well so I put on "The Little Mermaid" when I left to keep the kids occupied and give him some quiet time (I think he napped on the floor), then I guess they ate dinner and then watched "Mary Poppins" before going to bed. Oh, the life of a child!
When I talked to Keira this morning and asked her if she had fun with daddy she said, "We watched 2 movies. 2 long movies." She was so excited. I'm sure she was thinking I hope we get to do this every night that mommy goes to work :o) While my first instinct was to be annoyed I have to defend my husband. Bryan was not feeling well so I put on "The Little Mermaid" when I left to keep the kids occupied and give him some quiet time (I think he napped on the floor), then I guess they ate dinner and then watched "Mary Poppins" before going to bed. Oh, the life of a child!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Christmas Cards
Oh yes, you read that right! Keira found the Christmas cards in the closet today and said "look, let's send them to people." So I started filling them out so we should be ready to go by Thanksgiving weekend! Don't worry, we'll take a photo when it gets a little closer so the picture isn't too outdated and send a photo as well. Who knew a 3 1/2 year old could be so inspiring when it comes to Christmas cards. Thanks Keira!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Father.Son.HolySpirit.Amen.TheEnd.
That is how Keira has been ending her prayers. I swear one of these nights I am going to sneak the video recorder in her room and get her prayers on tape so I can remember the things she prayed about as an almost 4 year old. It seriously is the cutest thing ever!
It was a rough day in the sibling rivalry department and I love that tonight, for the first time, she said "please help me and Isaac to be good and nice and no grabbing things from each other." Amen sister!
Lots more updates to come including Eileen's Dream Team 2009 update and photos...
Here's our newest news...(NO I'M NOT PREGNANT) I start working at Trader Joe's on Oct. 6th so we'll see how all that plays out :o) Bryan is going to work morning shifts and I'm going to work night shifts. Just 3 nights/week until it gets closer to the holidays and then 5 nights/week. When I told Keira one night while we were laying in her bed talking, she said "I want to work at Trader Joe's too! I know how to push their little carts and I can work the register." When I told her she was too young to be working she said "Who's going to stay with me and Isaac? We can't be here by ourselves!" I'm excited and sad at the same time. I hope we all adjust quickly and with little tears (from kids and parents...ha)
It was a rough day in the sibling rivalry department and I love that tonight, for the first time, she said "please help me and Isaac to be good and nice and no grabbing things from each other." Amen sister!
Lots more updates to come including Eileen's Dream Team 2009 update and photos...
Here's our newest news...(NO I'M NOT PREGNANT) I start working at Trader Joe's on Oct. 6th so we'll see how all that plays out :o) Bryan is going to work morning shifts and I'm going to work night shifts. Just 3 nights/week until it gets closer to the holidays and then 5 nights/week. When I told Keira one night while we were laying in her bed talking, she said "I want to work at Trader Joe's too! I know how to push their little carts and I can work the register." When I told her she was too young to be working she said "Who's going to stay with me and Isaac? We can't be here by ourselves!" I'm excited and sad at the same time. I hope we all adjust quickly and with little tears (from kids and parents...ha)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ovarian Cancer~Please Support the Cause!
We will once again be participating in the Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. Here is the LINK my dad set up for Eileen's Dream Team. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, even $5 will help us reach our goal and could one day save the life of someone you know! Thanks and God Bless!
Our family at the Ovarian Cancer Walk 2008. Keira 2 1/2 years, Isaac 8 months.
Isaac with great grandma and great grandpa Murvin (My mom's parents~going strong in their 80s)
Our family at the Ovarian Cancer Walk 2008. Keira 2 1/2 years, Isaac 8 months.
Isaac with great grandma and great grandpa Murvin (My mom's parents~going strong in their 80s)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Giggles in the dark
After baths and books I turn off the lights in Keira's room and both kids lay down so we can say prayers. Some nights they lay quietly, some nights they roll over on each other/steal blankets/annoy each other and then there are nights like tonight...they were giving hugs/laughing and having the best time. It was so sweet! I wish I had a tape recorder to capture the pure brother~sister love. It was a great way to end a crazy day.
A special thanks to my hubby who switched to night shifts a few weeks ago so I could get my LEAN classes up and running! The kids love having Bryan around during the day and Keira usually asks daddy to take her to school and mommy to pick her up. Thanks for your hard work babe! We love you!
A special thanks to my hubby who switched to night shifts a few weeks ago so I could get my LEAN classes up and running! The kids love having Bryan around during the day and Keira usually asks daddy to take her to school and mommy to pick her up. Thanks for your hard work babe! We love you!
Friday, August 14, 2009
"I said shut up"
Keira came in my room tonight when she should have been in her room going to bed and this was our conversation:
Keira: "Sorry mommy, I said shut up. I shouldn't have said that, that's not very nice."
