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!!!

Dancing With My Boy

This afternoon while the girls were in school, I put in their One Direction CD and danced with John in the kitchen!  Their number one hit, What Makes You Beautiful,  sang to me as I held John in my arms.  I knew that my steps weren't graceful and would make the worst celebrity on Dancing With the Stars look fantastic, but I didn't care.  I was creating a memory, a  memory that I was never able to create with either of my amazing daughters.    To say I was grateful would be an understatement.  In fact, you can find us in the kitchen tomorrow afternoon for an encore presentation.

Late Night Taxi Driver

The other night Winona had basketball practice from 8:00-9:30pm.  Steve had a meeting and it was up to me to drive her to and from the High School.  Even though it was nearly -10 outside I couldn't help but smile at my ability to not only drive this late at night, but able to walk into the school to get her.  Less than three years ago I had to be in bed by 8:30pm with the assistance of Steve. Plus, being in the extreme cold made my movement very rigid.   Yes, I was tired driving home that frigid evening, but I was capable of bringing my daughter home from an activity that she absolutely loves.  What a gift!

The Grand Prize

Over my lifetime I have taken several beach vacations, but my recent visit to Puerto Vallarta, that I won on a local television show, was like no other. As a child walking on a sandy beach was nearly impossible and sightseeing wasn't enjoyable (unless I used my scooter)   Once again, my limbs surprised me and  allowed me to enjoy activities that I never imagined possible. Rather than a long post describing it all, I thought I would share a simple list with all of you.

I was able to:

1.  Walk a mile on the beach

2.  Walk with ease to dinner every night (in low heels)

3.  Play beach volleyball for two hours (this one is my favorite)

4.  Stand on the unstable sandy beach and talk to newly made friends 

5.  Carry drinks for both me and Steve from the snack shack back to our lounge chairs

6.  Cut my own steak at dinner

7.  Walk out of a bar intoxicated (not so proud of this one, the bartender made my drink super strong, but it beats being carried out of the bar like I was on my 21st birthday).  

8.  Easily take my one piece swimsuit off so I could use the bathroom

9.  Get ready for dinner on my own (shower, put hair up, apply makeup)

10.  Walk with out any trouble on our city tour

These are just a few things that made my trip so memorable.  I know that they aren't Earth shattering and most people do all these things without giving it any thought.  For me though, everything on this list is a miracle.  Yes, I won a wonderful vacation, but the real prize is being capable of everything I listed above.  

Giving Thanks