Hey, how you doin? It's been awhile

I have many reasons why I haven't blogged for the entire month of April.

1. Spring Break. A week and a half in Utah visiting friends and family plus snowboarding. It was a great trip. We were there over April Fool's (on which Alys had her baby and I didn't believe her till we saw the pictures. Sorry Alys.) Lauren dared me to get her with three pranks because one would be too easy. My kids feel love based on how many pranks I pull on them. It's sick, I know, but I love it too. Before we left, we peeped my parents house so when they returned from their cruise they had just under 100 peeps hidden all over their house. Some had their butts or wings bit off by Morgan--those were Mom's favorite ones to find.
2. Writing and rewriting and writing some more. I'm almost ready to query.
3. Running here a little and there a little. I'm running the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon with Sunny and Kendra on Saturday. I get butterflies just thinking about it. I'm pretty sure I won't be picked up by the you-suck-van but I'm just planning on finishing. This is my training half. If there is such a thing. I plan to beat my crappy time (because it will be crappy) at the end of the summer.
4. Ava's birthday. The little sassy kitten turned five. We had a big party at Pump It Up. She wore a giant grin the entire time. I can't believe she's five. It really is soo crazy how fast they grow up.
5. Keeping up with the kids and the final sprint to the end of school. Everything is wrapping up right now. I just bought dance recital tickets (that sold out like rock concert tickets) and it will be fun to see them get their groove on. We've got field trips and joy school and plays and a bazillion other things.

That's all I can think of right now. Oh we got Bailey back from her dog training. She's been gone since January and it has been bliss. She's been a good dog since she's returned. She's mellowed a ton. Little Bryn started crying when I told her Bailey was home. She's missed the dog the most. She stinks like the dog most days.

Or baby grandma kittens.

"Mom, when is it going to be ocean day?"

"What's ocean day?"

"You know, when miracles happen."

"I don't know."

Ava is a crazy cat. We just got bunkbeds for Ava and Morgan. Ava is on the top bunk and has hit her head on the ceiling a couple of times. She keeps threatening to take the bunkbed down. I would love to see her try. It took all my man strength to help Aaron put it together.

almost there, almost there

This weekend I went to the Northern Colorado Writers Conference. Writing conferences are great opportunities to meet agents, writers, publishers, etc. They also have great classes to help writers learn the biz and how to write better. I went to NCW last year, and this year I was better prepared.

I also got to pitch my puddlejump story to an agent (from one of the most prestigious children's agencies) and a small press publisher. I decided to pitch to the publisher first, to get my sea legs and practice my pitch. I was her last pitch session (they only last 9 minutes, which is tiny amounts of time to sell your story), so she offered to keep talking to me till I met with the agent. She immediately saw the value and commercial appeal of my story and said I had an idea she felt definitely belonged at the Big 6 (nickname for the top publishing houses). Then she gave me ideas for how to pitch and present my story to the agent. She also requested a partial, in case the agent wasn't interested. Biggest help, so lucky to get the extra 9 minutes with her.

Then I met with the agent. I actually ate dinner with her the night before and talked casually with her several times before we met (I'm learning), so I wasn't nervous and after having the small press excited about my story, I felt very confident. I gave her my pitch and she wanted to know more which usually means she's interested. The tricky part about pitches is that they can't actually see your writing. But she wanted to see more and get into the story. She gave me her card and told me to definitely send my first 15 pages. Later in the day, the agent was critiquing first pages, and I told her my first page was in there.

Then I met up with some other friends, compared notes and went to another class. I definitely had the most positive pitching session of the group. Then came lunch. Before going in I told my friends to save me a seat because I needed to run to the bathroom. (You drink all day at conferences.) I came out of the stall and bumped into the agent at the paper towels. This is an awkward moment, because I've read countless stories of agents complaining about being pitched to in the bathroom. But I kept it cool and made small talk. She followed me out and then this is where it gets interesting. She asks me if this is my first pitch, and I told her that I pitched a different story last year to another agent. Then, very interested, she said, "oh yeah, what genre?"

To which I responded "contemporary middle grade"(which I later learned from the agent's class is a new trend for MG).

I can see her face have an ah ha and then she says, "Another MG."

And this is where I know I have her because agents don't want you to jump around in genres (picture, YA, poetry, MG, etc), and I say, "It's all about MG. It's where I want to live." I find my friends over at a table, and the agent came and sat with us. Poor thing, she barely got to eat because I rounded up some other MGers to our table and we picked her brain. By the end of lunch, based on my questions, I was able to demonstrate that I know the market and the industry and that I'm not a newbie. Winning.

