My Ninjas

As we see basketball season coming to an end for Garrett, we welcome something different for Blake...karate!  So far he's loving it.  It's a less formal and more fun format than your traditional karate studio, but he's already earned his first white tape.  That means he's got the four-corner block, double punch and slide step down.  Here he is working on his side kick.

It's been a great place for Blake to focus his attention and energy, especially since he's such an intense kid.  And hopefully it's alleviating some of the stress being created by the pressures of third grade.  Yes, third grade- can you believe it?  That's another story for another time, but speaking of class, check out this stop motion movie Blake made (with Brian's help) for a class presentation.  Technology is so amazing...it scares me.

As a spectator of the sport karate and with the constant presence of Ninjago in our house (Legos+ninjas=Ninjago), Ella donned one of her more creative get ups as a "bad ninja".  What brought my attention to this was Garrett's question, "Uh...mom, why is Ella wearing pants on her head?".  Well, to create the ninja mystique a la mask, of course!  Chase decided to be "bad ninja's kitty" and there you have it.

Never a dull moment in this house.  And, as if that isn't enough fun, let's give a warm welcome for spring tax season!  And February?  What happened to January????

Scooting, Skating, Shooting and Scheming...

And lots and lots of sparkles!  That pretty much sums up Christmas 2011.  The twins finally got the scooters from their third birthdays (just in time, too, since they are just pounds away from the weight limit- oops).  Garrett got a skateboard, Blake a pogo stick.  Garrett has yet to conquer the skateboard but thinks he looks pretty cool.  Blake picked up the pogo stick and didn't put it down until he'd mastered it.  For all the kids (and grownups) we bought a basketball hoop for the driveway.  Have you noticed the theme yet....?  We are up to our eyeballs in toys, so we decided that it was a much better investment for all our sake to gift things that were for outside use and that promoted anything but sitting in front of the computer/iPod.  And just in time for winter break!  The only down side is that I lost my prime parking spot (either that or the minivan serves as a sideboard), but it's nice to see the neighborhood boys congregating in front shooting hoops.

I think someone just got caught eating the cookie decorations...

Our Christmas eve tradition of new pj's and a Christmas movie.

 

If the big boys are doing it, he's in!

If Ella had her way, she'd be riding a motorcycle instead of a scooter.

Love Blake's reaction to finding out that they were getting a basketball hoop for the driveway!

     
Christmas was nice but felt a little rushed this year.  In part, because it wasn't as well planned out...and in part, because life is just moving WAY too fast.  The twins kind of "get" the whole Santa thing- not because I was crazy enough to take them to a crowded mall and torture them with pictures- but from the dozen Christmas movies we bought to try bring the excitement home.  And it wouldn't be the same without Christmas cookies, a midnight gift wrapping session and gorging on all the holiday favorite foods.  Everyone seemed pretty content with their gifts, and I was lucky enough to be spoiled by my boys- not one, but TWO (faux) gold rings bought just for me by Blake and Garrett who were too excited to wait until Christmas day to give them to me.  There is no better gift than to see your children filled with excitement about giving (except for being the recipient of their thoughtfulness and generosity).  But they are lucky to have an outstanding role model for a father...in spite of his scheming.  I'll save that for the next post.  Here's a hint: it sparkles!

'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!

Chaos in Motion

Yep, that's us. It's tax season, back to school, soccer season, starting preschool, Cub Scouts season, potty training (round 2), Poway Days celebrations, monthly group meetings, half marathon training, so on and so forth. Life in our house is anything but boring. Unless the power goes out in the ENTIRE SAN DIEGO COUNTY...then life comes to a screeching halt and we are left scrambling for simple things like batteries and light.

When we are running full steam, however, here are some of the things we've been up to.

BACK TO SCHOOL
This year Blake is in third grade and Garrett is in second. So far it's been a bit of a learning curve for all of us, as this marks the very first time Garrett hasn't followed in Blake's footsteps for teachers. Third grade has been a new experience with A HUGE jump in responsibility placed on the student and much higher expectations for his quality of work. Gone are the days of happy faces and stars...now it's all about the numbers. And, for me, it's all about learning to find peace with giving up control and having faith in my child. Ironic how watching my kids go through school reminds me about how much more I have to learn.

My sweet Blake is still willing to give me a "first day of school" smile.

Garrett seems to be adjusting better to second grade than years past. He's taking his work seriously...and taking his fun seriously too...a little too much for his own good. Garrett loves to be the life of the party and will do just about anything to be the funny guy...which often means not thinking things through before he does them. Let's just say he's earned himself a few conversations with adults and benched recesses to remind him about appropriate behavior at school. I shudder to think what college will do to him...Yes, I know, have faith in him!

