Multiples

Not much to report, other than I have the worlds most beautiful son. We've been hanging inside playing with all of his toys. We've played Trouble about 25 times (thanks Aunt Veronica), Cole has played his computer game about 25 times, he has read his Tag books multiple times (thanks Grandma and Grandpa), and in some small way, I'm ready to go back to work. It's exhausting entertaining and educating a 4 year old. I sincerely admire all stay at home parents. It really is the worlds toughest job.

Jingle Jangle

Merry Christmas! Let's first start by talking about traditions. You all know we go to the Gilpin Cty Fair every year with Rachel and Sierra. This is were we capture the growth of our little ones with ceramic hand prints, to remind us that they were once small.

The next tradition is going to Aunt Donna's for Christmas Eve. I can't tell you how long we've been doing this. I guess since I was little but my memory only goes back until sometime in High School, when my beautiful grandparents were still around. We all meet at my Aunt Donna's house, share baked goodies (I've included a picture of the treats we brought. The best homemade chocolate chip cookies EVER. They were so beautiful I had to take a picture), sing songs, get a visit from Santa, the kids do a craft (which decorate our tree every year), we rejoice in family, love, warmth, and blessings. This year we were treated with some instrumental music by my cousins and it was such a nice NEW treat for the evening.

But before all that wonderment occurred, we changed things up and went early to my mom's since we decided we would spend Christmas at our own house, creating Velez traditions. So, an early arrival, to some appetizers, a Honey Baked Ham, homemade America Test Kitchen - All-Time-BEST scallop potatoes, garlic rolls, and mixed greens with apples, nuts, and cransraisins, awaited us. Glorious!

As you know from previous posts, we do a name exchange so this is when we get to open presents and enjoy each others company. It was such a beautiful night. Maybe I enjoyed it more this year because of Cole or maybe it's because my heart is more open....no matter....it was a wonderful night.

This morning was just an extension of the joyeous evening. Cole woke early and I'm glad cuz I didn't sleep very good. I was too excited! We opened presents, ate Chris' famous eggs terrible (absolutely without a doubt, the best breakfast dish EVER....ok, maybe second to my Dad's biscuits and gravy), heard about how GREAT and WONDERFUL and ALL KNOWING Santa is.

We went to a movie (pretty sure a new tradition for us that will continue on). All three of us rode our new BIKES outside since it's ABSOLUTELY Gorgeous today. There is no way in a million years we could ever wish for anything better this.

We'll wrap up the day with another tradition by having dinner with Uncle Joe, Deborah, and Michael. It's a perfect end to a perfect day.

Well, the two months of talking about Santa have come and gone and we're left with a room full of new toys, all of which had to be opened one right after another, and every game had to be played practically at the same time this morning. It's like a hurricane came in, conquered, and left without a care in the world.

Love to all.

Cream of Wheat

As a kid, my mom would make us Cream of Wheat, sometimes for breakfast and sometimes for a breakfast dinner. Either way it was delicious. Pour a little milk, add too much sugar, eat with buttered toast. YUMMY!

Well, it's probably been 15 years since I ate Cream of Wheat. I saw a box of it at my brothers house (probably to be used as baby food) and my childhood memories came flowing. So, I took myself to the store, bought a box and made it for breakfast this morning. It was just as good as I remember, although for some reason, I think things especially like Cream of Wheat taste so much better when they are made by our moms with love. Don't get me a wrong, I poured some love in the pan because I had high hopes that my little monkey would eat it. But, maybe it just wasn't enough love (or enough sugar) because he only took one bite.

So, for what it's worth mom...thanks for all the yummy bowls of Cream of Wheat you made with love for me!

Proud moments

Cole's first holiday concert was on Tuesday. An early pick up from school, a quick trip to the barber (ok, not the barber because he remembers his first trip there and apparently was tramatized, but Great Clips...close enough), a new shirt (I thought it was suppose to be white, but apparently I can't read since all the other kids were in RED), left over pizza, and off we went with our little singer.

