Viva Las Vegas!

My mind and body are still on that "just went on a little trip" high that one can only get after ... well, "going on a little trip" and I just wanted to take a second to get all my thoughts out about it before this feeling goes away.... Let me just start out by saying- it was one of the most easy going (kid free) and enjoyable weekends I have had in a long time. I mean, helping Steve clean out the storage unit was fun- but nothing compared to the fun I had this weekend. Although it was a quick trip (9 am Saturday morning until 5 pm Sunday night) the weekend was packed and left me recharged for the upcoming busy months ahead! We made it to Vegas in record time (3 hours!) even with Sharalyn complaining the whole time that she had lost her headband and had to pee. As we arrived in Vegas we were welcomed by wind gust in upwards of 40 mph. Shar was NOT happy. But Co-pilot Janelle (who aslo doubled as weather girl) really sold the "It's always the most windy in the afternoon" like it was nobodys business! Sharalyn was happy with her prediction and we were off to packet pick up and dinner with the 'rents. Nothing like being greeted by your "diabetic drunk" dad who is wandering around the Mandalay Hotel looking for food. Lovely dinner (with no high chairs thank you very much) and we were off to drive the course and then go to bed. Well, Sharalyn was off to bed (thanks to a sleeping pill) - Janelle and I were off to color coordinate the map (we would make Steve proud with how organized we were) and make posters. The alarm goes off at a VERY early 4:15 am and the room was quickly filled with excitment! Sharalyn had everything she needed (including extra ipods, shorts, kleenex, gum, etc....) and we were off to the START line. Things were going like clock work! Steve and Suey (who we renamed Stuey for the sake of time) were enjoying their eggs and toast breakfast at Hooters waiting for our (Janelle and I- not Sharalyn- she was running the marathon) arrival after mile 1. After Elvis sang the National Anthem we were off running to the amazing sight and sounds of fire works for a good 10 minutes. After the first mile we had to say goodbye to her and let her run on her own. I felt like a mama bird waiting for her baby to fly. Even as I write this- reliving that moment- I get teary eyed. She waved goodbye an we made our turn on Tropicana Street to get into the heated car! Lucky us!A little mishap at mile 1 (which I will leave out of the story for the sake of everyone involved) and we got to mile 4 without a blip. Saw Sharalyn who was doing awesome and we quickly constructed our posters into a port-a-potty so she could pee in the middle of Las Vegas Blvd! Off to mile 10 without a problem (thanks to the color coded map) and she was still looking great. Suey had decorated herself in tinsel and caught the eye of a reporter from a local newspaper and was quickly interviewed and finally got the props she has deserved for so long. Mile 15 was just as good as the other two stops and she didn't even look like she had broken a sweat yet. (probably due to the 35 degree weather we were blessed with) At mile 20 there was a look in her eye of determination and heart like I had never seen. She KNEW she was going to do this and she KNEW she was going to accomplish a goal she had set such a long time before. After a few tears and hugs were exchanged it was off for the final 6. Even with her calves being "hard as rocks," her mind was focused and she was running strong! I got the chance to run with her the last 6 miles (just to keep her company) and I have to say it was such an honor! As we rounded the final corner and saw the finish line we saw Stuey and Janelle waving the tinsel and the tears were flowing....I jumped off the course and she was alone running a race that was ALL HERS! She was interviewed by a local newspaper (http://www.lvrj.com/sports/12074846.html) and then we met up with her with hugs and love surrounding! As I watched Sue kneel down and rub her legs I couldn't help but notice the father right next to them who was removing the lower half of his daughters prosthetic legs equally as proud and happy of his little girl! It was such a good day! I am proud of my sister for all that she has accomplished. She is an example to me like no one else. At the Chicago Marathon Sharalyn made me buy a shirt that says "Freakishly Strong." It is a term that she has used to describe me for most of my life but I can say without hesitation- She is the one that should be wearing that shirt today! She is the one who is Freakishly Strong.

Coming soon to a theater near you...

All things PINK! I just wanted to give a little shout to Ayla Alden who will be joining us on April 1st, 2008!! I can say without hesitation, next to having my own child- watching your sibling get ready to become a parent is the next best thing. I am so excited to hold a new little delicious baby girl in my arms, I can hardly stand it. I'm going to try my hardest not to "stop by" unannounced- but I can't promise anything. (I tend to be a little over the top when I get excited for something) I am so happy for the "father and mother to be" it's ridiculous. I have all the faith in the world that they will give this little girl everything she needs and then some. Yea for little girls and all the yummy goodness that comes with them.



