Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Busy

This summer has been so crazy. We have been running the whole time.

1. Swimming lessons. Four kids have been taking swimming lessons. They are all doing great, probably because of #2.

2. Swimming. We got a family pass to the pool so we have been going swimming a lot. Family swim Monday and Friday, plus I usually take the older kids on Wednesday afternoon. Add in the 3 times a week I do lap swims and I think I am in the pool more than I am out. I fear for my hair.

3. Fair. Of course we did the 4H fair again this year. Besides the home ec type exhibits, we had 3 pigs, a rabbit, and 9? 10? 11? chickens this year. Two kids sold their market pigs, and one wasn't big enough to sell so we brought it home. Another kid sold her market chickens and, AND brought home an extremely large trophy for being the Intermediate Poultry Showmanship Champion. This means she got to participate in the Round Robin, a contest where all the showmanship champions get together and show ALL the different kinds of animals. She got to show a pig, beef cattle, sheep, horse, etc.






I know it seems weird, but it is a HUGE big deal to be able to participate in the Round Robin. Allison is headed to the state fair next month to try her hand at showmanship there.

4. Triathlon. I did another one over a month ago but haven't gotten around to reporting about it. I guess I have told a few people but I think participating in this sport is one of those things that you have to be there to even enjoy talking or hearing about it so I won't bore anyone with the gory details this time. I placed first in my age group, though, out of 5 or 6 people, and 5th overall woman. It was fun. The kids all (mostly) got to come and cheer me on and that warmed my heart.



5. Taking pictures. Not me, well, me, but I was actually talking about 2nd son. He took some trampoline pictures for the 4H fair. It is amazing how many trampoline pictures have to be taken before the champion action shot in the junior division comes along (last picture).







6. Driving. Home--gym--home--gym--home--pool--home--gym-- and on and on. At least 3 times a week Daren takes kid to gym in the morning so all I have to do is go pick her up.

7. Swim-Bike-Run. Enough said about that.

8. Feeding animals. Do not say "Oh, poor Cristy, look how busy she is, she needs a break." Yes, Mom, I heard you. Until now. Please feel sorry for me. It's hot. Do you know how much water 9 billion chickens (or 190)go through when it is hot? DO YOU? Cuz if you don't, ask me, I can tell you. And somehow, even though I am splitting the broiler chicken duty with oldest daughter, somehow they only need water when it is MY TURN TO FEED THEM!!! Does this seem suspicious to anyone else? Because I am on to that kid and she is not getting away with those kind of shenanigans any more, let me tell you.