Cole has a tendency to get VERY shy in front of people so we kept talking about not being nervous and just singing as loud as he could and standing still and he was PERFECTION! I'm pretty sure seeing him stand up there in front of 125 ppl, so confident, was one of those never-forgot-as-long-as-I live-PROUD-parent-moments. He was so brave and sang so good and just look so friggin CUTE. Hopefully video to come soon....

Traditions

This weekend we held to our tradition of joining Rachel and Sierra at the Gilpin Cty Holiday Fair. Some highlights:

1. Cole and I decided to ride the bus up to Nederland since I'm such a chicken driving in the snow. This produced unwanted car sickness for me...urgh!

2. When Rachel and Sierra picked us up, it was time for some carrolling by the kids. We love this clip because Cole doesn't quite know all the words so he just puts in some "huhs" to fill in the gaps. And roll the clip:

3. Once at the fair, it's the typical face painting, cookie decorating, Santa visit and hand print printing.

4. We finished up our day with a nice long cozy nap and dinner with Dad.

And that was our Saturday. Hip Hip Hooray!

Fascinations

I'm fascinated by many things (mostly things that I see on TLC):

1. Treeman - must google - discovery channel http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/web/my-shocking-story/previous-episodes/half-man-half-tree/

2. Lady with the GIANT legs - again, must google - http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MedicalMysteries/story?id=5754738&page=1

3. How bridges are built over large masses of water

4. Obsesity

5. John and Kate plus 8 - I can barely handle one, how can they possibily manage 8

Mr. Wonderful is vying for attention while I try to concentrate on writing my blog. He is reading silly jokes to me. It's hard for me to concentrate....he's laughing in my ear, but I'm trying to remain focused on this blog....it's not working very well.

6. Wolf girl http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/web/my-shocking-story/episode-guide/real-wolf-kids/

7. Mermaid girl - http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a8e_1191760466

8. Conjoined twins that have been seperated

(maybe I should have been a doctor because these medical rarities are quite fasinating)

9. Single Parents - they amaze me! I'm sure I could do it, but I am SO thankful that I don't have to.

10. I'm sure there is a number 10 but I can't come up with it right now.

For all the Melissa Peterson's

You know what happens when kids come into our lives? Everything else stops. We're consumed by these beautiful little bugs. Our lives resolve around them. Sleep, feed, eat, play. Eventually, they run us ragged and we find ourselves quickly asleep (on the couch watching TV) or on purpose in bed soon after their bedtime.

But what happens to the people around us during our chaotic, exhausting, love filled bliss? The people in our lives, our friends and family, are still there. They support us, mentor us, love us, and WAIT for us. They wait for us to have time for THEM.

So, I dedicate this post to all my wonderful friends and I know they are truly friends because we can pick up exactly where we left off even if it's been two years or two months. I'm calling this the "Melissa Peterson phenomenom". I'm not sure I could count all the number of friends this applies to. But, they've WAITED, just like Melissa. It's been two years since I saw Melissa (we live 20 minutes from each other). I've been on her email threads for funnies or upcoming get togethers, but they often went unreplied to by me. Or calls that I thought about making hundreds of times, but never got around to it. Or visits that were never arranged.

It's amazing how life flies by; how much we take for granted...like all the Melissa Peterson's in our lives. It's also for all the other people in my life that I talk to every two days, two hours, or two minutes. My life is richer because of each of you.

I love you all. Thank you for waiting for me.

Sassy Sappy Signing off.

Christmas Spirit

It's official. We're ready for Christmas.

We've put up the tree and decorated it, with tons of help from Cole.
Mr. Wonderful hung the lights up outside.
Frosty and Santa inflatables are now present on the front lawn.

Cole and I went to the tree lighting ceremony for the City of Broomfield.

Cole and Michael made holiday crafts at the free library craft day.

