14 miles and a birthday party

today we had the most fun time (well afterwards it was fun) running 14 miles. The best part was seeing our inspiration, Kate, at the top of the hill as we finished. Yep, that's why I run. Carolyn, Laura, Craig and I suffered through the sweltering heat and humidity and talked for 2 hours about nonsense. What we learned and will share with you now is that no matter how sweet it is that you get up early, fills jugs with water and sit in the sun cheering us on with vaseline, sunblock and tissues, hose water still tastes, in the words of Hannah, "donkey." Descriptions from our team of the water today at a particular stop: donkey, algae, bathtub water, giardia infested, diarreah inducing, yucko, gross, warm, funky, bugsprayish and from the lone must be thirsty girl who has very bad plumbing at home "tastes good to me." We are grateful for water stops though. Water stop-Bob's water was something fine.

afterwards, we celebrated Kate's 6th birthday and had a super time watching her open presents and eat cake. Craig made sure she and he were sufficiently covered in hello kitty tatoos. Then the Hansens and the HBergers had a yummy brunch (yes, with bacon). great day.

how did we get from this little angel to this so quickly?

my son has a crush. I think it is mutual. seriously, can't you see it in this photo? I'm saving this for the rehearsal dinner. where does the time go?

time flies

Last night this little person was jumping his two wheel

bike off his new bike ramp. Where does the time go?

I couldn't watch long. My heart was aching with loss of my baby and pride for my strong, courageous boy.

Kate's on the radio!

listen to Kate and my amazing, strong, wonderful (there aren't enough superlatives) friend Carolyn on 680 The Fan today for their Strike out Leukemia telethon. http://www.680thefan.com/Default.aspx# Give big!

scrapbooks

I just caught my sweet 6 year old looking through his scrapbook. I caught him smiling and touching the pages. Oh my heart. They are meaningful to him. He already says. "I'm like you mommy. I like to work with paper. I like to make pockets."

I keep individual books for each child and I used to (before PTA) keep them up to date. I'm not a frilly scrapbooker, more simple and meaningful things to remember. I love, love working with paper so this is the perfect gift to give my children--something I can pour emotion into using my closest to artistic talent. I really miss not having a baby book for myself. I love looking through my husband's, comparing his stats with our children's. I am glad to know these books already are bringing joy to my boys. Seriously though, they will need a U-Haul to cart them away as I am a bit of a memory pack rat.

mother's day

this was on the counter this morning when I came downstairs. Lavender candles were lit "to make it peaceful," Ben said. Marc had an artichoke souffle for me and will woke me up with hugs and kisses. Their teachers helped them make darling gifts for me but my favorite thing was Ben's lovely note. Mom rocks!

*thanks dad, for my gorgeous flowers. You are my rock.

Cinco de Oh No

so, little Will was a bit itchy and broken out all over his trunk this weekend after we bought the new washer and dryer with its fancy, special detergent. We figured he had sensitive skin. Marc took him to our wonderful Doc (who was so sweet to donate $100 to my race and carolyn's mind you---good man) for a look see. So as I am arranging 86 vases full of flowers for teacher appreciation, the phone in the office rings for me. "He has scarlet fever" my husband says. "Wha?" I say. "yep, scarlet fever." Who gets this in 2008? I thought this was one of those diseases of yesteryear like dropsy, scurvy, miasma or diptheria. So we are now confined to the home with very uncomfortable boy who is otherwise fine. We don't even have a fever with our scarlet fever. Come on over in 24 hours.

11 years

This is our birch allee

On this day 11 years ago we attended the best wedding ever. It rained (that's lucky, right?) so we couldn't traipse down the birch allee with lily of the valley at our feet with our bagpiper (note: very loud inside). We couldn't have photos taken in gardens of Stan Hywet like I always pictured. We look back at those photos of us saying our I Do's in front of the drum kit (with animal from the muppets clinging to the bass drum) fondly. I got nailed in the head by a roll thrown by cousin Eddie. Only a few people went to the hospital. I have never been to a better wedding. I have never met a more wonderful man. Love him so... even more after 16 years. Happy anniversary.

We woke up this morning to a walkie talkie that sounded "come downstairs." There was also a note that said "look at the door." On the door was a note that said "y'all comin?" So we walked downstairs and set on the coffee table for us on a special tray was breakfast prepared by our little sweeties. Toast, cereal, water and muffins. How lovely to be treated by your children.

hold fast to dreams

so I hear chatter in my son's room and wander down the hall to see what troubles have arisen, flooding? breakage? What do I find? My sweet third grader sitting Indian Style cross-legged on the floor reciting Langston Hughes' poem "Dreams." sighhhhhhhhh