A Little Dose of My Favorite Medicine

The track season came and went too fast. I loved every minute of it. I didn't just love getting outside and being around a sport I love, but I learned to love the kids I coached as well. I started calling them 'my hurdlers' because they quickly felt like little brothers and sisters to me. I would say they felt like my kids, but I just don't feel old enough to say that... I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids. 

They came to practice wanting to improve and succeed. We were the last ones to leave the track most practices and they often did two workouts- one with the sprinters and one with hurdles. My two little assistant hurdle coaches, also liked practice most days. Jack made two buddies, Hunter and Brooklyn, who he loved getting attention from. He also loved helping me call them to the blocks and nearly perfected his own start. My best babysitters for Brockster was surprisingly a couple of junior boys. I would often see them trying to entertain him on the grass while I was working technique with other kids. 

I had butterflies at our region meet just like I would get on my own race days years ago. It was an exciting meet; so many of my hurdlers improved. In the 110m Hurdlers our boys placed 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.

We dominated the medal stand in the Boys 300m Hurdles as well, placing 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. 

Those boys helped our men's team take home the region trophy. So proud of them!

Even though they didn't make the medal stand, I still have much to say about my dear hurdlerite girlies. I could use many words to describe them. Determined? Yes. Hard working? Yes. Persevering? Yes. Optimistic? Yes. Silly? Double yes. If I ever have a girl, I hope she grows up to be like these awesome chicas. Despite ongoing injuries, they didn't give up and they brought laughter and smiles to every practice. I'm not sure exactly why, but they started calling me, Jack, and Brock 'Lady Bleazardereth and thine seed'. ...goofs. Sadly I didn't get pictures of them, probably because when I would watch them I usually ended up laughing. 

My knees keep me from running and racing much, but coaching has given my heart and mind a little dose of the rush I miss like crazy, just without the sweating. I truly enjoy watching these kids work hard to improve and succeed. Go Stallions!

Simple Moments : One on One Time

One of the reasons I think Brock is such a whiny baby is his need to compete for my attention. That wasn't the case this afternoon. Jack and Heath were out moving some big rocks from a neighbors yard on the skidsteer, so Brock the Rock and I had some great one on one time. We both LOVED it.

He showed me just how smart and adventurous he actually is. Rather than attaching himself to my hip or leg, he pointed to the toy barn on the shelf and said "mooof". I pulled it out and we played animals. Cows and dogs are his favorites and he has his own words for both of them "moof" and "dod". Next we did some pillow jumping. He loves it when I throw all the pillows on the floor so he can fall on them.

It was fun to give my full attention to Brock. Despite all this clinginess, I sure do love him.

Easter 2014

Events surrounding Easter this year helped our family ponder our Savior's role a bit more. How grateful I am for Him and His infinite atonement. Because of Him I can be with all those I love after this life. Because of Him I can be forgiven for my many shortcomings. Because of Him I can be strengthened to endure the trials of mortality. I truly love my Savior.

Heath's Grandma Marjorie passed away the week before Easter Sunday. I was often told I didn't know the real Grandma Marjie, but from all the stories I can tell she was an earthly angel. A couple years ago I made a special video about her for her 90th birthday. After interviewing all of her children and scanning and organizing 100+ photos of her life and posterity, I felt like I sure missed out not getting to be around the younger Marjorie. What a lady!

Her funeral was one of the happiest ones I've been to. Not at all because she was gone, but because she helped create a posterity that has testimonies of the gospel. The most tender moment of the funeral was hearing her sweet husband Grant sing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" at her graveside.
We love you Grandma Marjie!

Jack seemed to enjoy easter egg hunting quite a bit, but just like last year I think he would have been happy with 2 or 3 eggs. Once he found one, he would open it right up and enjoy the treat before moving on to the next. He even shared with Aunt Kristi and Grandma. Brock liked his chocolate treats just as much as his bro. Here's snaps of our Easter fun....

Captain Jack's Log : "I Not Cute. I Big"

One day I told Jack he was cute. Disgusted with my compliment he said, "I not cute. I big." I realized cute is the word we call Brock and other babies. It has hit me several times over the last few months, Jack is not my baby anymore. He's becoming my fearless, adventure-seeking, brilliantly talented little boy (minus the diaper...).  Here are some moments that I have seen glimpses of what kind of big boy Jack is going to grow up to be.


Nothing new here, but one day this kid is going to throw a lot of strikes. His pitcher face alone will leave the batter shaking in his cleats, but he also has an arm to back up that intense look. Whether he ends up playing baseball or not, Jackie will be one determined young man. He already is.

I think Jack is going to be a lover of anything with an engine. Tractors, motorcycles, trucks...you name he'll love it. As much as I wish it wasn't true, he's going to be a dare devil too. All I hope is that his fearlessness will help propel him through the tough times that we are here to experience in mortality. 

