Life with Stinky Boys

A CrossFit Pregnancy - my story

2011-10-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

Coach Matt Barnes at CrossFit North Marin (CFNM) asked me if I would write my "story" of how CrossFit has been a major part of this fourth pregnancy. I'm sure he will include it in his Blog and will use it as a way to promote health and fitness of all kinds for his gym. I was honored to do so, and grateful for the opportunity to get it all down in writing for documentation sake. Here is what I wrote for him.... beware, it has the rambling qualities of a pregnant Mama....

I could never say that I "found" CrossFit. It found me really.... I stumbled upon CFNM a month or so before it opened. Caitlyn Edwards (don't we all love Caitlyn?) told me about the gym opening and said that I should see if they would be interested in using me for their interior and exterior signage. I called Travis Brackett and set up a time to meet he and Amy to talk about their vinyl needs. Never did I imagine that that brief meeting would begin for me a journey that would change my entire perspective of health and fitness and would suck me into a culture and mindset that I never knew existed. Since then, I have said that in CrossFit, I found what I have always been looking for without knowing that I was looking for it.

I was lucky enough to be a part of CFNM's first On Ramp class... and it was awesome. Brian Greco warned me to be very, very scared. He was right. Let me explain something; I have always been active and moderately fit. Or so I thought. I have been a distance runner for 8+ years and highly enjoy punishing my body by pushing to my outer limits. But I have always known that what I had in cardio endurance and mental toughness, I lacked in core strength and over-all muscle tone. I could never stick to a "lifting" routine because it bored me and didn't give me the cardio "high" I was searching for. The first weeks in On Ramp opened my eyes to a whole different world that I could see would quickly become highly addicting for me.

for the next 6-8 weeks I poured my heart and soul into CrossFit. I dreamt about it. I scheduled my entire life around it. I parked my three boys in front of the gym in the minivan plugged into a movie so I could workout even when Dad wasn't home. I met with Matt about nutrition and jumped right into the Paleo lifestyle. I was in love and everyone knew it. I was obnoxious to my husband (bless him....) and friends pushing it on everyone. And through the community at CFNM, I found friends who had the same excitement and passion. And I was feeling so good! My body was finally taking a shape that I have always longed for and wondering why running wasn't giving me! My husband noticed and commented on my stronger physique. Friends and family noticed too. I noticed..... but wanted more. Much much more.

And then..... I realized I was "late" in the month of March. Yup. A positive pregnancy test confirmed that my world was about to change - big time. We had been trying for over a year and a half to get pregnant with #4 (don't judge me....), but not having much luck. So I wasn't completely surprised, but at this point, totally thrown off balance. I was of course thrilled, but totally mortified of "un-doing" all that I had been working so hard for in those two months at CFNM. Selfish, yes, but emotionally I was a train wreck. I was at class the morning that I found out I was pregnant, and totally fell apart after the WOD, blubbering to Nicole that I was pregnant and suddenly unsure about my capabilities. I was a mess! She hugged me and assured me that they would all work to get me through the nine months. Besides my husband, Nicole was the first to know of my pregnancy ;).

My Doctor is a rock star. At my first appointment, I told her that I was Crosfitting, and planned to do so through the whole pregnancy..... and just try to stop me. She had absolutely no problems with this (and was even familiar with CrossFit!) and encouraged me to keep working hard, but also to listen to my body and be mindful of hydration. So I had the green light - yesssss! I went back to the gym and after consulting with Matt, Travis and some of the other coaches, we agreed that this little "obstacle" wasn't going to stop me. So I kept working.

Let me say something here about Paleo. Oh my yummy high-protein, and tons of veggies diet....... went right out the window pretty quickly. Historically, I struggle tremendously with meat proteins in pregnancy. Chicken breasts? Ugh. Steak? barf. All I could stomach was peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches. I was trying desperately to keep my food down all day long.... I couldn't possibly handle all of the meat. It was a serious problem for me right away, and I did some serious mental gymnastics over it until I spoke with Matt and was assured that I should do my best considering what my body was going through, and that later in the pregnancy I could get back on track. So I kept working.

And then - what I thought was a minor cold turned quickly into a much more serious problem. Without going into the long and boring details of what happened, I will summarize briefly. Cold turned into Bronchitis. Bronchitis turned into Pneumonia. Pneumonia put me in and out of the ER over the course of two weeks. Pneumonia turned into severe and poorly treated Asthma that cracked 2 ribs and required several daily breathing treatments, high dosages of oral steroids, and lots of inhalers. My legs were completely kicked out from under me for 5+ weeks. I was miserable. I was forced to bed rest for much of the time, and I felt my body growing so very weak. Walking to my kitchen required some serious concentration on breathing, and I had to sleep upright for weeks. I watched the world go on around me and logged into the WOD Blog every night just wanting to get a glimpse of what was going on at CFNM. There were a lot of encouraging words in that time, and Matt, Travis, Nicole and Amy all assured me that I would be back again. I was so grateful for their encouragement. I'll never forget the day I went to the gym just to watch the workout going on. I was still very weak, but allowed to be up and moving, so I went to watch a WOD. I was all smiles the whole time there - watching everyone sweat and work so hard made me so happy. I cried the whole way home......