I celebrated with co-workers at NITA 3rd Annual Holiday Party

*yes, that's right, Ruth's hand IS on Mary's boob!

In the spirit of holiday giving, Michelle treated Cole and I to the Seussical play. Fun!

Next up will be Cole's concert at school. His class is singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

And on a seperate note, we've been wondering all weekend how Grandma Carol and Aunt Darla did in the Las Vegas Half Marathon. Calling them now.....

Love to all.

Christmas Giving

So we drew names on Thanksgiving for who we get to buy presents for this year and the list goes as follows:

Wendy has Mom
Mom has Veronica
Veronica has Cole
Cole has Chris
Chris has Eliana
Eliana has Frank
Frank has Brian
Brian has Derrick
Derrick has Wendy

Happy Shopping!

Thanksgiving

WOW! What an amazing feast we just ate. The menu I posted last week was a HUGE hit. The three big winners: baked brie, spicy sweet potato casserole, deep fried turkey. The mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, veggies with special grandma dip, green bean casserole, stuffed mushrooms...even the rolls....ALL was delicious. And, we can't forget about the desserts! Yummy!

It was a feast to remember not only because of the food, but because of the company. Mom, Frank, Brian, Joe, Deborah, Michael, Derrick, Veronica, Eliana, and of course Chris and Cole made the afternoon truly special. THANKS!

We even had time to play the pin the tail on the turkey.

So, a moment for me to give you a short list of what I'm thankful for:

1. My family and friends - there is so much that happens in my daily life and the enjoyment I get from sharing my experiences and dreams with each of you. Without you, my life would be empty. I am truly thankful to each of you for the part you play in my life.

2. Actually number 1 is so good and so important that it's the only one I'm going to list right now.

I'm exhausted, my fingers are like prunes from the dishes and the couch is calling my name. Love to all.

To have or not to have

I always go back and forth with this very serious questions..."Should I or shouldn't I get bangs?" Well, I decided after about a year of not having them, that it was time to have them again. So my fabulous stylist, Jen, did the works yesterday and viola.....

My ponytail today makes me feel like a cheerleader. It's funny.

An update for all those interested - Chris' Family Floor Project is coming along nicely. He's such a stud. More later....

Victory

This is my VICTORY face! I'm not exactly sure why we called it that last night. Maybe because we survived nine weeks of our first bowling league. The "we" included me and two of my coworkers, Darla and Vikki. There is something to be said about bowling....
it's down right FUN! I think more people should do it, more often.

Our team improved so much that we moved from 8th place (last) to 4th place to 3rd place going into the finals. I'm not sure how we faired in the end because we didn't bowl very good last night, but we had fun. Thanks for the nachos Vikki.

Besides finishing up bowling, I've been on vacation this week and it's AWESOME. Things I've done:

1. Painted the kitchen - Sweet Georgia Brown
2. Got a hot stone massage....pure BLISS
3. Went to a "Bone Marrow" drive with Chris to see if we can help any kids who may need our marrow.
2. Loaded and unloaded slate tile for the family room floor project
3. Had coffee with Katie this morning
4. Got my hair done by my fabulous stylist, Jen
5. Drove to Longmont to borrow a tile saw for the family room floor project
6. Another trip to Home Depot
8. Date with Cole tonight so dad can work on the family room floor project...probably go bowling!

Almost Thanksgiving and there is SO much to be thankful for. I'll write all about it in a couple days.

xoxo

Thanksgiving Feast

2009 Thanksgiving Menu:

Appetizers
Stuffed mushrooms
Brie and Cherry Stuffed Pastry
Vegetable crudite

Entrée
Deep fried Turkey

Sides
Green bean casserole
Sweet potato casserole
Mashed potatoes with gravy
Stuffing
Rolls
Cranberry

Dessert
No bake Pumpkin Pie

Wine
Soda

Let the shopping and baking begin. Can't wait to hang with everyone on Thursday!

