The Dresser- a noun AND a verb!

If you know her, have seen her, or just know OF her, then you know Ella just LOVES to dress up. Constantly. And not in the sparkly-fluffy-princess-meet-barbie type of way...more in a bathing-suit-pajamas-cape-and-helmet kind of way. Okay, so she's very unique in her fashion sense. I guess the point is that she doesn't need a designated costume to express her creativity.

In most circumstances I consider this a good thing. Four kids ago it might have stressed me out knowing that a trip to the store would engage stares and curious smiles from strangers at her peculiar get-ups. But now I'm so used to it, that it doesn't even occur to me to offer an explanation about that day's outfit (or, more accurately, that moment's outfit), unless the person asks about it. Expect for maybe the "gas mask" that people thought she donned at school pick-up the other day--it's a "firefighter mask" and has NOTHING to do with current world events. Come on, people, she's TWO.

She has a thing for bathing suits...and hats...

and goggles...

Ella sporting her "duck feet" as she calls them (yes, those are gloves on her feet).

Here she was channeling "Andy" from Toy Story as she held Woody and "skated" away on her "skateboard" (who knew there were multiple uses for a xylophone?)

The down side? Her ongoing wardrobe changes (we're talking 8-10 times a day) mean that there are clothes....E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E...while her dresser sits empty. No matter how picked up her room is before quiet/nap time, it is inevitably turned upside down and inside out by the end of it.

Before quiet/nap time...

...and after...

I've given up folding her clothes, sorting them and neatly putting them in the drawers. I've given up doing multiple loads of laundry daily because I don't know what's clean and what's not. I've given up trying to pick out her clothes and encouraging her to dress in "cute" outfits (or even "girl" outfits, for that matter). It's a never-ending battle that, quite frankly, I'm too tired to fight. It didn't take me long to realize that dressing up is THAT important to her...and staying sane is THAT important to me. And the kicker is that at the end of the day, her absolute FAVORITE thing to wear is...you guessed...her birthday suit! Perhaps she would be better nicknamed the UNdresser.

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.

What's New(s)?

One of the coolest things about being a Cub Scout is the opportunity to learn about new things- like news casting. Garrett's Tiger Cubs den recently had the opportunity to tour a local tv news station (KUSI) and see all the things that go into making a news cast.

They were able to tour the control room with all the screens and buttons,

the news room where all the news comes in,

and how it all comes together on the set.

This is where they shoot the sports casts.

They even got to experience the magic of the green screen

and witness an actual taping of a news break update. How cool is that?

Future news casters? Future news makers? If so, we can say it all started here...thanks to KUSI!

Our Beloved Sequoia

I remember the day we brought her home because it was Cinco de Mayo. We had gone to the humane society to look at puppies to see if we might want to adopt one. They had two puppies that day, but I don't remember anything about the other one, since we were immediately taken with Sequoia. She was a beautiful Shepard mix with a lot of energy. I knew I wanted a large enough dog for protection but one that was also good natured enough to be part of our family. I know now that there couldn't have been a better dog. We took her home that day, and she captured the hearts of everyone.

This is my all-time personal favorite puppy picture of her...it just reminds me of a school portrait.

Even a cat person couldn't resist this face.

Sequoia was a rare combination of fierce protector and loving and tolerant "child". She would scare any stranger away with her ferocious bark, but if she knew you, she might just lick your toes raw. She would often follow us around the house and nudge her wet nose under our hand when she was looking for affection. And when we started having kids, her maternal instincts kicked in. It was common for her to leave her beloved tennis balls in the bassinet or bury her special dog treats in their beds and shoes. She often took it upon herself to "clean" the babies, leaving them with some very interesting hair styles. She tolerated the tail pulling, the ear tugging and the general tortuous play by the kids. She was dressed up, tucked in and ridden once or twice. And despite all that, she always wanted to be close to the kids (sometimes too close) and her family and just be part of the pack. Besides, she made up for it by stealing their food when they weren't looking, knocking down their prized block towers and standing in front of the tv without budging. Still, every night Sequoia would make the rounds once or twice around the house, in and out of each bed room, to make sure everyone was safe and secure.

What ever the kids were doing (like playing "nap time") she was in the middle of it.

Sequoia loved to cuddle up next to you on the couch...or take up the whole thing leaving you no choice but to sit on the floor.

Garrett and Sequoia had a special connection. He would often tuck her in his bed or lay next to her and read to her. He loves all animals, but especially Sequoia.

This is Sequoia and Blake as a baby, but it could have been any one of our children; she loved them all.


It was impossible not to love her. She was graceful, yet strong, protective, yet gentle...she was a very special dog and will be missed tremendously. Which is why I feel overwhelming gratitude that she went quickly, that we did everything we could to ease her pain, and that we had a chance to say our good-byes. Her gift to us will be in our hearts forever and we feel blessed to have had her for a pet. I have a profound sense of both sadness and gratitude- and yet, I wouldn't have changed a thing...not even the boys' first lesson in the cycle of life, the heartbreak of love and faith that will heal. Thanks for being such a wonderful member of our family, Sequoia. May your days in Heaven be filled with endless tennis balls to fetch and an abundance of dog treats to munch on. We love you.

Calling the Tooth Fairy. Literally.

*Tooth Fairy Update below*

Parenting can be challenging. It requires patience...and restraint. In ALL kinds of circumstances.

Garrett is unique in a lot of ways, but you might not know that at first glance (if you can look past the desperately needed haircut). Until now. His smile says it all...

take a closer look...

It's been WEEKS that his tooth has been dangling by a thread...wiggling easily but holding steadfast. And soliciting offers from everyone- parents, peers, teachers, strangers- to pull it out (or advice on the best way to do it). I can't blame them...I've had to exercise tremendous restraint myself. So I was really relieved when Garrett announced he finally lost his first front tooth!

Just not the one you would have thought.
(notice his right tooth is now missing)

Oddly enough, my self-conscious child is quite proud of his new snaggle-tooth status...fortunately he sees the humor in it. Especially since it's hard not to stare. Looks like the Tooth Fairy will be busy in the coming days.

Speaking of the Tooth Fairy...since she failed to show the first night Blake lost his last tooth (another story for another time...), Garrett was a little concerned she might not make it this time. Just in case, he wrote her a note asking for her phone number...smart kid. And thoughtful...he included a Valentine for her. And creative...he drew a "tooth saver" (a Star Wars lightsaber with teeth) and signed the note "may your teeth be clean" (a reference to Star Wars quote "may the force be with you").

Like I said, he's one of a kind. But now you can tell by his one-toothed smile.
(note: I intend to post the letter after I have a chance to scan it, so be sure to check back)

*Update: While I haven't had a chance to scan the letter, here is our new and improved Garrett having finally lost his snaggle-tooth (2 days laters) and got his much-needed haircut. Funny enough, he can't stop staring at himself in the mirror. Lookin' good, Garrett, lookin' good...