Creating More Memories

This morning before school started I took Sharon to the YMCA.  We went into the gym and played a little basketball.  Yes, WE played basketball.  I was able to dribble the ball up and down the court, but I have to be honest, making a basket was a challenge.  Sharon tried to show me the proper technique and how Daddy tells her how to do it.  It was so cute and we had so much fun.

Afterwards, we went and played a little table tennis.  I don't know if Sharon and I have ever laughed so hard together!  At one point, I was using my hand to hit the ball, rather than the paddle, because I wasn't quick enough.  I loved hearing her giggle and watching her eyes briefly close as she laughed with me.  At the end of our game, I accidentally hit the ball behind the snack machines and that put Sharon over the edge in laughter.

I feel so grateful that I was able to spend this quality time with her.  I would not have been able to do this three years ago.  I know that I'm not athletic and can't show her the ropes on basketball and table tennis, but that's not the important part.  What matters to me is that we had 30 minutes of quality fun time before she went off to school!  I love her and my life so much!

Tears of Joy

While putting Sharon to bed tonight I leaned over and gave her a hug and began to talk to her about trying to get along better with her sister.  In middle of the lecture (her sister would get one soon after), I picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist.  I spoke to her about not tattling, how to express her feelings and thinking about her actions.  Just as I was about to finish my talk, she burst into tears.  "What is the matter?" I ask, waiting for her to tell me it isn't all her fault that she's been bickering with her sister so much lately.  To my surprise she looks me in the eyes as tears drop onto my shoulder and says, "You could have never done this before."  She's absolutely right!  When she was little, I couldn't even walk into her bedroom and tuck her into bed at night  So, how is it that I was able to hold my eight year old daughter at 9 o'clock in the evening?  

Mrs. Baker

I am so excited.  I just made Winona a basketball cake for her birthday party! This was the first time that I had ever baked two round cakes.  I was quite intimidated not knowing if I would be able to remove the cakes from the pan.  I did it!!!!  Then I was able to place the two cakes on top of one another without either of them falling apart.  After I frosted the cake I was able to place dozens of Resee's Pieces over the entire cake.  There is no way that my hands could have done that before.  I would have dropped nearly all the pieces on the floor.  I feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to make Winona a really cute cake.  I did it without help and frustration free!   I think she's going to love it!

I must thank my cousin Beth for sending me this wonderful cake idea!!!

Wonderful Celebration

I am so over come by emotion this evening.  I have a life that I could only dreamed of when I was a new mother.  Winona is celebrating her 11th birthday by having a friend stay the night.  I'm in disbelief that I could dish up cake and clean up the kitchen at 9pm!  Plus, I moved a couch so they have more room to sleep (Sharon's friend is staying over as well).

When I had Winona back in 2002, I had to be in bed every night by 8:30 because after that I couldn't walk, stand or use my arms/hands.  I really don't know how this came to be.  How is it, that I can do so many things that I never thought possible? If someone would have told me 11 years ago that some day I could have an overnight party for my daughter I would have shook my head.  I love that I can do so much for my kids.  I love them so much.  And I love my life!

Oh, and Harry if you happen to read this, my daughter would love to see you in concert!  It's worth a shot, right?  Happy Birthday Winona!  I love you so much!!!