Back on the Running Wagon

After posting my 25 Things List, my friend Becca asked me if I was interested in running with her. Finally someone to run with again! Well, running, in and of itself takes some motivation. Then there is the whole getting out of bed and out the door component. There was the cold morning aspect as well, BUT I have never imagined I would ever run in THIS cold! We left at 6:30 this morning and it was -3 outside, thankfully no wind, but -3!!! I have to say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was quite strange to find out that the inside of your nose can freeze, not to mention your hair, eyelashes, skin! I had Jake come out and take a picture of us. Hopefully Friday morning will bless us with a few more degrees!

25 Things

1. Books are my friends. I love to talk books with people.
2. I can be negative toward myself, I hate that about myself. See what I mean.
3. I care too much what others think.The “It takes a village” approach to life/parenting/faith is important to me. I need a village. My last village is way too far away.
4. I was a teacher for 8 years, and now I am trying to figure out what I want to do next. That changes daily right now.
5. I want to have a job that involves interaction with people, organization, and making a positive impact to individuals or families.
6. I thrive on conversations; I feel I haven’t had one in awhile with someone besides my husband face to face.
7. For someone who is so adept with directions, I feel lost WAY too often.
8. I wish I could dance, mostly contemporary-throw caution to the wind- type of dancing.
9. I am a social runner; otherwise I am not much of a runner at all, especially right now.
10. I can be considered an “open book”, an “over sharer” or a “chronic relater”.
11.
12. All of my family lives very far away.
13. I love informal dinners or get-togethers with friends.
14. Finding “small world” connections to people makes me happy. “Oh, you lived in Large City, USA, did you know….?”
15. Creating memories is something I am passionate about.
16. The “It takes a village” approach to life/parenting/faith is important to me. I need a village. My last village is way too far away.
17. I am a mom to two boys whom I love to pieces of course. I just wish I was one of those moms who was consistently calm, cool, and collected. I am not that.
18. Worry is my middle name, not really, it is Daurette- one of those generational family names.
19. My husband is extremely even-keel…me, not so much. I love him for that.
20. My favorite TV shows are The Office and So You Think You Can Dance. It is easy for me to get sucked into a show. That is why I need my books.
21. Music moves me, although I am clueless about it. I could easily be THAT person you would see running down the street listening to an ipod and leaping or thrusting a fist into the air.
22. I am clueless when it comes to gardening or growing anything. I plan to change that this year. Wish me luck.
23Laughing…I need to do that more, I love a good laugh.
24. Often, the magnitude of raising kids scares me. How do I raise strong, secure, compassionate, and kind boys when I fail in these areas all the time?
25. I love pictures…taking them and looking at them.

Ungrateful, I know

Today Jake got an email today from someone at Westmont College in Santa Barbara telling him they are going to have a position open. Now obviously he isn't going to apply. He has so much starting here in South Dakota and really loves his job. BUT, of course me being me, I was bummed. Maybe it is the snow, the lack of friends who really know me living close by, the distance from home...ok I will stop there ( I don't have to use correct grammar on my own blog do I?). I am really happy here for the most part, but just the thought that there could be an opportunity to be back near home...it does something to my head. Timing among other factors makes this not a possibility but oh the dream... The funny thing is I am not sure it matters where I am. There will always be the struggle of being new, having to make new friends, and create a way of life for us. I have realized that having kids makes this no easy task. In some ways, kids give you more opportunitis to meet new people but thay also make it tough to take the time to invest and build deeper relationships. One minute you try and start a conversation and the next you are running after a child who is bolting from the room. So all this to say, I am tiring of having to be patient. BUT patient I must be as I wait for opportunities to get to know people and not feel like the freak who is jumping into a deep converation in the spare 30 seconds I have at the library, grocery store, etc.

Disclaimer: I do love my children and I am so thankful for their added spice to life.

