5 is a magical number

Happy Birthday to Taylin! She turned a magical 5 earlier this month. Unfortunately she was recovering from the stomach bug, so we didn't do cake until later in the week. Taylin wanted a pirate birthday ever since she attended her friend, Carter's, pirate party. I know I was no match for that, so I tried to convince her otherwise. I was relieved she didn't want a princess party again. Once she mentioned Strawberry Shortcake...I was all over that and talked it up as much as I could. I was back and forth on making a cake or finding one at the store. I decided I could make one and didn't want to pay for a store bought one. I am not sure if it was a good choice or not.Taylin was pleased...although she didn't eat more than a bite of the cake; still recovering, I guess. Her biggest delight was when Daddy came home from work with a life-size (Taylin size) Strawberry Shortcake Balloon. Cohen and I had tried to find a pinata earlier that day, but couldn't find anything that would even somewhat coordinate with Strawberry Shortcake. Daddy was a lifesaver! We enjoyed celebrating Taylin and her special day!


What is so magical? Apparently Taylin has been looking forward to 5 for many reasons. Ever since she turned four it all began. "When do I get to start school?" When you are five. "When can I bathe myself?" When you are five. She practiced up to that point. I wasn't ready to monitor two bath times, but a tub of three was getting tight. Especially with Taylin wanting to lay down. "Now that I am five, my foot has grown. I can fit into my new shoes now." "I will lose a tooth now that I am 5." So much more than I realized happens when you are 5. Unfortunately she has to wait until next fall to start school. We have been having lessons at home and Taylin is learning to read quickly. She is very eager to learn and very eager to be a helper. She really is a great helper. Taylin is always thinking and is full of questions I have to prepare myself to answer correctly and honestly. She is quick to tell everyone she sees how old she is and that she is going to kindergarten AND that she can take a bath by herself. Taylin has accomplished so much this past year. We look forward to watching her grow even more in many ways!


One

Two
Three

Four
Five

And running, and running and running!

David and I completed a 5K together. We wanted to do one in November, but due to our travel schedule we didn't. With our friend, Aubrey, we motivated each other to sign up for the Temple, Schlotzky's Jingle Bun Run.


We weren't as "trained" as we had liked, but did the best we could. With David's interview schedule and sick kids the past two weeks...and just being tired between, we did the best we could. I wasn't sure what to expect due to lack of training and being five months pregnant. I went in just hoping to run comfortably all the way through. I wasn't trying to beat my last time. I was only 9 weeks along then. This was David's first running competition of any kind, so he was just going to get a feel for it. He wasn't sure how fast he should start out or how to pace it. He just wanted to finish strong and hopefully under 30 minutes. It was 45 degrees and a slight breeze...still nothing compared to when Taylin raced. There was quite a crowd this time and some intense runners. David had agreed he was going to do what was comfortable. If we could pace each other the whole time, great. If one of us could push a little faster or needed to fall back a little, that would be fine too. This course was a bit different from the last. The route was narrower, some on limestone and some on asphalt. There was even a narrow gate opening in which we were to go through after only 50 yards, so the packs hadn't broken up too much. Many firsts in this one. The hills were kinder this time, yeah! I really enjoyed the fact that it had a turn around and we crossed paths with other racers no matter what position you were in. As I turned around, I was able to cheer on David and Aubrey. I also saw some friends from church running too! I was so proud of them and hope I didn't embarrass them too much as I cheered them along. It was neat to see them all cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment and completion! We stayed together throughout. I barely had time to turn around and cheer him through the finish (25:58 minutes). David finished his first 5K in 26:40 minutes. Way to go my Love! Good job, David, Aubrey, Rachelle and Hayley!
I will be cheering you all on in the next few. This is my last for a while...unless I feel like walking one.


We don't know our results. The award ceremony wasn't until an hour later. We had to head back home and get the kids ready for our church brunch with Santa. Thank you Starla for watching the kids. We are pretty certain we will be good with a pat on the back. There were some impressive runners of all age groups...all..from very young (9 years old) to "wow, I hope I can move like that when I am in my 70s!"


