It's a bird! It's a Plane! It's Super LittleMan!

 Yes! Here he comes to safe the day! SUPER LittleMan!

**Find awesome costume for sale HERE

I have been looking for a jogging stroller so I can get back to running. Since there is NO TIME to run during daylight anymore. The hubby leaves for work at 4am and I get home at sunset from Coaching. Between the hours of 4am and 530-6pm, I am at home with LittleMan. And without a jogging stroller, no running can commence. So after much looking, one came up this week, it is an hour drive but she is willing to take $50! YEPPIE!!!

before

InStep 5k! YEAH BABY!!

So, This blog may turn into a "26.2 B4 30!" 

I have the perfect book to help along the way... 

**Find Amazon link HERE

I'm Home..... all the time.

So, it has been a full 2 weeks now that I have been a stay-at-home-working-mom. I have learned a few fun facts about being at home.
#1- Much work CAN get done with the tv on. ( I have found that absolute silence--mainly at nap time-- is a "no-go" for me.)
#2- It is about multitasking, THANK THE GOOD LORD that I am a master at this. (ex. Mommy, can you help me set up this train track?, Mommy, can I have some juice?, Mommy, I need to go potty. )
#3- I have found many tasks that have been awaiting completion or even starting.

Not-so-fun facts
#1- It can get a little lonely, even with a 3 year old at home.
#2- Laundry and cleaning house are always there to do.
#3- Again, I have found many tasks that need done.

All in all though, I have found great things with being home with my littleman. He has already had a huge breakthrough in toilet training. We aren't seeing the finish line just yet, but we are closer. He loves his new part time preschool and he is a big mommy cuddle-monster now too. Work is no longer a "stress" for me. But that does not mean that I don't have stress. Seriously, is anyone NOT stressed about at least something these days?

We finally purchased littleman a big bed. We found it at a friends benefit auction and I will be working on that the next months to get it ready. Stripping the stain, removing a few embellishments and re-staining. Work, but worth it in the end. I goal is to have it done in 5 months, when littleman turns 4 years. (and I turn 30...)

So, what advise do you at-home-working-moms or just at-home-moms have for me??????????

The new adventures of the home office.

So, I am a week into my new job. Working from home, where I refuse to work in the dark basement (so my "office" is on the kitchen table, and sometimes the living room coffee table and .... well you get the picture. Thankfully, I have a wireless ALL-IN-ONE printer. So no matter where I am in the house, the documents print in the basement dark corner whole guestroom. :)

But today, I received my new file cabinet. And has most things goes these days... this is where I found myself at the start of a 2 to 3 hour project...

 Yes, this is PAGE #1.... do you see where I am going here? I had officially found the first thing (and hopefully last or close too) that I don't like about my job. Following the NASA based instructions for a 3 drawer short file cabinet. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff!? Because my guess is that they need a good "clean out". Just saying.

So after getting everything laid out in neat, organized piles around my living room (yes, a little OCD with organization) I had the urge to ride off into the sunset. Maybe on this,

...........if Littleman would loan it to mommy.
Alas, I stuck to it, and after a many "mommy, if my monster trucks" And "mom, whats for dinners"... etc. i completed the task.

Littleman was so happy for mommy!

So, I stuck with and I conquered. 

Next, only time will tell.

6 days people... 6 DAYS!

So, 6 days, yeah.
Just ordered 2 gifts online for Wednesday delivery.
Have 5 more gifts to purchase in the next 5 days.
Contemplating one of those said gifts between one thing or another....
I am NOT a person that procrastinates at all. I am the planner, the do it myself, done early person. But when you are getting your family back on track after you were a one income home for 3 years, it takes living on the "paycheck" schedule. SOOOO can't wait to get out of that mode.

 So, I mentioned a new path that I will be starting right after the New Year....
I will be working for the Kansas Association of Infant and Child Mental Health. ( www.kaimh.org )
Administrative Assistant from HOME!! WOOHOO!!
LittleMan will be my wingman, saving us a load on money on full-time daycare. And BigGirl won't need a place to go throughout the school breaks. Life will be grand. :)


So on the lose 15 lbs by Christmas. Well MAJOR FAIL. I am sad and pathetic, I know.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wow! December already?! What the...?!

20 days to Christmas.
Yes, you hear me right.
TWENTY DAYS.
Are you done shopping? Because I am NOT. This year has been different for us in so many ways.
And getting back on track has been a challenge all on its own.
Changes are good they say, well some changes just plan suck.

