4 Days and Counting... NSPORK?!

... until my inaugural adventure race! Today I took B1 and B2 shopping for race paraphernalia. I needed a wind/water resistant jacket. I purchased a 'camel pack' (backpack hydration system), head lamp and a new pair of socks. Yes, I figure that a new pair of running socks will make all the difference (at least that is what I am letting myself believe). I wonder how many steps 22 km is? That's a lot of trail pounding. I have freshly painted blue toe nails, which I am hoping I get to keep. [I've been told, the last leg is a killer on the toes!]

Anyway, back in the mountain equipment store B1 was incredibly adorable wearing a huge camping backpack that would be large enough for a man of 6 feet (so just imagine what a lean 6 year old boy looked like in it!) He navigated the store with his little brother in tow seeking out resources, tools and other necessities for "rescuing animals on the brink of extinction." Perhaps some binoculars, a tent, definitely a head lamp...

Their most interesting find, though, was a "spork," (a handy camping utensil that doubles as a spoon and a fork, that even has one serrated edge that makeshifts as a knife). While B2 just thought it was pretty "cool," upon perusal B1 was quick to suggest the name should have the "n" sound in it - what about a NSPORK?

8 Days until the Canadian Death Race

I am running the 5th leg (22 km) of the Canadian Death Race, coming up in 8 days August 1/2, 2009 in Grande Cache, Alberta. Yeah, that's me - elite, adventure racer! I started training - mostly running - in March and now here we are with about one week until the BIG DAY! DOAD is running the first leg (19 km) and we are bringing B1 and B2 for a family adventure weekend!

8 words to describe how I am feeling about it...
1) excited
2) nervous
3) thrilled
4) challenged
5) curious
6) strong
7) hopeful
8) did I say nervous?

As I embark on the next race/goal/adventure, I continue to think about where my running fits in my life - what it brings to me, my family and my own sense of happiness. What gives you that lift, as a Mom, to bring more to your kids? Tell me about it on my survey - check out the Mothering Contexts Study!

Can't Rest on Laurels

B1 is playing with B2 - dinosaur adventures (or what they call "Prehistoric Park") and I hear, "We can't rest on laurels."

Indeed, I am definitely sure my youngest understood his big brother to mean "to rely on past achievements, status or reputation!" Too cute!

Ever heard of Walking with Dinosaurs? I know this phrase is one Nigel Marven uses on the Prehistoric Park BBC video they LOVE LOVE LOVE! It's incredible how much they (especially B1) takes out of these. For anyone with young kids who are interested in dinosaurs, check out Nigel Marven's official site.

Anyone interested in participating in the Mothering Contexts Study and sharing little gems like this (and not so precious ones) please do!

My Baby Turns 6 on Sunday

July 5th 2003 was a very special day. I don't remember it the same way I recall the rushed entrance of my youngest, but I could never forget the night I lay awake in the hospital bed across from this magnificent little creature (whose pinky, bruised head I could not even see) my son. The first year was amazing. Here are a few highlights:
1) he slept through the night (8+ hours) at two months
2) he ate solid foods at 4 1/2 months
3) he walked at 9 months
4) he talked clearly in articulate, complex sentences at 21 months
5) his smile has always been, and remains angelic

Since then age 1 through 5 are almost a blur now, they went by so quickly it seems... his brother was born when he was about 28 months old (another STORY!!); he spent 13 months home full-time with me on maternity leave; he went to pre-school, swimming lessons, soccer, hockey, and just recently completed Kindergarten.

My first born now wants to "be a paleontologist, get a PhD in Zoology, and be an artist" when he gets older. He loves me more than anything and continually shares the most thoughtful, caring and kind compliments and admiration (Why am I so lucky?). He teaches me something every day; both facts about dinosaurs and little gems about the world through his eyes.

He is a wonder, a caring old soul, a piece of heaven, a truly amazing child whose smile can melt your heart. His sincere, compassionate nature is rare. I can only beam with pride that I had anything to do with that!

"Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. Like I have told you before, July 5th marks one extremely special day, an incomparable day - that day I became a mother. For six years now I have been Your Mom.

Love,
Mom"