During lunch, the small press pulls me over and tells me that she talked my story up to the agent. That I was the story to pick up. More Winning. I could have kissed the lady but kept it casual instead and just thanked her.

After lunch I had volunteered to be the agent's admin assistant for her class. So we walked and talked to the session. Then we had the anonymous page critique session afterword. My page was 1 of 20. They only liked 3 or 4. Mine was one of them. And they used it as an example of understanding the mindset of MG. Points. The session ran late, so everyone had to run to the keynote.

After the keynote the conference ended, I couldn't see the agent but I found the small press. I shook her hand and thanked her again. (Knowing she would be with the agent for dinner that night), I called out which first page was mine. She said she had guessed it and told me I had a gift and a ton of potential. I'm pretty sure she'll cheerlead for me later.

So I have a lot of work to do...they had recommended that I write the story in first (which I generally don't like) instead of third. I plan to convert the story and polish some more over the next month or two. Then send my pages. Cross your fingers for me. I'm almost there.

And even if she rejects my manuscript, I'm in great shape to query other agencies. I can almost taste it. Loud screams. Points.

The best pest in the west

I was listening to Bryn read Ramona the Pest last night before bed. Bryn got to a part where Ramona explains that she has to make a loud noisy fuss to get her way sometimes because she's the littlest.

So I asked Bryn, "Who does that sound like in our family?" (Thinking of Morgan.)

"Lauren."

I laugh. "I was thinking about someone else."

"You mean Dad."

[Yeah, I got a house full of fussy, noisy people. Jealous?]

cuz like, you know.

Today, while reading the scriptures with the kids, I found an answer to something I've been praying about. I love that. Church is true.

Extra prayers for mom: her heart thing is today.

The difference is presentation!

While playing restaurant tonight:

"Mom, I'll be a sassy young girl who lost her voice. So you'll have to order for me. I want Orange Juice and Mac & Cheese."

"Why are you sassy?"

"Because none of my friends would play with me today." (This is all backstory to her character)

"Okay, Ava."

please sir, may I have another

My indoor tri

• 10 min swim: 13 laps. Pretty sucky but not bad for not swimming since August. Slow and steady but I swam the whole thing.
• 30 min bike: 14 miles. Respectable. The guy next to me biked 22....yeah.
• 20 min run: 1.75 miles. I was running fine till minute 4, then my legs felt like 50 lb bags. I had to jog it out till I got my runner legs back. The same guy was next to me for the run. Yeah, he ran 3 miles. I think he's going to win our heat. Although my friend Melanie gave him some stiff competition. She did a 19 mile bike and an almost 3 mile run.

I'll probably come in last in our heat of 10 people. But it was 100% fun. I'm gonna need to do more of these. Mel, Alicia, Brandy, (I assume) Kendra, and I are going to do these this summer. Once the pool opens, we'll lap the pool, ride the reservoir, and finish if off with a 2-3 mile run.

good times. interested: indoortri.com You don't have to be a member of Life Time to do it.

The lifetime gym was by far the poshest gym I've ever been to. It was nicer than some spas too. No wonder it has the nickname of The Great and Spacious Building amongst the mormon folk here.

code: fine

I know I've been MIA. It has been a crazy week. I can't keep track of who or what I am. Many things have happened. Kids have had days off school. I am going to a writing conference in Fort Collins in less than a week. Mom will have her minor heart surgery (if there is such a thing as minor. HEART. surgery.) next week. And I'm doing a triathalon (on training wheels) in less than ten hours.

Am I ready for the mini-tri? No.

Am I ready to pitch my Puddlejump story at the conference? Yes. So yeah, I've been writing/revising more than running, biking or swimming.

This mini-tri is more of a whim and I'm just planning to finish. But don't be wowed, it's more like a glorified tri workout. I'm only going because my friend is headed to a funeral in Utah and I told her I would take her place. It's a swim for 10 min in the gym pool, take a quick break to change, stationary bike for 30, take a quick break, run for 15. It should be easy but I've been lazy in my training--trading the time for writing.

The funeral in Utah. Our friend Chad Coleman died from a tragic blood infection he got shortly after having his chemo tube removed (as a celebration for being cancer free for a year--he's been battling cancer for 11 years). Aaron saw him at the airport on a business trip 3 weeks before his death. He is survived by his wonderful wife Michelle and two great kids Shelby (9) and Austin (8). Shelby was one of Lauren's best friends. The Colemans just moved back to Utah in August. Lauren has been emailing Shelby since they moved and since Chad's death, Lauren and Shelby have been in touch a couple of times. It breaks my heart to see children having to grow up faster than they should. I'm constantly praying for their family.

never say never

The other day, Megan, Lauren and I were making fun of Justin Bieber.

