St. Patty's Celebration!

I really don't feel like I have been a good mom lately. Life has been hectic for a number of reasons (namely school) and I just haven't given my kids the attention they deserve. I used to be so much better about playing with them, reading to them, crafting with them, cooking with them, etc, etc. So, with Saint Patrick's Day coming up I knew I needed to make it fun and give them a day with my old self again. So, this is what we did:

The day started out with a visit from a sneaky little leprechaun who sent the kids on treasure hunt ending with a pot of gold and new green shirts so that they would all be safe from pinchy fingers.

We then ate some yummy green crepes for breakfast.

And after getting ready for the day, we had a little photo shoot because they all looked so darn cute!

Then we made some delicious green cookies and delivered them to Daddy's work.

The Eyre's came over for a playdate (they were supposed to be with us all day, but Mindy ended up not working) and we colored, tossed gold coins into the leprechaun hat, played 'drop the coin', made rainbows, and painted our nails green - well I guess just Madi & Ashlyn got their nails painted.

For dinner we had green beans, spinach tortellini, and pots of gold.

We ended our day cuddled up together on the couch (I love it when that happens), eating bowls of yummy pistachio pudding with cream. Fun was had, memories were made, and for at least one day I felt like a good mom again. Definitely a day worth repeating next year.

But, the celebrations didn't end there. The next night we enjoyed some DeLiCiOuS corned beef and cabbage and rainbow jello at my parents house with the whole family. Well, the whole family minus the Aaron Lifferth family. Like always, they were missed, but I'm sure they had their own St. Patrick's Day celebration in Missouri.

Mmmmmm

Trent informed me this morning that he wanted to make "meat cookies."

Huh.

I was curious. What exactly does one put in "meat cookies"? So I asked and now proudly share with you this original recipe:

Trent's Meat Cookies
Butter
Peanut Butter
Butter
Ham

Yep. That's it.

Let me know if you make a batch. I am curious how they would turn out.

Anyone? Anyone?

Top Ten Things I've Learned Since I Started Running

Wait a minute! Running? Seriously?! Yes. I have started running. Me. The person who swore to never take up running. The one who hated running. The one who thought people who enjoyed running were certifiably crazy. But I did start running, and it is all Mindy's fault. She's a sneaky one. She started asking me over a year ago if I wanted to start running with her. I laughed. I said no. I said no way. But, she persisted.

It started out simple enough. We joined a gym, because although I didn't want to run, I do enjoy a good workout and wanted to get in shape. And when, on occasion, there wasn't a good class to go to, we went upstairs to run on the treadmills. I was pretty proud of myself on the day I ran for 25 minutes without stopping. And then again on the day I ran for 3 miles without stopping (it took me 40 minutes, but hey, it was still a big accomplishment). And most recently on the day I ran 6.7 miles. It was awesome!

Okay, back to my top ten list:

10. I'm a tortoise. Yep, I'm that slow. Seriously slow. Old men pass me on the indoor track at the gym. But, I am getting faster.
9. Running outside is sooo much better than running inside. Unfortunately, we have only been able to run outside twice. A combination of early mornings and bad weather have prevented outdoor runs, but hopefully that will change soon and we will be running outside often.
8. ipods are awesome! I have finally joined the wonderful world of modern technology by way of my very own shuffle. Brian got it for me for Valentines day, and he even got it engraved. Yes, ipods are awesome, but so is my husband.
7. I have a bad knee. Who knew? I certainly didn't. Mindy thinks I need new shoes, which I probably do. But, it hurts and it makes me mad and I have yet to find a solution. FYI - to stop running is not a solution.
6. Running makes me hungry. My appetite has gotten a little out of control. And I totally justify eating more because I am running.
5. Running is addicting and the more you run the easier it gets. There is no way I could have comprehended running over six miles when I first started. But I love that I have done it and I can do it. Now I am looking forward to the day when I can run for 10 miles. Woohoo!
4. I have muscles in my legs I've never seen before! It's amazing really. Of course they would probably be even better if it weren't for reason #6.
3. Running when you're 32 is not the same as running when you're 13. Being forced to run a mile in eighth grade gym class was brutal for me. It was the reason for me not wanting to run again. I used to get the worst headaches after running those miles.
2. Running is a great way to work off some aggression and relieve stress. It has come in handy on more than one occasion.

And the number one thing I have learned since I started running.
Drum roll please.........





