Big 6 year Old

I can't believe it's been 6 years since I had Maddie. What a day/night that was. I was two weeks overdue, getting bigger everyday. My Dr had schedule me to be induced on November 6th and nothing...nothing happened. So I waited and waited, finally the petocin kicked in, have you ever had that stuff?? It sucked! But I was taking the contractions as they came, playing cards with Josh, trying to make time go by a bit faster. As my contractions started getting worse, I wasn't dilating, this kid just wasn't ready! It was getting late, I thought I would have had her by now. We were all anxiously waiting for her arrival. Me, my mom, dad and Josh. Before serious discussions started, our Dr wanted to try what they call a Cervical Foley. Oh...My...Gosh...I hadn't learned about this in class. Josh chose to use the restroom at the right time. I believe I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but this thing tested that theory. I was climbing the bed and using words that I won't repeat here. (if you want further details, please ask, happy to share, just don't want to offend anyone here) :)

As they kept me and the baby monitored they noticed Maddie's heart rate dropping. So very quickly the time came to talk about a C-Section. I didn't plan for a C-Section at all, we actually skipped that class thinking we would never have one. Dr. Hamilton talked me through it and thought it was the best move at this point. I was fine with it as long as it kept Madison and me safe. Before we headed to the operating room the anesthesiologist came in, I will never forget that moment(s). He poked and prodded me so many times. It was so hard to sit still through contractions, he couldn't find the right spot for the epidural. I still can feel chills down my spine when I think about it. After he asked me a hundred times if I could feel cold down my spine, he figured he had found the right spot.

So off we go, Josh in scrubs rushing down the hall of Evergreen hospital. My mom had to have been flipping out by now. They got everything prepped and began cutting me...I cringed and cried. The anesthesiologist asked me if I could feel the pain and I said yes, something wasn't right so he quickly grabbed a mask and bam! I was out like a light. Next thing I knew, Josh was holding our baby girl!
There you have it, the story of Maddie's delivery, my life hasn't been the same since. She is such a responsible, loving, fun and happy little girl. Growing up so fast, wise beyond her years. She loves Kindergarten - reading so well, starting to put so many pieces together and understand so much more. She can also really hustle on the soccer field, she amazed me this year. Last year she was too polite and nice to take the ball away from the other team, this year she got right in there and averaged about 4 goals per game. Currently she is in swim lessons with Chloe and is begging me to take gymnastics class. I like only having one extracurricular activity at a time, time will tell.
Madison is so easy going, she doesn't really care what she does for her birthday every year. We have done a craft party at Michales, a balloon party at our old preschool and we went to a movie this year. She just really enjoys hanging out with her friends and family. The day before her birthday this year she lost her first tooth! That was exciting, but also made me realize I had to get some cash, don't think the tooth fairy can leave a debit card.
Mad~ you are an amazing little girl, keep up the hard work ethic, stay sweet and know you can always reach your dreams, I love you!

Real Housewives of Storm Lake Heights

Yes that is what we call ourselves, what dorks! Not really, I live in the best neighborhood ever! There are 6 of us that live in Storm Lake Heights and one honarary member Jeanne :) We started hanging out last year every Thursday to watch Greys, but it has turned into much more then that. We take turns hosting usually with wine or margaritas coupled with lots of food! We have done fondue, baked brie, lots of cheese, chocolate, candy, nachos just to name a few.

When Greys isn't on we still try to get together and either go out to dinner, usually Mexican and Margs, or stick close to home and just chat, we can chat foerver, all of us are quite different so our views, comments and ideas make for great conversations. We have 4 stay at home moms and 3 working moms, a lawyer, a teacher and a PR vice president. There is always someting to chat about. It may be neighborhood issues, politics, kids, husbands but we always have a good time! When the television season was over we didn't quit, we would then have backyard BBQ's, movie nights, jewlery parties and fiestas, the fun never ends.
We also started celebrating everyone's Birthday, begining with Mel. We all pitch in and get whatever suits them. A gift card, gift basket, magic bullet :) or a night out!! That was for my b-day, oh boy, I think we thought we were 21 again, looonnng night, but we had a blast, thanks again to Nancy for being patient and driving us around :)

Here is to many more fantastic Thursday Nights ladies!!

October

Where has October gone? I know it is only 1/2 over, but this month more then others is packed with events, Birthdays, soccer, the pumpkin patch and oh our new puppy!