Me: "Who did you say shut up to?"
Keira: "Me. I shouldn't be talking when I'm trying to sleep."
Me: "ok, let's just get back to bed."
I was cracking up inside. That girl will do anything to stay awake (including telling on herself) The conversation continued about misc. things as we walked up the hall. She is a funny one!
Keira: "Sorry mommy, I said shut up. I shouldn't have said that, that's not very nice."
Me: "Who did you say shut up to?"
Keira: "Me. I shouldn't be talking when I'm trying to sleep."
Me: "ok, let's just get back to bed."
I was cracking up inside. That girl will do anything to stay awake (including telling on herself) The conversation continued about misc. things as we walked up the hall. She is a funny one!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Isaac & Chapstick
I laugh every time I watch this video and if Isaac watches it he cracks up at himself too and makes the same faces right back at himself.
Enjoy our little ham! Make sure your sound is on for his little laughs...
Enjoy our little ham! Make sure your sound is on for his little laughs...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Keira's First Day of School ~ 2009
Keira started another year of preschool today and was so excited. She picked out her outfit (including her fancy ruffle socks and which pair of tennis shoes). She started the day with a "Brainy Breakfast" of steel cut oats with blueberries & cinnamon, then I packed her Princess lunch box and she was ready to go. She decided she wanted daddy to drop her off and mommy to pick her up. Bryan said she did a great job this morning.
When I picked her up she was excited to show me all of her paintings and handprints and first day of school certificate. This will be her first year going three days a week ~ Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30-11:45am. She is going to do great this year! Isaac is the one I am worried about. He is really going to miss his big sister (he cried this morning when she left, but I think it was because he wanted to go too.)
I'll try to keep the blog updated as special events or big projects happen at school.
Here is her picture from her 1st day of school. Bryan didn't like the location but I wanted to have her in front of her bedroom door so we could use the decor on the door to see how much she has grown this school year (I plan on taking a picture in the same spot on the last day of school)
I was shocked this is what she picked for her first day. I thought for sure she would pick out a dress...
Funny faces for mommy and twirling her ponytail
Her first day of school interview
When I picked her up she was excited to show me all of her paintings and handprints and first day of school certificate. This will be her first year going three days a week ~ Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30-11:45am. She is going to do great this year! Isaac is the one I am worried about. He is really going to miss his big sister (he cried this morning when she left, but I think it was because he wanted to go too.)
I'll try to keep the blog updated as special events or big projects happen at school.
Here is her picture from her 1st day of school. Bryan didn't like the location but I wanted to have her in front of her bedroom door so we could use the decor on the door to see how much she has grown this school year (I plan on taking a picture in the same spot on the last day of school)
I was shocked this is what she picked for her first day. I thought for sure she would pick out a dress...
Funny faces for mommy and twirling her ponytail
Her first day of school interview
Keira's Swim Lessons~Summer '09
Well Keira took Level 1 swim lessons at the Anthem Community Center and did great the first week (no crying, playing with the other kids on the steps, and asking to go back) The 3rd class, they actually went off the diving boards. I was over in the water park with Isaac and Bryan came to get me. She had already done it once and did it one more time for mommy to see. Of course I didn't have the camera because I never thought they would do it the 3rd class...she didn't do it again so it's an image Bryan and I will have to remember.
She had 3 instructors~Mr. Craig (her favorite), Ms. Brittany, Ms. Kinley. One day we were walking away from the pool and Keira wanted to say goodbye to the teachers who were getting ready to start another lesson. She walked to the edge of the pool twirling her hair and said "bye Mr. Craig, thank you" while waving, then blew him a kiss. The 2 female instructors were cracking up and Bryan and I just started laughing because we weren't expecting it. When we got to the van, she asked "why was everyone laughing when I said bye?"
As the weeks went on, Keira became a little unsure of the whole process. She would get in position to do whatever they were asking her and as they would count to 3 her hands would suddenly wrap around the instructor's neck and the tears would start. I could hear her saying "step a little closer". It even got to the point that she was picky about who she would go out with. She would only go with Mr. Craig the last few sessions. He was really patient and did a good job!
Here are some photos from her last day of swim lessons.
Ms. Kinley, Keira and Ms. Brittany
At the waterpark the last day of class...
Her favorite (and I think her first crush) Mr. Craig
This video is more for Keira to watch, but feel free.
She had 3 instructors~Mr. Craig (her favorite), Ms. Brittany, Ms. Kinley. One day we were walking away from the pool and Keira wanted to say goodbye to the teachers who were getting ready to start another lesson. She walked to the edge of the pool twirling her hair and said "bye Mr. Craig, thank you" while waving, then blew him a kiss. The 2 female instructors were cracking up and Bryan and I just started laughing because we weren't expecting it. When we got to the van, she asked "why was everyone laughing when I said bye?"