So, in the holiday spirit, I am trying to lose 15 pounds by Christmas. I am watching the calorie intake and trying to get in as much calorie burning time as possible. Where am I in my goal so far... well, I have only 15 more pounds to lose! LOL!! Yeah, it isnt looking to good. HOWEVER, my FAVORITE JEANS finally got a hole worn into them, and not in a good place. So, do I spend money on another pair or do I work harder on the weight so I can ACTUALLY wear the huge tot of jeans and pants I have in the basement? I am going for weight lose.
PLUS- In 6 months and 22 days, I turn 30. So, I WANT TO LOSE THE WEIGHT!!
The goal is 50 lbs by that day.

Also on my goals list... A full marathon BEFORE my 30th birthday.

On the family front,
BigGirl is playing basketball now. It is so fun to see you learn, and yet so hard to not want to jump in a teach her when she makes a mistake. (But I dont. Good mommy, keep your big butt on that bleacher during practice)

LittleMan is still struggling with potty training, and is needing to get a bigger bed (those tall genes he gets from his daddy are annoying sometimes, will when money is concerned.)

We have the tree up, but we dont have the swingset up yet. My poor kiddos.

The Hubby is still working the job he started in August, he is just trying to make it through this first year, which is learning EVERYTHING. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that bonus this winter.

Me, well, I am on the verge of a NEW path very soon. More to come when it is confirmed. :)

Until then, I am still here, I am not dead. I have goals that I am determined to meet. And I am thinking about actually having a birthday party this year. THEMED AND ALL. More on that as it progresses too

ON A SIDE NOTE---
My great friend, Gunn, ran her FIRST HALF MARATHON THIS WEEKEND!!!
Las Vegas Rock and Roll!!
3:12:13
YEAH BABY!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK SEXY LADY!!!

WOW!

This past couple weeks as been CRAZY!

I have made 270 burritos to that I sold for China Trip Donations.

I have attending many T-ball games of BigGirls and watched LittleMan climb the chain fencing in flipflops during them.

I have gone to the drive in movies for the first time with ALL 4 of us-- twice. First time was 3 weeks ago and it was FREEZING that night. Second time was Friday night and LittleMan ended up shirtless for the evening it was so hot and sticky. FYI---
Kung Fu Panda 2-- good
Rio-- LittleMan and I slept. The hubby and BigGirl enjoyed.
Cars 2-- We all enjoyed
Green Lantern-- I loved, Hubby enjoyed, BigGirl watched half (and she REALLY WANTED TO SEE IT) and LittleMan slept.

I celebrated my last year of my twenties with my little family on Friday (recall the movies). We went to the Twisted Cow (yummy serve yourself yougart joint) for Dinner, and had McAlisters Deli (yummy speciality deli food) for dessert. - it was my birthday and I wanted a backwards dinner. I also enjoyed getting 2 new ULTRA CLEARANCE wicking tanktops (good for humid china) and 1 Pink Breast Cancer Fishing pole from the Hubby and kids.

I also celebrated LittleMans 3 year birthday. (again the movies), and a party yesterday with grandparents. Complete with a 3D Thomas the Tank Engine Cake. YUMMY!!!

My folks also decided to put their large above ground pool up.... in our backyard this year.  I am telling you, if I didn't work a full time job outside my home right now... I would TOTALLY be one of those moms that floats her afternoons away. Ahhh, such a nice dream.

Also, last week I accepted a new coaching job! I am no longer a High School Assistant Softball Coach. But now a 4 yr College Assistant Softball Coach at Bethel College. Plus here, besides the HS to College upgrade. It is a few more months a year (fall and spring) that I can enjoy my passion. It is a little more pay, so that will allow me to make a change from my full time job in the near future. Which in turn- gives me more time at home with my kids (and time to RUN) in the off season!! Off season is mid october-end of january, and mid may thru end of August. Holiday season and summers.... ahhhhh how nice that will be. :-)

The Hubby is still job hunting with his new degree.... pray for him to get an offer SOON.

And last but not least, CHINA IS 16 DAYS AWAY!!!!! I am only $836 short of my goal funding. I am telling you those family recipe burritos WERE A HIT! Such a hit, that my mother has confidence me to do another batch this week for next week delivery. Meaning that with 10 days until my flight takes off, I will be wrapping and selling for burritos!! OMG! But that father of ours has been amazing. Without him, I don't know where I would be in this path today.

So- $836 dollars in 16 days. I have trust.... do you?

ps-- someone close to my heart is awaiting an answer for a new path for her. please pray for her to have an answer soon.

Wichita River Run

This past weekend- 3 of my family of 4 ran a race at the Wichita River Run!

There was even a couple Flash Mobs (Freeze Flash Mobs)



Aviation Church Freeze Flash Mob.

 I started the morning off with a 10K. My watch decided to stop some way thru... so I am guessing a time of 1:15 ish. IT WAS HOT AND STEAMY AT 7:30 am!!!

