ABCs of Me

(A) Age: I turned 33 last week, and I'm officially at the point where the continuous joke is that I turned "29 again!" Sadly, my gray hairs and laughter wrinkles give me away. Happily, I can run 13 miles, play with my kids, and I'll take a wrinkle for a laugh any day (and I do)!

(B) Bed Size: Queen - but if you'll forgive the pillow talk - I wish every night between 1:30 and 3:00 that we'd bought a bigger bed. As newlyweds - even though we agreed that we wanted four kids - a bigger bed just seemed so BIG. I remember moving from the full to the Queen and thinking Kevin was so FAR away. Now, four pregnant bellies (which took up a lot of space) and four kids later - each one wanting to sneak in for snuggles on any given night - I would rather we had the bigger bed and found other opportunities (as we have to anyway) for closeness!

(C) Chore You Hate: Scrubbing the floors AROUND the toilet bowl - and I have to do it in the upstairs bathroom nearly every day because Owen doesn't quite wake up in the middle of the night to pee. He sleep walks - most often making it to the bathroom - and has no concept of aiming in his sleep. He pees in the EXACT same spot nearly every night: directly to the left of the toilet bowl, all over the floor. *Once he stopped at the white laundry basket full of clean clothes instead. That wasn't better.

(D) Dogs? No way. Tried it once. Dog lasted in our home 6 weeks before Kevin and I - who admittedly are mildly OCD about neatness, etc. - had to adopt him out to a new home ... of course, not before he tore up a lawn chair, raced mud tracks through our very small bad yard, and licked the heck out of our then one-ish year old son! (Collin was NOT complaining; he loved that puppy!)

(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: Coffee. Nothing fancy - just drip coffee with a touch of cream. Mmmm. (drinking a cup right now!) I'm a morning person, but I don't really perk up until I've drank that first full cup!

(F) Favorite Color: Blue. It's always been my fave, but it's even more so now that I have four blue-eyed babes! Their eyes just sparkle with mischief and laughter, and they pierce me with looks that I can not disregard: "teach me, Mom; help me, Mom; tickle me, Mom; uppie, Mom!" And the look that I'm learning more and more to better decipher as my kids get older and their needs become more sophisticated: "I'm grumpy or mad, but you have the ability to fix me --- I need a _____ (a hug, a lesson, help, attention, a friend). I'm looking at you because I need you, Mom!"

(G) Gold or Silver? Silver.

(H) Height: 5 feet + 5 1/2 inches (We celebrate 1/2s around here: half birthdays, half an inch, dividing things in half - and then in half again!)

(I) Instruments You Play: Does the keyboard count? Not a piano keyboard. A computer keyboard. I also play a mean raspberry on bare bellies! Ask, E! ; )

(J) Job Title: The IRS would tell you that I'm the President of the Tepker Law Firm, Inc. My kids would tell you I help the Judge put people in time-outs in the Jail (aka, Municipal Prosecutor) or that I help my clients to make good choices (aka, Attorney for parents involved with CPS). *Idebated putting Mom, wife, etc., on here, but I decided that those aren't really JOBS - they are privileges!

(K) Kids: Collin - 6 1/2, Owen - 5, Kate - 2 11/12; Eli - 7 months.

(L) Live: Bellingham, Washington

(M) Mom's Name: Victoria Lynn. *Kate is Katelyn Victoria.

(N) Nicknames: I'm not sure I have any nicknames now that I'm an adult -- just names. Bellingham and the legal community call me Jen. I'm currently trying to bring back Jenny, which is the name I was called as a kid and am still called by childhood friends and all of my family - except my husband and kids, who call me Jennifer when they aren't calling me Mom or Mommy. As a kid I had nicknames though: Jenny Lynn. Jen-Ren. And in 8th grade for a miserable year of very bad hair (I'd never heard of hair gel or mousse, and I have a LOT of hair): Fro-Baby.

(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? When the kids were born and twice with Collin: when he was a baby and had a very high fever and when he was a toddler and had febrile seizures twice in one day.

