Father's Day

"They" say that women often end up choosing a man that has similar qualities to their own dad. I suppose I can put up with some Jimmy Buffet and cheesy jokes since they come with being a supportive, involved, top-notch father.
Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o. I am happy to have found a daddy for my girls who is as amazing as you. 

And happy Father's Day to this guy. All three of your girls love you so much, and couldn't be luckier to have you.

 

Mama Confidence

A few weeks ago, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to drive over to Chelan with the girls. When making a decision to do an overnight, long(ish) drive over the mountains as a solo parent, it needs to be of the spontaneous variety. I didn't want to give myself time to come to my senses.

Jeff had headed over to Alta with some buddies on Thursday, and I chose Friday as our departure day. I wouldn't tell him we were coming, and we'd surprise him Saturday morning. No, it was not an official Guys' Weekend (should I be insulted that TWO people asked me if it was? What do you take me for?!)

 The drive over was great. I absolutely love this drive - especially if I hit the other side of the mountains to make the rest of the drive as the sun is going down.

The girl at the front desk asked me if I knew "Tom." Nope. She couldn't believe I had gotten such a discounted rate on a weekend. Score. (He must have taken pity on me when I answered that it would just be me and my two young kids...)

After we had checked in, we had to drive down a few parking spots, so I let the girls sit on the floor of the van. They couldn't believe it, and definitely thought they were getting away with something:

 I had already made the decision that I wasn't going to care how bedtime went. When I care is when I get frustrated, and that wasn't happening this trip. So, I popped in a movie and waited for the girls to unwind for a later-than-normal bedtime. We all slept very soundly -- Austen and I in one bed, and K feeling so big in the other bed by herself.

We took advantage of the free breakfast both mornings. Free Tulley's coffee and a waffle maker - how could we not.

In the morning we ate breakfast, went back to the room to change, and drove the five minutes into town for a run. That morning run brought back my ache to move over there full force.

 Kaitlyn wrote a story about the three of us while I was getting ready:

After showers, we hopped in the car to make the 35 minute drive to Alta. We got there with perfect timing, right as Jeff and Wyatt were driving into the parking lot after their first round. Jeff was definitely surprised and excited to see us.

We rode with the golfers for 9 holes. Austen wanted to ride with Brian the whole time in the "party cart." ("Is that the cart with music?")

We said goodbye, and headed back to Chelan for the rest of our Girls' Adventure. The pool was a must before dinner:

 

 

 We took showers after swimming and headed to the drive-in for dinner. Corn dogs, veggie burger, and french fries...yes, please.

 Oops...this limo bus driver thought he had more clearance, apparently. After letting some air out of the tires and getting everyone's weight back into the bus, he was able to drive out from under the overhang.

We took a walk down to the water -- after stopping for ice cream, of course. The girls hardly ever get ice cream cones (I guess it's just not something we think of doing all that often?) so they thought this was an extra special treat.

 The evening was so...dare I say - perfect. Just me and the girls. It still makes my heart burst thinking about it. We had so much fun.

The second night of sleep was also great (Austen woke up from a bad dream for about 30 seconds but went straight back to sleep - and so did I, thank goodness). We went to bed later than normal again, but we went to bed sane and happy; talking about our fun day. I'll take it.

 We (I) packed up the next morning and grabbed breakfast again before playing at the park for a bit. (That clear toy bin got left behind somehow, and they mailed it back to me.)

 On the way home, we stopped at a kid-friendly farm type place (I don't even know what to call it) in Leavenworth. We've seen it on our drives, but haven't stopped. I'm so glad we did! Swings, chickens, games, store, and an insane cow train ride.

K is really getting the pumping thing down:

 

It was such an awesome weekend. I felt like I reconnected with my girls. I am at home with them (for the most part), but it's so easy to get into ruts, and it turns out that we needed this girl time.

I am spoiled by Jeff's work hours (and just by him in general), and I know it. He's home by about 4:30 every evening to help with dinners, evening play, and bedtime (help, or do). I know that this is something I can't take for granted, but I also know that it makes me lazy sometimes. I needed to know that I could do this on my own. And I did. 

There were ups and downs, just like there always are (picture me literally dragging both girls across the street as they've both decided to go limp as cars were waiting for us. A woman on the other side looks at me and says, "Sister, we've all been there. You're doing a great job," as I am starting to sweat and have steam coming out of my ears. I thereby decide that I'm going to make more comments like that to other moms),

but when I look back at that weekend I'll likely just remember my full heart...and ice cream.

Belated Mother's Day

I invited my mom to do the Run Like a Mother 5k at Magnuson park a few months ago. She was a bit hesitant at first because of some physical ailments (think arthritis, knee pain, and shoulders in need of replacements), but she ended up registering for the race shortly after I had brought it up.

