Thanksgiving 2011

 

The Turkey Trot

 

grandma and grandpa, landon, jace and coop

 

drew and winston

The Feast

Chey making cute favors for our table.  Del and Grandma watching the action from the fire.  Seems I’m not the only one who is perpetually cold, even in Arizona!

 

grandma with senny

The bird.  What?  It looks upside down to you?  You’re crazy.  That’s how you get the most tender breast meat!

The Photo Shoot

One cute boy and his Great-Grandma

 

this is going well, yes?

that’s better.  Senny bug loves Cheyanne.

One of these things is not like the others…  (hint:  it’s the white girl)

don’t mind that I had just gotten back from a run and the rest are still in their jammies!

Love, love this crew.

I wondered how it would be with this many plus more staying at my house all weekend, but I was sad to see it come to an end.  We had a blast.  Every room/ space was bustling… movies, Settlers, chess, ping-pong, basketball, reading, napping, cooking, internet browsing… pick your activity and join the crew!  My kids were swallowed up by their cousins and went hard all day, every day.  One morning Bex was up early and I was trying to find an empty room for him to play for a while.  The only one without someone sleeping was the laundry room!  There were four people sleeping in my room alone, three in Coop’s.. it was a slumber party every night.  The food was great, the company was better and I loved it so much.  I hate when times like this end, things get way too quiet.  Good thing December is here to keep us busy! 

Arizona Ironman 2011: a peek inside my head.

This post is accompanied by very sub-par photos, which is unfortunate considering it is documenting an amazing event but I am only capable of so much.  When we have taken on the Ironman before, we have had, at a minimum, one aunt and two grandmas in tow.  This time, you’re looking at it.  Me and my mini support crew, taking on the duty of getting Dad through this day. 

It started at 4:15 when D’s alarm went off, just 15 minutes after I had put Beckham back to bed for the second time assuring him that when it was time for dad’s race, I would be sure to let him know.  We climbed out of bed and put on layers quickly, trying not to think about how chilly it was outside and me quietly grateful that it was not my body that had to jump in the water.  After last minute food preparations for both the athlete and the team, I transferred the littles from their beds to their car seats and we were off.  Despite my efforts to get another hour of sleep out of them, they were ready to roll, assuring dad that he would indeed win the race today (Beckham) and noticing that we were the only car on all of the roads and it was still night-time (Seneca). 

We dropped D off with an abundance of well-wishes and went to grab some breakfast before parking it in D’s office to eat and get dressed.  Once we were ready, we made our way down to the bridge, which would have been a brilliant idea had we been there an hour earlier.  The kids were troopers as we were stacked 4 people deep, hearing all the excitement but not being able to see much.  My efforts of the day started there, with a backpack on my back, a child being held in front and a camera floating around trying to save these moments for future’s sake.  More than 2500 bodies were bunched in the water as we listened to the National Anthem and then the starting gun.  The water was so crazy… flailing limbs and green and pink swim caps stirring up the calm water, whacking each other in the face as each strived for open space and an opportunity to get into a rhythm that would take them through the next 2.4 miles. 

Cooper and Beckham at the swim start

swim start.  madness.

We then did as the pioneer children did and we walked, and walked, and walked, and walked.  This race was set up differently from what I remember and it was difficult to get to the places I wanted to be.  There were more barricades, blockages and hopped-up-on-authority guards that made for lots of walking for the little legs I was with.  Again, we were smashed in with other anxious folks at the swim exit trying to catch a glimpse of our guy as he completed his swim.  Despite my best efforts, I missed him.  Can you feel it?  The stress of not knowing?  Is he out?  on the bike already?  if so, how long has he been riding?  how will I know when he’ll be around for his second loop.  this day is all about timing and doing math in your head constantly.  If he’s not out, what’s wrong?  cramping?  Oh, please, let him be out.  After his goal time came and went and then kept going, I finally asked Katelyn, via text (which saved my life all day) if she could look it up and see if he was out.  She replied that he had a great swim!   Oh, thank heavens.  After figuring out where he should be now, we ventured back to the office for a bit. 

his office had left a message for him.  from the inside, then outside as seen from the run course by the water.

