Memorial Weekend Thank You

Watching cartoons on a Sunday morning.

The other day Owen and Daddy were talking about what life was like when Daddy was Owen's age. As the conversation ended, our "deep thinker" announces, "Daddy, my life is way better than yours!" On so many levels he's right, but I hope he realizes why it is. I've been explaining to both Owen and Allie what Memorial Day is for and what freedom is. I know they are both a little young to fully get it, but I do know they are starting to understand what it is to be thankful for what we have.

I would like to thank all of those brave men and women who have fought for our freedom. As much as we take it for granted, I know that life wouldn't be what it is without it.

Sex in the City 2

Last night, my girlfriends and I went to dinner (at Jose Peppers) then saw "Sex in the City 2". We got our tickets in the balcony at the Warren Theater. It was so much fun! They have you in these love seats with a table in the middle. You can order drinks, food and dessert while you watch the movie. Julie and I shared a Brownie Delight... it was delightful! :) Ended up being a late night (got home around 1:00 am), but so worth it! Thanks for the fun evening ladies.

Last day of Kindergarten

Breakfast on our "special" plate.

Mommy plans a class luau.

Good Buddies!

Owen and the Burgess Boys (Luke and Logan).

Nick riding the coaster.

She is the "dancing queen".

A little friendly competition.

2 arms are better than 1!

Chloe and Paige

Luke and Owen

Allie and Natalie

Jake, Luke (he followed Owen around) and Owen

Allie and Natalie, again

Today was Owen's last day of kindergarten. I helped his class out by organizing a little luau center rotation. They had fun, but not as much fun as they had at Chuck E. Cheese after school! Owen has been earning tokens for his school behavior for about a month. We told him that he would be able to use them after his last day of school. I told all the moms from his class that we were going to Chuck's for lunch and some fun and they were welcome to join us. I think 3/4 of his class showed up! It was so much fun!!! I took some cute pictures and got some emails so we can plan summer activities with our friends. The 2 moms who put together the class memory books (which were AMAZING!!!) were there, so the other moms got to thank them. I can't believe it's over, but looking at my son I can tell you he is more than ready for 1st grade.

First Official Day of Summer...

It's official, today was the first day of Summer! It may not say so on the calendar, but in the Arnett house it was. We went to our neighborhood pool!!! The kids had a blast. The water was still really cold, but that didn't stop Allie one bit! Owen kept on screaming how cold he was and then jump in. Jake and I have reached a milestone, we no longer need to be in the water with the kids. He calls it "The Golden Era-At the Pool". Jake still wore a suit, just in case. And I was constantly watching/taking pictures of them. But neither one of us got wet. It's officially summer, I will definitely have to go buy some more sunblock!

End of another Soccer Era

Yesterday was our LAST soccer game. It was originally scheduled for the 15th, but was rained out. We were assigned to do snack, so we bought pizza for everyone. We held our little pizza party at the Bel Aire Park. I don't think we won a single game, maybe only scored 10 goals the whole season, but they had a TON OF FUN!!! The pictures I took at the party are awesome! It just shows that sometimes "winning" isn't everything.

Steve-50 mile Ultra Marathon

Patsy waiting at the 5 mile aid station.

Steve (in the lead) and 2 other runners.

Water break and change of runners.

Steve and Jake running somewhere past the airport.

Steve and Jake coming to the end of mile 20.

Some of you may know about our friends the Bakers, but I want to share some amazing things about Patsy and Steve. They go to our church and we became friends with them thanks to facebook. A few years ago, Patsy decided she wanted to run a half marathon. Steve wanted to run it with her. So they both started running. Flash forward to this last fall. Steve decides to train for a 50 mile ultra marathon. Unfortunately he had some injuries that put off his training, but this didn't deter him. He decided that once he got the okay from doctors, he would resume his training and run his own 50 mile ultra marathon. He mapped out his course around Wichita, picked a date (May 22), had a team of volunteers run legs with him and help at aid stations (we even had shirts) and then he raised money and awareness for MSAA. Jake ran 15 miles with him and I (of course) took pictures. Good guy, good run and a good cause... now that's GOOD stuff.

