Monday, November 29, 2010

Advent Christmas Countdown…

IMG_8630

I saw tons of blogs this week that make advent calendars out of scrapbook paper and magnetic paper.  Well, I have lots of magnets, but not magnetic paper…so for a whopping $1.23 I made this advent calendar.    The idea is to put a fun activity on the back of each number which tells the kiddos what fun, special Christmas related thing the family will do that day.  I.E.  Christmas caroling, eat popcorn and watch Elf (Momma’s new favorite Christmas movie), read “The Night Before Christmas”, donate a toy for Toys 4 Tots.  It could go on and on.  This year, I haven’t really figured out what we will do each day.  But, I figure that we will make this tradition grow with Chompy.   Too fun!  Oh, and Chompy helped me glue!  That makes this even better! Smile

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Crafting gone Christmas…

This weekend has been a little bit of a craft-extravanganza.  I had a couple of Christmas presents to make (can’t tell you anything more than that).  But, I also worked on two cute and crafty (cough) inexpensive (cough) projects for Christmas. 

One I finished, so I’ll show it to you.   I’ve been looking for an alternative for hanging our Christmas Stockings since we don’t have a mantel.  I also didn’t want to just hang them on a bookcase like we have in the past, seeing as Chompy would probably pull on them and hit himself in the head with the metal holders.  So, I started blog-hopping, and eventually found at tutorial to do this:

 

IMG_8628

Thanks: http://holdingon2myhope.blogspot.com/2008/12/stockings-are-hung.html

Now we have a cute way to show off our stockings and Chompy will not have a lump on his head from falling Christmas decorations.   Thanks to hubby for helping me put them on the wall. 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Oops…Thanksgiving Lagging…

Okay,  here’s from day 11-today.

 

11.  The invention of pasta!  Both Chompy and I would probably starve if not for pasta.

12.  UCLA Bruins!  Need I say more?  6 of the best years of my life, great friends, challenging, stretching time, and fun!

13.  My Canon Rebel xs.  It takes such beautiful pictures and captures everything I could want it to.

14. Health- I’m very thankful that my family is healthy and doing what it can to stay that way.

15.  My family- So supportive, fun, and loving!

16.  Living in Yucaipa where we have snow, rain, beautiful springs and warm summers.

17.  My great group of friends who live out of the area.  Even though I don’t get to be with them or talk with them as much as I wish I could, I love them!!!!!! 

18.  A sewing machine- It’s been so fun to stretch and be creative and actually make things for others. 

19.  The ability to run outdoors and the love of feeling the cool air in my lungs.

20.  California-as much as I do not like a lot about it, you can’t beat the sun, surf, mountains and fresh air.

21.  A DVR-with working as much as I have been, it is so nice to be able to just veg out in front of the TV any time that it is convenient and watch some shows. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thankful Day 9 and 10....

Today I have two to do again because I've been a little busy with working.

Day 9: I'm very thankful for my little CRV. She's such a good little car and is so nice to let me drive her (quickly) up and down the Cajon Pass repeatedly. I'm thankful that although little things keep breaking, she keeps running well. Now, little CRV...please keep going for at least 4 more months. Thanks!

Day 10: I'm thankful for the pretty green grass that is growing in our front yard. And, I'm thankful that we have a front yard. Our yard is starting to look like a place that is cared for and lived in and I love that! Plus, it is soooooo fun to watch Chompy watch Josh mow the lawn.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thankful Day 8...

Today, I'm thankful for my job. At work, I talk with people all day long who have been laid off, downsized, can't find work, and are now in the hospital sick. People have lost their insurance, their motivation, their paychecks, and their passions after so long of looking for work without success. As much as I do not like being away from Chompy, I'm soooooo thankful that I have a job that I love, that pays the bills, that provides me with a chance to use my "not-momma-toddler-mush" brain, and that I have such amazing co-workers. Co-workers who throw me wedding and baby showers, ask daily about how Chompy is doing, and make me laugh.

Thanks St. Mary Medical Center for a great 4 years!!!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Thankful Day Weekend Edition...