The Hubby did the 2 mile, and limped his 2-time post surgery knee across at 30-31 minutes. YEA HUBBY!! He even made it in the newspaper!!!



The Hubby is the big guy in white cutoff just to the right of center.




If you have a keen eye, Hubby is 7 rows back right of center.




Can you see Hubby here?! LOL!!


BigGirl did her FIRST race! It was about a half a block long, and no time. But she received 3rd in her heat. ** I have a short video of her race.... if I can figure out how to get it off my phone and onto this.....


She is READY TO RACE BABY!!



LittleMan was a great cheering squad!! And the three of us went home HOT and with little medals.


BigGirl and LittleMan awaiting Daddy to run by!!

Can't wait until we are a running family of 4!!!

SOME DAY... SOME DAY!!!!

Easter Sun Run 10K

I had the Easter Sun Run 10K this past weekend. And the hubby and my BigGirl had there first ever registered 2 mile walk. (yeppie!!) **LittleMan just enjoyed the Crusin' Ride**

I had a good run, except for the little fact that they marked the kilometers and not the Miles. So I was all confused and thinking "Crap! i am rockin' this thing! 59 minutes here I come!!" Until marker #7 and then it hit me, "these are freakin' kilometers!" AWHH. So, after I kicked myself in the ass for pushing harder than should have too soon. I crossed the 10K with a 1:09:46... still a PR for me.

So I changed my shirt, put on wind pants, cheered on my friend Liz for her 2 mile run (like 20 minutes YEPPIE) then lined up with the Hubby, BigGirl and Littleman (in the stroller). We started out and the Hubby was POWER WALKING! So, I sent him on his merry way with LittleMan and had a nice walk with my 6 year old BigGirl. She kept telling me how she wished we could run.... (say WHAT?! thats my girl) so we decided that we would do a 1 mile run together this week and see how she does. So after the Hubby crossed at like 33 minutes!! He and Littleman turned around and headed back for us. we crossed around 45 minutes. Yeah BigGirl! She power walked her little behind across the finish and was happy to head for food.

All in all a good saturday morning :-) And a great Easter weekend.

On the calendar, Wichita Half Marathon this sunday morning.

AND HEY!! Don't forget about the SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Are you Suka?

Suka: In Eskimo: meaning "Fast"

Suka: My running buddy (except for lately due to wacked out ability to get body out of harness when a passing vehicle gets too close to us.

Suka: A Siberian Husky male lover dog.

Suka: The family pet that caught and killed a fluffy bunny that we have been watching every morning hop around our yard.

BigGirl: Our beautiful daughter that yells "SUKA'S GOT SOMETHING!!" and the states "COOL!" when the Hubby goes out to investigate.

LittleMan: Our Son that is in awh over the fact that his daddy is carrying a rabbit by his hind legs and it is so long. And then the son that sadly tells his daycare teacher about Suka "catching" a bunny rabbit. LOL!

The Hubby and I: The parents that are in awh of the speed and quickness from Suka and trying not to laugh at the entire situation!!

The Hubby: The parent that decides to say "Thank Goodness it wasn't the Easter Bunny!" to the kids.

Myself: Is thinking..... Why would you say that? I can't believe the kids are so tough about this. I was excepting a very upset BigGirl-- guess this mommy was more than a little off about that! LOL!!!

GOOD MORNING ALL!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!!! AND HAVE  A HAPPY EASTER!!

Ps. Dont let your dog catch and kill the easter bunny. ;-)

AND DONT FORGET THE SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!

Secrets

My fav blogger aka my sis in law (yes I am biased) did a "Secrets" post yesterday. So, I thought since I am at home, with a sleeping LittleMan and the Hubby and BigGirl are out herding cow (for real) I would let mine out. For those of you that know me, many may not be at secretive.

I hide candy (mainly chocolate- but not right now, lent time you know) around my house. But when my kids ask for a treat, my answer is 80% "no- have an apple/grapes/banana". *and then I sneak a chocolate.

I prefer a quite empty house for me, my fancy coffee and a book. But can often be found starting a family dog pile in own living room.

I am a professional and thus dress as one. But I still dream of getting my pink punk hair back daily.

A garden is something I REALLY want to grow- but I kill everything that is ALREADY beautiful so how would I even get something to GROW.

I hate attending showers/home parties- but I love shopping for the gift/goodies. (How does that work?!)

I want to own a white Porsche 911 Turbo with a sunroof so I can go FAST! But I wouldn't give up my Tahoe for the world. :)

I want to travel everywhere with the Hubby- but I don't want to do a THING without my kids. Huh?

I love weddings....... for the cake. ;-)

Soooo...... that me! What about you?

Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY!!!!

Just stay out of my way!....... unless you want a GIVEAWAY!

