Mommy and Daddy get a day off!

It's been well over a week since I've blogged.  I want to skip back to last week when Jeff and I had a child free day.  We got so much done!

We started the morning by sleeping in!  Not sure how that happened.  I'm usually up by 7 at the latest.  We finally opened our peepers at 9!  We were going to run, but that didn't happen.

We started the day by shopping at Ikea for ideas on redecorating our bedroom.  We want to paint the room grey with a blue/green accent wall.  We decided on white furniture and found a white headboard we can agree on.  I think we're going to paint our dressers, but buy a new headboard and maybe new night stands.  We found the perfect duvet cover.  Now for the duvet.  We visited Lowes and picked up some paint swatches.  I'm very eager to get started on our new project!  Probably later this fall. 

Of course the picture doesn't give the colors justice, but you get the idea.

Ali reminded me we have to paint her bed white too.  Yep, we will do the kids' room and their bathroom this fall/winter too. 

We had a nice quiet meal at bd Mongolian BBQ.  I wanted to try it, but didn't want to go with the kids the first time.  We needed to check it out to make sure the kids would like it there.  They have a good kids' menu, so I think we can chance it.

After a nice nap we hit the road on our bikes for a 7 mile workout.  It is so nice to exercise with a mate, isn't it?  I find it boring to run, walk or bike by myself, but with three monkies, it can't be helped.

Surprise!  We had some extra time before dinner.  Off to Valleyfair!  While slightly strange to go without the kids, it was fun to go without them.  We hit the "big kid" rides that we can't do when they're with.  Steel Venom, Power Tower, Wild Thing, etc.  We wanted to hit Extreme Swing, but the line was long and we wanted to head back. 

I can't say it enough, we had a FANTASTIC day.  We definitely need to do that more often! 

Button Art

As promised, I'm posting a picture of the craft the kids did yesterday.

I bought picture frames and a bag of buttons (Walmart).  The kids picked out their frames and buttons.  Ali grabbed flower shaped buttons.  We glued the buttons with a hot glue gun.  It was a quick and easy project.  Not messy.  Turned out really cute!  They fit the kids' personalities too!

It's been quiet

It's been pretty quiet around here.  Haven't had much going on this week.  I've not been running as much because of my knee and back.  I've found a chiropractor so I'm feeling more like getting back into it.  I ran yesterday, which was a mistake.  Only because of the heat.  Tonight I'm going to bike.

I am feeling so much better now that I'm back on regular chiro care.  My screwed up back affects more than I think.  When I let it go, I'm affected all over my body.  Probably TMI, but when I don't have regular care I have constant PMS bloating, which isn't pleasant at all.  Makes me CRABBY!  It's amazing how one area of your body affects so many others.

Tomorrow is a cleaning day.  We're having a House Warming party (sponsored by my realtor) on Friday night.  I have to make sure everything is clean, vacuumed, and I have to touch up on some walls.  I didn't realize how non-forgiving flat paint is.  Seriously water marks don't go away.  Eventually we're going to have to completely repaint with a more durable paint because this is getting ridiculous. One little splash on the wall and it's there forever.  If you try to clean it, you have a bigger spot.  Granted flat paint is cheap, had I known I would have spent more for better paint. 

Today is a trip to Walmart for some craft supplies for a project for the kids (will post pics later), groceries, and a paint roller. 

Stay cool everyone!

Bike helmet, check! Costco run, check!

Got a bike helmet and off I went!  It was so nice to switch it up and take a bike ride instead of running.  I went about 5 miles....I think.  I'll need to check it out.  I loved working different muscles.  It felt SO GOOD!

