Wrestling does not do a body good. At least not Carson's body. I have lost track of how many injuries he has had to due wrestling. But we are now prepping for surgery number 2 due to a wrestling injury.
The latest injury installment occurred yesterday at wrestling camp. He was wrestling in the final match of camp against some kid from Hermiston. Ironically, Carson had wrestled the same kid the night before and the kid complained that Carson was a "finger-breaker". The kid was mad that Carson was pretty aggressive in fighting hands and trying to break the kid's grip.
The kid turned out to be the real finger-breaker. He intentionally grabbed Carson's right index finger as Carson had a tight waist on him. He then pulled Carson's finger out to the side, dislocating the finger and breaking the proximal phalange.
The break is an oblique fracture and the hand surgeon said that it will require surgery to properly repair/heal the fracture. So next Wednesday Carson will be headed off to surgery. We won't know until he gets knocked out if the surgeon will try a closed reduction with a pin placement or an open procedure with cerclage. Either way, Carson will be in a cast for the remainder of summer.
Biggest bummer is that he will miss Jr. Nationals back in Fargo. He was really looking forward to wrestling in the tournament. And he was wrestling incredibly well. His prep work with Dave was very apparent watching him wrestle on Tuesday night at wrestling camp. He was nails.
And he was nails on Wednesday when the kid broke his finger. The finger was broken in the first round. Carson had it taped up and continued to wrestle. He beat the kid 9-1. His win secured the team championship for CV at the camp.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
She Wants to be a Missionary Now
Katelyn called a couple of weeks ago asking if I would pray for her as she prayed about serving a mission. I said I would, of course. She called a couple of days later asking if I had prayed and I said I did. Her next question was if I had received any inspiration one way or another. I told her that because it was her decision, I had prayed that she would receive a clear impression one way or another. In my prayer I told Heavenly Father that Katelyn doesn't do well with vague or "do what you think is right" answers and that she needed a definite yes or no. Katelyn told me that she had felt a definite answer to her prayer.
Yesterday she called wanting help filling out the on-line missionary application. I think that Church Headquarters use that application to weed out those who are not necessarily committed to going on a mission. It took forever to fill it out, but we plowed through it. Of course, we wound up doing Facetime to get it completed so she could show me certain questions rather than trying to explain what she was seeing/reading.
Her plan is to defer her Fall semester, work during that semester (either in Rexburg or here at home), and put her availability date as after the first of the year. She was originally was going to put her availability date as November. I will admit that I was a bit selfish and asked her to delay her availability until after the Holidays. I said it would give her some more time to work, but really, it would just be nice to have her home for Thanksgiving and Christmas before she is gone for 18 months.
Yesterday she called wanting help filling out the on-line missionary application. I think that Church Headquarters use that application to weed out those who are not necessarily committed to going on a mission. It took forever to fill it out, but we plowed through it. Of course, we wound up doing Facetime to get it completed so she could show me certain questions rather than trying to explain what she was seeing/reading.
Her plan is to defer her Fall semester, work during that semester (either in Rexburg or here at home), and put her availability date as after the first of the year. She was originally was going to put her availability date as November. I will admit that I was a bit selfish and asked her to delay her availability until after the Holidays. I said it would give her some more time to work, but really, it would just be nice to have her home for Thanksgiving and Christmas before she is gone for 18 months.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Are You Going to Watch?
Have you heard of Nic Wallenda? He is a husband. He is a father of three. He has a rich and interesting family history. He is also a 7th-generation high wire walker. According to his website, his first appearance on the wire when his mother was 6th months pregnant with him. He then performed as a tiny clown carried in a pillowcase by another family member when he was age 2. He would have to wait until he was 13 before he could perform solo.
Since reaching that critical age, Nic has fulfilled many death-defying high-wire acts. He has performed a stunt in Puerto Rico that sent his great-grandfather to his death back in the 1970's. He set a Guinness World Record for riding a bike across a high wire back in 2008; a performance that was shown live on the Today show. Continuing with those challenges, and taking advantage of the fact that a network was willing to sponsor him, Nic took his high-wire act to a place that hadn't seen any stunts performed there in over 116 years. Nic set his sights on Niagara Falls. Last year, he completed his walk, although the network required him to wear a safety tether.
