tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15556077976113008442024-03-13T13:42:00.181-07:00Mouse's HouseHunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-9858755576985046342015-10-03T15:16:00.001-07:002015-10-03T15:16:42.836-07:00MauldenNews - October 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't blogged in quite a while, but I'm hoping to get back in the swing. We've had our ups and downs the past several months, and for a while I felt either too overwhelmed or too unmotivated to keep up the blog. Am taking advantage of this rainy afternoon to catch up a little. Breathe in...breathe out...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of our story is harder to tell these days because there is more to keep private when kids get older. I read a blog post a while back - something like "to the mom of older kids" that expressed this idea nicely. When the kids are little, you can share those common struggles and stories widely without much worry - the tantrums, potty-training fails, and funny things they say aren't going to haunt us much if posted on Facebook. Now that they are 11 and 9, it's trickier...especially when your kids have certain challenges. When friends are posting about their kids' successes in school and on the soccer field, whereas you are that mom just waiting for the next call from the school principal, it's not exactly a boost to your self-image as a parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In short, the last 10 months have been somewhat tough going. No major crises - thank heaven! Suffice it to say that no one in our family is without issues, and I'm not always feeling equipped to handle things skillfully. For a while things did get easier when the kids were in school, but as it turns out, our kids are getting to a point where school (and life in general) is stressful for them. More is expected of them, friendships and school relationships get more complicated, and they both struggle with executive functions such as emotional control, time management, response inhibition (impulse control), and self awareness. (And -to be fair - Bryan and I have our exec skills weaknesses too.) Without revealing the gory details, I'll just say we've been weathering a series of storms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But now for the good part. Things are getting better. The turnaround started when we enrolled Sam in a summer camp for kids with ADHD, including a parent education class. The main takeaway for me was the connection between ADHD and executive skills - something they didn't teach us in medical school. Sam is 3-6 years delayed in executive functions - typical of ADHD kids. Until I saw it laid out on paper I didn't truly appreciate this, but it was an "aha" moment. We gained new understanding of many behaviors, such as why he can't get himself ready for school on time, and now we're learning how to better set our expectations, and best of all how to help teach him the skills he needs (and stop blaming ourselves for his delays). The medications are very helpful in regulating his brain so he can learn, but meds don't teach skills. He's struggling a bit in third grade so far, but we're working with the teacher, principal, and after-school care staff and he's doing OK. They learned what happens when they don't give him his medication on time, and I think it only happened once. ;-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for Alle - she found school stressful too, but for different reasons. She also has some delays in executive functioning. After some research and soul-searching, we decided to go out on a limb and try online school at home for her this year. So far it's working out very well - she's less stressed and is less irritable and more fun to live with. She is learning to finish her school work by 1-2 p.m and is enjoying her extra free time. She has read through the Chronicles of Narnia and a few other book series. She's still playing violin, doing Tae Kwon Do, and being creative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little side story about Tae Kwon Do - they invited parents to participate, and Bryan broke his wrist on the punching bag. He fractured and displaced the scaphoid bone and had to have surgery this week. It is hindering his video game time but he is being a good sport about it. :-) . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So because of online school, we hired an au pair from Cape Town, South Africa to come for the year and be Alle's learning coach. (We chose the au pair option over a nanny or tutor because of flexible hours, the cultural exchange, and it made financial sense.) Her name is Mischell, she is 23, and we adore her! She's bright and fun and good with the kids. It's fun to see our life and American culture through her eyes. She expresses appreciation for a lot of simple things we take for granted, like automatic doors at the supermarket and kitchen garbage bags with built-in handles to tie. We are learning which restaurants and products are available in Cape Town (KFC, Finish dish detergent) and which are totally new (Olive Garden, Pop Tarts, grits, seaweed snacks). She's getting used to driving on the right side of the road and is enjoying exploring Utah with other au pair friends from Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. It is super nice to have another adult around, and nice for the kids to have a "big sister" - way more cool than a parent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now for me - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm very, very grateful for the friends and family who have helped encourage me, and I feel I am finally getting back on firmer ground. Run-walking is keeping me sane too - the highlight this year was running the Redwoods Marathon with 2 brothers, one sister-in-law plus friends. Gorgeous course, great weather, and totally worth taking the kids out of school for a week. I ran two more half-marathons, bringing the total to 5 marathons and thirteen halfs. I need ideas for the next marathon. Anyone want to run one with me???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love to all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-15472833963745827192014-12-21T14:31:00.004-08:002014-12-21T14:31:55.576-08:00MauldenNews December 2014<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woowww... haven't posted anything here since June?!? I have turned into such a slacker!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd like to write more often. Life goes by and there is so much to remember - much that is fun to look back on, or feel glad to be done with, especially when you have kids. At 8 and 10, they are not growing and changing as quickly now, but this stage is so delightful I don't mind if it lasts a long time. Their creativity and imaginations are in full swing, and their increasing verbal abilities give us a fuller picture of all that activity going on in their heads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we adults grow and change too. Not as drastically or as quickly as kids, but change still happens. A wise person I know talks about how "developmental stages" are underappreciated in most adults. At 45, I love my current stage...no midlife crisis (yet). I'm REALLY thankful for the luxury of being able to work part time - busy as I am with family, community, and work, I do have time to pursue some passions, rest and play, and engage in deeper awareness and knowledge of myself and the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My broken clavicle has healed nicely with the help of physical therapy. I am back to doing everything I did before, including yoga, although some of the positions are more challenging as I have lost a little strength and range of motion in my "bionic" shoulder. I ran a half marathon in October and another on Thanksgiving, and am planning for a marathon in May in the California Redwoods (Avenue of the Giants). I've wanted to run through those old, old trees for some years now, and I think I've enticed 2 brothers and a sis-in-law to join me. Yay! Anyone else want to come? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam's arms have healed up nicely as well. He is a ball of 2nd-grade enthusiasm and has such a joyful spirit - cheerful, often singing, giving big hugs, dancing, or playing with complete absorption in his fantasy worlds. The other day I got on the phone with a customer service person and Sam was playing various characters in an imaginary game in the background. The person on the phone said, "Sounds like you have a whole houseful!" Nope, believe it or not, it is just one kid. He does have the energy of about 3 regular kids though. We are working on helping him channel it toward positive ends. He wants to play the drums. Lord have mercy, but I think we will let him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alle is also a joy and it's amazing to watch her grow and learn. She has matured a lot this year - especially emotionally. It's very encouraging (and a relief!) to see her beginning to master her feelings and behavior. Her sponge-brain soaks up everything and thirsts for more, and she continues to ponder deep questions and is ruthlessly curious. She is also quite independent, confident, and assertive. These traits make her hard to parent sometimes but will stand her in good stead in life. We recently finished the Harry Potter audio book series (wonderful production! 5 stars!) and now she dreams about Harry Potter scenarios and characters a lot. She really, really wishes she could go to Hogwarts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year Alle learned to knit by watching ladies at church and then went home and practiced with two pencils and a ball of yarn, producing a beautiful little white square in just a few minutes. It's inspiring for me to watch her learn skills like knitting and origami, which do NOT come naturally to me. Poor girl--stuck with a mom who is terrible at arts and crafts. She loves science and is begging for a chemistry set, and she has become a master at making yummy scrambled eggs with cheese. We continue to play violin together and she even volunteered (!) to play her violin with me at church on Christmas Eve. She is such a little mini-me and yet soooooo different from me. I love this age and can't wait to see what comes next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan update - doing well! Still cracking silly jokes, still making me laugh, still stamping out illness and saving lives. I am so blessed to be with him. We have our disagreements, but by and large his strengths are complementary to my weaknesses and I'm really grateful for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't end without a book update - these are recent favorites...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The Round House</u> by Louise Erdrich - award winning novel about a 14-year-old boy on an Indian reservation - it's disturbing and funny and tragic and eye-opening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian</u> - by Sherman Alexie - listned to this on audio - another story told from the point of view of a teenager on the reservation - moving and funny and compelling.</span><br />
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<span id="btAsinTitle" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Peter Gray - this one is REALLY making me think about what education means, and giving me new ideas for school and un-school options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally, a good audio book for families - consider this for your next car trip, recommended for ages 10 and up- <u>Call it Courage</u> by Armstrong Sperry. It's a great survival story set in the Polynesian islands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year to All!</span><br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-87592065195421953192014-06-14T13:53:00.001-07:002014-06-14T13:58:24.797-07:00MauldenNews May 2014Well, this was the big news for May: my broken clavicle.<br />
