I Love Charles

I think Charles should be in the movies. 

He is a beautiful boy. 
I love him. 
What do you think . . . the next Batman? :-) 

Which Way is Right?

I take the kids out for bike rides early in the morning. It can be a real trick balancing the 4 kids, and attempting to jog (super slow) at the same time. We are quite the traveling circus.

Sometimes, when we are on the open trail, the kids like to zip-off ahead of me, and out of my sight. Before they escape from my view I always frantically yell, "Stay to the right!" 

It is a basic rule of safety while traveling on the trails -- you MUST stay to the right, or you risk dangerous consequences, such as head-on collisions. You risk your safety, and the safety of others.

It is also dangerous to ride in the middle of the trail. Sometimes my kids will swerve in-and-out of the lines -- playing with danger, and testing their mortality. They dance around in the grey-area.

And if you get off of the trail -- even just a little -- you are almost guaranteed a goat-head in your tire to deflate your fun.

"Stay to the right!" I yell. Over, and over, and over.

And then a young child will plead, "Mom, which way is right?"

Ahhhhh . . . and there it is.

How can you, "Stay to the right," if you don't even know which way is right?

You can't.

And that is where we are now.

So many people are cruising down the road of life, not knowing where to turn. They are not following the rules of the road, and they are risking their safety, and the safety of others. Some people swerve in-and-out of the lines -- tempting fate, while some people veer off the trail completely, and some people purposefully head into oncoming traffic.

"Stay to the right!" 

If you do not know which way is right . . . read the Road Map of Life: Here.

Happy & Safe Trails!

Spotlight on Health: Suszette

A note from Mari: Over the next few months, I am going to post inspirational stories of successful weight-loss, and good health -- for inspiration, and motivation. (For me, and you!) All of those who are spotlighted will have a different way of accomplishing their goals. I do not endorse, or promote, any particular way to achieving good health, but I DO promote finding what works for you, and DO IT!  My hope is that you will find someone who resonates with you, and if you are fighting the battle, you can do what it takes to CHANGE YOUR LIFE! You can do it!  -Mari 

I have known Suszette for about 6 years. She is a beautiful lady, on the inside and out. She has a lovely family, including 3 stinking-cute kids! She is the kind of Mama who always looks good no matter what she is doing. She is a fellow Alaska-girl (which means something, if you are from there). Once Alaskan, always Alaskan. I love her story. She helped me to see my journey in a different way. You would never know by looking at her that she deals with pain . . . as so many of us do. 

A few weeks ago I reached out to Mari- offering her my shoulder to cry on when I read about how much pain she was having in her lower back and hips.  Mari’s pain sounded familiar – I am not sure we suffer the same conditions but the pain evidences itself in a similar fashion. I had years of lower back pain where the base of the spine meets pelvis – down into the tailbone – and around the side of the hip.

Mari asked if I would share my story. I do so in hopes that perhaps someone else who is suffering – can find the help they need in their journey or just find comfort knowing they are not alone. 

My story isn’t one about massive weight loss.  It’s not about getting a medal at the end of a race I conquered.  It’s about a long and continuous road to accepting ourselves as we are and learning to be happy with what we are given. I realize there are many, many people who have suffered far greater than myself – but it was a challenge and learning experience nonetheless.

After the birth of my oldest son, who is now 9, I felt like I had been ran over by an extra large semi truck.  I figured that was normal. I mean…delivering a giant baby can’t be easy!  I could barely walk up stairs. Everything hurt. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that my neighbor, who had also just given birth, practically bounced up my driveway that the thought “something isn’t right” entered my mind.  So I asked my Dr. if there was something abnormal about my pain.  He looked at my back and declared I had broken my tailbone during delivery and that I needed physical therapy. I sought out a second opinion and the next Dr. agreed with the diagnosis.  So off I went.  Months of physical therapy offered some relief- but it really felt like a band-aid. It was good enough to get me through the day but I didn’t feel like the problem was solved. My lower back hurt every night when I would lay down to go to bed and it hurt every time I sat in the car. With the hustle and bustle of my new life as mom- I accepted it as my new normal and buzzed about.

