Nine Years and Counting...

We were blessed a beautiful baby boy.  He was sweet, quiet, content and pretty much perfect.  And he still is...minus the boyhood moments of sassiness and attitude.

And while I've learned a lot in my nine years of parenting, Blake is a constant reminder that I have so much more to learn and that we parents grow with our kids.  There really is no easy part of parenting.  The reward, however, is to see our sweet little babies become their own people.  Here are a few things about Blake you may not know...

He's like his dad- he NEEDS time throughout the day to wonder and think; to process his thoughts, preferably with something in his hands, and just dream.  He doesn't mind being alone and likes to be in his own space.
 

He loves games!  He got an iPod Touch for his 9th birthday and they've been inseparable ever since.  But it's not just silly games- his favorite is Boggle.  And with his iTunes gift card he's been downloading flashcards and checkers!  The games challenge his mind.
 

He loves the drums.  We suspected this when he was younger and have a drum set in the rafters to prove it.  Technology has come a long way, and an electronic set with ear phones is what I recommend for a small house and a loud instrument.  Still...he thinks with his hands.  He's constantly drumming a beat, can easily keep a beat and just loves to bang on things.
 

He loves to read.  He likes mysteries and has been reading the Harry Potter series.  When given the opportunity, it's not unusual for Blake to sit down and read quietly without "having" to.
 

He loves to build.  Anything.  And he wants to understand how things work.  But once he gets an idea in his mind, there's little hope of stopping him until his project comes to fruition.  Even in the middle of homework.  Going back to #1, we realize that it's an important part of this dreaming and thinking.  Apparently, Brian was the same way when he as a kid (and still is).
 

He's a really good teacher.  Because he loves to learn, he's happy and patient enough to share what he's learned with the twins.  He's an awesome big brother (when he's not teaching them potty words...)
 

He is very humble.  If you know him, you probably already know this, but he's a little shy and mostly humble.  He doesn't want or expect much from people, and he has a very generous heart.  I will never forget the time he gave his entire allowance saved from two weeks ($7) to the church offering.  And while we're still working on trustworthiness, he really tries to be conscientious and responsible. 
 

He will mimic everything we do.  When we are busy working, he builds himself office space and "goes to work".  When we do or go somewhere special, he recreates that at home (everything from bowling, to a haunted house, to the library, to the store).  He's always been an old soul and operates as if he's in a grown up world.  This is the same kid who has always preferred things like office supplies over toys.  And he keeps me checking my words, tone, stress and attitude, since he often reflects exactly what he's seeing around him.

Raising Blake has been and continues to be an amazing experience.  When I realize that he's halfway through his childhood, I stop wishing the hard parenting moments away and just want reach out and give him giant bear hugs...stinky boy feet and all.

Happy 9th Birthday to my very special Blakers.  We are SO proud of you!

'Tis the (Basketball) Season

Right on the heels of soccer season is basketball season.  This year, Garrett wanted to give basketball a try.  We thought it would be a great sport to keep him active and help him with balance and coordination, and he already has height on his side.  What I didn't realize is that he's also very competitive and driven...so it's a good thing that he's on an awesome team (the first game was something like 38-0, but they don't technically keep score).  And, yes, Garrett was able to score two of those points with this basket (in the first couple seconds of the clip, he's #10).



So far, he's loving basketball (but it's always more fun when you win, isn't it?).  The beauty of the sport is how fast it moves, and with only 6 players, everyone gets hands on the ball.  And I'm loving that his coach is holding Garrett to the standard of the team (by that I mean that EVERYone runs lines).  And the schedule is manageable for me with only one practice and one game a week.  We'll see what the rest of the season brings, but so far so good!

Merry Basketball!

Running Strong

Happy Running Anniversary to my husband, Brian.  It was a year ago this race (the Silver Strand Half Marathon) that we set off down a path of running races together (or, more accurately, running at the same time- he still won't run with me).  It's been a year of pushing ourselves, building mental (and physical) toughness and focusing on being being healthy. 

