Happy EARLY Birthday, Carter!

While we were in Utah a few weeks ago, my family decided they could have a party for Carter 3 weeks early (since we were already there) or 3 weeks late when we head up for Christmas. I don't think Grandpa could have waited another minute to give Carter Kai his present anyway. He had a great time at his party with his Utah family. Since that time, he has been singing, "Happy Birthday to Me"

and swears that he is 4, already. Some of the highlights were getting to "help" decorate his cake,


getting new chaps and a bull riding vest from Grandpa, getting a stick bull from Grandma, (I can't believe I didn't get a picture of him in his whole get-up. I'll get one when we go up for Christmas. He truly does make one of the cutest cowboys - his black cowboy hat fits him perfectly and with his riding vest & fancy chaps riding his rank bucking bull..... there's just not too many cuter things...

having his BFF Uncle Cucka take him shopping for a new bucking bull and bull rider and taking him for a ride around the ranch of Stick.

hanging with Faith E. and the rest of his cousins


everybody gettin' a taste, (Faith E, Carter Kai, & Jayken)

playin' with all the new toys with Austin & Charleigh

and Brady enjoyin' his blue frosting.


It was a good trip!

Triathlon - LONG overdue

So- I've been trying to recover from the Triathlon... maybe that's why I haven't posted about it yet. Maybe that or the millions and millions of feelings I had - I just don't know that I can put down on paper (or keyboard, right). Anyway, I do have to say I am very happy I participated! It was SO HARD for me - physically, emotionally and spiritually! And I swear I cried the whole time - from the moment I got out of the pool until I finished. A lot of participants said the hardest part for them was the swim. For me, that was the easier part (even though I just learned to swim.... yes, with a snorkel)... maybe that just says how hard it was for me. I tend to think my adrenalin was pumping pretty good and my 5 hour energy drink was still pretty concentrated in my blood (and it's pretty stinkin' hard to cry when you're swimming). But - don't worry... the second I got out of the pool - it had worn off. :) It was a great lesson to myself that I CAN do hard things. And next time I plan to do something this crazy, I will start training more than 6 weeks prior and pray for the Swine Flu to NOT hit my family right in the middle of my intense training.


It's amazing to me that my body can actually go at full capacity for over 2 hours. Yep, it took me 2 hours & 7 minutes to swim a quarter mile, bike a little over 11 miles and run 3 miles. I was so happy to finish! After all was said and done, I found that it was so emotional and spiritual for me - more so than physical. I am so grateful to my girlfriends and their inspiring me to do this (seems how I'd never decide to do it without a little inspiration because I don't enjoy working out - running/biking etc. in the least). I am so grateful for their encouragement and their inspiration for Carter's Angels. I don't know how far I would have gotten if I hadn't been thinking about my little miracle, Carter, and the trials he faces everyday - and most importantly, his attitude about life! He is a great example to everyone around him and I am so blessed to have him in my home, in my family, to teach me everyday! It was awesome to see so many Carter's Angels & Team Carter shirts around! Here's the Carter's Angels group minus - SIL Lisa & Friend Becky Mayhew.


I am grateful to Rich for doing it with me! He trained very little over the 6 weeks as he was dealing with the Swine Flu for at least 1/2 of it. And he finished like 15 minutes before me....WAY TO GO, BABE!

I appreciate my sisters-in-law Lisa & Nicole for coming to participate with me and Misty, Jen & Todd for coming out to support us!

Here we are BEFORE the race - can you tell we are SO nervous???!!!
Lisa, Rich, Lacee, Nicole (& Saydie)

I have to say it was all worth it when I was coming in to the finish line..... my little boy - my inspiration - my miracle, Carter, was running at me with arms wide open - so happy to see me! The only thing that kept me going so many places throughout the race was thinking of him and he was there waiting for me! If I wasn't balling yet - I was now! It makes me think that will be what it is like when we return home to our Father in Heaven and brother Jesus Christ and what an amazing feeling that it was! They are, at so many times in our lives, the only thing that keeps us going and they will be overjoyed to see us again. They will undoubtedly meet us with arms wide open! I know it!

