Messy girl

Laken LOVES to eat. She's a bottomless pit most of the time. She loves to feed herself, but makes quite the mess.

Laken thinks she's big stuff

Laken has been climbing on everything. She thinks she's big stuff now. She's also taking some steps. Before we know it, she will be all over the place.

Roller skating

That's me on the left.

Today we went roller skating for Trenton's birthday. It was my first time, but I did awesome. I didn't even have to hold on to anyone. When they brought the limbo stick out, I even went under it a couple of times.

Grayson turns 3

Today was my 3rd birthday. We had a party and Mom made ice cream cone cupcakes and Dad made home made ice cream. It was so yummy. I liked licking the icing off the top of the cupcakes.

I got lots of really cool presents. Thank you to everybody.

10 on Tuesday...on Thursday

1. Laken had her 9 month check up yesterday. Everything went well, no shots, and she's grown 3 inches since her last appointment.

2. My baby boy is going to be 3 on Sunday. I CANNOT believe it! I just want to hold him tight and not let him get any bigger.

3. School has started back this week and I keep hearing all the talk about the "first day of school." I am not looking forward to that day. I will be the Mom that stands on the sidewalk at school and cries...all day long.

4. I had an awesome run last weekend with Erin. She pushed me and I thought I was going to die, but in the end it felt awesome. I should be on track for running the 5K in October.

5. Speaking of that, Erin and I are going to try the Susan G Komen 3 Day Cancer Walk next year. It's 60 miles over 3 days. I'm really excited about it and will keep you posted. We will have some fundraisers as each team member has to raise over $2000.

6. So potty training with Grayson has been a bit of a challenge. He does good with it WHEN HE WANTS TO. I had a talk with him the other night and told him that he would be turning 3 this weekend and 3 year olds don't wear diapers. He keeps telling me that big boys have to wear big boy pants. We'll see if this works. When he turned 2 I told him that 2 year olds don't use pacifiers anymore and he gave it up cold turkey. I'm hoping the same strategy works for the diapers.

7. side note to #6...I may be washing lots of dirty underwear, but we'll give it a try.

8. I'm starving right now. I have a Bagelful to eat, but it doesn't sound good. I really want some Mexican.

9. We've about wrapped up our garden for the summer. The only thing that's left growing is our pumpkins and they are getting huge.

10. We still don't know what all to get Grayson for his birthday. So far we've gotten and baseball bat, ball and tee and a Spongebob movie. The kid already has everything.

10 on Tuesday

1. So I've fallen behind...there's been a lot going on around the house, I will try to get better.

2. I can't believe Grayson will be 3 in a little over a week. These past few years have flown by. It's so much fun to watch the kid that he is developing in to.

3. Laken is still pulling up on everything. She hasn't taken any steps yet, but I don't think we're far from it.

4. My Grandma is still holding on. I would have never guessed that she would still be here, but she is a true fighter.

5. It makes me sad to know that summer is almost over. I am looking forward to fall, it's probably my favorite time of year, but NOT looking forward to winter!

6. I'm still running a couple times a week, but it doesn't seem to be getting any easier. I know if I just stick with it it will. I think the heat has been the hardest battle.

7. Well, our first garden was a HUGE success. We have canned green beans, tomato juice, dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, salsa and potatoes. We are still going to try okra and peaches. We shouldn't go hungry.

8. I love my kids to death. It is still hard for me every morning that I have to drop them off. Don't get me wrong, they can both be very ornery at times, but I would not trade them for the world. It's made me so proud lately to watch how they're starting to play together. Laken always crawls into Grayson's room and he gladly goes in there and empties the toy box and plays with her. I think they're going to be great buds.

9. Training at work is still a struggle. It's starting to make more sense, but man it's tough.

10. I have pictures that I need to load on here. I will try this weekend to sit down and get things updated.

10 on Tuesday

1. So I'm a little behind on the 10 on Tuesday.

2. I took the kids to the fair last night and was very disappointed. I don't like the way they have it set up this year. Seems a lot more crowded and trashy. Not impressed.

3. Speaking of fair...Laken and Courtney will be in the baby girl contest on Thursday night at 6. Not expecting to win, but will be fun.

4. Walked in daycare this morning and they have a sign up saying they have a confirmed case of the swine flu. Are you kidding me?

5. A good friend of mine had her baby yesterday. She was sooo ready. Welcome baby Elliot.

6. Things at work are crazy. We are learning so much new material. I wish it would all just sink in.

7. I need to post pictures of our garden. This is the first year we have planted one and it has done exceptionally well. We have canned over 30 quarts of green beans, 46 quarts of pickles and so far 6 quarts of tomato juice. We have started eating on the sweet corn and still have cantaloupe, watermelon and pumpkins growing.

8. Laken has officially starting crawling this week. She's been army crawling for a while and is finally cruising on all fours. She has also started pulling up on everything. Yesterday she pulled up on the couch and let go and just stood there. I have a feeling she may not crawl for long and will go right into walking.

9. So a man finds a 3 year old walking down the side of Highway 63 with a diaper on and blanket and pacifier in hand. WHAT????? And this was at 9:00 at night. Those parents obviously should not be reproducing. Makes me so angry. People, do not let your kids out of your sight.

10. I'm still running once or twice a week. Not much distance, but at least it's exercise. I had a really fun run the other night on the streets of Ashland. Much better than running circles at the park. Thanks to my sister in law for doing this with me. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to run as far as she does.

Laken 8 months

Laken smiling for the camera and trying to wave hello. We can't believe how big she is getting... already 8 months old.

Catfish

This is one of the catfish that Uncle Jeff caught. Grayson fell in love with this one and when it came time to clean it, he did not want to let it go.

10 on Tuesday

1. OMG, it's gorgeous outside. I hope it's like this next week.

2. Wes, why Wes? Doesn't Jillian see what he's up to???

3. I have flippin' Poison Ivy all over my wrist and it's killing me. Went to the Dr. yesterday and he gave me some meds. I hope they kick in fast.

4. I can't believe July is right around the corner. School will be starting up soon. Where does summer go?

5. I need some good running music. Anyone have any suggestions?

6. Clean house, rotate van tires, change van oil, clean van, pack...I have so much to do before we leave for vacation.

7. We've been taking the kids swimming quite a bit and Grayson has gotten comfortable swimming with his Puddle Jumper on. For the most part he's on his own, not having to hold on to someone. He's even put his face in the water a few times.

8. Laken loves the water. She loves to splash and just grins when the water hits her face. I think she's gonna be the real swimmer.

9. ARRGGGG...my wrist is itching like CRAZY!

10. I need to remember to charge my camera battery before we leave. I want to get lots of good pictures while we're on vacation so I can post them. Can't wait.