Run, Mommy, Run

For those of you who wondered, I didn't make it to the Race for the Cure on Saturday. Munchkin got the stomach flu, and so we were homebound all weekend. Which means, unfortunately, that I don't get to share any of the wonderful, hilarious, witty slogans which abound at such events. The one time each year when breast jokes are in good taste, and I miss it. Sigh.

On a happier note, that means I have more time to train to actually run a 5k. My brother has graciously agreed to find another event to run with me this summer.

I did run this morning. I'm quite proud of my progress. I can run farther and even a little faster now.

While I was running, I had to smile at myself (laughing being out of the question due to gasping and wheezing). I was listening to the playlist I had prepared for the actual race. And it just made me smile. It's a weird and eclectic grouping of a number of different genres. Everything from alternative rock, to punk/pop, to Hullabaloo.

What, you don't know who Hullabaloo is?

They are, in their own words, "farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk." You can check them out here. They are fabulous, and funny, and witty. And my kids love them! My favorite song of theirs to run to is called "Run Bunny Run." You have to find it and listen to it. Most days, I feel like I'm the bunny. Although, I have to admit to sounding more like the older brother. And, if I'm being honest, I'm also frequently the younger brother. Especially if another adult happens to stray too close to me. (Please talk to me, please, please, PLEEEEEEEEASE!!!)

But whatever the reason, it made me smile at myself as I moved from Muse to "Run Bunny Run" while running this morning. I think I'll just adjust the lyrics ever so slightly in my mind. Run Mommy Run.

I Looked Out The Window

And what did I see?

Popcorn popping in the apricot tree.

Spring had brought me such a nice suprise,

Blossoms popping right before my eyes.

Welcome, Spring! I'm glad you've finally decided to visit us.

Feel free to stick around just as long as you want!

Oh The Insanity

Have you ever felt a compulsion to do something absolutely insane for no good reason? Or at least no reason that you could adequately explain to someone else?

Apparently, I have. I am training to run a 5K. There's really not a good reason beyond that I feel I must prove to myself that I can do this. Which is a great motivator until I'm actually out running. Or, rather, jogging ever-so-slightly-faster than I walk.

I don't have any visions of grandeur, or winning, or even ever running very fast. That would be ridiculous. But then again, I already feel ridiculous gasping along the trail, yelling at Zippy to not go too far, urging Munchkin to keep up, and trying to keep the dog from pulling the stroller into the canal.

I can now do about 1/2 mile all at once. I can even do a couple 1/2 miles with just a little walking in between. But the 5K I want to run is in less than 4 weeks. I'm panicking a little. But I refuse to give up. Even if I end up walking parts of the race, I need to do this.

I roped my little brother into running with me. I have the feeling that, even though he started training after I did, and probably has less time to run between school and working, he'll kick my trash when we run together. It's a good thing we love each other. He'll forgive me for making him train to run while he's in school, and I'll forgive him for being younger, faster, and in better shape than me. It's a good trade.

This is one of those goals that seems to come out of nowhere, and really doesn't make sense. But it's a goal that is a driving force in my life right now. I have passion and desire to meet this goal, and I can't afford to waste it. Who knows, maybe after I meet this one, I'll actually be inspired to work on the rest that are languishing in my never-ending pile of "things I REALLY should be doing."

So, I want to know. What goal (whether seemingly impossible and insane or not) is stirring your passion right now? And what other ones are you ignoring?

Traditions We Hope Not to Repeat

What do you do between General Conference sessions? Eat a big meal? Head to the park? Play games? Take another nap? All good things. The one thing I don't recommend is taking your daughter to the emergency room because she swallowed a battery.

Yes, that is an Xray of Munchkin's body. That round white dot near the stomach is the button battery that she swallowed.

We were getting shoes and coats on to head to Grandma's house for a big family meal between sessions. Munchkin started pointing at her tummy--which could mean anything from, "I'm hungry, Mommy," to, "See! I put my shirt back on!" So, thinking I was being a great Mom (and also because I'm tired of the mute pointing), I said, "I'm sorry honey, I can't understand you unless you use your words. When you're ready to use your words, let me know."

That's when she said, "I swallowed a battery." Just matter-of-fact. I lost it. I think I may have even scared her a little. Suddenly, Mommy's volume has turned way up, and her eyes are bugging out of her head. Hmmmm, what's wrong Mommy?

