1) I just finished knitting a sweater for NJH. It was a very easy pattern, using a fair isle patterned yarn. I'm happy with the result, although it's a little too big for him right now. I have a series of very funny pictures of him "modeling" the sweater...he's furious with me and screaming and having quite the meltdown, poor little fella!! (posting pics soon)
2) I'm planning CAH's 5th birthday party. It will be a Tinkerbell theme, and just "big girls" have been invited. We'll be playing several games, doing a few crafts, and assembling/eating fruit kabobs. CAH opted for cupcakes (with purple and green "pixie dust") and we're still deciding about a pinata (vs. treat bags with lip gloss, sparkly stuff, etc.)
3) The three older kids are very busy with swim lessons. I am proud to say NCH, at age 7, is now at level 6! CAH, at age 4, is a level 4, and KBH, at age 3, is a level 2. KBH is officially "vestless" and all over the pool at home. She jumps off the middle diving board at lessons with her usual zest!! CAH has a beautiful stroke, especially the "elementary back stroke" (or "chicken airplane soldier.") NCH continues to participate in the swim team, with practice each morning at 7:30, and meets once a week. He swam the 25m free, 25m back and 25m breast last week and was thrilled he wasn't "DQ'd" (that means he is doing the correct stroke now, for the entire race.) Both girls are on the waiting list for the swim team, so hopefully they will get the chance to join in the fun in another year or so.
4) My house is dirtier than it's ever been!!! Yes, it's true! We're on the go with swimming so much, that my usual morning cleaning time no longer exists. I try to run the vacuum daily, and the meals/dishes/laundry are barely getting done. It's a little frustrating, but there are less than 3 weeks left of the swim practice/lesson schedule...I'm sure the dirt, dust and grime will still be here!!
5) I finally finished watching "ER"...I know, it's silly, but I had most of season 14 and all of the last season downloaded and it was bothering me that I was taking so long to get through it. I was sad to see it end...but I know, it's just a show!
6) I'm still reading the "Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye...what a great series!! I'm on book 9 and it continues to captivate me...I look forward to my Precept Bible study this fall, as we study Revelation.
7) We spent Sunday at my parents' place on the Great Sacandaga Lake. I love watching the kids out on the boats. NCH thinks it's a "perfect" day if he can be in each of the boats (sailboat, motor boat, row boat and kayak.) In fact, he had his first solo kayak trip on Saturday, as he and my dad kayaked Northville Lake up and back. I can't believe he's big enough to do that!! All three of the older kids love tubing behind the motor boat, and I'm sure it won't be long before NCH tries the water skis! So far, NJH says, "Boppa, lake, sail boat" but he gets a bit timid once he's on the dock. I don't mind that he's cautious...it balances out the risk-taking tendencies of KBH!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Book Review: Have a New Kid by Friday
Those of you who know me know that I love a "kick" a "fad" a "trend" or a "gimmick," whether it's dieting, fitness, or raising kids/behavior modification/discipline. I am aware, however, that there is no "manual", no "step by step how-to-raise-a-perfect-child" guide book. Instead, I try to gather information from a variety of sources and incorporate new ideas into my ever-growing "bag of tricks." I also realize, now that I have four children, that every child is different. What works for one child, may not work for another...and what works one day, may backfire another time. Now that all of that is out of the way, here is my "review" of the book, "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr. Kevin Leman.
I picked up this book because several friends had raved about it. The title was pretty catchy, and the book wasn't terribly long. I could commiserate with several of the "tales of woe" at the beginning and I was ready to change my children - attitude, behavior and character!!
