Random Review

Great weekend. Got to see lots of family- family that we miss and long to be closer to. Jer's mom flew in Saturday morning and his bro/wife are still in the states for another week. Boys were pretty exhausted by Sunday night and were pushing limits and being "toddlers". Here are some highlights.

Jer giving horsey rides in the pool. They had a blast.

Above, we just received an on-site plumber. With it, comes the complimentary......

Puppet show?

They all had a wonderful time. Ian cried when we dropped off Grandma at the airport and he couldn't go on the plan with her. He talked about visiting her house on the way home. Luke had some potty victory this afternoon. He stayed dry in undies all morning and went in the potty at lunchtime. (Most of it landed in the potty) I turned for one minute to help Ian and Luke was just hanging out on the potty) Of course that would be the very moment Luke decided to really go and it just sprayed all over. Oh well. It's the only way they learn. (Karen- it has nothing to do with me! He just sees brother go and he wants to go! ) But I'm praying and hoping this helps his bottom issues. It got better for a little while- but it's been blistered this weekend.

Running? I wish. It's hard to find time now that I don't have the built - in- sitter at the end of the day like before. Jer has been going in the early mornings- and we've had company for so long that it's not like I can go in the evenings. Hopefully this week I can get back into the habit. (As I currently enjoy every bite of my leftover "Chocolate Devotion" from Coldstone).

Luke is definitely turning 2. My little angel is not so angelic these days. Lord give me patience. Which I have surprisingly had these last few months. I remember feeling really overwhelmed in past months when we all made the transition of me staying home with them vs. going to daycare. I have really enjoyed them. Even the moments of challenge- I haven't felt the normal "AHHH!". I think I have learned to "get in the mode" just like at school. I do miss routine and schedule though. I think once the company status slows down- we'll get some real routines down. Ian did ask for craft time immediately after breakfast this morning.

Well, got the laundry mostly done, just need to go do some yard work- and starting thinking about dinner.

Zoo Craze

Yesterday friends from work and my friend Jodi- attempted to all take our kids to the zoo. I think we had a total of 10 kids under 4 and only 6 moms. So we just had semi-controlled chaos. My own kids are at the stage that they are too "big" (according to them) to be in a stroller- but not mature enough (or obedient) to stay with me or hold my hand. All the other kids Luke's age were in strollers- but No... He insists on walking himself- screaming out and going limp if I try to hold his hand too long. I brought our wagon thinking maybe they would settle for that. For the first 2 minutes it worked, Ian pulled Luke in the wagon even. But then both of them wanted out and I had to pull the wagon and chase kids. The wagon was, however, a hot commodity among all the other children and I ended up pulling other children in it while- trying not to give up my own to strangers lurking around the zoo. By the time you figure out one method for your children, they are usually in the next stage and it is no longer valid. Oh well. We may have hit our zoo limit already this summer. Bridgett- we'll think of a different kind of playdate. :) pool, picnic, discovery center? Where else could our kids run free from us?

Gunner. Well we've had a few run-ins, like when I turned to wipe the kid's faces off after lunch and he had one of my dress shoes and was chewing on it. Or when he darted upstairs and kept running in and out of all the rooms and I couldn't catch him. (He's not allowed upstairs) But I think with some training and time, he'll be a pretty good dog. Through this experience, it has helped me to think of this being parallel to how Jer feels about new baby stage. He does. not. like. it. It is not fun or pleasant in any way. At times, it is tolerable, but it sure doesn't make up for the whole thing. That's how I feel about this dog stuff. I don't enjoy dogs. I'm sure once Gunner's grown more (he's 2 years) and is used to our family- it will get a little easier, but there's nothing really that makes me enjoy this. I used to feel sad- that Jer didn't enjoy the babies. I felt a tinge of resentment that he couldn't just come around and like some parts because it was "our kid", but now that I see him with the kids- it has nothing to do with them. He is AMAZING with them now. It's the actual stage, the package deal, that he struggles with and there not may be anything that can change that. Maybe that doesn't have to change. It's okay- to not enjoy things right? I have just tried to find a source for my attitude through all this and I want to enjoy my life- despite things in it that aren't my cup of tea. But sometimes things that we don't particularly love, bring great joy to others- that we do love.

