A day to ride!

Some days you look out your window and think, today is a day to ride.  Now, I have to admit I never think this way.  I loathe bike riding.  I was once in Alaska and everyone biked to go see some beautiful waterfall.  I got about 50 feet(if that) from camp and turned around.  I instead stayed at camp and learned how to make lures for fly fishing, but I digress.  There are days according to my kiddos that are meant for riding.  To feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair.  And since we live where it rains more often then not, I try to get my kiddos out on those days.  I have some kids who feel like checking air pressure and pumping tires is plenty close to a bike.

I have others who are pros at riding and live to do it as much as possible.

I have one who just got a bike for Christmas and is taking to it quit well.

And of course I have the kiddo who won't be left out.

This ride ending up at the Nooksack river where we talked with the eagles.  Whom my mom has decided have very wimpy voices.  I can't wait for more days that are meant for riding.

If you give Ruth a...

gun!  She may whine and complain.  She may tell you she doesn't want to use it.  She may hesitate and try to make up reasons why she can't do it.  In the end though she will shoot.  And maybe she will even hit something.  Watch this for proof. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u-z5nvyprI
And yes, I did write this in the third person :)

A stroll in the woods

Or as I like to say, our first hike of 2013.  At least I found out when I called it a hike my kids were much more excited to go.  In reality it was a stroll for some.

A bike ride for others.

And the pleasure of being pulled down a trail.

That was fine by me.  I had one goal, reach the waterfall!

Along the way I got the added bonus of beautiful pictures thanks to nature

and cute kids. 

At the end of the journey we played at the beach.

Where Caleb decided walking in the water was a must!

 I am very excited for our next adventure in the woods and plan to keep all of you posted as we go.

I want to do big things mom, not little things

This is what Caleb told me this morning.  His reason?  I am a big boy now not a little boy.  And since his birthday was last week I have to agree.

Four seems so crazy.  Beyond toddler.  Into wanting to do big things, like school with the sisters and cleaning his own room.
The boys had one thing set on their mind for their birthday....... SNOW.  Guess what?  They got it!

They also got an amazing super hero cake, thanks to my mom.

And masks they didn't want to take off!

Later Joshua informed me when he grows up he wants to be a cop.  And Caleb wants to work in an ambulance.  Both pretty big things for pretty big boys.

A look back, way back

I found these photos the other day and I thought I would share.  They range from baby Ruth

To somewhere near 13 with my horse. 

These are photos of photos and my auto focas decided not to work, but I thought they were still worth sharing.  I think all of these are from my grandmas house in Gilroy.  I use to love going there in the summer!

Pushing Through

This morning as I did my 40 minute work out on the treadmill I felt awful.  I only had 15 minutes left, but I felt like I might vomit.  I complained out loud and Kellina told me I should just get off.  I thought about it.  Then I decided to just push through.  I figured the feeling would pass and I would be glad I made the choice to stick with it in the end.  Guess what?  That is just what happened!! 

Lately I have been struggling in "life".  School has become something I have slacked on.  I have been just pushing through.  Then this weekend I had a planning day at Starbucks with a friend.  It was just what I needed to regain something other than just pushing through.  I regained the enjoyment that it brings me and the excitement to teach!

December has been a hard month for me.  Everything felt like a chore.  I was just pushing through the days.  Now with a new year here, a polar bear plunge done, and some new perspective I feel like I am doing so much more than just pushing.  All my pushing through is starting to pay off.  All the urges to give up and vomit have turned into a feeling of well done, you finished. 

Our heart is a tricky and fickle thing.  Sometimes just pushing through something is all we have in us to do.  Most times in the end we are so glad we did. 

Old Feet

Today was bath day.  And like every bath day the boys know they are done when the have old hands and feet.  They love it when it happens and talk about it long after the bath.

I use to say that I was a prune, but I think I will start saying I have old feet too.

No, Not

This is my current favorite thing that Isaiah says.  It's his condensed version of no, it's not. 
Me: Isaiah, is your diaper stinky?
Isaiah: No, not.
Me: Isaiah, is it your nap time?
Isaiah: No, not.
You get the point, cute!  Or maybe I am just bias.  Either way Isaiah is very much a talker and has no problem being understood.  Even among non baby people.  I guess that's because really he is out growing baby......

The Plunge

This year something crazy took over my mind and decided that jumping into an icy cold lake would be a good way to start off the new year.  Wow, I think that sentence may lead people to believe I have really lost my mind.  I haven't, really.  I have however started my year off by jumping into an icy lake.  The scene: a sunny, foggy, cold winter morning on the lake.

The character: a women ready to take life head on.  Okay, there were a few other people there too.

The outcome: pure awesome and a pact to do it again next year with more of the family.

In case my photos aren't enough check out Jeff's video.  Who by the way bailed on going in the water, but was an awesome camera man. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akgR4tEj_eU