a race to talk about

A couple weeks ago I did my first race since Miriam was born. It was called the Dirty Dash. It was a great race, but it took me awhile to post because for reasons I'll explain in a minute, I didn't have any pictures.

It was at Bogus Basin and since I had signed Cameron and a friend up for the children's race after mine, I drove up by myself. Richard planned to bring the kids up later so as not to have to entertain them while I ran. When I arrived I felt totally depressed. There were teams all dressed up and excited and I felt so lonely. Luckily I found a friend and pretty much invited myself to run with her and her running buddy. That made all the difference. The race would have been dull without their great enthusiasm and senses of humor.

The race itself was brutal. It included various obstacles that were both physically challenging and hazardous. The second third of the race was up a steep hill. Luckily the last third was downhill and included a 150-foot slip and slide that was AWESOME. Then at the very end was a giant mud pit that you had to crawl through. The cold water and mud felt so good, as it was a very hot day.

Unfortunately due to some communication issues Richard and the kids weren't there at the finish line. The adrenaline and excitement after that crazy finish was a little anti-climatic when there was no one to share in it with me. But I got some food and patiently waited until my clan arrived.

Cameron and his friend did the kid's race that included the slip-n-slide, but they wanted nothing to do with the mud pit. Oh well, I was a little relieved because of the huge clean-up it entailed.

proximity

I have complained a fair amount about my house. I have whined about the injustice of timing in the housing market. I have moaned about how the homeloan we got in 2006 would buy a much larger and nicer house today than it did for us then. I have done a good deal of feeling sorry for myself.

But the last couple months I have changed my tune. Of course I believe that everything happens for a reason and now I am seeing the silver lining of our situation.

Miriam started crawling about two months ago and her greatest pleasure is shadowing her brothers as they play around the house. I now love my house. I love the proximity. There is nowhere in our small house where the boys can go that is out of Miriam's reach. She can follow them everywhere. Hours and days in our home are spent with the boys playing and Mira either contentedly observing or playing nearby. She wants only to be close to them. On their part, they either ignore her presence or tolerate it. Occasionally Cameron shouts to me that "Miss is getting in our business!" But she is easily distracted and so are they. I love that they are always nearby, easy for me to peek in on and easy for me to hear their creative imaginations.

Miriam has been my easiest child at this age for this very reason. From me she requires only the attention I am willing and eager to give. Then she is happy to be entertained by her brothers.

a lot about sheets

Richard and I consider ourselves to be frugal people. We like to get a deal where we can and avoid spending money when we can. We buy a lot of generic brands. But I have decided, as I am sure many have, that some things are not worth buying cheap. Two of these things that readily come to mind are Richard's dress shirts and toilet paper.

We received bed sheets from my mother-in-law at my bridal shower.

(You already see where this is going...)

They were nice, good quality. They lasted at least five years. Then I bought some of those Jersey knit sheets from Target, they are soft and very inexpensive. But they did not last. Before we went out of town I bought some new cotton sheets and put them on the bed the day we left. My mother and mother-in-law would both be staying in our bed while we were away. When we came home my mother-in-law had put clean sheets on the bed, the Jersey knit sheets. The other day I changed the sheets and put on the new cotton ones.

First of all I must apologize to anyone who slept in those sheets while we were away.

Secondly, sheets are now on my list of things worth the extra money.

Now dear friends, to spare me from making more wasteful purchases in the future, what other things are best not bought cheap?

Saturday

I had some trepidation about flying out of Washington D.C. across the country to L.A. on September 11th. Of course we were fine, and if anything it gave me a chance to reflect on the events of nine years ago. In the Reagan National Airport a man's voice would come over the loud-speaker periodically and say "We will never forget." It was touching.

