Pumpkin Patch

When I imagine going to a pumpkin patch, I expect to bring a jacket and enjoy some hot chocolate or apple cider while I'm there to keep warm. As you can see, Halloween in the desert means highs in the 80's with shorts and sunglasses required. At least you get to wear your costume "as is" rather than hiding it under a thick coat while you trick-or-treat.

It was especially fun to have Birch's parents came to visit for the weekend.

I was too busy at the pumpkin patch to take a picture, so here are our beauties, soon to be carved or painted. I love the white pumpkin--it will definitely be looking like a ghost!

Trevor wasn't too sure about petting this hairy sheep.

Rocky Point

A few weeks ago we got to escape to Rocky Point with some friends from school. We had a long weekend to relax after the boys took a test and it was nice to have a little vacation. I definitely wasn't the best picture taker on the trip, so many of these are stolen from Allie and Kelly--thanks, girls!

The crew: Kelly, Roger, Birch, Trevor, Camille, Matt, Allie & Nash.

I've never stayed at a resort in Rocky Point before and it was so much fun! The best part was all these pools where we spent hours every afternoon. It had kiddie pools and a lazy river so even the kids were happy.

Trevor gets a little nervous to jump into the water. Here we made a "hoop" with mom's arms.

Trevor and his buddy Nash got along so well! It was great having a friend to play with.

Out to dinner for some yummy tacos (luckily no one got sick!)

Three friends from med school were in a triathlon while we were there and we got to cheer them on. (Thanks, Matt, for staying with the sleeping kids!)

The Ladies Are Gonna Love This!

Trevor has a birthmark right in the small of his back shaped like a heart. We haven't done anything to doctor it up, it just came that way! I'm sure he won't think it's funny when he's a thirteen-year-old boy and the girls think it's SOO cute. What a lover!

Is It Worth It?

I've never been anxious to run a marathon because of the time involved in training. Birch always predicts that someday I'll catch the marathon bug, but I'm not so sure...

Training for this 10-mile race next weekend has reminded me of why I hesitate to think about a marathon. The main reason is being dependant on other people. If I were single or married with no children it would be easier. Even now I try as hard as I can to do my workouts on my own, bringing Trevor with me. He sits happily in the jogging stroller for intervals and easy runs and hills (ha, ha, not in my neighborhood!) But there are several days a week where I can't take him and I have to negotiate with Birch or find a willing friend. He doesn't come on my long runs on Saturday or to the pool for a break from running.

I've also been surprised at how worried I get when I can't do the workout I'd planned on. When I signed up for the race I wrote out a little plan of how much I would run on what days, the type of workout, etc. so that I would be ready on race day. But, of course, having a baby and even if you don't have kids, there are things that come up and sometimes the exercise doesn't happen.

Obviously the purpose of exercise is to relieve stress and not cause it. My problem is when I get an itch to try something new or at least feel that I've accomplished something....then I look on Getsetaz.com and sign up for a race. There has to be a balance between reaching goals and not letting them bring stress to your life.