Magical Moments (Part 1)

So much has happened since my last blog, 2 weeks ago. Currently we are enduring blizzard conditions that decided to strike Asheville on Christmas day...but that is a whole other blog. This blog will focus on a much happier subject, namely the best week of my life thus far.

On Friday December 17th at 4:45am, we loaded two toddlers, half of our house and a ton of snacks into the Vdub van and set our GPS for Lake Buena Vista, Florida- the home of the most magical place on earth, Disney World. After making only ONE stop for gas at the Florida Welcome Center we pulled into our condo 10 hours, 15 minutes and 6 Disney movies later. The trip, all things considered, really wasn't too bad. Ah, the luxuries of two DVD players, a minivan and my own private row in the back where no one can see me. The Volkswagon Routan makes certain that parents and kids get to travel in complete comfort, even for 10 hours and 15 minutes.

We made the decision after much research to stay off site at Disney. We could afford a whole week at a private condo or 4 days at a Disney Resort. The condo being only 1 mile from the Magic Kingdom seemed to be the obvious choice and all in all it worked out rather well. But let me just say this, the place was STRANGE. It looked really nice, hence the photos on the internet, fairly new and had a garage, a fun kids room, new furniture, etc... But it was totally deserted, making it feel really weird. As for the people who were there, just picture miniature JLo's and Marc Anthony's yelling in New York/Puerto Rican accents. Total divas. The kitchen was another major reason we opted for off site, aside from the cost. As I have stated before, Jaime doesn't eat meat, seafood, salad or any type of sauce or marinade and the only restaurants we can agree on are usually pizza or Mexican... and since I wasn't planning on eating pizza every day then I wanted a kitchen so I could continue making healthy meals for us and the kids. Well, after spending a ton on groceries at the local, overpriced Disney market, we realized there were no pots or pans. Dun Dun Dun Dunnnnn. But we were in luck, Giorodono's was right across the street and we could get pizzas whenever we wanted! Fantastic.

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, as I said before, it was the best week of my life. But since this blog is mainly for memories we can't forget the hilarity of some situations. Here is a picture of what Jaime and I affectionately referred to as, "The Unit".Thankfully, with the happiest place on earth less than a mile away we didn't spend much time at the unit. On Saturday morning after awaking to torrential downpours and headed for the Magic Kingdom. We were NOT going to let a little weather rain on our parade and boy did we have fun. After purchasing Mickey Mouse ponchos we fit right in and were ever so grateful that it was warm. I was so excited about the 75 degree weather it could have been a hurricane and that would have been ok. Not to mention that the Magic Kingdom is, well, totally flippin magical. Even as a 27 year old mom of two, when I saw Cinderella's castle my heart literally jumped. And when I looked at Josiah looking at the castle, I almost cried. We spent the rest of the day riding all of the classic's; It's a Small World After All, Pirates of the Carribean, Snow Whites Scary Adventures, Cinderella's carousal and Josiah just barely hit the height requirement to get on his first real roller coaster. He is lucky that he is so tall, because I think he may have been the only two year old to ever go on this thing...it had the cluga cluga assent where all you can think about it the plunge you are about to take. When we got to the very top I looked over at Josiah and said, "Are you scared?" and he said, "No, I'm not scared." Then we dropped, so fast and whipped through a tunnel of darkness at the speed of light. It only lasted about 45 seconds but the whole time I was thinking, WHY did I bring my poor baby on this? When we pulled into the station and stopped he was as white as a ghost. Our bars lifted and when the worker came to help Josiah out of his car my little boy looked at him and said, "NO! I ride again." I guess it is only a matter of time until he joins his Daddy surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and jumping off mountains. What a little dare devil.

