Triathlon

  A few months ago I asked my kids if they would like to do a triathlon.  They agreed, although I am sure that they had know idea at that time what they had actually agreed to do.   In my mind we had plenty of time to train and prepare.  Well, that time came and went, and except for about a week of bike rides and jogs around the block, there wasn't a lot of preparing.

Saturday was the big day and in case you couldn't tell they were sooooo nervous!  And to be quite honest so was I.

 The race finally began and they were off!  Well, at least Liam was,  he jumped right in, that is why we have a picture of him.  He did great even though he said the swimming was the hardest part and he was sure that he was going to drown.  I don't think that it helped that he figured out before he jumped in that the pool was "3yds and 1ft deep".

There is no picture of McKinna swimming because she had major second thoughts about the whole thing, the moment she was supposed to get in the water.   Anyway, I was dealing with more pressing issues than a photograph at that time.  I think that the video camera may have been running but I don't think any of us want to remember that moment.  Just know that she did finally get in the water, probably only because she was determined to get a medal at the end.

Liam was out of the water and on to his bike.  He said that the bike ride was his favorite part.  I think he may have just been grateful to be on dry ground after what he considered to be his near drowning experience.

McKinna on her bike and I think still not so sure that she was enjoying any of this, and yet still determined to get her medal!

Liam was off and running

and running.  He must have been going so fast that the girl in white couldn't believe her own eyes!

                      Still determined and maybe in shock, McKinna comes running up the hill.

                                  Not giving up, look how she speeds past the speed limit sign!

The end is in sight and she is going for it!

Can you see the difference in their faces from the first picture to the last?

Liam was so excited at the end, the first thing he said to me was "that was so great, can I do it again!"

McKinna wasn't quite as enthused but then she said "sure, I'll do it again 'cause I want another medal!"

I am so proud of them for facing their fears and seeing it through to the end, it was really a great experience.  

80's Day

So can you tell what the theme of the day was at school?  Yep, it was 80's day.  My friend Rachael let me borrow a few items to help with the look.  It's not that she is stuck in a time warp, it's that her kids

had 80's day on Wednesday and so she had all the stuff.

I really never remember dressing like that and I really hope that I didn't because on my very best day I never had legs like McKinna!  I probably rocked some 80's hair because my hair is naturally BIG but that is the only thing I will fess up to.   

Liam's outfit wasn't too hard because he already had the Star Wars shirt since Star Wars seems to have remained in style since the 80's.  Then we pegged his jeans and added a bandana.  I tried to feather his hair but it's a bit short, so I just did the best I could 

I was worried that McKinna was going to have a fit about going to school with the hair and the clothes. By the time she got ready I became worried that she was going to try to single handedly bring back the 80's  style!  She loved everything about this look.  Then when she got to school they were playing Madonna over the intercom which only increased her enthusiasm for the style.

All I can say is thank goodness it was all borrowed or I don't think I would ever get her out of this outfit!

Judgement

I know that I have not blogged in a very long time, and I am not saying that I am going to start back up like I was before.  I have felt very conflicted about it for a couple of reasons and still have not decided what to do.  One of the main reasons for my reluctance to blog is that I am an intensely private person.  I think that one of my reasons for being so private is because I don't like to feel judged.  And when I say judged I don't just mean in the negative.  I have always had trouble taking compliments.  I think that I would rather just blend into the woodwork than be noticed for anything, good or bad.   For example, growing up a redhead, I always heard people laugh about redheads and their freckles or make comments about the "redheaded stepchild" or redheads and their feistiness.  Then on the other hand their are those who couldn't stop talking about how much they love red hair, how unique and beautiful it is and how much they wished they had it or had a child with it.  Then there are all the other contradictions in life about  being too smart or too dumb,  too fat or too skinny,  too rich or too poor, too tall or too short and the list goes on and on.

This may seem like a totally random post but something happened today that got me thinking about it.

Here is the background--I was born with severe club feet, although recently when I was visiting with my orthopedic surgeon he said that they were "beyond club feet".  Anyway, my feet aren't  something that I really like to talk about because again I do not like feeling judged,  whether people think that I am some sort of freak or having people feeling sorry for me.  I would just like for it to be a non-issue for everyone that sees me or knows me.  The problem with that is I have a handicap tag in my car, which I feel might as well be a big blue flag flapping in the wind everywhere I go that gives people permission to pass judgement on me.  Because of that tag I have been verbally assaulted by both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals,  someone even went as far as keying my car while I was parked in a handicapped  space. Maybe I should feel good that people think that I am totally normal or that they can't tell that I am in varying degrees of constant pain but instead I just feel judged (whether good or bad).  I feel like I need to keep all my x-rays handy or rip off my shoes anytime anyone makes a rude comment,  or do I need to explain to them that depending on how many steps I have already taken that day or how many more I will need to take for the day determines whether I will be using my tag.  Do I need to explain that I limp more or less depending on the weather or the shoes that I am wearing.  Do I need to tell them that I have had nearly 30 surgeries and that my doctors have  mentioned amputation as a possible option.  Now, I am NOT putting all of this out their so anyone will feel sorry for me (that is the last thing I want).  Or so you wont say something to someone when you see them pull up in a handicap spot with their ski rack and bike rack attached to their car and then they proceed to jog into the store.  I am putting this out there so people (including myself, because I am also guilty) will think twice before judging others.

