730 days = 2 years

Two years old. 730 days. How did the past 2 years go by so fast? On a sunny Wednesday afternoon we were blessed to become parents to the cutest and sweetest set of twins we could have ever dreamed of having.

You have grown from sweet little babies to fun loving toddlers. So quickly this time has passed.

Averie - You are mischievous. You are too smart for your own good. You know what you want and when you want it. Your vocabulary is exploding and you are amazing to watch every day.

Emilie - You are sweet and spunkyy. You are loving. You are the one who likes to curl up in my lap and snuggle. You are the perfect "baby" of our family.

The two of you are quite the pair. Always together. Always by each other's side. You love each other like none other and I can't wait to see how your relationship continues to grow.

Happy 2nd Birthday my twinsies.

xo - mama

Her Golden Birthday

I learned something new this past week, we all have a "golden birthday". It's the birthday you turn the same age as your birth date. So I missed mine, it was 6 on the 6th. But Delanie isn't missing hers, she made sure of it. She's 9 on the 9th. Her Golden Birthday.

Nine years ago we welcomed a sweet 7lb 11.8oz bundle of love and we name her Delanie Grace.

You made McKenzie a big sister and she couldn't get enough of you. The moment she set eyes on you, I knew that even with many years between you; you would be more than sisters. You would be friends for life.

You are certainly the quietest of our bunch. Always taking things in, contemplating the situation. You are not one to dive into things without weighing the pros and cons. Without thinking of the consequences.

You became a big sister in 2007 and it seems as though you grew up overnight and haven't slowed down. At just 18 months, you took on the role of big sister like no other. You and Aubrie became two peas in a pod, spending the days together while McKenzie was off at school. Becoming the best of friends.

As the years have passed, you have remained reserved and quiet in situations that are new. But then when you are comfortable, you know how to let loose! That is one thing I love about you. You know when the time is right for YOU. Many think that because you are quiet, you might let people push you into things. You make me so proud in the face that you don't let others push you into things that make you uncomfortable or that you know we would not approve.

You are brilliant and beautiful. You are kind and funny. You are giving and loving. You are the kind of daughter that I am proud to have. There is never a time where people that meet you don't tell me wonderful things about you. I never have to worry that when you go somewhere that I will be told something I don't want to hear. You make me proud every day.

We recently went out to dinner on a rare occasion with just you and one of your sisters. Your dad and I joked that just 2 of you could have been our life. I asked if you would have liked that, having just one sister. You looked at me with your big brown eyes and laughed, "No, it would be so boring!" I think you're right. You seem to already know that your sisters are your future and I hope that you 6 always remain as close as you are today. Remember your good times, they will always outweigh the bad.

This year you took a leap of faith and trusted us. You left the school and friends you'd known for 4 years and moved to be with  your sister. Sure there were tears when you first found out, you are our gentle soul. But you walked into school that first day with a smile on your face and a brave a heart. And the smile on your face at the end of the day, and every day since has warmed my heart. Your gentle and loving spirit made it so easy for you to make friends, just as I knew it would. You were OK and because of your heart I know that you always will be. You will take any situation that arises and handle it with grace; sometimes far better than I. I am so proud of you.

My wish for you on your Golden Birthday is to continue living your life with love. Bring your heart into everything you do. If you do things with your heart, it doesn't matter the outcome. But remember to guard your heart, but not so closely that you do not give it freely to those that deserve it. Smile through life, and remember that even what may seem like the darkest days - there is a rainbow waiting to shine through. Remember you are worth it. You are worth everything you think you are and more. You will excel in all you do if you put your mind to it. And when you fall, and you will, I will be there to pick you up and help get you started again. Even as you grow up, you will always be the little brown eyed beauty that calls me Mom.

I love you. Happy Birthday, Nay-Nay.
Mom

Four Years Old

Today you turn four. The fourth gal in our lineup is now four. How quickly this happened.

You have gone from a 8lb 8oz baby to a rambunctious preschooler in the blink of an eye.

You are the spunkiest and most stubborn kid I know. While at times it is so frustrating (just put on your shoes, will ya!) - I know that your drive to do things on your terms will be what makes you great.

You are pretty much smack dab in the middle of the sister line up. And I think it's perfect. You adore your bigger sisters and how much you learn from them. But I secretly think that you and the twins are quite the perfect threesome. You love with all of your small little being, with a heart that is much too big for your little body. Your hugs are fierce and your kisses are sweet. You take care of your sisters and love to be helpful - especially with the twins. Your are the one they look for while you're away at school and run to the car to pick up at the end of the day.

