Date night and First Tandem Ride

What a great four day weekend...and it's not even over yet!

Ryan had Friday off work, so we packed a picnic lunch and went to a park. This park was huge, and crowded...I guess the whole town also thought a picnic in the park was a good idea! After that it was off to my moms. She invited the girls over to spend the night...yay!! They LOVE sleeping over, they think it's the greatest thing! My mom even watched Piper for an hour so Ryan and I could go out to dinner! When we came back to take Piper home with us, Haley kept saying, "Okay, can you guys leave now." Goodness, no separation anxiety for her!

Saturday morning was so quiet!! It was very weird to have only one little baby in the house. Later, we took the tandem out for my first ride since last Summer. And can I just say...holy tailbones...my bum was hurting so bad!! That saddle is some kind of torture device...it needs to be switched out before I can ride it again. But besides that, it was a very nice ride. It was a little strange not to have any control, and the fact that I could not see a thing in front of me...but I got used to it. Actually I could sight see so much easier when I don't have to keep my eyes on the road...the mountains were beautiful! I think we could really get that thing going if I were in decent shape.

Kick off to Summer!

Yesterday we celebrated Haley's last day of Kindergarten!

They had a really cute program with lots of singing...I was wondering why Haley was singing "Start spreading the news..." (one of their songs, slightly tweaked) this past week. She did excellent, cute as ever. I actually was getting a little teary watching her up there! If I'm already getting teary for Kindergarten, I wonder what High School or College will be like...or her wedding?!! Aaahh, I'll be a wreck!! Oh, Haley please stop growing up!!

Haley with her teacher...

...and her BFF.
The whole family.

Haley with Grandma.

After her little graduation program we headed off to breakfast. We were lucky Ryan got to join us...he took the morning off, yay!

After we completely gorged ourselves we said farewell to Ryan, and then we went to the Paleontologist museum on BYU campus. Not bad for a free museum!

Pretending to be Dinosaurs.

After that museum we went to the Monte L. Bean Life Science museum, also on campus.

This picture is of an actual Liger!

I couldn't help but think of Napoleon Dynamite...if you haven't seen that movie...well, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyway, very cool.

ROAR!!!

Piper enjoyed it all from the stroller.

So now we are officially in Summer, and it's a beautiful day for it to begin! We started the morning off with homemade coffee cake and eggs. Later we had to go to the store where Haley promptly reminded me that because it was finally Summer they could do Yucky Cereal Week. So they each picked out their "yucky" cereal...which happened to be Trix for each of them. I think they only picked it because it came with a squirt toy. So after the store we had a picnic lunch outside then we set the little play pool up. They played outside for the remainder of the afternoon. Just lovely! Now, they're exhausted watching a movie before dinner. And I'm thinking BBQ for tonight!

Ah, Summer...how I love you!

Motherhood

Some women say the most perfect things. They always have the perfect thing to say to those tricky questions our kids ask. Or when a friend is going through a hard time...they know the comforting words that make it all better. They can send the most thoughtful "Thank You" card, or say uplifting and motivating things to a recent grad. Newly married? They know the right way to give advice without sounding like a "know it all".

I want to be that person. I never know the right things to say in any situation. My kids ask something tricky, or maybe they're sad about something...I'm always stumbling over my words. I think they walk away more confused. When someone is spilling there guts, hurting over something...I'll just stare back, trying as hard as I can to say something comforting, or helpful...but nothing comes. I'm just not good at saying the perfect things. It's a gift that some people have.

Anyway, I enjoy following this blog. And today I absolutely loved her post! So much in fact that I had to post it on mine to share. So...as much as I wish these were my words...they are not. But I think she captured motherhood perfectly! When I'm having a bad day, I'll go back and read this to remind myself what a blessing motherhood is! I am so lucky!

I love to watch mothers interact with their children. Different discipline styles and displays of motherly-affection intrigue me. I watch for what works and what doesn’t work. I am a mother-of-three who still is trying to learn to be a mom. You see, these children of mine, they change so quickly. A strategy that worked one month will fail the next. They are smart and changing; I have to be on my toes. I have a feeling that as soon as I figure motherhood out, they will be out of the house. Is that how it goes, experienced mothers? Will I always feel like I don’t know what I am doing?