Fast forward a few years and baby #2 came. Same problem post delivery though not as severe. Professionals decided maybe this time the tailbone was just dislocated or bruised.  Off for physical therapy I went again!  I decided to seek further knowledge from another medical specialist. An orthopedist. They took some x-rays of my pelvis, told me it was slightly out of alignment, and that physical therapy was once again…. the answer to my problems. Again I accepted pain as the norm since no one seemed to have a fix for my problems. (Enter growing frustration here)

Fast-forward another few years- to baby #3.  At 36 weeks my pelvis pretty much gave out.  I could not walk without huge amounts of pain in my pelvis. I was on bed rest for the last four weeks of my pregnancy and post delivery brought the same problems as before. I didn’t even have to ask for a referral. I knew what needed to be done. Off to physical therapy I went! Happy to have relief – but extremely frustrated that NO ONE seemed to know why this was happening or how to fix it.

At some point in my journey- I met a massage therapist (who I will forever be grateful for!) who asked if I had ever been to a chiropractor (a who?) – chiropractic was foreign to me!  She said something in my lower back just ‘wasn’t right’ - I wasn’t sure that it was a good idea.  People in my circle didn’t have positive views of the alternative practice. She gave me a referral to one close by that she knew and I kept it in my wallet for quite some time.

After three babies, two OB’s, two physical therapists, MONTHS of physical therapy, one orthopedist and STILL frequent to continuous lower back pain- I decided I would try ANYTHING! I had to find an answer.  Physical therapy wasn’t cutting it and I decided I couldn’t live with the pain any more. I wanted to be ‘normal’ again!

The rest is history J(haha. If only it were THAT easy!) It was almost instant relief. I felt sooooo much better after only a few weeks of treatment. I was sold.  I felt like a whole new person! I was diagnosed with chronic pelvic tilt – meaning my hips come out of alignment nearly allthe time.  This affects everything! IT bands, knee, spine, muscle memory etc. etc. – it is the base of all my (physical) problems. Which also means I have to keep going to the chiropractor to stay in alignment and for the pesky pain to stay away.  I continue to get adjusted 1-2x/month.  NOW… some naysayers would argue I am not really ‘fixed’ then. As I understand it – it’s just something faulty in my structure-a condition that can’t necessarily be ‘fixed’ but kept under control. I don’t know- I haven’t found a better answer and no other treatment has provided this kind of relief, so I’m sticking with it. J

With pain at a minimum my journey had really just begun.  After finding chiropractic – I was able to exercise like I hadn’t been able to in a long time.  I felt so great I decided I wanted to get back into running. What sounded really fun was trying to do a triathlon. I started on the long road to being athletic again. I felt so great compared to how I had felt for the past several years- I may have been too optimistic! It didn’t take long before I realized running would prove to be difficult.  But I was determined.  JUST THREE MILES. That’s all I needed to be able to run to do a small sprint-sized tri. I started one block at a time.  I still remember how incredible it felt just to run around the block! The more I ran however- the more the pain came back. Which meant the more I went to get an adjustment by the chiro! I guess I just thought if I fought my body hard enough- it would give in.  Or if I just ‘retrained’ my muscles – they would allow me to run like I wanted to. I couldn’t give up.  Giving up meant failing. Meant quitting.  I was NOT a quitter.  So I did it!  I did my first sprint triathlon.  I wasn’t fast.  But I did it.  Then what happened?--- well I wanted to run FURTHER of course! I wanted to do an Olympic-sized tri! That meant SIX miles.  Well I had three down … all I needed was three more! By now my frame of mind was ‘if I just keep going to get adjusted then I can do this’.  I wasn’t going to admit yet that maybe running just wasn’t something I should be doing. I kept chugging along. Kept pushing myself- and completed my first 10K. Again it was slow- but I was so happy.  I had ran farther than I had run in a VERY long time. Now that I had 6 miles in my pocket-I was on my way to fulfilling my goal! I started training for Spudman (an Olympic-sized) triathlon.  As fate would have it, just two weeks before the race – my knee started hurting – really bad.  I couldn’t run thru it- it wasn’t just an ache. It was a sharp pain on the side/under the kneecap.