Now- who's ready to try for a boy? We need a little blue around here....

Lesson: Life Teacher: Trees

I think of some pretty of the wall things while running. Some things are funny, some strange, and some of my lifes most valuable lessons have been taught to me while running. The teacher today? Trees.I thought I would share. Lesson #1 Picture this: Small-"ish" sized tree planted in the front yard. In weeks past the owners had placed some metal stakes and wires on the bottom half of the tree to keep the tree standing upright and growing strong. Then came the wonderful Santa Anna winds that Simi Valley is known for. The owners have now added some rope on the upper half of the tree and more stakes. This tree isn't going anywhere! Some might see this tree and not think anything of it. I ran by and started crying. (no surprise right) I thought about how similar I am to this tree. When I was young, my parents anchored those metal stakes and wires to me to secure my roots, and make sure I was going to stand up straight and grow strong. Then, there were times that I needed "rope" and more stakes to keep me grounded. My parents always made sure that I was supported in the right ways so that I could grow the best. Some might look at all those ropes and wires and think that they are holding the tree down. I look back at my life and know that those wires and stakes are holding that tree up. Thanks mom and dad. Love you. (I know you read my blog) Lesson #2: Next tree- I saw a huge huge huge tree growing in someone's backyard. The tree was thick and strong. But one of the branches was almost touching the ground. It hadn't snapped or been broken because of the wind- it had grown like this. The leaves and smaller branches that were growing on the outer part of the branch were just too heavy for it to stay upright. It was so weighed down from the leaves and stuff, it was growing and bending downward. Once again, I thought about my life. How often I let drama and negativity weigh my spirit (branches) down. Instead of getting rid of those things and continuing to grow upright- I bend my branch and learn to keep moving with those things weighing me down. Soon, my spirit will be so close to the ground just like this tree branch if I let it. Time to shake those bad feelings, and negativity so I can grow upright and be strong. No need to be weighed down. Life is too short to worry about the small things. I taught a lesson in YW's this last week on Optimism. The hand out that came with the lesson said- "Smile and be happy: There's no reason not to." Oh, how many times I feel like I could make a very good and strong argument with this! But in reality, I have a home, a family, and food to eat. I'm so far ahead of the game!

Gimme Gimme More...

A pencil is the

the epitomy of OPTIMISM...

can you figure out why???

The average pencil is 7 inches long. The eraser is less than 1/2 an inch. Those people at BIC have high hopes for us...

6 Random/Weird Facts about Me

So, here's the deal. I was tagged- I have to write 6 random/weird facts about myself and then at the end, I get to tag other people and then they have to write a blog of their own spilling their weird facts about themselves. I have done something like this on Myspace a while back but I was tagged by Cassaundra and for the sake of being a good sport- I thought I would oblige with a new list:
1. I have OCD when it comes to my shoes being tied. I cannot stand it when they are tied with uneven pressure. I have been known to tie, re-tie, and tie again until it feels just right!
2. Something as simple as getting Kody's clothes in the morning can turn into a full blown cleaning rampage on the closet and next thing you know- I have spent 3 or 4 hours cleaning and organizing every inch of the darn thing. I like things to be neat and tidy and when the mood strikes me to clean it- I cannot walk away until it's finished.
3. I am a CONSTANT worrier about EVERYTHING. I don't know where it came from or when it started but I can think of anything and everything that could go wrong and I will worry until I am sick about it. Sometimes Jared will be running an errand and I will hear a Fire/Police siren and I immediately think he has been in an accident. Heaven help him if he doesn't answer his cell phone after I have heard the siren!
4. I have never scene any Star Wars/Star Trek movies. When Kody and Jared quote them, I have no idea what they are talking about and I couldn't care less about it. Really.
5. I have been known to take credit for some really cute and clever things my sister or Mom have thought of first. (we have all talked about this and we all agree it's okay) Come to think if it- the whole Wright/Jones wedding was my sister/mom's idea but I happened to be their "friend" that was helping with the wedding so I got all the credit. Thanks girls for making me look so good!
6. I love love love any type of jail/court/cop/addiction TV show. I've got em all on my Tivo and watch every one of them! I don't think this is that strange or weird but when our friends are over and they see my Recorded Shows List they all laugh at me for some reason. Who doesn't love to see some WT lady with no teeth being booked for a DUI and try and hit/bite/kick the officer? I LOVE that sort of thing!!

