Walking for Babies

MARCH OF DIMES WALK

OAK HARBOR

SATURDAY, MARCH 26th

Last weekend, my sister invited all of us to participate in the March of Dimes Walk on Whidbey Island. Because she works in an OB/GYN office, she has done this walk for the past couple of years. Somehow, last year, she was "elected" to plan the whole event.

To support her efforts, we decided to put on our most warm, water-resistant clothing and make the nearly 2-hour drive over to Oak Harbor to walk. We met up with my parents so we could carpool and save some gas money and car emissions; we Seattle-ites are very GREEN, you know!

The warm and wet weather-friendly clothing was needed because the forecast called for torrential rain. Added to that factor was the location of the walk - right at the edge of the Puget Sound. Cold, blustery, soaking days are nothing new around here, but we wanted to make sure we were dry and as warm as possible. In the end, the walk warmed us up and so did the more tasty-than-normal hot dog lunch! And those pesky rain drops? They held off until we were safe and sound in the car, slurping away on our favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors.

It was a fun day, but by the time we dropped off my parents and drove south to our humble abode, we were so wiped out that the rest of the day was spent lounging/napping while Benjamin tore apart the play room. Did I mention I carried him for nearly 2 miles of the walk? Yeah, 3 miles is normally not the big of a deal, but the added load did a number on me!

Scenes from the gray day:

We each received a colorful pinwheel upon completion of the 3-mile walk, which were then placed in the "Memorial Pinwheel Garden", to symbolize all of the people in our lives that have been touched by preterm births and birth defects. Benjamin was extremely enchanted by this garden and every moment we could escape our grasp, he would make a mad dash for this little garden and start picking the "flowers".

Mom, Benjamin, me & Kal: post-walk rockstars!

Up, Down, Repeat

Benjamin has found a new love - and it begins with...

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Breaking Ground

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie/My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply/The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design/Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Everyone knows of the pioneers and their struggles; the 24th of July is a holiday in the state of Utah, an annual day of tribute to their rich legacy. Since I was young, I've been taught about the deep sadness and countless trials that those early Saints endured. Learning from a church manual, their stories seemed so removed from my own reality and it was difficult to see it as anything other than bullet points in a old, dusty history book.

But, I had a unique opportunity while I attended BYU. Working in the library's Special Collections & Manuscripts Department, my job required reading the penned journals of pioneers and prominent Church leaders. Seeing the accounts written in that stretched, looping penmanship - in the swirls and swoops - I could feel their pain and understand that those old stories were their reality, not just a stories in a book. And they knew there was a purpose; they constantly acknowledged God's hand and bore testimony of that truth.

Never before did I think that I would have a tale such as those of the pioneers; one of sadness, and loss. I thought those day of persecution and hatred were over, kept tightly locked in the books of our church's and nation's history. But everything changed on an early morning last October. It's funny to look back at your trials after time has marched on. You can start to make out the design, how Heavenly Father has a hand in it. How he is shaping us, refining the rough edges. It helps makes sense out of the senseless.

Last weekend, we were invited to attend the groundbreaking for the new church building - the building that had been destroyed by arson on October 16th, 2010. It's impressive how quickly the Church has moved in the rebuilding process - and even more astounding to hear of the miracles that have happened along the way.

The morning of the groundbreaking the sun, filtered by random, fluffy clouds, bathed the day in a glorious brightness. It was one of the first sunny days we had had in weeks, and it could not have come on a better day. However, I found myself wishing I had tucked sunglasses into the bag; my eyes started to ache from all of the squinting from this rarity called sunshine.

All of the speakers, keeping their comments uncommonly brief, shared messages of hope, renewal and community. Their were prayers of love and thanksgiving. Songs floated on the air of strength, courage and moving forward.

