Warrior Women

Today I challenged myself.  I did something I did not think I would ever be capable of  and I did it with my sister and my aunt.  I completed the Warrior Dash and I feel awesome!

I am incredibly uncoordinated.  I am clumsy and bruise easily.  My legs are a testament to this.  I don't consider myself to be physically strong.  I also don't like being dirty.  I always admired people who did obstacle races, but thought I would never be able to do one myself.  Luckily,  I have a sister and aunt who encouraged me to give it a try.

My kids call her, Great Grand Eileen.  She is awesome and one of my heroes.  Eileen is fit, can do handstands and kettlebells.  She is an amazing woodworker.  She hikes, she skis.  Eileen is smart and a gifted teacher.  Students love her.

 My sister, Sally, has not let lyme disease hold her back from embracing life.

 We are women warriors.

The course was dusty.  The first mile is just running, first up a hill over very dusty, sandy ground.  My ankle threatened to roll during the first mile, but luckily I avoid injury.  I jumped over walls, climbed high walls with a rope, crawled under barbed wire, crawled through tunnels, climbed cargo nets, jumped in a series of mud pits, waded through more mud, crawled through mud under barbed wire, slid into a pool of muddy water, crossed slacked lines while being sprayed with water and suspended high above ground, and jumped fire.  It.Was.Awesome!!!!!

I honestly surprised myself.  I never got stuck.  I might even described my movement through several obstacles as spry.  I made it through every obstacle on the first attempt.  I also got very dirty and muddy. 

I removed my eye block and discovered I was dirtier than I thought despite hosing off.

The camaraderie on the course was great.  There were so many fun groups of people, everyone willing to help out someone stuck.  Afterwards, we headed to the beer garden to redeem our free beer.  I, famed for my dislike of beer, felt it important to at least try my celebratory beer.  To my surprise I actually kind of like the belgian white.  There may be hope for me yet.

Classic Eileen pose

 I can't wait to see the pics taken by course officials. I think everyone needs a picture of them leaping over fire.  We opted not to take any post-race pics wearing our fuzzy red horned helmets.

I can only imagine how difficult the course would have been if it had been rainy instead of blazing hot.  Those mud pits might have been impossible to escape.  Maybe next year I will get the chance to find out.

Too Busy Making Memories

I realized today it has been an unusually long time since I last blogged.  This summer has been flying by and full of simple pleasures.  There are no big trips or vacations.  We've been so busy having fun, we have barely even taken any pictures (maybe that's a good thing?).

Here's a glimpse into our summer days....

Over the 4th of July my sister and her family stayed with us.  We played, went to a parade, and saw a great fireworks show (that was free of crazy crowds).

We've continued to do small, fun activities.  Bridge building is harder than it looks!

Robin is in love with books, especially the Pigeon books and Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems.  He will bring books to anyone and beg them to read, over and over again.  He drags a Mo Willem book with him wherever he goes.

The big kids have been surprisingly willing to go to their rooms every afternoon for an hour to play quietly and give me a break.

This past weekend, Dave and Linus went camping with Dave's brother and his four boys (and took no pictures).  Linus came home joyous despite being covered in bug bites.  Eileen, Robin, and I spent the time swimming, riding bikes, checking out a new toy store, playing in the backyard, and watching princess movies.

The kids have been taking daily swim lessons.  Additionally, each kid gets one week of day camp.  Eileen spent last week at rookie sports camp.  I wasn't sure how it would go since she generally dislikes sports and would only wear dresses.  She loved it, especially hockey.  One day Linus and I went on a hike through Discovery Park, just the two of us.  It was wonderful.

It's been fun watching the kids tackle new things this summer.  After day camp, Eileen was excited to play t-ball in the backyard.  She exclaimed, "I can do this! I learned how at camp!"  Linus started taking piano lessons.  He also finally discovered the joy of reading chapter books.  He has been devouring Magic Treehouse books.

Robin has been getting the hang of this walking thing and just this week started to be able to stand up in the middle of a room unassisted.  His increased balance has led to him trying new challenges like stairs, ladders, slides, and sports equipment.  He thought t-ball and golf were pretty fun.