That afternoon the sun came out and we went to a block party where there is a DJ and you literally party in the street with all of Disney's beloved characters. We danced with Woody, Jesse, and Mickey. My face hurt from smiling so much.After the block party Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother came out to light her castle for Christmas. With a "A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes" playing and some Bippity Boppity Boo action the castle went from looking like thisto like this,

with a simple wave of her wand. It was so much cooler live than I could ever explain. It was hypnotizing. I can't remember a day being so much fun. Ever. Even the unit looked good when we got home for the night. I LOVE Disney World.

The next day we hit up Hollywood Studios which is where all of the Toy Story Characters "live". We danced with Woody the night before but we had yet to be formally introduced and after waiting only an hour and a half we got to hang with the REAL Woody and Buzz. They were so great. The nice thing about waiting an hour and a half is that each kid gets to spend ample amount of time with the characters. We got autographs, pictures and hugs and all of this took place in Andy's room. Josiah and Oliver were in heaven. In addition to meeting their idols we also took in a prefomance of Beauty and the Beast live on Broadway, met Mater and Lightening McQueen and had dinner at the official Pizza Planet. Another great day.

All of our adventures in Disney were simply too much for one blog, so please stay tuned for the remaining days of our trip. The best is yet to come!

7 Down, 70 to Go.

Seven years ago today, I was 20 years old and living on Saint Rosea Drive. I worked full-time stopping crackheads with bats from breaking into hotel rooms ( well, I never actually stopped them, I just called the police when it inevitably happened). I lived with my fiance who I only saw after midnight when we met up on the couch to watch the Cosby Show and discuss our day. He was a full-time graduate student, part-time cook and part-time accounting lab instructor. I had completed just one year of college before I decided to drop out and run away with Jaime who I would rather starve with, in a beach house with 6 foot ceilings (NO this is not and exaggeration, Jaime was 2 inches taller than our ceilings) pretty much more anything else in the world. When we met up for those couch dates in spite of the weirdness that my life had become (college to crackhead hotel bouncer) everything was right in my world. My heart stopped every time I looked at him. I couldn't believe he wanted to marry me. Everyday I would worry that he would come to his senses and bolt out the door but he never did and seven years ago today, I was getting dressed for our rehearsal dinner. We were blessed to celebrate our partnership with a grand celebration of family and friends at the Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, NC.

Even though tomorrow may mark our 7 year anniversary it still feels like just yesterday. Whenever I need to be reminded of just how long seven years is I try to think about all that we have done since our wedding day. We backpacked through Europe for a month, Jaime received his Masters in Accounting, I got accepted to UNC-Asheville, we spent the summer in Costa Rica and moved across the state. I spent 3 years at UNCA changing majors twice. Watching Jaime review for the CPA exam for a year and passing on the first try. Working for The NC State Auditors Office and driving around in a van all over WNC for two years. Living in BFE Barnardsville, the Meadows, the projects of Deaverview and finally building our new home. Graduating from UNCA and working for the Y. Losing loved ones, going through struggles and growing more in love each day. Out of all of these memories of significance and smiles the most astounding has been the creation of our two beautiful boys, Josiah and Oliver. Yes, a lot can happen in seven years and it still can feel like just yesterday.

So where do I see us on our 14th anniversary? Some place warm, happy and together with 3 kids. I want to run a marathon and be president of the PTA. I want to spend every weekend together soaking in just how happy we are. I couldn't ask for anymore in the next 7 years than I have gotten out of the first round. Thank you so much for making all of my dreams come true. Much love to you MJCIII.

Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is such a happy time of year and really is one of the best holidays that I can think of. It requires no commercialism or gift-giving and simply ask families to get together, appreciate one another and indulge in some of our favorite foods. While I believe that the history of Thanksgiving is a little skewd (I do not think Pilgrims and "Indians" joined hands and became fast friends.) I am still ever so thankful that the holiday still exist today and that we were able to make the trip down to Wilmington to join the extended Conley and Smith families for a raging good time.