Two more things that I'm thankful for:


Having dual heat and air in the house since it's been in the 40s at night and 90s during the day :)

Our Thursday Night Community Group! Today Chompy and I spent the day with the Javish's and walked the Buddy Walk to raise money for Down's Syndrome Foundation. We've been so thankful to be able to share our lives with these great friends and raise our kiddos together. Here's a picture from today (not the greatest, but I was running after Chompy) as he was running the bases at Angel Stadium!


Friday, November 5, 2010

Thankful Day 5...


The past two days when I left for work it was wicked dark! As in it was still dawn when I got to work. While getting up early is not my favorite thing, both mornings have been so clear! Orion has been positioned right above our driveway. I am so thankful for the beauty in nature! It's awesome!


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thankful Day 4...

Today, I'm thankful for the invention of Twix. At work, my friend Lisa and I share a pack so that we can each have one...and lately I've been finding mini Halloween size bars on my desk. These little candies get me through the day...and in a weird way motivate me to go to the gym. ;) They were also one of the only candies that I could eat growing up at Halloween because they didn't have peanuts/peanut butter. YUMMY!!!! Chocolate and Caramel! :)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Thankful Day 3...


Today I'm thankful for my house...it was 2 years in the making and so worth the wait. I love it and that it's the little nest for my family.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

November Thankfulness... Day 2...



I'm going to say one thing that I'm thankful for each day in November to remember what this season is all about. Since, I missed yesterday, today I'm going to say two.



Today, I'm thankful for these two boys. Well, I'm thankful for them everyday....but I'm going to make sure that I say it today! My two best boys! :) I'm very blessed to be able to call them my family!!




Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Just in Case…

you were wondering, I’m still sewing, I’m just really in the midst of  Homemade Christmas 2010 and making presents (which of course I can’t show until after Christmas). :)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Gulp…

52388540

 

IMAG0309

 

June 5th, 2011!!!!!!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Fun…

This week’s photography theme.  Chompy’s friend Livy came over for dinner last night.  After dinner they both decided to get books and climb up on the big chair to read together!  They have lots of fun!

IMG_7699

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Fall…

So, in my blog hopping to Mommy/Crafty/Artsy blogs, I’ve found a few that have weekly posts where each blog host posts a photograph that follows the theme for that week.  These usually happen on Thursdays, but because of my schedule, I decided that I wanted to try participating, but on Tuesdays.  The theme ideas are coming from Mental Inventory

Here’s fall :)   It finally became cool enough for candles and I love the autumn color of this one.

IMG_7580

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Baby Shower…

So, I’m kind of impressed with myself.  I sewed everything for a shower that I’m going to tomorrow (yes, I posted this late because I couldn’t let the Momma know what I was getting her).  It was fun to get to use lots of pink as baby Madalyn’s room is pink, pink, pink :)

IMG_7564

I made three bibs, a bunch of babylegs, burp clothes and cute appliqued onesies :) 

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Cute Lil Owl…

My newest project.  He is almost finished, but just needs some eyes and a beak…then he is all Chompy’s.  To give props where props is due…the pattern is from “The Green Mama”.  Homemade Christmas 2010 is on its way! :) 

IMAG0251

Friday, September 17, 2010

Suggestions for better ways that Meg Whitman could spend her $119 million…

So, yesterday, it was announced that Meg Whitman has now spent $119 million of her own money (apparently she is worth about $1.2 billion per: KFI Bill Handel) to try and become governor of California.  I guess Mayor Bloomberg spent similarly when he ran for Mayor of NY.   Anyways,   since she started spending and spending and spending to become the leader of a state that is in deep financial stress, I keep thinking that there are better ways that she could spend her money that could help the Californians she wants to represent.  

So, without further ado, here is my little list of ways Meg Whitman could spend her money.

