Loving Life.

I've gone a little crazy packing. Which is great! The hardest part was taking down the nursery decorations. It was a little heart wrenching, and tearful, but I did that a long time ago. With the worst done, and all of the other things that made our house a home boxed up, I've actually enjoyed the packing process. I turn on loud music, and Claire and I dance while we pack up. With all of the boxing and taping I've done, I've realized how much we really have and how much Ross and I have been blessed.

When we were married, Ross and I owned a sofa and a love seat that my parents had purchased the year I was born, a couple end tables (Again, which my parents had so graciously given us.) A mattress and box spring Ross found at a garage sale, a book case and dresser, that we had found together at another garage sale, and the wonderful wedding presents which so greatly added to our survival. I remember working as a telemarketer at first, and going to DI every day while I wasn't working to search for a table. One day I found one I fell in love with. We snatched it up. So we had a dinner table, and no chairs. a few months later, some kind neighbors loaned us two chairs to use until we were able to afford our own. They were always so kind to us.

With Ikea not too far away, Ross' scholarships providing extra grant money, and incredible KSL finds in the "free section" we were able to turn our house into a home.We finally got our own chairs and coffee table. I even found a free piano on KSL, which I had so desperately been wanting.

Right before we were married, Ross got a TV from one of his cousins that no longer needed it. Nine months later, Ross' grand parents lovingly loaned us a bed frame, head and foot board, and another dresser. They also gave us a dresser that they no longer needed. It was a wonderful blessing and gift of generosity. I remember being absolutely thrilled to have our bed off of the floor. Yesterday I took that bed set apart. Tomorrow it will be moving in with the rest of Grandma and Grandpa's things.

Moving, though difficult and challenging at times with two kids to care for, dinner to get on the table, and a house to clean, has allowed me to recognize and express gratitude for exactly how much we have been watched over and cared for. As our home is getting closer to the necessities, I have especially been humbled, and our family has drawn closer together.

Last night Ross and I played our game of Skip-Bo (I call it "our game" because I'm 100% certain we'll be 98 and still playing "our game" of Skip-Bo every night.), then got in bed with our mattress on the floor-just like the good old days, at 8:00 to watch cartoons. Dark Wing Duck to be precise. I love having our bed on the floor. It reminds me so much of when we were first married. We ended up talking about when we first met and all of the fun things we've done since then. It's been almost 7 years exactly since we were introduced at a church dance. The whole story of us is here.

We had so much fun last night laughing and talking about what each of us were thinking and feeling at certain points in our past. From the night we met, our friendship before Ross served his mission, and after he returned. I even had this poor kid meet me at a high school dance competition where we talked a lot, I searched his wallet, and learned his first name was really Andrew.We played guitar together where I pretended I knew what I was doing. While every time I'd seen him since the day we met, it was as if a spotlight was on him and an angel chorus was singing, apparently before his mission, I was an ok looking, fun, weird gal. (True story.) However, after Ross returned home and we had our ice ckating date, I had magically transformed into a good looking smart (I believe we decided upon the term "nerd") girl. And I guess he liked that. Talk about the Ugly Duckling... That conversation in particular drew out a lot of giggles.

We never dated, just had some really good times together. After he visited me for a few days in Idaho, things seemed SO complicated. I feel silly thinking back to late nights spent crying in despair for all of the reasons we thought we couldn't be together. Our first date after we were married was to Nicklecade. (Yup, before it was ever Nickle City.)

Last night was the perfect night, watching cartoons and laughing about all of our good times, favorite road trips, and how ridiculously silly we were. I love that the simplicity of our home and life right now brought us back to almost how we were like 3 1/2 years ago and sometimes what we I was like 7 years ago.

I remember our first married Christmas. We had been married a short 2 1/2 MONTHS. I remember all of those giddy excited feelings. We are just as excited and giddy if not more so this year. We're so excited to see and spend time with our families and friends who ARE a part of our family. This Christmas is really about family for us this year. We couldn't be more excited and grateful that we're able to spend so much time in Oregon before our next adventure.

