Scattered

I thought I should write, even though I have no real idea what to say.

Summer is going alright. In a few weeks, my mom will be come out here for her birthday. We're going away for the weekend, then she'll see the boys for a day and some before heading home. Before she gets here, Chris & Ashley get here for a visit. I'm really hoping to get some alone time with them, but I'm unsure what they're plans look like. Plus, I know we will pale in comparison to little Genevieve. I just need to show Ashley this is where they want to live! :)

The kids and I are heading to the Botanical Gardens at Chatfield on Friday. I hope we can get some cloud cover, so it won't be too hot. Colorado hasn't had enough rain yet this year, and we're breaking the record for most consecutive 90+ degree days.

Do you know how disappointing it is to anticipate a movie, and be let down? I had moderate hopes for The Ex, because the cast is so awesome, and even with moderate expectations, I was left feeling I wasted 90 minutes. I am going into my next movie rental with moderate expectations as well, since the back cover does not describe the book I read at all! What book/movie? Breakfast At Tiffany's. I hope to be proven wrong.

My Beth Moore study is still going well, very insightful. I'll end up missing tomorrow's meeting because I have a much needed doctor appt. I'm sure I'm fine, I just need to get an issue resolved.

I'm going to close with a quote from Arrested Development (the movie is due out next year!).

Michael: The only thing I found in the refrigerator was a dead dove in a bag.
Gob: You didnt eat that dove, did you? I only have 6 days to return it.

July-August Birthdays

Here are the special people this summer...

Birthday wishes for Trina, Ali, Jen, Sharon, Kristy, Cate, Erik, my mom & Amy. Hope you all have awesome birthdays.

Summertime

Man, it is hot! Allergies have been plaguing half the family, so we've given up on opening windows and live in the joy of A/C.

Last week, darling Lexi watched our two little angels (well, they were angels for her) and we went out to dinner & a movie. I know what you are thinking? What?! The Armstrongs already saw a movie this year. That's right! Now we've seen two! We had a lovely dinner at La Creperie Cafe (where the portions were too big for me!), and then enjoyed Hancock.

Today I took the boys to the Denver Botanical Garden near downtown, and it was beautiful. The boys were happy to run around, but with the heat & crowds, we only stayed an hour. I'm hoping this summer to get out to their Botanical Gardens at Chatfield, and also enjoy an afternoon exploring Chatfield State Park (make some use of that park pass)

In tv news, I'm hugely disappointed to learn that Tom & Katie Scientologist are doing a guest spot on Eli Stone next season. Sigh, what can you do? I also missed out on seeing Top Chef come to Denver on the weekend. I had all intentions of crashing it, but it would have been impossible, since it was held in an trailer, and seats were limited to 40. According to the paper, the two chefs present were Antonia & Ryan from this season. That would have been cool, as I liked them on the show.

As you guessed, I am thrilled that Flight Of The Conchords was recognized by the Emmys this year. Their second season airs on HBO in January. I don't get HBO, I'll have to wither wait until it is released on DVD, or I could consider buying the episodes on iTunes.

I'm closing with a quote from The American President (Lexi, this one is for you)

Lewis Rothschild: I tell any girl I'm going out with to assume that all plans are soft until she receives confirmation from me thirty minutes beforehand.
Robin McCall: And they find this romantic?
Lewis Rothschild: Well, I say it with a great deal of charm.

Widget Widget

I don't know if you know how much I like to have iGoogle for my start page on my computer. I log on, and now I have a page that gives me weather, news and wiki-how- to's. It got even better when sister Amy launched A Nickel A Day, a glimpse into Amy's thoughts, updated every few days. Inspired by this, I started an Age Of Melissius widget. So much shorter than a blog, it's easy to share a thought with whomever adds it to their iGoogle start page.

If you have iGoogle (it's free), and want to add me, let me know, I'll send you my link. If you don't have a fun start page, rather you open up online and see MSN or something dumb, get iGoogle. You can adapt it to what you want to see.