Now for the rest of the story-- Today my kids were home sick which they have been all week so I had to take them on all my errands.  We started out bright and early for an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon.  Then on to another meeting, then a quick stop at Michael's.  When we came out of the store and went to the car there was a woman at her car next to mine.  She started yelling and quickly I realized she was yelling at me.  So I said "excuse me?" and she said very angrily "You are parked in a handicapped space and YOU ARE NOT HANDICAPPED!!"  I tried to remain calm (not one of my long suites) for my kids so I just said " I am handicapped and I have a tag right here."  Then she yelled again that I was "not handicapped".  So as I was getting into my car I said calmly "Ma m, don't make me put one of me feet in your face."  (which I hope she did not take as a threat of physical violence)  As I slowly drove past her, Liam said "Mom, I think she just said something rude to you in sign language."  Then McKinna asked "what did she say?" and Liam said, "I don't know but she had her middle finger up." ha ha ha  Kids can make even bad situations funny!!!!

The kids were feeling badly that the woman was so mean to me.  So we had a discussion on the way home about why we shouldn't judge other people because most often we don't know the whole story.  And as the words were coming out of my mouth I realized what a hypocrite I was because I was thinking that that woman was a real bitch!

While the cat's away...

I  have to start this post by giving credit to Kade for the pics.  We headed to the park with eight kids and the only weapon we brought was Kade's camera.  I thought we probably needed to take a cattle prod but  we loaned ours out and it has not yet been returned.

The thing that struck me most about these pictures (well besides how cute all these kids are)  is how happy they look.  When was the last time you saw an adult jogging with a huge grin on their face?  I don't jog, I spin but I can say I don't think that I have ever looked that happy doing it.  I think tomorrow
I 'll try it and see if I feel less tortured.  Who knows maybe smiling while exercising burns more calories!

One last thing about our trip to the park-- While we were walking there from you our house, Aubrey turned to McKinna and said "I wonder what people think when they drive by and see all these kids, a baby and two humans?"  I assume that Kade and I were the "humans" but I bet if you ask Sadie, she would say that "she's no baby!"

shout out to Kade

I guess I should start by explaining why the father of my children is wearing a clown wig.  My mom wanted a family picture and she said "it doesn't have to be professional, it can even be a little silly."  Well, apparently what she said and what I thought were two totally different ideas, so this is not the picture that she went with.  But I happen to love this picture, I think that it really says who Kade is.  He is a nut!  It took no amount of begging or pleading for him to don that wig.  Part of that could be because that guy will do almost anything that ask and secondly he is just wacky like that.

So back to the real reason for this post,  I have been stressing since Mother's Day about Father's Day.  Kade went all out for my mother's day dinner and I felt a huge amount of pressure to reciprocate.  I thought maybe what I would lack in quality I would make up for in quantity.  So it started on Friday night when I set up a babysitter and took him to dinner followed by a movie.  It was the A-Team,  trust me that was all for him, I had no desire to see the A-Team (luckily it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated).  Sunday morning I made him biscuits and gravy because the guy loves biscuits and gravy!  Then for dinner it was steak, corn and salad because he loves steak and corn and because salad is a must.  Now I have to confess that he actually grilled the steak and the corn because I really never go near the grill (it scares me!!)  Then for dessert I made him a coconut cream cake because he loves coconut cream cake!  Now I know that the sum total of all that I did, still did not compare to the dinner that he made for me but  I tried and one of the things that makes Kade so amazing is that he appreciated all of it and not once did he rub his delicious dinner in my face.    Thanks Kade for being a great husband to me and a great father to our kids,  we love you.

Mother's Day

I know that I have not blogged in a very long time and I usually never blog about food (that's Kades' job) but I had to give a quick thank you to my husband! Kade really out did himself on Mother's Day. We got home from church and he started cooking and a few hours later he fed us some truly amazing food. He fixed a slow- roasted halibut, a potato and sweet potato gratin, and a shaved asparagus and fennel salad all of them were just fantastic.  Then to top things off he fixed a croissant bread pudding with bittersweet chocolate and toasted pecans.  It was all good enough to make you weep!  Every bite was heaven and the only complaint that I have about any of it, is the pressure that I now feel for his Father's Day dinner!!

 

Liam's report

  Liam did this report at school and it cracked me up so I thought that I would share it.  If you decide to read it, read to the end.  I am always happy to see that Liam has not inherited his Dad's handwriting.

Quick Trip

What is wrong with this picture?  Okay so before you go critiquing all the flaws in this picture(because there are many)  let me just tell you.  This picture was taken on my 12th anniversary!  Now what anniversary picture should include 10 extra people!  I guess one that is also taken on my husband's birthday.  I am just teasing- these nice people took our kids for the night so Kade and I could have an evening  to ourselves. (There will be no pictures of that to follow)

You may have to enlarge these pictures to see but McKinna has taken to pulling a face in every picture taken of her.

