Surprise in the making...

In light of our sweet little Poppy's 2nd Birthday this coming Sunday, we are finishing the present that Grandma and Grandpa Edge sent for her...
So, where exactly does a parent keep such a large project-in-the-making, where the kids WON'T find it???
Yup, you guessed it...the Laundry room!
They (meaning Oscar, soon to be Poppy) already found the surprise in the shed out back...so we decided one of the last places our kids like to play is the Downstairs, dungeon, laundry room.
Here is the make-shift work shop!
(hummm... does this mean I don't have to do laundry until it is finished???)
We are about to stain...This is where you come in, any input would be nice...We have a nice Antique sage, and and Ocean blue stain for the kitchenette...I'm thinking green for the majority and blue doors with polka dots?...Or maybe all green with a blue back-splash, and still polka-dotted-doors? How about no polka dots and some fun bugs and flowers...
Looking at this photo, given the colors of green and blue with various other color accented designs...what would you do????
Pre-stain went on tonight...staining begins tomorrow...Viewer with the best ideas, wins the joy of knowing that their idea will reside in our playroom for some time to come!!! And if it is really good, then maybe I'll send you some chocolate!

Seasonal Sampler

(Poppy donning her fall fashionable layers...really she asks to wear a jacket ALL of the time...Just like me! She also isn't afraid to wear a mommy shirt as a skirt!)
With 61 degree temperatures (in my house) greeting me each morning, I am reminded if the seasonal change that is taking place around me. Forcing me to adorn myself with multiple layers of clothing in an attempt to conserve my precious warmth!! Blasted cold weather! I know, I know, it is only going to get colder...I need no reminder...It is just that summer went so quickly, and now, I find myself scrambling to soak in the last bit of sunshine and green that I can before the doom and gloom arrives!
On one cloudy morning this week, Oscar exclaimed "mom I wish there was no such thing as clouds!" My response was, "well, if we didn't have clouds we wouldn't have snow to ski on or rain to water our plants." To this Oscar replied, "I wish the stars would rain or snow so it would never be cloudy."
Yes, He must be my sun loving child...
Oscar also began fall soccer, this could be one of the saving graces of fall transition. It is very fun watching our little tike run on the field (mainly in the direction of the wrong goal) full of excitement. He really is liking soccer, even if the logistics of what the game is all about, are still quite unclear!
Ahhh...another good thing of fall...TOMATOES! Yes we are basking in the remaining abundance of tomatoes, that is until the first frost. Above is the latest canning success! The recipe comes from Betina by way of her friend Beth Moxley...

Salsa
makes 10-11 pints

20 C ripe tomatoes, Italian plum type work best, peeled and chopped
3 C chopped onions
2-3 chopped green peppers
3-8 jalapeno peppers, chopped, the number depends on how spicy you like your salsa! (NOTE: wear rubber gloves when handling these peppers, the oil and juice can burn your skin)
1 C vinegar
3/4 C sugar
1/4 C NON-IODIZED SALT
2 t dried chili seed (sometimes it's called crushed (not ground) red pepper)
1 t cayenne (this is the ground red pepper)
2- 12 oz cans tomato paste
parsley and cilantro to taste

Put all together in large kettle. Cook over low heat (simmer) to desired consistency.
Process in water bath canner: 30 minutes pints; 40 minutes quarts
***NOTE: Can just quarter un-peeled tomatoes and pulse a couple times in the food processor. I use 3-4 jalapenos, it's spicy enough for Roy.

(I did not "cook down" the salsa previous to the water bath and it turned out really pretty and not to mushy...I also would decrease the amount of sugar by a little bit and add a few extra jalepenos for the hubby)
Oscar, who doesn't like salsa, tasted some and liked it so it is a yummy kid-friendly version. Rick and I devoured a half-pint in just a few hours....very tasty! I plan to make another batch this week.
And just in case you thought that our Kindergartener had out-grown the Super-stage, don't worry...he still isn't afraid to strike a pose! In fact Poppy now will ask Rick and I frequently if there are "Bad Guys coming"...She can be seen trailing along with Oscar in Super hero play...I suppose they too are prepping for the up-and-coming indoor play...Goodbye Summer 2007!

Marathon Photos!

Pictures have been posted!!! Wooohoo! It won't let my copy and paste so here is the link.. I'm having issues with copy and past...sorry!