I was frustrated … depressed … possibly a little angry.  I had worked SO hard to get where I was. I had spent so much time training & money on adjustments just to be able to run a few miles. I was sure it was something that could be fixed. Maybe it was my new running shoes. Maybe it was the way my feet were clipped into my bike. Maybe it was the combination of biking and running. Maybe I just needed a break.  (BUT in my mind I was thinking COME ON!!!  It’s not like I am trying to climb Everest here- or even a ½ marathon!  I’m not going THAT far! ) I couldn’t even run down the street without extreme knee pain. After exploring all of the above options as the culprit of the pain-I decided there was no way I could run myself and put together a team for Spudman- and I would be the swimmer.  Even that turned out comical.  The swim portion was cancelled due to high winds JI guess it just wasn’t meant to be- for the Spud and I.

 I decided I would take a little break. Go back to my old running shoes, just bike for a while, then add running slowly. See how it went. I had just bought a bike. A wetsuit.  I wasn’t quitting! Off to another physical therapist I went.  This was someone who was highly recommended and specialized in sports medicine/running. After several weeks of scraping my IT bands, exercises to increase pelvic strength, and short episodes of treadmill running – there was zero improvement.  She referred me to an orthopedist for an MRI.  The MRI revealed a small tear deep in the meniscus and tons of tiny pockets of fluid surrounding the knee. The orthopedist asked me how much I loved running.  (LOVE running? Ha!)  He suggested that only if I couldn’t live without running (he was serious-) would he recommend surgery.  He made the argument that since I could bike, swim and do most things without pain – to leave well enough alone.  We discussed the option of surgery. He warned that the scar tissue that remained from surgery could cause more problems than if left alone.  I decided it wasn’t worth it. 

Sue is in the red

That was my moment.  The moment I realized I was not destined to be a marathon runner or an all-star triathlete ;) My focus had to change. It was fine that I tried- and tried … but at some point you have to come to grips with reality. I needed to  CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY with what I could do- instead of being mad about what I couldn’t.  I needed to focus on being healthy and strong-not determined to fix something I couldn’t. I had to remember that at one point when on bed rest during my 3^rd pregnancy – all I wanted to be able to do was WALK. 

I can walk! I can bike, cross-train, swim, or lift weights. All withoutpain! So that’s what I’ve been doing for the past year!  I am very thankful that I can. I am blessed that I can. I am HAPPY that I can!

I won’t pretend this journey is over – it’s a continuous battle. Don’t be surprised if you see me testing myself time to time--just to make sure I still can’t run ;)

The Rising Generation

Yesterday was a historic day for our Country. The definition of marriage between a man and a woman was struck down by the Supreme Court. I believe the result will be detrimental, and far reaching for America. 

Only time will determine the repercussions. 

I realize that many people cannot say anything about this topic, for fear of being in the wrong, or offending others, or now we can fear being seen as discriminatory, or intolerant, for expressing our beliefs. This is not a good thing. We should never be silenced. Not ever.

This is a free country. For now.

The effects of this movement are already making their way into our lives, without our consent.

Today we were out for a bike ride, and we passed a newspaper stand. The newspaper declared in bold print "Rainbows Win!" Underneath the headline was a picture of a two men doing things in plain sight, that was once thought of as unacceptable and repulsive.

I hoped that my children had not seen the image. But they did. They saw it loud and clear. We had a talk about it when we got home.

Just a few weeks ago Charles took the kids rafting on the river, and ended up at a park. When they got there, they could see a party was going on in the park, and so they went to check it out. They discovered it was a "Pride Party" and they quickly removed themselves from the scene.

When they got home, the kids told me about the party, and seeing grown men wearing high heels, speedos, make-up, crazy hats, etc. They were very disturbed by the images they saw. It made them feel really uncomfortable, and a little scared.