I also wanted to give kuddos to my "baby" brother. He ran a 5K in Frisco the same morning. I am sure it was a little colder a little further north. Rex accomplished his goals and finished strong! Way to go bro. We will come up and cheer you on at the next one. David would like to run with you.

Interrupted Reverence

It has been nice to have David home for many reasons. Sundays are much more pleasant now. We can enjoy church while sharing responsibilities.

Today...the kids were doing great during our sacrament meeting. We were close to the end of the hour when David was trying to get my attention. I had Cohen on my left and Taylin was to my right between David and I. Kennedy makes her way between us throughout the meeting while we try to keep her in the pew. At this time she was sitting in David's lap. He got my attention and asked where Kennedy's diaper was. I began to search the diaper bag for a clean diaper. I then realized he was referring to the one she was supposed to be wearing. I died laughing...as I am now. After imaging his initial shock and wonderment...also wondering if he was wet, found the diaper on the floor. He tried to subtly put it back on Kennedy without a scene. I was just trying to maintain my own composure. We usually have a diaper cover or onesie to keep the diaper on, but we didn't today. I will make an effort to keep those things on a little better from here on out. I am just glad the diaper was still clean!

Tortoise or Hare?

This is overdue! After running my race...the kids have been racing to the van or anywhere we go to see who can get the most trophies. My intentions were not to get medal hungry children. We were made aware of a fundraiser that a local preschool was doing. I thought it was a great idea! The kids could run a half mile race. All received a medal and treats...and a shirt of course.


I knew Taylin could run for a while, but wasn't sure if she would sprint out at the beginning and die out at the end or what. I had every intention of having her run a half mile distance a few times before the race. Due to weather and whatever other excuses I had, we didn't do any "training" until the day before.


Cohen still wanted to run the race, but we didn't spend the money this time. We were confident he would be very hesitant to start. Knowing Cohen, he would finally decide to start after the rest of the runners were half way through the route. We made this decision based on the shyness and fear he has the first five minutes every week before his Gymnastics class. He ends up enjoying himself and doing really well or else we wouldn't have kept him in the class.


We practiced the route the kids would be running. The road wasn't blocked off, so we had some encounters with angry drivers...one of all two that passed by the entire time. I can't say I was very Christlike :( The weather was nice. The kids were able to wear shorts and their professional "Kid Connection" running shoes. Our friends that got us into it, ran with us. The older two took off strong and kept up a good pace. The two younger ones were determined to finish no matter what. I was so proud of Cohen. He likes me to carry him when we are out and about, so I was a little concerned. I was running at the head of the pack to encourage our lead runners and show them where to turn around. I turned around and Cohen is moving at Tortoise pace, but moving none the less. His age group would have been a shorter race. When we turned around and met up with him, I tried to persuade him to just turn around and race from where we were. He said with all the energy and might, "No, I have to get to where you were and then turn around." I swept him up anyway and tried to run back with him. He was okay with it. My run turned into a trot and then a walk as I cheered on the others from afar.


We saw the kiddos were confident and were ready for the big race day!


Remember we were in shorts on our practice run the day before...cold front moved in over night.
Cheering Sis on regardless of the elements!
I wasn't sure Taylin was going to want to run the race in the high winds and cool weather. We bundled everyone up in layers and went out for our day of adventure. The kids had to wait in the shaded area (didn't warm us up any) until their age group was called.
I had originally asked Taylin if she wanted to run alone or me to run with her. She was going to go solo. As we got to the starting line, she asked me to run with her.



On your mark...get set...GO! Taylin was off and darting ahead with the Hares, I encouraged her to slow a little at the beginning so she wouldn't get tired...I probably should have just let her do her thing. She was racing her shadow more than anyone else. I did have to redirect her focus in front of her instead of behind her where her shadow ran, so she didn't fall. She did well. Some kiddos had stopped and were asking parents to carry them because their legs were hurting...not to mention they were running into the wind the first half. Poor things! She kept on going. She really didn't comment during the race. She stayed very focused. She kept thinking she was at the end, so I did have to direct her a few times to the finish.


