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.