After finally seeing a reputable Pulmonologist and getting onto a much more effective treatment program, I finally got the green light to go back to CrossFit. Well..... kind of. I got the green light on "light exercise" - but I interpreted that as going back to CrossFit. Shhhhhhhh. My first WOD back was so exciting! I had my inhaler in tow and was determined to get right back into it. Travis was my coach that day and I'll never forget what he said as he handed me a weighted hollow pole to use instead of a barbell (I was ticked!!): he said, "think of this as a first date.... we'll just take it nice and slow." I was mentally ready to be back.... but physically very weak, not only in my lung capacity and muscles, but my belly was starting to grow and my body was starting to change. But I was so very happy!! I was back! My world could be complete again! It was a long and slow road, but slowly I felt my strength and endurance returning. Matt and Travis were on me like glue to keep me taking it easy, listening to my body, keeping my heart rate in check. I hated them for it... but was so grateful for their persistence and genuine interest in my health and safety.

Fast forward three months, and here I am. At nearly 36 weeks pregnant, I have no intention of stopping CrossFit until the very end. It is getting hard.... very hard, and very slow for me, but with help from all of the coaches, I am able to modify nearly every skill and exercise to fit my needs. Barbells were eliminated somewhere around 26 weeks as I could no longer keep my form in trying to get the bar over my belly. Sometimes I walk away feeling that I didn't work as hard as I should have, but usually, I walk away very sufficiently worked. I have learned to always have my inhaler on hand, listen to my coaches and their suggestions, and most of all (and hardest for me to do), listen to my body. When something screams in stretch or discomfort, I need to stop and find a modification. I marvel at the pregnant women I see on CrossFit blogs who were highly conditioned before their pregnancies and are still doing full pull-ups, toes to bar, and lifting heavy weights. I can't lie.... I wish that were me, and when I watch these videos, I feel weak. But I quickly turn that envy into gratitude for how I have been able to work as hard as I have been able to during the challenging weeks in the past nine months. The encouragement I have felt from the coaches and ALL of the members of CFNM has been unbelievable. Someone is always cheering me on (just like we all do for each other, right?) even when I am the last one to run through the door..... several minutes behind everyone else. The community and friendships I have made there are what keep me coming back, even when my body doesn't think I can do it. Just showing up makes me happy.

A quick note here: In my second pregnancy, I went into pre-term labor at 33 weeks and was put onto bed rest until I delivered at 37 weeks. In my third pregnancy, I went on bed rest at 30 weeks with pre-term labor and was told that if I were to do it again, I would likely go into labor even earlier. Here I am at 36 weeks.... and I am still standing! I can't say for certain that CrossFit is the reason for this healthy end to my pregnancy, but I know for sure that the strength I have gained has helped me tremendously. My Doctor thinks so too..... In past pregnancies, I have run well into my second trimester, but have quite abruptly stopped as my belly became too uncomfortable with the bounce.... only to finish the pregnancies with occasional walks and then bed rest. I am very proud to say that as of last week, I was still "trotting" the 400 meter runs in the WOD. I am slow... but I finish.

I can't thank everyone at CFNM enough. I know that when Matt asked me to write this, he didn't intend for this to be a big thanks to him, but I couldn't possibly share my story without thanking him and all of the coaches at CFNM profusely. It is their confidence in me, in their coaching, and in CrossFit alone that has gotten me to this point. I am eternally grateful! My husband and boys will be the first to tell you that I am a much happier Mama when I have been to CrossFit. It is the community that exists there, and the encouragement I have felt that have kept me going. What other gym gives you that? I never had the same sense of community when I would show up at a club and jump on a treadmill. Nor have I ever felt that everyone in a Zumba class cared whether I finished a workout or not. I am truly and deeply happy to see my friends progress and succeed at CFNM, and I know they are happy for me as well. Where else do you find that? It's unique in every way, and I adore everything about it.

