Reed Family

Alabama

2009-04-07T11:18:00.001-07:00

Grandma Reed's 93 birthday and the Space and Rocket Center March 27-

Ansley's Birthday Day 4-6

2009-04-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning she work up really lethargic and threw up again. It was time to go home. I couldn't walk up the hill to the bathroom anymore. We headed home. I dropped Brad and Bowen off with the gear and took Ansley to the ER. They said she would perk up after some fluids but admitted us under observation. She slept all day Sunday and Monday until 5pm then she was crazy for about 2 hours. We thought we could go home but she crashed out again and slept restlessly all night with low grade fever. It was nice that my best friend Jenn was our nurse so we were kept in the loop all day. Finally Tuesday morning we were discharged and she is doing fine. She even has her attitude back and is carting around her new pocketbook she got from her Great Grandparents. Even told me NO a few times today so we are on the mend.

Ansley's Birthday Day 2 and 3

2009-04-07T10:59:00.001-07:00

Ansley and Bo enjoyed their new friends. Abby may not have felt the same way after today.

Friday- Acted fine so we went camping, lots of trips to the bathroom a few times throwing up in a capri sun box, she didn;t eat much but kept drinking some

Saturday- bike race and played, ate very little drank some

Dad had a lot of fun during the race. Saturday evening Ansley atarting getting very tired and still had a fever.

Ansley's Birthday Day 1

2009-04-07T10:55:00.001-07:00

Thursday - woke up sick. Still had a party.

New Use for the Metal Detector

2009-01-31T13:53:00.000-08:00

Ansley swallowed a penny the other day and we are tracking its progress.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-04T02:21:00.001-08:00

Bowen and Brad fishing for??? our masked men enjoying their new presents.

The christmas tree for 2008 left something to be desired... Next year we go back to the freshly cut fraiser fur.

The long list of requests to Santa.

Petting Zoo

2008-11-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Watch how mad Ansley gets when the animal runs off.

2008-11-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Putt-Putt in Florida

2008-11-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

Bowen's Hole in One

Fun Pics

2008-11-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hours of fun in the 5 gallon bucket

Yes that is her potty seat... Today it was a hat. Thank you Chlorox wipes.

Rick Gills Wedding

Eastman Road Race

2008-11-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

The entire family participated in the Eastman Road Race this year. The kids were a riot. Ansley ran about 10 yards and turns and ran back to the starting line. Bowen spend his time waving at spectators at the back of the pack.
Brad did well and Sara finished, so we all had a great weekend of running.

Summer Soccer

2008-11-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

This summer we let Bowen try soccer. It was quite and experience for everyone. He really learned a lot and seemed to enjoy the social aspect more than the physical.

Dinner Entertainment

2008-08-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dinner Entertainment.

I'm pretty sure my parents did this to me too ...

Summer Fun

2008-08-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

This is the newest hobby. Just what we needed. We have been cleaning, sanding, and refinishing this "little" beauty. Now all we have to do is learn to sail. Dad and Daughter at the lake.
Ansley and Joshua Horne (neighbor) enjoying their afternoon nap.
Front yard fun with Jonny, Cameron, Bowen and Ansley.

Kayak fun at Boone lake. It is very difficult to row with a kid on your lap.
My little ninja turtle. I think Bowen may have had to be the princess this day.
No... He was the streaker.

We had a great summer and preschool starts on Tuesday for Bowen. Ansley and Mom are going to get 5 morning a week of quality time!

Ansley...No Fear

2008-08-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ansley is not the one yelling for mommy... she actually jumped about 10 more times.

A Day at the Lake

2008-07-29T05:46:00.001-07:00

Fun boat riding for everyone. Bowen loves the tube behind the boat. I had a hard time watching it. A little too fast and bumpy for me... especially when it's my 4 year old. Ansley doesn't really care for the tube but we kept having to stop her from jumping off the 15 foot high dock. I let her jump off the 4 foot high one but I was afraid the high one would shake up her insides. I don't think she would have cared. She wanted to jump. We did manage to get Bo to jump 3 times from the small dock. Brad had to offer him a dollar for every jump. It was a great day for everyone.
Doesn't his hair look cool!!

Bowens 4th Birthday Cake

2008-07-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

The train cake... I think it speaks for itself. What fun!!! The red caboose took a dive off the table during decorating but I'll just make Brad eat that part!