The weather is going to be great this weekend. We got a new pool and the kids are loving it. I have a great clip, but I can never seem to get them to work.

1 day down.

Well, as planned, Sunday we picked up Gunner from his previous owner. The boys were napping when Jer brought him home. He seemed pretty hyper and excited about his new surroundings. We needed to get some yard work done, so we decided to proceed after we played with him awhile. He did pretty good respecting the curb boundary that seperates the grass from all landscaping. We felt optimistic. He clearly was given people food and has a horrible begging problem. HUGE Pet peeve. But other than that- we felt like he had a lot of potential. He finally laid down in the evening for more than 1 minute and relaxed a bit. He went into his crate and we didn't hear from him through the night.

Next day, I have him all to myself on his first full day of being around us and the kids. I also have the boys- and Luke is semi-potting training. (remember- dogs and I aren't a natural mix) I thought- I'll just make the best of it and do my best. My babysitter is on vacation and I needed to go into school and continually work on a few things so I took the kids with me- knowing not a whole lot would get done but at least we would get out of the house. Ian likes to go to my classroom but Luke usually needs to be entertained. After a total of 50 minutes (probably a combined total of 5 minutes of actual work time) we left the classroom and chalked it up to "we won't do this again for awhile". We drove back home to be met by Gunner on some serious uppers. He was just sprinting back and forth from the living room to the kitchen. No ball, no one chasing him, not even doing it and then prompting us to play. Anytime I'm making food or around it remotely- he is like jumping in the air trying to get it. He stalks the boys' chair, hoping in desperation that they will drop some of their leftovers. And they do. When we were on the floor, he kept trying to rough house-with his teeth even. I just can't play with a 2 yr old, a 3 yr old, and a dog at the same time. Then when we had to go to the bathroom, he couldn't stand waiting outside the door. It was just so overwhelming. I found myself so short fused dealing with all 3. I called Jer at lunch time and told him I was about to put all 3 in cages. :) He seems to respond to Jer more anyway. His owner was a male. In the afternoon he peed on the couch. (deep breath) Anyway- I put him in his cage during 1 hour of nap time and went upstairs to retreat for a break. It was definitely the worst of it. We got him some more bones last night and he seems to like those.

Today has been much better. I think he is realizing that he will get more attention and he doesn't have to work so hard for it. But, even still- I can't just walk around and do house work, etc. He's actually laying down with his eyes closed right now. But I'm sure as soon as I get up- he will jump up to. I'm just praying for patience. His obedience training starts on Saturday night. We're doing it through Treasure Valley Dog Training. I've heard a lot of great things about them. Let's hope. But as for our previous interview- most requests he is complying with. I guess I should be grateful.

The boys discovered his igloo house outside and found a new fort for themselves. It's seriously huge. All of his stuff came free with him. Huge blessing.

Then they wanted to see how many other things they could fit into.

I have a bad cold right now. It has probably enhanced my frustration. I better go get some laundry done and risk losing this paradise of the dog sleeping.

Exhausted. simply. ready. for. a. long. nap. that lasts. all. day.

This week we had VBS @ church. Ian attended it for his first year. He did great. (or so everyone said- they could have been bluffing for all I know.) He also had swimming lessons all week.

So all week we have had to rush home after about noon, - get some sort of lunch made and eaten, relax time- then squeeze in a nap = only to be woken up an hour later to get up and get ready to go to swimming lessons. Yesterday was supposed to be his last day- but I couldn't find my keys anywhere as the boys were outside waiting to get in the car. I peeked inside my door- thinking- "there is no way that I left them in there. I ALWAYS check my purse before I lock the door." Not today. There they were bathing in the sun cozy in the driver's seat. Spare key, you ask? Hmm. Good question. We've had it for a year- but still haven't gotten around to it. When I first realized it, I felt an instant POed feeling. I felt like having a pity party for poor me who was so busy and had hands so full of kids' bags, VBS supplies, make-up bags that had to be applied in the car because I ran out of time at the house-poor me- so absent minded that I left the dang keys in the car. I took a few deep breaths and then decided to get over it make a plan. There was no way that we could go to swim lessons-so I called the instructor and gave her the news. I called my babysitter and informed her that Luke wouldn't not be coming over to play for the hour. I broke the news to Ian. The alternative?