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May 28 - I was enjoying a beautiful bike ride down Little Cottonwood Canyon (about 30 mph), went into a turn too quickly, hit the gravel and crashed. :-( A very nice guy (Onno Wieringa, general manager of Alta) saw me fall and stopped to help. He called Bryan for me but there was no answer (it was 6:30 a.m.). My vision went weird for about a minute - kind of lacy with "stars" obscuring my visual field. Onno graciously drove me and my bike home and Bryan took the kids to school and me to the ER. Apparently I asked Bryan the same questions a few times over the next hour or so, so I had a concussion. My bike helmet had cracked in a couple places where it hit the gravel so I was definitely glad for the brain bucket! I also experienced my first migraine aura - the classic "fortification spectra" - but lucky me, no headache! Whew. I had some facial abrasions, road rash and a sore mouth and chin, but these healed quickly. Bryan has been an awesome caretaker, except when he ate the last of the ice cream I bought... Well, nobody's perfect.<br />
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The kids finished 1st and 3rd grades on June 5 - woo-hooooooo! We are all enjoying the lazy schedule. Next week Alle has Suzuki violin camp, and we have a couple other things scheduled including Korean Culture Camp, but it's nice to have a good number of free days. Alle has been catching bugs, butterflies and insects and Sam has been learning to play Pickle Ball with Papa. I've been using my recovery time to read more of <u>Game of Thrones</u> - I like it but it is super lonnnnngggg.<br />
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The clavicle required surgery, which I was apprehensive about but it went well. The biggest disappointment was that we had to miss our family vacation in Tennessee. :-( We found that Frontier airlines will let us rebook the tickets without fees if we use them within a year and give them a doctor's letter. So that's good. Getting shirts on and off is a challenge, and I'm not able to cook the way I like to, but friends and family have been VERY helpful - we've had people bring us dinner, send yummy packages, and offer rides, etc. I'm feeling the love, and grateful.<br />
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And now for the better news - check out our new Mazda 5! Now we have enough room to haul kids and their friends. Hoping for lots of happy miles in this thing.<br />
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Hope all is well with everyone - send me your news!<br />
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Sarah<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-17071440179435357142014-04-27T15:09:00.001-07:002014-04-27T15:09:08.036-07:00MauldenNews March - April 2014Hello All!<br />
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We've had a very nice spring this year - in fact, I heard on the news that this has been the second warmest spring on record for our little valley here. For some reason, our emperor tulips did not come out until April - usually they are smiling up at me in March. But I'm glad they made it!<br />
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I've thoroughly enjoyed the absence of snow - though I have felt the pain of my friends and family elsewhere who have been pummeled by it this year. Let's hope we're really through the worst of it!<br />
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In March I had the good fortune to run the Canyonlands Half with some buddies - it was beautiful, sunny, wild and windy. I lost about a minute off my time retrieving my hat that blew off into a small ravine. Still, I was completely satisfied with my 2:18 and my "power disc" medal.<br />
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Tammy and I dined with our daughters for our birthday on March 8. Here they are displaying their genioglossus muscles.<br />
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Sam turned 8 on April 15. We had a fun party at the indoor pool and Splash Zone and a little family celebration at home. We all had blue mouths for awhile after this cake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"COOL! This is JUST what I WANTED!!!" (a Power Rangers MegaZord, in case you didn't know)</td></tr>
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Easter weekend was eventful - egg dyeing on Friday, birthday party on Saturday, egg hunt on Sunday morning, and...<br />
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Sam's baptism! Easter Sunday, April 21, 2014.<br />
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Then we took off for Spring Break adventures in Moab, Arches, and Mesa Verde. The highlight of our trip to Arches was Alle's first live lizard capture. I knew their tails could detach. What I didn't know was that the tail keeps moving all by itself for quite a while after separation from the lizard! Freaky to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mom, can we take him home? Pleeeeeease?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa and Sam with "the Mitten"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing the art of cairn creation</td></tr>
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A suspicion of strep throat led us on a detour to Moab Regional Hospital, where Alle got a culture. It wasn't strep, but it did grow Moraxella catarrhalis and another unidentified bug so she got antibiotics. She didn't let it slow her down. We visited the Moab Rock Shop, where she and Sam got free dinosaur bones and we all enjoyed browsing the interesting gemstones and other oddities. We also toured "Hole in the Rock", an old diner and home blasted into the rock by a miner in the 1950s. Then we got sucked into the little zoo and Alle ended up riding a camel named Luke. I hope she didn't cough too much on the animals.<br />
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Mesa Verde was AWESOME. Bryan and I marveled at the ruins while the kids climbed rocks and sought out bugs and lizards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's new porcupine puppets: Cutie and Porky Junior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alle with Proud, her Eagle puppet. Proud likes to hunt Porky Junior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert blooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at a winery for a tasting. Kids said "No fair, this is only for the grownups!" Exactly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb crossing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hovenweep National Monument - the Castle</td></tr>
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Final notes - these are mainly for myself but free for anyone who thinks they may visit this area again -<br />
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Good marks for Moab Valley Inn, Moab Brewery, and Best Western Turquoise in Cortez. Far View Lodge (inside Mesa Verde) was OK but not worth the price. I would go back to the Moab Rock Shop, but not to the Hole in the Rock (once was enough). The Pepperhead in Cortez had great food and was family friendly and well worth the money.<br />
<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-7129735049510339642014-02-08T17:20:00.002-08:002014-02-08T17:20:56.178-08:00Don't be yourself
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Don't
be yourself. Be someone a little nicer." -Mignon McLaughlin,
journalist and author (1913-1983) </span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Lately I've been struggling with the snappy part of my self. The part that is irritated by Every. Little. Thing. God's wisdom and sense of humor has decided I shall live with three people who are wonderful and gifted and I love them just the way they are...but who have less need than I for order, organization, cleanliness, solitude, and peace. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Maybe I was born this way, needing these things, and didn't get them enough in my childhood because of the eleven other kids and their friends with whom I shared a house. I grew up in a stable loving home that was also filled with mess, disorganization, clutter, noise and chaos. My response was to feel horribly anxious and retreat whenever possible. I came by it honestly - my dad actually built a separate room for himself as his means of escape, and I can totally understand that. I still grit my teeth through every kids' birthday party and can honestly agree sometimes with whoever said "Hell is other people." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But my irritability can be a problem. I'm not proud of my tendency to yell and criticize. Last year I practiced "complaint free living" by wearing a bracelet to help me increase awareness and refrain from complaining, criticizing, or gossiping. It took me 8+ months to go 21 consecutive days without moving the bracelet. I'm realizing that, sadly, the good habits I tried to "re-wire" into my brain have not lasted. I think maybe I'm a little better than before, but I need to get the bracelet back on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Anyway, I saw this quote (don't be yourself) and it reminds me to keep practicing my patience and tolerance skills. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I also like this response to all the "positive psychology" messages out there. You know, all those messages that tell us how great we are all the time. I like that this message frees us to admit we're not so great, but that we can do better.</span></div>
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Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-90820289381607299942014-01-29T09:35:00.000-08:002014-01-29T09:35:03.285-08:00January 2014 - Practicing Joy<br />
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For a few months now, our family has been trying to follow a "practice of the month." In November we practiced Gratitude, and in December we practiced Giving. I got the idea from a group at our church last year that was focusing on practicing compassion, and I wanted to try it as a way of integrating those practices and values that are important to me into our daily life.<br />
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I bought a glass vase and a bunch of colored glass beads. When we remember to do it, which is often only a couple of times a week, we talk about our "practice" around the table. When we think of an example of the practice, either something we did or saw someone else do, we name it and put a bead in the jar. At the end of the month, if the jar is full, we get to go do something fun. It's led to some good conversations, and sometimes it's been helpful to get us out of the rut of complaining and snipping at each other.<br />
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So January was the month to practice Joy. I chose Joy because, let's face it, January can be cold, dark, long, and dreary. The kids did not adjust well to going back to school after the Christmas break. Bryan's mood tends to go down in the season of short days. I'm not crazy about the cold or the air pollution. So I was somewhat skeptical about our ability to put Joy into practice. In general, I'm not a big fan of "positive thinking" as a self-help ploy...even if it works, it frequently feels false to me. But I do think that joy is a choice - and an important one to make often - and so I gritted my teeth and committed to exercise my joy muscle this month.<br />
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Surprisingly, it's actually worked pretty well. Part of my approach was to try to incorporate more play into the daily grind. I'm not naturally very playful as an adult, unfortunately for my kids, and I wasn't even very playful as a child. So I tried the Jerry Seinfeld idea of doing "opposite day" - if I didn't feel playful, I played. If my kids were annoying me, I made myself respond playfully and tried to turn things into a game or a joke. "Act as if." "Fake it to make it." I didn't do it consistently, but when I did, it helped.<br />