Old Friends

Well, I survived three days in NYC. There are advantages to traveling:

1. Greater appreciation for where I live, the clean Colorado air and the sleepiness of Broomfield

2. Long, uninterrupted showers

3. Sightseeing

4. Seeing old friends

The first night I got to hang with my dearest friend Peter. Peter and I go back to 1999 when I did my first triathlon in Longmong, CO. The wonderful thing about our friendship is that we don't have to see each other to enjoy each other. When we do see each other, we don't have to do ANYTHING. Give us a place to talk and we're good for hours. And that's just how it was this past week. We only had a few hours together, but it felt like it was yesterday that we had hung out when in reality it is been two years since we last saw each other. What a treat!

Besides work, I did see some fun stuff:

1. On my first run, I went by the Today show and hung out while they were filming. I could see Harry Conick Jr. inside playing the piano. It was AWESOME!

2. Went for a couple runs in Central Park.

3. Got a breakfast sandwich and walked by Tiffany's pretending I was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's...my favorite movie ever.

3. Walked to Time Square

4. Saw the new construction around the World Trade Center area.

5. Had a crazy taxi driver

6. Took the subway, multiple times....I actually like riding the subway.

7. Stayed at hotel no local New Yorker had ever heard of, but it ended up being FAB!

8. Bought Cole a snowglobe which he LOVES!

9. Eat a couple good dinners

10. Went to Century 21

But, I missed Cole and Chris TONS and was able to get an early flight back on Saturday so I practically had the whole weekend with them. And I got to sleep without ear plugs....ahhhh how I love Colorado.

Date Night

Last night was a spur of the moment self proclaimed date night for me and Cole. I picked him up from school, proclaimed DATE NIGHT and we went out for dinner, and then visited Michelle who is laid up from her most recent surgery. He was an angel and we had such a good evening.

While we were driving to Michelle's he told me ALL about what he learned at school that day which is usually like pulling teeth. I changed my usual "tell me about your day" to "tell me ONE thing you learned today". He said "Fire Trucks". And we were off..I asked question after question and he answered all of them....

What about fire trucks?
What do firemen wear?
Where do they sleep?
What do the truck sound like?
What does the truck do?
What do firemen wear?
Why do they wear that stuff?

I love you buddy. More than life itself. Thanks for telling me about your day.

p.s. I love you Chris. I always have and I always will.

p.s.2 Thanks for raising such a beautiful baby with me.

Brotherly Love

So, I'm at the mall yesterday with my little monkey (although he isn't so little anymore). We were trying to find him some new pants because all of his are becoming high waters and with white socks, that's just a NO NO! Then, my brother calls. My brother rarely calls me and because of this fact, I'm always skeptical and usually say "Did you need something?". Because otherwise why would you be calling; it couldn't possibly be just to talk.

But, it indeed was just to talk and it made me very happy. Although the conversation wasn't more than 10 minutes, it's made me smile everytime I've thought of him just ringing me for the sake of it.

So, I just wanted to say THANKS for calling. I love you very much.

Landslide Victory

Can I just say how proud I am today? PROUD that I voted, PROUD to be an American. Obama WON! I've never been into politics but this year was different. With Hillary and Barack battling, I was instantly engaged. I've been a fan of Obama since early in the race because the things he said made ME want to be a BETTER American, a better neighbor, a better friend....just be better.

He inspired me and that's what true leaders do. Even if the nation stays where it (it really can't get much worse), he was able to bring people together-all different kinds of people who want to believe in something better, who believe that change is possible. I'm optimistic that our beautiful USA is going to be in good hands....after all, they are OUR hands.

Pumpkin Fairy

We have now introduced the Pumpkin Fairy. That's right, the Pumpkin Fairy. This mystical being comes on Halloween night while the little ones are sleeping and takes all their candy and replaces it with a toy. She even left a note for Cole:

To: Cole

From: The Pumpkin Fairy

I hope you enjoy your new toys. Be good for your mommy and daddy and maybe I'll see you again next year. Love - PF

You would have thought it was Christmas based on Cole's reaction in the morning when he saw his little toy on his desk with the note. Pure happiness. He LOVES the pumpkin fairy and so do I cuz there is NO candy in our house and the little monkey is happy.