And here I am carrying him as he helps me finish the race!

Here we are after - WOW - was I ever SO happy to be done!

Ever Been Soooo Tired???

that you fell asleep on the potty?
This potty training thing is HARD!

1st Quarter Honor Roll

Austin made the Kindergarten 1st Quarter Honor Roll. We are very proud of him and look forward to many more Honors.


Prior to his award, Rich & I were talking about what our expectations of our kids and their grades would be. I said they have to make Honor Society having an A average if they wanted to be able to participate in sports. Rich said, Na - a C average is all that he was going to require. But - I am going to uphold my original decision. An A average to play sports. Application and expectation is the key... right?! Now we have our sights set for the Principals Honor Roll. HERE WE COME!

The Golden Rule

While I was getting the boys to bed tonight, Austin and I had an interesting conversation. Let me preface the story. In the past, Austin has asked what the dots on his face (FRECKLES) are. We have told him they are angel kisses and that he is so lucky to have a little brother and little sister in heaven who are apparently sneaking him some kisses. He's talked about it quite a lot in the past and has felt really special because of it.

Well tonight, our conversation went like this...

Austin: "Mom, I wish I had a different name."
Me: "Like what? What's wrong with Austin, Austin Boston?"
Austin: "Well, nothing really. I just wish my name was Reese." (Like Reese Mayhew)
Me: "Really.... why is that?"
Austin: "Well, it's not really my name.... (sigh)....it's my face."
Me: "What in the world is wrong with your face?"
Austin: "Well, I really, really, really like my brother and sister.... but I don't like the sparkles on my face they leave me."
Me: (by this time, I am having a really hard time keeping it together) "What's wrong with having freckles? You know you're a really lucky boy to have a little brother and sister who watch over you and give you kisses?"
Austin: "Ya, I know, but maybe when I'm 13 or 20, I can get a new face."
Me: "What? How?"
Austin: "I've seen it on TV, MOOOOOOOOOM! And I'm really tired of (a little boy from his class) making fun of me. He tells me, "WOW! Those freckles make you weird!" and it makes me feel bad."

AHHHHHH.... how sad is that! It's crazy how self-conscious he is already at 5 years old and that he's picking up on things like plastic surgery from TV in an effort to fit in and not be made fun of because he has "angel kisses". I still think he is adorable and he is a product of ME so So-And-So from school needs say something nice or NOTHING at all!

RULE TO LIVE BY: The GOLDEN Rule: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

FREE FAMLY FUN NIGHT Sponsored by Carter's Angels

Come on out and ENJOY the FUN!

Carter's Angels & the San Tan Triathlon

So - as many of you know, I have been training for a triathlon - yes, a triathlon. I am 1 week away from the San Tan Triathlon. I am scared, anxious and very nervous! I have never, I repeat, NEVER had the desire to ever do something like this. I despise working out and do not enjoy it in the least bit. Having said that, there are some good things that have come from the training and work outs.

• I find I sleep better and feel so much more rested.
• I find I make better choices when it comes to eating. - If I just worked my guts out, I don't want to have a soda and make what I just did not even count.
• I enjoy getting up early when no one else is up and out. It is peaceful to hear the birds chirping and I hardly ever hear that with the hustle and bustle of every day living, especially in the city.
  
• And I am actually looking forward to finishing (that is my ONLY goal for my 1st Tri) and realizing that I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
  

Months and months ago, some of my dear friends started talking about it and a few of them started serious training. Sonda, Laura & Brooke have now competed in one triathlon and are preparing to finish their second this next week in the San Tan Tri. They have been my inspiration. They came to Rich & I and asked if they could run for Carter in their last Tri as he has inspired them. Then comes the start of Carter's Angels and my inspiration for entering the San Tan Tri. I figured I would like to run for him, too! Thanks ladies for you inspiring me!! Thanks Rich & Sherree & Lisa & all others who are constantly encouraging me and helping me work out and train!! Thanks so much Nicole & Lisa for joining in and running with us! It means a lot!! Here are the ladies at the finish line of their last Tri. I can't wait to be at the finish line next Saturday!