October began with our neighborhood annual trip to Craven's Pumpkin Patch. There are a ton in Snohomish to choose from, but this one is close and full of fun stuff for families. The girls are old enough to remember past years so they were very excited and so was I because I also knew that it meant hot chili and wine at the Clarkes after picking out our favorite pumpkins!

Josh and the girls went straight for the pumpkin launching, Chloe rememberd last year that she wasn't old enough, but they got to do it this year, I think Josh enjoyed it most! Then they were off to the patch while I "yapped" with friends, whats new...they got a wheelbarrow and went searching. With Noah, Hannah and Paityn's help they threw a few big ones in! Little did we know how big and expensive they were so while I kept the girls busy Josh substituted Maddie's big one for one a bit smaller :) That was it , it is now officially Halloween season.

Every weekend we have two soccer games, Chloe plays Friday nights and Maddie with coach Josh play every Saturday so our weekend events our planned around that. We have a ton of fun watching them play, Chloe has no fear whatsoever and goes after it, hard! Often times we need to remind her not to take the ball away from her teamates :) Maddie has really improved, last year she was just too polite to take the ball away, not this year. She has scored in every game and can really hustle! We are hoping one year they can be on the same team so our schedule can lighten up a bit.

10-10~ended up being a weekend full of Birthday for Josh. We got home late after Chloe's game on Friday and had tacos at home. Along with some great company (Bowles - even Jason!, Thirsks, my mom and brother) Josh had a great night. Our plan Saturday was to go pick up Lola, our new puppy, but plans changed. We got to go visit and pick her out of 11 puppies, but were told it was best for her to say at least another week to be with her mom and have her 1st round of shots. The girls handled the news very well. After a long day, we decided to just stay home and have Taco leftovers. Sunday we were off to the Phinney's new home and celebrate again! Darold's Birthday is also 10-10. We had an awesome brunch and got to hang out with Dylan and Ellie too. Josh then headed to Echo Falls to get one last round of golf in before it gets too cold, overall a fun and busy weekend, Happy Birthday Josh!

All Dressed Up

We had been looking forward to this weekend for a while. My mom was coming out to watch the kids and we got to get all dressed up for a wedding, I can't remember the last wedding we went to, all of our friends are pretty much married now except Frankel, we reminded him of that last weekend :) Speaking of Frankel (Dave) he was very thougtful and rented a 12 passenger van to drive us and 8 others to the wedding. What a great idea, thanks Dave!!!

The day started out at 9 am, we took the kids to our Y for a family fun run around Lake Tye. Each of us got a racing #, the girls were pumped. I took off when the horn blew with Maddie and Chloe at my side, but Josh soon caught up with them while pushing Ella. It was a low key run, no pressure, just fun. The kids and Josh ran about 1 mile and waited for me to finish. They told me they beat Daddy. We soon headed for home after quickly checking out the local dog show at the nearby elementary, Ella loved that! Once we got home I realized we had to shower and head out for Maddies soccer game, there is always something!

The Hornet's played a super game, Maddie scored 5 times, she was pumped, but never shows it during the game, just kind of looks at us with a smirk. We got to stay and watch Haylee, my brother's daughter, play in her game too, she is in U-7, what a difference a year makes, she was great!

About 2:30 I realized I had better get home, get Ella to bed so I could shower and look decent for our night out! I had Josh take over the other two girls, I ran upstairs, showered and starting getting ready. I don't remember the last time I had put on make-up and I still didn't have time to dry my hair so I just started pinning in bobby pins, it worked, even a few people asked me if I had my hair done! I heard my mom come through the door and she came into the house of chaos. We didn't get a chance to clean and the girls hadn't eaten. I usually write down some instructions for her, but tonight she was on her own, it's not like she hasn't done this before.

Finally our chariot awaits, Dave pulls up with Mike, Katie, Darrold, Jeanne and Kristin all ready to go. It was our own party bus! Off we went to pick up MaryAnn and headed toward the church. The ceremony was beatiful, can't believe it has been 7 years since we have been there! Mike and Christine are adorable. Now it was time to head to the Country Club to party.

I was so hungry at this point, couldn't wait for dinner. It was great to see everyone. We saw several couples we have known since WSU. We got to catch up with each other and enjoy the entertainment, they had a dualing piano bar, pretty fun to dance too. Good time had by all and we still made it home before midnight, are we getting old?