(P) Pet Peeve: When my kids take their shoes off and leave them in front of their cubby rather than inside of their cubby. Or when jackets are tossed on the floor under the coat hooks. Or when clothes are discarded on the floor next to the laundry basket. Get the theme here? There's one more that bugs me even more though: when things get put away WRONG. Like when you I open a DVD to watch a movie and find a different movie inside the case. Ugh!!

(Q) Quote from a Movie: I have a terrible memory - for things like that especially. There's too much else going on that I'm focused on remembering. I wish I remembered more movie quotes though; I'm often the only one left NOT-laughing at quote-jokes.

(R) Right or Left Handed? Right.

(S) Siblings: 8 -- Two older half-brothers (Richard and John), Three older step-brothers (Zac, Ben, and Evan), One younger half-sister (Christina), One younger half-brother (Jared), One younger step-brother (Kramer).

(T) Time You Wake Up? Seems like I'm always up - 24/7. But it varies -- between 5:30 a.m if I'm working out or running (haven't done that lately at that time admittedly) and 7:00 a.m. when my kids can't take it anymore. ; )

(U) Underwear: Hmmm. Black. Red. Most comfortable are boyshorts-style. Ten years ago, I would have claimed - and even did to my aunts once, who thought I was crazy by the way - that a G-string was the greatest invention ever. I don't know who I was fooling. I was crazy. (Yes, you were all right.)

(V) Vegetable You Dislike: Mushrooms.

(W) What Makes You Run Late: I think the better question is "What doesn't make me run late?"

(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: As I preschool-age kid, I had x-rays after a bike crash. Then as a ten-year-old-ish kid, I had x-rays after another bike crash. Now that I've typed that, I'm a tad nervous to get on my bike ... but, um, I love my bike. I'll be careful.

(Y) Yummy Food You Make: I married a man who loves to cook. And especially loves to cook for me. So I don't make much. But I make a great garlic-tomato-chicken pasta and a rockin' chicken kiev. For my kids, I make lots of silly foods, like colored pancakes, green eggs and ham, and April Fools Cupcakes (meatloaf cake, mashed potato frosting, and corn sprinkles). ; )

(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: Elephants are just amazing - so huge! Giraffes are so unique! And monkey-species are so funny! How could I ever choose?!

33 ~ Off and Running

Over the last month and a half, many people have asked if I was planning to get back into running distance again. Until last Tuesday, my answer was always "not yet." I was contemplating distance and even dreaming of a marathon, but my dreams were always of the future ~ like 2012.

With the turn of the year ~ to 2011 ~ I started working out and running regularly. I found a few running partners (Rebecca and Kristen), and I was up to running 5 mile routes 2-3 times a week, adding in hill climbs at least once a week.

Then last Tuesday, I had rented the tv series "Vampire Diaries" on DVD, and I was totally into the show. I was on the treadmill, and I ran through two episodes. Then I raced outside to run down our hill and back up -- total distance 9 miles, including some speed drill and elevation work. I was proud and felt great!

So fast forward to Friday's run with Kristen on the back trails of Lake Padden: K: "What are you doing for your birthday Sunday?" M: "Not really sure yet." K: "Well, you ran 9 miles Tuesday. Up for a half marathon Sunday?" M: "Uh - not sure if I could do it. Well, I suppose I could do it ... if I just looked at it as a fun run and follow the advice I gave my boys: just try to finish it." K: "Yes, you should run! Great! This will be so fun!"

I got home and told Kevin about the crazy idea. He said: "Well of course you can do it. When you're motivated about something, you always accomplish it." So I signed up.

The night before the race, Owen said to me: "Mom, just remember - you're only trying to finish the race. It's just for fun!" (We're prepping for the Running O' the Green 3.12.11, and he's been listening!) But then Collin said: "Just don't come in last. At least beat one person." Uh huh.