And this is their World. They are going to have to know how to live in it.

Yesterday, after the court decision, I felt very helpless to do anything to make a difference. What can one do against such a tidal wave of spiritually-destructive power? Just stand there and watch? I seriously felt anxiety in my guts as I wondered what is going to become of the world for my children. It was an emotionally charged day for me, as I have watched this battle for a very long time -- knowing this day would come. Am I exaggerating, and overly excited about this? No, I am not. I am concerned, very concerned.

I can see this issue causing confusion in many people. This is a battle of ideas. I have watched as people stand firm with diligence, or waver in indifference. Oh, the craftiness of men.

Today I woke-up with renewed passion. What can I do against this sweeping wave of destruction and confusion?

I can strengthen God's Army -- that's what.

I have a handful of little soldiers in my constant care. And I have been left in charge to teach them,  guide them, and help them to grow into defenders of truth and righteousness. It is imperative that I do not fail -- now, more than ever.

I had the older kids pull out their Faith in God books, and we began to have very meaningful conversations. We talked about what is going on in our society, we talked about their role in the world, and what they will have to face. We talked about having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion to guide us through these troubled times.

As I talked with them, I realized, this rising generation is ready. They are made for this time. They are tremendous, valiant, spirits -- sent to Earth armed, and ready, to handle these latter-day challenges.

Despite the turmoil of society, I am not afraid for the future. I am excited.

God is in control. He has a powerful army to fight the good fight.

And they will win.

Defining Marriage

I sat in a church choir seat, behind the Bishop. My heart beat with great anticipation as he declared that he had a message from the First Presidency of The Church. I was only 15 years old, but I could sense that what was about to be read was of great importance . . . something more than just for that Church meeting back in 1995. I knew it was something far reaching, and powerful. It was a declaration that would reach beyond the years and into the future.

He began to read, "A Proclamation to the World." I listened intently as he described the definition of a family, and the importance and sanctity of marriage. When he was finished, he told us all to leave right after Sacrament meeting, and take a copy of the message to anyone who was not at church that day. He knew how important the message was, and he wanted to get it out there, for all to hear. 

Since that time, I have had a copy of the Proclamation in my home as a reminder. We have tried to build our family on its principles and lessons. It is very clear and concise, and such a beautiful, true, message.  

And now -- all these years later -- the definition of marriage is under attack. 

It sits anxiously awaiting a verdict on the tables of the high courts of our society. As this battle rages on, I find myself drawn to the words of truth declared by our Prophet -- I cleave to them. I love them. How simple and how perfect the words are. They knew what was coming. 

And though these powerful courts may have the ability and authority to redefine marriage for a day -- there is a much Higher Court that will NEVER redefine marriage, and the sanctity of the sacred union between a man and a woman. 

The Judge of the Highest Heavenly Court, will judge the decisions of the very feeble, worldly, lower court. And no doubt, The Ultimate Judge, will determine the consequences of a verdict contrary to His plan. The consequences. Oh, the consequences! 

We think we are so far removed from Biblical days, and repercussions for our actions as a society. But we are not. This is the same world, and the same God that rules it. He is in control. No matter what silly decision men and women make to try and upset His plan -- He will make the final decisions. 

And in the end, good will triumph over evil. That is certain. 

I, Mari, am pathetically imperfect, I am well aware. But in my guts, and in my soul, I have a desire to scream to the world my testimony of the divinity of family and marriage. 

And no matter the persuasive words of seeming wisdom, nor the craftiness of men that is contrived to convince me of another way . . . I will not yield. Not on this. Even if I stand all by myself -- I will stand. 

"Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God." 

I know it. 

One day, every knee shall bow. 

If you want to know exactly what I believe read this: 

THE FAMILY

---

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I must have that

A few years ago, I wanted a patio umbrella. When I say I wanted it, I mean I REALLY wanted it. It was a consuming want. It was the kind of thing that filled my thoughts when I sat outside in the sun. I thought, "gosh my life would be perfect if . . . I just had a patio umbrella."

