bombs, heros and angels

On April 15, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  This news was devastating and disturbing on several levels, not the least of which was the fact that I have spent a good deal of time along race courses and cheering at finish lines, often with my children.  I am putting this event into the category of things that try as I may, I will not understand in this life.  I can be upset and bothered and incredibly frustrated, especially for those who worked so hard to be able to participate in the marathon and then I can choose to see the heros that inevitable emerge in situations such as this.  They are always there.  The fact that we have free agency means that bad things happen sometimes, but it does not mean we have been deserted.  It is so obvious that armies of angels surround us at all times and they were working hard on Monday in Boston.

I talked to my children briefly about what had happened and left it that there were people hurt that could use our prayers.  They seemed ok with that.  But this morning on the way to piano, it was clear that Cooper's inquiring mind had not moved on.  He wanted to know about the bombs.  That wasn't something I wanted to go into a lot of detail about... so I was brief and he had more questions.  After his lesson on the way to school he brought it up again- I just don't understand, he said.  I asked what he needed clarified, knowing that I probably wouldn't have the answers.  How do bad people become bad?  Well, that's a tough one, buddy.  We talked a little about those who don't like America, we talked about those who don't know how to handle it when they feel angry and we talked about mental illness... Those are big, heavy subjects for a ride to school!  He got quiet and said he understood all of that but as I looked in my rearview mirror, there were big tears spilling out of his eyes.  What is bothering you most, bud?  After a minute, his voice was quiet as he said, but how do I know if I'm safe?  Good grief.  I wanted to promise with all my heart that he would always be safe, I wanted to give him the guarantee he was looking for.  Well, I don't know if you'll always be safe, but I know you will always be ok.  How?  Because you have an army of angels around you.  We talked about how bad things happen because others have their agency, but Heavenly Father knows us and is aware of us and we will be ok.

We talked about finding the positive in crummy situations and recognizing that there are always good people and blessings to be found.  We talked about how bad guys can hurt people, but they can't break spirits. That while they try to be harmful, they end up bringing people together, we become stronger, kinder, more gentle and more grateful.  He felt better as he got out of the car at school, but I drove home thinking... how on earth do you explain an attack like that to a child- one who wants to wrap his head around it and have it make sense, when it all reality, it will never make any sense at all.

Thankfully he went through his day much more light-hearted and seems to have returned to his carefree self.  It's a bummer that darkness is going to reach my children and that I can't keep them in a bubble forever, but it's a blessing that there is always light close by, and the light is always stronger and always brighter and always wins.

"Like water, be gentle and strong.  Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world."  -B. Peterson

G list

- I'm grateful for Cooper.  He had a busy day yesterday and took it all in stride.  He had three consecutive football games as his team kept advancing through the league playoffs to the championship game.  This was his first season playing football and was on a team with boys who had all played together before.  He worked hard to learn where he was supposed to be and what his role was and then executed with all he had.  By game three everyone was tired and trying to hold it together and he made sure he ended the season giving his all and having a great time.  They lost the last game but when they scored, he threw up his arms and jumped around and was as happy as could be, even knowing that it was too late to win the game.  He was complimentary to his teammates and respectful to his coach and left the field with a touchdown and a great catch at the end of the day.  I was so proud of how he played, but also of how he interacted with his teammates.

Last night he participated in the Cavalcade of Music Festival.  There were 20 pianos on stage with two pianists at each piano.  They had been learning and practicing their duets since Christmas.  Coop was dedicated to attending his rehearsals and making sure he knew his pieces well.  With everyone playing together and adding percussion, the performance was impressive.  I am so grateful that he felt confident and that performing does not make him nervous.  I am grateful that he enjoys music and the process of learning and performing.

Today Denten was out of town and we have church from noon until 3:00 with sacrament meeting last.  By the time we hit the chapel, everyone is tired and reverence is achieved with great effort.  During the sacrament I looked over at Cooper who had his arms folded, head bowed and eyes closed.  His lips were moving slightly and I had gratitude wash over me that he chose to come to this family.  He has his moments, but this kid is good and that is in spite of the fact that I keep trying to learn how to be a parent with him and heaven knows I do not get it right the first time very often.  Coop is a blessing to me and I love him so much.