Bib #'s Me 2255, Rick 92, Betina 2814

One of my favorite pics was from the trash bin! Sadly, I can't figure out how to link you there!
If you go to the link below and then go to the drop down menu for lost and found, then to trash. from there go to page 7 of 33, scroll to the bottom, and it is picture 20-1978. It's a nice one of B- and ME our legs are in sync with each other..pretty cool. (I'll really be surprised if any of you find it!!! Maybe this could be like hide and go seek!!! )

Have fun browsing photos...My finish photo has a nice gob of people around...Rick, he is all nice and solo, and if you look in Betina's Finish photo it is crowded too but she at least looks good, and if you look closely you can see me back behind her quite a ways, in blue shorts!!! Betina and Rick win the photogenic award. To this, I already am aware I lack the photo-lookin-good genetic!
Happy hunting...too bad I can't just copy them on here for you to see.

Race Pictures Online3

Let the Post-Marathon Projects begin!

With training completed, or subsided a bit, I now can begin to catch up on all of the things I've been putting on the back table for the past few months.

1. Finish painting very cool vintage TV tray to hang in the kitchen
2. Stain and finish cute table and chairs that have been unfinished for the past year and a half.
3. Paint the very fun Kitchenette that Grandma and Grandpa bought for Poppy's B-Day. (Need to decide how to finish it...any suggestions? I'm kinda thinking funky polka dots...)
4. Paint the living room and bedroom.
5. Clean out kitchen cupboards...(Ricky will be pleased to see this on my list!)
6. Finish Oscar's bedroom...make the curtains with the material that I have had for the last year and a half.
7. Put molding around fireplace and window...consider revising old cast iron railings.

Yes, this is not all inclusive...certainly there are a bundle of other things that need to be done...but for now here is my list! It will not be completed tomorrow but I'll post the progress as it work at it.

Top Of Utah

Betina and Me! (Post-Marathon)Here's the best of the Pics we had taken...this will have to do until others are posted. Sadly, the Ricky wouldn't pose for the Picture!

640.4 Miles...This is the Number of miles (approximately) since we began training in April last spring.
Two marathons down,two pairs of shoes, and who knows how many bottles/packages of GU, Gatorade, Load,Vasaline, Endurolytes, etc... I have now completed marathon training for the Summer 2007 season.
Yesterday, at about 11:06, I finished my third marathon. Completing my goal of "three marathons by thirty"(I'm only 27!). I improved my PR by about 2 minutes but missed the "Goal Time" of 4hrs by 2 minutes. I'm very pleased and happy to be finished. (my chip time read 4hrs 2min 3sec)
This was my first marathon to be accompanied the entire time with a training partner, my good friend Betina. She did an amazing job (this being her 1st) and finished 30 seconds sooner than me(4hrs 1min 47sec). (I was battling an ongoing-injury in my right Quad that reared it's fierce unyielding head at mile 23 and wouldn't subside.)
My Amazing spouse the Rickster had a chip time of 3hrs 13min 45sec. He always does a really great, fast time. I'm not sad we don't actually "run" the marathon together because I know that he can go so fast and I really hate to hold him back.

Throughout the marathon a few things came to mind ...
-I love doing marathons because they reveal to me my "true" self...They strip away all of the whiny, self conscious, I can't do it, thoughts and make me reveal to myself the power of mind over matter. I know that each of us can do sooooo much more than we give ourselves credit for, and if we really exercise that ability I think we can accomplish so much! I am always amazed at the variety of people who are actually doing the marathons...there are the elite runners, but by far I think they are the minority
-I'm really grateful that I married Rick...I know that without him, I wouldn't have the capacity to train and believe in myself. He gives me the confidence to know that I can do it, and he does it along side me.
I often have people quite surprised when they find out that "yes, I run marathons". I rally don't exactly fit the profile, but I really don't mind because, it makes me feel like I'm beating the odds...
-Time really flies by in the first half(1 hour 54min), especially when you have a good friend to pace with. This teamed with good music in the second half help to pull me through the tough spots. I do recall havening a very teary choked-up-can't-quite-handle-it response at about mile 23 to Kelly Clarkston's "Since You've Been Gone".
I know it's very weird...but like I said...it really reveals such raw deep emotion to be pushing yourself beyond our physical capacity....Who knows what will spark that emotional fountain!!!On the way home we listened to the song and we all had a great laugh! At least it wasn't Whoop there it is! like someone else I know!:0)
-Lastly for now, I always come away with some lovely blisters, black toe nails and rug burn...I'll spare you the pictures (who really wants to see such ugly things) and leave you with my prettier- toe days earlier this summer...Here is Mine and Poppy's Piggies.
-Lastly, but certainly not least, I'm really grateful for Rick's parents taking care of our precious kids while we were able to take three days to do the marathon! I know the kids had a REALLY great time with the grand parents as evidenced by our children's withdrawal this afternoon! I'm also grateful for Betina's in-laws the Workman's providing us with a comfy bed on the way to and from the marathon making the trip a bit less sleep deprived...not to mention them taking us out for Buffalo burgers and a Reuben sandwich...Both of wich are quite tasty on a post-marathon evening...even for a couple of most-of-the-time-vegetarians! Life is Good!