We arrived Tuesday evening after five and a half of the longest hours I can remember in a car. The boys were F I R E D up and did not stop making sounds for our entire journey in spite of Toy Story blaring from double DVD players and snacks galore. I considered becoming an ultra marathoner after about 4 hours and running the rest of the way but Jaime wouldn't stop. He did NOT stop the whole way. Not even to pee. Here are the boys on a rare smiling moment in the backseat.

Lil and Marty were kind enough to host Thanksgiving this year and we were ever so grateful to join them in their lovely home. Wednesday, we met my dad downtown for lunch and took a walk on the waterfront.
Wednesday evening consisted of welcoming more out of towner's and enjoying some homemade veggie soup. This year Jaime's dad's family came from all over to celebrate. We got to visit with Aunt DeDe and Uncle Gearard, Uncle Mike, Aunt Jean and their 3 kids; Megan, Micheal and Lauren. Rounding out the group was Jaime's sister Sarah, her husband Matthew and Matthews sister Bethany, all from Atlanta. Matthews mom and step-dad from Aiken, SC arrived that evening as well. How cool is it that I got to marry into such an awesome, big family?

Thanksgiving morning Sarah, Matthew, Jaime and I all got up early for the Gallop for the Gravy 5K. Jaime and I had been talking a big game and it turned into quite the foot race between the Ruffner's and the Conley's. We were all so out to get one another that each of us scored a PR. Ha! I guess a little competition is good for the soul. Jaime kicked some serious butt and got a 21:09, Sarah was next with a 24:50, I had 25:04 and Matthew got a 25:30. We stuck around for the awards ceremony and while Jaime, Sarah and I were just waiting for our names to be called it turned out that Matthew was the only one to bring home a trophy. 3rd fastest male, 25-29, hooray! I think the rest of us were robbed. Wilmington people are FAST. In Asheville it is more about the journey than the destination but at the beach with no hills to speak of, it is all about sprinting. Either way, we had a blast and earned our pumpkin pie.

Later that day my family joined us for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins over at Rabbit Run. I had two very large plates along with a dessert plate. Oliver had 6 rolls and I couldn't even keep track of what Josiah was shoving in his mouth. I think we were all extremely uncomfortable for the remainder of the evening and it wasn't hard getting the boys to go to bed.
Friday, I enjoyed an entire day out with my Mama and about ten million other people braving black Friday crowds. We had so much fun and even got to eat fresh sushi for lunch since we were sans one vegetarian husband and one picky dad. I returned home at 6pm and immediately had to get ready for The Captains launch Party at The Blockade Runner that evening. A whole day kid free! WOW! The party was in celebration of the NC Flotilla which would be taking place the following evening. It was a festive affair and while we were by far the youngest people there it was still a good time with yummy food, good music and an abundance of alcohol. Yes, thank heavens these kid free evenings are few and far between. I can't hang the way I used to! Still debating if the headache I received was worth the good times we had...I'll let you know.


Saturday started out with a lot of water and ibuprofen and actually ended up pretty great. The boys and I did crafts all morning and went to a festival in the park that afternoon. We took an extra long nap (Thankfully!) and headed down to the beach to watch the Flotilla from the dock. The Ruffners and the Gorden's generously made a low country broil with sausage, potatoes, corn and shrimp. We even celebrated 2 birthdays complete with cake! The boats dazzled and the fireworks and were spectacular. It was such a great way to finish up our trip. The boys loved the lights and Josiah counted stars with his Aunt Sarah for longer than I have ever seen him sit still.

After such a great weekend with such fabulous people we weren't sure that we could get much luckier. But on the trip home, we added just one more thing to our list of thanks...the boys slept for a very, long time. Hallelujah, thanks be to God!

Brothers

It has been just over 15 months since we brought baby Oliver into our family of three and needless to say, it is like he has been here all along. Throughout my pregnancy I would wonder how it would be possible to love anything as much as I loved Josiah. I secretly thought that even after I met the new baby, I still may love Josiah just a little bit more. But no, the moment I laid eyes on my youngest boy he filled a void we didn't even know was missing.... Making our family of three a family of four and somehow doubling my heart in size. My TWO boys.