Finish some Cal Trans projects like widening the 10/405 interchange, finishing the 10 :) in San Bernardino and for your in Nor-cal—finish widening the 99 on the way to Merced.   http://california.construction.com/projects/top25hwylist.pdf

Pay for education for a year for the students of multiple California school districts.  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/ec/documents/currentexpense0809.xls

Pay for the cost and recovery for the San Bruno Explosion. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/16/more-questions-raised-about-california-gas-pipeline/-

Cover the Cost of Station Fire   http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Station-Fire-Costs-Will-Far-Exceed-Firefighting/Wg1hFev4ZUWWxAVMzc1MOg.cspx-

Give every Californian adult a $5 Starbucks giftcard :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_California

Pay for every needy Californian who needs an eye exam and glasses or Lens Crafters exams.  http://www.californiavision.org/cvf_index.htm

Pay for physical exams for the 8.4 million Californians without health insurance http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/08/number-of-californians-without-health-insurance-continues-to-increase-ucla-study-finds.html--

There are 18,000 kids waiting for adoption in California’s foster care system, Meg can pay the fees for those families who adopt. And the next 279,500 kids that need adoption.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/state-data-repository/cwf/2010/child-welfare-financing-california-2010.pdf -

Feed 595,000 Californians for a month as it costs $200 average cost to feed 1 person a month.

Send 1,900,000 families to parenting classes

Provide the start up funds for 4250 farmer’s markets. http://www.sfma.net/aboutsfma/how2start.shtml-

<span>Buy Disney Annual Passes for 1:10 California kids.  </span>http://www.kidsdata.org/data/demographic/dashboard.aspx?dem=8-

Send 464,444 kids to Forest Home Summer Camp  www.foresthome.org

Provide 3 meals a day for a family of 4 for 2,163,636 families…. Or feed 5947 families for a year…through Urban Rescue Mission or insert your favorite shelter here ;) https://secure3.convio.net/urm/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1241

pay off my mortgage

198,333 couples a night at the Hotel del for Christmas http://www.hoteldel.com/Reservations.aspx#

Give 2, 380,000 the HTC Aria--I love my phone. (Amazon prices, not ATT prices)

Feel free to add your own suggestions to this list.  Imagine the amazing things that could be done just in California with $119 million.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

BabyLegs…

New project!  I heart BabyLegs.  They are basically leg warmers for babies so that their little legs can be toasty but you can change diapers easily.  They are soooo cute and soooo expensive.  One pair can run between $10-15 bucks.  Insane.  So I found a bunch of blogs that showed me how to make them out of adult knee socks.   Chompy and I went to Target this morning where I scored socks for $1.40 each.  And, then we came home and I made him a pair in less than 10 minutes! Woot!  So cute!

IMG_7548

Monday, September 6, 2010

From the garden…

IMG_7541

IMG_7543

Bib…

Today, I made Chompy a bib :)  It’s very cute and mostly well made…I bet it will make it through one meal.  Oh well.  I had fun doing it and I’m definitely getting better :)  YES! 

I kind of look psycho in the picture…ignore me, and look at the bib :)

IMG_7544

Birdy family…

The birdies for Chompy’s room are coming along.  Yesterday, Josh and Chompy cut down the dead tree in our front yard (which is perfect for a birdy roost).  Last night I finished their little bodies and today sewed their tails.  Aren’t they a cute little family?  Now, we just have to wait for them to go on their tree.

IMG_7540

Friday, August 27, 2010

Crafty Project #3….

So, before Chompy was born, my friend sent me the link to this blog:  Sew Liberated.  She thought that it was a cute example of a baby room that went with my theme of nature, the outdoors and neutral colors.  Ever since I saw the bird mobile on the wall, I wanted to re-create it but had no idea how to do it.  It has stuck in my mind as I’ve started working on these sewing projects and since discovering how much Chompy is absolutely obsessed with birdies.  Can you see his face if he had a whole wall devoted to them? (well, he kind of does already, but you can never have enough birdies). :)

So, today, I looked up how to make it at:  Spool and then the family and I made a trip to JoAnn’s for some fabric to make the birdies. 

