There and Back again.

Day 59- 28 August, 2009

Paid my Dues.

Today I had my day in court. A month ago, I got a ticket for an expired registration. I had overlooked it. I don't suggest it. I felt like I was throwing money into a hole. I went to court for the offense, fully expecting to plead guilty, and ask very nicely for them to forgive me, as I had fixed it. After all the continuances, the guy pretending to be an illegal (like he only knew spanish, which I thought was amusing because the girl next to me said she totally went to junior high with his brother), who bytheway got off with something like $200 in fines (I paid half that) and was let go even though he entered the court in an orange jumper and chains around his ankles and wrists... but I digress... and then waited through all of the parking in a handicapped cases, and then finally got around to me bout 2 hours later. Well, by that time I worked it into my head that pleading innocent would be a good idea, and that I could just explain the address mixup and be let totally off since the judge was so nice. Nevermind that my plates expired in April and I only was "reminded" mid-July. So I was judged GUILTY. Because I had rectified my offense was told I would only need to pay half of the fee, plus court costs. I left feeling even GUILTIER because I had LIED and said that I wasn't guilty, when in fact I was totally wrong, and definitely deserved the ticket, and and and. I lose. I paid my dues. Thank goodness I had a nice judge and saved myself $40. While the latino entertainment was nice, I still walked away kicking myself in the pants. Why do we talk ourselves into lying? It's stupid! There is no point to it. We diminish our character, and accomplish nothing. I feel incredibly guilty of not only the crime I went in for, but the injustice to myself. I am a better person than that. I have no secrets. I am moral and upright in character, and pride myself in it. But, I let myself stoop to attempted thievery and LYING. I had already been caught. It's not like I am a 5 year old with my hand in the cookie jar. Good grief. Rant over. I am just mad at myself for lowering my standards over the justice system and trying to cheat justice. My little brother berated me for not paying before I went because I was guilty, and should pay my dues. I was wrong, so repent sort of reasoning. I am thoroughly chastened. Stupid court. I've paid my dues.

Side note: Love piano lessons. Love the Meddows. Love Jackson's new room (work in progress). Still love my inspiration for Mac's room (way better artwork than mine). Thought I'd shame myself even more by adding more amazingness. This is the mural in the two younger boys' room which Jackson is just moving out of. Love Love Love it.









Day 60- 29 August, 2009

Triathlon Fervor.

Definitely went crazy today. Took a picture of the praying mantis on my car before I left for the day. What a great sign!

Swam 1/2 mile at the Y with Tamara. Biked 13 1/2 miles at First Landing Park with Tamara. Ate yummy tropical smoothie with Tamara. Then went back to the gym by myself and lifted weights for an hour. I did talk myself out of running 7 miles. I totally could have done it, but I thought it would be overkill. First thing tomorrow I'm gonna beat the street. So, I didn't get pictures of any of the fun events of the day, or the cookies I made to treat myself with, but I did get my little prayer bug. I love this shot because I am in it in my entirety. I love the bubbled effect, and my angle. I love the reflection and the rain drops left over from the night before. And I love the little omen that my husband pointed out to me. I also saw a beautiful orb spider by the trashcan. Thank goodness for bad bug eaters.

Fish, Friends, and Foes

Day 52- 21 August, 2009

Errands are so boring to blog about.

I went here, I went there, I bought this, I dropped off that.

I took this photo because this is what my son's snacks look like on errand days.

I am a terrible mom.

But, there are worst things than goldfish.





Day 53- 22 August 2009

Yard Sale #2.

I am formally apologizing to Jenora for the horrendous yard sale. Generally speaking, we get a decent turn out in Norfolk. At least the 2 times I have done it. But, NO ONE was driving down Hampton Blvd, and hardly anyone drove by- Despite our great organiztional effort. We had a few hours to commiserate, and enjoyed each other's company a lot. The boys... well, this photo sums it up. They were happy the last 10 miuntes though. I should have let them play with the weebles from the beginning.





Day 54- 23 August, 2009

Bill is off the coast.