Ocean Pictures!

Note to self...

(Good bye Ocean! This is our farewell photo from the Ocean.)

Make sure and turn "ON" the dishwasher before leaving for trip...I'm sure I need to explain no further.
Don't worry my few readers...Oceanic pictures and stories soon to come...
One thought to keep you thinking...
Last night when we were all snuggled in our beds and Oscar was saying the prayer, He said "Thank you for letting us come to the Ocean, and please bless that we can say good-bye to the Ocean in the morning."
This morning he was quite concerned that he was NOT going to get to say good-bye, even though both Ricky and I told him multiple times that we would indeed say goodbye to the Ocean....I think this boy should have been born a Fish or crab!

Ocean here we come!

Ocean Trip 2006
These are some lovely photos of last year's trip. Once again we are going back...same weekend, different year. As you can see from the car pic, We were quite crammed in our trusty wagon. This year we will be going in the minivan...I'll post a pic when we come back. I love looking at the pictures form last year to see how much the kids have grown. Last year Poppy was: not walking, still nursing, and not talking. Oscar was entering pre-school, was infatuated with the Ocean (still is) and was sooo excited for our trip. He is a lot taller and he no longer has his little boy face. Smiley...well, he may be a little bit fatter but I'm certain he will still chase the birds like crazy!
Now, I should be packing...2 hours to go before we leave. I still have some pitas to cook and a car to finish loading...happy trails blog world...we are off to have some F-U-N!

Annual Harvest Sampler...

Throughout our married life there has been one tradition that frequents this time of year. Canning. From the start we have had some really fun experiences canning and preserving food together. In fact one of our "saved" for purchases during law school was a pressure cooker. I'm sure that when we get to grape-juicing time I will elaborate more on our "first" juicing project...it is a great story that I shall leave for another day!
Here are some fun shots of yesterday's harvest.
What can be better than the summer/fall harvest? Maybe the first spring flowers. Alas, I cannot eat them...therefore I would submit that harvest time is the most rewarding for ALL of the senses...Need I say more than the earthy yummy smell of basil...or the invigorating, mouthwatering, taste of a fresh self-grown tomato??? Truly this is the time of year when my mouth and nose exclaim "Now this is REAL food!"
Here are the mounds of fruits and veggies that my sweet canning hubby canned yesterday. He really did all of the tomatoes and peaches by himself (Oscar helped a bit) but I was doing some pesto and had a baptism to go to. He did allow me to "watch" the pressure cooker for a little bit while he ran to get more bottles (I do think he was hesitant in doing so...he stressed the fact that I needed to do 5lbs of pressure for 10 minutes and adjust heat accordingly). For a more in-depth view of the project you can check out his blog. (fair warning, he has updated the format of his blog to include a up-close and personal view of my nostril)
Really, I'm so grateful for such a great husband who isn't afraid to don his apron strings and put a little muscle into the canning process. He is such a great guy! How many men do you know who would do such a thing??? Tomorrow, we will tackle the pears together.

Today we visited a favorite park in Palouse, this swing is really fun...it's like a merry-go-round on a swing. Ricky can only push for so long before he starts to get a bit woozy. Poppy, I think has inherited my tough tummy genes when it comes to heights and motion...Oscar hasn't been so lucky. Immediately after leaving the park he announces that his belly doesn't feel good...Rick's response is to make sure and puke out the window. Thankfully we didn't have to resort to such action.

My not-so-little O'

All smiles...look grandma I'm even wearing my tie-dyed shirt we made!
Here's "Mrs. B"(is it just me or does she look a little apprehensive too?) Not really...just a bad shot! She really seems like a great teacher! Very enthusiastic and the kids love her!
Off he goes to the world of learning...(notice how reverently he is walking...)

We have arrived...Ricky and I have officially entered the world of school, from the parents perspective! Today, as I dropped my Lil'O off at the school he was all smiles and excited for his new school adventures.
Tuesday, we had the teacher open house where we were able to meet "Mrs. B" for the first time. He was shy, apprehensive and overall, a little not sure what to think. That night for bed time prayers he prayed that he wouldn't be shy like he was today.
Wednesday, we had the Mom-Oscar school orientation day. After getting into class and seeing the surroundings he was all smiles and was no longer shy.
Today, was the REAL first day of school...right now he is sitting in class, no doubt loving every minute. Oh, the memories...

**Update** While walking home from school I asked O' what he learned about today...
O'- "We have lots of rules and some important stuff."
Me-"Oh, what types of important stuff?"
O'- "I don't really remember...but it's important."
After this lovely conversation he found a piece of concrete and said "Mom look, I think it is an asteroid!"
Me- Wow, that is really cool maybe we can show dad...
Few steps later..."Wow, Mom look I found another asteroid that is burned"( a piece of concrete that is black on one side).
I'm grateful that although he is in "school", he is is still very much interested in the little simple things of the world...this is going to be a great year.