- I'm also grateful for my little village.  With D gone today, I had my village to back me up as I needed to be in primary both hours and was not able to manage Stella.  Norbergs, Williams, Sabeys and Adams.. there may have been more... saved me today, and it wasn't the first time.  I'm grateful that these people love my children and that I can depend on them when I can't do it all on my own.  I was able to put my full concentration into primary without worrying one bit if my baby was ok.  Arriving home to fresh homemade wheat bread on my doorstep from Holly capped it off.  It made dinner come together easily and was just one more reminder that my family here extends outside of my home.

- I'm grateful for a text that the helicopter functioned properly and delivered D into the canyon safely.  My angels work hard, and I don't ever want them to think I don't appreciate them!

Pinewood Derby

Scouts.  It's a foreign world to me.  It involves one of the zillion times I thank the heavens I am not a single parent.  Lucky for all of us, Dad was more than willing to head this one up.  Many nights were spent in the laundry room strategizing, sanding, painting, and other things I am not aware of.

The actual event was fun.  I was not sad that both soccer and football were rained out that day so we could all be there to participate. 

Don't mind that Coop doesn't have any patches sewn on his shirt... I know I'm supposed to have something to do with that, but I have pretended otherwise so far.  Ok, I'll get on it.

His car came in fourth place, which he was proud of.  Dad was proud because apparently he did not have super cars as a boy and was determined Coop be at least in the middle of the pack.

Could we just keep him this way forever?  I like him.

Stella in February

a chilly day at soccer

soccer practice

windblown at football

cheering our favorite soccer players

on dad's birthday enjoying the swing

with her pal Fischer, and sitting up on her own!

My valentine

valentine's day 2013

Go Buffs!

Uncle Dan the Man coaches the women's basketball team at Colorado University and they came to play ASU this weekend.  We grabbed Dan for dinner Saturday evening and he managed to engage in adult conversation and catch up with us while kids climbed all over him.  They love Dan the Man.  A lot.  

The next day we went to cheer on the Buffalos in Tempe.  I was prepared for bored kids, but they totally surprised me.  They were engaged and following the game and cheering both loudly and appropriately.  They had a blast and Dent and I felt like we'd gone back in time as basketball used to take up a lot of our time... he played, officiated and coached... I cheered from the stands and yelled at the refs a lot.  

We had such a good time, wish he came more often... and we really wish Aunt Linny would have come too!!

today.

Beckham does not appreciate the peanut component of Monster Munch. He will consume his entire portion of popcorn and leave me a little pile of peanuts.

Seneca believes the best thing about candy corn is using them to stick in her teeth to make fangs. She has a very spooky voice when she threatens to eat me.

I am not sure who invented candy corn, but he and I have very different palates. G.R.O.S.S.

I visited another preschool this week as I was contemplating throwing Bex in the mix and trying to work out what would be best for the two littles. I am not an educator by profession. Not even close, so I'm not sure where my expectations come from, but I am not easily satisfied. I would have never guessed that one of the biggest stressors in my life this year would be related to my children's education. It has kept me awake at night far more than any other issue. While it stresses me out sometimes, I am completely grateful that I do not have bigger things to worry about in my life right now. I know I'm blessed. I really do.

It's a little chilly outside in the mornings these days and my children insist on getting out there as soon as possible. I insist on shoes. They like to pretend I don't. Today I told Seneca and Beckham that they were welcome to play outside if they kept shoes on their feet. As they tried to sneak out the door, I added that if I saw them without something on their feet, the princess skirts would go up high and be gone today. That stopped them both in their tracks. Yes, they were both wearing princess skirts and shoes have not been an issue today.

