Sippi Strides

One door closes, another one opens

2011-09-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here ends a 5-yr chapter to our lives. We could accurately title it:

"Our First Five Years of Parenthood, The Pilot World, and Southern Living". In this chapter, two late 20 somethings learn what it takes when you throw training to be one of the world's best pilots, raising a family, and running a small business into the mix of learning to live in the heart of the south. See how this family finds God, builds lasting friendships, and successfully balances parenthood with self-interests like triathlons, traveling, and green living.

I pack a few tears inside each box. The memories of each dish that fed the friends we hosted in our home, I wrap up the conversations in each mug and place it away...not gone but to be opened again in the next place with our new family-like friends. The trampoline that has bounced off so many laughs, giggles, tears, and joys from all our friend's and neighborhood children. Our backyard, a kid's dream land with great shady pine trees holding on to the knots of hours spent swinging in the yellow swing, the blue airplane swing, and the standing rope swing. The sand box and playhouse, the great expanse of green grass that served as grounds for many playdates, obstacle courses, t-ball, basketball, baseball, football, frisbee, and tag games, a Gator driving course, and the stomping grounds for Sunshine our foster dog, Sassafras and Sophie the cats, and a stray armadillo, raccoon, or opossum passing through. The least favorite thing about our house will be my memory of falling through the attic to the garage floor. We will also never forget Bird Man and his garage full of hidden treasures or the day his Ford Bronco was stolen/towed away.

It's as if a part of my heart is dying. We keep the fond memories close at heart but the pain of loss is still difficult. It's challenging. With the end of a 5-yr chapter we are reminded of our mortality and the kids growing up. To think about: all the hours I sat with Addie in my arms rocking away sweet infancy staring at the murals on her wall thinking that toddlerhood was so far off. Laying in the comfort of the dim light on Owen's bed dreaming of the far off galaxies cast on his ceiling cast from his night light.

To be able to stop and reflect about where we have been and where we are now is a blessing. We are able to stop time and just breathe in the glory of what our life holds for us today. I am so thankful for our neighbors Sheila, Ms. Carol, Marie, Len Honeycutt, and the Garrisons, Ms. Velma, and Ms. Ethel. Owen's neighborhood friends: Caleb, Demariae, Skylar, and Chandler. So many close friends like Rachel & Josh Thompson, Laura & Joe Stallings, Chanel & Nick Thompson, Jeff and Cindy Blaufuss, Christy & Scoot Johnson, Tiffany and Travis VanTassel, Stacey and John Adams, Felicia & Josh Beaudreoux, Dustin & Janna Hudson, Carla & Rob Pike, Paul & Gretchen Fulkerson, Tonya & Andrew Harrison, Crystal & Scott Branco, Lorena Thomas & Family, Nicole, Brett & Owen Speth, The Schmidt's and Mielke's, Jen & Rob Baumbach, and so many many more special people that have blessed our lives. There are many still here and gone before us, the leaders (The Johnson's and Hubert's) and instructors Justin had, the motherhood support I had through Stroller Strides, the preschool teachers (Ms. Willie, Ms. Pat, Ms. Madeline, and Ms. Lezlie) at First Presbyterian and First Baptist (Ms. Linda and Ms. Clemie) and pastors at First Pres (Pastor Tom and Brother Ron and Jason) at Evangel Church. We are also thankful for Addie's CDC teacher Ms. Antoinette and Owen's Kindergarten teacher Ms. Shannon and helper Ms. Tammy.

"To taste experience, to reach out eagerly & without fear for newer & richer experience." - E. R

What I do during the day

2009-06-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

I made these sack sleeves today during Owen's nap as gifts to the hosts of my "green" babyshower tomorrow. They are made from 100% recycle fiber towels that I found at Walmart. I can't tell you how easy they were to wip out...less than 10 min each!

I also clean up messes. This is what happens when I get on long phone calls with my mom and Owen is at home. If you can't tell, let me explain what you see: rice crispies (that Owen likes to eat dry by the fist fulls) and spilled milk from his cup (we don't use valves anymore)...still trying to get the smell out of the couch!

Summer fun

2009-06-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Owen got a new big boy bike...his "Tonka Bike". He is absolutely proud, thrilled, and magnatized to this bike. He wants to show it off to everyone...all our neighbors, friends, and even the Lowe's delivery guys..."Hey, look at my Tonka bike". He still rides his tricycle too.

Here's Owen and his sidekick Jackson, waiting for their dry clothes after cooling off in the sprinkler.

Shuttling a Shuttle

2009-06-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

We had a special visit by a NASA 747 and the Shuttle Atlantis on Tue here at CAFB. Owen and I went out to see the 747 land with shuttle on top. I'm pretty sure he thinks the space shuttle landed on the 747 since when we were at an airshow earlier this spring he saw a little stunt plane land on the top of a truck. Click the link for the complete journey and pictures.

http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/shuttleferry.blog/posts/index.html

How do you like them apples?

2009-04-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest project (a few more canvases to complete...but the murals on the walls are finished).

In attempts to simplify, I will no longer be blogging on this site. To keep up to date with us and our pics please find us on our shutterfly blog.

Tissue paper

2009-04-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Owen: "Mom, what's this?"

Me: "Tissue paper."

Owen: (as he holds the large piece of paper up to his nose) "Can I blow my nose with it?"

Me: You could, but it would be a little rough on your nose.

Other recent conversation with Owen:

Instead of asking the dreaded question repeatedly during our trip last week, "Are we there yet?" Owen's version was, "Where we are going?" Every couple of minutes, this question remained the hot topic. We kept saying, "Pennsylvania." Owen's response, "Can we go to McDonald's after Pennsylvania?"

Nesting in a Skate

2009-04-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there were two love birds eager to find the perfect home to raise their babies. The female gave strict orders to the male to go find a safe, warm, and protected location. After much searching, the male returned and said, "Follow me, my dear, for I have found the most perfect spot to start our family." Doors seemed to open for them (especially garage doors) and they began collecting and depositing the raw materials at the nesting spot.

A terrible destructive force came and took everything they had gathered away. The two love birds have a heart to heart conversation. "This is why I do things myself," the female bird exclaims. The male bird understands his mate is just uncomfortable carrying around the extra weight of the eggs and he just listens humbly to her complaints. They set out to find a new nesting spot and work extra hard to make up for lost time. The efforts produce a wonderful new nest worthy of housing the finest eggs...

...feel free to put your own conclusion to this story

Grammy & Grampy visit

2009-04-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

While growing up, Warren (Justin's dad) called his grandfather "Gampy"...so that is what he wants Owen to call him. I have to admit I have a hard time bringing my mouth to say "Gampy" and wasn't too fond of leaving out the "r". Gampy was Warren's favorite grandpa and they had a little tradition that he wanted to pass on with Owen. This visit Owen was taught the answers to the special questions that his "Gampy" asked..here's how the question/answer session goes:

Gampy: "Do you love Gampy?"
Owen: "Yes"
Gampy: "How much?"
Owen: "Big as a house"
Gampy: "What kind of house?"
Owen: "Gampy's house"

It melted Warren's heart to hear Owen respond with the answers to his childhood tradition. We also celebrated Warren and Justin's birthdays during their visit. Owen showed Grammy a little volcano science project. Justin & I compared belly shots. Owen received more monster truck paraphernalia (truck & t-shirt) which he is well-deserving of for keepinh his boxer briefs clean and dry!!! Owen made a birthday card for Daddy with Grammy's help. We visited Meridian, MS where the azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom. Owen loved spending quality time with his Grammy & Grampy.

Swimming Lessons

2009-03-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

The first time back in the pool since last summer...he was soooo excited...and tense. The water was a warm 83.5 degrees but he was shivering being so anxious in the water. Hopefully, the first time jitters are out of his system and he can relax a bit next week. He at the very least learned to hold on to the edge and that he really can't swim just yet!

From baby to big boy

2009-03-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Owen is officially potty trained!!! What a great feeling and may I add great timing with one more diaper wearer on the way! Thanks to Owen's newest passion for Monster Trucks...(Monster Jam was worth it in many ways after all)...he decided that if he wanted to be a Monster Truck driver he would have to take time out to [this is where we enter the land of make-believe] "get out of his truck and go to the potty" just like the Monster Truck Drivers do. Grammie sent a special potty package that he earned when he went poop on the potty. He now thinks that every time he goes to the potty, a new monster truck should arrive. I can't seem to shake asking him every hour if he has to potty...but it's true...he initiates it on his own and tells me! We are so proud of him.

Friends of our just gave us the baby seat and although a "big boy" Owen is mesmerized by the soothing ocean sounds that it emits.

It's a...

2009-03-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

These clothes are not for Owen

2009-03-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

If you know me, I shop yard sales and consignment shops!!! Our town is having a huge consignment sale going on and what better time to find out that we're having a GIRL!!!! I actually took it easy and just picked out a few things (no pink here!!!).

At the Backyard Playplace

2009-03-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you wonder if having a child is fun...check out what our backyard is turning into!

Snow, Wind, & Rain

2009-03-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

When it is windy, I fly a kite.

When it snows, I build a snowman.

When it rains, I read books.

When it is sunny, I smile.

And after all the playtime, I sleep.

Monster Trucks - Part II

2009-03-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

This was the Big League of Monster Truck Shows...MONSTER JAM! It was a step up from our last show but still not as full of speed, crushing, and crashing as many shows that you see in a large dirt arena. This show was in an indoor arena with no dirt. They still managed to fit two hours of LOUD, STINKIN', little boy loving, EXCITEMENT in to the mix. Within the first five minutes, number 199 flipped on its side. The crash made it all worth it. Our day was made complete with a stop at the toy store to pick up a few Monster Jam Hotwheel Trucks...which have provided nonstop play ever since.

On a roll

2009-02-20T05:28:00.000-08:00

The blogs are just rolling off my fingertips this week so why not another?

Last month I decided to join up with a great group of gals that knit, knit, and knit. They could knit circles around me and have done 3 or 4 projects in the time that I finished my hobo bag/purse...but here it is. It's another great hobby for my fingertips besides typing and a step up from the standard scarf that I have done in the past. It's for sale for only $99.99

Confession

2009-02-19T04:10:00.000-08:00

Bless me, for I have sinned!

When I was without child, I use to judge my mommy friends. I knew that when I was to become a mom, my house would be spotless. I would have so much time to do laundry, clean, make healthy meals, plan, organize, schedule fun activities, watch my favorite TV shows...really, how hard could it be to "stay at home" all day long everyday?

I have learned my lesson, please may I have some time back now? If there is anything that I learned in my formative years that prepared me more for my job as a mother, it was time management! Although in a constant learning curve, I have adapted pretty well to getting so much done in so little time. I have realized that no one has more time than the next person so it's a quality over quantity sort of dilemma. I have also realized that I would not trade motherhood for the world. When I step back from it all once in a while, I can fully appreciate the business of busyness that I miss when I am away from motherhood.

Monster Trucks - Part I

2009-02-17T03:24:00.000-08:00

Owen can't get enough Monster Trucks. He sees pics, youtube videos, watches the commercials on TV and gets so excited. We even made a special trip to Burger King so he could get the Monster Jam truck in his kids meal. We're so lucky to live here in MS and have two truck shows to go to just this month! We attended one this past Sunday and will be going to a Monster Jam show the end of the month.

Here's some snapshots (poor guy was feeling sick as you'll notice in his gaze - so I'm glad he will have the chance to go again when he's not so under the weather).

Hopefully the next show won't be so stinky. I had to get a picture of the sign because although it said "smoke" as in the tobacco type, it was far from CO smoke free. (our lungs were looking forward to the intermission when we could get a breath of fresh outdoor air...as soon as we walked outside, it was a smoker convention!)

Tidbits from our Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

Here's Owen modeling his new red sweater from Grammie & Papa. The red ties in nicely with the hues of scraped skin that have been present on Owen's nose for the last month! He has suffered one injury on top of the next. First incident was a run in with a PVC pipe, 2nd go was a scuff from the bleachers at the gym, and the 3rd time was a face plant on the driveway after he tripped chasing a rocket. We're hoping the streak is soon over and his little nose can get back to normal...Bacitracin has become a prominent household name.

(You'll notice in the next picture, Owen got his haircut today too).

We had the good fortune of experiencing the sweetness of a precious little girl on Valentine's Night. Emily Claire, our friends daughter, spent a few hours with us as her parents celebrated a V-day dinner out on the town. She was an angel and a breath of fresh air!

Since Justin calls me "Babycakes" and since we are with baby it seemed a perfect little treat to make for Valentine's Day this year. I got the recipe from the Dessert Challenge Winner on the Food Network. You actually use babyfood in the batter...these are "yummylicious" as Owen likes to say. Of course, Owen made sure the icing was completely devoured before he tasted the cake part.

Week 12 - My appetite is back!

2009-01-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

There's no holding it in anymore, just holding it up from here on out!

A learning experience

2009-01-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

Owen starting out on skates for the first time.