My Sweet Baby is TWO.

Claire turned two years old today. Aside from me suddenly feeling old, this has been an exciting event. Ross and I have spent months thinking about this day. We would talk about present possibilities, party planning, the works. I decided a long time ago that I wanted my children to know that their birthdays, while fun and exciting for them, are also very special and important days to me. These little babies are precious to me and add so much to our little family.

For Claire's 1st birthday, I didn't do a great job planning. I had some ideas, but I didn't have anything concrete. This year, I started planning months in advance. A bit dramatic I'll admit, but oh so much fun for me. I don't have very many years where I get to plan these special parties all on my own. My little gal, Claire, LOVES Elmo. I can't even count how many Elmos we have in the house. Before I was even married, I had sworn that my children would never have an article of clothing with a licensed character on it. Little did I know that my children might possibly fall in love with a character and develop an obsession. I also didn't know that as a parent, sometimes you don't care what your child is doing or wearing, you just want quiet! And thus the undying love for Elmo was born. I have no idea how she found out about him, or how they were introduced, but I promise you: this girl is going to grow up and marry Elmo and live on Sesame Street with all her friends.

Walmart has a little kiddie ride that you stick two quarters in and it moves a little bit. It's a car, and guess who's in the passenger seat? Elmo. Claire knows exactly where that ride is and loves to climb up, throw her arms around her not so furry friend and kiss him. She doesn't care about the ride as long as she gets to pat Elmo's back and offer him smooches.


I knew this party had to have Elmo in it somewhere. Going back to my bratty attitude towards licensed clothing, I didn't want Elmo to be all over the entire house. I settled on a color theme of red and white polka dots and yellow first. I found cute cheap things to decorate at a local party store, and made my own giant poms out of tissue paper.


I had the food spread planned out thanks to a little site known as Pinterest. (Which is MY obsession.) I found some cute ideas, some way over the top ideas, and some other pinspirations. With Claire's first birthday party, I had moved the coffee table into her room and put a few toys in there as a kid's room. I wanted to do more with that this year, so I even made a tissue paper doorway that Claire loved running in and out of. The room gave a little table for kids to eat, and toys to play together and just have fun. I figured Claire would be too shy to play real party games, but still likes to play with friends.








 

I didn't think too carefully about the party time, and decided on 1:00. For those without kids, 1:00 is a popular nap time for every child except mine. For some reason, they love morning naps. Only a couple neighbors came, and I'm so grateful they did. Claire had a lot of fun with the kids and sharing her party with them.

I wanted to do something special with Claire for her birthday. This morning I had an appointment, and this afternoon she'll be going to the doctor. (Happy Birthday, Claire!) So last night I took her to Nickle City, which is an arcade that uses nickles rather than quarters. We had a blast playing together and she actually did pretty well earning tickets. She had enough to get herself a little spotted dog, and a piece of candy. The gentleman working the prize shelf was so kind and loaded her up with candy. After I took her for a Happy Meal. It was a fun night.



So my little baby is two. She's a big chatter box and is extremely funny. She has her own ideas, and is so smart. Yesterday, she threw her lamb outside the front door so that I'd go get it. The second I stepped outside, I heard the door slam behind me and tiny fingers frantically trying to turn the lock. She's a busy busy girl with a mind of her own. We love this little girl so so much. I'm so grateful she joined our family. We love you little monster! Happy birthday!

Marathon Training: Day 1.

Before I get into how this morning went, I want to talk about yesterday and last night. I thought about keeping a video journal, but decided against it because I'd be embarrassed whining and complaining and talking to myself into a camera in front of Ross. Which I know really isn't a HUGE deal, considering I whine and complain to him all the time. Poor fellow.

