We Have Shade!

Last year when we ate on our patio, we cooked. Yes, we cooked food, but we also physically cooked as we sat there sweating it out in the hot summer sun. So, we ordered sun shades.

This week in the 70 degree March weather, Chris installed them.

They look amazing, providing some relief from the sun, as well as a little privacy.

Thank you Sams Club. We love them!

Kids Day Off

Friday the girls had the day off of school. I typically love their days off of school, but lately I have just been feeling off, unmotivated, and not happy. I can't pinpoint why...just am. So, making the day off fun was proving to be a challenge for me, at least mentally.

We started with the forest. With the weather so mild, it was perfect for a nice hike. We took a map this time (yeah!) and the kids got some much needed exercise. We searched for signs of spring, and spotted a few flowers along the Hackberry Trail. The kids played at Acorn Acres before making their way to play some more downstairs at the forest.

Next...Lunch. Outside of the forest was packed with school kids. So, I thought I had an even better idea...a picnic at a park. Once at the park, the overcast skies and cool breeze proved to be a bit to chilly to eat. At least the idea was good I guess. Next, the kids selected a treat at Target before making our way home to play outside, almost all day.

They helped me wash the van, played in their jeep, took a walk, before having our traditional pizza for dinner.

It was a good, fun day afterall. I guess I still have it. :)

Lunch at Bell

Addison loves it when Asher and I eat lunch at school with her. Alivia likes it, too, but rarely requests it. So, when a friend asked us to go up to lunch today, I could not say no.

Here are some snaps from lunch. It is fun to catch up with the girls mid day in their element. I feel so lucky to be able to eat with them, whenever, and in this case, wherever.

Marching into the Zoo

Now THAT is Love!

Yesterday Asher and I hit the zoo to enjoy the beautiful March weather we are having. We invited our friends Bonnie, Xander, and baby Ben to enjoy the day with us.

The boys led the way, seeing the animals outside. Eventually they made their way to the playset, narrowly missing injuries. It was nice to be able to enjoy some fresh air while taking in the sights of all the animals. Asher just liked being able to play with Xander.

After 20 times of asking, we finally caved and had lunch. The boys thought it was lunch at 9:30! We had lunch outside, in March! Crazy.

We took in the Sharks in 3D before calling it a day.

Love the zoo. We could go every day and never see the same thing twice.

It's Official, I'm a Soccer Mom

Funny, I never thought I would say that, at least before I had kids. Chris was really into soccer, starting from a very young age, and he was a good player from what I hear. But, he got burnt out. Someone he used to play with is now a coach in the pros (or is he playing in the pros? Whatever, he is in the pros). Anyway, Chris was on elite teams and stuff (like the and stuff?), so one of our kids had to take up the sport right?

Alivia and Asher are signed up to start soccer at our local YMCA in a couple weeks. Asher wanted to play; Alivia we heavily encouraged her participation (she does not want to do any sport). In preparation for that, Alivia went to a soccer camp on Saturday to help her learn the fundamentals. It was instructed, in part, by one of Chris's previous coaches who is now a coach at UNO. Chris was thrilled to be able to see him again and have Alivia learn from someone that taught him.

Alivia was dragging her soccer shoes a bit, not wanting to go, yelling at me for signing her up in the first place. I guess sometimes you have to drag kids practically kicking and screaming. As it turns out, the girl loved it! She came home raving about how good she is, how much she learned, etc. Chris said she did take a liking to the sport, so that is a good thing. Alivia has never wanted to go out for anything. We stopped signing her up for stuff as she usually just sat it out crying, so it really was not worth it. It appears we just did not find something she liked.

So, we are now soccer parents and I am now a soccer Mom. Oh, please help me...:)

I guess that means I am going to have to learn the rules, huh?!

Insanity Take 2 COMPLETE!

Today was our final day of Insanity. Chris actually just finished up his final workout, while I did mine this morning after my run, before anyone was out of bed (yes, I am insane) before going to Mass.

The results.

I would recommend the Insanity workout for anyone who is trying to kick their butt back into shape. That being said, we were in shape, or at least we thought we were, when we started. I ran almost daily and Chris did weights and ran. But, Insanity worked different parts of the body, like all of them. It is always good to mix up an old routine. And, we loved the challenge of Insanity.

On the second take, unlike the first time round, we did not break any bones. Yeah...that is progress! It was still grueling, but we knew what to expect. We also did the expanded workouts, like Max Insane Abs and the Interval Sports Training (which was 55 minutes of pure love and torture. I thought this one was fun, in an insane sort of way). We can see differences in our bodies, although minor.

I would say we both feel leaner. I actually have some upper body strength where I had none to little prior to these workouts. Chris finds his chest and back areas more defined but yet lean.

Weight wise, I am not weighing myself this time. I feel good and that is all that matters I guess. The weight is just a number on the scale. It should be higher since I have muscle mass that was not there 9 weeks ago.

This time around, Chris ran a little during the lower impact first 4 weeks and during the one week of recovery before the real insane workouts started. He maybe only ran a little during the last 4 weeks. I ran hit and miss during it all, plus went to zumba. I can not seem to give up running. Running is a means to get out on my own and I am free. Insanity is in the house...so it is just different.

