Clean

Today Jack and Julia and I spent the entire morning and the better part of an afternoon cleaning.  We didn't just clean though we deep cleaned the refrigerator (how long has it been?) and the pantry and numerous cabinets and drawers.  It felt great when we were finished but also a bit frustrating knowing all of the other corners that we didn't get to.   I honestly can't believe we are such pigs.  I was scrubbing the inside of the fridge for over an hour - dried butter and drips of who knows what.  We had condiments dating back to 2003 and cake mixes and jello boxes we have had for who knows how long.  Next time you admit you are my friend or relative you may want to say it quietly for fear of embarrassment.  I do have to say it was a great time with the kids.  I didn't hear one complaint and we had some bonding time over the rotten lettuce....

Hiking

After a long week of teaching I was looking forward to a day of rest (who am I kidding).  This morning Jack's friend invited him to go on a hike and Julia really wanted to go too.  I told her (reluctantly) that we could go on our own hike so the boys could just have boy time.  I was like a kid who didn't want to go somewhere - moving very slowly getting out of the door and trying every angle to get out of it (do you want me to take you shopping?) but her sweet face was too hard to resist.   We ended up hiking the Madonna trail.  It was a beautiful day and the views were amazing.  I can't believe we have lived here for 8 years and I haven't done that hike.   Julia was in heaven.  She said she liked hiking because "it is so quiet and all you hear is nature".  She pointed out several plants she liked and talked a lot about  bugs with unique features.  In the end she was the one asking if we could turn around and go back and I was the one saying "lets just get around the next corner".  Once again it was one of my children prying open my closed mind to experience something new.

It's Friday!!!!!

10 classes in 5 days...... I am happy it is Friday and I don't work this weekend!

little bugger....

That bugz bunny doesn't seem to understand that you don't pee where you sleep or eat.   He is quite finicky about what he eats and when he eats it but not picky at all about when or where it comes out the other end.  We have a large rabbit hutch with a grate over 2/3 of  the bottom  and a small little house with a wood floor that covers the other third.  For some reason he has decide to only live in the house part.  How on earth do you potty train a rabbit?  Help!

Chemo # 5

Almost half way there!   Here is an update for all of those who have been asking.  The last couple chemo treatments were very similar and my Dad only had 2-3 real down days.  We are all praying that this continues in the same way.  I am sure he is tired and his body doesn't feel quite right but he has been working very hard on a kitchen job with Michael and things are going well with that.  I am praying that when he has the opportunity to rest and recover he is able to do so.  Thank you for your prayers and continued support!

Better than I thought

Today I had to teach 4 classes.  I was subbing for a couple of people and I was very nervous I would not make it through all 4.  At the end of the day what I realized is that this feat, for me, was quite easy.  I realized that at the end of the day the 65 year old woman who bravely decided to attend her first yoga class and felt her muscles stretch and shake for the first time in a long time - she had a much more challenging day - but I hope in the end it was much more satisfying.  I think many of us don't even realize the potential of these amazing bodies we have.  Many of us let self doubt get in the way.  What an incredible feeling it is when we realize we have gone beyond the boundaries of our thoughts and did the impossible.  Once we see that physical gain it is so much easier to challenge the mental ones.

Love

Isn't it interesting how the one thing every single human needs, wants and is searching for is love and the one thing God gives us is unconditional love.  Why then are we not all completely happy and full of faith?  Why is it we keep searching and keep striving for that "extra" thing that is out there.  Why are we not satisfied.  Why must we need and want more.  Why is it that even those who have everything - including all of the love they could ever want - are still looking for more.  There must be a reason.  All I can figure is that we will find it in heaven.  God must want us to need more so we don't cling to this life and look forward to the next.  There must be something there that will satisfy us for eternity.

Perfect day

Today we had such a good time as a family.  We all walked down to the strawberry festival in the village and had funnel cakes (seriously, how can you have a bad day when you eat a funnel cake) and some delicious lemonade.  The kids jumped on this crazy bungee thing and then we walked home.  John treated us and made the most amazing dinner of panini's and pasta and fresh iced tea.  We had a great time at 6 o'clock mass and then went to the movies.  Heaven.