Though the smoke-stained, muddied foundation brought back memories of the flames licking our meetinghouse, the feelings from this celebration brought smiles to hopeful faces. The building was going to rise from that dirty ground, bigger and better than the old building. This poignant loss was a brief blip in our lives, but more importantly, we have emerged from the trial a little older, maybe a little wiser, and I dare say, a little better than before.

This last photo is courtesy of the Church News - can you find us? For the whole story, click here.

March Madness

It's Total Jimmer-Mania here... how about you?

Courtesy of YouTube, we have... "Teach Me How to Jimmer"

All That She Wants

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." ~ Louisa May Alcott

I don't know how or why it happened, but I feel like a fire has been lit beneath me. It's time to emerge and really start pushing myself, reaching for those goals that have been simmering patiently on the back-burner of my mind.

I want to do things. I want to make a difference. I want to be more kind. I want to be a better mother, a better wife. I want to write. I want to sing. I want to create something grand.

From a work standpoint, I'm sure the catalyst for this renewed passion comes from the rumor of layoffs. Librarians have it particularly bad these days, and especially if you are in the private sector. In a hospital desperately seeking to be "in the black", I'm not making one red cent. Adding value, yes - but I am not one of those coveted cost-generating departments. Not wanting to be one of the slack-jawed, pink-slip holding hordes, I made some calls, set up some meetings, and threw my proverbial hat in the ring. Suddenly, I'm helping to plan and present at a huge meeting of physicians in a couple of weeks - just like *that* (snap o' the fingers). The director in charge applauded my "enthusiasm"; I see it as a quick & clever attempt to make myself indispensable.

I want to be the kind of mother you read about on those blogs or see in movies. The one where the mother awakes with a broad smile, perfectly-coiffed hair and a pink ruffled apron, ready to bust out silver dollar pancakes and freshly-squeezed orange juice for her ravenous brood. I'm not that lady - and maybe I don't really want to be her. I'm rarely perfectly coiffed, don't squeeze my oranges and I don't own a pink apron - but I can make my kiddo squeal with delight, fix a mean piece of toast, and play a fiercely competitive game of hide-& go-seek. More than anything, I want to be a mom whose kid knows that with our love and support, he can conquer the world.

I want to do stuff I love. Last weekend, I think I hit the pinnacle in my baking efforts. Someone gave me money to bake my signature cupcakes. It was a labor of love and I wanted this order to be perfect. I tossed out a deep fudge batch that didn't rise enough because I took them out too early (I absolutely detest dry cake, which happens with overbaking). I usually hate eating what I bake, but had to do quality control to make sure they were moist. The result? The cake - without any frosting - melted in your mouth. Cooled and swirled with frosting, they were delivered to the party house where they were later served at a baby shower for an expectant mother in our ward. Several women caught me during church yesterday, grasped my arm and exclaimed with childlike glee: "those were the best cupcakes I've ever eaten - ever!" Maybe more business is coming my way... you never know.

I've caught the singing bug and I want to sing. Yesterday, I went to ward choir practice where we polished an arrangement of "I Am a Child of God", which we'll sing with the primary children. I've missed the last several practices due to illness, but it felt like home to get up there and sing. A couple hours later I went to our stake choir practice, something I haven't done in years. But I went and it was awesome. We are singing "On This Day of Joy & Gladness", "How Will They Know", "True to the Faith" and "This is the Christ". They were more difficult arrangements than the typical hymn you could look through once and perform in church the next week. They will take time and a lot of practicing. These songs require knowledge of theory, counting, proper breathing, phrasing and dynamics; things I haven't had to think about since my days in our high school women's choir. I'm ready to flex my brain and eke out the memory of all things musical - and you know, it's going to be great. Late breaking news: things are also in the works to sing in church sometime, somewhere; for those that know me, this is an exciting, yet scary proposition!

For now, those are some of the these I want, and am actively working to achieve. It feels good to have so many goals and to be actively working towards them.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

The Haps

The Super Moon is high in the evening sky and I'm thinking about some things.