Nothing brightens my day better than a hug and a smile from you. You never let me leave you at preschool with one last hug. You make me the best gifts - just random cut up pieces of paper, but in your eyes they are the most beautiful pieces of art. So that is what makes them special.

It's hard to believe that someone as young as four could love life so much. You wake every day jumping at the chance to learn and to love. I hope that is something that follows you until the end of time. Always keep your drive and your belief that everyone deserves a hug. You are a remarkable girl -- one that doesn't mind getting dirty (who knew you'd pick a dirt bike when we asked what you would prefer. Guess we might have to find a couple of those!) But you love the shiny and sweet things in life too. You're the perfect balance in this crazy world. Just the right amount of spunk, stubborn, silly, sweet, smart, kind, and topped off with a whole lotta love.

 

 

Happy Birthday to my sweetest 4 year old. You are a gal who knows what she wants and you're going to be climbing that ladder to the top for the rest of your days. Keep smiling and loving. It makes each day better than the last.

Happy Birthday Hay-Mae. You are going to rock 4!

xoxo
Mama

Running - Disney Style

In January, with only a few races under my belt, and never running a distance more than a 10K. (And even that had just recently happened!) I embarked on an 8 month journey towards my very first Half Marathon.

It was a journey filled with races, training, injury, and yes...even a few tears. It was a journey full of encouragement from my amazing running group and reflection on those long solo runs. A journey that would test my patience, my endurance and my follow through.

I ran races with friends and learned that I deserved more.

I got my kids involved; teaching them to value themselves and to be strong.

I joined running groups and gained more support than I ever dreamed possible. Moms Run This Town & Megs Miles Supporters!

 

I trained hard and made my miles count. I respected the run and the dedication that it took. I stuck with my training through sickness, vacation, injury and a busy life with 6 kids. I made it happen.

I ran more miles that I ever thought I would. I improvised when things didn't go according to plan.

Every day, every mile I ran led up to this day. The day when I would embark on a 13.1 mile journey. I had a goal of finishing my race in 2 hours, and my training runs set me up perfectly. Unfortunately shortly before my race I injured my left leg. After resting things felt sore, but I was still confident that I would be able to reach that goal.

The day was here - Disneyland Half Marathon. A Disney race isn't complete without a little costume. :)

Like so many runs before, I ran with my heart. When I reached mile 9 and realized I would not make my 2 hour goal I dug deep and remembered what a friend told me, "Every first race, no matter the distance should always be about fun, not about time." So that's what I did...I made a new goal to finish strong and with a smile on my face. And of course I had to throw a little time goal in there; to finish ahead of my 2:15 pacer. ;)

There is nothing quite like running in the dark through a Disney park and watching the sunrise.

Then it was on to Honda Center and also the Angels Stadium (Go Giants! HeeHee!) The spectators along the course were so supportive. So many "Stranger, I'm Proud of You" signs. Signs for "Free Hugs". High fives from cast members and strangers alike. There really is no better feeling than having complete strangers get up at the crack of dawn with you, just to line the streets with their classic cars and cheer you on.

And here it is. The moment I waited and worked so hard for. 13.1 miles - finished! 2:10:08

Training for and then completing a 13.1 mile race is no joke. It takes dedication, strength and a mind-set like no other. There aren't many things in my life that I've done solely for myself that I'm this proud of. While it was ME out on that course, I did not do this alone. Without the support of my husband - who stayed home with the kids, no questions asked for more runs that I can count. For my running group, where I have met the most supportive and wonderful friends. For my dear friend who has inspired and supported me through my journey.

I did it. I ran Disney. I crushed 13.1 miles before breakfast. And I truly loved every single mile of this journey.

First Day of School 2014-2015

It's time to say good-bye to staying up late and sleeping in. Time for waking up early and heading off to school!

Today was the first day of school for our team of girls and boy were they ready!

Hard to believe I have a high school SOPHOMORE!

 

And after 2 long years these girls are at the same school - boy will that make my life a little bit easier. :)

All of our little gals!

Here's to another wonderful school year; High School Sophomore, 4th Grade, 2nd Grade, Pre-K and the twins are A+ students in the school of cuteness!