Swim Championships Day 2

FINALLY!  A third place medal for Brody!!

Brad Wilson, Jeremy, Kent Nicholas and Seth Darst all swam in the freestyle parent relay tonight!  They rocked in their wigs and bling!

Brody is an awesome butterflyer!

Ledger and Case were so proud of their big medal winning brother!

We are so proud of Brody and Case!  We love these knuckleheads!

Tonight we headed back over to Moon Valley Country Club for the second night of championships.  Last night Brody qualified to swim again for butterfly and guess what...Jeremy signed up for the parent relay (well he didn't really sign up but did participate!).  It was a super fun, HOT night!  Brody swam his little heart out and ended up with a 3rd place MEDAL!  Yep, I said MEDAL!  All summer, all he has wanted was to get a medal.  He came close at some races but never enough to place in the top 5.  Well, tonight at the last meet of the summer, he got his MEDAL!  He is glowing as are Jeremy and I!  At dinner he asked if he was dreaming.  He can't believe it himself!  We are beyond proud of him and how hard he and Case have worked this summer.  They went to every practice and even private lessons.  They wore the goggles, swim caps, and new suits.  They tattooed their bodies to show their team spirit and even cheered for their friends during the races. They put their heart and souls into the season.  And now for a proud Mom moment.  After Brody swam, he headed over to the medal table to see if he was going to get a medal.  He did of course and came walking back to the rest of us with a huge smile on his face.  He immediately walked over to Case to show him his Medal.  Case's eyes lit up as he looked at his proud brother wearing his new medal.  Brody took his medal off, put it around Case's neck and said, "How do you like it?"  Case couldn't speak, only smile as he wore the medal around his own neck.  Brody quickly removed the medal from Case before he decided to keep it and went to show it off to everyone else.  My heart was heavy and I was so proud of both the boys .  Congrats to Brody and Case for a fun and memorable swim season!

Swim Championships Day 1

Yep that's right...Brody has B-Dog written across his back!  Don't you know it makes you swim faster when you tattoo your body!  I hope we're not setting him up for a lifetime of body art!

Case gets a little nervous before and after each swim.  I'm so happy his hands are in his mouth and not grabbing his you know what!  

Here I am again...that obnoxious Mom who yells and hollers at each meet.  Did I mention how proud I am of these two cute swimmers?

At least Dad is obnoxious too!  Brody did so great on the 100 IM.

Case and Coach Jeff getting ready for the race to start!

The swim season is winding down.  Tonight was the first night of Club Championships.  Here's how it works.  Each swimmer chooses their 2 favorite strokes based on their placements in previous meets.  They also decide if they want to swim the 100 IM.  Brody and Case both decided to swim freestyle and butterfly because those are the 2 strokes they placed best in over the past weeks.  Brody also chose to do the 100 IM (that's 4 laps people!  Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle!).  The top 8 swimmers go back a second night to swim for a medal.  You can see how important it is to swim your fastest!  For the freestyle race, neither Brody or Case placed in the top 8, but in butterfly, Brody placed 5th and Case 17th.  This means that tomorrow night, we drive back to Moon Valley CC for Brody to swim butterfly.  The IM race was unbelievable!  Brody swam all four strokes without stopping and are you ready for this...he place 9th overall!! That means he missed the cutoff for a medal by 1 place.  Jeremy and I couldn't believe it when we saw the results!  We were so proud of him but so bummed at the same time.  To come that close to getting a medal is AWESOME!!  It was a fun night for us all and we are so proud of our little swimmers!  Stay tuned for tomorrow nights results in the butterfly race (I know you can hardly wait!!)  

Jump And Shout!

This birthday boy had a ball jumping and crawling at his party!

Is it just me or does this little 2 year old look just like his Dad?

Ledger LOVED blowing out his 2 MeMe candles after we sang Happy Birthday to him!

YUMMY cupcake!

