365 Days 50-54 Part 2

When we got to the hotel I nervously knocked on our hotel door. No reply. I knocked louder. No reply. Uh-oh! I turned around and that was when I first saw my room mate, Susie. She was walking up to the group after grabbing a bite to eat. We went into our room for a little while and had some small talk. She watched as I obsessively unpacked everything and "organized" it, then we headed over to another hotel room to get our sparkle skirts (these uber awesome sequin skirts a board member had made for us) and chit chat. We ended up having such a great time chatting that we didn't leave until 1:30! Crazy, but we all clicked. It was like the online and the in real life were one and the same. Susie and I headed to bed to be rested for our breakfast reservations.

 

Here's my towel Mickey waiting for me on the bed, along with my magic band and a note from my roomie. I'd obviously moved the note, since we weren't in the invisible ink stage at that time

 Our sparkle skirts and our memorial tee (another generous gift from a Cove member)

 

 The next morning was breakfast at the Grand Floridian. Wow, was their food delish! I haven't ever eaten there besides the Princess dinner and that's pretty much a buffet.Well not pretty much, it is a buffet. The breakfast though, wow!!

 

Jeanna gamely smiling through the 30 or so photos I took trying to do a panorama

 

 

The best one I got. And my room mate was NOT Jay Leno's sister. That's all my photo skills people!

 

After breakfast we took a bus to the ESPN place, zone, hub, whatever, I'm not *that* into sports to pick up our race bibs and swag. This was the start of many inside jokes, including the phone convo where "creepy boyfriend" was introduced. If I explain it to you, it won't be funny, but if you were there, hilarious.

 

We picked up our race bibs and walked around the expo. Most of the women in the group were just planning on the 5K, but a few of us decided to do the half as well. Lucky for me my roommate was one of them! We could travel to the race together. We quickly pulled Julie, another half runner into our happy little band.

 

 

Julie and I with our 5K bibs

 

 

Me, Belle (that's her in the yellow dress, in case you're not on a first name basis ;) ), Julie & Susie with our half bibs. There were some pretty great whole group photos too but I didn't capture any on my cameras.

 

 

After the expo it was back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for dinner at Kona in the Polynesian. They have macadamia nut butter people. Enough said! There were so many special and kind women on this trip. Here's Laurie with her basket of goodies that she made for each and every one of us. We also got the chance to eat with Holly's family members.

 

 

 

After dinner we went down to the Poly beach and had our memorial service for Holly. Words were shared, tears flowed, and as we concluded fireworks from the Magic Kingdom burst in the sky behind us. Pretty amazing all in all.

 

 

The next day was going to be an early morning with us needing to be on the race busses by 4, I believe? At that time I pretty much just did whatever people told me to, and after the trip I was so wiped I don't remember all the details. So we turned in to get a couple of hours of sleep.

365 Day 50-54 Part 1

I haven't really said a lot about WHY I decided to take a trip to Florida. Yes, people know I am doing a run there, and meeting friends, but that is such a small part of it.

When I was a young mom trying to figure out how to I was to fulfill my new role, I felt very lost. I had a friend who would wander the aisles of Babies r Us with me, or I would sit in the car while my daughter slept. I didn't have an "easy" baby, and it made me stressed out. I had been good at everything I had applied myself to before then, and I always had success. But no amount of reading, studying, or work was going to make my baby sleep more than an hour at a time, or cry unless she was held to my body. I didn't plan to be a "crunchy" mom before I had my daughter, and here I was navigating the waters of co-sleeping, baby wearing, and more.

I went to a small playgroup each week at church. Since all the moms had infants, it was more like a chat circle. One of the moms dressed her daughter so cutely, and of course we asked her about her daughter's wardrobe. She started telling us all about Gymboree, and this awesome board she was on where they would help you learn HOW to shop Gymboree (unless you have a money tree, and can just pay full price). She loved the board and wanted to share it with us.