Flowing Lake

Last weekend I completed my 2nd Triathlon and last for the season. Boy what a summer! I was constantly thinking about when I would swim, bike or run next. It is a great way to get your butt in gear and a fun way to compete! If you ask my friend Kariann, she would say "where did Amy go?" She means my normal staying up late, having a margarita or two and having people over every weekend somewhat changed this summer. I couldn't help think about having to wake up early the next day to go jump in the lake or taking a jog, so I took it easy this summer. My brother has been doing Triathlons for some time now, honestly I didn't get it until I started training. I never paid much attention to them because I didn't understand the extent of them or what it took to be competitive. I have to give my brother props, he rocked the Flowing Lake Triathlon last weekend, 2nd overall and 1st in his age group. http://www.buduracing.com/raceresults/20080913_234.xls It was the first time I got to see him compete. Well I only got to see him swim, but that was awesome. We saw the 1st wave take off to complete the 400 m swim, after about 5 minutes I saw some guy way ahead, I had no idea who it was because everyone had a grey swim cap on and goggles. As the leader started to stand up out of the lake I saw that is was Dave, I was so excited and proud! I started jumping up and down and screaming (Josh said I sounded like a cheerleader, which I never was one). I was already in my wetsuit getting ready to swim, but forgot for that quick second that I was racing so I could be a proud sister, I yelled "that is my brother!"

When it was my turn to swim I tried taking it easy, Dave told me to go at it at a 4 out of 10 and save something for the bike. When you are swimming it is easy to feel lost, there are swimmers all around you and you have no idea if you are ahead, behind or just right. I felt sand so I stood up and started trying to unzip my wetsuit and run up to my bike. I couldn't find my zipper for a second, panicked then everything was fine. I raced up to my bike, tore off my wetsuit, put on wet socks, bike shoes and my helmet. As I was doing all of this in 2 minutes, I could hear Chloe say "Mom! I made something for you!" and I hear Josh say calmly, "you are doing great Amy, great swim time" This was so awesome to hear because at my firt Tri I didn't have anyone there to support me, I loved having my whole family there. I quickly grabbed my bike and ran it up to the mounting area. As quick as I could, I locked into my pedals and took up off the hill. I have done this ride so many times because I live on the bike course, I knew exactly what I had to do.

I made it out of the park and turned the corner, there I saw Nancy riding and could see my friend Liz on the corner yelling "Go Amy!" How cool, fans!! The ride was pretty normal but I wasn't used to having so many other bikers on my course ;) A few of us kept passing each other and laughing about it As I continued on course I was approaching my neighborhood. Nancy was right there with me. There they were, our neighbors and friends,Katie and Ellie, Kariann, Jason, Hannah and Ryan were cheering us on. I saw Kariann standing up yelling with her camera, great site to see 1/2 way through the race. I knew there were still several tough hills to come. But I did it, raced into the park exhausted, but knew I had to forget about the bike and get on my running shoes.

The first lap of the 1.9 mile run was so hard, my calves were on fire, I had to stop and walk for a second, I didn't want to collapse. I saw my friend and training partner Christine behind me, we got to run together for a while and laugh at each other too, we were quite a site while thinking we were done after only one lap! We finally figured out that we needed to do, one more hilly loop. I tried to sprint the last few minutes and crossed the finish line with my girls waiting for me at the end. Christine finished right after me 1st and 2nd in our age group!!! Woohooo!!

What a day. It was awesome weather, close to home, my family was there to cheer me on. Couldn't have asked for anything more. I was starving and couldn't wait to eat, but we had to rush home for naps and get ready for Maddie's 1st soccer game.

Josh

As I begin this blogging journey, I feel the need to write about Josh. I was inspired to start blogging after completing my first Triathlon, but then soon realized that I have so much more to share. I used to scrapbook, but haven't made time to do so in the past few years, might have something to do with having 3 kids in 5 years :) I have such an awesome family. Josh and I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful marriage and 3 cute, healthy,fun, silly girls! It all began in Pullman where I first met Josh. We met through an old friend of mine Liz. She seemed to know a lot of the baseball players ;) He caught my eye at a party up at some apartments at WSU. He was quiet and still is. Liz knew who he was, but didn't know much about him. I remember him wearing a striped rugby shirt. I honestly don't remember how we got introduced really, I just remember trying to get his attention at his baseball house parties. We started hanging out, played 1 on 1 ( i so beat him), studied together (well he studied, i just wanted to talk) and so it began. We would email, and see each other after classes and on the weekends. I would see him on campus with his black cardinal hat on, black backpack and pencil in his mouth or ear, can't remember. Often times he would be studying for a test and drinking a beer at the same time and still graduated in 3.5 years with amazing grades. He was the first to leave and go get a real job. He left Pullman in December of 1996 and headed west to Boeing. I was still attending WSU, taking my time, and so were most of his friends so he would make the 4 + hour drive almost every weekend. He even bought a new car, whoa!!! I would get butterflies when I would see his white Pontiac parked at the baseball house for the weekend. Eventually I left Pullman to start student teaching in La Center WA. I had moved in with my Dad and Bev for the first time, I am sure that was an adjustment:) Josh and I would take turns driving back and forth on the weekends, goodbyes were always tough.