Note:  having D’s office at the site of the race is major.  I stashed food there and we went back in between sightings to eat and use actual toilets.  These breaks proved huge for the kids as well as for me as I didn’t have to carry everything with us all day.  Bonus that his windows overlook the water and the run course.  After a quick break, we went out to catch him on the bike.  Rio Salado was packed, the energy was so great.  I’ll be honest and say that the first time I saw his new red aero helmet, I might have thought it was a little tacky.  Don’t tell him I said that.  However, yesterday I was so grateful he was not wearing a white helmet.  They are flying by so fast that it’s a game of super-concentration to notice if the blur coming at you is your athlete or not.  I appreciated the red helmet and am proud to say that I didn’t miss him once on the bike.  Go me.

I didn’t say I got great pictures.  I just said I didn’t miss him!  Some day I might get a pic of the front of him! 

Second loop, Bonny and her kids came to watch with us.  It was so nice of her to bring the kids- my kids love hers and they played on the grass so content while we kept our vigil.  It was such a nice distraction for them.  It was about noon after he passed and headed out for his third and final loop on the bike.  We headed inside for pizza and a little ipod movie action and then it was onto the run.

waiting to see dad.  starting the marathon.

We camped right at the run start and gave him a loud send-off then moved to the last camping spot of the day, right on the sidewalk about halfway between each run loop.  Ruby, Cole and Bonny showed up again and again I was so grateful they were there.  I kept doing my math thinking that if the first half of the first loop is 3.5 miles then we should see him by 2:30.  The second half of the loop is longer and would probably take about an hour.  I had to make adjustments as he got tired and slowed a little but seeing him down the path always made me so happy inside.  He was amazing. 

my children live for high-fives on a race course.  this is the sole reason the run is the best part for them.

After he passed us going out for the last time, we regrouped one more time and headed to find a spot at the finish line.  I remember praying distinctly that we would find a great spot where the kids could see their dad finish and not be smashed behind people.  After smushing through several crowds, we claimed a spot on the bleachers and due to my vigilant watch, pushed our way to the front as others left.  front row, yipee!  It was nearing 7:00, these kids had been going since 5 and only then did I hear Beckham say, “mom, I’m sooo tired.”  Me too, buddy.  And so is daddy, so let’s cheer him in and we can all take a rest.  Ok.  These kids were troopers.  As the 12-hour mark approached I was a bundle of nerves.  Come on, Babe, round that corner.  Dig deep.  Give it everything you have left.  Come on.. just get here!  I get so nervous for him!  Finally it was him and we went crazy, as did all those around us.  He did it!  As we were climbing out of the bleachers and hustling to find him, Cooper said, “mom, I said a prayer.  I kept saying, ‘let the next one be him.’  And then it was!” 

Due to the not-so-functional-in-my-opinion set up of the finish area, we couldn’t find D.  We looked and looked and the little legs that had been so great all day were ready to be done.  I thought if they laid down for a minute I could keep an eye out for him.  Just a little issue when they both fell asleep and I still couldn’t find him!  Think, Amberly, think.  You are only one person.  You can not carry two children around this whole park searching and then attempt to be any help to him retrieving his gear.  Dang it, Lindsay… where were you?!  So, we trekked back to the office, one in my arms and the other sleep-walking and I laid them on the floor with a movie and strict instructions to not go anywhere!  Cooper was a little uneasy about this plan, but it all worked out.  The security guy at the building probably thought I was crazy, but he simply didn’t understand that even though I am amazing, I really couldn’t do it all.  So I went back and searched.  and searched.  and finally found him.  we gathered his stuff and went back to get the kids and head for home. 

wiped out.