Swimming

2008-07-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Bowen and Ansley are getting to spend a lot of time at the pool this summer. They are both doing great. Ansley is even jumping in off the side. Bowen is not interested in the going under part of that. I am really enjoying the freedom I have now that there isn't a kid clinging to me the entire time.

Muddy Buddy Atlanta 2008 (AKA 8th Anniversary)

2008-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

A Rainy Saturday Morning Lesson in Life
Brad Reed

My wife (Sara) and I headed down to Conyers, GA for the annual Muddy Buddy relay on the weekend of June 21. The trip was a great excuse to leave the kids at grandma's, get out of town, and celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary together. We had a great weekend and it was nice to partner with my wife for this unique event.

The Muddy Buddy is a relay race on a course of about 6 miles. One bike is shared between two teammates. The first leg of riders starts off a few seconds in front of the runners. The runners then follow suit, sharing the same course/trail with the bikers. The bikers then get off of the bike at the transition area, complete an obstacle, then begins running. The runner arrives at the same obstacle, completes it, then picks up the same bike and pedals it to the next obstacle.

This leap-frogging continues throughout the course. It sounds pretty straightforward doesn't it? Yes, until a shocking sight rocks your mind, kills your drive, and causes deep reflection throughout the event and even still.

There were 1100 teams of two people waiting for the cannon to send them off. Each team was broken down into combined ages for teams of male, female, and co-ed. The cannon fired for each of the 15 waves of people. Sara and I were the 7th wave back. Between cannon blasts we made small talk and laughed about the array people, costumes, and choices of clothing attire around us. As we neared the start I kissed Sara and let her know I was glad to be here with her. All runners then filtered back behind the bikes to give them a wide berth for the crowded start.

Our cannon fired and the bikes left from the start. The runners waited 30 seconds and were released onto the course. I was first from the gate, then dropped to second after a moderate hill climb. As I topped the hill I saw something that my brain had trouble processing. My gosh! They are giving that runner CPR. My competitive drive left me in an instant. I looked over my left shoulder to ensure I would not cause a pile-up. I then slowed and crouched to the side of the course. I introduced myself as an ER nurse and offered to assist.

I kneeled down behind a lady who was giving chest compressions and told her I could relieve her when she got tired. She happened to be a Nurse and another participant, who happened to be a Dr., was holding c-spine and keeping the airway open. Sirens were in the air immediately and it was great to hear them getting closer. During their approach, I just sat there behind the nurse's left shoulder, reminding her of my presence.

I studied the unconscious man on his back to get a larger picture of what had happened. I was looking for some obvious reason to clue me into what had happened. He had a small abrasion on his face, where he must have made contact with the ground as he fell. His color was looking worse and his eyes were fixed on the rainy sky above. The lady giving compressions never let up.

I have worked many resuscitations in my line of work. As bad as they are, few of them stick with me through the years. They are generally performed in a controlled environment with patients whom I had never met or had preexisting medical conditions I had no control over. This situation was entirely new to me. I was out of my comfort zone and was attempting to participate in the resuscitation of one of my own (so to speak). I tried to push these thoughts aside and was relieved when the paramedics arrived.

They quickly took over and the patient was loaded into the back of the ambulance in a "load and go" fashion. A pulse was never regained. I hoped it would upon transport to the Hospital with the aid of resuscitative medications and an established airway.

I then fell back into the race with an adrenaline boost like never before. I ran and ran and ran. I was even passing folks on bicycles. I got to the first obstacle, found where Sara had laid our bike and started out of the transition area like a shot. I caught up to Sara, who like me was still deeply disturbed by what we had seen. She had backed off on the run a bit, because she knew what I was doing. She held together really well and pressed on through each of the stages.

The most fun obstacle was a large inflatable climbing wall with a steep slide on the other side. It left me with a thought of looking on e-bay to find one of my own to play on in the front yard. The last stage was the longest leg of the event, but at the end had a requirement that we both complete the last obstacle together. This required us to crawl on our bellies together through a 50 yard trough of soupy mud. The finish line was just beyond the end of the mud pit. We savored this last portion by doing the breast stroke and front crawl through the slop. I even did a front summersault to entertain the hundreds of spectators lining each side of the soupy mess. We stood up at the end and gave each other a muddy bear hug and walked across the finish line together.