Life has been limping along rather hopelessly, at times, these days. We are in an epic struggle for normalcy and routines in a illness-ridden season where we hit the jackpot. Who knew that our little house would be so sickly this year? I don't know about anyone else, but I have created a whimsical paper-chain in my mind to joyfully tick off the days until Spring arrives. Tomorrow is the big day and I could not be more excited.

In a rather funny turn of events, an FHE delivery of my signature cupcakes to some families has created quite a stir, and some cupcakery business too. Two days later, a couple of women approached me at the meeting formerly known as Enrichment. One has a son getting married in late summer, who "really, really needs my help." The second lady, scurried over at the end of the meeting and effusively exclaimed, "I'm hiring you to do a baby shower!"

Fast forward 9 days and here is the completed baby shower project. I did get paid, which was lovely, but it was A LOT of work. 72 cupcakes later, my sink was full, countertops were dusted in a fine layer of powdered sugar, the table was strewn with pieces of colored paper and hot glue strings, my carpet was covered with dark chocolate cupcake crumbs (a little cupcake bandit), one stool was broken (baby destroyer) and the kitchen floor was a comical sea of Costco fruit snacks. Apparently, Benjamin didn't share my passion or interest in this cupcake project.

Tonight, my sister-in-law Julie inquired if it was worth it, money wise. Let's just say that while I thoroughly enjoyed the finished product, I completely *get* why cupcake shops charge so darn much for their sugary confections.

In other news, Benjamin is allergic to penicillin. In a previous post, I shared a picture of his body rash. That was Day #1 - and that was the best day. Shortly thereafter, the prickly red-mark rash turned into large, red welts covering his body. The welts should have tipped me off, and I had a feeling, but shrugged it off because we got the word from his doctor. However, at his 18-month Baby Well Check on Friday, our pediatrician broke the news: it was not viral, but an allergic reaction. First round of antibiotics cause allergic reaction but don't touch the ear infection. Welcome to Round #2; fingers crossed, this one works. A quick aside, he is off the charts at 35" tall! I think it might be the Miracle-Gro...

Dave is hard at work on prepping for a huge, ugly divorce case that is going to trial in another week, while juggling a bunch of other cases. He's gone a lot and comes home exhausted. I don't have any pictures of him in this state, but trust me that "he's working hard for the money".

My cold is lingering, but I figure it is thanks to the miserable lack of sleep courtesy of a double-whammy ear infection. Despite that, the kiddo and I try to make sure we do lots of hiding, seeking, playing, jumping, singing.

This week, I've learned a few lessons; nothing earth-shattering, but crazy important to my soul:

• Don't let your frustrations show - he doesn't understand and it's likely he's frustrated too.
• Breathe.
• Cover your ears - the screaming only lasts a little while.
• Breathe some more.
• He's not getting smaller, so enjoy the little moments that each day brings.
• Don't underestimate your motherly instincts.
• Messes don't have to be cleaned up right away. Sometimes, we should sit quietly for a moment, survey the chaos and relish the wildness that is your life.

Baby Destroyer surveying his masterpiece of fruit snack art.

Baby Destroyer discovering the Mommy is taking photographic evidence of the destruction - while lying prone on the kitchen floor. He decides to jump on her back and pull her hair. Mayhem ensues, but the Mommy manages to take a skillful, behind-the-back shot of said mayhem.

Minutes later, the Baby Destroyer morphs into Baby Angel; playing primary songs (actually this was his rendition of "Chopsticks"), folding his arms for prayer and flashing his babylicious-toothed smile.

Word of the Day - 3/14

del·uge (noun)
\ˈdel-ˌyüj, -ˌyüzh; ÷də-ˈlüj, ˈdā-ˌlüj\
Definition of DELUGE
1a : an overflowing of the land by water

1b : a drenching rain
2: an overwhelming amount or number

In Seattle, we know this word well. We come to accept the fact that water, sometimes sent from the heavens in copious amounts, is part of life here. Like it or not.