Armstrong Camping Trip

Sunday afternoon we left to go camping at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, about a 75 minute drive from our place. Once we left our neighborhood, it started to rain, and continued off and on until we reached our campsite (J-91). The rain fell until we had the tarp and tent set up, then let off for a spell. This was not only our first camping trip with the kids, but our first alone. We've always camped with others, be it Geoff's parents, or friends from CA (shout out to Eseras & Pursleys...we missed you!) We've spent the last few years collecting camp gear in preparation for this trip. We had nearly everything we could need by the time we left, and after the first day, I was wishing I had packed more clothes! It rained off and on the whole trip, but we managed just fine.

We ate a lot of yummy food, and the boys spent a lot of time exploring the campsite and forest around us. They got dirty, they fell down a lot, they played with sticks and rocks. Sleeping in sleeping bags and tents was hard at first, but they loved to roll around and be silly inside our huge tent. Elijah (along with Mommy & Daddy) wants to go back and rent one of the yurts there. It's definitely a possibility.

Here's a list of things we did...
Geoff did a trail run
Miles tried to eat pinecones dipped in mud puddles
Elijah made shapes with sticks, and drew pictures in the dirt
I had a great nap in the tent on a rainy afternoon
We ate fajitas, steak, corn on the cob, and bison burgers

Because the campsite was so close, and we really did enjoy it up there, we bought a parks pass. It's good for a year, and I hope we can get back up there in the fall, though probably in a cabin or yurt, as I'm not sure all the sleeping bags we own could withstand colder temps than we faced.

Pictures are up on Shutterfly. I encourage all of you to get out and enjoy nature, if only for a day.

Yay! July!

I've been waiting for July to get here forever! Well, at least since June began. July means Kroliks are here to visit (all too short a time), Lexi is here most of the month, and most exciting is our first family camping trip!

Last night we had the Kroliks & Gustafsons over for dinner. I made the fun suggestion of shish kebabs (or kabobs) for dinner. I was happy it was successful. I think the full house is a little overwhelming for Miles. He's been having issues with big groups of people.

I am feeling good about the camping trip, if we can fit everything we want to bring inside Steve McQueen. The packing list is big,
but we aren't so far away from civilization that we can head into town if we need something. This camping trip comes with some nervousness, but the key will be letting go, and being flexible. I will try to take pictures, and I hope this will be a good time for everyone.

I must confess I stopped watching Wimbledon when Andy got knocked out. Add to that my favorite girl retired before the French Open (Henin), and it wasn't worth making an effort to watch. I do hope Federer wins today though. To get my fill of sports, we've been watching all of the Olympic Trials (swimming & track and field). I will know all their names come August. This does not mean I prefer Summer Olympics over Winter Olympics. I prefer Winter.

Alright, I have to eat breakfast, get on with my day. I'll close with a quote from Flight Of The Conchords (this one is for you Geoff).

Murray: Be careful with it. Don't stand next to any big magnets.
Jemaine: Why would I stand next to a big magnet?
Murray: I don't know what you do in your personal life.

Flight Of The Conchords

Love them! Frodo, Don't Wear The Ring.

Where Was June?

June is nearly over, and I barely blogged! What can I say, most of it wasn't blog worthy. But here's what was:

Genevieve Gustafson was born! Two days before her due date. And what a sweet little angel face! Everyone seems to be doing well, and I predict the Gustafsons summer will be filled with fun and people flocking to meet the little girl.

Bible study for the summer has begun. I am very excited about it, and left the first meeting feeling like my spirit had been renewed. This is another Beth Moore study, Breaking Free.

We had our good friends Chad & Khara over for dinner & wii on Saturday night. I miss them! And they just live on the other side of Denver from us. But driving an hour to each other's houses can be much. We're going over in August to see their house and meet their puppy. We also totally sold them on getting a wii. Bwa ha ha.

Camping plans have been solidified. I'm very excited. The only bummer is missing out on Krolik time while they are here in Colorado, since the dates overlap. We still need to buy a few things to make camping easier, write out a camping list, and plan our meals.

So that's all going on. Trying to stay cool, trying to keep kids amused, and trying to stay sane. I'm still finding time to read, so my brain isn't turning into mush.