This reminds me of those days where I just feel like I keep tripping and falling...but then I get back up, dust it off, and keep pressing on...without times like these, progress goes unappreciated.

Perseverance pays off!

10.5 weeks

2009-01-15T10:25:00.001-08:00

Hey everybody...it's me...Stimets baby #2. Yes, that's my mom's uterus. It's about the size of a grapefruit right about now. She said you'd all be pleased to see it keeping me nice and protected. Awgh, it's fun swimming around in here. I'm about 1.2 inches long from crown to rump and weigh less than a sixth of an ounce. Even so, I've been busy swallowing and kicking. Each day there's more and more crazy things happening to me. I'm starting to get fingernails and peach-fuzzy hair.

My vital organs, you know the liver, kidneys, intestines, brain, and lungs -- are fully formed and functional. Yes, I have to admit, I do have a big head. It's about half the length of my entire body. My forehead is a little bulgy but just temporarily while it sits high on the big knoggin until later when it will change into a more human-like feature.

My spine is pretty clear, although we didn't get a shot of it. My spinal nerves stretch out from the spinal cord. I already know if I'm going to be a little brother or sister, but sorry, you're going to have to wait until the middle of March to find out!!! No need to get all antsy, I'm in no hurry to see any bright lights just yet. It's pretty fun in here mooching off of momma.

(clicking on the images will open them up in another window for a bigger view)

There are arms and legs! An umbilical cord! A racing little heart! The beginnings of a profile! Always an amazing feeling to be a female and to be amazed at the capabilities we have to grow another life inside of us (of course with the help of that other seed, it could not have happened without man)...it's going on right now, even if after weeks of feeling drained, semi-nauseated, and just down right blaa, wanting to some days cry over nothing doesn't make it seem real, pictures help to make it sink in...WOW!!! The baby was a little mover while under the influence of sound waves. It's little ticker was moving at 171 bpm. The expected due date of Aug 7th may end up bringing Owen a one-of-a-kind, hard to beat gift for his 3rd birthday.

Engdahl Family Challenge - Final Results

2009-01-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

...and the winners are...

All of you!!!

Each of you who have taken the challenge and spent the last six weeks focused on putting one foot in front of the next, knows that 10,000 steps each day has been...well, a challenge, especially during the holiday season. It hasn't been easy (but by a certain team's step total...those turkeys made it look easy!) Obtaining optimal health will always be work, just as any other good thing in life, a good marriage, relationships, working towards any goal. There were many days that I lacked motivation and yet there was my mom in the back of my mind dancing around trying to wrack up some steps on her pedometer, or Uncle Barry was sending me emails about how he was motivating his team with jodies. (I needed a little of that somedays). Then Uncle Nels writes and says how he hiked/jogged 13 miles one day (more than he'd ever done in the Army at one time) and that he hasn't felt as good as he's been feeling in a long time. I'm so proud of everyone of you who has "stepped" up to the challenge! It has been a great thing and I hope that next year we can have a repeat experience. (Aunt Sally, I think you'd be great at being the tracker/reporter next year!)

Final Results

First Place

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters - Uncle Barry, Diane, and Laura who walked a combined equivalent of about 728 miles or 1,455,897 (steps)! Congratulations for all your hard work and dedication! You each will be receiving a $30 gift certificate to "Today's Trends" in Williamsport curtesy of Swaggy's Guide Services (a.k.a. "Little" Barry).

Second Place/Third Place - wow this was crazy close!!! I can already predict there will be pedometer calibration discussions that could arguably be accountable for the slight differences we see below!

Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers - Dad, Mom, and Tiffany who walked a combined equivalent of about 600 miles or 1,200,856 steps.

Rolley's Rebels - Uncle Nels, Aunt Cyndi, and Kristi who walked a combined equivalent of about 599 miles or 1,197,688 steps.

Fourth Place

Two Steppin' - Aunt Sally, Dave (Tiff's BF), and Me who walked a combined equivalent of about 512 miles or 1,023,216 steps.

Week 6 Results

1. Rolley's Rebels - 281,328 Congratulations to Uncle Nels, Aunt Cyndi, and Kristi. You obtained the highest step count for a single week in your last week of the challenge!!!
2. Pine Creek Turkey Trotters - 252,757
3. Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers - 219,687
4. Two Steppin' - 162,973
5. Air Walkers - no steps reported

2008 in Review

2008-12-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

Winter:

January brought us closing on our first home and the celebration of our sixth wedding anniversary. February took us to San Antonio where Justin began his 4-month pilot instructor training course.

Spring:

We spent time with Justin's family in VT in March as we grieved the passing of his grandfather Stimets. We enjoyed the simplicity of apartment living (no TV) through the spring in San Antonio and finally returned to live in our home in June. I took on my first business venture when I purchased a Stroller Strides Franchise in May.

Summer:

Justin and I both spent our summers getting spun up on becoming instructors; the pilot type for J and the exercise arena for me. I also did much planning for my Grand Opening in Aug. We celebrated Owen's 2nd birthday in Aug when we spent two weeks with my family in MT.

Fall:

Owen began preschool two mornings each week. He loves his school, teachers, and friends and there is no turning back when I drop him off. His speech took off when he turned two and there's no stopping the out-pour of conversation from his ever expanding vocabulary. Justin enjoyed several weekend "cross country" flights to places like Myrtle Beach, Houston, Tampa, and Nashville. I finally got a taste of freedom when I took my first overnight (for three nights) sabbatical from Owen to attend a Stroller Strides Conference in San Diego in Oct. Our Thanksgiving was spent with friends in Atlanta. We took a trip to Birmingham to see Sesame Street Live...Owen still talks about staying in a hotel and we'll never forget how we forgot his shoes and all of our toiletries at home.

Winter:

Our second annual St Jude's Run experience (although this time shorter) was fun for my 29th birthday. We spent the night in Memphis. We look forward to spending the end of 08 with my parents as they visit from MT and get to celebrate my mom's birthday and New Year's with them.

In our sights:

Justin and I are looking forward to a night away in Jan when we celebrate our 7th anniversary. Justin is gearing up to begin his Master's Degree in Jan too! As for Owen, hopefully potty training will be on his agenda very soon. I will continue to have fun being a mom! More fun is coming our way in Aug when we plan to welcome baby #2 to the family!!!

Engdahl Family Challenge - Week 5 Standings

2008-12-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

Week 5 Results

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters - 205,749

Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers - 167,711
The team would like to share a few images of team spirit that's going on amongst them:

This week we had a new team join the challenge made up of Aunt Sally, Dave (Tiffany's boyfriend), and I am adding my steps to their team since my team has kind of fizzled out.

2 Steppin' - 156,501

Have not received results from teams: Air Walkers & Rolley's Rebels for this week.

This is the last week of competition....make it a great one and ring in 09 in good stride! I'll be posting the final results next week!!!

Engdahl Family Challenge - Week 4 Standings

2008-12-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Week 4 Results

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters - 257,106

Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers - 244,140

Air Walkers - 235,732

Rolley's Rebels - 207,374

2 Steppin' - 148,578

Boots with Fur - no results

3 Mamateers - no results

Engdahl Family Challenge - Week 3 Standings

2008-12-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Week 3 Results

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters - 278,790 ~139 miles

Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers - 194,626 ~97 miles

Air Walkers - no info

Rolley's Rebels - 187,363 ~94 miles

Boots with Fur - no info

3 Mamateers - 85,768 + one member's input

Kill her with kindness

2008-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

WARNING to all happy citizens entering the base library...it seems there is a vacuum about the library attendant desk that sucks all the happiness, cheer, and goodness from all those who work behind it.

It was a beautiful sunny winter day, weather expected to be clear and reaching upwards of 50 degrees. Surely everyone could be thankful today since the three-day streak of flood producing rain and tornado warning activity had passed. I know I had an extra spring in my step from the burst of light the sun brought to the deep regions of my brain. I may have even been whistling "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" as I walked up the library sidewalk holding Owen's hand...we had just gotten through our Stroller Strides workout and Christmas songs were fresh on my mind. Ending all holiday noise and reminding Owen that we are to whisper when we go in the library, I opened the entrance doors. There was a gush of warm air that hit our faces as we stepped across the threshold. We approached the desk, surely to find someone as welcoming as the warm air. I smiled at the lady, that's just usually what I do, I smile a lot because I'm happy and when I'm not happy it makes me happy. I'm happy to be able to find great books and DVDs at the library, and especially happy when I finish a great book and return it before the due back date. I set my loaned materials on the counter as the attendant reaches out for them, not returning my smile, just doing her job like a cold, emotionless robot. I make a mental note: she likes when you place your returns on the desk, not in the slot labled "RETURNS". Maybe that's where I went wrong on my last visit a few weeks ago. I placed my returns in the slot and she had to bend over to retrieve them.

The attendant scans the returned items back in to the computer system. As she does this, I ask if my library number is up on the screen. "NO," she simply responds. Ut oh, I think to myself. I'm going to have to scrounge through my brain and try to remember the 3-digit library number that she told me from last time if I am to check out any more materials. Do I scrounge my brain and try to string the three ambiguous numbers together, do I walk out scared off by her angry demeanor, or do I just grin and bear it and ask for the number again? I specifically remember that when I asked for my number on our last visit, her tone made it clear that she was not there to give out 3-digit numbers to people who could not appreciate the significance of remembering their library number.

After choosing two selections I timidly approach the counter. She's still not smiling, definitely not happy to help me, and from the looks of the lack of activity in the library, I gather she is not very busy. I imagine she knows what I'm about to say from my earlier comment about wondering if my number was pulled up on her screen. She probably roasts all innocent non number committing patrons with her service-lacking approach although I'm positive this approach extends far beyond just those of us failing to commit our three digits to memory; she has lacks skills all together. I envision her as a "Pig Pen" kind of lady, you know the kind that a dark cloud looms over even on sunny days. "Spell your last name" she commands me. "Most people put their numbers in their phones." "Ma'am, I don't have a cell phone," I say. (Justin and I took a leap a few months back and purchased a track phone which we only carry if one of us is away on a trip). "Well, I specifically remember writing your number down for you last time, but I'll write it down for you again." she's practically sighing from having to lift the pen to write 2-5-7. "Well, gee, thanks, I didn't realize this was such a hassle for you," I blurt out. This actually slowed her down and she seemed taken aback for a second when she replied, "sometimes the computer brings it up and sometimes it doesn't". I was at a loss for words and quickly grabbed my stuff, Owen's hand, turned to walk off and said, "This is a customer service thing, thanks!" (which makes no sense) Too bad it didn't come out like "Your customer service has a lot to be desired and maybe you should work on smiling and be willing to help library patrons." Needless to say, I was shaking because I was just attacked by a mean lady. On my next visit, I will be taking her a plate of cookies with the following note,

Dear Library Lady,

You will be pleased to know that I have crafted my own library card. I will no longer need your service or time to look up my number. Hope that the cookies will bring a bit of cheer to your day!

Sincerely,
Lindsey Stimets
#257

May you be spared the wrath of the library loch ness monster on your next library visit!

Engdahl Family Challenge - Week 2 Standings

2008-12-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters	254,384
Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers	218,440
Boots with Fur Air Walkers	210,322 205,448
Rolley's Rebels	132,207
3 Mamateers	TBD

Make the Time

2008-12-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

...the biggest excuse I hear from people that do not exercise is "I don't have time". What I really hear when people say this to me is, "I don't want to." So I say, if you really want to take care of yourself, make the time, schedule it on your planner, just tie up your sneakers and get out the door, the easiest part is the walk.

Take care of yourself so you can take care of those you love!

Question to ask yourself: What have you done to encourage your team mates in reaching their holiday fitness goal?

Here is the website http://walking.about.com/od/measure/a/stepequivalents.htm for converting other daily activites/sports that you may engage in to step equivalents. This is based on one min/activity. You can also find equivalencies based on other increments of time.

First Week's Results for the Engdahl Family Holiday Challenge

Congrats to Uncle Barry, Diane, and Laura who have logged a combined 103.5 miles for the first week!!!

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters	207,111
Rolley's Rebels	187,147
Air Walkers	181,241
Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers	156,252
3 Mamateers	87,754
Boots with Fur	75,722

Toe Tapping Fun

2008-11-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some other snapshots of some fun we had at the Atlanta Children's Museum on Friday.

Trucks

2008-11-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

Owen has a natural born affection for trucks so much that I'm convinced that on his Y chromosome is a big impression of a truck.

Busy at the construction site.

We had a transportation parade Sat night.

Likes to be in character for breakfast.

Modeling Grammy Stimets' Hand Knitted Sweater...and reindeer antlers.

LOVES his soft sweater and daddy's boots.

Engdahl Holiday Challenge

2008-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

This officially marks the kick off of the
Engdahl Family 2008 Holiday Challenge!!!

Not only are we taking steps for our health, we are taking these steps together with family as a way to stay in touch over the holidays. You can count on knowing that you are out there doing this together as a team! The family is behind you! Let's all get stepping Engdahls! The following teams have been formed, have their pedometers on hip, and are ready to take their first steps tomorrow into what will be the beginning of a healthy 2008 holiday season.