I have learned a few things about motherhood, though. Here is my very unsolicited advice:

::Sleep is a valuable commodity. Teach your children to sleep. Put them to bed early. Encourage naps. Catch some zzz’s yourself, whenever you can.

::Stop worrying over little things. Kids spill. Kids are loud. Kids are rambunctious. Kids don’t sit still. Let them play. They will grow up too quickly, so enjoy these moments while you can.

::No matter how hard you try, your clothes will not be clean. Your shoulder will never look the same. Avoid black shirts when you have a bouncing, burping baby.

::Take time for yourself. It will make you a better mom if you can step away, even for a moment.

::Get dirty. Play with the playdough/mud/fingerpaints with your children. I promise you’ll see a twinkle in their eye when you do.

::Babies will completely change your body. (I hear that even adopted mothers experience a little body-changing.) Perhaps it is all the goldfish and fruit snacks we consume ourselves. Or maybe it is that you will no longer have the time you once did to think about yourself. Who knows.

::Your children will break something you love. They will. Be prepared. Leave the room and recover before blowing up.

::After a hectic day with a child, sneak a peek at him sleeping. It will soften your heart and remind you of how much you adore that little rascal.

::Don’t forget your spouse. Nurture that relationship. Continue to date. Dress up for your outings like you used to. Wear his favorite perfume. Motherhood shouldn’t make you forget your love.

::Motherhood will change you. These little people will change your dreams. (I dreamed of being a successful business woman in a fast-moving city. Motherhood has made me wish for a slower, quieter life at home.) You will have a newer and better purpose in life.

::Motherhood is a joy. Enjoy the little, everyday things. The chubby fingers. The late night feedings. The darling giggles and trusting eyes. Motherhood is a blessing. There is no greater calling and no love comparable.

Catching Up

Well, I tried to again to do the 30 days straight...FAILED again. I guess I'm just not a blog master.

Here's a few highlights of the past couple of days I missed.

Ryan has been sick. He actually took the day off yesterday to see a doctor...well, actually he ended having to go to an Urgent care since our doctor was booked. I also found out that he has NEVER been to our family doctor. Incredible, considering I've been to see him like a gazillion times! Turns out he has a respiratory infection...ugh! So the girls and I went to spend the afternoon with my mom so he could get some much needed rest in a quiet house.

Oh, and we woke up to snow yesterday morning...the HORROR!! I won't even get started on how depressed I was to see that. Luckily, we'll be seeing some nice weather this week...about time!!

Haley's last day of school is tomorrow. It will be nice not to rush around in the morning to get her on the bus, but the thought of all three children now in the mornings is kind of exhausting to think about. I hope I can handle it!

Morgan's little red tricycle was stolen...I'm so upset about it! I actually think it was stolen last week sometime, but we didn't notice it was missing until Sunday. A few people thought they saw it in the bushes near the entrance of our neighborhood, but by the time we got down there, it was already gone again. It was probably some punk kids who took it. I just want to kick their @#$!! How dare they do that to a three year old!! I think I'm the most upset...Morgan got over it pretty quickly, but I'm just devastated! After we realized it was missing, Haley and Morgan ran around the yard yelling, "We need to find the thief!!". I either need to get training wheels for her other bike or she needs to learn to ride a two wheeler very soon! Summer is here and I need to go on my walks!! And Morgan not having a bike is a problem...walking for her just won't do, we'll never get anywhere!

Ryan watching the Tour of California with his girls.

You can tell his eye is all messed up...a symptom of his

respiratory infection.

Today I finally got started on some much needed weeding in the front yard. I'm taking it slow...one section at a time. Anyway, I was wearing some shorts, and my oh my...I need a tan! You can definitely tell that my legs have not seen the sun in...oh...eight months?!

Aaaahhh...my eyes!!

The girls wanted a picture of their legs too.
Haley
Morgie

We're ready for Summer!!!

Day 19

Not much to report. I wanted to get a post out before I head out to my moms for the evening. I don't want to be sitting in front of this computer late at night trying to bust out a post.

