Good-bye, May!

The hell-ish month of May is finally over.

Last week:

Wednesday & Thursday: Bekah graduated from 6th grade & the last day of school.

Friday & Saturday: The weather turned cool (relatively, AZ speaking, high 70s & sprinkling) and we did yard work. For 2 WHOLE days. I hate yard work. REALLY hate yard work. My arms are still all scratched up.

Sunday: Kelly & fam came to town for the weekend and so the whole fam-damily came for a BBQ. How many cousins can you gather around one Wii?

It turns out that 19 people can fit in my house at the same time, for about 4 hours, and no one will die. Close, but no deaths. I think most of the kids had fun. It was fun for Julianne, Kelly, and I to visit for a little while. I even got to do the big-sisterly thing of making fun of Kelly... her bowling Wii form is hilarious!:) You know, I just realized... it was so hot and there were so many people, and so many things to get ready for dinner, I have no idea if anyone actually went outside to shoot hoops, play on the swings, etc. I do know that the kids were loud and seemed to be having fun, and Julianne, Kelly, Jimmy, Amber, and I got to talk for the first time in...YEARS.

This is Jimmy and his two boys, James and Patrick. James is DONE with the crowd, ready to go home, and Patrick is just chubby:) It was fun to watch Jimmy and Kelly interact again. After not living close to each other for years, they still fall into the same rolls immediately. Teasing, laughing, just like when they were teens.

This is a rare photo of Eric and Bekah actually together, and they are both smiling. Of course, Julianne's baby, Colby, had to be involved. But still, can't you see the sibling love?

This week:

Monday, we took the fam to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Lame. Don't bother wasting your money.

Tuesday, I took Bekah to get her hair cut and highlighted. She's been begging to get her hair highlighted for months, so I finally caved for her birthday. It looks so cute!
Wednesday, I managed to finally clean out my laundry room. I've been meaning to do it for at least a year. It took all day and night. My laundry room is and always has been the resting place for all things miscellaneous, needing to be picked up in a hurry, "I'll put it away later", etc. I hate laundry and hated it worse when I felt like piles of crap were gonna fall on me if I turned around the wrong way. I'm so relieved! Of course, now it's the cleanest room in the house. Why is it that as you complete a big project, everything else around you seems to blow up? If Mom is sorting, cleaning, tossing, organizing...why is that a signal to everyone else to leave the biggest mess possible everywhere they go? I don't get it.

Anyway, that's a brief update of my week. I'll have to get into the latest teenage shenanigans next time. I'm so underwhelmed with life right now, but at the same time I'm very overwhelmed with all my parental responsibilities, work load, weight issues, and life crap. I think this is one of those "hang in there" parts of life.

Migraine May

It's May.......and I have a Migraine. I've been fighting this stupid headache for a week and it's finally got the best of me. Plus, I'm out of my migraine meds. Super.

Last week was nuts. Tuesday's book club was a hit. I never did finish the book, but I did watch the movie. I made cupcakes, fruit dip with strawberries, etc. I enjoyed the cupcakes much more than the "book" we discussed. The group was split... about half loved Jane Austin's "Emma", the other half thought she was awful. I thought it was interesting to see a girl of her "society" mature into a woman. The age difference between her and Mr. Knightly was creepy.

Wednesday was a scouts, young men/young women. I think I went to work that day, I can't remember. Drugged fog.

Thursday.......don't remember.

Friday was the ward picnic. That I remember. Crazy, unmedicated, busy day. I had to go to a client in Scottsdale in the morning, then get my hair done (really, had to...too much gray to go more than 4 weeks...it had been 4 1/2), then it was off to set up the picnic. I had 6 foot subs for 200 people. I think it went well, as I only heard one complaint...but that's just what I heard. Anyway, it's over with. As far as I could see, everyone had a good time. Done. BTW, the complain I heard was "I didn't know we were suppose to bring our own chairs". Duh! It was on the flyers!.......Bring your own blanket/chairs........it's a picnic.....did you really think I was going to set up tables and chairs in a park for that many people!?! Sorry, that was the drug fog not allowing me to sensor my sarcasm.