Okay- so now it's my turn to tag 3 people. Or was it 6 people? I can't remember and I'm too lazy to go back and check her page so I am going to tag 6 people because it's more fun that way.
I tag: Sharalyn, Janelle, Robbie, Megan Hambly, GingerD, Jenn. (But, for those of you that have already done this on Myspace- you have to come up with NEW things to add to your list!) Let the weirdness begin!

The peas in my pod

Some of my blogging friends have said I don't add enough pictures, so here you go. The one of Kody was from the day he and I went to Knotts Berry Farm together and he just HAD to have his face painted. Kody is getting so big and is such a joy in my life. He is the reason Lennix is here. (and if you know me, you know why...) He is currently taking golf lessons and loves every second of it! He is doing so well in school (thank goodness!) and I am so proud of his progress he makes in reading and math. Our fridge is going to run out of room because of all the A+ tests he keeps bringing home! He is such a good brother to Lennix and is always willing to help watch her. He's even mastered changing her diaper! Lucky me...

Then there is Lennix. What do I say about this little girl that would do her justice. Such an angel! There are moments that I touch her skin and hold her and I'm in awe of what a miracle she is. No joke. To think that the very first ultrasound I saw of her- she was only 8 cells. Thats right- cells! She is crawling EVERYWHERE and loves to get into anything she's not supposed to. Makes my days very interesting to say the least. She is walking around the furniture like it's going out of style and recently (yesterday) started letting go and standing on her own. I am grateful for these little milestones but sad at the same time. I really don't know if we will have another baby so these small moments I get to share with her are bittersweet. It's all going so fast!

I am so thankful to be a mother to these two beautiful children. I am blessed to have a husband that works so hard for us and I'm able to stay home with them all day. I wouldn't change it for anything! Even on the hard days....

windy world

VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS- LOS ANGELES COUNTY VALLEYS- SANTA CLARITA VALLEY- 454 AM PDT MON OCT 22 2007
...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PDT TUESDAY...
DANGEROUS NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS 30 TO 45 MPH WITH LOCAL DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED BELOW THE FAVORED NORTHEAST PASSES AND CANYONS.
Todays A-Ha moment:
Air quality was horrible. (Red Flag warning to be exact.) Wind gusts were frightening. Temp was already in the high 70's at 7:30 am. Not what you would call "good running conditions." I decided to go any ways. I started out with no real course in mind. I knew how far I had to go and thought I would just make it up as I went.
Turned the corner onto Seqouia St and the wind was pushing so hard against me I immediatley thought about turning around. I kept going. The debris that was being swirled around was getting into my eyes making in impossible to see. Made it 1 mile. Things were getting easier the further I went. I was able to adapt to my surroundings easier than I thought I would be. Turned up another street. Wind gusts so hard I was having a hard time running straight. Made it 2 miles. Stopped at mile 3 to get a drink from a sprinkler that was shooting straight up in the air thanks to the wind. Just as I bent over to drink- the wind stops. Sprinkler goes directly up my nose and eyes. Nice. Turn the final corner after mile 4 and the wind had stopped. Life was good again.
I knew the air was bad. I knew the wind was blowing strong today. I knew it was hot outside. I thought about how many times in my life I do things knowing how bad the conditions are going to be, but decided to do them any ways. I thought about how many times I don't really have an exact "course" but try and make it up as I go- only to be stuck at "dead- ends" and have to turn around and find another way.
Most importantly I realized that after that first mile, I was getting used to the wind pushing against me. All those things I carry around with me and just accept as my "daily baggage." My insecurities, my flaws, my bad judgement, etc...I had figured out a way to get used to feeling bad about myself as a mother, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a wife, and so on and managed to just go about my day being weighed down like this was normal.
And then the wind stopped. I didn't realize how much that wind was slowing me down until the wind had subsided. The wind stopped and I was able to run faster and feel lighter on my feet. I was able to recognize a difference. I went home with a new gratitude for my Savior who has made it possible for me to not have to carry around my "baggage" that slows me down. I am able to let all of that go and feel lighter than before. Today, I am thankful.