Freedom

In case you hadn't heard, Cole has been riding his bike now for about a month with NO training wheels. Here's a video for your enjoyment.

His freedom now expands to the dirt bike track by our house that has downhills, bumps and lots of dirt. He LOVES it. I'm so proud of him for taking risks and working through his fears as he tries new things.

Pet Peeve

So just quick rant before I get to the good stuff. I'd like to announce that it utterly disgusts me when someone throws a cigerette butt out of their car window. Everytime I see this happen, I have this very strong to urge to get out of my car, pick up their still smoking cigerette and throw it back in their window. Where do these people think their garbage goes? It's just plan disgusting. So, if you are anyone I know that may have the urge to do this - please, please, please DON'T. I've been holding that in for a week so thanks for listening.

Tomorrow is officially Halloween but that won't stop Cole from wearing his four costumes all year round. And I love that it's acceptable for four year olds to that. I mean, really, they won't be little forever. Let 'em live a little.

OUR FAMILY costume was Burger King, Queen of Hearts, and little Joker. Cole turned out super cute and Chris, well, super creepy. Fun was had at Aunt Veronica's and Uncle Derrick's Halloween Party.

p.s. In case anyone is wondering and hasn't gotten a chance to read cjanerun's blog, they are bringing Nie Nie out of her chemical induced acoma and she is responding well. It's a whole new life for her since she's been out of it for a few months and her new look and skin will bring new challenges and love to her life.

Sayings

I'm amazed at how many funny things my little monkey says. Like today, I picked him up from school and he was being so sweet and we were talking about our plans for the night. Then all of the sudden, out of the blue, he says seriously "Mom, what if a cow farted on me?" Seriously, I just started laughing.

He is ALWAYS talking (just like his dad) and I'm amazed at all the things he remembers; things we've told him, places we've been, things we've done. He recites them and I think to myself, "I can't believe you remember that. "

On a different note, my co-workers husband is in the hospital. He had a hip replacement yesterday, so a handful of us at work, made a jingle for him, in rap style and called him in the hospital and sang it to him. The words were pretty funny, but I think the part I like the best, is that we laughed so hard (I mean hard belly, tears in your eyes, laugh) trying to rehearse it so it would be perfect for him. I keep thinking about it and it makes me smile everytime. I hope it makes him smile too.

So, here's to silly questions, silly jingles, and just being plain ol' silly.

Hugs.

Simple Moments

I was hanging out with the little monkey and thought we'd have some fun blowing on these dandelions. It's usually the simplest things that bring pure happiness.

Pumpkin Carving Party

We had our first annual pumpkin carving party. I like to set traditions so that's why I'm calling this our 1st annual, because we are definitely doing it again next year. Zane, Katie, Veronica, Derrick and Eliana came over this afternoon and we carved those beautiful pumpkins that we picked last weekend. Our little monkey was a BIG help in getting all those seeds out; so was little Eliana who wanted to keep eating the gunk from inside...eeewwww.

4th Annual Pumpkin Patch Outing

Last weekend was our 4th annual trip to the Rock Creek Pumpkin Patch. It's ALWAYS cold when we go and this year was no different. But, we bundled up and headed out to meet Aunt Veronica, Uncle Derrick, Eliane, and Grandma and Grandpa.

We went to the farthest field and there were TONS of pumpkins. Cole kept tripping over the vines and I laughed everytime (I'm so mean), but it was funny.

Cole went through the kid maze, we were goofy, petted the animals (even though we weren't suppose to), took some photos, and hopped in the car, freezing! Then it was off to Woody's for some pizza. What a great day!