Now what? We are looking into our next workout challenge. But, in the mean time, we are going back to running. I am going to do the Insanity Abs workout maybe a few times a week, too, maybe, and maybe do that crazy sports training one every once in a while. Of course, I will continue running and going to Zumba for fun. Chris has his eye on the next workout, but that is at least a couple weeks off. We just want to get out and run in this beautiful weather we are going to have in the upcoming weeks.

Chris is not up for a picture for the after yet...but here is one that I an brave enough to share  My headless body...(sorry, the mirror was tilted down. This is the best I could do, and I like the headless look anyway. :) ).

Ha Ha, LOL

Chris always gives me a funny card for my birthday. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a germaphobe, and I do not like the dog sitting anywhere, especially where I lay my head. Enough said. Here was this card:

Card Shoebox by Hallmark:
"IF YOU EVER THOUGHT TOO MUCH ABOUT ALL THE PLACES IN YOUR HOME YOUR PET HAS TOUCHED WITH HIS NAKED BUTT, YOU'D HAVE TO MOVE."

INSIDE:
"HOPE YOU FIND A NICE PLACE TO EAT YOUR CAKE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Yeah, leave it to Chris to find THIS card!

A Short Run in the Park

Today I got up early to run around Zorinsky Lake. I wanted to run around the entire lake, 7 some odd miles, but I decided against it after going around the short, merely 3 miles side. I wanted to be home when the kids got up for breakfast, and I got too late of a start for that. Zorinsky is so far away from us! Once daylight saving time comes into effect (like tonight), I can be at Zorinsky at opening (5am) and start, so that I can be back by breakfast.

Anyway, I started at 6 and it was beautiful. The sun rising over the water, the water fowl, the scenery...all just beautiful. It was a nice way to start the weekend off. I knew today was going to be busy, so I wanted to get my break in while I could (break meaning running break).

Like I said, I ran the shorter, more wooded side. I selected this side because I like how it is more wooded and hoped to see deer. As I was finishing up, I saw deer! Luckily (or not so lucky as it turned out), I brought the handycam. That camera takes HORRIBLE pictures! Seriously, HORRIBLE! Okay, it took a couple okay ones, but the ones of the deer did not turn out.

It was an amazing run full of God's Beauty. I look forward to my return. Now, if I can just find a running partner. Pepper spray will have to work for now...

Spring has Sprung!

Let's hope so anyway. Friday was another fabulous taste to spring. If winter is actually over, that is the kind of winter I can handle! After an afternoon run, the kids' friends came over to join us for our version of a walk. Chris WAS to stay home and work out (turns out he just stayed home and left the working out to me and 5 kids and a dog) while the 5 kids, Pippa and I went out to enjoy the sunshine and wind.

It was a beautiful evening. The kids rode bikes, scooters and plasma cars and it was anything but quiet. Once at home they busied themselves outside until it was dinner time.

Spring, have I mentioned how much I have missed you?! It is so nice to see you again!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. I am not a fan of birthdays, either, at least my birthday. They are just a set up for disappointment, ya see. Any other day, I wake with anticipation of what they day will bring, what we will do, and what we can get accomplished. On my birthday, I have expectations. I know, I am a mom so I should not have any more expectations on my birthday than on any other day, but I do.

The day began early at 5 AM. The weather was to be beautiful (in the 70's!), so I wanted to run. However, Addison's friend comes over after school on Tuesdays, so I knew if I wanted to run, I had to get up before dawn to get a run in. So, that is what I did. It was windy, crazy windy, but it was nice to get out and run. I find a strange sense of peacefulness running, especially in the morning.

Before Chris went to work, he gave me my gift, a ring. I have wore the promise ring on my right hand since Chris gave it to me years ago. It was beat up and discolored now, and I wanted a new one. I love the new one...it is perfect. 

After my run and Insanity workout, it was time to get the girls ready for school. Asher and I spent the morning playing, cleaning up, getting laundry started...ya know, the typical day to day lazy mom stuff (that is sarcasm if you did not catch that).

Asher and I had lunch at home before deciding to walk to Shadow Lake for a treat. Asher road his bike and I chased after him. :) We had a fun time having getting there and having some yummy Orange Leaf Yogurt, our favorite "date" spot. Yummy! We stopped in a couple places before trying to make our way back, into that crazy wind. Asher's bike pedal fell off, causing me some grief, but we made it home.

At pick up time, I picked up Addi with her friend Kate, Alivia and her friend Zoe (who we car pool with, but her Dad was caught up away from home), and Asher in the wagon. It was nice to be able to walk home in early March. I love the peeks of spring, but I would just prefer we kick winter out of here and get to spring already.

The girls played outside with someone (usually one of the younger girls) crying every 10-15 minutes or so. I would get one girl calmed down, and the other one would come crying. I guess 4 girls after school is too much or something.

Addi and her friend soon left for art class while Alivia, Zoe, Asher and I took the dog on a long walk around the lake. It was windy, but the temperature was so mild and nice. I do believe I walked Asher out, however.

