Bye-bye JellyBean Junction

For the past two years, Alec has loved being a student at JellyBean Junction Preschool. We attended the "graduation" program last week. Here are some of the cute pictures from our fun night.
1. With Teacher Sara, the most patient, happy person on the earth.
2. Giving us a wink and the thumbs up.
3. Playing his part as Papa Bear in one of the skits.
4. Licking off his Baby Bumble Bee in one of the songs.
5. With Teacher Grandma, a great classroom helper.

Recent Alec quotes.

"Wow, Mom. How did you know that? Is it because you're 40 now?"

Cousin Skylar: "Is your T-ball a real game tonight or just a practice?"
Alec: "I'm not sure because I haven't checked my schedule...and I really can't read yet."

"How many more Sponge Bob's until we get to Grandma's house?" (Sadly he gauges time by how many episodes of this urban media disaster he could fit in.)

"Only 16 more days until my birthday! Ooooh, I can't wait until it's only 15 more days!!"

Alec: "I know why today is a just-you-and-me day, Mom."
Me (thinking he realizes I don't work on Tuesdays): "Oh yeah? Why's that?"
Alec (holding up two fingers): "Because Tuesday is like TWOs-day."

"Pleeee, Mom...That's how you say please, Mom in Spanish."

When he couldn't understand what his younger cousin Trevor said, "Uh, I think he's speaking Spanish."

Eating is such an inconvenience...

...to my kids.

What is the deal with that? When I call them to dinner, reactions mirror those you might expect of an interrupted golfer studying a to-be winning putt.

At the other extreme, is me. I want to eat all the time. Food is a handkerchief for my tears, a damper on my temper, a filler of my free time, my nearly constant companion. Sadly, my body's genetic propensity is not compatible with this love of all things starchy and chocolaty so I run in order to balance the scale (pun intended) of my eating and health/self-esteem. Yeah, I run but let's be honest, there aren't enough miles of road in North America to compensate for my caloric addiction. What's a girl to do?? Willpower, willpower, wherefore art thou willpower? (crickets chirping)

Weight Watchers it is...again. :( Wish me luck...or willpower...Yeah, wish me willpower.

One down, three to go.

To commemorate turning 40 this year, I decided to run the Utah Grand Slam--4 Utah marathons: Ogden Marathon - May 15th, Utah Valley Marathon - June 12th, Park City Marathon - August 21st, St. George Marathon - October 2nd. And, I talked Brent into doing it with me! This ambitious goal set by my young, motivated, naive 39-year-old self wasn't my best idea to date but with shoes purchased, race registrations paid, and a few (too few) training miles run, I'm in.
Last Saturday, Brent and I ran the first of our 4 slammin' races--the Ogden Marathon.

Brent's complete report can be found here. He ran this race like pro and threw that sub-4hr. marathon monkey off his back! 3:54:09!! Amazing. (Incidentally, two of Brent's friends freelance for Zazoosh, the official photographers for the race, and happened to get both of our best pictures!)

My performance was much less stellar at a slow 5:38:52 but considering my recent running ambivalence and accompanying lack of training, I was just happy to stay upright and keep all my toenails.

Ken Ben turns Ten.

On May 10, 2000, Kenna Marleen joined our family. She is the great girl filling in our kid sandwich between two pieces of crazy bread brothers.

Kenna turned 10 on the 10th so here are 10 things I love about Kenna:
10. She is smart but also conscientious and hard-working.
9. Kenna loves to learn. She recently went on a trip to New Mexico with Brent and completed many requirements to earn three Jr. Ranger badges. When she got home, she wrote a trip report about the places she visited.
8. Kenna is a friend to many. When I visit her classroom, she seems like a people magnet.
7. Kenna is tender. She inherited a soft heart from her momma. (Why do I cherish it in here and devalue it in myself?!)
6. Kenna has a quick wit. She is fast to make funny connections and observations.
5. Kenna is forbearing. She is able to set aside immediate wants for another's (usually a crazy brother!) benefit.
4. Kenna is creative. Sometimes this means messy but she loves crafting, drawing, writing, imagining etc.
3. Kenna is a great companion. She's always up for a jaunt to Target or a TV show snuggle. I just love having her around.
2. Kenna's smile and laugh are beautiful and contagious.
1. Kenna is my daughter--my only one. Of my infinite dreams for her, I hope most that she will understand how completely I love her.

Happy Birthday, Kenny Benny!

SURPRISE!!

Did you know that Brent and my sister threw me a surprise birthday party?? Sure you did because apparently, I was the only person who did not know what was afoot.

The Background:
My cute, YOUNGER sister Stephanie asked me some time ago whom I would invite to a party if I were stupid enough to commemorate my upcoming black birthday. I explained that I had considered organizing a fun milestone celebration but decided to opt for a quiet, contemplative, calm day with the family. That was the first and last discussion of a birthday party. I planned, against Dylan Thomas' advice, to go gently into that good night.

The Deception:
In the several weeks preceding the big and dreaded day, small things happened that made me slightly suspicious. I asked Brent more than once if he and/or Stephanie were planning something. Brent struggles to keep even Christmas gift surprises from me so when he denied involvement in a conspiracy to publicly enshrine my old age, I believed him.

The Oblivion:
In the spirit of planting my own garden and decorating my own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring me flowers, I made week-long plans for my birthday. I bought myself my favorite perfume and some sandals online, scheduled a weekend run and massage and accepted dinner invitations from friends who knew my anxiety was reaching an epic level. Brent gave me an unexpected and great present and asked if Wednesday (the day before my birthday) would work for us to go to dinner. I told him that I needed to go out earlier than he normally arrives home because Stephanie was coming into town to spend the night at our house. He was very accommodating.

The Sting:
Dinner was nice and simple. We went to Noodles and Company--not fancy but I heart complex carbohydrates and I had a birthday coupon :) After we finished eating, Brent uncharacteristically suggested that we stop by Target "...for some, uh...candy, yeah, candy. I want to buy some candy." Part way through the vital treats run, Stephanie texted that we could pick her up from the hotel where her friend's family was staying. You know, the friend who that Stephanie was able to travel with because the friend was coincidentally driving to Layton that day to see family who just happened to be staying there. (Yep. I'm a little gullible.) We arrived at the hotel and started in. "WHAT is up? You look waaaay too pleased with yourself," I remarked. Brent smirked slyly and quoted Lloyd Christmas, "Why don't you eat up and I'll tell ya!" The rest goes just about how you would imagine. I walked into a "Stephanied" room full of decorations, food, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. I got momentarily verklempt and then partied the night away.

The experience was absolutely surreal. I am choked up just writing about the sight of so many gathered who have charmed my life. Even more touching than the overwhelming scene was the tribute book that some friends compiled with kind thoughts from those who attended the party and many who couldn't. I truly am a blessed (albeit, old) woman.