Happy St. Patrick's Day!

*Back when I was a kid* (I know, I should never star this way!) I always forgot when it was St. Patrick's day. At least every couple of years I'd be caught wearing blue or red or some "unacceptable" color on this day. So, I swore I would always help my kids remember to wear green (and avoid pinches and the teasing).

Today, I told Hailie that she needed to wear green today.
Hailie: Why?
Me: Because it's St. Patrick's Day and it's kind of a fun thing to do.
Hailie: What about blue?
Me: Well, if you wear blue with no green, people will pinch you.
Hailie: They shouldn't do that. I'll wear red.
Me: If you wear red, they get to kiss you.
Hailie: But what if they don't know me?
Me: They still might.
Hailie: That's not right. If they pinch me, they should get a big time out! Pinching can hurt people. And that would be a bad touch from someone I don't know.
Me: Yes, but it's a game. Not to hurt or scare you or give bad touches.
Hailie: But pinching hurts. That's a bad game.
Me: It's not meant to hurt - just play.
Hailie: But Mom, that's a bad game and we don't do that at our house.
Me: Um....
Wendi jumps in: So it's okay that Hailie wears a blue shirt because we don't play bad games.
Me: But, it's really just for fun and the pinches won't hurt -
Wendi: Mom, we don't pinch.
Hailie: I'll get my blue shirt.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!

The up side is that the blue shirt couldn't be found and we compromised on a shirt with orange and green stripes. Wendi chose a shirt with pink flowers and green stems. FINE! Luckily, Benjamin doesn't care what he wears (and would prefer to be nude anyway).

*SIGH*

On The Run

It has happened again - I'm back in my "I love to run" mode.

I go through phases; sometimes I can hardly wait until my next run and I get moving in the morning so I CAN go running and that "runners high" is with me all day.

For the past year or so, I've been in a rut. An I-don't-wanna-put-on-my-running-shoes rut. Yoga has made a nice exercise while I silently protest the world of sneaker slamming.

Although, I think I have been more of a distraction to some of the other "practicers" of Yoga during the "warrior poses" days. Let's just say, I can't "tree" to save my life! Sad. Very sad. Also kind of funny. It's just like you picture - these people in their yoga poses, all centered, calm, even Zen-like. And then there's me; the lady in the back row swaying, leaning, and falling to the ground in a most Three's Company-ish style. *sigh*

Anyhoo, I jumped on the treadmill last week and I am re-addicted. I've signed up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in Boise and I'm pretty excited about it! Anybody want to come join me? It's on May 10. Only a 5k. (I am still steadfast in my refusal to run a marathon. I just think that when bodies start shutting down and feet start bleeding, these are not subtleties! Your body is screaming for help - or it would if it could catch its breath! But that's just me.)

Apparently, I also walk really weird and it causes the sweat pores on the balls of my feet to clog up. Kind of freaky. I get special shoe inserts - yes, old person orthodics - and supposedly they're better than Air Jordans were for basketballers back in the day. Look out, Lauryn Williams! Or not. :o) Let's just start with trying to run through a whole 5k!

We're finally on!

It took us (me) a REALLY long time to get on here and start doing something! Embarrassing!

For those who aren't up-to-date (is anyone?), we live in Nampa, Idaho. Yes, my hometown and about twenty minutes from Brent's. Oh, did I mention that

BRENT FINISHED DENTAL SCHOOL! Wahoo! and *phew*

He works for a dentist here in Nampa and it is a good situation. Some people walk out of school and end up in a nightmare of a job, but we have been very lucky. (Anybody need a dentist? I know a couple of good ones!) The other doctor and staff members have been very kind and welcoming. Brent is doing very well and his boss was pleasantly surprised to see how little help he needs.

I (Karen) have been trying to keep up with these busy kids of ours!

Hailie and Wendi played soccer this past fall and really enjoyed themselves. Let's just say they weren't exactly into the competitive spirit at the time, but enjoyment was not lacking nonetheless. They are learning to play the piano (I am teaching them) and we're now working on tying shoe laces. It's rough going, but going. Their favorite activities are cooking with mom, reading books, and playing with their kitten. Recently we took them to the BYU Folk Dance Ensemble and we've got some budding performers on our hands! Wendi was very into the actual dancing and costumes; Hailie, on the other hand, enjoyed the music and started analyzing what "style" she thought it was. Very interesting.

Benjamin is... a boy. He's so busy, so funny, and very tough. He is about the happiest kid imaginable. With a tendency for ear infections, we've been to the doctor a few times to find that no one quite believed he was sick because he was so happy and outgoing, even with an insanely high temperature. Now, lest you believe that he is "sickly", it should be noted that usually when viruses run through our house, he gets well faster than anyone. I tend to believe it is because of his attitude - life is fun! Also, he's very... verbal. Hailie swears he knows Spanish. Only time will tell!

That should get us caught up and you can tune in later for "As Our World Spins Out of Control".