Here is what I've learned about running half marathons:

1.  It's exhilarating to see the start line....a relief to see the finish line...but the real challenge is what it takes to get from one to the other.
2.  It's all about the training...unless you're under 30, which is probably why the majority of people running these races are over 30- it's the challenge the beckons them.
3.  The proper fuel and hydration is an equation unique to you and you have to listen to your body to figure it out (ideally before the race).  For instance, I learned the hard way this time around NOT to eat orange slices immediately upon running 13.1 miles (they didn't sit well in my stomach...and didn't stay there).
4.  Stretch, strengthen, and stretch some more.  It will keep you strong, balanced and less prone to injury.
5.  Plan to do nothing after the race and give yourself a chance to recover...which is pretty much impossible with four kids.
6.  Do what you enjoy.

So, here are our specific accomplishments this year:
Aimee: 4 Half marathons4, including this one (PR: 1:58); 2 10k's (PR: 52:12); 1 5k (PR: 25:35)
Brian ran 3 half marathons (including this one), 2 10k's, 2 full sprint triathlons and swam 1 relay triathlon. 

This year we plan to focus on shorter (and fewer) races, but still intend to keep running and training.  But, most importantly, staying healthy for the sake of each other and our family.  Happy Anniversary, Bri!

Decorations Are Not Toys....Or Are They?

A recurring conversation with mom:

Mommy, Chasey want the big brown pider (spider).

Oh, Chasey, that spider's not for playing with, it's a Halloween decoration.  

But, I want to pay (play) wif it.  

I understand, Chase, but we don't play with decorations; decorations are for looking at not, not for playing with.  

Ohhrrgg,  but whhhhyyyyy?  

Because if you play with with it, it might break and then we don't have a Halloween spider to decorate with anymore.  

But I wealllly want to pay wif it!  

I know, Chase, but it's not for playing with, it's for looking at- it's just a decoration. 
But whhhyyyy?

I just told you, it's a decoration, not a toy.  

But Chasey want to pay wif it.  

I know, Chase, but it's not for playing with, it's just for looking at.  

But whhhyyyy? 

Remember, it's a decoration, we don't play with decorations.  

But whhhyyy?  

Because they are not made to be played with and can break, then we won't have spider decoration for Halloween.  

But Chasey weallly want to pay wif it.

I know, but....

Yes, this conversation has happened over and over and over since Halloween.  It doesn't end until I lose my patience, tell him, "because I said so" at which point he breaks down crying.  Someday he'll understand that driving mom crazy isn't good for either of us.

Which is why there's dad.  Here's how the conversation goes with dad:

Dad, Chasey weallly want to pay wif the big Halloween pider.  

Okay.

Problem solved.  So, we now have a giant spider placed strategically around our house, depending on Chase's activity.  And don't even think about accidentally stepping on it or knocking it over or you will hear Chase shrill followed by an all-out meltdown about the spider being moved.  I guess it could be worse (right?). 

Where Did October Go?

What happens when you combine all the fall's activities like soccer (with two different teams), Cub Scouts (with two different dens), the final weeks of tax season, holidays and a new job?  Well, I can tell you what DOESN'T happen...family blogging!

It's not that I haven't been blogging, but it's part of my new paid gig (kind of, read on).  And, unfortunately for my family, I find that the more I write, the more I want to write.  It's like unlocking almost nine years of not being able to complete a sentence.  I keep trying to remind them that they are lucky that I have a computer and that they aren't forced to listen to me ramble on for hours, but they aren't buying it.  It's just nice to feel useful in a non-child-serving capacity.

So, on to our family fun.

CAMPING AT INDIAN HILLS

October started off with the annual Cub Scouts camping trip to Indian Hills.  This is the site with the ultimate playground, zip line, archery, night hiking, panning for gold and mine exploration, enormous boulders for climbing, a bmx bike track and pretty much every fun and dangerous activity a school-aged boy could want to do.  Only a couple injuries incurred, but nothing serious.  Besides, Garrett's teeth were already loose.

