Tomorrow we will be two weeks out from our first triathlon. So today Brian and I did a dress-rehearsal at about 60-70% of the actual distance we will be doing. We started at our pool and swam .25 miles (which is the full distance of my tri, and half of Brian's), biked 7.7 miles (actual distance is 13 miles), and ran 2.2 miles (actual is 3.1 miles). Total time: 67 minutes.
This has been a tough training week. We have done 11 training workouts at a minimum of 100% distance - just since Monday. Brian and I are both physically drained. And we can't stop eating!
Now we're off to decorate the kid's bikes with red, white and blue streamers, make and eat yummy food, and blow up some TNT. Happy 4th!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
Ants in my pants!
So there I was, minding my own business, getting the kids breakfast. Then I looked outside. And saw the most horrifying sight.
ANTS!
At first glance I thought one of the kids had dumped dirt out of the flower pot again. And by "flower pot", I mean a pot with dirt in it. I seem to have something against actual flowers in my pots. But anyway, then I noticed that the dirt pile was moving. Aack!
I called Brian in a panic. Seriously, my heart was racing. I mean I can handle a few ants here and there. When I was pregnant with Emma and living in our first house, I would spend the mornings stomping on ants in the kitchen with my flip-flops. (We finally called in the professionals for that one.) But this was me against an army. Brian told me where the bug spray is so I armed myself, said a little prayer, and went to battle.
And I think I won.
Here is what I was up against.
ANTS!
At first glance I thought one of the kids had dumped dirt out of the flower pot again. And by "flower pot", I mean a pot with dirt in it. I seem to have something against actual flowers in my pots. But anyway, then I noticed that the dirt pile was moving. Aack!
I called Brian in a panic. Seriously, my heart was racing. I mean I can handle a few ants here and there. When I was pregnant with Emma and living in our first house, I would spend the mornings stomping on ants in the kitchen with my flip-flops. (We finally called in the professionals for that one.) But this was me against an army. Brian told me where the bug spray is so I armed myself, said a little prayer, and went to battle.
And I think I won.
Here is what I was up against.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Quick pause
Let me hit the "pause" button here for a second, and catch my breath.
We got home Sunday night from our vacation in Chelan. We really had a wonderful time relaxing, swimming, boating, training, etc. All four of my kids are officially "tubers"! :)
Training is going really well. I didn't do much swimming while in Chelan, other than messing around in my dad's old triathlon wetsuit. I did get a couple good runs and bike rides in, and it was so cool being on the actual "course" that the triathlon will be on. I could just envision it.
Biniam is headed off to church camp tomorrow. He also started his summer tutoring today. He also has high school soccer practice starting up any day now.
Brian and I are heading on a "couples" getaway this weekend and I can't wait! The last time we got away without kids was when we just had Emma. Things have changed a bit since then!
We got curbing installed in our yard today. Call me a nerd, but I am so excited! No more bark blowing into the grass, or grass creeping into the beds.
Now I'm back to laundry, cleaning, working, and everything else I'm supposed to be doing. Life is good!
We got home Sunday night from our vacation in Chelan. We really had a wonderful time relaxing, swimming, boating, training, etc. All four of my kids are officially "tubers"! :)
Training is going really well. I didn't do much swimming while in Chelan, other than messing around in my dad's old triathlon wetsuit. I did get a couple good runs and bike rides in, and it was so cool being on the actual "course" that the triathlon will be on. I could just envision it.
Biniam is headed off to church camp tomorrow. He also started his summer tutoring today. He also has high school soccer practice starting up any day now.
Brian and I are heading on a "couples" getaway this weekend and I can't wait! The last time we got away without kids was when we just had Emma. Things have changed a bit since then!
We got curbing installed in our yard today. Call me a nerd, but I am so excited! No more bark blowing into the grass, or grass creeping into the beds.
Now I'm back to laundry, cleaning, working, and everything else I'm supposed to be doing. Life is good!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Laundry!
After many, MANY months of laundry angst, I have overcome! No more piles. No more sorting. I'm pretty sure when I walk into the laundry room I hear angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus.
It's so simple! Here's how it works.
Each bedroom has one hamper. I no longer separate lights and darks - unless absolutely necessary. For the most part it doesn't make a difference.
The laundry room has five labeled baskets for clean clothes - one for each bedroom, plus towels.
On a designated day of the week I grab one hamper and put the clothes directly in the wash. When the clothes come out of the dryer they go directly into the appropriate basket, and the basket goes back on the counter.
Once a week each person grabs their basket of clean clothes, takes it to their room, folds and puts away. We take turns helping the little kids and doing the towels.
I can't tell you how much my life has changed now that I no longer have to sort laundry. And if someone needs an item of clothing that hasn't been folded yet, they can easily find it in their basket, instead of digging through the family's pile of clean clothes.
It's so simple! Here's how it works.