Air Walkers Ryan, Jordan*, Macy

3 Mammateers Brandi, Jenn, Lindsey*

Mossy Oak Trail Trekkers Mike, Kim*, Tiff

Hop on Pop Ronny*, someone else, PopPop

Rolley's Rebels Nels* (a.k.a. "Baby Steps"), Kristi, Cindy

Pine Creek Turkey Trotters Laura, Diane, Barry*

Name TBD Chad, Jess, Barry

(* denotes team captain/person responsible for reporting team totals to me by Mon of each week. Each team member will total their steps walked from Mon-Sun each week and send the total to the team captain.)

Here's a little intelligence from some Engdahl walkers...
(a.k.a. your friendly family competitors)

One family member says,

"Just wanted to let you know that yesterday I walked 12,520 steps myself! Maybe that should have been 10,000 steps each person! I worked and walked 5700 steps then went to the gym and walked 3 miles on the elyptical in 30 minutes at a resistance of 6! I ended up last night with 12,520! So I figured on average at work I walk 2 1/2 miles then whatever else I have going on is a plus."

Another family member states,

"Are we to walk 10,000 steps everyday as an individual or as a team? Can we do this as an individual? Oh well, I am ready either way, let the games begin."

Seems like there's a lot of "talk" going on. Let's just see if the stepping all adds up at the end of this week and for the next 6 weeks! Remember to pace yourself...no getting burnt out by week 3 and quitting. Everyone who starts WILL finish!

Question to ask yourself : What is your holiday fitness goal? (Remember SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely)

Please send any pictures of yourself during this challenge...we'd love to see you in action! Comments are always being accepted.

Let the games begin!

Control

2008-11-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

I can not control the stock market, but I can control what I put in my body.

In the garbage...that's where I threw over half of a chocolate PB torte. I took two bites from a piece and then decided to follow my friend's advice. Thanks friend!!! Then, I brushed my teeth and dusted my bedroom. Owen proceeded to spray dust spray in his eye...he was fine.

Then last night while the financial adviser was over for our annual meeting telling us that we'd lost over 40% on our investments, Owen was practicing holding himself up between the couch and coffee table. He slipped, slammed his chin on the coffee table, and bit three huge gashes in his tongue. We stopped the meeting as the most Owen blood we've ever seen came gushing out of his mouth. We ran to get a cold wash cloth...but somehow that didn't soothe the pain of a 40% loss. Thank heavens we're all young and the large wounds will heal with time!!!

In any case, here's the new paint job on our house.

My Dream Job

2008-11-13T05:55:00.000-08:00

I asked my Stroller Strides moms what their dream job is last week. Much to my surprise, no one said being a mom! I had to sit back and really think about what makes a dream job...well, so "dreamy". These are the characteristics that make up my dream job:

1. Have fun, laugh, learn, be challenged
2. Set my own hours
3. Be rewarded for my efforts
4. Have others hold my work in high regards

SURPRISE! I am living my dream job! I think that we moms need to be reminded from time to time about how important we are to our kids, our family dynamics, our husbands, our community, and the future well-being of our nation! So here's a video to turn to when you need a little pat on the back. There are many of us in this together and there's no one more suited for making your job a dream than you!

The Strength For Motherhood from Lisa Druxman on Vimeo.

Three versions of one boy

2008-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here is our preferred Halloween costume for this year...a down-home Carhart wearing Farmboy.

We however encountered two other potential costume ideas earlier in the week:

1. Peanutbutter Monster

2. Motorcycle Man

Please water me!

2008-10-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

I use to pay a LOT of attention to gardening and houseplants. Now it seems that the only time I start paying attention is when it's too late. My next invention: A shrilling screeching high frequency crying noise emitter for plants to signal that they need watered. We will call it the Mommy Monitor for plants...kind of like the noise our kids start to make when they are hungry or thirsty.For now I'm going to say this is just a sign that summer and the growing season is coming to an end. Maybe next year I will pay more attention to my plants.

Buy Handmade

2008-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

The following website, Why buy handmade lists the following reasons to the cause:

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

If you're looking for a great place to find homemade gifts: http://www.etsy.com/

Country Pumpkins

2008-10-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

This place is awesome...and completely FREE! The farm is a beautiful slice of Mississippi. Everything about the "Country Pumpkins" operation is so well-organized; it's close by, easy to find, great signs on and off location, fantastic KID-FRIENDLY activities, family friendly with shaded picnic tables, educational, and it's all self-service!!! We spent an hour and a half playing!!! We can't wait for Grammy & Gampy to arrive so they can accompany us when we go again on our Luna Moms Fieldtrip.

P.S. For our Indiana friends...they even had genuine corn holes!

Preserving Jam

2008-10-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Which is it? Jelly, jam or preserves? All three are made from fruit mixed with sugar and pectin. The difference between them comes in the form that the fruit takes.

In jelly, the fruit comes in the form of fruit juice.
In jam, the fruit comes in the form of fruit pulp or crushed fruit (and is less stiff than jelly as a result).
In preserves, the fruit comes in the form of chunks in a syrup or a jam.

Today O & I made the ever popular Strawberry Jam.

Firetrucks

2008-10-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

CAFB had an open house at their fire station for Fire Prevention Week. Owen was on cloud 9! He ran from one truck to the next, helped honk horns, blow sirens, spray water, try on the firefighter gear, shake hands with Sparky, and see a live aircraft burn exercise. We spent much of the day at the fire station sitting and climbing all around each truck. Afterwords, we got to see 12 trucks parade through the base with their lights and sirens on while they threw candy to the kids.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

2008-09-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Sesame Street

A great view even without shoes!

Slant 1: What a great weekend! We began Saturday morning with a Stroller Strides class for moms and dads...it was fantastic to have all the couples workout together. They all seemed to be enjoying the beautiful MS morning that it was by spending it outdoors getting a challenging workout in before another fall weekend of football began.

Great to get-away. Awesome show! Delicious PF Chang Dinner. Cool new pair of shoes for Owen! Great King-sized bed...wow, can't wait to do it all again!

Slant 2: We quickly left Stroller Strides to head home to shower and "pack" up the remaining items in our overnight bag before heading to Birmingham to watch Sesame Street Live. We left right on schedule, arrived at the Sheraton/Convention Center where we'd be watching the show and staying the night. Opening the door to get Owen out, I asked Justin where Owen's shoes were. A long pause before he responded answered that question! I have done this one other time, but luckily Owen's rainboots were in the back of the car...not so lucky this time. We managed to carry him inside where he ran around shoeless on the carpeted (thank heavens) floors.

The show started. Owen never sat so still and has never been so mesmorized in his life! We even sang along, toe tapped, and danced to some of the songs. It was FUN! It was a no-napper that day so we figured with all the action we'd try to get Owen to lay down to rest for an hour before we headed out for dinner. I will repeat...it was a no-napper day. I wish the hour of fighting him to sleep could be erased from the day...it was a huge spoiler and drainer of energy. He fell asleep as soon as we loaded up and headed out to dinner. Excited to have a quiet dinner in peace, we wheeled him in P.F. Changs reclined in his BOB, through the restaurant straight to the patio where he graciously awakened to not miss out on the Sat night dinner experience. Very entertained by poking a chopstick through the hole of Cheerios to eat them. Thank heavens for chopsticks...not so much though when they began to fly across the patio after dinner...TIME EXPIRED, we rushed away prematurely, begging the server for our check...still no shoes on his feet!

Got back to the room after securing a pair of Chuck Taylor's (so cute!) at a shop. Unpacking and getting ready to shower, I noticed a few very important items missing...our toiletry bag! A quick call to the front desk fixed that...back in money with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deoderant...the Sheraton to the rescue! But wait...I really didn't forget a pair of underwear!!! Yes, I really did...so who knows where my brain was while packing...I guess next time I won't wait until the last minute while rushing around to pack an overnight bag. Sounds like a very familiar tip they give all expectant mothers!

Tired from the day, I couldn't wait to sleep in the King bed...3:30am rolls around and I'm awakened by the light and sound of the TV! I too was kind of a rolly-poly the entire night as Owen was the King in the King-sized bed...hogging the middle while Justin and I clinged to the edges. Trying not to squish him with pillows and covers, I felt like I woke up every hour checking the status of my location. Justin was not able to sleep for a while so he decided to check in with the weather channel.

Needless to say, it was a no shoes, no toiletry, no underwear, and no rest kind of weekend.

Justin's Get Away Weekend

2008-09-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Justin had a little corporate convention this weekend (a.k.a. Squadron "deployment"...a.k.a. Trip to Myrtle Beach that involved not having to fly commercially, if you know what I mean).

It was a weekend of fun and games for the guys that don't get to spend enough time with their wives throughout the week...I mean second wives. I'm really not sour although the weather all day Fri and part of Sat was a dreary rainy mess that added to the gloom of not having Justin home and didn't leave much for nice thoughts about how much fun Daddy was having at the beach.

One of the competitions the guys had was nose wheel roulette which is pictured below. Justin happened to be the "lucky" winner of a bottle of Crown Royal for having his number (#6) end up in the chosen down position between the chocks. To win a bottle of rubbing alcohol or hairspray would have been better...at least it could have been put to better use.

They enjoyed some go-carts and deep sea fishing...Justin wasn't as lucky with catching fish as he was with winning a game of poker Fri night.

Around the house

2008-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

The boys fixing up the landscaping in the front...re-edging and taking off the layer of mulch to prepare to lay stone. A great pair of rubber boots are perfect for the dirty work.

This has been one of Owen's latest bath time games. I needed only to demonstrate once before he caught on. The diving board is a foam rubber stamp for soap art in the bath tub...but works so much better as a diving board to launch fish.

Change

2008-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season of Presidential Campaigning! We're on a campaign in our household to write in Owen for President! Who knows "change" better than a two year old?! Every few months, the number and arrangement of teeth in his mouth changes. We can expect at least 10 times a day to have a change in mood. Some days we have 3-4 changes in outfits due to dirt, water, food, or wet underpants. Speaking of underpants...we change about 5 diapers each day or 2-3 pairs of underpants. What about the change in his ability to speak, comprehend, roll, sit, crawl, walk, drink, or eat on his own in the last two years! If we want someone that knows anything about change...I move to elect Owen for President!

Today, Owen's schedule changed. He attended his first day of preschool! He ran into his classroom and there was no turning back. I think he may have cried at one point because I saw some salty tear smears under his eye when I picked him up...but there was no report of it. When I asked him if he wanted to go back tomorrow...he quickly responded, "Yes!" The morning at school wore him out! He went right to sleep soon after we got home. You can view his report card from today in the slideshow. He will get a card after each day of school. He made a little bean shaker as his art project. Most importantly, you will see the note that he loved the truck center...imagine that!!! (click on the slide show to view the pics bigger on a separate page)

Foggy morning at the homestead

2008-09-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

Here's an updated pic of our house on this very foggy morning. We added some more landscaping in the front along with the rockers. Gutters and painting comes next!

The spiders have been busy decorating for Halloween.

Haiku

2008-09-06T19:17:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've written a Haiku so I thought it seemed like a stimulating challenge:

A frog on a chair
Green and white rock back and forth
Fall time is soon here

And another:

I would love to hear (5 syllables)
A Haiku poem of your own (7 syllables)
Now sit and write please (5 syllables)

A boy and his toys

2008-09-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Owen speaks. In Two. (Or Three). Word Sentences. Non-stop. All day long. Last Monday Owen added some John Deer power tools to his toy collection from Mossy Oak. Owen repeated "Mossy Toak" the entire 20 min trip there and back. This stage of verbally expressing himself is so fun and exciting as a parent because there is almost no guessing at what he needs or wants. He can also remember people's names way better than I can! I think I'll start using him as my rolodex.

"Vacuum cleaner"

Owen received an educational DVD about trucks from our friends Paul and Gretchen for his birthday (Big trucks, fire engines, and garbage trucks). For anyone with boys, these DVDs (Real Wheels) geared towards 3 yrs and older are a must! He is fascinated by them, thereby our collection has grown to planes, buses, trains, tractors, farm trucks, and dump trucks. I think they have really helped him begin to leap into the world of imaginary play. This morning we found a $1 treasure truck at a yard sale. Owen has been playing earnestly with this thing all day and repeating, "Bucket truck" all the while making truck noises. It makes us melt to see something make him so happy. Just goes to show that kids could care less if parts are missing or how beat up a toy is.

Move on over little man, I'm stepping in.

Finally, I wanted to include Owen in his cage...he calls it the "jumpoline"

Children...keep the faith

2008-08-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

We have had a great weekend...mostly because we were not dreading Monday morning on Sunday night! We also have enjoyed the company of our friends (to include our backyard neighbor) on Sat. Lastly, we enjoyed our experience at a "church"...finally. By finally, I mean having been to almost every denomination that exists to man leading us to the decision that the entire term "church" and the institutions that call themselves "churches" are just not for us.