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The other place I found joy this month - believe it or not - has been the laundry. First, when you really stop to think about it, our way of doing laundry should always evoke gratitude. When's the last time you washed all your clothes by hand, or scrubbed them against a washboard, or a rock in a river as the majority of humans have done for a great long time? In the spirit of being mindful, I took to noticing the multisensory experience brought to me by my laundry. Compared to the clothes most humans have worn through most of history, don't we have amazingly soft, comfortable fabrics? beautiful designs? rich colors?<br />
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My sister-in-law Grace gave me the gift once of telling me how she did her laundry. When folding my brother's clothes, she focused on her love for my brother. She remembered the time before she met him when she prayed to meet someone to love. OK, I admit, this is overly sentimental and totally hokey! But today when I folded the laundry, I held a few clean, warm, soft shirts to my face and breathed in gratitude for the husband and children in my life.<br />
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And finally, when I clean out the lint screen these days, I get an extra hit of joy. Why would dryer lint give me joy? Because my 9-year-old daughter has taken to collecting it. Every time I give her a big lint ball she breaks into a smile and makes a happy "ooh!".<br />
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January is almost over, and I'm not sad about that. But thanks to this month's Joy practice, I can honestly say it's been one of my better Januarys in recent memory.<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-57830114136714358842014-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:002014-01-24T12:41:00.410-08:00<br />
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I wrote this for our Galloway Group's new website, which includes a blog for runners. Thought I'd post here as well. I started running in 2010, and it has done so much for me. Still can't believe I do this! </div>
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<u>Running, the Brain, and Joy</u><br /><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1390592540703_3091" style="border-collapse: collapse; display: block; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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My story is similar to the others posted here - I NEVER thought I would enjoy exercise, least of all RUNNING! Growing up, my favorite activity was curling up with a good book and moving my eyes left to right for hours on end. My brothers played soccer and my sisters did ballet, but I was too incoordinated and unmotivated to enjoy any sport on a regular basis. (I still cannot do step aerobics to save my life.) I also learned to fear ball sports after being injured while made to play with bigger-stronger-faster kids. When I biked or ran with kids my age, they all just left me in the dust. Years later I would find out more about why...keep reading...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lUfaYlzeXOWDSAq98mOE8E_bdyQVDHF5Z-GWcVaqbxSU7_kx5PN0qJv6VKK6y1mWn571CHF8A9-ZAMd-K9CQn0mqycWmJ-l7XnZ9zoIhmhazD_rnYSbJDDFkMLwnnQhS1N3pKJ3omjDH/s1600/MyFirst10K_Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lUfaYlzeXOWDSAq98mOE8E_bdyQVDHF5Z-GWcVaqbxSU7_kx5PN0qJv6VKK6y1mWn571CHF8A9-ZAMd-K9CQn0mqycWmJ-l7XnZ9zoIhmhazD_rnYSbJDDFkMLwnnQhS1N3pKJ3omjDH/s1600/MyFirst10K_Finish.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>When I took swim lessons, I saw that other kids could somehow float, but I sank to the bottom like a stone. I did learn to ski, but was slower than my friends in passing each level, which meant I watched them take off for the big hill while I stayed behind. In middle school, I was effectively trained to HATE the mile by our PE teachers, who required us to run it in a certain time - conveniently ignoring that we all had different bodies with different abilities. (I would love to go back with a heart rate monitor and be graded on EFFORT rather than an arbitrary time cutoff.) In high school, I even developed exercise-induced urticaria, which meant I broke out in big red blotchy itchy hives after each run. </div>
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<br id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_6_1390592540703_33" />So I did what any self-respecting clumsy short person would do - I developed my brain rather than my body. I played violin and piano and did well in school. The culture and my parents rewarded me for this, even if I was still pretty much a nerd among my peers. I made friends with other musicians and smart kids and we focused on getting into college and pursuing our careers. For years I ignored my body. My body basically existed to house my brain, which was where I lived. I did exercise half-heartedly to keep from gaining weight, but I sure didn't enjoy it or look forward to it. It was like eating my veggies - I knew it was good for me, but I wouldn't do it of my own accord.</div>
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Well, my brain took me to medical school, where I continued to stuff it with learning and facts. Despite my lack of interest in (and time for) fitness, two experiences there were significant. First, I was part of the "code" team at LDS Hospital. If someone started to die, the code pager went off and the code team dropped whatever we were doing and raced for the patient. One day we were in the basement looking at pathology slides and the code pager summoned us to the 8th floor ICU. Taking the elevator was out of the question - this was a true life-or-death emergency! The code team charged up the stairs. The rest of the team surged ahead as I painfully tried to run up the 7 flights of stairs. By the time I made it to the 8th floor they were out of sight. Sweaty and panting, I eventually rejoined them. No one said anything, but of course I felt remorseful at my slowness. This was life or death - what if people were counting on me one day and I couldn't come through? And another thing - my colleagues were as busy and stressed and out of shape as I was (or more). Why could they zip up those stairs so much faster than I could? I was soon to find out!</div>
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Second experience: A few weeks later we were in the Pulmonology lab for a demonstration of inhalers and pulmonary function tests. We were invited to take the tests that patients take, and here comes my "aha!" moment - my tests showed that I had a significantly smaller lung capacity than expected for my age, gender, height and weight. I was off the chart. AHA!!! It wasn't major, and it didn't limit me in normal daily life, but it did explain why I seemed to be a Hufflepuff in a world full of Ravenclaws and Gryffindors (couldn't resist the Harry Potter reference, sorry). </div>
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So...here I am now, running marathons and loving it! No one is more surprised at this than me. I can't explain what made me want to run, but not long after the big 4-0 I came across an article about the Galloway method and suddenly I thought, "I wonder how far I could run." I looked up the SLC Galloway group and the rest is history. The run-walk-run method just jives with me. It makes me feel GOOD! (unlike running continuously, which still makes me feel BAD even though I'm in better shape now). It may not be for everyone, but it unlocked my joy for bodily play, and I am much more integrated - a body, a brain, and most importantly a SOUL that enjoys both the physical and mental aspects of life. </div>
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Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-10124026536650521792014-01-18T17:06:00.002-08:002014-01-18T17:06:23.722-08:00December 2013End of the Year Musings...<br />
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It's December 31st, 2013, and I'm sitting down here in the midst of my messy house, a glass of red wine by my side, feeling mildly frazzled on the surface but grateful in my depths. Some reflections on 2013...<br />
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(Note: I lost my camera a couple months ago, so no recent pictures. Back to the dark ages where we described things in words...)<br />
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I'll start with Sam. Sam's boundless energy invites me to paint him in metaphors. He is a dynamo, a torpedo, a tornado, a bullet train, a bear cub, a puppy, and a bouncing Tigger all in one. He spins! He flies! He falls off chairs! It is <u>so </u>much fun to watch him grow. He's becoming a super reader and entertains us with live and expressive Dr. Seuss readings, songs, and nursery rhymes, as well as creative dance moves. He can swim like a shark, ride a bike without training wheels, and ice skate forward and backward (and sideways, and upside-down, and on his bum or sliding across the ice on his tummy or knees...) Nothing stops him!<br />
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This year Sam got glasses and was found to have astigmatism and red-green color blindness, which explains years of <strike>arguments</strike> discussions over what is blue versus purple. He also began treatment for ADHD this year, with good results, and we are really proud of his progress in school. He practices high-velocity hugs on me and writes me beautiful love notes. He makes my day just by saying, "Bye, supermommy!" when I leave for work.<br />
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Alle continues to be a spirited, creative young lady. She turned 9 this year and is tackling the challenges of third grade with a mix of courage and frustration. It looks like she has some version of ADD as well, without the hyperactivity, and the extra demands of homework and organization/planning are stretching her limits. She is fiery and passionate, independent, stubborn, curious, articulate, a deep thinker and a very perceptive observer. We have enjoyed reading great books together this year, and now she has discovered the worlds of Narnia and Harry Potter and we are deep into enchantment, magic and mystery. She was in her first "Winter Ice Show" at the local rink this year, where she showed off her backward skating-waving-smiling skills and clearly enjoyed the spotlight. :-)<br />
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Alle also started violin lessons recently, and her teacher makes it fun, with songs about ants and grandmas riding motorcycles. It's interesting to see the Suzuki philosophy and techniques from a parent's viewpoint and I'm learning a lot too, mainly that there is a big difference between being able to play and being able to teach! I really like Suzuki's emphasis on joy and character and music as a way to develop those.<br />
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Bryan is enjoying a thriving and rewarding psychiatry practice, and thankfully is in a good group where the call is reasonable. I've been hearing recently about the importance of play both for children's development and for adults' thriving, and I have a new love and appreciation for his play skills - he's a good influence on me and a fantastic dad. He enjoys playing games with the kids and has introduced them to the creative and problem-solving worlds of Minecraft and Civilization. Games in our house are also opportunities to practice non-violence. :-) He also enjoys getting together with friends for game nights and movies like The Hobbit.<br />
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As for me...I'm a work in progress--aren't we all? At age 44 I am still learning things - and I love what we are discovering about neuroplasticity - it means there is hope for everyone! This year I am proud to report I learned to ice skate - nothing fancy, but enough to have fun with the kids and finally understand that gliding motion a little bit. I also learned to "loom knit" hats, and I enjoy the process even though I have trouble finding enough sit-down time to get much done. Again this year I also enjoyed training for and completing three half-marathons and two marathons, and collected donations for girls' education. Finally, I've rekindled my love for the piano a bit, renewing my old acquaintances from childhood piano books and finding new interests in Satie and Faure and Debussy. I'm no great performer, but it brings me joy.<br />