Ryan has an awful cold. Snoring all night. Last night I tried to roll him over, I thought I was pushing on his shoulder...apparently it was his face. Oops..sorry. But seriously, he sounds like an old man hacking and snorting...just awful! I do hope he feels better...poor guy. He's still racing today though in Sugar House. This race would have been a good one to watch, it's one of my favorites. But the weather is kinda crappy, so I opted out. Actually, it's kind of been a blah day. I didn't get much of anything done...basically dragging my feet all day. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be a bit more productive!

We watched the Tour of California last night. I wanted to see it because they were racing to Big Bear. They went through Crestline, past Lake Arrowhead...basically through some of my old stomping grounds. My grandparents have a cabin in Lake Arrowhead so we've spent a lot of time up there. I enjoyed watching the race go along Highway 18...I tried to find things I recognized. Also, Rory Sutherland got second! His wife, Cheynna, was a childhood friend of mine and we reconnected again (oh, the joys of facebook!). We both raced as Juniors. Anyway, I love reading her blog. They have a baby, he's a pro cyclist so he's on the road A LOT...and they make it work. I admire that...because I know it's got to be tough especially with a little baby! I would definitely classify her as a supermom! So anyway, I was thinking about their little family last night when Rory was up on the podium.

Well, that's all for now! Off to my mom's!

Shake what your mama gave you!

I went to my workout this morning. My abs are killing me...it hurts so good! We did a few aerobic routines...I'm still pretty awful. But I got to thinking while we were doing some belly dancing to Shakira...I'm holding back. I think it's common with women...we have a tendency to get caught up with our insecurities and we don't just let loose! Go with it! Have fun! Who cares what I look like! There is another woman there that does just that...I admire that. Plus, the instructor...of course she can shake it pretty good...and she's looks good doing it! Anyway, I want to be like that. I need to loosen up!

Oprah did a show forever ago helping women "loosen up" and do something wild. I guess they were caught in a rut or something...I forgot the details of the show. So anyway, the women needed to think of something crazy to do and Oprah would hook it up. One woman wanted to sing on stage in front of tons of people. One woman wanted to dance with the Rocketts. (There were a bunch of others, but I forgot what they did.) Anyway, one woman wanted to pole dance. Ever since that show, I've wanted to take pole dancing lessons! No, not that I want to be a stripper or anything (although we could bring in some pretty good money...and I already have a name, Firestar!....KIDDING) but I think it would help me loosen up...embrace my body and learn how to move it without looking like an idiot. Plus, it's sounds like so much fun!

So maybe this year I'll actually do it...take a pole dancing class. Anyone want to join me?!

"30 Days of Content" Day 18

Stamping Class

My mom and I had been planning on attending a stamping class at the local paper crafts store for about a week. I really enjoy paper crafts (scrapbooking and what not) so I was really looking forward it. And it's a hobby that I've put on the back burner for a looong time! So I couldn't wait to dive into it again. As soon as Ryan got home, I was out the door as I was already running late...it was a long day and I was a bit flustered when I left...but I was anxious to have a girlie evening! Ryan stayed with the girls and I took Piper with me.

So I race into the store pushing the stroller and immediately see my mom. As soon as I get up to her the woman at the register asked if we were there for the class, we say yes. Then she says, "Oh...we don't allow babies in the class." I was crushed. And I don't know what's going on with my emotions lately, but I nearly burst into tears at that very moment. "PLEASE! Just let me in!! You don't understand what kind of day I had!!". Okay, I didn't say that...but I was definitely thinking it. Luckily, she still let us in. But first she made it very clear that if she fusses I would have to take her out. Fine.

So we go into the classroom and everyone is already seated...I'm a little uncomfortable...people kinda give me "the look" as we sit down. Then the teacher kinda gives us the look too. So I say to her, "I know about the baby rule, but the lady out front said we could still come in". The teacher says back, "Okay, that's fine...but if she makes a PEEP...you better take her out!". And I kid you not I think daggers were flying out of her eyes when she said that to me! Now, I'm really uncomfortable, and feeling slightly unwelcome.

Of course, within two minutes Piper starts to fuss. I scoop her up as fast as I could and try to cram a pacifier in her mouth. It's not working. The teacher pauses every so often to glare at me. I start to panic. I wanted to scream..."ALL I WANT TO DO IS LEARN STAMPS PEOPLE!!! STOP GLARING AT ME!!" Then my mom offers to take her out...she was determined to make sure I had fun and knew I needed a break. (she's the best) So she took her out. But I was still very flustered...and nearly at my breaking point. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes...and I know that the teacher noticed. It took everything I had in me not to walk out that door. I'm not sure what my problem was...overwhelmed I guess. But I got control of myself...and stayed.

