We are Living Lawge

Just a quick correction since Kaci's statement was offered for the truth of the matter asserted: I am not preparing for a marathon by riding a bike, that would be silly of me. I am going to attempt a triathlon in June. The course is considered a "sprint" triathlon because it is only a 1/2 mile swim, 16 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run. While the organizers call it a "sprint," this law school body of mine would be lucky to finish in my current condition. Without such a goal to work toward I would just be another exercising fool subject to every distracting whim of entertainment and tosed to and fro by the lukewarm desire to "get into shape." The June event will hopefully act as an impetus that kicks me out of bed in the dark hours of the morning prior to Bar review, which starts next Monday by the way, or encourages one last training session prior to a little pillow time. Moreover, those experienced Bar takers/passers have repeatedly encouraged an exercise routine to facilitate coping with the stresses of Bar prep. Whatever, I just want to be outside for little bit in my slinky black tights. Yah, that is right, I wear spandex tights when I ride or run in the winter.

My night ride on Saturday began at 11:10pm and ended at 11:55pm. It was a pretty nice ride after about 1/2 mile when I warmed up. I rode to the river and switched my newly acquired lights off and pedaled furiously in the inky blackness for the next 8 miles. I slowed a bit at one point to decipher what dark form was moving quickly towards me from the brush on the side of the trail but hammered away again once I recognized the familiar, yet terrifying, black and white stripes of skunk ready, willing, and able to show me who was boss (tail up and hissing like a snake). No thank you sir.

Anyways, the next six months will be interesting and not because I keep acquiring more spandex items which Kaci loves to sneer at me for wearing.

Disclaimer: Not a posting about my children or one detailing our latest family outing.  Just a post for me to have bound in a book!

Background:
1. Our family is usually gawked at when we go out, even more when I am by myself.  I know, I have twins and my children total 5!
2. I hate it when people come up and talk to me when I am out.  I am not the type to chat with the cashier or talk to someone buying the same cake mix that I am at Walmart. 
3. I hate it even more when people want to talk to me about #1!

Then, last week I took the kids to Bounce Spot to get some energy out.  I was unpacking them out of the car when a man who was taking a break from work came up and asked me if this place was any fun.  I usually answer questions quickly, but I didn't.  Instead I told him about it and why we liked coming here.  For some reason, this started him into a monologue.  He told me how he had two boys and one they thought was autistic.  How they had taken him everywhere to get evaluated and his son didn't seem to fit into a specific category but all the places agreed he needed help.  This led to a conversation where I told him briefly about Bailey and how everything he was saying about his 4 year old little boy was exactly where we were 4 years ago. 

The man looked at me and told me he just didn't know what to do.  I knew that feeling all too well.  I told him what we had done and explained that he would have to find what clicked for his son.  I told him he would learn patience and understanding and that he would know what was best for his child.  He said a very heartfelt thank you before he walked back to his office building.

I thought about our conversation on the way home and realized that if I had not been friendly, if I had been short and not wanted to chat, I would have missed that opportunity to help someone.  I love when things all come together, and I then thought about a sharing time in Primary one of the teachers had given about the life of Christ and the service he gave to everyone.  She said that Christ never said I'm sorry, I'm just too busy to help or Can't you see I have my own problems right now?  He just served others all the time.   I never thought being out of my way kind to people in public was exactly service, but this event showed me otherwise.  It wasn't anything huge, but most likely just a small encouragement that this man may have needed at the time.

And so I decided that when I am out and someone wants to make a comment or have a short conversation, I will now participate.  Today, I was excited that my new found errand personality was rewarded.  At Sam's club, amid the stares and whispers while the kids and I munched on lunch, a woman came up to me and asked if all five were mine.  I told her Yes! (and I even did it happily and with a smile AND eye contact)  She told me that she had 8 children and that Christmas was so much fun when they all came with all of their children to her house. She also added that I should never get divorced because it would be hard to find a man to take in all my children!  OK, so that was a weird comment, but the first part was very kind. And I have to take the odd with the good.  While piling the groceries and kids into the car in the parking lot (while it is starting to sprinkle!), another woman came up and asked if all of these children were mine.  Again, I did not mumble or say "uh-huh" and move along, but told her yes, they were and smiled (oh my goodness, who am I?!)  She said that she had a lot of children close together and it was so nice to see someone else with a large family.  I asked if she got freak show looks and she laughed and told me how with her she always compared it to a spotlight following you around the store!  We laughed with each other for a minute and then went our separate ways. 

I am not one for New Year's Resolutions, but since this started before the new year I am OK with it!  Bring on the "your hands are full," "busy momma!" "oh my goodness, twins," "don't you know how that happens?" comments.  I am ready for you.

Today was our last hoo-rah... Well, temporarily, at least.  Ben is almost done with his mini-vacation and will begin prepping for Bar Review classes after this weekend.  So we took the kids to the Explorit Center in Davis.  It was a cute, mini version of the one in SF. 

And neither does Bailey...

Bailey and I were enjoying a small outing last night to pick up movies and milk (such the combo!)  Earlier that day he had been at the neighbor's house and didn't want to eat a corn dog, only a regular hot dog when they offered him lunch.  I was curious as to why he didn't like them. 

Mom: When was the last time you even had a corn dog to know if you don't like it?
Bailey: October 31, 2008

(yup! He gave me a date!)

Mom: HOW do you remember the last day you at a corn dog?!
Bailey: Remember that day that you and dad came to my class to watch my presentation on Halloween and you thought you were putting my lunch away in my backpack and took it from the classroom and then they thought I didn't have any lunch and then they gave me a corn dog...  It was that day and I didn't like it.

To further explain: Ben had taken the day off last year on Halloween to go with me to a dr. appt. when I was pregnant with the twins.  We had come to see Bailey give his historical Halloween presentation at school.  I saw his lunch on the counter in the class after snack time and thought I would be helpful and put it away outside in his back pack.  Well, it confused Bailey and he thought he didn't have a lunch.  I guess they gave him a corn dog. Funny thing his he had the date right.  Not so funny thing is he will probably have all the dates I make mistakes written on his brain somewhere.  Good thing is, he still loves me!

On Saturday we celebrated Kate and Addison's first birthday, Emma's 6th birthday and also let Aunt Laurie in on the celebration since hers was a few days before. 

Rocklin not only houses the most wonderful school of all, but some great neighborhood lights.  We took a trip out there after Kate and Addison's first birthday party.  Traffic was backed up pretty far so we loaded up the stroller and walked.  The kids had a great time, even though their feet hurt at the end.

It really did go so fast!  Happy 1st Birthday Kate and Addison.  A post dedicated to your first year of life. This will probably be a long one, but since there are two it is fitting.