Ian did get frustrated that he couldn't "slide" like mom did. I had fun with them. It turned out to be a great afternoon. There's nothing a little slip'n'slide and Veggie Tales can't fix.

So as I mentioned, J's bro and sis-in-law are visiting from Vienna Austria. They are living over there teaching at a Christian school, in a missions position. They ended up staying with us this week. It's been a real treat to spend time with them.

We have some more friends coming in this weekend and they're staying with us. Plus- we are adopting Gunner on Sunday I think. That will be an interesting adjustment. (think positive, think positive...)- so I think the nap will have to be postponed until a later date- or like usual- never.

The Amazing Race

Happy Father's Day! The poor father in our family has been sick with a terrible migraine this afternoon. He hasn't had one in a while, but he pukes his guts out and can't handle any noise or light. We did make it to IHOP this morning for a special Father's Day breakfast before it hit in the middle of Sunday School. Anyway- we're supposed to go over to his Dad's house tonight and to be with his brother/sister-in-law who we haven't seen for a year! I might have to just go over with the boys if he can't go.

SO- THE RACE!

(sigh) It was great! It went so well and we had such a great time together! We went up and stayed with the Duerres and had a nice dinner with them. Then we all slept on the floor for probably about 3-4 hours total- before the alarm went off at 2:00am to get up and get ready to go. We changed clothes, grabbed some coffee and hopped in the car. We headed to Stanley (1.5 hours) for the race. It was FREEZING!!!

Travis started our run at 4:30 am. It was dark, cold, and yet so beautiful as the sun peeked over the mountains.

Then our rotations started, my camera wasn't working very well in the dark and was running out of battery, so hopefully Wende will emerge back into the blogging world and post some pics!! :)

We would drive past our runner and then stop at a halfway point and cheer them on, offer water, etc. Then we waited at the exchange station, where the runners had to pass off a bracelet and we had a GPS watch that we were wearing to track our time/distance. I started my run and ......I couldn't BREATHE. It was like not being able to catch your breath, no matter how hard you tried to control your breathing, tried to slow down, or tried to mental talk yourself out of it. The scenery was amazing. But it's hard to enjoy when you're gasping for air! My lungs just ached. The change in elevation/altitude just drastically effected us as we climbed up the mountain.

Then the sun came up and God turned the heat on. I had to shed clothes while I was running.

Despite the obstacles, I still managed to maintain 9 minute miles for a total of 10.5 miles. Everybody did so great. Our team finished 62 miles in 9 hours and 40 minutes. Our goal was 10 hours.

(sigh) And I feel it today. I wish we still owned that hot tub that we left at our last house. but..

It was a great experience and so wonderful to do it with Jer and become closer with friends. Now- what next? It's hard to just let all the training go to waste and stop now. But as I was running on the mountain- I was thinking, "Half marathon?-NO way." But maybe it would just take lots more training and experience. Here are some more pics from the weekend.

Tomorrow's the day!!!

