Mid-life crisis averted!

Ahh, I feel so happy! I recently requested some major changes at work that were just approved! I will no longer be working a dual appointment as a coach (kinda sad about this, it was very stimulating but challenging) and an academic adviser. At the end of May, I will return to my "old" job full-time. And by full-time, I mean 3 days week this summer (.6) and then back to 4 days during the academic semester (.8). Only 3 days a week this summer! That means I am officially off more than I work! Hello swimming pools, museums, beaches, walks, parks and picnics with my little girl! I am very grateful I have such flexible bosses and an understanding husband!

Congrats Sabro & TC!

Engaged!

Jana's bike accident

The happy couple in Maui!

Too much shadow?

The new Maui bride recently had a bad bike accident but don't worry, she is her old sassy self, despite the bruises. Her wedding reception is only a month away so she has some healing to do although I think she she is most upset about missing her Tri season. She is home resting comfortably thanks to Tyler's organic potions and love. Hugs Janny!

1. concussion

2. 19 stitches above eyebrow and in upper eye lid

3. multiple facial fractures around eye socket and cheek bone

4. multiple bruises and abrasions on hands, face, elbow, hip and knees.

5. numbness in mouth/teeth..not able to open mouth fully and cannot chew hard things.

6. an on and off dull headache

7. No retinal detachment!

You gonna eat that? Nothing can deter her appetite!

Motherload

Happy Mother's Day to one and all! Truly the most demanding but best role ever. Nobody loves you like your momma, remember that. Shout out to my mother, the exquisite Gramsie Holly who worked her butt off this week getting her house ready to sell. Shout outs to Grandma Liz, currently in the midst of bathroom model, and Nana Linda, home from a weekend at MJ's dance recitals. We love you all!

The funny thing about this blog is that I really write it for myself, as a calendar of sorts because I forget so much of what we do. Keep that in mind as I bore you to tears.




Things I did this weekend:

Cleaned and rearranged closets
Jake's second closet was in Nori's room and Nori only closet was in the laundry room. So, on the spur of the moment, I orchestrated a major flip flop giving Nori the bigger closet in her room which now serves as storage for her million stuffed animals and a mini play area. BTB, Jake's first closet is shared with me which houses his work clothes while number two is cas only. For the record, I only have one.

Worked at Commencement
Gotta see my hard hats graduate. This was the first year they robed and hooded advisers so instead of being lowly ushers, we actually got to sit on stage with the Ph.Ds and look official.

Ate Thai
self explanatory, Taste of Thailand

Hiked Minnehaha Falls
On this sunny day we loaded up Nori is the turquoise hiking back-pack, grabbed some extra poop bags for Dorothy and hit the falls. We hiked along the creek while singing Bob Marley, ventured into woods no man has ever seen (except maybe to lay the nice gravel trail), enjoyed the "rain forest", and pretended not to be city slickers. No, I did not bring a latte (I forgot).

Co-cleaned the house
Two makes the job go more than twice as fast as one.

Other stuff (NOS)
everything else


can fool some people sometimes...


get up, stand up

Fridays with Mommy

Pedicures on our toes (toes)

We may have shown up at the Y an hour before Kids Club opened and then repeated that error at the library, but that didn't stop us from having fun today!

Playing "sleeping bags"

cleaning her room

Sleeping with a diaper full of duece

She gets her point across..

New Nori Quotes

"I want stay home with mommy today and snuggle and chillax"

"No, no, Dorothy! That's not obeying!"

"I tell Dorothy take a chill pill, okay?

"Can we put the blanket over our heads and talk about our feelings? Okay? I feel happy!"

"Apple juice helps Nori poop"

"I love my cribby! I love to sleep!"

"Momma, help! Help! My diapers' all craaazy"

"Where Dadddy went? He went to play tennis?"

"Baby Sasha has chubby cheeks! I LOVE chubby cheeks" in high-pitched baby voice

This weekend at the baby shower she also conveyed to Ann her worry that baby might come out right now with a waddle and googly eyes.

That's MY girl!

May is here...

Someone's mom learned to french braid on YouTube

Miss me? Yeah, me neither. Did you get outside this weekend? Maybe take a 20 miler on your bike and then have a romantic picnic under a waterfall only to discover you forgot the brie? I feel rested and rejuvenated, almost ready for another week.

On Friday, I presented at a conference while Nori hung out with Liam and Angie. Afterwards, we has an impromptu picnic catered by Whole Foods. Ang & I got to catch up on life and ponder its meaning while the kids played on a grate over a 20 foot hole. That night we had our Bloom Lifegroup BBQ so all five couples and 5 little girls gathered for yummy food, faux-Pictionary and ice cream at Rydbecks. On Saturday, we exercised and commenced with Family Day by just doing stuff around the house and being together. Ahhh, Family Day is soon to be mandatory most weekends. This morning we went to church, napped, and then went to Ann & Chris's baby shower at Susie's house in Golden Valley ( hmm, Golden Valley is a nice suburb...). Can't wait to meet Baby Shaw in June!

The beer is Ann's

That's how they got into this predicament...

Nova loves balloons!

Exhausted from the party

My peeps

p.s.
On a side note, sometimes I get Mother Teresa and Jane Goodall confused. I mean, I know they did really different things but if you ask me to picture Mother Theresa in my head, I just see Jane Goodall.