We ran to Costco this morning and picked up a new toaster (a 4-slicer!), new Rubbermaid set, and various food items.  You know, it feels really good to get new stuff and throw out the old.  Obviously with a new house it seems like you need new stuff.  I had blogged earlier that we got new kitchen and bath towels because it didn't seem right to come into a new house with old towels.  Besides, our towels were getting gross anyway. Our intention was to use what we had because it's more cost effective.  Obviously.  But something feels weird about walking into a new house with old towels.  We spent a lot to build the house and landscape it.  The last thing we needed to do was re-furnish it.  The toaster today replaced the 2-slicer so that feels more like a necessity as the family is getting older.  The Rubbermaid replaces our disposable containers.  Not so much a necessity, but it sure is nice.  I almost feels like we're newlyweds again!  Seriously, try it sometime.  Buy a box of some new kitchen stuff, wash it up and put it away.  See what happens.

When we go to wedding and baby showers, we always say, "it would be nice if I could have another shower to get new stuff.  My stuff is so old after (pick a number) years."  Well, yes.  I would encourage, if you can to just get new things....if you really feel you need to be refreshed.  This isn't a very frugal idea and in these times, who can afford it, right?  I'm not saying go out there and re-furnish your house in one evening.  Look for sales and replace things as you can.  We have been donating and recycling lots of the old stuff and are actually down sizing in the process.  We had over 20 bath towels that we never used.  We went to Target (Walmart would work too) and grabbed 6 new towels in the store brand line.  Each towel was about $5 if I remember correctly.  That's right, we live off of 6 towels (plus the 3 baby towels for Ty).  Think of how much room we save.  We hang and re-use 5 towels for a few days and then I wash.  I'm storing only 4 towels.  We have a few hand towels for guests and one wash cloth for Ty.  We use mesh sponges so there's not point in having a bazillion hand towels.  (Actually, the hand towels went to the kitchen rags and I use them to wipe up Ty after meals.  They are the perfect size and saves money on paper towels.)  Sorry, I ramble, but there are ways to de-clutter and get new if you work at it.

Mommy's evening off!

I got a few hours "off"!  Thanks to my friend for asking me to a movie.  So rejuvenating in such a little amount of time.

Jeff does a fantastic job with the kids. I had to giggle a little when I get home and the van door is open and the diaper bag is still inside.  It is a challenge to get the kids in and out of the van with all the paraphernalia that comes along.  I was a little concerned about opening the door to the house, but they were doing great. Everyone was having a bedtime snack, smiling, and talking.  I should have stayed away for a few hours longer!

I took Jeff's car tonight and I have to admit....I really miss driving a "normal car."  They're so fast!  You can zoom in and out of traffic so easily.  I love our Grand Caravan because it's perfect for our family; and really, I shouldn't be zooming in and out of traffic anyway, right?

I don't think your life ever goes back to "normal" after you have kids, but sometimes I like to image what it will be like to have "me" back.  The "me" that's not 24/7 on-call mom.  I know the mom part never goes away, but I also know that eventually you get to hang out with your friends and eat meals without incident again.  Maybe I need to petition harder for year-round school.  HMMMMMM.

Another birthday for this momma

A very low key birthday today.

The kids (Lars and Ali) met their new doctor this morning.  He seems very nice and the clinic is convenient to our house and the kids' school.  They ended up getting 2 shots that weren't necessary but recommended, so they were a little disappointed.  They received a certificate of braveness and they got a little prize at the attached pharmacy.  Super cute idea! 

Ran to Caribou for my FREE Caribou drink. Yay me!  I hardly ever splurge in a calorie filled blended coffee drink, but what the heck.  It's free and it's my birthday.

Ali was a little bored this afternoon because all their friends were busy.  I remember seeing an ad for abcmouse.com on TV a few times, so I thought I'd check it out.  Couldn't hurt.  It's a learning program for kids ages 2-Kindergarten.  It takes them through lessons that are educational and fun.  There are reading, math, science, puzzle, music and art sections.  It looks like it will be pretty easy for Ali to navigate.  Hopefully this is something she can to do keep entertained during down times and keep her brain going.