A month after first beginning potty training, I can say that I don't even think about it anymore. He runs in there when he needs to do his thing and despite my best efforts in trying to get him to sit down, he stands on his little tippy-toes, reaches over the edge of the toilet and gets it in there. That's what dad and Cooper do, after all. There is no more potty laundry, no wet beds, and no more diapers... yipee!!

Cooper has been interested in the basketball court lately and is not satisfied when I say I can see him from the window. He wants his audience giving him full attention, outside next to the court.

I've been working on Halloween costumes this week and I will admit that I am one lucky woman that my children do not have high expectations. The admiration for all of you who make your own every year and have them looking fabulous has grown 100 fold. I must admit that I just don't care that much! What will be, will be and I am completely ok with it.

We have been out of butter all week. Butter! Of all things.

I've decided that running up and down the park lawn passing a soccer ball back and forth with Coop, trying to defend his goals and then helping little bodies across the monkey bars over and over and over constitutes a very admirable workout. I was sweaty! They were sweaty and we all slept well.

Dent has been super busy at work lately. He came home early enough to carve pumpkins with us last night but I'm afraid we'll pay for it for a while as we'll probably all be asleep before he arrives tonight. Late nights are a bummer, but I'll take them over unemployment any day.

tuesday.

I have artists living in my house. In fact, they believe that this house is their art gallery. The actual house, as in the walls. We have spent a lot of time coloring lately and somewhere along the line the crayons and pencils moved from the paper to the walls. We spent some quality time with the Mr. Clean magic eraser today. That thing is a lifesaver.

Seneca may or may not be asleep in her bed right now with ballet slippers on her feet. That's how excited she is to start dance class tomorrow.

She has also thrown some impressive tantrums this week. Gotta give the girl points for stamina. And me too.

Bex has been completely delightful lately. He got his hair cut Sunday and is so dang cute I can't handle it. He does things I think are funny just to get me to laugh at him like pull his jammie pants way up high. He's an awesome eater and goes to bed without a fuss.

Cooper and I have been reading the the first book in the Boxcar Children series at bedtime after scriptures. This is a change-up from Magic Tree House. The chapters are longer, but we're both liking it. I never really read these books, although I think one of my sisters really liked them... Katelyn, maybe?

Adoption certification is final. I feel perfectly content right now that the right little spirit will join our family whenever the time is right. I don't think it will happen quickly, but I'm not in charge.

Shout out to my dad who was a year older Sunday. He's pretty much the coolest old man I know, but don't tell him that. He gets a big head easily.

We made a decision on lights for the entry, dining and living rooms. They're pretty cool and I'm excited to get them up!

Coop had music class today. He came home excited to show me the chords he was learning, except that he doesn't know they are called chords yet... they are "tricks with his fingers." Love it. This program is really cool. We are practicing five days a week, which I thought would be a lot, but it's been fun and I love the things he's learning while thinking he's playing. brilliant.

I said the word, "cool" a lot in this post.

Denten just walked in from his swimming lesson. Better go give him some love. He is my one and only, you know. 'night.

a school boy

Dear Mrs. H,

You asked us to let you know a little about Cooper... I'm happy to introduce him to you!

Cooper has had a few years at a great preschool. He has enjoyed both the academic learning experiences as well as the social opportunities. He is reading and shows a fun sense of satisfaction when he figures out new words. He has been reading Bernstein Bears books to us lately and enjoys listening to the Magic Tree House books. He also reads his scriptures with us each night. He can be a little impatient with his writing when I think he’s being lazy and not giving me his best work. Cooper enjoys basic addition and subtraction but we haven’t gone much further than that with math.

Cooper doesn’t know any other children in Kindergarten at I (school) but is eager for friends. He can be quiet and shy until he warms up, but he’s a lot of fun after that.

He is a registered member of the Navajo tribe. You’d never know from his blond hair! His great-grandmother still raises sheep on the reservation. Cooper enjoys getting together with his Bitsilly cousins every year for a reunion.