Owen too spent the weekend having his own kind of fun...busy learning to play with many children. He got a little too excited to have kids around to play with and wasn't being the sweetest little only-child (wink, wink) that we know him to be. He was testing his limits by putting the term rough-housing to its literal use; throwing sand in Anna's eyes, hitting, pillow fighting, and well, that's all I caught with my eyes. It seemed like minutes after he would get up from a timeout he would proceed to torment her some more as if her recovery from the eyeball exfoliating treatment was a sign of her renewed strength. I'm going to blame the excitement, energy of all the kids, and Whipped Delight (not so delightful for parents - a sugary dessert) for 90% of his over-zealous aggression and 10% of it to him being two. Besides, I can only be held responsible for his more gentle, kind, and compassionate side - the side I see when he is well rested and in a quiet setting. I do know that timeouts begin to loose meaning the more tired, restless, and cranky your child gets. Note to self for next time: The best thing to do after the fifth timeout - remove him, put him in a straight jacket and confine him to his room while I console the helpless victims.

So back to this place that I would like to more fittingly describe as a place of fellowship. The only way it seemed like a church to me was that we received a lesson on the Bible and Jesus. This gathering place is in a big metal warehouse next to a gas station with a car wash. It seemed appropriate - go get your car washed and then step in next door to cleanse your soul. (To us this place was as exciting as the drive-thru car wash is to Owen - exciting.) Long gone are the days where only God knew you were doing the fake hand wave over the offering plate if you forgot or didn't have the means to make an offering that Sunday. There was no offering plate, just a simple donation box by the door. At this place there were a lot of young people and a few elderly (I love the elderly but it was just nice to be in the company of so many young believers)...they rocked out with the Heavenly Spirit! There were no hymnals with songs that even the choir would mess up after having practiced it the week prior - just some guys jamming with drums and guitars. There was no segment for lengthy prayer requests from everyone and their brother asking for smooth recovery for their sister's uncle's dog's tumor. There was a high-tech barcode sticker system that scanned your child in and out of the children's church. The seats were comfortable and you dress as you are...no trying to get all fancied up wearing stockings and trying to sit on a hard pew with your legs together while you worry if your dress is clinging to your butt when you stand up. We felt comfortable and we will go back. I will help out with children's church once in a while. The pastor and his wife are our age. The pastor's wife gave her testimony which I can relate to. She spoke of her days of attending church as a child and how at summer camp each year she would feel so at peace and right with God and the counselors that surrounded her there. She compared it to being in a bubble. She decided then as a child that she wanted to expand that bubble to her life outside of church camp...so that was her moment of seredipity and being saved. She was seeking out volunteers today for the children's church. It didn't take much to convince me that I wanted to give the kids the same opportunity to experience God as I had been given as a child. So as she mentioned, it is with child-like faith that we need to experience Jesus. With that child-like faith, I know that I can better serve those around me.

This morning Owen was given another opportunity for social interaction among (this time) peers his own age in the nursery at "church". Owen did well in the nursery, so well he felt relaxed enough to poop. (This kind of thing is important to include - I'm a mom). Owen skipped his nap today after we spent a long two hours waiting for lunch at Chili's with our friends. I think the weekend's socializing has caught up with him. Instead of bearing any more of his crankiness, we decided to pull out the "go for a ride and get a free nap card" at 5:30 tonight. Although this is a costly optino with gas prices, our sanity and his sleep is still worth more than $3.77. He fell asleep for the rest of the night! I took advantage of the free time and whipped out a little sewing project that's been on my mind. Here are some pics:

Little Things

2008-08-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize those were the big things." - Robert Brault

These are a few of the little things from my day today that brought a smile to my face. I suspect that looking back, it will be moments like these that Justin and I will miss.

Owen lathering it up with Daddy.

He not only loves to shave his own face, but he tries to help his daddy too.

We recently added a fountain to our landscape and this is how I found Owen tonight.

I'm so glad he found a more practical use for it!

Stroller Strides Kid

2008-08-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Stroller Strides exercise bands have always caught Owen's interest. They are a bright color, they stretch, they are chewy...an all around sensory object! Before he saw me put them to use for their intended purpose, he would have me hold one end while he walked away stretching it out, then letting it go to fly back at me (yes, this is a great example of what not to do with the bands). It was not long before he caught on to doing exactly what all his friends' mommies are doing with them. Your kids are always watching and learning from your habits! I think he has already learned that exercise is fun!

Grand Opening Part II - Riverwalk

2008-08-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

A complete success! Another beautiful morning, sweat and fun-filled workout, and lots of willing participants to welcome Stroller Strides to the Riverwalk in Columbus. We had 8 new moms attend...so sorry, we failed to take pictures today so you'll have to check out the local news for more details about our Grand Opening workout this Thursday on WCBI News at 5PM. Hopefully, I think there will be a link for all our non-local fans so you too can enjoy the story from afar!

Grand Opening Part I - CAFB

2008-08-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

"Let's Go Walking Mississippi"....it was a beautiful morning for the GRAND opening of Stroller Strides as 10 moms got walking here in MS. Today was part I of a two-day grand opening special that I'm holding in Columbus. Today's Grand Opening was held on Columbus AFB. My mom was able to attend and for that I'm so grateful! We had a fun workout with lots of happy kiddos...happy of course because we moms weren't afraid to act like monkies!

Afterwards, we enjoyed some refreshments (Luna Bars and other healthy snacks). I then gave away goody bags with some great products from our corporate sponsors and some local businesses. With the support of a few other local businesses, I gave away some awesome raffle prizes to include: a gift certificate for a free 30-min massage from Sheryl Granger (the masseuse at the Fitness Center), a SPRI core ball and yoga mat, a free week of Stroller Strides Classes, a Stroller Strides tank and water bottle, a Pepper's Gift card, and $15 off a Kindermusik registration!!! Tomorrow brings Part II of the Grand Opening where we will be at the Riverwalk giving away a ton more prizes as well as being featured by the local CBS news channel! GO MOMMIES GO!

Puddle Jumper

2008-08-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

This morning we took advantage of the wet weather and decided to forgo our run to get in a little puddle jumping, plastic boat floating, and umbrella time. I didn't get pics of the boat race, but our dip at the end of our driveway (made for water run-off) finally proved useful instead of being the annoying bump that it's famous for on dry days. The current was perfect for sailing plastic boats!

Practicing for the Olympics

2008-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the Olympics starting tomorrow (particularly the Trampoline event), I wanted to include some photos of another great time spent in MT...same place, same trampoline, same memories I once made during vacations to MT when I jumped on this (my first trampoline) as a kid...still the same amount of fun to be had! The finals for trampoline for the Beijing Olympics will be held August 18 and 19...can't wait to watch some Trampoline Gymnasts....if they make TV. If they don't, here's some pics of where it all begins.

front flip landing (not as planned)

Trying to imitate Mommy -Midway through a forward roll

In the United States, trampoline athletes fall under the umbrella of USA Gymnastics. The sport has been a part of the Olympics since the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. This year, 32 Olympic athletes from around the world will compete in trampoline in Beijing. Trampoline athletes are scored on difficulty and execution by eight judges. The overall score is the sum of the difficulty score and the execution score (max is 30 points).

Four Generations

2008-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

My Grandfather, myself, Owen, and my mom makes four.

A Family Pic

Important Dates

2008-08-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking about the fruit that keeps you regular or the numbers on the calendar. I am talking about the important event that you and your significant other should indulge in when you get the opportunity to leave your kids with someone you trust. It's so much easier with family around! I'm afraid that if we lived closer to our parents we would get a false sense of reality and have 10 kids. Justin and I have been having a great time going on dates! Yes...we have been spoiled and have taken several. It's been rejuvenating to get away and just enjoy each others company uninterrupted.

Our first date was dinner and the book store. Ah...the peace of being able to sit and read/browse magazines and books. Our second date consisted of going to see Mama Mia (a very lively movie/musical worth seeing...or singing to at the very least!) with a stop at a local farmers market and art show. Our last date took us up a chair lift at a nearby ski area where we got off and mountain biked 8 miles down the mountain. The visual aids are below...

We managed to escape the trail in 45 minutes without incident, just very dusty shins. It was an adrenaline rush going fast and dodging rocks while trying to maintain vigilance with drop offs, switchbacks, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead...here bear, bear, bear! We only saw a deer, a grouse, a few chipmunks and a randomly placed Jesus statue (which scared the living bejeezus out of us).

Two!!!

2008-08-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm Two!

The Guide on this Safari

It'll be official at 7:05 PM Pacific Standard Time. Our little Safari Guide will turn two! Two years of living has done wonders for his vocabulary. He loves to talk himself to sleep by practicing every word he knows. He will lay in his bed for a half hour before he finally settles down to sleep just practicing all the words and even singing "Lollipop, lollipop, pop, lollipop, lollipop, pop". We celebrated his birthday a day early yesterday at the park with our family and a few friends. It was a Safari in the Park, complete with monkies, animal crackers, bubbles, and ice cream cake!

We've been practicing the big question for several months, "How old are you going to be?" Owen tends to whisper, "Two" with an outstretched hand while his not so nimble fingers try to form the peace symbol.

A little pre-birthday treat from Aunt Tiffy...stickers and tags galore to entertain before the gift opening began.

His first Husky dog straight from Alaska.

At the Safari

Great GrandPop and Owen

In the jungle

Crayola Stampers

A Shaving Kit so he can finally emulate daddy with his very own razor and shaving cream

A pull-string Helicoptor

Enjoying a good read

Picking Cherries

2008-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

What happens when you squeeze all the cherries that fall on the ground?

Answer:

There are cherry orchards abound around Flathead Lake. It just happens that they peaked while we were visiting. Lucky for me because not only do I find them succulent and delicious, the pits make for better ammunition than watermelon seeds! I'm not quite sure what "fresh" cherries cost these days (I think they're close to $4.50/lb) in the grocery store but I know that in my frugal state, I usually pass them by. There's no passing by "pick your own Cherries" for $1/lb! That's just what Mom, Owen, and I did on Friday afternoon. I climbed up into the tree (with the help of the ladder) and picked the permissable fruit...I only sampled two cherries and put the rest in my picking bucket.

My Sweet Little Cherry covered in cherry juice - the all-natural red body paint

Tea Time

2008-07-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

When Mom said, "It's high time!", it meant "MOVE!" "NOW!" "PRONTO!" Today she said it is was High Time for High Tea. My Aunt Cyndi and cousin Macy accompanied my mom and me at a local Tea Cottage in Bigfork, MT. We traveled back to the late 1700's when the tradition began donning our fancy covers and sitting down to accomodate that "sinking feeling" the British got in the late afternoon between Breakfast and Dinner. The food at tea included conservative servings of thin crustless shrimp and cucumber sandwiches, scones with local huckleberry jam, cotted cream, and lemon curd, cheese, and fruit. The emphasis was on presentation and conversation.

Glacier Natn'l Park

2008-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Playing in the snow in July was... "cool"!

To think all the moutains and valleys were carved out of glaciers! Magnificient!

Curious Moutain Goat

It is estimated by USGS scientists that by 2030, many of the Glaciers will be completely gone.

Hungry Horse Dam, MT - It is MT's highest and 11th largest concrete dam in the US. The Dam is 564 feet high and 2115 feet in length. I got slightly weak in the knees looking over the edge.

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, MT

Learning the ripple effect at two

Grammie and Owen

Glacier, created in the early 30's, is a place inspired by locals to celebrate peace and friendship between Canada and the US. It was peace in its rawest form. Nature almost untouched. The kind of peace that takes your breath away from the vastness and lack of noise. My breath was stolen when peering over the edge of the main road named "Going-to-the-Sun" (named very appropriately) that enabled us to journey to places where visitors used to have to travel days on horseback to get to. Seemed like we kept going up and up while just merely gripping to the side of the cliffs. To be a bird or a moutain goat in this place would be awesome.

Family Time

2008-07-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Quality time with Grammie and Papa

Will ride all day with Papa on the tractor.

Loves dancing with Grammie

Hot High Fives!

Loves his Papa!

We are enjoying the time we can spend with our family. My PopPop and cousin Macy are below on the swing with Owen.

Owen and PopPop getting to know each other better.

Playing Dominoes with Aunt Cyndi and Uncle Randal after a family picnic.

Pefecting the rocket launch

Lots of Horses in MT

2008-07-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

We've seen a lot of horses in the past few days...an easy thing to do when you're in MT. We attended a parade with many horses in it the day of the 5K race, saw the Clydesdales, and then went to a Horse Show Jumping Competition on Sun. Justin and I are hoping to take in a trail ride while we are here also...stay tuned for pics. Here's some pics of our journey with horses thus far.

(can't leave out the dog!)