I know I usually end with a movie/tv show quote, but I wanted to share with you a quote from Anthony Bourdain's book Kitchen Confidential.

(Tony's opinion on garlic) Avoid at all costs that vile spew you see rotting in oil in screwtop jars. Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic.

Summer

I feel like summer has been kicked off already. We had a lovely trip to Steamboat Springs, my race went well (see my training blog for more info), and the weather was perfect. Right our weather is sitting in the 70-80F range which is great. I'll be sad when it climbs higher, because then it's just too hot.

What have I been up to? Not much. I have summer bible study coming up soon, which I hope I will be able to do. Like everyone else, I'm waiting for baby Gustafson to arrive. I am anxious to know her name, and to see Kevin & Ali become parents. I also (selfishly) am anxious for Kroliks to come back to visit. :) Lexi is coming for a few weeks in July, and has graciously offered a few nights babysitting for us. July we will also go camping, for the first time in Colorado. I think we have our campground picked out, we just need to set the dates.

I need a haircut, badly. I've been putting it off for a long while (last haircut was August 2006), as I can't decide what I want to do with my hair. I think I better commit soon, after all, hair grows back.

I finally finished watching Twin Peaks. I had never seen the entire series, and I got the gold box edition for my birthday. Now I'm bummed because it's over, and I wanted to know my favorite characters go on to live a happy life. Sadly, this was not the case. Now I hope to plow through the disk of special features. On the plus side, this means I won't be watching it before bedtime, and giving myself nightmares. Come on, Bob is scary!

I blogged a few weeks ago about my passport expiring, and you'll be thrilled to know I got it in record time. Seriously, from mail date to Canada, to DHL delivering it to me, it was 10 days. Nice eh?

Now that my half marathon is over, I have my sights set on taking the rock climbing class at the Trails this summer. I might try and get a girlfriend to do it with me. I may never get out into nature and climb a rock or a mountain, but I do plan on using the wall at the gym for exercise.

I'm gonna close now with a quote from Big Daddy.

Nazo: I had a doll like that once but my cat bit his head off.
Julian: What kind of cat would do that?
Nazo: Are you calling me a liar?

May & June Birthdays

A little belated for some, a little early for others, but best birthday wishes go out to Karen, Cindy, Laurel, Brooke & Mike.

1001

Apparently this is my 1001st post. Whoo!

Here's a silly song to make you smile.

Bolder Boulder Pictures

Frank Shorter Statue decorated for the Bolder Boulder by...

Centennial State Pipes & Drums. We stand by them every year.

Daddy's fans

Geoff, out in front (blue shirt, blue hat), he ran faster than I was ready for

Still Plugging Along

Um, I don't know what to say. I'm not mad at you, I just haven't had much to write. :)

But this blog must serve some purpose, because my friend Khara has been reading, and as a result, we're hoping to meet up in Boulder to cheer for our hubbies on Memorial day (Bolder Boulder!).

In my free time, I'm playing Mario Kart. Productive? Not really. But it amuses me. I've also manage to keep up with reading one book a month, though this month was pretty cheap, I read a very short book. Maybe I ought to squeeze in another short one.

Bible study has wrapped up, and I indicated my interest in doing another one. It keeps me in the Word, so it's a good thing.

Last week, I was going through something. It's hard to explain, but I got it out to a few people, but I don't quite think I dealt with it fully. It was about my hopes & dreams, and my self esteem. Another part of it was about allowing myself to be vulnerable to people who will likely hurt me. And my unwillingness to go through that. Geoff pointed out, I was not created to close myself off, to which I agreed. I do enjoy relationships that grow, but I don't think I can open myself up to hurt. Maybe I need to give people the benefit of the doubt. Even if they do hurt me, in the end perhaps what I shared, will impact them in the future.

Okay, next topic. My passport is about to expire. Oops. That'll show you how long it's been since I used it. I am not adverse to traveling to the Great White North, I'm just picky about where I want to go and who I want to see. :) As I tell all my Canadian friends & family, we'll see what happens. No trips have a departure date, but there are a few cities on my list. If I had money, right now, I'd be in the beach house in Laguna Beach. Sigh, a girl can dream.