It is so nice to watch them finally interacting with one another and playing together. I spent the first year as a mother of two repeating the following phrases; "Careful! Don't touch the baby! Nooooo! Bubby has to nurse, please look at your books. Josiah, he is too little! Look out!" So, it is a relief now that Oliver is a little more sturdy and able to fight his own battles (which he does rather well) and I am able to give them some space (not much).

So here's to two brothers getting to know one another. God has blessed them each with a friend for life and hopefully many good times to be had. Just be sure to take it easy on your Mom and Dad and all of the poor little girls who stand to have their hearts broken.

Kelley Kryptonite?

This past weekend marked the second year in a row that I participated in the Asheville Superhero 5K benefiting local law enforcement and firefighters. This was also the second year that I led a running club for novice runners through Asheville Mommies, the same organization that first introduced me to my dream team gals. Running club is always a good time...at least when we manage to show up. With jobs, kids, life, etc...sometimes at 5:30pm we really didn't feel like meeting up at Carrier Park and sometimes we didn't. But alas, 5 of us registered and completed the 5K on Saturday and no one came in last! I am super proud of each girl, especially 3 ladies who had never run before AT ALL and could barely keep pace for a full minute when we started. Go SuperMommies!

This race is always a good time because participants dress in costume and are awarded free pizza and beer after. Who can ask for more, right? When I created my Supermommy costume last year I was feeling very super because I had a 10 week old baby and the race was my first after having little Oliver. I finished last year in 30:36 (not too bad given the circumstances) but this year I wanted to be fast. After a busy racing season with 2 half marathons and a 10 miler up Sunset, I hadn't done a 5K since the last Superhero and I was excited to see how I had improved. I had a strategy...Start fast, do the middle part fast and finish really fast. After all it was only 3.1 miles. How bad could it be? Here I am with prerace jitters just before the start.
Running in a cape is a pain in the ass on a windy day. You turn into a human sail and if you are pushing it too hard up a mountain and the string has a tight grip on your gag reflex you could find yourself in trouble. I did NOT want to puke again. That was a one time deal. I crossed the finish line in 27:23... 3 minutes and 13 seconds faster than last year. I was happy with 8:49 miles in Asheville...but it wasn't as fast as I had hoped for. So imagine my surprise when at the awards ceremony ( Which I never stick around for but happened to be there by default because I was still gulping down my free pizza and beer) when they called out my name! What? Did I win best costume? As it turns out I came in 3rd out of females ages 25-29. Wow! How many 25-29 females were there, 3? Modesty aside, it was a pretty big race, not like that time I came in fourth overall in that dirt field at that weird park. I was pretty excited to say the least and I kinda started to feel superhuman. Then I put down the free beer and went home.
A big shout out to the little fellows that make me a Supermommy... my SiSi and Ollie. They keep me healthy so that I can be around forever and ever. They are also excellent supporters and have become pro's at watchin races. Thanks guys!

Falling Back and Exploring all the Options for Toddler Time in the Dark.

The majority of the US breaths a sigh of relief the second weekend in November when we are blessed with one more hour of sleep. Ah, zzzzzz. It is also the less embarrassing version of time change in America. Forget to set your clocks back? No problem, you just show up an hour early! Unlike in the spring, when you are scrambling around wondering why everyone is walking out of church and you are just walking in. Yes, the fall back is viewed by some as the beginning of shorter days, colder weather, the Holiday Season and all of the snugly goodness that sort of smells like a pumpkin spice candle.