Yesterday I came up with my training plan. I'm a visual planner. I love lists. I carry around a bright pink notebook that is full of lists. Idea lists, grocery lists, menu lists, to do lists, thought lists, the list goes on and on. (haha Get it? I just made a punny!)

I like my workout schedule/plan to be written out on it's own calendar. I have one calendar hanging for family events, appointments, that sort of thing. I then have another calendar hanging, or rather blank monthly calendars printed from the computer with my work outs scrawled on the days. I love seeing exactly what I have planned for myself that day, as well as the next day. I can look forward to rest days, and prep myself for the big, long days.

As I was writing out my future millage, it was a blessing to see it all laid out. 26.2 miles is a long way to carry your own body. My plan spans over 21 weeks, and lines up perfectly with the half marathon I'm registered for in January. Back when I registered, I wanted to do a race as soon as we arrived in Wisconsin. I wanted to get involved with the running community, hopefully make friends, and stay active. Now that I'm thinking about it, I feel like the biggest fool for wanting to do intense training through the holiday season, while in the middle of our first move with two kids. I mean, honestly. What was I thinking?

Anyway, so I had my schedule all written out and it seemed doable. The first day I'd only run for 35 minutes, and the weeks to follow would prepare me for the 26.2 mile Trailbreaker Marathon on April 6th. And then I stopped looking at the first couple months and got lost in the "long" days where I saw where I had written, 20 miles, 22 miles, 24 miles, Race day." Uhhhhh... I must be INSANE.

Here's a secret. I don't even love running. Some days I don't even like it. Occasionally, ok RARELY, I find my sweet spot, where my breathing, pace, and strides are all intertwined and coordinated. That's the time where I am completely whole. It's hard to describe, but I can think and am totally consumed within myself. It's almost like the relaxing cool down part of a yoga session. I love that. Unfortunately, most runs I'm huffing and puffing and resemble a seal or walrus trying to run on land.

Me when I run. No not the cute lady, the lump passed out on the dock. Yup, that's more like it.

I don't run because I love it. When I did the Halloween Half a few weeks ago, both legs were cramped, I walked more than I wanted to, and probably looked like someone who had escaped from a hospital, still attached to an IV. But I crossed the finish line. I know I sound like a complete weenie describing this, and it's probably true, but I was amazed that my body carried itself for those 13.1 miles.

I have always been fascinated with the human body. I think it's incredible that a heart can pump and circulate blood through the tiniest tunnels throughout the entire body. I am in awe of all the the body does and all that it can do. It's amazing to me. That's why I run. I love accomplishing hard things and learning what my own body is capable of. While I might have been cursing and whining through the last few miles of the half marathon, and was no where near first,  the overwhelming satisfaction and amazement still came after crossing that line. After that moment, despite not having control over my lower body for the next couple days, I wanted more.

I had been thinking for a while that completing a marathon should be on my bucket list. I have a big list of "I want to someday's" and a small list of "I've done's). If my body could endure that much butt-kicking, I must have my imaginary limits set way too low. Everyone has limits, but perhaps we don't find out what those limits REALLY are.

Last night I came up with my morning routine plan. (Yes, I did write it in my pink notebook, although the list consisted of only three items.) My plan was to wake up at 5:30. I even created an alarm on my phone called. "JUST DO IT!!". Then I allowed myself 15 minutes to get dressed and grab something to eat before 5:45 when I'd read scriptures. What better boost could I give myself in the morning than a spiritual one? I could eat my breakfast and read for 15 minutes before 6:00 when I had to be out the door, on the way to the gym to do my run. I'd prefer to run outside, but no woman in their right mind would go running alone in the dark. Plus, it's freezing outside.

Here's how this morning went. The alarm went off at 5:30 and alarmed me. (Another punny.) I quickly shut it off to make it stop, didn't even bother to read the, "JUST DO IT!!" saying I had purposely entitled the alarm, and ducked back under the blankets to warm up and ultimately fall back asleep. Luckily, Ross had his alarm set for 6:30. I jumped out of bed, got dressed, grabbed my phone and earphones and ran to the car.