I'm glad I did because I really did enjoy myself...eventually. And I learned quite a bit! It felt good to unwind...and do a hobby that I enjoy doing. I just wish I could have shared that with my mom. So I have to thank her for sacrificing her evening to give me a much needed break. She ended up pushing Piper around the mall and even had to take care of a blow-out poop. Now that's love! So thanks mom...you're the best!

Haley's Doodles

Yesterday Haley brought home a notebook from school. It was full of pictures and doodles...maybe it was used for free time in the classroom...I'm not sure. But I did enjoy looking through it.

This masterpiece is a self portrait.

What a happy little girl!

Another portrait...this time of her daddy, how sweet!

I think I can even see the family resemblance.

No surprise, the notebook was mainly filled with...
you guess it...horses.

And unicorns!

Day 15: Half way there.

So I think the whole point of this "30 Days of Content" idea was to have real content. I'm afraid I'm focused too much on getting a post out every day (so I don't fail) that I'm not really giving much thought on content. And maybe that's because the only time I have to update lately is when the girls are in bed and the only thing I want to do right now is sit on my butt, eat some ice cream and watch some brainless TV.

The truth is the last couple of nights have been brutal. Morgan has been getting up crying A LOT! I'll go in the check on her, she'll be rolling around crying, her eyes still closed...we have yet to figure out what her problem is. She seems to get more irritated when we try to comfort her. Fine...wallow in your misery alone...excuse me for wanting to comfort you! Anyway, so there's that...and also Piper has decided she wants to eat every two hours at night now! Ugh!

So there you have it...Day 15.

Now...I'm going to go sit on my butt, eat some ice cream and watch some brainless TV!

Time to get in shape!

This morning was my first real start to working out again...well, other than the walks I've been doing. I'm starting to get very frustrated with my body. I'm so sick of maternity clothes or sweats everyday. The weather is getting warmer and I'm ready to wear shorts...without an elastic waste! I can never remember how long it took me to get back into my regular clothes after my first two babies. But whatever it was...it feels longer this time. Yes, I know it's only 5 1/2 weeks since I gave birth, but impatient...I can't help it!

So yeah...working out...started today! I have a neighbor who teaches aerobics three days a week for two hours. Actually it's so much more than that...we also do a whole weight routine for our arms, ab workout (I really need that one), pilates, and yoga. And to top it off, kids are welcome. They basically run around the gym playing while we work out. So today was my first day, and boy am I out of shape! And also...I'm really bad at aerobics! It's not that the routines are very completed, I'm just not very coordinated I guess. I'm pretty pathetic...but I'll keep trying. It's kinda discouraging because I want so badly to be coordinated that way...you know a good dancer. The music is blaring getting you all pumped up...I don't want to be the schmo bouncing around having no idea what I'm doing!

In other news I have my six week appointment tomorrow. Yes...the only appointment women have with their obgyn that husbands can't wait for. I'm just saying.

Day 14 of "30 Days".

Weekend Pictures

Thought I'd take a minute (and I mean minute...it's already past my bedtime) to post a few pictures of the weekend.

First off, the zoo. Haley is wearing a little pink monkey around her neck. That is the same monkey that my grandparents bought for me at the LA Zoo in California when I was a kid. I would have never thought that when I picked that pink monkey out that my daughter would be wearing it! So, pretty good purchase Grandma Helen and Grandpa Jim!! 20+ years and it's still going strong!

This orangutan really freaked Haley out...probably because it was so close to the glass. But she was able overcome her fears and went back to take it's picture...not bad!

Morgan hitching a ride with Grandma.

Sunday Haley couldn't wait to go on a ride with Ryan. She got all kitted up herself (it's a little big, but it works). So cute! I hope she continues to love it!

Maybe in a couple of years little Morgan will be ready to give it a try!

Carnivals and Zoos

First of all it's about 9:00 in the evening and I am WORKED! Dang this #30 Days of Content...I don't want to fall behind again!! So anyway, I'm tired, but I'm determined to crank this out!