Oh the pressure! ; )

Kristen and I showed up in Birch Bay to find a beautiful course, clear blue skies, bright sunshine ... and a whole lot of Brrrr! It was 23 degrees outside at the start! So I may have taken off a little quick to warm up ... my Garmin told me I ran 6:39 min/mi at one point during the first mile (but I averaged 8:35 that mile).

The rest of the race was more steady each mile, but I realized - as I had after the Rock n Roll in 2009 - that I need to do some serious pace work. Although more consistent each mile (b/w 9:00 and 9:30 generally), I still varied quite a bit within each mile (jumping up and down b/w 8 to 10 min/mi pace). *I love having the Garmin tracking!! This will be so fun now that I'm training!

Did I just say that? Training?! In 2011? Yep!

A few weeks ago I posted some ideas about events. Here's the tentative plans: *=Kid Event

*Running O' the Green - 2 miles with Collin, Owen, and my Dad Steve (Kevin will join us if he can - shoulder injury; Kate and E may ride in the stroller!) - March 12 (Bellingham)

Mt. Si Relay - 2 Legs, approx. 12 miles total - April 10 (Snoqualmie)

San Juan 10K or Half Marathon - June 5 (San Juan Island) or

Discovery Half Marathon - June 5 (Sequim to Port Angeles)

Warrior Dash - 3.55 miles + obstacles! - July 16 (North Bend)

Waterfront 15K - September 10 (Bellingham)

Portland Marathon - October 9 (Portland, OR)

In the end Sunday, I ran 13.1 unexpected and unanticipated miles in 2:02 hours, an average of 9:18 min/mile, just 7 months after a c-section, just 7 weeks after resuming regular exercise, and just minutes after I turned 33 years old! It was an excellent run, and I had SO much fun! I am so glad Kristen, Kevin and my kids encouraged me to run the Birch Bay 1/2 Marathon!

Hello, Distance? It's me - Jenny. I'm Back!

Reading, reading, reading ~ Go, Collin!

Remember one month ago when Collin finished his first chapter book? Since then, he's averaged one book every two days (he's on Book 17 right now). He loves the Magic Tree House series, and I can't keep them stocked in our house! It's been a double-neat experience because one of his good friends at school (the only other kid reading chapter books in his class) is reading the same series and at the same pace, and they are reading them together, sharing stories, swapping theories, quizzing one another. It's awesome!! Go Collin!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This was my FB post today, and it's so fitting, I thought I should repeat it here:

Owen, 5, is VIP this week! Highlights of his VIP poster include his favorites: color = green, food = ribs, school activity = field trips, and home activity = playing Madden NFL Football with Collin and the Schillingers! He said he shows others he cares "by loving them!" What a great reminder that it takes more than just words ... loving is an act! Today and always, I'm loving my family! Happy Valentine's Day!

Taking in One Day at a Time

It's been another successful Monday in the Tepker Home. By that I mean - we made it to school and work on time, turned in Owen's VIP poster and the boys' homework, stocked cubbies with clean extra clothes, blankets, and pillow pets. We battled illness (Eli is still congested after over a week and has diarrhea and a rough rash), and talked to the pediatrician (all's good for now). Kevin went to the doctor for his arm --> physical therapy is definitely in his future, possibly still surgery. In the eve, we got the chores done that NEEDED to get done (I folded two loads of laundry and swept the floors), we spent quality family time laughing and sharing stories, we showed each other love, we read together (Eli was captivated; definitely need to do more reading aloud with him!), and we left the stuff that didn't NEED to get done to sit for another day (my sink is full of rinsed dishes, my washer full of clean ones).

That's the way we roll. And I love it. It works ~ fantastically. Some days we sneak in a run, ride, or workout or a bit of time reading or a phone call with a friend (those are the things I wish there was more time for), but the majority of our days revolve around our family and making it work, day by day.

Today, I accomplished all that AND I received loves and hugs and homemade Valentine's and sloppy Eli kisses. Total success in my book!!!

Looking forward to tomorrow and another chance to find success!

