First of all, THANK YOU to so many of you who responded to my plea for help regarding controlling the kids at church. When I was having my whine-fest on the blog last Friday night (while Tyler was on call at the hospital) I didn't realize that so many of you could relate. All of your comments, emails, and kind words have buoyed me up so much. I appreciate your wisdom and insight. I am comforted knowing that I'm not the only one who has struggled at times while going through this adventure of motherhood. So really, thanks so much. I'm feeling like my new name could be Rambo now though, because I have so much ammunition in my church bag (and brain). Bring it on kids, I'm ready for whatever Sunday tricks you're going to pull on me! :)
Seriously though. I'm feeling SO much better now after a weekend with Tyler. We had Tyler all to ourselves on Sunday and Monday, and it was just glorious. We were all reminded what it was like to be a family again. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic, but man, what a difference I feel after having that quality time with Tyler. I feel rejuvenated. I guess that's what melt-downs are for... there's no where to go but up* after something brings you so humbly down. (*My ever-optimistic sister reminded me of that one)
Tyler had MLK day off (Hallelujah!) so he came up with the idea of going hiking. I thought we should try some place new, but we got a little lost. We still don't know why we got lost, but we think that since we never found the hiking trails, then we must have ended up on some private property. Whoops!! We enjoyed a little picnic in the car and then walked around in the middle of nowhere till we got to the top of some hills.
It was a great view of the valley. The kids didn't care or notice if we were technically in the regional park or what. No one was around, so we just kept walking and exploring through the farmlands and ranches. The kids loved this random firetruck on one hill and had to get a picture by it "to remember it."
On the drive back down the hills/mountains, I started feeling car sick from all the twists and turns, so I hopped out of the car (thinking I needed to lose my lunch). But I felt better after walking for a minute and told Tyler I'd jog down the rest of the hill/mountain instead. BIG MISTAKE. It felt good for the first mile or so, but then my legs started wobbling. I'm pathetic, I know! I thought jogging downhill was supposed to be easy! Cute Tyler was keeping an eye on me while driving the van and encouraging the kids to cheer for mommy out their windows. Just when I was about ready to give up, Tyler let Whitney hop out of the car and jog with me for the last mile (or km?) or so. I think she was feeling a little sick too, so she enjoyed the fresh air with me. She kept saying things like, "We are so smart to be outside running. I feel so much better out here than in the car." Sorry if I doomed you with my motion sickness gene little girl!But this morning, Whitney & I were paying the price. My quads feel like someone took two forks and shredded my muscles like crock-pot chicken. Whitney woke up this morning and said, "Mom, I promise I'm not lying... I promise I'm not making this up, but right here on my leg (pointing to her calf) it really hurts." I guess she thought I would not believe that she was in pain if there wasn't blood. It was good to know that we got a little leg workout!
Thank you MLK, Jr. for the day off. It was much appreciated.
16 comments:
Okay, I seriously can't even STAND how cute you all are. Sweet Whit with her sore muscles. And Annie - are you kidding me??? She is such a doll I just need to get my hands on her. And of course, Cole too. I'm glad you're feeling so much better and got to spend some great time with Ty. I always feel better after a meltdown too. So true that the only place to go from there is up!
hey rambo! are you going to wear a headband to church too?? that would be funny!! i am so glad you had a nice weekend!! you deserve it!! i get car sick too! no fun! jeff always wants to drive in the mountains and my first reaction is NOOOOOOOOOOOO! but we have discovered if i drive (which totally freaks me out too) i don't get car sick or not as bad. you'll have to try that next time!! i was going to ask you where you make you photo collages?? photoshop?? fill me in when you can! have a good day!! also - my girlfriends and i are planning a girls weekend in san fran in june so i thought it might be fun to come a day early or late and hang out with you and heidi. wouldn't that be fUn??
Thank heavens for a rejuvinating weekend! I hope it fills your well for the next little bit.
I loved the story about running down the hill. It reminds me of a steep hike we went on once and on the way down, I thought, "no big deal, downhill is much easier" . . . until I reached the bottom and was so wobbly I could hardly walk. Those downhills are killer. Love Whitney's "I promise I'm not lying" hurt legs. What a crack-up.
