Seriously Outdated!

It's late. It's quiet. It's about time for me to write an update on this clan!

It's been a whirlwind winter into spring! Christmas took us over the river and through the woods to Ontario (Oregon) to spend the holiday with my family. We enjoyed some snow on our way. The kids loved having some time off school!

I really don't know where the time has gone since then! The days, weeks, and months have slipped by in a flurry of laundry days, Crossfit workouts, walks to and from school, church lessons and homework assignments (the kids', not mine). We are a busy group to say the least!

I've recently picked up a book called, Run Like a Mother. It's by two "Mommy-Marathoners" who collaboratively wrote about their own journeys as runners and moms. It's been very inspiring and entertaining to read about how they've managed families and a thirst for running. I must clarify--I am NOT a runner. Yes, I run, but only as a part of my Crossfit workouts. Occasionally, those workouts are 5k runs! So, I run. It's more like plodding along sometimes. These legs just don't want to be lithe and swift. It's not in the genes, I'm afraid! It's a great read and is transferable to any sport, I would think. I know I've learned a lot about how to approach my own workouts. For example, I've never been much for the feeling of nausea. :) Who, in their right mind is?? Well, I don't let myself get to that point in a workout. I fear the pukie bucket, yet, I've never once had to buddy up to it during a workout. How do I know what it would take to get me to that point if I've never tried? Well, I've decided that it's time I become familiar with my limits, instead of shying away from pain and discomfort, I "run" toward it. Still working on it, but that's my goal.

Several months ago, as part of Crossfit, everyone had to set three long term (6 months or more) goals to work toward. My three goals were: Be able to do 3 unassisted pull-ups, run 800 meters in 4 minutes, and be able to use the 20" box for box jumps. I have met all three of these goals!! AND I am able to do several double-unders (jumping rope) in a row! I can do about five pull-ups, run an 800m in 3:53, and do about 16 box jumps on the 20" in a minute! Wa-Hooooo!!

I'll have to check to see if I have any Crossfit pics I could post.....

Kids are growing like crazy! Everett is taller than I am! The girls are gorgeous and sassy with their big brown eyes and smarty-pants attitudes! I love them all!!

Tis' the Season

Everett and Lindsey Christmas 2006

It's that time of year again! I can hardly believe that it's Christmas time!! I'm thrilled by the lights, sights, sounds, and flavors of the season!
It seems that I function by making lists. So here is a list of my Christmas plans, events, thoughts, etc.

* Found and put up a beautiful tree. The kids decorated it by themselves! I watched. They did a great job! Now, if only they would leave it alone! There have been a few ornament casualties.

* Attended a fabulous Winter Concert at the Hult Center for Everett's school. He's a horn player in the Concert Band. I'm thoroughly amazed by the talented music leaders and students! Their jazz band could seriously record an album!

* Acted as a hostess for the Community Creche Exhibit (just walked around really). What a wonderful display! I've been to the one in Corvallis and it just makes the season right to see those beautiful nativity scenes on display.

* Made some batches of cookies to share. YUM!!

* Anxiously awaiting taking Camille to see the Nutcracker Ballet in a couple of weeks! Yay! I went to see it as a child, at the Morrison Center in Boise. I even got to meet the prima ballerina. So fun!

* Looking forward to watching Camille as Mary in the ward Christmas Pageant! AND hearing Terry play the piano for the program that night. AND performing at the Stake Christmas Program--playing prelude music with two flutist friends! (local friends come at 6:45!!)

* Excited to have a new flute! Well, new-to-me! It is solid silver and sounds lovely! I only hope that it will sound lovely to others!

* Hoping to take a trip to Ontario for Christmas! It's been seven years since we have been there for Christmas. Once, we went AFTER Christmas. Not the same. My mom is offering to cook Terry's favorites for him: Chile Colorado and fresh flour tortillas, homemade of course! I always joke that he married me for my mom's cooking. Not really a joke! ;)

* Watching my favorite Christmas movies: Elf, Home Alone, Charlie Brown Christmas, Polar Express....

What are your Holiday Favorites??

School's in Session!

I counted the days as the summer drew to a close. I was anticipating the beginning of the school year which brings with it some sense of predictability on one hand and a completely new adventure on the other. What I seemed to forget during those long hot days of July was the craziness that accompanies the whole process, filling in the gaps that once were quiet and calm, even lazy sometimes. Sighhhhh. While I don't miss summertime, I do want to find a way to balance all the frenzy of juggling four children's schedules. Oh, and a busy husband's too.