BTW ~ Happy Valentine's Day!

Jammies

First of all, DIG the shoes, the leggings pulled up, the sunglasses acting as a headband - LOVE it all!

But that's not the point of THIS post! This post is about the hour and a half BEFORE the (new favorite) jammies were on ...

I threw Kate's favorite PJs in the washer just before 7 pm. She'd worn them 4 nights in a row, and they were due a wash. I knew she wouldn't let me put them in if she saw me, so I was quick about it! But I should TOTALLY have run the load earlier. She went up, undressed, and went looking for her jammies within minutes of my covert action. And the second she realized what I'd done (the door was closed, the washer filled with water, the pjs soaked), she fell to the floor and cried and pleaded "take them out right now!" for the entire wash cycle. It was miserable. A full half hour of flailing, crying, tears, panic. I knew she'd be sad, but I never imagined how sad. I still standby my deed though; the jammies needed a cleaning.

I've never seen a little girl perk up so much and so quickly as Kate did when that buzzer sounded! Suddenly, she was happy and sweet and even - grateful?! "Mommy, they're CLEAN!!" She put them in the dryer herself and patiently waited, naked still, for the dry cycle.

Almost an hour and a half later, she was ready to play again:

*You may remember that another of our children had a "thing" for special jammies. Collin used to love his feetie jammies so much (especially a navy and green striped pair) that we'd have to literally pin him down while he screamed and wrestle him out of them and into clothes so we could leave the house. Admittedly, there were a few "jammies days" at school because it wasn't always worth the fight. He was 18 months - 2 years then and especially headstrong! (He's still headstrong. It's one of his more fantastic attributes, actually, because he's also steadfast and - now at 6 - mostly rational so his arguments and agenda are hard to combat, and his demeanor often ends up coming across as admirable ultimately.) Anyway, the jammies were a 2T. He wore them until he was 4 years old. They were SO stretched out and even had a hole or two. But I couldn't toss them; he loved them so much.

Kindergarten

Today is Owen's first official day in Kindergarten! He is SO pumped! His favorite preschool teacher, Mr. Ron, was promoted last fall from Lead Teacher in the Preschool to Program Director at the 2-Year Kindergarten. (I may have the titles wrong, but you get the idea.) Anyway, he was once Collin's favorite teacher, and since he moved up to Collin's program in the fall, Collin had been thrilled with the change! However, at the time of Mr. Ron's move up, he was Owen's preschool teacher, and Owen was beside himself. He lost his favorite teacher. He ultimately adjusted and did well in his new teacher's class, but he harbored great dreams of moving up to the Kindergarten to see Mr. Ron again. Every once in a while he expressed his frustrations; he was the oldest in his class, he missed his friends that had moved up, he wanted to see Mr. Ron and Collin. Owen was like a ticking time bomb, waiting for his big moment!

We were concerned because the program requires that you be 5 years old before entry. We were also concerned because entry requires a full year commitment, and the slots were full. We weren't expecting he'd be in the program until the fall - 8 more months. But then, the same week that Owen turned 5, a family gave their two-week notice!! It was perfect!!!!

Owen spent the last week "transitioning" up to the class and saying goodbye to the preschool and his friends/teachers there. He brought home his first homework packet Friday and finished it while waiting for dinner Friday night! We ordered his new backpack, and he is stoked! Today marks his official first day in Kindergarten, in Mr. Ron's class again, and in the same program as Collin, where they'll be a force no doubt! (Can't you just imagine recess and soccer games during the summer?!) Owen is beyond thrilled and proud and puffed up like a big kid! Literally, for a kid who wishes every day were a stay-at-home day, Owen is in heaven! Which means that I couldn't be more psyched! Good teachers are the greatest! Thanks, Mr. Ron!

Collin's First Run

Wow! I should have taken a picture because it was a fantastic sight! Collin and I hit the trails for his first run yesterday at 10 a.m. in the brisk 32 degree air, sunshine highlighting the path! It was gorgeous!! Plus, Collin wore his running shorts and sweatshirt with a pair of monkey pajama pants for long johns - excellent!