I've enjoyed getting one on one time with each of my kids and knocking books off my reading list during downtime.  I've also been whittling away at my professional development clock hours.  To my surprise, I've slowly rediscovered my passion for teaching.  I'm still not ready to head back into the classroom full time (and I know Robin definitely is not okay with that idea), but now it actually holds some appeal once again.  The many hours spent with my lovely children also remind me that homeschooling is not a good option for us.

This summer has just been full of pleasant surprises.

Family Camp 2015

After taking last year off, we returned to family camp again at Camp Don Bosco.  The children rejoiced in anticipation (except for Robin since last time he was in utero and doesn't remember).  I took a different more holistic approach to packing (all the shoes in one bin, towels in another,etc versus packing for individuals).  Packing was made lighter since the weather was forecast to be a scorcher.  We packed lots of water bottles and fans.

CYO listened to input from previous years and revamped family camp.  The programming was great, the food healthier.  I was impressed by how on time everything ran.  I appreciated that pony rides were offered both days first thing in the morning instead of during nap time.

 Despite always loving riding horses, Eileen was nervous at first and refused to get on a pony.  She changed her mind at the last minute.  She spent the rest of the weekend telling me how much she loved her new best friend, Hi-Jack.  You will note the dress over jeans and t-shirt.  I didn't pack her dresses for the weekend so she wouldn't ruin them.  She flipped out and insisted on wearing this one (that she wore when we arrived) every day.

The weather was hot.  Robin actually took great naps, but often they were during program times.  This meant I got to spend a lot of time relaxing and reading a book while Dave helped steer the kids.  During actual nap time, I took the kids into town to get some ice cream at Blake's and let Dave nap.

There were lots of programming choices, so many in fact that Linus couldn't do everything he wanted.  The upside to family camp is that if you plan it right, you can do multiple activities during the course of one program session.  Linus especially liked laser tag, capture the flag, and kickball.  Eileen preferred the craft shop. There was enough staff and Linus was independent enough that we often could just drop Linus off at the meeting spot for an activity, tell him where we would be, and then Dave and I could be with the other two kids.

Robin and I did make it to kickball.  I would swing his whole body so he would make contact with the balls and then run him around the bases holding him in front of me.  He loved it and asked for more.  He was a kickin' machine.

The bandage on his forehead?  Oh, Robin was just getting to know the deck of the pool on a more intimate level.  The pool was nice and significantly warmer than its notorious predecessor.  I even got in although anything below 88 degrees is a little cold for my tastes.  We didn't get to use the wading pool but it looked fun.

Robin had a big smile plastered across his face the whole weekend.  He loved campfire best and signed "more" after each song.

Besides actually having time to quietly read a book by myself. The best part of camp was how engaged the kids were.  There was no fighting between them.  Linus was pretty free to roam.  You could relax because you knew he was safe and there were lots of adults and staff around.  I think he relished the independence.  Eileen was a bit clingy but I think that had something to do with being overtired since she was playing hard, staying up late, and not napping.

On the last day, they asked the person who had the most fun at each table to raise your hand. Linus' shot up fast.  I loved watching him come into his own.  He loves to leads songs at campfire.  He has no fear when it comes to getting up in front of crowds.  Linus oozes with enthusiasm at each activity.  He will make a great counselor some day.

Back home everyone slept long and hard.  Today the kids are playing nicely together.  I think we all needed a little break from home to recharge.

From the Mouths of Babes in June

Me:  It's way past bedtime.
Linus:  No it's not.  It's only 7:45.
Me:  Linus, it's been daylight savings for months now.  You need to get over it.
Linus:  I can't.  It's impossible.

Eileen:  It's okay Mama.  You don't have to be scared of clowns now.  They're silly.

Linus was riding Eileen's bike because it was easier to ride than his.  An older boy rode by so Linus jumped off and tried to save face...
Linus:   Pink is such a stupid color.  I hate girl bikes.  Girl bikes are so lame.

Eileen:  I'm beginning to realize...