I am getting very close now... it could be anytime that baby boy #4 arrives (yes.... ANOTHER stinky boy!). I have slowed down tremendously and only get into the gym 2 days a week. But I keep showing up because I don't want to miss out on a single thing. I want to see everyone work hard and progress. I want to feel my heart beat and sweat trickle down my back. I look a bit like a ridiculous stuffed panda waddling from station to station I am sure, but I won't quit until I have to. Thank you to everyone who has made this pregnancy (my last one, by the way!!) the most fit and meaningful one of all. Of course I hope to bounce back hard and strong, but most of all, I am so happy to have had a community to belong to and a reason to keep working hard for the past 9 months. I can't wait to have my own body back and get back to work..... I have big plans. Remind me of that when I am crying and puking over the garbage can in agony :) Thanks CFNM.... in the words of Nicole Barnes - YOU'RE AWESOME!

First loves...

2011-03-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Realizing this morning that I am failing to record so many simple but adorable things in the lives of my kiddos, I thought I'd take the time to share this tiny story. I need to do this more - like a few times a week. Heaven knows I'm on the computer enough, I just need to switch gears and leave my social network for some time to record family events. enuf said.

This morning, Keaton started talking about Lilly again.... reminding me that he met her first BEFORE Luke did. So here's the story...

During the last weeks of summer, when soccer was starting, Keaton and I were waiting at the school playground while Luke practiced with his team. Keat brought his bike so he could ride around the playground like he loves to do. A little girl named Lilly was also there on her bike and she and Keaton started playing a bit together. Lilly is, well, an older woman.... you see she was going into the second grade. Keat had a great time with her and enthusiastically said good-bye to her when it was time to go. He talked a lot about her for a while, and we all just smiled and thought it was sweet that he had made a new friend. Fast forward a week or so to the first day of school. I took Luke to school his first day and Keaton - ever my side-kick - accompanied me. As each of the kids line up in Luke's new class Keat grabs my face and whispers in my ear super-excitedly "Mom! Lilly is in Luke's Class!!" He was all grins. As we were driving home, he said a few times "Lilly is more my friend than Luke's mom, I met her first." Oh....the competition over the girls begins now!!!

We are now 7 months into the school year, and Keat still LOVES to go to Luke's classroom to help out. Because apparently, his girlfriend is there. When he sees her, he smiles, his eyes get all dreamy, and he gets a bit shy. But don't you dare point out this crush, or he goes crazy! "Moooooooooom!! Don't say that!!" he shouts at me if I tease him or mention to someone that he has a crush.

Now, I know that Lilly realizes the age difference much more than my sweet boy does, but I have to say, she takes it all completely in stride. When we visit the classroom, or help in the class garden, Lilly is sweet and kind to Keat. She talks to him, lets him follow her around, and occasionally gives him small things from her desk or pocket.

Today as we were driving home from dropping Luke at school, out of nowhere, Keat said again - "Mom, Lilly is my friend more than Luke's. I met her first." A bit of self-assurance never hurt :) First loves are forever, right?

I'll insert a picture a soon as I can snap one of Keaton and Lilly...

Where troubles melt like lemon drops....

2011-01-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

Spent the most delicious 8 days with my feet in the sand and my face towards the sun. Mahalo to Mom for providing such an amazing Vacay - to her, it was a great way to get out of finding the perfect gift for everyone, for us, it was.... well, heaven. Here are a few pics - more details to come. Let's just say, returning to a cold house (heater broken) and frigid temps was a cold smack back to reality. Somewhere, there is a beach that is missing me, I just know it....

That's where you'll find me....

Come fly with me...

2010-10-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

I LOVE air shows. Even more, I LOVE air shows over the Bay. Oh the Bay - the beautiful sparkling Bay! Why does it torment me so? The minute I think I need to move back to Utah (where life is, well, sane. And cheap) I visit the Bay and I practically weep. I am a water baby, and I can't shake it. The sailboats that dot the bast blue water, the HUGE tankers that glide their course, the Kite boarders that thrill me with their extreme wreckless abandon (and wetsuits.... brrrrrr), Alcatraz that sits like, well "the rock" that it is right in the middle. And... of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. I love the Bridge. I could spend all day sitting at Fort Spencer, or Fort Baker gazing at the Bridge. Once we became acquainted (the Bridge and I, of course) I realized why San Francisco is such a romantic place.... I will leave my heart here for sure.

October in the Bay means one thing to me. Okay, maybe two. WARM beach and Bay weather, and FLEET WEEK! The big ol' Navy ships come sailing in and there are all sorts of celebrations that I have never attended (but sound fun). But what I love most? The Air Show that ends with an amazing finale by the BLUE ANGELS!! I have taken my boys down to the water front every year that we have lived here just to watch this fantastic show, and I will do it every year that I have left here.....

Last year was a near-disaster as I pulled a typical "the show starts at 3:00, we can leave here at 2:45" deal. Oops, practically missed it and watched while pulled over on the side of the road only catching glimpses of the beautiful jets as they came over our way. Bad Mom. This year, though, WOW. This year, we made it all the way down to the Pier at Fort Baker (and we even had time to stop at In N Out!). We had perfect seats, perfect weather, and a perfect experience. Oh, except that Chris wasn't with us..... bummer. The boys loved it - almost as much as I did. The following photos don't even come CLOSE to showing the majesty of it all.