 

 

 

 

 

My miner hard at work.  This kid is gonna find gold if he can't make it himself.

 

 

Unlike last year, Garrett had no fear of the zip line this year.  He must have forgotten about last year's Lego bribe.

   

HALLOWEEN

We skipped the expensive pumpkin patch as a family this year and went budget at Walmart.  The best part is that the kids didn't seem to miss it (and we saved ourselves a bundle on overpriced pumpkins and carnival rides, not to mention junk food and meltdowns).  All the kids really cared about is getting the pumpkins carved.  

My future surgeon.

And his sister that wouldn't even get close to the slimy pumpkin seeds.

The final product: A Pokemon character (not sure which one, the names all sound the same to me), a ghost, a bat, and...

...a spider.  Thanks to Dad and Nee Nee for doing the dirty work.  Now I know why they invented pumpkin beer.

Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween if we didn't have our yard decorated (gotta love the quick and easy spider webs).  And it wouldn't be a holiday with Aunt Renee without some sort of craft.  These are the bats, ghosts and spiders she made with the twins. 

 

But, really, it's about the costumes and the candy.  And the cousins.

 

 

I think it's entirely possible that Mark (cousin) enjoys scaring people a little too much.

And the twins loved getting up close to the decorations almost as much as getting the candy.

 

I figure this is the last year I can get away with taking all my favorite candy from the twins.

He's not just being silly...he really is THIS excited about his mound of candy.

We had some other fun too, like Blake's field trip to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (which I wasn't able to accompany him to), class parties, the Monster Mash at the boys' school, flu shots and the like.  Like I said, very busy...so much so that I haven't been taking many pictures.

TRAINING

The countdown is on for the Silver Strand Half Marathon the second weekend in November.  Brian and I are looking forward to taking a break from half marathons for a while.  It's not that we don't like racing (okay, maybe only until about mile 10), but we realized that we spent a small fortune on races this year.  BUT, if we find our training slipping, then it's back to the races we go!  Accountability works wonders.

WORK

Speaking of work, I have taken on some part time job responsibilities.  I am working as an independent contractor for a social media consultant, inputting Facebook posts and conducting blogger outreach.  The emphasis is on writing (and following up) and so far it's been fun!  I'm learning a lot, but I think my family is looking forward to me rounding the corner on the learning curve, since I'm spending WAY more time than usual at the computer (and don't think they aren't TOTALLY taking advantage of that).  But, for now, it fills a need for me and gives me a little extra spending money (possibly for the races I mentioned above, since I've missed another work out this week...).

MOTHERHOOD AND OTHER MUSINGS

In addition to my aforementioned job, I have also started a less family-specific and more motherhood-oriented blog called Motherhood and Other Musings.  Feel free to check it out.  If I'm lucky, maybe one day I'll make a few pennies off it.  To boost my viewership, however, I have also been writing articles to submit to mom blogging websites...which is another reason my computer and I have been spending so much time together. 

All in all, it's been a super busy fall.  Up next we have basketball for Garrett on the tail of the last few weeks of soccer, time off from school for Thanksgiving (and Thanksgiving itself), and several other things I should probably start planning for...right after I get my calendar updated.  Good think I have the sugar supply from Halloween to keep my going. :)

Celebrating Fall

There are so many reasons I love autumn, but I'm beginning to think I'm not the only one. The twins have had a fun-filled week on some of our traditional October outings, only this time they are old enough to stay close, listen (well enough) and HAVE FUN!

It started with the preschool class excursion to the pumpkin patch. After a short lesson on pumpkins, the kids were all smiles when they were able to climb on the pumpkins without being yelled at to get down.

 

 

  

And Chase couldn't resist petting the friendly goats and chickens. Ella, however, prefers to keep her distance.

