My mommy :)

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us when adversity takes the place of prosperity when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
--Washington Irving

I have a great mom.
She's actually more like a friend now. I have no issues arguing a point with her or sharing secrets and stories. I think my mom know everything about me.
It's funny, when something happens I always reach for the phone and Jeff will always say "oh yea, you got to call your mom".
YUP..
I share it all.
It's funny how much we depend on her and how much she does without ever batting a eye.
She runs Alyssa to dance, keeps my kids at the drop of a hat, will make emergency runs to Target, Toys-R-Us and Wal-Mart if I realize I'm missing something while stuffing Easter Baskets or Stockings at 2 am. She always comes through when I NEED a Starbucks fix and is always ready and willing to meet me for dinner with overly tired kids. She comes to all the wrestling tournaments and even happily made the 9 hour drive to Winnemucca with me to watch the State tournaments. We're looking forward to next year’s too.
Thanks mom...for everything you do. We appreciate you more than you know!

Potty Time!

For the last several weeks Gabriella has been removing her diapers, usually during nap time. Than last week before bath she asked about the big potty but was scared of it's size and odered me to close the lid...and than preceded to potty on the floor. I knew then that she was ready. I'm wasnt sure I was. Gabriella is my baby, it's uncertain if we'll add anymore blessings to the family so for now all these milestones could be my last.
Anyways, on Saturday we bought her a new pink potty. She has been sitting on it here and there, but I hadnt started the "training" process.
Last night she came running in yelling "pee pee" and lo and behold...she did it!
She was so pleased with herself too. She even called Grandma with her big news!
So, here we go...the potty training has officially begun!

Brandon & Billy

I knew it was just a matter of time before I got that nasty summer cold the kids have had for the last two weeks.
It's hit me like a ton of bricks.
To add to my already throbbing head Brandon had a friend stay the night last night.
Thankfully, my dear husband took care of the boys and I retreated to my room (with my Breaking Dawn book) and hid out for the night. Mind you, I had worked all day and straight after work I fulfilled my Monday night dance run. It was well after 8 when I got home.
This morning I feel just as horrible.
however I woke to this sweet scene....



Nothing is sweeter than seeing Brandon with his buddy, especially when they are sleeping!

Random weekend stuff...

Here I sit on a Sunday evening. The thought of going to work tomorrow is weighing heavy...I really dislike Sunday evenings.

On a happier note, we had a great weekend full of shopping, UFC, cleaning, laundry and happy kids. (happy kids=happy mommy)
Friday night my mom and I along with the kids hit the super sale at Kohls. You know "the biggest sale of the season"...
I swear they have these sales every other week. Any how, we got the kids a ton of new clothes for back to school and I even got some new clothes for work. It's the little things that make me happy.

Yesterday was grocery shopping. I saved $40 in coupons, thank you very much!
Afterwards Gabriella went to grandmas and Jeff and I along with Brandon and Alyssa went to our friends house to watch the UFC fights.

Currently I am putting away laundry (and playing on the computer)
Alyssa is at a friends house and Jeff and Brandon remained attached at the hips. I think they are playing Ghost Busters on the Wii.

Guess I better run. My book is calling my name.

Waiting...

It became clear to me last night while waiting for Alyssa to finish her ballet class that I needed to have more planned than just waiting in the car and reading.
The class is 75 minutes long...and I emphasize LONG!
I had originally thought Gabriella would doze off into a peaceful dreamland and I could read...
not so much
Next week I will bring a stroller...


waiting....

still waiting...

Jiu Jitsu

Not the greatest picture.
This is the group who took part in the Abu Dhabi tournament on Saturday

Brandon in control of his opponent

Team Mica with their medals. Professor Rod is in the middle in red.

On Monday (8/3) he received his first strip on his belt as well.

Professor Rod has a tradition of throwing the kids after they receive their stripes.


It's safe to say Brandon loves training at Tap Out. It's of course a lot different than wrestling but Brandon has taken to this just as well. He took 3rd place in the Abu Dhabi tournament on Saturday, we're very proud of him.
The wrestling season begins again in October...bring it on!