When It's Time to Change

Aren't these puppies and boys so cute. It is amazing when you think these puppies are just a couple weeks old. Then over just 1 month basset hound puppies look like this...

Still adorable.
Everyone loves puppies and babies, but seriously, how do their bodies grow so fast?
It made me think about the growth of my 3 boys.

Little Lincoln. Child number 3.
What a sweet little guy.
At first all he wanted to do was cry.

He gives out hugs, kisses, and "I love you" more than any child I've known.

Now he is so spunky. He makes us laugh on a regular basis. Unfortunately, he has learned to open the freezer, there is no end to how many popsicles he thinks are reasonable! His language skills have developed more quickly than the other boys, which is a blessing and a curse!

Next up Griffin Mazer.

Griffin was a little too easy as a baby. I was lovingly tricked into thinking he'd be easy forever! It was a shock to my system when I discovered he saved all his zaniness for Lincoln's arrival.

He has an undoubted zest for life. We have survived pacifier extraction, potty training, and cereal bag explosions with minimal residual damage.

The wheels in his brain have been turning. He says the funniest things. This week he said, "you want to hear something really funny? Lincoln Mazer. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha."

Saying his brother's name and including his own middle name, is just SO funny to him.

Brian number 3 is our oldest and proudly inducted us into parenthood.

He taught us about patience and Advil. We must have opened every parent self help book looking for answers to thrush, ear infections, colic, teething, etc.

He turned 2 and life got a little too easy. I just loved every minute of that stage with him. I still regularly get reports from parents about how sweet and thoughtful he is. He is a great helper and I will miss using him as my errand boy when he returns to school next week.

We all know they start out small and grow so fast. We know this, but it is still shocking when you look back at the pictures and realize just how much they have changed and grown.

When it's time to change you've got to rearrange
Who you are into what you're gonna be
Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na
Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na

Sisters, Sand and Sunshine

Little Miss Molly moved to California months ago.
We wondered where does she live? To what places does she go?

How are those beaches not far from her home?
How delightful are those malls? What could I buy? Where could I roam?
Sarah and I decided to just hop in our car.
Take a vacation. Visit this sister. It couldn't be that far.

We drove late into the night and arrived on location.
Molly's cute home was our desired destination.
We shopped at the malls. We enjoyed fine dining.
We watched movies. Played games. Enjoyed a cooler sun shining.
We did only the things that we wanted to do.
I never changed a diaper or put on a kids shoe.
The ocean was as awesome as I knew it would be.
The sand between my toes was the prescription for me.The waves were so big, and so very strong.
That they knocked me over and stole my sunglasses before long.
I've always been tickled that my Arnette's are impossible to brake.
I failed to realize that wearing them in the ocean was a big fat mistake.
Not even this could dampen my mood.
I splashed in the waves, though their theft was quite rude.
I relaxed and slept in. I shopped and I swam.
I enjoyed time with my sisters, and all of the fun I could cram.
You may be jealous. You probably should.
With a husband like mine, you could have this much fun, and you would!

Now we are home, and back to real life.
Back to the gym, diapers, and chores of the house wife.
Back to routines that I actually love.
3 sons and a husband, gifts from above.

As much as I love vacations and chilling.
Home with my family is without a doubt the most fulfilling!

Vacation Delights and Seeing the Sights

My husband surprised me when he conspired with his parents and set up an amazing vacation to San Francisco. The weather was divine. The views spectacular. The company quite humorous. Our hotel location was ideal. Our flights were flawless and even arrived early.

A trip to the Golden Gate Bridge was paramount. We examined it and determined it was sturdy and impressive. We walked on the bridge and considered the joys of leaping to a death in the icy waves 700 feet below. Not very tempting.

We enjoyed all of the tourists who were tricked into taking a jaunt over the bridge aboard the first bicycle they'd seen in decades. Watching these people weaving through the masses of discourteous amateur photographers, aboard 2 wobbly wheels, with a 65 year old bum 3 times the seat size, nope not my idea of a pleasure cruise!!

I did a silly jog on the beach. My hair caught some serious height with the blowing wind. Bob Marley would be impressed. The water was insanely cold, however this did not keep me from getting my feet wet. We spent the 4th of July celebrating the Independences we appreciate.

On this occasion, we celebrated the Independence known only by parents that left their children home so that a REAL vacation could be enjoyed. No diapers. No tantrums. No sippy cups. No sudden onset of inopportune colds. No bedtime routines to ignore and suffer the consequences. Even more exciting were: no embarrassing moments on the airplane, no crying children, no diaper bag, no strollers, no scrutinizing glances from passersby, and restaurant dining at its finest!We decided to check out Bubba Gump's Restaurant. Of course, we had every variety of shrimp and spoke about each type while exceeding the human capacity of lower lip extensions. The movie Forrest Gump plays from multiple screens throughout the restaurant to create ambiance. The shrimp was quite delicious, I highly recommend it, but I discourage the faint of wallet, as it was pricey!
We took a cruise over to Alcatraz Island. I found it interesting that we spent Independence Day exploring Alcatraz prison. Who understood the loss of freedom like those who threw away their independence when they abused their civil liberties. I've never spent much time thinking about it from that perspective. Can you imagine how painful it would be to have a view this beautiful, through iron bars, when you are trapped in a place like this? The prisoners could even hear laughter that carried across the bay.