Show Jumping Event at Rebecca Farm

Owen waiting to help the arena maintenance guy

Boogie to the Bank 5K Run

2008-07-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

I decided that it's best to stay active while on vacation otherwise, two weeks of no activity would be quite a set back considering all the fun runs and Stroller Strides practice workouts my mommy friends at Columbus are keeping me accountable for when I return! So Justin and I registered for a local 5K called Boogie to the Bank...I tried my hardest to boogie and had a decent finish (9th place for all females). Whenever I felt the juice running out, I'd just look at the scenery and it motivated me. Justin was pleased with his time since he really hasn't been running much lately. We are gearing up to start our 16-week half marathon training when we get back from vacation. We plan to run the St Judes Half in Memphis in Dec...yes, this time Justin is running!!! Yay!

Here's the overall synopsis: Congratulations on finishing the Boogie to the Bank on July 26, 2008. For your records, the weather that day was sunny and clear. 231 finishers in the distance. There were 362 registrants total.

Justin: There were 15 finishers in the Men 30 to 39 age group. Your overall finish place was 99 and your age group finish place was 12. Your overall finish percentile was 43 while your age group percentile was 80. Your time of 26:03.0 gave you a 8:24 pace per mile.

Lindsey: There were 15 finishers in the Women 19 to 29 age group. Your overall finish place was 38 and your age group finish place was 5. Your overall finish percentile was 16 while your age group percentile was 33. Your time of 21:54.0 gave you a 7:04 pace per mile.

It was easier this time since I didn't have to push Owen in the stroller but I felt like I was cheating the system as I passed other mommies out on the road with their joggers. Now we have a cool MT souvenir t-shirt with a bear and a moose!

After the race we went to a bear park to see black bear. Here's a few pics:

He'd make me boogie if I came across him on a run!

No Smoking Please

2008-07-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

I remember trying to hold my breath for the periods of time riding in the car when Dad would smoke his pipe. Mom thought that Cherry Captain Black tobacco smelled better than cigarette smoke so she gave him permission to crack open his window to smoke only his pipe around us. It all smelled horrible to me! Although I never passed out from holding my breathe, I would get a little light headed. In the many attempts to avoid my dad's second hand smoke, I would contemplate in my hypoxic state which way would be better for my lungs, alternating from the deep inhalations to hold my breath (this was probably the worst thing I could do - taking a deep breath of his smoke), short limited hyperventalative-type breaths, or just normal breathing. Mom didn't allow Dad to ever smoke cigarettes around us and in fact, Dad always tried to hide the fact that he smoked. I don't know how he kept it up for as long as he did especially considering all the heat he got from each one of us and the inconvenience of always having to hide his cigarettes, wash his hands, brush his teeth, go out in the freezing cold to light one up...well, obviously the addiction won. But that was then and this is now.

It's been 5 weeks with out a cigarette...my dad quit this 34-year long habit. Cold turkey. Because my mom told him that she didn't want to live her life alone after he was gone. Because it finally hit a spot in his heart that was finally prepared for the moment. Because finally after ten or more attempts to quit using various techniques (the patch, Nicorette, medication, hypnosis, group therapy, the straw technique, the candy technique) he just decided NOW was better than ever. Now was the time...and he knew as well as any of us what was best for him. We are so proud, thankful, and excited that he found the strength, discipline, and courage to choose a life of nonsmoking!

He found the strength, and they all cheered...YAY for Papa!

Well Dad, good on you! We couldn't be more proud! Cheers to many more years of healthy smoke-free livin'!

Now if we can just convince the other 35% of men and 22% of women in the US that still have the nasty habit that costs them on average $1635/yr...or better yet, if MS could pass a public smoking ban like 31 other states have! Another interesting statistic from an article by Hilary Smith stated that, "A 40-year-old who quits smoking and puts the savings into a 401(k) earning 9% a year would have nearly $250,000 by age 70." Not to mention, a smoker might not even see 70!

House For Sale

2008-07-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

If there's a heaven on earth, I think we've found it.

Someone post the sign in our yard! This is the view we get to enjoy during our two week stay here in MT with my parents. There's an elk farm to the left, some horses directly behind us, and some cows off to the right. Wheat and potato fields surround which made for some great aerial entertainment this morning as the crop duster flew way too low for us to not watch in amazement.

Memphis Children's Museum

2008-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

We learned its best to brush for 2 minutes!

(does sucking the toothpaste off for 20 secs count?)

First Day of Dental School

Flying Lesson

The best Children's Museum we've been to yet...ranked below

1. Memphis

2. San Antonio

3. Austin

Normally trips are determined by the quality of parks or Children's Activities available. This trip started off on the right foot because we could rest assured that Owen was touching and doing everything his two year old inquisitive mind set out to. Although we had a knock down when another kid ran into Owen at full speed around a corner, it was a great way to spend the day before we got on the plane that evening to fly to MT.

Showing off his riding skills

Teaching Daddy how to drive the fire truck

Holding the dalmations chin up

Send back up...over and out.

Rollin in the dough

2008-07-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Take in a deep breath....awgh...the smell of a fresh playdough pizza!

Lesson on how to make a colorful pizza.

Pasta making 101

Corn

2008-07-17T14:23:00.001-07:00

Best straight off the cob...

or shared with Mom!

Do I have corn in my teeth?

Tomato Sandwiches and Corn on the Cob...one of my favorite summer time meals! Especially when the tomatoes are big fresh juicy ones straight from the garden (in our case, the Farmer's Market since we don't have a garden yet). Owen helped Justin husk the corn and discovered a few catepillars in the mean time. We were a little grossed out that the catepillars had been helping themselves to our dinner, but I just heard that looking for worms or pests isn't what's important when picking out an ear of corn. In fact, if the pests are there then rest assurred the corn wasn't sprayed with pesticides! What is important is to feel that the corn is solid and the rows are full with corn. I also learned corn only needs the time just for the water to return to a boil after initially dropping it in to cook. Just turn off the heat when the water does return to a boil and keep the pot covered for 5 min. It'll be perfect for the first round of serving! Don't forget to have floss readily available!

Our First Luna Mom's Playgroup

2008-07-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

We "broke the water" with our first Luna Moms Playgroup this morning at our house. As expected, the heat and humidity of this July Mississippi morning morning made it a perfect time for the kids to get wet. They all had a blast in the pool, spray pad, and at the water table while some were able to coat themselves nicely with a layer of sand from the sandbox (Owen). The boys outnumbered the girls 10 to 4! We got to know each other a bit as we sampled on some Luna bars and discussed briefly some interesting facts about Postpartum Depression (our educational topic for the next two and half months). For three of our moms, "breaking the water" will be something in their near future! Congrats to all our expecting Mamas!

Fart

2008-07-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. At about age 16, I gave myself permission to say the 4-letter "F" word. We grew up calling them "stinkers"...but according to this book not all farts stink...so technically "flatulation" may be the most fitting term. Although an "F" word, it's not a 4-letter one and it definitely sounds cooler than "stinker".

Well, what to call it? Because at this rate, Owen is going to be saying "fart" in his sleep. Like whether to allow him to say "butt" or "hiney" or "behind". Hmmm...really these are not my most trying times of parenting but they are moments that I must contemplate and make decisions upon as "mom".

Owen is way quicker than my aging brain…for instance, tonight I stated to Justin that, "I turned off the “gas” to the grill." Owen allowed no time to roll by before a “ppppbbbblllliiii” rolled off his lips. Three seconds later after Justin realized the connection, he said, “You said ‘gas’”. Oh yes, it’s that darn fart book we read 2 times daily in our household. When will it get old? I’ll let you know when he finally selects a new favorite book…at this rate, it’s been going for a good month, and all I can smell is a lurking odor…I mean I see no end in sight.

You may wonder why I would talk, let alone read, about such "rank" matters to my 2-year old. Well, did you realize that we all (yes, I’m talking to YOU) average about 2 cups of gas per day? I know this fact well from reading this book to Owen and that each fart contains about 3.5 oz of gas (which equate to about 1/2 C). This book is not only informational, it keeps me stepping with simple math. So at about 4 farts/day you would think we'd speak more commonly of something we do so frequently. For some of us (i.e. brothers), I know by experience this number is a very conservative estimate.

My best hope is that by reading and discussing such matters, Owen will never snicker at farting because to him, it is everything natural. Unfortunately, talking about farting is something that still brings out the immature child in me and at times just can't help bringing attention to it. Like those SBD ones where well...never mind...I'll act my age for once. But allow me to just say that my favorite part of this book is on the first page where the elephant blows wind so hard that it knocks the hat off the little boy and at the same time he and his father fall down!

So back to the question of what to call it in regards "To Stink" or "Not to Stink", the book also teaches us that if you eat a diet of meat and eggs, your farts really stink...so a carniverous lion would have a "stinker" whereas a herbivore hippo just passes gas. It seems as though Owen has already catelogued "gas", "fart", and "stinker" in his brain (evidence of the quick sound effects he produces upon hearing the words). As with most everything, there's a time and a place. I am not loosing any sleep tonight over what to call it or whether or not my child is going to be nicknamed "stinky" because he doesn't know any manners. I know that when the time is right, Owen will know the place for farting and if he says "fart" well, its better than a lot of other 4-letter F words I can think of.

Playing House - Part II

2008-07-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

Less than a day of homeownership and he's already taking calls...

...receiving mail, and getting company.

Playing House & Office in Real Life

2008-06-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

A dump truck would have been handier, but the Ford Ranger held its own.

There's a truck under all that yard waste! This was just one of MANY truck loads of debris we loaded up and hauled off while landscaping our front yard. (Trips to where you may ask...Justin told me it was an undisclosed location off of some back road here in MS (a possible advantage to living in the sticks). It happens that the dumping ground sucked Justin's tires into it's swampiness on Father's Day evening! This was just one of three not so great parts of Justin's Father's Day.
1. He nearly electricuted himself trying to fix our living room ceiling fan/light (yes, there were sparks, loud popping noises, and burnt out sockets)
2. He severed an extension cord with the electric hedge trimmer.
3. Got his truck stuck in the mud without the aid of a cell phone.

Three lessons learned
1. How to use voltage meter to test wires. (Our light/fan is still not fixed so if you know anything about electricity please feel free to stop by)
2. How to rewire an extension cord.
3. Never leave home without a cell phone or just walk to the closet bar to use one of the patron's. (This is your best bet late on a Sun night here in the MS backwoods).

It feels greats to have accomplished so much and start to feel like we are settled once again in a home. What you can accomplish when you work as a team! Thanks in part to the huge assistance of Warren and Claire who enabled us to get much of this finished while they were visiting this past week. What can I say when I have such a supportive husband too! Justin enables me to spend a few hours each day working to get Stroller Strides up and running. It's been a great lesson in time management for both of us. Here's just some of our main accomplishments over the past two weeks:

Unpacked and recycled all the boxes/returned Uhaul, Cleaned the house (bathrooms, dusted, windows cleaned inside and out, vacuumed, swept, and mopped), Refrigerator and oven cleaned,
Laundry all caught up, Meals made, Groceries bought, Pictures hung, Office up and running (wireless printer/fax!!!), Blog updated, Business plans underway, Potty training in progress, exercised a few times, Landscaping complete (this was a hot job!), Garage sale complete, Grass mowed (several times)

Now that the work is all done, it seemed effortless (just like my childhood days when I'd love to pretend to play "House" and "Office"). In the realness of it all, there were a lot tiring days, sleepless nights, sweat, and frustrations. It was overwhelming at times, but as with exercise, you just have to take that first step. We put one foot in front of the other and got moving!

From TX to MS

2008-06-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

We spent last week packing up in TX and moving back to MS.

We fed the ducks and turtles some Cheerios and just took in the peaceful reflections as we created our own reflections of our time spent in TX. It was our last weekend before returning to the unending yet rewarding work of being a homeowner, instructor pilot, and a business owner in MS.

Where there's a father, there's a son

Enjoying family time and nature at Randolph AFB, TX

Some great times spent at the Randolph AFB pool

There were a lot of "movements" going on this day.

Two days later:

After 4 months, our bed at last!!! (Thanks Felicia and Josh for the great bedding!)

First task was to help Dad mow the lawn! Bubbles are cheaper than gas these days!

Couldn't be happier to have a back yard to play in...finally!

Happy!

KFC billboard

2008-06-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

Driving down the road in the heart of the south, you'll run across around 149 different places of worship, which from time to time summon you with a quirky one liner or verse on a marquee. But competing for my attention now is the KFC billboard which read on three separate occasions, "Liver and Gizzards Dinner, $3.99" (I think I'll take three!!!), "Thighs and Legs"...(certainly one of the better parts of the body...a chicken's body of course), and the best one yet, "Dark Snacks"...(no comment).

The Next Great Bambino?

2008-05-20T04:47:00.001-07:00

Jack Norworth's 1908 classic, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", was written on some scrap paper in 15 mins on a train ride to Manhattan, New York. It became a hit song before the year was over. This classic is sung during the seventh inning stretch at nearly every ball park in the country.

"Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,

At the old ball game."

Harry Caray, who is credited with singing it first at a ball game in 1971, once said, "I would always sing it, because I think it's the only song I knew the words to!"