Well, dinner isn't going to make itself (it can, it just won't today). I'll close with a quote from Titus (I just got the whole series!)

Christopher Titus: A lie is a lie... unless your friends and family are in on it. Then it's a "commonly held belief."

Hee hee

I'm teasing, I love when my friends have blogs. :)

Sloth

I was pretty lazy while Geoff was away on the weekend. I didn't do much more than play Mario Kart, watch a ton of this seasons episodes of Lost, and read a ton of stuff on Lostpedia.com. Meanwhile, he traveled to Kingston to see his beautiful cousin Karen get married to a very nice guy named CJ.


The bride


The family, minus me, the kids & Meg's husband

He was grateful to have the time to talk to family he hasn't seen in a while. Heck, he hasn't seen his sister since 2005!

Mother's Day I picked Geoff up at the airport, and we walked around Southlands. Must be spring/summer because the fountains were on. Elijah drenched himself, he was so happy. We ended up getting Jim 'N Nick's take out for dinner and then relaxing at home.

This week, I have my last Beth Moore meeting, and it will be our potluck. I'm going to make a pound cake. I may sign up for the summer study, depending on if I can work it into my schedule (i.e.- depends on the childcare situation).

Race day is in 20 days. Maybe you've been reading along with my training journal. I'm not sure what will become of it after I'm done my race. Time will tell.

I'm going to close with a quote from Burn Notice (new episodes start July 10th!)

Michael: You can learn good self-defense fighting with students in a class, but great self-defense you pick up fighting with your family.

Delayed

Manitou Springs, CO
I would blog more often if I had the time away from "Mommy. Mommy. Whatcha doing? Mommy"

Our weekend in Manitou Springs was good. A strange town, certainly wouldn't want to live there. Friday afternoon, we got in and settled in at our motel. It was one block away from the start of all the shops on the main street. While the motel was older, it did have two rooms, so the boys were in one room and we could close the door and sleep in our room. I needed to eat quickly to get into Colorado Springs before Beth Moore started, so we didn't stay in the room long. We tried 3 restaurants (2 were closed, one was a bar) before we settled on Marilyn's House Of Fine Pizza. It was alright, the place was plastered with pictures of Marilyn Monroe. I ducked out early to drive into Colorado Springs. Before I hit the 24 (freeway), six deer bounding in front of the car, trying to cross the freeway. Two of them decided not to continue past the median, and stopped traffic. This amused me, as it did not affect me. The drive in went okay, I missed my turn, had to turn around and go back. Then the traffic was awful trying to get to the arena. At 7pm (when it started), I was still trying to get into the parking lot. I eventually got in, and 10 minutes later was able to call Cindy & Ali to find out where they were (because I didn't understand the directions. At this point it was about 7:20pm. It was a good session, the music brought me to tears, and I was looking forward to going back in the morning, not looking forward to driving back to Manitou. I got lost (I have a horrible sense of direction. Trina, you have nothing on me!), but I did find my way home around 10pm.

I slept like crap, my mind was racing, and I was cold. Geoff drove me into CS, I was happy to get there early. The sessions again were awesome. During the break, I connected with Erik to plan our lunch date. Once the second session was over, I headed out to meet Geoff and we drove towards Erik's side of town. We decided to eat at Thai Basil (Geoff's choice). The food was alright, but Miles was not happy to be there. Then we went to Maggie Moo's for ice cream. We parted ways with Erik, and we hope we'll see him & Becky come up to Aurora for a visit. Since Miles had napped in the morning, we spent the rest of the afternoon walking the main street in Manitou. Some shops had signs that pretty much said no children welcome. We didn't go in those stores, nor could we go in many stores since we had the double joggy stroller. Elijah bought himself a souvenir from the rock shop (which he lost in an hour. I tried to find it, it was gone). I was thisclose to buying myself something at the British import store (they had Irn-Bru!). I did buy Geoff's sister Meghan something at Mona Lisa's Italian Ice. (You're wondering what it is aren't you? I don't want to ruin the surprise in case she reads this. Needless to say, it was perfect, and HAD to be bought). That store was owned by a very nice woman who was thrilled to talk to another Canadian (she was from Revelstoke, B.C., but went to college in Calgary) Then we headed to the park to let Elijah show me around. Next to the park was a Moroccan restaurant Geoff wanted to try for dinner, but it wasn't a good fit for us. So I got to pick the dinner spot, on a recommendation from someone I met at Beth Moore. The Mason Jar offers yummy comfort food, the kind of food Melissa loves! I had one of my favorites, chicken fried steak and for dessert, homemade coffee ice cream. (Yes, I had ice cream twice in one day, but this was way better than Maggie Moo's.)