Field Day-2010

Bucket Relay

Spoon-Egg Race

Cup Stacks

Rock Wall part of Obstacle Course

Tire Roll

Frisbee Toss

Gladiator Competition

Biggest Bubbles Blowing

Pick Up Marbles, with your toes!

Bummed it's over! (And not too happy about a lime pop cycle.)

Today was Owen's school "Field Day". However, the weather did not make it as much fun as it was planned to be. Instead of being an hour outside, it was 20 minutes in the halls and gym of the school. I volunteered to help, so of course I took pictures. Owen was partnered with Jaxon and the two of them had a blast!

Mother's Day Gift

It happened in an instant. Actually, it was building up for about 9 months (give or take a few weeks). I was a mom. I held that baby, my precious angel, and knew I would never be the same. My wants, desires, priorities would change. I would do anything to protect this tiny child, now and forever. Suddenly my perspective grew. It wasn't just about me anymore.

I'm not one for quoting songs, but one I am very fond of was recently played for me.

" In my daughter's eyes I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I wanna be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light and the

World is at peace

This miracle God gave to me gives me

Strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand

Around my finger

Oh it puts a smile in my heart

Everything becomes a little clearer

I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart

Has had enough

It's giving more when you feel like giving up

I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes..."

Even if you don't have a daughter, this is very much true. I want to say how thankful I am for my 2 "Mother's Day Gifts". I am very blessed!

River Run-2010

Angela, me, Sarah and Lilly.

Allie was very tired, so she ended up not running.

Owen and Daddy before his race started.

This morning I ran the River Run 10K. I was so proud of myself, I did it in less than an hour! I had signed the kids up to do the Tot Trot across the Douglas Street Bridge. Allie was feeling cranky and tired, so she took on the role of spectator and cheer leader. Owen ran the race with his friend Tommy. Daddy stayed with them. They did great! Owen was very excited to get a medal. It's just like Mommy's! We may have found one of Owen's many talents.

Wonder Woman

I look at my girlfriends, and I hear them express frustration. Not unlike the frustration that I feel. I wonder why it is that we are all smart, capable women. We occupy several roles in our day-to-day lives. Care-giver, cook, provider, athlete, book-keeper, home-maker, advisor, therapist... the list is subtly different from one to the next. But never any shorter. And yet we are the ones who are quick to point out our own failures, short-comings, weaknesses. I wish there was a drink, pill or candy we could take that would dull our quickness to blame ourselves and increase our enthusiasm for our successes. I look at each and every one of them. Talented, graceful, brilliant, compassionate.

I hope that if they read this, and most of them do ;)... they hear me say this one thing...

"Wonder Woman"!!!!

Each one of us is a super hero. Each one of us has a special power. Together or apart, we are able to accomplish great things. We may never be every thing to every one, but we are, who we are, when it counts.

You are the listener... when someone needs to vent.

You are the cheer leader... when someone needs encouragement.

You are the doctor... when someone needs healed.

You are the teacher... when someone wants to learn.

You are the partner... when someone won't do it alone.

You are "WONDER WOMAN".

Easy Rider

I am now convinced that you can't "teach" a child to do anything. What ends up happening is you explain the lesson, process, reasoning, etc. over and over again. To what might appear to be an eager face. They are actually absorbing everything you say, they just haven't "decided" that it is something they are on board for. Then some day in the future, they surprise you by doing it all on their own!

That's how it has been with many milestones in our household. Today Owen was riding his bike! Tomorrow... Who knows?

Enjoy the video.

Warrior Dash-2010

This is my new tee shirt.

Jake's pre-race dinner, BBQ ribs at a Tex-Mex restaurant.

Jake ready to do this.

Me right after the dash.

Future Warriors!

Yesterday Jake and I went to Dallas, Texas to run in the Warrior Dash. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! It was 3.51 miles containing 14 obstacles. We got muddy, wet and had grins on our faces the whole time. We saw people there in the most outrageous costumes. It was such a fun time, we are already hoping to do it again... maybe in 2012! Anyone want to join us?