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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
22nd Annual Fitger's 5K
Today I ran in my first 5K. I should clarify...I walked and ran my first 5K.
And what a first it was.
I've been training two weeks so far for the William A. Irvin 5K in June. A friend wasn't able to run in Fitger's 5K and she offered it to me. After some hesitation, I jumped at the chance to experience a 5K prior to the Irvin and with the intention that I would use it as my regularly scheduled training run. I'm following the Couch to 5K training program and I planned to start at a brisk walking pace for the first five minutes and then run for 90 seconds followed by two minutes of walking. Repeat until done.
My plans were squashed though by snow. Yes snow. We do live in Duluth after all, right? At our house we had about four inches of snow. When I got down to the starting line this is what it looked like.
Yes, that's snow you see falling. The temperature and wind weren't bad; a cool 30 degrees with little wind. Not bad for running when you're dressed right. Waiting for the start was a little bone numbing though. When we finally got going I noticed right away things may not go as planned. It was SLIPPERY. Even though the course was plowed the minimal slush left made it very slippery. I walked for the first 3/4 mile wondering how the elite runners were faring and why they would risk injury. On the freeway overpass it was so slippery I could feel my toes gripping into the bottom of my shoes. Not ideal conditions for a beginning runner.
But at the first mile I found things had started to melt rather quickly. Instead of mostly slushy snow it was being replaced by lots of quickly growing puddles. So I started my run. I mostly followed my plan of running for a minute and a half and walking for two.
I was pretty cozy and warm until I started running. After that, my feet were soaked with freezing cold water. Water was literally shooting out the toe of my shoe at each step. But pretty soon I couldn't feel the cold so I carried on.
In the end, I made it in 44 minutes 41 seconds. My personal best! OK. My only time ever, but I did it. My training walk/run pace is 14 minutes per mile and during the race I was 14:17, so I was proud. :)
After crossing the finish line and hearing the beep of the chip sensors I grabbed a cup of water and two Great Harvest bread rolls. Then I stood in line FOREVER (okay 30 minutes) to get my WOMEN's long-sleeved tee shirt. I'm not sure why we stood in line for so long, hardly moving. It wasn't the best way to cool down. But I got my shirt. Mary, this picture is for you! Sorry for the photo quality, but this one really looked the best). I got one size larger than I normally wear because they are fitted and I wanted to allow for shrinkage. There was a lot of discussion in line as to which shirt people wanted (unisex or women's). Go figure.
Until next time......
And what a first it was.
I've been training two weeks so far for the William A. Irvin 5K in June. A friend wasn't able to run in Fitger's 5K and she offered it to me. After some hesitation, I jumped at the chance to experience a 5K prior to the Irvin and with the intention that I would use it as my regularly scheduled training run. I'm following the Couch to 5K training program and I planned to start at a brisk walking pace for the first five minutes and then run for 90 seconds followed by two minutes of walking. Repeat until done.
My plans were squashed though by snow. Yes snow. We do live in Duluth after all, right? At our house we had about four inches of snow. When I got down to the starting line this is what it looked like.
Yes, that's snow you see falling. The temperature and wind weren't bad; a cool 30 degrees with little wind. Not bad for running when you're dressed right. Waiting for the start was a little bone numbing though. When we finally got going I noticed right away things may not go as planned. It was SLIPPERY. Even though the course was plowed the minimal slush left made it very slippery. I walked for the first 3/4 mile wondering how the elite runners were faring and why they would risk injury. On the freeway overpass it was so slippery I could feel my toes gripping into the bottom of my shoes. Not ideal conditions for a beginning runner.
But at the first mile I found things had started to melt rather quickly. Instead of mostly slushy snow it was being replaced by lots of quickly growing puddles. So I started my run. I mostly followed my plan of running for a minute and a half and walking for two.
I was pretty cozy and warm until I started running. After that, my feet were soaked with freezing cold water. Water was literally shooting out the toe of my shoe at each step. But pretty soon I couldn't feel the cold so I carried on.