I finally graduated from WSU in 1998. I started substitute teaching in Kirkland and we got an apartment in Bothell together. Oh boy, that was a transition, I am not easy to live with, I learned that in College. I gave Josh a run for his money, but he stuck with me :) After waking up early every morning to the loud ring of the telephone with the current Sub job, I landed a long term Sub job at Kamiakin Jr High, finally no more early phone calls from the Sub voicemail! I also started coaching softball and Josh was my assistant, the girls loved him helping, he knew more about baseball then I did! I won't rehash all of our history here, but while I am typing all of these memories keep coming back! One or three I should say stand out in my head, his face and reaction when he got to hold our girls for the first time, beaming with Joy! :)

We have been through a lot in the past 13 years, we met in 1995 so yes 13! We have been married for 7 years and have really grown. There are many milestones and memories we have shared. 3 Children, 2 new houses, family, new friends, old friends, sports, coaching, weddings,vacations and on and on....I wouldn't change a thing, I have always looked up and admired Josh so much. He has accomplished so many things and is a terrific role model for our girls. He and I make a great pair with a lot in common but with so many different characteristics. I always want him to know how much I appreciate, love, respect and look up to him everyday although I don't often say it! Love you Joshua!!!

My First Blog Entry

I have been wanting to start a blog for sometime now, but not sure how to find the time to write. One of my oldest/dearest friends has one and also has 3 children so I figured I would give it a try. This will be a great way to keep a diary of my life as a mom, friend, wife and athlete. I have been a stay at home mom for 5 1/2 years now. I wouldn't change a thing, but it wasn't until this past spring where I started to get back some independence and start focusing on me again. Don't get me wrong, I love and adore my husband and 3 girls, but I am a better wife and mom for taking responsibility for my actions. I had pretty much let myself go physically, not terribly, but enough to where I wasn't comfortable, I just kept blaming it on gaining 60 lbs with each baby (yes about 60, gasp!) and having 3 babies in 4 years. I have always been competitive by nature and tried to stay active with some sports, but it just wasn't enough.



So this spring I made a decision to try a Triathlon. I don't have any experience swimming, except in the lake as a kid, I haven't ridden a bike for several years and running distances is not my forte. But with the encouragement and help of my brother and friend Nancy, and the support from my husband I soon believed that I could do it, so the training began. I originally thought I was going to borrow my friend's husbands mountain bike and maybe switch out the tires, thank god I didn't, that would have been a long hard road. After looking at some bikes on Craigslist and asking my brother several questions, I was at a lost for a racing bike. They cost a lot so I started focusing on swimming. Nancy my friend and training partner, has been a swimmer for years. I started swimming laps at the Y with her in the evenings. I didn't know what I was doing, I felt like a spaz. I would look over at her and she would be gliding, breathing through the water so smoothly. I think I started too fast like everything else I do, I needed to east into it and learn the techniques first.



Thank god for Nancy, she has been a true friend and tons of help and support. I was and still am always asking her and her husband tons of questions about swimming, running, shoes etc. They have been very patient with me and I can't thank them enough. I probably wouldn't have done these triathlons without Nancy encourging me along the way, telling me that I can do it. We had just signed up for a local Triathlon but then she found another one in Chelan for first timers, Try a Tri, it sounded perfect and we were going to make it a moms weekend away, my first overnight alone since 2005!



