The not so Wonderful Workout

I have a new workout regiment these days. It happens twice a day for at least an hour each time. I can't say I would recommend it to anyone and frankly I would love to eliminate this "workout" from my day. However in an attempt to not wallow in self pity I will look on the bright side and at least this is forcing me to do some form of exercise. OK so the workout begins like this:

Strength training--that is I carry Kristen into her room and place her in her bed.

Cardio is next-I walk back to the living room sit down and then hear banging on the door or door opening. I then go back to the room put her back in bed(more strength training) and then back to the living room. Repeat this process at least 10 times throughout the hour.

Deep breathing- this is included after every return trip to the living room. I breathe deep to lower my heart rate which is now highly elevated due to extreme agitation, some physical exertion, and massive frustration.

I really think it is cruel and unusual punishment she discovered her ability to get out of her crib Now of all times after I have the baby. She has had the ability for months, I know this because if she can scale the cabinets and end up in the freezer perusing her snack choices, she sure could climb over the measly edge of her crib. I think she has been plotting the dramatic unveiling of her new skills for the most inopportune moment which of course would be NOW! None of my other boys ever did this. They could have but they never really tried. I'm learning a whole new aspect of patience and endurance. I tried the whole Supernanny approach--which I don't watch often but on occasion. Mostly when I'm feeling like I'm a terrible mother and my kids are out of control. I then tune in and instantly feel much better as I watch the train wreck other families got going on. I then turn off the TV give thanks for my kids, and then realize hey I guess things really aren't that bad. Anyway her little just keep putting them back and not talking to them while you do it thing works for her in like a day or 2. Whatever! It's been over a week and I've been consistent for once about something and everyday it's the same. I'm sure if I had a British stranger lady come and put her back in bed she probably would stay too but I don't seem to have any of those on hand.

Anyway I guess I will put the whole Outwit, Outplay, Outlast theme to my own personal use. The unfortunate part is when the workout is done I find any chocolate or treat that will soothe my frustration so really I negate all the calories I just burned off. Oh well I guess I can live with that. Below are pictures of when I went in the room. Once she took all the trouble to climb out of the crib but was just to lazy to finish the process and fell asleep on the floor in front of the door instead of taking the effort to try and open it.(which is tricky for her to open it but with some work she can do it) The other picture is I went in and she had climbed the bookcase and was just sitting there. The day before that she had found a marker and drawn all over the dressers.

Introducing...

Benjamin Todd Richards

It's taken awhile to post some pictures but between sleep deprivation and a toddler who has not taken so well to losing her place as baby-- I've been a little busy. I will write more later but here is a glimpse at our new addition. He was 7lbs 14oz. and 20 3/4" long. He was born on Saturday, January 26th at 12:32 am.

It's Been TEN!

That's right today marks Kevin and I's 1oth anniversary! Notice in the picture that on our cake which had the cute little Precious Moments wedding topper that I picked that Kevin had placed Han and Leia action figures on the second tier and I didn't even notice! That really should have been my first clue how much Star Wars would become part of my life.OK back to the current-- this month has been so crazy with birthdays, and Kevin's work/class schedule and of course the fact that I could give birth at any moment that we have been a little preoccupied and it's all kind of overshadowed this milestone so I'm glad we thought ahead and did the real celebrating on our D.C. adventure. I still have to acknowledge the actual date however so here are 10 reasons I love being married to Kevin.

1. If you ever have to go to a party or event and it is uncomfortable to you he is great to have around because he can talk to anyone and can "break the ice" in almost all settings.

2. If you ever need to know what's going on locally or nationally you can ask him. He is the most informed citizen I know. If he had the time he would watch the 12, 5, 6, and 11 news. That's not to mention the CSpan and local access channels for town meetings he throws in on the side. To me I think how much can really change from 12 to 5 but if it did I know I could ask Kevin.

3. He is one of the most honest people I know. He will not say or do something just to be a pleaser. He is who he is. Which is funny because if you know Kevin you know he is very opinionated and blunt at times but I honestly was completely unaware of these traits until after we were married! Love really can be blind.