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And that is about it! The year in a nutshell.<br />
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May your 2014 be filled with peace, love, and joy.<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-63633200177434042402013-10-14T17:23:00.003-07:002013-10-14T17:23:46.308-07:00September 2013Quick August/September news -<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scientific discoveries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New glasses! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH6CaK6qlWJDHWku65_TSMrhd6MaboEu44t_aIyspepE_DWRHEoUeZBiOouJD_1CTM0QjMmmJ7ft6ShfDhJt5JrYnco10spdhbE75m7dMJBmQIIq1zY3KLLj6R1XgKzUCjqqAfo4omR8c/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH6CaK6qlWJDHWku65_TSMrhd6MaboEu44t_aIyspepE_DWRHEoUeZBiOouJD_1CTM0QjMmmJ7ft6ShfDhJt5JrYnco10spdhbE75m7dMJBmQIIq1zY3KLLj6R1XgKzUCjqqAfo4omR8c/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art project </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New favorite book, and a new lost tooth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNJ-XvlOszDy33Nne1hpRoEBMBm48RvPHdDPWF4PfwEgqiqOSnfhCwNp4DSnzhX95Jc01_khh7J1k-wQ4eN5QSDRHi9LXGjvMJ2XuoGkFelAZRC2h6_JnvTotsMPRCFLZFVzzhk6AGdWt/s1600/Salmon+marathon+medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNJ-XvlOszDy33Nne1hpRoEBMBm48RvPHdDPWF4PfwEgqiqOSnfhCwNp4DSnzhX95Jc01_khh7J1k-wQ4eN5QSDRHi9LXGjvMJ2XuoGkFelAZRC2h6_JnvTotsMPRCFLZFVzzhk6AGdWt/s320/Salmon+marathon+medal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my Salmon marathon medal!<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-66666767952519910622013-10-14T17:04:00.002-07:002013-10-14T17:04:34.424-07:00Summer 2013 - Part 2Summer continued - Korean Culture Camp in Minneapolis! We stayed with my very wonderful cousin Margaret and her family. Sam, Alle, and their cousin Lucie went to camp and did cool Korean stuff.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam learning Tae Kwon Do</td></tr>
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I volunteered in the camp nursing station, which was notable for a report of head lice (none seen), a dramatic bloody nose with screaming, tears, and hyperventilation, a near-fainting episode at the sight of blood from the bloody nose, and three giggly girls with "stomach aches" every day after lunch that were cured with Gatorade.<br />
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We visited the Mall of America and a few other landmarks, and generally just had fun hanging out.<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-30350593805422840962013-10-14T15:46:00.003-07:002013-10-14T15:46:53.158-07:00Summer 2013 - Part 1Summer's over already? Well, technically we still have another week, but it might as well be over since school is in full swing. This is turning into more of a seasonal blog than a monthly blog. Maybe I'll get better about posting more often. Maybe not.<br />
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So here are the days of summer 2013...<br />
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Sam's kindergarten "graduation" - I loved kindergarten with both kids and I'm sad to see it go.<br />
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Family reunion trip to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. No pictures of the beach (too busy having fun I guess) but we did go to the Children's Museum in Raleigh:</div>
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All right, here is where I admit to being The. Laziest. Mom. Ever. We went to Donner Lake for the 4th of July and I didn't even take any pictures. Now I wish I had. I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and mountain air which always brings back memories of childhood summers. We also enjoyed a gorgeous day at Tahoe with Mary, Bean and Dan, our kids, and a rented kayak. Ahhh. So grateful to see so many of my clan, but the time flew way too fast. I did get in a very nice run around Donner Lake with Tim. The fireworks show was spectacular. Sam made it to a new milestone - first time in his 7 years he has stayed awake late enough to actually watch the fireworks. </div>
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Luckily for me, (LaziestMom) other less lazy people took pictures which I can borrow from FB:</div>
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The big family group plus various friends and dogs<br />
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Mom, Dad and 9 of the 12.</div>
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(random insertion) I like these pictures of Sam:</div>
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To be continued...</div>
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Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-49295427748737967142013-05-24T20:20:00.002-07:002013-05-24T20:20:53.012-07:00MauldenNews - April & May 2013Greetings everyone!<br />
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We are doing well here. Enjoying the spring weather. We've had the typical Utah "Spring Mix" of 70-80-degree days alternating with snow and rain, but the last week has smoothed out a bit. Loving the flowers and green on the mountains.<br />
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We've had our ups and downs, as always. Our 2001 Prius broke down and we ended up replacing it with a 2010 Toyota Camry hybrid. I was sad to say goodbye to the Prius - the Camry is nice but I really liked the instant mpg feedback in the Prius. We are passing it on to a new owner - a nice young lady who is soon to turn 16 - we hope it will behave itself and be a good first car for her.<br />
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Flood and smoke - We had a couple of minor flooding events - washing machine and bathroom sink - both affecting the carpet in the same area, which I guess is good and bad. Some water found its way down to the basement, but luckily not too much damage was done. We also smoked up the kitchen pretty well when I left a pot of beans simmering on very low heat and forgot about it. Wish I could blame that on...something besides early-onset dementia...must be the kids' fault. I'm sure they distracted me. Yeah.<br />
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Sam turned 7 on April 15. He really, really, really really really wanted his party to be at Chuck E. Cheese so we agreed, reluctantly. I'm not sure where he got the idea since to our knowledge he'd never been there. Probably TV or school. Anyway, he had a great time with his friends - so much fun he forgot to eat. On the way home he realized he was hungry.<br />
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Sure do love this boy. Proud of how he is growing up. He has grown SO much as a kindergartner. His positive energy, playfulness, imagination and sense of humor are true gifts. He is a helpful backseat navigator too. When I take a wrong turn he lets me know. He knows how to get to school, church, stores, the pool, the dentist, etc. Who needs a GPS when I have him?<br />
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April 20 - Salt Lake Half Marathon - started and finished (in 2:24) with my totally awesome friend Tammy. It was drizzling rain and in the 40s - not ideal but I stayed reasonably comfortable until the very end when I let down my guard and soaked my shoes in a puddle or two. I also ran the Provo City Half Marathon on May 4, and though it started out too freakin' cold up in the canyon, and my toes were numb for the first 2 miles, the course was beautiful and it was plenty warm and sunny at the end. I finished in 2:12! My second best time. :-)<br />
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April 27 - MS Walk in Salt Lake City - the kids and I walked a mile on behalf of our VA MS patients and their families. Alle and Sam rode their scooters in pajamas. Sam went way ahead and made a wrong turn so Alle and I had to be detectives and guess which way he went. A helpful policeman pointed us in his direction and we caught up with him at the finish.<br />
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May 12 - Mother's Day - I am so grateful for my Mom. Every year I appreciate her more.<br />
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Til next time...<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-86244373160314851902013-03-29T10:41:00.001-07:002013-03-29T10:41:29.385-07:00MauldenNews - Dec 2012 - Mar 2013Hey, I'm back! Guess I took a few months off from MauldenNews. Partly it's just being busy, and partly it's frankly sometimes intimidating to write stuff that you know other people are going to read. I want to be funny and insightful and all that, but it takes effort. It's also a constant balance of deciding how much to share with the world, how deep to go.<br />
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But now here I am, drawn back to writing. It's time to connect and reconnect. Life is moving along. Spring is here, Easter is coming. It's getting warmer and it's lighter in the evenings and new life is all around.<br />
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Rewind back to December. I can't even remember much detail that far back, so I'll just post some pictures.<br />
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Marshmallow guns and Pikachu toys were the faves this year.<br />
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We had a party and Alle made this sign to make sure some of the goodies were reserved just for kids.<br />
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New Year's Eve - we set the clocks back 2 hours and celebrated "New York style" at 10 pm our time. Well, 3 of us celebrated. One could not stay awake even with all the fun.<br />
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Ran a Half Marathon (first one ever indoors!) at the Utah Olympic Oval on Jan 1! Great way to start the New Year. Yup, still running and still loving it. I also do yoga, walking, aerobics, weights, and am learning some new activities with the stability ball, stretchy bands and foam roller at home. It really makes me feel amazingly good. Recently I read an interesting book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Revolutionary-Science-Exercise-Brain/dp/0316113514/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364575682&sr=1-1&keywords=spark+the+revolutionary+new+science+of+exercise+and+the+brain" target="_blank">Spark</a> that explains more about what physical activity does for your brain. This neurologist never learned about this in medical school, but much of it was discovered pretty recently. Along with balancing our neurotransmitters and boosting our feel-good/reward signals (serotonin, dopamine) it strengthens neural connections involved in learning, focus, motivation and memory. I've signed up for another season with the SLC Jeff Galloway group and I'm looking forward to more punishment. :-) I hope to run two half marathons in April and May, and two marathons: Salmon, ID in September and St. George, UT in October. Hoo-ah!</div>
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The REAL Christmas present to the kids this year was a trip to Disneyland in January. We got lucky with great weather and had a delightful time at the Magic Kingdom. Daniel and Robin were our gracious hosts. Daniel makes awesome green smoothies and we LOVED the time with them and their kids, as well as the chance to visit with Jenny and her kids and with Laura, Ellie and Chris. Sam put some rocks in their pool and took one of Tres's toys to our hotel, but all was ironed out in the end. When we got home, Bryan discovered several pictures on his phone taken by a very short person.<br />