Linus:  Eileen you're not being a light for others!

Eileen:  Lets start making my birthday list.  You will need to get a pink crayon and a roll of toilet paper.
Me:  Toilet paper?
Eileen:  My list is going to be very long.

Me:  Winnie the Pooh
Robin:  giggle giggle giggle
Me:  Winnie the Pooh
Robin:  giggle giggle giggle
I get the sense he thinks I'm talking about poop.

She wanted a pink mask.  She added wings so she could fly.

 

Cool Kids, Best Dad!

Boys are hard.  Why is it that they are nearly all impossible to shop for unless you want to buy them some insanely expensive piece of technology?  I fantasized about my Mother's Day for weeks in advance.  I got the sense Dave had not thought about it at all until I asked him a few days before.  Dave works so hard and I really wanted to honor him.

This morning the kids presented Dave with their gifts/cards.  Linus also mixed Dave a cold chai latte and threw confetti in the air to celebrate Father's Day.  I made him a card (I'm pretty proud of it  He thought I had downloaded pictures off the internet, but nope.  It was all me.).  We went out to breakfast pretty early at the Lake Forest Park Bar and Grill and then walked around the Farmers Market. The beautiful weather beckoned us outside.  While Dave and Linus shot archery, Robin and Eileen had fun in the empty wading pool.

Dave got some time to himself while kids rested before taking the big kids to the Aquasox game.

 I can tell they had a good time since they came home with lots of swag.  While the kids put on their jammies, we got to use Dave's Father's Day present, a backyard firepit.

S'more action.  Eileen was scared of the flames so Dave handled her stick.    You will notice the chocolate has expertly been placed on a graham and then set near the fire to soften while the mallows are roasted.

How can you not love a face like this?

Despite a long day, Dave still was willing to put the kids to bed.  I'm so glad to share the parenting journey with this guy. I loved Dave before we had kids (I was even willing to marry him), but I appreciate him in a new way now.  Kids are exhausting, but I can't help but think how boring our lives would be without them.  The kids all adore their dad.  They've missed Dave while he has been working a lot.  I know they loved having all this special time with him today.  Happy Father's Day Dave.  In the words of Linus, "Cool kids.  Best Dad!"

Summer O' Fun

Today is the first official day of summer vacation.  The kids were up sometime after 5 am, but well before 6 am.  Eileen was upset she didn't get to go to school.  By 8 am, everyone was dressed, hair combed and teeth brushed, fed/caffeinated, clothes folded and put away, chores done, plants watered, workbook pages completed, and books read to/with mama.  Glancing at the clock I knew it was going to be a long day.

I had warned the kids before the start of break that we would not be having any screen time in the morning unless it was earned.  In the days leading up to the end of school I made a list of possible adventures, selected a variety of science and sensory activities to do at home, and compiled all the necessary items needed to complete the activities.  I did not anticipate needing to delve into my bag of tricks as early as 8 am on Day 1.

These are the three books we are using this summer.  I picked about 20 activities total.

First up, the spiderweb, requiring only yarn and painters tape.  We had fun making it.  Robin did not approve.

 Linus decided to add spiders.  As the morning progressed, the web got more intricate.

The idea is that the kids have to try to pass through the web.  I also blew up some balloons for them to pass through.  Eventually, Linus attached the string to himself and pretended he was a spider and tried to scale the refrigerator and kitchen counters.  Eileen was happy to be caught in this web.  I found him spinning her, preparing to feast.  I was relieved the web provided entertainment throughout the day.

At 9 am, Robin's therapist came over.  We all played outside, while helping Robin practice things like walking on uneven ground and climbing ladders.  Linus made a call to Grandma, who came over, and joined us for a game of croquet after therapy.

By the end of the game, it was only 11 am.  We drank lemonade.  I made the kids lunch, compiled dessert and dinner in crockpots (vanilla custard and indian spiced lentils with chicken).  Robin went down for a nap and the kids rode bikes in the driveway.  I somehow managed to load the dishwasher, fill the wading pool, and put the big kids down for their mandatory 1 hour rest, and then fell asleep.

