Updates, updates, updates!

So I realize that it has been a very long time since I last posted something on our blog. My excuse is, well, I have none. I just need to be better.

Sean is still busy with school, and is still doing really well. I am beyond proud of him with all that he is learning and accomplishing. He loves his lab classes and thoroughly enjoys dentistry thus far. I’m praying that it only gets better as he continues forward.

Anika is as much of a stinker as ever. I find myself praying for extra strength with each and every day. She has recently started beating up on her baby sister. Not cool. Just this morning I grabbed her arm as it was coming down on Avery. While I was telling her calmly (or maybe yelling a little) that we DO NOT HIT OUR SISTERS, she chucked the toy that was in her hand right at Avery’s head. Yep. I lost control. It split Avery’s head open (just a little) but enough to produce a nice bump and some blood. Needless to say, Anika earned a life-long ticket to TIME OUT! However, I am writing this with built-up frustrations from this long day. I should note that Anika can also be the sweetest thing ever. She loves to help me pick up her room, and she does actually love her baby sister. They give each other lots of hugs and kisses. It’s very sweet. She’s also been saying the cutest prayers lately. She mostly says, “I’m thankful that I get a Cinderella backpack and a Cinderella bike when I go pee pee on the potty.” Now you’re probably wanting the potty-training update. Let’s just put it this way. I have cleaned up three lakes in the last two days, and my house smells like urine.

Avery is still as cute as ever. Sean accuses me of playing favorites with her. I’ll admit, many days, she is my favorite! But I also acknowledge that it is only because she can’t talk yet. She doesn’t yell horrible things at me, and she doesn’t hit me out of anger and frustration. I’m sure that in another 6 to 12 months, both girls will be even with each other. Chances are, they will both gang up on me, and then neither will be on my good list!!!

As for me, I am actually doing really well, and I owe most of it to running. Those of you who knew me in high school knew that I was a runner. I would get up before early morning seminary to get about two miles of running in. Those days disappeared years ago. I did some running in college, and old mission companions probably remember some early morning jogs with me. However, as soon as the babies entered my life, the running shoes got thrown out. Luckily, I have an incredible husband who bought me a YMCA pass that has changed my world. They have free baby-sitting, so I am able to get in all the running I want! I am currently running at least 3 miles a day. Yesterday was my longest run in years. I did 3.75 miles in about 36 minutes. I’m going to be running my first 5K in just a couple of weeks. I’m also flying to Utah next month to run the Salt Lake City 5K and to be there when my dad runs his first marathon!!! (He’s my running inspiration, honestly.) In September, my dad is flying out here to Ohio to be with me for my first half marathon. I’m pretty excited. Running has given me a whole new energy and excitement for life. I feel great, and I really do owe it to the treadmill!

For those of you who have actually read this entire entry, good job! You will now be rewarded with some recent pictures of our adorable babies. :)

The girls love helping me bake!

These are the little boyfriends. Anika is in love with Dashle, and Avery can’t get enough of Coy. These adorable guys are brothers, and both were born within days of my little ladies! Kind of fun.

We are a silly family! I will try to be more diligent at updating friends and family on our lives!!!