Now, you'll have to check out Carter's Angels for more information about these ladies' experiences and how Carter has inspired them. My dear friend Kassie designed the background and header for it. She's amazing...so if you need any blogging help...she's the expert. You can click on her blinkie on my side bar to go to her blog. Check back often for upcoming community events sponsored by Carter's Angels promoting Family, Fun, Health & Happiness!

Touch Down

Austin recently started Flag Football. He has been earning 'playing a sport' with good behavior and doing well is school. At 5 years old, he loves EVERY sport no matter what it is.... we're talking, Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Hockey, Swimming, Motor Sports, Rodeo.... you name it. He's finally old enough to play flag football and a new league just started up out here in Queen Creek so we thought we'd give it a go.

These are the cute kids on his team at their 1st game of the season. One of the mom's found the black stickers for under their eyes. The boys LOVED them and they all looked so cute with them!

Coach Herbert and the boys. This is serious business, you know! Rich is so good with the boys and I am actually impressed with the progress they've made in just a few weeks. These are 5 year old boys who've never played on a team before. I was curious as to how much they would really retain - plays, rules of the game, etc., but they're doing a great job! I am really proud of my hubby and what a great team they're becoming!

Austin taking off! They won their first game... but nobody's keeping track.... right?! He scored 4 touchdowns and made an awesome complete touchdown pass. It was a really nice play and the only complete pass of the game. WaHoo!

Here's the tough guy himself with his game face on.

AND - here's his #1 supporter who idolizes him. He cannot go to a practice, a game or even play football in the back yard with Austin without one of his football jerseys on.

Happenings.........

Here's my two cute boys!


Recently, Austin lost his first tooth!


Hip hip, hooray! He was so excited and was ecstatic when he found $3 under his pillow from the Tooth Fairy. He is determined that his next tooth he loses will be even shinier than the last and the Tooth Fairy will have NO choice but to give him more than $3! (Can you believe that! GeeZ! Greedy was the word that came to mind. LOL) His other tooth is already coming in which seems really quick and the tooth right next to it is also lose.

Carter Makai has had his AFO's for about 3 weeks now. He is really excited about his Horsey Boots, but feels differently about them in the middle of the night and in the morning.

His orthotist fell in love with him and his cute personality that he couldn't help but to do something special for Carter's "Boots". Usually, you get to pick the color or a print (like camo or zebra) for your AFO's. All Carter ever talks about is bucking bulls and cowboys and rodeos and he told his orthotist all about his horsies grandpa sent down to AZ for him to ride. So, this is what they came up with.

This is what they look like on. Every few weeks we'll tighten the straps to create more of a stretch.

And not long after we put them on, this is what we got...... a SAD face from him. He cannot walk on them and they are very tight for him. After the first week, they'd rubbed sores on him so we had to take them back and get them readjusted. They're much better now, but it is still really difficult for him to wear them all night long. We are up to 3 full nights of wearing them, but other nights it could be any time of the night that he wakes up screaming. And almost every morning when he tries to walk he starts crying - My ankles hurt! It breaks my heart, but we are seeing improvement in the time he is able to tolerate them. Way to go Carter!!

GIDDY UP!

A few weeks ago, my dad sent down two of his best horses for the boys. They LOVE to ride and Carter Kai was in need of some horse therapy - that is not covered by insurance and proves to be very expensive. AND luckily, we have some fabulous friends - the MAYHEWS - who are now horse property owners. They want their kids to have chores and learn to ride and we need a place to keep the horses - so it is a win-win!

