Tag

Tag helped keep us sane this year.  Yes, the game of tag.  During the year of isolation, our family would take walks, bike rides, scooter rides to various local parks.  Sometimes we would bring footballs or frisbees to throw around or other toys to play with.  Invariably though, we would always end up playing a solid game of tag, usually on the playground equipment.  Even if one of us didn't want to play, everyone would always get dragged in.  The chaotic fun and gutteral belly laughs are always infectious (sorry, I'll show myself the door).  True fun!  

I Graduated!

I GRADUATED PT! 

WOOOOT

65 sessions.

LOTS of sweat.

Some tears for sure.

PUSHING myself to jump, and land on uneven surfaces, and run fast, and pivot.  DO all the things that make me nervous because there is some ridiculous stat that says if you don't push your mind-a good percentage of people never get back to the their sports after an ACL injury.  

I don't want to be that stat.

I don't want to live in fear.

I want to get strong.

AND prove to myself that I can do hard things, and that because of all my training I'm not at an extra risk!

I have to admit, I'm SUPER excited to not have to go to therapy each week.  It's at least an hour of time, plus the drive.  Plus the time I lost in sleep because my body was so darn sore.  Plus the time I waited and got a bit nervous because I knew I would have to do hard things!

Lol.  As Russell said it's probably really good for me.  I've always hated to enjoy intense training, conditioning, etc.  But you know...I'll figure out other ways to stress my body out:)

YAY.  WOOT.

Momma

9 for the 29.

Ryker man!  He turned 9 during a pandemic and it did NOT seem to phase him one bit!  He was very direct about what he wanted to eat and do:  pancakes like Grandpa's and of course bacon, playing in the snow, and topped off with a hangout+sleepover with Grandpa and Grandma.  He let Grandma know that he would like a chocolate pie and hamburgers and hotdogs.  And eventually when we see Granny Barb and Papa-he let Barb know that he wants her banana cream pie and lasagna.  It's so awesome that this guy is not afraid to say what he wants!  

Ryker continues to be brave with food choices, and is constantly willing to try new things.  This always makes Russell and I feel super proud.  He loves adventure-and continues to be the fastest man down the ski mountain.  

We continue to work on his friends, and the pandemic has not been super helpful in that way.  Having an older brother that usually calls all the shots, and plays with all of your friends-doesn't foster learning how to play with your own friends.  I keep thinking when AJ heads over to the middle school next year (gasp) and things start to get a bit more normal after the Coronavirus, Ryk will continue to build up his friendships.  

Russell and I have been reaffirmed throughout this pandemic that Ryk is man that needs individual time with us.  HE does so much better when he has that time.  As a mostly single child, I completely get that.  Since Ryk is usually down for going with us to run some errands, we always try to mix in some fun too.  There was a few weeks where Ryk was acting like he might be losing his mind, and when we upped this special one-on-one time, he did so much better!

I feel uber grateful for Ryk in my life.  He is such a good buddy to have-he is helpful, funny, super cuddly, and makes you want to be a better parent and EXPOSE him to all the things.  

Love,

Momma

Christmas Eve 2020

What a wonderful day...filled with cookies, fondue, Kahoot with the family, two Christmas movies, outside time and plenty of Norad tracking. It really is a magical time of year!

AJ purposely let one of his teeth hang by a thread for the last week so he could have it come out on Christmas Eve! He didn’t tell any of us:) He wanted Santa and the Tooth Fairy to visit on the same night. 

Super excited to celebrate Christmas at home tomorrow!

love,

mom

Today was a Good Day

Yesterday felt stressful. Kids weren’t getting along. A 3 mile hike felt like miles and miles to the kids. And they told me about it, especially Ryker. I felt a bit defeated.

Today was totally different. Today started with Dempsey making and giving presents to me, Russell and the boys. Crowns/rings/and bracelets made out of wrapping paper. Her idea! The boys got paper airplanes!

Talk about adorable. This led to the boys making a present for Dempsey. I even witnessed one of the sweetest interactions between Ryker and Demps. Russ and I did an After-action Review with the kids, because I was so curious why today went so much better. You know what they said...?

They said it was because they got individual time with me. It was 15 mins each but that was worth it for them. 