Cooper loves to play soccer and swim. He likes to ride his bike, snow ski and tried water skiing for the first time this summer. He has a competitive streak and likes to push himself to succeed.

He loves to play games. UNO and ‘go fish’ are regulars at our house.

Cooper is the big brother in our home. He has two younger siblings- Seneca is three and Beckham is two. He is a patient and kind brother. Cooper has a sweet spirit, I hope you will get a chance to know him and that you both will enjoy this year together.

Good luck, Cooper!! We love you like crazy!!

swimming, tractors, reading

seneca started learning breathing to the side today in swimming. it's kind of hilarious to watch her little body turn to lay on her side and then continue swimming. she laughed all the way through the lesson being super silly.

beckham thinks he can do anything his siblings can do. if seneca can do a knee-dive, then he can too! this will prove to be a great thing if his siblings give him good things to exemplify.

we cleaned out cooper's clothes today removing all the too-small stuff and organizing new school stuff. he's got enough everyday clothes but is seriously lacking in pajamas and sunday clothes. he sleeps in jammie pants with holes in the knees or that are way too short. his sleep shorts look like they belong on beckham! his sunday shirts are getting too small and he wants more tie variety.

the tractors were pulled out this morning. and then the barn needed to be put together. and then all of the farm fencing. and then we needed animals and farmers... my family room looks like a ranch but at least everyone is getting along. uncle ben would be proud.

cooper built an eagle's nest. he used every possible blanket and pillow and is planning to spend quiet time in his nest with his library books. sounds good to me.

this afternoon we get to meet Coop's teacher and have him see his new school. we're both excited to get this party started!

I am reading Keeping Faith and I like it, but I'm not getting through it as fast as I would like. Every time I go to read I can't keep my eyes open for very long. I have been so tired- this week has got to bring better sleep than last.

two dates.

I had two dates today. The first was with Seneca to get her hair cut. She found the scissors again this week and wasn't nearly as gentle as the first time. We tried to keep some length and just taper it back, taking about two inches off the back, but it still doesn't look good. We need to make it shorter. But she was great about getting it cut... didn't move a muscle.

The second was with Cooper. We went school shopping. I debated going without him thinking he wouldn't really care what I got, but decided it would be fun to do it together. Seems the kid has his own opinions and they vary greatly from mine sometimes. Some of the stuff we came home with would not have been purchased had I gone on my own. Especially his backpack. We talked about avoiding the skull and crossbones motif, but in the end it was his very favorite. My opinions are being overturned on several issues around here lately, seems they are not as important as I thought they were. I found it hard to buy jeans and long-sleeve shirts when it's still 100 degrees outside, but there were very few summer clothes left to choose from. We got a few things simply because they were on sale, but they won't be worn for a few months still. We did agree on a cool pair of shoes, avoiding anything that lights up. Thank heavens. Cooper is proving to continue his long and lean trend. He is easily a size 6 in pants, some I would have preferred even a little longer, but they drown him around the waist. Thank goodness for adjustable waists, belts and slim fit.

We talked a little about what school will be like next week and what he can expect. This has been hard for me because he is not going to be having the experience at school that I was hoping he would, but I want to be genuinely excited for him and for this adventure. It was fun to spend the day with him, to talk about what kinds of things he'd like to take for lunch and what his days will be like. There is going to be more expected of him at home in regards to learning time and homework due to what might be lacking at school. I feel somewhat inadequate to give him what he needs, but I have access to great resources and he has a great desire to do well and keep learning.

I have many thoughts on my oldest child starting school. We talked today about when he was born, how small he was, what he wore. I told him I was sad he was getting so big and that I wish he would listen to me and quit growing. He told me to be patient, that I would get another baby and it was ok that he was getting bigger. Somehow the discussion incorporated the idea of adoption so we spent some time talking about what that means. I love that he doesn't see his sister as different. He likes the idea of another baby coming to our family that way someday and said that because he was big, he could be very helpful with a new baby. He is caught between two worlds right now, sometimes seeming so innocent and sheltered and sometimes talking about such wise things I wonder where it came from. I am not looking forward to the exposure to certain new things that will inevitable meet him at school. We have enjoyed a blind eye to pop culture and media characters that I'm afraid will no longer be secret. I'm trusting that he will keep his focus where it should be and his sweet little spirit as he navigates this new world. He said he would be patient with me as I have never been a mom to a kindergartner before. He said we could learn how to do it together. I like that.