Did I mention how much I LOVE the Bay?

Summer's end....

2010-08-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

Bitter-sweet is this time of year for me.
Summers end.....
we have played hard
we played in Utah
we played in Montana
we played at the many beaches of Marin
we played at Lake Shasta
We played at Blue Lake
We played in Hanford
We played at Pismo beach

And now it's time for school.
Now it's time for homework
Now it's time for early mornings
Now it's time for structure
Now it's time for carpools
Now it's time for soccer,swim,piano,guitar,scouts
Now it's time for responsibility

Playtime is over. The problem is, the summer weather didn't
get the memo. Where was this weather in June, July and August? I think it's cruel that the kids of Marin County go back to school when Summer truly begins. School should end in July, and start again in November. So says me. Then we could go to the beach in bathing suits instead of SWEATERS.

So tomorrow that's what we are going to do. Meet me at Stinson beach!
Here are some photos from our last two beach trips.... just an appetizer.

HOMEsick

2010-06-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

It's June now. School is out. Summer is here. This is always when my heart starts to long for home. I have had so many "homes" in my married life, and I believe that I have (to be so cliche....) bloomed where planted. Virginia, Arizona, Oregon, St. George, Oklahoma, Mexico, Draper....and now Northern California. These have all been home to me at one time in my life. I have friends that stretch far and wide all over the world and there are some who have become my "chosen family." I adore being a part of a new community, a new city, a new culture.

I remember vividly as a child being fascinated with traveling to new places and often from the window of my car at freeway speed I would picture what my life would be like in the towns and communities that would zoom by in a blur.

I spent a few days in South Carolina with my parents one Summer and my mom laughed as I said repeatedly "I want to live here for a while"....words I would say every time we visited a new place as a young adult.

I spent three weeks on a whirlwind tour of Europe upon High School graduation, and I remember thinking often "I just want to knock on the door and ask if I can have lunch with the people who live there!" as we would pass ancient farmhouses in the Italian countryside, or quaint English cottages.

So I guess you could say by living a somewhat Nomadic life, I have realized my dream of living in many places, right? I have hung tightly to my wanderlust and sought out life's adventures that have brought me to this point. I may forever think that the grass is truly greener somewhere else. The problem is..... I will still forever more miss home. The home where I grew up. the house on the side of the hill in Bountiful that gazed upon the Bountiful Temple and looked out over stunning summer sunsets.

This time of year brings it out the strongest. The warming weather, the days that linger far into the night, the freedom of Summer. In a funny twist of irony, I find myself daydreaming of what my life would be like if I were there again, raising my family in Bountiful. Enjoying the long, lazy days of Summer. Eating frozen custard at Neilsons after piano recitals, dances, graduations, in the fading heat of the day.
Taking walks on Bountiful Blvd. as the day cools down and friends gather to walk and talk.

Does this life exist for me again? Maybe. In reality, I know that what I long for are the memories I hold so dearly of free and easier days. When Summer meant no responsibilities, late nights, lazy mornings, lots of friends. When our family was whole......when Dad was still around to marvel at the sunset with me.

This is the "Home" I miss. The home that watched me grow from an awkward teen to a college graduate, and then later was where family and friends gathered to celebrate my marriage to Chris.

I'm not completely sure where I am going with this post..... just thinking of home. Dreaming of home. And going home (albeit a different home) in just four short days. Be home soon :)

Homesick...yes. But i love my home in the Bay :)

To take a day

2010-03-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

Our weekdays around here (or at least the mornings) typically run like clockwork: school drop off, home for a workout, quick shower and off to run errands only to rush to pick big boys up from school. Rarely do I stay home long enough to do more than a quick pick-up of the house and the breakfast dishes. But today was different. It was lovely really. the Direct TV guy was coming to hook up the new HD receiver for the new TV (a project that mushroomed into a bigger and bigger project BTW....what happened to just buying a tv and plugging it in??), and of course gave us the 4-hour window of arrival. So we had to stay home. And we had fun, Keat and I. Too often do I rush rush rush our day away. Too often do I throw an activity at him and expect him to entertain himself while I workout in the garage, finish e-mails, get a meal ready, fold laundry..... the list can go on forever. NOT often enough do I sit and play. So simple. Just sit down and play dirt bikes, blocks, monster trucks or legos. Some of the most brilliant and priceless things happen in these times - I watch him grow! And of course, Keat basks in the uninterrupted attention he gets from Mom for a while. He will pause - mid-play - and look at me and say "I love you mom. You're my best buddy. Well, actually Luke is my best buddy, but I like you too." Love it. Love him. He is delightful in every way and if I don't slow down, I will miss it all completely. Here's to our day home, and here's to my fresh commitment To Take a Day..... and play.

feeling back to normal

2010-02-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Just a note to me to remember. I'm feeling back to normal. to my normal. January and part of February were tough weeks for me and I'm not so sure why. I was down, depressed, tired and blue altogether. Nothing like the normal me. No passion for anything at all, no joy, no ability to plan my days, weeks, future. Not sure if it was hormonal, or maybe a let down from the holiday season. Or maybe it was the continuous days of gray, rainy weather. Maybe a combination of all three.