And I wanted a big, beautiful, umbrella. I wanted the fancy-pantsy kind -- with the lights on it, so I could sit under it at night, and dream the evenings away. Yes, only the best would do.

Every time we would go to Costco, or Home Depot, I would gawk at the umbrellas as I walked past. I would go and play with them, and test the lights, and make them go up and down. I would sit under them, and imagine what they would be like perfectly placed in our yard.

And then, one day, I got one!

And it was beautiful, and awesome -- just like a had hoped. I would sit under it on sunny days, and I would dream under it on warm summer evenings, with my special lights on. It was glorious. I loved it.

It was a beautiful addition to our yard, and provided many hours of backyard bliss.

And then . . . it broke.

My precious piece of patio furniture betrayed me. It recently rusted clean through, and snapped. The end, adios, adieu.

So goodbye my magnificent umbrella. I loved you.

And now . . .

My once fiercely-desired, glorious, beautiful, perfect, umbrella sits in the yard as a Tepee.

Just another example that stuff is just stuff. And one day it will betray you. It will become garbage.

So try not to love it too much.

There are such better things to love.

For example, that cute boy that is happily inside the Tepee. :-)

Save the Birds

I have this thing for saving baby animals. 

In the past I have saved baby starlings, and I also made an attempt to save baby squirrels that fell from our backyard trees in a big storm. 

Today it was baby quail. 

I was on my way home from visiting teaching, when we saw a family of quail walking across the road. It was a mommy and a daddy, and somewhere around 20 tiny little babies. I pulled the car to the side of the road and we (me and the kids) watched the babies try to jump up the curb, to meet up with their mom and dad on the hill above. 

We watched for about 20 minutes. About half of the babies made it up the curb -- no problem. And then it just got sad. We could hear the mom and dad calling for the other babies, and the babies were running back and forth under the curb -- chirping and trying to find their way, but they couldn't. 

We kept watching. 

And then the babies started freaking-out, and scattering all around the road. Some ventured off on their own. I could see remnants of previously squished baby quail on the road. We watched as the cars would go past and just barely miss the poor babies. 

After I let nature run its course, I decided I needed to help. The mom and dad stopped chirping for the babies, and the babies were playing dodge the cars. 

So, I got out of the car, and I used my visiting teaching message to help me scoop up the babies. I tried to put them on higher ground, towards their parents, or at least away from the cars. It took about 20 minutes since they all scattered, ran away, and then a few of them hid under our car, and it was hard to get them out. 

Eventually I got them all up on the grass and away from road. But there was no sign of the parents. I am not sure if quail have some sort of weeding-out process -- or "survival of the fittest" to see which babies are strong enough to make it, but that is what it looked like. I am sure I upset the balance of nature by trying to save them. :-) 

I don't know if I helped save any of them, or helped them get to their parents. But I just could not leave them there as road kill. It was just too sad 

I did the best I could, I guess. 

And my kids had a good show watching mom running in the middle of the road rescuing the birdies. :-) 

Pray Carefully.

Have you ever prayed to be humble?

I have, and I don't recommend it. Big mistake. God answers prayers you know.

So pray wisely . . .

I was a very young newlywed, throughly enjoying the best year of my life -- the first year of marriage. (Ha, ha.) At the time, I thought it might also be appropriate to start my new life with a new journey of greater spirituality. You know, trying to become a better person, and all that.

I wanted to refine myself, to become better than I had been. I was not too far removed from the frenzied years of high school, and I wanted to push the old me aside and become anew.

Looking back, I can still remember dropping to my knees and asking God to "help me to be more humble." At the time, I sincerely thought humility would be a great thing to master. But, oh, how very foolish I was. Like I said, God always answers your prayers.

Not too long after I uttered my words of desired humility, I became very sick. I had been married for a little over a month when I came down with Mono.

It was in the depths of an Alaskan winter (which can be dark and depressing). I was confined to my bed, with extreme fatigue, marshmallow tonsils, and pain in my throat that felt like swallowing sharp knives.