This year, with a new network, Nic has upped the anty and in the process will fulfill a life-long dream if he successfully completes his stunt. If he slips off the wire, well there will be no safety tether this time, and death is certain. This Sunday Nic will be walking 1500 feet in the air and across a span of 1400 feet as he crosses the Grand Canyon. Discovery Channel will be providing live coverage. Nic's dad is the safety advisor so he will be there to check all of the equipment.
I've read Nic's website. It is clear that these types of tricks, or events, or whatever they are called, are his family normal. As much as just the thought of these tricks turn my stomach, they are routine for Nic and his family. The Flying Wallenda's are high-wire performers. That is their day job. And they are really good at their job.
Still, I'm not sure I can stand to watch this latest installment in Nic's high-wire act. It just seems too risky, although I'm not sure what the difference is between walking across the Grand Canyon and the high-wire act he performed in Puerto Rico (the height was similar although the span was a little shorter). At least when he was walking across Niagara Falls he wore a tether.
Last night when the commercial came on, I told Carson that I wasn't sure that I was going to watch. I wasn't sure I could stand the anticipation and worry. I won't tell you what Carson's response was. I was disgusted by it, but also wonder how many people will be watching on Sunday with the same secret mindset.
Since reaching that critical age, Nic has fulfilled many death-defying high-wire acts. He has performed a stunt in Puerto Rico that sent his great-grandfather to his death back in the 1970's. He set a Guinness World Record for riding a bike across a high wire back in 2008; a performance that was shown live on the Today show. Continuing with those challenges, and taking advantage of the fact that a network was willing to sponsor him, Nic took his high-wire act to a place that hadn't seen any stunts performed there in over 116 years. Nic set his sights on Niagara Falls. Last year, he completed his walk, although the network required him to wear a safety tether.
This year, with a new network, Nic has upped the anty and in the process will fulfill a life-long dream if he successfully completes his stunt. If he slips off the wire, well there will be no safety tether this time, and death is certain. This Sunday Nic will be walking 1500 feet in the air and across a span of 1400 feet as he crosses the Grand Canyon. Discovery Channel will be providing live coverage. Nic's dad is the safety advisor so he will be there to check all of the equipment.
I've read Nic's website. It is clear that these types of tricks, or events, or whatever they are called, are his family normal. As much as just the thought of these tricks turn my stomach, they are routine for Nic and his family. The Flying Wallenda's are high-wire performers. That is their day job. And they are really good at their job.
Still, I'm not sure I can stand to watch this latest installment in Nic's high-wire act. It just seems too risky, although I'm not sure what the difference is between walking across the Grand Canyon and the high-wire act he performed in Puerto Rico (the height was similar although the span was a little shorter). At least when he was walking across Niagara Falls he wore a tether.
Last night when the commercial came on, I told Carson that I wasn't sure that I was going to watch. I wasn't sure I could stand the anticipation and worry. I won't tell you what Carson's response was. I was disgusted by it, but also wonder how many people will be watching on Sunday with the same secret mindset.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Fashion Trends I Just Can't Pull Off
I went through three outfits this morning as I was trying to get dressed for work. After the third attempt I decided there are just some fashion trends that I can't do.
Not matter how hard I try, and how many different combinations I try, I cannot seem to pull off the fashion trend of wearing a t-shirt under a tank top. Now, this may only be a fashion trend in the Mormon culture, but it is rampant in that culture. And some of the ladies wear this fashion with smashing success. I've watched them, taken notes and the type of t-shirt and tank top they wear, and tried to replicate it myself. I am a smashing failure with this trend. Not sure why I can't make it work, but the t-shirt/tank top combination just don't look right on me.
I haven't even tried the maxi dress/maxi skirt fashion trend. I'm not sure if vertically-challenged people can pull of this trend and since the dresses are quite pricey, I'm not willing to spend money on something that will be oh so disappointing. Also, the dresses will most likely require a t-shirt underneath the top part of the dress since most of the dresses I have seen have tank top straps (or are strapless). And I've already discussed that that won't work for me.