But what do you know, I realized yesterday that I am me again. I am back! I woke up and made my list in my planner for the day. I patiently and methodically checked the boxes all day long and I did so happily! Energetically! pleasantly! Even today when we woke up to rain rain rain, I was happy. Not to say that by days end I'm not totally wiped out and slightly impatient with the crazy shorties, but you know what? that's normal too... :)

I'm grateful.

A pic from our fun day on the town in SF - love those crazy boys.

Fresh start

2010-02-19T22:09:00.000-08:00

Dear stinky boys,

It's been nearly a year since I blogged last. Typical me. I often get excited about a new project, attack it with a vengance and as the enthusiasm fades, i peeter out. Oh well, at least I am consistent in this aspect of my life. Lately, however, I am feeling the pull to blog again. I don't write for the benefit of anyone else - I can't imagine the typically mundane moments of my life to be of any interest to others. But I do write for me. For our family. It is my responsibility to keep record of the events of our lives - mundane or not.

I'll be honest, I have a secret disdain for blogs. As I get lost in the blog black hole - the tangle of links that weave together the lives of so many of my friends and family members - I begin to feel..... crappy. Like my life pales in comparison to all the others. I am not a photographer. I am definitely not hip and up on latest fashions or make-up trends. I do adore my children, but I am not the kind of mom who always has a camera in their face detailing every art project, class party or darling act of kindness. I do not know how to use Photoshop. I am not a scrapbooker of any sort. And quite frankly, my life isn't as blissful as so many blogs portray life to be. I am raising boys for Heaven sake! Life with boys is stinky, loud, chaotic and busy. I am trying to survive - not "post" to the world about my darling new food containers that I have color coordinated to my kitchen. Gag. truly, it makes me gag.

So, I stopped looking. I stopped stalking random people whom I don't even know. I stopped being a spy into the lives of others who seem to have it all. I know that I have it all - all enough for me anyway. I have exactly what I want and I finally know my own heart enough to know that blogging the truth of my life is what I need to do. For me and my family. To record THIS part of our forever.

I will continue to post pictures - but they won't be edited in any way. I want to be able to do that "blurb book" thing at the end of each year so that I have proof that I did it. "Yes!" I can say "I did keep a family record! Here it is!...even if it is missing a few months at a time...."

So here's to me and my fresh start. Here's to my bundle of stinky boys and the way they make me completely crazy. And completely in love all at the same time.

Peace out,
Britta

ps. we had a super fun day in the city yesterday.... Trolley ride through the city, hot dogs on Union Square, tried on hats at Macey's, Cheesecake on top of the Macey's building, jamming at the Guitar Center. Loved it.

Happiest of Mothers Days

2009-05-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all! My Stinky boys made sure it was a great day for me..... love them. They knew that a day at the beach would make mom happy..... but they didn't know that the coast would have wind gusts of 25 mph today! Oh well, still had a great time picnicking at the harbor, chatting with our BFF Kathy the Crab lady, throwing out the crab pots and searching for small crabs all over the rocks. A perfect day in the life of boys. Oh yeah, and malts and fries at the greasy joint in Petaluma! Can't beat that... Here are a few pics - some of the fun day today, and some of my garden and chickens.

Kathy the Crab Lady

2009-05-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Top 10 reasons why I heart California:

1. The smell of Jasmine + citrus blossoms in April
2. Hitting the beach during April's streak of hot weather.
3. Diversity
4. Coastal rain
5. Driving 30 minutes any direction and being somewhere real cool.
6. Farmers markets, farm fresh eggs, local dairies, organic everything.
7. Trader Joes
8. Running trails that go for miles and begin out my front door.
9. My love affair with the Golden Gate Bridge
10.Gardening all year long

Chris and I ran away. We intended to literally run away by driving 3 hrs. north to participate in a race (The Ave. of the Giants) - but we got sidetracked... allow me to explain.

