Bike, Bike, and more biking

I don't think I've posted my intention yet, but I signed up for a Century Bike Ride in June... yup, 100 miles of riding on a bike. Kinda crazy, isn't it? I keep reminding myself that if I feel underprepared, I can always back off that big 1-0-0 and go for a reasonable 80 or 60 miles. But, there's a little voice over my shoulder saying, "I DARE YOU" and I can't ignore it! So, I've been working my little tail in spin classes a the rec center twice a week and starting to get in more outside rides. Thanks to Rach for being the official photographer for our last two rides together! Utah is a beautiful place and I really love being on my bike.

Learning to 'lube' a chain... we're starting with basics here!

Why does my bike look just as big as Rach's - because I took over Shayne's bike. Someday, I hope to own one that fits my shortness!
Looking over the valley from the East Side of SLC - looks a little baren in the photo, but gosh it was pretty!


Here's the photo spot for our ride in Herriman - we got 30 miles on our bikes this morning! Woo-Hoo! Who knew that fields and farms still existed in that valley... it was charming!

PS I think it's weird that I have EXACTLY the same pose - and those pics are a week apart! I'm definitely going to do something different next time!

Tubes and tears

Danny has had 6 ear infections since last November. He even had 3 infections before Christmas! We went to see the ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat specialist) and she was under the impression that perhaps it was all 1 giant ear infection that didn't heal until the super meds the third time around. Well, by the first week of April - we had gone through another 3 rounds of antibiotics. AND, we checked at the end of 10 days to make sure the ears were completely healed. They were. So, off to the ENT. We saw her on Wed of last week - ears are completely healthy (as we were finishing off another round of antibiotics that very day) and we scheduled our surgery for tubes this week, Tuesday.

Fast forward 6 days, Danny and I check into same-day surgery for the tubes. I wish I had packed a camera - but who would want a camera to document your kid being surrounded by hospital staff? I thought it was kinda weird - but then I regretted it. He was so stinkin' cute with the mini-hospital gown, cap, and machines for checking heart rate and pulse. The nurses and staff all oohed and aahh'ed over how cute and somber he was. He just sat there and let them do their stuff. Not tears - no fighting. Then, they scooped him up and said, "mom, we'll take good care of him" and they were off to the surgery room. That's when I lost it. I stood there in tears and became overwhelmed because I wasn't there to watch over him. I had to trust them. And I trusted them - it just hurt to let go.

I calmed down and the surgery was done in 15 minutes. They brought him back to me - wailing and screaming. Yeah, anesthesia will do that to a little kid. He screamed for 10-15 minutes then sweetly fell asleep in my arms. That was a sweet moment - this little boy does not sleep very often in my arms. He's too busy for that! Oh, and FYI, his ears were infected again. The Dr. even mentioned one ear was ready to "perforate." Yikes. It was the right choice. I'm just sorry we waited so long to do it. He's happy Danny today - just playing and happy as can be. Yeah!

Mean Mom

Guess what.

I found the beloved blankie yesterday! (story about the blankie) The on-site manager for the indoor soccer games has been carrying around a box of lost-and-found items and yesterday was the last game. We missed the last Saturday game while in Idaho. I saw the blankie and do you know what I did? I grabbed it and went straight to the car and put it in the back - so Cole wouldn't see it. Yeah, I'm mean. Cole even asked, "can we look for my blankie again today?" When he has his blankie, he has his thumb in his mouth and we're constantly dragging that blankie with us EVERYWHERE! It was sweet for the past 4+ years but, losing the blankie was probably the ONLY way to break the habit. Oh, he misses it... but, he's also found out that he can survive without it. Maybe in 10 years, I'll bring it out to him again. I'm definitely saving his precious blankie. That makes me a mean mom. Will he forgive me?

Spring Break

I just have to say a disclaimer - I grew up in a family that traveled once a year - it was a two week expedition to either UT - or perhaps the big trip to the east coast. But, we only traveled once a year. I married a guy who loves to "go somewhere" whenever he has a chance. My workout buddies are a little miffed that I keep disappearing for such little "get-aways!" That being said, we had a spring break adventure that was filled with plenty of traveling!