Yep.
That is right.
It is one of those days.
Steam is sepping from my ears.
My eyes are bulging out of my head.
My hands are flying everywhere when I speak. (making typing a little difficult)
But you have all been there a time or two, right. RIGHT?!

Ok- so my emotions are out of control today. If there is something going wrong, or someone to make upset with me, APPARENTLY that is my job this week.

SO- TADA! (insert tongue sticking with raspberry sound included)

Why today of all days you might ask. Well, I HAVE NO CLUE!

And in spite of my temper and need to want to throw something, I see 2 men running today. And for a moment, I feel peace.

Then, I feel jealousy and anger. I mean look at them. Chatting and laughing while they sweat purfusly and release them daily anger in this peaceful act of running. I want  Need that today.

Then, I feel sad. I was mad because 2 men took time out of their lives to enjoy the company of a friend while doing something that makes them feel good. What is wrong with me?! I could be them if I only MADE myself MAKE time. I am beyond words with myself... for that moment.

So I dropped my LittleMan at school and headed towards work, where I got to see the happy carefree men enjoying their morning. And I decided right then. I NEED MY RUNNING TIME. It is a daily necessity. Period. I MUST make time for that, or my stressors have no healthy outlet. I have signed up for the Easter Sun Run 10k this saturday. The Wichita Half next sunday. AND the hubby has decided to join me in the Kansas City Warrior Dash 5k. YES YES YES!!!!

And in the midst of this all....... A GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! It will be a surprise package sent straight to your door. A little bit of HAPPINESS to brighten your day. Maybe it will be your "bad" day and it will be just what you need. What is in the package you say?? No way! That is what will make it a surprise!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO ENTER:
~~1 comment about something or someone that made you say "Hey! Snap out of it! You can do this" etc.
~~1 comment each for posting my blog link on your blog page/facebook/twitter

**update**The SURPRISE GIVEAWAY PACKAGE is coming along nicely! I am having a blast choosing items to spoil someone with! I am even going to add another way to entry:

~IF YOU ARE A NEW FOLLOWER- 1 ENTRY!!!
~IF YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU FOUND ME: 1 ENTRY!!!

A random winner will be chosen on May 4th!!! SO START POSTING!!!!

Somedays I wish.....

It is Sunday night- my kids are in bed (half hour early since we are time adjusting), the hubby and I just folded and pick away 3 loads of laundry (there in one more left), the dogs are relaxing inside, the basement is clean from another weekend of playtime, the backyard is clean of doggie doo-doo, the house is "phicked up" (no- I did NOT say clean), I have 4 new books by the bed and one from the library (5 total but only 4 left to read).... do you see where this is going yet?
We are 2 weeks into Softball season, the BigGirl has 12(?) weeks before summer break, the Hubby has 10(?) weeks before college graduation (and hopefully a J.O.B. again), LittleMan is being SO DIFFICULT with potty training (he will be 3 yrs in June), we are getting closer a a Big Wonderful decision (more to come soon!!), and Oh yeah- It is RACING SEASON TOO!!

Oh the brain (but not registered yet) are Emma Creek Womens 5K in April, Easter Sun Run in April (10K), OKC Memorial in May (half), Wichita RiverRun in June (10K), Warrior Dash KC in July ("3.1 HELLISH MILES"), what is missing...... MORE HALF's and a Tri Sprint! That is what my goal list says right?! What is standing in my way.... oh STRESS and LIFE.

So here I am on a Sunday night- wondering "what happened to my weekend?", "What happened to my sanity?", "What happened to my life?". I want MORE, I want serenity! I WANT is more like I NEED!!

So, looking around at everything I need to do/say/try- life would be easier as a "house mommy". But then my sanity might be the only problem-- oh that is where the hubby and my running comes in!!!
I have 1 year and 3 months before my 20s are gone.....

The Never-ending Story

Running? What is that?
The weather can't decide if it is a wicked winter or the beginning of spring.
So, running outside is not happening much.
Then since the weather is wacky, the health in my house is wacky.
My poor LittleMan has spent more time this year sick than healthy. Today, I am sitting on the couch awaiting the results for him to either have Strep throat, Influenza or BOTH.

Then there is my BigGirl would is my little busy bee. She goes to Awana at church once a week. But this week, she goes twice because she is going to compete in a competition on saturday. AND indoor soccer started this week, and it happens to be the SAME night at Awana. So 25 minutes at soccer practice and a race to church for Awana. But will I take away anything from her growth? NO WAY!

I start my High School softball season on MONDAY. Which means I am a crazy ass wacky mom for 90 days. And my sanity will be border lined as well.

The hubby is 88 days from GRADUATION!!!!! He is AWESOME!!! He started his 2, YES TWO, Internships this week. (ROCK OUT HUBBY!!!)

