Me, Myself, and Larissa

Almost everyday, someone says that Larissa is just like me. It is true, but as long as there are no surprises, and I give her designated hug time, there is still peace and happiness. I am so glad that we have become friends lately. Dare I say I am learning to love myself.

I am glad this is supposed to be old fashion because they never smile in those pictures.

Her personality is very obvious in this picture.

Sometimes

Sometimes, on really bad days, I remember when they wouldn't guarantee I would even be able to take him home. I remember praying by a baby on a ventilator for two weeks because he wouldn't breath on his own. I remember how they wouldn't let me touch him because it was too much stimulus. I remember finally holding him again after several weeks.

I remember not wanting to take pictures of my baby because he was so swollen and sickly. I remember not wanting to remember any of it.

And then I remember saying I would do whatever I needed to do to keep him. I knew I was signing up for a battle.

His swallowing is getting worse; there is more deteriation...but he knows how to smile.

Primary Carnival

I am one of the achievement day leaders for our girls in senior primary (children's sunday school). Our group hosts a carnival for the junior primary. Besides being uncharacteristicly cold, I think it was a success.

He told me so.

Neighborhood Chili Cook Off

I love my neighborhood. We have so many parties this time of year. Last weekend, we had a chili cook off. There was food, games, and even an inflatable jumper.

Apparently, this is what the party looked like to our 5 year old neighbor friend.

The Hayride Tradition Continues

This week it was finally Larissa's turn to go to Mother's Natures Farm with her preschool class.

I think it is funny that Larissa is the only child represented in every picture. I would have still had 3 kids in the photo (ie not school age), but Ethan was on his own fieldtrip. I also think it is symbolic that this year is the first time I am not wearing a baby.

Math Master

Raea was a math master for this quarter...(and the posing master)!

Thanks for the picture Jessica and supporting Raea while I was the fieldtrip queen. Horrible details to follow some day.

Frank Kush 5K

We had a 5K this morning with friends. My parents came along to help support with the kids.

I think my Dad thought he was getting off easy by taking Ethan on the 1 miler. Turns out that Ethan wanted to be an athlete today and ran the 1 mile in 12 minutes. (Great time Ethan AND Grandpa!)

Thanks to everyone!

Notes for next year: This is a very family friendly run. It was cheap and not insanely busy. We actually parked in the Tempe Town Lake parking lot. This is a great run to get your kids excited about running, And next year, I will dress all the kids to run.

The Balloons of Hope

Last year on a day that was particularly hard for me, this miraculously fell into my backyard, and I borrowed a little hope for myself.

Did you see Oprah yesterday?

Apparently a baby gate is not a cat gate.

Lilly or Dragon?

Cat mom and cat dad are resting fine tonight.