Morning run!

(Ok, so this is a sunset on the ocean...but similar in color to today's sunrise...next week we will be back at the ocean for a family ocean vacation)
Today as I walked out the door for my six mile run, the world greeted me with this gorgeous sunrise of brilliant pink and orange...I couldn't help thinking...oh, what a beautiful world! The run was great, I felt good, I had a good pace and the multiple big palouse hills didn't even kill me. I was like a fee running antelope. I truly love seeing the sunrise...but it is so difficult to get myself up and out of bed!

Throughout this summer training...still in training...2 1/2 weeks to the next marathon, I have ran at various times of the day. By a long shot, the more successful, enjoyable runs are found in the early morning hours. Yet, I still find myself having a hard time yanking my rear out of bed.
Yesterday, due to a power outage, Rick and I decided to do our run in the evening. It was a 6 mi. run, which in the early morning isn't a big deal. But last night, I found myself a bit sluggish and icky feeling...I'm sure it had something to do with eating throughout the day and having to deal with the heat. I just had no gumption!

I'm slowly(very slowly) coming to the conclusion that if I can resist the temptation of laying in my cozy warmness...that I will inevitably be greeted with a beautiful sunrise and a great run...but I digress.....someday I'll master the bed monster that holds me captive and deceives me into believing that I can have a better run in the evening! It rarely happens!

Family Visit Re-cap

Last Wednesday we ventured to the South-Eastern side of Idaho to see my family. We drove all night Wednesday to arrive Thursday morning. Upon venturing out on our first activity I realized that I forgot the battery camera at home left in the charger...
Therefore, here is the re-cap of the trip...Picture-less unless the Auntie Rosa or Uncle Don send me some...
Day one-
We took the Western tour of the Oregon trail center and Aunt Katrina set us up with a dutch-oven dinner placed inside a covered wagon while we were serenaded by a quintuplet of siblings who were really quite talented.
After touring the Museum and exploring the world of the pioneers...we were off to go fishing with Grandma and Gramps...We went to the pretty Bloomington Lake and spent the afternoon in the pretty mountains catching some fish...that is Oscar and Rick got 2, the first of which we threw back. Too bad I don't have the pretty picture of the catch!
We were then off back to grandma and grandpa D's for some marshmallows on the fire in their back yard.
Day 2-
Friday Morning 5am...
Getting in the 20 mi run. Lucky for me My Daddy D accompanied me on the journey on his bike. It truly was my highlight of the trip! Spending three hours with my dad in the early morning hours, seeing the sun come up and seeing the pretty farm roads, a few pretty lamama with their cute little baby. Truly we had a great time pounding out those miles. Later int he day we dropped off Rickster in Montpelier to run his 20miler to meet us at Bear Lake.
Friday afternoon we spent hanging out at Bear Lake. Rick actually ran 22.5 miles in the heat of the day. Followed by his playful fun times in the lake with all the kids.
My best friend from High School Angie came to see me with her hubby and kids. It was really fun to get to see her. She and I were inseparable in high school...time keeps us apart and yet we get together and just pick up where we left off.
I think we had a great time...Poppy stealing the other kids food and toys...Oscar in his element with water sand and other kids. WE really had a good time...
Smiley however wasn't so lucky...unbeknown to us he was not allowed to step foot on the beach. Therefore I left the back of the van open with him tied to the seat...he could see all of the fun but not participate.
When we were ready to leave the van battery was dead (I know common theme). Luckily the beach police had a charge pack thing that did the trick to get us back on the road.
At the end of the day my sweet Sis Katrina made us a tasty vegetarian dinner. I'm really grateful for all of the work that my family went to to make our stay comfortable.
Day 3-
Oscar's highlight came on Saturday morning when we took the horses for a ride. If we had a picture you would see Oscar and his cousin Hayden being led my Rick on the Horse "Queeny". I was on "Blacky" with Poppy on the front. Grandpa with the baby colt "rascal" (who is very feisty and disobedient) and the Shetland pony in tow. We walked them down to my sister Katrina's house to graze on her field. After a few bumps Poppy had decided she had enough of the horsey ride and wanted dad to carry her.
Oscar had the time of his life and keeps talking about how much he loves "Queeny". The last few days since we have been home he has been wearing Rick's old boots (I'm quite certain that they hurt his feet and are quite uncomfortable) but he wears them none the less.
Well... after a Saturday afternoon of playing in the creek in the back yard, we headed back home. Only to find ourselves at 6:30am with two kids who wont's go back to sleep and two parents who have driven ALL night.
Here we are on Wednesday and we still are in the recovery period of recovering the sleep we lost...Grandma E. I don't know how you go without sleep so often!!!!
There you have it our Idaho trip 2007...maybe sometime I'll get some pics to go along with it!