These kids. Sure do love them!

Kevin was on the same page as the kids. Yesterday he peed downstairs on a mattress. Seemingly for no gosh darn reason. 

Today he’s:

Ah the ying and yang of raising younger beings, you just don’t know what you are going to get.

Love,

Mom

Bringer of Order to our Chaos

At Home

 So we've been at home much this year, like so many others.  I remember back in March that it was really difficult for each of us to adjust to the new normal.  Both individually with our remote meetings and remote friends and remote life, as well as being together in the same house constantly.  We've all learned how to adapt and get what we need for our sanity.  We've also learned a thing or two about giving each other grace during these times.  And we've learned the value of having a little variety in our lives, taking breaks, going on walks, playing board games, and a solid appreciation for having great within our 'bubble'.

Hoop it up!

Meg has always loved basketball; it's a part of who she is.  We've been living together for 15 years, and we FINALLY have a basketball hoop!  Meg, I'm sorry it has taken me this long to enable this part of you, there's no excuse!  It was going to be a Christmas gift to the family, but hey it's 2020 and we have been stuck at home and stuck inside for far too long, so we bought it and put it up 2 weeks ago, and it has been awesome!  We've been teaching the kids all the classic games like Horse, Pig, Knockout, Round the World, etc.  We've been out there pretty much every day playing, except for the past week since we've had snow.  It is such a great thing to do that is outdoors, active, and fun.  Makes for a great break from the home schooling and working for us.  

And perhaps the best part is we're starting to see some love of the game developing in the kids, something Meg has tried to encourage all along!

FruSkis

 That's right folks, we are up on the mountain again!  Here's what's new this year:

1.  Since they both did such a great job learning last year, we got both boys ski poles.  They like them a lot, and I can see how these would definitely improve the skiing experience.  You could say they have an appreciation for ski poles now; and also they don't overly depend on them.  Mission accomplished, #winning.

2.  Then there's DEMPSEY GIRL!  This was her first time on the real mountain and she did a great job.  Her brothers led by example and helped to teach her how to make the pizza and slow down.  We had a little pre-mountain technique primer in the parking lot, as a reminder about what she learned last year at Shredders.  We went on the bunny hill about 3 times and then we all took a break.  Those first runs are such a big milestone for a first-timer.  Dempsey would only get scared when she felt like she was going to fast or also when sometimes on the magic carpet she would slide backward slightly.  It was such an honor to coach her and watch her slowly improve her technique and build her confidence!  

One thing I learned about Demps is that she responds well to being challenged to do more than she thinks she can.  The first 2 runs down the bunny slope probably took 20 minutes each.  On the 3rd run, I challenged her to not sit down on her skis at all, and instead use the pizza and turns to slow herself.  Though, as she said:  "But I can sit down on my skis if I need to."  Of course, darlin'!  But did she sit down?  No way!  She made it down the entire way, and only complained a little for me to slow down.  So proud.  

    After we took a break in the car for a snack and to warm up, we then talked about going to the next level slope and the chairlift.  The boys had been so patient and stayed with us the whole time on the bunny slope, though they kept wanting me to go with them.  When it comes to these kids, I always try to strike a balance and find a way to make everybody happy and give everybody equal share of life experiences and my attention.  So, I knew that I had to find a way to make this happen, despite Dempsey's hesitation.  We were able to talk Dempsey up to the experience, and struck a deal to go over to the bigger hill after 1 or 2 more runs on the bunny slope.  AJ couldn't wait, so went over there and went up on the lift by himself!  Atta boy.  I called to check on him via the radio and apparently he had just had a pretty big wipeout, though he was able to untangle himself and get back down to the base.  So, Dempsey and Ryker and I mushed our way over to the bigger lift, met up with AJ, and headed up!  Poor Dempsey lost both of her skis the first time she got on the lift, and they had to stop it for us, but were so totally cool about it.  And Dempsey never batted an eye, didn't bother her one bit.  We got her strapped back in, hopped on the chair and we were off.  She was scared of the height at first, but quickly got used to it.  Pretty much the same thing happened when we got off the lift LOL; she lost both skis and had to hustle out of the way.  Again, not a big deal, she just strapped back in, and then we were finally off.  The boys took off, it was so cool to see them both be at the level now where they have skills and confidence to do this!  As for Demps, I think the gravity was setting in that we were now on top of a bigger hill, and she was feeling scared.  I had a little pep talk (I promised her a treat, of course), and she said "I want to go back".  There is only 1 way to get off of a ski hill!  This Cortez-ships-burning fact is something I love about skiing.  So I told her to follow me, and off I went.  She followed right along without many further complaints the rest of the way down.  And those brothers?  Yeah, they waited for us at a crossroads waypoint halfway down, good dudes.  Dempsey made it the whole way and didn't wipe out or sit down one time.  So totally proud, and can't wait to go again with these kids, and hopefully Meg!  It really killed her to not come up on this trip, partly because of uncertainty about her knee and partly due to Kevin just being neutered.  But we just got her some better fitting snowboard boots (1.5 sizes smaller?!?), so next time she will be with us!