And in case you were wondering how the actual race went…. he nailed his swim goal time, man, I was proud.  And he killed the bike.  like killed it.  He said he could have done better without the wind and I decided he’ll never be fully satisfied.  He claims he crashed a little on the run and  simply didn’t have anything left.  Frankly, I’m amazed he even ran the whole thing.  I hereby declare that it is not fair to be hard on yourself when completing an Ironman.  Especially when you’re doing nearly an hour faster than last time on this course.  Finishing just after 12 hours, he’s a rock star.  My very own rock star. 

And in case you’re wondering the best way to drop 10 pounds in 12 hours… have I got a plan for you! 

And lastly, a major shout-out to those who made me feel that I was not alone in my efforts.  I had family and friends calling and texting me all day long checking in on Dent and his progress and several more who were tracking him online.  It was so nice to know that others were thinking of him and following how he was doing.  Some of my favorites:

“he’s tearing it up…” –ryan stokes, during the bike

“has dent finished his 2nd loop?  if so he is haulin.”  -wade during bike

“D is throwing the hammer down on the bike!”  -katelyn

“I’m sending vibes for light legs and no cramps!”  -katelyn, during the run

“we don’t care about time just as long as feels good about his race.  he is doing great!”  - D’s mom during run

“he is doing awesome!  it’s killing me not being there.  I belong at these things!”  -lindsay, during run

“he’s done 8 1/2 miles a million times.  he just needs to hang in there, he’ll be great.”  -katelyn, with 8.5 left in the run

“saw him!  he looked strong!  my family all gathered around the computer, FUN!”  -kate rosier, watching the live feed online

 

I will be courteous and not enlarge this photo, but just in case you showed up for people-watching alone, you would have not been disappointed!  taken from d’s office.

Another one in the books. 

We’ve got ourselves a three-time Ironman. 

one more day.

I left home this morning at 7:15 and did not return home for more than 10 minutes until after 3:00 this afternoon.

I spent a lovely while with Beckham while he got his ultra sound. He had an x-ray last week and I'll tell you, he's the most fun to be with in a dr.'s office. A picture of bones? A camera on his tummy? It's all very exciting. He's pleasant as can be and I love spending time with him. To answer the questions that I know will come: His left femur is slightly smaller (shorter and thinner) than his right which causes some discrepancy in his legs. Nothing to worry about, ultrasound was just to be safe and be sure kidneys weren't being affected. The kid is active and healthy and we'll just keep an eye on it, ok?

Then I watched Seneca in her preschool program about the ocean. Hilarious. I learned all about sea anemones, how sharks have multiple sets of teeth and are bigger than buses. I heard the names of all the continents and oceans and the details of vertebrates, invertebrates, single and bivalve sea creatures. I learned how the wind and the moon create the waves... She spouts off the most random stuff and I love it.

Then I went to meet my new best friend at the mattress store. I will report on this later. Off then to get Cooper, stop and take care of some fun doTerra business, drop Coop off with a friend and then... Home. For 2 whole hours before we went again.

I am deciding to be fine with the fact that the Homestead will be much like an Inn next week, with more people getting word to me daily that they'll be joining us. I ran out of bed space long ago, so bring your sleeping bags and pillows and we'll be great! Now, to find a massive turkey... I need to get on that. But first, family pictures... that's tomorrow's fun. I keep thinking that if I just take things a day at a time one of these days will not be jam-packed. Chances that day will come before January?? I'm grateful to have a busy, full life with awesome family to share it with.

gratitude and generosity

Today I love the idea that whatever I am giving my attention to will multiply. A good reminder for me to not dwell on the worries and attract good into my life. I am attracting a great thanksgiving weekend complete with meaningful experiences with the family that will be here. I am attracting a great race for Denten this weekend, one that he feels proud of and is satisfying to him. I am attracting productivity because my brain can not possibly hold all it needs to right now, so we need to get things done and make room for more! My to-do list is multiple pages... I am attracting angels to take care of some of it for me!