I went home and joined the board. It wasn't easy ;) I believe I needed a reference, and I had to paypal .01 to show I had a paypal account in good standing. I had no idea why all this for a clothing board.

Once I was officially a member of the board I realized it was something way more than a place to talk clothes. It was a place to form friendships, vent about problems, rejoice in successes, and commiserate troubles. The moms on the board taught me over time how to stop comparing my child to other children, how my baby girl may have troubles sleeping through the night, or troubles potty training, or troubles with anything, but that in the end she would have successes too. I learned to value the child I had, as I read of moms who struggled with secondary infertility. I laughed, I cried, I posted, and I lurked ;) (webbies know what the heck that is).

One of the moms in particular was very memorable. She took the most amazing photos, and she had three gorgeous kids. She worked as a photographer in Florida, and followed her dreams by moving to Hawaii with her family. I was taken by her ability to grab life! She didn't wait for things to happen, she made them happen. I was comforted by her beautiful children, as I thought since she had made it through maybe I would too? Someday would it be the smiles of my tweens showing up in my siggy? I remember in particular a photo of her son jumping into a pool, eyes bright, face smiling, executing a perfect cannonball.

Over time the board slowed down. Facebook became popular and most people moved there. We lost track of each other and outgrew our love of Gymboree. Then, recently, someone decided to make a page for us on Facebook. We could have our group right there where everyone was already checking! It was fun to see how people's children had grown, what turns their life had taken, etc. The mom from Hawaii? She designed our page logo.

A short while after the group got going we got some devastating news. Holly, the mom I describe above, had passed away. It was sudden, unexpected, and shocking to us all. How could this vibrant mother and amazing woman be taken like that? I think that day all of us stared at our own mortality a bit. There were tears, care packages, and lots of love sent to her family.

One day, someone (and I don't remember who), suggested we have a Cove meet up to honor Holly. We decided Disney World would be the perfect place, and that we would do it on the Disney Run weekend and all walk the 5K in her memory. The Cove had a lot of members, and many of us started making plans to go. I was planning to travel with a local friend, and we would drive to Chicago or Indy and fly into Orlando. As time passed, some people realized they weren't going to be able to make it, for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, my friend and roommate was one of those. I decided I would have to skip the trip. My migraines are unpredictable, and I have scary bad night vision, so I was worried about what would happen if I had a migraine hit while I was in Indy or Chicago.

My wonderful Disney Travel Agent was also a member of the group, and she, along with the one person I'd met in real life (the wonderful Suzanne!) decided that I WOULD come. Suzanne called and talked me down (I am so shy when I don't know people!!!) and Heather helped me iron out the arrangements. In the end, I flew directly from South Bend to Orlando-ish (Sanford), got a ride from my amazing new friends, and was put together with a new roommate who also had an existing roommate who couldn't make it.

Guys, I'm not going to lie, I was nervous. Really, really, nervous. What if I didn't get along with my room mate? What if I didn't get along with anyone? Would I be hanging out at Disney by myself? Looking back that is so laughable, because everything was perfect, just the way it should be.

365 Day 49

Leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again. I'm Florida bound, and I'm nervous meeting new people, hope to have some great stories to share when I get back!

 

365 Day 48

Cuisinart!!! Love this machine beyond beyond. Tonight I used it to make hashbrowns.

365 Day 47

It's President's Day! So the kids are home, because you know, they haven't had enough time off of school yet ;) We started the day with a workout, and then headed to Mega Play with friends.

Tragedy when we first arrived, Olivia is too tall for the play area! It was soon smoothed over by a card to play the area. She quickly decided that all the games in the back were too scary (even though she was game to pose by this pinball machine) and she stuck with the younger themed games in front. Fine by this momma.

 

Clara had a great time in the ball pit. Here she is with her friend Marie. And yes, ball pit germs give me the hee bee gee bees, but what can you do?