In the end, I made it in 44 minutes 41 seconds. My personal best! OK. My only time ever, but I did it. My training walk/run pace is 14 minutes per mile and during the race I was 14:17, so I was proud. :)
After crossing the finish line and hearing the beep of the chip sensors I grabbed a cup of water and two Great Harvest bread rolls. Then I stood in line FOREVER (okay 30 minutes) to get my WOMEN's long-sleeved tee shirt. I'm not sure why we stood in line for so long, hardly moving. It wasn't the best way to cool down. But I got my shirt. Mary, this picture is for you! Sorry for the photo quality, but this one really looked the best). I got one size larger than I normally wear because they are fitted and I wanted to allow for shrinkage. There was a lot of discussion in line as to which shirt people wanted (unisex or women's). Go figure.
Until next time......
Friday, March 25, 2011
Awkward encounters
This evening I had another awkward encounter at our local Walgreens pharmacy.
Before I continue on with my story I should probably clarify that as a reference librarian for the life sciences, pharmacy and medicine I have the opportunity to interact with pre-med, medical and pharmacy students. I love this part of my job, but it sometimes creates for strange encounters at pharmacy's and clinics.
So as has happened before, this evening I went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription. I handed the prescription to the pharmacist and he says, "I know you." I didn't recognize him. Luckily he offered information as to our acquaintance. "I spent a day last year in your office getting research assistance." I looked at his name and I did remember (often times I don't) this particular fellow. Then followed the awkward small talk. He asked about the twins, even guessing at their age. Geesh.
On other visits, after thinking I was home free and unrecognized will come the question, "Are you married to Clay?" Yes I am. "I was in his blah blah class." Double geesh. Now that you know all that ails me, please let me escape quietly.
But the encounters of all encounters happened while I was in labor with Simon & Oliver. Let me set the scene.
I was in the last 45 minutes of my record-shattering birth-two-babies-in-135-minutes labor. I was in fine form and we had just arrived at the hospital 10 minutes earlier. I was sitting on the birthing ball making the most of my horse-lips technique. Ferguson's reflex was coming on strong. And then there was a tap on my shoulder. It was a young lady who wanted to know if she could sit in on the labor and delivery. Yes. And she had a couple of questions for me. Okay. And she was a pre-med student at UMD and Clay had been her professor. Great!
I just can't hide (oh, it was all okay though, because she was super sweet and so happy to be there)
Before I continue on with my story I should probably clarify that as a reference librarian for the life sciences, pharmacy and medicine I have the opportunity to interact with pre-med, medical and pharmacy students. I love this part of my job, but it sometimes creates for strange encounters at pharmacy's and clinics.
So as has happened before, this evening I went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription. I handed the prescription to the pharmacist and he says, "I know you." I didn't recognize him. Luckily he offered information as to our acquaintance. "I spent a day last year in your office getting research assistance." I looked at his name and I did remember (often times I don't) this particular fellow. Then followed the awkward small talk. He asked about the twins, even guessing at their age. Geesh.
On other visits, after thinking I was home free and unrecognized will come the question, "Are you married to Clay?" Yes I am. "I was in his blah blah class." Double geesh. Now that you know all that ails me, please let me escape quietly.
But the encounters of all encounters happened while I was in labor with Simon & Oliver. Let me set the scene.
I was in the last 45 minutes of my record-shattering birth-two-babies-in-135-minutes labor. I was in fine form and we had just arrived at the hospital 10 minutes earlier. I was sitting on the birthing ball making the most of my horse-lips technique. Ferguson's reflex was coming on strong. And then there was a tap on my shoulder. It was a young lady who wanted to know if she could sit in on the labor and delivery. Yes. And she had a couple of questions for me. Okay. And she was a pre-med student at UMD and Clay had been her professor. Great!
I just can't hide (oh, it was all okay though, because she was super sweet and so happy to be there)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Video: Simon & Ollie before bedtime
Good evening.
Here is a video of the boys just before bedtime. They're brushing their teeth and practicing their twirls. Could be a horrible combination.
