Well today was the day that we put all of our collected backpacks for foster kids together. And let me tell you…

you

are

amazing.

250 backpacks full, each one has: pajamas, toothbrushes, undies/6 diapers, snacks, stuffed animal/blankets. Each backpack had an age (example 5t girl) and would get a bag with what a 5t girl would need.

The support of the community and you out in blogland was most amazing. I got choked up many times thinking of the little girls and boys who would get the message. Of love, of understanding, of support.

In the shape of a backpack comes a big ole’ hug and I am so thankful you all have made the public so very personal.

(More pics at Jody’s)

The empty bags.

Toothbrushes and treats.

Stuffed animals, blankets, diapers and undies.

The warriors.

Today we went to my brother’s soccer game in Dubuque. More to say tomorrow…it’s Tariku’s 6 month home day today. Lots of reflection!

My little brother and big sis.

Went on another hike around camp today. The bugs were TERRIBLE and we’ll probably wait to do that until after another frost or two. (Or with some major bug spray this time)

But I was able to capture some great pics which is really all that matters.

The snake Zach caught for Trysten. His name is “Racer X” or just “X”.

Me and Dailah in the getup she’s getting too big for.

She is kind of perfect.

Boys getting the worm that will be X’s food.

Doozie gazing at the frog her daddy caught for her.

Isn’t he perfect too?

And these are just some of the bug bites that riddle us after the hike.

My sister has been living with us for a month. It’s going surprisingly well. We’ve always got along really well but had our moments of sheer, unadulterated fighting. Since she has lived on the east coast for 4 years it has been really nice getting to hang with her so much and watch our TV shows and laugh at the same stuff. It’s definitely reiterated why I want Doozie to have a sister (I’m not breaking any news here, just lamenting) because my sisters really are my best friends.

Anywho, I realized tonight after spending more time with Zach than I have in that month (he always gets kicked out so we can watch our girly shows, he’s such a good guy) that I totally miss him. He’s a good dude and even though it’s been awesome getting some sisterly bonding time, tonight reminds me why I married the guy with the handsome face and good assets.

And he’s watching ER with me right now, I mean do they get any better?

A few days after we brought Tariku home when I kinda thought we made a mistake and kinda missed the way things were before; I put Tariku down for a nap and closed the door and for a second I wondered if maybe he’d be gone when I opened it.

(This is full disclosure and yes, it’s messed up, but yes, it happens to almost every adoptive (or birth, to be honest) mom if they’re being honest with themselves).

WIthout thinking about it, today I checked on him three times during nap. I didn’t notice until the last time that apart of me wanted to make sure he was still there, that he’s not just a dream. That I won’t wake up and miss his laugh and his hugs. I wanted to watch him breath and smile in his sleep.

I think this is progress. I think…this is love.

Parent-teacher conferences is a whole new world and we were officially introduced today.

Kind of cool, a little disappointing that his teacher wasn’t going on and on about how fantastic he is. His teacher did say he was in the top of his class for reading, which was good to hear. Nothing big for him to work on except for tying his shoes. 🙂

Leading up to conferences Trysten kept talking about his gym teacher, how much he loved him and how we just had to go say hi to him.

So we did.

And he raved about Trysten and how good of a kid he is and how advanced his athletic skills are.

Zach walked away and said, “Well at least we got rave reviews where we wanted them.”

That’s right, gym class.

In all seriousness we’re very proud of him and his hard work in Kindergarten. My baby boy all growed up.

Just a quick reminder that we are accepting backpacks (click here to see Jody’s recap, I’m too tired to think). If you want to email me or call or leave a comment, that’d be fine. I’ll pick up or shop for you. You guys did such a great job with the 5t like I asked, now I’m asking for newborn up to 12 months. All new, all glorious. Let me know, we’re still in this people.

Exhaustion is me. I, am exhaustion. It was a great weekend. Side from having no energy, I am reenergized as an instructor.

There was something spiritual about the whole thing. People moving the way their bodies were made to move (i.e. just MOVE!) in unison, in strength, in power it was just…awesome.

Fighting globesity is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously.

But so many hours of working out on very little food in the 4 days prior has left my body wanting. That is for sure.

And then I taught 2 classes today. And I can hardly bring myself to type.

But it’s awesome.

I feel alive which is a huge improvement from just 12 hours ago.

Yesterday was another “doozie” as they say.

Didn’t feel well when I woke up. Tried to teach a class. Came home and crashed then went downhill from there.

Decided to have my sister take me to the ER as I was a bit nervous the past would be repeating itself and I’d wake up in an almost coma with an infection that turned septic.

Got to the ER with a 103.5 degree temperature. As the nurse said, “No wonder you feel like shit”.

And indeed I did.

After a few hours, some pain meds, some fluids and some anti-nausea medicine they let me go.

Presumably a viral infection, which I’m so thankful for.

So I head to Chicago today to experience what we in the Les Mills world view as our mecca.

It’s called Super Quarterly and tomorrow, pending my energy level, I’ll have the opportunity to try out all 8 Les Mills programs. That would mean working out from 7-6. Regardless if I actually take the classes, I’m going to sit in on them and bask in the awesomeness. I’m so excited even my foggy head and belly ache can’t handle it.

I’ll see you on Monday. Peace in the Middle East.

Today was my day on the panel for the ex-governor’s wife. I’ll go more into it tomorrow but I’m watching the debate.

Just had to say…after being on my “I’m a good mom” pedestal, Zach (he wanted to support me and come and watch) and I walked outside only to realize we were already 30 minutes late to picking up my eldest at school. So…I say this to let you know that I am indeed a hotflawedmama.

And what did I do to make it up to him? Got him ice cream and let him go to my Bodypump class (which he’s wanted to do for a year).

What a day.