Elsa in the house

This past month, Meg started calling out every now and then like Elsa in Frozen 2.  She kept trying to get Dempsey to call back to her, but D wasn’t interested at all.  Finally, after a week or two of this, Dempsey started calling back.  And then D started initiating the calls.  And then me and the boys even started responding and getting in on the fun a bit.  It’s pretty adorable listening to Dempsey and Meg call and respond to each other.  Comes in handy as well!  In a large box store, out in the woods, etc.

TEN YEARS!!!

 I was just going through this blog and saw that our first post was February 24, 2010.  WE have been up and running for 10 years.  We have 914 posts.  That's pretty crazy that we have kept this thing going for that long:)  As Russell says, "It's mostly you."  It's true.  I'm not always amazing at it, but I don't let it go for too long!  

It makes me super duper happy to think that the kids will have these stories to go through for years to come!  I still find it fascinating that I don't remember 1/2 the stories that I write about.  I once read about this phenomenon that happens when you write things down or take a picture, your brain literally doesn't remember it.  It doesn't remember it because it knows that it doesn't need to because you took a "snapshot" of it.  Pretty fascinating stuff.  I get it, but at the same time...I'm so glad that I have all these "snapshots" of the kids and us as a family!

So kudos to me.  10 years, kids.  That isn't easy.  I wonder when I'm going to stop doing this blog?  No pressure, but I'd love to keep going until the kids leave the nest.  We shall see!

Love,

Mom

Meg Knees 2.0

Well last Friday was the year anniversary of the day that I tore my ACL.  MY GOSH it's been a year.  If one would have told me that I would have 2 knee surgeries and rehab my body the entire year, and that would only be a small part of the drama of 2020--I'm not quite sure what I would have said.

BUT seriously.  WHAT a year!!!!!!!!!!!!  I calculated that by the time this year is over, I will have attended physical therapy 65 times since I injured by knee!  65 times!  That's crazy.  Did you know that insurance only covers 60 sessions of PT in a year.   Yeah, me either.  And truly the insurance lady and I laughed because we thought that number was ridiculous and that I didn't have 60+, and then I counted.

65. 

So first I had surgery and then I needed crutches.

Then I could kind of walk.  And I mostly PT'd my left leg (not the ACL one).

Then I started focusing on the ACL leg and PT'd a ton.  Lots of strengthening and balance and range of motion.

Then I focused on my left knee pain that hadn't let up and learned some cool Jedi mind tricks for pain, resulting in a SEVERE reduction/almost non-existent daily dose of ibuprofen that I had been accustomed to. 

Followed by trying to run again, many months after I thought I'd be able to run.

Then slowly slowly slowy continued with PT, even when I thought I might be done.

Then going to ortho doc to be told...you aren't JUMPING or cutting.  You aren't doing anything you should be doing.  I didn't not appreciate that comment, and I let him know that. BUT when I thought I was done with PT, I was just getting started.

TO going to a new PT-to be treated like an Olympian and be challenged mentally and physically EVERY.SINGLE.WEEK.  So much so that I have to call my parents and explain how bad I got my ass handed to me, every single week, because I'm afraid no one else would listen to me anymore.