Friday night (after the picnic), David had a heart-breaking baseball game. Not good. They lost in the 6th inning. There were tears.

Saturday was another drug fog...I remember going to Costco for the FOURTH time this week.

Sunday we ditched church because of my migraine and David's asthma attack. That night the Kings came over for cake, ice cream, a birthday song to Bekah, and games. I lost at Peanuts AGAIN, but Eric and Jay really sucked. We really need to play a different game. The kids played Wii and watch videos with Rebekah. It was also 104 that day...so no one really went outside. I think the heat contributes to my headache.

The sudden increase in temperature, May's stressful schedule, a teenage boy who can't seem to stay out of trouble, a teenage girl on an emotional rollercoaster, trying to convince my type-A personality 11 year old that nobody is perfect, and the post-race endorphin bust, all have sent me to bed for the day.

The kids' last day of school is Thursday. Let's hope the headache goes away by then... This week I need to start working out again, too. It's really hot outside...I hate working out in the heat. I may be confined to the hamster-wheel at the gym. Doesn't that sound fun? NOT!

I just found ants in my kitchen. Maybe spraying Raid will help my headache.

Bekah-Baby Turns 13

My baby girl turned 13 yesterday. We went to Rain Forest Cafe for her birthday dinner on Saturday night. I just realized that the rootbeer bottle in the pic probably looks a little out of place:) I promise, it's rootbeer.
When they brought out ice cream and a candle, she was excited.....
...then they started to sing. This is the "Holy Crap! People are looking at me!" look. SO Holly. So cute.

She absolutely cracks me up. I just love her so much. She has the purest heart of anyone I have ever met. By nature, she loves everyone, sees no fault, sees people for what they really are. She always sees the best in people, even when they don't deserve it. She's becoming a little more cautious as she gets older, but in a smart way. I hope she can keep the courage to stay true to herself in the next few years. Heaven knows the world needs more people like her. I admire her pure heart, courage, innocence, and quiet leadership. Happy Birthday, Rebekah. I love you more than you'll ever know. Just to think about you makes me happy.

Weekend Update

I know, it's Wednesday and I haven't updated my race results yet. It's been a busy week!..and it's only 1/2 over!

Saturday was an awesome day! This is Mary and me before the race......body marked and ready to go. Poor Mary was so nervous, I thought she was gonna puke. Overall, I had a great race and had a great time. I don't think it was fun for Mary... it being her first race and all. I had to get that first race out of the way before I could have fun. Anyway, I beat my time from last year by 8 minutes. It was all on the bike. I averaged almost 16 mph, which is really good for me. I felt sooooo good afterwards. Mary finished 8 minutes behind me, and did an awesome job. She totally pushed through the "I'm done" temptation at the end of the bike, and finished strong. I think it's funny that she got the same time that I did last year. I am so proud of her! There were only 13 people in her age group, and two of them DNF'd (did not finish). I really hope that now she has the "first time" worries and jitters out of the way, and knows she can do it, she'll come and do it again next year. The now-traditional post-race meal at Nielsen's was REALLY yummy. The post-race nap was heavenly. The family dinner that night was good, too. Julianne and her family, Jimmy and his family, Mary, my Mom, and Carla all came over to bbq hamburgers and hotdogs. It's a little loud with 18 people in the house, but really fun (for a couple of hours). Next time everyone comes over I'll be more organized and set up a Wii competition and card games and such.... but I had too much on my mind for this time. Still, we had fun just visiting and eating. (The rest of the race pics are of us bending over, nice butt shots, therefore, not post-able. If I can find more that are decent, I'll post them later.)