I've also tried this new trend of the partial tuck in front. For this trend, one tucks in a small portion of her shirt into the waistband of her pants. I haven't gone so far as to follow the tutorial on Pinterest, but I have tried working this trend several different times and feel like it just doesn't work for me. I don't find it flattering on my body frame. Instead of hiding waist-area flaws (like it is touted to do), I feel like it just accentuates the area of my body that I am least comfortable with. I have the stubborn post-baby pooch that in the almost 17 years since the last baby I have yet to get to go away. Since the partial tuck seems to accentuate this little pooch, and the pooch is apparently here to stay, the partial tuck fashion trend will have to go.
And once winter rolls around and the boots with dresses trend comes around again, there will be another fashion fail for me.
Not matter how hard I try, and how many different combinations I try, I cannot seem to pull off the fashion trend of wearing a t-shirt under a tank top. Now, this may only be a fashion trend in the Mormon culture, but it is rampant in that culture. And some of the ladies wear this fashion with smashing success. I've watched them, taken notes and the type of t-shirt and tank top they wear, and tried to replicate it myself. I am a smashing failure with this trend. Not sure why I can't make it work, but the t-shirt/tank top combination just don't look right on me.
I haven't even tried the maxi dress/maxi skirt fashion trend. I'm not sure if vertically-challenged people can pull of this trend and since the dresses are quite pricey, I'm not willing to spend money on something that will be oh so disappointing. Also, the dresses will most likely require a t-shirt underneath the top part of the dress since most of the dresses I have seen have tank top straps (or are strapless). And I've already discussed that that won't work for me.
I've also tried this new trend of the partial tuck in front. For this trend, one tucks in a small portion of her shirt into the waistband of her pants. I haven't gone so far as to follow the tutorial on Pinterest, but I have tried working this trend several different times and feel like it just doesn't work for me. I don't find it flattering on my body frame. Instead of hiding waist-area flaws (like it is touted to do), I feel like it just accentuates the area of my body that I am least comfortable with. I have the stubborn post-baby pooch that in the almost 17 years since the last baby I have yet to get to go away. Since the partial tuck seems to accentuate this little pooch, and the pooch is apparently here to stay, the partial tuck fashion trend will have to go.
And once winter rolls around and the boots with dresses trend comes around again, there will be another fashion fail for me.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Wisdom in a Comic Strip
This says it all, Kate.
I say "I love you" at the end of every conversation or before we leave, not because I want to hear you say it back (although would it kill you to say it back?)
I say it so you will be comfortable saying it to your children someday.
And of course, for me, a hug must almost always accompany "I love you" so you will most always get both.
Love you,
Mom
PS Carson, thanks for indulging me with a return hug and "love you, too" most of the time.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
I Do Not Understand
In all of my school memories I cannot recall a time when I was not concerned about my performance and hence my grades. Getting good grades was important to me; I based a lot of my self-worth on the grades I received. Fortunately I loved learning and I was blessed with a strong intellect so I was usually able to achieve the goals I had set for myself regarding grades. I put a lot of time and energy in getting good grades. There were a few hiccups in my performance (freshman year of college was the worst), but I fixed what was wrong and got right back to working hard to get the A's I was striving for.
I know that there are all kinds of learners and everyone performs differently. I know that some people, like me, are very invested in their grades and there are those who are invested in their grades, who try hard but just fall somewhere in the middle. There are others who could care less what their GPA shows. And there are still others who don't even bother trying. It is the last two groups that I just don't understand. I don't understand why those students don't/won't take advantage of the situation they are in, be invested in their learning, and perform their best.
I also don't understand how it is that my kids appear to fall somewhere in the range of underperforming/not caring realm. I'm pretty sure Dave and I never intentionally gave the impression that grades don't matter. I'm equally sure that we didn't try to put unrealistic expectations on them, requiring ridiculous amounts of study to achieve perfection. I actually thought we provided a pretty balanced approach to school performance. Apparently this notion is completely wrong and somewhere along the way we failed them both miserably. I wish I knew where so I could warn other parents away from that route.