Here are the first two: 

IMG_7533I definitely need to continue to practice my hand sewing skills.  (They will sit up once hot glued in place). These little guys are just waiting for me to make them some more friends, and for Josh to cut down the dead tree in our front yard so they can have a place to roost, and then Chompy will have his birdie wall :)  Fun stuff.  

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Sewing Project #2…

Look guys, I stuck with something :) 

Today, I made a bag.  I made it all wrong, but it will still work.  I like a project that will work no matter what the craftsperson’s skill level :)

Yes, you will probably see this fabric for awhile.  I like it and I bought a lot of it. 

Anyone want a bag?  :)

IMG_7532

Sunday, August 22, 2010

First Sewing Attempt…

So, I at least figured out how to turn on the machine, use a rotary tool,  and make a line :)  After making a trip to JoAnn’s for a few cutting supplies (didn’t have any sewing equipment), I got to work.  Josh was nice enough to give me a corner in his office to use.  I guess we may have to re-name the office, the “hobby room” and get a couch ASAP to give us some more space.

IMG_7518

These are the 1 layer napkins that we had to do for our first assignment.  The lesson was to grasp how to make a line and straight edges---both I still need to practice but, I at least got cute napkins :)   Many of you should probably ignore any projects you may see on here…I sense a home-made Christmas coming for 2010 ;)

IMG_7517

Friday, August 13, 2010

Creativity? Can it be learned?

Ok.  So, I don’t know if you know this or not, but I have some of the most creative friends and family in the world.  Seriously, I do!   They are painters, designers, photographers, knitters, crocheters, sewers, athletes, sketch artists, writers, dancers, gardeners, singers, musicians etc. etc. etc.  Sometimes I feel like the right side of my brain completely forgot to grow.  There’s a distinct possibility that if you did a scan of my brain, you’d find that the left hemisphere had taken over both sides, and down in a tiny crevice is the little right side, merely present so that I can use the left side of my body. 

Well, I’ve decided to try and grow that little part…maybe there’s some hope that the rational left side can be tempered down with practice :)   I’m starting a sewing class with some friends (yes, they are part of the aforementioned “creative” people)  however, I’m hoping that I can get some confidence through practice (wow, that left brain just never goes away does it?).  And, I’m hoping that this turns out better than when I tried to learn to knit and crochet (I still have a 3/4th finished scarf in a bag I started last winter).   Admission-that is actually the second time that I’ve tried to finish the same scarf.  The first time was in 2006.  Yeah, that’s how not-creative I am ;)

In the meantime, please check out one of my uber-talented friends blogs here.  Annie has been in my life for a long time.  She made the drawings that were featured on Josh and my wedding invitations etc. and continues to wow me with her creativity, talent and humor! 

Remember this? 

clip_image002

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Beautiful shots from our run today…

Chompy and I went on our first run in our new town.  We realized that we now live at a much higher elevation (1000 ft. higher) because it was hard.  Here’s two pictures from our early morning jaunt.  It was about 75 degrees when we went out.   I like our neighborhood.  It’s nice and quiet in the mornings, with the exception of yippy ankle biter Chihuahuas…ick!  

IMG00788

 

IMG00787

Monday, June 28, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Run through Redlands 1/2 Marathon: Momma’s Version…

Chomp must have known that something exciting was going on today, because he got up twice at night and was up and happy early this morning.  So we had no trouble making the 7:35 start time, except that we wanted to change his diaper, and thought of it at the last minute, so we were a little late at the start.  And, we ran!   It was such a great, and difficult course.  We really did run through some of the prettiest streets and neighborhoods in the town.  It actually made me so happy that this is where I live. 

We had quite a few friends running and walking the various races today, so it was fun to meet up in the starting area, say good luck, and then take off on our respective races :) They all did fabulously by the way!!!!  