Here is a video of the boys just before bedtime. They're brushing their teeth and practicing their twirls. Could be a horrible combination.
Friday, February 25, 2011
25 things
In honor of February 25th I'll post 25 things thoughts about what's been going on in the Carter household. For those of you hoping for photos, I'll have to warn you that there won't be any. Our camera has something going on with it and we haven't been taking many pictures.
1. Successful dinner out at Duluth Grill with the Laderman/Torres family! The boys were fabulous and the girls were occupied. Yeah for a Friday night dinner out with adult conversation!
2. What's up with Wisconsin's Governor Walker? We in Minnesota only 10 minutes away from Wisconsin are shaking our heads.
3. I had a great week at work. Thank you Pomodoro Technique! And it helps that I love my job.
4. I "heart" Parenthood.
5. Ice cold beer. And I mean "ice" cold. So cold the bottle frosts over (what really happened is we left a 12 pack of bottled beer on the porch is zero degree weather. Oops. We were able to salvage 3.5 bottles).
6. UMD men's hockey game next weekend. Can't wait for our visitors to get here.
7. I must say that George Washington was a man with interesting personality & character attributes (flaws?). I've been thinking about him a lot while I've been reading Washington: A Life by Chernow.
8........oh, what was I thinking. I'm tired and ready for bed.
Goodnight!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A relaxing Sunday
I consider the weekend a success if we get two things done: laundry and grocery shopping. We're too busy and tired on week nights to do these chores so we leave them for the weekend.
This weekend however Clay and I did all the laundry and grocery shopping on Friday night. We had a wedding to go to on Saturday and we wanted to make sure we got everything done so we wouldn't have to worry about getting it done all on Sunday.
Saturday we drove 238 miles down to Stewartville, MN for a family wedding. We had a fun time seeing Clay's family and attending our first Baha'i wedding ceremony. Bea and the boys enjoyed dancing and the candy bar. The boys even enjoyed scooting around on the floor with the rest of the kids. We drove back that night.
Sunday was a beautiful relaxing day. Everybody slept in. Pancakes for breakfast. Mac & cheese for lunch. All three kids napped at the same time. Bliss.
In the afternoon, Clay took all three kids out for a walk in the woods while I made chicken pot pie.
We don't normally dress the boys alike but when you have matching identical Adidas sweat suits it must be done. Also, note Bea carrying her doll Alexander in a sling and her skirt under a dress look with the ladybug boots. Gotta love four year old fashion.
The kids in a bunch of leaves.
Bea buried under a pile of leaves. Tick check time. ;\
This weekend however Clay and I did all the laundry and grocery shopping on Friday night. We had a wedding to go to on Saturday and we wanted to make sure we got everything done so we wouldn't have to worry about getting it done all on Sunday.
Saturday we drove 238 miles down to Stewartville, MN for a family wedding. We had a fun time seeing Clay's family and attending our first Baha'i wedding ceremony. Bea and the boys enjoyed dancing and the candy bar. The boys even enjoyed scooting around on the floor with the rest of the kids. We drove back that night.
Sunday was a beautiful relaxing day. Everybody slept in. Pancakes for breakfast. Mac & cheese for lunch. All three kids napped at the same time. Bliss.
In the afternoon, Clay took all three kids out for a walk in the woods while I made chicken pot pie.
We don't normally dress the boys alike but when you have matching identical Adidas sweat suits it must be done. Also, note Bea carrying her doll Alexander in a sling and her skirt under a dress look with the ladybug boots. Gotta love four year old fashion.
The kids in a bunch of leaves.
Bea buried under a pile of leaves. Tick check time. ;\
Simon & Bea swinging. Simon cried and cried when it was Ollie's turn. Some cheddar bunnies calmed him down.:)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Moo Baa La La La
Sorry for not keeping up to date on the posts. I have a big backlog of photos to post to flickr, but I hope this will hold you over until then.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tadpole Hunt
B's preschool was in need of tadpoles for their aquarium, so we volunteered to look for some in our pond.