Each bedroom has one hamper. I no longer separate lights and darks - unless absolutely necessary. For the most part it doesn't make a difference.
The laundry room has five labeled baskets for clean clothes - one for each bedroom, plus towels.
On a designated day of the week I grab one hamper and put the clothes directly in the wash. When the clothes come out of the dryer they go directly into the appropriate basket, and the basket goes back on the counter.
Once a week each person grabs their basket of clean clothes, takes it to their room, folds and puts away. We take turns helping the little kids and doing the towels.
I can't tell you how much my life has changed now that I no longer have to sort laundry. And if someone needs an item of clothing that hasn't been folded yet, they can easily find it in their basket, instead of digging through the family's pile of clean clothes.
Table for Sale
We are selling our kitchen table and 4 chairs. If you are interested and local, drop me an email (shanawhite78 at hotmail dot com).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Graduate
No, I'm not humming the tune to "Mrs. Robinson" in my head. Last weekend we celebrated Biniam and his accomplishment of completing the 8th grade. When I was in school, graduating 8th grade was kind of a big deal. Yet these days it doesn't seem to be as noticed. Regardless, we thought it would be fitting to celebrate Biniam and all the hard work he's put in.
Last week, before school was officially out, we attended an awards ceremony for the 8th grade. Biniam received the ELL (English Language Learner) award for "Most Improved Student". Then over the weekend we had a few friends over for a BBQ and celebration.
I think sometimes Brian and I forget how far Biniam has come with his education since arriving here a little over a year and a half ago. We tend to notice the holes that are remaining and areas he really needs to work on. Yet, when we stop and think about it, it really is remarkable how much Biniam has learned in a short amount of time. I laugh at some of the 'slang' he's picked up, and certain things he does that remind me of a normal teen. Like when he first got to America he swore up and down he would never dance. Yet now I catch him all the time movin' to his iTunes.
Anyway, Biniam, we are proud of everything you have accomplished, and can't wait to watch as you grow into the man God created you to be.
Last week, before school was officially out, we attended an awards ceremony for the 8th grade. Biniam received the ELL (English Language Learner) award for "Most Improved Student". Then over the weekend we had a few friends over for a BBQ and celebration.
I think sometimes Brian and I forget how far Biniam has come with his education since arriving here a little over a year and a half ago. We tend to notice the holes that are remaining and areas he really needs to work on. Yet, when we stop and think about it, it really is remarkable how much Biniam has learned in a short amount of time. I laugh at some of the 'slang' he's picked up, and certain things he does that remind me of a normal teen. Like when he first got to America he swore up and down he would never dance. Yet now I catch him all the time movin' to his iTunes.
Anyway, Biniam, we are proud of everything you have accomplished, and can't wait to watch as you grow into the man God created you to be.
Our day
We woke up this morning to news that my niece was on her way. Only problem, she isn't due for 7 1/2 more weeks. My step-sister was on her way to the hospital in Seattle, and since our family is heading out that way on Friday anyway, we started packing up the car to head out there today.
Well, just as we were putting the final things into suitcases we got word that my step-sister got sent home, and that everything was fine - no baby today, or anytime soon, hopefully. Praise the Lord! So, instead of ditching Brian and tackling an 8-hour roadtrip by myself with 4 kids, we stayed home and enjoyed ourselves outside. Oh, and being the delegater that I am, I sent Biniam to the store for milk. On foot. And I had him take his baby brother, too.
Well, just as we were putting the final things into suitcases we got word that my step-sister got sent home, and that everything was fine - no baby today, or anytime soon, hopefully. Praise the Lord! So, instead of ditching Brian and tackling an 8-hour roadtrip by myself with 4 kids, we stayed home and enjoyed ourselves outside. Oh, and being the delegater that I am, I sent Biniam to the store for milk. On foot. And I had him take his baby brother, too.
Smile!
For the first time perhaps ever, today Isaiah smiled at the camera - on purpose! Sure, I've captured his smile or laugh before, but never intentionally - at least as far as he's concerned. But for whatever reason, today Isaiah asked me to get the camera and take pictures, and he smiled! Here are pictures of my smiling boy. :)
Monday, June 08, 2009
Training
My triathlon is just less than 6 weeks away. Every time I think about it I get butterflies in my stomach. Not the "good, I'm so excited" kind of butterflies, but the "oh crap, what have I gotten into, am I going to die?" kind of butterflies. Maybe they're moths in my stomach.
In reality, I've had a really good week of training. I finally started hitting the pool, I had a really long (for me) run the other night of 5.25 miles, and I've even been linking two or more of the events together in a single night. Last night, I did a combination of all three events.
Still, I can't help but wonder if it's enough and beat myself up for not training harder, sooner. I'm petrified of this race. I've still never even run a race before. Deep down I really want to do this. To prove to myself that I CAN do this. Yet part of me is hoping some really good excuse comes up, like I break a limb or get pregnant or something. Okay, not really. Maybe? Ugh.