So, thanks to my dad (retired Popa) and BigGirls BFF's parents... my kids are covered for being picked up and cared for until either hubby or myself is home. I actually have calendars set up for them for make it easier (and keep my mind at ease that they aren't missed or forgotten)

So- Sanity- my neverending story. Family illnesses- also my neverending story. But HOPE- I am trying to keep HOPE to the future. I am proud of my hubby. And I am proud of my kids. They keep ME HAPPY.

But, running, I am missing my running, and I having races on the mind. So running, next week, I will be adding you to my INSANITY!

Melting Icicles

Yesterday- I complained.
I spoke to Lemons and Apples.

Today- I am going to watch the Icicles Melt.
Yep- Large, dripping Icicles.

I had a couple suggestions yesterday for my Lemons.

#1- Chuck the Lemons back at someone.

I must say, this is my favorite. Just chuck them back! Demand they be returned! Refuse to be bearied in the pile!

Chuck the Lemons. (Thank you Cnyther)

#2- List my Graditudes.

ok- I can do that. So while the Icicles melt- let me reflect on the positives....

We will call this the "Apples"

APPLES:

-The Hubby is in his last semester of school and has yet again received the VP Honor Roll!
-BigGirl is an over achiever in Kindergarten and is only half way through it. (she asks me every few days when she can move to First Grade)
-LittleMan is finally over the worst of all the illness and has a plain old cold currently. But he's HAPPY!
-She have helped out a good friend this past 3 weeks by keeping his huskie. (thought is the apple-situation has become a big lemon)
-I may not be the happiest in my current work, but at least I DO HAVE A JOB.
-I have great folks that are always there to help anyway they can. (emotionally, or whatever way)
-My oldest brother has moved back to the area to find a "new" start. And I keep finding out in new ways, just how much he respects and looks up to ME, the little sister.
-My father-n-law #2 (if confused by this, just ask me, a little story) is doing small improvements lately and I have volunteered my time no less than 1 saturday a month to keep him company.
-I have found ways to laugh at the small things again. (Like when LittleMan decided to cover the kitchen floor in 2 dozen fresh eggs while daddy was moving snow, sissy was in next room watching TV and I was at work-- sadly daddy forgot to take a picture until halfway thru clean up.)
-The 1 night a week that I get to watch 3 hours of (semi-non- interupted) Television with my hubby.
-How the hubby and I have gotten better at talking about everything... still a work in progress, but wont it always be
-how even though I dont enjoy my job, I DO enjoy my co-worker and how we talk about ANYTHING and laugh a lot most days.
-I have WONDERFUL BFF's, Rach who just moved from 3.5 hours away to 30 mins away!! And Gunn who has always lived a few blocks away, but she is almost ALWAYS available to trips to shop, eat, a drink or a movie.
-I have a AMAZING hubby who is always supportive with knowing I need my outtings with Gunn or my day with the Father in law.
-I have a hilarious and supportive Sis in law that I believe God wanted me to be connected to for life.

So I guess there is a lot of Apples in my basket. Sometimes it just takes someone special/important in your life to remind you to look for those. (Thanks Shana) So, for today, while I watch the Icicles melt out my window at work, I will think about the Apples. And just how blessed I am to have those.

Lemons- not always for lemonade

Have you ever noticed how life can give you lemons? And then people tell you to make lemonade. And maybe you don't want lemonade. So you make lemon bars, lemon cake, lemon drops. And then sometimes life gives you SO MANY LEMONS, that you can't dig your way out of them. That they take over your life, your thoughts, your SANITY!
Why is that?
Why does life throw you lemon after lemon after lemon sometimes?
Why must a person, ANY person, go through so many struggles that you can't see the light outside the pile of lemons?
Does God feel that the Lemons will teach us to push thru the sourness? The lip pukering, face squishing, teeth peeling sour of disaster.
I, personally, am sick and tired of Lemons. It is NOT summertime, aka "lemonade season". I need warmth, comfort, an Apple.
I need an Apple.
The fruit that keeps the bad away. (An apple a day keeps the doctor away--- oh and I am not calling doctors bad, just to clarify)
I want normal.
I want sweetness.
I want Apples.

This past month has been lemons.
Lemons.
Lemons.
LEMONS.