I also know that both Katelyn and Carson of the ages where they really need to be the ones to be more invested in their learning/education than Dave and me. I need to let some things go. But then I have conversations like the following and I get completely frustrated and self-critical (because obviously I missed some important parenting milestone):
Katelyn: I don't know how such and such program will help me.
Me: It gives you a chance to think about just writing, not the mechanics of writing. Sometimes when your brain doesn't have to focus on the mechanics, the words come easier. How are you doing in your writing and dramatic analysis classes?
Katelyn: I'm not sure. I haven't checked.
Bah! How can you be halfway through your semester and you haven't checked what your grades are in the classes that you know will give you some difficulty? I don't understand that. So frustrating.
I know that there are all kinds of learners and everyone performs differently. I know that some people, like me, are very invested in their grades and there are those who are invested in their grades, who try hard but just fall somewhere in the middle. There are others who could care less what their GPA shows. And there are still others who don't even bother trying. It is the last two groups that I just don't understand. I don't understand why those students don't/won't take advantage of the situation they are in, be invested in their learning, and perform their best.
I also don't understand how it is that my kids appear to fall somewhere in the range of underperforming/not caring realm. I'm pretty sure Dave and I never intentionally gave the impression that grades don't matter. I'm equally sure that we didn't try to put unrealistic expectations on them, requiring ridiculous amounts of study to achieve perfection. I actually thought we provided a pretty balanced approach to school performance. Apparently this notion is completely wrong and somewhere along the way we failed them both miserably. I wish I knew where so I could warn other parents away from that route.
I also know that both Katelyn and Carson of the ages where they really need to be the ones to be more invested in their learning/education than Dave and me. I need to let some things go. But then I have conversations like the following and I get completely frustrated and self-critical (because obviously I missed some important parenting milestone):
Katelyn: I don't know how such and such program will help me.
Me: It gives you a chance to think about just writing, not the mechanics of writing. Sometimes when your brain doesn't have to focus on the mechanics, the words come easier. How are you doing in your writing and dramatic analysis classes?
Katelyn: I'm not sure. I haven't checked.
Bah! How can you be halfway through your semester and you haven't checked what your grades are in the classes that you know will give you some difficulty? I don't understand that. So frustrating.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Summer Hasn't Even Started Yet and It's Already Booked!
Last night we got a text from the Elder's Quorum President in our ward. For the last three summers, He and his family have invited us to spend a day at their lake cabin. We have yet to make it up there. Our schedules never mesh.
Dave and I hadn't written much down on the calendar except for the trip to South Carolina so I thought for sure there would be a lot of day options to text back to our friend. But as we started to write all of the different things down that we are scheduled to do this summer, it turns out there were only 4 days at the end of July and 3 days at the end of August that were available. I couldn't believe summer was already so full!
But on Wednesday of this week it is going to be ready, set, go for our summer activities. Dave and Carson start it out with a trip to Billings so Carson can wrestle in the AAU nationals. Then as soon as they get home, Dave turns around and flies to China for 10 days.
While Dave is in China, Carson has wrestling work-outs and a 3-day camp. July sees another training camp and a trip to Fargo, ND to participate in the USA Wrestling Jr. Nationals. Not long after they return we will be heading to Ephrata for a Carey family reunion.
We'll fit in our trip to South Carolina. Then my brother will be here for his white coat ceremony for vet school. Spokane to Sandpoint Relay, CVEA board work day, nurses' retreat and then it's back to work.
As I'm typing this I realized that we also need to schedule Senior Pictures and celebrate two July birthdays. Oh and I can't forget my trip to Rexburg for the Color Run with Katelyn. And I'm doing my best to prepare for the Hayden Lake Triathlon in July, but there sure are a lot of expenses being incurred this summer so I might save some money and not register for the triathlon.
And that's our summer. Whew!
Dave and I hadn't written much down on the calendar except for the trip to South Carolina so I thought for sure there would be a lot of day options to text back to our friend. But as we started to write all of the different things down that we are scheduled to do this summer, it turns out there were only 4 days at the end of July and 3 days at the end of August that were available. I couldn't believe summer was already so full!