We are so proud of her for finishing and weren't looking to see where she finished. She had some friends that raced too. They all did well and were grinning from their accomplishments as well as congratulating each other.
Way to go Carter, Isaac, and Nikki!


We stayed for some treats, but all were too cold to take off gloves to get the food to our mouths. We didn't stay for the family fun walk or awards. We took off on our own race to the cars and to the Chapmans for hot chocolate and wind down.


We received a phone call Monday morning that Taylin had a trophy to pick up since we missed the awards ceremony. Congratulations Taylin: third place in the four year old girls class. She is happy to share her accomplishment. I hope she doesn't have too much of my competitive blood...well at least, I hope she uses it better than I do/did/do. We are proud of her determination and endurance!


Side note: David and I have talked about how we would support our children in events. After watching my niece at a swim meet, I teared up with pride for her. David can't ever watch the original competition, only the replays. So we figured we would be horrible at supporting our kiddos. I will boohoo and David would have his face covered, glancing with one eye occasionally (need to record it somehow, so he can see the replay). We did okay. I was occupied while running with her. So occupied I was the one who almost fell in the race. I was looking at Taylin and not the 3 inch drop of the road. David did well! We were hugging and congratulating Taylin and David got a little teary. I started, but we both did the "I am not crying laugh." Taylin was wondering why Daddy was sad. She has taken on the "I am proud of you cry" as well since then. She is growing up and pushing forward in many ways.


Stay posted for our family attempt in a local Jingle Bun Run in a couple of weeks. We are not sure how it will go down with both David and I (and little fetus bouncing along) running. I don't think anyone will want to babysit the kiddos so early. I know they want to participate too. I might just run the 1K with the kids and Santa. David might not let me get away with that.

My Favorite Things

Can you solve the puzzle?
Our Kiddos:


"Thing 1"

"Thing 2"

"Thing 3"

"little Thing 4 in the BLUE BUNDLE!"

We are excited about our growing family: Our little GUY will be here at the end of April!

Does the name make a difference?

Apparently to Taylin it can make a president a winner or not. Taylin has really picked up on Barak Obama. She even told me to vote for that Rock Bama guy before I went to vote. I did vote against my daughter this time. Her little four year old vote stood above mine. I hope I can win some in her teenage years...unless she has changed her views!



We were reading the Old Testament (these have proven to be some memorable times in many ways). We had just read that God took Moses. Taylin asked an obvious question, "Where did God take Moses." I explained he was old, it was time for him to die, so he went to live with God. We have had the death conversation a few times already. We have had a few more conversations of things I never imagined so early in her life. We ended the reading for the night with Moses' death. I told her we would read about the new prophet, Joshua. I then explained how when President Hinckley was taken by God (to stay with the wording earlier), President Monson was called as the Latter-Day Prophet. She proceeded to tell me that when President Monson dies that Rock Bama guy will be the prophet. I then had to explain a little bit about the separation between church and state. We hit the politics and gospel in one night! His name really stands out. I hope she will come to realize there is more in a name when choosing friends and her future husband! She picks up on so much, even though it isn't everything.

The Ten Commandments

We have been reading the Old Testament as a family. Cohen only wants to take note on some of the most exciting things...like bloody water or cutting heads off. He gets concerned. Taylin amazes me at how much she absorbs. We got to the ten commandments...all at once was a bit much. We will break them down next time. For this time we were able to remember and "apply" a few.