 

 

After a tractor ride, we made our way successfully through the corn maze, which emptied out in to the field for some good old pumpkin picking.

In a field strung with vines of plump and voluptuous pumpkins, leave it to Chase to pick up the first "baby pumpkin" he could find and beg to take it home. Since he could carry it (meaning I wouldn't have to), I agreed. Ella followed suit. What I didn't realize until I got to the car, however, was that the pumpkins were not only small...they were squishy and rotting. Nevertheless, they are still sitting on the kitchen table and are met with daily affection by the twins. Ella wants to know when she gets to carve hers...

 

 

Another October tradition is attending the annual Fire Station Open House. This started a few years back when Blake had us all convinced that he was going to be a fire fighter when he grew up. We've gone every year since then, and while the older boys have no doubt outgrown this community event, the twins were beside themselves with excitement about being able to sit in actual fire engines, see inside the ambulance and work the nozzle on the fire hose.

 

 
You should have seen the look Ella gave the fire fighter who asked her to please NOT push the buttons.

 

 

 
Here is Ella showing the fire fighter how to work the hose.
     

And, although Blake seems to have changed him mind about his future career (now he's thinking police officer)...I'm thinking the future fire fighter in the family could be Ella! Or maybe she just finds the shoes, jacket and hat irresistible.

Life in Two Minute Increments

Having twins has its perks.  But it also has its drawbacks.  Apparently today is I-want-what-you-have day, as it has been filled with a series of tug-of-wars over certain toys.  All. Day. Long.  My solution?  The timer, set for two minutes and mandated sharing.  Why two minutes?  Because that’s about the maximum amount of time I can tolerate the crying and screaming that ensues when the desire to play with a toy overwhelms their senses.  That, and it’s just enough time for a three year old’s attention span to wear off.

And when the timer doesn’t work, time out does.  Which also lasts about two minutes.  And since most of our day seems to be comprised of timers and time outs, it’s being lived in increments of two minutes at a time.  And it keeps me from losing it...I can keep my cool through two minutes much easier than I can get through two hours.  Today is one of those days where trying to teach my kids patience and perspective reminds me to do the same.

Why October is My Favorite Month...

Chocolate in Bulk ~ Pumpkin Spice Lattes..pumpkin bread and pretty much anything else pumpkin flavored ~ Crisp morning air, gentle winds and sunlight that just seems to glow ~ An excuse to buy an entire bag of my favorite candy~ My birthday! ~ Getting warm from the inside out with coffee and hot chocolate ~ Holiday decorations adorning favorite public places ~ The smell of comfort spices like nutmeg and cinnamon ~ Fuzzy sweaters ~ The colorful, turning leaves ~ An occasion to dress any way you want and call it a “costume” ~

Tri'ing Again

He's at it again!  Brian, the triathlete, made another appearance at the Jamba Juice Mission Bay Triathlon.  This time, however, he was the swimming leg of a relay team.  Since it happened to also be the same morning of soccer team pictures for both boys, the kids and I weren't able to be there to witness his greatness and cheer him on.  And, from I hear, we missed quite a show-down.  Brian and another swimmer were the first to emerge from the water...saddled by wetsuits and laboring through the soft sand and grass, they were neck in neck.  Then, at the last second (literally), Brian pulled ahead with a triumphant sprint and was the first to tag the mat.  And when I say "first", I mean FIRST of the mixed relay teams.  Brian pulled out an impressive time of 7:57:1, beating all other mixed relay swimmers (including his unintentional opponent by .006 seconds) and putting him on par with the elite athletes (a fair comparison, considering they all swim first).  Great job, Brian!  And hopefully next time we'll be there to see his competitive spirit at its best, but for now we're just grateful to the friend who happened to be there with her camera.

Appointment for Fun!