1. Running is kinda fun. *Gulp* Yep, I said it. I never would have dreamed those words would come out of my mouth. But it's true. It definitely helps to have an awesome running partner. And, I especially like the part when I'm done and drenched in sweat. ;o)

So, there you have it. Never say never. I always said I would never be a runner and here I am training for a half marathon. Lesson learned.

Reach For The Stars!

...or the starfish. Ashlyn informed me yesterday that she wants to be a mermaid when she grows up. Now that is what I would call one lofty goal.

A girl can always dream, right?

Sigh

So much to write about and so little time lately. I have four posts drafted, just waiting to be finished and at least a dozen more in my head just itchin' to be typed out. I really hate how busy life is right now and can not wait until May 6th...life will get infinitely better. Less stress, more sleep, better mothering, better meals, cleaner house, less laundry piled up, more blogging. Just over two months to go. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it!!!

Love Is In The Air

The grandkids are having their annual Valentines exchange tonight at Grandmom & Grandpa's house. I made Ashlyn and Trent say why they love each of their cousins to go along with their Valentine treats. I loved their answers and didn't want to forget what they said, so here they are:

From Ashlyn -
I love Landon because he is 8 and was baptized.
I love Emma because she has a nice voice.
I love Reagan because she lives in a nice house.
I love Payson because he is cute.
I love Ben because sometimes he lets me play with him.
I love Maggie because she's nice and I am going to go to her house.
I love Madi because she is my best friend.
I love Maya because she tells funny stories.
I love MaeMae (Mailey) because she can crawl up the stairs.
I love Trent because he plays with me.

From Trent -
I love Landon because he is probably nice to me.
I love Emma because she lets me play with her sister.
I love Reagan because she likes to play with me.'
I love Payson because he stays in the play room all night.
I love Ben because he is crazy and he plays with me.
I love Maggie because I like her.
I love Madi because she lets me go to her house.
I love Maya because she likes to play with me and stuff.
I love Mailey because she plays lots of things.
I love Ashlyn because she likes me and plays with me.

I am so glad that my kids have so many cousins close to their age. It makes family gatherings so much fun (and just a little noisy). Ashlyn and Trent really do love each one of them.

Getting Too Big

My little Luke is seven months old now. Man. I have such bittersweet feelings about it.

It is bitter because as I laid him down for his nap the other day, I was shocked at how big he looked. He has reached that point (any mom knows what I am talking about here) when it is no longer conceivable that he was once in my tummy. So sad.

It is sweet because I love absolutely love how fun and interactive he is right now. His favorite trick is to sit up and play with his toys. If he falls over, he usually rolls onto his stomach which makes him really mad. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of rolling back onto his back. He's done it a few times and one day he rolled and rolled all across the family room floor, but I guess he gave up on that idea and went back to the crying method. (I'm pretty sure he does this just so I will pick him up!) He has also started making those great little noises when you put your lips together and blow (is there a name for that?). Anyway, he is just too cute.

This kid loves, and I mean LOVES to eat. I don't remember my first two being quite as interested in food as Luke is. He grunts, fusses, and screams at me when I eat in front of him. He is very interested in whatever I am putting into my mouth and wants to taste anything I am eating. And so far, he hasn't refused anything I have given him. The bad part of having older siblings is that they (Ashlyn and Trent) have taken it upon themselves to give Luke big kid foods. So, aside from what I have allowed, Luke has also tried a mini M&M and a small piece of bologna. He didn't complain.

And, he's got the teeth to be a big eater. He has three so far and three more about to poke through. His aunt Monica felt his first tooth (the bottom left) on Christmas Eve. A couple weeks later he got his first tooth on top (the upper left eye tooth), and yesterday I felt another tooth on the bottom. His gums are stretched and white on three more top teeth and I'm sure that they will break through in the next week or two.

He is becoming a happier kid. I personally think that he always has been a happy kid, but I have heard otherwise. Apparently he isn't so happy when I'm not around...whatever, I'm not sure I believe it ;o) But, he does seem happier and more content lately. I can leave him on the floor with his toys more, and Brian can actually hold him when I am in the room.

Brian is convinced that he has said his first word. He says, "mamamama" and Brian is sure that he is directing it at me. There have been a couple times when it sure did seem like it, but I'm not totally convinced yet. Although it would make sense for Luke's first word to be "mama" since he is quite fond of me. Incidentally, I am quite fond too.

The last couple of months have flown by and I just know that the next few months will be the same. Before I know it he will be a year old, which definitely causes some not-sweet-at-all-in-fact-quite-bitter feelings.