4. He is a very hard worker in anything he does. If he agrees to do something he will put the best effort he has into it whether it's work, church, or home. That is a great example to me who has kind of adopted the "oh well that's good enough" attitude.

5. If you have a bit of a speeding problem it's very convenient to have Kevin as your husband as it has gotten me out of getting a ticket a few times.

6. If you are the cubscout leader like I am it is wonderful having Kevin who not only answers my 3 million questions about how it works but also to provide cool field trips to both fire and police stations.

7. If you don't enjoy doing all the household jobs and responsibilities by yourself than it's great to have Kevin. I know I have mentioned it before but it's just to awesome to not reward over and over with verbal praise and that is He cleans! and not half-job cleaning but really cleans and organizes and sanitizes ,really what else can you ask for. But wait there is more because he will cook too --without being asked or expecting anything in return either!

8. If you ever are feeling not so wonderful Kevin is a great husband to have. He is always telling me how wonderful and amazing I am and will give specific examples of why he thinks so. When we pray together he always shows such gratitude for having me in his life. This is great because I know I'm not always the easiest person to live with but hey if I have him snowed, awesome!

9. If you need a laugh just get Kevin talking. He is an amazing story teller and with his occupation he always has interesting stories and events to share. It is never boring hearing about his day and he can make most any situation amusing in one way or another.

10. If you want an incredible husband, father, and friend Kevin is the one to have. For me that is. His strengths are my weakness and vice versa so it truly works out that we compliment and balance each other. He has taught me a lot and in turn I'm sure I've taught him a lot-a lot more that is! Just kidding!

Here's to 10 years of ups and downs. New jobs, kids, vacations, more kids, and just living life together! I love you! Happy Anniversary!

New Year's Eve Bash!

I figure better late than never posting our New Year's Eve events. We went to the annual Richard's New Year's Eve Party and that is always a fun time. We eat and then split up in teams and play a series of games. Which I have to mention the team I was on won this year!! We then eat some more. We had to guess how much candy was in the Gingerbread house which is funny because Colin was one of the winner's. I asked him how many he thought and he said 5. I made it 105 and he won. Do you think he was willing to share the candy prize with me since I helped him win. Of course not. He would he said but I got my own candy prize since my team won the other games. Which he was on my same team and got extra candy for that as well but that was besides the point in his mind. Then there is always a pinata which is a highlight for the kids. Last year it was Darth Vader's helmet and this year it was a pink unicorn or horse thing so it's always a surprise.


Kristen really enjoyed this process as well. She was tapping it while Luke had no mercy on the poor thing. With his "skills" he got it busted open a little for it to be finished off by the next couple of hitters.


The chaos began as candy went flying throughout the air and kids scrambling for their share of the loot.

At midnight-which at this party is 10pm. It's really quite brilliant. They set the clocks ahead so at 10 it says midnight and we do the count down and have noise makers, and those pull the string and it explodes things, and the kids run outside to celebrate the "new year". The neighbors who you would think be confused are used to this as this tradition has been going on for years and years now. Most of my kids are oblivious to the fact it is actually earlier. It's a fun time for all! Even Grandma Hottenstein!
There was even a mini dance party going on for a minute!

Christmas in Tennessee

We had a good Christmas which I wish I could show you pictures of but I know it is shocking but I forgot my camera. We went to Tennessee to see my family and it was a great time. I did think to ask my sister to borrow her camera to take some shots but I then preceded to forget to use it. Kevin had to fly back Christmas night to work the next day and then he flew back on Thurs. morning so he could turn around and drive back with me Friday morning. Luckily, they have a tiny airport that flew a tiny plane right into Cincinnati. He did bring back my camera so I got some pictures the last day.
It wouldn't be Christmas without Legos. They are building a Lego airport.
The kids all love Grandma's bathtub. They spent a lot of time in here.
Luke spent a lot of his time with his favorite present the Nintendo DS. After opening it he said jokingly, "I think I'm going to cry I'm so happy."
This is my adorable niece who Kristen was so sweet to one minute and then terrorized her the next. I think we left Caitlin with a little paranoia but hopefully no wounds.