Brace Face

Here's how the diddy went down:
Little girl- Why do you have braces?
Me- So that I can have nice straight teeth like you
Little girl- My brother has braces
Me- Oh, thats nice.
Little girl- He got them put on when he was in third grade
Me- Wow. That is really cool
Little girl- He's 17 now!

Are you kidding me? Someone has got to talk to Dr. Z or I'm in trouble!

Meet my friend Elizabeth and her dog Tinkerbell

I saw a lady walking by Kody's school today with one of these strapped to her. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. (shocking) Who thinks of these sort of things? Why do we need to carry our dogs around in a contraption like this? What happened to just a leash and collar? Some guy is banking millions of dollars (maybe not "millions" but a lot) because of this...Come to think of it, Sharalyn- maybe you aren't too crazy to think people would buy a CD of Suey.

No need for speed....

While plotting my course this morning for my run, I decided to switch it up a little bit and run down streets that I normally don't go down. This in itself was a very bad idea. Every street I chose was filled with cars trying to get to work or schools making my "run" not very enjoyable. Lots of kids/cars/crossing gaurds that I had to dodge. Here's what was so disturbing to me though- As I would wait for the cars/kids/CG's to pass by me- I noticed how many people were eating breakfast in the car! What is happening to our daily schedules that we don't even have time for our children or ourselves to sit and eat a good meal? I saw kids, (young and old) mothers and fathers trying to scarf down as much food as they could while in the car before heading out to start their day. It seems like everyone is in a rush to get somewhere. We have become so good at multi tasking! One of the things I love about running (especially at my pace- as slow as it may be) is that I get to see life in slow motion. I have seen beautiful flowers and animals that I would normally pass by without any thought. It's like I am looking at this Earth with a new set of eyes. It made me think of how many times I rush around like a crazy woman trying to get everything done. And done well. And on time. But what's the harm in being 2 minutes late if it means having more quality time with my family? Is that 2 minutes really worth the stress it is so obviously causing me and my family? I want to be a great mother but I don't think that means I have to have chaos in my house to achieve it. Even if that means I will be 2 minutes later than I had planned (which I hate!) I am going to try my hardest to sssslllllooooowwww things down. Take a deep breath and relax a little more.
With that being said- after my run I got to go work in Kody's class as the Room Mom. I'm not one to normally volunteer for that sort of thing- but Kody made it very clear that he wants me there- so Thursday Room Mom it is. Two things happened today that were very disturbing to me. Thing Number One- Everyone (including the teacher) calls me Mrs. Black. Catches me off gaurd and makes me laugh every time! I have tried to tell them that I have a new (4 year old) last name but that opens a whole new can of worms that I don't really feel like sharing with other people's 7 year olds. Even Kody, who I KNOW knows my last name calls me Mrs. Black because he thinks it's funny. After a morning in that class, I find myself forgetting what my last name really is!
I walk in to the classroom this morning and the teacher calls for everyone (including Mrs. Black) to come to the carpet. (I normally don't sit on the carpet but last week the kids we acting up and I decided to sit on the rug and break up some of the talking/fighting. Now she wants me to do it everytime!) So we sit on the carpet, listen to the teacher explain the morning work and then it's desk work for the kids while Mrs. Black walks around helping the kids that weren't listening while we were having carpet time. Disturbing Thing Number Two: This little girl raises her hand and I go over to her eager to help. She points at the paper and asks me questions- but one glance at her hand and I have been completely thrown off my game! The little girl (7 years old!!) had on acrylic finger nails. For heavens sake- she is in first grade!! I honestly didn't hear one word she said to me. I was horrified and hysterically laughing all at the same time. What is going on in this world? Who takes their 7 year old to get her nails done? I'm all about the mani/pedi Mommy Daugher dates but don't you think that was a little too far? I flashed forward to Lennix at 7 years old and vowed right then and there that was NEVER going to happen in my house. I held up her hand to show the teacher and she just smiled. So, now I have vowed to not only take things slower- I am going to try my hardest to keep my children- children. I don't want them growing up faster than they already are! Life is going so fast I can barely hang on. It seems like yesterday that we were doing our 5th round of IVF to get pregnant. And yet- just yesterday we had people ask us when we are going to do it again. (for the record- we DO NOT know IF/WHEN we are doing it again. I love everyone for their concern for our life, but it's not as easy as most people have it. We don't just say "lets try and have a baby" and then get pregnant. It's a loooong process that I'm not sure we will ever do again.) This blog is kind of random and all over the place- but such is life. After today though- it's going to be random, all over the place and slow.