- http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

Seems like Harry and Justin had something in common. While I was pregnant, I'd play the piano from time to time and Justin would without fail request "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". I have some speculation that not only is this one of the few songs he knows from my piano repertoire, but he also loves the nostalgia that singing it brings. In any case, I'm sure he knew it would be a song that he could always sing to/with Owen for many years to come. (Owen has always responded very positively to us signing this song since...a little warm womb memory, who knows???) Maybe deep down in by performing this song we were celebrating the hope that being pregnant with a boy would mean many days of playing catch, baseball practice, baseball camps, and games! I joked one time that I had the power of the next Great Bambino inside as I slammed a homerun while 7 months pregnant during a wiffle ball game we were playing with a bunch of our friends (Edwards, CA, 2006).

Fast forward almost 2 years later, and there they were...Owen and Daddy picking out Owen's first baseball T from ToysRUs.

Eye always on the ball

Owen received a miniature version of a t-ball set that has a ball on a swiveling arm from Uncle Jon and Aunt Amy a year ago. You can use that set sitting down so we thought it's definitely time for an upgrade. Besides the new T giving us a break from pitching him balls, I think we made a purchase mistake. THE KID'S GOT TALENT! HE DOESN'T NEED A T! RETURN THE T IMMEDIATELY and put the $20 towards baseball camp!

So I'm trying to wrack my brain and think back to the days I spent learning childhood development...is a 21 month-old suppose to know how to hold a bat, stand, swing, and have the hand-eye coordination to hit balls WITHOUT A T? Well, surely if you have the great baseball genes that a dynamic duo like Justin and I could create! You didn't expect ME not to brag just a little? (scanned pics & details of Justin and my b-ball days to appear in a later blog)

Owen's first batting practice (sans T) with Paul.

Disclaimer: The video above makes the one below really boring.

A lefty at first...but seems to be a right-handed hitter now

Stroller Strides, LLC

2008-05-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

www.strollerstrides.net/goldentriangle

This is my first public announcement that I have officially ventured into the business world. I am a new franchise owner of a company called, Stroller Strides, LLC. Visiting my website above will give you all the details about the business. I hope to have the grand opening in Aug (or sooner if I can find a sub to teach while I'm off vacationing in MT).

This company is awesome and supports moms who would like to own and operate a business while working from home. I am so excited to bring this company to MS and am hoping that it will be of benefit to many mothers looking for a great workout, good friendships, and a way to do it all with their child(ren) in tow. It's everything I love wrapped up and tied with a bow...fitness, friendships, beneficial to others, something great for the community, and a business from home that supports motherhood!

Visiting Uncle B & Aunt Kim

2008-05-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

The trip starts out great...we have three seats on the airplane and only two of us! Owen plays with the seatbelt for a good 10 min!

As soon as we walk in the door, Owen immediately OOHS and AWGHS at Uncle B's mounted elk rack on the wall...2 seconds later he is talking to the deer decoy in the hunting room. How exciting to have the great outdoors INSIDE!

Bare back buck riding

Uncle B giving Owen a lesson on how to use a fishing pole. Owen gave us his version later when he showed us how to ding the light fixtures, scrape the walls, and try to use it as an extended version of his arm for reaching to higher places.

Gobble, gobble, gobble

First riffle from Uncle B

The not so killer side of Uncle B

It was a beautiful time of year to be in Phoenix, warm enough to be outside naked (Barry had strict instructions to keep his clothes on).

Owen loved giving his cousin Ruger drinks from the hose.

First 4-wheeler ride with Uncle B

My friend and old neighbor, Felicia, from MS (now in Phoenix) hung out with us a lot throughout the weekend.
Owen summoning the cupcake into his mouth.

Enjoying some toys in the backyard.

Believe me...it tasted good!

Thank heavens they brought water to the desert!

...to be a kid again (Barry about to jump)

Practice makes perfect! (see video in previous post)

Owen enjoying his friend Talon's pool.

We have many great memories from our visit with Uncle B and Aunt K most of which are depicted here and include anything and everything to ensure Owen will one day be Uncle B's hunting and fishing sidekick. I got to attend a Stroller Strides class with Owen on Fri morning, we went out to dinner Fri night, had a BBQ at B&K's with friends on Sat, I got to go out on the town with Barry and some friends Sat evening, then went shopping on Sun before heading to a splash yard and then a great BBQ at our friends house on Sun. It was an eventful and tiring trip with the 2-hour time change. The trip ended with Owen getting sick. He's on the mend now...but it's been a rough three days of fighting off a stomach virus.

Honky Tonk Harmonica Player

2008-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Purchase your Introductory "How-To-Honky-Tonk" Harmonica DVD at: http://www.swaggysguideservices.com/index.html

May I have your attention please?

2008-05-08T04:19:00.000-07:00

I did some pretty unbelievable things when I went on visitations with my biological father. The immature, creative, and approval-seeking child in me beckoned for his attention when I was around him. Things I did as I child (ages 9-11) that I now can not understand (as a parent) how any parent would allow their children to get away with:

1. Smearing my powdered doughnut-covered finger prints on the black interior ceiling of his 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo.

2. Screaming "horse back riding" from the top of my lungs in the backseat of the car with my sister as he drove us farther and farther away from going horse back riding. Why would we not scream when we didn't get our way? I mean he couldn't possibly hear us correctly since he had both windows rolled down, driving 65 on the freeway, air blowing directly in our faces trying to drown out the shrill. No horse back riding for me but I was riding in the back seat with a hoarse voice after the 20 minute ride home.

3. Calling out attention to the bald spot on his head by strategically placing a few of those sticky things kids love to pick out of their noses!

4. First you have to understand how much I really loved being at my grandparents home. It was my absolute favorite place as a kid. So why not run away thinking I'd hitch a ride with a stranger or eventually walk the 10 mile distance between his house and my grandparents? 10 miles, I knew the way, (but didn't) turned into a low-army crawl through a ditch along side the road when he came after me in the car. After my cover was blown, it was a mad dash to hide between the backstop tarp and the fence of a nearby baseball field.

5. "You kids go sit at the table, while I pick up the pizza." "No problemo daddio!" Our mission to secretly loosen the cap to the crushed red pepper jar, or the salt, or the pepper, or any topping that he was about to flood his pizza in only lasted a few rounds.

6. Taking out the trash meant taking it to the burning barrel because that's what you did with the trash in rural PA back in the late 80's early 90's. Result: Singed left eyebrow and some eyelashes. Lesson: Playing with fire really didn't make me wet the bed at night.

7. Pushing in the reset button on his odometer so he couldn't track his gas mileage. He HATED when this happened. Somehow I think he was more infuriated with paying Uncle Sam than getting boogers on his bald spot. (you see, he tracked ever mile that he spent toting us around because he was able to claim us as an expense on his income taxes).

8. After viewing "Free Willy" I was really lured to demonstrate that I too could blow water and ice cubes out my blowhole…in a restaurant, with paying customers, at a table, while eating dinner. If that doesn't "heal the world and make it a better place", I don't know what does!

9. Oh yes, that reminds me of the spit ball fiascos we so much enjoyed. Spit balls were our absolute favorite pastime. If we had a straw, which we hoarded like an old lady hoards the pennies she finds on the ground; you could guarantee that we'd be hurling spit balls at each other, on the ceilings of restaurants, on the ceiling of his car, at him. Awgh, if I only had a straw right now…Justin, you better run for cover!

Side note: If you are unaware, my biological father, also known as the "Sperm Donor" did not serve a significant role (other than the donation he made to create me) in my life. My "other" dad came into the picture when I was 3. I went on visitations with the Sperm Donor until I was 12. We last spoke on the phone when I was 19 and have had a few lines of meaningless email correspondence since.

Owen, I hope you also will be blessed with this unparallelled creativity, but may you find different avenues of expressing it!

Pot

2008-05-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Fun with pot...the cooking type

Frequent Flyer

2008-05-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Owen and I are traveling to Phoenix this weekend for Owen's 10th airplane trip. Traveling with a young child has been, well, I guess not too bad considering the number of trips taken (half of which I've survived alone). So maybe it does boil down to survival. Justin once greeted me at the airport and said, "You look tired!" Ha!

Every time I push the purchase button I'm either having a lapse of mommy amnesia or am just the walking definition of insanity in it's purest form. Surely that is what the people staring at me in the airport or plane are thinking as they watch Owen pulling me like an Iditarod sled racer in his doggie backpack leash. Less is more when is comes to packing for trips (too bad less is impossible when it comes to traveling with a baby/toddler/child). Just the weight of diapers, wipes, clothes, portable DVD player, milk, snacks, carseat stroller, child, and bag when I'm on a mission to change concourses feels as though I'm back in boot camp. It was definitely easier when he was small and I could hold him peacefully on my lap. No kicking the back of the seat in front of him and no running up and down the isle of the plane. In any case, insanity overruled rational thinking once again. Or maybe it's just that I am optimistic and know that looking back, every trip was worth the fleeting moments of blood-pressure-raising discomfort.

Owen's current flight log:

1. 3 mos: Ontario, CA to Denver, CO - Visit Grammie and Pappa Sweigart while Daddy drives our truck to MS.

2. 3 mos: Denver, CO to Memphis, TN - Meet Daddy at the airport and he welcomes us to the south, our new home for the next 4 years.

3. 4 mos: Birmingham, AL to Phoenix, AZ - Spend 1st Thanksgiving with the Sweigart Family at Uncle Barry and Aunt Kim's house

4. 5 mos: Memphis, TN to Burlington, VT - Spend 1st Christmas with Grammy and Grampy Stimets

5. 8 mos: Memphis, TN to Denver, CO - Back to visit Grammie and Pappa Sweigart in Cheyenne, WY one last time before they move to MT (visited Uncle Chad and Auntie Tiff too!)

6. 10 mos: Memphis, TN to Orlando, FL - Visit "Uncle Wade and Aunt Amy" and experience the Atlantic Ocean for the first time

7. 16 mos: Memphis, TN to Denver, CO - Visit the Sweigart family and attend Uncle Chad and Aunt Jessica's wedding in Cheyenne, WY

8. 16 mos: Denver, CO to Burlington, VT - Visit the Stimets family for Christmas #2

9. 19 mos: San Antonio, TX to Burlington, VT - Visit the Stimets family and say good-bye to Great-Grandpa Stimets

10. 21 mos - San Antonio, TX to Phoenix, AZ - Visit Uncle Barry and Aunt Kim and celebrate Mother's Day with Mommy

11. 24 mos - Memphis, TN to Kalispell, MT - Looking forward to celebrating 2nd birthday in MT to visit Grammie and Pappa Sweigart, Pop-Pop, and Aunt Cyndi and cousins for the first time in MT

Note to the FDA

2008-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

I thought if this picture (or a real photo of an obese person) was added to the front of junk food packaging, it may lessen the burden of the current health care costs affecting us due to this alarming health trend:

By 2015, 75% of Adults Will Be Overweight; 41% Will Be Obese - recently released by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

chores

2008-05-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Weekend In Review

2008-05-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

May marks the last month of our stay in San Antonio...therefore with our time here quickly coming to an end...we decided to cross a few more items off our "To Do" list (vis aids below)

Free Sea World visit; complimentary perk of being in the military.

Playing at Sea World, San Antonio.

Feeding the ducks at Canyon Lake, TX

P.S. (ducks in this part of the country love Tortillas!)

Canyon Lake Clouds...thanks for shading us from the heat of the sun!

Pics unavailable: swimming at the apartment pool, rollerblading, playing tennis

Zippity-do-da...

2008-05-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

...zippity day...my oh my what a wonderful day!

I've moved a LOT. I think U-Haul should pay me for all the times I've advertised for them (thankfully we haven't had to use a U-Hell with every move...and's that's why they wouldn't and shouldn't pay me)! Currently, we inhabit apartment #XXX on the 3rd floor, an 800 sq ft apartment in Building number 4 of a complex that boasts 13 units. If you think that's a lot of numbers, try remembering all the addresses, zip codes, phone numbers, new bank account numbers, and new liscense plate numbers that go along with taking up a new residency. I thought it'd be fun to play the zip code line-up game of places I've lived starting from the very beginning:

17701 - Williamsport, PA

17837 - Lewisburg, PA

19526 - Hamburg, PA

82443 - Thermopolis, WY

96001 - Redding, CA

6009 - Aalesund, Norway

82001 - Cheyenne, WY

82009 - Cheyenne, WY

09201 - APO, AE (Mildenhall, England)

82072 - Laramie, WY

93523 - Edwards, CA

39705 - Columbus, MS

Owen receiving the mail at our current zip

78148 - Universal City, TX

It is sad that we now no longer have to memorize numbers (esp with the advent of cell phones). As a kid, I took pride in how many friends telephone numbers I could memorize. Now, I can't even tell you what my parents telephone number is (doesn't help that it keeps changing)! Also interesting is how I can remember my telephone numbers from way back but not the more recent ones. Memorizing strings of numbers is fun for me. In fact, I have my credit card number and sec code memorized (a true trademark of an internet shopper). Recalling numbers comes in handy from time to time (i.e. playing telephone with Owen), when I can keep those neurons firing in the hippocampus. How do you keep your hippos happy on campus? Who says children's play isn't stimulating for adults!

