10K

As in ... In 10 minutes I'm going to Kollapse.

It started with a mutual desire to increase our health. 

It was maintained by Leslie's quest for fitness and my... well... love of a good challenge.

And it ended somewhere during the 5th mile of the Cowtown 10K. 

Okay... I'm joking.  We ran the whole race and barely felt the effects the next day.  It was fantastic.    We unofficially began training about 6 months ago by walking the neighborhood and by race week, we were running about 4 miles a night.  I'm proud of us, but especially my little sister who once said (at about 15 years old) that her goal was to get through life with as little physical exertion as possible.  Such sass. 

Here we are at Odark30.  Uncharacteristically awake.

Chipped and ready to hit the pavement.

Slightly animated action shot.

We like to move it, move it. 

Go ahead and note the absence of any "after" photos.

After the race, we were of a slightly different state of mind. 

Official times were 1:18:31 and 1:18:32

Not bad for a couple of 'ole moms with a bunch of kids.

Excavation of the Top Bunk

I know 2 posts in one day is a bit much... but it's Monday and that means it's "change the bedsheets day".  I loathe this day for two reasons.  1)   I don't like folding fitted sheets and 2) I have to climb up on the top bunk and wrestle with the sheets which is a major pain in the a... neck.  Since Mia has moved into that  space, however, it has become a bit more entertaining.  Today I actually took a notepad up there and took inventory.  Here is what I found: 

2 blankets
1 pillow pet
9 stuffed animals
2 hand puppets
2 Barbies
1 baby doll
1 lollypop
1 pair of cat ears
1 tiger snout on an elastic band
1 purse
5 my liittle ponies
1 pair of play doh scissiors
1 cardboard box
1 plastic orca whale figurine
1 puzzle
3 books
2 necklaces

No wonder she is the last child to go to sleep!  It's amazing there is any room up there for Mia.  Joe says, in the case of Mia's top bunk, what goes up, never comes down!!

Pink Shoes

We realized at soccer practice last night that you can't be a Cutie without pink shoesies!

Pink Stride Rites, pink Converse, pink soccer cleats and pink Reeboks. 

 This is definately a family of ladies.  Daddy just shakes his head. 

Irizzle

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Birthday Wish

BREAKING NEWS The countdown ended  yesterday when Mia woke up feeling taller and claimed her hair was longer.  Although bystanders could not attest to the increased length of her blonde hair, some did support her claim of increased height.  With demands of pancakes and chocolate milk, Miss. Mia seated herself at the breakfast table.  After a substantial meal, the young lady moved on to gift opening.  It all pointed to the same conclusion:  Miss. Mia turned five. 

BIRTHDAY WISH Outrageous flights of fancy and creative imagination are traits possessed by the newly five year old Miss. Mia.  When, in conversation, the young lady requested a cake of three tiered layers (known in the preschool community as a "marry cake") the child's mother smiled inwardly at the "mia-ness" of the request.  After a carefull survey of community bakeries, it was determined that a creation comprised of orca whales, hearts and ponies could only be achieved affordably by some good, old fashioned, home baking.  "You realize you're going to have to do this three times a year now?" remarked a less-than-helpfull witness at the time of the cake decorating.  While it is true that the undertaking required every ounce of skill, patience and occasional correspondence with the Cake Guru via text, the baker of this fabulous cake is happy to add this skill to her resume. 

PIZZA MIA In a unanimous decision made by those over eight years old residing in the residence of Miss. Mia, a formal birthday party was not to occur this year.  As an alternative, the quick-thinking parental unit surprised the young student at her preschool with pizza, balloons and cupcakes.  Smiles dominated the faces of all involved, reported witnesses.   

WRAP IT UP Upon her return home, Miss. Mia enjoyed a brief birthday party in the company of one Grandma T, and cousins during which time the three layered masterpiece was consumed.  Additional gifts were bestowed upon the five year old in the usual fashion and included a Razor scooter, books and Rapunzel Leapster game.  After thanking her guests, the young lady was whisked off to participate in a soccer game during which she did not score any goals.  While turning five is generally a grand experience, it can be concluded that turning six must be better. 