We are one month in now and things seem to be running just fine. Everett and Camille are doing very well in school, no surprise there. Everett has pre-algebra homework every night. Fun! At least it's not calculus! Lindsey is thoroughly enjoying kindergarten! What's not to love? Friends, snacks, recess, and books! Claire and I have mostly quiet afternoons. She naps while I have a couple of hours to myself, usually.

Lately, I've been going to Everett's Concert Band class once a week to help a flute student. She has volunteered to give up her saxophone to learn the flute since there are so few flutists in the Concert Band this year. She just needs a little extra help to get caught up to the rest of the flute section. It's been really fun! I've been asked to help the 6th grade flute section, so I'll go to 6th grade band next week!

The weather is finally getting cooler. I love the sunny but cool days of early fall! The leaves on the neighbor's maple tree are almost completely red. I am enjoying the daily walks to the kids' schools. A little exercise and some fresh air! Time for a cup of cocoa and a good book!

Time to Breathe

I absolutely LOVE September! I don't know if it's the cooler days, although, today's high is supposed to reach the low 90s, or if it's a "new beginning" with school starting. Whatever it is, I LOVE Fall! September is sort of like Christmas Eve, with the anticipation of what's to come but not the "event" itself. Looking forward to wearing cozy sweaters, drinking hot chocolate, baking delicious apple-y desserts. There are so many happy moments awaiting me!

Lindsey and Claire with the first pumpkins from our garden!

Recently, I had, or should I say, I TOOK the opportunity to go on a short weekend trip without my family. I really am a loner. I like to do things by myself, and seek for those opportunities. Is that weird? Oh, well. I booked a flight for one. :) I'm thinking, I can actually read a page or two in my book! Without being interrupted! What a concept! The flight I booked had a couple of layovers, one in Portland on my way to Boise, and one in Seattle on my way home. YES!!! was what went through my mind. Not only because the flight would be a smidge cheaper, but then I'd also have more time to myself. Most people would rather just get the whole thing over with. Not me, man! Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love my family and was very happy to be with them again. But, moms out there, you know what I'm sayin'. I know you do. Yeah, you're nodding your head. ;)

I went to Boise with carry-on luggage only. CARRY-ON LUGGAGE! What mom travels like that??? Well, I did. And it was so nice not to have to juggle my bags to be checked, diaper bag, stroller, car-seat or two, AND a toddler AND a preschooler, AND keep the others handy while I fumbled with my purse and five boarding passes and ID. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it!

I arrived quietly at the Boise airport where my wonderful parents waited for my arrival. Sigh! I sure love them! Hugs and then we were off! No non-stop talking and competing for their attention with eager kiddos to tell Papa the newest joke. So nice! We even enjoyed a quick dinner out together! Then 'home' to Ontario.

My mom and moi.

The next day my mom made breakfast and we made plans. Our plans included a bit of shopping, of course, before checking in to our hotel in Boise and an evening at Time Out for Women. As tiring as the day was, TOFW was just what I needed! We heard from Chieko Okazaki-speaker, Hilary Weeks-speaker/musician, Cherie Call-speaker/musician, and Mark Mabry-speaker. It was as if they were speaking to ME! Just exactly what I needed to hear. Amazing! The music was beautiful, some of it was hilarious. I'll have to post one of the funny songs here from youtube. I realized too late that I'd forgotten my camera. Argh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8FCgaoaG8 and this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Yj5Zykg9I Enjoy!

The next day was just as wonderful, maybe even more so. My sister joined us and we all had a great day together listening, laughing, wiping away a few tears. It was fun hearing from some authors of books I own! At the lunch break we took a walk around downtown Boise. We had lunch at a restaurant in the Basque district. Mmmm! Saturday market was going on. So fun! It was very much like Eugene's Saturday Market minus the dread locks and tie-dye. ;) LOVED IT! --the whole weekend.

Time went by way too fast. I was able to see a few of my favorite people and wished that I could've seen them all. Now it's back to reality. Time to implement all those wonderful things I learned ,or rather, was reminded of at TOFW.

Home again and it's Back-to-School time!