Garrett, on the other hand, was thoroughly embarrassed of me taking pictures and wouldn't even look up.

KICKIN' BACK
Soccer season is in full swing. This is Garrett's first regular season and Blake's second. Garrett had begged for me to sign him up following the off-season, but once the regular season rolled around he begged me not to make him go. Another opportunity for a lesson in responsibility... And of course now he's loving it! He easily towers over the other first and second graders and isn't afraid to go after the ball. The combination gives him a big advantage. He's not the fastest or most coordinated kid out there, but he plays with all heart and is seeing success because of it. And he makes a pretty good goalie. Hopefully next week I'll remember to take pictures...

Since Blake's birthday is a little later, he's playing with several older kids. This is good for skills building and as long as he's having fun- which he is- it's all good. He still likes to give the ball a big boot when he can and plays the all-important role of "assisting" (he's usually quick to pass the ball). It's not his nature to be aggressive, and that's just fine with me. (One of the perks of being Team Parent is that OTHER people are taking pictures of your child while you are not).

Up next? Blake wants to "take a break from sports" (insert sigh of relief of less shuttling/toddlers napping at 6pm/rush to finish homework and eat dinner by 5pm/playground supervision/stuck at a school with locked bathrooms and toddlers who are potty training). Garrett, on the other hand, is anxious to try out basketball...so we won't be wasting any time with him between sports. I'll keep you posted on this adventure!

FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
It's the milestone I've been waiting for...the twins' entry into preschool! I knew they would absolutely love it, and they have. Of course, this also required a greater emphasis on potty training, which, with four kids, can be challenging to say the least. Ella is pretty sufficient, but Chase still needs some work. Now that he's been seeing some success with it, though, he's finding more interest in it. I don't think it gets "easier" until they are totally training AND CAN HOLD IT. That will take a least a few more months.

The twins LOVE their teachers (who were also Blake and Garrett's teachers). They have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the classroom and playground, playing with new toys and in novel ways, and circle time with songs and books. They haven't quite embraced the opportunity to make friends, but that will come and it's interesting to note that they don't necessarily play together for most of the day.

The twins hardly looked up when I left. Yep, they were ready...they are officially "preschoolers"!

So, to answer the question I get at least once a day....YES, I am enjoying my new "kid-free" time, but the time I get is anything but free. I find myself cramming six hours of cleaning, errands, and appointments into my 2 hours of kid free time. Just as well...I'm not the kind of person to curl up with a book or spend hours at the coffee shop. It's a schedule I can work with and I no longer cringe at the thought of going to the store for just one thing.

And just in case you're wondering what they learn in preschool, here is Chase to give you a glimpse:


QUALITY TIME WITH GRANDMA
If she can't come to us, we will go to her!

We have been heading east on Friday's after school to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa and get in some good play-and-eat-to-your-heart's-content fun and relaxation. You would think that the twins would be well rested, but...

this is the aftermath of an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. A double treat for me- sharing kid time in the afternoon and coming home to have some quiet time.

Of course, if you want to be technical, the twins are also in the process of outgrowing naps. Some days they do just fine without a nap...and others, well, this speaks for itself!

SEA LIFE
The boys were treated with a day at San Diego's Maritime Museum and the Tall Ships Festival with Papa Jim and Nana Sharlene. Nothing like a couple of life-like pirates to keep them in line!

These are the kinds of outings the boys don't get much of these days without the twins in tow, so I am sure this was a welcomed changed of pace!

And, more the twins' speed, we spent a day with Papa and Nana at the Birch Aquarium looking at interesting sea life. This was a first for Chase & Ella and they especially enjoyed the tide pools (or at least thinking about touching some of the slimy sea stars and cucumbers). Chase has a thing for lobsters, which you are more likely to see at the grocery store than the aquarium, but he found a plastic one in the play area that he had a hard time parting with.

Until he found the shark mouth. The novelty was too much to resist and, consequently, there are several families out there who likely have a little Chase in their family picture!

Eating Asphalt

It was bound to happen sooner or later, especially in a family with three boys. And something tells me this won't be the last time. But before I explain, let me just say, "THANK GOD FOR HELMETS!". I've been counting several other blessings too, considering things could have been much worse.