We met downtown and then ended up winding our way through the hills of Redlands, tree lined streets and beautiful views on both sides of Redlands.  Then, we made our way down past Redlands Hospital and the park where we go all the time with Chompy to the Redlands Bowl.  In the summers the Redlands Bowl is kind of like the Hollywood Bowl…with weekly events.  It’s one of the historic places in Redlands.   It was so much fun.  We did a pretty good job.  Miles 1-5 went well, but when we hit the mile 6 marker, I started to slow down, and walked portions of the incline.  Pushing the stroller up those grades was so hard. :)  It kept that way through mile 7-8.  Once we hit 9, we were really on our way downhill and 9, 10, 11 were not that bad.  However, the distance from mile marker 12 to the finish went on FOREVER!!!  It took us down the middle of a big, historic street (Olive) in Redlands, but seemed to go on and on with no finish in sight.  With about 1 1/2 miles to go,  there was a group of high school students manning the aide station.  They had the music blasting and signs and were so encouraging.  All of a sudden it hit me that Chomp and I were really going to do it.  We were going to finish the 1/2, and I started to tear up.  It was soooo cool!  Then as soon as I was about to break, Josh came into view.  He had come out to meet us for the last 100 yards.     Then, of course, as the finish came into view, I got my second wind, and tada finished!!!!  It took us a little under 3 hours (we aren’t completely sure how long because we took awhile to get to the start line, so we are waiting for the official results, so even though the time says 2:56:19 it may really be a little faster.  We will see).   Official Time: 2:55:20!

It was cool also because when I signed up for this race, I knew that I wanted to run it with Chompy.  And, that baby strollers were allowed.  When we showed up in the race area, there were tons of runners with strollers.  It wasn’t until the 10K race started and just the 1/2 marathoners were left that I realized that there were no other strollers in the 1/2.  YIKES!!!!  But, it was fun because we became kind of something special along the route…everyone was so proud of how well Chompy was doing and so encouraging of me.  As we went along and it looked like we were actually going to finish, that I let it hit me that he was going to be the only baby to do it!  So fun!  And, I felt so inspired! 

Here are some pictures of the race :)

IMG_5662

Getting ready :)

IMG_5664

Our friends the Avis’.  They ran really fast. 

IMG00672

It really was a beautiful day!   A little hazy, but we could still see the mountains on all sides.  The flowers were soooo beautiful and blooming.  We could hear the bees any time we ended up under a tree. 

IMG00674

IMG00678

Josh met us at the end to capture us finishing the race!

IMG_5669

That guy was crazy—he ran in long sleeves the whole race.  And with his own CamelBak.

IMG_5675

This was a very cool part, because there was lots of cheering :)

IMG_5680

We did it! :) 

IMG00682

At the end of the race, all the runners get oranges.  This was Chompy’s first orange :)  He liked it. 

This is his other reward :)  Oh, and in this picture, you can see his secret tooth ;)

x2_121bb34

IMG_5685

Our medal!! :) 

IMG_5689

We did it!!!!!!  We are very proud of each other!! 

Saturday, April 10, 2010

A little talk about Protein…

So, I still don’t claim to know much about this whole thing, however, I know that one of the important aspects of breastfeeding is making sure that I get enough protein so that Little Chompy gets enough protein to grow big and smart and strong. 

So, in the last two weeks I’ve tried to make an effort to eat food with a lot of protein during the “veggie-xperiment” as I’m calling it.   The nice thing about the research is that I found out that I love food with protein in it naturally.  I always thought that I was a carb girl because I loved the grains/breads a lot.  However, these also have a high protein content.  Interesting :) 

Vegetarian Protein:

Avocado (1 cup)-4 grams   Bagel 1 whole-9 grams  Banana ( 1 whole)-1.22 grams

Black Beans (1 cup)- 15 grams  Blackberries (1 cup)- 1 gram   Broccoli (1 cup)-4 grams

Cheddar Cheese 1 ounce- 7 grams   Cottage Cheese (1 cup)-31 grams

Hard Boiled Egg (1 whole)- 6 grams   Mushrooms (156 grams)- 3 grams

Oatmeal (1 cup)-6 grams   Peach (1 whole)-1 gram   Pistachios (1/4 cup)- 6 grams

Potato (1 whole) -4 grams  Refried Beans (100 grams)- 13 grams Spinach (1 cup)-5 grams