I had an amazing run. Since it was only a 35 minute run, I wasn't afraid to jump up the speed, blast the music and just go. Not gonna lie, I took an unintentional long break from running since the half, and had only run a couple times since then. I ended my run with a determined grimace on my face, just sort of grunting out loud, and near barfing point. Once I got myself under control, that runner's high that everyone loves so much kicked in and I was feeling great. Then I rushed off to the grocery store to get the weekly shopping done without the two kiddos. (Which is in fact, the greatest reward EVER.)

Gratefully, I figured out 5:30 is a bit too ambitious, and I should be able to get everything done in the morning that I'd like before I run, so I can rise and shine at 6 instead. Which will still require some determination to actually get me out of the warm bed.

Marathon Training Day 1: Success. I can say I'm proud of how my run went this morning, and it feels REALLY good to be back at it. Hopefully the rest of this week will follow suit.

Christmas Lists 2012

I can't remember who asked for our Christmas lists the other day, so we decided to post them. It'll be fun to look back and remember what was on those lists, too.

Ross:
Lego Lord of the Rings wii game
Avengers movies
Long sleeved white dress shirt
Classical music

Katie:
Running socks
Jewelry/accessories
iTunes gift card for running music

Claire:
Disney movies
Bubbles
Coloring book
Socks
Any fun toy to keep her happy inside, since it'll be cold for a while at her new house!

Aoife:
Long sleeved shirts
Hard books
Baby Einstein CDs
Colorful little toys

We're so excited to get to spend a long winter break with both of our families. We've been counting down the days!

Blowing Wishes.

As per November tradition, many have been posting something they are grateful for each day. Because our move is in the middle of the Christmas season, we've been in the Christmas spirit as well. I'm grateful that our move is happening when it is. Usually around this time, we think of things we are grateful for, but for me, this "gratitude attitude" is centered on Christ.

I had a traumatic experience almost five years ago. I'm not going to go into any details, as it isn't something I'd post for the world to see, but please feel free to message me privately if curiosity gets the better of you. An extremely very few whom I've confided in will know what I'm referring to. I compartmentalized the event after it happened and it stayed tucked away, with only minor reappearances, until now. I've been having flashbacks every night for the last couple weeks, sometimes making it hard or impossible to fall asleep. After an especially rough night last night, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and comfort when I stumbled across this video this morning.

Today I squeezed my girls a little tighter, cuddled a little longer, and laughed a little more. I forgot about the dishes and laundry, and was just a mom today. We ran the errands that couldn't wait and then went to one of my favorite parks. Utah has had incredible weather and I wanted to take advantage of it while we could. We ran and played and explored and climbed. Aoife even went down slides and laughed alongside her sister on the swings. We were there for a couple hours. On the way home, I got Claire a happy meal and shared it while talking and laughing.

We have dandelions along the sidewalk that leads to our car. Not the yellow sunny ones, but the ones you blow. I don't know what your mom called them, but mine called them wishes. Each time we pass, Claire desperately tries to pick one. Sometimes I'm in a hurry and try to speed her past. Lately I've been trying to take the time to carefully pick one with her. Hold it dearly, and blow on the count of three. Then we laugh as we watch the seeds fly.

It's funny how a simple day playing at the park and eating McDonald's can turn into one of the best days I've ever had. I am especially grateful for big smiles and little moments like these that take away our burdens, sorrows, and struggles, even if only for a moment. Sometimes in our hurried lives, it's necessary to take time and blow the wishes.

Deck The Halls.

Well, not really. I leave for Oregon 6 weeks from tomorrow. Last year we stayed in Utah and had our own little Christmas, so we have a tree, and all kinds of decorations. I'm almost done packing up the storage shed. It's a tad depressing that we won't be decorating for Christmas at all this year, but it doesn't really make sense to get everything out to pack it up in a couple weeks.