The Hubby is in his last semester of school (the light thru the pile)
Then my Tahoe went to the shop. ($400) *Lemons
Snow is coming! I love snow!
Then there are multiple days of no school. But I still have work. (some lemons)
Then the heater goes out and this is hubbys schooling, but since not certified until May- he can't order the part himself and fix. (bill not recieved yet) *more Lemons
3 days at my folks house (great folks, by day 3 I really missing "our" space/place- but great folks)
4 dogs kenneled in cold house alone *more Lemons
Then heater is fixed! (awaiting bill)
First night home- LittleMan spends 10pm-early am hours puking all over bed multiple time *more lemons
Then stuck in house with below zero temps (more lemons)
Help with Church Nursery and all the easy babies are sick/cranky/teething/needing and we have get four 3 months and youngers in too (Lemons)
Another Snow storm comes through (17 plus inches)!!! yeppie
again no school expect I work (lemons)
I applied for a job I really wanted that would allow me to have summers off with kids and work school hours
And I didnt get it (lemons)
Stress with multiple sides of Family issues (LEMONS)
Arguements between hubby and his bff (Lemons)
Littleman has had 2 rounds of Antibiotics this month & is going BACK to the doctor tomorrow (LEMONS)
I took Suka out for a much needed run BEFORE all this snow, and 2 blocks from home he has a freak out, and get out of his very tight harness!! How is that even possible?! Luckily, I got a sprint workout following him home. THANK GOD he ran home.


So- Lemons, puckering awful Lemons. And I dont have an outlet for this tension, since running outside with 17 inch snow and none-cleared roads is IMPOSSIBLE here. And the treadmill and I are arguing.

Any thoughts on what to do with Lemons?
Notice how great BigGirl has been? No complaints here for her. :-)

Complaining Done.

No- to make you all wrong- I have NOT fallen off the edge of the earth!

I know... I KNOW.
Forever right?!
A whole 2 months! Really?! I mean REALLY?!
I didn't mean to cut you all out. Seriously, life just took over for the holidays and the EVERYTHING.
So here we are-- how about a quick "up to speed"

I made Thanksgiving meal... the ENTIRE THING.... ALL ALONE..... It was a combo of Pioneer Woman Cookbook, and Real Simple Thanksgiving issue. IT WAS AMAZING! No, I am not just quoting "the cook" (aka myself) I am telling you what the others said.

Nothing is complete without a nice wine (or 2)

 Around this same time.... we had BigGirl lose her FIRST 2 TEETH!!! The first one was at a restaurant with my dad, myself and BigGirl. I asked to see it real fast- gave it a lite snap and it came out right before her chocolate cake came!  LOL!!

#1 bottom middle left

Tooth #2 came out when she was trying to eat an Apple. CLASSIC!!

#2 bottom middle right

 Needless to say- good thing the tooth fairy was prepared for the first 5 teeth. Those Gold dollars are a special trip to purchase. :-)

Next we had Christmas- which meant lots of BAKING!!! We make Sugar cookies together every year, and this year decided to add gingerbread cookies.

6 trays of cookies (one is under the middle tray)

3 more trays

 TOTALING 11 & 1/2 DOZEN! WHAT?!  (** footnote- we threw away a couple dozen 2 weeks ago)

Then we have Christmas morning breakfast... I prepare it the night before (keeps me busy while we await the late late late night tree and stocking filling) I made HOMEMADE Cinnamon Rolls this year from Pioneer Woman.... one word- AMAZING.

Recipe made 2 tight fit 9x12 pans- next year will spread out to 3- 9x12

I also make a breakfast casserole, coffee, juice, hot chocolate. YUMMM....

To be selfish- I will just show you what hubby got me for Christmas....

Gotta love a new bondiband and running glasses!!

I then took a load of coupons and store cash and purchased these...

Earbuds, Gu's and Tempos!

.... the earbuds are to go with the New Ipod Nano that I received from my folks for Christmas. :-D

Over Christmas LittleMan discovered the Original Superman movie on Instant Netflix.

SUPERMAN!!

 

 

 Did you know that the like 6 year old Superman in that movie is shown completely naked. You see his little junk in the trunk and everything! WHAT?! I was beyond words for a period of time?! How was THAT ok back 40 years ago??


Then we spent New Years Eve out with a girlfriend of mine (it was her birthday and she is single). That is the first time we have gone out for new years without kids in 6 years! WOW! We went to dinner and then to a theatre that serves alcoholic beverages to your seat (large leather recliners with a table to one side and a cup holder and a button to push for your server) while you watch a movie. This is the $8 Three Amigos 32 oz drink of mine. NICE. See the milk dudes behind it.... note: do not eat milkdudes and drink tequila. No Bueno.

32oz for $8~!

So, holidays- check! ** for your relieve- I left out all the stress, crying, sweat and guts. Your welcome.**

Now-
First, Kickboxing is AWESOME! And it totally KICKS MY ASS!! YES!! I FOUND A VERY STRONG LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP!!

Second, I have an interview TOMORROW for a great job....stay tuned for more on this.

Third, we have snow, and we are getting ice tonight.