 

And here she is by the bouncy house. We started the day with a skirt, but she abandoned it pretty quickly.

 

 

We ended the trip with a ride on some kiddie rides. Olivia used her card to treat everyone. Love that kid! 

 

365 Day 46

 

See this little cow (or I guess OX) can? Clara made it at Sunday school. The kids at Clay Church are trying to raise money to provide an ox, as well as some other necessary items, to newly graduated pastors in Africa.

The past two weeks we've started the chore system. Each kid has chores they do daily, plus they have optional ones they can do to earn a quarter. I'm no Daddy Warbucks here.

The first Saturday, I gave the girls their hard earned quarters, and told them they needed to save some, give some, and the rest they could do with as they pleased. Without a pause, Clara walks down and grabs her ox can, and puts all her quarters inside.

Thinking she might be confused on the concept, I explained if she put her money in the can, she couldn't get it back, and she would be giving it all to the church ministry. She assured me that's what she meant to do.

Then yesterday, I hand out the money, and again, all of hers goes in her can. What this little ones faith in God and the goodness of giving did to my heart. To see a three year old, usually a self centered age not give some or half, but all to this ministry. I had one of those mom moments when you choke up and you just know that this one is a God thing. No matter how much we "teach" our kids, the holy spirit has to move inside them. Clara heard that call and answered it. I know she didn't put any in her savings, but I think this lesson overrides it today. How blessed am I to have this little one in my care and protection?

And on a lighter note, lefse!! (and a princess) When we go on the Maelstrom ride at Disney I always play up to my girls that we are Norwegian, and Norwegians are know for their sense of adventure and courage. When we go by Germany, I talk about our strong German background. Watching the Olympic games, Olivia has decided to root for the USA, Germany, and Norway. So we had a little lefse to celebrate.

365 Day 45

Saturday came and went. What the heck did we do today? Clara danced, and I ran for a while. Day 45 does not go down in the history books as a benchmark day.

365 Day 44

Valentine's Day!! I seriously love Valentine's Day. I know some think it's a Hallmark holiday, but I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a day to slow down and appreciate those you love. You never know how long you'll be together, so cherish the days you have.

We made a special dinner for Daddy, and a dessert too. Who doesn't love a good dessert? Crazy people, that's who! (inside-ish joke)

 

My little helpers making sure it all mixes up right.

 

Yes, I let my kids lick the spoons. Yes, I know they can get e coli that way. No, I don't stay up nights worrying about it. These poor kids either got my tough as nails immune system or, ehm, Mikes. I won't comment on Mikes.

 

And here's some sisterly Valentine's Day love. They each picked their own outfits, and they actually sort of coordinated. I will say Clara's first choice was a red dress with Panda print, but she changed her mind fast!

 

Goofy girls!

 

365 Day 43

This is what's on tap tonight. Valentine's cards. Clara wrote her name on one, scribbled on a couple, and lost interest. Olivia is taking her time with every single one, making sure they're special. Of course here we call it a "friendship party" instead of a Valentine's Party, but whatev.

 

365 Day 43

Wednesday. Wednesday of the best week in history. Or at least the best day since Jan 1. Schools been in, activities on, everything is AWESOME! I should be in the Lego movie. Wait, maybe I should watch it before making such a sweeping statement?

 

Wednesday nights are Awana nights. The girls love their Awana, and they are learning so much. Tonight was a theme night, western. I've included some photos that show how many I have to take to get one normal one. My girls are "energetic." ;)

Switching sides was the game changer, here they are in a "regular" pose. And we did add boots to these outfits. PSA-cowgirl boots are not made for snow. I repeat, not made for snow.

 

365 Day 42

Today is the day every kid looks forward to all year, or at least all 6 months! It was our biannual dental cleaning. Woo hoo!! I know, I know, but try living up in the frozen wastelands and finding fun everyday. Sometimes, you just have to make your own.