We finished the day by going to dinner tonight to use gift certificates the kids got from the library this summer for their reading program. I love my kids.

quick thoughts.

so much to say, no time at all. leave in t-7 hours for airport with the whole fam-damily for vacation. first stop: albuquerque.

relay swim meet tonight. coop swam freestyle better than denten and I have seen him swim before. he's getting the hang of a few things. he also swam butterfly in two IM races. he has fun friends, is seeing progress in himself and having a great experience.

I tortured our children today, also known as made them help me clean the garage. holy smokes, even two-year-olds come up with fantastic excuses not to help. it is a bummer when we don't go in until the job is done! denten wondered if someone robbed us, we conquered so many piles.

denten has been all over getting our lawn to look like it's alive. major time, effort and water and I hope we see progress soon.

I got new KSO's and I'm super excited about them. they are going to be better than the ones I have when running off road and when I run the river next week... although I am not excited to run the river. rafts are super. inflatable kayaks combined with major rapids give me major anxiety. trying not to think about it. the rest of my family think rafts are for sissies and old people. I happen to fall into one of those categories.

I am almost done with Enna Burning, the book that follows Goose Girl. It was a little slower to get into, but I have flown through it in the last two days. The story is gripping once you're there. I also read Outliers. It is based on a very interesting concept and I kept wanting to talk to denten about it except that he hasn't read it. It influenced how I am thinking about schools for Cooper as well as other opportunities for my children. I generally prefer fiction and that was the case here, but the stories and examples were very interesting to me.

I must go to sleep now. early morning, suitcases, children, bags, airport ruckus... should be a fun day!

pronounciation: edited to add

We've been reading fairy tales around here lately. The latest is Handsome and Gretel. Oh, I mean Hansel and Gretel. No matter how many time I try to correct them, it reverts back to Handsome. It started with Cooper and Seneca quickly picked up the mistake. Even Bex calls him Handsome. Oh well, maybe he was.

Mom is doing fitness challenge and that means limited goodies in the house. They've finished off any cookies and such we had around a while ago and I haven't gotten any more so granola bars and popsicles are about as "treat" as it gets around here. One of everyone's favorites, however, is Patella. Oh, I mean nutella. we've enjoyed a little with strawberries and bananas and they think I'm the world's greatest mom. Doesn't patella mean knee cap? "mmm, mom, I love patella!"

Cooper's race suit came in the mail yesterday. Jammers on little boys legs may be my new favorite thing. And yes, of course they make him faster. edited: tonight when I was putting Cooper to bed, he said in his prayer, "and please help me swim super fast in my new black swimsuit." Then he told me that as he was swimming freestyle today, he wondered about the tempacles in the water. Tempacles? Chemicals. Another one I try to correct and it's always tempacels. Kind of a mash between tentacles and chemicals. Coop is always curious about the chemicals in pool water.

And an unrelated question of the day: we are in the market for a new vacuum. We've had a fabulous one for 11 years... aunt Mel gave it to us for our wedding and it has lasted and been great, but it's rebelling when it has to cover this much carpet. Do you have one you love? Suggestions please!

I feel much better, thank you.

Tonight I asked Cooper to create a train track for his brother. Sometimes he loves this task, sometimes it is tor-ture. As he got started he asked me to come help. I was in the middle of cleaning the kitchen and knew he could do it himself. I told him to keep working, I knew he could do it. Beckham was encouraging the building as he was anxious to play. From the kitchen I heard Cooper say, "I'm trying, Beckham, but I just don't have anything in my imagination!"