At 6, Addison came home from her Arts for All art class and Zoe's Dad came to pick her up. Finally, it was time to dinner at Zio's Pizza. The kids had fun rolling out their pizza dough while we waited for the pizza. After dinner, Chris wanted to pick up soccer shoes and equipment for soccer that is coming up soon. Seriously, I just wanted to go home. But, we got that checked off of our list.

At home, they sang happy birthday to me over angel muffins from the Garden Cafe (they used to be my favorite, but not so much now).

All it all, it was a day, just another day. I was in bed by 9:30 thankful the day was over. I was tired from our outdoor activities (and my nearly 30,000 steps I took yesterday!). I am already planning next year's birthday. (I picture getting my hair and nails done, lunch out with Asher and maybe Chris (but that would be a higher expectation) and a chocolate cake. Sounds good to me. :)

To be fair, it was a good day as I got to spend most of it with Asher, then the kids, and Chris for at least dinner. To look on the bright side...it was a good day. :)Anything less than chaotic just would not have been normal.

Asher with his Orange Leaf creation

Zio's has the best pizza!!

My new ring.

February 2012 in Review

February brought mild temps, a little snow, Valentine's Day, play dates, lunch dates, sleepovers, museum and forest visits and so much more! One more month until we can put winter of 2012 behind us. Huh, that was not so bad.


Alivia spent the month playing with either Addison or Asher. She could not choose but refused to play with them together! Alivia is now preparing to begin soccer at the YMCA with her friend Gabby as a team mate. She is also preparing for her first communion coming up in April.


Addison spent much of February sick, first with strep throat (all 3 kiddos had strep throat) then with the stomach flu. She even missed her Valentine's Day party at school (but I was there!). She has now missed 12 days of school and is on the written warning list at school. Let's hope she is done being sick this year. She continues to go to ARTS FOR ALL art class on Tuesdays with her friend Kate.


Asher has kept busy this month with play dates and our typical monthly visits. He now likes to go to Costco with Mommy, too. Asher had an entire day with Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob along with his cousins at the Air and Space Museum. He came home telling me how much fun they had (meanwhile, it was just too quiet for me at home!). Asher is preparing to start soccer, too, with Chris as his coach.


Chris and I are finishing up are final weeks of the Insanity workout. He looks like a beach body guy while I look like a bathing beauty. Ha ha. Really, we have seen changes this time that we are both happy about. Now, if we can just maintain our new selves until beach time...we will be set! We are looking forward to the nicer weather so we can get back to our family walks.


Chris is now prepared to seek out a new job, maybe. With a raise in hand, he is now even more hesitant to look until he knows for sure his current employer does not have a place for him. So...we are still up in the air.


Now, onto March, with my birthday, soccer starting (Chris coaching Asher's team), continuing our Lenten practices, a few days off of school and more unexpected surprises I'm sure.

Here's February's Pictures

Insanity Workout | Yahoo! Health

Insanity Workout | Yahoo! Health

Wow, we may be doing something right after all!

Reading with Someone Special

Wednesday morning was "Read with Someone Special" at school from 7:40-8:10. Well, there is just one of me and 2 kiddos in school. So, I was just going to make it work by going to Addison's room with Alivia and Asher since Chris really did not want to miss work for this (after all, we have to be thankful that he has work right now).

As it turned out, Chris did stay home, with sick Addison and Asher, so I could share some donuts and storytime with Alivia. I would hate for her to go without "someone special."

It was fun to see her in her element, in the classroom, with her classmates and their Dads (okay, there were a couple Moms, but it was mostly Dads). Alivia loved it that I was able to come.

Now next year, I do believe the kids will ask a Grandparent to read to them, too.

The Written Warning

Addi dressed as Splat the Cat for "dress as your favorite book character day" at school this week.

So, it's official, Addison has received the written warning letter from school. Addison has missed more than 10 days of school this year (I believe she is at 12, but who's counting?! Oh yeah, the school is). Anyway, all of her days missed have been due to illness with the majority of them having a doctor's note. 

On Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Addison was up for at least 2 1/2 hours vomiting. She was sick at least a dozen times, and that is probably an underestimate. When she awoke on Wednesday morning, she looked pale, her eyes dark, but she asked for chocolate milk. Now, this is not unusual for Addison. She did this so many times during the summer leading up to school that we thought something was wrong with her. During the school year, the stomach issues decreased while she has had strep throat 4 times. Poor Addison. Connection? They are now questioning that.

Anyway, with the stomach flu, one does not typically go to the doctor. But, for school, one must go if you have missed 10 days of school. We had to go to the doctor to prove Addison was really sick and we did not spend the day in Paris or something. She was better by the time we got to the doctor. I even switched doctors because I can not see myself driving clear out to southwest Omaha to get a note to state the obvious (and the money one has to pay for this too!).

So, she returned to school on Thursday, note and a days worth of homework (that I requested) in hand, stating she in fact had the stomach flu.

Let's hope Addison is on the mend for a while. Her delicate little body needs to recover.

The kiddos Tuesday Morning, the girls dressed for PJ day at school (Dress in your PJs and cuddle up with your favorite book, or something).