My positive feelings began to fade when I read the words, "1) Say it once. 2) Turn your back. 3) Walk away." Somehow, that just didn't sit well with me. Saying it once sounds terrific, but turning my back? Walking away? Hmmm. I decided to keep reading, maybe I just didn't understand. Now that I've finished the book, my opinion hasn't changed much: your child needs to tidy the family room. You say it once, turn your back, and walk away. If the child has not complied, you wait until he needs something from you, and then you refuse to do it. You can then explain that when he didn't tidy up when you asked, he was not obeying/showing kindness/respecting you and you, in turn, will not drive him to karate that day. Again, that does not sit well with me. Am I teaching my child he has to behave or he won't get stuff? That if he disobeys, mommy will decide she doesn't feel like doing X, Y, or Z? Maybe I'm missing something, but this is the gist of this book! Also, in the area of "say it once," Leman claims, "If you say it more than once, you're implying, 'I think you're so stupid that you're not going to get it the first time, so let me tell you again.'" I'm not convinced here.
Yes, there are other sections of the book that make more sense to me: understanding the ABCs (attitude, behavior and character...if you don't like your child's attitude, look in the mirror; know the purpose behind your child's behavior; and know how to shape your child's character.) Three helpful strategies: "1) Let reality be the teacher. 2) Learn to respond rather than react. 3) B doesn't happen until A is completed."
Other helpful sections (although not new): 3 types of parenting (permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative/responsible) as well as 3 pillars of self-worth (acceptance, belonging, and competence.) And then the "top 10" list, which includes being consistent, always follow through, respond don't react, never threaten, never get angry, don't give any warnings (this is a tricky one for me - not sure I agree here), ask yourself "whose problem is this", don't think the misbehavior will go away, keep a happy face, even when you want to...do something else.
The remaining 2/3 of the book is "Ask Dr. Leman," an A to Z guide/advice section. Some of this was helpful, some applies to older children (musical influences, cell phones, etc.) but "fighting in the car" jumped right out at me (a recent issue for the Hill Herd!) The advice for this problem was to try turning up the music (so it seems like you can't hear them?!!) If this doesn't work, "calmly pull over the car and stop. Get out of the car, stretch a little, check your tires...when you get back in the car, say something like, 'is it safe for Mom to drive now?'" I liked this one! (I'll let you know if it works...)
A few other points to ponder - "Don't praise them. Encourage them." Leman states that, "Praise links a child's worth to what she does. Encouragement emphasizes the act." I'm still mulling this one over.
My goal is not to bash Dr. Leman. I am just a bit skeptical of the "five-day" plan. There are several items from this book that I will add to my own bag of tricks, but I don't think "say it once, turn your back, walk away" is right for our family at this time.
I picked up this book because several friends had raved about it. The title was pretty catchy, and the book wasn't terribly long. I could commiserate with several of the "tales of woe" at the beginning and I was ready to change my children - attitude, behavior and character!!
My positive feelings began to fade when I read the words, "1) Say it once. 2) Turn your back. 3) Walk away." Somehow, that just didn't sit well with me. Saying it once sounds terrific, but turning my back? Walking away? Hmmm. I decided to keep reading, maybe I just didn't understand. Now that I've finished the book, my opinion hasn't changed much: your child needs to tidy the family room. You say it once, turn your back, and walk away. If the child has not complied, you wait until he needs something from you, and then you refuse to do it. You can then explain that when he didn't tidy up when you asked, he was not obeying/showing kindness/respecting you and you, in turn, will not drive him to karate that day. Again, that does not sit well with me. Am I teaching my child he has to behave or he won't get stuff? That if he disobeys, mommy will decide she doesn't feel like doing X, Y, or Z? Maybe I'm missing something, but this is the gist of this book! Also, in the area of "say it once," Leman claims, "If you say it more than once, you're implying, 'I think you're so stupid that you're not going to get it the first time, so let me tell you again.'" I'm not convinced here.
Yes, there are other sections of the book that make more sense to me: understanding the ABCs (attitude, behavior and character...if you don't like your child's attitude, look in the mirror; know the purpose behind your child's behavior; and know how to shape your child's character.) Three helpful strategies: "1) Let reality be the teacher. 2) Learn to respond rather than react. 3) B doesn't happen until A is completed."
