Artificial Intelligence

Today while I was making the kids' lunches, I received what was easily my 100th telemarketer (and automated nonetheless) phone call from the same company within the last 2 months. Most of the time I ignore the call, but occasionally I suffer a great lapse of judgment and I answer. Today was one of those days.

So basically I was standing at the counter talking (or was it venting?) to myself out loud, when Luke heard me and asked what I was upset about. I started explaining to him that I am SO SICK AND TIRED of getting automated phone calls. They are taking up my precious time, even asking me how I am today (one time I actually answered "terrible," to which the computer responded "I'm sorry to hear that" and then it continued on with it's sales pitch)...and I'm not even speaking to a real person! Seriously?! If their security system is so wonderful and they're so concerned about the safety and welfare of my family (not), then at the very least a real, living, breathing person, could call me! I explained all of this to Luke as if I was talking to Dan...as if he knew exactly what I was talking about, to which he responded,

"I know just what you're talking about! Every time I try to use Ellie's phone, I get the same thing!"
That's why he's my favorite son. He gets me.

Give Ellie Some Credit!

Two days ago I had to wake up the kiddos from their naps so that we could go somewhere. While I went into my room to finish getting ready, I sent Luke and Ellie downstairs to get their shoes on. Waking the kids up from their sweet dreams is often very challenging, to say the least. Actually, I hate to do it. They wake up grumpy and irritable with each other and this often results in timeouts and apologies.

Well, this day seemed to be no different. I could hear from upstairs that Ellie was arguing with Luke and gradually getting more and more upset. Here we go again, I think to myself. Ellie starts stomping her way upstairs whining the whole way about something Luke said. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate love whining?

Here it comes....Ellie procedes to tell me that she farted....a big one. Now why would this make a child, who loves to let loose, upset? Ellie was upset because Luke was sure that daddy must have been the one who farted because it was such a BIG fart. Ha! Seriously?! Ellie was very upset! She wanted credit! Yes, our children were fighting over who had farted! I reminded Luke that daddy wasn't even home, and instantly Luke had a look of pure shock on his face when he realized that it was indeed Ellie, who had farted. Oh my. I've never enjoyed an argument more!

'Cause 26.3 Would Be CRAZY!

we made it!

Deut 2:1-3

it's been a busy 6 months!

Dan and I completed 26.2 miles together yesterday! It was Dan's second marathon and my first. It was an incredible feeling to cross the finish line, having worked so hard for so many months. When I started running in early April, I could barely run two blocks before I had to take a walking break, so yesterday was a wonderful reward for the hard work I put in.
Dan did an incredible job. He hoped to break his previous time of 4:09, but training while raising 3 young children is quite a challenge, and when you add to that a sprained ankle yesterday at mile 6 (thank you very much pothole) and a bathroom break at mile 16, a time of 4:14:19 is quite impressive. I came in at 5:03:28. I secretly hoped to break 5 hours, but I'm thrilled that I didn't hit a "wall" and have to walk for miles and miles. No major problems along the course so that was great.
Dan's wonderful parents and brother brought Luke, Ellie and Adalyn to various points along the course to cheer us on. It was so great to see them. My mom and dad rode along side of us on their bikes. My parents were with me a lot and I really appreciated their company and encouragement.
It's been quite a journey, and I can't say whether or not I'll ever do the full again. I think the half-marathon is the perfect distance, but we'll see...



Pigeon Roost Farm

Yesterday the kids and I made our 3rd annual trip to Pigeon Roost Farm. This farm is so great, and we haven't even gotten to experience everything it has to offer yet...hopefully next year Dan will be able to join us. There are camels, goats, bunnies, slides, swingsets, corn mazes, piles of hay and corn to jump around in and tons of pumpkins. Luke and Ellie each picked out a pie pumpkin to bring home and Luke is currently begging to cut into his. Tomorrow Luke and Dan will bond as they carve to their heart's content, and hopefully we'll enjoy some pie shortly thereafter.

Puzzled With Joy

Luke put together his first 60-piece puzzle completely on his own. He sat down at the dining room table and didn't ask for help once--he was so proud! I love the look of pure joy on his face when he accomplishes something new. It's okay for a mama to have a little pride, right? :)

Happy 2/3 Birthday Adalyn!

she celebrated by staying in her pajamas all day (she is afterall, her mother's daughter ;)

a pro at sitting up now