Saturday we celebrated Ledger's 2nd birthday with a party at Jump And Shout!  It was so weird for me not the throw the big party with all the friends and neighbors at my house.  With the June heat and me being pregnant, I had not choice but to choose some place indoors that did all the work.  This was the perfect party for that!  They handled everything down to the cupcakes!  It was great!  I did of course have to bring my own tablecloths and centerpieces to match the Mickey Mouse theme.  I couldn't not go with the THEME!  Ledger had sooooo much fun playing with his friends and cousins.  It was like he knew the party was for him...he was in heaven!  I loved watching him laugh and smile as he climbed and jumped all over the place.  The best part of the party was when they brought out his Mickey Mouse cupcake tree.  His eyes lit up and he said over and over, "MeMe Cake!" "MeMe Cake!"  In case you don't remember from a previous blog, MeMe is Mickey Mouse.  He is completely obsessed with MeMe.  I swore as a new Mom that I would never do a themed party with those cartoon characters (Elmo, Mickey, Thomas, Strawberry Shortcake, etc.) and here I am with a 2 year old who is in love with MeMe.  It was a fun party mostly because Ledger was so HAPPY!  That's what it's all about!  Happy Birthday cute boy!  

Happy Birthday Ledger!

The birthday boy loved blowing out his candle this morning!

This little guy is 2 today!  Where has the time gone?  Seriously, it seems like yesterday that I was pregnant with him.  This little guy has been such a fun addition to our family.  He is so snugly yet head strong.  He can throw a screaming tantrum that never ends.  He is the loudest kid in church, restaurants and the movies!  Jeremy and I laugh wondering how much it costs to have vocal cords removed!!  He's just LOUD!  I guess being the third child you have to be.  His favorite word is NOOOOO!!! He loves his big brothers and thinks he can do whatever they do.  He swims like a fish and can light saber fight like the big boys!  He loves Mickey Mouse and Star Wars.  The best thing about this 2 year old is his hugs and kisses.  He freely gives them away at anytime of the day. I often have to warn people at the grocery store or restaurants about his gift for giving hugs and kisses.  Perfect strangers will come up to him and say, "Oh you are so cute, can I have a hug?"  He will give them that big hug and then go right in for the kiss (open mouthed of course!)!  It's hilarious!  He's the kid who you pick up and he will lay his head on your shoulder. He is just snugly and cute!  Ledger loves to read books and eat bean burros from El Charro. He LOVES salsa and eats it like it's candy.  We always have to get Ledger his own bowl of salsa when we go for Mexican food.  One amazing thing about this boy is that he can count to 20 all by himself.  It's weird, I know, but both Jeremy and Sugar have heard him do this.  He would probably be potty trained if either Jeremy or I had the energy or time to help him.  He loves going on Ranger rides and to breakfast with the boys on Saturday mornings. Don't even try to go without him, it's not pretty!  Ledger is a really good listener and loves to help.  Recently, this little guy learned to take his clothes on and off which he thinks is super fun!  Along with the clothes coming off, so does the diaper (or Elmo as he calls them).  Several times I have gone in to get him in the morning and he is butt naked in his crib.  Hilarious I know, but not when he's peed all over his sheets and blankets.  I love this little guy oh so much!  I can hardly wait to see how he grows and changes this next year.  Happy Birthday sweet little Ledger!  I love you SOOOOOO Much!

 

Butterfly Swim Meet

Case looks like he's gonna jump in that water like a pro swimmer right?  Not yet...still jumping feet first!

Yep...we are THOSE parents!  The one's who yell, holler, scream and cheer as LOUD as we can!  

Brody did SUPER tonight in all his races! I think it's the MCC tattoos, goggles and swim cap!

Sugar and her swimmers!

Brody showing off his ribbons.  How do you like the swim cap that's squishing his forehead and eyes?  Too cool B-Dawg!

Tonight was a big night for Brody and Case.  It was the individual butterfly race, the freestyle relay and the 50 freestyle race for the 6 and unders.  Brody was in the B relay for freestyle and swam as both the 1st and 4th swimmer.  His relay came in 2nd place.  Case didn't get to swim the relay which I was bummed about.  Next was the individual butterfly race.  Brody was in the 1st heat and ended up with a third place ribbon.  Case was in the 10th heat and he too ended up with a third place ribbon.  They both did SUPER at butterfly!  Finally Brody got to swim a 5o freestyle race for the 6 and under boys.  He got a fourth place ribbon which was awesome!  It made me tired just watching him swim those 2 really long laps.  It was a late night for us all but a fun one!  Next up...CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

An old, but thinner picture of ME!

It's my birthday!  The birthday that has caused me to be "high risk" with this pregnancy.  It's a milestone.  One that I am not going to let get me down.  It's a good day...a busy day.  No time to think about where the time has gone.  What I want in the future.  We have swim team practice, golf, a golf party, more swim lessons and a BIG swim meet tonight.  It's a good day!  