Other helpful sections (although not new): 3 types of parenting (permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative/responsible) as well as 3 pillars of self-worth (acceptance, belonging, and competence.) And then the "top 10" list, which includes being consistent, always follow through, respond don't react, never threaten, never get angry, don't give any warnings (this is a tricky one for me - not sure I agree here), ask yourself "whose problem is this", don't think the misbehavior will go away, keep a happy face, even when you want to...do something else.
The remaining 2/3 of the book is "Ask Dr. Leman," an A to Z guide/advice section. Some of this was helpful, some applies to older children (musical influences, cell phones, etc.) but "fighting in the car" jumped right out at me (a recent issue for the Hill Herd!) The advice for this problem was to try turning up the music (so it seems like you can't hear them?!!) If this doesn't work, "calmly pull over the car and stop. Get out of the car, stretch a little, check your tires...when you get back in the car, say something like, 'is it safe for Mom to drive now?'" I liked this one! (I'll let you know if it works...)
A few other points to ponder - "Don't praise them. Encourage them." Leman states that, "Praise links a child's worth to what she does. Encouragement emphasizes the act." I'm still mulling this one over.
My goal is not to bash Dr. Leman. I am just a bit skeptical of the "five-day" plan. There are several items from this book that I will add to my own bag of tricks, but I don't think "say it once, turn your back, walk away" is right for our family at this time.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
In Love With A 21-Month-Old
Yes, I love all of my kids, but did you ever have that day/moment when you are just SOOOOO "in love" with your kids?!! It happened today with NJH, now 21-months-old. I'm not sure if it's knowing he's "our last" or just his utter cuteness, but I keep finding myself staring at him...watching him play, gazing at him as he looks at books, just marveling at all he is. Here are some of the things he's doing lately:
1) Last night when I tucked him in bed, he said, "Mommy, lub-you" for the first time.
2) I've heard him repeat after me counting to ten, but today he counted from 1 to 10 completely on his own, several times (he was counting the bars on the safety gate.)
3) He LOVES to sing! He actually has great pitch and rhythm (very cute to see him dance along with The Wiggles.) He's been singing Barney's I Love You, Jesus Loves Me, Bathtime song (wah, wah, wah wubbly bubbles...), Mr. Golden Sun, and Brown Girl in the Ring (sugar and a plum song.)
4) He enjoys playing sleep (he calls is "leep") and snuggling under blankets, pretending to sleep.
5) He has such a great laugh and loves to play hide and seek/peek a boo.
6) He absolutely LOVES books! He often says, "Read, Book" and is quite particular about which book he wants. He also knows which pages are his favorites and names most of the items on the pages. I love when he makes animal sounds, especially a high-pitched "Tweet, Tweet" for birds.
7) He's being a little bit "Rain Man" lately (repeating words and phrases over and over and over and over), but usually once I acknowledge him, he moves on. He is definitely enjoying the sound of his own voice!! :)
The time is just flying by...I can't believe he'll be two in less than three months! I'm really making an effort to savor these sweet moments.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Eight "Don'ts"
1) Don't do the :08 minute abs DVD 2 days before a race.
2) Don't leave strollers/extra booster seats in the garage. If you do, make sure you move them before anyone uses a saw...the sawdust is very messy.
3) Don't tell anyone you're going to clean your fridge and your "scary closet" and then not do it. You feel lame later.
4) Don't buy chips and dip if you're trying to lose weight.
5) Don't buy hot fudge either.
6) Don't leave 5 giant beach towels hanging outside if rain is in the forecast.
7) Don't go to bed at night without listening to the weather forecast.
8) Don't make Ambrosia Salad (especially a double batch) with coconut if your children don't like coconut.
2) Don't leave strollers/extra booster seats in the garage. If you do, make sure you move them before anyone uses a saw...the sawdust is very messy.
3) Don't tell anyone you're going to clean your fridge and your "scary closet" and then not do it. You feel lame later.
4) Don't buy chips and dip if you're trying to lose weight.
5) Don't buy hot fudge either.