Random Delerium...

Last night, on our journey home from Idaho to see my family, I was astonished to find that I could not remember how old I was!!!
Seriously, I remember having this conversation with a friends husband the other day and for some reason I was convinced that I was 28...I dunno why?? I even remember him saying..."I thought on your run register you were listed as 27"...to which I remember (vaguely) responding that I must have written it down wrong.
Somewhere between New Meadows and Grangeville, while listening to some NPR podcast of Radiowest, having been in the vehicle for 9 hours, I was struck with the realization that I wasn't sure how old I actually am.
Granted, my brain was quite tired, and was a little hypnotized from all of the yellow lines and reflectors...but as I was trying to calculate how old I am, I was having a hard time coming up with the right answer.
So, if I was born November 7, 1979...It is now 2007...then I am____ old?
If I was married when I was 20, three months before turning 21, and I've been married for 7 years then I should be___ old?
To my astonishment, I realized that for some weird reason I have been thinking I am 28 and yet, I'm not 28 until November!
If any of my readers come to a different conclusion...let me know...I'm still a bit delirious and will post a more not-worthy blog on a day when my brain is less tired and more free and clear!
Question...Is this the pre-signs of Alzheimer's????

Perfect day!

The Girls


"Alternate" Lentil Fest 2007-


As a child I remember my grandpa Dilworth playing the piano. He would play the prettiest music. One of the songs was called "The End of a Perfect Day". It is more of a ballad, soft hearted song, but after reflecting on yesterday, I would have to sum it up as a Perfect day!


We began our "alternate" tour at 7:30 am. (Alternate, meaning that we opted to start at the half- way point an hour before everyone else, catch up with the actual tour, and then stop back in the middle. We also shortened the ride a bit, and didn't pay the entry fees($20 each)). It was a really nice ride. Here are some shots (before my batteries died) of the ride.

Riders in front of me and behind!

I really feel very blessed to have so many great friends to ride with. I don't know why we haven't done this more regularly.

After our ride, we picked the kids up from our new friends house and went home for Poppy's nap. I went and made the purchase of an ipod nano (which I'm really excited about). After an outing to the store and Poppy waking up we went to the pool.

Sadly, yesterday was the last day of the outdoor pool being open. Oscar has been going off the high dive for the last week and I really wanted to get a picture. But as mentioned previously...the battery was dead! Tonight while putting him to bed I asked him what he felt like when he was going off the high dive. His response was "I was scared at first, and then I didn't think anything."

After swimming we rushed home to eat some cold cereal for dinner. Before heading off to the Lumberg's house for some seasonal blackberry picking! We brought the makings for ice cream and after a belly full of berries and playing with friends we topped the night off with some yummy vanilla ice cream we made with some blackberry/lemon ice cream the Lumberg's made, and some yummy lemon-iccee sorbet that the Weiken's made. It was all delicious and we sat outside this beautiful Victorian house (Lumberg's) with a beautiful country setting, stars shining, kids running through the beautiful green grass. It all made for a picturesque kind of day. A day when you have Lived!

I'm so grateful for a wonderful husband, kids and really great friends. Not to mention the pretty part of the country we live in. The wheat is just being harvested and the skies are a pretty blue. Live is good.

Kiddie conversation

Overheard conversation between Oscar and his friend Chelsea...

Here Chelsea, I made you a card...this is me, I'm an alien. Look, you are an Alien too. You have a square head!

Bumps and Bruises

Lately the Pops has been sporting some nice shiners...She suddenly has entered this really clumsy stage (I'm pretty sure this was inherited by her auntie Meg).

Just this morning, she took a header off the slide (to which I am still pulling out dirt boogers), banged her head on the car door, re-scratched a bug bite (that since Monday has had her eye partially obstructed). These added quite nicely to the prior bruise from pulling her high chair on herself.

All day it seems I hear this shriek of excitement...followed by the cry of pain. She's certainly trying to expand her boundaries... and she isn't even two!!!

She's also developed a healthy appetite! She actually ate almost the entire corn.

Sampler...

Signs you are "in training" for a marathon or other long-range exercise goal:

1. Rug burn in unsightly places (thus finding new uses for butt paste and Vaseline).

2. GU, electrolyte, hydration, fatigue, Ibuprofen, Ice, bands, stretching, water etc... become common conversation topics in social situations.

3. You own more exercise gear than regular clothing, your laundry consists on more athletic gear than regular clothes, and you spend your discretionary play money on running/exercise equipment (i.e. shoes).