I also love the idea of both recording my gratitude each day as well as consciously being generous each day. Giving in some way each day keeps me in a good frame of mind. When I go through my day looking for opportunities to give, it is a lot easier to keep my focus where it should be. Some days are better than others, but we're working on it.

some bad. and some good.

Denten got crappy news about a client at work. And then he heard the Supai helicopter pilot crashed. He is a good friend and Denten was in his chopper yesterday. It was not a great day for him.

I had a frazzled morning and upon switching carpool duties, a child I was responsible for was left at preschool. That is never good. I remedied that situation the best I could and then found out that a dear friend lost her mother this week to cancer. Even knowing it was coming, that's not an easy thing to hear.

Beckham and Seneca were both giving all they had on the soccer field tonight and when their heads collided, Seneca came away with a fantastic goose egg just under her eye. Black eyes are cool. That's what we told her. Even when they are from your brother. When they are unintentional.

I laid on mattresses in the road today. I'm sure my neighbors appreciated that. The results are that I have two whole beds in my room. I might have three by the night's end. My dream come true! Lots of mattresses to try, pick what I love and have the rest disappear. Please bless we love one.

I'm off to be fingerprinted now. Hope I pass my background check! Don't tell them I forgot a kid at preschool today. Ugh. that was horrible.

good things on monday.

there is chess club after school on mondays which means there is adequate time between tumbling and going to get cooper to fit in a decent nap. I love mondays for that reason alone.

does "sit-ups" sound like "hiccups?" beckham started doing crunches on the couch today and in a strained voice said, "I'm doing my hiccups."

I made honey-lime enchiladas for dinner. Dent may not pull in until midnight, but there will be dinner here for him, gosh darn it! (and leftover cookie dough)

one more step until adoption certification is finalized (again). It's time to start praying that our baby's mama gets the inspiration we're the ones!

essential oil consultations, thanksgiving planning and family picture scheduling had me on the phone a lot this afternoon. thank goodness for patient kids that can help each other through music homework and jobs when I'm occupied.

shoot.

gosh darn it.  I sounded a bit ungrateful there, didn’t I?  Well, let’s start here:  I am grateful for repentance.

Regarding post below:  I am grateful that Denten has a job.  It may require him to travel an inopportune times, but he enjoys his work and provides for our family.  I am grateful that I have a bed.  I do actually realized that this is a major blessing that all do not enjoy.  I may be picky and complain, but after I pull out of my own selfish context, I’m grateful.  I’m grateful I have a family room floor that can be replaced.  I’m grateful that I have an abundance of family coming to share the holiday with us.  I’m grateful my kids enjoy the energy of a race and are eager to cheer on their dad.  I’m grateful that I have enough food in my house to make several dinners, and that I am capable of doing so.  I am well aware that my lack of dinner-making is due to my own lack of desire, not lack of actual food.  Lastly, I am grateful that I have milk to eat with my cookie dough.  I’m not kidding here.  What’s dough or a warm gooey cookie without cold milk? 

Ok, I feel better know.

brace yourself. my head is exploding in this post.

1.  primary program is done.  I think I was dreading it out of my own insecurities, knowing that the kids didn’t know their songs as well as they should have, but as I was sitting in sacrament meeting in between songs, I kept thinking how fast it was going and that I wasn’t ready for it to be over.  The kids did so great, especially the all boys song and the small girls group.  Seneca and Cooper delivered their parts/talks great, better than we had practiced.  I wish Dent could have been there.  Heaven bless the Norbergs for stealing Beckham. 

2.  I have enjoyed experiences recently helping people with essential oils.  I love learning new ways to use them and sharing what I know.  I love hearing back from people about how well they are working for them.  I love seeing them feel better and not have old issues continue to stand in their way. 