Anywho, the next day we were talking about their playing pretend. Taylin was telling Cohen we can't kill it is a commandment and we can't pretend to be Hannah Montana either. I recalled talking about "Thou shalt not kill," but had to flashback to remember, Thou shalt not pretend to be Hannah Montana." She picked it up pretty good as I tried to make it age appropriate. She was referring to "Thou shalt not have any other gods before me" and "Thou shalt not worship idols." I had used the example of Hannah Montana. If "we" made our life all about Hannah Montana and hung her posters all over the room, etc., etc., it would be breaking the commandments. I already had to discourage her hanging a poster last spring of Hannah Montana (from a Wal-mart ad) on her wall. Just one of my pet peeves.


I am still not sure about how to deal with the kids pretending to kill. Although they are always brought back to life at the hospital (in the kids' imaginative play). Wow, Scott and White is really the place to go! I try to encourage minor injuries or sickness. I know...I am lame.

Super Halloween at Storybook Village

After much traveling and a family back together, we got the kids dressed up and enjoyed the festivities of Halloween. Last year we all dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters. I was able to put everyone together with limited sewing or buying...thanks to Goodwill! This year was all sewing, so David and I were not characters. The kids repeatedly asked what David and I were going to be. I joked and said I would be the book for their problem solving (we did Super Why this year, a PBS show). So everyone expected to see a book as the kids told everyone. Sorry, David and I were the nice parents this year...named by Taylin. I told her she might want to tell people what we were they might not get it with my tired eyes after late night sewing. Missouri set me back more than I had planned and the oops on Cohen's costume.


I am embarrassed to post a picture of Cohen's original, but I thought it was pretty funny. The problem is the proportions. I wanted to make sure he had enough room for his bum. Well, that was there as well as an extended torso...maybe if he were built like Micheal Phelps, it would work.
I am a big fan of patterns and fitting kids when they are awake instead of going by their PJ's. Not a good idea. I didn't get a picture with him in it, because he could only tolerate it for a few minutes. So instead I bought some green sweats, which I should have done from the beginning...simplicity. I cut the belt from his original costume. For the super hero underwear he got to wear my cheerleading bloomers from high school. Luckily, (I am not sure what is lucky about wearing your mom's bloomers.) I found a pair that didn't have 'Coon' paws on the bum. Hey, the cape would have covered them anyway.



Cohen was Super Why...he has the power to Read. Taylin was Princess Presto (she was able to be a princess again!)...she has the power to spell.
Kennedy was Wonder Red..with word power.



I had to include the one they were standing...the saggy drawers. He was so much more comfortable in the sweats.


We participated in the ward chili cook-off and trick-or-treat. We are going to have to limit the events we attend or stop having kids. Just with two filling their bags for two trick-or-treats (we did one in Missouri) makes for a lot of candy. On second thought I will make small, but cute trick-or-treat bags next year. Since I have insisted on not making costumes next year. We plan on going to get 50% off costumes for next year. We already have a plan for what we are going to be...wait and see! We will see if I stick to my simplicity rule next year!


For kicks: I was asked to help a friend with a Nacho Libre costume. I don't have a picture of him in it, so I had David model. Their measurements are a little different, but I was just making sure the look was right. If we had known, I would have thrown some stuff together, so David could be his sidekick. I can't recall the characters name at the moment. I will spare you all the full body shot, since David didn't have the red shorts to cover the tights. A bit too revealing!


We didn't decorate our pumpkins until the following day. The kids had a great time.


>

Thank goodness for washable paints. Even mom had some fun! The time it takes to wash off depends on the texture and make of the wall. Hey, it came off and we had lots of fun. Kennedy wasn't sure that making a mess was a good idea. Once it got anywhere but her hands, she wanted nothing to do with it.
Then we baked the seeds. I did a little garlic and they were so yummy. Next year we will have to do a pumpkin per family member for more seeds. Those were sooo good. I am trying not to eat them all in one sitting!

Taylin has been tagged

This is a good time to post Taylin's spotlight. She isn't doing preschool this year...just one-on-one with me. We had Cohen's preschool at our house today and she was wondering when she got to be the spotlight (We rotate the kiddos in Cohen's class.).
Taylin in the spotlight:


Name & meaning: Taylin Dean


Taylin means:.since her name is randomly made up…Talia means dew of God or female lamb. I like dew of God. Kaylin means slender and fair. Still good on the dew of God. I don’t need her to worry about her looks already.