As the weeks went on, Keira became a little unsure of the whole process. She would get in position to do whatever they were asking her and as they would count to 3 her hands would suddenly wrap around the instructor's neck and the tears would start. I could hear her saying "step a little closer". It even got to the point that she was picky about who she would go out with. She would only go with Mr. Craig the last few sessions. He was really patient and did a good job!
Here are some photos from her last day of swim lessons.
Ms. Kinley, Keira and Ms. Brittany
At the waterpark the last day of class...
Her favorite (and I think her first crush) Mr. Craig
This video is more for Keira to watch, but feel free.
Look Mom, I'm on TV
So I was contacted to help promote www.mamapedia.com and recruited 2 friends to help me. Here is the link if you want to see my 10 seconds of fame and Isaac playing on the computer in the middle of a live tv segment :o)
Look Dad, the play table you bought for the kids came in handy today too :o)
I wish Keira could have been here for it but today is her 1st day of school (more on that later)
Happy Monday!
Look Dad, the play table you bought for the kids came in handy today too :o)
I wish Keira could have been here for it but today is her 1st day of school (more on that later)
Happy Monday!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Will you be my best friend?
Oh my gosh...Keira melts my heart! She drives me crazy sometimes but that girl has a heart of gold. Tonight we did our normal bedtime routine (bath, books with Isaac on her bed, lights out, prayers and quiet time-until she & Isaac start goofing around and then it's time for me to take him to his room) After I put Isaac in bed, I go back to her room to check on her and usually end up lying next to her for a few minutes.
Tonight when I went back in and laid down, she put her hand on my face and said "will you be my best friend forever?" My heart melted. What a sweet girl! We talked for a few minutes in the dark and then she decided we should play the "who can stay quiet the longest" game. Guess who won? NOT Keira. That girl will keep on talking just so she doesn't fall asleep. Too cute.
I love you Peach! Sweet Dreams!
Tonight when I went back in and laid down, she put her hand on my face and said "will you be my best friend forever?" My heart melted. What a sweet girl! We talked for a few minutes in the dark and then she decided we should play the "who can stay quiet the longest" game. Guess who won? NOT Keira. That girl will keep on talking just so she doesn't fall asleep. Too cute.
I love you Peach! Sweet Dreams!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Starry Safari
Bryan had yesterday off, but I had a table at an open house event to attend in the morning for my L.E.A.N. classes and by the time I got home the kids were napping. When they woke up we decided to have dinner and head out to the Phoenix Zoo to surprise the kids. They have an evening event (to beat the heat) Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9pm with bounce houses (my kids' favorite), inflatable wet water slides, a splash pad and some of the animal exhibits were open. We missed most of the animals due to poor timing, but we saw the elephants (twice) which were a huge hit and learned something new...elephants are good swimmers! That impressed Keira.
Here are a few photos of our impromptu Appleton Adventure to the Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy!
Mommy & Keira with Sheena & Indu, the elephants. It was still 103 degrees at 7pm and her little 30lb body gets heavy after awhile :o)
Daddy & Isaac take a turn in front of the elephants.
Isaac going down the slide inside the Sesame Street Bounce House
Isaac was almost asleep in the stroller when we got to the splash pad and once he saw it, he had to get in. So he tossed his blankie and paci to the side and I changed his clothes. Keira was making sure Isaac wouldn't get run over by the crazy older kids. She is such a good big sister!
Going for a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel. Keira wanted to be on an elephant so Isaac didn't get a choice...I don't think he cared, he just likes getting to ride.
Ready to go home...
What a fun day! As soon as we walked out the gate, Keira was asking if we could go back to the Zoo!
Here are a few photos of our impromptu Appleton Adventure to the Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy!
Mommy & Keira with Sheena & Indu, the elephants. It was still 103 degrees at 7pm and her little 30lb body gets heavy after awhile :o)
Daddy & Isaac take a turn in front of the elephants.
Isaac going down the slide inside the Sesame Street Bounce House
Isaac was almost asleep in the stroller when we got to the splash pad and once he saw it, he had to get in. So he tossed his blankie and paci to the side and I changed his clothes. Keira was making sure Isaac wouldn't get run over by the crazy older kids. She is such a good big sister!
Going for a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel. Keira wanted to be on an elephant so Isaac didn't get a choice...I don't think he cared, he just likes getting to ride.
Ready to go home...
What a fun day! As soon as we walked out the gate, Keira was asking if we could go back to the Zoo!
Life Means So Much
I have lots I still have to catch up on with this blog, but I read this tonight and decided I had to share...
Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under
Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much
~Chris Rice, Life Means So Much
Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under
Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much
~Chris Rice, Life Means So Much
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