Didn't you get the invitation?

pity party- A way of experiencing grief, in which you spend your time feeling sorry for yourself and whining endlessly about how crappy your life is. Pity parties can be just for one or for many people, such as maybe your friends and close people, who will try to comfort you or just be there for you while you keep asking yourself what did you do to deserve whatever it is that made you so sad in the first place.
Pity Parties require the proper outfit, which is usually pajamas cause you dont get all dressed up during those feeling-sorry-for-myself moments. Also you should have no make up on or just the one from the night before; hair undone as well.
It also involves tissues, comfort food such as ice cream; chocolate; potato chips; cookies; cake; and candy. Low fat food is banned Alcohol might or might not be allowed (if alcohol makes you go wild, no alcohol should be brought to the pity party in that case since the point is not exactly to have fun).
The purpose of a Pity Party is to dumpt the pityMusic is also very important at pity parties, including songs like "One is the Loneliest Number", "All by Myself" and any other song that makes you feel like throwing yourself from the nearest cliff.
Pity parties usually end after you are done whining or if someone breaks it up. This will usually be a cynical loved one who will not let you drown in self pity and will take you either to have the best time ever, drinking and partying or will just make you crawl out of bed by making you see how pathetic you look and how you should cut the whining and just do something to make things better!

-damn straight! (sorry for the "damn" mom...)

Hours 10:30 pm till 7:30 am.

My night was filled with those "moments" again. Crazy stuff always seems to happen to me and my family. Lastnight, I was so tired (like Uncle Kent taking an Ambien tired) so I went to bed around 9. I was woken up at around 10:30 pm by Jared who was yelling at me to look out the window. I ran to the window and saw nothing. I realized I didn't have my glasses on. I couldn't see something if my life depended on it! I got my glasses of the nightstand and returned to the window. Some teenage boy (I sound really old huh?) had smashed his SUV into the telephone pole right outside our window! Major major major damage. We call 911...cops come. Shine their big light on the pole and car. (We are standing at the window looking like puppies waiting to be purchased and taken home) We hear the cop say- "It's snapped right there. (flashing big light towards the top of the pole) Get everything out of here!" All the cops get back in their car and move to who knows where. Teenage Boy is now down the street crying on the phone with his mom repeatedly telling her it was an "accident." Nice mom. Probably changing the radio station or something and hit the pole. I hear those sort of things happen. ( Janelle :P) The BIG firetrucks come. The ones with ladders. Lots of light coming through our windows. I am still out of it. (I was thinking it was around 4 in the morning) Jared goes outside to "investigate". Lots of damage. Lots of people coming to fix the damage. Lots and lots of lights. Flood lights. We try to go back to bed. I am woken up again (2 am) by Kody telling me he threw up all over the ground. (nice.) I get up to check out the damage. Lots of damage. He asks me if I'll help him clean it up. I tell him thats my job as a Mommy . I tell him to get a bowl (he picked the biggest one we had!) and get on the chair/couch in our room and try to go back to bed. He wakes Jared up and asks for a blessing. Love that kid. I start cleaning the puke. Good times. Every half and hour the kid sounds like his stomach might be trying to escape his body. I feel so bad for him. He tells me (around 4 am) that the blessing isn't working. (my heart breaks!) I get up at 7 to pick up the house and get ready to go for my run. It's raining and cold and I really dont want to go. I get ready any ways. I try to put the box of Granola up on the top shelf in my cupboard. Brand new syrup bottle comes flying down at me cracking open and covering me in a sticky mess! Jared is home from seminary and is helping with the kiddos and the syrup. Love him for that. I go outside and decide to talk to the workers and see what they are doing. (they had to replace the entire pole! which by the way apparently takes SEVERAL hours!!) I'm standing with my hands on the wall to get a better look of the damage. Workers will be there all day. I decide I better start running or I could get rained on. I walk to the street and turn the Ipod to play. Ready to go. My hands are still sticky. I dont want sticky hands the whole time I am running. I lick them clean. Really clean. I realized it's not syrup. It's tree sap from the wall. Lovely morning.