As you know, Ryan went to Bear Lake Friday for some bike racing action. Now usually I would have wrote a "woe is me" type post...but, not this time baby! Friday afternoon my mom (I'm so glad she's here...she's my savior when Ryan's gone) came over and we took the girls to Haley's school carnival. Basically it was a complete madhouse with kids running amuck...all I wanted to do was leave. Finally after an hour of mayhem we took the girls out for ice cream...which resulted in being our dinner for the day. I know...bad mom!

The next day (today) we went to the zoo...and were pretty much there for the entire day! The girls had a blast! And I must say, they did an awesome job. I was impressed how patient they were when I had to feed Piper...three times total. Of course I couldn't have done it without my mom being there to keep them somewhat corralled. And during the course of the day we only lost one "My Little Pony" brush to the Orangutans (don't ask me why we had it...who knows). And Morgan got chased by a peacock, which was being chased by Haley. But everyone survived!

Now I'm home...kids are in bed...I haven't had dinner yet...I'm thinking that ice cream in the freezer is calling my name! Is that bad...ice cream for dinner two nights in a row. Don't answer!

#30 days of Content: Day 12

They Grow Too Fast

I sometimes find myself passing time just sitting and holding Piper, examining her every feature as she stares back at me...maybe she's also examining me (hopefully she's not looking at the rising number of wrinkles on my face or the few gray hairs that are popping up here and there!). It seems that this newborn stage whisks by way too fast and before I know it she'll be racing out the door to play or blowing me kisses from the school bus like Haley.

I never considered myself baby crazy. Growing up I did some babysitting here and there. I was good with kids...but lets be honest, I did it for the money! And as I got older (before I had kids) I was never the woman that wanted to hold everyone elses baby. Yeah, they were cute and all, but I never gushed all over them the way other women did.

But now with my own...I think more than ever I'm really loving this newborn stage...I just can't get enough of it! With Haley, I was so new to it...I spent most of my time trying to figure it all out. And by the time I got the hang of it...poof...she's five years old! And Morgan...wow, I was so frazzled that first year. Haley still required a lot of attention and I was just pulled constantly between the two of them. I was never really able to relax and soak it all in.

Now, Haley and Morgan are a little more independent...they can play on their own for longer periods of time, they can ride their bikes outside on their own or play with the dogs in the backyard. I don't feel as frazzled like I did before (there are exceptions...let's be honest here, not all days are glorious), but I feel like I have periods of the day that it's just Piper and me. So yeah, laundry goes to the wayside, house projects get put on the back burner, cleaning, whatever (although maybe if I did more of that I would find my sunglasses that have been missing for a week now!)...but all that stuff will always be there. My little Piper won't be...before I know it...she'll be all grown up!

Sweet Sisters

This morning when I went in to get Piper out of her crib, this is what I found. She had wiggled her way right out of her jammies and the blanket I swaddled her in. Funny girl!

I better run...Morgan has made me quite the Play-Doh feast to eat!

Random Acts of Kindness

Last night Ryan and I took the girls to Burgers Supreme...our favorite little burger joint. As Ryan is making the order at the counter the guy next to him offers to pay for our dinner!! Of course Ryan was like, "Are you sure?! Really?!". The guy was for real and ended up paying our bill!! Later, when I went up to him to thank him again, he said, "Oh yeah...no worries. You have a cute family." Wow!! I mean, who was that guy? I want to know his story. Is he just a super rich guy who does this kind of thing all the time? Was he really taken with our family or did he think we looked poor and we needed help (I hope that wasn't the case...although I was wearing my sweats pants and Morgan's hair wasn't combed). Well, in any case...what a super nice guy!!

So, as we're eating our FREE meal, Ryan and I decide that we need to "pay it forward".

Thanks again Mr. Blue Jeans and Black Shirt...I think you started something!

Day 10

The things kids say and do.

So the other night I'm talking to Ryan during dinner about this coming weekend. He's off to Bear Lake for some racing. Usually it's a family affair, I love going to Bear Lake...especially when the weather is nice, which it will be this weekend. However, the housing this year isn't really accommodating for a family. Sleeping on floors and sofas among several other bike racer guys doesn't really appeal to me. Anyway, my mom will still be in town so we've made plans for Saturday which I was discussing with Ryan. Now the girls were pretty consumed with their Spaghetti, so I figured they weren't really paying attention.