The long story made short goes like this. We got chickens for Easter (what a fabulous Easter Bunny we have!) who lived for three stinky weeks in our garage. I hit the jackpot when I found a Free-ninety-Free chicken coop on Craigslist and dragged my BFF's butt, along with her truck, to Fairfax to pick it up on Friday. Chris (my adorable, but not so handy husband) spent hours(I am not exaggerating) on Saturday staring, pacing, dabbling - building up the coop to sufficiently house our chicks outside. We were supposed to leave at 1:00 on Saturday..... it was 6:00 when we finally left. So...... we had an overnite sitter for the stinky boys, we had 24 hrs of alone time.... did we really want to spend the majority of that time driving? Of course not.

Just 35 minutes north of exactly where I live (yes, in Northern CA, north of the GG Bridge, minutes out of the Fab San Francisco) is a tiny town called Healdsburg. Often featured in magazines like Sunset, it is a heavenly place of art, wine, good food, etc. That is where we landed and ohhhhhh did we have fun! Mexican food, hours of browsing a fabulous book store (Where I found my new love "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle." by Barbara Kingsolver), complete laziness at the hotel and ...... well, you get the picture.

Next day - slept 'til 10 (really!!!), intended to run somewhere, any distance, but instead hit the local bakery for princess cake, macaroons, and fresh french bread. picked up Hungarian Bruschetta to accompany the bread, browsed an art gallery (pretending to be wealthy purchasers of course) and headed west to the coast. In the heart of Wine country at noon, watching the waves crash on the rugged Sonoma coastline by 12:45 - honestly....

Parked at Bodega Head, hiked the bluff, found a narrow, rocky trail down the beach and - wow. Found abolony shells for the boys, a sleepy seal on the rocks and a real, live starfish attached to the tide pools!! Heaven. Climbed back up the bluff, devoured our bread and bruschetta, drove past Spud Point Crab Co. following the hand-made signs that advertised "live crab!" Got my attention, for sure. There we met Kathy the crab lady..... I'm sure she has a last name, but i like to think of her as the crab lady. Chris talked her ear off about crabbing, fishing, her family, her ancestry, and all but invited her home for dinner (if you know my husband, you are smiling and understanding...). I was instantly fascinated and wanted desperately to beg Kathy the crab lady to take me out and teach me how to crab. Instead, we bought our 3 giant crabs and headed to the car giddy with the idea of a first-time crab bake. What a find! (Oh, and of course, Chris' friendly nature scored us an any-time-we-want offer to bring the kids to the boat, visit Kathy and use her crabbing pots on the local pier).

35 minute drive through neon green rolling hills dotted with farms, spotted with happy California cows and past glistening lakes. This is for real. I an not exaggerating. Arrived home to excited boys, a tired babysitter (Thanks Kylie!!) and 8 chickens who made it through their first chilly night al fresco.

Thank you Easter Bunny.

This is why I heart California.

Ski Week

2009-02-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I sure love to read the blogs of my beautifully articulate friends. I love to raed of how their kids are growing and maturing. I love to hear of the intricate parts of their days, weeks, years. I get lost in the "black hole" of the blog world and find myself up way too late catching up with friends without even talking.... and I miss the talking. It makes me want to call them in the middle of the night and say "yes! I agree! I think that too!" or "Oh no - what are you going to do now?" and catch up months or in many cases, years, between us. I am grateful for the world the internet provides, but resentful as well that it acts as a replacement for the real thing - the voice at the other end, the emotion of a conversation, the connection we once had.

I have moved so many times, and I have loved so many people, and I miss them. I miss them all.

This week was "Ski Week" for the Novato school district - an excuse really to help with the budget crisis? Maybe. Who cares - it's been heaven. Mikey flew to Utah (by himself!!!!) to spend the week with Grandma so me and the little boys set out to have an adventure a day. I sure love my kids. Even more, I sure love when life slows down enough that I can ENJOY my kids. My house is a train wreck. I have one room half-painted. I haven't cooked a decent meal in what seems like days. But ohhhhhh, we have had fun! Roller skating, Swimming, hiking, a visit to the Zoo - we have made the most of Ski Week for sure. I'll download pics later!

"You'll shoot your eye out!"

2008-12-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

Top 10 reasons why
I HEART Christmas:

10 - T.V. Specials - still love Charlie Brown
9 - Advent Calendars - I buy one for me too.
8 - All Christmas, all the time on the radio
7 - Letters to Santa going in the mail about every other day - are they worried?
6 - Cutting down a tree -or in our case this year, stringing a house plant with lights
5 - Pepperment Cream steamers with peppermint whipped cream at Starbucks.....yummmm
4 - Red and Green paper chains
3 - Building Ginger Bread houses..... from scratch this year!(could be a disaster, I'll report back)
2 - Those reindeer antlers and red nose for the car - I GOTTA get me one of those!
1 - Going home for Christmas!!!!! Can't wait to go to Utah!!!