When Jeff got home we had a simple dinner of grilled pork, caesar salad, green beans, and cup cakes!  Afterwards, we checked out a new playground and the kids ran off some energy.

Off for a nice run tomorrow.  I'm going to need it!

Another run, another day, and a visit to the zoo

Weight is a little up and I'm not sure why.  My goal this week is to track my intake a little better.

Went for a run this morning but ended up walked the last part because my knee hurts.  I injured it a while back and I have to back off when it acts up.  It was still a good run because my goal was to go faster, which I did for 1 1/2 miles. I'm eager to get a bike helmet so I can add biking to my list of exercises. I should probably add kettlebells to the list.  I could fit that into the schedule in the evenings.  Oh ya, the kettlebells are at the old house still.  UGH. Well, add that to the list for next week.

Last night we went to Como Zoo.  We only had an hour before the park closed, but it was a great time to go!  No crowds and it was coolish outside.  We zoomed through the exhibits and the animals were up close and personal (except the bears...I think they were already in their dens for the night).  I had a monkey run at me, which was spooky.  It came out of no where on a branch and pounced the glass.  I screamed of course.  Totally wasn't expecting that.  He was a cute little fellow.  The lion was pacing in front of the glass so the kids got to be very close up.  Poor thing wanted to be outside.  Not sure why he wasn't, I'm thinking the lions were brought in for the night.  That's the closest we'll ever be to a lion! The gorillas were looking pretty sad in their inside enclosures, but when we went outside we found out why.  They're doing a huge renovation to the outdoor gorilla exhibit.  It will be a much better space for them.

Today is a "stay home day."  We're going to try to do stuff around the house today.  Lars and Ali like playing with their friends and they hate having their play time interrupted.  I don't blame them.  Nope, today we stick around the house.  Maybe I'll get some house work done too.  Make a couple of phone calls.  Yep, that sounds good today.

woohoo! 4 miles!

It was a much cooler morning.  I was able to make it the 4 miles today!  Of course I went the Lite Side route so I only had 2 hills to battle.

At what point does the body take over?  It seems like I got about 2 miles and suddenly my legs were going and I was along for the ride.  It's a great feeling!

I'm so glad I made up my mind to go that extra mile.  Half the battle is committing in your head.  If I would have gone out thinking "I'd really like to run 4 miles, but we'll see what happens," I'd never made it.  Commit and do it!  The next run will be easier and maybe soon I'll go even farther.

HOT HOT HOT

Oh my goodness.  It's really hot this week!  It's been in the high 90s (F) to 101 (F).  Icky, drippy, hot, bluck. 

I am very glad we have season passes to Valleyfair.  Our amusement park with a small water park.  The last two evenings we took the kids there.  The water park was absolutely perfect.  They added a wave pool which the kids LOVE.  Even Ty is giddy when he sees it.  He stands as far out as we let him and he laughs as the waves wash over him.  Jeff and I take a pounding as we try to sit next to him.  Notice "try" to sit next to him. It's hard to stay stable while holding him up even in the smaller waves.  The kids had fun and we cooled off.  It's a win-win.

You know how you move into a new area and you have to re-learn everything?  This morning, I brought the kids to the library and it's only open in the afternoons on Friday.  OK, so we plan to go back after Ty's nap.  I thought the sign said 1-8pm.  It was 1-5pm.  So try 2 today was a failure as well.  UGH!  I don't really know where to get haircuts, chiropractor, church, etc.  We're on "try it and see" mode.  It's a very teachable moment for the kids.  What to do when you don't know what you're doing.  Fake it until make it.  Shake it off when you fail and try again.  At least we can say, "we're new here, now we know."  Unfortunately that happened twice today...there was an incident at a gas pump too today.  Good times.  I'm fortunate to have a husband who can take the phone calls and talk me down from the frustration.