Love you guys.
I love your posts Nats! You are such a REAL mother, it really helps me. Glad you got some time with the Hubby. We've made a goal to put date nights back on the priority list this year, and so far it's really helped our relationship.
Loved that you got out and ran!
yay! I am so happy you had such a good weekend and that Tyler had Sunday and Monday with you guys. What a fun day off! I LOVE your description of how your quads felt, it makes my legs cringe. I can't get enough of your kids. I want to snuggle them so bad!
I love you all
I love your very descriptive words on how your quads felt. Like shredded crockpot chicken huh? You are funny. Glad you enjoyed time with Tyler. We are missing Matt this week while he is traveling. Plus he is always at stake meetings on Sundays too. We go to church a lot without him. It is always so nice when he is around.
Annie is so stinkin' cute!!!
Glad to hear you're on the up and up, even if your quads are screaming at you!
Sure love you!
I also get car sick with lots of turns. The drive to the top of Mt. Tam and out to Point Reyes totally makes me sick! I hope your shredded legs heal quickly!!! Very cute about Whitney. I cannot believe how big she is. What a great helper. ;0)
I'm sorry... but I'll never understand why people run if cops aren't chasing them or their life is in danger. I mean, it seems like running causes pain. Isn't walking just as well? But perhaps that is why after 3 kids you are a size 2. :) Love the pictures! I can't believe how beautiful and tall whitney has gotten!
I really love family days. I definitely see Evan more than you get to see Tyler but love when he's around to hang out with the kids and me.
Hang in there girl!!
I was aching for you in the last post... and glad to know a weekend together was just what the Dr. ordered!
We're no experts on Sacrament meeting behavior, in fact, to the contrary. Adam brings cars (they are small, right?) and sometimes Maya brings toys as well. The other week, a boy sitting across from us looked over and then asked his mom, "Why do THEY get to have toys??"
One thing I did a few weeks ago was print off lots of the coloring pages from The Friend online and then had them bound at Staples for 2 bucks. I put a simple cover page that says, "Maya's Sunday coloring book". And also a stack of blank paper at the back for free form coloring. Works wonders for Maya, Adam, not so much.
Lots of well wishes for many happy Sundays to come!!
Oh man. I can just see them cheering you on from the car. So great. I'm glad you had a refreshing weekend...you all deserved it.
Four/five words I will never say "Bring it on Kids" and "Church." You are jinxed big time. So, so, sorry. You have no idea of the extent of the damage they can cause. See the Flying Baileys post titled "Children and Church" in 2007. I learned my lesson, and now walk meekly, simply praying that I will survive one more week.
Thing I will never say No. 2: "I'll just jog the rest of the way." Not even if it is half a block. I've never been car sick, so maybe that could drive me to do something really insane like that, but I sort of doubt it. The better answer is "Move over Mario, it is time for me to drive." You never get car sick when you are driving, right?
Its ok Natalie, you are still young and will eventually learn all these very important lessons :-). Tell Tyler I said Hello and that he shouldn't work so hard (Yeah, right.)
I hear you girl! I can't wait for Robb to be done with school either! I think we should make a blog for single mothers whose husbands are in school--forget the PHD...how about We are Earning our PHT---Pushing Hubby Through! A place for ladies like us to vent! Think positive...the end result will be beautiful!
i meant too..instead of either..typing and thinking too quickly sometimes don't mix!
Drew said it appropriately this evening, "It's a good thing she's such a good lady."
Man you have been through the ringer! I just now found out about all your craziness. In fact it was Drew who said tonight, "have you checked out the Nelson's blog lately? You really need to read the last few posts." Incredibly the limits you have been brought to. You're so optimistic and positive about your sacrifices yet you don't sugar coat things either. Bless you for all you have been enduring through this residency. It's hard on Tyler we can be sure of that but it's really hard on you, the single mommy trying to do things alone. Bless you! My thoughts and prayer are with you guys...happy thoughts, happy thoughts.
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