Now that the boys are training-wheel free and have spent much of the summer riding up and down our street on their bikes, it was only a matter of time before someone took a spill. The unlucky one this time was Garrett. As I started the process of baths (by far Chase's favorite part of the day), I heard Blake's urgent scream at the front door..."Mom, come here! Garrett's hurt...he's in the street!". I immediately jumped up, pulled the plug on the drain and ran out the front door with my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear Chase's screams of anger about the draining water from down the street, but he wasn't the one I was worried about. And I'm glad it didn't occur to me at the time that there could have been a car involved- I just assumed Garrett had fallen off his bike, which he had. He was a few houses down, sitting up just off the curb holding his mouth with both hands...and blood was everywhere. A concerned neighbor had already rushed over to help him. Fortunately, he was wearing his helmet. After determining that he hadn't broken any bones or a head injury, we made our way back home and to the frustrated, screaming almost-three year old sitting in and empty tub...and I was glad, for a moment, that I've learned to tune out tantrum cries over injury cries. (Chase was ultimately calmed by the humor of Blake dumping water on himself...while standing OUTside of the tub. One thing at a time...But no question that Blake deserves the Best Big Brother award all around on this one.)

From the best I could tell, most of the blood was coming from Garrett's mouth. And like the tough kid he can be, Garrett didn't cry or scream...he held it together courageously...at least until he saw himself in the mirror. It was then that I realized he chipped and cracked a front (adult) tooth and then reality of things hit him. We cleaned him up and miraculously the only injury he had was a punctured lip and some loose/chipped/cracked teeth. So, basically, he ate some asphalt. Could have been SO much worse.

Four days later you can hardly tell.

Remarkably, the dentist was able to temporarily repair his tooth and a soft diet is IN while sports are OUT for the next week or so. And time will tell if the root will heal or not. As for getting back on the bike? Once things heal we will cross the "get back up and try again" bridge we've all crossed at some point in our lives. For Garrett, I don't think eating asphalt will deter him for long...but maybe it will help him to slow down. And I'll be restocking the first aid kit just in case.

Tri'ing it Out

It's official...Brian is a triathlete!

Checking out the competition and the course.

First the 400 meter swim in San Diego's Mission Bay.

Not an official "event" but practically a sport in itself...changing out of the wetsuit while running, and changing into your biking clothes, then a running mount on your bike for the 9 mile bike ride.

And then running without your bike for a 5K.

All to successfully finish the sprint triathlon.

It was his first go at completing all three legs of a sprint triathlon and he did GREAT! It was the first of several scheduled this year and he intends to continue down this path while working up to a full triathlon eventually (quite a challenge, which you already know if you've ever tried training for just ONE sport to race...). But if anyone can do it, it's him. Congratulations on your first of many and may you swim like a fish, ride like the wind and run like the gingerbread man.

And an extra congrats to Renee on her first tri swim relay.

The Hills are Alive With the Sound of...

Runners. Thousands of them. There were occasional cheers, clapping, shouts, bells and yells from bystanders, but mostly it was the sound of thousands of rubber soles gently and rhythmically drumming the pavement that was deafening and no competition for my ipod. It struck me several times throughout the race as oddly beautiful. We were all there for different reasons, but all had something in common. Two things, actually- running and a "goal", whatever that might be. You could argue that we were all glutton for punishment for running a notoriously hilly course, but regardless, we were all there because we were trying to achieve something. That's when I realized that running is a labor of love and that I could say that I really was enjoying myself. The view wasn't so bad either.

Ironically, it was those same foot-drumming-partners-in-running that ended up causing me the most frustration. It's normal to start a race as a swarm of people, each starting strong and vigorous, with a sense of excitement in the air. I expected that...for the first couple miles. But it never really seemed to loosen up. Much of my time and energy were spent dodging and dancing around other runners (especially on the hills), trying to find a path and some space to find a comfortable cadence that I could maintain. I'm not sure that ever happened. So while I was much more prepared mentally and physically this time around for the distance, I had not anticipated that major distraction. But, at the end of the day, it's not about what happened around me...it's about what happened within me. I didn't get discouraged, I didn't let the monstrous hill intimidate me, I didn't doubt that I could finish and I didn't give up. I trained hard, stayed positive and ran to the best of my ability, and in my mind, that makes me victorious. I've said it many times over...the journey is the reward; the medal is just the reminder.

My stats:
gun time: 2:05:56
chip time: 2:03:04
official pace: 9:24
gps calculation (factoring in additional .35 mile covered due to weaving): 9:09 pace with an adjusted finish time of 1:59:52

Red Hawks, Blue Dragons and Tired Twins

To be honest, I was relieved when both Blake AND Garrett announced they both wanted to play spring soccer. I was a little conflicted about having them on the same team since I have been trying to let each child find what they love and are good at to minimize competition with each other (and Blake just happens to love and be good at soccer). But since the boys were okay with it, I decided it would make my life easier too...and I was looking forward to having them at the same place, at the same time, and (hopefully) on the same team. Well, one out of three isn't bad, right?