So we started out at the swim area of Lake Padden. I told Collin we'd aim to run one mile since the furthest he'd run consecutively in the past was only 1/2 a mile (at the All Comers Track Meets over the summer). We took off and chatted and settled into a nice pace. Totally relaxing and so super chill! He thought it was neat that everyone said hi to him and wished us good morning. I thought it was neat to watch the other runners and walkers - they LOVED seeing him on the trail! I loved seeing him too - he was calm yet focused, happy and talkative, and looked cute and sporty. Plus, he was running strong at only 6 years old!

After half a mile, I asked how he was doing, and he voted that we keep going to the play area. We quacked at the birds, talked about the books he's reading, enjoyed the warm sun and the chilly air. It was really awesome to run with my kiddo!

The play area marked 3/4 mile, and we turned and headed back. He finished the full mile and a half without even losing his breath, and we had a great time! When it was over, he "fainted" in the muddy grass!! *I, of course, gasped and choked out a "COLLIN!" Ick. All I could think was that he'd created more laundry, was going to get the car muddy, etc. Then I laughed and apologized for my first reaction. And he said:

Mom! I have to get muddy sometimes! It's a kid thing.

So true! Shame on my adult reaction! ; ) Now that you mention it, I think I'm due a mud bath, so count me in next time!

To see his pace and path, click Collin's First Run.

*Collin's stunt reminded me of a game day (I was maybe 8?) when the soccer field was especially water logged and muddy. We chased the ball around the field, slushing through the murk and kicking up grass and mud with each step. The ball hardly rolled ... it kind of skipped along. When the game was over, we were absolutely covered in cold, wet, mud. It must have been a mother's "clean car nightmare!" Then - to seal the deal - my whole team went "slip sliding" in the mud!! SO MUCH FUN!!! A whole group of us piled in the back of our Suburban afterwards, and my dad shuttled us home - muddy as could be. I have no idea if we won or lost that soccer game, but that afternoon is one of the best of my childhood memories!

I'll have to tuck that away for the boys this fall ... ; )

Getting Back in the Game

This is such an exciting time for me! Eli is 6 months old, and I'm working hard to get back in the game! I gained the most weight with Eli of all my kids: 40, 41, 42, and 50+ (I quit tracking). But I'm super proud to say that I'm down to nearly my pre-Eli weight (7 pounds to go, give or take 3 on any random day or moment!).

So now that I'm over the big hurdle (baby weight), it's time to get this bod back in shape! Thankfully, I have a supportive team and family! So I'm off! P90X workouts, Insanity workouts, twice a week distance runs (ok, short distance so far, but they'll get longer). I have been sore for nearly three weeks straight, but I have loved every second of it!

Tomorrow Kevin and I have lined up a sitter, and we're hitting the mountain on our bikes! I can hardly wait! I've been up twice (the last two weekends) in the last 18 months +, and I haven't ridden with Kevin in at least a year and a half - maybe two. I can't wait! His skill level, his athletic ability, his joy in the sport have all increased tenfold since we last rode together, and it should make for an amazing afternoon tomorrow!

I have a few events this year lined up (*and a few I'd like to line up and **one I'm dreaming of being able to line up!) to keep me motivated and focused:

Running O' the Green - March 12 (Bellingham)

Mt. Si Relay - April 10 (Snoqualmie)

*San Juan Half Marathon - June 5 (San Juan Island)

Warrior Dash - July 16 (North Bend)

Waterfront 15K -September 10 (Bellingham)

*Bellingham Traverse - September 17 (Bellingham)

**Bellingham Marathon?? - September 25 (Bellingham)

***Dad, I'm counting on you for the Running O' the Green! We'll just do the 2-mile stint because Collin's going to be joining us ... and we can't let him beat us! ; )

Here's to a great event season and to getting back in the game!