Well in 3 hours, we head up to Sun Valley to spend time with our friends and get a few hours of shut eye- then wake up at approx. 2:30am to drive to the race starting point. Fortunately my 1st leg isn't until about 5 hours later, so hopefully I'll be awake and ready by then. We're all packing in the mini-van for the trip. (3 couples total) We knew this car would come in handy!! (despite all the mocking from friends!)
I guess the only things I'm concerned about is the weather (being too cold or too hot) and the elevation. But- I can't change either of those things- so I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be. For those of you who don't know the area- the run is up in the mountains- so the elevation should be very different from here in Nampa. We're excited, though. It's been really fun to do something with Jer. Something both of us can look forward to and motivate one another with. I hope we find something after this with the same common goal.
In other news on the home front...
This first week of summer has been great. Other than having to wake them up to go to swimming lessons when they aren't done with their nap- things have been wonderful. I have really been enjoying them. Yesterday we started our weekly playdate with a friend of mine who has a little boy. The kids did well and all ate lunch and napped well. Wednesday- we went to the free movie that plays on Tues./Wed. at Edwards. Ian loved it. Luke lasted about an hour and then was spent. I quietly told Ian we needed to leave and he maturely said, "Okay, mom." and walked right out. I was astonished. He must have been sleepy too- to leave a movie with no questions or fits.
We've gone on bike rides, errands and just been able to really play. Without me saying- "Okay, I'll be there right after I get this food cooking." I can really give them my time and attention.
Luke has been going in the potty frequently- which I'm grateful I'm home for. He loves to wear his "unnerwer" and be like brother. He is such a pleaser that he is just happy to have the praise. He requires no skittles or prizes- it's wonderful. :) But he is also getting to the 2 yr old stage and just trying to throw big kid fits as well. He puts so much effort into them- but usually you can tell that they are forced- and it's not that he is really that upset- he has just seen that behavior modeled. Hmm....where would he see that? Possibly from the big brother that is so dramatic and strong willed in everything he does. You should see me sink into my seat while I watch him during swim lessons. "Are YOU cold too? I'm COLD!"-- "Hey, I want to sit by You!" "My shark's going to GET YOU!!" "Hey! Where'd the sun go? COME BACK Mr. Sun!!"
And yes, the capitals would be when he is shouting while all the other little kids in their precious swim suits are sitting quietly on the step waiting for their turn. Just 4 more days- then maybe he'll be more mature next year. But- at least he isn't afraid of the water- or strangers- or anything?
Last night Jer and I held hands as we walked upstairs, following Ian for the unveiling of his new (used of course) BIG-kid (twin size) bed. I knew that Jer was really excited to see his face full of pride and excitement. It was a weird thing to walk away seeing a big bed in there. I can't believe the little guy that was once 4 lbs and couldn't fit into any clothes forever- now needed a twin bed and was so proud of himself for growing up. Parenting is just indescribable. They can bring you so much joy that cannot be produced by any other thing- yet I'm sure- so much pain- that hurts like none other. I hope and pray that the pain stays at a minimum but I'm sure adolescence will bring us some curve balls.

Summer is Here! Well....

Ahh. Yesterday. My first day of summer. It was actually amazing weather too. Notsomuch today, though. I got through the school year and it can't possibly be any worse than this last year, so I look forward to next year. But until then....summer!!! As I've mentioned, I'm not working this summer. First time in a while. So the kids will go to daycare a couple days a week because we have to save our spot, and I'll go into school to work some and actually have some time to do housework/errands without kids around. It will potentially be incredible! These next two weeks Ian has swimming lessons, so it will be fun to spend some time with just him. Yesterday was his first day. I was so nervous he would get the polite boot and the "Maybe he'll be more ready for it next year."- which he didn't yet, but I have a feeling I will always be a little nervous for his behavior at things like this. He just isn't the quiet little boy that sits nicely waiting for instructions. (Yes, I'm worried about school behavior too. :) So they have to watch 5 other kids do something and wait for their turn to do it. He did pretty good, but there were a few times that he just shouted out, "So, what are we going to do next?" or yelled at a kid to quit splashing. Embarrassing. I never know how much I'm supposed to step in as a mom or if they are going to take care of it. But he did well and we celebrated with a Popsicle on the back patio. Which he told me, "That's a great idea, mom."

Then we had a little extra time so we made a special craft before we picked up Luke. This is a portrait of Dad.

Can't you see the resemblance?

So this weekend, my parents were here and it was a wonderful visit! Grandma and Papa got to play with them. The boys loved every moment.

Papa helped fix the trains. Grandma came to the park with us one day.

Jer and I went to a wedding. It was an old friend/roomate of Jer's. And we got away to practice hill running - going up camelback hill. Ouch. We think we're as ready as we can be though. Amanda- any sitters around that you could come hang out with us? I so wish you were doing it with us!!
Well, the dishes are calling....and the laundry...bathrooms...dusting...vacumming