I knew I needed a bike that fit me, but $800 + wasn't in our budget this year. So I took all 3 girls in tow and headed to Woodinville Cycle. I told them my goal and he fit me on a cross between a moutain bike and a racing bike. It is lightweight with mountain bike handlebars, but thin tires with slicks and tons of gears. I didn't know where to start. I first just rode around the neighborhood with Nancy, she had just bought a very similar bike. We rode up and down the hills, changing gears and laughing at each other, I am sure we were quite a site. When we got the guts we ventured out to the street, with cars. You see I have never ran on the road, nonetheless biked, until I met Nancy and Brian. They have been runners for years and it didn't seem to phase them. So I started getting more and more comfortable the more I ran and biked. Meanwhile I was still going to the Y to swim and workout. Another thing I am thankful for is the YMCA, our family joined last year and I am so glad we did. It has been a huge blessing for us all. The kids are thriving in their swim lessons, Josh is working out again and doing awesome, he has been on track with his goal and has lost almost 30 lbs! He really inspires me to keep working hard. I will admit it is harder because he is home later now, but I try not to complain, because he is making a positive change and its shows! We had also started eating differently. Not any extreme changes, but better choices and I think the girls noticed it too ;)



Here is Me, Nancy and KC after we finished our 1st Triathlon. It was so fun and we all did awesome. The whole trip was so much fun. We rented a house thanks to my friend Charity and showed up on Saturday, the race was Sunday. We didn't really know what to do with ourselves. We got settled, KC got the couch, sorry Kase. Then we went to go check out the race scene. There was a few other races on Saturday finishing up. We were taking it all in and decided to go eat lunch. I think we were scared to eat anything too greasy so settled on some sandwhiches. We were supposed to be at the park later to check in and drop off our bikes. We were so glad we were early because we all got great transition spots. Our nerves and anxious feelings were obvious but we all 3 handled it a bit differently. We all balanced each other out. We wouldn't stop talking about what time to show up, where the swim course was. KC was flipping out about the swim, she had only swam in open water once, she cracked us up! I just kind of kept quiet which I know is shocking for me, just taking everything in. And Nancy just wanted to be everywhere early which was her way of coping and really helped us all!



The morning of the race I crept by Nancy's room about 5 am asking if she was awake which I think we all were. We had left our bikes at the race the night before. After forcing down breakfast we headed to the park. Not sure if we were going to use the shuttle or find a close parking spot we went straight to the park and lucked out, got a super close spot, again thanks to Nancy for wanting to go early. All 3 of us were in the same wave wearing our yellow swim caps. We watched the first few waves take off in the water, what a rush. Then after forcing down a gel, my first time taking one (yuck) we started to swim. I got kicked, swam over a few gals including KC, :) I found a rhythm. The water was beautiful and warm enough. I got off track a few times having to stop to straighten up. Before I knew it I was feeling the sand beneath my hands, I had made it!!! http://www.racephotos.net/PhotoDetails.asp?nPhotoID=570869&sReturnKey= As I ran into the transition area I looked around and didn't see Nancy or KC, I just started stripping off my wetsuit and putting on my helmet and shoes, before I knew it in come KC and Nancy. I wanted to stop and talk, but couldn't. Off I went. The bike ride was fun and hot. I drank my whole bottle of water/gatorade, a great tip from Alicia's sister in law to mix the two. I passed a few people on mountain bikes and just pushed on. I finally hit the middle mark not knowing how my time was, 4 minutes into the ride I remembered to turn on my computer, but as I did it fell off! I got to see KC and Nancy after the turn around, I tried to yell to them and encouraged others around me to keep on going, it was so fun!



I could see the finish line, but didn' t want to slow down. The race volunteers were yelling at us to slow down and get ready to dismount. I ran my bike into transition and threw off my helmet, put on my running belt/number and was off. My legs were a bit like jelly, but I got into the groove after a mile or so. Towards the end of the run I ran with another young gal, this was also her first Tri, I think she was in a relay, at this point she had stopped to walk and I said I am about 10 years older then you, if I can keep going so can you so off we went. I was feeling good and crossed the final finish line, got a bottle of water and my medal, I was so pumped!!! Then I remembered I had friends racing too! As soon as I looked up I saw KC crossing the finish line, I yelled as loud as I could, we did it!!! Then together we screamed for Nancy as she finished (1st in her age group!!) WE all did it! We went to eat and share our experiences, we can't wait for next year!



I have to thank everyone that listened to my Tri stories, workout regimens, watched my children and supported me with help and encouragment along the way. I am sure you are sick of listening to all my complaints, cheers, etc. It meant so much to have the support from family and friends, I couldn't have done it without you!!! Many more stories to come! Amy is back!!!