Then you have the Conley Family... We don't dig falling back. In fact, when George W. Bush extended Daylight Savings time by 2 weeks back in 2006, I suddenly found myself liking him for the first time in 6 years. My goodness, if he had done away with it all together I may have just forgotten about all the other stupid crap he did. Go George! But alas, we joined the rest of the country last Saturday night and set our clocks back one hour. If only I was 21 and at a bar I could have drank until 3am. But, I was in bed with my book at 9pm and awoke to the sounds of two children ready to play at 6am. No! After that, we went on to have the longest day in history, followed by the longest week in history.

So my question is this; What do you do with two boys, all day, when it is cold and then for 3 hours, at night, in the dark before they have to go to bed? TV is not an option and I am sick of doing puzzles or playing with the train table. I want to go to the park or the beach. I want to build a sand castle. I don't want the sun to set until 10pm. I want to go read that blog I wrote about breaking out the bubbly because it's toasty out. Yes bloggers, I feel a bit of SAD coming on and since my doctor doesn't think it is a good idea for me to take xanax every day, all winter, I need an attitude adjustment. Yes, I know this is the south and people actually live in insane places like North Dakota but I still am at a loss.

At least it is only 16 days until Thanksgiving and one month before Disney World, followed by Christmas and New Years. After that its all about the count down to March 13th when we can spring our clocks forward. Until then, you can find me sitting by the heat lamp in the sauna at the YMCA.

Marathoners, Zombies and Trick-or-Treaters, Oh My!

This past weekend brought an end to October and it was only fitting that a month that has been packed with so much nonstop fun have a deserving send off. We started out the 10th month with a trip to Myrtle Beach and followed it up with a half marathon and a family reunion. I went on my very first overnight kid free trip, Josiah has made wonderful potty progress and Oliver continues to amaze us every day. Yep, it has been a pretty good month.

On Friday, the 30th, the boys got their first taste of trick or treating at The Bryan Center in Weaverville. Our friend John is a Physical Therapist at the Bryan Center and recommended that we go spend some time showing off Woody and Buzz cuteness to the crew in assisted living. Granted, no one knew who Woddy and Buzz were but they settled for a cowboy and an astronaut... and boy did we deliver on the cuteness!
Saturday morning marked exactly 5 weeks since Jaime decided he would train for and run the Greenville Spinx Marathon. It has been a bumpy road with the training process. It was short and fast and he woke up every morning for 5 weeks at 5am either to run or work. Weekends too. I was exhausted! So needless to say, as proud as I am of my marathon man of a husband I was happy when the alarm sounded at 5am Saturday for what would be the last time for a while. Race day had arrived. I never had any doubts in Jaime. I am pretty sure he could have run a marathon the day I met him if he felt like it. Some of us can run everyday and try as hard as we can and never be able to do what Jaime can do with the bare minimum of training and eating nothing but donuts and Ramen noodles. It drives me a little nuts honestly but that is just one of the reasons I love him so much. The boys and I made the drive down to cheer him on and as we got on Highway 25 a sign read- Greenville 27 miles. Just .8 further than a Marathon. The whole way down I was thinking, "Holy crap he is going to have to run this far?" Needless to say he prevailed and came in smiling in just 4 hours and 24 minutes which breaks down to almost exactly 10 minute miles for 26.2 miles. He didn't walk one time AND he beat Oprah which was his main goal all along. Go Jaime! This is a pic of him at mile 25

and another one at the finish line.


So very, very proud of him!


That night we went out for a little celebration and even got a babysitter. Our friends Anna and Eric were having a Halloween bash and we went as zombie prom king and queen. A fun time was had by all.


On Sunday we hosted a more family friendly event and let Josiah and Oliver have the times of their lives with their little friends eating yummy food and trick or treating. Josiah was adorable and really got the hang of holding out his basket and saying, "Tick or Teet". Oliver crashed pretty hard and had to be put to bed immediately. Jaime and I dressed up a marathoners, me with two of my half marathon medals and he with his prized medal from the day before. Such a great weekend with really great people. I can only hope that November brings us as many smiles!