Our Universal City apartment (view from the communal pool)

Finally!

2008-04-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Our new camera arrived...so that means lots of home videos! Owen has another "B" obsession to add to the old list of balloons, basketballs, and bubblewrap....BIKES!

Mahna Mahna

2008-04-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

This is a video of Justin, Owen, and me and our daily conversations...I can't believe they caught it on tape! Owen tells us that we sound just like the cows to him...especially when he gets it in his head that he wants to GO OUTSIDE. We try our best to meet his request but sometimes I just have to start signing..."Do-do-do". Owen turns into a broken record when he has had enough of being indoors and starts his "Bye-bye" rampage. I tried to count how many times he said the word "Bye-bye" consecutively as he's hanging on the door knob and after 29 I lost count. For the times he's not saying "Bye-bye", the mumble jumble he speaks in is just so much like what I use to hear when my sister was talking in her sleep! I'm sure it makes perfect sense to him but to the rest of us it's...Mahna Mahna.

Justin Britney Spearmets (a.k.a The coolest dad)

2008-04-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Every morning around 7:30am, I hear the spoken "musical" chatter. Knocking on Owen's door seems to get him excited to know that I will momentarily be peeking through to say, "Good Morning Sunshine!" "How are you?" "Did you sleep well?" He gets so excited, jumps up, and is ready to pounce into my arms to give me a great big bear hug that is my version of the "cup of joe" that gets me going every morning. He loves to see both of us in the morning and if one of us is missing, he will call it out.

"Dadda?" Owen asks with arms outspread and palms facing up. For the past few weeks, Justin has gained a new spot in Owen's heart and this has begun to be Owen's first word and gesture after picking him up in the morning. This leads to Owen and my daily communication first thing every morning on where and what Dadda is doing: "Dadda?" "Bye-bye." Owen says while waving his hand. "Yes, Dadda went bye-bye to work." At this point, Owen proceeds to make a driving noise and motions with his two hands as if he has the steering wheel in hand. (Thanks to Justin Britney Spearmets and the many opportunites Owen has had to drive the truck around the apartment complex sitting in his lap, Owen has become nearly magnatized to jumping in the driver seat of every parked and unlocked vehicle...this is what really put Justin on Owen's cool list.) Then, he'll usually go over to the window and look out for Justin's truck but I say, "Daddy is at work. Daddy flies airplanes. Daddy is a pilot. Pilots fly airplanes." (I'm teaching him the transitive property of equality early.) Owen then signs airplane and makes the sound effect as his hand zooms through the air. That satisfies Owen's curiosity and then he's usually good to go for the rest of the day. The greatest thing to see is Owen's excitement when Justin comes home each day. I see Justin pull up and I tell Owen, "Daddy's home!" and he'll run to look out the window to see his truck. (He thinks every vehicle that is the same color as the truck is Dadda.) Then as soon as Justin opens the door, Owen sprints to greet him. At this point, Justin never passes up the opportunity to ask Owen his favorite question, "Who's the coolest?"...as he eagerly waits for Owen's reply.

The coolest dad & son scoping out a model rocket competition

Justin is away this weekend on a cross country. He's not always around every morning when Owen wakes up but as I was writing this and thinking about him being gone for the next couple mornings, I was saddened to think of the two newly widowed spouses from Columbus and what they will have to say to their children each morning now that their daddies are no longer coming home. (If you haven't heard, Columbus AFB is going through a very tragic time right now. A T-38 crashed on take-off Thur and both student and instructor ejected but died. The guys were from Justin's old squadron. The instructor, who had flown with Justin, has two young children and a wife surviving him. The student was expecting his first child in the next couple months.) It's just so unfortunate but yet another reminder to all of us living that we are not in control of our destiny.

Saturday Morning

2008-04-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Parenthood is a real balancing act!

Mommy's new hair du

Last Sunday we went to Gruene, TX (pronounced "Green") which was a very small, quaint, and old town with old general stores, restaurants on the Guadalupe River, antique and ecclectic type shops, and the oldest dance hall in the U.S. (John Travolta's "Micheal" movie shot there). It was just like I had pictured a scene from the early days (late 1800s early 1900s). As we opened the screen door and stepped onto a creaky old dusty wooden floor, the cigarette smoke danced with the dust particles in the air, as the sun crept through the chicken wire-lined windows of the hall. People sat on long wooden tables throughout the hall, enjoying their cold brews and the songs of the man dressed in a cowboy hat and his fellow boot-clad band. A few ladies line danced in the back of the hall while a mother led her elderly father in a quick two-step. It seemed like the perfect place to be on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

We also got to ride on a small choo-choo train in a neighboring park...although we didn't get pictures of the train (or dance hall) we did capture a really cool branch of a tree.

This week we also had the opportunity to feed some exotic animals as we went on a TX Safari...zebras, antelope, pronghorns, elk, deer, moutain goats, (not all so exotic), tatonka, and the all too freaky and ravenous Ostriches!!! YIKES...those things are scary with their big eyes glaring right into your rolled-up windows and closed sunroof! Do you really think I'd let them invade my space!!! Owen was on my lap, fearing for his life, surely because I was fearing for mine! (No pictures here either...I'm still attending therapy to get the Ostriches out of my mind that have been burned there.)

Last Lecture

2008-04-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a few weeks lagging the headlines with this story but thought that if you have yet to hear about Randy Pausch, a Carnegie-Mellon University Computer Science Professor with Pancreatic/Liver Cancer, or seen his videos it's well worth a little of your time to view his moving story and lectures.

Video 1: Prof Pausch presents himself to Congress.

Video 2: "Last Lecture" which typically is a lecture that all C.M Professors give if it were hypothetically their last before they die. His is titled, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"

Video 3: Prof Pausch's lecture on Time Management which is well worth the time that you have to manage to watch it!

http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/ You can visit his homepage to get daily updates on his status if you're really into his story like I am.

Have you ever pondered what you would say if it were your last lecture? Would you want to know about your impending death? I would be willing to gamble that these are questions most of us in a healthy state do not think about. I have been reading a book written by Gordon Livingston entitled, "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart" where he writes short essays on thirty things that he thinks are important to learn in life sooner rather than later. His wisdom is hard-earned after he experiences the sucicide of one of his sons. I believe much of what Livingston writes is a great beginning to something I might lecture on if it were my last words of wisdom. So I will assist you on your new quest for time management and list the 30 life lessons Livingston covers.

1. If the map doesn't agree with the ground, the map is wrong.

2. We are what we do.

3. It is difficult to remove by logic an idea not placed there by logic in the first place.

4. The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood traumas.

5. Any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least.

6. Feelings follow behavior.

7. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.

8. The perfect is the enemy of the good.

9. Life's two most important questions are "Why?" and "Why not?" The trick is knowing which one to ask.

10. Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses.

11. The most secure prisons are those we construct for ourselves.

12. The problems of the elderly are frequently serious but seldom intersting.

13. Happiness is the ultimate risk.

14. True love is the apple of Eden.

15. Only bad things happen quickly.

16. Not all who wander are lost.

17. Unrequited love is painful but not romantic.

18. There is nothing more pointless, or common, than doing the same things and expecting different results.

19. We flee from the truth in vain.

20. It's a poor idea to lie to oneself.

21. We are all prone to the myth of the perfect stranger.

22. Love is never lost, not even in death.

23. Nobody likes to be told what to do.

24. The major advantage of illness is that it provides relief from responsibility (I think Randy would disagree with this).

25. We are afraid of the wrong things.

26. Parents have a limited ability to shape children's behavior, except for the worse.

27. The only real paradises are those we have lost.

28. Of all the forms of courage, the ability to laugh is the most profoundly therapeutic.

29. Mental health requires freedom of choice.

30. Forgiveness is a form of letting go, but they are not the same thing.

So just when I thought that Randy's story was moving...I run across the blog http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYXVkcmV5Y2Fyb2xpbmUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw== of a mother who is faced with the decision to carry or abort her fetus...grab some kleenex or use your shirt sleeve like I did...just be ready for the stream of tears especially when you read the mother's letter to her daughter.

So what do all these stories do for me besides bring me to tears? They stir up emotions that I think all of us should feel as part of our human experience. They also give me greater insight into everything in my life that I can be thankful for. These stories remind me that my problems are like tiny dust not even evident on the radar screen of life.

P.S. Thanks in part to the internet and blog sites, your daily dose of Tear Flow Max is just a few clicks away!

Never Trust a Barista

2008-04-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

It’s 12:23AM and I’m still awake…after consuming a lovely tasting tall skinny one less pump white chocolate mocha "decaf" at 7PM tonight. Thanks for the free shot of heart-palpating liquid energy, Mr. Barista Man.

Oh the Places You'll Go

2008-04-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

The view from within...a big fake plaster shark mouth with a cement tongue

The Bay of Corpus Christie called his name

We weren't intending on Owen going in the water this day, but he had other intentions

The chilly water temps didn't stop him

TX State Aquarium. Saw a dolphin show and a lot of BIG fish...it's Texas!

U.S.S. Lexington (retired Aircraft Carrier)

Budget Faux Pas

2008-04-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Since I've been spilling so much milk lately, I stopped by the Commissary after yoga today to pick up 2 gallons. Trips to the Commissary are most often made out of necessity, boredom, or temperature regulation. Today, I could classify my trip as serving all three roles. Usually, in order to avoid the plucked feather chicken look, I have to ensure that I dress appropriately for the Artic Zone Climate that all commissaries harbor. With the recent humidity, I welcomed the gush of cold air that hit me in the face as I stepped onto the automatic door mat. To the milk cooler section I go...well, maybe I'll just give Owen a snack and see if I can't browse a little time away before heading back to the confines of the 800 sq foot apartment. Owen is being extremely well-behaved, enjoying his ride in the cart while taking one Cheerio at a time from the baggie at his left hip. (His calm temperment must be from the near hour he cried while I left him at the CDC to take a yoga class.) He's happy, so I take my good 'ol time browsing on my way to the milk. Bananas, grapes, and clementines...then I see these cool lunchable junior snack packs that have $0.60 coupons attached...how convenient for me and appealing they'd be for Owen! So I check expirations and grab two packs. Then, I wonder if I'm out of tuna, so I pick up a can advertised on the end of the aisle. A few other snack items later, sponges for kitchen, can of frozen OJ, 4 pack special of Healthy Choice Steamer meals, and Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's and Almond M&Ms that were buy 2 save $1 and I head to the register.

2 gallons of milk = $6.60

2 bags full of groceries = $45.34

45 min of chilling entertainment with 20-month angel in tote = priceless

P.S. Here's a few pics of our little angel and his newest habit after bath...climbing under our covers all by himself to get cozy. He also has now become so comfortable in water that he's laying back completely on his back in the bath, ears submerged, as if he's floating! Looking forward to getting him in the pool.

Crying over spilled milk

2008-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

95% humidity interspersed with misty spells, dreary, and overcast for the first half of today here in Universal City, TX. Somehow one of the gloomy dark clouds managed to sneak inside and follow me around this morning. To start the day off properly, I dumped out some Multigrain Cheerios into my plastic bowl, poured a generous amount of skim milk into the mix, set it on the table, and turned my back to reach for a spoon. In that split second, the not-so perfect placement of the bowl made it very inviting for a little hand to tip it over. 98% of the cheerios spilled out while 10% of the milk drained onto the table, 5% on the chair, and 85% on the carpet. I was so mad at those little curious hands (and myself), and of course in the moment loudly roared "OWEN, look what you did, you spilled it all over!" along with a few frustrated AWRGHs roll out of my throat. He just stood there frozen innocently watching me while I cleaned it up...poor kid!!! Sure, looking back I probably should have paused, gathered myself, and just let it slide...as I'm sure this is just one of many more spills to come. Little did I know, that spill #2 would be happening just a few short hours later. My cup of milk was poured and on the table ready for me to sit down and enjoy a mid-morning snack with Owen. I don't even know what happened other than one second my milk was resting peacefully in my cup and the next thing I touched the cup and my milk was running down the edge of table and on to the floor. I held the sigh in and just thought, what goes around comes around...this time my internal dialogue really let me have it. At this point, I don't know whether it's the humidity or holding back my tears, but I was getting HOT! Then, in the midst of changing our bed linens, Owen decides it's time to play office and rearrange all of the file folders containing important documents that we have organized in our bedroom (didn't bring the file cabinet with us for this temporary move). No biggie, I think, he could be doing more damage, so I just let him continue to play in the paperwork. (I'll clean it up later...no major incidents there.). So my next item of business for the day is to sweep the linoleum areas of our apartment. Kitchen finished and dirt dumped into the garbage can, on to the bathrooms I go. Well, not so fast...Owen comes running behind me to show me that he found an empty laundry detergent bottle...along with a trail of the dirt I had just thrown on top of it in the garbage and scrambled egg and pancake remnants from the mid-morning snack (so much for the clean floor I just swept). (Why didn't I keep the lid closed! Why didn't I recycle the detergent bottle!) So at this point in the day, I'm beginning to wonder if someone is pulling some sort of nasty April Fool's Day joke on me. But wait, there's more...he decides to spit out ABC (already been chewed) food during his afternoon snack just incase the carpet was not stinky enough...but hey, atleast now the sun is out and shining and there's still a half gallon of milk left in the fridge waiting to be cried over tomorrow!