Soybeans (1 cup)-29 grams  Soymilk (1 cup)- 7 grams   Strawberries (1 cup)-1 gram

Tofu (4 ounces)- 9 grams  Whole Wheat Pasta (1 cup)- 9 grams 

Whole Wheat Bread (1 slice) -4 grams   Yogurt 1 cup - 13 grams

Meat Protein Examples: (based on 100grams/ .2 of a lb) (smaller than a burger)

Beef 25 grams  Chicken 26 grams  Pork chops 28 grams  Turkey 28 grams

Venison 34 grams

Fish Protein Examples: (based on100 grams/.2 of a lb)

Cod: 22grams  Lobster 27 grams  Salmon 20 grams   Steamed Halibut 18 grams

Trout 27 grams  Tuna 26 grams

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Thoughts from 9 days of eating veggies…

IMG_5263

9 days ago, I decided that I wanted to give vegetarianism a try for a week.  I have read enough lately about the benefits of eating more locally grown food, and the importance of produce in our diet.  I work at a hospital where every one of our cardiologists is a vegetarian.  They are all proponents of the heart health benefits associated with a diet based on plants and the awful things that eating meat does to our arteries.  I also keep hearing horror stories of the meat processing plants in this area (cough cough—Chino---cough cough) in the type of meat that they allow to pass through as USDA approved food. 

So, last Wednesday, Little Chomp and I took a trip to Trader Joe’s and stocked up on everything that I thought that I could eat to make enough vegetarian meals for a week.  This meant—veggie raviolis (sooo yummy, spinach and ricotta), lots of fruit, spinach salad fixings, mushrooms, water chestnuts and onions for our yummy lettuce wraps, potatoes, the soy pizza burgers that are really good etc.  You get the picture.  I tried to take it one step at a time—eating things that I knew that I’d enjoy so that I’d actually have a shot of making it the whole week.  I didn’t want to start experimenting with food that I had never tried right off the bat and not make the goal.   

The first two days were tough.  I really didn’t think that I eat much meat usually, but all of a sudden, I felt like there was meat all around.  I usually take sandwiches for lunches when I work, and I had to come up with an alternative.  So this was tough.  But, after a few days, it has gotten much easier.  I have actually started choosing the healthier options, even when presented with my usual fare.   So, that’s pretty cool. 

All of this to say, I met my goal, and I’m proud of myself for it.  Whether I’ll continue this on from an experiment to a lifestyle is yet to be seen.  We’ll see how it goes. 

Last night, I cooked tofu for the first time at home.  It turned out horribly wrong ;) But, I’ve gotten some advice from friends and I’ll attempt it again.  I love edamame, so I should like tofu right?! :)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

MommaPC…

Josh’s computer that he was letting me use (for the last 4 years) finally died.  So, the boys went on a trip and brought this present home to me.

IMG_5538 

Cute bootie helped :)

IMG_5539

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Happy Birthday…

Happy Birthday 20th Birthday LISSA!!!!

 

I love you my sister!!!

IMG_4642

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Things I let strike my heart today…

…mostly due to reading There is No Me Without You by Melissa Faye Greene.

There are an estimated 143 million orphans in the world.  UNICEF’s Children and AIDS Country Fact Sheet 2009

Afghanistan has the highest mortality rate for children under the age of 5 (Interestingly enough, The USA does is not even close to the lowest).  UNICEF

In 2006, there were an estimated 1/2 million children in US Foster Care.  Child Welfare Information Gateway

 

Depressing, I know.  But, reality all the same. 

 

Giving my little one big kisses and hugs! 

Sunday, February 14, 2010

My Loves…

Happy “I Love You” Day!

 

EJK_1919

I love you both sooooooooooo much!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Fun from Facebook…

Facebook did this fun thing at the end of the year where it took a bunch of a person’s status updates and smashed them together into a snapshot of one’s year. 