Bryn burst into tears next to me.

"Mom, (sob), Justin Bieber is not weird. (sob) He sings really good. HE is NOT weird. He has a nice voice..."

Yeah, she was having a pretty emotional day.

You done been shrunk

Meg will never be the same again. The girls tackled her within five minutes of walking in the door. Grannie and Pa come tonight. Good times.

Morgan sidebar: I have a bliss turd.

Colemans sidebar: extra prayers going their way.

and we sing as we go

happy valentine's crazy day. I've been busy writing so I have only a second break. What you must know for posterity's sake: I love my kids and my boy. We've had an extravaganza of love today. Tomorrow, more crazy: kids to school, teach joy school, presidency meeting, bake Aaron's b-day cake (which means going to the store too), swab my house clean, guitar, dance x 2, A days for Lore, write more, sleep some, la, la, la.

Victor was my nerd name

I do not woot but I like its origins. Way funny but annoying when people say it.

Aaron makes me laugh. He loves the Tosh.0. We've had to pause the show a couple times now because he's laughing so hard he can't gain control. And then he texts the links to his fam or friends. He instant texted: Girl throws up on plane. And almost died (of laughter): the prank of the week.

rah rah rasputin

Can you count an hour and a half playing Just Dance 2 (with the girls) as a workout? Cuz I'm a bit shweaty. I can't get enough of the gay russian. He makes me giggle and kicks my butt. Russian dancing is a workout. That and Body Movin' with the Beastie Boys.

I hate this book. This is taking forever.

Yes, I've been quiet the past few days because we've had 2 snow days. Not for snow but for freezing-your-butt cold. Minus 8.

Don't you want to know what a snart is?

The answer is Morgan. She is a sneeze and a fart at the same time. How do I know? Because yesterday, we went to Chick-fil-A (yes, we're damn proud Coloradans) with some friends for lunch. The kids ran off to play in the uber-fun-play-land-thingy. Five minutes later Ava is yelling to me. Morgan took off her clothes. So I climb up to catch her in the buff (oh yeah, the panties came off too) trying to escape down the slide. Everyone at the Fil-A watched me chase a naked kid streaking the playland. She giggled hysterically the whole time. She thinks she's funny. And when everyone is laughing (but me, until I caught her), she knows she is. I'm afraid this won't be our last public streaking. Little snart.

Grandma Patsy Update: She came home today. The meds seem to be working. Shew.

Just a scratch, come on ya pansies

So yesterday, I finally went to the doctor. And as I was describing my prolonged monthly lady business to the (woman) doctor, I broke into tears. Like a bawl baby, I couldn't suck them back into my face, they just kept falling and falling. I felt like an idiot. I hate to cry. Hate. It took the doctor off balance because who breaks into tears talking about lady business. I couldn't figure out why I was crying either. Ridiculous. I finally got it together, but it wasn't until I was walking to the car that I realized why I was losing it: I have to know what's going on with me. If I'm wrinkling, so be it but at least I know what it is. But this business could be a ton of different things and I don't like not knowing what's wrong. I feel out of control of myself. Weird, but true.

So I'm having more tests this week and next. Is it seriously? Who knows. Could be cancer, could be nothing. More than likely: my thyroid. Which might explain the mood swing. We won't know till I get the test results.

Wednesday low light: My sister Sunny called today to tell me that Mom was in the hospital. Apparently she had signs of a heart attack, but then they thought it was a blood clot, and then they couldn't figure out what it was and scrambled her to the ICU at Utah Valley with the best cardiologist. Right now they think it is: Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia.They're trying meds but if that doesn't work, she'll need some sort of surgery. These are not pleasant Wednesday thoughts. I almost booked a ticket to Utah tonight until my dad told me to stay. We're waiting to see what happens with the meds. Between yesterday and today, I've been a wreck. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Embrace the Chang

"Mom, I change my clothes a lot because I'm fancy. And fancy girls have to be fancy."