6) Don't leave 5 giant beach towels hanging outside if rain is in the forecast.
7) Don't go to bed at night without listening to the weather forecast.
8) Don't make Ambrosia Salad (especially a double batch) with coconut if your children don't like coconut.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June is Jumpin'!
1) Frank turns 36:
Frank opted for Chinese take-out as his birthday meal. NCH and KBH helped Dad blow out the candles.
2) Pool time for the kiddos:
NCH and CAH are all over the entire pool - jumps, cannon balls, holding breath contests, you name it. KBH insisted on wearing her vest at first, but she is now comfortable jumping in (vest-free) to Mom or Dad, and swimming (face in) to the stairs. All three older kids start swim lessons in just a week and a half...they'll take lessons every day for 6 weeks. I've been thrilled with the lessons in the past. The older two have become strong swimmers, mainly due to the daily lessons, building confidence with lots of practice and fun. So far, (thankfully!), NJH is content to play in the yard, outside our pool fence, watching the big kids swim. There won't be a fence at swim lessons, so we'll see how that goes!
3) NCH starts swim team practice:
This is new for our family, but so far, it's been a lot of fun. NCH practices every day and will have six swim meets this summer. The coaches make it fun for the kids, and I already have my younger three on the waiting list to join one day! They've participated in stretching time and it's been so cute to watch NJH do "arms" as he sits in his stroller. I'm finding many large families are participating in the swim team (some with 4, 5 and 6 children.) It's nice to go somewhere and have others smile understandingly, rather than stare and ask, "Are they ALL yours?" or state, "Wow - YOU've got your hands full!!"
4) More Saturday soccer:
NCH is on a very good team this year and he's really enjoying the "winning feeling." He has shown a lot of improvement, especially on defense. For the first time, he looks forward to games and wants to play again next year! CAH has happily gotten herself ready for soccer games, but doesn't participate much during games. When I asked her why she doesn't kick the ball, she replied, "Every time I run to get to it, but when I get there, the ball is already gone!"
5) CAH graduates from preschool:
If you read my "tough cookie" entry awhile back, you'll know the deep attachment here, to this little miracle girl! At the beginning of June, she had an Alphabet Celebration (top picture, below.)For preschool graduation, she wore a light pink dress with a bow in her hair (of course!) She sat up front like such a lady. When it was her turn to sing, she sang her little heart out. She blushed a little bit when her teacher called her up for her "diploma" and to give her the "loves to learn" award. I was SO proud of her! We celebrated that evening at the "99" with my parents.
6) Flag Day celebrations:
NCH enjoyed participating in his school's Flag Day celebration. I love that the school holds patriotic events. As you can see from the photos, we all like wearing our red, white and blue!
7) NJH poops on the potty:
Yes, I saw him with that "I'm about to go potty" face and hurried him to the toilet. Sure enough, he went #2 on the potty twice the other day! Now he asks for "potty" and will go #1 almost every time. The first time he went #1 on the potty, he said, "Peeper, water!" The older three are so excited for him. He doesn't stay dry yet, but this is a great start for a 20-month-old.
This picture is of "the boys" before heading to church -
Frank opted for Chinese take-out as his birthday meal. NCH and KBH helped Dad blow out the candles.
2) Pool time for the kiddos:
NCH and CAH are all over the entire pool - jumps, cannon balls, holding breath contests, you name it. KBH insisted on wearing her vest at first, but she is now comfortable jumping in (vest-free) to Mom or Dad, and swimming (face in) to the stairs. All three older kids start swim lessons in just a week and a half...they'll take lessons every day for 6 weeks. I've been thrilled with the lessons in the past. The older two have become strong swimmers, mainly due to the daily lessons, building confidence with lots of practice and fun. So far, (thankfully!), NJH is content to play in the yard, outside our pool fence, watching the big kids swim. There won't be a fence at swim lessons, so we'll see how that goes!