The note from the doctor also said "no kissing." I had waited 20 years to kiss without guilt, and the doctor told me I could not kiss my own husband? Nice. It was awful. Just awful. Talk about making that first year of marriage even more jolly.

Humbling.

I was also in the middle of college classes, which I tried to make my way through on a brain full of fog, and a body fraught with pain. The same halls I once cruised with confidence (with the ability to do 50 knuckle push-ups), became a personal struggle just to get from one end to the other, and stay awake in class. I did not do so well in school.

Very humbling.

I got a new job. It was at a Chiropractor's office. I came highly recommended from the mortgage company I had previously worked for. I still had Mono. I went to work exhausted and sick, and it began to show in my work. I could barely see straight, or function properly. I quit the same day they were going to fire me.

Crushingly humbling.

I could go on and on with pride-breaking experiences. The point is, I got what I asked for. The only way to become humble is to be humbled, right?

So, in reality, these expereinces still go on to this day. I asked in prayer -- almost 14 years ago -- to be more humble. I can tell you for certain, that God keeps his finger on me to make sure my request is granted. Sometimes, when He is not too busy, He even grants my request on a daily basis. :-)

All I have to say is be very careful what you pray for. God will grant your request.

You would have thought I would have learned my lesson, but I recently recall saying a prayer for greater "strength" thinking nothing of it. Who wouldn't want more strength? Well, in order to become stronger you need something to cause your strength to grow . . . and that is a whole other blog entirely.

Daniel A.K.A. Captain America

Lift, heave, push! Daniel has a goal. His goal is to workout, and become as strong as Captain America -- by the end of summer. He has been drinking lots of water, eating pretty well, and working out a lot. He has been lifting weights, doing TaeBo, riding his bike, running, and pumping out lots of push-ups and crunches. He is getting pretty strong! He has also been practicing lifting his siblings on his back -- just to test his strength. He is only 10 years old, but he is a very mature boy, in many ways. He is ready to push his body, and his mind. I am ready to help him. 

Daniel comes from a mother who has always had natural brute strength, and his father has the ability to sculpt his muscles into beautiful works of art. So I think it might be possible for him to achieve his goal of Captain America strength and muscles -- even if it takes a little longer than until the end of summer. :-)  As his mom, I am doing everything I can to help him. He is so focused and determined, when he works out. He has really nice form, too. I love to watch, and be part of his efforts. 

We make a point to do at least 100-200 "Billy-Bobs" together a day. They are a version of crunches that Billy Blanks does on TaeBo. They are crazy and hard. You lay on your back, lift your head, elevate your legs, put your arms out straight, and then you hold that position and pump your arms rapidly while flexing your gut, and blowing out the air. It is torture. It is awesome. It is fun to have someone to do them with me! 

Back in the day (in college) I did martial arts. I loved it. It was super good for me. It was exactly the type of thing I needed to do to test my inner and outer strength, and increase flexibility. When I first started I was not awesome. But after a few semesters, I was breaking boards, and doing 50 knuckle push-ups. And I could almost do the splits. (I'll write another post about my Martial Arts days later.) 

One of the things I acquired while doing TaeKwonDo -- besides fabulous muscles -- were my punching and kicking pads. I have saved them all these years. Probably because I spent $90 on them, back when that was my entire life savings. Recently, I have been putting them to good use. They are perfect for Sam and Dan to workout with. It is a great way to relieve tension and stress, too. They are also great for settling differences between siblings. :-) 

It is so funny to watch them compete when it comes to working out. The person holding the pad has to be strong too, cause it can HURT! I can remember my arms being bruised after holding them in college. Sam and Dan are both really strong, and they have been letting me have it when I hold the pads for them! And that is fine, of course. If there is one thing you do not do with me it is be a wimp! :-)

 It is so satisfying to punch and kick the pads. 

They make an awesome sound if you kick them just right.  

POW! 

 I caught this mid-motion, so his arm looks really long. :-) 

 BAM! 