Fourth, softball is a little over a month away

And I will get back soon with a giveaway, HOPEFULLY  Part 2 of the Motherhood of the Traveling Book, and much more. Just keep reading, watching, laughing at me, whatever.

Fall tidbits- Class Reunion

It's been really nice outside this past week. And the routine every night when we get home is to eat- right away. (ex. door opens- kids go in, mom steps in with first foot, kid looks at mom and says "I'm hungry home, I want a snack." -- you all know the feeling, anyway)

So, one night we came home, repeat story, let dogs outside and I decide they can have a picnic. (aka mess outside for once) I was the best mom ever that night! LOL! All about the small things.

Tonight, we have dinner inside, and it isn't too common that my kids eat together in SILENCE. Tonight- they did. So I snapped a pic. BigGirl is eating the salad she made HERSELF at the salad bar tonight. It consists of: cheese, olives, croutons, egg, cold peas, and 3 strawberrys. And LittleMan just snuck that cheeser face in.

Suka (and half Ruby)

I thought I would throw in a pic of Suka (and Ruby) tonight, just to show he is surviving us. :) And he is getting better on the "running buddy" job. Still car-fearful, BUT keeps moving now just not the most fun for me. (aka 4.58 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes! SLOWS MY DOWN) But he is getting better.

On to the show--

Last night was my 10 year class reunion. I was skeptical as to what it would be like. And it was a refreshing surprise. We had MAYBE a 1/4th of the class attend. And everyone (95%) has grown up and just came right on up and asked how you were, etc. It was nice. Thanks to my step-sis-n-law (whom was in my class too) we had an evening overnight off of the kiddos. She did not wish to attend the reunion, so she took our kiddos overnight. THANKS SIS!!

We spent 4 hours at the dinner/dance reunion at the yummy mexican restaurant. Then we loaded up a friend and her hubby and headed to the sports bar. Run up with another HS friend there and loaded her up to head to a country "gathering". It was so REFRESHING to have the mix of people. AND this mommy and daddy didn't get home until 330am! 5 hours later- dogs are howling to go outside, and we are up trying to get ourselves ok enough to go pickup kids.

But hey- hubby was the DD. (I LOVE YOU BABE!!) and the night was really fun. I am still recouping 14 hours later, but the kids are being great about us being "sick". ;-)

Natalie "MOOSE" (HS BFF) and myself

Myself, Natalie & Leslie

So moral of story--
1. I recommend everyone goes to their class reunion
2. Having a Shot or 2 before you go is SO OK. (thank you Patron Silver)
3. Talk to EVERYONE!

GIVEAWAY ends in 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!

Runner & Dog, to the starting line!

Yes, today was the day that I finally trusted Suka enough (and had finally purchased a twice-smaller- harness) to go for a trial/practice run. We got out and down a few blocks and he was "heeling" good. So I started a jog. He kept right up.
(only had to walk a little faster, not a trot or a skip but WALK. dogs suck)

We got a half mile from home and had our first "freak out" episode. C.A.R.S. He is a little frightened of MOVING cars. (that he is not in himself)
this makes me sad to think that he had a bad experience that I am glad I don't have details of
Anyhow- he did his usually (name sake) spin out and laying down.

THANK GOD FOR THE NEW HARNESS.

I stopped, said "Suka, enough, lets go" and started jogging again. He jumped right back in. So imagine this seen a few more times in 2.8 miles. And an episode of not paying attention to the task at hand and walking right into me. (another freak out session) He started to learn to pattern, fell when I was turning a corner or crossing the road. Have a longer road to deal with on the "car" problem. But atleast I realized that I CAN and WILL jog faster next time. I was breathing good and felt I should have been going harder.
HOWEVER it could have been the 55 degrees and a breeze outside in September in Kansas!! IT FELT GREAT!!!

Wish us luck tomorrow morning!

Awhhh!! Where is the silver lining to my Chicago Family Vacation!!!!!

Ok, let us start this blog off with a run down (haha run...sigh) of my weekend.

Curtain Call!!
Pull back curtain.
Scene: Friday 1130am

I get a call from LittleMan's daycare, he BEGGED to come inside from playtime.  (Crap- I would too if I was being forced to play in the 90+ degree temps!) He then laid right down. Not long after that, he vomitted. G.R.E.A.T (hello, the Frosted Flakes Tiger is back!)
So, hubby is in the middle of major machinery issue with grandfather and his mom. (oh yeah, when he isn't a student, he works at BOTH of these family farms.) This leaves me, mommy, to leave work, where we have a "fill in" boss to tend to LittleMan.
Exit Scene.

New Scene-
Need to get back to work, hubby still not home to "switch me". My mom is available. Only 1 hr 20 mins left of work. Ugh.
Exit Scene.