The first day the horses got here, the boys rode bareback and I was SO proud of them. 1) because Austin & Carter Kai hadn't ridden bareback much at all, if any & 2)Carter Kai has NEVER ridden alone unless someone was leading him. WELL, take a look at my two little cowboys!

Austin on "Binky". She was given to me when I was two - basically my parents bribed me to throw away my binky. But, I guess it worked. She is 26 and one of the best!

Carter Kai on "Splash". She is grandpa's FAVORITE & BEST!

And since they've been down here, we have been over several times a week to ride. The boys think they're in HEAVEN. Seriously!

This little boy will ride for HOURS! He is loving every minute!

AND - night before last, Splash had her baby. We haven't named her yet, but isn't she cute?!



Thanks DAD for being so generous and letting us take some of your most prized possessions! Thanks MAYHEWS for letting us keep the horses on your property and for taking good care of them! Thanks UNCLE CARTER & JEN for bringing them to us!!

SICK!!

SO, Rich's cousin Brad has been in town working for about a week, and we were lucky to have him stay with us. Brad and Rich heard about this Pizza Eating Challenge at Venezia's Pizzeria - a nice little pizza joint in Mesa. This pizza is HUGE!!!! 425 square inches of pizza! It's 24"!

The Challenge: 2 people - 425 square inches of pizza - 1 hour. If you complete the challenge, you get your picture on the wall AND free t-shirts... so totally worth it, right!

Look at thing - it's huge!! Time clock started..

9 minutes in.... Notice Rich only has a piece or two left of his pepperoni and Brad still has MOST of his hawaiian. That was a huge concern at the beginning...what toppings? Rich hates hawaiian pizza so he told Brad if he was ordering 1/2 and 1/2, he had to pull his own weight. Brads response, "Oh, don't you worry about me! I've got this in the bag!" The pressure's on!

20 minutes in. Rich is done with his half. Brad is still working on one and has 2 on the platter. And they've hit the BRICK WALL!

Rich caves..... eats the hawaiian which he hates! And he's STUFFED! He can't eat another bite. It's up to you BRAD!

Here's Brad - looking like it's not even a challenge. Funny thing is he kept gagging! It was sick enough to watch this much pizza get consumed - but if it came up......... mine would too, and Austin's would too, and Rich's would too! Not a good thought. And the rule is - if you throw up at this joint during an eating challenge, you clean up the mess!

And Brad finishing the last couple pieces of pineapple. They finished at 45 minutes. The record is 9 minutes... can you even imagine!!!

Here are the proud fellas. They definitely acted all tough and strutted out of the place with their mugs on the wall and shirts in tow.

The winnings. They LOVE their shirts!!!

And somehow, were still smiling. HOW?!!

It was fun to have you Brad!!!

Deception

As Carter gets older, doctor appointments are becoming harder. He isn't as willing to let the doctors poke and prod as he used to be and he's becoming a bit of a little stinker. I haven't figured out if he is throwing little fits when we are at our appointments because he knows he will get bribed with stickers and suckers and his bull riding videos either by the nurses or myself to get through the appointment. Whether he knows exactly what he's doing or not, he sure is making a habit of it lately.

His recent appointments have gone well. In the last four months, they have weaned back the amount of calories he is getting at night through his G-tube in hopes that he will start eating those calories during the day instead of having to get them at night. He had to gain at least 5.5 grams per day over the last 4 months - AND he gained 5.6 grams per day! I was a bit worried when he stepped on the scale and only weighed 29.6 lbs., but somehow he pulled it off! WaHoo! So, he now gets to continue on with the lesser amount of formula at night and we are on to weaning one of his medications. If he tolerates that well, in another 4 months we will be on our way to weaning more on his night-time feed. Yippee!

Miracles happen every day. Not just in remote country villages or at holy sites halfway across the globe, but here, in our own lives. -Deepak Chopra