The boys had no idea I was picking them up early from school and when they came nervously to the office to meet me and I told them we had "an appointment" their eyes widened and the questions started. "Will it hurt? Are we getting shots? Do I have to go to the dentist?" My answer to every question was a loving and compassionate, "We'll talk about it more when we get in the car". The questions kept coming, and so did my canned reply. The cookies I strategically placed between their seats were the first clue and this time I answer their question..."We have an...APPOINTMENT FOR FUN!!!".

It's not often that I get to spend time with the boys without nagging them about getting dressed, doing homework, hurrying up, etc., etc., so this was a welcomed opportunity to spend some non-twin time with my two big boys. I already had a plan (yes, even FUN needs to be planned these days), but was waiting for the boys to make the improbable suggestion. When they excitedly asked where we were going I told them that they get to choose. Garrett's reply was, "this is the second best day of my life!". When I asked why it wasn't the first he explained that the BEST day was when dad took them to Legoland instead of school. And my response? "Why can't WE go to Legoland?" They wiggled and squealed in their seats as I- known for the parent who says "no" to pretty much everything- suggested we go to Legoland instead of taking spelling tests. I have to say, it is more fun being the "nice" parent. So we were off...

The boys talked on the way about all the things they wanted to see and do. And we got to have some other unintentional conversations too- like who they like (news to me!) and how Garrett thinks girls are bossy. I could finally give them the attention they deserve and how nice it was to sit and just listen instead of rattling off in my head the twenty things I had to do when I got home. Turns out, you can learn a lot from listening and observing. You would think I would already know this- and I do- but it's easy to forget when you're multi-tasking while trying to meet the needs of four kids at the same time.

First, we checked out the shops at the entrance. After that, it was on to Miniland to see the Washington Mall that we had seen in person last year and of course the new Star Wars Miniland. They've seen most of it before, but they studied it anyway. The boys panned for gold, played on the playground without being yelled at to watch for the little ones, we rode the dragon roller coaster and they actually fought over who got to sit next to me! They rode a few other rides, ate junk food, drove cars, built minifigures and bionicles, shopped in every store and even made a trip through the aquarium. They just got to be boys; there was no fighting, no yelling, no teasing and no whining or complaining...just harmonious fun for all of us.

After witnessing their driving skills, I have to say that I'm glad Blake will be driving first...

...since Garrett was more concerned about looking cool.

I loved that Blake pointed out that from below, sting rays seem to smile.

And that even sharks were tired like us and needed a rest.

As the day wound down and I took frequent opportunities to relish the peace and joy we were having, I couldn't help but notice all the intricate and spectacular lego mosaics they have around the park. It occurred to me that so much of my time these days is spent living microscopically- like standing super close to those mosaics- where all I can focus on is the moment I am in while planning for the next.

Most of my time is spent staring at a bunch of colored legos randomly displayed so to speak...but when you take a few steps back you see the beautiful scenery that together those pieces create. You take a macroscopic view.

I've never been a "big picture" person because I'm so literal, but I can appreciate how each of those small pieces that may seem insignificant, misplaced or undesirable in and of themselves are in fact NECESSARY to provide contrast for the picture to be complete. And all of life's frustrations, challenges and stresses are what give it texture and contrast, which is required to see the beauty in it. Who knew Legoland had so much to offer?

And I learned a few other things, too. Like when Blake was feverishly cranking the penny stamping machine in an effort to complete his collection while the park music (a Star-Wars-type instrumental piece) was hitting the crescendo at the same time.

He looked up to me and said, "Mom, do you ever hear music that just makes sense to your life?". I was excited to tell him yes, that I am passionate about music for that very reason, so I knew exactly what he meant. And I learned that Garrett would like to be a Golden Eagle if he could be any kind of bird, and instead of eating small birds, he would take care of them. And that both boys would rather be pirates than knights. How nice it was to have pointless conversation instead of me doing all the talking, or rather telling them what to do.

So the day was a success. I know it was one of the best days of their lives...but it was one of the best of mine too; how special it was to spend time getting to know the boys Blake and Garrett are growing into. And I look forward to these kinds of days again to keep adding pieces to my life's mosaic.