We invited B's best friend and her family over to help us out and the girls had a fantastic time playing together.
Creatures found included snakes, tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs & giant water bugs.
The boys enjoyed some time in the sun and grass.
I think all the adults had fun wading into the pond.
To see more pictures of our tadpole hunt visit http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pond%202010&w=17038679%40N00
We invited B's best friend and her family over to help us out and the girls had a fantastic time playing together.
Creatures found included snakes, tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs & giant water bugs.
The boys enjoyed some time in the sun and grass.
I think all the adults had fun wading into the pond.
To see more pictures of our tadpole hunt visit http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pond%202010&w=17038679%40N00
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Gooseberry Falls 2010: Happy Father's Day!!
Originally uploaded by Sunshine C.
This is the third year that we've gone to Gooseberry Falls for Father's Day. I guess we've started a tradition.
We started the road trip by heading north on gravel country roads and we got to the falls by 9:30. We loaded the boys in the stroller and headed down to the middle falls. We were able to take the Bob down the stairs to the falls, which was what we were hoping to do. Bea had her shoes off in no time and after a quick nurse, the boys each had a turn putting their toes in the water. In fact, Simon & Oliver would have crawled right into the falls if we let them.
After hauling the stroller back up the stairs, we headed home. We grabbed a quick bite in Two Harbors and then continued on our way. We were home by 12:30.
What a great day! Happy Father's Day Clay!
To see more pictures from our Gooseberry trip, go to http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=gooseberry+falls+2010&w=17038679%40N00&s=int
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Olde World Renaissance Faire: Twig, MN
Bea and her friend S
Originally uploaded by Sunshine C.
Last weekend we had a fabulous time at the Olde World Renaissance Faire in Twig,MN. The Faire isn't advertised much in the Duluth area, so we wouldn't have known about it if our friends hadn't mentioned it to us.
We arrived around 11:30 and stayed until 6:30.
We saw a joust, ate turkey legs, drank lemonade and mead, watched belly dancers, ran away from fairy catchers, cowered at the steam-breathing dragon and marveled at the character actors and their performances.
Bea had her face painted, which was the highlight of the day for her. We went on our own, but ran into three families we're friends with and we ended up spending the rest of the day with them.
The best part was the proximity from our house (30 minutes), the size (not too large), the shows and performers (numerous and varied). It was an honest to goodness renaissance faire!
We're fans now.
To see more of our Faire photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=faire&w=17038679%40N00
Saturday, June 5, 2010
What Ollie & Simon have been up to.....
Ollie and Simon are just over ten months old. They are still such happy little babies. Their most recent accomplishment is crawling. Yes, our days of peaceful bliss (ha ha) are over. We are going to seriously re-baby proof the house this weekend.
On the sleeping front, they are on the verge of sleeping through the night. They've been testing that out, and everyone (mom & dad included) think it's a grand idea. They've been sleeping around 6:30-6 each night. They hadn't been getting up to eat in the middle of the night until last night. It will happen someday soon.
Oliver is a big eater and loves baby food still along with puffs. Simon won't eat baby food, but sometimes he gets a hankering for his finger food. Daycare said both he and Ollie loved their mashed potatoes the other day. They both are practicing drinking out of cups with spouts and do okay with that until they decide to toss them over the side of their highchair.
Simon in a predicament.
Ollie enjoying the mirror.
On the sleeping front, they are on the verge of sleeping through the night. They've been testing that out, and everyone (mom & dad included) think it's a grand idea. They've been sleeping around 6:30-6 each night. They hadn't been getting up to eat in the middle of the night until last night. It will happen someday soon.
Oliver is a big eater and loves baby food still along with puffs. Simon won't eat baby food, but sometimes he gets a hankering for his finger food. Daycare said both he and Ollie loved their mashed potatoes the other day. They both are practicing drinking out of cups with spouts and do okay with that until they decide to toss them over the side of their highchair.
Simon in a predicament.