We stood there in the pouring rain, watching people go through what we had just accomplished. Despite the intensity of the rain, the thick mud covering our body would not rinse away. We were still stunned by what we had accomplished together and what we had seen earlier in the race. It was brought to my thoughts again when I noticed a lady being consoled by the race director and the local police. It could only be regarding one thing. They were taking her to the hospital and judging by her state, the news was probably for the worse. Our hearts really went out to her. We ended up finishing 10th place out of about 100 teams in our category, but it just didn't matter too much.

I ended up doing some internet searching on Sunday night to learn of the fate of that fellow participant. I have not found any news either way. He has been on my mind since that rainy Saturday morning. It's definitely a sobering reminder of our finite time on Earth. It reinforces to me that the unknown is just that. Tell the people around you what they mean to you. Live life like you mean it. Life and the experience of it are definitely about the people and joy around you. Live it up!

Camping May 2008

2008-05-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great Memorial Day Weekend. We went camping for 3 nights at Kerr Scott Res. in Wilkesboro, NC. We were able to catch a little of the 24 hours of Burn Mountain Bike Race. We had a great time boating, fishing, and playing in the sand.

Brad was able to get a road ride in even though he was still "broke down" from his hiking trip. I decided to try my first trail run. I actually really enjoyed the cool shade of the the woods... all 7 miles of it. The trail is a lot more forgiving to the joints, may become a new hobby. The kids and I have spent this week doing laundry and feeling the wrath of our allergies.

Fun cookout at Mom and Dad's on Monday night.

Ansley also got her first haircut today compliments of her big brother. It is actually amazing how close he was able to get to her scalp with his dull, toddler scissors. You can't really appreciate his work on film... her hair was already too short and too blonde.

This is the only piece of hair I was able to find and save after the stylist had done his work.

I need a vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brad's Hiking Trip in VT

2008-05-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

We are so glad to have Brad back home. He had a great time with lots of stories to tell.

111 miles on the Appalachin Trail, Green Mountains in Vermont

A few highlights included,

Questionable sobriety of drivers while hitch hiking which made the start of the trip an adventure.

Awesome rock gardens and 180 piles of moose poop were some of the only views some days. It was a very wooded hike with less views.

Cold nights sleeping in hammocks

A tree that broke on Dave when he got in his hammock to sleep... could have been a disaster.

Effects of Gravity when your pack is heavy and you are goofing off.

End of Year Celebration

2008-05-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Bowen finished his year of Preschool with a bang. We were not sure how he would do because he cried at the practice. They were all adorable. His teachers this year were great.

Saturday Play

2008-05-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

The mower has been in the driveway for almost 3 weeks while we are trying to get it fixed. Ansley has been quite interested in the process. I have to tell her to get out from under it. She is always trying to take off the bolts. Ansley has actually done more work than Brad.

The kids were helping Greg and Melinda with their sidewalk on Saturday. Mainly spreading gravel, playing with the dogs, finding worms, and dragging dirt in Melinda's house. Bowen has decided he wants to have a sleepover at " Grag and Elinda's" I am just not sure how they feel about that.
Madison and Bowen had a blast playing at Warriors Path. We were able to see Baby Drew and Donna and I visited for a few hours. Ansley took a great nap. YEAH!!

Donna and Drew Clevenger May 2008

Rolling Down The Hill

2008-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

We are spending a lot of time outside. The kids are great at entertaining themselves while I mow or work in the garden. They spent about 2 hours planing in the neighbors ditch on Friday. I am very thankful for big yards and Shout stain remover. We are going to have a great summer.

Spring Fun

2008-05-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

We went down to the River on Thursday to have dinner with Judy and Lo. Jenn was able to come and join us. There was dinner and fishing. Both Brad and Jenn lost their cell phones in the river. Jenn was able to salvage hers... Brad is using his old phone for now.

Ansley decided to go naked... again. Bowen and Brad have been getting some fishing in this spring. They try to go down to the river in the evenings. Brad's new job is really helping with evening playtime... especially with the long days. They have caught a few fish but mainly just play in the mud,

Biking... Bo is balancing but still not interested in pedalling. Jonny is really getting good at riding this year. They like to race. Ansley just runs behind them.