4. Black toenails and blisters on your toes...Oscar told me the other day that I had old feet!

5. You are so tired at the end of each day that you vaguely remember hitting the pillow!

6. Suddenly, when running long distances with gas, a full bladder or other bodily behaviors you otherwise would try to contain or hide...your mind no longer cares who or what is around (and when desperate, leaves are a necessary alternative to TP).

7. One develops an intense uncontrollable appetite. Thus, you invent creative meals consisting of various carb-full meals. Such as, the night before your 18 mi. run, a great carb-load dinner can be oatmeal and raspberries!

8. Distance becomes relative...you begin to think things like...it's only a 10K or half-marathon.

9. You are always certain to get one annoying song in your head that somehow won't go away. Baby beluga frequents my running routines (this may be because I'm a mom??). The other is annoying songs from high school (why do they surface during exercises?).

10. You plan every vacation around a running, cycling, or athletic event! The fun of it all, is that it gives you something to work for!

Now, because of 5. I will leave you to think of some more...my pillow is calling...

Successful 7 &18!!

Today will go down in "My" history as the first successful 18 mi run! I'm certain that most of you will find this a trivial matter, however for me it is a milestone (no pun intended). The lovely Betina and I awoke bright and early and did a nice out and back course through the country wheat fields. It was a beautiful morning and everything (other than an unexpected potty stop) went really well. Tiring as usual, but very nice.

Betina is a great running partner...not only do we keep a good pace together, but we can dive into the meaty important topics of motherhood.

Recently I read an article about a psychiatrist who gives his patients a discount if he can meet with them for counsel, while they run! He said it is a very therapeutic method.

I concurr...can you imagine how great the world would be if everyone took their problems to the pavement? I think biking has a similar effect for those with poor knees...

More important than even a successful 18mi run...today will go down in history as Ricky and My seventh anniversary!! For seven years I have been blessed with the companionship of my favorite guy! He truly pushes me to greater heights and together...I think we make a great team! He is a great father, husband and training partner (even if he runs loops around me).

I often think of my many blessings (some of which will be posted tomorrow) but I really think the greatest blessing I could have, is a really loving supportive husband who really makes this world a better place!

Who knew that in seven years we could accomplish so much???? Here's to many more years of marital bliss!

Lazy Summer Sampler...

Week two post Marathon...I also had all of my spinning classes canceled for the week. I spent the majority of the week taking a break from real exercise. Yesterday I did do a 10mi run and it felt great! I'm grateful for the nice week-long break.
It was kinda nice not having any schedule to stick to. We spent a bunch of time at home catching up on stuff and hanging out. Here are some tidbits of our week...

Double Dive from the Ricky and Lil'O...A certain sign of summer is spending every evening (or most) at the pool. We look forward to meeting dad there after work.
Oscar and I also went "school shopping" for the first time. I'm sad to see my little boy growing up! He is such a great kid. I"m sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you that every piece of clothing he chose was of "hero" variety...I let him choose, which is also a big step (for both of us)!
Big Girl panties!! Potty training Pops...going quite well, she is very interested and stays fairly dry...She also lost all of her Binky's this week. So we have decided not to purchase any more...we are therefore Binky-free (it has been hard on her going to sleep, but tonight she only cried for 1/2 hr rather than 2). I'm not sure I like making these big growing-up steps all at once...she's now no longer a baby!
Spending some time at the river with friends...Poppy actually even did quite well missing her nap. Oscar not pictured due to his exploration along the beach and too busy for me to take a pic!
Ummmmm.....fresh home-made-hand-cranked ice cream! Ricky scored a vintage hand churn ice cream maker on eBay for $30. Tonight was the trial run using Autie Em's tasty recipe.
I'm certain this is the first of many more ice cream making days to come...hopefully my waist doesn't expand with our new addition!

Ice cream recipe...
3 Cup Cream
1 Cup Milk
3 Egg Yolks
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
Vanilla (to taste)
Heat cream and milk until scalding. Beat sugar into yolks. Pour scalding milk into yolks while beating. Add some vanilla (1 tsp-ish) cool.
Freeze

Summer Delights

Can you see the likeness of my fresh apricot-ginger jam and the bucket full of Poppy? They both are an abundance of bottled up sweet/spicy goodness. Speaking of which...I decided to start potty training yesterday...after 10 pairs of undies and a "edge" of frustration, we have morphed into the half-potty trained girl who is currently wearing a pull-up and occasionally will sit on the potty.

Who was I kidding when I thought the "girl"-potty training would go easier than the previous "boy" experience...She is about 6 months earlier than him though. I should also note that she has perfected the art of potty training her two dolls. They now occupy the potty more than she does!

Birchermüesli

Cut up a variety of different fruit (the more the better). Like a huge fruit salad.