Sneak Peeks

1.24.11 - On the way to school today Collin asked:

• "Can you please schedule a "stay at home day" for just me and you - so we can snuggle on the couch and read our chapter books in peace and quiet?"
• Me: "Sure. I'll try. Sounds good!"
• Collin: "Then we can pick Kate up later, Mom."

*Collin is now already halfway through book three of the Magic Tree House series. ; )

1.22.11 - We played Pictionary on Saturday with GGG, Grandma and Grandpa Y, Chrissy, Tracey, Girls, Jared and Janae. Owen was up at the easel.

• Everyone's Guesses: "Fish," "Shark attack," "Shark bite," "Tiger Fish"
• Owen: "No, its a shark eating a person!"
• Collin checks the card: "HE WAS SUPPOSE TO DRAW AN OWL!!"

Two weeks ago I picked the kids up early from school.

• Collin: "Why'd you pick us up early, Mom? Thanks!"
• Owen: "Kate has a fever so it's a stay at home day!"
• Collin: "Thanks, Kate!!"

PB: Birthday Traditions

Do you have any special birthday traditions for your children?

I'd love to think so, but I'm not convinced that any of the activities are "traditions" yet per se because it varies by the kid and the year and by what else is going on in our lives. In fact, I've considered creating more "traditions," but I'm afraid it would create too much let down if I forgot or life just got too busy (like I had Eli 3 weeks before Collin's 6th birthday, and it was the least planned party he's ever had but lots of fun nonetheless!), but let's see:

1. On the day of their birth, the kids get to pick the day's meal plan - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, favorite drink, favorite dessert. *We tweak it if necessary, depending on guests, parties, etc., and sometimes have those meals on the piggybacked days.

2. We, of course, always sing Happy Birthday! *I realized by the end of this post that I often wake my kids up by singing to them - or in Early-Bird Collin's case, he wakes me up, and I sing first thing. ; )

3. I love the party, and I love to do it up right! For their birthday, the kids get to pick the guest list for their parties and vote on the party plan. Collin has always picked a bigger crowd and a more abstract party plan (pirates, space, etc., which is very fun for me, and I get totally into it!), and Owen has picked bowling with a small crowd two years in a row (which is very nice for me, planning-wise). This will be Kate's first year providing input. So far she wants a princess theme and has a cute list of mostly girls! Yes, she's been planning for April 7 since about January 1. She'll be 3. What a diva.

4. On Collin's birth day we traditionally go to the Lynden Fair - not for his birthday necessarily, but it's something totally fun to go do on his special day!

5. We always hand-make a birthday banner/poster/sign for our family room or front porch! Kate painted Owen's this year!

6. The kids get to shop for their siblings birthdays and pick out one gift each (under $10). That results in some pretty good gift giving actually. Makes good sense to me that Collin would know better what Owen wants (or should want based on the trends!) than I!

7. I'm working to add in a photo slide show and a post for the kids birthdays, recapping their year in words or pictures. I recently did Owen's 5th year (he loved the slide show!), a note to Collin at Age 6, and a note to Kate at Age 2 1/2 (for her half-birthday). *Links to the right in "Favorite Moments Past."

What are your favorite birthday traditions?

*I was born at 7:54 a.m., and as a kid, my family celebrated with me every year at 7:54 a.m. They'd sing then; we'd do presents then some years. It was VERY special to me, and I loved that time - just fifteen minutes in the morning and my day was perfect! But then as I got older and my mom's work schedule changed, that tradition slipped away - and I was very sad. I still wish my mom would call every year at 7:54 a.m. (I should tell her. Mom, are you reading this?) Anyway, I'm sort of afraid of birthday "traditions" for this reason. I don't want to start something that I can't (or accidently don't) commit to continue - for all four kids - every year.