I was so tired, I went to bed at 8pm. We all slept until 7am. Nice! Geoff was anxious to take me to the breakfast place he found Saturday morning, The Spice Of Life. I had the very delicious cinnamon french toast. I love french toast! Following breakfast we went back to the motel to pack up and go running at Garden of the Gods. It was the perfect day to be outside. Geoff took pictures while he ran with the kids in the joggy stroller, and then we took one family picture before we headed home. (All pictures are up on Shutterfly)

Erik said Manitou Springs is referred to as Colorado Springs' liberal sister. It does have a different feel, but the charm we sought, I'd say we found. Perhaps on the next visit, we will let the kids play at the big penny arcade. In the summer, you can take a cup around town and taste all of the springs (though I was warned some don't taste so great)

Well, that was our weekend away. I need to grab a quick cat nap on the couch before the rugrats awaken.

Do You Manitou?

This weekend we're going to Manitou Springs. Whoo! I know I said earlier that Steamboat would be the kickoff to exploring Colorado, but change of plans. I am going to Colorado Springs to hear Beth Moore speak on Friday night/Saturday morning. I'm very excited, I love Beth Moore. I suggested the boys come down and we could check out Colorado Springs. And then Geoff suggested we see Manitou Springs, which is close by. From what I've heard, Manitou Springs is a quaint little town, so it should be right up our alley. Since I still have to train, we'll probably try to run at Garden Of The Gods. If all goes to plan, we'll even get to see Erik in Colorado Springs Saturday.

Last night, Jake (in town to help Kevin finish the basement) came over with Kevin and made fresh keilbasa. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but it was tasty. 3 1/2 lbs of pork, and there were hardly any leftovers. It was awesome to get time to see him before he flew home this morning. I tell ya, Kevin & Ali having a baby was just the thing to get Kroliks out here regularly. :)

So not much is really going on. We have Manitou this weekend, then Geoff goes to his cousin Karen's wedding next weekend (yep, he's missing Mother's Day, no biggie). We couldn't all afford to go, and he takes with him all of our love and blessings. It'll be a wonderful wedding I'm sure. At month's end Geoff runs the Bolder Boulder, then we're off to Steamboat Springs. Maybe we ought to explore all the Springs towns this summer. :) I'm all over trying to get out to Glenwood Springs...

In tv world House returns tonight. Sweet! And Lost is on fire! It's good tv watching. Plus I have Top Chef. Hopefully I'll be sustained until Psych & Burn Notice come back this summer.

Well, that's about it. Just doing the mommy/wife thing, my bible study, and training. Everyone is healthy and doing well. I'll close with a quote from one of Geoff's favorite movies, Toys.

Patrick Zevo: I can't even eat. The food keeps touching. I like military plates, I'm a military man, I want a military meal. I want my string beans to be quarantined! I like a little fortress around my mashed potatoes so the meatloaf doesn't invade my mashed potatoes and cause mixing in my plate! I HATE IT when food touches! I'm a military man, you understand that? And don't let your food touch either, please?

Sunday Morning Funny

Pop Goes My Heart

I was feeling pretty crummy, and then I watched Music & Lyrics, and it made me feel so much better. It tapped into my love of 80s music. I hope this video makes you smile.

Birthday Men

I thought this picture was cute, Kevin & Geoff celebrating their birthdays.