Right, so go ahead and laugh...all of you iphone and smart phone users. Aaron and I proudly swim as salmon upstream against the latest fads in consumer technology.
Neither of us had a cell phone until we got married. (Okay, my parents got me one when I turned 16 just for emergency "on the road" purposes...but I'm not counting that since I only used it a total of about 4 times, and it stayed forever parked in the center car console.)
It took us two years to price and finally decide on our Sharp Aquos tv, that I can't even tell you the inch measurement of. I'm wanting to say like maybe 42''???
We don't have a data plan on our Sprint account...just talk and text. There's really no reason for it, because I'm home with the kids all day and can use the computer as needed, and Aaron has his work Blackberry to do whatever he needs to do.
Several times at church, someone has let the kids "play" with their iphone or ipad, and for a while now, the kids have been really frustrated as to why our tv, phones and computer screens don't have touch screen capabilities. Well, that all changed because for Mother's Day, I got an ipod touch. It wasn't even something I was in the market for, except that I lost my nano. I'm pretty sure I left it at the gym by the water fountain after running, and it's long gone. I needed something to be able to continue to track my runs...so Aaron suggested the ipod touch, since it has built in Nike+ capabilities and we could use it to download apps and games for the kids. Which brings me to the title of today's post.
Obviously, I know that apps existed, just had never ever accessed or used one until now. In fact, last year our MOMC club compiled a list of favorite Moms' and Kids' apps to post in our newsletter. Pretty sure I just sat there looking bewildered as people listed things I'd never heard of like Pandora. So, now that we have the ipod touch, Aaron has set us up with some really fun stuff that the kids LOVE. There are several preschool games that they beg to play...and are really really good at. In fact, I'm pretty sure they know their way around the ipod and its apps better than I do. No...I'm certain of it.
So, I guess we are taking technological baby steps. It's nice to be able to track my runs again, to send the info to the Nike site right from the ipod on wifi, for the kids to have one more thing to hook their attention when we're in situations where they're getting really restless or bored, and to know what people are talking about when they refer to Angry Birds. :-)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Catch up
Well, here I am again trying to figure out all of the things that I've been thinking about blogging about over the past few weeks since my last post. Like everyone, we are busy. And now that the weather is warmer (well, I say that...but the weather has really just been all over the place) we are out and about pretty much everyday. I guess I should say WHEN the weather is warmer. We've had crazy storms, hail, some tornadic activity in the general vicinity, very hot weather, and nearly freezing weather...all in the span of a few weeks. Very odd. But in general, if it's not raining hard or snowing, we hit the gym, the park, picnics, the library, the duck pond, and of course...the backyard...a lot. I like to keep them active and outdoors as much as possible. For one, the physical activity is good. For two, being out in nature offers tons of learning opportunities. For three, it gets them good and tired so they'll take a nice long nap. :-)
Alec and Emma had two checkups recently. The first was their first ever dental visit. I took them to go see a pediatric dentist in Rogers. I really hoped that Aaron would be able to go with us, but it just so happened that he had to install a program at Sam's that day...so that didn't work out. I was a little nervous about having both of them undergoing a completely new, and somewhat invasive experience without both of us there. And, I pretty much had every good reason to feel that way. They acted like 3 year olds.
Alec did fine getting his teeth cleaned. Emma was cool with it while Alec was getting his teeth done. Then it was her turn and she flipped out. She didn't want anything to do with it. After throwing a "turn to jello" fit, I convinced her to just show the hygenist how she brushes her own teeth. She was okay with that, and eventually she warmed up enough to let the hygenist do everything she did with Alec.
While I was trying to deal with Emma, Alec decided he needed to run back and forth on this window seat that was right next to our station.
Then it was time for x-rays...maybe. The hygenist said that they were optional depending on the child. Alec was fine with it. We convinced him it was a superhero seat with a superhero "vest." Emma saw what was happening and knew it would be her turn next, and again...flipped out. She didn't want to be anywhere near the x-ray apparatus. So, she didn't get x-rays.