3) NCH starts swim team practice:
This is new for our family, but so far, it's been a lot of fun. NCH practices every day and will have six swim meets this summer. The coaches make it fun for the kids, and I already have my younger three on the waiting list to join one day! They've participated in stretching time and it's been so cute to watch NJH do "arms" as he sits in his stroller. I'm finding many large families are participating in the swim team (some with 4, 5 and 6 children.) It's nice to go somewhere and have others smile understandingly, rather than stare and ask, "Are they ALL yours?" or state, "Wow - YOU've got your hands full!!"
4) More Saturday soccer:
NCH is on a very good team this year and he's really enjoying the "winning feeling." He has shown a lot of improvement, especially on defense. For the first time, he looks forward to games and wants to play again next year! CAH has happily gotten herself ready for soccer games, but doesn't participate much during games. When I asked her why she doesn't kick the ball, she replied, "Every time I run to get to it, but when I get there, the ball is already gone!"
5) CAH graduates from preschool:
If you read my "tough cookie" entry awhile back, you'll know the deep attachment here, to this little miracle girl! At the beginning of June, she had an Alphabet Celebration (top picture, below.)For preschool graduation, she wore a light pink dress with a bow in her hair (of course!) She sat up front like such a lady. When it was her turn to sing, she sang her little heart out. She blushed a little bit when her teacher called her up for her "diploma" and to give her the "loves to learn" award. I was SO proud of her! We celebrated that evening at the "99" with my parents.
6) Flag Day celebrations:
NCH enjoyed participating in his school's Flag Day celebration. I love that the school holds patriotic events. As you can see from the photos, we all like wearing our red, white and blue!
7) NJH poops on the potty:
Yes, I saw him with that "I'm about to go potty" face and hurried him to the toilet. Sure enough, he went #2 on the potty twice the other day! Now he asks for "potty" and will go #1 almost every time. The first time he went #1 on the potty, he said, "Peeper, water!" The older three are so excited for him. He doesn't stay dry yet, but this is a great start for a 20-month-old.
This picture is of "the boys" before heading to church -
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wow, What a Weekend!!!
Yes, it was such a wonderful weekend, I just have to write it all down while it's fresh in my mind. Friday was a really busy day. CAH had Circus Day at preschool and dressed as a clown: 
After preschool, we had to head down to the Empire State Plaza in Albany to pick up my bib and chip for Saturday's 5K (prior to this, I never knew a runner's number tag was called a bib...and I never knew a runner could wear a plastic band called a chip on her shoe, which kept her time data at a race.) Anyway, I was nervous about parking downtown and getting in and out with 3 kids in tow, but as I pulled up to a parking space with a meter, just one block away from the Plaza, I saw the meter already had over an hour left on it (bonus!) I heaved the stroller out of the van and strapped in KBH and NJH, while CAH walked with me. We found the Health Expo and picked up my bib, chip and t-shirt without any problems. The kids loved seeing all the action and NJH amused himself by making his voice echo throughout the concourse. It was so noisy in there, no one seemed to mind his echoing! Next, we stopped for a special lunch treat at McDonald's and decided to bring our lunch outside...we sat in front of the fountains and had a wonderful time people-watching.
The sun even came out while we admired the scenery. By the time we got home, it was nap time, and my mom was there for a bonus afternoon visit.
The next few hours flew by, and it was time to pick up NCH from his "Green Thumbs Club" after school. We had a quick bite to eat, NJH's babysitter arrived, and off we went (5 Hill's plus my parents) to NCH's play at school. We were delighted to see our once shy little guy come alive on stage! He said his lines beautifully and sang like an angel. This is the same child who cried during his preschool "Stone Soup Celebration" because he didn't want people looking at him!! Needless to say, my hubby and I were so proud of our big boy. The only sad part is our video camera ran out of tape just before his special line and song, but we'll keep the memories in our hearts forever. We took plenty of pictures, too:
After the play, we came home and had a chocolate lava cake in honor of Frank's birthday (coming up on June 3rd), and then off they went to the lake - the 4 kids with my parents! Frank and I enjoyed a quiet evening and I headed to bed early, in anticipation of my 5K in the morning.