I suppose I know how he feels. I feel that way too, sometimes. But it was funny. He's having to stretch his imagination, and that's not so bad.

half-way

We're half-way through the soccer season. Fewer snacks are being consumed by the miniture spectators and more goals are being scored by this one. And it's fun.

Harrie's Challenge: LOVE month!

My sister, Lindsay (aka Harrie) has posted this on her blog:

I love February. Boyfriend or no boyfriend, I always enjoy this time of year. I think there is something in the air. So this month, I will be posting something I love each day. I think you should too! Most of my loves probably won't be news to you.

She kicked off the month with her love of travel. I ditto most of her sentiments.

Today, I love Cooper.

He is smart and hilarious.

He is sweet and thoughtful.

He is clever and inventive.

He is a great brother and a good example.

He is creative and artistic

He is athletic and fast.

He's my first miracle.

This is Coop's first time on snow skis last winter.

He's been dying to do again and is looking forward to a trip next month to ski with his Grandpa.

He surprises me every day and most of the time, I love being his mom!

recording.

I want to remember:

Cooper is learning Christmas songs. The latest version:
"You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why.. Cooper is coming to town!" I laughed and asked him if he was bringing me a present. He quickly went and hid my slippers in his shirt and brought them to me, singing again. We are doing Christmas for a secret someone and all we really know about him is that he is a dad. Cooper's input on a gift included new tools, a bike, a watch or a new car. He's also brainstorming what he's going to give Seneca and Beckham for Christmas. The discussion is ongoing and changes hourly.

Seneca has been waking up at night and when she does, she requests that we go sit in the rocking chair together. I have had mixed feelings about it because I'm not going to let her think that we're taking a field trip every time she wakes up, but I love that she'll just sit and cuddle with me. Sometimes she'll request a song, sometimes she wants to pray again, but mostly we just sit and rock and man, I love her. She is a verbal little girl, call her on the phone and you'll see. She'll give you the run-down on just about anything. I think she's beautiful and I wonder if I would think that if she were not my own daughter. You know how parents always think their own kids are always cute? I'm grateful that despite the fact that she didn't grow in me, it is nothing but natural for me to love her as if she did.

Beckham is trying so hard to be big. He does his very best to keep up with his older siblings in every aspect. He and Seneca are quite the team, communicating flawlessly with each other. Most of the time I understand what they are saying to each other, but even when I don't, they get it completely. When I'm driving, Bex will try very hard to dictate which direction I go each time I approach an intersection. If I happen to go a different direction than the one his little finger is pointing to and his "iss way, mom!" well then, look out. He can throw an impressive fit when not getting his way. Sometimes I wonder where I would end up if I really went the way he wanted every time. He's the best eater in the house and can pack it away. He screams loudly and he gives awesome kisses. He has big brown flirty eyes that make you work for his affection and I'm a sucker. And he's still competing for best cheeks ever.

Gratitude month may be over, but it did its job. I'm noticing things throughout my days that I'm grateful for. even when these little ones drive me crazy, I'm grateful that I can enjoy being their mother.

Friday

1. a visit from kari ann. girls night out, reminders about what the important things are.

2. a completely quiet house with (almost) everyone asleep for two full hours.

3. peppermint joe joe's from trader joe's.

4. retracted.

5. lunch at the park with dad present. the fact that these people belong with me.

Grateful on Thanksgiving

1. I'm grateful for Denten. He's funny and smart and hot. He's faithful to me and to his Heavenly Father. He's consistent and a wonderful father.

2. I'm grateful for Cooper. He is hilarious and tender. He is smart and kind. He is a lot like me and therefore occasionally aggravating, but I'm sure glad Heavenly Father saw fit to send him to me.

3. I'm grateful for Seneca. She is beautiful and full of life. She is clever and happy. She is emotional and enthusiastic. She both makes me crazy and melts my heart. I thank Heaven every day for the fact that she found her way to our home.

4. I'm grateful for Beckham. He is charming and lovable. He is mellow and squishy. He is developing an opinion yet still often agreeable and easy-going. He is miracle number three and appreciated no less than the first.