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

And so it begins. I've been changed by a family (http://cjanerun.com) I've never met except online. They have opened their lives to the world through blogging first, and by a tragic airplane crash second. I'm am addicted to them. They have opened my eyes and allowed me to view my life as extraordinary.

I created this blog in April after an incredible trip to Solvang, CA for my friend Charlotte's triathlon camp. When I returned, I was in some kind of funk for two weeks where all I thought about was being in Solvang. So in order to stay motivated in those moments of complete unproductiveness at work, I created this blog.

It's only now that I realize what I'm suppose to be blogging about --- my son, my husband, my life. My extraordinary life. And so it begins...

Less Strokes

Talked with Peter in depth about swimming efficiency. Goal is to reduce stroke count. I did a test yesterday where I counted my strokes on the first and last 25 of 200's and 100's. I was consistent at 22 strokes. Next swim set will be:

WU: 200 pull, 200 swim
Drill set: 3 x 200 (stroke count, catch up, side kicks, closed fist)
Main set: 1000
CD: 150

Mantra words: relax, glide, pull, long, efficiency

Yesterday swam:
WU: 100 swim, 100 pull, 100 kick, 100 swim (did some 25 drills)
Main set: 4x200; 4x100 counting strokes first and last 25 of each. came in at 3:40 on the 200's and 1:45 on the 100's with 22 strokes
Cool down: 200

Solo

I'm solo this week while Chris is out of town. I don't know how single parents do it. I don't know how my mom did it with two of us. I hope I still have hair left by Sunday.

Heading to the gym today to do a spin class.

Talked to Peter about my swim times. He recommends I swim 4x200 and write down my stroke count for the first 25 and the last 25 of each 200 as well as the time I come in on. Repeat with 4x100. I will probably video my stroke and post here so he can give me some pointers.

Looking forward to the weather getting nicer so I can bring my bike to work and ride at lunch.

Riding

I hate coming up with the titles for these blogs.

Saturday, Michelle and I rode for 2 hours. Started out in 38 degree weather, but ended with 50. We started with drills with some girls from Tri Babes, then Michelle and I split. We rode NCAR, then 93 to Marshall to Cherryvale to Baseline. It was a great ride.

Took Chris to the airport this morning for his week at the Advanced Triathlon Camp in Solvang. He is going to have a great week.

Unmotivated

Wednesday I ran 45 minutes at 150HR. It felt good.

Thursday - lame, lame, and lame. I was so lame yesterday. I had no motivation at all. I ended up going home at noon, took a hot bath and watched 5 hours of TV in bed. No training.

Today - I'll swim. The plan is:
300 WU
100 DRILLS
100 KICK
100 PULL
100 DRILL
MAIN SET- [@ my 100 PACE ZONE 3 ] 8 X 100
8 X 50 BUILD
4 x 25 FAST
200 CD
=2200

Adventures

Yesterday, I did a short run at lunch. My legs felt slow and unmotivated. I was more excited to ride my bike that evening with Michelle than run. I know, the love affair has started.

About adventures...our ride started off at 6:15, great weather, great pace (kept the HR low low low). We did a tour of Broomfield, ventured out on a road we've never taken just to see what was on the other end. It turned out to be a dead end so we ended up doing some cyclocross to get to the next road. A few tumbleweeds later, we made it and were back on track. It was a short ride 13 miles/1 hour, but it was truly enjoyable.

Here's to more adventures (big and small) Michelle!

The beginning

This is my first blog posting. I'm going to be using the blog as my training journal. After the week in Solvang, I'm pumped to get fit on my bike. This is a huge deal for me, since I don't really enjoy being on my bike because I'm not that good. But, I'm going to start a love affair with my Ionic and become one with my bike.

My base fitness still has about six weeks to get where I need to be to start working on speed, etc.
Goals for this year are to compete in the same six sprint races I did last year, only I don't want to be 2nd, I want to be 1st. This means I must cut atleast 5 minutes from my bike time in a 12-15 mile ride.

Let the games begin.