Saturday morning came and Frank and I hurried up to Barney Road pool to sign the three older kids up for swim lessons. Thankfully it went quickly and before we knew it, we were in Albany, waiting in a long line of cars to park in the East Garage. I was getting more nervous by the minute. I saw hundreds, then thousands of women gathering along Madison Avenue, ready to run the 31st annual Freihofer's Run for Women! Frank took a few pictures of me:
and then it was race time! I had been warned not to start too quickly, so I reminded myself to take it easy. Well, that was one piece of advice I didn't need! I couldn't even break into a run until I was almost all the way up the hill!! There were SO many people running!! When I was finally able to run, I had to keep slowing down so I wouldn't bump the runner ahead of me. After I got into Washington Park, I ran up on the grass to go around many people. As the race progressed, some runners came to a dead stop right in front me! Although the sounds of the many encouraging fans was motivating, I dared not look anywhere but straight ahead for fear I run into someone!! I did love hearing the crowds cheering for us all, and I was surprised to see there were people lined up along the course for the entire race. Water stations were new to me...I didn't stop to get any water (never stopped for water when I trained), but the sound of cups crunching was, well, loud! I learned to stay in the center of the course when approaching a water station, so I wouldn't get bumped as runners darted back and forth. As I ran past the mile 2 mark, I let out a "woo-hoo!!!" knowing there was just 1.1 mile to go! Before I knew it, I was heading back down Madison Avenue towards the finish line...and the crowds were cheering like crazy!!! As I crossed the finish line, I knew I could have run a faster race, but I was proud to have accomplished my first really big 5K. Frank was there to congratulate me and off we went to find my free box of cookies! :) 
We hurried home for a quick shower and change and we were on to Cooperstown, where my sister, Amy, had planned a big surprise birthday gathering for her husband, Steve. (My other sister, Kara, and her husband, Paul, joined us too...such a treat to have the three sisters together!!) A tour of the Ommegang Brewery, festivities at Cooley's Tavern, a nice walk to the Otesaga Hotel (that's one magnificent place!!), dinner around the campfire at Glimmerglass, and more celebrating back at the Holiday Inn Express...we finally turned in some time after 2am! In the morning (ok so more like noon time), we had lunch at PJ's Diner, said our good-byes and headed up to Northville to fetch our Herd. Frank took the older two home right away in his truck. I left a couple hours later with the younger two in the van...I had the sheer pleasure of watching KBH fall asleep in her car seat
and what joy it was to listen to NJH sing along to "Kumbayah" with the Veggie Tales CD!!!
So many treasures in one short weekend...I am blessed, truly blessed!
After preschool, we had to head down to the Empire State Plaza in Albany to pick up my bib and chip for Saturday's 5K (prior to this, I never knew a runner's number tag was called a bib...and I never knew a runner could wear a plastic band called a chip on her shoe, which kept her time data at a race.) Anyway, I was nervous about parking downtown and getting in and out with 3 kids in tow, but as I pulled up to a parking space with a meter, just one block away from the Plaza, I saw the meter already had over an hour left on it (bonus!) I heaved the stroller out of the van and strapped in KBH and NJH, while CAH walked with me. We found the Health Expo and picked up my bib, chip and t-shirt without any problems. The kids loved seeing all the action and NJH amused himself by making his voice echo throughout the concourse. It was so noisy in there, no one seemed to mind his echoing! Next, we stopped for a special lunch treat at McDonald's and decided to bring our lunch outside...we sat in front of the fountains and had a wonderful time people-watching.
The sun even came out while we admired the scenery. By the time we got home, it was nap time, and my mom was there for a bonus afternoon visit.
