what a week!

What week we've had! Some good, some not so good, some to come...

1. Last Wednesday we had a party for Harlie's birthday. We had lots of kids, moms, and friends over. It was fun to have a group of people to help us celebrate her big day. Then in the evening my dad came up and took us out to eat so that was a double special treat for us.
2. Thursday and Friday were normal days for us... at least nothing stands out at this point.
3. Saturday Phil and I had a big "bike" practice run scheduled for our triathlon. We got a babysitter and then planned to ride out to George Wyth, where the race is, and then ride our triathlon route. (16 miles for me and 23 miles for Phil). We rode out 8 miles with the wind to our backs and felt great.. then we returned. Phil smoked me about 1/2 way back where he turned off to finish his leg and I returned back to our starting point. Our plan was that he would be about 30-40 minutes after me so I was going to run 2-3 miles and do a back to back workout. Well, first, the wind KILLED me on the way back. Straight wind right at me, I was going 17-19 miles per hour out and then 7-10 miles per hour back. So lets just say it took FOREVER and was PAINFUL. So by the time I got back, I tired to run but just couldn't so I waited patiently for Phil to get back, and waited some more, and some more and after about an hour I thought I better ride back to see what was going on. Of course I had left my cell phone with the babysitter so I was sitting phoneless. Well, I rode about a 1/2 mile back and found Phil walking his bike towards me. He had gotten a flat.. about 5 miles back.. ergg. Pour guy had to walk his bike in that wind and heat. So I rode home quickly, took the babysitter home and then picked up Phil. The real bum thing is that Phil has had about 7-8 flat tires on this bike.. and after several different fixes.. we are starting to think it's just bad luck. He's very frustrated as race day is near and what if this happens on race day?
4. Sunday - crack of dawn - I'm at work sleeping peacefully and Phil is awakes to a bat in the house. He had seen the bat twice in the past two weeks but we could not find it anywhere so we just left it. Then it wakes him up as always seems to happen. This bat wouldn't leave through the normal way - out the door - so eventually Phil had to swat it with the broom. What a brave guy! I would have run out of the room, curled up in a blanket with a ski mask on, hiding under the table or with Wendell up in bed. Anyways, this is Phil's third bat so he's getting quite experienced at this... but he's not happy about being woken up. Couldn't this happen at 9 or 10pm?
5. So today is Monday.. and I sure hope life slows down.. but on Wednesday night I go back to work and will be a new house, with two new ladies, and one new staff in the morning. I am banking on it all going well but it will be a big change for me. This and the triathlon and MAJOR events for the summer are done. Thank goodness!!
6. This weekend we're off to see Phil's family. I'm looking forward to getting out of Looville!!

Harlie's First Birthday Party

Harlie turns one tomorrow (August 25th) but we had first big birthday party on Sunday with our family. We had a great time and got some good pictures!

First we have to get the cake ready.. so here is Harlie waiting patiently but giving hints that she's ready for some cake.

Then we have mom frosting the cake and who else but Miss Harlie... watching and waiting patiently.

Then the big day is here. Is it time yet?? It is time yet?

But first we have to open gifts...

A doll? hmm.. not sure what to think about this?

Oh the cake is finally here... and I couldn't resist so I stuck my hand in it before we could even light the candle, put a bib on or for mom and dad to stop me.

Ohh... that looks good mommy! And it was good.. so good that I'm making it again for tomorrow.

garden

If you recall, we decided to plant a garden this spring... and so far it's been an odd year. We planted many things and about half of it has come through and about half was unsuccessful. We did NOT get many green beans, tomatoes, zucchini, or cucumbers (maybe later this fall?? ). But we have had success with our yellow squash, peas, popcorn (still in progress), cantaloupe, and watermelon. I have been the main caretaker for the garden this year so who knows what happened. It's always fun to pull out food from your garden and eat it. Our most recent pleasure was the cantaloupe. And soon we'll have watermelon... yum, yum!

first day of preschool

Well, we survived our first day of preschool... actually, it went really well.

Phil and I both dropped him off today as it was the first day... no tears from me, didn't even choke up : ) I think I'm just excited for him.

In the future, we're pretty sure Phil will drop him off most days on his way to work. Today Harlie was really tired and napping so Phil generously picked Wendell up and brought him home.

So here's Wendell with his new outfit and backpack.



And Wendell coming home...





Here is the post interview:

Mom: How was preschool?
Wendell: good
Mom: What did you do?
Wendell: saw my friends, went to the park, and made cookies
Mom: What did you learn?
Wendell: my friends
Mom's final comments: I'm glad he went, the morning went well as I got an oil change, Harlie and I went for a walk, she fell asleep in the stroller and while out walking we stopped at the the donut shop (she woke up as we walked in, that's my girl, smells good food even in her sleep : ). When we came home she was still tuckered so she ended up taking a real nap and I took a 15 minute nap before Wendell came home. We had a nice morning but didn't get much done at home.. oh well. maybe next week.
Wendell's final comments: "we played and had milk after eating cookies"

news flash!

Wendell is going to preschool! We got a call last Thursday that they had an opening. On Friday we went to see his classroom and meet the teacher. We have a "parents" meeting tomorrow and he starts this Thursday at 8:30am.

Craziness! I think it'll be a big change for us but in the end I think it'll be good for all of us. I'm a little teary eyed sending him to "school" already but it's only twice a week for a few hours. Wow, our little boy is growing up!

imagination?

We were currently in the middle of quiet time when Wendell comes downstairs to inform me that a "person" is in his room. ???. He also said they came in through the wall. Hmmm...this is getting interesting. So I asked if he talked to them and he said no, they don't have a mouth. Hmff.. and then informed me that they are going around and around as he points to the ceiling fan in the living room and circles his little finger around in the air. I proceeded to ask what color were they but he didn't answer.. he just keep saying they were going around and around. I also asked if it was a bug and he said no, a "person". So, I thought I better escort him back to his room in which luckily, I did not find a mouthless person flying around in his room.

warm up

Harlie's first birthday is coming up soon... and I think it's going to be a messy one!

I think she's going to be like her mama and love anything sweet, like icecream, cookies and donuts. Yum, yum!