Capital City Bike Fest

We took the boys downtown to the Capital City Bike Fest. Lots and lots of motorcycles of all shapes, sizes, noise levels, and ages. One of Travis's favorite words is "bike". He will happily point out any form of a cycle whenever one is in view. He will repeatedly say "bike" in increasing volume until you acknowledge that yes, in fact, that was a bike he saw. He thought it was neat at first and then I think he got overwhelmed at the sheer number of bikes he saw.
Also, there was a local BMX group doing a show. They pulled off a few stunts on the ramps before the misty rain rendered it unsafe. Then they did flat land tricks until their brakes got too wet. It took a few tries to get the hang of the timing, but I was able to grab one good shot. "Look mom, no hands!" The boys were in heaven today. They love BMX, motocross, and skateboards.
And did I mention it was free? Cheap entertainment is there for the taking, you just have to find it.

Decorating Idea #1

After seeing this concept in a couple catalogs (PB Kids, Land of Nod) I decided to attempt it myself. It comes pretty close - I'm just missing those $5000 bookshelves and coordinating bins. Just head over to your local craft or hobby store. Total cost is $4 for the planes. The magic of making your planes hover in mid-air depends on the supplies on hand. I used thread and small brass nails.

Heart Walk 2009

I will be participating in the Heart Walk to support the American Heart Association. My team captain this year is my current manager. His wife has a serious heart condition that has her in and out of the hospital regularly for monitoring, surgery, and changing medications. She plans to celebrate her 44th birthday next month with a huge party - actually I think he's throwing her a surprise party. It's because she will have outlived her mother and aunt who also had heart conditions. Seeing how my manager does everything he can to take care of his wife, keep their children in a normal routine, and never show his fear is amazing.

Some of you have made donations already, and I am really thankful. Every little bit counts. I am almost at my goal amount. I would love to exceed my goal and show my team captain how much people care and want to support the American Heart Association. Please follow this >link< if you want to contribute through my homepage.

How Your Donations Make A Difference

$25 Teach up to 50 people how to asses their risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke and provide the steps for them to identify and reduce their risk.

$30 Provide one pediatrician, nurse, or emergency healthcare provider with the specialized training to recognize and treat cardiovascular diseases in infants and children

$40 a month/year Send a doctor or scientist to the International Stroke Conference, where they will be introduced to the latest advancements in the treatment and prevention of stroke

$50 Provide an early career scientist with the opportunity to participate with peers in the latest cardiovascular diseases and stroke research through a one year professional membership with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

$100 Equip one hospital or health department with American Stroke Association resources to educate patients, the public and health professionals on stroke prevention and life after stroke – the #3 cause of death and leading cause of disability

$250 Teach 50 people in your community the connection between good food and good health by showing them heart-healthy ways to prepare food using the Recipes for the Heart cookbook

Nicholas Hears a Who

Nicholas was complaining that he couldn't hear out of his right ear. He kept pulling on his ear because it seemed to help. No fever, no pain. I took him to the doctor (I love that they have weekend hours) this morning. The doctor said his ear was full of wax and ordered an "ear bath". The nurse flushed his ear out with nice warm water. It was a neat contraption that hooks up to the faucet and has a hose running water in and a hose sucking water out. At first it must have tickled like crazy but once he got used to the sensation of a water gun shooting in his ear he settled down. When it was done he noticed an immediate difference. He told the doctor he could hear again. I said, "well, then, you'll have no more excuses." The doctor's response, "hearing and listening are two very different things." Classic. And so so right, especially regarding a four year old.