What are you doing today?

By the way...I went for another High Risk ultrasound yesterday.  All is good with this little baby!  Without a doubt it's a GIRL!  A big girl...2 lbs, 5 oz. I'm 28 weeks along.  My due date got moved up by 2 weeks cause she's so big.  This means nothing to my doctor but I'm thrilled to know she is big and healthy!  I love big rolly polly babies.  They make me feel happy, and safe! More on this little girlie later!  

So I interviewed my boys this morning and thought I would share with you their views.

What You May Not Know About ME!

What is something I always say to you?

Brody:  Pick up your toys

Case:  Pick up your toys

What makes me happy?

Brody:  When I kiss you

Case:  When I pick up

What makes me sad?

Brody:  Hmmm..I don't know.  

Case:  When I don't love you.

How do I make you laugh?

Brody:   You chase after us

Case:  You shake your bum bums at me!

What do you think I was like as a child?

Brody:  Funny 

Case:  A girl

How old am I?

Brody:  I don't know.  27?

Case:  I don't know

How tall am I?

Brody:  The same height as my teacher

Case:  40 pounds

What is my favorite thing to do?

Brody:  That's a tricky one.  I don't know your favorite thing to do.  

Case:  Work, all that stuff!  

What do I do when you're not around?

Brody:  Errands

Case:  The laundry

What am I really good at?

Brody:  Cutting and laminating stuff

Case:  Front flips

What am I not really good at?

Brody:  Doing Legos

Case: Back Flips

What is my job?

Brody:  To take care of us

Case:  Computer

What do you and I do together?

Brody: Clean the house

Case: Go to the movies and lunch

How are we the same?

Brody:  We're NOT!  

Case:  We both have blue eyes

Where is my favorite place to go?

Brody:  I don't know

Case:  Oreganos

 

Father's Day

Last years beach picture.  Can't wait to get a new one this year!

I'm sad to admit this, but Father's Day is not one of my favorite days.  To me, it's just another reminder that my Dad is gone.  I miss him so much, especially on this day.  I'm jealous that everyone else I know is celebrating with their Dad on this day.  Everyone but me! I usually make a trip to the cemetery with the boys to eat Gummy Bears (my Dad's favorite candy) and talk about Grandpa Harvey.  This year it just didn't work out and I didn't get to go.  I'm trying to be more positive now that I have a husband who is a Father himself.  I'm trying to focus on him.  He is a great father and loves his boys so much!  Today after church we met up with Jeremy's Mom and Dad at Macaroni Grill for lunch and then went to see the movie "Imagine That." (I know it's Sunday, but it's the only time we could all get together!) I wish I could tell you if it was good or not, but I spent most of my time in the lobby with a very sleepy and noisy third child!  The boys seemed to like it so that's good!  Speaking of church, I was in charge of sharing time today.  I had 3 father's from the ward dress in funny clothes and wear a paper bag on their head.  The paper bags had these weird faces on them and every time the Father's would speak, they would disguise their voices.  The primary kids took turns asking the father's questions to try and figure out who's father it was.  It was super fun and the kids loved it!  Anyway, I'm happy that this day is almost over but hope all of you enjoyed your day with your Father!   

Breaststroke Swim Meet

Swimmers take your mark... Case just can't get that swimmers dive!  

Case is a great breaststroker!  

Brody's got a great dive!  Go Brody!

Go Brody! Go!

Tonight we headed out to Arizona Country Club for the Breaststroke swim meet and the Butterfly Relay.  Brody was in the A relay as the fourth swimmer.  His relay ended up with a 1st place ribbon!  They looked awesome!  Case didn't get to swim the relay but was o.k. with that!  As for the individual Breaststroke, Brody was in the fourth heat and ended up with a 3rd place ribbon.  He did SUPER!  Case was in the 11th heat and ended up with a 2nd place ribbon!  It was SWEET!  They have both done so good this year and we are so proud of them!  Can't wait for the Butterfly meet next week!  Stay tuned!

Backstroke Swim Meet

Brody decided to have Jeremy write MCC down both of his arms for the meet tonight.  He was sure it would psych out his opponents.  He also thought the new swim cap and goggles would help him go faster!

Look at this awesome backstroker!

He's off!!

The proud little swimmer showing his first and third place ribbons!

This Mom and Dad are so proud of their little backstroker!