My mom is determined...that may be where I get it. She's competitive with herself (and possibly during bridal shower games), and driven. In a nutshell, she stuck to a training schedule and did a phenomenal job during the race. She kept running long after many others would have stopped. She ran for a larger percentage of the race than she thought she could, and finished well below her goal time. I was proud to run next to her as her daughter.

It's not about distance or speed, people. It's about challenging yourself and working your butt off to get there. Then, and this is where part of the challenge lies for some of us: Allow yourself to be PROUD of what you have accomplished. No "thanks, but..." My mom spends much of her life looking out for others, and very little time looking out for herself. I am so proud of her for what she accomplished - and what she continues to accomplish as she keeps up with running - but nothing could have made me happier than hearing the words, "You know? I actually am proud of myself." Music to my ears.

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My mom has taught me a lot of things, but at this point in my life -- being right in the depths of motherhood -- I can confidently say that the most valuable lesson she has taught me is to show my kids unconditional love.I am not a perfect mother, and some days are better than others. I go through periods of feeling like I've got this, and like I am a great mom. I also go through ruts, where I'm cranky with my kids and forget to enjoy the moments buried in the challenge and exhaustion of it all.

The other day, after I said "I love you" to both of the girls, Kaitlyn says, "You know, you don't have to say that all the time, Mom. We know you always love us."

You always love us. We know.

I'm doing something right. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me by example to love my precious girls unconditionally. To never make them feel like they are unlovable (even when they are drawing princess scenes in purple pen on the yellow walls or throwing an unlovely tantrum in the middle of Freddies). Thank you for teaching me to let my children make mistakes without being afraid that they won't be forgiven. Thank you for somehow teaching me to parent in a way where they know I love them through the cranky days and the raised voice moments.

I have never, for a second, doubted that you and Dad love me no matter what. If I'm going to pass anything on to my kids, let it be that. Kids who know they are loved and supported without conditions, grow up to be compassionate adults. That, is what I want for my girls.

Happy Mother's Day:

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More of the same around here: Gardening (Grandma Bonnie got the girls these awesome watering cans), swimming on Tuesdays and Thursdays, running, working, and raising chicks. Oh yeah, we got chickens.

The many faces of Austen Jean:

Tornado Collins:

K's school pic. Did I mention she recently turned 13?

Hula hoop madness:

We went to the feed store to just look at the chicks. You know, see what they had and whatnot.

When we went to just look at Cavalier puppies, we came home with Riley. This is how we roll.

Meet Maisy (named by Austen), Wendy (Kaitlyn), and Buffy (Mama -- die hard sentimental sap over here...my grandparents had a Buffy):

Maisy is a Barred Rock, and we recently have suspicions that "she" may be a rooster. She's is currently dwarfing her sisters. I have no idea if that is any indication, and I hear that we won't know for sure until about five months, but I'm crossing my fingers that we have ourselves three hens.
Wendy is a Light Brahma (white) and Buffy is a Buff Orpington.

So far, they are easy. I'm going to go ahead and enjoy this part. Aside from eating A LOT and needing a change of bedding every couple of days, they just hang out, cheep, and sleep. They stay in the garage with a heat lamp, and should be ready for an outdoor coop in a few weeks when they have all of their feathers.

Kaitlyn: "I know you must miss your mom, but it will be okay. I think I'll have to be your mama for now."

Okay, I'll shovel rancid poop for that.

We took them out into the yard for the first time this evening since it was warm enough:

 Little stinkers peck at my pink toes...

 Roosting practice (Wendy):

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Austen and I are continuing to enjoy our one-on-one time while K is at school. We are down to the last few weeks of the school year.

The girls started swimming lessons again after Hawaii. They got a boy teacher this time, which usually poses a problem for Kaitlyn but after a few classes she was good to go. And, she finally showed Teacher Chris last night what she can really do in the water after holding back for two weeks, so we are hoping she'll move up for the next session. If not, oh well.

Austen and I had a play date with Baby Ellis last week. I went to high school with Ellis' mom, Anna, and we've recently reconnected through Facebook (point for social media!). It's amazing what you find you have in common with people after you've had a chance to grow up. I'm thankful for that.

Austen gave Ellis every single one of her toys like it was her job:

A's new habit: hair twirling. Girl's going to end up with a mullet. Her sister cut her own around this age, and it appears that Austen is going to go the dreadlock route instead.

Speaking of reconnecting, Riley had to get shots last week and he and I had a car ride reminiscent of his puppyhood. Poor guy.

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In marathon news, tomorrow morning is my last long run before tapering. By the way, last weekend's run was great! No pain, so I'm crossing my fingers that it continues that way. I'm thinking that my body just needs a break, so tapering comes at a perfect time. I've been running at least 15 miles once a week for over two months. It makes sense that my legs will be thanking me after this weekend.

Remember the whole "allow yourself to be proud" thing? I'm allowing myself to be proud of the fact that I ran over 150 miles in the month of May.

Three months ago, I didn't know I was capable of this. Think about that.