Mom, can I....

So during Marin's confirmation last Saturday as the prayer is being said Greyson says to me,
"Mom, can I choke you out?"
Me: Um....no Greyson fold your arms.
Mom, I really want to choke you out!
Great, maybe some other time...be quiet.
As I was about to say you aren't supposed to do that to your mom (only your dad) he reaches up grabs my neck and squeezed with his little fingers. I am trying to decide if it's the UFC fights he got that from or if Aaron planted the idea in his head. Maybe if I was a cool mom I would have let him do it!

The month of Marin

It has been an exciting month of big events for Marin. She finished her horseback riding class, had a birthday and was baptized today. She asked Grandma Withers for a "cowgirl outfit" for her birthday so she could wear it to her last horseback riding class. She has informed us that she would like to be a cowgirl and wants to know when her new horse will be coming! She also batted her big brown eyes and asked to have her ears pierced. I told her if she kept her room clean for a month, we would do it for her birthday. She had a fun party with lots of girls, games and got a pet dog that you can actually walk with a leash (since we can't get the real thing just yet). Today her dad baptized her and it is amazing how much she has grown. She is so kind and a great example to me of patience, meekness and kindness. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful girl!

Finally

My accomplishments in life are small but very significant. I feel a great sense of pride in this recent goal. I have now taught, bribed, begged, and pleaded with my almost 3 year old that going on the potty is cool. I took a leap and just put him in underwear. He is now fully potty trained and I feel a big burden has been lifted. The amount of diapers I change a day was becoming rather ridiculous (not to blame Mesa at all) and I was getting desperate. I actually had the thought one day that maybe my very intelligent and stubborn child would be motivated by a sticker chart. So I made one and it worked like a charm. If I do nothing else this year ( like run a marathon or learn how to sew) I am happy with this little milestone. And Greyson refuses to wear a pull up at night now and there have not been any accidents at night. HALLELUJAH!!! Now on to bigger problems....

Into the 11th year.....

We did look a little different back then. I have lost the curly fries (as Aaron says) and he has just given up on the whole idea of having hair. Although he does grow a great beard! I made a anniversary present for my parents that says "love get better with time" and I agree. I sit through endless hours of the Dallas Cowboys and UFC fights. And Aaron goes with me to the chic movies and gives me a day off when I need it. Compromise is great! Happy Anniversary sweet cheeks!

twins first day

I can hardly believe my twins are getting ready for Kindergarten. They will always be so little and fragile to me no matter how old they are. Ashton is a good brother and protector for Mesa, sometimes I think that's why they were sent together. There are a few perks here and there for having a special needs daughter. We get front door service from the school bus in the morning. This year the buses don't bring home kindergarten kids because of budget cuts. They did offer to bring Mesa home after school but they would not let Ashton ride with her. HUH? Since I can't be in two places at once I just opted to get Mesa after school. In the winter it might be a little rough but at least it's only for a year. Mesa has a wonderful aide at school and she does get Thursdays off so she can go to physical and occupational therapy.

last time swimming because it's going to be winter soon

This week we went to Rainbow Lake on Tuesday and headed to Downata Hot Springs in Downey on Thursday to get in the last of the swimming before our little summer is over. Downata is really a great place. The water is so warm and the kids can wear their life jackets in the pool and down the slides. They have a nice new handicap ramp too. The changing room could use a little help but Mesa loved the warm water and was exhausted after kicking around the pool for an hour. We went to Red Lobster to eat afterwards and I have never witnessed a 2 year old eat as much shrimp and fish as Greyson did. He even tried to eat the tails!

my sister...my hero

My little sister Josue is still hanging on with three babies in her rapidly growing belly. She has been in the hospital for 5 weeks now. She got a surprise visit from my mom this weekend because it was her birthday. Every time she answers the phone she says she is fine and manages somehow not to let the tears flow. She is strong and a great example to me! Not too long ago that was me and I can't say that I was strong. We all have our trials in life and one experience only prepares us for the next. Sometimes I feel like I have such a long road ahead of me. My body is starting to feel the physical demands of carrying, bathing, feeding and caring for a daughter who relies on me for everything. But when she looks at me and smiles, I can see in her eyes that she understands and loves me. Pretty soon Josue will be looking at three new faces and will feel a little overwhelmed, but imagine the happiness that will come to all us mothers in the end when we see the fruits of our labors.