Before we headed home from our quick trip to Phoenix, the kids hit the pool or should I say hot tub, I don't think that pool saw much of the kids.

Then we went to the Botanical Gardens.  This is an amazing glass sculpture and the picture does not do it justice.

There was a really interesting butterfly exhibit.

We saw all kinds of bugs and a few of them hitched a ride home with us.

There were some interesting sculptures, i must admit that my kids could not resist those giant nostrils.

The kids had a great time.

And if you want to see a million more pictures of plants and bugs you will have to check out Kade's blog.

Dad this one is for you.  I never see a saguaro cactus without hearing you say "there is a saguaro"!

Spelling

Today we were driving home from meeting Kade for lunch and McKinna said "Mom what do you call these?"  When I looked in the rear view mirror she was pointing at her chest.  Now I have to say that I do not like answering those type of questions, I have no idea what I am going to do when they get a little older.  Anyway so I said "well, most of the time people call them boobs."  McKinna said "really? so Ali didn't just make that up?"

Liam was quiet for a second and then always being the academic that he is said, "do you spell that
B-O-O-B-S or B-O-O-P-S?"!  I think that I laughed for the next three miles!

Tennis Time

Tennis is in full swing! haha  The kids had a bit of a break over the holidays but now they are back at it.

Liam has always really loved tennis and his coach says that he is pretty good at it so I hope that he keeps it up.

This round of lessons has been a bit different for him though, not only is he the smallest and youngest in his class but he is also the only boy.   I am not so sure that Liam is okay with that,  maybe when he is sixteen it will hit him.

McKinna is very different from Liam as far as competitiveness goes.

I guess she was so happy to have her friend Cameron in her class that she felt the need to do a cheer.

Needless to say, she does not take sports as seriously has her brother!

Valentines

I don't know what has gotten into me, doing two posts in a row but I needed to say thank you to my wonderful husband for having these delivered to me for Valentine's Day!

It was such a great and delicious surprise!!!  And the best part is that I got to eat them almost guilt free, because they were not just chocolates.  They were chocolate covered apples and pears.

Thank you Kade, you're the best!  I think I love you as much as I loved these chocolates and that is saying something!!!!

Just some pics

I think that I have lost all drive to blog but I am doing this post for a few reasons.  First, I am doing it for grandparents and other family members.  Second, for long lost friends who have been asking to see pictures of my kids.  Third, for my husband, who has been requesting that I blog.  If you don't fit in any of those categories feel free to ignore the following post/pictures of my kids.

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Las Vegas and in my opinion  perfect for taking pictures because it was neither too hot or too cold.  I don't think that we get too many of those perfect days.

I am pretty lucky that my kids are willing to be my photography guinea pigs.   I am not sure how long their willingness will last but I will take it while I can get it.  If genetics has anything to do with it, it won't last much longer.

Don't adjust your glasses, Liam really is out of focus (I am still learning).  But I loved this picture because they are just coming up with their own poses and it makes me laugh.

Well,  I hope this post will get me off the hook for awhile (or maybe help me get my drive back).

Why??

I don't normally have time to respond to comments on my post but one comment reminded me of a story I should have written down anyway.

Rachael asked why would McKinna have wanted to go swimming on Christmas.  Well, the short answer is that she is a bit crazy!!

The long answer is on Thanksgiving 2008 (McKinna was 4 and Liam had just turned 7) we all got in our hot tub.  The pool was 50 degrees but the hot tub felt great.  After we had been in for awhile Kade said to McKinna that if she would get in the pool he would.  I realized at that point that Kade had not met McKinna before because if he had, he would have known that she would easily accept any challenge.  The next thing we knew, McKinna had jumped from the hot tub to the pool.  All Kade could do was say "Oh, CRAP"  as he tried to brace himself for his plunge.  McKinna came flying out of the water screaming her head off while we all laughed hysterically.  Kade jumped next, he was in and out as fast as he could manage.  Well, Liam will never be one to be out done, so he slowly entered the pool.  Liam never got in past his chest  but he stayed in longer than anyone else.  That is how the whole thing got started.  McKinna saw how long Liam was staying in so she jumped in again and got out, so Liam felt that he had to get in and stay in even longer.  McKinna jumped in no less than 20 times and Liam would get in and jog in place until he could take it no longer.  I finally stuck my feet in for about 10 seconds and it was so cold it  felt like they were on fire.  So when Liam got back in the hot tub after one particularly long stint in the pool and said "WOW Mom that one was really burning my penis!!" I believed him!  Before it was all over, Kade out of guilt for starting the whole thing and then not wanting to be out done by the kids jumped in and swam a full lap down and back.

So basically McKinna feels the need to do the polar bear once a year.  The problem is she doesn't want to be the only one and the rest of us remember the pain of last time and are not ready to do it again!  If anyone else would like to go for a dip this winter please give McKinna a call.