Where the deer and the antelope play

I haven't blogged in a while and my fingers feel like typ'n so sit down and relax...I've got a lot to say.

Ever since I started blogging (which has been a max of like 3 weeks now) I keep having these moments in my life where I laugh or cry or something in between and I think to myself- I should blog about this. This blog is going to be all those "should have blogged about moments" that I never got around to doing. Lets start with this one: Sue and I went to JoAnns Fabric lastnight to do some Halloween decoration shopping and on the way home we got to talking about feeling blessed. We were talking about how grateful we both were to have health/family/friends and so on. The conversation started to take a turn downward as we pulled up in front of her house. I start saying the same old stuff we both already know and probably don't need or want to hear again. "Everything happens for a reason, try to look at the bright side of things, etc..." She gives me this smile and says "Things are going to be fine. I've got my peeps. What more do I need?" I smile at her with such admiration because 1- she always knows how to put things into perspective and 2- she just said peeps like she is some gangsta! I drive away while thiking to myself- Mom is always right. You've got your peeps- what more do you need? Nothing right? Family is everything! I've always been aware of how lucky I am to have a family/peeps that are close not just in miles but in hearts as well. No joke when I say- I would do anything for my family. (that goes for ALL of my family. Even the ones that live far away...) It's moments like these when I sit there and think about Blogging and how I am going to make a list of my peeps and give reasons why I love them. Makes for a good Blog right? As I stop at the stop light- it hits me! She wasn't refering to her family as peeps as I had thought just minutes before. She had bought actual Peeps at JoAnns and was grateful for those! Gotta love those good marshmallow-y moments in life.



On to "Should have blogged about that" moment in my life #2. So, I went to lunch with my 2 sister in laws today. That in itself could be a whole other blog! Everything was fine, we ate, we talked, we paid, walked outside to leave. As we were standing by my car it was really hot so I grabbed the diaper bag and searched for some water. (Jared packed the bag) I grab the bottle, open it, and start chugging away. I'm about half way through the bottle and glance at the water. It's BLACK! I swallow what little was left in my mouth trying not to make a scene. I am frantic thinking in my mind as to why the water is black. I think hard.... remembering that Kody had been painting on Sunday and I had given him a bottle of water to wash the brushes off with! I look at my sister in law and ask "why did you just let me drink that?" And she says "I thought it looked weird- but I thought it was some type of diet drink that you were drinking." Thanks for letting me chug the paint chips down April"

Moment #3. This isn't so much a "moment". More of just a feeling of excitment/fear/nervousness that I wasn't really expecting to feel. The Chicago Marathon is just 5 days (2 more runs) away! I can still remeber back in June when we would tell people that we had signed up to run it. We would always follow up with "It's still like 4 months away! We've got plenty of time to train!" Now, as I sit here with a pit in my stomach I wish it were June again. I have loved every second of this journey "runners" call "training". I have loved stregthening my friendship with Janelle and my marriage to Jared. It truly has been a catalyst of so many things in my life. Sharalyn has been amazingly supportive in her own sort of way and I love her even more for that. I know that this is and always be "her sport" and I thank her for sharing it with me and encouraging me to run stronger and faster. I can honestly say it has been life changing for me. I am looking forward to seeing her in Chicago almost more than I am looking forward to running the race. I could not have done this without Jared. Hands down- he gets Husband of the Year Award. He knows exactly what to say (or not to say depending on the situation) and what to do for me. He allows me to get angry/mean/and sadly sometimes down right nasty and loves me anyways. Word cannot describe the feelings I have for that man!


This blog could go on and on but my fingers (and kiddos) are getting tired abd hungry. Well, my fingers aren't hungry but my kiddos are. They are tired too. My fingers are just tired, my kiddos are tired and hungry. You get the point! There are so many things in life that I could and want to share with you guys but not enough hours in the day for me to Blog. Not a day goes by that I do not think about my friends and family. You're my Peeps and I thank you for being part of my life...

p.s. Sharalyn- what did you do to piss God off so badly?