Me: "So my mom will have the Suburban for the weekend, so you can take the wagon up to Bear Lake."

Ryan: "SWEET!"

Me: "We were thinking about going up to Salt Lake Saturday, going out for a late breakfast and then heading over to the Z-O-O."

Morgan: "THE ZOO!!! WE'RE GOING TO THE ZOO!!!"

Now, I wouldn't have been too surprised if Haley knew what we were talking about, but she was pretty much in her own world eating her most favorite meal on Earth...spaghetti...again, not really paying attention. But Morgan?! That surprised me! I guess these kids are catching on to our tricks. Spelling things out may not work anymore...these kids are getting too smart! So now I have to hear "Are we going to the Zoo today?!" everyday. Great.

Morgan has been getting much louder with her observations which is creating some embarrassing moments for me. Such as the Jesus spotting at the Costco the other week.

Yesterday, Haley celebrated her birthday at school. Her teacher gives all the Summer birthdays a day during the school year. Anyway, it requires the mom to bring in a special birthday treat for all the kids and a little toy (the toy may be optional, but Haley insisted). So, Haley picked out cupcakes and little zoo animals to put on top of every cupcake (the toy). Hopefully, that was all we needed to do, because quite frankly that was enough for one frazzled mom! I ended up taking Haley to school, because the cupcakes were too much for her carry on the bus. Now usually I would just go schlumping it and Morgan still in jammies. But since we had to help carry in the cupcakes I had to get everyone ready in the morning...bummer. So, all four of us (yes, Piper too) went into the classroom. Haley was beyond excited for her special day!

On the way back to the car Morgan spots an elderly woman walking on the other side of the street heading into the school. Out of the blue she yells and yes...points, "Hey, look at THAT mom!!!" (laughing...loudly) "Look at HER...(ha, ha, ha) That's a MOM?!! Look at that MOM!!" (more pointing and laughing) Meanwhile I'm trying really hard to shush her and move it along...quickly!

What's up with that?! She was completely mocking this poor innocent woman!! And I'm not really sure why...other then the woman was elderly. Perhaps Morgan thinks the only type of women that enter a school have to be young. I don't know...but embarrassing none the less.

The Mop did another post me (I don't care if that's cheating!). So this is Day 9.

Okay...I'm back.

30 Days of Content: Day 7

Okay...I'm trying again. I'm starting back up with day 7 because The Mop gave me a freebie and caught me up over the weekend. Yes, I know I still missed Sunday...but whatever...I'm trying!

So I've been thinking about bike racing. I know I've done a post before on the whole bike racing dilemma in our household. But it's a topic that is always on the table in this house. Some couples argue about money, some argue about the children, some argue about jobs, some argue about whether or not they should have a stripper pole in their bedroom. (Hey, it's true...have you seen The Marriage Ref?) Anyway, the thing that Ryan and I fuss over...Bike Racing. Don't start getting bent out shape and start worrying about our marriage or anything...Ryan and I have the strongest marriage I know...seriously...I'm not just saying that...we do...we were meant for each other...soulmates if you will.

But yeah...bike racing. When we do fuss over it, it's hard to actually have an argument because I don't know where I stand. So Ryan becomes more confused! I've said before, and I'll say it again, bike racing is in our blood. I was raised in the sport, I competed in it for years, Ryan and I met through bike racing...I do love the sport! I love watching Ryan race...I do. If someone asked me "When do you find your husband the most sexy?"...I would answer with "When he's racing." Seriously. Something about watching him do what he loves...and of course seeing him in a cycling kit doesn't hurt either.

But then, I get so frustrated when he has to be gone for races...or train. So where do I stand?! If he were to ask me if I wanted him to quit, I would always say NO! I would NEVER do that to him...let's make that very clear! But I don't want to complain about it every season either! I don't want to be the wife that makes him feel guilty when he leaves for a race. Although sometimes he does better going into a race mad or worked up. I'll always remember this time in college when we were dating. One weekend our coach took Ryan aside before his race and told him that he thought our relationship was interfering with his racing...I guess hinting that we should end it. Ryan got pretty upset. He ended up winning that race.

So, I'm not sure what the answer is. I guess it will always be a love/hate relationship (with cycling, not Ryan).