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Alle got chosen to be a Jedi knight in training. She gave Darth Vader a good whacking with her light saber.<br />
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While we were in LA, we visited Korea Town - no pictures here but it was really fun - enough Korean people, Korean signs, foods, and items in the stores to make it feel like we were back in Korea. For the kids it was a chance to experience a bit of Korea for the first time since they were babies. Afterwards Alle shared with me that she wondered if her own birth mother (or Sam's) could have been walking around right there near us. Who knows? It led to some good conversations about their roots in Korea and their feelings about their birth parents. We signed them up for Korean Culture Camp in Minnesota for this summer and we're very excited about that. We'll be staying with my cousin Margaret (whose daughter is also adopted from Korea) and I'm looking forward to volunteering in the kitchen and learning more about how to make Korean food.<br />
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February was blah. We had cold, snow, and air pollution. I spent all my free time cramming for my Neurology board exam recertification. Don't have results yet but I'm hoping I passed. My biggest accomplishment - a true gift to myself - was that I finally extricated myself from the night and weekend call system. Yippee! I had always struggled with the stress and sleep deprivation, and finally felt brave enough to ask the Department if I could continue on as an outpatient doc only. Of course, since they don't pay me (I'm paid through the informatics office) they don't have a lot of leverage but still it was nerve-wracking to ask. Needless to say, I'm so glad I did! Sometimes you just have to decide what you want and go for it.<br />
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Other news...I gave up cereal for Lent this year. I read somewhere about the amount of fossil fuels that go into making our processed foods (plus packaging) and decided this would be my form of protest. Though I dearly miss my cinnamon Cheerios and Kashi GoLean Crunch, it was a good daily reminder that healthy sustainable eating can be tasty too. I rotated among several cooked grains - oatmeal, brown rice, barley, corn/grits, millet, quinoa, and wheat. (Went to Whole Foods to try farro but they were out! Darn!) Bottom line, any grain is delish if you add fruit, nuts, milk/yogurt, and sugar/maple syrup/honey.<br />
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Sam's kindergarten began an all-day program in January, and that has been good although he had some difficulty adjusting. Sadly, some really ugly behaviors started occurring. He hasn't been exactly easy at home either. After some teacher conferences we had him evaluated for ADHD. We tried one medicine but it kept him up too late at night so we couldn't tell if it was really working. We're starting another one now. We also discovered that he is nearsighted and so we have made him an appointment to see about glasses. Meanwhile, things seem to be smoothing out quite a bit and he has had a much better past couple of weeks. Very inconsistent. Hard to know what to make of it. Bryan and I are both puzzled. We're trying to focus on creating positive interactions and nurture our relationships - since so much of our time with him seems to be spent dealing with behaviors.<br />
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As a result of the above, I have been listening to the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Distraction-Recognizing-Attention-Childhood/dp/B0095HE62C/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364577680&sr=1-1&keywords=driven+to+distraction+recognizing+and+coping+with+attention+deficit+disorder+from+childhood+through+adulthood" target="_blank">Driven to Distraction</a> by Ratey and Hallowell. It has helped my stressed-out mom's soul. I am learning a lot about this disorder and appreciate the increased understanding and compassion it is giving me, both for Sam and for myself and for all kids and parents who deal with it. It's also helpful in emphasizing the positive - that people with ADHD are often energetic, enthusiastic, creative, fun and interesting. :-) That's definitely Sam!<br />
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Other books worth mentioning - I loved listening to <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Stone-Abraham-Verghese/dp/0375714367/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364578066&sr=1-1&keywords=cutting+for+stone+by+abraham+verghese" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone</a></u> by Abraham Verghese. The narrator's talent shines and it was one of those books you think about all the time and hate to see it end. Wow.<br />
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Another thought-provoker is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Christian-Words-Meaning-Restored/dp/006197658X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364578208&sr=1-1&keywords=speaking+christian+marcus+borg" target="_blank">Speaking Christian</a><br />
<h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span id="btAsinTitle"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power - And How They Can Be Restored)</span></span></h1>
by Marcus Borg. Our church group is doing a discussion group on it. I've read other books by this author and though I don't always agree with him, he has a knack for making me see and understand God, Jesus, and the Bible in new ways and especially helping me hold God, and Jesus, close to my heart with new appreciation and insight.<br />
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Last but not least - I can't resist - I've just started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Never-Raised-Jesus-Carpool/dp/1588720624/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364578525&sr=8-1&keywords=buddha+never+raised+kids" target="_blank">Buddha Never Raised Kids and Jesus Didn't Drive Carpool: Seven Principles for Parenting with Soul </a>. The title stood out to me as I have had the exact same thought. Reading about the great spiritual masters like Jesus, Buddha, and the Dalai Lama, I have thought, "I'd like to see THEM dealing with an enraged, maniacal and destructive little beast-child and see what they would do!" It's easy to meditate and be all wise and patient when you don't have someone pushing your buttons all the time, right? Anyway, if any of my parent friends wants to read along and share thoughts, I'm game!<br />
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Til next time...Peace to all.<br />
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Sarah<br />
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-71474220947690459722012-12-10T19:15:00.000-08:002012-12-10T19:15:03.593-08:00November MauldenNews 2012We had a good November. Lots to be grateful for.<br />
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The Halloween photo didn't make into last month's news, so I'll include it here. The cat and Red Power Ranger did well for themselves and traded happily for a half hour or so afterward. A couple days later I offered to buy their candy back since they had so much and Sam just got his first cavity. Alle sold me quite a bit. I took it to work and shared it around, but alas, I also ate some. Hard to resist Twix and M&Ms.<br />
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The school had a Social Studies Fair called Night at the Living Museum in which they dressed up as historical characters. Sam was a race car driver and mechanic (not historical, but kindergartners get more slack). Alle did a great job as Betsy Ross.<br />
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We drove to Reno for Thanksgiving and enjoyed a very nice weekend with Mom and Dad and the Billharz crew. Took advantage of the nice weather (sunny! 60s!) to walk with Uncle Pete, Thomas, and Truckee. (Our kids were off chasing geese and thus not in this picture.)<br />
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And apparently we had some silly mustaches at some point.<br />
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Grateful for all of the people who make my life so interesting and colorful.<br />
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See you in December!Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-17712104593706568362012-10-31T10:03:00.001-07:002012-10-31T10:03:26.734-07:00September-October MauldenNewsI love the beauty this time of year. I managed to throw off my work- and mommy-chains for a couple glorious afternoons. What's the good of living here if I can't get away to the mountains once in a while?<br />
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I finished my third marathon in September, but the planned location (Salmon, ID) was very smoky from wildfires so I elected to do my own marathon on a road/trail loop here in Utah. It went great, but I didn't get a medal. I hope to get to Salmon next year since my race entry fee is still good - and the medals (a salmon for the full, trout for the half) would complement my moose and mountain medals.<br />
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The kids and I also finished our first "family marathon" - 26.2 cumulative miles walked over about 6 weeks this fall. I was very proud of them! We took them out to celebrate. Alle also said she wanted to stay up "all night" to celebrate. We said sure, go ahead. She read books in her room until about 9-something and then she was gone for the night.<br />
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We enjoyed a day at the Aviary.<br />
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Had a GREAT time with friends at the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco. At the finish we got Tiffany necklaces as medals, handed out by firefighters in tuxedos. Plus Ghirardelli chocolate! Can't beat that.<br />
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Last but not least - school portraits happened again. I will treasure these as the year of the lost tooth and the forehead notch from Sam's do-it-yourself haircut.<br />
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Trick-or-treating tonight! Stay safe and warm, everyone.<br />
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Peace<br />
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Sarah<br />
<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-44748175591166533792012-09-19T13:56:00.001-07:002012-09-19T13:56:07.415-07:00MauldenNews - July/August 2012Here we are again. Summer is almost over and we are already back to school. Sam - my baby- started kindergarten.<br />
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It might look as if Papa had to drag him in, but no. They're just having fun.<br />
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Sam with his teacher. He's not crying, just bashful about having his picture taken. Really!<br />
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Alle declined to be photographed on her first day of second grade, but this morning she gave me a most beautiful pose:<br />
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She was proud of the way she fixed her hair. :-)<br />
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The year started a little bit rough around the edges as both of them adjusted back to the routine. Sam was sent to the principal's office within the first week for losing his temper and disobeying the teacher. Luckily this past week was better and we just hope things go well. We are really grateful for Sam's small class size (12) and for the loving and patient people at this school.<br />