I am weeks away from being released from PT.  Weeks away from being released from having to see my ortho surgeon.  I spoke to the nice insurance lady at my Orthopedic Center and I told her..."No offense, but I don't really want to see you all ever again."  She said, "Likewise."  So that's cool that the feelings are mutual.

But seriously.  2020.  I just can't get over what a freaking year it has been for me personally, and then for the world.  I recently started working with a trainer (virtually) and I'm pretty sure that I'm approaching the strongest that I've ever been.  I have worked so darn hard both at PT and with my training, and sometimes I'm physically exhausted with it all.

I keep thinking that I'm almost done.  Almost done with these stupid BFR machine exercises I'm doing in PT.  I'm almost done getting nervous before PT because I know that it's going to push me physically and even more mentally.  I'm almost done JUMPING 20 times in a row, just to take a break and do it again.  I'm almost DONE working out in a mask at PT.  I'm almost done feeling like the tin man every time I get out of the car after a long car ride.  I'm almost done questioning a twinge that I feel.  

I still remember trying to take my first steps with Russell and the doctor.  I was so weirded out, and it wasn't natural.  AND now...now I'm box jumping.  I'm cutting.  I'm balancing on a bosu.  I'm one leg jumping.  I'm considering actually snowboarding this year, so I can enjoy the mountain with my family.  I'm doing things that felt like I would never get to do, if you asked me a year ago.  

When I think about this past year-I guess two words that pop up for me are proud and grateful.  I'm really proud of myself.  It wasn't always pretty, but I do think that I really did everything I could to make this the best possible experience it could be.  I worked my butt off doing the exercises I was supposed to do, I remained positive and hopeful.  I focused on what I could do and tried to avoid being too bummed with what I couldn't do.  And grateful.  I'm so grateful for Russell, who stood by my side through it all.  He handled the home, while I spent those 65 hours at physical therapy.  He listened to my woes.  I'm thankful for my family and friends....and my kids.  Especially my kids who dealt with a Mom that was less able than she wanted to be.

I recently started getting back to playing tag.  Doctors orders.  I can't say I'm 100%, but I'm playing and trying!  I completed a 30 minute run without any pain!  Soon I'll join my family on the mountain!  Russ and I will be backpacking next Summer.  I will continue to get stronger!  And maybe...I'll get some tattoo to honor my story.  I'm NO doubt a more humbled, empathetic soul for going through this.  And even though I wished it didn't happen, I'm grateful at how much this has opened my eyes to really appreciating every.single.thing.

Love,

Mom

Christmas Tree Hunting

Last weekend we went on our annual pilgrimage to get our Christmas tree.  IT WAS SO lovely!  I might have had to sweet talk Russell into...the idea of traveling most of the day to go get this tree, wasn't on the top of Russell's list. BUT as with many things...once you are in it-it's actually amazing!  We went with our Merlers and it was a jolly old time.

Per usual we didn't realize how big our tree was until we got it to the car!  I have to say that I just really enjoy having a huge tree!  IT's such an awesome focal point in our house!  This year we got smart and Russell brought out the ladder to decorate!  So much easier and weird that all our decorations are on the lower left quadrant this year!

I cannot imagine ever doing anything different to get our Christmas tree.  I can't wait to see if this tradition sticks for the kids when they become older!:)

Love,

Mom

THANKSgiving

Originally we thought we might be celebrating Thanksgiving as our small family unit.  But COVID disrupted my brother's plans to come be with my parents, so we were able to make it happen to be with them.  I have to admit, it wasn't a normal Thanksgiving.  I was pretty nervous about going up to my parents, because we all had been in school the previous week.  The last thing I wanted is to ever give my parents "the virus".  

After asking my parents multiple times if they were okay with it, we ended up going up and it was so awesome.  Della made quite the yummy spread of food, and they GOT US 3 different kinds of pie.  SPOILED much.  We did wear our masks the whole time, except for when we were eating.  They also had fans going, and windows opened.

I CAN'T wait to bring back the holidays where everyone can be together and there isn't this fear that someone could give someone a horrible virus.  That would be really darn nice. BUT until then...we used these Thankful mats as placemats, and it was so adorable to see what the kids put on them!  Talk about a year of remembering what you are thankful for!

Love,
Mom