We decided to brave the waves, in spite of the red flag. As you can see, the waves came up pretty high, and we were somewhat swept away. They were much taller than Tim, who got tossed about a fair bit. I have not seen that many surfers out in quite some time. We decied to leave after about an hour. As much fun as it would have been if it were the two of us, Malcolm wanted to swim. Not in that water he wasn't. And, I was worried about losing all of our stuff. Every time we drug our towel up the shore, the water caught us.





Day 55- 24 August, 2009

Take two.

The water was much calmer on Monday. And, we drug the Haines along with us. We were still a little worried about the kids because the current was so strong, but they did swimmingly. (haha, get it?!) They also enjoyed burying each other in the sand. This is my favorite shot. Preston's bum, immortalized.





Day 56- 25 August 2009

Photo Album.

So many things have made me think of my marriage lately. Not the least of which is my brother's own wedding. My mother handmade our entire wedding album, and has offered to do the same for my brother. She asked e to take a photo of the stitching she did on the front, so as to duplicate it for theirs. I don't know why the photo won't rotate, and am too lazy to try and figure it out right now, but it is still beautiful. I love my album.





Day 57- 26 August, 2009

Two are better than one.

He had to have the spoon, and would not part from the fork. He needed each hand to be occupied. Obviously this is the way yogurt is meant to be eaten. Obviously, mom.









Day 58- 27 August, 2009

His and Hers.

While Tim was out playing computer doctor to one of our friends, I was giving Malcolm a bath. The towels hanging up were a wedding gift, and it made me smile. I love our set. I love my man. I love that we have been together for about a decade. But I hate it when he uses my towel.

Marriage Tag

While I am looking for my pocket camera, which has most of my updates for the week, a friend of mine did this quiz, and I am playing copycat. Why not share a little bit about me. This is my online journal afterall.

1. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time?
We met at a party of a mutual friend. I don't remember seeing him there, and was there with someone else. Apparently he remembers me. What can I say, I leave a strong impression.

2. How long have you known your spouse?
10 years

3. How long did you date/court before you were engaged?
4 years. I needed to get my schooling under my belt first. Long distance relationships are a great test on whether or not something will work.

4. When is your engagement anniversary?
July 2002. Fireworks, the beach. Thousands of people listening.

5. When is your marriage anniversary?
We have a few ;-) Two for us, and one to share. 28 June, 2003.

6. What is your spouse's full name?
Timothy James Banks

7. Do you have any children?
Yes, a 1 1/2 year old /Malcolm.

8.Do you have any housepets?
No. We keep thinking about a dog, but not now. They are too expensive. In a few years.

9. Do you own a house or rent?
We own our home, and love it.

10. Do you live in the country or town/city?
I guess it's considered the city...

11.What is one of your favorite activities to do together?
Right now it's the beach, in the fall it'll be sitting around a campfire, in the winter it'll be cuddling, and in the spring, it'll be the botanical gardens!

12.Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
We have a couple. El Paso Texas, the Appalachian mountains, and The mountains in California. I love that we don't need a vacation for the beach.

13. How many siblings?
I have 2 brothers, he has 1 sister.

14. What church do you attend?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

15.Is this the church you were married in?
The DC temple... so yes. That's the one we're most proud of, but The one where everyone celebrates was on the beach.

16. What town is your current address in?
Norfolk, VA

17.Do you work or stay at home?
Right now I work full time, with summers off. If we decide on more than 2 children, I may need to take a few years off. We'll see how that works. One thing at a time, I am getting ahead of myself.

18.Where did you go on your honeymoon?
that winter Tim learned to ski in Tahoe. We consider that our honeymoon, and it has a special place in our heart.

19.Leave a piece of advice for other couples.
Work together, and remember that your spouse loves you. He's not out to get you, and is doing the best he knows. Just like you are.

Smoosh Face

Day 49-18 August, 2009

Lasagne.

Not any old lasagne. This monstrosity is a combination of both regular, and vegetarian lasagne. I couldn't find our grater attachment to the food processor, so instead of shredded, most of the vegetables ended up pureed. I think all in all these included: asparagus, carrots, eggplant, zucchini, tomato, peppers, and more. It was so good. It smelled so good. Even Tim likes it, although that's not saying much. He'll eat gizzards.









Day 50-19 August, 2009

Car Wash.