By the way...Thanks Sandy for your post. As you said...we'll keep plugging away!

My Little Piper

I had to post this picture of Piper. I just love it! We used it for her announcements.

Isn't she just the cutest thing?!

Weekend Update

Okay...I've decided that I'm not very good at the "30 days of Content". I think I'll have to abandon it.

The truth is Saturday was not a good day. A blog post for that day just wasn't happening. Bottom line...I was in a wretched mood...not a pleasant person to be around...sulking for most of the day. Not sure what happened exactly, I woke up fine. By mid morning it was like a switch flipped, I went from happy to super bitch...seriously, in a matter of minutes. I have no explanation of it...wish I did. Can I blame it on hormones? I tell ya, I just don't know how Ryan puts up with me sometimes. Anyway, it ended up being one of those days that I just wished I could start over. I ruined a perfectly good Saturday. So there you have it...I guess we have to have a bad day in order to really appreciate the good ones.

Sunday, on the other hand was much better! Well, other than the fact that Haley came down with a fever...not so good. She's feeling better today, it's developed into a cold. I kept her home from school today to give her a chance to sleep in...which she did beautifully! She slept to nearly 8:00!!

So back to Sunday. I decided that I needed a break! I needed to get out! I took just Piper with me (kinda have to, since I nurse every couple of hours), picked my mom up and we went out for a little something to eat, sat outside (yes, it was warm enough, FINALLY) and chatted...it was wonderful! Then we went up to the Canyon mouth and went for a walk along the river path. It was beautiful! So relaxing! I came home feeling refreshed! Then, that evening we had Sunday dinner at my folks' house. Perfect ending to the day.

Picture of Morgan and I goofing around with the camera. Morgan combed my hair in case you were wondering why I have pig tails.

Sunday Piper turned one month!

I can't believe how fast that went!
What a cutie!

Already Failing?!

Aaaahhh...this 30 days of content is way harder than I thought! I'm only on day four...and I have no content for today.

Spent the morning cleaning up the house (although you wouldn't be able to tell now). When Haley came home from school we had a quick lunch and then off to Costco. The trip went much better than the last time...I had my mom with me this time, so we were able to double team the girls. They seemed to be better behaved this time too...and there were no sightings of Jesus...bummer. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon/evening at my folks. Got back around 9:00, put all the girls to bed, and here I am. Tired.

So give a exhausted mom a break today...no content...I'll do better tomorrow...promise.

Firestar

"Firestar (Angelica "Angel" Jones) is a fictional mutant superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. She has the ability to generate and manipulate microwave radiation, which allows her to generate intense heat and flames and to fly."

I'm not sure how it got brought up...but apparently I needed a superhero name. I give the credit to The Mop, who is way more knowledgeable when it comes to superheros. I know nothing of them. Anyway, I must say...Firestar fits me pretty well, don't you think?

So yeah...I think every housewife needs an alter ego. If I start feeling like I'm struggling (which is all the time), I'll just become Firestar! Now I just need the costume...I'm kidding...but seriously, I gotta get that costume! Ryan will come home from work, and I'll greet him wearing that. He'll be like, "Kelly?". And I'll be like, "No...I'm Firestar!".

Okay, I better stop before this post gets too crazy.

Hey...so does this count as content? I'll count it. #30 Days of Content: Day 3

A Lesson Learned

30 Days of Content: Day 2

So I was on a walk the other day and the girls and I stopped by the tree swing so they could play for a little while. The river is right beside it and the girls like to throw rocks into the water, and then of course it leads to them getting either really muddy or wet or both. But that's another story. Anyway, there was this other mother there with her little daughter (probably around 2 years old). I couldn't help notice how the mother was interacting with her. She was just VERY VERY engaged. She would constantly be talking to her little girl in a very high pitched, slightly babyish, and very obnoxious voice. "Do you want to SWING?!"..."Okay!! Let's Swing!"..."What do you want to do now?!"..."Okay...let's collect rocks!!"..."What color is this one?!!..."How many do you have?!!!"..."Oh, you want to go over there?!! Okay, let's go that way!!" I was getting exhausted just watching her! So, as I'm sitting there on a tree stump while my kids are running amuck, not only did I find her slightly irritating, but I wondered if she was like that ALL day with her kid. I mean, fully engaged...actually playing with her child throughout the day...consistently. I started feeling bad. Do I PLAY with my kids enough? Do interact with them enough in the day? Do I give them enough attention...each of them individually? I started doubting myself as a mother.