 

My girls love the dentist, because they get "prizes." Yep, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss. Doesn't take much to impress the Evan's girls. Here's Clara in the chair.

 

 

Everyday we drive home, I stop at the mailbox. And everyday the girls ask if there's something from them. Today they were pretty happy little girls! Both of them had cards from Grandma.

 

Here's Clara, taking her cues from Olivia as always. Have I mentioned I love these two?

365 Day 41

We've been struck by our own plague in the Evans household. It's not flies, or locusts, but it does seem to be annoying and attacking all of us. Except Mike. Who has the weakest immune system and should therefore be patient zero.

At this point I know you just want me to GET to the point. It's rashes. Both my girls and myself have been suffering from rashes. Each is different, and each in it's own place. Mine is just my hands, and it has to do with a medication I'm taking. I sleep at night with gloves on and aquaphor slathered on my digits.

Olivia's rash is on her face. After multiple trips, creams and a final derm consult, it has been identified as a "nonidentified" rash, that goes away on it's own. I guess no one wanted their name to be associated with a boring rash that heals itself, so it goes by "He who will not be named." We have cream to hasten it's departure, but the darn thing is on my poor girl's FACE. It needs to be gone, pronto!

Clara is perhaps the most interesting of us all. Her rash started on her legs, became a huge, red, welt on her leg, spread throughout her lower body, and then she got an eczema like rash from her forehead to her toes. Yes, she feels like sandpaper, and she is so itchy, poor thing. Again, after many doctor visits we got a derm consult. Clara's rash has a name, but I don't know what it is. Something long and hard to pronounce. Apparently it's something that shows up after a virus. But not that other rash that shows up after a virus, which she's had twice even though you are supposedly not able to get it more than once. Ugh!! She gets a lovely cream and HTT (head to toe for all you non ANTM fans) aquaphor twice a day. Lovely. It's like slathering yourself in Vaseline and then putting clothes on.

Here's a photo of Clara at the derm.

And here's a picture of her by a giant, taller than Clara, pile of snow. Those poor chilly Barbies are Anna and Elsa (of course).

Luckily our rashes didn't keep us from dance class. Here's a quick snap I got of Olivia, when their teacher told them to use the scarves for whatever they want. I guess my girl wants to get married. In another 20 years I support that!

 

365 Day 40

Have you heard the song, Lazy Sunday? No, well here's your chance. Click the link below.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/1397

You're welcome! But you really need to keep up with pop culture a little better. Just sayin'

 

We had a day like that here too. Church, home to get dinner in the crock pot, then off to Bible Study. Kids had a great time, parents had a great time. Home to a late dinner and bed. Just another lazy Sunday in the Evans household.

 

Of course, I wish our Sunday had included cupcakes. Maybe next week!

365 Day 39

Today was just one of those great days. I wish I had taken some photos to share, but I was having such a nice time spending time WITH people and not my instgram account, that I didn't get a one until the 10 o'clock news.

Every momma needs some time off, to recharge and come back with her patience and sanity restored. I was so blessed to do that this morning, shopping with friends around town. We had originally planned a trip to the outlet malls, but it was too cold so we nixed it. Being my no spend month, I was just along for the ride anyways, so local was fine by me. I will admit I got two boxes of egg rolls and spent .36. I had to use some coupons at Target ;)

It was nice having girl talk and walking through the mall leisurely, with no kids that needed to potty or were "tired!!!" I will admit I did miss them when we passed the cookie place. They always share a bite with mom and those darn cookies are delish.

After all this lovely mom time, I went out with Mike to dinner. I guess since it's my no spend month he can still spend? It's like Lent, everyone makes their own choices. We went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, and it was the best ever. It's hard to believe we're celebrating our 15th Valentine's Day. But Mike did the math and you can trust him, that's what I do ;)

Driving home the snow was so cold it was sparkling like diamonds on the roadside. It was gorgeous. Mike and I watched
a movie, and then the news. Here's the photo I took:

I guess at this point all the snow, all the cold, all the monotony of winter just doesn't phase me anymore. This winter has helped me be a more flexible, roll with the punches kind of gal. I am one who likes everything planned, and I'm learning there's beauty in the unplanned. There's beauty in going along for the ride. There's beauty to be seen if you truly open your ears and your heart to the people around you.