Ear Vs. Teeth

Just wanted to share something I have found and LOVE! Lennix has reached the "teething/nightmare" stage in life and I swore she had an ear infection. How could such a little angel turn into such a little "not so angel" so quickly. It had to be an ear infection right? With the help of this little monitor that checks for fluid in the middle ear, (which is what an ear infection is) I was able to forego the trip to the Urgent care late lasnight and rest assured my little angel didn't need an antibiotic. Just a little Motrin and we were good for the rest of the night. It was $49.99 (a little pricey) but WELL WORTH IT!

Baby Baby suck your thumb...don't forget your bubble gum

Here's the conversation as I drove Kody to school today. I think you'll appreciate the humor in this one:
(Driving by Santa Susana High school)
Kody: mom, why are they running around the track so early?
Me: In high school they have a schedule that rotates. Like one day they will have PE first and then the next day it will be second and so on....
Kody: Is that the high school I am going to go to?
Me: Maybe. (thinking to myself hell no!!!)
Kody: Is high school when I graduate?
Me: Yea, you'll graduate and then go to college
Kody: Did you graduate high school?
Me: Yea
Kody: And then what college did you go to?
Me: (kicking myself for NOT going to college!) I didn't go to college buddy
Kody: Why not?
Me:I decided to get married instead. (dumb dumb dumb!!!)
Kody: Why would you do that? Why wouldnt you go to college?
Me: I don't know. Some people go to college (like you are going to) and some people get married. Besides, I am glad I got married because I got married and then had you.
Kody: Why didnt you go to college AND have me?
Me: Because I had to get married instead of going to college so I could have a baby (totally rational thinking right?)
Kody: Women have babies all the time without being married mom. You didnt have to be married to have me. Then you could have gone to college and had a baby.
Me: I didnt want to do that. I wanted to be married before I had a baby.
Kody: why would you want to be married?
Me: (silence.....followed by more silence) I thought being married first was the right decision. I'm glad I did it that way.
Kody: Well, I am going to have a baby BEFORE I get married. That way I can go to college AND a mission!

Bucky Gage Black

So Friday night Kody informed Jared and I that he would like to be called Bucky from now on.
"Do you think I could change my name to Bucky Black? I want to go by that now." All night he wouldn't respond to anything unless you said Bucky with it. (Bucky can you come sit at the table and eat your dinner? Are you getting tired Bucky?) After a few hours of this, Jared and I started to get a little more creative. Buck-a-roo. Lucky Bucky. Yucky Bucky. Buck up little camper etc.....all of which he hated. "I just want to go by Bucky Gage Black for the rest of my life. Nothing else."

Parking for new and expectant parents

So I took my mom to the Thousand Oaks mall yesterday for an early birthday lunch. As we were scouting the parking lot for a parking space my eyes came across a spot RIGHT IN THE FRONT. I quickly go down the lane in awe of my luck and pull in to the spot and start to exit the car. My mom then says to me, "You can't park here. Read the sign." (pointing to a sign that is in front of the space kind of like where a handicapped sign would be) To which I say, "It says new and expectant mother parking. I'm a new mom. I can park here. Now, lets go."

She says, "You are NOT a new mother. Lennix is 7 and 1/2 months old." I say, "Well, they don't have a specific infants age posted for when you aren't considered a "new mom" right?" She says, "3 months, maybe even 1 month I guess." I say, "That's crazy- I still consider myself a new mom. As long as I have to pack her food in a diaper bag- or even carry a diaper bag at all for that matter, I am considering myself a new mom. Now lets go!"

So we get out of the car and head to lunch. The food was delicious as always but I couldn't help but keep thinking about the conversation we had in the parking lot.

That leads me to this question? When are you not considered a "new mom?" I started thinking last night about what the word "new" means to me. I guess I think of words like inexperienced, fresh, recent ect...All of which- I would not use to describe myself when it comes to parenting. I have been a mother for 7 years!! I should not be inexperienced or fresh right? So lastnight as I was putting Lennix to bed and she was throwing up all over me for who knows what reason- I realized: I have every right to park in that spot just like the rest of the moms that have "weeks" old babies. Sure, I might have become a mom 7 years ago but I am still inexperienced and learning just like the rest of them. I have so much to learn as a mother and am eagerly looking forward to the years to come! I am grateful that God has entrusted me with his children and has allowed me to "babysit" his most precious gifts for this short time.

