"Marley" moments

It's hard to believe that Tucker has been apart of our family for 6 months now. He really is a good dog and I think we got lucky when he landed in our family. For a one year old, he is pretty mellow and calm and definitely not an "alpha". Thank goodness!

With that said though, he does have his MOMENTS. We call them "Marley moments"--you know, from the movie, "Marley and Me"? To share just a few--he has chewed up ALL 3 of his beds. Yep. And Eric and I are both too stubborn and cheap to buy him a new bed, so instead we decided to install carpet in his dog house. Problem solved. Another thing Tucker did one day--he chewed up one of Eric's text books. I came home to paper shreds all over the kitchen and family room. Awesome. Definitely learned my lesson on that one--DO NOT forget to put Tucker in his kennel before leaving the house. Marley moment #3 is when he ate 1/2 of our dinner one night by jumping up with his front paws on the kitchen counter and devouring a pan of chicken and rice.

Marley moment #4. While at the beach in CA this past summer, he decided to dook right in the surf, not the sand, the OCEAN. That was straight out of the movie "Marley and Me"! I was embarrased to say the least, as I quickly tried to tug him out of the water. But there it went, poop and all, floating away into the sea...Needless to say, we got a few good laughs on that one though! Let me see, what else? He's chewed up soccer balls and other toys that the kids have left out, he chases his tail (I will have to get that one on video someday), and he loves to flip the ball into the air with his paws while laying on his back. Those really aren't Marley moments, but they definitely show the playful, puppy-like side to Tucker.

As much as I sometimes want to drop him off in the mountains somedays, we sure love our Tucker! 90% of the time, I can't complain because he really is a good dog who obeys and is so gentle with the boys. Not once has he nipped at the boys and if you've seen the way they maul him, you would be impressed!

My lil' bud

I had to post this picture of Carson taking a nap on Tucker. Carson is one of those kids that just requires a little more sleep, hence the reason why I haven't completely taken away all naps together (he usually has about 2 or 3 a week). But on the days where I don't lay him down in his bed, sometimes I will find that he will just go find somewhere to lay down and fall asleep. Often it's the couch, but this particular day, he decided that Tucker looked like a nice pillow! I thought it was the most adorable thing ever and I love that Tucker just let him. He is such a good dog and loves these boys (even with the mauling)!

Can I just say that I love having alone time with my little Carson? With Austin in school all day now, it's the first time since Carson was born where we have been able to spend a significant time together everyday, just us. At first it seemed awfully quiet just us two, (if any of you know Austin, you know that quiet is not a word in his vocab!) but now I look forward to it everyday! We go to the gym in the mornings, we do our grocery shopping and errands together, we go to lunch sometimes, and even the movies. I think Carson likes having me all to himself too. And let me tell you, having only ONE child at home all day is a piece of cake! ;)

Carson is such a sweet boy and I hope that his sweetness doesn't fade anytime soon. I love that he will still climb up in my bed and cuddle with me in the mornings. He loves for me to tell him stories and he loves to help me cook or "juice" in the kitchen. There are times when I look at him and still feel like he's a baby, but then I realize that he's not and it saddens me that my "baby" is growing up way too fast.

In the meantime, I will continue to relish our moments together and enjoy having him home with me until he will be joining Austin at school. Now that will be a sad day for Momma! :(

Baby Gwen

Oh happy day! My younger sister, Jenni and her husband, Matt, had their first baby today! This is my first niece (or nephew) on my side of the family and I am so thrilled to officially be an aunt! Gwen Nicole was born at 5 lbs 11 oz and was 18 inches long--so tiny! Jen and Matt were blessed with a smooth delivery and a healthy baby and they will be bringing little Gwen home in a couple of days.