3.  we have 1.5 weeks until the Robinson and some of the Bitsilly clan descend on the Homestead for Thanksgiving.  I should probably start thinking about what we will be eating.  Is it weird that I am not stressed or worried about that one bit?  I suppose I am of the mindset that spending time together is more important than what we’ll be feasting upon.  I’m not sure all would agree…

4.  we have 1.0 weeks until D becomes a three-time Ironman.  I need mother nature to cooperate and provide the perfect mix of weather that will not be too hot for my athlete and not too cold for my spectators.  I need to find my cowbells.  I need to go into the day well-rested and prepared with sustenance.  See?  I’m am more concerned about making it through that day than Thanksgiving.  Perhaps there is something wrong with me.  D has been a little uneasy about this race, but I am excited for him.  He is faster and stronger than he has ever been.  His swimming has improved so much since his first race and his bike and run are strong.  He’s going to kill it.

5.  I struggle with finding motivation to make dinner even when Denten is in town.  You can imagine my burning desire to get it done when he’s away.  I think we’re making cookies today instead. 

6.  I need to exchange my mattress tomorrow.  I am completely ill-equipped to do such a thing.  I mean, I thought I chose well the first time and clearly that was not so.  How on earth am I to lay on a mattress for one minute and tell if it’s the one I am meant to be drawn to for the next 10 years?  I think a system needs to be instigated where three or four of my choice are delivered and I can spend a week or so on each one.  I mean, honestly.  They do not feel the same in the store as they do in my bedroom.  And what, exactly, determines whether it is the right one?  This one feels hard.  Too firm.  Not comfortable to lay and read, but yet I sleep soundly all through the night, even dreaming well.  What if I pick one that is more comfy to hang out on but I sleep terribly?  The ideal is to have one that pulls me to it about 10 p.m. every night… one that is more enticing than the couch and whatever is on TV.  One that I can’t wait to climb into with my book every night.  One that I do not want to get out of…. although that creates a completely different set of problems.  See??  It’s not even my genetic indeciveness that is the issue here.  It is that there is not a great standard or procedure for choosing a mattress.  Let’s pray for Brother Lee who is on the other end of this madness, shall we?  Is it coincidence that Denten leaves town and in turn, leaves me to handle this situation?  aaarrrrghghhh!

7.  Our friend Megan broke her wrist playing soccer last week.  Seneca and I took her some flowers and when learning where her injury was, Seneca said, “oh, you broke your radius?”  Megan and her dad both looked at each other and then Mike said, “and this bone here.”  “Oh, your ulna?”  Yes, Megan broke her radius and her ulna and Seneca knew more about her x-ray than the rest of us the room.  Thank you, discovery club.  She can also tell you an amazingly large amount of information about sharks.

8.  It’s time to get new carpet in the family room.  I thought it was going to be wood, but it seems carpet is the way to go for now.  Do you wish you could be in my head while I try to choose carpet??  Oh good grief.  Someone just do it for me, please!!  see number 6.

9.  does your head hurt yet?  I’ll go see if the butter is soft.  cookie dough for dinner!

guess who came to town?

I have not cleaned my bathroom.  I have not done any dishes.  I have not cooked meals.  I have not had a nap.  I have not read to my children.

I have eaten out like I was on vacation.  I have been shoe shopping with my best personal shopper.  I have listened to my kids laugh so hard they couldn’t breathe.  I have had my kitchen cleaned for me multiple times.  I have lost Beckham only to find him wandering the neighborhood with a pretty qualified adult.  I have allowed Grandpa to take over story time.  I had the pleasure of witnessing my dad’s first stroll through Trader Joe’s.  I also witnessed his first time stepping foot in a Walmart.  It was momentous.  I slugged through the corn maze so my kids could take Grandpa to the pumpkin patch.  I can cross “get Sunday shoes for the kids” off of my list.  I heard about Cooper beating Grandpa in chess, twice. 

Grandpa, we miss you already.  Take some time to recover, and then come again!

Duck, Duck, Moose

Showing off our jammies that match a favorite story. 

