Sooner or later

It was bound to happen.

We knew sooner or later Rick would have to stitch up one of our kids. And naturally Matthew was the first. He slid into the corner of the wall and split open his ear.

I felt so lucky to have Rick home that evening. Rick was able to stitch Matthew up right then and there in our kitchen, while I held him in my lap. I anticipated having to use some muscle power to keep him still. He screamed every time Rick poked. But to my surprise, he didn't. move. an. inch. He was sweating from the whole ordeal. Brave little boy-I just passed out when Rick stitched up my finger.

Matthew was so proud of himself that he wanted to skype "Gwampa" and show him his stitches. Unfortunately, the said Grandpa, did not have his computer so Matthew just talked to him about it.

I think Chrissie had a harder time than Matthew.

Besides running outside, frantically closing all the windows to quiet Matthew's screams, she simply couldn't stomach her dinner with him sitting across from her. She kept begging him to turn his ear away. After he kept unintentionally showing her the stitched ear, she gave up and covered her eyes while she ate.

I love her.

Rim to Rim 2011

This was Rick and mine's first "trip" away from the kids in four years. I'm not sure waking up at 4am and hiking all day qualifies as a real "getaway from the kids", but, we do what we can.

5am Shuttle to South Kaibab trail.

The BNI's annual Rim to Rim-a wonderful tradition.

Unfortunately this year, due to scheduling issues, we were unable to go from one rim to the other. But need not worry, Spetzler made it challenging enough with added trails-down South Kaibab, out to some water fall near North Rim, and then back to Bright Angel trail. Rick and I ended up hiking/running/walking 26 miles.

Anna Uschold, me, Regina Wait-the wives are what have made the BNI so great. They are wonderful friends.

Hiking down South Kaibab

Colorado River

At the bottom of the Canyon toward the North Rim.

Phantom Ranch-quick Lunch Break. I'm in the back quite unaware that a picture is being taken.

(Dr. Spetzler said I had to go all the way under and being that he is the Boss, I did as I was told. )

A refreshing plunge into the frigid Colorado River. It felt like I had put ice packs all over my body-actually quite refreshing. And gave me that burst of energy I needed to climb the last ten+ miles.

Bright Angel Trail

Dr. Spetzler, myself and Rick hiking up bright angel trail. At this point we were only a couple of miles away from the top.

Unfortunately, our camera died so we did not get a "finish" picture, but, we did indeed finish.

Farewell Feast

Chrissie woke up Tuesday morning to me in an apron rolling out some pastry dough. Her eyes lighted up and she asked, "is today the feast?!" The feast?... "Oh, yes, tonight is the farewell 'feast' for Miss Regina." I was preparing a meal at my house for a ladies-only farewell "feast" for dear Regina who is leaving for Memphis for Scott's neurosurgery pediatric fellowship.

The menu: rolls/sticky buns, crusty bread and cheese, chicken salad in lettuce cups, green salad, and fresh fruit tart. We enjoyed the 'feast' in the crisp night air under the lighted balls that hung from the tree.

Regina was the first person I met in Phoenix. She immediately invited me into her home and circle of friends. She had me over for dinner and was a huge support as I learned to adjust to a new way of life-a resident's wife. I've yet to meet someone like her. She is the most inclusive person I know and can get along with anyone. She is always watching extra kids to relieve a drained mother-she's a true saint. My kids adore her and so do I. I'm so sad to see her go. Phoenix will be lonely without her.

Mother's Day 2011

Rick got the kids heavily involved this mother's day: everything from the menu, to cards, to the wrapping of presents. Chrissie was all about the surprises. The dinner menu, created by Chrissie: vegetable soup (Chrissie was convinced this was my favorite), vegetable salad-with carrots, onions and nuts, fruit salad, fondue-thank you Rick, chocolate cake with starbursts and m&ms.

I have experienced such pure joy in being a mother. I continue to learn about love and patience from my children. I feel so blessed to have their unconditional love, even though I hardly deserve it.