Malcolm had so much fun while daddy and I were hard at work cleaning and washing the cars. He not only played in the suds bucket, but squirted the hose, and even helped take a rag to the cars. His favorite activity was sitting inside though. This is where (after he had played with the cds, tried to buckle himself in, and honked the horn), he discovered the joy of pressing his face to the window. It was especially exciting when daddy put the hose to the window. Here's a moment greasy faced joy.


Here are a couple more, in case you didn't get enough.



















Day 51-20 August, 2009

Johnny Rockets.

I was going to post a picture of the HUGE stack of laundry that I am procrastinating doing, but I liked this shot so much better. After my procrastination, and more time at the beach, to which I left my camera in the car :-(, We went shoe hunting for Malcolm. MY mother in law was so gracious to spring for dinner and shoes. And the Johnny Rocket's tuna melt was scrumptuous. Yeah Lynnhaven Mall!

We finally bought a harddrive that can support my habit.

Day 37-6 August, 2009

When you don't want to do anything else, then what do you do? You play! When you're too grumpy to play, what do you do? Take a bath! A nice relaxing and warm bath can soothe even the crankiest of toddlers. But, not before a lot of protest, pouty faces, and general complaining. Malcolm has started to have opinions, very strong opinions, and I wish I could understand what they are. He doesn't get very happy when I can't understand him.





Day 38-7 August, 2009

German Chocolate.

I love kinder eggs. Kids chocolate in Germany is way better than any chocolate we make here in the states. Our friends whose house we were sitting, brought us back many yummies. Not the least of these were kinder eggs. I mean "were" in a very literal sense. They did not last long. This was the neato toy that was in Malcolm's first egg. It's supposed to spin around when you throw it.




I also find it necessary to mention that this was a 10 mile running day. Not only was it a 10 mil running day, but I had the great privelage of pushing prince Malcolm the whole way. The sweet boy slept like this practically the whole way. I wish I were so special.
















Day 39-8 August, 2009

Company picnic.

Tim is fast approaching one year with Inmotion Webhosting. Oh, how the time flies. Today was company picnice day! I got a ton of great shots, but this is the mandatory "people stuffing their faces" shot. These were the fortunate two. After I took it, I even heard him say, "always when I'm eating!"






Day 40-9 August 2009

Sandbridge.

I love the summer. I love the beach. I love the waves. I love the nifty view. I love this picture. We had so much fun. Tim did have to tell me to put my camera down. I am such an addict. But I got a zillion hot shots! This is one of those days the photos speak for themselves.

Day 41-10 August 2009

We can't get enough!

Different day.

Different Beach.

Different pictures.

I'm in the shot this time, doesn't that make suffering through this long blog worth it?!







Day 42-11 August 2009

You are cordially invited...

So, I've been working on the invitations for my brother's wedding for some time now. This is a portion of them, post-stuffing. I worked on these like a madwoman. Deadlines drive me to extremes. I did in two days, what should have taken any mere mortal two weeks. Then, I stamped for an hour and a half at the post office to make sure that each and every one made it's way out of my house. Poor poor Malcolm. Poor poor post boxes.





Day 43-12 August 2009

Southern Summer Thunderstorm.

I was going to go lift weights and swim at the gym this afternoon... And then it started raining. Then I heard thunder. *BlAsT* No swimming for me. Then I sighed and got Mac ready for a muddy trip to the gym. I opened up my door, and then I laughed and closed it again. It's a good thing that I had already put on my swim suit. I knew what sort of storm this was! This is the kind where the streets flood, and your car gets swept away, and people are stuck at the gym, and I wasn't stupid enough to leave my house. So we went swimming at my house instead.

It was way more fun that way!

Day 44-13 August 2009

The smell of clean air!

The world smells new after an invigorating summer bath.

That makes it perfect for outdoor play time.

Thank goodness for the outdoors!









Day 45-14 August, 2009

Wrong Answer!

My son should not be able to do this!

My son should not be able to do this in .5 seconds!

My son should not be able to do this, turn on the t.v. and grab the pen in the .5 seconds it takes me to turn around!

TWICE!