Then we were to wait for the dentist. This ended up taking so long and all they wanted to do was run around, so I finally asked if we could just go back to the kids' waiting room/play area until he was ready. The kids decided they both needed to pee at that point, so we had a nice little "chat" about behavior while using the restroom. After about 20 minutes, we finally got called back. Dr. Rhodes looked them both over. Emma was a little more responsive to him, presumably because he was a man. Both kids got a good report. Teeth look good, no cavities. Alec's are crowded, may need braces sometime. Emma, we're not sure about as far as orthodontia. They got their fluoride, and after another 10 minutes of checkout, we were out the door...sort of. Emma decided to take her new toothbrush out and practice (which would normally be fine, except that she'd just had fluoride applied, and they weren't supposed to brush for 24 hours...I know it sounds wierd). When I realized this, I had to take it away and she launched into another massive fit on the way out the door.
I called Aaron afterward to tell him what a fantastic morning it had turned out to be, and then headed to Walmart to pick up my new ipod touch~ (happy early Mother's Day to me!) His morning at Sam's turned out to be just as "fun," just in a different way.
The following week, we had their 3 yr well visit with their pediatrician. Usually, at the doc's office, Emma is the "show off" and Alec just plays and is quiet. However, this time, it was completely the opposite. Alec dazzled Dr. Froman with his counting, shape naming, color identification,fine motor, etc. Emma performed, just a lot more quietly and more reserved than usual. When she found out that they can sing the "days of the week" and "months of the year" song...she about fell out of her chair.
She was happy with their diet, their language development, and their growth. Alec weighed in at 32.5# and Emma at 28.5#. He was at 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height (which is huge compared to where he's come from!) She estimated an adult height of 6ft for him! Wowza! I've always wanted a son I could look up to! :-) Emma was at 25th percentile for weight and somewhere right around there for height too. (I wrote it down, but can't find the piece of paper now.) She was estimated to reach a height of 5'3- 5'5ish.
We were up to date on immunizations, so no shots this time. Next year, though, there will be...so I'll prepare myself!
Tonight, we get to go to a birthday party. The kiddo's name is Ethan, and he's their best buddy from church. Mrs. Orenda, his mom, plays with my kids all the time because she is the Wednesday night nursery star! She even comes early on the nights Aaron and I have worship team practice, to watch the kids. We get to eat pizza with Ethan tonight and go to Jump Zone. Alec and Emma CAN'T WAIT! They've even practiced singing to him. :-) I know they'll be thrilled to have him join them in their preschool kids' church class too!
This weekend should be fun. I'm hoping that the weather will be nice. We'll see. I haven't been able to plant any flowers yet this year because of the wacky weather. I have plans for a new garden bed I want to dig out back that I want to get started on too.
Oh, and I've started another dang Nike Challenge. Its a team challenge. Veronica and me vs. her husband Dr. Dan and Chris (the punk who beat me out last summer by running a stupid half marathon the last day of the challenge). We are lovingly referred to as the Ballet Dancers and the Beer Drinkers. At this moment we are ahead...but by less than a mile. Because I am so ridiculously competitive when it comes to these (and I really don't know why), I will probably end up doing my "wake up at 5:30am to run everyday" gig for the next month. The challenge ends on 6/21. I have the Cancer Challenge 10K on 6/25. I can almost guarantee that after that I'll take a little hiatus from running.
Natalie, I know you're thinking "dang, she must be skinny." I wish I could say that I was, but I am actually 5-7 pounds up from where I was last year when I was running my butt off and doing zumba (which I'm still doing...but for some reason with different results) to get ready for V's wedding and the OU Reunion. I had great results running about 3mi 5x a week in the early morning and doing Zumba on Saturday. This year, since I've been focused on furthering my distance...I run fewer times per week, but longer distances. I've been doing Zumba Tues and Thurs mornings, and not running on those days. That doesn't pan out quite as well for cals burned and fat loss.