5. I'm grateful for my Savior and the sacrifice he made so that I can have the experiences I'm having. I'm grateful for second chances with my children and for a future that will last into eternity. I'm grateful for the covenants I have made with my husband. I'm grateful for my life.

Ironman: the spectators

Our little ones were complete troopers. They were up early and not home until late and yet were very pleasant all through the day.

Grandma did hair while we watched the swim.



we ate breakfast on the go.



beckham waved and held out his hand trying to get a high-five. a kind gentleman finally humored him on the run course.



we occupied ourselves with paper airplanes, games and snacks.



we attempted a group shot... in attendance were wade's mom and dad, denten's mom, my mom (taking the photo), katelyn and tessa, lindsay, cooper, seneca, beckham and yours truely.



we got to know our little cousin tess all over again. mostly these two just loved each other.





cooper found friends at every pit stop. he ran and ran all day playing with other spectators. he did take a few short breaks to watch his dad fly by and ring the cow bell. beckham ate as much as anyone would give him. seneca snuck drinks that did not sit well in her stomach. grandmas watched children and cheered on our boys.



it was a huge blessing that denten's office building was about 20 paces from this photo spot. the little ones took a 2-hour nap. we had clean restrooms and access to a fridge. it was a blast, really.

Cooper's mile.

Saturday there was a one-mile children's race that finished at the same place the Ironman would the following day. It didn't take any convincing at all when Dent asked Cooper if he'd like to participate. He was a little disappointed, however, when he realized he wouldn't be swimming and riding his bike as well.

Seeing as he is only five and the course was a full mile, an adult was allowed to accompany him on his run. Denten was saving all he had for his own event and I figured I could keep up with a 5-year-old for a mile.. I mean, how fast could he really be?

getting his number:



waiting to begin:



leaving his mother in the dust:



When we hit the starting banner, he took off. Seriously. A full sprint. I turned it up to catch him and explained that we had a long way to go and it was ok to slow down. There were older kids that had started earlier and he could see them on the other side of the course coming back toward the finish. He said, "mom, we have to catch them!" I told him we didn't have to catch them, "well, why not?!" as if I had just said something completely ridiculous. I told him they were in a different race and we didn't have to compete with them. Then he noticed the other younger children around us and said, "well, we have to get ahead of all these kids!" No we don't, we don't have to beat everyone. "mom, I want to come across first." He was dead serious.

I have never been known as particularly competitive. Denten has the streak in him, but it's a quiet one. During this year of racing and training, he hasn't talked about winning or beating anyone else. Cooper, however, has it thick in his blood. Denten says it's a good thing if we channel it the right way.

After about 10 seconds of walking to take a break, Coop was ready to run again. I told him to go ahead, I would be right behind him if he needed a break. I fully anticipated he would slow down again in a bit and I'd catch him. I was out of my mind. It was all I could do to weave through the crowd to keep him in my sights. I tried to call out to him as he flew past the aid station, he didn't even notice it. He was completely focused on passing anyone in front of him. As I knew we were nearing the final corner, I wanted to see him finish. I cut the course and raced across a field in order to find him. As I yelled out to him, he looked back to inform me to follow the arrows, we were almost there. I said, "do you need to walk for a minute?" no, I'm ok. and off he went. I was dying, I'll be honest. He has some serious endurance. I realized I was holding him back and sent him to the finish line. I plugged along trying to keep him in my sights. He was still sprinting and headed straight for the line. He turned and looked for me after finishing.

He seriously ran his little heart out the whole time. Except for when his mother was trying to get him to take it easy. And he's fast. While this little tale is embarassing, I want to remember his focus, his drive and the fact that he had a blast doing it.







And not to be left out, this little one took a spin on the tri bike on our way to turn it into the transition area. Perhaps I have a few little triathletes on my hands. It's a good thing I'm a great cheerleader. And that I have Beckham who mostly just likes to eat snacks.