We are just plugging along here in the Kaiser household. Last weekend we all took a trip to Denver. Steve ran his first marathon...and did very well! He finished in about 4 hours and was in the top 25% of finishers. He said the actual marathon itself was difficult, but not impossible. But, the next 2-3 days were not too fun. You should have seen him trying to get out of bed or a chair! We are all incredibly proud of him, though. That is a huge accomplishment that very few people even undertake. He's not sure if he'll run another one...time will tell.
While we were in Denver we took the kids to the zoo, which is always fun. There was also a big fair with food, games, giveaways etc. at the marathon, so we enjoyed that while Steve was running. I'm terribly happy one of the giveaways was cowbells. There is nothing like hearing that sound in your house all day! We ate at one of those "hibachi grill" restaurants where they chop up and cook your food in front of you, often resulting in big flames. That kept the 7-month old entertained! On the way home we found a pumpkin patch and picked up a couple to carve this coming weekend. Finally, we also stayed in a hotel right downtown (just two blocks from the marathon start/finish line). Our room was on the 15th floor and Sam got to sleep on a fold-out sofa bed in an attached living room area. So, out of all of these things we packed into two days, when we asked Sam when we got home which was his favorite, what do you think he said? Staying in a hotel! Seriously, we could have just gotten a room at the Days Inn down the road for the night and saved a lot of effort! :)
In addition to trips to Denver, I have been extra busy with teaching this fall. I am teaching three classes for Colorado State University (it was only supposed to be two, but enrollment in one was very high and they split the class. When the economy tanks, people go back to school...good for me!) Then, for Regis University I just finished my first 8 week term and am beginning my second term. The first term I had six students and this term I have 15! My family has all been wonderful about pitching in and babysitting, but I sometimes feel like all I do is wonder when I'll have 20 more minutes of free time so I can jump on the computer and grade a paper or respond to a student. We'll see what happens with all of this down the road...
I've also discovered what those of you who are parents of school-aged children already know...having your kid in school means work for the parent! Sam is only in preschool but I spent several evenings last week making bows to put on Christmas wreaths his school is selling for a fundraiser. If you know me at all, crafty things are NOT my forte. So, I think I might have to volunteer to buy all of the wreaths with my bows to spare others from my handiwork! Steve was laughing at me when I was making the bows..."I never thought you'd be the mommy sitting at home making things for your kids' school!" Me neither... Oh well, at least having an activity gives me a good reason to drink a glass of wine and watch TV at night.
Way to go Steve!
ReplyDelete