The next few hours flew by, and it was time to pick up NCH from his "Green Thumbs Club" after school. We had a quick bite to eat, NJH's babysitter arrived, and off we went (5 Hill's plus my parents) to NCH's play at school. We were delighted to see our once shy little guy come alive on stage! He said his lines beautifully and sang like an angel. This is the same child who cried during his preschool "Stone Soup Celebration" because he didn't want people looking at him!! Needless to say, my hubby and I were so proud of our big boy. The only sad part is our video camera ran out of tape just before his special line and song, but we'll keep the memories in our hearts forever. We took plenty of pictures, too:
After the play, we came home and had a chocolate lava cake in honor of Frank's birthday (coming up on June 3rd), and then off they went to the lake - the 4 kids with my parents! Frank and I enjoyed a quiet evening and I headed to bed early, in anticipation of my 5K in the morning.
Saturday morning came and Frank and I hurried up to Barney Road pool to sign the three older kids up for swim lessons. Thankfully it went quickly and before we knew it, we were in Albany, waiting in a long line of cars to park in the East Garage. I was getting more nervous by the minute. I saw hundreds, then thousands of women gathering along Madison Avenue, ready to run the 31st annual Freihofer's Run for Women! Frank took a few pictures of me:
and then it was race time! I had been warned not to start too quickly, so I reminded myself to take it easy. Well, that was one piece of advice I didn't need! I couldn't even break into a run until I was almost all the way up the hill!! There were SO many people running!! When I was finally able to run, I had to keep slowing down so I wouldn't bump the runner ahead of me. After I got into Washington Park, I ran up on the grass to go around many people. As the race progressed, some runners came to a dead stop right in front me! Although the sounds of the many encouraging fans was motivating, I dared not look anywhere but straight ahead for fear I run into someone!! I did love hearing the crowds cheering for us all, and I was surprised to see there were people lined up along the course for the entire race. Water stations were new to me...I didn't stop to get any water (never stopped for water when I trained), but the sound of cups crunching was, well, loud! I learned to stay in the center of the course when approaching a water station, so I wouldn't get bumped as runners darted back and forth. As I ran past the mile 2 mark, I let out a "woo-hoo!!!" knowing there was just 1.1 mile to go! Before I knew it, I was heading back down Madison Avenue towards the finish line...and the crowds were cheering like crazy!!! As I crossed the finish line, I knew I could have run a faster race, but I was proud to have accomplished my first really big 5K. Frank was there to congratulate me and off we went to find my free box of cookies! :) 
We hurried home for a quick shower and change and we were on to Cooperstown, where my sister, Amy, had planned a big surprise birthday gathering for her husband, Steve. (My other sister, Kara, and her husband, Paul, joined us too...such a treat to have the three sisters together!!) A tour of the Ommegang Brewery, festivities at Cooley's Tavern, a nice walk to the Otesaga Hotel (that's one magnificent place!!), dinner around the campfire at Glimmerglass, and more celebrating back at the Holiday Inn Express...we finally turned in some time after 2am! In the morning (ok so more like noon time), we had lunch at PJ's Diner, said our good-byes and headed up to Northville to fetch our Herd. Frank took the older two home right away in his truck. I left a couple hours later with the younger two in the van...I had the sheer pleasure of watching KBH fall asleep in her car seat
and what joy it was to listen to NJH sing along to "Kumbayah" with the Veggie Tales CD!!!
So many treasures in one short weekend...I am blessed, truly blessed!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Nine Newsworthy Items
Ok, so maybe not so newsworthy, but several of you have scolded me for not doing a better job updating my blog! :) I will add some pictures next time, I promise!!
So here are some things happening in my life:
1) Memorial Day was a great day. Hubby had taken NCH and CAH up to the lake (where my parents live) on Sunday, and KBH, NJH and I joined them on Monday. My parents and my sister, her hubby and friend were all there...we spent the entire day outside, either looking at the lake or boating/sailing/tubing on it. All three older kids went tubing (KBH's first time!) They loved it! No naps for anyone and they all held up surprisingly well. I really didn't want the day to end. I can't wait to go back up for a week in August, just the 6 Hill's and my parents.