I am reminded me of the most amazing and beautiful gift we could ever experience in our lifetime--the great miracle of life. Hearing about Jen and Matt's birth experience brought back a flood of memories when our two boys were born. They were both totally different experiences in the sense of the labor and birth, but the same in how amazing it was to see and hold OUR baby for the first time! Words cannot describe the instant love you have for that little one that has spent 9 months growing in your womb. It is such a surreal and spiritual moment. I remember, especially with Austin, thinking as he was laid in my arms, that he had just come from his Heavenly Father and was now our responsibility to raise and teach him. He was so perfect and sweet, and very serene as he laid against my chest for the first time. I also remember that he was very alert to the sounds in the room, especially our voices which he recognized, and was listening with such intent. Those first moments as a parent with child are so profound and unforgettable. I am so grateful that I am blessed with 2 beautiful, healthy and special children of God!


I am so happy for my sister and her husband as they embark on parenthood. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be fantastic and loving parents. Gwen is so lucky to have them! I also can't wait to hold little Gwenie in my arms--she is going to be spoiled by her aunt, that's for sure! ;)

Viking Man

Well, after a few mishaps the morning before the race, I still did it. I placed 1st in my age category and 2nd in overall females. What a morning though. First, I couldn't get my wetsuit zipper to zip up, which delayed the race a couple of minutes, then my timing chip didn't work. Once in the water, I had a slight anxiety attack because the wetsuit around my neck felt like it was choking me. On the bike, we had a very strong headwind which made it a lot harder to maintain the pace that I am used to, and to top it off, the last mile of the bike leg, I got lost on the course because a cop that was directing traffic gave me the wrong directions! UGHHH! I ended up riding a couple extra miles and losing 6 minutes. But I can't complain because those kind of things happen sometimes and there's nothing you can do about them. Plus, I still finished well (I would've finished 1st overall if it weren't for the cop!) and had a blast.

Next year, I plan to do a few more Aquabike races--I would like to do the one in Vegas which is a Half Ironman distance and eventually in a couple of years do a Full Aquabike (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike). I think I'm pretty good at it too! ;)

Finishing the swim and running to transition

Transition
Bike finish line

Me and my #1

Finish line

Preschooler!

How cute is this picture?! It depicts EXACTLY how EXCITED Carson was on his first official day of preschool. Whoa--let me say that again, Carson is in preschool now??? Where did the last 3 1/2 years go? This little man is growing up and I have to be honest, I'm not sure I like it! After all, he is my baby! He has been ready for this moment though, especially after seeing Austin go to school everyday. This year Carson is only in preschool 2 days/week for 2 1/2 hours, so not too long, but it's good for him to have a little routine that breaks up the week a bit, give him a chance to socialize with kids his age, and learn through playing. I'm liking the short break without BOTH kids too--it means I can run earrands san kids or go the gym by myself and get my Zen on! Bonus!

You forget how quickly they change and grow at this age, but I look at my little Carson and see this cute, sweet, silly, loving little boy that loves to snuggle with his momma, wrestle and get tickled by Dad, follow his big brother around and make trouble, and play with cars ALL day long. He is such a special spirit in our home and in our family and even though I'm sad he's not a baby anymore, it's also fun to see him develop and grow into his own little personality as he gets older! We love you Carson!

1st Grader!

I thought I wouldn't be sad with Austin going to school all day (for awhile there, I was looking forward to it! ;) and entering 1st grade this year, but it was an emotional day for me! Partly because it brought me back to last year at this time when I missed the first day of school (I was in the hospital getting treatment), but mostly because it made me realize that Austin is growing up so fast! By the end of summer, he was sure ready for school to begin though! The morning of the first day, he got up, got dressed, ate breakfast, fixed his lunch, and then got his backpack on--ALL before 8am! When I told him that he had another hour before school started, he was so bummed! :)

Watching Austin walk off into school that morning brought tears to my eyes as I realized how fast time flies and how my baby isn't such a baby anymore! He is such a great kid though and has so many special and unique characteristics about him that will help him do well in school and in life. I love that Austin be-friends anyone AND everyone regardless of age, sex, color, etc. He is a very social and friendly kid and always includes everyone. Him and I had been having talks lately about making sure not to leave anyone out and to find the kids that look lonely at school. The morning before school started, Austin told me, "Mom, don't worry, I promise to make sure to find the kids that need a friend!" I am so proud of him. I know he will do GREAT in school because he is very bright and curious and wants to do well. I can't wait to see what he's doing by the end of this school year!