Then, I came to the conclusion..."Well, that must be her only kid and that's why she has so much energy." And then I instantly felt better about myself. I have more on my plate! Plus, she was younger then me, hence the more energy...probably a new mom...she doesn't know what kind of terror her little sweet two year old will become...yeah, she can keep up with her NOW, give her a couple of years and she'll give you a run for your money! And she had to be a new mom...no mom could keep talking in that irritating/baby voice for more than one child.

Yes...I was sitting there making all kinds of judgements about this innocent woman just to make myself feel better. I know...I'm awful.

Finally, this woman packs up to leave. As she's loading her daughter into the bike trailer she says (still in a baby voice), "We'd better hurry! The girls are going to be back from school soon!". Great...she does have more children. Dang it! Back to feeling bad about myself!

Hey...maybe she was referring to cousins or something.

Lesson learned: Don't make judgements on people...and STOP comparing myself to other mothers!!

#30 Days of Content

So the Mop threw out a challenge for bloggers...30 days of content. Could be about anything I guess. Maybe improve your writing skills along the way...heaven knows I need that! People tell me that they enjoy the way I write, but most of the time I feel very scatterbrained and have hard time getting my thoughts down. English was always a class I struggled in during school...I was never any good at writing, my spelling and grammar are horrible! In fact, in college I scored so low in my entrance exam in the English section that had to take a 099 English class...I referred to it as "Dumbbell" English. That's right...I just admitted that to everyone, as I was VERY embarrassed at the time. Especially having a boyfriend as an English major. I'm more secure with myself now, so I can admit those kinds of things. Anyway, I think I've always thought of myself as someone who is bad at English ever since I was put in that class. And now that I'm a stay-at-home mom I have a tendency to have "mommy brain". Sometimes I feel like my brain cells are disappearing. I don't have deep intellectual conversations with people, I don't keep up with politics, I barely know what's going on with world news, I haven't read a book in two years...yadda, yadda, yadda. But...I can change a poopy diaper half asleep in the dark, I can nurse a baby pretty much anywhere (although I don't always like to), I can cook up a pretty darn good meal in under 30 minutes and I can blog, comfort a crying baby, referee a fight/dispute between a five year old and a three year old and talk on the phone all at the same time...which I just did.

So, bottom line...do I have anything interesting to blog about for 30 straight days?!

New Tandem

The tandem is finally here!

Ryan and Haley taking it for a test run.She absolutely loved it! So Ryan kitted up and they rode to the lake and back...about five miles or so. She had a ball!

It's so funny to see two people riding a tandem with such a drastic height difference. She was a little nervous at first, but she quickly warmed up to it. Ryan ordered her a little chamois and jersey for her to wear...she'll look so cute in it, I can't wait till we get it!

To be honest...I'm itching to get on it! It looks like a lot of fun!

More complaining...

This weather is KILLING me! I know, I know...I keep talking about it...I keep complaining...but come on...WHERE ARE THE WARMER TEMPS!! This is just like last year. Spring was cold, raining, snowing...miserable. And then all of sudden it went from Winter temps straight to Summer weather. 50's to 90's...Spring weather was completely skipped! No nice days in the 70's...just awful! So yes, I keep whining about the weather, but when you have three children cooped up in 1300 square feet...well, it just isn't fun!

To make matters worse, Ryan is racing all day today. I started the day saying my morning mantra, "I AM A SUPPORTIVE WIFE!". I can do this!! Put your happy face on! I know he already feels guilty...don't make it worse!! Of course, I do want him to race and to do well. But ooooh...it's so hard! Especially having the weather so crappy and it just wasn't the best week ever. I'm feeling drained. But I know that when Ryan is home, he's in Super Dad mode...doing so much for me and the girls.

So, I think I can survive a few hours without him on a Saturday. I'll have to take the girls somewhere...make sure we get out of the house. But it's hard for me when the weather is bad...all I want to do is curl up under a blanket next to the window and watch the rain fall. Goodness...I'm such a homebody.