December 1 update

Well, not much excitement for November. It was a busy month with running after kids, etc. We did manage to get in a couple days of skating which was fun. The weather has been great this month so that made it even more pleasant seeing as it's an outdoor rink. :-) The kids caught on well and couldn't wait to go again.

Ehren's eyes continue to improve. His eyes are at a pretty consistent 20/30. They still may improve a bit and he has another appt. early Feb. to find out if he needs to have a "touch up" done. For now he's pretty happy with how it's all turned out...and I'm jealous that I'm still wearing contacts!

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We spent it at the Landrigans which was a nice change. I can't remember the last time I didn't cook...maybe 12 years now? The kids had a blast...it's always fun to go to Levi's house!

Ehren and I continue with our activities. Ehren took a big step and signed up for Ironman Arizona for November 2010! It's exciting and he has lots of time to get ready for it. Sign up is a year in advance...and they fill up quickly!! So, we're anticipating a busy summer as we've signed up for other triathlons as well.

Not much else to say. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We're staying here for Christmas this year and spending it with family. My parents will by coming up from Mexico and of course, the Landrigans will be here! Hope you all have a great one!

November 1 update

Well October has come and gone and it was a very "eventful" month. We had everything from soccer and violin concerts to apple picking, pumpkin patches, surgery and Halloween. Blair and Darlene came for a week and we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving while they were around. Ehren had corrective eye surgery as well when they were here. He had PRK done and had a great recovery. He's not at 20/20 yet, but he'll give himself another 6 weeks or so and then have a "touch up" done. For now he can see without the use of contacts or glasses...so for those of you that know his eyes...he's come a LONG way!

We had a great time with the kids this month doing all their activities and "then some". The pumpkin patch was a hit as always. It was about 80 that day so it was quite warm...can't complain b/c the next weekend was 50 and windy. We've had one big snowfall now. I mean big! Very early to have such a "dumping", but it'll be gone in a couple days. Personally, it's way to early but they say it's an El Nino year so...more moisture than normal!

Ehren and I are back at hockey and running. I'm on a break from swimming for a bit and we have to get those bikes on the trainer (I'm too much of a fair weather person to bike in the winter here like so many people). We've already signed up for a couple triathlons for next summer and Ehren's likely going to sign up for an Ironman in Arizona for a year from now...a family commitment.

Ehren had a great birthday and that was followed by Halloween...it's been a couple days of great fun and now it is back to the grindstone! In November we're anticipating a visit from Jackie and her family...and then Thanksgiving as always! We're hoping to spend it with Deana, Jay and Levi. Hope you guys all have a great month and stay healthy!!

Oct. 1, 2009

Well, Sept has shown us what life "in the swing of things" is like. We're full tilt with school and all extra curricular. It's busy for us but the kids seem to be doing well with it. Ehren and I are still training, not with any goal at this point...just to make it through the winter and stay in shape. Ehren did a 1/2 marathon a couple weeks ago. Did well for most of it but struggled at the end. Looks like nutrition was an issue as he did a 1/2 marathon as part of his 1/2 ironman triathlon, and the run was fine. A good learning experience. For now we're just enjoying the nice weather and trying to get out when we can to enjoy it. Ehren's tossing around the thought of doing an ironman next year at this time, in which case he wants to maintain his performance so he can build on it in the spring. To add to it all I've started hockey and Ehren will be soon as well. It's a nice "change of pace".

We had Brendon come visit us for not even 24 hours last weekend. He was in Denver for a "conference", and came up for a quick visit. We managed to sneak in a hike at Chautauqua with him. The kids had a blast (as did the adults), and we treated our self to a nice lunch after. It was good to get in the visit and maybe we'll take the whole Johnson family up next time they're here.

I have been volunteering in Emily's classroom every other week. It's nice to get in and get a feel for how the flow of things go. She's always happy to see me even though I'm busy doing other activities. I get to take Evan with me so he feels pretty "privileged". To add to my "business" Ehren was gone to San Diego for a week on business. The combined running to preschool and school, and evening activities got to be quite a bit. By Thurs. night I was ready for a rest! :-) It was nice to get Ehren home, as well as the kids had missed him! :-)

We're expecting a lifestyle change for Ehren in October. He's planning on having PRK eye surgery done to correct his vision. We have a friend who is one of the first 10 surgeons in the US to perform lasik surgery, so we have every reason to have confidence in him. We're very excited as he has told us Ehren should be able to see 20/20. Ehren's had glasses since he was in grade 1 so it's very exciting. We'll have more updated information on this after he has it done.

That's about it. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving in Canada! We'll update you more in a month.

Sept.1, 2009

Well, what a great month August was. We did a lot (once again), and had great weather. Early in the month we had the Johnson family visit us from San Diego. The kids always have a blast and play so well...the parents do too I must say! :-) We went to the aquarium, swimming, celestial seasonings tour, and had lots of play time around the house. It was great to see them and the adults even snuck out one night for dinner and a stroll on Pearl Street!