For Mother's Day I ordered Chocolate Chip cookies from Paradise Bakery for the ladies in the ward. I think it went off well.... who doesn't like cookies? Besides, their cookies are WAY better than anything I make, and I didn't want to spend hours and hours baking. Selfish, I know. But that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

Mother's Day morning, Jay and Rebekah made me French Toast for breakfast. It was soooo good. David did the clean-up, which is a HUGE present. After church, Eric made me a grilled-cheese sandwich (his fave), crispy bread, melty cheese....yum. I also got a new cycling jersey and a t-shirt from my favorite bike shop. I still think it's really strange that I get so excited about new workout clothes. Still, I'd live in them if I could. Later that night, we went to Julianne's for games and dessert. We played the card game "Peanuts", which Jay and I totally lost. I don't remember who won, just that I lost. I hate that game:)

Then, of course, there was Survivor. I can't believe that little twerp won! It felt so anti-climactic. After a season of such blind-sides, strategic play, and dumb mistakes.... Parvati! Are you serious!?! I don't have anything else to say about it.... just, what a let down. I still have to watch Desperate Housewives and the season finale of Brothers & Sisters....let's hope it's not a let down, too. I can only handle so much disappointment. I don't want to ruin my endorphin buzz.

Ready or Not

The race is 3 days away. My nerves are shot. Butterflies. Worry lines. All the doubts... Ugh! I hope I'm ready.

Sunday is Mother's Day (aka the worst day of the year). I'm in charge of getting a little something for all the ladies at church. 150! The pressure! Ugh! I hope I'm ready.

Tuesday is the Jane Austin Book Club, at my house. Emma. I haven't finished reading the book or seen the movie yet. I've decided that I'm not really a Jane fan. However, I need to pull something together. Ugh! I hope I'm ready.

A week from Friday, I am in charge of a picnic for everyone at church. Picnic dinner for 250+. No big deal....I just love subjecting myself to criticism. No matter what, someone is going to be unhappy. Try as I might, I hate that! Ugh! I hope I'm ready.

The kids get out of school in 2 weeks. How am I going to keep them out of trouble? (especially child #1). Wii, movies, and the pool only work for so many hours a day. I can only be out of town for so long. Ugh! I hope I'm ready.

I hate May. I'm never ready.

Birthday ABC's

A is for the aerobars I got put on my bike. I'm hoping they do more than make me look like I know what I'm doing out there....oh, like, I dunno... make me a little faster.

B is for the new bag I got with birthday cash. The Sak is way cute...and I'm a firm believer in that a girl can never have too many purses, especially black ones.

B is also for the baseball game where David hit a triple and struck out a former teammate, whom he couldn't stand. Happy kid = Happy mom.

C is for the new car. Not technically for my birthday, but I did get it the night before. 2008 Nissan Quest, loaded with power lift gate & sliding doors, and DVD player to keep the kids quiet on our CA road trips. I think it's pretty sporty looking, for a mini van.

C is also for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast I had for breakfast at Ruby's. YUM! It's also for the Chocolate Cake that Jay and the kids made for me...complete with my FAVORITE chocolate fudge frosting. No matter what sort of diet you are following, or trying to follow...you ALWAYS get your birthday off. No questions.

D is for the dishes that still need to be done. Oh well, you can't have it all, right? (I'll spare you the photo of my sink and counter full of dirty dishes)

Cars, Baseball, and Cycling

CARS: Yesterday on our way home from church, the van broke down. I mean...it died. Dead. Done. (these are the terms that brought Jay to the decision: replace timing belt, pistons, engine...whatever.... I stopped paying attention after he said it would probably just be better to replace the damn thing) This means that I get a new van..... but I'm carless until then (hopefully tomorrow). I am NOT looking forward to the payments, since we haven't had one in a long time. I may be guilted into working more hours...gasp!

BASEBALL: Today in David's baseball game, he hit a grand slam (that's bases loaded, hit the ball over the fences-home run, 4 runs scored, for those of you not baseball savy). Standing ovation, high fives, screaming fans, giant smiles. It was great.

CYCLING: I had a HUGE workout on Saturday. Swam 500 yards then went cycling for 2 hours. 25 miles. Had a flat tire 8 miles in (that's why the distance is only 25 miles). Fixed it and finished the workout. Afterward I went to my fave bike shop and got aerobars for my birthday. The endorphins lasted the entire day.....I felt awesome. My heartrate stayed in the 140s the whole ride...which is perfect! I am still stoaked. No other word quite describes it. I'm excited to see how my performance in the race goes. 12 days to go.