Add enough raw regular oats (no quick-cooking) to the fruit to lightly coat the fruit. (you can add more later if you choose.

Next take a container of Yogurt (any kind but plain) and add until the fruit and oats are well moistened and a goulash looking blend.

For an added tasty goodness we add a little bit of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.

Let it sit for 1/2 hour (if you can wait that long) for the oats to soften, and eat!

My kids love the stuff and the leftovers make a great breakfast!

As a child this was the epitome of a summer time dinner. My Mom who is a Swiss miss, used to make this tasty treat on the hot summer days, when you want something more than Popsicles for dinner, but no cooking.

The original recipe looks something like this. My Aunt Sylvia (Mom's sister) had Tuberculosis as a child and was sent to a sanatorium. While there, this is a meal they would frequently feed the patients. If you look at the link I posted, it gives the original recipe (made with milk, cream and honey) and they give a little history to the recipe. I however have modified it slightly and made it into an even simpler summer treat!

Sunday Sampler...

The only problem with vacations, is that you come home with so much to blog about...therefore I have decided to start a weekly series on my blog called...The "Sunday Sampler"(truly this is a knock-off idea, pirated from my friend Betina's "three things Thursday"). It will basically consist of tidbits of our weeks activities.
This week we spent the first half in Utah visiting the in-laws... Oscar and Poppy had a magnificent time spending every waking moment being loved by the grandparents.
In fact one night as I was getting Oscar ready for bed he said "Grandma and Grandpa are so busy loving me!"
That pretty much sums it up...grandpa and ma spoil them until they can't take it any longer and then put them to bed. Only to rise the next morning and start again.
Meanwhile Ricky and I spend some time out running a marathon, getting our hair cut etc...
Then we come back to the house and eat tons of food! That is what happens at the Grandparents house...GOOD FOOD! Homemade ice cream, panini's, lasagna, etc... We get so spoiled that is it hard to come back home.
Ah, and being at grandma's house with the beautiful gardens and chickens makes one want to sit back on the patio and watch the days go by...
Tomorrow...back to reality and laundry!
The latter part of the week we spent getting back to normal...we still aren't there. Yesterday we went to a bluegrass festival and had some tasty vegetarian food at the Green Frog Cafe.

We also spent some time on our bikes...it was a welcomed change in pace from our regular long-run Saturdays. We rode to the farmers market and picked up some yummy corn, blueberries, basil and bread. Oh, how I love fresh produce!!!

Marathon update!

This is the lovely t-shirt we received for doing the marathon...does this look like some runner/flasher/cowboy to anyone else? I can't get over the shirt...I laugh every time I look down at my shirt...they are hideous!!! This my friends is the reward I received for completing 26.2 miles of pain and endurance! Ok, so they did give us a finishers medal but really...who designed these shirts????

Now for the news....

We awoke at 2:15 am to be certain we were at the location to be picked up by the bus at 3:15. They informed us that they had upped the time from what they had previously posted...previous the buses were supposed to be 3:45 & 4:15am...then the switched to 3:15 & 3:45 (they then said do not wait for the last bus as there may not be room for late arrivals).
Valiantly we were there to be on the 1st bus...as we stood there waiting for the buses....not one came until 3:45!!!! All that wasted sleep for their tardiness!!!

We have come to the conclusion that very few people probably do this marathon twice. Too early and not very well supported!

It was really pretty when the sun started breaking and they had some bagpipes playing in the background...right before we began at 5:30am. The first half was really quick...it was mostly down and canyon...there was a significant assent up the back side of one of little mountain, but I found this to be not too bad. Especially since My sweet cousin-in-law (Adam) loaned me his sweet little shuffle to keep me going...I may just have to invest in one of those little guys.

In the end we had a nice finish and Rick and I both just missed our "Goal" times by just a few minutes....(this may have been avoided had they not been missing a critical water-point around mile 24!) Luckily, Rick's sister Megan was a champ and ran with me the last 4 miles and set the pace to keep me going! As I was complaining about my much need water stop she just kept me going along. Especially on the last mile...Thanks Meg!

Ricks finishing time: 3hrs 12 min (goal 3:10)...Collette's: 4hrs 3 min (goal 4:00). We just figure that this is a training run for the Sept. Marathon.
The best part of the whole Marathon is when I get to the finish line (or a little before) and Ricky is there cheering me on....really, it makes it all worth while...Knowing that together we succeeded in finishing our much anticipated marathon! I love running with this guy! He is amazing! How lucky/blessed we are to be physically capable of doing this together!

Accessories...