Dean: named after her grandmother’s middle name- valley or dean.



Taylin Dean: She is the dew of God that rises in the valley morning. Made that up all by myself. When do the valleys see the sun anyways…aren’t they hidden by some mountains. Yep, not a poet!



Age: 5 in a few months



Nicknames: Naynin (Cohen), that is it…we named her uniquely so she didn’t have to have a nickname


Favorite Activities: gymnastics, coloring AND then cutting, singing and dancing, running, playing pretend, swinging at the park, dress up and more dress up.


Favorite Foods: carrots and ranch, brisket, mangos, corn on the cob, cookies: she kindly reminded me, she loves to help in the kitchen!


Least Favorite Foods: soup, tomatoes


Favorite Music: Laurie Berkner Band, Peter and Ellen Allard, Jack Johnson


Favorite Toys: Polly pockets and tiny princesses, dress ups, and her Leap Pad (that quit working after 11 months…she treated it nicely)


Favorite Book: Kirsten, Abuela, The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon, Taylin loves books!


Favorite Item of Clothing: A pink shirt with a white collar shirt underneath, leotards, Flamenco Dress


What Makes Her Happy: “My Daddy,” of course she added, “My mommy” after further inquiry. She loves people and always wants to be with her friends and family. Dancing.


What Makes Her Sad: Saying goodbye to her friends and family. Leaving is always a tragedy…whether they live a few doors down or miles away.


Additional things I love about Taylin: Taylin is very sincere and considerate. She is willing to try new things. Taylin absolutely loves her family. Taylin is thoughtful of situations and others. She loves to learn and seems beyond her years in her knowledge, actions and maturity. Of course we are a little biased, yet very blessed. Taylin is a loving big sister!

Table Talk

I had to try something different for lunch today. The kids were still a little rowdy from preschool and had long drawn out snacks before lunch. Kennedy enjoys raiding the pantry now, so I have to monitor the kitchen a little better. Taylin and Cohen were snappy at each other and of course whining came with that. I wasn't looking forward to a lunch of bickering. As I was preparing my lunch I asked the kiddos to say two nice things or things they liked about each other. They said things like, "I like it when you play with me." Cohen was a little confused or he was just taking the opportunity to get things out on the table. He said, "Taylin, I like you, but I don't like that stranger game you play." Hey, at least he was addressing the behavior and not the person. I sat down and it was my turn. I said two things each to Cohen and Taylin. Wow, I have some loving to do!




Cohen:"Mom, I like you, but I don't like the things you said to me while I was sitting over there (time-out)." AND "Mom, I like you, but Kennedy isn't eating her lunch."




Taylin: "Mom, I love you. I like it when you say nice things to us...um, that is all. We forgot to cheers (toast and say cheers)."




Kennedy: Falling asleep in the highchair with macaroni stuck anywhere and everywhere, wiped out from preschool.


I too need to be kinder in what I say. I know my energy and patience is running thin, but we have a week until we get to see David and be together again! David even promised me some "me" time. Wow, what is that? I have a list of things I could do. Families are forever and not meant to be apart. Our hearts have grown stronger and fonder as we have been apart. On the other hand, I think the kids and I are ready for a two parent home again. It really makes a difference in all of us!

Question of the day: beginning of life.

The kids were eating Halloween cookies while I was cleaning up in the kitchen.


Taylin: "Mommy, how do we get in your tummy?"


I didn't answer immediately due to shock, fear and lack of what to say.


Taylin: "You know, when you get married, how does the baby get in the tummy?"


I am almost embarrassed to share my response, but it seemed to satisfy the curiosity.


Mom: "Well...Mommy has an egg and Daddy has a sperm. The sperm finds the egg and a baby grows. It is like when you plant a seed. A plant sprouts from it." Something like that. Luckily I had some pictures, and there was no further questions, phew!