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Backing up a bit...Labor Day weekend was spent with church friends at our all church camp in the mountains. Loved it...sorry I didn't take any pictures, (totally loafing and neglecting my mom-role) but it was fun and relaxing. :-) We had a huge thunderstorm and the kids were excited to get to really use their umbrellas (hard rain and umbrellas are kind of a novelty in Utah). Sam told everyone he got to sleep "on the top shelf" (top bunk). Alle completed a challenging hike to the top of a mountain with me and friends. This girl is not afraid of heights!<br />
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Speaking of hiking, we also made it up to Cecret Lake (that is the correct spelling, I'm afraid) for the kids' first time. </div>
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Detour from the trail - this log was made for balancing on!<br />
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Paintbrushes in bloom.<br />
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Alle being a mountain goat.<br />
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Cecret Lake.<br />
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We also celebrated Alle's 8th birthday. Her birthday wish list included<br />
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<li>scotch tape </li>
<li>wax paper </li>
<li>a Nook </li>
<li>a baby squid</li>
<li>wrapping paper</li>
<li>Skittles</li>
<li>shaving cream</li>
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and a few other odds and ends. She did not get the baby squid, but did not seem too disappointed. The look on her friends' faces when she unwrapped the wax paper was priceless. She was delighted and has used it to make several creations, as well as to display her stickers which she can then peel off and re-use. </div>
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One of her friends asked why she wanted shaving cream, and Alle told her it's fun to play with in the bathtub. She used the entire can of shaving cream in one super-fun bath and declared it "the most FUN bath I ever had!" I heard later from the friend's mom that she had also requested shaving cream for the bathtub and had a very giggly bath herself. :-) </div>
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The party would not have been complete without a seahorse pinata...</div>
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(at this point, Alle noticed me with the camera and wouldn't let me take anymore, but we did sing to her and enjoyed her excellent taste in birthday cake: cheesecake with raspberry topping.)</div>
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Other news...I finished my third marathon and it was fantastic! I got lucky with the weather and took the pace slower than my first two. Guess what-- it hurt less at the end. I ran the last mile without walk breaks and finished strong. Happy!</div>
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Last but not least, on going to bed a few nights ago I noticed a pair of toenail scissors and a bunch of short black hairs on my bathroom counter. I deduced that Sam had cut his hair and was very curious to know what it looked like, but since he was asleep I had to wait until morning to find out. It wasn't disastrous, but he did make a notch in the front. You can look for it in his school pictures coming up next week. </div>
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Hope all is well with everyone. </div>
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With Love,</div>
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Sarah</div>
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<br />Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-80852231592378276512012-06-20T13:00:00.003-07:002012-06-20T13:13:52.821-07:00MauldenNews May-June 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News bites from May and June...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alle finished first grade and Sam graduated from preschool. His teacher is retiring after 30+ years (hopefully not because Sam pushed her over the edge???) Alle managed to earn her "Master's Certificate" in reading just one day prior to the end of school. (Luckily I remembered to e-mail those last 85 reading minutes on time - we scored a free ice cream cone!) She is really a fantastic reader and we're so very proud of her. She likes reading chapter books to me, and I am reading the Little House books to her. We also read the Indian in the Cupboard and watched the movie together. It's fun discovering "new" (old) children's books and revisiting some of my favorites. The kids also finished another round of swimming lessons and are very proficient little fishies in the water. We got them scooters so now they have some wheels that fit in our car for rides to the park.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We greatly enjoyed a visit over Memorial Day weekend with mom, dad, and Tim. Tim inspired us with tales of geocaching; not having a GPS, we tried letterboxing for the first time (see AtlasQuest.com) and it was a great success - we found 3 of 4 boxes and had a great time exploring Memory Grove Park. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Training with the Salt Lake Galloway group is going well and I'm LOVING it! My latest race was a 10K Wounded Warrior run benefiting those wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of our group members had lost their sons there so it was an especially meaningful run. I also must brag about</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hitting a new PR in my mile time - 8:14. Some people run a 4-minute mile, but I'd be thrilled to run one in 8! I'm looking forward to the Timpanogos Half Marathon in July and the Nike Women's Half in San Francisco in October. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alle kindly made this sign warning passersby about the potential for bees in our yard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a fantastic week with family in the vicinity of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This was not our cabin, but ours was similar. I loved the views on my daily run-walk workouts. The terrain was steep and challenging but did not stop me. :-)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rafting the lower Pigeon River - class 2 rapids were just perfect for us. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 2.5-mile round-trip hike to Grotto Falls in Smoky Mountains National Park. It was green and cool and beautiful. No bears, but we saw lots of cool insects and Alle made friends with a snail. I saw something like a little salamander or newt but it quickly retreated under a rock.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last morning there, Sam got up before anyone else, got cookies from the kitchen (of course!) and while climbing up to turn on cartoons (?) fell against a sharp table edge and sliced his ear open. Here is the wound bathing in topical anesthetic...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctors, PA, nurses and Child Life specialists were very kind. Sam bravely played games on an iPad while getting 10 stitches. "5-0 vicryl please."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recovering from an exhausting battle with Versed withdrawal. The remainder of the dino kerlix made for good entertainment on the way home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the Knoxville airport. The waterfall is soothing and you get to relax in the rocking chairs while awaiting your plane. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's all for now. Shalom...</span>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-42346655306896864592012-04-30T21:00:00.003-07:002012-04-30T21:03:10.700-07:00MauldenNews April 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This April was warmer than usual and quite beautiful, with many blue-sky days and flowers. We've even had some warm evenings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really liked this picture by my friend Tammy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had a WONDERFUL weekend with 2 of my sisters...here we are in order, by age and inversely by height...aren't we gorgeous???</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to an Easter egg hunt at Sugarhouse Park with friends...love the expressions here...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we made our own colorful eggs with good old Pabst tablets and vinegar. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam turned SIX with a swimming pool party...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and then we had 2 totally awesome weeks with Nana (Bryan's mom). She is wonderful beyond words. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally...even though April may be over...as you can see...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...the fun never stops around here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you next month! Love you all,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah</span></div>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-726030620808203122012-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:002012-04-14T10:55:31.223-07:00MauldenNews March 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month we enjoyed watching winter transform into spring. I try to remember to enjoy and appreciate the little ordinary things...a warm cup of coffee, first flowers blooming, the longer evening light, a good night's sleep.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdbMbI_fmgZ_KyLZw7yx6Y35oRzVAuoGA4V-tNI0jyzADI1DSrMsCocsNBdI_EQAgn9LRzNYymWHwV8V2-8gclmiLqWhyphenhyphensgNvQHhLPyW1H2JE5ZPYgjVEAqGYIfzA41YIOBDfUjE0enC7/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdbMbI_fmgZ_KyLZw7yx6Y35oRzVAuoGA4V-tNI0jyzADI1DSrMsCocsNBdI_EQAgn9LRzNYymWHwV8V2-8gclmiLqWhyphenhyphensgNvQHhLPyW1H2JE5ZPYgjVEAqGYIfzA41YIOBDfUjE0enC7/s320/IMG_0671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kids still like to sleep on the floor, bundled up burrito-style. I frequently find Alle curled up on top of her heater vent in the morning.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan and I celebrated our birthdays this month. Both of us were lucky to be able to take the day off from work. We're grateful for another year of good health, good fortune, and the gift of family and friends.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D2xA-Y8Ui9bYsifLR6mDFuimIY_8S56OdgCA4TEX3goJDL-F3ilP_iU08hCthhKhjfJeaD0WlOa__0v5FTFsMSvE1DCzA9C4sANTj06A9AbFUpExfbY0ICupZLQR1NcGj5DrZ3lxsWbL/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D2xA-Y8Ui9bYsifLR6mDFuimIY_8S56OdgCA4TEX3goJDL-F3ilP_iU08hCthhKhjfJeaD0WlOa__0v5FTFsMSvE1DCzA9C4sANTj06A9AbFUpExfbY0ICupZLQR1NcGj5DrZ3lxsWbL/s320/IMG_0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The candle-lighting is always fascinating.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI2bDCoKvLD2ahwQJEE23A3rWQiy0o57fTB61S0lor6puZwD6y_B9ADdqmrTa1D2C1GKDnyeEsc7wN1FAk3QeM76LkNHSpNW3PqlIM86ZUR6OB70DOXiJUj0V94eGylPx2G_5udOFl5J8/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI2bDCoKvLD2ahwQJEE23A3rWQiy0o57fTB61S0lor6puZwD6y_B9ADdqmrTa1D2C1GKDnyeEsc7wN1FAk3QeM76LkNHSpNW3PqlIM86ZUR6OB70DOXiJUj0V94eGylPx2G_5udOFl5J8/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't he awesome?!?!? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other fun activities this month:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- kite flying! We finally got some good windy days and successfully flew our shark kite. It eventually ended up high in a tree, irretrievable, but it was a learning experience. :-) We have also learned that a $3 Spiderman kite from Walmart can be worth hours of fun.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- workouts - I completed my 90-day P90X challenge with stronger abs, bigger shoulders, and the ability to do kickboxing moves without falling over as much. It's a good home workout program and I'll probably do it again, but for now I'm really happy to get back to running. We have a new leader in our Galloway program this year and she informed us that we'd been miscalculating our walk-run ratios last year. So I'm starting over with new information and new training tactics and it will be interesting to see where it goes! I'm hoping to run another marathon in the fall - I want to run 10 marathons in 10 states, so I need to find one outside of Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Anyone want to meet up and do the Denver Rock & Roll in October???