It's now about 3 pm.  The kids are using their earned screen time.  When Robin wakes up, we'll head outside to play in the wading pool (which will now be relatively warm) until it's time for karate.  After karate, the kids will eat dinner in their pajamas while I take a shower (the upside to karate is I get to workout since it's at the YCMA).  Then I'll put all three kids to bed, collapse on the couch, and wait for Dave to come home so we can watch more of Orange is the New Black.

And that will be the end of a very very long day.  I am hopeful that tomorrow will not start so early. 

Right Now

School lets out for the summer at the end of the week.  Eileen is sad, Linus is excited, I am nervous, and Robin has no idea.  The freedom of summer has the potential to be fun and exciting.  However,  with all 3 kids all day, every day, there is lots of potential for fighting/grumpiness/frustration.  In these last few days, I am trying to breathe in all the wonderfulness that is the kids these days.  I need to be able to look back at this post when times get tough. 

Linus

I can't believe how grown up he is.  In a matter of days Linus will officially be a first grader! I tell people that when it comes to him, I am playing the long game (ie not nit picking him constantly over every misbehavior).  I feel like I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  No one at his school believes that he is anything but delightful.  Karate has been so good for him.  It has really helped him to learn how to self-regulate.  Getting him to karate twice a week can be annoying, but he truly loves it.  I like that it enables a twice weekly workout for me in addition to the perk of character building for Linus.

Linus really is so very grown up.  Sometimes I have to remind myself he is only six years old and not rely on him too much.  He can be so responsible.  When Robin got hurt and cut himself the other day, Linus rushed to his aid, applying a wet cloth to the wound and then bandaging.  Linus is a very competitive and cutthroat board game player.  It's nice that he can handle games like Settlers of Catan.  I love who I see him becoming.  He understands the good stuff in life.  He asked if the next time it was a cold rainy day, if we could just stay inside by the fireplace, have hot cider and popcorn, do puzzles, play board games, and watch movies. I know, right?

Eileen

Eileen is her own person.  She loves pink, dresses, rainbows, unicorns, and princesses.  She also loves building, creating, and drawing.  In the last few weeks her art has really taken off and I've been impressed by her pictures.  The other day she drew a spider, cut it out, attached a long piece of tape, and hung it by the door in order to scare me when I walked through it. She rarely lets me take her picture or hang her art.

She was angry I tried to take a picture of her in her recital outfit.

I love how thoughtful she is.  She tries to think of ways to "fill people's buckets."  While she is supposed to be taking a nap, she likes to make cards in her room for people and then slip them under their doors. Eileen still likes to go off quietly by herself to read, draw, build, or play.  It's great except she leaves a path of destruction in her wake. We're still working on that part.

Robin

Robin remains all sweetness.  Despite all his challenges, he continues to persevere and soar.  His therapist can't believe how far he has come in six months.  He is sooooo close to making the switch to walking.  He is obsessed with Caspar Babypants and begs for more constantly.  Robin likes to wear his yellow boots.  He is beginning to do pretend play.  Robin pretends to pick flowers (which sounds a lot like "yellow") and then gives them to you.  This evening I caught him playing with his baby, putting Charley on his rocking horse, singing "rock, rock, rock."

rocking baby Charley

I love how he jumps up off the table the moment a wet diaper comes off to give me a hug and says "naked, naked, naked" while giggling.  I then get to wrestle him back down to put on a fresh diaper.  Robin melts my heart on a regular basis.  The way he says "Mama" with just the right amount of love, awe, and excitement.  Even better is when those words are followed by a kiss.

So yes, my kids are all kinds of awesome.  I need to remember this next week when the squabbling begins, the long unending weekend with no school to act as my salvation.  There will be a routine, swim lessons, day camps, and adventures to pass the summer.  I'm thinking if it all goes down hill, I'll just revert to a 1980s life style and make baloney sandwiches, turn on the sprinkler, find some TAB to drink while laying out in the sun and re-reading Summer Sisters by Judy Blume.  Maybe I'll do that anyway.