Yet, today, we broaden our understanding of this noun.

Deluge means incomprehensible sadness, loss, grief, shock.

Deluge means an incredible wave of emotions; hope, joy, fear, tension, acceptance of losing, then suddenly -
savoring the sweetness of a beautiful moment.

And in Seattle, this weekend...

Deluge means we need to start gathering our ark-building tools because this stuff doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. In case you were wondering how to build an ark - click HERE!

Ride It Out

Will it never end?

I feel like every post, for the last gazillion weeks, has fixated on whatever sickness that one, two or three of us seems to be facing at that particular time. Unfortunately, I have bad news; that fixation continues.

Dave is well (fingers crossed) - feel free to cheer.

Me? Um, I wish. Doctor tells me it's a virus; although I love my doctor, her suggestion - the magic prescription - "you just need to ride it out" is getting trite and tiring. However, I have had worse, so I'm trying to take the high road, and, you know, ride it out - without too much complaining.

Benjamin? He's been fighting the evil double-ear infection. After a week of wide-spectrum antibiotics, ibuprofen and numbing ear drops, I *thought* he might be better today. Until I woke up and noticed the spots. Everywhere. Ugh. Another Sunday drive to the walk-in clinic, another wait in line (10 people there 10 minutes after it opened!) and another long wait in a not-so-child-friendly waiting room. Fortunately, his pediatrician was the on-call doc today. Unfortunately, the field of puffy, red bumps covering his little body are courtesy of a virus, as well. Bring on that "magic prescription", please.

So, today, here is how we rode it out:

Anyone out there have a super cure for viruses? That sweet elixir the Music Man tries to sell sounds like good stuff right about now.

Stroke of Brilliance

Why didn't I think of this sooner?

The one woman on my VT route lives approximately 3.8 minutes from my house - on foot. For the last two months we have held our visits, casually, at the neighborhood park while Benjamin is either flinging himself willy-nilly down the double yellow slide or running across the grassy knoll with his arms flapping wildly. I know he loves being outside; perhaps he's giving me the signal that we need to get out more.

Anyway, this month, I decided to do something different for my visiting-teachee: share one of my loves/talents with her - Cupcakes. So, I present my latest crazy creation... which actually turned out a million times better than I had anticipated.

To be honest, it came about somewhat by mistake. I was going to slice a strawberry and do the usual one-slice topper for each cake... but then I eyed the extra dark chocolate chips in my pantry. So you know, in case you were wondering, I love cupcakes. And, I love strawberries - especially when they are dipped in chocolatey goodness. The epiphany came in an instant and the answer was clear: combine these two favorite things into one amazing cupcake creation.

So, you know what? I did, and I will just let the picture speak for itself...

I Knew It

Igloo-Camping 101 - or A Young Girl's Suspicions Confirmed

Last month, Dave was asked to be a "consultant" on the prep workshop for our old ward's igloo camping adventure. He agreed, with the condition that I could tag along on the snowshoeing portion of the trip. I haven't been up in the mountains all winter, and he thought it would also be a fun way for us to spend some time together.

It was a wonderful feeling to slide into those snowshoes; sadly, they were starting to collect dust in our garage after a two-year break since the birth of B. The cold air sweeping into my lungs was invigorating as we climbed what Dave later termed, "Sofie's Hill" (after one of the less-eager scouts). And the trip as a whole? Entirely enlightening.

As a young girl, I was always envious of my three brothers and their nearly constant trips to fun hiking, camping and wintry destinations. They packed their gear with the precision and zeal of a serious outdoors man, but were always sure to throw serious survival food, like Twizzlers, Reese's PB cups and gobs of candy bars. I had a feeling that it was more than just something they "had to do". I had a sneaky suspicion they were up in the back country or the mountains whooping it up - and I was stuck at home, wondering why I didn't get to go on these secret adventures.