The Adventures of the Nomadic Kerby Clan

We are now in Week 5 of our California Adventure. So far, it has gone pretty well. It has been full of family, friends, and activity with everyone in good health for the most part- yeah! The first week we spent at Jake's parents for Thanksgiving. Ben became quite attached to one of those stupid singing fish things. It started out as down right terror and quickly moved to obsession. As soon as he walks in their house, he asks for the fish and walks around swaying and saying, "Be happy". Jake and I are wondering if "Don't Worry, Be Happy" will ever leave our heads.

The second week Jake and I spent in Mexico while the boys stayed with my parents. We had an amazing time, filled with lots of relaxing and lots of reading for me. If you haven't read, The Kindness of Strangers yet, and are looking for a good (but very intesnse) read, pick it up! It is a good one.

The boys also had a great week, including two sleep overs with their cousins. Kudos to my parents and Paul and Amy for braving those! They say the kids were great and very easy so I am thankful. The third week, we bounced back and forth between our parents, ending the week with a trip to Disneyland. Jake's uncle is a volunteer fire fighter there and they get free passes and invited us. It was a very fun (and cheap) day. One mistake we made, though, was taking Lucas on Mr Toad's Wild Ride early in the day. As adults, Jake and I forgot how scary that ride can be and lucas flipped- total sensory overload. I am still wondering why these rides need to be so stinking loud. Not only is it a lot to see, but man you are seeing and hearing everything so intensely, it is totally overwhelming. Needless to say, after that, anytime we went indoors for anything, Lucas freaked. He didn't want to get himslef trapped in another scary situation, and obviously felt he couldn't trust us anymore, when we said it wouldn't be scary. He bolted out of the Tiki Room before the show even started and had to be talked down before riding the boat for "It's A Small World". I know I am making this out to be an awful day, but besides a few moment of terror for Lucas, it was really fun. We took in a parade, then went over to CA Adventure for another parade and some outdoor, kid friendly rides...and Tower of Terror. :) No we didn't take the kids on that one.

This week we have been at my parent's house enjoying some time with all the cousins. My sister came into town with her two boys so it has been a zoo around here- very fun! Ben LOVES the babies and is a great entertainer for them. It has been so fun to have them all together.

This past weekend, we spent in Carlsbad with some old friends. It was so nice to just relax and catch up. We had an amazing weekend and couldn't have asked for better weather.


Ben and Max building sand castles:

Nick, Cope, and Ben:
Ben enjoying a nice day on the deck:
Lucas was here too but due to constipation, was not available for pictures. Poor guy! :(

Hola from Mexico!

Jake and I are currently enjoying a much needed vacation in Merida Mexico! It has been so nice to just relax, explore a new city, eat, eat some more, and read. I kept telling Jake before we left that I was just giddy about being able to be on a plane and read the entire time, and not The Hungry Caterpillar or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, but an actual book! Of course we get on the plane and my seat is next to this girl whose expression reads, "I am looking for a new friend and I choose you!" I have to say that I was more than happy to switch seats when a new mom wanted a window seat. Bye Bye Chatty Cathy!! 

Yesterday was our first day here and it was so fun to just walk around and figure this new place out. We got lucky and found some amazing places to eat (I love food!)) for lunch and dinner- real Mexican food!!! As you can possibly imagine, South Dakota is lacking in the Mexican food department. Anyway, today's plan includes me, a book, and poolside as  Jake will be in meetings most of the morning. I am loving this sunshine!!!

It's never too early to develop a strong work ethic

I say, start them when they are young...Could you make straighter lines please?
Ben, you get started too.

Work hard, Play Hard...

The things we learn...

Today I learned a few more tings about my son Lucas. At preschool today, they talked about what makes them happy and what makes them sad. What makes Lucas happy? Apparently when we give him crackers, that makes him happy. And sad? When we don't give him crackers (Most of you know that crackers are a treat for Lucas since he rarely has them due to constipation issues). It is a tough life isn't it? Oh how simple life can be. I miss that. I think I will go give my son some crackers.