I am so proud of Dan, and Sam, for their hard work on their health. They have not been playing on any sports teams over the summer -- but they are both prepping themselves for the activities they have coming up at school in the near future. I am also just trying to prepare them for daily life, encourage their self-confidence, and teach them good and proper health habits. And also, exercise it just FUN! 

 I am a pretty dang-good drill-sergeant. I used to lead the class in TaeKwonDo exercises, and now I am leading my own children. And it is FUN!  I love doing it. I love pulling the best out of my own kids. It gives me joy that I could have never imagined. I think instead of "Mother" I am going to have them start calling me "Master." 

Yes, I like the sound of that. :-) 

Kid Stacking Outtakes . . . 

And they are down! 

 Another try. 

 Here comes Henry to whack Daniel in the head with a golf club. :-) 

 Ahhhhh! 

Daniel chants, "I can do this, I can do this!" 

 Yeah! I am AWESOME! 

 Smashed. 

Movies from the 80's

Last night Charles was determined that we should watch a movie from our childhood. (Because there is such a vast array of quality entertainment to choose from the 1980's era.) For our viewing pleasure, he wanted to show the kids the 1985 version of Return to Oz. Have you ever seen that movie? Did you require therapy afterwards?

I can remember seeing the movie as a child, and having nightmares about the evil lady with the detachable heads. After watching it last night -- for the first time since my childhood -- it was as freaky and disturbing as I remembered it. In my opinion, it is NOT a movie for young children. I did not allow William to watch it. It was an awful, terrible, unsettling, psychotic, and a completely ridiculous movie. Badly done, Disney. Badly done indeed!

After watching Return to Oz, it made me recall many other therapy-inducing movies from my childhood.

For example:

Labyrinth:  David Bowie is enough to frighten anyone, not to mention the baby snatching, and freaky muppets. I can't stand this movie.

The Dark Crystal: I have never watched this all the way through, it is too ridiculous for me.

The Secret of Nimh: No, thank you. Yikes.

The Never Ending Story: Creepy, and fascinating -- at the same time. But mostly creepy.

The Black Caldron: Talk about a freaky bad guy!

Willow: Unsettling.

Pee Wee Herman's Big Adventure: NO COMMENT.

Ghostbusters: Ummmm . . . please no.

Goonies: It wants to be good, but it is not.

Legend: Ummm, frighteningly strange.

I am sure the list could go on and on. It is a wonder that we children of the 80's made it through our childhood with such awful "entertainment." It is unfortunate that space in my brain was taken up by such frightening and disturbing movies! No wonder I had so many fears and nightmares! YIKES!

Oh the 80's . . . why? Just why?

A Day at the Park: Spokane

 The sky was covered in dark clouds that threatened to ruin our family outing, but we went to the park anyway. Despite the looming blackness, it turned out to be a beautiful evening. Charles and I were suffering from head-colds, so the kids played, while we sat coughing our heads off. It was really unfortunate being sick on our special family trip, but such is life, I suppose. It was still enjoyable. 

We went to one of the school playgrounds, so the kids could frolic, and we could enjoy the view with tissue and cough drops on hand. The school was Moran Prairie on the South Hill. It has a beautiful view of the sky from the playground. It was such a pleasant night -- despite being trapped in a brain-fog, and dripping snot. 

Sammi enjoying the fun. 

 The kids loved the new play equipment. Look how cute Daniel is. :-) 

 They had such awesome toys to discover.

 This spiny-thingy was a favorite. It would twirl round and round. I am sure kids fight over it at recess. 

 William ready to cross

 Wee!

 Pretty Sammi 

 She likes to throw her body around wherever she is. 

 Sammi helping Daniel spin. 

 Enjoying the view

Sammi loves to swing 

 William went flying on this thing -- with the big kids help. 

To the top

 Henry enjoyed his favorite thing -- eating the grass. 

 You can see the storm clouds in the background. 

 What is yummier than grass? Wood chips! Yum! 

Sometimes there is nothing better than a day at the park. 

Best of all, it is FREE!!!