Meet Bugz

This is Bugz.  Julia named him this because she loves bugs and we can call him Bugz bunny.  He is three months old and was born in the shelter.  He is super sweet for a rabbit and actually lets us hold and pet him.   Our makeshift fence was made using things we had around the house.  Everyone is very happy.......except Ben who is wondering why we wont let him play with the new toy.

Rabbits

Tomorrow we are going to try and adopt one or two rabbits for Julia.  She is going to join 4H next year and we have designated a section of our yard for a "free range" bunny palace.  Stay tuned!

Modern convenience

Yesterday was a bit crazy and as a result I drove home late after open house at the kids school and dinner out.  We discovered on the way home that Ben was out of our yard and we were frantic to find him.  Ben of course was found and very happy to have had a long excursion around the neighborhood visiting all of the other dogs.  The bad part was that I was in such a hurry to find him I left my lights on in the car....all night long.  Imagine my surprise this morning when I turned the key and nothing happened.  I only had about 10 minutes to get to the gym before my class.  Fortunately I have a very good friend who came to my rescue and drove me to the gym.  Suzanne drove me home and there I sat until her husband came and helped me jump the car (John was out of town).   Jack thought it was so funny that I felt trapped not having a car when so many others don't have one ever.  He also started talking about how people were able to get along before cars.  Here I was without a car for only a few hours - how was I going to get to the grocery store for dinner?.... and that movie rental I needed to return....

God, thank you for the ease of this life and the privilege you have blessed me with.  I try not to complain but sometimes I obviously need a reminder of how good I have it.

The proper way to weigh yourself

This came to me through email today and I think it is hilarious.  Thank goodness someone got the word out that we were all doing it incorrectly this whole time.  I may even start weighing myself again!  - looks like a nice hamstring stretch too ;)

TV

I am such a slut.  A TV slut that is.  Three nights of season finales will quickly turn into 4 and then I am officially over and out for the summer....oh except for "so you think you can dance".  Had friends over for Survivor on Sunday, 24 on Monday, had part 1 of idol tonight and part 2 tomorrow.    Would someone please tell me to get a life!

Noise

For some strange reason I have had a headache for almost a full week now.  I think it may have something to do with allergies which are really bad right now.  Anyway,  it is not only my head now but my eyes and my ears and the constant chatter in the house that usually makes me smile has turned into piercing blades of noise that every nerve ending reacts to.  I am looking forward to the solitude of night time and sleep and hope that when I wake up it will be gone.  I have new found empathy for those in constant pain.

Faith part 2

I find it interesting that when I feel absolutely sure about my faith and belief system it gets rocked a bit.   I have stood strong in my beliefs for a very long, long time without question.  But recently the questions seem to be coming.  Honestly, I think it is God putting those questions out there, encouraging me to look farther and dig deeper.  Obviously questions will always be there regarding faith.  Obviously the answers will almost never be completely concrete.  Just when I thought that I was so on top of things and my spiritual journey had most certainly evolved beyond the rudimentary that is when the basic questions come back to mind.  Where are you God and what the heck do you want me to do?

Goals

I was just checking in with my goals I created when I first started this blog.  A big one was to own a business.  I have complete faith that I could be quite successful at running a business I just lack the inspiration to figure out what that business should be.  I have recently had a couple of suggestions - a personal trainer that goes to wealthy people's homes, creating a workout video.....  I don't know - nothing seems to be grabbing me at the moment.  I need something that I can get super excited about.  Something that gets me out of bed an hour early each day just so I can get started on it.  Something that gets other people excited too.  Any ideas?

blogging

As many of you may have noticed I have become quite proficient at back dating my blog entries.  Tonight a friend of mine asked me how the blogging was going and I told her that I was frustrated..... I have completely run out of things to say.  She told me I should write about that - not having anything to say.  So here I am admitting that my wit and genius has completely run out.  My life experiences have led me to writing just over 6 months of daily insight and no more.   Maybe this is what they call writers block - perhaps I need more inspiration.  Maybe I have just come to realize that it is more about what I do than what I say that makes a difference.    