St George:

pool, hot tub, parks, biking, playing b-ball,

and enjoying time with Cherae and Chris and the boys

Tucson:

30 mile bike ride (ending with a killer up-hill!)

80+ degree weather by a pool!

Playing piano with my nieces

and enjoying Shaughn and Diane's wonderful family.

Thanks for having us Shaughn and Diane!

Too bad I didn't take very many pictures - but here are a few photo highlights of the trip:

Easter 2010

Doing an egg hunt at my parents house with the REAL eggs!

After finding the eggs, our tradition is to roll the eggs together (yes, to break them open) then we make creamed eggs on toast for dinner, lunch, breakfast.... whatever time it is!

Easter Morning we gave the boys a gift. My favorite quote of the day from Hunter:

"I LOVE my primary song book. It's the PERFECT gift for Easter! It reminds me about Jesus and that's what Easter is all about!" Oh, Sweet, sweet son - you make your parents so proud!

We watched this video at least 57 times in the next two days.... UGH! But I'm glad he loves it!

We had Shayne's sisters over (and their families) for a low-key Easter barbeque. We also had the kids fill all the easter eggs! That was the best "new" tradition for this year!

We did an egg hunt for the eggs filled with goodies and coins at our local park. It was so much fun! Here's everyone lining up for the mad dash! I wish I had been running my video when we said "go" -Danny ran just as fast as all the others! He doesn't miss a beat!

It was a chilly day, but all that running around kept us giggling and warm!

To my boys

My dear Hunter, Cole and Danny,


I'm sure people told me a long time ago how much parents love their kids. I know that my parents love me SOOO much, and I also have always known that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. But as I have grown, become a mother, and have been given more opportunities to love those around me, I am in AWE. As my mother-in-law said many years ago and it's a thought that I think of often, (it's paraphrased) "My love does not divide when I have more family to love, it has only multiplied." My love has multiplied and every time I find my heart growing, it reminds me of how much our Father in Heaven loves us. That is an awesome thought. So, boys, remember as you grow and become teenagers and do things that boys do that frustrate, worry, and gross out your mom, there is an undeniable love that I have for each of you.


love,
mommy

Visiting Great-Grandma

A few weeks back we went to visit Great Grandma Hunter. That woman is an inspiration to me! She is Shayne's Grandma but sometimes I forget that small bit of info! She has a way of making everyone feel like a million bucks. I know she is my grandmother too! My boys loved being there with her and enjoying the surroundings of the farm. She even watched Danny for a couple hours while we took the older boys to see "How to Train Your Dragon" (Which I recommend to EVERYONE). Who has a their 90+ old grandmother watching their 1 year old? I guess Danny got introduced to the Lawrence Welk show and was mesmerized. I'm certain he had never seen such a show while at our home! Here are some photo highlights:

Grandma gave the boys their Christmas presents she has saved from Dec! Who doesn't like having Christmas in March? Danny got what he can't get enough of - more BALLS!

Grandma taught the boys how to make their own little pies.

Here's Cole enjoying the "best part" about Grandma's house (according to our boys) - "Her breakfast is the BEST!" As their parents, we can't argue with that statement!

"I told you so"

So, sometimes Mommy's and Daddy's are RIGHT. We've said it a thousand times, "leave your blankie at home Cole. What if you lose it?" "No blankies at church, Cole" "No blankie at friend's houses." blah blah blah.... Well. He took it to Hunter's indoor soccer game last weekend and we still can't find it. Oh, mommy is working hard to find it. I've visited the school, the rec center, made 5 calls, and that was before 9am this morning! Sometimes it's a bummer when mommy is right. Cole told the neighbor this morning, "I lost my blankie. But I'm doing great without it." It has been a long weekend and really, I hope we do get to bring blankie back home to his bed and best friend, Cole.

Most recent photo of "Blankie"