Oh, and on a more serious note, I visited my best friend from grade school today. It's always hard for me to visit because of the nature of her disability (which she developed at the ripe old age of 20). I thought I would include a picture, and maybe at some point I will include a picture of her before the accident, but at any rate... It was good to visit. It had been too long since the last time, and really it hadn't been since I got sick. So, this was good for us. I need to make it a point to stop by more often.





Day 46-15 August 2009

Yard Sale #1

My in-laws garage is officially emptied out. The stuff is gone. The yard has saled... literally. It was fun to combine our forces. Melissa made a killing of kids stuff. It was well worth it!









Day 47-16 August, 2009

Water water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.

How much water is a person supposed to drink per day, exactly? I site
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
Drink as much as you need. I have come to terms with everyone's body being different. Before I became pregnant with Malcolm, I was always dehydrated. While I would hardly sweat, my loving husband would sweat buckets. While it's still pretty much that way, I have found that my body needs at least one of these suckers per day. This is my buddy. It travels with me everywhere. My own half gallon jug. On a really good day I can drink one by lunch, and another by bed. This is especially good on days I work out.... oh, I mean every day.
I mention this because we went to the park today. I forgot my water. I was thirsty. I was sad.






Day 48-17 August, 2009

Hot sand.

The summer is for the beach. Lots and lots of beach. Tim has finally caught the bug, and so we have been really enjoying the sun and the sand. The sand has been very hot lately, and the surf has been perfect. I like this shot. It reminds me of the time Tim's uncle Freddy walked into the house and saw Tim's flip flops laying by the front door. He asks, "Who put their surf boards out where anybody could trip over them?! Pendejo, tomalos surfboards." I thought it especially appropriate in context of the beach.

What feels like a week on the road

Day 30-July 30, 2009

Taking out the trash.

This was the final trash day from all that garage sorting out.

There was so much heavy stuff we had to carry to the street that we took out the big guns.

Danda thought it would be fun to take Mac for a ride.

He thought it was fun at first.

Then he realized he was being hauled like garbage.







Day 31-July 31, 2009

We decided that a good trip to our nation's capitol was in order. What is a good trip without some good snacks? I am in love with this shot.



But before we left, we all rested up for the long drive. While the adults were resting, Malcolm was wreaking havoc on the toilet. That is the whole roll of t.p. in there. Thank goodness he doesn't quite know how to flush yet.






Day 32-August 1, 2009

A tour of the mall.

We didn't really visit too many sites. In fact, my photo of the day was snapped on a whim. Tim's dad loved these flowers that were hung around the lamp posts. I snapped this while we were on the move, and think it's a neat shot. We spent a lot of time in the car, and then met up with some of the cousins. I always like the time I spend in D.C. In addition to the joy the temple brings, the sites never get old. There's so much to see.

There so much to be proud of.










Day 33-August 2, 2009

Shrimp is good.

I have been neglecting my eating, and have been snacking a lot this summer. I've been trying to do so much that I have forgotten some of my health goals. It was really nice to cook a scrumptuous dinner. Ravioli with homemade sauce, shrimp and asparagus. Despite all my running around and getting home late from our trip, dinner was relaxing and yummy.






Day 34-August 3, 2009

A traitor to New Balance.

I ran with Tim Otis again. Man, does it motivate me to move. I am so far behind in my marathon training. I got new shoes. I have always run in New Balances, but this time I was talked into these aesics cumulus gels by the sales man. I am not sure that they are my favorite after running about 30 miles in them... But they'll do. I am however, in love with my speed laces. Yeah triathlete laziness!






Day 35-August 4, 2009

Keys Please.

This is the new fascination. To and from the Y. In and out of the house. Straighten up at the Haines (whose house we have been sitting upon).

Open the door, close the door, lock the door, unlock the door.

"Momma, keys please."

What a great sentence to hear from your 16 month old.






Day 36-August 5, 2009

I lose.

Remember all of that healthy eating I was talking about before? Well, on my way home from the Aqua aerobics class we did this morning, Tim sprung for some good old fast food.

Supersize me?

I think not.

We don't eat out much, but when we do, it's obvious that we go for quality.

On a side note, Mac is finally moved into his room, after some great window demolition.