The Cancer Graduate

Guess what my mom is done with all her cancer procedures! YAY. Last day of the radiation therapy today so she is officially a cancer graduate and in recovery. It has been a long road and I regret that I have not been able to be there for her for any of it. I am so grateful for my brother, sister, and my mom's boyfriend. They have all been so supportive and encouraging to her over the last few months. The radiation was really hard on her. Her body is burned to a crisp and she is exhausted. Now she needs a lot of rest and a quick vacation to see her grandchildren and bring her some cheer. I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She is so strong going through everything she has in her life and I am just amazed at how she can take each trial and conquer them. May this year bring love, life, and happiness for you mom...the Lord knows you deserve it.

A little egg hunting practice

Today I made Elizabeth do a short photo shoot in her Easter dress for the American Crafter competition. She was just a dream in her dress I couldn't help but post some pictures here. Some days that girl is so beautiful she can't help but take a great photographs. When she isn't being crabby, which seems to be very little these days. I don't know if it is just the terrible twos kicking in or if she is having trouble expressing herself but she has started to cry over nothing and everything, and it is driving me CRAZY!! We went to Santa Fe this week for a day trip and the whole time she was refusing to listen to us or throwing a tantrum because we told her to do something she didn't want to do. It is like all her stubborness and strong will has come out and I am dealing with a hormonal teenager. Hopefully it will go away soon because some days I just want to shut myself in my room and lock the door to get away from the crying.

However today was a good day and she was very sweet. She was so excited to practice finding Easter eggs for the shoot and wearing her "new pretty dress." And I have to admit, I couldn't have asked for a better model. It was so hard to choose the photo for the contest I had so many and she just kept asking me to take more.

Her SMOLDER face, she was trying not to laugh.

It helps that it has been absolutely gorgeous here this week 70 degrees every day, we have spent most of our time at the park and I even got a little bit of red on my arms (time to bust out the sunscreen.) I don't think it will last, Spring here is the worst time of the year. Windy, windy, blow you away. Tomorrow should be the last nice day and then the winds come in and it will be back down to 50 degrees. But I sure am soaking up the sunshine while I can.

Don't forget to go a vote for me this weekend at Naptime Crafters.

Weekly Happenings

Today was our cleaning day. I have been so absorbed with the American Crafters contest that most of my household duties have been on hold. Plus I have been totally exhausted for the past month so the little energy I have goes into the contest. Thankfully I am 10 weeks now and feeling much better. Still a little sick from smells and I sleep 10 hours a night but I don't feel like I am going to pass out every day around 2pm.

The kids have been great. They are so excited about the baby. Lizzy lifts up my shirt (even though I am not showing much yet) and kisses my tummy saying "awe what a cute baby" in her sweet little voice. Jackson just asks how I am feeling and is trying to do everything himself. Dressing himself totally every day, buckling himself into the car, even getting his own food sometimes. He is also really enjoying Joy School now which is so nice to have him go and not throw a huge tantrum every time. He is busy being a really good brother to Elizabeth as well. Making sure that she is happy and doing what she is suppose to be, most of the time to her annoyance.

Another great family news...we got a new car. Last week Brandon drove his mustang to Denver for a work conference and came back with a new 7 seat Kia Sorento. We had been talking about getting a bigger car for awhile and he finally decided to just do it. The car is amazing. Not only does it sit 7 (tightly :( ) but it has black leather seats, key-less entry, a push start ignition, and backup assist. And it is completely compatible with my phone (blue tooth, Pandora, etc). It is the fanciest car I have ever owned and he got a great deal on it. My only problem is that it doesn't have a tv (for long road trips) and it is very compact (which is nice but also not much cargo space or leg room).

Both of the kids love it but Jackson was very sad to see the blue car go. Mainly because it was blue.

My Two Favorite Kids

Finally we are over the illness and ready to get back to life. We had a quiet week, sleeping and recovering but some fun little adventures at home. I just love these kids and love their ages right now. Elizabeth gives me the best hugs, tight around my neck with both her arms. Then she likes to give me a kiss on the cheek or sometimes a slobbery strawberry which she thinks is so funny. The other day she walked into my room wearing these funny glasses. When I asked her what she was doing she said, "I just want to hang out with you." Then she said, "Look at my glasses...I look cool."
Jackson has been acting very mature lately. Really getting into super heroes and fighting against the bad guys. He likes to oversee the other kids and make sure they are sharing and being nice to each other. He still loves his Jack Sparrow costume and wears it almost every day. Best $15 I have ever spent on him.He loves dressing up too. I made him a few bow ties for church the other day and he thought they were the best. He wants to wear them even when we are not going to church.

They are very good friends and I see their imaginations growing every day. I love listening to them talking to each other about their latest adventures. I am so glad I had them so close together because they are at the same level and always have someone to play with, sleep with in the same room, take a bath with (for now), and hold hands with or hug whenever you need it.


On that note we have some exciting news...

We will be adding a third munchkin to our mix this fall. We are so excited to be blessed with such a wonderful family and I can't wait to meet our newest addition.