As it turns out, although they are close in age, Blake was bumped up to the next division because he is already 8. So, while they play at the same field on the same day, they play an hour apart and on different teams. Since there are no weekday practices and games are kept to an hour, it is worth the 3 hours total we spend on the sidelines. Even if we do end up sacrificing naps for the twins.

Blake is on the Red Hawks team made up of mostly 9-10 year olds and is doing great! Since he's pretty tall for his age he fits right in and since the game is 4 on 4, he gets plenty of action. Blake is still not very aggressive, but he's really showing good control over the ball and can be counted on when it comes to passing. He's already showing dramatic improvement and his team has won all their games so far! Go Red Hawks!

Garrett is on the Blue Dragons and is loving his first experience with soccer! He gives 110% when he's on the field and really puts his heart into it! And the best part is that he loves it! Even after having to deal with being intentionally tripped by an opponent and running off the field in tears. After a short pep talk, he got right back out there and left it all out on the field. Way to go Garrett! I was extremely proud of the courage and determination he displayed in getting back in the game after he felt humiliated. Isn't that why we stand for 3 hours on the sidelines...so they can have opportunities to build their characters and learn how to adapt to winning and losing in life? I hope he can hold on to that moment for years to come.

Of course, all my observations are based on the limited amount of time I actually get to watch soccer, since my eyes are usually fixed on the two two-and-a-half year olds who are usually overtired (since soccer conflicts with nap time) and don't understand why the Tired Twins team doesn't get to run around on the field with their brothers. So they try to pass the time looking for bugs (and trying not to squeeze them)...

playing with rocks, eating LOTS of yummy snacks they don't usually get, and discovering the special "backpack" of toys that they only get at soccer. The twins are getting a little easier to manage but by the end of this long day the twins are making themselves makeshift beds with clean diapers for pillows and our picnic blanket for covers...when they aren't climbing INTO the stroller begging for a nap!

Only to fall deep asleep on the way home- at 4:30pm. Oh well, it's just one day a week. A small price to pay to see Hawks soar and Dragons slay.

Sporting It

Blue Lightning #26
This year Blake decided he wanted to give soccer a try. He's shied away from it in years past because, although he's very athletic and pretty coordinated, he isn't a big fan of playing organized sports. He'd rather just "high kick" the ball in the back yard (and usually over the fence, thankfully we have gracious neighbors). With a little encouragement he decided to join a recreational team and it turns out he loves it! (I know this for a fact because he NEVER complains about going and is HAPPY to get his gear together and get ready without a million reminders).

He ended up on one of the leagues best teams and has really improved his skill and knowledge of the game. And while he I think he does have the ability to excel, Blake is not nearly as aggressive as most kids...it just isn't his nature to "steal" the ball from friends. On the positive side, he's good about passing and he's even scored a few goals!

Garrett, the "swimmer"
In an effort to find a sport that minimizes contact potential (to protect his good kidney), Garrett has gone in a different direction. He seems to have his dad's natural ability for swimming. We decided to give the swim team a try and he's proven he's got talent...but the focus still needs work. Garrett has very strong strokes for a kid his age and easily laps other teammates when swimming. That's when he's not playing around and exploring under water. After all, he is only six. And he just can't resist being the "class clown" (and not just in swimming...). We plan to take a break during the winter months and start back up next spring. If all goes well, we should be making our way around town for various swim meets next year.

As for the twins, well, they have their own sports of sorts. Ella has taken dressing up to a whole new level with discovery of REAL costumes and super heroes. When she's not following me around the house with a costume in hand repeating, "mama, need help", she's proclaiming herself "Suuuuper Ella!".

And if talking was a sport, I think Ella would be on the All Star team...she's easily talking in 5-6 word sentences (and repeating EVERYthing I say). So far, I've learned that I can be a little bossy ("NOW, boys!"), I have very good manners (Thank you, mama, thank you"), and that she might be watching a little too much tv ("Mama, I turned Mickey Mouse on!"). Chase, while not talking as clearly as Ella, can easily out-scream any and all of his siblings. And he's still pursuing the sport of dinosaurs (playing with AND acting like them!), reenacting the movie Cars, drawing often on his doodleboard and, of course, reading books. He's still "all boy" with a big, sensitive heart and is the champion of super-tight-muscles-shaking-teeth-gritting hugs, which I can never get enough of.

As for me, I have perfected the sport of loading and unloading 4 kids, with snacks, waters, shoes, jackets, toys, etc. and being on time (usually) to soccer practice, swim practice, etc. And now that the playroom at home is no longer enclosed my new sport is chasing toddlers around the house. I haven't parted with the stroller yet, but it's days are numbered. And I can't even imagine what transitioning out of cribs is going to be like..."strength training" takes on a whole new meaning. Who knew exercising patience could actually be aerobic?