Does Santa pee standing up??

2009 is quickly coming to an end, and I'm still wondering where the whole year went?? Presley will be 1 in just a few days; it's completely overwhelming. I still feel like she's my little baby, when I guess she's turning into a toddler before my eyes. Just the day after Christmas she started walking more than crawling! Her little personality is too much fun as she is the happiest baby I have ever seen. Her smile lights up her entire face and now it's just not that "gummy" smile as she has 5 teeth. I have a ladybug party planned and am attempting to make her cake as well. Maddy's turned out really cute, so I thought..what the heck, why not make life harder and attempt it again??
Madysen is now 3 and we are still potty training. She is still completely and utterly terrified to #2 on the toilet, so I would say she's 95% day trained and we haven't even begun night time yet. She will ask for a diaper to do her duties, then back to underwear. I'm afraid to push her because her pediatrician said just to back off and the let it happen. Last time I tried the "tough love", she was constipated for days and miserable. I know it'll happen, but its so hard when everyone else you know with children the same age compare stories. I constantly question myself wondering if I'm not doing something right, but I feel like I have taken everyone's advice and still no success. I keep praying to God that he gives her the courage to overcome her fears and it will happen. I just can't help to be jealous of those other mothers though who "just put underwear on their kids and that was it!!" Oh well, I suppose it will happen sooner or later! I'm just curious as to how many diapers I have changed in the past 3 years?? :) As we have started using the potty, Maddy has had so many questions about why boys stand, why girls sit, why the Walmart bathroom is icky, why she can touch some toilets and not others, and so on and so on. But, recently she asked out of nowhere, "Mommy, does Santa pee standing up?"... I just thought that was adorable! Someday, I know I will definitely miss these innocent moments.
Christmas was EXCELLENT this year, despite my husband having to work Christmas morning. Maddy was such a blast. We did the whole Christmas Eve tradition--cookies for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and read The Night Before Christmas. Presley wasn't too interested in opening presents but was more intrigued with the boxes above anything else. Maddy however loved all of it, especially her roller skates!
And so, as 2009 comes to a close I remember this year as full of so many adventures..having a new addition to our family, a summer full of fun on our old boat, a great time watching Madysen interact with the neighbors and build new friendships, and wonderful holidays with the ones we love. We have all that we need- happy and healthy children, a strong, loving marriage, and many people who love and support us. Thank you 2009 for all the memories....

too busy enjoying life

Wow... it's been too long since I've posted. So much has happened in the past few weeks to write everything, so I'll just highlight the most memorable. My baby girl is 11 months today and my other baby girl has her 3rd birthday in just 9 days! I can't believe it! We are planning a Shrektacular 3rd Birthday for Miss Madysen. I'm so excited because this will be the first year she will actually have little friends to help her celebrate. I'm going to attempt to make her birthday cake. I know, I know, what am I thinking??? I just want this birthday to be extra special for her. She has been experiencing a little jealousy lately, so I want this party to be all done up, just for her!
Recently, we celebrated Thanksgiving. Since Jeff's dad passed on this day 2 years ago, the day has since taken on a different mood. We really try our hardest to be grateful for the day and really celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving. We were so thankful this year for a healthy, happy family and for everyone being able to get together at our house this year. I hosted my first ever Thanksgiving and totally LOVED it! I really wanted to take some of the burden off my mother-in-law and have it at our house. The dinner turned out fantastic ( just a bit earlier than anticipated...darn Turkey bags) and we had our share of Smith Family Catch phrase. Hopefully we can continue the tradition....
Now, on to Christmas. Yes, I was one of those crazy mothers out on Black Friday at 330 am scouring for the big deals. I know, I know, but I was a Black Friday Virgin until this year. And, let me just tell you... I'm hooked. I had SOOOO much fun laughing at all the crazed people that I think I'll continue this every year. I did manage to get a lot of shopping done for not that much money, so I was happy. We did see one woman practically want to fight another woman because she was in the "express" line but had more than 10 items. Ashly and I were in the middle of their battle of words and all we could do was laugh. Ashly was an amazing Aunt dishing out elbows and shoves to get a pink digital camera for Madysen. God, I love that kid (well I guess she's an adult, but she'll always be a kid to me.)
And so, as all the chaos approaches with the holidays and birthdays, I just like to look back on the year and say once again how blessed I feel. I had never thought I would ever have a life like this. I prayed so many times to God to please just bless me with a normal life, a soulmate who loves me unconditionally, and a family of my own to love. After a several tough years, I finally have everything I could have dreamed of. I am so lucky to stay at home with my girls and watch them grow everyday. My husband surprises me everyday with the amount of love he has for me and the kids. Even though some days are harder than others, I see so many working moms that have so much more stress. I'm thankful that I don't have to carry that burden and just enjoy this moment!