Makes me wonder: do my kids think there are traditions already in place? They must! Oh dear. Owen came up to me first thing the day before his birthday (which was the day of his party) and said, "Mom, you didn't wake me up and sing Happy Birthday!!" Great. Now I'll have to call every morning and wake them up on their birthdays for the rest of my life. Their spouses will LOVE me. *BTW - I did end up singing to Owen on the 16th AND on the 17th. ; )

Up on all fours and SO stinkin' cute!

Look who's up on all fours!!! Eli is growing up so quickly all of a sudden! Solid foods, sitting up, and now on all fours! I can't wait to see if he'll rock back and forth for two months like Collin did or jet off crawling lickety-split like Owen or ... ?! But I better not blink because my baby is growing fast!

Pushups

Here he is cracking up as Kate throws a stuffed animal over his head (you can see that he's scooted over, and I turned the flash off on my camera).

Cracking up at me (Peak-a-boo is great fun!!)

Being Stinkin' Adorable

LOVE

BTW - he gobbled up the rest of the sweet potatoes tonight! Loved them! Hardly spit any out. It was crazy fun!

Eli's First Solid Foods - Sweet Potatoes

Eli will be 6 months old next weekend. He's a happy, healthy, growing boy of 17 and 1/2 pounds, and he's ready to embark on solid foods. So yesterday, we introduced him to his booster seat. Then, while I was getting everything else ready, he re-introduced himself to his awesome moose boots:
And finally it was time to check out a spoon and sweet potatoes:

What is this stuff?

I'm not so sure I like it:

Yep. Spitting it out. You can put it back in, and I may smack my gums and play with it a bit ... but it's coming back out:

If you like it so much, Mom, maybe you should eat it:

Dad, is this for real?

There. I tried it, and I made a delightful mess of it too. Ha! (I liked that part. I especially enjoyed painting the tray! Now THAT was cool.)

Linking to FB?

Ok. So now I may be taking this over the top a bit, but there has to be a better way for people who WANT to see our pics and hear our stories to know when I've added new ramblings, etc. I think I've found a better way for Facebook Users at least. I've added a Tepker Moments page to Facebook, and I think if you "Like" it that any time I update the blog and post the link to the Tepker Moments FB page, you'll see the update and the link on your Facebook Home page when you peruse the updates. Then you'll never have to check here to see (as long as you're on FB and "Like" Tepker Moments!). We'll see if this works!!

Eli the Clock

Eli can now roll both ways and nearly push himself up on all fours. He can definitely scoot a very small distance if he's after something. But his most common move (once he's rolled to his tummy) now is to spin around, tummy staying pretty much in the same place - just rotating his facing direction, following the movements of his roving siblings! This morning Collin just said: "He's like a clock! Spinning around like the big hand!!)

Owen's Fifth Year

Today (17th - I started this post in draft form on the 16th) is Owen's 5th Birthday! He has had quite the year and grown into quite a boy! His year in pictures tell nearly the whole story! He's athletic and strong, a clown yet shy, and 100% devoted to his family and close friends.

Silly Owen Facts:

• Loves to collect + trade football cards with his big brother and the Schillingers
• Shows affection by tackling or climbing on those he loves
• Enjoys being silly and making others laugh
• Has unique facial expressions and choreographed dance moves
• Prefers to have his back scratched before bed each night
• Never wants to take a shower but could stay under the warm water for an hour

• Favorite Color: Green
• Favorite Lunch/Dinner: Hot Dogs
• Favorite Fruit: Pears, Nectarines, Cherries, Little Cutie Oranges (Can't keep any in the house for long! He gobbles them up!)
• Favorite Vegetable: Salad (I didn't know this one.)
• Favorite Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwiches (Eggs + Sausaage, with or without the bread)
• Favorited Drink: Chocolate Milk, then Rootbeer
• Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Ice Cream

Here we go:

March 2010 - jumping on my bed in jammies, cowboy hats, bike gear, and sporting six-pack abs.

Tent Camping in the Bedroom

March 15, 2010

Owen LOVES to ride his bike - on the road and on trails. He's known to do stunts, such as pop wheelies and ride with his feet up on the frame.