It was fun to visit Alcatraz and say, "Welcome to the Rock," with our best efforts at a Sean Connery impression. We sat at the front of the cruise and enjoyed the cool San Francisco breeze. Just prior to returning to the Arizona Desert we tried our hand at crab fishing. Brian was the real fisherman catching 4 big crabs. We even captured a handicapped crab with just one pincher. It was fascinating that the muscles attached to this claw were huge! Way to adapt, go Mr. Crabby. My in laws caught a crab and set it down just long enough for a greedy seagull to steal one of his eyeballs. Now that's one hungry bird. As we were leaving we set 5 chicken drum sticks on the pier. Watching the seagulls gulp them down whole was impressive and appalling.

We wouldn't have enjoyed such an amazing trip without our tour guides. Brian's parents knew exactly where we needed to go and ensured that we did not miss out on any of the fine opportunities afforded in this cool and beautiful city. Brian even managed to not acted completely tortured while I enjoyed every little shop and street vendor. Now that is true love!

Googly Eyes and All Things Wise

What is the magical power goggles possess for producing happiness?

I am always amused by my boys and their creative play.

Honestly, some of their ideas create bewilderment more than amusement. Nonetheless, on a regular basis I run for the camera to capture the latest antics.

I moved the table into the living room to do a superior mopping. The boys gathered all of MY pillows and their blankets and created the ultimate daybed and hideout utilizing the dining table.

In 7th grade I made friends with a girl who refused to drink from the same cup. She was very concerned about germ exchange. This is my earliest recollection of the concept. I was under the impression that 2 straws were sufficient protection, further education would disprove my theory.

I always chuckle when the boys share food. Unfortunately, mom prefers not to have food crammed down her throat by an over zealous 2 year old. It may be impossible to escape Lincoln's jabs with a food filled spoon, but at least the boys are mastering the art of sharing.

No child can resist the opportunity to share See Food!
I can't imagine who inspired such debauchery.

The daily shenanigans are what keep this phase of life so enjoyable.
Griffin's recent deep thoughts have also been highly treasured.

Monday morning Griffin was shaking his head back and forth.
He looked up at me with a very serious face and said,
"Mom do you know what is in my head?"

I wondered if he had water in his ears and was very curious to hear his response.
He smiled enthusiastically and replied, "My brains!"

Too True. Quite the revelation.

The next morning Griffin snuggled into my bed. He rubbed his chin up to my shoulder and shared this gem, "Chins don't have arms mom. They're just chins."

Once again, very valuable insight.

Even Super Heroes Have Bad Days

Brian went to a Football Camp at Mountain View High School. It was quite awkward to see my child wearing a Toro shirt. I ran into a kindred spirit, a pure Westwood Warrior, and she recommended a shirt burning party.

Brian determined football is not in his blood. He tried to fly like superman into the tackle dummy. He managed to ram into the thing while doing a dive roll. He does not recommend this maneuver, nor is he interested in attending further football camps.

On a positive note, the children loved the Mt. View bleachers and wasted no time exploring. They climbed the metal "Web-like beams under the bleachers and happily journeyed to the top.

I think it is safe to say we could have climbed the bleachers for free and held on to our $25!

Much to my relief, my oldest son is not quite ready to join the ranks of the Toro, Dive Tackling, Football players. He complained of back pain for almost a day. As his mother I hope he may possibly have learned that even super heroes must exercise caution while leaping!

He may not be embracing his inner linebacker after this activity, but he certainly looked adorable trying. I hold this truth to be self evident!

War Eagle, Tear 'Em up Westwood!!!

Not the Sharpest Pencil in the Drawer

Have you ever had an overly friendly neighbor?

Let me introduce you to our new neighbor, I've met her twice.

First time, I had the kids out in the car and it was on. I ran in for sippy cups and heard this knock on my screen door. My heart leaped as I thought, who just walked passed my perfectly gift wrapped car readily equipped with my most prized possessions? When you live near questionable characters you have to think these things. It was this neighbor announcing her unusual purchase of the home across the street for her 18 year old college kid and to avoid commuting from Wickenburg 3 days per week so her 10 year old can ice skate.

Next encounter? Today!!

It is not even 8 am. Little Brian has been prepared to walk out the door for school. I am still in my comfort wear. Let's be honest here, I'm in my underwear and I was certainly not poised for a social interaction!

