Brat-Fiesta!!

Bratfest 2009 has come and gone and we're already excited about next year's "hot dog party" as Trinity likes to call it. It's our family tradition and is way more than just brats, hot dogs, and long lines. It's similar to a carnival with several musical acts performing all around the grounds. There were kayaking lessons, a mechanical bull (which I WILL try next year!), and lots of games to play.

Bruce is enjoying his "Double Johnny" which is two brats in one bun, while Trinity is enjoying the "best hot dog I've ever had."

I guess I should have put this picture first since this was in the 15 minute long line just to get the brats!

Trinity on the Gravity Storm. She tried to flip, but it took all her coordination and energy just to bounce!
Woohoo! I got to enjoy the Gravity Storm as well. I was able to do back flips and it was so fun! It was also exhausting. When at the full height of the bounce, I'd say I was about 20 feet up. I could see all of Bratfest!
Trinity and I as "the captains" of Dragon train.

We raced down the giant slides and Trinity declared a tie.

Bruce and Trinity on the carousel. She named her horse Ella.

The princess bounce house.

MOVING

UGH.
Really, There are not very many positive things I can say about this inevitable circumstance in life. The reasons can be wonderfully awesome, but the process is anything but.
We are in the process of this very event. AGAIN.
I'm trying hard not to complain. Trying is the key word here!
Bruce told me yesterday that since he got out of the Navy in 1992, he's moved 15 times.
I did my own calculations, and since graduating high school in 1993, I have moved 16 times.
Not bad, really. When I think of my friend Jacqueline and her family having moved at least that many times in the span of about a year, I should just shut up and be grateful!
There is one significant benefit to moving though.
DOWNSIZING. right, Jacqueline?!
Ahhh...it feels so good to get rid of all those "things" that are in closets and drawers, under beds and in basements that really don't have much relevance anymore.
The catch? Having a 5 year old that prioritzes EVERY ITEM SHE OWNS, and knows who gave her every item since she was two years old.
I guess there might possibly be a few things that get "lost" in the move.

So, HOW MANY TIMES SINCE BEING OUT ON YOUR OWN, HAVE YOU MOVED? DO TELL!

Another Side

Exercise and Diet.

I'm a big fan and have been for a long time now. It's a HUGE part of who I am. I truly enjoy nourishing my body and brain with the things that will fuel and replenish them. It's a science really.

As far as working out, I LOVE feeling my muscles engage in weight-bearing exercise and am seriously addicted to the endorphin rush of cardiovascular interval training.

One of the rewards of combining the aforementioned components is a physically fit body. Yeah, I like being in shape, a little muscular, and dare I say a bit lean.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn or pat myself on the back, or any other phrase that describes egotism.

Quite the opposite. Often times I find myself feeling a little guilty for enjoying it so much, and for investing so much time and energy into achieving my fitness goals. But, if you want to work smarter and not necessarily harder, you have to learn what works and what doesn't. That takes time. Boy does that TAKE TIME! I've learned the hard way what works and what doesn't.

MMMM....I could eat my bodyweight in spinach.....and peanut butter.....and yogurt. Ok, back to the issue at hand-feeling guilty. Why do I feel guilty? Well, I've heard so many other Christians sincerely and wholeheartedly spiritualize their fitness endeavors. They grow closer to God in the process. They use that process to glorify God. Through their training and diet they understand Him better and see Him more clearly.

Me? Not so much. Honestly, I just love eating well and exercising. I wouldn't say I'm dishonoring God by what I'm doing. I've just tried so hard to justify my motives by spiritualizing them also. Sure, I could totally spiritualize it by citing that I'm taking care of my temple, etc. etc. But, honestly, the kind of training I enjoy goes above and beyond JUST taking care of my temple. And, when you get down to the bare bones of it, I do it because I love it and would probaby go a little nutty if I didn't!


I respect and appreciate all different styles of training and body types. Just look at that first picture! All those beautifully made shapes and sizes-all fit and athletic.
I'm not losing sleep over the issue. I mean, it's just another aspect of who I am. I have a soul, that is led by a Spirit, and I'm in a body. All three require intensive care. I guess I should start referring to myself as an ICU (intensvie care unit)!

RHUBARB CRISP!

This is the second spring/summer we've lived at this particular house, and I didn't find out until late last summer what the 4x6 patch of plants were at the back part of our yard. It's rhubarb! What a delightful surprise. Growing up I remember my grandpa growing rhubarb and eating it right out of the garden. That method's a little too tart for me, but it sure does make a tasty dessert. Below I have documented the process of making Rhubarb Crisp.

Fresh from the garden! It's so pretty with it's pinkish red stalks.

Trinity getting ready to help mix the crisp ingredients.

After it's mixed, we coated the pan and added the rhubarb.

Trinity is mixing some sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla to pour in the pan.

Next, we put the remainder of the dry ingredients on top.

Hot and bubbly right from the oven. I sure hope Bruce enjoys this!

Rhubarb Crisp-4 cups rhubarb (allergen free alternatives in parentheses)

For crust/topping, Mix in a large bowl:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour (Bob's Red Mill all purpose baking flour)

3/4 cup oats (gluten free oats)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup melted butter (Earth Balance butter alternative)

Mix following in a sauce pan on low until cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved:

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp cornstarch

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

Press half the oatmeal/flour mixture into an 8x8inch (or heart-shaped) pan.

Add chopped rhubarb (4 cups)

Pour liquid mixture from saucepan over rhubarb

Add the rest of the oatmeal/flour mixture and crumble over top

Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Why "I" Am Celebrated!

It's Mother's Day once again.....I'd like to thank the "little people!" Without you none of this would be possible....You like me, you REALLY like me!
Ok, enough of the acceptance speech nonsense!

I thought I'd give a pictorial synopsis of the past 5 and a half years of why I am the recipient of homemade cards, meals of my choice, and a day exempt of housecleaning!

Here's where it started......

About a week later, Trinity Rose in my arms.

They become so inquisitive so early, don't they?!

I think every child at one point sleeps like this. How it's comfortable, I don't know.

Ahhhhh.....technically, I was Tyler's stepmom before I was even pregnant with Trinity. So, I guess he was my first child. :)

Her big blue eyes are really compatible with closeups.

Monkey see, monkey do....yoga!

Enjoying a little snow

For being 13 1/2 years apart, they really do get along well.

Sleepyheads.

Thanksgiving 2007. I really DO have a lot for which to be thankful.

Christmas 2008. Handsome children if I do say so myself!

Enjoying the fine summer weather and expressing it in song.

On the way to school, and I'm so thankful she loves it.

The obligatory sibling Easter pics which they were so enthused to have taken!

Ready for church on Easter morn.

Since having Trinity in 2003 and having Tyler come live with us in 2004 it has been a wild ride of motherhood. It has been exciting, challenging, frustrating, surprising, scary, and full of proud mommy moments.

Happy Mother's Day to every mom and mom-to-be. Don't worry about not being the perfect mom. Just do your best and let God do the rest!