Tonight Brody had his Backstroke Swim Meet at Phoenix Country Club.  Case didn't get to swim tonight because at the time trial Monday, his time was just about 3 minutes and the club has a 2 minute time limit in order to compete.  I felt so bad for him because he worked so hard to make it across the pool at the time trial and then got cut from the meet!  

So tonight we took Brody over to Phoenix Country Club for an individual backstroke race and a breaststroke relay.  He was in the "A" relay as the 3rd swimmer.  He did such a great job and his relay ended up getting a first place ribbon, SWEET!   Next was the backstroke.  Brody was in the 2nd heat.  He did super and ended up with a 3rd place ribbon with a time of 38 seconds, AWESOME!  He wanted a medal so bad tonight but didn't make it as one of the top 5 swimmers.  He did however come in 16th out of the 60, 6 and under boys. I think that's pretty dang good for the boy who cried every swim meet last year!  Jeremy and I were so proud of him and how well he did tonight.  We love watching him swim and seeing his confidence improve each week! Stay tuned for the breaststroke meet next Thursday!

Freestyle Swim Meet

Brody received a third place ribbon in his Backstroke relay and a second place ribbon for his individual freestyle.  Case received a second place ribbon in his individual freestyle too!

Brody was so proud of his freestyle race.  He loves his goggles!

Here is Brody waiting to race.  He seriously wears his goggles everywhere!

Case needed a little rest or two in order to finish his lap of freestyle.

He was so proud of himself that he made it across the pool and got a second place ribbon.  Jeremy and I were beyond proud of him!

Last night Brody and Case had their first swim meet at Paradise Valley Country Club.  It was the backstroke relay race and the individual freestyle race.  They were both excited for the big race but Case was a little nervous about getting across the whole pool.  Case didn't do a backstroke time trial on Monday which meant he couldn't do the relay, but Brody ended up being on the B relay as the second swimmer. The relay was first and Brody's team ended up with a third place ribbon...FANTASTIC!  Next up was the 6 and under individual freestyle.  Brody was in the 5th heat for this race.  He jumped in that water and swam his little heart out. He got a second place ribbon which he was thrilled with.  Case was in the 13th heat for the 6 and under.  Jeremy and I were both a little nervous because at the time trial Monday, he swam all the way to the flags and then hung on the lane line and cried.  The coach ended up having to jump in after him.  Well not this night.  Case jumped right in that cold water, swam his little heart out and made it across that pool.  He hung onto the lane lines a few times to rest but made it across.  He ended up with at second place ribbon (there were only two swimmers in the heat).  He was so proud of himself as were Jeremy and I.  It was a fun night for me as the mother of these two little swimmers.  My heart was overwhelmed with happiness, fear, nervousness, and excitement for these two.  It's like it's me swimming all over again!  It was AWESOME!  After the race, we headed over to the club house for dinner.   Although Brody didn't get a medal last night, he placed 11th out of the 40 or so 6 and under boys.  Medals go to the top 5 swimmers so he did SUPER!    It was a great night for the Felsteaad boys!   

Hole In One!

Well, not really!

Two cute golfers!

Ready to hit the course

Case is really learning how to swing his club!

Check out Brody's great form!

Here they come!  After a hot practice, these two are ready for the

 snack bar!

These 2 boys started golf this week at Mesa Country Club.  They love it.  I love how cute they look in their golf clothes carrying their little clubs across  the course.

10 Years

June 2nd.  A day that will forever haunt me.  The day my Dad was killed on his tractor on our farm.  My life changed forever that day.  Jeremy says I haven't been the same since.  My Mom says some of the changes aren't so bad.  My world flipped upside down that day.  10 years ago today.  10 years...sounds like a long time doesn't it?  Some days it feels like yesterday.  Other days I can't remember.  The anger is unimaginable.  The pain is worse.  The three BOYS I am raising, without their grandpa, the man who loved to hunt, fish, live outdoors.  The man who taught me to fish, snow ski, water ski.  The man who told me daily that I was smart, beautiful and that I could be anything I wanted to be because I had all the qualities required to succeed.  The man who could express it all to me by just a simple look.  A quiet look.  The late night rides to the farm to irrigate just so he could warn me about boys (mostly Jeremy!) 

 The TALK!!  Oh how I miss him!  I wonder what he would think of me now.  How would he feel about these boys of mine?  How different our lives would be, especially mine.  I would give anything for a late night drive to the farm.  Just him and I.  I love you Dad and miss you like it was yesterday.