Fail or pass me? We will see.


I am still going with honesty is the best policy and using accurate terms. So far I am not regretting that.

“A Mother’s Victory: a Husband’s Perspective”

Before the race...starting to feel the competitive edge...between butterflies!





If you know me then you will know that I absolutely love to give credit where credit is due, especially to those that work so hard behind the scenes. If you know me then you may also know that for the past three years, now going on four, I have been in medical school. As I end what has truly been one of the more difficult challenges I have faced in my life I can truly say that there is no way I would have made it this far if it were not for my amazing wife.




For almost four years now she has been patient and sacrificed countless hours and evenings alone with our ever growing family while her husband sat and studied for the nth time for some test or board exam that at the time seemed so consuming. Very few times would Amanda ever complain about my schedule. I have watched her as she has, with determination and patience, tackled all obstacles that have come her way whether it is graduating college while raising two children, making doctor’s appointments or fulfilling her church responsibilities. Many times she has placed her own aspirations and goals on hold in order to support others in need including her children and myself.




Well, just recently at the end of September I was able to witness Amanda do something for herself, something she has wanted to do for a long time. Several months ago Amanda came up to me and asked if I wanted to one day run a 5k race with her. I have to admit, I am NOT a runner. I am not sure if I EVER WILL BE. But the idea of training and doing something together with your spouse is fun no matter how intimidating the task. So we began training but then I had to leave for a month to Houston and do another medical rotation away. In the mean time Amanda dedicated herself to training finding time to run while still meeting the daily demands of three little children all younger than age 5.




As we approached the end of September she told me she had signed up to participate in a 5k at a local park near our house benefiting Melanoma research. I was excited for her and so was she. (You must know that we are both very competitive in nature and Amanda has been involved with competitive sports since she was old enough to walk.) This is not something that Amanda likes to talk about but you must know that she EXCELS at sports; she really does. She set records in power lifting in high school and was recruited for softball by several colleges. (I am not supposed to share that with you, but I think it’s awesome).





So the day of the race came and there was a pretty good turn out of people. Amanda was nervous but as the race was about to start, the adrenaline and excitement of it all kicked in and so did Amanda’s competitive side. The race began and Amanda took off. The kids and I watched as she disappeared over the hill along the premarked course hoping that all would go well. We then retired to the playground to allow the children to expend some energy.




After about 15 minutes I decided to check and see if any of the runners were beginning to come to the finish line. I looked toward the hill and saw Amanda quickly approaching. I gathered the children and we took our positions at the finish line with the camera ready to record the finish. Amanda took the last turn in a sprint for the finish, something I have seen her do before in other track races (remind me to show you her middle school long distance track races). As she came across the finish line the time read 23:41 minutes, a personal best! We were so excited for her and this accomplishment and you could tell she was too as well as exhausted.






As other runners came in to finish the race the award ceremony began. First, the top male and female racers were announced. Then the top finishers were announced by age bracket. And guess who won their age bracket? Yep, Amanda! Not only did she finish first in her age group, she was the 4th girl to finish overall! Words cannot describe how proud of Amanda I was at that moment and how proud I am of her today. She represents so many things that I aspire to be. She has a personal motto, “Fortitude”, which she so perfectly displays. I am grateful for her example and for her humility. She would have bee happy that day just to have completed that race and gone home without a medal because that’s who she is.





So at this time I pay tribute to Amanda, a mother who is a winner not only of a 5k she decided to run in but a winner in so many other areas in life…..as a daughter, a wife, a sister, a friend, a teacher, a leader, etc. I know there are many mothers out there including my own who deserve a lot more credit than they receive and to all of you I say, “Thank You.” Thank you for all that you do no matter how little or insignificant it may seem. You DO NOT go entirely unnoticed, I promise. Keep up the good work and continue running the race. You never know who you may inspire. I love you Amanda and I promise we will run the next 5k together! (I am scared).