Here’s what mine said :)  You can tell that most are before June 3rd :O)

 

img.php

Friday, January 22, 2010

We are the world…yes, MJ…

I came across this article on CNN’s Opinion page.  It is written by a couple who are in the process of adopting a Haitian toddler.  I keep hearing and reading all of these media reports about the number of orphans living in Haiti prior to this earthquake, and the estimates of the numbers today.  It’s astounding and overwhelming.  I’ve also noticed that there have been several stories shown of families who were so close to finalizing their adoptions of Haitian children right before the earthquake, and now there is no telling how long it will take to complete them.  It is (well as was also) such a complex humanitarian issue.   There’s no telling how many children post-earthquake could be reunited with family.  There’s no telling how many are orphaned.  There is no telling how long a process it could take to start the adoption placement process for these children.  There is no telling how Haiti or the world is going to be able to care for these children.  There is no easy answer. 

I think that because of this, I appreciated this couple’s perspective.  I appreciated that above all they love this little boy so much that they want what is best for him, even if that means that their relationship with him is over.  I appreciated that they are trying to not think of themselves (as horribly hard as that must be), they are fighting for him and for all those kiddos like him, who above all, need to live, be loved, and be well cared for.   I’m not sure if I agree that the kiddos need to be evacuated from Haiti (that sounds like another trauma for them), but I loved that they said that these kiddos (and in reality all of the world’s kiddos), are our responsibility to love. 

The writers state about the little boy’s birth mother: 
“Hers was, we believe, an act of sacrifice, but it was also an act of hope and trust -- hope that the world would be kind to Alexander, perhaps even despite her own experience, and trust that someone would love him as much as she does.” 

Ironic then, that they are putting themselves in the same position: 

“As Alexander's mother put her trust in the people who, as fate would have it, turned out to be us, we are placing our trust in others to join our efforts to secure the life of our child and the rest of the orphans of Haiti.”

 

I suppose that as a person who truly does believe that we are all connected I accept my part in the responsibility of humankind for loving and caring for those who I am able. 

And, since adoption has been a big part of my life since I was a toddler myself (Love to Mia!), this will probably be the first of many adoption-esque posts as Josh and I (and Collin too) figure out how our family will respond to the world’s kiddos. 

Saturday, January 16, 2010

A Run through Redlands…

run through redlands

 

It’s done.  The money is paid.

Half Marathon #3 here I come. 

Granted it has been 6 years since I’ve done a 1/2 but I’m sure it’s possible.  Right?! :)

Our community group (really Sarah Gray) has come up with a great, great framework for the next two years in how we live our lives.  It is 1001 New Things in 101 weeks.  What this means is that our group combined will try to do 1001 new things in the next (almost) two years.  It can be anything that’s new.  I.E. Chompy learned to crawl forward so that counts for Chompy’s new thing.  Josh just figured out how to complete the virtualization for Forest Home’s computers.  That counts for him.   Sooooo fun to be creative and think through things (both big and small) that we can do to change up the monotony.  We will keep you posted on what kinds of things we come up with as we go along. :)

Most of our group decided that we are going to run/walk  “A Run through Redlands”.   The majority have never done a race of any length and I’m pretty sure that I’m one of the only ones to have ever run a half.  It should be fun.   And, it’s right in our home town, so there’s no travel costs or time.  And, it supports local charities.  Pretty cool! 

I have two goals. 

1.  Finish with a PR (YIKES!! not that I was ever really fast, but it’s still fun to PR) and since I’ve already done a 1/2, this way I can count it for my 1001 things. I tried to find my other times online.  It was a little tricky because of how long ago they were.  I found my time from the Carlsbad 1/2 in January 2004 which was my faster race, and I think that if I get below a 2:45 then I will be fine. 

2.  This race is partnered with PossAbilities:  a community outreach through LLUMC that helps individuals with disabilities participate in life again as they heal and cope with their current abilities.   Because of this partnership, people in wheelchairs and who use walkers are able to participate.  AND, strollers are welcome.  So, we’ll see on this one, but if Chompy cooperates with some longer runs as we get more into the training, I’d love to complete it with him.