Hoping to get a run in tomorrow morning.  As I sit here typing, I'm watching the lightening light up the sky.  Hoping it cools off for tomorrow.  I'm aiming for a 4 mile run tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Didn't quite make it. :(

I know it's been a while, but come on!  Maybe it was the humidity.  I just couldn't make it up that darn hill today.  I fell about 1/2 a block short. Not too shabby for the heat and humidity this morning.

Well, no swimming lessons or plans for today so we get to enjoy a relaxed day at home. 

It's too cute, gotta share

Last night we were watching the fire works from our house.  The kids would run from one end to the other to catch the different displays.

Ty had no clue what was going on.  He was just thrilled to be awake.  However, he apparently got hungry and decided to help himself to a snack.  Imagine this.....watching a little tike toddle into the kitchen, hear the pantry open, hear the pantry close, and Ty comes walking back with a box of Nutrigrain bars.  Huge smile on his face.  He's pretty independent. 

We have a paci hoarder

We usually allow our little guy to have one paci for sleep times only.  He found the basket where we keep all the extras.  He was in paci heaven!  One in the mouth, one hanging from his shirt, and one in each hand.  We're finding pacis ALL over the house.  I'm hoping he'll forget about them and leave the basket alone, but it looks like we'll be finding a new hiding place soon. 

Still really hot weather around here.  Today was over 100 F.  Needless to say, I haven't been out for a run in a while.  I hope to get out tomorrow morning. 

Today we met my mom at The Landing (fka Murphy's Landing).  I haven't been there in years!  The kids really liked it.  It's a park that has mid to late 1800 houses, farms, stores, and a school house.  You walk around and go through the different buildings and learn about how the people lived during the time the house was built.  The kids had not been introduced to anything like that before so it was an interesting day for them.  Unfortunately the heat made it unbearable to stay for long.  We will most likely take them back another time when it's cooler and we can spend more time.

Afterwards we had yet another horrible experience at a certain Perkins.  Honestly I'm not sure why we go to that particular location.  We get crappy service every time. 

After Ty's nap we explored a new park and drove around Prior Lake exploring the little down town and the neighborhoods.  Super jealous of the people who own lake homes today.  What a gorgeous day to live on the lake!  Not to mention how beautiful some of those houses are! 

Happy 4th everyone!

Parties, Cake, and Cleaning

2 words....busy weekend.

My oldest is 8!  He is turning out to be such a sweet boy.  After two years of long awaited anticipation, we had his party at Chuck E. Cheese's on Saturday!  3 kids and 10 adults had lunch at Chuck E's.  It was pretty fun.  Even Uncle Scott came, as it was his birthday too!  It's nice when we can celebrate the two birthdays at the same time.  My parents took Lars and Alicia home with them for an over-nighter.  Apparently they went to Applebees for dinner last night and the staff sang for Larson and he got free icecream.  I talked to him on the phone last night and he said this was his "BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!"  So cute.  Not sure if we can out due ourselves next year.  It was a pretty good day.

Lars and Ali with Chuck E.

Little Brother Ty gives Chuck a kiss.

Speaking of pretty good, Costco makes awesome cakes!  MMMMM  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate mouse filling.  Two pounds of chocolate mouse filling!  OMG, heaven.  So far we're 2 for 2 in the cake department.  Ty's cake two weeks ago was super yummy too.  I'm good for cake for a while.  Well, at least another 2 weeks ... for my birthday.

Now the cleaning part.  We went to the old house to clean up this afternoon.  It was a hot day.  90F with no air conditioning or fans.  The sweat drips immediately.  Got the house clean for the most part.  Still need to do the oven and scrub the kitchen floor, but that won't take long.  Maybe in a few weeks we'll go back and finish up.  Lars and Ali were able to play for a while with their Hutchinson friends.  They miss their friends and it was nice that they had some time to reconnect.

Weigh-in:  I didn't loose any weight, but I didn't gain any either.  I ran and I ate.  It all equaled out.  Looking forward to be better week next week.