My Special Valentines

I like to begin Valentine's Day with a special gift for each family member.

This year it was a card, special box of Crayola and mini box of chocolates for each girl.

And each girl, including Mommy, signed a special card for Daddy.

Ali wore a fancy pink dress to school and the rest of us, plus the cousins and Grandma, went to the zoo.

 These kids are some of the best company!  And they were all very well behaved at the zoo. 

Grandma and I were so pleased! 

We enjoyed a a few hours of quiet until Daddy got off work

 and then we had a Valentine's picnic in the backyard!

Valentine's burgers!  Valentine's cheesedip!  Valentine's daquiris for Mom and Dad!!

Now we're in and bathed and ready for bed.

Daddy will spend the evening playing soccer

and Mommy may  indulge in season 3 of The Tudors.

If your Valentine's Day included a vacation to somewhere exotic, warm or fun (say, Florida),

required the presence of an overnight babysitter,

included surprises,

or involved diamonds of any kind

I don't want to hear about it.

Another Snow Day

I think I can say with confidence that this is an ususual winter for Texas.  We are up to our 5th snow day.  It's really more like an "ice day".  But it's very cold outside and very crowded inside and I'm actually looking forward to spring! 

This is what our day looked like....

Pajamas all day!

Here are some Squeeks of the Week: 
Ali:  (getting her hair done by Mom)  "It's called a "ponytail" Mom, not a "tug-a-tail"!!" 

Mia: (in the car) "Slugbug!!"
Eva: "Sug bug!" 

Eva:  "oowwyaa Mama, Mimi, Ay-yi, mulk.  Mulk.  Mama, ungy.  Ungy, Mama.  Mimi, Ay-yi ungy.  Mine too." 
Mom:  "So you're saying that your sisters are hungry and would like some milk and so would you?"
Eva: "Yah."

If It's Not Snot, It's Ice or Vomit

January 23 - January 27

Traveled to Washington state with Mom to visit Grandmas. 

Highlights:  GiGi Mommy sassed me.  Big time.  Nana took us to a birthday party in the Activity Room.  Made lasagna for Auntie and cousins.  Drank some wine. 

January 28 - 29th

Home just in time to catch a nap, take an exam and go to work.

January 30th

Joe packs up and heads to Omaha for a few days of meetings.  The girls and I pick up "Miss. Ginger Whiskers" from my friend Ronda for a week of "cat sitting".   If the "sitting" goes well, Miss. Ginger becomes a birthday present for Mia.

January 31st

Natalie wakes up with a headache and a fever.  Stays home from school.

February 1st

During the night an ice storm strikes.  Temps drop lower than they've been in ten years.  Wake up with no electricity, no school and the kitchen faucet won't run.  Eva has a fever.  Natalie is bored.  Mia is playing vet with the kitty. Spend the whole day "hugging" Eva and taking naps.

February 2nd

Eva throws up on me three times within 30 minutes of waking.  School cancelled again due to inches of ice covering every outdoor surface.  Spend the day taking warm baths, watching movies in front of the fireplace, taking naps and "hugging" Eva.  Driving anywhere is basically impossible.  Attempt to clean myself up in the afternoon because Joe is returning home.  He arrives after 10 pm.  I put on pajamas....

February 3rd

Still frozen outside.  No school.  Natalie and Eva have high temps and no appetite.  Joe drives us all to the doctors office on roads of solid ice.  I realize as I am sitting in the exam room that I am wearing jeans that have already been thrown up on and my sweatshirt is covered in snot.  After a throat culture, Eva throws up all over exam room.  Both girls have strep.  Finish the evening with a cup of hot tea and being thrown up on.  Again. 

How's your week been going?