</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book(s) of the month: I really enjoyed the audio recording <u>Being Peace</u> by Thich Nhat Han. I also started reading <u>Wild</u> by Sheryl Strayed - her account of solo backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail when she was 26. Her only weapon was "the world's loudest whistle" and she hiked for days at a time without seeing a single person - I bet it's more heavily populated now. I have actually hiked portions of that trail above Donner Lake and in the Desolation wilderness area. It makes me want to do another backpacking trip someday. My last attempt was sometime around 1994, when we tried to go with my dad to Yosemite and got snowed out in September.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's all the news. See you next month!</span>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-84682181328289839252012-03-04T19:38:00.000-08:002012-03-04T19:38:28.506-08:00MauldenNews February 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello all,</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had a good month - mild weather...not much noteworthy. Things are peaceful. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm continuing P90X (home DVD workout program) and I've been able to stick with it pretty well, only missing a couple of workouts. I miss running, but it's also nice to take a break and it's definitely convenient to work out indoors in winter. I'm now starting week 9 (of 12). The upper body work is paying off nicely - I find snow shoveling is getting much easier and doesn't leave me sore afterwards anymore. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan and I have been volunteering at the kids' school by helping in the lunchroom. I've heard that Bryan is very entertaining to the kids. I'm probably more boring, but it's fun to see all the kids and watch them interact. It's also interesting to see what they bring and what they actually eat. Their hot lunches are better than what I remember having as a kid.</span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some pictures from a visit to the Aviary with Sam (and a few friends).</span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that's all I have. Hope all is well with everyone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-47631113676353874522012-01-30T20:10:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:16:26.456-08:00MauldenNews January 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No pictures this month...camera fatigue from Christmas, perhaps? Sorry, you'll have to use your imaginations...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every new year brings new experiences, some anticipated, some not. A few things that were new for us this month:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We started speech therapy with Sam. He tends to "stutter" when he gets excited, only I didn't really recognize it or think of it as stuttering.... he often repeats a whole word or phrase several times, often at the end of a sentence more than the beginning....anyway, we are learning and playing new games at home, and Sam is happy to have new ways to earn lollipops.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Alle's new thing is selling Girl Scout cookies for the first time. She had her whole sales spiel memorized and performed it for all the neighbors and anyone who would listen. She even told everyone what cookies she thought they should buy. She really wanted to earn the prize for selling 1000+ boxes...funny how they have NO idea what is realistic at this age. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason being the mom of a Girl Scout feels like such a new and foreign phase of parenthood to me. But it's good. I like her cute little Daisy troop and I feel very domestic when I iron the patches on her uniform. We sold 61 boxes and I took the opportunity to order all the kinds I had never ordered before. Now I need an excuse to have a cookie party.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We tried a couple new foods this month - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> fresh </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=fennel&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvnse&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-FknT6GuJrDSiALkvpSnAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CE0QsAQ&biw=1680&bih=753" target="_blank">fennel</a> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in salad with oranges & red bell peppers) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=parsnips&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvnse&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=0WEnT82PA4qfiQL1pIDPAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=753" target="_blank">parsnips</a> (julienned and roasted with rosemary and thyme). I thought both were good, even though I'm not a big fan of anise flavor. Why a green bulb should taste like black licorice is beyond me. Sometimes it's like a game to find new stuff in the produce section, since a lot of it is not labeled, at least here. It's also fun to stump the checkout person when buying weird vegetables. Next time I might try rutabaga if I get brave.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I've taken a break from running and instead I'm doing a new workout routine called P90X. I'm 3+ weeks into the 90-day program. It's a good change and good for core and overall fitness... The strategy is "muscle confusion" ... I think I'm successfully confusing my muscles. I was skeptical about the kenpo kickboxing, but I'm even enjoying pretend-punching and kicking more than I thought I would. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Status update on my 21-day challenge: I'm still at it! My wristband is wearing thin, but my complaining frequency has definitely gone down. Yay! It's amazing how automatic complaining is for me. Sometimes I just can't think of anything to say that's not a criticism or complaint so I am learning to just...be quiet. I liked what one finisher said - when we keep our complaints quiet, it's easier to hear God speak to us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I'll close as usual with my Book Pick of the month: <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mudhouse-Sabbath-Invitation-Spiritual-Discipline/dp/1557255326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327982420&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Mudhouse Sabbath</a></u> by Lauren Winner. The author grew up Jewish and is now Christian. Really liked her interesting perspective on Jewish practices like keeping Sabbath, lighting candles, mourning, prayer and others. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- May you all be happy and at peace. Keep in touch.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: garamond; font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: garamond; font-size: medium;"> </span>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-50838760451035828162012-01-13T20:58:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:09:06.526-08:00MauldenNews December 2011Greetings and Happy New Year to all!<br />
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This year, I read a book about unplugging the Christmas machine. It inspired me to scale down and slow down. We did a bit less and I think we enjoyed things a bit more. We celebrated Advent with a wreath and candles this year, as well as the traditional Advent calendars. Sam went on a binge one night about mid-December (unsupervised) and ate all his remaining advent calendar chocolates. Alle took the opposite approach and saved them up for days. Two different approaches to life.<br />
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We celebrated the halfway point of the school year with a little "Awards Dinner" for the kids. Alle got prizes for honesty and truth telling, becoming a super reader, and overcoming stage fright (joined her class in the school Christmas program this year). Sam earned his seatbelt award (he buckles and unbuckles independently), as well as awards for awesome dancing and unbridled enthusiasm for life.<br />
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Other holiday stuff- we tried baking new cookies - Dutch spice cookies (speculaasjes or windmill cookies) and my new favorite, Nigerian sesame seed cookies. We made a lemon raspberry birthday cake for Jesus too.<br />
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We had a wonderful Christmas - in fact, we had two. We opened gifts at home and then flew to Little Rock to spend a week with Bryan's side of the family. It was wonderful to reconnect with them and they were very gracious hosts, especially when our plane was delayed and we ended up staying 3 days longer than planned. We sure soaked up the sunshine and warm weather. I enjoyed bird (and squirrel) watching, especially the cardinals, downy woodpeckers and others we don't see in Utah. I even saw my first great blue heron while running on a wooded trail by a stream near the house. I love Utah, but I have to admit I could handle Arkansas winters!<br />
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I've been listening to a series of essays called "This I Believe" on NPR - the idea is to summarize your core beliefs in a few hundred words. The series includes a number of essays by famous Americans from the 1950s, when the concept was first introduced and the essays read on the radio. (Examples: Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson, etc.) There are also essays written by ordinary people in the present day.<br />
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I have yet to write my essay, but here are a few things I believe in:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qV1PAIOCE6WmwNeZvnkFpd5Qv3Sk6j1fWFBab7tJENmNNKt2qOcsFk73_MmI87MwMrlTJYsAqQLSKw_kTUClPDcJhz-Ln_uxUzUmrTrXInL3iQHmeuEDiAbXIyhgiIHEGx9oHwH6dwnw/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qV1PAIOCE6WmwNeZvnkFpd5Qv3Sk6j1fWFBab7tJENmNNKt2qOcsFk73_MmI87MwMrlTJYsAqQLSKw_kTUClPDcJhz-Ln_uxUzUmrTrXInL3iQHmeuEDiAbXIyhgiIHEGx9oHwH6dwnw/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe that even in the digital age, books still make some of the very best Christmas presents.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-sLMR15uSO7Tl6J3-SQ8EaJqKu1zCB9epCnXhEAiCJOWKgACwqj-xRLHI9qNf6US_rUULlrx3rStjL_WlS4eoGlRjHcUoA53nH8Dza8Q7A3Fqosnk_MaP-JnRuF2jiP1bK9A66NUegxn/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-sLMR15uSO7Tl6J3-SQ8EaJqKu1zCB9epCnXhEAiCJOWKgACwqj-xRLHI9qNf6US_rUULlrx3rStjL_WlS4eoGlRjHcUoA53nH8Dza8Q7A3Fqosnk_MaP-JnRuF2jiP1bK9A66NUegxn/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe in spending time with your family at Christmas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtiYTGUMY3KYuQvsUJoyW6dpZfr9URiTjAgqWpekbHiJR7IlZbL4GIcFpJUT47SyFLXNlQqLvIiJEcQuLiGWYBbsaL0eGtLdrDAUGG79uA-n2abHxLnN1KNX3dqnhnsWO8fTBFT6Nq0b1/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtiYTGUMY3KYuQvsUJoyW6dpZfr9URiTjAgqWpekbHiJR7IlZbL4GIcFpJUT47SyFLXNlQqLvIiJEcQuLiGWYBbsaL0eGtLdrDAUGG79uA-n2abHxLnN1KNX3dqnhnsWO8fTBFT6Nq0b1/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe little boys and their daddies need to stick together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPCzWL_VZlzlNukaJCSXfSzBlTMKvD-hVu2zCdhqhOQa8CISfKXz7y787MDyFOgDatVQxmcAf9fE5c37ZCAt9AHeYyBAnekI9lycZw3Xw_0JNf25mJuRx30EBGonor3FyVah9EsH4GfF0/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPCzWL_VZlzlNukaJCSXfSzBlTMKvD-hVu2zCdhqhOQa8CISfKXz7y787MDyFOgDatVQxmcAf9fE5c37ZCAt9AHeYyBAnekI9lycZw3Xw_0JNf25mJuRx30EBGonor3FyVah9EsH4GfF0/s320/IMG_0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe creativity and artistry are innate and to be enjoyed by all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjGRA-EtTWeDXd3CR7IS5UPxtJoCDmsy3GrbHh59Rq0Yjanzi3qfG0U9u-PtINXxFgaC80mCL8cHcL4tYkAJ4DYltIniNi_L_8c2Yd0ffvnYn53F7x1jTIrtXMasHOrwrNMml2QP1I51u/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjGRA-EtTWeDXd3CR7IS5UPxtJoCDmsy3GrbHh59Rq0Yjanzi3qfG0U9u-PtINXxFgaC80mCL8cHcL4tYkAJ4DYltIniNi_L_8c2Yd0ffvnYn53F7x1jTIrtXMasHOrwrNMml2QP1I51u/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe in surrounding ourselves with beauty. Thanks again to Chris Allec for this masterpiece. I feel serene just looking at it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZNUyhLcVae-4BfFRRIcRFbItVe5o66WqD7CF9NWMvoYmDH6pWe-X9_NJ2oXZ9U5naoqXynccgtOl-kP1r3On7CPhQW0uPegoh3Mq6YhW9sH0DU9dQ-cWeQzExh6I_C_VwxEJ5bRAC4ek/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZNUyhLcVae-4BfFRRIcRFbItVe5o66WqD7CF9NWMvoYmDH6pWe-X9_NJ2oXZ9U5naoqXynccgtOl-kP1r3On7CPhQW0uPegoh3Mq6YhW9sH0DU9dQ-cWeQzExh6I_C_VwxEJ5bRAC4ek/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe in SLEEP!<br />