Bathing Suit Etiquette

So my parents are in town, and my mom and I went shopping a little this morning. I foolishly thought I would sneak a little bathing suit shopping in. Way to ruin a perfectly good Friday, Joy. So let's get real people. What are the true unwritten rules of bathing suits? Especially once you are a mom.
Ya know, I'm fairly comfortable with my body. I'm not a hater. I work out regularly and of course there are areas I wish I could do some magic on- but with clothes- I don't sweat it. But BATHING SUITS are a different story. I have never owned a bathing suit that I felt really good in. I know there are probably several reasons for this. 1) I used to try and squeeze into bathing suits that are probably not meant for my body type. 2) I would settle for the cheap ones that would consequently be poor quality and little support. 3) Somehow they always looked better in the dressing room than they did on the beach. 4) I have always been big busted with a small lower half. I can never find the perfect match of sizes.
So- now here we are. The kids are going to want to go swimming this summer- and so do I! I love summer! But I demand to get one this year that I'm not self-conscious in or getting black eyes. Here are some challenges I have been facing.
I have somewhat of a tree trunk body. It's not too long and a one piece seems to smash me together like a trash compressor. So I usually steer away from them. Tankini's- I don't have major issues with - but I haven't found any that I really like. 2 pieces, I somehow seem drawn to - yet I cannot keep these melons contained without looking either like my belly button is one inch from my top or misbelieving that they are contained- when there is cleavage that I am not comfortable with. This year- I have really been interested in the boy cut bottoms- so that they will set lower on my hips, make me look a little longer, and disguise the spare tire. But - maybe I am in complete denial that I need to move on and get a granny swimsuit. But- I'm only 26!!!! Do I really have to wear them already?? I don't want to be the one walking by the pool with flab hanging out in every possible area- but do you have to have a top-model washboard body to wear any kind of 2 piece? I know we all look around and scope out mom bodies. We think something like this.......Wow- wish I could look like that after kids!...... How does she do it? ....... Oh, wait til she has a couple! ....... -OR- ........Yikes..... Say no, lady. ...... What were you thinking when you looked in the mirror? ........That's just wrong. ...... (speechless), ........SIMPLY wear your size.

(sigh) So I'm back to square one. I don't know what kind to look for- and I don't know if I'll ever find her out there. But I have to find something. Every year- I find something- but never her.
I'm beginning to lose hope.

Bikes, Bugs, Dogs, Girls and Camp

Well, I have inevitably only been posting once a week- with how busy I have been lately with everything. Only 2.5 more days of school with kids and 5 total. I have several summer commitments lined up but I'm not working, so it will be a bit of a relief. I can't wait to spend time with the boys and do special things with them. This weekend, we decided it was time to move Ian on up to a bike with training wheels. He wanted to ride it throughout the whole store. Luke consequently gets Ian's old tricycle and he is loving it as well!

We went on a family shopping spree at SAVERS and Ian picked out this 99 cent net. He calls it his bug catcher and went hunting all day to find bugs. (Thanks Aunt Shannon for the bug box and real bug net!)

Also- Gunner came and had a sleep over- to have one last visit before we commit. The boys did well with him. He's still a little hyper and we're concerned about that- but hopefully after obedience school, he'll be better. We're going to get him end of June. Lord help me.

And Jer hosted the sleepover, while I went out for a girl's night. It ended up being just a few friends. We had appetizers, drinks and went out to a movie. It was great!

But the weekend mostly consisted of Jer and I slaving away during nap time working on long overdue landscaping. Our original weed paper was not sufficient and everything came through it. So we are in the process of pulling it all up, putting new paper down, rocking and curbing. We have gotten a pretty good start on the front. The back will be a doozy. I think Jer fell asleep when we were giving Ian a bedtime countdown. He worked really hard all weekend.

Oh- and the race is in 2 weeks. My parents are coming into town on Wednesday. I'm really excited to spend some time with them. I'm hoping I can get my dad to go out and run with me. He was a college cross country runner and has kept it up for many years- except recently he has had hip problems. Hopefully I will be ready for it. Finding time to train is the biggest challenge.

Well I need to go get out my tent and camping supplies. Tomorrow is Camp Skeeter for Second Grade. I will try to get some pictures. We go on an imaginary trip to camp, sing camp songs, make smores, get letters from our parents, go on a nature walk and of course, the infamous bear hunt! I'm sure I'll be exhausted tomorrow night and then the next day is our field day. (Do they ever work? You ask. Yes! We just make learning fun and fabulous!)