During the relay race in Las Vegas a runner giving aid to a team-mate was struck and killed by a drunk driver in the dark and early hours of the morning. I first heard rumors of the event just hours after it occurred but spent a fair amount of time over the next few days learning about the man who was killed. A great man who left behind a wife and three young children.
Just this morning I read about another man in his early thirties who died unexpectedly leaving behind his wife and six darling girls ages nine and under. These two stories are just the most recent I have read but I periodically read the blog of a woman who lost her three year old daughter, a woman whose husband was killed in Iraq from complications of an appendectomy of all things, and a woman who after complications from child labor was left blind and lost both her feet and one hand. These are just a few of the many online journals I have come across relaying chronicles of suffering and bereavement.
I do not understand what appeals to me about these women or their narratives, but the desire is insatiable. I read and read about their lives and their struggles. I thirst for their words of pain and yet inspiration. They all share a similar message: “Live for today, tell your loved ones you love them, appreciate them.”
Yet I can not internalize it. I haven’t really changed anything I do with regard to my family. I do love and appreciate them, but I can’t say that I express it any better after observing the lessons of these incredible women, than I did before I knew of them.
Maybe that is why I am captivated by their trial. I know I need to learn and I pray that I can do so without having to go through such an experience personally.
But what is it about me or, if it isn’t just me, human nature that compels me to search out and pour over what seems to be such depressing material? Is it possible that it is a desire to increase my capacity for compassion and empathy? Or is it a dark and frightening part of me that is satisfied to wallow in pity and despair. If my intent is measured by the actions I take after exposure to tragedy, I am afraid that thus far I have failed.
I mentioned that I wanted to have some professional pictures of the boys taken and I finally arranged it. We had tentatively planned for Tuesday, depending on the weather. Tuesday came a bit windy and cool and Krista asked if we were up for it. I told her that I was psychologically prepared to do it that day so we better just go for it. Parents of young children who have stressed over photo shoots can perhaps relate.
Aside from being mostly interested in throwing rocks in the river and fighting with sticks, the boys did pretty well for the pictures. And of course there is that terribly frustrating task of trying to get the child to smile they way they really smile, rather than that contrived phoney smile. We never did quite get that from Cameron.
Never above bribery, I promised the boys a treat if they cooperated and they requested ice cream cones. So we raided the frozen foods aisle at the local grocery store and along with two half gallons of ice cream (strawberry for Cameron, chocolate for Eli) I bought a frozen pizza for dinner and some much needed Halloween candy for the hard working mother. 
Then we came home and ate our stash while we watched Biggest Loser. Just a little ironic.
The pictures turned out great, I hope to post some soon.
Disneyland turned out to be everything it is cracked up to be. Well, I guess not ALL my dreams came true, clothes don’t wash themselves yet. But I think Cameron and Eli would say all their dreams came true.
You’ll notice a pin on my dad’s shirt. It was his birthday and so his entry into the magical world was free. He wore the pin all day and received countless enthusiastic birthday greetings from the employees. They were sincere and pleasant and I thought often of the phrase that describes Disneyland as “the happiest place on Earth.” 
The boys were pretty good sports about waiting in line. Except Eli had a bad habit of escaping under the chains and by the time we reached the ride all of the people surrounding us in line knew him by name. “Eli…. ELI…. ELI!”
If it looks like there are bags under Eli’s eyes from sleep deprivation, it is because there are. In all his excitement he and Charlie were whispering and giggling long into the night and before the sun came up in the morning. Eventually he could keep his droopy eyes open no longer and I pushed him around with the stroller in a reclined position to try and let him sleep. (Very hard on my back!) 
On our way back to our cars at the end of the day we had a very tired crew. (Myself included.) It was raining and each adult was either pushing a stroller with a sleeping child or carrying a sleepy child. Eli in true form smiled and said “cheese” as soon as I wielded the camera, so the sleepy effect was completely lost.
Some people argue that there is no point in taking your children to Disneyland when they are too young to remember it. I’m quite sure neither Cameron or Eli will remember their day at Disney. But I will, and as corny as it may sound, it was absolutely worth it.
This picture says “You WILL get close to me!” 
I had an “admire my sister” moment while in Las Vegas. (Are those moments frequent enough to merit the quotation marks that imply they have their own name?) She spent hours and a great deal of stress in the weeks and days leading up to the relay so that those involved would have a good experience. Then, to top it all off she had 5-6 house guests for a week. She is very talented and extremely motivated and I just want her to know publicly (GAG!) that I think she’s great and I appreciate what she did for us. You too Will!
We are home. After a great deal of driving we made it. I must say that the boys did quite well. There were moments of course, but I don’t think either of the kids got quite as restless as my pregnant self.
Each team has to provide volunteers and Saturday Richard and I drove to Exchange 31. They were giving away iPods to the most enthusiastic volunteers so we dressed up as pirates and as the runners came in to pass the baton I would cheer 
Normally I don’t blog while on vacation. But at my sister’s house technology, and today time, are so readily available I thought I’d go for it.
Today several members of my family started a Ragnar Relay Race in the Valley of Fire. All day I’ve felt left out of the excitement and adrenaline. My designated post has been here at the house with all the wee ones. Yes, there have been a few moments of excitement amongst us.
The name of their relay team is Team Mandelbaum. Watch this to really understand. Each of the 12 team members have three legs and the race lasts over 24 hours. I really want to participate as a runner someday… 
Of course, more pictures to come!
One of the beds, pre-makeover.
I am still working on quilts for their beds and getting rid of those lovely spiderman chairs…
Such is parenting.
Oh boy.
Just Your Average Jo 