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Last but not least, I believe in reading good books. My pick of the month is called <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Finding-Renewal-Delight-Lives/dp/0553380117/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326516833&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Sabbath</a></u> by Wayne Muller. This is one of those treasures you have to read slowly and savor. There's a lot of wisdom behind the concept of a set-apart time for rest. May you all experience the joy of finding the right rhythm between work and rest in 2012.Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-47538464974425271052011-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:002011-12-10T14:57:00.027-08:00The Complaint Free ChallengeOK, I got this idea from a random audio<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complaint-Free-World-Complaining-Enjoying/dp/0385524587/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323554747&sr=1-1" target="_blank">book</a> I picked up at the library (<u>A Complaint Free World</u> by Bill Bowen). Maybe it's just another hokey self-help fad, but it was just intriguing enough (and speaks to my awareness that I do complain too much) that I'm giving it a shot. Many years ago, one of my sisters told me, "All you do is complain." It was surprising to me because I really didn't perceive myself that way. It's been a few weeks since I've begun the challe nge, and I'm not under any illusions. I complain quite a bit - but at least I'm a lot more aware of it now. And I've managed to go two consecutive days without complaining since November 12. How about that.<br />
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The goal is to go 21 consecutive days without complaining, criticizing, or gossiping. I'm also adding "yelling at my kids," one of my less noble habits, to the list. The method is to wear a bracelet, rubber band, or whatever around your wrist. When you catch yourself complaining, criticizing, or gossiping, you switch the wristband to the other wrist and start over. When you reach 21 consecutive days without moving the wristband, you win. Everyone around you wins too.<br />
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A caveat about the book: the author claims quite a bit about how your life will change and how the universe will bless you if you do this challenge. I'm not necessarily endorsing the whole book here, but I invite you to join me in the challenge if you're interested. No reading required.<br />
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Some rules: complaints, criticism, or gossip that happens in your head is free. Any of the above that comes out of your mouth requires a wristband switch. Even if you're just complaining to yourself (which I've discovered I do!) you have to move the bracelet if the words escape your lips.<br />
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The idea is NOT to just stuff it when something bad happens. You are allowed and encouraged to request what you DO want, but only from someone who can help the situation. If the waiter brings you cold soup, you don't gripe to your table companions or yell at the waiter. You simply inform the waiter (politely) that your soup is cold and ask for hot soup.<br />
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If you have a friend who agrees to play the game with you, that's great. You may point out the friend's need to move her bracelet, but if you do so, you must also move your own bracelet.<br />
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Gossip is actually allowed, if: 1) whatever you're saying about the person is complimentary, and 2) you would repeat it word for word in the person's presence.<br />
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One thing I found helpful from the book was this description of how we change or learn a new skill. The progression goes like this:<br />
- unconscious incompetence (we're unaware of our complaining)<br />
- conscious incompetence (we become aware of our complaints)<br />
-conscious competence (we start to be able to control our complaints, but it requires conscious effort)<br />
- unconscious competence (we reach the point where complaining is no longer automatic)<br />
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The analogy that came to me is driving a car. At first it requires a lot of conscious effort and we find it difficult to attend to all the details needed to drive safely and smoothly. But eventually, we develop the skills and habits to drive well even while on "autopilot." We still have to pay attention, but it gets easier.<br />
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So...we'll see how this goes. The average person takes 4-8 months to complete the challenge. I'm shooting for May 12, which would be 6 months. Even if I don't make it by then, I'll be giving my family, friends and myself the gift of not hearing as much whining from me.<br />
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E-mail me or comment if you're interested in taking the challenge with me!Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-10973105319473879372011-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:002011-12-05T08:54:27.332-08:00the TruthWell, it finally happened. Alex and I had the big talk. I told her the truth.<br />
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No, not about sex. (She already knows about that.) About Santa.<br />
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A little history...last Easter we surprised the kids with new bikes on Easter morning. We had them going with the whole Easter bunny story, UNTIL we stepped outside to go to church and Alex saw the bike boxes in the recycler. All of a sudden she stopped. It all dawned on her. She turned to us and said, "Wait...the Easter bunny didn't give us those bikes - YOU GUYS did it! You LIED to us!" We admitted to all the deception and tried to explain why we "lied" - but she was angry and feeling betrayed. I felt bad - I don't remember getting mad at my parents when we figured it out as kids - but I could see how she felt lied to. She made us promise to tell her the truth in the future.<br />
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So...fast forward to this Christmas season. I thought maybe the Easter bunny realization would carry over to Santa and she would have it all figured out, but nope...she and Sam were still believers. Until yesterday. Bryan and I had talked it over a couple weeks ago and decided we need to come clean this year. We didn't want to betray any trust or repeat the whole scene where she felt cheated and deceived and lied to. Bryan remembers feeling disappointed and betrayed by his parents when he found out the truth. And I heard from another friend who remembers clearly how hurt she was, that her trust in her parents was damaged and she felt she couldn't talk to them about it, and it even got her questioning her faith in God (which is logical).<br />
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Anyway, we hadn't found the right opening so we never actually followed through. I still have mixed feelings about dashing a child's innocent beliefs in Santa. But yesterday, Alex mentioned Santa and I knew I had to take the opportunity.<br />
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So I told her. I reminded her that she asked us always to tell her the truth and that we want to honor that. I tried to break it to her gently. I explained that it is a story that began with a real person named Saint Nicholas who loved children, protected them, and gave them gifts. I told her how people all over the world are inspired by Saint Nicholas and how the story grew. Just like the stories we see in the movies, the Santa story is "based on a true story" but has added bits of fairy tale and magic. It's not "real" but it points us to the truths of Christmas, like the love of God for us and the joys of giving. She took it all in calmly, though I could see her mind was working on processing this new information. She asked, "Then who is that guy in the white beard?" I explained that the Santas we see around town are people dressed up like Santa. "Why in the world would they do that?" she wondered. So funny, the way her mind works! Overall, it was a good conversation. Whew! I reminded her that Christmas is really about the birth of Jesus. She said, "Oh, I know. I told my Sunday school class the whole story of Christmas. No one knew it except me and the teacher. I was the hero."<br />
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So the truth is out. Part of me still feels sad, but she is growing up and I knew the truth would come out one way or another. I'd rather she hear it from me than from kids at school. I feel I did the right thing to maintain her trust.Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555607797611300844.post-81975420719159181422011-12-03T20:48:00.000-08:002011-12-03T20:49:54.496-08:00MauldenNews November 2011Let's see...November...what do I remember...?<br />
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</div><div>I spent the first half of the month doing my twice-a-year inpatient/outpatient neurology rotation at the VA. I like my job and all, but once I was able to turn off the pager, the real fun began...girls' weekend!<br />
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Start of the Mesquite Tri-States Marathon (Utah, Arizona, and Nevada)! (Pictures courtesy of Tammy - thanks for your excellent photography - as usual!)<br />
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The route was scenic, the weather was GREAT, and it was fun except for the last 3-4 miles when I was feeling the pain. But it was worth it for this...<br />
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</div><div>Seemed like I just got back from Mesquite and it was time for Thanksgiving. We had a great time with my sister Mary and her family. The kids made creative Thanksgiving dinner drawings which we used as placemats, and we made the most of the nice weather by playing soccer in the park and feeding the ducks and geese with all the kids after the big turkey dinner. (Last year we went sledding - this year - no snow!) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Other events - we went swimming at Murray City pool (big indoor water slide - whee!)</div><div> - I took Sophia and Alle around the neighborhood playing "bigger and better." We started with a paperclip and ended with a cute bunny doll, a big decorative basket, a hat, and a pumpkin. </div><div>- We made peppermint and gingerbread play-dough, and decorated gingerbread houses.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Last but not least, my book of the month: "Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Robinson and Staeheli. We are "unplugging" this year and I already feel more relaxed. What are your tips for simplifying Christmas and making it a time of true peace, joy, and renewal? Hope to hear from you! </div><div><br />
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</div>Hunca Muncahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331988108352998802noreply@blogger.com0