Here's a sneak peek of our card....

I also had to include photos from our recent family photo shoot. LOVE YOU Kara!!! (karaelmorephotography.com - just a little plug)

Proud to be an American

2008-11-04T21:52:00.001-08:00

I did it. I voted! I am proud to say that I performed my Civic duty. And you know what? I am pleased with the outcome..... and I didn't even vote for Obama.

The end.

Halloween, Halloween, What does it mean?

2008-11-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Halloween, Halloween, What does it Mean?
The words to a favorite song around here....

Per request, here are some pics of the oh-so-time consuming, but not-all-that-fancy costumes we came up with!

This is what our day looked like:
Two boys + face paint and colored hair spray
Parade at school + rain
Class party x two
One grumpy + sleep-deprived Lion
rain + rain + rain
Dorothy + rainboots (not slippers)
One VERY cooperative scarecrow husband
candy + candy + candy

Lesson learned...

2008-10-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely miraculous that I convinced my three stinky boys (four counting Chris) to dress up as the Wizard of Oz cast for Halloween this year. I had no doubt in my mind that I would get Boo'd right out of the kitchen before I even finished my proposal, but to my surprise..... they all agreed! Not only did they agree, they excitedly set to work deciding who would be who!!!!! It's a Christmas Miracle.

THIS is what I have learned: just BUY THE DANG COSTUME ONLINE!!!! "I'll be creative" I think to myself, "My mom used to make darling costumes, so can I." Or the best one, "I will save so much money this way." Wrong-o Marylou.

HERE is what I bought for the Tin Man:
Silver spray paint $6.00
funnel for hat $12.00 (it's true!)
Silver face paint $5.00
Small heart clock thingy $6.00
Gray sweats $10.00

TOTAL: $39.00

AND NOW I HAVE TO MAKE THE DANG COSTUME! I have to cut the cardboard to fit Mikey's body.... I have to spray paint it, and figure out how to make it all fit right. I have to figure out how to attach the funnel to his head, and make sure that he will be warm enough. Oh yeah, and I got word today that he should be able to do jumping jacks in whatever it is he wears to the school Halloween Parade! Yeah right!

THIS is what I could have bought for $26.00 and saved myself all the trouble:

Wish my desire to be creative didn't outweigh the need make things easy....

wrapped anticipation....

2008-10-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Oh m' gosh!!!! I feel giddy like a teenager! (No, this has nothing to do with Edward Cullen all you Twilight fans). We just finished shooting family pictures yesterday with Kara Elmore - in my mind the most fantastic photographer!!! She is a friend of my sisters in Utah and we flew her out here to CA for a photo shoot in "our city." What a total blast! We shot in the city, on the GG bridge, at the Wharf and at the beach. Keeping three boys happy - not to mention clean - for two days of shooting (truly!!!) was a trick, but they astounded me with their willingness. Bribes go a long way....

Can't wait to post pics! In the meantime, visit www.karaelmore.com to see what a fantastic photographer she is. Book her now - she doesn't do many shoots a month (she's a doting mom first, photographer second). You won't regret it!!!!

Pumpkin Heads

2008-10-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the Pumpkin Carving Party Chris and Heather!

Catchin' up

2008-10-12T20:46:00.001-07:00

Whoa, Keatina has been headlining for way too long.... time to catch up.

Pictures do all the talking:

Some of you may find this disturbing....

2008-09-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Chris practically had to leave the room when I presented Keatina at a friend's house. You men can't handle a little cross dressing - sheesh! So, this is the little girl I may never have.... I have to make due with what I've got, right? My friend Karen ( who lovingly begs me to cut Keaton's hair) has created a pigtail begger. Whenever he goes to her house now, he asks to have pigtails put in. What started out as a funny little gag, has now got Chris worried..... I'm not worried, nor do I think he will be scarred for life. I love it! Don't worry, I won't put him in the dress again, but I can't promise that I won't put in pigtails or bobby pins now and again...

It's Mikey Time!

2008-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Mikey + Mom + Dad = fun and crazy time in San Fran!

Mikey chose to have a date in the city with mom and dad instead of a Birthday party this year. Mikey says "What happens in San Fran, stays in San Fran...." sparking much interest from his brothers...

This is worth watching...

