My Beautiful Maiya

Dear Maiya,

When you were first born, you were such a calm and mild tempered little baby.  Your brother Quincey was always so active and high spirited that I remember it being a stark contrast.  I thought that you were going to be my quiet, calm and snuggly girl forever.
But, wow!  The days that I would describe you as a calm and mild tempered snuggler are long gone!  You have a wonderfully feisty personality.  You love to tease and laugh.  You also love to throw fits and say NO!  You actually remind me a lot of myself ( especially the feisty and sassy parts).
You are extremely social and never seem to tire of being around your friends. I put you in nursery at church when you were 14 months old, mostly because you were so cute and friendly that the teachers wanted you there, and you've never wanted me to stay or had mommy withdrawals once!
Something that I find interesting about you is that you love going to the doctor, in fact you beg to go there quite often.  You like to get shots, and get your blood drawn.  For the past several months you have come with me to go to the doctor to get my blood drawn.  You tell me where to sit and where to put my arms and reassure me that I will be okay, and it will only hurt a little.  You had to get yours drawn once (just a routine test) and now you throw fits when I get my blood drawn and you can't!
Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you bring so much joy into our lives.  Thank you for being so fun and sweet (and a little feisty).
Love,
Your Mom

Here is a little video of you now at 2 and 1/2.

Happy Birthday Quincey!

Well, our boy turned the big 4 today. We had a very fun and active day.  He went to pre-school with some treats, then came home and asked a million times about his party.  He kept saying... but the party is a long time away! Finally at 4:00 his party came, and he couldn't have been happier.  We ate cupcakes and ice cream, opened presents, hit down a pinata, and played balloon volleyball.  At 6:45 we gave him a 15 min. warning for bedtime, and instead of whining or complaining he just said, 'okay goodnight' and went and crawled into bed and went to sleep, all by himself! 

I am a little emotional over this birthday, because he is really not a baby anymore.  And I find myself wanting to make sure I remember every little thing, especially the way he gets so excited that he has a hard time getting the words out.  And how he loved watching the other kids try and hit the pinata as much as hitting it, he was giggling and smiling so big the whole time!  Happy Birthday big boy, we love you. 

Growing Up.

It's amazing how looking at old blog posts always inspires me to keep posting on my blog.  I love looking back and seeing how much my children have grown, and how much I have grown as well.  I was looking at old videos of Q talking, and I could hardly understand him! I had forgotten how he used to talk.  (it was so cute).  But it just reminds me how grown up he is now.  He is turning FOUR!!!! next week. 

Sometimes I am out in public or watching him play with other kids and I realize that he does not need any interception on my part! There was a time when I didn't feel like I could take him out in public or especially around other kids because it was just too much darn work, and quite embarrassing too.  He was a biter, and a hitter, and very physical, since about day one! ( I remember a specific experience when he was about 8 months and he crawled over and was mauling one of the other babies.) He has always been so active too!  Just running away from me whenever he got the chance.  

Needless to say I have had my share of judgments tossed my way. It has been one of the hardest things I have had to deal with (even if the intentions were for good).  People telling me that my child is bad, and I need to learn to control him. (when, trust me.... I was already well aware of that fact.)  I know there were many that questioned if he would ever grow out of it, ( I had my moments).  But, he has!  He has come such a long way, and I am so proud of him. 

I know there are many more future obstacles that we will need to learn to overcome, but I find myself just being so thankful for the many promptings that I have had to just be patient, and continue to love him, and calmly be consistent.  I have such a testimony that the Lord really will help parents and give us specific knowledge that pertains to our children.

Through helping and encouraging my children to grow, I realize that I have learned to grow as well.  I have learned to have more confidence in myself and to rely more on the Spirit for how I feel about myself, rather than relying on others.  What a blessing that my kids and I can grow up together.

Puppy kisses

Quincey's Christmas crafts

Quincey came home from pre-school with a couple of cute Christmas crafts. 

This cute little reindeer towel came with a note that says:

This isn't just a reindeer

As you can plainly see.

I made it with my hands

Which are a part of me.

It comes with lots of love

Especially to say, 

I hope you have a very, 

Merry Christmas Day!

And then this cute little ornament that he made with puzzle pieces, such a handsome boy.

New Haircut!

Why am I willing to show you this horrible blackmailable picture?

Before

So, that I can show you my new look!

After

Albuquerque Fun

We got to go to Albuquerque for a couple of days.  While G was taking his classes to get his plumbing license, the kids and I got to explore the city a little! We went to the Natural History Museum, and ate dinner at It'z (a really fun family place that has themed rooms for dining, and then lots of games), went to the mall, and watched Tangled. We also went swimming a lot in the pool at our motel.  We had a lot of fun. 

Here are some pictures that I took at the Museum.  

This lady told me that Quincey was a natural naturalist! We had a fun time watching him explore.  He may just be our little scientist some day! 

This is Nemo

And Dory

The aquarium was Maiya's favorite part.

Q had fun putting different horns on his head ;)