It's laundry day, and a few choice fancy girl uniforms (dance leotard and random skirts) came out clean. They barely had a chance to be folded and there was no way they were going to make it all the way upstairs to be put away. This drives Aaron crazy: the constant changing of outfits. But it's like Ava said, "Fancy girls have to be fancy."

old and busted

Aaron busted his pinky on his right hand while snowboarding last week. He's now admitting it might be broken. The boy is falling apart and he's only a year older than me. Someone told me it really starts going down hill at 40. Aaron's only 3 years away from 40 plus he was always a early bloomer. So yikes.

half marathon sidebar: I've been inconsistent with my workout schedule the past two weeks. My long run on Saturday (6 miles) was brutal. This scares me because I was hoping to be a comfy 7 by now, not a struggling 6. I think I'm anemic though, so I should probably go to the doctor. Maybe if I fix that, 7 will come easier. Or maybe I'm just old and busted too. M-o-o-n, getting old sucks.

heart to heart we stand

Recently I found out a friend is struggling in their marriage. They're going on 15 years together. It seems to be a common theme among many couples we know that hit the over 13. One of my friends admitted that year 14 was by far their worst. Law, (yeah I've been stuck on The Help all week) Aaron and I have had a roller coaster ride of a marriage. Is it because I'm crazy, perhaps? But he has an equal crazy that makes us balance out in the end. At least I think it does.

Since we've hit the over 10, we've found we actually fight, I mean, vigorously discuss issues less and less. In fact, minus the dog (whom I will always love/hate), I can't remember our last argument. Mostly the struggle, at this point, is just living with each other and the things we know we can't change. It is brutal, the things that drive Aaron crazy are also things I can't stand about myself. But it seems, even when I'm trying to be better, I still fall short.

Many days, I feel Aaron and I are polar opposites. And other days, I feel like my challenge is just to live with a MAN, not just Aaron. If Aaron were gone suddenly, I think I truly would become a hermitesque man hater. Well maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea.

What holds us together on the off days: the promised reward of this challenge called life and marriage. I heard a really great talk once, where the speaker said: remember your spouse at their best, when you truly fell for them, and then realize that's what eternity will be like. (Not now in the thick of the marriage when it's a struggle to be selfless or even touching.) I know I want an eternity of the best Aaron. So the rest of it is just life. . . a short, short life that we'll eventually remember as a blink.

go dogs go, it's not to far

Morgan, Ava and I just returned from sledding...in about 1 inch of snow. But when you've got the itch to sled, 1 inch will have to do. We tracked it out in a half hour, and we made a sweet jump. I'm raising tough girls and I love it. Now I gotta go. We're going to get comfy cozy and read some books then play a game before the other girls get home.

TGIBC

TGI Fridays...I hate it. Mostly for the name and the flair. But Book Club, it saves me. We're discussing The Help tonight. Should be good. Where I'm stressing: we need to bring book recommendations for the 2011 list and I'm out of ideas. Books I think would be great, end up having vulgarity in it that I can't recommend. If you have any ideas, send them my way.

I'm gonna

clean up puke all day. Morgan got up at 4a with the stomach flu. The best Jerry, the best. And of course it is crazy Tuesday. I so tired and it isn't even 1p.

Yesterday sidebar: we spent 3 hours jumping our guts out at Pump It Up. (One of those inflatable playground places.) Morgan and Ava were flying up down and through the obstacle course like spider monkeys. Morgan made the other 3 yr olds with us look like sissies...and one was a boy. Although Aaron got him to go through by the end of the day. Kids were so wiped out, it made for an easy day...until the puking.

You never go full special

Why do people clap with their fingers spread apart?

This is not a good look for anyone. If you do it, I promise, you look....special. Like breathing with your mouth open.

Don't do it.

You're in my world now grandma

"Mom, I can't wait to be a mom!"

"Oh yeah, how come?"

"You get to have babies and fun." (spoken with authority)

I must be doing something right because my day job is looking pretty glam to Ava.

Although, Morgan had a screaming fit all through Target today. As she was melting down (face down pounding and laying on the ground), the checkout girls and I were having a good laugh about it. I've come a long way. If that was Lauren melting down at 3, I would have been close to tears. Today, I just called her bluff.

We finally got some good snow. I'm taking the girls sledding after school. No, no snow day...it has to be 3 feet for that. But we did get a "late start day." No one complained about sleeping in till 8a...except for Morgan. Get up, I'm hungry. Make breakfast.

oh no here go hell come

Aaron backed into the garage (not with the new car---shew) but with my commander. It only left a scratch on the car but our garage door has a nice divot that won't punch out. So he might not have hurt himself in 2010 but he took out his truck, the garage door, and left a flesh wound on my car. I let him off pretty easy because we were on our way to go sledding with the kids. The first sled day of the winter. Seriously, everyone else is getting pounded. Denver needs snow. We tracked out the hill within an hour.

The kids are back in school and they came home tired and cranky today. Maybe by Friday we'll find our rhythm again.