School started this month so it's been busy once again. I'm loving it as I have more "free time" during the day with Evan. Life gets busy this week as soccer starts, violin is in full swing, and swimming starts again too. In fact, the first violin concert of the season was last weekend. It was on an acreage north of town with a "country" theme. The girls wore cowboy hats and had fun on the farm with the other kids. From there we went to the airshow. Wow, a lot more people than I expected! The kids had fun and I think I wore them out!!!

Our summer season, in respect to triathlons, is coming to an end. Looking back we had a great tri-sport summer. Between Ehren and I we did 7 triathlons and had several independent running, swimming, and cycling events as well. Ehren just finished his last triathlon this weekend and we are now done until next summer. The fun still goes on though! Hockey starts next week so we have one more piece of fun to throw into the equation. I'm a fair weather biker so I won't bike past November...Ehren will probably cycle through the winter. We're hoping to do an organized ride in a couple weeks...Buffalo Classic which is a 100mile ride in one day. I'll check out my endurance.

Not much else to say at this point. We're just really enjoying this late summer season and waiting for Levi's 1st birthday party next week!

Count My Blessings

It's been a long time since I've had such an emotional day. It started with sending my baby to her first day of "full day" school. She was so excited and it went well...except for the fact that they lost her lunch. I believe it bothers me more than it did her, as I was hoping her day would go flawless. Minor detail. I also find out today that my evening babysitter broke her back a couple days ago. OMG. At least she's ok and can walk...but is out of commission for 6 months. She can count her blessings. So the hard part was my patient today...7 years older than me, two children the same age (approximately) as our older two. She's currently dying of breast cancer after fighting for 4 years. She spoke so matter-of-fact about her "6 weeks or so" before she dies. Her goal was to see her daughter start kindergarten (tomorrow). Today she almost gave up on us...feeling really ill she assumed it was her liver disease...until labs showed her liver was doing better this week. She thought she had her decision made...to quit chemo...finally, then this happened. I was not surprised when she told me she was almost disappointed b/c she was ready to be "done". It was so hard to talk to her with tears on the verge of flying, but being the amazing person she is, gave me the strength to have the conversation. It appears the chemo, which was working, was making her sick. So, does she take a couple days added on to her life with sickness or take quality of life and a few weeks to live? At the end of the conversation (by now the Dr. had joined us), she decided she had to be treated today. For my own greedy reasons, I'm so glad that she chose to be treated. I didn't want her to "quit on my shift". I often leave work dealing with the good and the bad, but today it was different. I truly wanted to go home and just hug my kids and tell them I'd never leave them...

August 1, 2009

What a busy month July has been! There was a July 1 posting but we were on vacation so I never sent out the email. You can check it out if you want to find out what happened in June. If you don't read it I'll tell you that we were in Canada! We left near the end of June on our 16 day road trip. We drove to SK (yes with the three kids) and it went great. Whew! It started with a three hour evening start, followed by an 11 hr day, at which we ended in Regina, SK. We stayed with Ehren's aunt & uncle and then left on our last 4 1/2 hr drive to Shellbrook the next morning. We spent a week in SK with time at Battleford, Waskesiu, and Sturgeon Lake as well. The weather was not favorable most of the time but we managed to pick nice days for the lake trips which was great. We spent Canada Day at Waskesiu and then another full day at Sturgeon Lake fishing and eating over the campfire. Ehren got in a couple good runs (as did I), and one long bike ride. It was Shellbrook's Centennial birthday so there were activities all week long and lots to do. We all managed rides in Joop's plane and Ehren even flew a bit. One day the kids got to see a baby faun which was saved from the forest fire. They also got to ride the quad and see baby kittens at Great Gramma's house. On the way to Alberta we went through Battleford and stayed with Ehren's Grandma for a night. From there we went to High River.

Alberta weather wasn't much better. I managed to get in a round of golf, couple runs, and Ehren got in a ride or two and some running. We went to the Stampede for a day which the kids loved. The memorable part of that...the Super Dog show of course! Either that or milking the cow. :-) We spent some time at the Railroad Museum which was an amazing display of trains, threw rocks in the river, and got some time in with Blain and Grace. It was all a lot of fun and it was an added bonus that we got to meet baby Clara (Blain & Grace's girl), and baby Adam (Lana & Samuel's boy) for the first time. We managed to see a lot of relatives on the whole trip and the kids had a great time. The drive home was two 10-11hr days.