On the flights out to Washington D.C. I was much too excited to sleep, as badly as I wanted to. On the way home it seemed I could not keep my eyes open. Everyone told me that when I got back I would appreciate my kids more, etc. The time I was awake on our long journey home I spent thinking about how all I wanted to do was take care of my kids. I missed them so much and I could think of no greater pleasure than just bathing, feeding and kissing them. Of course that feeling has worn off a little, but not completely.

Our trip was so wonderful. We have so many people to thank for it, and it required so much assistance from others that it will be a long time before we do anything similar. But thanks to all who were involved and made the experience so memorable.

That includes you Mr. Lincoln.

Friday

Friday was our last day in the city and so we were dedicated to getting the most out of it. We started at Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, and then went across the street to the house where he died. I told Richard it was a sacred place for me.

(The Presidential box at Ford's Theater where Lincoln was shot.)

Abraham Lincoln is my hero. As Bryan pointed out, he wasn't born great. When he was born there wasn't a huge monument for him. He was born ordinary. He became great through his own efforts, failures, accomplishments, circumstances and trials. I could say much about him, but it would be inadequate.


After that we made a quick stop at the National Archives to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. We also were able to see a manuscript of the Magna Carta from 1297. That is so old.


We grabbed a quick lunch at a sandwhich place, once again recommended by Bryan, once again very tasty. Then we went to the Museum of Natural History. We did not spend much time in this museum because time was short, and because we were constantly saying to each other "The boys would LOVE this!"


We spent the majority of the afternoon in the Museum of American History. The original Star-Spangled Banner is now on display there, that was our favorite part. There is just so much to see. We could have spent the entire day in that one museum.

(View from Robert E. Lee's home before the Civil War, in what is now Arlington National Cemetary.)

We left there in time to make a quick trip up to Arlington National Cemetary. We hoofed it up to the Tomb of the Unknown, at the top of the hill just in time for the changing of the gaurd. Talk about tender mercy... The hills of the cemetary are covered, as far as the eye can see, with simple white tombstones. It occurred to me that all the individuals buried there have more devotedly served their country than I have. It was very humbling.

We ended the day and the vacation with the all-American experience of baseball. Bryan surprised us with tickets to a Nationals game. The weather was perfect, the food was just as it should be at such an event. There were even fireworks afterward. The only downfall, the Nats couldn't pull off a win.

Thursday

It's not really fair to compare the football game, an experience of a lifetime, with all the other amazing sites and memorials we visited. So I won't. I'll just say that after removing the football game from the other events of the week, Gettysburg was Richard's favorite.

We managed to avoid renting a car the whole week thanks to the Metro and our loyal travel companions Bryan and Brittany who accompanied us to Pennsylvania. I love Gettysburg because of its historical value but also because it is a scenic drive up there and it is a beautiful area. I think Richard could appreciate the battlefield itself a little better than I, because he has read books about the battle and the hereos involved. General Longstreet, a confederate general, was one of Richard's favorites. This is his memorial.

We bought a cd that narrates the course of the three-day battle. You listen as you drive from landmark to landmark around the 25 square mile park. It took several hours but was worth it for the way it brought the battle to life.

I can not write about Gettysburg without using the words hallowed ground. As Abraham Lincoln said, brave men consecrated that ground when they there "gave the last full measure of devotion."

Before leaving we stopped at the cemetary, where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address. As we walked around I thought about the courage of the men that fought that war. I had these same thoughts later in the week as we walked through Arlington National Cemetary. I marveled at the sacrifice these men and their families gave. War is so ugly. I am sure that it would never be asked of me, but if it were I could not imagine being willing to give my life. But I was so inspired that I wanted to do something. I wanted to believe in something so profoundly that I would be willing to sacrifice for it. The only answer that came to me was that I do have an opportunity to contribute. I have the opportunity to teach my children to have courage to do the right thing, when the right thing is the hard thing. We are blessed to live in a time where the right thing rarely costs our lives, but nonetheless we are all aware how sometimes living up to our morals is hardly convenient or easy.