Ventura County Star

Don't you just LOVE this picture? You'll love the story behind it even more...Here it goes- So last Monday I get a note sent home from Kody's teacher saying that it was patriotic day (September 11th) the next day and to have Kody dressed in "patriotic clothing." For those of you who don't know- Kody goes to a private school where "dressing up" is considered a BIG deal. They have to wear uniforms to school so when they get a chance to wear something different- kids (and the parents) go ALL OUT! Any ways, The next morning I get Kody up for school and start gathering his "patriotic outfit" for him to wear. (I didn't have much) I found some red and white striped pajama bottoms (thanks to Grandma's Christmas tradition last year) and a blue cute off tank top. (a little WT I know, but hey- it was all I had.) As he was getting dressed I came across a package of markers and I had a brilliant idea. *Cover him in marker!* So on went the USA with stars down his arms, and then the best part- I made his face into one giant flag. He was sooooo excited and kept telling me that "he was for sure going to win!" (even though there wasn't a competition) So I picked him up from school and I said "So...how'd it go today?" And he says "I guess I won, because I was the only kid in my class to dress up!" Leave it to me to get him all dressed up and not have anyone else do it.

So after school we had a Patriotic Walk to Remember that we had planned to participate in (very cool for those of you who love around here) and I let him keep all his garb on. We are sitting there listening to the speakers talk about 9/11 and all of a sudden a man comes on my left and squats down next to me- whips out his camera and starts snapping pics of Kody. A LOT of pics.

Kody in the mean time is NOT thinking this is very cool and starts acting like some lethargic weirdo laying on the chairs and falling off and being loud. I'm sitting there trying to get him to behave without Mr. CameraHappy thinking I am being mean. I didn't exactly want Kody to look at him and pose- but come on, he's 7. He can sit up! Then comes the real kicker- he starts to play with his gum! Stretching it in and out of his mouth meanwhile Mr.CH is snap snaping away!

So after litterally 10 minutes (no joke) and probably 100+ pictures later, he tells me that he is from the Ventura County Star and asks for Kodys information. So above is the pic of Kody that was in the paper the next day! THE GUM PICTURE!!! Only my family would have that picture picked out! Enjoy!!!

13 reasons to run 13

I know what you're thinking..."Her first blog! But is it really about running?" I know, I know- kind of boring. But hey, at least I'm blogging right? I just got finished running the Disney Half Marathon today and needless to say- I had some time to think about things while I was out there on the course. It's funny where your mind starts to wander when you are out there for so long but today was one of those "A-ha" runs for me and I thought I would share some of my thoughts with you. ("you" being the 2 people that actually know I have a Blog) So at about mile 3 or 4 I saw a girl run by with a saying on the back of her shirt that read: 13 reasons to run 13 miles. Got me thinking about MY 13 reasons of why I was running today so here they go...
#1-I wanted the feeling of "accomplishment."
#2- Running has allowed me to strethen relationships in a way that I didnt know was possible.
#3- I love being a part of something. (Even if it is being a part of a group of people near the verdge of death in 100+ degree weather.)
#4- You'll never feel skinnier than after a good run. Each mile is about 100 calories being burned...1310 calories today- not bad.
#5- With 14,000 people running- I knew there was a good chance that I wouldnt be the last one to finish
#6- The more I run, the more I want to run
#7- I always feel better AFTER the run than BEFORE the run
#8- Running is cheaper than counseling. It helps keeps my marriage strong.
#9- The medal I got seriously kicks butt. It might sound lame but when they put it around my neck- I was so happy I almost started to cry.
#10- Can someone say "new shoes" every 300 miles? Guilt free shopping! First time in my life that buying new shoes can be considered a "need" instead of a "want.
#11- I've always looked up to my sister in what some people might consider an "unhealthy" way...watching Sharalyn run gives me something to strive towards. My best pace is often her worst and that's okay with me. As long as we are both striving to be better and I have her support- I'm alright.
#12- With all the love and support my family has shown me throughout this training process there isn't really a reason why I shouldn't run.
#13- Most importantly- I want my children to see their mom trying to become a better person. I want them to see a woman who is strong both physically and mentally and want to be like that themselves. I want them to have good self-esteem and to know in their souls that they are worthy of greatness!!