So, we went to the hospital instead of Grandma's house. The whole way there, Munchkin was very quiet. Finally, as we're pulling into the parking lot, she quietly says, "Are they gonna cut my tummy open?" Oh heavens, my dear little girl. I reasurred her they would do no such thing. I didn't, however, mention that I had no idea if they would have to pump her stomach. Neither of us needed to think about that. Thankfully, Grandpa met us at the hospital and took Zippy and Little Man home with him so we wouldn't have to worry about them.

When we were done with paperwork and waiting behind our very own curtains, Munchkin looked around and asked, "Where are the cutters?" I guess I didn't do a very good job of reassuring her.

After a remarkably short time, we were assured that the only danger from these small button batteries comes if they get caught in your esophagus. That's where they are likely to disintegrate. But Munchkin's was already past her stomach, and will pass naturally. And, huge thanks here, we don't even have to watch for it to pass!!! Yeah!!!

While we were at the hospital, Munchkin managed to charm everyone around us. She assured the nurse very seriously that she is not allergic to butterflies. She was very brave and followed the Xray techs directions perfectly. She took really good, deep breaths. The only problem was convincing her to let out the air. They kept saying, "She's just so cute!"

Munchkin has spent the last 24 hours telling everyone she can about the whole experience. She carries our copy of the Xray picture around everywhere, even showing it to the carpool kids this morning. And her glow-in-the-dark sticker from the Xray tech may just be her new favorite posession.

This is not what I planned on doing between sessions yesterday, but I sure am grateful it turned out so well. And that it's over. Here's hoping your Conference Weekend was less eventful than mine.

Simple Pleasures--BOGO

I know I'm behind. But that just means there's two simple pleasures tonight.

I'm not offering much explanation for these two, becuase I don't think they need a lot. My simple pleasures for tonight are:

New Shoes and Chocolate.

Both relatively inexpensive, and both offering a rush of endorphins. What makes you feel better than new shoes or chocolate? Enough said.

Simple Pleasures--A Sleeping Child

There is something divine about a sleeping child. And I mean that in the most religious way possible. I think when a child is sleeping is when I can most clearly see them through the eyes of God's love. And not only because when they're asleep they aren't covering everything with jam, or wailing like howler monkeys, or asking for snacks they're never going to eat.

When my children sleep, I can see them without the distraction of my own reactions. I can see the hope and peace stored within them--a gift from Heavenly Father. I can see their personalities shine through too. Zippy always tangles himself in his blankets. He can't seem to be still even in sleep. Munchkin stretches her legs and arms out as far as they can go. She wants to be everywhere all at once. Little Man snuggles any blankets or toys that are in reach, and curls up onto his stomach--little bottom in the air. He's my lovey, snuggly child.

Right now, I'm especially grateful to have sleeping children. For the moment, they are all sleeping deeply and peacefully. After 3 weeks of sickness, that is a small miracle.

Simple Pleasures

There has been a lot of turmoil and chaos in my life in the past few months. Zippy was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD; Z-man's work schedule has undergone major changes; my depression has threatened to return; my grandfather passed away (requiring a quick and intense trip to the midwest); and I've been stuck in the house for the past 3 weeks with sick kids. I am discouraged.

So, in an effort to break myself out of this funk, I'm going to count my blessings.

Every day for the next 31 days, I'm going to list a simple pleasure that I am grateful for. Something that gives me joy or hope. Something that lifts my spirits.

This list will take me into Spring--which is a much more civilized season, if you ask me.

So here we go:

I am looking forward to one of my simple pleasures tonight. It won't happen until next week, but I'm already looking forward to it. After the kids are asleep and the house is quiet, I will change my clothes and slip out to play volleyball. I can hardly wait.

Volleyball is the only sport I enjoy without reservation. The jumping, running, diving, I just love it all. We play co-ed, so the net is high enough to present a challenge for me. And is there really anything better in sports than stuffing a powerful hitter who doesn't expect it?

Z-man laughts at my devotion to the weekly games. He understands my need for release, even if he doesn't participate in the outlet. He did, however put his foot down each time I got pregnant. I tend to end up on the floor multiple times in a game. But I wear any scrapes or bruises with pride. They mean that I've played hard.

There is a primal joy in such a physical activity. Sweating, breathing hard, making your body do what you want, laughing with friends, pounding out tension and frustration. An added benefit is the boost in confidence that comes from participating in something you're good at. I end the night relaxed, optimistic, and physically drained.

I can't wait.