2) I started the "Left Behind" series of books last week. I'm on book 2 already and just can't put it down. I highly recommend it!
3) NCH starts swim team practice next week. I'm excited for him and I really hope he loves it. Swimming seems like a good, healthy, safe sport.
4) CAH is celebrating her "fake five" birthday tomorrow at preschool. We're bringing in flower-shaped watermelon on popsicle sticks as her special snack to share. I still can't believe she'll start kindergarten in the fall! We've been reading "Little House on the Prairie" every day...she loves it, and I am amazed at the way she remembers details about the stories.
5) KBH suddenly has curly hair! One humid day, it just started curling and I loved how cute it looked. Now I just wet it, put a little gel in and scrunch it and off she goes...it really seems to suit her personality!
6) NJH is 20 months old today. He is a joy and he's growing way too fast. He talks up a storm, loves to sing and look at books, is a climber and thinks he's three! I can't believe he's my last baby! :(
7) Frank and I had such a fun date night 2 weeks ago. It was so nice to be able to linger through dinner, to talk without anyone interrupting us! We have another dinner coming up next week, and although several other people will be joining us, it will still be nice to be out!
8) I have to admit I have fallen behind in our church's "Old Testament Challenge." Yes, for the first time since January, I am at least a week behind! Perhaps it has to do with #2, above??
9) I'm running the Freihofer's Run for Women this Saturday and I'm really nervous about it. I don't know if it's because there will be 3000 women or what, but I get stressed out when I think about it. I'm glad I've stuck with the running...just 30 minutes, 3 times a week has been great. I weighed in at Weight Watchers today 2 pounds under my lifetime goal!
Well, I've rambled enough for now. As I said, I will try to put some pictures in next time...
So here are some things happening in my life:
1) Memorial Day was a great day. Hubby had taken NCH and CAH up to the lake (where my parents live) on Sunday, and KBH, NJH and I joined them on Monday. My parents and my sister, her hubby and friend were all there...we spent the entire day outside, either looking at the lake or boating/sailing/tubing on it. All three older kids went tubing (KBH's first time!) They loved it! No naps for anyone and they all held up surprisingly well. I really didn't want the day to end. I can't wait to go back up for a week in August, just the 6 Hill's and my parents.
2) I started the "Left Behind" series of books last week. I'm on book 2 already and just can't put it down. I highly recommend it!
3) NCH starts swim team practice next week. I'm excited for him and I really hope he loves it. Swimming seems like a good, healthy, safe sport.
4) CAH is celebrating her "fake five" birthday tomorrow at preschool. We're bringing in flower-shaped watermelon on popsicle sticks as her special snack to share. I still can't believe she'll start kindergarten in the fall! We've been reading "Little House on the Prairie" every day...she loves it, and I am amazed at the way she remembers details about the stories.
5) KBH suddenly has curly hair! One humid day, it just started curling and I loved how cute it looked. Now I just wet it, put a little gel in and scrunch it and off she goes...it really seems to suit her personality!
6) NJH is 20 months old today. He is a joy and he's growing way too fast. He talks up a storm, loves to sing and look at books, is a climber and thinks he's three! I can't believe he's my last baby! :(
7) Frank and I had such a fun date night 2 weeks ago. It was so nice to be able to linger through dinner, to talk without anyone interrupting us! We have another dinner coming up next week, and although several other people will be joining us, it will still be nice to be out!
8) I have to admit I have fallen behind in our church's "Old Testament Challenge." Yes, for the first time since January, I am at least a week behind! Perhaps it has to do with #2, above??
9) I'm running the Freihofer's Run for Women this Saturday and I'm really nervous about it. I don't know if it's because there will be 3000 women or what, but I get stressed out when I think about it. I'm glad I've stuck with the running...just 30 minutes, 3 times a week has been great. I weighed in at Weight Watchers today 2 pounds under my lifetime goal!
Well, I've rambled enough for now. As I said, I will try to put some pictures in next time...
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