But on Wednesday of this week it is going to be ready, set, go for our summer activities. Dave and Carson start it out with a trip to Billings so Carson can wrestle in the AAU nationals. Then as soon as they get home, Dave turns around and flies to China for 10 days.
While Dave is in China, Carson has wrestling work-outs and a 3-day camp. July sees another training camp and a trip to Fargo, ND to participate in the USA Wrestling Jr. Nationals. Not long after they return we will be heading to Ephrata for a Carey family reunion.
We'll fit in our trip to South Carolina. Then my brother will be here for his white coat ceremony for vet school. Spokane to Sandpoint Relay, CVEA board work day, nurses' retreat and then it's back to work.
As I'm typing this I realized that we also need to schedule Senior Pictures and celebrate two July birthdays. Oh and I can't forget my trip to Rexburg for the Color Run with Katelyn. And I'm doing my best to prepare for the Hayden Lake Triathlon in July, but there sure are a lot of expenses being incurred this summer so I might save some money and not register for the triathlon.
And that's our summer. Whew!
Monday, June 3, 2013
MishMash Monday
Today's blog post is a mishmash of work-out wrap-up, a couple of recipes, maybe a training tip for Katelyn, and maybe a random thought or two.
Well last week I still didn't get in every work-out as planned. I did better with running, getting in a tempo run, a speed work run, and a long run. Felt pretty good about being better with getting in the running, but was disappointed that I didn't get in any bike rides. Monday was raining so the group ride was cancelled. Thursday didn't work out because I got home too late from my doctor's appointment to join the group ride and didn't feel like going out by myself. Friday should have worked but I woke up with a migraine and had to cancel on my friend. Even though I missed biking, I did get in two swims along with the three runs. I guess overall that makes last week a "win" for training.
I have found some new yummy things that I am enjoying. First, and after much skepticism, I have discovered that green smoothies are in fact, quite delicious.
This is my recipe for green smoothies:
Well last week I still didn't get in every work-out as planned. I did better with running, getting in a tempo run, a speed work run, and a long run. Felt pretty good about being better with getting in the running, but was disappointed that I didn't get in any bike rides. Monday was raining so the group ride was cancelled. Thursday didn't work out because I got home too late from my doctor's appointment to join the group ride and didn't feel like going out by myself. Friday should have worked but I woke up with a migraine and had to cancel on my friend. Even though I missed biking, I did get in two swims along with the three runs. I guess overall that makes last week a "win" for training.
I have found some new yummy things that I am enjoying. First, and after much skepticism, I have discovered that green smoothies are in fact, quite delicious.
This is my recipe for green smoothies:
1/2 c Silk coconut milk
1 peach or mango
large handful of spinach
1/4 c plain Greek yogurt (Fage is my favorite brand)
2 or 3 ice cubes
Place all in a blender and blend until smooth.
The next yummy-for-my-tummy treat that I have discovered is a peanut butter/yogurt dip spread on a white corn tortilla, topped with bananas (and maybe chocolate chips), and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Peanut butter/yogurt dip is super-easy.
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt.
Mix well. Can add agave or honey for a little sweetness if the dip is too tangy.
Since I can't eat bananas raw I put the whole little concoction in the oven for 12 minutes at 375 degrees. Oh so yummy. I may need to go make one right now.
I'm trying eat a more vegetarian diet, but it isn't easy. And the reason continues to be because I am mostly lazy when it comes to actually preparing the meal. I have great plans, but I find grocery shopping to be such a bother and then actually cooking to be just as much trouble. I thought I enjoyed cooking, but I am discovering I must not really like it or I would be more willing to put the necessary time into completing the whole process.
Katelyn posted on Facebook that she ran with her friend last week. I hope that she keeps up with the running. Here is another training tip: don't overeat. Beginning runners make the mistake of overeating, mostly because they overestimate the number of calories they are burning. When you eat, don't fuel up with junk food, but an occasional treat wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Are you still reading? Wow, I'm impressed. But I think it is time to wrap up this mishmash of nothingness. I leave you to think about this "Prayer is a privilege" (an up-coming topic for our sacrament meeting). What do you think that means?
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