Laundry Mishaps

Those of you who know my mom, know what a great housekeeper she is. Almost before you've finished your dinner, she has your plate in the dishwasher. Before you take your shoes off, they're stowed away in some unknown closet. Before your dirty clothes hit the laundry basket, they're washed, dried, folded and put away.

It's a good thing I take after my mom. Because if I didn't, clothes might occasionally pile up. But since I'm so on top of things (like my mother), they of course never do.

And speaking of laundry, my mom always taught me to wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and lighter colors with their likes. And usually in small loads. Since the laundry never piles up, of course.

So today when I finished folding all the laundry (that didn't take two hours...since of course I've been so on top of things the past few weeks...), I wouldn't have dreamed of throwing all the clothes we've worn in the past two days into one load...just to have everything clean and put away at once. I would NEVER do that. Because my mom never would.

If I did think it a good idea to throw everything into the washer (not to mention the still-wet-from-yesterday clothes I forgot to put in the dryer), that would mean a HUGE load with every variety of color. White. Black. And lots of pink. Lots of new, bright pink baby clothes. Good thing I know better than to mix all those colors.

I can only imagine what would've happened. Like Joe's white underwear...pink. Or maybe Avery's cute, white shorts and new white blouse...pink. Or my family reunion t-shirt...pink tie die. And any white socks? Pink.

Good thing I know better. Because as much as I love pink, it just wouldn't be pretty. And my mom would probably have a heart attack. So don't worry mom...I know better. Ahem.

How to run a marathon...and enjoy it!

Well, he did it. My husband completed his 8th marathon on Saturday, along with two of his brothers. This picture was taken after the race. They all look like they're trying really hard to smile.

I've already established how much I love watching marathons. This was the first race (as a spectator) that I didn't spend the whole thing driving madly along the course to find a spot to scream at Joe as he ran by. Instead, my friend Katie and I slept in. Well...sort of. Joe thought it would be a good idea (before leaving) at 4:30 am to put Mr. Ornery Pants back on the mattress he'd fallen off of. Which led to the awakening of the Angel Baby. Which led to a party in our room for the next hour before everyone finally settled down and went back to sleep.)


Katie and I did Turbo Jam, ate breakfast, then shoved 5 kids in her van to meet our husbands at the finish line. I felt slightly guilty for not being more supportive. Until I found out that if I had been somewhere along the course, Joe would've climbed in the car and suggested that we go home. Starting at mile 13.


So yes, my friends, Joe survived. But if he'd actually trained (5 weeks really doesn't count), he could've enjoyed the race...not just survived it!


So here are some tips for any of you considering running a marathon...or a half-marathon...or any race, for that matter. (Since I'm so experienced with ONE marathon under my belt...next time I'll follow my own advice)! Read On

Things I've Learned This Week

1. When it's your turn to have preschool at your house (and you already have a busy week), plan accordingly! Otherwise you'll be up until the wee hours of the morning preparing silly animal crafts.

2. Before going to bed (at 1:30 am), if you have the thought to download some preschool music, ignore it! Otherwise you won't be able to fall asleep due to the Old Macdonald Orchestra running through your head.
3. When you're choosing a REAL preschool for your children (in years to come), check to make sure the teachers are well-rested. A tired teacher makes for a frazzled, impatient, grumpy teacher.
4. Your own children have a 6th sense...when you're tired, they're extra grumpy, and will try your patience.
5. You are SO lucky to have Evelyn two doors down to come steal your baby so you can focus on the 9 other children at your house. In fact, you have to fight back tears when she walks in the door, takes Avery, and walks back out. Only a real friend would use her free-time to watch my needy baby!
6. Whoever decided to assign a "helper parent" to each person in charge is a genius!
7. Whoever assigned the two of us with small babies together (not to mention Rebecca's toddler twins and preschool boy)? Not so smart! (Once again...thanks, Ev!)
8. Parker doesn't like to share his things. (Oh wait, I already knew that).
9. Finger painting is fun...but it's not very easy to listen to a grown up who tells you not to touch ANYTHING with your painted hands.
10. Crayola paint really is washable!
11. It's really exciting to see what "sinks" in the water, and what "floats."
12. Two hours go by a lot faster than you think (especially when it's your week off!)
13. You really CAN mask tired grumpiness if you try hard enough! The kids will hide by the fence when their parents come to retrieve them, so apparently something was fun.
14. When you noticed that your "day" was the same day you have to leave for your husband's marathon, you probably should've switched...
15. Too late!