I need to wrap this post up. But here's a little teaser about the next few posts. (mostly just to help me remember what I've thought about writing about.)
"Now I Know What Apps Are- and other revelations about the technology age"
"Microwave Timer and Coin Toss- logic and your toddler"
"Next Year's Teaching Situation- and why I'm a little freaked out"
Alec and Emma had two checkups recently. The first was their first ever dental visit. I took them to go see a pediatric dentist in Rogers. I really hoped that Aaron would be able to go with us, but it just so happened that he had to install a program at Sam's that day...so that didn't work out. I was a little nervous about having both of them undergoing a completely new, and somewhat invasive experience without both of us there. And, I pretty much had every good reason to feel that way. They acted like 3 year olds.
Alec did fine getting his teeth cleaned. Emma was cool with it while Alec was getting his teeth done. Then it was her turn and she flipped out. She didn't want anything to do with it. After throwing a "turn to jello" fit, I convinced her to just show the hygenist how she brushes her own teeth. She was okay with that, and eventually she warmed up enough to let the hygenist do everything she did with Alec.
While I was trying to deal with Emma, Alec decided he needed to run back and forth on this window seat that was right next to our station.
Then it was time for x-rays...maybe. The hygenist said that they were optional depending on the child. Alec was fine with it. We convinced him it was a superhero seat with a superhero "vest." Emma saw what was happening and knew it would be her turn next, and again...flipped out. She didn't want to be anywhere near the x-ray apparatus. So, she didn't get x-rays.
Then we were to wait for the dentist. This ended up taking so long and all they wanted to do was run around, so I finally asked if we could just go back to the kids' waiting room/play area until he was ready. The kids decided they both needed to pee at that point, so we had a nice little "chat" about behavior while using the restroom. After about 20 minutes, we finally got called back. Dr. Rhodes looked them both over. Emma was a little more responsive to him, presumably because he was a man. Both kids got a good report. Teeth look good, no cavities. Alec's are crowded, may need braces sometime. Emma, we're not sure about as far as orthodontia. They got their fluoride, and after another 10 minutes of checkout, we were out the door...sort of. Emma decided to take her new toothbrush out and practice (which would normally be fine, except that she'd just had fluoride applied, and they weren't supposed to brush for 24 hours...I know it sounds wierd). When I realized this, I had to take it away and she launched into another massive fit on the way out the door.
I called Aaron afterward to tell him what a fantastic morning it had turned out to be, and then headed to Walmart to pick up my new ipod touch~ (happy early Mother's Day to me!) His morning at Sam's turned out to be just as "fun," just in a different way.
The following week, we had their 3 yr well visit with their pediatrician. Usually, at the doc's office, Emma is the "show off" and Alec just plays and is quiet. However, this time, it was completely the opposite. Alec dazzled Dr. Froman with his counting, shape naming, color identification,fine motor, etc. Emma performed, just a lot more quietly and more reserved than usual. When she found out that they can sing the "days of the week" and "months of the year" song...she about fell out of her chair.
She was happy with their diet, their language development, and their growth. Alec weighed in at 32.5# and Emma at 28.5#. He was at 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height (which is huge compared to where he's come from!) She estimated an adult height of 6ft for him! Wowza! I've always wanted a son I could look up to! :-) Emma was at 25th percentile for weight and somewhere right around there for height too. (I wrote it down, but can't find the piece of paper now.) She was estimated to reach a height of 5'3- 5'5ish.
We were up to date on immunizations, so no shots this time. Next year, though, there will be...so I'll prepare myself!
Tonight, we get to go to a birthday party. The kiddo's name is Ethan, and he's their best buddy from church. Mrs. Orenda, his mom, plays with my kids all the time because she is the Wednesday night nursery star! She even comes early on the nights Aaron and I have worship team practice, to watch the kids. We get to eat pizza with Ethan tonight and go to Jump Zone. Alec and Emma CAN'T WAIT! They've even practiced singing to him. :-) I know they'll be thrilled to have him join them in their preschool kids' church class too!
