13.1

"Mom, are you going to run another half marathon" asked Sam yesterday (the day after I finished one).  My reply "Not for a while" as I am hobbling along pushing the stroller.  I finished in under 2 hours so beat my goal and surprised myself by beating my best half marathon time.  I have to say that's not too shabby since I haven't ran a half since before the boys were born.  I'm still not ready to run that full marathon, but maybe some day.  Thanks to a great friend for committing to the race with me, it kept me motivated.  And, thanks to a wonderful hubby who made sure I was able to get my long runs in and to my two boys for tagging along in the stroller when they had to. Hans was suppose to run it too, but he unfortunately injured his knee, but he was there to be our personal photographer and cheerleader.  So I guess I will have to run another half so we can do one together.

8 and RoLLiNg

 That's right, he's 8 months old and rolling, rolling, rolling.  He's not going very fast or far yet, but Zeke is moving.  He is just so content to sit and observe.  His walker is his preferred mode of transportation and jumping up and down (however he usually doesn't get too far using this mode).  Bread, bananas, avocados, squash, potatoes, and momma's fresh baby food are all yummy in his world.  This last month he's discovered he can make lots of facial expressions and our favorite is his new "scrunchy face" pose.  Everything is edible in Zeke's world.  He recently was able to catch some blades of grass and really wanted to give those a nibble.  His third tooth just pushed through and his fourth one is wanting to follow.  Blowing lots of bubbles is fun, especially when he's eating baby food and everyone looks at him.  Sitting up is a piece of cake and that flexibility....mom wishes she could still do the splits and reach beyond her toes no problem!  Zeke is a cuddle bug and loves to snuggle in your arms.  He's always got smiles and his cute dimples to share.  You are growing way to fast Ezekiel, we'd like you to slow way down.  Happy 8 months Zekaroo.

The Year of 3

Sam is closing in on 3 1/2 and we are amazed at how much he has learned and grown in the last year.  He's become this very independent young boy who loves to construct stories and play scenarios.  There's a sense of humor in him that is beyond his years and a laugh that is contagious.  His first year in preschool has encouraged him to try new things and challenged him in new ways.  We spend a lot of time at home reinforcing what he learns and expanding on his knowledge.   He's been working very hard on learning basic reading skills and is recognizing some sight words.  It wouldn't be out of the ordinary to catch him creating letters out of pretzel sticks or shredded cheese pieces either.  He has a passion for learning and there can never be enough why questions in a day to satisfy his curiosity.  With being 3, comes a wave of emotions too. As trying as these times can be, just like a teenager he eventually finds his way through and the calm settles.  I think we all have those moments, maybe in the adult world we need to allow our emotions to become unchecked once in a while and just have a tantrum.  I'm wondering if there is some logic to a preschooler's meltdowns :)  He's a sweet boy and I keep telling him he has to quit growing.  Recently I asked him what he was going to do when he grew up.  He told me he was going to live with me.  Part of me really hopes he never loses that desire to be close to home always.  About a year ago he told me when he grew up he was going to be a bus driver and that I could pack the lunches and come with him.  Right now I can't imagine him grown and I don't even want to think about that, I like that he things his mommy and daddy are the coolest people ever. 

I also have to mention that a day will come soon when he will no longer fit in his favorite shoes (a.k.a. his "light ups") and when he won't hug his bunny so tight, but I'm taking plenty of pictures so I won't forget those sweet moments.  

A Blessed Momma

This picture was taken on Mother's Day.  I can say it all quite simply, I am blessed with two handsome little men who light up my life every day.  Sometimes I struggle with understanding my purpose right now or what I am suppose to be doing.  However, all I have to do is look at their two faces and I am reminded that being a mom is a full time job and taking care of them each day is the most fulfilling job I can have.  They are my purpose and the most important calling I will ever have.

A Visit From Family

Early this month Uncle Brice, Aunt Krista, and cousins Bergen and Nora came to stay with us for a few days.  Sam was thrilled to have someone to play with and to show all his tricks to.  We were able to show our family the extremes of Washington, that is a miserable rainy day and also the beauty of the sunshine that does come out here.  The first day here we hit up the Children's Museum and then a local bakery for lunch that Sam enjoys sharing with visitors.  One of the days we gave them a driving tour around the Army base and then we all enjoyed some fun at Sam's preschool fundraiser.  Oh, and we also squeezed in a little time so Uncle Hans could take the kiddos for a horseback ride and they even got to collect eggs from the chicken coop.  The last two days they were here we spent one hiking in Olympic National Park and the last day we headed to Seattle for lunch at the Space Needle and exploring Pike's Place Market.  It was a packed trip, but we found lots of time to just enjoy one another and catch up.  Thanks for visiting!!