Little Brian responds to the knock on the screen door as I dart to my room for clothes that would suit a face to face interaction. This little neighbor woman is speaking in her loudest of voices, "Can I use your pencil sharpener? We are trying to write on dry wall and we need a pencil sharpener."

Brian responds, "I am actually leaving for school right now."

So I poked my head around the corner to call out, "Sure, just a minute."

I rush back into my room, grab a shirt and pants, once the pants are on I am just moments from having my shirt on when I hear my neighbor shockingly close. Yeah, here she is near my bedroom door staring straight in babbling along about pencils and almost using a knife to sharpen them!!! Seriously, is all of this about pencils? I think, as I continue to put my shirt on while my neighbor watches.

I made a casual comment about lounging around in the morning. All the while pretending it did not shock the Hell out of me that this woman had barged in my home and observed me with my shirt off.

I can't help but wonder:

1. What person on the planet does not realize if the adult does not answer the door immediately in the morning they might be getting dressed.



2. Since when do strangers feel confident strolling into a door opened by a child?



3. Why haven't I taught Brian never to allow a stranger into the house?



4. Wouldn't you know the neighbor would pick one of the only 2 school days this year that I wasn't dressed at 7:55am?



5. Perhaps there is nothing worse than a friendly neighbor!

My final thoughts:

This day is off to an awesome start!

God Bless my in-laws for that swift electric pencil sharpener!!! Can you imagine manually sharpening 6 pencils after just providing a free show to your neighbor, who is close enough to smell your morning breath?

I Love to Tri

In November my cousin Dixie made a blog post welcoming all who might like to train, sculpt, and motivate themselves under her guidance to participate in a Triathlon Sprint to be held May 9th, 2009. My how the time has flown by. Five women answered her siren's call, through attrition we lost one. The remaining group consisted of 4 sisters, that are my cousins and me.

We have followed our recommended training schedules, we have been on group training missions. I have suffered one ugly ankle sprain and scraped the same knee twice, but the months flew by and training continued. As race day approached everything was in order.
My stamina increased quickly and I could swim a half mile. Strength and endurance multiplied and full 16-20 mile bike rides were achieved. I learned at my dad's heel as we rocketed from Alma School down 8th street to the great beyond of Greenfield and back again. He provided the cycles and the secrets of the trade. The first ride was nauseating, but safely completed. Soon I found it easier to ride at faster speeds for longer distances.

Running was mentally and physically taxing. Mental barriers were broken to increase speed and running longevity. One run at a time, I beat down the demons in my head tempting me to break my pace and walk. Though not always victorious in this war, there have been advancements on the battlefield.
We tested our fortitude. We swam in those sultry green waters of Tempe Town Lake. Cycled the bridges of Priest and Mill Avenue. Ran on the shores surrounding the Lake. The race culminated in a downhill run on Mill Avenue bridge. Though the view of the lake was beautiful, the image of the finish line was even more breathtaking!

Our families cheered us on. At pivotal moment's a jubilant cheer would burst from the crowd "Go Wendy!" As I would look a loving cousin, sibling, parent, friend or spouse would be seen smiling from ear to ear! People were placed all along the race shouting, "Good work. Keep it up. You go girl!" Ever so motivating. Always inspiring. Definitely appreciated.

My loving supporters at the finish line were the greatest reward at the end of this race.

As I began the run I was feeling the exhaustion. I had hardly drunk any water and blistering temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. A cute 25 year old girl hit the running path the same time as I did. "You can do it. Just keep running" she said. I heeded her call and kept trotting along. My beverage was a steaming bottle of blue Gatorade. Not the cool refreshing water I craved. She sprayed her cold water in my eyes to eliminate the burning and doused my top with water, effectively aiding my transition to the run.

As the first mile passed my body was rejuvenated, I felt at ease with steady continual pace. She had less training and running the rest was not within her ability. I encouraged and plead with her, "We're so close, keep going. You've got this." She said, "Keep running if you can, don't wait for me." I longed to stay and walk alongside her, but knew I had to keep running. I had come to far on this race and inside I knew I HAD to keep moving. She said her goal was to just finish. Mine was to do my best. As this realization became clear in my mind, onward I pressed.

So many parallels can be drawn between this experience and the life experience. As we are seeking to advance, there are people swimming along side us trying to grab our legs and push us down. They may even scratch us or try to go right over us. As we race down our roads of life, people may try to block us from our destination. They may hog the road and seem to prevent us from advancing on our desired path.

Yet there are so many more who are there to help, encourage, motivate, and guide us. They are the willing hands who lift us up when we are exhausted and dehydrated. They help us to refuel and continue on. There are people handing out the essential hydrating refreshment, the living waters. We are lifted by others, and have many opportunities to lift.

This will be a cherished life experience. I haven't challenged myself and set goals like this in years. What a sense of accomplishment to complete such a journey. The true benefit of this race is knowing that this is just one leg of my life race, and I now have even more tools to aide me in my quest.