So we're not really decking our halls, but it wouldn't be a Loveland celebration if we didn't celebrate early. We were going to need new phones soon anyway. We were going to wait until Christmas break right before we left, but a wonderful salesman convinced us to celebrate the new job in style with new iPhones!

We've been playing with and loving them all weekend. If you know our daughters and technology, you'd know how much trouble we're in. Luckily Claire hasn't really noticed yet, thank goodness. We have a general rule that she isn't allowed to touch them.

We got so excited thinking about Christmas break that we ended up doing our Christmas shopping super early, too. Heaven help me keep secrets because Christmas is still a long way away!

Your Fair Warning of What to Expect For The Next Month or So.

I have been a nutcase the past couple weeks. My face looks like a 13 year old's I'm so stressed. And my anxiety levels are through the roof. With how stressed out I am, I've become pretty lackadaisical about everything. Sometimes I realize I'm flying out to Portland in 54 days, and at other times it feels so distant. I've taken on an attitude of, "things will happen when they happen."

We signed our lease earlier this week, and I signed with the moving company yesterday. I've taken almost everything off of the walls, packed all of our books, and took down our hanging DVD shelf. My house is naked. It's a little depressing and yesterday Ross called our house the "ghost house". Which is fairly fitting.

So... it's official. We really ARE moving to Wisconsin. 

And it's exciting, it really is. We feel so incredibly blessed that Ross was able to find a job even before graduating. And not just a job. A wonderful job with an incredible company. I'm looking forward to being REAL grown ups and exploring, and everything, but at the same time I'm really going to miss being so close to family, and only a 12 hour drive from Portland. We're not going to be able to visit as much. I have loved having both of our families so involved in our girls' lives. It's been such an incredible blessing to be in Utah with family, and having family visiting so often. I didn't really grow up near family and didn't get to experience that. Family is so incredibly important to me, I'm so grateful for the tight knitted family we have. So, onto WI.

Just in the last couple days it has gotten so much colder here. Today, the weather is reminiscent of Oregon weather. Except there is snow on the base of the mountains, and on the mountains. I am just PRAYING it isn't snowing or raining on Saturday. I have realized that I am going to die in Wisconsin. No, really. I lived in Illinois for a few years while growing up. We had snow. Lots of snow. And I remember it being cold. Really cold. Like one day at the bus stop my brother's friend slid on the ice and fell so hard he had to go to the ER. And another time, I was an idiot and stuck my tongue to a pole. And it got stuck. Kids are invincible when it comes to weather and I'm not so sure how I'll fare in the next coming months. 

The half marathon I signed up for is this Saturday. As in three days away. As in 72 hours from now I will probably be running. Or dead on the side of the trail. Or frozen at Mt. Timp where the race starts. I hurt myself pretty badly back in July when I was doing the best I have ever done with running, and I had to take some time off. Okay, scratch that. I had to take a lot of time off and sometimes I still hurt when I run. The longest run I have done since recovering is 7 miles. So, just a tad over half of what I'll be doing in 3 days. Everyone pray for me. hahaha

It's just been a busy last couple of weeks, and I fear the busy has only just begun. I've been talking to people in various running groups on Facebook and asking them about running. I even signed up for an indoor half marathon only a couple weeks after we've moved. Heaven help me. It's at the Olympic skating place, and you run laps. No iPods or headphones are allowed, they just blast music for you. When you registered, you had to give a song request. People were so friendly and kind when I asked questions about it. They love that it's a million laps and kept talking about how supportive everyone is, how the aid station is always just a couple of turns ahead, and how much fun it is. They convinced me.

We have some exciting things ahead, and I apologize if I expose my psychotic mess outside of the Loveland house. Please forgive me and feel free to pass me a Diet Coke and tell me to chill. And from now until we move, please don't expect to see a clean house. I totally and completely expect my children to act like this while dealing with my crazy.