CRAWL (Cyclists Riding And Wanting Libation) April 2008

2008-04-28T04:25:00.000-07:00

The Retro bikes we rescued from the in-laws garage
40 year old 3 speeds from JC Penny

I added the custom basket.

I don't know how many miles we logged on this ride but we had 4 stops.

Accustic Coffee House, Halos, PR's and Bucks Pizza.

Brad also had the traditional ride up the Parking garage.

I was not up for that at midnight on a 50 pound, 3 speed bike.

A Muddy Beginning

2008-04-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like the beginning of Biking season... If you can see through the mud and rain. The conditions didn't stop Brad from being the only XC rider to show up at ETSU on Saturday. He followed it up with a great ride at Tsali on Sunday. Lots of fun for Brad... Lots of Laundry for Sara.

Ansley is TWO!!

2008-04-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Ansley celebrated her 2nd birthday this week.

Lots of new toys and movies.

A new dvd player for our summer traveling.

A Strawberry Shortcake sleeping bag for camping.

Mommy made Ansley's cake to match her new bedroom.

It was a lot of fun.

Thanks to everyone.

Spring Planting

2008-03-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have really enjoyed these warm days. We have been planting flowers to put in the yard later in the spring. I am training them for when we get ready to put in the garden again.

Easter 2008

2008-03-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Easter Cookie Decorating at the Mall. Ansley ate all the decorations and didn't put any on her cookie. No one wanted anything to do with the bunny. Maybe next year.
Easter pictures didn't go so well. This is why I don't take them to get their pictures done professionally very often. They have a hard time sitting still. So this is as good as it gets. Hope everyone had a great Easter.

Surprise Presents!

2008-02-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

We recieved a surprise care package from Aunt Alison and Uncle Stumpy today. The kids were really excited about getting something in the mail. We just happend to pull in the driveway as the maillady was dropping it off. What a treat. Lots of fun new books to read, sunglasses, and coloring books with finger paint... Yes finger paint. It is obvious Alison doesn't have kids yet. Payback for this one will be fun in a few years! Thanks Al and Josh for the treats.

Zipline and Airbag Picture Request

2008-02-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Some of you were wanting to see the pictures from out Redneck Play Day. So remember don't try this at home. The participants include Brad Reed, Joshua Stamper, and Rick Gill. They are now forbidden to see each other. Brad claims that this didn't hurt but admits to being a bit sore the next day. Alison did jump off the barn but passed on the zipline. Sara has no interest in anything more than 4 feet off the ground.

Family Update

2008-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

After watching the 300 Brad decided that the kids needed a shield to go with their swords. Ansley loved it.
Fridays have been open play at the gymnastics gym. The kids now take every pillow in the house and make a "pit" to jump in... in the middle of the living room.

Brad had started his new job as Charge Nurse in the ER. This is a 7-4 pm job Monday to Friday. YEAH we will actually have normal days and nights again. I think he is excited about the change and the challenge, but time will tell. His office is like a tomb so we will have to work on it.

We have started attending Boones Creek Christian Church and have found it to be a great fit for our family. We have already become involved in a sunday school class of young married couples and are really excited about the new friendships we are creating. Now that Brad is off nights and weekends we hope to become more involved in the church and really take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

Dad is really getting things going at Park Springs Camp in NC and we look forward to going up there to hang out on the weekends we don't have a bike or running races planned. The schools are finally starting to understand what a great asset mom is as the Director of Coordinated School health in Johnson City. It only took them a year to figure out how awesome she is at this stuff. Mom goes to stay with dad or dad comes home whenever they can.

We are ready for spring and biking weather again. There are a lot of events already on the calendar this year including a few triathlons, half marathon, a 7 day AT hike, 2 weeks in Colorado with Alison and Josh, and a trip to Orlando in October. We plan on having a lot of fun this year so keep checking the blog for updates.

The Kitchen is done!!

2008-02-02T15:56:00.001-08:00

Can you believe we are finally finished. Check out the pics. It really wasn't too bad and Brad did such a great job. Thanks to everyone that helped. Thanks to mom for letting us eat her food and for watching the kids. Thanks to Rick for helping tear down, Gene for the plaster, Ernie for the electric, Lloyd for helping hang cabinets, and Judy for keeping the kids out of the way.