365 Day 38

Who calls at 6am? It's only ever bad news at 6am. And yes, it was the school, calling in a 10th, count it, 10th snow day for the year. After my poor showing Wednesday I knew this was the universe giving me a chance to redo the snow day only better!

Of course we started the day with a cartoon and breakfast. After, I took Clara to the doctor, as she has developed a head to toe rash, and the rash on her legs is getting worse instead of better. We saw the lovely Sherri Biever, and she was great. We're trying a few things, but we also got a derm consult. They had a cancellation so we got an appointment for this Monday at 9:30. Wow, God is good! I am so thrilled that we get to have this looked at so quickly. Sherri also wants us to think about allergy testing. Because no one in our family is allergic to anything ;)

After the doctor we went to the library. We spent a good 30 minutes picking out just the right books, when I realized I left my library card at home! But, helpful librarians to the rescue. They used my id and checked our books out anyways. Yay!

We went home to read books, and had an indoor picnic lunch. For some reason eating lunch on the floor makes it much more exciting and special. The girls loved it.

365 Day 37

Today didn't start off the greatest. I guess the bus driver forgot to set her alarm or something because she never showed up. Of course I had an 8:05 appointment across town today. The good thing was I had an 8:05 appointment across town today. I was dressed, in the Jeep with Olivia waiting for the bus, so when it pulled the no show I got her to school easy. But people, early morning traffic is so not my thing. There are just too many people on the roads. I called the doctor on the way and they told me if I was more than 15 minutes late I'd be charged and have to reschedule. I pulled in at 8:19 and bolted in the door. Just made it.

Tonight I met some friends for indoor running. I wanted to run 12 miles, but my training has been so off from all these snow days, driving bans, etc. I did make it 11.6 (that .6 is important!) but I couldn't walk after. I'd post a picture of my black and blue toenail but I don't want to frighten you away. I promise pictures tomorrow!

365 Day 36

It's Wednesday, and it's a snow day. Of course, right? We haven't had one in a while. I'm too tired to take pictures and think of fun things to do. Poor Olivia was pretty bored. The good news is there was Awana, so the girls got to burn a little energy off tonight. Please, let there be school tomorrow!

Edited-
Wait, I did take pictures. Here's the poor guy who plows driveways stuck in the snow across the street. It probably took them a good hour to get him out.

And here's the lovely bracelet Olivia made me-

365 Day 35

Today started out awesome, but then morphed into sadness at noon when a migraine struck. I called Mike, told him not to come home and I'd just leave the garage door open for Olivia. Of course he came home. That's the kind of man I married folks, and yes, I am a very blessed lady.

Good news is the medications worked, I slept for 4 hours, and woke up without a hangover! That is a first in my world. The medications make you feel groggy, headachy, and like you really had a fun time, but are now paying for it, all without the fun time.

Tuesday night is usually the night Mike and I work out together, but with the headache we went to Starbucks instead. I had a gift card, so date night on me.

365 Day 34

Clara is now presenting....MONDAY! Still snowy, still bitterly cold, but at least today we have places to go and people to do them with!

Here's our view. Note the snow is as high as Clara by the garage, and she's 41 inches. The light pole in the middle of the pic gives you some perspective too.

This guy literally gives chocolate tours for a living. I believe his name is Captain Crunch? He has the tour MEM-OR-IZED. At least we get consistency. 

Clara. It's blurry because I had to hold her up and Olivia was taking the picture. Note satisfied chocolate smears around mouth.

And the reason we came, Olivia's Girl Scout field trip. Not sure what the two have to do with each other but it sure was fun!