Momnesia

Yes, this is a REAL term and I suffer from it horribly. (even my daily photo documenting is suffering!) I am not sure why it took my kids to be older before I actually saw the symptoms, but it is what it is. Despite my disorder I seem to be able to function on most occasions. Thumbing back through photos gives me the proof. I do, do something worth while (most of the time) here is just a taste of my life in the past 5 days.....

Thursday I received a photo traffic ticket in the mail. Ouch. I learned they are NOT cheap. I've had such a clean record in the past six years (okay we won't include the car accident a year ago), but seriously no speeding tickets!! The worst part is, there is no way out of it. I couldn't believe how clear the photo of me was driving and how sly the camera was. I still have no idea where I was going at the the time. Between Doug's parking ticket last month and now this it's enough to make us both sick! We have definitely supported our police departments this year. Ha.

This is what you do when you don't have any form of entertainment
digital cameras seem to work out pretty well!

Friday I survived Luke's well check up which included not one, but two shots. He was amazingly a tough cookie. He didn't even budge or complain after being poked. I was also informed my children are extremely short, he currently falls into the 25% for height.

Saturday was our third trek training meeting. While the men learned to butcher chickens, the women were instructed how to make the "perfect" dutch oven bread. Surprisingly, it didn't taste too bad. I'm sure it tastes even better if you are starving (which we will be by day 2!) And for the main course..........Yes we DO have to kill and eat our own chickens!! Beware below post is graphic.

I stepped over to take a peek at the men doing their manly thing. You can't really tell due to all of the hands. But this rooster was alive just an hour before they chopped of it's head, skinned and gutted it (sorry for the graphics) This was to prepare us for what we will be making for dinner on the trek along with stewed vegetables.

Two thumbs up for a successful kill. I am just glad Doug is the one doing this part and not me! 4 trek training meetings down 1 more to go!!

Changing gears, after a dance competition (in the morning and NO photo--sorry Tay!) and a basketball game. Doug headed over to Erik's house aka tool heaven to work on Jared's pinewood derby car. Once again I am not sure who cares more about the car, dad or Jared.

Tiffany, Heather, and me

And because we wanted to add just one more thing to Saturday's agenda.... The Brown's graciously invited us in on their date night with the Hunters. I was pretty hammered, but I don't usually pass up on a good movie. It was pretty intense, but I am an action movie girl. Definitely worth seeing in my book.

Our running pack

Minnie, Tiffany, Amber and I-- (looking scary!)

Today we headed East for the third week in a row to tackle more hills and add a few miles. (11.5 to be exact) Tiffany and Minnie ended up doing their longest run yet. Way to go girls!! We've come along ways since last August where none of us had ran over 6 miles ever (except Amber). I officially lost my first toe nail today (gross I know), but from what I read it comes with the sport. As our race is approaching I am getting excited and anxious. Tomorrow I will be revealing our team, our cause and new shirts.

Musings of the Week

It's obvious by now that I have gone to a private blog. Without going on and on about it, I just wanted to say I did it for a few reasons. First was a precautionary measure (which I already told many of you via email or phone). I haven't had a reason to worry or be concerned, but I didn't want to give anyone a reason either. Blogging has gotten much bigger than I ever dreamed. That isn't a bad thing, but more of a time issue (for me anyways). On one hand I love to read and have learned to get to know so many of you and your families. But really a person can only get to "know" so many. (I don't mean that in a snotty way) There are several of you I am comfortable with, I "know" who you are. To be honest, that was really who I expected to receive emails from. Oddly, I have gotten several people whom I have never seen or even heard of. That kinda weirded me out a bit. These individuals claim to love reading about my life and have for several months. Why in the world would you invest your free time and not even bother to email or make a comment? I will never understand. Anyways, I think I have emailed most everyone that would wonder where I was, or even care to know. Here's to a little more freedom (possibly more skin j/k) and I won't worry as much about posting about my kids schools, other friend faces, etc. Enough of that!

Luke finally "okay" after mom calmed him down

Monday I took Luke to the doctor. I have been dreading this day since he was 2. Fortunately, he is a very healthy child and I haven't had to take him in for anything other than shots. If you know Luke he is my one child who is afraid of EVERYTHING, doctors included. You would think having a dad as one would help. No such luck. I spared telling him where we were going that morning just to avoid any screaming fits. (remember the dentist visit) The cat let out of the bag when they called his name to go back into the patient room. Let me just say, I think the people across the street could have heard him screaming. I patiently grabbed his arm and held my hand over his mouth with the other hand. Meanwhile getting many looks and several gawks. He was having a major panic attack. I assured him they were just going to weigh him and look at his ears, etc. After much persuasion we calmed him down. Surprisingly, he did okay when the PA came in. He then asked if it was time to go, I informed him that "one" more guy had to come in and look at his legs. Reluctantly, he laid on the bed. His eyes got sad when he saw the three shots. It was so sad, he said "mom I am getting shots too?" I said only a couple and then you are done. He did so good, and by the end of the day he was showing everyone his "war" wounds with the band aids. I am just relieved no more shots until he turns 12! If it were any sooner, I don't know what I would do. In other news.............

About a year ago we had a huge frog (like the one above) that lived happily in our back yard. I normally move the hose, slide, etc out of the way before I mow. I knew, lets call him "Fred" lived by the hose. I made a mental note of it. I was even cautious when I came around his "home" Once I came to the spot where "Fred" lived I didn't see him, which I thought meant he went under ground. Wrongo! I ran over Fred with the mower. I was completely freaked out. Chills ran up and down my spine. I killed one of Heavenly Father's creatures. I mean this was a HUGE frog. I had to convince myself to dump the grass mixed with Fred into the trash and proceed to clean off my back window. Yes, it SPLATTERED. Sorry for the graphic image. I was labeled the frog murderer by Doug (and my kids for that matter). Well, I had forgotten about "Fred" until yesterday. I was surprised to see another relative maybe? Happily hopping around my yard. I was so amazed I had Taylor take a picture of this guy. Don't worry I didn't kill "Frank" he is still alive and well. I am hoping I can change my image of my previous murder status and keep him around a while :)

good deed Tuesday: emailed customer service and left a nice note.
good deed: Let the kids have friends over.