Spring Soccer - Owen snuck on the team for his second season, a full year younger (minimum) than his teammates and competition, and our team's leading scorer.

Point Defiance Zoo Park - March 31, 2010

At the zoo, Owen rode a camel for the first time and all by himself! He recently took this picture to school for "share day" to tell all his friends all about it!

Owen made Kate this birthday crown for her 2nd birthday, April 7, 2010.

Soccer Stud

Owen mastered his name and the other 22 letters of the alphabet this year. He also can write his letters (fours upside down) up to at least 48 (that's how many squares on the back of a Yahtzee scorecard). Pic from May 6, 2010

Lake Padden - May 12, 2010

Above + Below -- in our garage on a rainy June 6, 2010

We camped at Moran State Park on Orcas Island June 29 - July 2, 2010

Then we moved over to Lopez Island and camped at Odlin Park July 2-5, 2010

July 18, 2010, Owen competed in his first mountain bike race. He took second place in the 10 and under division.

Owen also participated in All-Comers track over the summer - at 4 and a half - taking first place regularly in hurdles and short distance sprints!

July 23, days after Owen celebrated his half birthday, he became a big brother again.

Boating around Shaw Island August 4, 2010

August 23, 2010 we visited our friends the Sorensons in Yakima, and the boys ate and ate fresh veggies from the garden! They picked so much that we went home with more than of cooler's worth of fresh produce!

Owen was eager to introduce Eli to the game of football.

August 31, 2010

September 16, 2010

Owen loves to help and is constantly calming and entertaining Eli when E needs it!

Fall Soccer - Southside Super Dragons

October 3, 2010

This face shows one of Owen's signature expressions, which he makes especially to evoke a laugh from me!

Owen made a lot of puppets in the fall of 2010.

4 3/4 Years Old

October 16, 2010

October 31, 2010

We made great friends of the Schillingers and Parsons this fall!

November 5, 2010, Collin and Owen sat together working on their print and spelling.

November 24, 2010

Owen enjoyed his second Seahawks game November 28, 2010 against the Kansas City Chiefs (we lost but that didn't razzle the fans!).

December 3, 2010, Owen visited Santa and rode the Westlake Carousel, both annual holiday traditions.

Pic: December 11, 2010

"I am special because my mommy loves me, and I was born to my family." Quote: January 13, 2011

Owen's favorite drink is chocolate milk. His next favorite is rootbeer.

December 18, 2010, we went to our first Solstice Party!

Owen loved the holiday festivities and got very involved in decorating the gingerbread house and making Christmas cookies!

Christmas Eve was lots of fun! Owen got his annual Christmas eve jammies and posed with his favorite people for a holiday pic:

December 24, 2010

Owen's favorite movie is still Cars, but in close second is Toy Story. He also love Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Mickey Mouse, and Scooby Doo.

Owen is a trickster and loves to make people laugh! In this picture, he'd wrapped an empty box for Grandpa to open Christmas Day.

Collin is without a doubt Owen's BEST friend. Then Kate. Then the Schillinger boys.

Remember I said he was always going for the laugh? Here he is tricking out Eli. December 29, 2010

Owen enjoyed his first play at the 5th Avenue Theater December 30, 2010

The boys LOVE to wrestle and play tackle football - indoors and out. December 31, 2010

January 4, 2011

January 8, 2011

January 9, 2011

Corduroy visited, and Owen loved the experience!

January 15, 2011

Last day as a 4 year old - January 16, 2011

January 13, 2011 Quotes:

Things I am good at: playing Wii, running fast, making airplanes, riding my bike fast, playing football, soccer and basketball, being a brother

I was born in the state of: New York? Kansas City? Can you just tell me? (Bellingham, Washington)

Favorite things that did when I was 4: when we went to Uncle Brian's for New Year's, when we went to the Seahawk Game and saw Uncle Jared, any time we played with the Schillingers, when we rode a camel at the zoo, when we camped on Shaw Island

When I grow up I want to be a football player.