Life happens too fast

Life happens so fast I don't have enough time to post some pictures before something else happens. Here are a couple random pictures:

The other day the kids were promised they could go swimming when Anthony came home. They were so excited they got in their swim suits and made a pool out of the couch cushions while waiting.

Anthony brought home some long stem roses for me. I had to laugh when I noticed they were almost taller than Kenzie.

My heart melted when I saw Kenzie reading books to Kaitlynn. As Kenzie finished a book Kate would go get another one hand it to Kenzie and sit and listen. Kenzie read Kate over 10 books, it was adorable to watch.

2010

The 2 greatest accomplishments I achieved last year.

1. I took back my body. I was not pregnant or breastfeeding for the first time in 3 years and it was wonderful. I went to the gym regularly and even won a t-shirt for not gaining any weight over the holidays.

2. Perfected Rite Aid couponing. In the last 2 weeks I bought these things and if I average it out I spent $1.05 an item. That price is expensive for the pack of gum, but a killer price for a box of 82 diapers. The best part is the $1.05 an item doesn't even account for the $25 credit I still have at the store.

Adoption

Our friends Rachel and Ryan are hoping to adopt a child. They are amazing people and will be amazing parents. I secretly wish I could have a baby and let them adopt it because I know the child they raise is going to be loved more than imaginable. They have had more heart breaks than I thought possible as they have tried to get pregnant and tried to adopt. Click on their link to the right and learn more about them and help spread the word to anyone who can help!

Parker

Being a parent is like an emotional roller coaster ride.

2 weeks ago Parker made me so proud, by standing in front of all the kids at church and repeating the 1st & 2nd Article of Faith. It took him 1 year to get up the courage to do this. When he was finished I was in shock, I couldn't have been more proud. I wanted to scream and hug him forever, what a huge fear he overcame.

Stop reading here if you want the happy ending of parenting, to know how my life is, please continue to read.

Unfortunately not all days are as rewarding as the day Parker talked into the microphone at church. Parker is so amazingly stubborn I don't know what to do with him sometimes. Recently we experienced a 2 day streak where Parker would not do one thing I asked him, no threat or punishment was bad enough for him to give in.

We currently have a sticker chart for Parker. Parker earns a sticker every day he gets on the bus with no fight (due to the day he wasn't allowed to ride the bus because he refused to put on his seat belt).

Parker you are a joy I love you with all my heart. Let it be known that you are emotionally draining some days. May you have at least 1 child just like you. Here is proof you promised to listen to me and dad. I have a feeling you will be writing this many more times, but hope I am wrong:

As I type this post I am laughing a little because Parker is currently furious and yelling because he doesn't want to go to bed. It took Anthony 1 hour to finally win the battle and Parker is finally sleeping.

Kenzie's 3 year stats

The results are in:
Kenzie at 3 years weighs 29lbs and is 37" or 3' 1'' tall.
She hates all vegetables but carrots and will do anything I ask if promised chocolate or gum as a reward.

She is a crack-up.

She remembers and notices everything. If she is in the living room and I am in the kitchen and I grab a chocolate out of the cupboard to eat, she is by my feet asking me what I have before the chocolate ever even gets to my mouth.

To go to sleep she rubs her belly button and sucks/chews on her tongue. We don't know which she does but she does something funky with her tongue to go to sleep.

She goes to the bathroom 100% by herself and I love it. I don't wipe, help wash hands, turn on the light. She does it all.

She is obsessed with babies. All day long she walks around caring a baby.

She is a good counter, knows the letters and sounds they make, sings songs after only hearing them a couple times.

She is a joy and loves to laugh and make others laugh.

Climbing

If there is an object taller than Kaitlynn it is her goal to conquer that object by climbing it. I spend a lot of my day taking her off my kitchen table, counters, desk, etc. She loves the thrill of the climb.

Ode to the Bascoms

Last month our very good friends moved to California in search of a better life one that includes a pay check, family, sunny skies and beaches. Life in Buffalo isn't the same without them. We miss you, not a day goes by that your family isn't included in one of the kids comments/prayers. Parker and Weston sent Ciella off with a Ciella sandwich she will never forget.

Come back, please?

One step closer

Anthony found out today he passed the 2nd part of his Dental Boards. Now all he has to do is keep up the good work, pass one more set of boards, and he soon will finally be able to be called Dr. He couldn't be happier.