So if any of you readers are experienced triathletes please feel free to send any advice, encouragement, mockery, whatever...over my way. And I'll probably continue to post random updates of my training progress, because I think it helps to pretend that some one, some where, cares.
In reality, I've had a really good week of training. I finally started hitting the pool, I had a really long (for me) run the other night of 5.25 miles, and I've even been linking two or more of the events together in a single night. Last night, I did a combination of all three events.
Still, I can't help but wonder if it's enough and beat myself up for not training harder, sooner. I'm petrified of this race. I've still never even run a race before. Deep down I really want to do this. To prove to myself that I CAN do this. Yet part of me is hoping some really good excuse comes up, like I break a limb or get pregnant or something. Okay, not really. Maybe? Ugh.
So if any of you readers are experienced triathletes please feel free to send any advice, encouragement, mockery, whatever...over my way. And I'll probably continue to post random updates of my training progress, because I think it helps to pretend that some one, some where, cares.
Ballet Recital 2009
One of our highlights of May is Emma's annual ballet recital. This year didn't disappoint! Emma was beautiful in her outfit, and performed brilliantly on stage. (Shut it. I'm her Mom. I can say that.)
I actually did notice a difference in her dancing abilities this year. She has more confidence and executed the moves pretty much on-cue, instead of waiting for everyone else to do the move first, like she did last year. One funny blooper was at the end, after the final curtsy, the girls were all standing in a line facing the crowd, with Emma second from the end. The girl next to Emma made her exit, and Emma was supposed to follow. But forgot. So she just stood there, smiling at the audience, until she finally remembered to exit and quickly scurried off the stage, followed by all the rest of the girls.
With the exception of about 36 hours where Emma decided she is "done with" ballet, she can't wait for next year, and hopes she has the same teacher and that their recital dresses will be pink.
I actually did notice a difference in her dancing abilities this year. She has more confidence and executed the moves pretty much on-cue, instead of waiting for everyone else to do the move first, like she did last year. One funny blooper was at the end, after the final curtsy, the girls were all standing in a line facing the crowd, with Emma second from the end. The girl next to Emma made her exit, and Emma was supposed to follow. But forgot. So she just stood there, smiling at the audience, until she finally remembered to exit and quickly scurried off the stage, followed by all the rest of the girls.
With the exception of about 36 hours where Emma decided she is "done with" ballet, she can't wait for next year, and hopes she has the same teacher and that their recital dresses will be pink.
Biniam's Track Season
This spring Biniam was on the track team for his school. He enjoys running, and was encouraged by the coaches to participate on the team. I guess in 8th grade there is a lot of flexibility as to what events the kids can do, and it doesn't necessarily have to do with skill - perhaps just a need to place a body. :) Biniam's events were 1 mile, 200m x 4 relay, 100m hurdles, shot put, long jump, half mile, triple jump...and I may have missed one or two.
My favorite events to watch are the running events. I had no idea how emotional I would get watching these young kids run their little hearts out. At the first meet I went to, I sat down in the bleachers and watched the first event. And cried through the whole thing. And it wasn't even Biniam's event - it was some girl's event. Boy was I in trouble when Biniam got up to run the mile!
Biniam did great at the events and improved on his time / distance each week. I don't remember all of his stats, but I do recall his best time for the 1-mile was 6:08.
My favorite events to watch are the running events. I had no idea how emotional I would get watching these young kids run their little hearts out. At the first meet I went to, I sat down in the bleachers and watched the first event. And cried through the whole thing. And it wasn't even Biniam's event - it was some girl's event. Boy was I in trouble when Biniam got up to run the mile!
Biniam did great at the events and improved on his time / distance each week. I don't remember all of his stats, but I do recall his best time for the 1-mile was 6:08.
Blogapalooza
Oh man, I have a lot to catch up on! I think I might just have my own little blogging festival and post like crazy this week. Here are some highlights I may hit on a bit:
Biniam's track season
Emma's ballet recital
Biniam's 8th-grade graduation
Training for triathlon
My finally-implemented-laundry-system
Upcoming vacation to Washington
Hmm, sounds boring when I see it like this. I guess I'll have to throw in a couple of surprises, too. Stay tuned for frequent, random blogging!
Biniam's track season
Emma's ballet recital
Biniam's 8th-grade graduation
Training for triathlon
My finally-implemented-laundry-system
Upcoming vacation to Washington
Hmm, sounds boring when I see it like this. I guess I'll have to throw in a couple of surprises, too. Stay tuned for frequent, random blogging!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Must-watch!
I just HAVE to share this link to a video of Emma's BFF showing off some of her talent. Keep in mind this girl is four, FOUR! And make sure you watch long enough to see her with the hula hoop. It won't disappoint!
http://crayonsinmybriefcase.blogspot.com/2009/06/ellies-got-talent.html
http://crayonsinmybriefcase.blogspot.com/2009/06/ellies-got-talent.html
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