Ollie enjoying the mirror.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Carter boys
Carter boys
Originally uploaded by Sunshine C.
Clay holding Oliver (L) and Simon. Nearly seven months old.
Geesh. These guys are cute.
I'm so blessed to have two smiley & good natured baby boys.
It's still hard work, don't get me wrong. Twice the poops, but twice the smiles. :)
The Olympics are taking up all my free time....ha ha. Gotta run. I'm way behind.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Those crazy kids
Aren't we a funny bunch!
This is where I nurse the boys. They hang out here a lot. Clay was playing with the boys while I was gone one day. Don't they look like big boys? Simon (L) & Oliver (R).
Sometimes we put the boys in one crib for some safe playtime (safe from puppies and sisters). I came back after a couple of minutes and this is the mess I find Ollie in.
Clay was giving Bea a ride on his shoulders and Bea decided she wanted her rabbit to ride on her shoulders. I think that rabbit needs to work on his core. ;)
Bea was feeling generous that night and lent out two of her lovey's for Oliver (L) & Simon (R)
My mom and I were going through the hat bin and found these. Don't they look like little old men? Oliver (L) & Simon (R).
This is where I nurse the boys. They hang out here a lot. Clay was playing with the boys while I was gone one day. Don't they look like big boys? Simon (L) & Oliver (R).
Sometimes we put the boys in one crib for some safe playtime (safe from puppies and sisters). I came back after a couple of minutes and this is the mess I find Ollie in.
Clay was giving Bea a ride on his shoulders and Bea decided she wanted her rabbit to ride on her shoulders. I think that rabbit needs to work on his core. ;)
Bea was feeling generous that night and lent out two of her lovey's for Oliver (L) & Simon (R)
My mom and I were going through the hat bin and found these. Don't they look like little old men? Oliver (L) & Simon (R).
Friday, February 5, 2010
Beargrease 2010
Another winter is bearing down on Duluth.
Another Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is over.
The breakfast brunch feast with bacon, sausage, french toast casserole, potatoes, eggs, toast, juice, jam. Yum!!!! We needed to load up for the cold adventure to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
The kids ate it all up!
Karen, Jill, John & Scott waiting for some teams to run by. It was cold and we walked a long way to get there.
One of the 31 marathon teams. When I say marathon, I don't mean 26+miles. I mean 400 miles. There is also a mid-distance race.
Sam & Bea smiling despite the cold cold wind on their cheeks. I kept slurring my words because my lips were so cold.
Funny puppy waiting to be picked. Do you like the paw print design of the doors?
A tough looking dog. This is what you might think a sled dog looks like.
But they usually look like this.
Here's a very short video clip (my memory card got full right after I started recording) of sled dogs ready to go to the starting line. These are mid-distance teams.
See you again next year!
Another Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is over.
The breakfast brunch feast with bacon, sausage, french toast casserole, potatoes, eggs, toast, juice, jam. Yum!!!! We needed to load up for the cold adventure to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
The kids ate it all up!
Karen, Jill, John & Scott waiting for some teams to run by. It was cold and we walked a long way to get there.
One of the 31 marathon teams. When I say marathon, I don't mean 26+miles. I mean 400 miles. There is also a mid-distance race.
Sam & Bea smiling despite the cold cold wind on their cheeks. I kept slurring my words because my lips were so cold.
Funny puppy waiting to be picked. Do you like the paw print design of the doors?
A tough looking dog. This is what you might think a sled dog looks like.
But they usually look like this.
Here's a very short video clip (my memory card got full right after I started recording) of sled dogs ready to go to the starting line. These are mid-distance teams.
See you again next year!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving 2009
Originally uploaded by Sunshine C.
This Thanksgiving we spent it in southern Minnesota with Clay's family. It was the first road-trip with the boys and they ended up being great travelers (better than Bea was at their age, I might add).
We left Thanksgiving day, and they made the 3+ hour drive mostly asleep. With about an hour left of the drive they woke up thinking they wanted to eat. But they are so easy going I was able to convince them they could wait and they ended up falling asleep for the last 20 minutes of the drive.