Well, ladies, I can tell you I was right. Those awful, difficult scout trips were a cover for the most fun-filled trips to awesomely-beautiful locations.

While our motley crew headed to Stevens Pass with the intent to learn igloo-building basics, they also happened to haul up essential igloo-building tools such as plastic sleds, toboggans, & weird disc-y things. Here's the trip breakdown: 1st 20 minutes - snowshoeing to the igloo site; 20 minutes of instruction; 3 hours of sledding fun (minus a few minutes to scarf down whatever sugary treats they brought for "lunch"). See for yourself: I have the photo evidence to prove that this was more than just a tedious lesson in ice blocks and snow-saw techniques!

Dave & Yours Truly, The Undercover Reporter

The secret's out - and you heard it here first!

Weekend Round-up: Lows & Highs

"Look hard enough, and you can discover both good and bad in almost anyone and anything. ~ President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love his thought and I absolutely believe it's true: how you see a situation or a person is really up to you. It comes down to perspective and attitude; even a bad situation can have a silver lining if you look closely, and want to.

With that, I give you my weekend of lows and highs. While I did pinpoint various "lows", I didn't dwell on them, but rather used them to highlight how high the "highs" were in comparison. All in all, despite the return of The Sick, it was a grand weekend.

Friday's LOWS:

• Didn't schedule time to workout :(
• Forgot to pick up the dry cleaning
• Sadly, all of our friends were too sick, too sleepy or too busy to join us at Gymagine.

Friday's HIGHS:

• Going to Gymagine, despite no play pals, was a fun hour of running, jumping, swinging and laughing. Although, Benjamin's favorite activity was making a bee-line for the front door (he could usually push it open and get outside before I could get to him!), we had an awesome time. And a weird, random high? I love the smell of the gym - it reminds me of my gymnastics days. Lots of hours logged in a overly cool gym, chalk dust on everything and a musty, sweaty smell that lingers in the air. May sound weird, but to me = Good Memories/Good Stuff.
• Hanging with a clingy, faux-hawked little sick boy
• Lounged on the couch, watching tv and relaxing with Dave (after B was in bed). Don't remember what we watched, but the feeling of quiet togetherness was absolutely luxurious.
  
  

Saturday's LOWS:

• Not getting enough sleep and feeling tired all day
• Dave & Benjamin attended the funeral of a past bishop.

Saturday's HIGHS:

• Despite crazy fatigue, was a madwoman in the cleaning department while the boys were gone. Cleared out the right side of the garage so that both cars fit in there now!

• Seeing a rainbow through the clouds - there's that silver lining.

• Parents that make babysitting house-calls
• Grilled Chicken Citrus Salad at Claim Jumper's
• Watching "The Adjustment Bureau"
• Hanging with the Watsons and the Valentines

Sunday's LOWS:

• Missing church
• One visit to Bartell's to pick up cough syrup and antibiotics for Dave
• One visit to the walk-in clinic for Benjamin
• One hour of waiting in said clinic with a very cranky child
• One visit to Walgreen's to pick up ear drops and antibiotics for Benjamin

Sunday HIGHS:

• Reading President Uchtdorf's message, "Looking for the Good"
• The blessings of yet another beautiful winter day and the view we get to enjoy daily. I love pretend like we are living in the country, even though we live less than a mile from Little Caesar's, Taco Bell, Domino's and Starbucks. But guys, we are so country.

• Baking - it's been too long, I forgot how much I love baking and making fun & tasty stuff for others. I blame this renewal of baking fervor on the ubiquitous cupcakey-like shows on cable: Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, Next Great Baker, Cupcake Girls, DC Cupcakes. I've watched them all, in the name of research, thanks to a little thing called OnDemand. Cupcake of the Day: dark chocolate Devil's food cupcakes and chocolate mousse filling, topped with rich buttercream and two shades of green sprinkles. Special deliveries slated for tomorrow during FHE!