This weekend should be fun. I'm hoping that the weather will be nice. We'll see. I haven't been able to plant any flowers yet this year because of the wacky weather. I have plans for a new garden bed I want to dig out back that I want to get started on too.
Oh, and I've started another dang Nike Challenge. Its a team challenge. Veronica and me vs. her husband Dr. Dan and Chris (the punk who beat me out last summer by running a stupid half marathon the last day of the challenge). We are lovingly referred to as the Ballet Dancers and the Beer Drinkers. At this moment we are ahead...but by less than a mile. Because I am so ridiculously competitive when it comes to these (and I really don't know why), I will probably end up doing my "wake up at 5:30am to run everyday" gig for the next month. The challenge ends on 6/21. I have the Cancer Challenge 10K on 6/25. I can almost guarantee that after that I'll take a little hiatus from running.
Natalie, I know you're thinking "dang, she must be skinny." I wish I could say that I was, but I am actually 5-7 pounds up from where I was last year when I was running my butt off and doing zumba (which I'm still doing...but for some reason with different results) to get ready for V's wedding and the OU Reunion. I had great results running about 3mi 5x a week in the early morning and doing Zumba on Saturday. This year, since I've been focused on furthering my distance...I run fewer times per week, but longer distances. I've been doing Zumba Tues and Thurs mornings, and not running on those days. That doesn't pan out quite as well for cals burned and fat loss.
I need to wrap this post up. But here's a little teaser about the next few posts. (mostly just to help me remember what I've thought about writing about.)
"Now I Know What Apps Are- and other revelations about the technology age"
"Microwave Timer and Coin Toss- logic and your toddler"
"Next Year's Teaching Situation- and why I'm a little freaked out"
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Race for the Cure 2011
Saturday I participated in Race for the Cure. If you've followed this blog, you might remember that Aaron and I have participated every year that we've lived here except for 2008, because the babies had just been born. Last year, I ran my first 5K in RFTC. Yesterday, I ran my first official 10K. I got the chip timer thingy and everything. I've been training for a good while, and felt pretty confident that I could do it.
And I did! I completed the 10K (6.2 miles) in 1:07:00. I came in 178th of I don't know how many women. They post the top 250 male and females to their website. I know that there were 16,000 that either walked, ran or competed. I wasn't running to win anything. I was pretty surprised that I finished in the top 200 females. I just wanted to finish...and get the medal. :-)
Since this was the inaugural year for the competitive 10K, everyone who participated in it got medals.
I love being involved in RFTC because it is a cause close to our hearts. Aaron's mother and grandmother are both breast cancer survivors. It's a way to celebrate their victories!
I'm also planning to run in the Cancer Challenge 10K at the end of June. Our church is putting together a team in honor of our friend, Liz, who died of cancer.
Here are a few pics from the race:
It's hard to tell from this pic, but I'm near the center of the photo...about to cross the finish line.
And I did! I completed the 10K (6.2 miles) in 1:07:00. I came in 178th of I don't know how many women. They post the top 250 male and females to their website. I know that there were 16,000 that either walked, ran or competed. I wasn't running to win anything. I was pretty surprised that I finished in the top 200 females. I just wanted to finish...and get the medal. :-)
Since this was the inaugural year for the competitive 10K, everyone who participated in it got medals.
I love being involved in RFTC because it is a cause close to our hearts. Aaron's mother and grandmother are both breast cancer survivors. It's a way to celebrate their victories!
I'm also planning to run in the Cancer Challenge 10K at the end of June. Our church is putting together a team in honor of our friend, Liz, who died of cancer.
Here are a few pics from the race:
It's hard to tell from this pic, but I'm near the center of the photo...about to cross the finish line.
My sweet kiddos congratulating me after the race, and checking out my cool medal!
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