I live with a bunch of goofballs.  They are awesome.

it was time to go get cooper from school. seneca ran down the hall and came back saying she needed her glasses, purse and book. she proceeded to follow me out the door saying, "now I am a mommy, too!" seems those are the three things I never leave home without. and she's noticed. makes me wonder what else I do regularly that she's noticing! better watch myself....

I'm still grateful, I'm just busy, too! And I'm grateful to be busy. Most of the time. My dad arrived yesterday and spent the day running all around the valley with us, helping with homework, reading stories and playing chess. And tether ball. Today he and Beckham are at the airport awaiting a flight to SD to spend the day together at Sea World. Just the two of them. Bex was out of his mind excited about the whole experience. They'll fly back tonight and we'll have another couple of days with Grandpa before he leaves us.

Our Navajo social worker is coming today to update our home study. We'll call it one step closer to the next little in this family!

grateful.

Today I'm grateful for:

- my sisters. they are thoughtful and helpful and funny and I love them to pieces.

- a new bed! we have moved up in the world... really! it's taller, wider and longer. I hope I can still find Denten in it.

- Past Tense tension blend. my headaches are still a little bit of a mystery, but using this oil blend have kept things manageable the past few days.

- my morning. usually Denten is training Saturday mornings but he had a later swim scheduled today so we spent a lazy morning in bed and then I went out for a run. It rained last night and it was fresh and cool outside. I need more mornings like that.

are you curious??

Because I have had several questions about doTerra and essential oils lately, I am going to attempt to address them in a way that will be helpful to everyone. I will be having a FREE tele-class next week that all are invited to participate in, from your own homes!

Are you curious about doTerra essential oils and how they work?  This class is for you!

Have you felt that these oils are right for your family, but don't know where to start?  This class is for you!

Do you have the Family Physician Kit and would like to learn how to use it more effectively in your home?  This class is for you!

Would you like to use your essential oils to practice prevention rather than waiting to treat ailments?  This class is for you!

In this one-hour class, you will learn about the TEN most common and versatile doTerra essential oils:  what they are, where they come from, what to use them for and how to administer them.  These ten single oils and oil blends will assist with 90% of all the ailments you will encounter in your home.  You will learn how they can replace all of the over-the-counter medications in your home and many prescriptions.  You will learn why I feel completely secure administering them to my children and how in the past two years, my family has saved hundreds of dollars because we have had these oils in our home. 

Simply let me know you'd like to participate and you will receive the number to call.  This class will be offered twice next week in an effort to accommodate your schedules. Tuesday, November 8 at 9:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.   Both classes will cover the same information, you do not need to participate in both.

productive.

I’m grateful for busy, productive days.  Amid running to and fro, fulfilling carpooling duties, I had a great energy session with a  favorite friend.  I shared oils with a few wonderful people who will be blessed because of them.  I did laundry.  Denten will be so happy.  He really needed clean socks.  I made dinner.  Actual dinner.  In the crock pot, ‘cause those are the easiest kind.  Both boys got hair cuts and look dashing.  Seneca did not get a hair cut because she does not want to look like a boy.  I planted a garden.  Did you catch that one?  Denten tilled up the garden plot Saturday and I took Beckham and Elsie to the nursery again today to pick up our vegetable and herbs to plant.  I can’t say that with all my little helpers that the rows are straight, but they are in the ground!  We even have flowers out front.  The littles got showers, homework is done and I have happy voices playing in my house.  I am grateful for this life. 

halloween, 2011

The mom of this family left her camera at a Halloween party last weekend… so the photo report is slim.  And hopefully will be supplemented after I get my camera back!

Happy Halloween from the Cat in the Hat (there’s no doubt about that), Buzz Lightyear and Tinkerbell.

The Cat nailing the bulls-eye, dunking Brother Malinka at the ward Halloween party.  Miss Tink taking her shot.

Beckham woke up this morning and ran to find me to report that there were not, in fact, lots of scary things in the sky last night. 

Whew!