Before the Easter Egg hunt
Gavin looks so grown up with his new haircut.
Giovanni, Tristan, Madalyn, and Canyon
Phillip and Georgia
Canyon - April 2009
Tristan - June 2008Last Tuesday Tristan and Madalyn had their first swimming lesson at Wilson. I was unable to attend (had to stay home with Canyon). However, both sets of Grandparents along with Phillip and Maggi were there to cheer them on. On Thursday, Maggi and I took all of the kids to watch. I learned my own lesson.....I will NOT take Canyon again until he is old enough to join them. Oh yeah..Tristan told the instructor that his name was Matthew. It wasn't until 15 minutes later that he told her "my name is not Matthew, it's Tristan". He is such a little joker.
We sure did celebrate a lot of b-day's in March (Mom (Jan), Mike, Pat, and Maggi) and then on April 1st was Carol's 70th. This past weekend, the entire Ringrose family took a trip down to Ocean City to celebrate her b-day. We rented two houses not far from the beach. We all had such a wonderful time which included hours in the sunshine. 
Happy Birthday Grandma!!!!
Papa Phill and Grandma Carol.
Cora, Grandma, and Nicholas
Phillip and Tristan
Phillip and StaciI am a little late posting this. Not last weekend, but the weekend before, Mike through a surprise b-day party for Maggi at Cheer's West. We (Maggi, Staci, Di, and I) started at the beach. One way or another, we talked Maggi into going up to Cheers. Little did she know that family and friends were waiting for her at the front door. Tears fell from her eye's as everyone yelled "Surprise". Thank you to all that were able to attend. I don't have any pictures from the party (Cuz Deb, please send me a few) here are a few from the beach.
Last night Nicholas and Mark Nino came over for dinner (BBQ Salmon). The boys have so much fun together. Tristan was so happy when he found out that they had the same pj's. Now all I have to do is buy Canyon a pair. It's been fun watching them grow up together. It's hard to believe that they are almost the same age when Mark and I met (many, many, years ago).
Yesterday we went with the Nino's to Portland to watch "March Madness". UW lost, but Gonzaga won. We had so much fun. Aunt Staci watched the boys so that we could stay over night. Thank you guys for a wonderful time. Here's to our next trip!!!
Aunt Staci gave the kid's Nicholas' old McDonalds play set. They have so much fun pretending to serve each other food. I did not realize how many pieces came with the set. Oh my goodness. Oh well, it keeps them busy.
Mr. Canyon loves to eat with his Uncle Mike. However, there is no "funny business" at the Ostrander table.
Last weekend Madalyn and I got to hang out for a few hours. It was only the two of us (no boys in sight). She let me paint her nails and then we watched a movie. I just love having her in my life. I can't wait to take her shopping.
Yesterday we had a baby shower for Diana. We had so much fun. Di and Brian received a lot of awesome gifts. We can't wait to meet Jaxson.
You guys are going to be wonderful parents. We are so excited for you. Here's to a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
Melinda and family
Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom .
