Category : Life in General
Happy New Year!! So long 2010 and hello 2011!! What a year it was, full of major accomplishments not only on my part, but those of my family & friends.
Goals were set and met and exceeded. Not only was I motivated by so many people to keep my head above water when I (thought) I was flailing, I’m told that I was actual motivation to others. Which I still find funny and am most humbled by this. At the beginning of 2010 I had set my goal to at least run one 10k in 2010, but that goal was trampled a few times over by running more than one 10k but also a 7mi and a full on half marathon. I even threw in a trail run for shits & giggles. So, now that I’ve accomplished those, it’s time to up the ante. It seems as though if we put our goals in writing, or in blog form, we are more prone to stick to them and get ‘em done. So here we go.
In 2011 I’m turning 40. Since it’s still 6months and 5 days away I still have quite a bit of time to let this effect me in any sort of negative way. As of today, I feel like it’s just number. I feel like I’m ready to take on the world and be challenged. We’ll see how I feel about that in July.
With that said .. Mr. Knitpho & I are wanting to run the Chicago Marathon in October. That’s my BIG goal that staring me in the face. But to do that at the caliber I want to do it in, I have a long ways to go. First things first, I need to lose weight. This is holding me back quite a bit. I love eat. I love a good beer. This needs to be corralled. With weight loss, I believe everything else will fall into place for my goals. I will run a faster 5k, 10k ..hell I’ll fun a faster mile. I can do this. I will do this. Of course there are other personal goals, such as patience, time managment and paying it forward. Those I will work on every day as I have every other day. I hope to read more, and sleep more. Yes. Sleep more. I choose quiet Melody time over sleep, which in turn effects my eating, exercising and mood. Everything ties together.
We all know there will be knitting and laughter and crazy antics with my wonderful children. Along with M1 turning 13 this year, I’m afraid to go down that teenager road. EEK!
So, Happy New Year blogland and I hope to read all of your blogs and whats going on in your life. Thanks for hanging with me after all these ramblings!
The holidays have come and gone and I hope Santa brought you all you wanted!
M1, who’s 12 seems to be in the stage that everything is just boring enough to be interested, but deep down he’s excited and forgets that he’s a tween and starts enjoying himself. The boy is growing up and as great as he is, I am not looking forward to what the months ahead have in store for us. Maybe it’s just me, but I really have to get my parenting game face on and be prepared for whatever he decides to through my way.
M2 who’s just 6 is too good at her game already. She knows how to play and play it well. What can I say, she’s learned from the master. At first I thought this would be a great idea, show her the ropes early on and that way she could handle whatever comes her way, but she gets really mad when she can’t handle it – then I realize I’ve created a bit of a monster.
The magic of Christmas is still alive here at Chez Knitpho. The M’s love putting up the tree, the advent calender, the sweets & treats and of course the presents! Our family & friends who are so amazing and generous to the M’s we were beside ourselves with gratitude. Santa delivered and everyone seemed like they were on the nice list year. But I couldn’t help to notice after it was all said and done that everything was small. No BIG boxes. No big plastic.. anything. M1 asked for clothes (a sure sign of growing up,no?), and did he ever get clothes! The pile was high and seeing as though he’s in adult sizes now, the pile seemed larger than ever. He did get Legos, but just a handful (which is all he needs!). Ofcourse there were electronics this year, hence the smaller packages, puzzles and books. What pulled at my heartstrings was that there was nothing to put together, there was no giant plastic toy with a 1000 of those little wire things that hold all the little pieces in.. you know the ones. Yes, M2 is still young enough to get those things, but she just doesn’t want those things.
So, another Christmas has come & gone and as I look at my (not so) little ones, I’ll hold onto the memories of all those wonderful Christmas’ past and remember this one when I realized that my babies are actually growing up.
In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to give a shout out to what I am thankful for. Now as I sat down to write I thought.. do I start with my most favie thing first or save it for last. But I am not good at waiting, so here we go ..
Well, I am certainly most thankful for my husband. First and foremost. I know.. shocking right? #wink. Without the mister by my side for almost 19years (15 of those mawwiage), I would not be where or who I am today. We started dating way back in March 1992 and married in 1996. Together we have traveled to far off continents and survived Bourban Street. We have moved from Arizona to our favorite city of Chicago. From there, we packed up and moved east to Massachusetts where we have made our home and started our family. We have worked together, worked from home together, raised a baby while working at home together. Survived lots of travel for work while I stayed home with our baby. Built a home and brought another baby into this world. We supported each other while our girl went through a surgery and tested our limits with each other during a very stressful week. I watched him set a goal and reach it to run the Boston Marathon, which lead to me starting to run 5k’s, which in turn lead to him training and completing a Half Ironman (70.3miles), which lead to me running a half marathon and watching him cross the finish line this last year while he ran a 50k and my heart almost exploded with pride & joy. He works so very hard so I can stay home and be here for our kids. Our goal was set very early at the type of kids we were hoping to raise. The expectations we had and hoped we could achieve together. In this 12years of parenting, we have had quite a ride. We’ve been there and done that and I would not change a thing. Of course, it’s not sunshine and lollipops every day.. not. at. all. But those handful of days each month, where everything just falls right into place , when the laughter is contagious, the love overflows, the parenting that is the hardest job ever.. is working. I take a step back and just enjoy this ride I’m on.. and thank my lucky stars.
Mia has been growing out her hair since, well .. since forever. She has only had one little hair cut when she was 1 and I hated how it was cut SO much that I never had it cut her again! It just kept getting longer and longer and everyone would comment on beautiful her hair was. But, it was long! It got tangled! She hated having it washed! Even though there seemed to be so many reasons TO cut it, she never wanted to. In my heart of hearts, neither did I. I loved her long pigtails, her braids, the way to blew in the wind and would fly behind her while she was swinging.
Then one day Mia came running out of her classroom so excited to tell me about on of her teachers had cut her hair and was going to donate it to Locks of Love. She had just turned 5 and thought this was the most amazing thing ever. Her teacher told her that she had to donate atleast 10″ and who it would help. Right then, Mia knew. She said to me that this was her plan and that she would cut her and send to someone who had lost theirs. How could I say no? I never would. But we’d have to grow it out some more so when she did cut it, it would be SUPER short.
We would measure every now and then, but didn't dwell on it's length. She figured she'd grow it through the summer and before she started first grade, she'd go in for the chop. And that she did.
She ended up being able to chop off 11″. She probably could have gone up to 12-13″, but I was having anxiety issues of it being TOO short. I know I know!! Once my, well OUR hairdresser started cutting, my heart started to race and then with that last and final cut and the look on Mia’s face, I melted. I gave a quick little sob and tears burst out of my eyes. At that moment, the emotion came so quick and fast. I as so very proud of her for being so selfless and caring at the age of 5. I was so sad to see her hair go after never having had it cut. It was such a big part of who Mia was. But it’s hair, it’s just a small part of what makes Mia, Mia. After I pulled it together, and she got all coiffed up .. my baby girl had done it and done something pretty extraordinary.
My heart burst with pride that day. I just wanted to share her awesome little story.
Mia,
How did it go by so fast?
WHY does it go by so fast?
Your 5 today.
We had the most fantastic day celebrating you and you turning this magical number.
This year, you have learned so many things.. you have said some of the funniest things I have ever heard in my lifetime. You’ve been places, you’ve seen things, you’ve made this world a better place. Well, my world anyway. I love to watch you watch the space around you. You take everything in. You take the time to enjoy. You take the time to appreciate every little thing. Your thankful, your grateful, your lovable and kind. Your learning to so many things, sometimes it gets to be just too much and you might to start to breakdown, nothing a little quiet reading time won’t cure. You do love to read… and we are so impressed with you!
You had a fantastic birthday weekend. A little family gathering … and then a funfilled day at the circus. It was a total surprise, and your eyes lit up and you were so excited. I wish I could have froze time and just stayed right there with you in that precious moment. Pure and total joy. Nothing like it, ever.
Happy Birthday Mia Alexis… you rock my world.
Love, Mommy.
brrrrr. It’s chilly this morning. It’s one of those morning that’s crisp. The leaves crackled under us while we walked to the school this morning. The brisk little breeze, just enough to remind you that fall is indeed here and it’s the perfect time of year for delicious handknits. Like a dreamy warm and cozy Central Park Hoodie knitted in a red wine colored wool, with delicious cables.
(it took me a LONG time, but I finally finished (minus a zipper) my CPH. I love my wool cardi)
October is turning out to be one of my favorite months. Not as favorite as July, but it’s a very close second. As much as I am not a fan of the cooler temps …
October means cornstalks,pumpkins,mums…candy corn.
October means my parents are coming to Massachusetts
October means our baby girl turns 5.
October means the Patriots play the Broncos.
October means RHINEBECK.
October means Halloween
I hope you enjoy this fall month as much as I plan too.. Happy October!
Dear Miles,
11 years ago I became a mom for the first time. We didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl. All we had was a name. (only a boy name that we loved, the girl name, thank GOD we didnt have a girl first) After I delivered all natural to this 9lb 2oz beast of a boy, I fell madly truly deeply in love. The heavens opened and life and love poured into my soul.
I stare into your crystal blue eyes (if only for seconds) at least once a day and soak you in. I try to convey (as hard as some days might be) to you how amazing you are. Without embarassing you. You are a gentle soul, an amazing big brother, a super grandson, a smart student, a fantastic reader and a good friend. You still love legos, (those damn legos) Star Wars, drawing and find a new love for sports. Your coming up on some hard years ahead, i hope together we can kick some ass and I pray for smooth sailing. (It’s Mia who’s planning on giving me a run for my money)
Happy Birthday Bubby.
Thank you for coming into our lives, and being a party of our perfect little family of 4.
Love,
Mom
Today, I thank God for sending Miles our way..
As you may or may not have heard, when I went to Colorado for summer vacation, it was not only to bask in the cool mountain air and visit with parents. I had my 20th high school reunion. 20 years, where did that time go? Wasn’t it just yesterday I was getting perms, wearing all black, dying to get a new pair of Guess jeans? I loved my Vans, and I loved me some 80′s hair metal. Flash Forward 20 years and I’m back. The get togethers started earlier in the week, and it was so great to start catching up with classmates earlier on, before the main festivities began. I was friends with most of these people since elementary school, and it was good to see them and meet their kids and catch up on their lives. Even though we have Facebook these days, it doesn’t even put a dent on having a nice sit down conversation with someone.
It’s time for the big Friday night shindig .. and I will admit, I was nervous, I walked into that room and I thought to myself. “self, you have come a long way since DHS, lets have some fun” I wasn’t there to hash up old grudges,which there were some… I take pics, I hate getting my pic taken – I look like a dork.. all the time! ..and I didn’t talk to people that I didn’t talk to in HS, what would be the point? Really? I went to enjoy the company of old friends and meet their spouses and hear about their kids. I drank some good beer. I was told I hadn’t changed at all, but really.. I have. In highschool, I was insecure.. awkward.. and heartbroken. Please tell me, I”VE CHANGED! Now, I think of myself as secure with who I am, still awkward but I accept it and madly in love. I have 2 gorgeous kids and have been successful in my life, love and marriage. I have traveled. I have lived in big cities. I have made some fantastic friends on my journey from there to here. I realized that even though you were an idiot in HS, and you might still be an idiot today, you don’t effect my life one way or the other, so hey.. be an idiot.. if that works for you.. GREAT. I also realized that high school maybe wasn’t as tragic as I had it made up in my head. It wasn’t the best time in my life, but it certainly molded me in the person I am today. So for that DHS.. I thank you! Thanks to the bullys, your words hurt then, but guess who didn’t show to the reunion? Cowards! The weekend was over before we knew it, my stomach was sore from laughing, my face hurt from smiling and if you have a reunion coming up, I highly suggest you go and take it all with a grain of salt. These are memories you cannot buy… anywhere!
I said I was done, that I had seen enough.. no more reunions for me. But now that I’m home, have had time to reflect … Im looking forward to number 30. My son will be 21 then, he’ll get to go have beers with his mom!! Nevermind. Im in no rush to the 30year!
If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my birthday. I like to reflect about what I’ve done in all my years and where I’ve been and what I have accomplished and what I may have even failed at.
This year, my 38th year of life.. I have to say was quite rewarding and I don’t have one day that I can remember anyway, that I’d like to take back and do it all over again. I’m sure there are plenty, but they must not rate that high on the remember scale.
The 2008-2009 year has given me a husband marathoner turned triathlete, when I close my eyes and see Mr Knitpho running into the lake for his first ever open water swim, I get a little choked up with amazing pride. A son who is maturing a little (a teeny tiny bit) bit each day and when I least expect my heart explodes with just how proud he makes us and what an amazing boy we’re molding. The daughter who started preschool and is more than ready for Kindergarten in the fall, who makes me crazy because it’s like walking around with a tinier version of myself but then again, it’s not all that bad. She has big things ahead of her, I can see it.
Outside my little family of 4, I have created a new family of insane friends. I have lived here for 10 years and have been craving friendships like this since I left Tucson. I thrive on friendships, I always have. But I just took my time and found just what I was looking for. These women inspire me everyday as a woman, a mom, a wife, a friend and most recently an Auntie. These ladies make me laugh to the point of tears and we can rally when needed. Not forgetting my long distance friends, my best friends who are not close to me, who know more about me than anyone ever should, who have been with me since before I could drink (legally). Damn, what is better than having and overflow of love in friendships like this.. lucky lucky me.
So, as my 38th birthday nears.. I’ll keep on keepin’ on. Set new goals, strive to be better at anything and everything. Soak up as much as love as I can from my kids who fill my heart & soul … be amazed by my husband who is conquering goals right and left and laugh my ass off at least once a week, usually a Wednesday 
Happy weekend, Happy 4th of July, AND Happy 5th of July.
It was another kick ass weekend for Mrs Knitpho. I can’t tell you how lucky I am and how grateful I am as well. Friday night couldn’t have came quick enough, I was exhausted from a busy day of chauffeuring my beloved M’s around… I was the lucky mom who got to a an end of the year preschool party and was sadly depressed when I walked in the doors and realized that EEPS… NO BOOZE. ::sigh:: I managed to keep myself in check for over 3hours with 4 & 5 year olds and other moms and inside no less because of the rain… major drag. Finally, thankful for GPS finder mappy thing on my phone I found my way home otherwise I’d still be out there.. seriously. Then a nice dinner and sending the husbeast off to train (he’s a triathlete you know!) and thankful for raspberry vodka & limeade – always thankful for that.
Saturday.. a “quick” run and then watching it rain like a bitch all day long. I mean RAIN… sheets,buckets,downpour kind of rain. Then me & my peeps were off to a party at my friend Erins house, good food, good beer, good friends – and the husband stayed behind with the kiddies .. what more could a girl ask for? Girl time, it’s what ever mom needs to make it through …. life.
Today.. I went to lunch with a dear friend to celebrate our birthdays and have girl talk. We go to lunch at a local yummy Italian restaurant and WTF.. no lunch menu on Sundays? $20 for a hunk of lasagna? $12 for Bruschetta… we sat down, and stared at the dinner prices and dinner menu for a 1p lunch.. we were so rebellious, we got up and left. I’m so sure, we’re all about good food and lovely atmosphere, but serving dinner only on a Sunday VIA? Your STOOOOPID!
So, we found another yummy restaurant and had LUNCH at LUNCHTIME and then of course hit Starbucks.
Mr Knitpho got a great ride in and avoided the rain and I watched a bunch of gross but funny boys practically kill each other. Hula hooped,jumped rope, colored with sidewalk chalk and laughed til I cried with my Mia.
As Sunday comes to end, and True Blood is about to come on, the wine is about to be poured and the kids will be put to bed.
I am thankful for a fantastic family, amazing friends and a great first weekend of summer.
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