30-Year Reflection

2008-03-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

On Mar 31, 1978, precisely 3 decades ago today, a 7lb-5 oz Justin Wendell graced the world by his arrival. Fire truck, train, airplane (and all things boy) lover, set out to embrace his unrealized fancies.

Decade 1 (1978-1988) "To be a kid again"...
0 (78) 2 weeks late...foreshadowing of the true laid-back nature this baby would carry with him
1 (79) Fri night trips to Grandma "Highgate's" to play Kings Corners begins
2 (80) 1st time to the summer camp on Lake Champlain
3 (81) Mows lawn right beside daddy with little Lawnboy mower
4 (82) Attends 1st airshow at Plattsburg, AFB
5 (83) Attends kindergarden at Rainbow's End, not in a school, but in a house with 10 other kids
6 (84) Baseball Hall of Fame trip to Cooperstown, NY...Tiger Cub in the Boy Scouts
7 (85) Breaks right arm wrestling with brother
8 (86) 1st Hamster, Buster arrives for 8th B-day
9 (87) Family friends the Bullard's move to Ohio...very sad to see them leave
10 (88)Accidentally looses front tooth riding bike under volleyball net, Walnut Creek, OH trip to visit Bullard's...watch out, "Buggy alert!"

Decade 2 (1989-1998) "The fun times"...
11 (89) Move to Linda Ave, still the place to call home
12 (90) 6th grade graduation, the big step into H.S.
13 (91) Steelers Football player, trophy for "Most improved"
14 (92) Attends summer baseball camp in Montreal, Quebec
15 (93) Christmas adventure to get Dad fireman suspender pants Justin modeled them 1st thing 16 (94) MVU Varsity soccer player
17 (95) Scores goal during ice-hockey game makes headlines in St Albans Messenger
18 (96) Graduates H.S. in June, enlists in USAF and leaves home in October
19 (97) Graduates Firefighter Academy and "fights" fires in Texas and Wyoming
20 (98) Deploys for 4-months to, Abu Dhabi, United Arab of Emerites

Decade 3 (1999-2008) "The Lindsey Years"...
21 (99) 38 days before turning 21, Lindsey shows up at his door
22 (00) Off to England to "fight" more AF fires (Lindsey shows up at his door again)
23 (01) Firefighter & rediness challenge in Germany, separates from AF, begins UW
24 (02) Marries Lindsey on Jan 11 in Waitsfield, VT
25 (03) Plays intermural ice hockey for UW, studies what he thinks is a lot
26 (04) Graduates from UW and Commissions into the USAF
27 (05) Works hard earning PPL and as an aircraft maintenance officer in Edwards, CA
28 (06) Witnesses birth of first son, Owen Luc, enters UPT in Columbus, MS
29 (07) Earns wings as father & USAF pilot (studied extremely diligently...this defined a LOT!)
30 (08) Happy 30th Baby Cakes!

How the times have flashed before our eyes!
Here's to spending many more decades together! I love you!

P.S. Thanks to Justin's mom for helping me with the first 20 years and for the fine man she raised!

Waiting for Spring

2008-03-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of spring. It's a beautiful sunny clear day in Texas. The birds are singing, the winds are calm and the temperature is a perfect 78 degrees. T-6's fly over the apartment...no better conditions to be looking down from up above. There's someone very close to all of the Stimets' hearts that has been looking forward to this day. The day when he could rest peacefully while looking down to watch a new cycle of life unfold around the ones he left behind. As if to say, "Be comforted, life will go on without me." Today, we mourn the loss of Justin's Grandpa, Dr. Wendell Anthony Stimets who passed away this morning around 3:20 EST. We also celebrate his life and the legacy he has left behind. I will always remember him as a man of great humility, a meticulous and thoughtful man, a scholar, a gardener, a doctor, a grandfather, and the man who gave my husband his good looks. Our deepest sympathies are felt for our Grandma Helen, as she copes with one of life's most dreaded times, the loss of a spouse. Our thoughts are also with Justin's parents and aunts and uncles, who were all together at their father's side when they said their last good-bye.

We look forward to the blooms of spring and think of you just as you would want us to. Rest peacefully Grandpa.

Don't ban my ice cream scoop, Mr. Justice

2008-03-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm about to tackle a very close issue to the heart of my oldest brother, an avid outdoorsman, and gun owner...did I say gun? I mean gun(S). Barry, how many guns do you own (don't forget the 3 new ones you just won last weekend at the Elk Foundation Donor Banquet)? Remind me again the purpose they all serve? Evidently for some, guns are not only weapons but collectors items. It's kind of how I like to collect ice cream scoops and yes some of them could classify as a weapon. I have a feeling this post will also be very interesting (hopefully if I don't allow my complete ignorance of guns to shine through) to my younger brother who is going through the police academy, and another close friend of ours (you know who you are) that got recognized for being most likely to pack heat on the plane during UPT assignment night.

After my oldest brother called me last night to ask what I thought about Owen hunting when he gets older and offer one of the three guns he had won to Owen, I felt like I should at least pay attention to what was going on in the news yesterday about the Second Ammendment. A little refresher of how the ammendment reads if you don't have your pocket-sized Constitution book handy or got a C in Government like I did:

“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Yesterday, the Supreme Court met to discuss whether or not to retain the District of Columbia’s ban on handguns. According to MSNBC News Services, "The basic issue for the justices is whether the amendment protects an individual’s right to own guns or whether that right is somehow tied to service in a state militia. The 27 words and three enigmatic commas of the Second Amendment have been analyzed again and again by legal scholars, but hardly at all by the Supreme Court. The court's ruling, expected by the end of June, could have a far-reaching impact on gun-control laws in the United States and could become an issue in the November election."

So the argument on whether or not handguns are going to be made illegal for such instances as self-defense of one's home is up to some legal scholars that are analyzing some commas (not just commas, enigmatic commas (mysterious) ???!!! This sounds a bit rediculous to me. I know exactly what my brother is saying, "Just shoot the legal scholars." No, in all seriousness, the article listed some statistics from the CDC, stating, "Gun deaths average 80 a day in the United States, 34 of them homicides." Well this statistic doesn't really scare me much. There are a lot of accidental deaths and I'm sure if we looked at all the causes, we could argue for why we should get rid of roof tops (we could all live in an earth home but I think we'd run out of earth) or bridges, electric cords, water, matches, or maybe put a ban on driving automobiles. The daily average of 34 homicide deaths probably has something to do with the fact that it seems almost every month since Columbine, we've seen a waco go crazy in a public place taking multiple lives at once. This trend does scare me a bit but not enough to be paranoid or want to own my own gun right now. If we took away guns, I'm sure the crazies in the world would figure out another outlet to express their distress. Have times really changed? Guns have always been a part of our society and surely psychotic people have too. It makes me wonder if we may be on our way to another wild wild west. So where is the shortfall that's causing these violent acts? Maybe a bit of it has to do with lack of family structure/values, lack of sensorship on video games and movies, or drugs, or...well we probably will never be able to pinpoint an exact answer. For me, I am all for responsible personal gun ownership. As a parent (which is how I now see the world), I want my children to know how to use a gun. Hopefully the times won't require them to carry one on them, but if they do (my "heat-packing" friend argues that the time is now) I'm all for concealed weapon permits and using the gun for self-protection.

For me and all of you in D.C., we may just have to stick to the good 'old heavy duty ice cream scoop.

Basketballs, Balloons, and Bubble Wrap

2008-03-18T04:36:00.000-07:00

These are not only Owen's favorite words but his obsessions. He has a radar for these items. I never paid attention to all the balloons that stores use but now that I have Owen on board, he will guarantee that we don't miss one balloon anywhere...even the tiny deflated ones that have been lost up in the highest places in the grocery store. He loves balloons and bubble wrap because he loves to say "Pop!" Anything that goes Pop! (I'm not too excited about the cap guns the boys in our apartment complex play with...but I don't think he really cares about the gun as much as he does the sound that it makes). He is very clear about his display when he wants one of these items. Balloon comes out like, "Ballooo" and Basketball isn't a word but an action of his arms being swiftly thrown in the air while he makes a swishing sound with his mouth, and Bubble wrap (while he does say bubble, saying the word would most likely mean he wants Bubbles not the wrap) is him saying, "Pop!" while doing a little jump and squeezing action of his fingers and face. The determination on his face while trying to pop an uncooperative bubble will occasionally present the same red color that breath holding and straining while pooping does for him. Oh, and he doesn't have to be in the act of pooping to carry out the strain maneuver, just say the word poop and it leads to him clenching his fists and trying to squeak a stinker out. Speaking of poop, he is doing very well (if I put the time and effort in to it) going poop and pee on the potty. I guess once I actually sit down and calculate how much I spend on diapers each week and translate that into Starbucks money, I may reconsider being more serious about once and for all training him...but a part of me thinks that he can't be ready already. I really didn't want to go buy a potty, primarily because I didn't want to clean it and secondly because he loves to flush and say "bye-bye" to the kids in the pool. As I'm writing I really think the only limiting factor now is me. He would love a potty and the independence of not having me to get him up and down from the toilet and probably train himself because he loves to poop and pee.
Back to the basketball obsession, if Owen sees a hoop, he will beeline for it. Who cares about slides, swings, and sand when there's a basketball court nearby. He'll stand under the 10 ft' hoop and throw his imaginary ball up. The greatest thing is that with an imaginary ball, you always make the shot. I have a feeling the nerf hoop isn't going to suffice when there's a baller in the house. Looks like we're going to have to step it up a notch to the bigger kids Easy Score Basketball Hoop.

Sweet success

2008-03-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

So you're probably thinking reading my blog is the next best thing to looking through my medicine cabinet, right? Do you think much about why you do what you do? Like why you eat what you do when you do? Like why is it that Myspace is so interesting to millions of people and why have blogs taken off in the past years? I kind of think it has something to do with my medicine cabinet theory. I am intriguied by self-evaluation and learning about why we do what we do? I have been a Psychology Today (P.T.) subscriber for 2 years which is a magazine that keeps this interest semi-fulfilled for me. So, hopefully this blog will be multifauceted for both of us. It will give you that great feeling that people awaken in themselves when they learn that we are all so much alike and make you feel connected. It may get a little too journal-like for some of you, but I will say that instead of my total raw inner voice, you will get the sensored version. So on to tell you about an article in April's P.T. about consuming passions. (Wait...I thought I said this was sensored!)

Sweetheart, sugar lips, sweetie pie...surely I didn't acquire these names from being nice but from the level of sugar that runs rampant through my bloodstream everyday. You don't need a second brownie! Save it for later in the day! You didn't just do cardio for 40 min so that you could poison yourself. Go take a shower, read a book, study yoga, type on your blog, prep dinner. Geeze, if Justin were only here to tell me this (which he so pleasantly does when he is around), I'd think I'd be halfway normal...but this is the constant dialogue of my friend Ego. You know, the arch enemy of my Fruedian Id and and her buddy Super-ego. With Ego and Id arguing in my ear, I welcomed the explainations of Consuming Passions, an article about appetite and our bodies not giving a darn if we gain weight. It all makes sense that food is really the original addiction due to the opiods that it (sugar and fat in particular) causes our brains to release creating euphoric sensations and masking pain. The physiological response of food is modest compared to the tremendous response of drugs, but it's all a chemical reaction up there in the penthouse of love. That's why I get confused and think I hear the brownie call me sweetheart. The other part to the this equation is that when we're stressed, half of us overeat and the other half undereat. Is anyone up for trading a little undereat stock for some overeat stock? Stress, I learned from a Boredom Specialist on NPR the other day can present itself in the form of boredom. For those of us with well developed brains (of course mine is), we were meant to juggle a lot at once...so no longer can I say that I'm bored being a stay-at-home mom because I now have a blog to write! But for all those weak moments when "boredom" (a.k.a. stress) gets the best of me, I was reminded to re-evaluate my eating patterns and flesh out what Id has been confusing with "want" versus "need".

For now (although just a small victory) I have to say, "Thank you Ego!" After reading this article, I successfully went 2 days without consuming any sweet treats and it was such a sweet success.

You can get a sneek preview of the article and learn about some tests they did on rats: http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20080225-000004.xml

Justin response after reading this, "What is I.D.?" Well, you can probably count that I'll be serving up a little Freudian psychology at dinner this week.