I am so glad to have shared this experience with Richard. The world is in short supply of modern role-models. But history is full of men and women worthy of esteem. I appreciate that he too appreciates the examples of the people who built this union and the people who fought to save it. And all other great men like Robert E. Lee and General Longstreet who for whatever their motivation, felt in their hearts loyalty to their own cause.

It was past dinner time by the time we got back to Virginia so we headed straight to a Thai restaurant in old town Alexandria. Richard will tell you he's never seen so many BMW's in one week, and I would say I've never seen so many red brick buildings in one week. Alexandria has many of both. After dinner we made our second trip to the Dairy Godmother, home of delicious frozen custard. We then headed back to Bryan and Brittany's new townhouse, once again totally exhausted.

(Old town Alexandria, that's my guy, one bad CPA)

Wednesday

Is this getting old?

Wednesday morning we took a tour with Bryan and Brit of the Capitol. While I found it interesting to hear the stories of what took place there 200 years ago, I must admit that I'm cynical about what takes place there these days.

Regardless, it is a beautiful building and an impressive symbol for our country's history and freedom. Quite magnificent really. Too bad I'm a lousy photographer with a sub-par point and shoot camera.

After that we headed to the Holocaust Museum. The museum exists on four floors and you begin by taking an elevator to the highest level and descending. Before you get on the elevator they give you a little booklet about a Jewish child living during that time somewhere in Hitler controlled Europe. After each floor you read more about the individual until at last at the bottom you learn their fate. They do this to make it a more personal experience I suppose. But it is the sort of experience that is painful enough without it being personal. I've been through the museum three times and I'm convinced that each time I go (perhaps due to increase in age and maturity) I am more appalled that this ever happened. It is of course, excruciating to read about the Holocaust. But I am grateful for the knowledge I have of God's love and mercy and salvation for the victims of the Holocaust.
(This was my best "To infinity and beyond!")

After leaving there we quickly perused the Air & Space Museum but we were emotionally and physically spent and were mostly interested in buying the promised space shuttles for Cameron and Eli in the museum gift shop.


That night we cashed in a credit Richard had for a hotel in downtown D.C. We crashed on the bed and watched meaningless t.v. to give our brains a break. Museums require a lot of reading. Then with Bryan's recommendation we found a great Italian restaurant that was the perfect romantic dinner for two. We even ate some cheese that had aged for 200 years in a cave. Yes, that was expensive but VERY tasty cheese. I love cheese.

Tuesday

We spent a couple nights with Jeff and Brenna while Bryan and Brittany moved into their townhouse.  We joked that it was like having an out of body experience, watching Jeff and Brenna live our life.  They have two boys similar in age to Cameron and Eli, and a little girl who sucks her thumb.  It did make us a little homesick. 

We didn't get home from the game until after 2:00am and so we slept in Tuesday morning.  Unfortunately with said children, Jeff and Brenna didn't have that luxury.  That made us a little less homesick.  We caught the Metro and then took a connector bus out to Mt. Vernon.  The bus ride is a story for another day, but it involved a blind woman that might have been crazy and a European couple who kept looking at me like "Is her behavior normal?"

Mt. Vernon was George Washington's home.  It is one of my favorite places to visit in D.C.  Something about Colonial life is so charming, I never tire of learning and observing it.  I also never tire of learning about inspiring people and these are the two things about George Washington that inspire me.

1.  He led an army of inexperienced volunteer soldiers in a war with the most powerful paid army in the world at that time.  Not only did he have the personal courage to do so, he somehow inspired these men enough to win that war.  And the help of the Almighty God is undeniable. 

2.  When asked to serve his country he dutifully stepped forward, twice.  After serving as General during the Revolutionary War he felt he had fulfilled his duty (I'd say so!) and stepped down.  Then of course he was encouraged by friends to step forward as the first president of our infant country.  Again, after serving as he deemed suitable he willingly resigned, thus setting a crucial precedent for our nation.  The man was brave and patriotic, but not greedy or power hungry. 