So now that we're back into the swing of things we've been training a lot. Ehren has a couple long tris in August (I and I have a sprint) so he's trying to get ready for the tough races ahead. We've had many days at the pools (both indoor and out) and we even managed to get in 18 holes last weekend with Deana & Jay. We also had a hockey get together pool party with my hockey team last weekend which was a lot of fun...even though it did the unthinkable....RAIN! :-) A couple weeks ago we saved three baby rabbits...one of which had to be put down. They were about as big as my fist and had fallen into our window well. They were lucky we found them as we don't make it a habit of checking our window wells every day! It's been a fun month and it's hard to believe that school starts in 2 1/2 weeks!

July 1, 2009

Well June has just flown by and we're now feeling like it's summer! It's been a long time coming as the temps have been more in the "moderate" not "hot" range. :-) We started June with our 11th anniversary. It was a real treat because Deana and Jay took the kids from noon sat. til after lunch sunday. What did we do? We went for a round of golf, late dinner, up early for a bike ride then for an open water swim. It was a real treat as we usually don't get to do many of these things together anymore. We were so busy in that 24 hours that we didn't have much time to think about kids but it sure was nice to get them back! :-) They did great at "Levi's house" and didn't even ask for us!

One of the big points of the month for us was the 5430 sprint triathlon that we both did. It was a 1/2mile outdoor swim, 17 mile bike and 3mile run. Not too long so we were able really enjoy it. The weather was perfect and once again...we had a sitter come at the break of dawn so we could both go. It was my first time doing this particular triathlon and all went smooth....after I got the goat head out of my foot that is...I stepped on it in the water right before we started. Boy, did I have a bruise the next morning! We had pretty good times and now have something to beat for next year.

As I write this I should be packing. We're gone from June 27-July 12th to Canada. We are attempting to drive this time...should be interesting with the three kids. SK is our first destination and then we'll do the drive to AB for 5 days or so. The kids are soooo excited...I just want to make it without pulling out my hair! :-)

We hope you all have a good 4th of July and Canada Day and we'll update you on how the trip went when we get back!

June 1, 2009

May has slipped by and not sure where it went! We've had a busy month between end of school activities, end of extra-curricular and training. It's been busy! Our weather hasn't been that co-operative as far as nice weekends so we've been trying really hard to get our training in on those days that are "ok". This is the price we pay for our beautiful winter. :-)

We've had a generally quiet month as far as weekend business, but as far as the week days flying by...wow, they sure have. We've both been training for triathlons and just recently ran the Bolder Boulder (10k race) and did a local sprint tri in Longmont. Our BB running times were good...we met our goals and the triathlons went well too. Weather co-operated. We now have 3 weeks off until the next ones in June. Swimmers ear has made Janelle a little hesitant to swim but has since recovered and hopefully won't see that problem again.

Once we get through June we'll be making a trip up to Canada for a couple weeks. It'll be nice to go up in the summer as we haven't been up to SK at that time of year for 6 years! Since the next post will be due when we're on vacation it may be late...we'll see! Enjoy June!

May 1, 2009

Well, we're not sure where April went! It was suppose to be a "quieter" month for us but that didn't seem to happen. Once we got through Evan's birthday it was Easter. We had Easter brunch at some friends' house and did an Easter egg hunt. This was followed by some very rainy weather. We've hardly had much of a chance on the weekends to get out riding. We're paying for our unusually warm March now. It's not that cold but we're finally getting all the precipitation we've been missing!! We've been asking for the rain and now we got it...it's nice and green now.

With any nice weekend days we get we've been trying to get out on our bikes. Blair and Darlene arrived for a week in April on their way home from Mexico. This was a nice break for Janelle as she was able to get out a couple times that week. We also put Blair to work planting in the back yard. :-)

Not much else new has happened. We've got a busy May with birthday invites and triathlons for both of us...not to mention the Bolder Boulder. Janelle's going to give it a shot this year. Ehren's done the 10K run the last couple years but Janelle hasn't had the chance. We'll see how it goes!

April 1, 2009

March as always has been a very busy month for us. With two birthday parties and the warmer weather...we like to get out and do more! The month started off a little rough as Ehren lost his grandfather who was battling lung cancer. Unfortunately Ehren had to fly out on Emily's birthday and missed her birthday party. It seems that it bothered him more than her because she understood and was happy as long as she could have her party! :-)

March was filled with beautiful weather (as was much of the winter). We had mid 70's temps and perfect weather for running and biking. The time has started to get a little more serious about tri training so we're both making more of an effort. We have about 2 months until it all starts. So not only did we have some of the best weather of the winter but we also had our biggest snowfall of the year! We had a couple inches in December and not a whole lot more...we really needed moisture! It was good to get the 12-18" of snow and in the matter of 3-4 days it was virtually gone again.

We got through Jaelynn's birthday party no problem and now are planning for Evan's this weekend. Yet, another busy weekend as Janelle has a hockey tournament this weekend as well. We can make it though as Emily's on spring break this week so we've got a little more "down time"....whatever that is??? :-) It looks like a little R&R is in sight after Easter weekend. We plan on a nice quiet weekend for Easter...probably with the Landrigans. We hope you have a great Easter and we'll talk to you in May!