The wonderful world of squid

Julia had to do a report and diorama on an animal and of course the sweet girl chose a squid.  For once I pretty much let her do it all on her own..... it is amazing what one can accomplish when given the freedom to do it.  She had so much fun creating the three dimensional squid and the report was almost too easy because she already knew so much about them.  She can answer any questions you might have. 

Chemo # 4

Yea!  Today my Dad will be one third of the way through his chemo.  We are all hoping that this one is as good or better than the last one (preferably better!).  He has been blessed with a very good (and large) cabinet job and other work seems to be on the horizon.  We are praying that his energy level allows him to enjoy this project and finish it in time.  Hang in there Pop!

Goodbyes and jury duty

Sarah took off today and Julia had a hard time keeping it together for the goodbye (she hates them and LOVES Sarah).  I had a hard time saying goodbye too - didn't seem long enough.  I am on call this week for jury duty and it is wreaking havoc on my life.  I have to be prepared to show up in court within an hour.   So far I haven't had to go in but trying to plan around it is annoying - keep your fingers crossed.

Fun for almost free

We had a great weekend with Sarah.  Spent some time at the beach and camping in Uncle Rico (well Sarah and I did not sleep there but we did everything else).  We cooked hot dogs on the fire and roasted marshmallows.   The kids climbed on the trees and we enjoyed the soft sand on our bare feet walking on the beach.  We window shopped in San Luis and didn't need to spend much money for a very fun time.  Thanks Sarah for the mini vacation!  We had a great time with you!

Mother's Day

I love my children!  Check out this talent - the next big craze!

The funniest story!

Sarah told us this story that I can't believe happened but she swears it is true.  

Sarah volunteers at the Museum of Natural History in Denver.  She absolutely loves bugs and she works in that department.  She preserves them etc. and she has amazing art work that displays her own version of bugs.  One day she was walking outside of the Museum with her official badge on and happened to see this sweet little family of a mother and her 3 children.  Suddenly this very large Katydid (approx 3 inches long) landed on the mothers face.  She started screaming and screaming.  Sarah immediately went into action (her heroic nature taking over) and ran to the the woman yelling "don't worry!  I'm an entomologist!".  Sarah gently removed the insect from the woman's face as one of her children said "what's an entomologist?".  One of the other kids said "that means she likes bugs".

So if you are ever in a bug emergency you know who to call.  We were all laughing our heads off and I think Julia thought that was the most amazing story ever.  Surely she will one day hope to achieve this super hero status herself.

Californiafied

One day here and she has chopped her hair into a very fashionable a-line bob and barbie blondified it up.  All she needs now is a believable fake tan, a bikini and a pedicure (she already has the purse dog waiting in Colorado) - then we can send her home properly. 

Airlines.... AHHHHHH!!!!!

We have been so excited because my sister Sarah is coming to visit.  She bought her ticket a long time ago because she found such a good rate.  This morning she arrived at the airport in plenty of time and stood in a long line to check her bag.  When she got to the counter they told her she missed the cut off time to check bags (45 minutes) by 2 minutes and they would have to re - ticket her.  Now she is arriving at 9:40 tonight instead of 11:55 am.  She has been up since 6 and has been waiting in the Phoenix airport for almost 5 hours now.   Poor thing.   I should probably have a drink ready for her!

Ben......again......

Ben has pretty much decided that he is human.   We found him the other day chewing on something.  We couldn't figure out what it was.  We kept asking him to spit it out and he just kept chewing and chewing and chewing.  Finally John grabbed it out of his mouth.  What was it you ask?   Why gum of course!