Everyone knows that to truly be female one must accessorize...Adorn herself with useless, additions that make her feel hip, happy, and sassy.
It's no wonder that Poppy has started early on this regime...She clearly has the attitude to flaunt such sassiness with style.
Lately, from sun-up to sun-down (or bed time) she can be found sporting some sort of accessory. Here are some recent photo shoots of our POPSTAR!
Here we have the dazzling wabasabi necklace with headband and the essential sunglasses...

Why wear one skirt when you can layer two?
Hat, headband around the neck and the bear in a pumpkin purse...who knows it may be the next "in" thing?
Why wear clothing at all, when you can look dashing in a sparkly birthday tiara?
One thing is for certain...she MUST be a girl!

Registered!!

Tonight we made it official...We both registered for the Marathon!! After a prolonged debate about doing the marathon, I have decided I'm going to do it!
I was for some time feeling like this marathon was not meant to be...Seriously, I was experiencing all these annoying little set backs. Then I thought to myself...Rather than thinking that all of these things were signs not to do the marathon. Instead, I thought it must be a test to see just how badly I want to do it.

In fact as I began my run on Saturday, I managed to trip on a crack in the sidewalk and totally face planted in the superman pose. (I now have some sweet road rash on my knee and hands) After gaining my composure, I had my moment of clarity...I could either turn around and go back to the farmer's market with Ricky and kids and forfeit the marathon...Or I could pick myself up off the ground, and do the ten miles.
I did it and it was good. I haven't had a "good" long run in a bit, so that's saying something...
I then got an antibiotic for a UTI I had been ignoring, and suddenly I feel like a new person... Like the light at the end of the tunnel...Yes! I have renewed faith in the power of prayer and desire.
To top it off we are using the Marathon as a means to raise money for a family we know that is in need...so now I HAVE to do it.
I'm grateful to be running for a cause, because in a week from tomorrow, on mile 22, I will think of this family and will be happy that I chose to run.

If these were your shoes...

I love to run, especially with my husband...It doesn't even matter that he is faster or better at it than I, it is something we really like doing together.
For the past 4 months we've been training for a marathon...and as previously posted, up until our 18 mile training run, it was all on schedule and doing great!
Since then, I've been trying to nurse a hurt ankle/foot back to good health. (Spending a lot more time swimming and biking to fill my running void and to stay up to training intensity. ) To this I would say that I have healed somewhat, but not fully.
So, here is the question...for a marathon that is in two weeks...would you still run it or not?
The pain is not too bad while running...only after.
There is another marathon I want to run in September, however I really want to do BOTH.
Do I sit this one out, and let Rickster do it, while I sit enviously on the side-lines wishing that I too were running it?
Do I buck up and do the marathon and if my ankle gets too bad, I can just hop on the sag wagon?
Not only did I practically peak successfully on my miles (only having to miss the 20 miler)...meaning that the injury occurred at the perfect time to start tapering...After all this training time I want to reach my goal!
One side of me says to sit it out and hang on for the next...but what if my ankle still isn't better? Then I would have missed doing the 24th marathon for nothing! What if I do this marathon and then injure myself worse, then I won't be able to do the September one?
I'm wondering, what you would do if you were in my same situation. Would you run it or not??? Any feedback would be great! Last day to register is later this week and I have to decide.
Meanwhile, I spend my days vacillating between the two options...to run or not to run...that is the question!

Fourth...

Shiniest Bike award...(everyone was a winner at this bike parade)
Poppy being the sweet little angel that we all know she can be...
Oscar and pop's being cute! (Note to Grandma Edge) The brown wrapped material attached to the front of Oscar's shirt is the blue bird you gave him...he had it attached to him the entire day.

Baby # 3

Tonight we discovered the third baby bunny that Smiley has maimed/killed in the last week. While working in our front yard last week he discovered a bunny burrow. Needless to say, I don't enjoy having to deal with such travesties...
Typically, I'm hating the bunnies for leveling my perennial beds...but when a little, tiny, helpless bunny gets munched by my over zealous dog, I find myself sad and angry at my beast!
The good news was that at least the bunny tonight, was dead when I found it (thus, making it so we don't have to put it out of it's misery, like the other two bunnies last week).

On the bright side...today while driving to my spinning class (this seems to be one of our best formats for great conversation) Oscar and I had this conversation...
Me- "Oscar, do you know why all of the flags are hanging up?"
O- "no why are they hanging up?"
Me-"It is for the fourth of July, when we celebrate the Birthday of the United states of America."
O-"I know America, he is a super hero...remember mom!"
Me- "Oh, Yeah....Captain America...well Oscar, Yes...that is where he gets his name. We also celebrate our countries freedom...maybe we will discuss it more tonight at family home evening."

Tonight, we hung a flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not Captain America...Although , I can see how they easily can be confused (big superpowers and great tights???). We also decorated Oscar's bike for the fun kiddie bike parade in our friends neighborhood...pictures are yet to come...