And we're off....after I pack! I'll let you know if Joe survives...

Fit Me Pink Healthy Recipe Contest

If you haven't yet, check out our healthy recipe contest. For the measly price of 1 or 2 healthy recipes, you could win one of three prizes! The BEST recipe we get will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card. The runner up will receive a custom vinyl lettering phrase (of choice) from Starpansie Designs. And every single recipe we receive will be entered into a drawing for another prize...still undecided what it will be...but it will be GOOD! Check out the contest details, leave your recipe(s) in the comments, or email them to fitmepink@gmail.com. Tell your friends! Submit your entries by next Monday (September 15th)

Cougar Fight Song

GO COUGARS!

Rise all loyal Cougars
And hurl your challenge to the foe
You will fight, day or night
Rain or snow
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the white and blue
As we sing, get set to spring
Come on, Cougars, it's up to YOU!

OH, rise and shout
the Cougars are out
along the trail to fame and glory!
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
As you unfold your vic'try story
On you go, to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters
As we join in song,
In praise of you, our faith is strong
We'll raise our colors high in the blue
And cheer the COUGARS OF BYU!!!!!

Ra ra ra ra ra, Ra ra ra ra ra,
Ra ra ra ra ra
GOOOOOOOO COUGARS!!!!!!!

I spoke too soon!

What was I saying about no longer getting that "sinking feeling" when Parker wakes up from his naps? I spoke too soon!

Avery, on the other hand can't wake up soon enough! Well...sometimes! (And sorry about the crappy video...she's still cute, though!)

More Parkerisms...

I can't say that Parker is out of the terrible two's just yet, but life has definitely been more pleasant around our house lately. Parker is just turning into the sweetest little boy. I don't get the same sinking feeling like "here we go" when he wakes up in the morning or from his nap. He's my little buddy. We have full blown conversations. He says "thank you" for everything! We laugh together. He gets worried when I'm crying. I'm constantly amazed and intrigued by his language development. Here are some of my favorite recent Parkerisms...

Here comes me. (Here I come)
Where is me? (Where am I?)
Daddy, don't be scared.
Mommy, I sorry.
Thanks for openin' door, mommy.
My do it.
No, my do it.
I not Parky, I Parker.
What's Avery's name?
I two.
Mommy, want some birthday cake? Yeah? (He answers his own questions for me).
I makin' hamburr. (hamburgers)
Where's a one? (other one)
Wuuuun more. (one more)
Laaaast time.
I be rye back. (I'll be right back)
Mommy, wait for meeeee!
No, my do it (yes...this is the third time I wrote this one. He wants to do EVERYTHING himself).
I luh you (I love you)
I wanna blow mommy kiss.
Mommy, kiss it beller. (kiss it better)
What are leeze? (What are these?)

And many more....

I love you, little buddy!

And Averyisms...

mamamama
bababababa
mmmmmmm

She's still our sweet little chunker baby--7-months old! Yikes! She's rolling EVERYWHERE, sitting up, getting on her hands and knees, has two teeth, and weighs 19.5 pounds! Watch out world, she's gonna be mobile!

We've Had Company!

Signs that Nannu's visiting...

1. Your kids' hands are always washed.
2. You're in the middle of a conversation and the vaccuum turns on.
3. Your bathtub sparkles.
4. Someone is following the brownie-eating children around with a bucket of water and a mop.
5. The fridge and pantry are fully stocked (with food, goodies, and Pepsi (thanks a lot, dad!)
6. Before leaving the house at 4:50 am to catch a flight, the sheets and towels are stuck in the washer.
7. When Parker can't find the majority of his toys, you finally find them loaded in a hamper tucked away in the guest bedroom.
8. Post-guest cleaning isn't necessary!

Thanks for taking such good care of me, mom and dad! We loved having you! (And you, and you!) We love you!