Joshua

I don't normally write about other peoples children but today I have to honor sweet Joshua on his birthday.   Joshua lives next door and has been Jack's best friend for as long as we have lived here (since they were 3 years old).  How amazing that God's plan for Joshua was to bring him half way around the world from Ethiopia simply to bless all of us.  I think the thing I love about Josh the most is his laugh (probably because that is what I hear most coming out of him).  His laugh is so infectious and I don't know how his parents ever have a chance of disciplining him if he is laughing because you really don't have a choice but to join in.  He has an incredible sense of humor - far beyond his years.  He draws people to him and has many friends.  He is always helpful and polite at our house  - a shining example for my children.  Josh has an incredible love for animals and I think connects with them more than most do.  I know Josh is sensitive and sweet (even though he most likely wont admit it) and has great love and respect for God and his family.  Joshua, you have talents you don't even realize yet.  I know you will accomplish wonderful things (and most likely end up wearing a suit while you do them;).  Thank you for embracing Jack in your life and taking care of him.  Thank you for being a good friend and bringing so much joy to him and all of us.  You are perfect in every way just the way you are - don't ever forget that.  I thank God for you every day.  Happy 11Th Birthday Joshua!

15 bags.....

Spring cleaning?  I woke up this morning with a mission and I have only accomplished maybe 15% of it.  I worked all day cleaning out Jack's closet and the cabinets in the hall.  I must say that I have been avoiding Jack's closet for quite some time..... maybe even a year (yikes).  That is not to say that I haven't asked him to clean it and take care of it but our ideas of clean are quite different from one another.  I spent many hours going through the Lego boxes and Knex boxes finding candy wrappers and broken toys.  I found no less than 20 dirty socks shoved into corners and behind books.  I filled 15 bags full of clothes, games, and books for goodwill.  I vividly remember my own mother spending hours doing the same thing and now realize the lack of appreciation she received.  I am sure she is smiling down on me as the baton passes on to the next generation.  As we approach mothers day I know many of our duties as Moms go unnoticed but I don't regret a moment of it.  Somewhere hidden deep in that closet was a sweet art project that Jack made with the word "mommy" on it.....that treasure made it into the "keep" pile.

The Dog and the Chickens

We went down the hill of our neighbors yard yesterday to visit their 6 chickens that are growing quite rapidly.  Ben was in our yard yelping his head off (he hates to be left out) and wouldn't you know not 3 minutes later he came bounding down their hill and almost leaped 6 feet in the air at the sight of these chickens.  They must be there purely for his enjoyment.  Thankfully they were well secured within a fence but that didn't seem to deter his desire.  We are sure he purely wants to tackle them and maybe gum their heads a bit but he would not eat them - he only wants to play.......    How will this story end.  We hope happily.........

Nic at Night

Julia was in a play tonight at the church right across the street from us.   The play was about the story of  Nicodemus and the Pharisees and how Nicodemus came to believe in Jesus.  What hit home though throughout the play was that we as humans LOVE to make rules.  Rules about almost anything and how incredibly stupid most of them really are.  Maybe we do it to feel important or maybe we need them to feel safe.  I think if we all lived by maybe 2 or 3 rules - like love, forgiveness and generosity - maybe we wouldn't need all of those other rules.  Maybe if we could live as God wants us to live we wouldn't need rules at all.

Rachel and Jack

Jack was feeling a bit slighted by not being included in my blog photo.   So, I am now switching it to give him some web time.   After a very, very, very busy and tiring week I am so excited to have a few days to chill out.  Julia is performing in a play tonight and tomorrow and Jack has Junior lifeguard try outs on Sunday.  Tonight we are celebrating Suzanne's niece Rachel's 21st birthday!  She has been such a delight to have living next door to us.  She is the best Ben keeper and always fun to hang out with.  She makes me feel young even though I am sure she thinks of me as an old lady.  She has the most beautiful skin of anyone I have ever seen..... in fact she should be a dermatologist so everyone will think that what she does works really well!  I hope this year is full of excitement and many memory making opportunities for her.  Happy B-day Rach!