2008-09-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

About 7 years ago (yikes! has it been that long?) Chris, myself and 1-year-old Mikey moved to Tulsa, OK. We weren't too excited about it. Just a couple of months after moving into our home, however, another couple moved into the couldesac with their tiny new baby girl. We became fast friends and spent dinners together, walks together, golfing together, and the like. We always knew they were amazing people - true, genuine friends who were successful in life. We weren't in Tulsa very long - just over a year - and when we moved to Monterrey Mexico, we missed Jackie and Dan Rooney very much. Since then, they have had two more (now prego with #4) GIRLS - something I will never know!!!! We have kept in touch over the years and Chris has managed a visit or two when he is back in Tulsa with Hilti - but what has been so fun is to see what they have accomplished over the years in the community and in the world. Dan is a fighter pilot for the US Airforce and is getting ready to do his third tour of duty - he is also a Golf Pro. He has combined the best of both of these worlds and come up with a way to raise money for families who have lost a husband in the call of duty. Check out this link to see what amazing things can be done with a heart of gold, a smart mind and some good publicity....

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=5687342&page=1

waiting for "it" to happen......

2008-08-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

"I get it out" Keaton keeps saying as he tries so hard to figure out his plumbing. He's not even 2 yet, but expresses great interest, so we are trying. Wish me luck....

all of that hard work, and nothing to show for it.... better luck next time!

I hate stupid people

2008-08-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Stupid people dump their hot briquettes from their BB-Q grill on the sand when they are done using them. Toddlers don't know the difference between rocks and burning briquettes and they pick them up and burn their tiny little hands. That's what Keaton did. We took a drive to Sonoma Lake complete with fishing poles, a picnic lunch and expectations of fun. We left soon after with a screaming Keaton, no fish and sad boys. I hate stupid people.

"I touch the fire" Keaton kept saying over and over.

Mikey + Luke hoping for a bite

Eating Bon Bons and watching Oprah

2008-08-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

I only have one thing to say today
HOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!
School started today!

And of course, here I sit, eating bon bons and watching Oprah just like all the men out there think we do when the kids are all at school....... yeah right. I still have Keaters home, but he does still nap which means that if the stars align, I may have a couple hours a day for me. Imaging that?

Here's Mikey pretending that he has actually been this nice to his brother for the past three months of summer.... love the Crocks and socks.

The Three Stinky Amigos. Keaton isn't going to know what to do with mommy to himself all morning! I'm sure it won't take long before Barney is in and Luke is out.

Summer Memories 2008

2008-08-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Just helping the boys remember what we actually did this summer so they don't have blank stares when asked to report at school...

Wild Hogs

2008-08-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

To Clyde, Lee and Dan - thanks for spending two nights with us eating, visiting around the backyard fire pit, telling stories of your epic ride and eating chocolate. Hope the rest of your trip is even greater than the beginning. Now our boys really know what they want to be when they grow up.... Wild Hogs.

P.S. Old Guys Rule.

It's a girl!

2008-08-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

Introducing the newest member of the Kurtz family. It's a girl! Ha! who knew I would be sharing my girl-power in this house with a reptile. no toenails to paint. no hair for cute bows. no shopping trips. not even a shoulder to cry on. she just eats rats and that is gross. The kids love her - which is still no consolation for giving away their dog (ew, I'm such a bad mom). I think she thinks Keaton's hands are mice, so we keep him far away...

hee hee hee

2008-08-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

wish I knew how to add the "censor" bar. any suggestions? oh, but then you wouldn't get to see how cute it is....

My little wannabe rock star...

2008-08-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

OK, so for those of you who know Mikey (you know, our little family mascot for so long who now has fierce competition), you know that he wants nothing more than to be a rockstar. more than wanting to be on TV, he wants to be..... on Youtube! That is when he knows he has made it big. so, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.....drumroll please (imagine now Clark W. Grizwald - a.k.a chevy chase - drumrolling before the christmas lights go on) Mikey P Diddy Kurtz. click here to see his amazing debut!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbrbfayAyT8

Yes, he gets his moves from me.
yes, he is really beatboxing - voice over the video.
yes, that is Lukey jumping his bike over him.
yes, he watches this at least once a day.

Do the other boys exist?

2008-08-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, the other boys exist, but for some reason, Luke makes himself known. A LOT. This is for you uncle Damon... Mullet be gone.

attempt # 3 at this blog stuff

2008-08-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

I moved my blog AGAIN. I decided I don't like wordpress so much. mostly because I'm not scrapbooky, crafty, computer savvy or.... patient. this blogger is much easier, and hey, I'm easy. So, nevermind my last attempt, for all two of you who ever look, we are riding the cyber waves again on blogspot. enjoy.

we left blood on the pavement..... again

2008-08-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Luke bit it hard. AGAIN. Not sure why it's always Luke. Maybe because he says "I'll do it!" when Mikey says "no way." They found a jump - or maybe a wall - and Luke tried to ride his scooter down it. brilliant. So now there are three skate parks in the world with big, brown Lukey bloodstains trailing out the door. 7 stitches and one big, fat lip later, he is surviving. I think he looks like a character from the Simpsons and I laugh. He thinks it's funny, but can't laugh. Poor kid.