After we returned to D.C. early in the evening all the museums were closed so we headed to Union Station for dinner.  It is a train station with, possibly the most glorious Baroque-inspired architecture I have ever seen.  (Obviously I have never been to Europe.) We ate in the atrium and although the food wasn't great the ambiance was. 

By this point we were exhausted.  For that matter, by this point each day thereafter we were exhausted. 

Monday

From the moment we parked at the Metro on Monday morning we began encountering VA Tech fans.  They were, for the most part, friendly and gracious and we enjoyed exchanging light-hearted banter.

Our original plan was to visit the Holocaust Museum Monday morning but it was determined that would greatly diminish our football zeal and we didn't want that.  After painfully observing the deplorable murders of six million people, who cares about football?  So instead we spent the morning and early afternoon visiting memorials.  We saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, Korean and Vietnam Memorials.  (We had previously visited the Washington Monument and World War II.)   There is really nothing I can say about these.  They must speak for themselves.

We ate lunch at Ray's Hell Burger.  We figured if it was good enough for President Obama to take the president of Russia there, it was good enough for us.  And indeed it was.  We were joined by some fellow Bronco fans and the company was as flavorful as the food. 

We headed to the game early to soak up the atmosphere.  We rode the Metro and our train was a collage of blue and orange and maroon.  Talk about atmosphere.  Spontaneous shouts of  "Lets Go! Hokies!" and "BOISE! STATE!"  really set the mood.  It was football talk and hyped fans the whole ride out.  As a credit to the civility of the Hokie fans I must mention the two young guys who gave up their seats on the Metro for Brit, who is pregnant, and myself.  True gentlemen.

(I asked for a "Game Face" - Brit wins.)

The game.  How do I describe the game?  Loud.  The first quarter was thrilling.  High fives everywhere.  The second and third quarters were devestating. The fourth quarter? Well did you see the game? 

87,000 people.  I've never been anywhere with that many people.  Our voices gave out just from shouting to eachother.  At the end strangers were hugging and everyone was grinning.  You can see from Richard's expression the total euphoria.  Unbelievable.  Never again, another game will never live up to that. 

Sunday

Sunday morning on the base was the most relaxing and pleasant Sunday morning I've had since the last time I experienced a Sunday morning without children. We went to church with Bryan and Brittany in their new ward, Fast Sunday. Before church we discussed how hearing testimonies of people you don't know yet can be misleading because knowing about them and their lives gives you insight into their comments. But I found that not knowing the people made me less judgemental and more appreciative of their words. It was a great meeting. I might have also been able to feel of the Spirit more freely without the distraction of three children.

After church we drove to my old neighborhood to show Richard where I lived and went to high school. Oh the nostalgia.

Bryan dropped us off at the Metro and Richard's cousin Jeff and his wife Brenna picked us up. We ate dinner at another cousin, Holly's house. It was quite the get-together since there were other family members in town for the football game. And if you can count on one thing when you gather with the Birds, it is delicious food. We were not disappointed.

(I kiped this photo from Wendy's blog, Photographer was Janie)

That night members of the group headed into D.C. for a free Labor Day concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This was an unplanned treat. It was the National Symphony Orchestra, who was joined at the end by the Army Men's Chorus. Listening to the National Anthem while gazing upon the flag with the U.S. Capitol for a backdrop was an experience I'll never forget. And hearing the chorus and the orchestra perform the Battle Hymn of the Republic was equally moving. I admire Jeff and Brenna for initiating this excursion with their own three small children. I am jealous of the future events those kids will get to enjoy with such ambitious parents!