Once we arrived they were promptly whisked away by relatives and their diapers were changed (Thanks K & A!). The dinner was fabulous and we had a great time playing a home version of Jeopardy. Bea had a good time playing with everyone.
The boys slept OK (again, better than Bea did at her age on a road-trip) and we spent Friday hanging out, coming up with Christmas wish lists, eating, napping or hiking. My sister-in-law Kari and I realized we both loved to play a card game called Nertz and we had a great time trying to out-play each other.
During this time the boys both really started lifting their heads up during tummy time. What a sight to see!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Inspired by Food Librarian
I'm not the craftiest person in the world. I attempt very little in terms of decorating projects, art projects, making my own gifts, baking, etc. Last night, to make a boring meal of leftovers more exciting I decided to make cupcakes.
So using a boxed cake mix (gasp!) Bea and I made 24 dark chocolate cupcakes.
Before we started though, I investigated my options for frosting. My good friend, The Food Librarian, always writes in her blog about "then I whipped up an easy batch of powdered sugar frosting". So I looked in my Sunset Easy Basics for Good Cooking (1982; my mom gave it to me when I went away to college in 1992) and found a recipe for Fluffy Butter Frosting (p. 181).
I made a half recipe (mostly because I only had 1/2 a pound of powdered sugar) and then colored half the frosting orange and the other half purple. I had just enough Halloween themed M&M's to top each cupcake.
Bea got to frost two cupcakes all by herself. She kept proclaiming, "I love frosting."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Oh, the girl
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Announcing......
Introducing our new arrivals on July 22, 2009:
Simon Francis
5 pounds, 3 ounces
18 inches
8:59 p.m.
&
Oliver Amos
7 pounds, 1 ounce
19.3 inches
9:10 p.m.
Simon Francis
5 pounds, 3 ounces
18 inches
8:59 p.m.
&
Oliver Amos
7 pounds, 1 ounce
19.3 inches
9:10 p.m.
Now that I've had 7 hours of sleep since midnight, I have some energy to post.
The boys arrived on Wednesday July 22nd, 2009. From first contraction to Simon's delivery was 2 hours and 15 minutes. I don't recommend attempting such a quick labor alone! :) A more descriptive birth story will be coming soon.
All the stars aligned for having a natural twin deliver with minimal intervention (babies both head down, no epidural, no IV (until after deliver), no cesarean and my back-up doctor on call). St. Luke's Hospital delivers twins in the operating room, which tells you a little bit about the way most twin deliveries go.
Here are some photos:
Simon after he'd been cleaned up
Oliver after he'd been cleaned up
Proud mama with Oliver & Simon (all looking a little beat up)
Bea's first interaction with Oliver
Bea's first interaction with Simon
Proud Clay holding his two boys (Oliver & Simon)
Leaving the hospital on July 25, 2009
Simon nursing on Oliver's hand
Oliver & Simon nose to nose
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Belly & Bedrest
As you all probably know, we're expecting twin boys on August 21st.
I've been on bedrest for the past 11 days, and only 10 days left to go. Then I can increase my activity and let nature takes its course.
Lots of you have been asking for belly shots, and so here they are. Don't worry, I'm fully clothed. ;) Also, if you want to see what we've been up to this summer, go here.
I've been on bedrest for the past 11 days, and only 10 days left to go. Then I can increase my activity and let nature takes its course.
Lots of you have been asking for belly shots, and so here they are. Don't worry, I'm fully clothed. ;) Also, if you want to see what we've been up to this summer, go here.
17 weeks (Seattle, WA)
24 weeks, 5 days (Richmond, VA)
30 weeks, 4 days (Last picture before we sold our Honda Civic)
32 weeks, 5 days (Relaxing)
34 weeks, 2 days (just a belly shot)
24 weeks, 5 days (Richmond, VA)
30 weeks, 4 days (Last picture before we sold our Honda Civic)
32 weeks, 5 days (Relaxing)
34 weeks, 2 days (just a belly shot)
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