New Scene-
It just happens to be BFF sleepover for BigGirl at OUR house. My hubby doesnt want to disappoint, so we have her over. (Keep in mind, we have sick LittleMan too) In walks BFF and LittleMan vomits right behind her on my carpet. G.R.E.A.T
Exit Scene.

Evening went alright. LittleMan went to bed on schedule, thanks to dramamine and ibuprofen. Girls had dinner, played inside and out, had our little campfire in the back porch and made smores. Showers, nails painted, braided hair, bed (after many laughing-talking-getting up, etc).

Next morning, girls got up, I made breakfast, they played, LittleMan up, fever back, sinuses have joined us now, eyes matted with goop bad. G.R.E.A.T
I miss my morning workout at the gym.
I get everyone settled in time for my 9am Run Group. I go, talk to mom on the way and decide LittleMan may have pneumonia!! *Reminder- leaving for 4 days in Chicago on Thursday morning (9:05- no one there for run group) decide to go back home get LittleMan and take to ER.
Good news, just a sinus infection. A antibiotic filled (took the FREAKIN' ever at Pharmacy), decongestant purchased and headed home.

It is now 11am.
I have a haircut at 1pm 20 minutes away in Wichita. Mom is going to pick me up, I will have maybe a good 45 minutes to work out if I go NOW. I pull out of driveway, phone beats, mom will be at my house at noon to pick me up. G.R.E.A.T

Drive downtown to check for cheap Railer Gear (my high schools stuff that I coach softball for). None.

I drive home, 11:30am. Send hubby to take BFF home with BigGirl. LittleMan hangs with me while I shower and get ready to leave.
12:05- no mom, no hubby and BigGirl back. (bff lives 3 minutes away.)
Call hubby- almost home.
Hubby pulls in driveway- Mom right behind me.

I leave to haircut and spend all afternoon running around wichita picking up last minute trip items.

Jump to now, BigGirl spent all day and night at BFF's. (double spendover weekend before school i guess)

LIttleman is eating again! Yeah!!

I have done and putaway 5 loads of laundry (mostly Littlemans sick towels-yum) I load left.

I have packed the kids bag.

I have packed MY side of our bag (including my running gear bag for Chicago Rock N Roll!!!)

I have borrowed mom's huge Coach Handbag for my purse/goody bag for train. (thnks mom!!!!!)

I have made out the lists for all bags and gotten some ribbon for mark everything we will be carrying with us. So we make sure we have OUR stuff off the Train. (I know, I am so smart right!!)

well, time for dinner, and TRYING to relax.
PLANNING For a hard workout at the gym monday, tuesday and wednesday morning.
THEN CHICAGO BABY!!!!!

Look Who's 2!

As you may have recalled reading already... LittleMan turned 2 years old last week!! Where did the time go? We are potty training!!! (horray- diapers are finally going ot leave my house..... ok, a few tears with that too..... no more babies in my house)
We are talking back (times out are stacking up on our house)
We are EVERYWHERE! WANTING EVERYTHING! LOVING SISSY (I must have been pleased with magically kids- or that fact that they are 3 years almost 4 years apart is GREAT!)

Ok-- on to the party....

We had our "cake lady" (if you are local and don't know Brenda, shot me a line-she should be on your speed dial) what a MosterTruck Cake. It wasn't just AWESOME & HUGE, it was YUMMY!!!! (I know MotherRunner- you are SO JEALOUS that you missed out on this one!)

He was spoiled ofcourse, not only did he get his own cowboy boots, but they came with Wranglers and a hat too! (we have to dress him up for pic of that all soon)

He got Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Sissy got Jessie. So we are all playing with those. And to haul them around.... we got him a JINORMUS ( a little Elf movie line) Dumptruck. This sucker is massive and it is GAURNTEED FOR LIFE! Even better!!

I did want to mention one thing here.... LittleMan is great "rip" into gifts kid, but he is also very good at "deligating" the opening and getting out of the gifts. See..

...Uncle D is such a good helper sport. :o)

There were only a couple fo-pa's of that day....

One, LittleMan is NOT the wonderful, easy picture taker like his sissy.

Two, NO ONE was on time for this party. Great Gma was 15 mins late. And my folks were 45 minutes late AFTER texting me 1 hour before party time to see if they needed to bring anything like Ice, cups, etc. THEN they proceeded to take a nap, both of them, and we only awakened by Hubby calling them 30 minutes after party was to start to see where they were. So, my anal organized self was not very happy that afternoon.

Here the pictures were purchased for LittleMan's big #2...

The one on the bottom right we got in a 8x10 in black and white. It is adorable.

Here are a couple that is REALLY FUNNY so I thought I would post...

"Got Poop?"

"Gotta Pee, Gotta Pee, Gotta Pee"