Saturday

(Yes, that is Kellen Moore on the cover of USA Today)

The night before a vacation is inevitably sleepless. Last minute arrangements, the anticipation of the trip, anxiety about leaving my children or a combination of the above resulted in poor rest for me. I had high hopes of sleeping on the plane as we flew across the country. But from the moment we set foot in the Boise airport and I beheld a sea of blue and orange at various airline check-ins my heart was beating fast. All the way across the country we felt the spirit and unity of Bronco Nation. Believe me, I know how lame that sounds, but it was truly in the air. I joked with Richard that even the Department of Homeland Security were fans because the threat level was appropriately ORANGE. It was exciting.

When we arrived in D.C. we were greeted by our wonderful host and hostess, Bryan and Brittany. Every family needs a couple like Bry and Brit that serve as delightful tour guides and conveniently move around the country to various cities that are fun to visit. We dropped off our stuff at the Air Force base where they were temporarily residing (having only arrived in the area days before we did) and headed back into the city. As a side note, I love the base. It is its own self-contained peaceful little "Pleasantville".

We ate at a delicious restaurant and visited a few memorials. But we were slightly distracted as we shouted out "Go Broncos!" to fellow BSU fans that we saw throughout the city. By the end of the week, seeing Bronco fans whereever we went became so ordinary that we rarely made the effort to do so.

Fortunately the game was near the beginning of our trip because such distractions would have detracted from our enjoyment of other historical sites thereafter.

home again, and better for it

We got home on Saturday night. Sunday we rested. Monday I worked. Now I'm ready to BLOG.

I'm going to play the journal card and just pour my travel-heart out.

By the way, you were all right. We had a great time. The kids were fine. I didn't even cry once.

Did I hear a "niner" in there?

She's nine months. She only weighs 13lbs 6oz. Dr. ordered blood work. Richard isn't worried. I'm not really either. Dr. says it is probably that she just isn't getting enough calories. And her activity level isn't allowing for the type of lethargy needed for successful weight gain.In any case, we will all remember these next few months of her life as the months she spent in her high chair, eating. Feed that baby!

the big trip

My freshman year of high school my family moved to Fairfax, Virginia for one year. It was a job opportunity for my dad that we knew was temporary so my parents drug us all across the country. Now they have only themselves to blame for their children's itch to live somewhere besides Boise.

I've been back many times since to visit old friends, or family members. It seems at any given point one of my siblings lives in the Washington D.C. area. (Along with Las Vegas and Provo. One or more of us can be found there as well at any given time.)

Richard has never been to our country's capital. Even Cameron beat him there. We've talked about it occasionally but sometime last fall a football game was announced. BSU vs. Virginia Tech in the Washington D.C. area. He was sold. Frequent flyer miles and a free place to stay (with family members) clinched the deal. We booked our flights as soon as the date of the game was solidified.

Our trip is two days away and for the life of me I can't figure out what I was thinking. Why did I think it was a good idea to leave my nine-month old baby, my "mama's-boy" three year old and a five year old who has only one week of kindergarten under his belt? For eight days.

Words of affirmation and my love language. They are more than that. I need them like I need water and sleep. I need them right now. Keep your disapproving remarks to yourself. I've come up with enough of my own.

big day around here

Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten. On Monday night Richard and I sat on the couch and wondered out loud about who Cameron would sit with at lunch, would he have any problem finding the restroom, what would he do at recess? After spending nearly all his life in his presence we couldn't imagine what it would be like having him gone for hours during the day and knowing very little about what took place. (He is a little difficult to extract details from.) This conversation was the perfect set-up for an emotional drop-off the next morning.

Cameron did just fine though. I needn't have worried. Even Eli wore a giant grin on the way to Cameron's school, catching wind of Cameron's excitement. It was a big day for Eli too, he had his first day of pre-school. I wish I could say that he was as brave as Cameron, but he is younger and his personality is different. Hopefully day #2 will go a little better for the Eli-Pie.

In any case, life around here has changed. But I'm looking forward to four hours a week with my little Mira. (Excepting the weeks where I have seven three-year-olds in the house two days for two hours.)