Kristen got her first haircut! Goodbye mullet. I could stand her ivory mane no longer.

So that is a snapshot of the end of our week. It was fun even though I can't prove it all with pictures.

Lately...

Hopefully these are just short term problems I have come to have but I have noticed that:

Lately... I can’t seem to remember anything. I can’t remember where I put things or what I am supposed to be getting done. I can’t seem to retain anything except water. Which, that I am doing an excellent job at.

Lately... I have watched the same Dora the Explorer DVD like 100 times(not by my choice). Frankly, I’m a little disappointed I am not bilingual by now. Instead, probably due to my previous statement, I can only remember Rapido and Penguino. Although, I guess if I ever need to tell a penguin to go faster I’m set.

Lately... my woman/mother super power of multitasking is fading. I can either feed you or listen to you-pick one.

Lately...Dinners have become a variety- which consists of cereal, frozen pizza, or whatever you make yourself.

Lately... I can’t seem to tie my shoe without racing the clock so I don’t pass out from not being able to breathe while I’m bending down.

Lately... I can’t seem to get off the sweet-salty cycle. I eat something sweet then I just have to follow up with something salty which then brings me back to needing something sweet. When does it end!

Lately...PBS Kids and Dora have become my kids favorite companions. They assume this position and remain there way too long. Notice they are both in their pajamas still and it is like 11am. The sad part is I probably am too!

That Just Ain't Right!

I'm going to share with you in my native tongue(southeast Missourian) a saying that you might hear when things baffle you and don't turn out the way you think they should. We say "That just AIN'T right." You have to make sure you have the accent or some of the meaning is lost. I share this because over the years I've had to say or think this in certain circumstances:

OK I have a not so great side to me. In general I am a pretty passive, easygoing, noncompetitive person but I have a streak of pride and competitiveness that comes out now and again and it seems more often lately in relation to my husband. A couple of years ago, Kevin got us dance lessons for my birthday because he knows I love to dance. We recruited our great friends to go as well, so we all went and it was a blast but I did get corrected by the teacher more than I thought necessary because in my mind I am a great dancer and I kept thinking--hey go tell Kevin what he's doing wrong because if it's not right the problem has to be with him not me! He did get corrected too but he must have needed it :) OK see prideful I know.

Next, he then decided the class thing together was fun so for our anniversary he went through local class options and found an 8 week pottery class. Sounded fun, I'm crafty and artistic(I thought) so I was ready to go. We go and there I sit with my giant lump of clay trying to channel my creativity and inner sculptor(which evidently is not there). I look over and there's Kevin on the wheel with this beautiful bowl that is almost done. WHAT!! NO! I'm the crafty one I'm supposed to be good at this stuff. So by the end of the 8 weeks I end up with a hodge podge of pieces that look they were stolen from the Elementary Art room and Kevin has all these wonderful pieces that you could purchase at Pottery Barn. I'm not bitter though really!

My last example is in relation to the previous post. You saw our gingerbread house right. Well in reality he did all the wonderful icing work and construction and me and the kids randomly stuck the candy on. He then went above and beyond by making this awesome creation(see below). His parents collaborated with him and they worked together to design the model of the firehouse he works at. It is almost exactly like the real firehouse-it even has the dumpster in the back. In the past his parents and family made an amazing replica of Hogwart's castle, Hogsmeade village and the train station from Harry Potter out of gingerbread. It was incredible! OK back to the firehouse, His mom churned out more gingerbread and Kevin began construction. It took days and by the end he was even baking the gingerbread and making the icing himself--only in the most manly way of course! If you want to see this masterpiece it is on display in the lobby of the fire department/admin. building by our house.

That just AIN'T right! How can I ever top that! I guess the point is I don't need to top it but just be happy I am married to this amazingly talented man!! You know I think I'll sign us up for a scrapbook or computer class next (Those I know I would better at) Oops there I go again.