March 2009

Where did February go? The time has flown by and now we're heading into March! We had company for two weeks in February as Ehren's Mom Elaine came to visit. We kept her busy following the kids' activities...not sure how much of a "holiday" it was but it was time away from home! We enjoyed our time and her homemade perogies, buns and cabbage rolls. We took her to Estes Park and hiking at Chautauqua and also enjoyed a family Valentine's dinner at an authentic mexican restaurant in town. We all ate well and they had Mexican dancers using the stage most of the time we were there. It was a fun night and all three of our kids were dancing to the music. The weather was nice while Elaine was here but got even better after she left (sorry Elaine!). We've had such a nice winter and the grass is even turning green in some areas. Of course, we'll probably get hit with huge snow storms in April but hey, we need the moisture!

Janelle spent a couple mornings volunteering in Emily's classroom this month. It was quite interesting to see how things are "now" vs how they used to be! The technology is amazing from web cam announcements and interactive white boards to having the teachers on surround-sound microphones!! Wow, yes it has changed. Emily was glad to have her Mom in class and one of the days was extra special as it was a Valentine's Day party!

Coming up we're getting ready for a couple birthdays. Both girls are quite excited. We've got every weekend in March booked with parties and ski trips. Before we know it it'll be Easter and we'll be celebrating Evan's second birthday!

February 2009

Well, the month of January has been a very busy one. We started it off with a day ski trip with the girls. Emily had been out before but it was Jaelynn's first time (and Janelle's first time in over 13 years!) It was a great day and we left Evan behind with our nanny for the day. The next weekend Ehren took just Emily for a ski day as well. We're now looking forward to another day trip with the girls this weekend (Evan will stay behind with the Landrigans). The girls are loving it!

After we got back into the swing of things with school and extra-curricular schedules, we were set for a week and then we took off to Mexico. Janelle flew out with the kids for 10 days and Ehren joined about part way through. The kids always like getting to Nana and Papa's and they both remember being there last year. Evan's favorite thing was riding in Papa's Jeep! No car seat and all! We had a great time...took in Sea Life park, did some what watching, a couple beach days, several days at the pool, and Ehren & Janelle got in a round of golf with Blair! We returned to some colder than normal temps (of course it was in the 70's while we were gone!), but now are back to "normal".

Now that we're back Janelle has started swimming again. Ehren still continues with his three times a week swimming. Both playing hockey and biking and running. We've really enjoyed our home gym this winter as it's had a lot of use! We're currently both registered for one triathlon and will be doing a couple more yet...it's a matter of deciding what and when. We're still working on the Spanish although it's hard to fit it in to the evening with everything else going on.

Not much else is happening family wise. We're anticipating a long awaited visit from Gramma Elaine. She hasn't been here in almost a year so it'll be nice to have her visit again. She arrives early this month.

January 2009

Well, it's hard to believe that another year has gone by. Happy New Years! It feels like we just sent out our Christmas letter and now it has already been a month. We started the month off with Christmas excitement, concerts, wrapping up activities, etc. Once we got past the first couple of weeks it was quite a nice peaceful month. Janelle took on the task of painting Evan's room while Ehren kept the kids out of the paint. Once the painting started it didn't end. Janelle then took to painting the kids crawl/play space under the basement stairs. We call it "commotion in the ocean" after a book we have of sea life. We'll post pics once it's all done. We've done what we can but we're still waiting to swap out a couple lights on the ceiling. Once that's done we can paint clouds and it'll be finished. For now it looks good and the kids are excited. We learned not to cry over spilled milk, er, paint. The girls both got their shot at helping Mom paint. One managed to miss the plastic floor covering and slop green on the carpet...the other managed to string her wet brush across the wall...an easy fix at least. There were a couple glitches but it was something that we're really glad we let them participate in. The excitement in being part of the product!

We had a quiet Christmas here. It was so nice to be able to have a quiet one without the stress of traveling in the chaos. We attended Christmas Eve mass and then had dinner at the Landrigan's. We spent Christmas day here and Deana, Jay and Levi came over for a good chunk of the day. We hardly had any snow but that's ok...the little "skiff" we had was enough. It would've been weird to have had Christmas a week later as the weather has been quite mild. Temps have been in the 50's with some good Chinook winds at times.

We're now waiting for school to start next week. We made it through New Years (and had about 30 people over for a party) and then will be taking off to Puerto Vallarta in less than two weeks. Speaking of. We've been working hard at spanish. Good 'ol Rosetta Stone! We're both trying to learn spanish and have become addicted. Once we get back into our busy routine there won't be as much time but that's ok...we'll take what we can get! We'll update you after we get back and hope you all have a great New Year!