There's a good chance he'll be like his dad and have girls wanting to hold on to him tight while sitting on the back of his bike. (Just not until your 30 okay buddy? And only Jordan.)

Jack is also going to be a man with a tender side. The kind of guy who knows how to show those he loves he cares about them. 

It may be a good back rub...

A snuggle...

Or a kiss...

I see Jack being a leader. The kind of leader that makes others feel empowered, capable, and wanted. 

I hope he is a leader for his peers. One who doesn't put up with bullying or evil. I see super hero in my Captain.

Jack will be that person that naturally lights up a room. He remembers people's names and greets everyone like its the best thing in the world to see them. He can make just about anyone laugh. He's going to spread a lot of happiness.

I see Jack being a hard worker in everything he does. After all, he is learning from one of the best in that department (not me, his dad. :) I pray he chooses to work hard toward the things that really matter because...

 

I see him being a King.

 I love you Captain Jackie.

Simple Moments : Going to Bed

The last few nights I've really enjoyed getting into bed, more than usual. I love opening all our windows and feeling the crisp night air flow in. After hot afternoons and evenings pulling weeds it has made going to bed that much more relaxing. Instead of Jack and Brock's endless noise, all I can hear is the crickets creating a sweet lullaby for me. Ah.... I'm grateful for an incredible comfy bed, cool breezes, and nature's music.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Jack is learning all about feelings and emotions. His ability to handle them is a different story. Our following conversation clearly demonstrates this kid's wit.

Jack (in a fake sad voice):   Mama, I sick.
Me:   You are? That's not good.
Jack:  Yeah, I sick.
Me:  Well, if you're sick you better go to bed.
Jack:   I not sick! I happy!


Lately, after I get mad a Jack for something naughty he's done he responds in a sweet, innocent voice with his charming smile and big bright eyes looking up at me,

"Mama, you happy?"

With Jack in my life, how can I not be! Love him.

Our Exotic Excursion to Idado

After two plans falling through, we finally made it to Idaho to have an adventure with the Swallows during Heath's spring break in March (yes, I am very far behind in my journaling). We shared a little cabin at 1000 Springs Resort and enjoyed some fun together.

That night we cooked up some delicious tin foil dinners and banana boats. Then we squeezed in some pool time before bed. The spring water made our skin so soft. My gross, scaly heels were as smooth as Brock's bum! There was a basketball hoop on the edge of the pool and of course we couldn't keep Jack away from it. He stood on the deck shooting most of the time there.

My favorite part of the trip was seeing Jack and Brock play with their cool cousin Logan. I think they are all going to be good buddies. Surprisingly they all slept really well in our close quarters. Thanks boys for giving us all a little extra sleep!

The next day, Jack and Logan had some great bonding time while exploring a tractor we ran across while checking out the huge sturgeon fish at a local fish hatchery. 

These were some of the smaller fish at the hatchery. Some were close to double in size. Crazy. When Jack saw them he said "Look Mama! A dolphin!"

Next, we got a little lost driving through Idaho looking for balanced rock. Heath was in heaven driving around plenty of farms and dairies. After finding it, I felt like we were at Arches. 

Before hitting the road, the Swallows treated us to lunch. Delicious. And the boys slept nearly all the way home! We couldn't have asked for a better little vacation. Thanks Swallows!

Brock The Tiger's Tale : 9 Months

This kiddo thinks he is a big boy. 

He thinks he's so big that he needs a king sized bed every night. 

And that he needs to brush his 3 teeth for hours at a time.

He also think he's big enough to drive the ranch truck and our car, 

 climb piles of gravel like Jack, 

and most scary, he thinks he's old enough to have a special friend to kiss. 

(he must have a cute, girly reflection...)

In a lot of ways Brock is turning into a big boy. At his 9 month check up he was 29.75 inches tall, 90th percentile. His mellon is still large and in the 90th percentile as well. Unlike his brother, Brock watches his figure and weighs 19lbs, the 26th percentile. He must not want to be big in the weight department.

He's big enough for piggy-back and horsey rides,

 to ride in the grocery cart next to Jack now,

sit at the counter and eat table food,

 and big enough to watch Bob the Builder.

Yep, Brock is growing up. He is turning into a squirmy, get into everything, try to climb up everything little tornado. He is starting to walk along furniture, walk while pushing the toy car, and climbing up stairs. 

He likes to clap, give things and people he likes the finger point, cover his mom with slobbery kisses or blow raspberries on her arm, crawl really fast to his daddy when he comes home, and get his hands on anything electronic. 

Our wiggle worm is drawn to music and is working on some great dance moves. We think he is going to have a great sense of humor and be quite a teaser. He already seems to know how to tease everyone in our family. He still loves to wrestle Jack and we haven't found anything the kid won't eat- fences, chunks of aerated dirt, and grass included. 

Next time I blink, this wanna-be big boy won't be a baby anymore!

We love you Brockie-Boom-A-Lockie