Ten Years.... wow

March 23rd marked 10 years since Elizabeth and I became a family.   I meant to write a post that day but we were busy celebrating.   I still plan on putting bunches of old pictures up and catching up on our celebrations but we are also preparing for Easter and Ella's Birthday.  March to May is usually busy for us but this year is even more so.  Ella got sick with Strep and an additional undefined virus that created a few hectic days last week.  Ella started the antibiotics on 3/17/13, stayed home from school 3/18/13, went to school the 19th and 20th but missed on the 21st and 22nd because of high fever.  I took her to the doctor on 3/22 and it was probably an additional virus along with strep.  The bummer was both girls were invited to a sleep over to celebrate Syd's 11th birthday on the 22nd.  Elizabeth went and had a blast.  Ella stayed home with me. 

Thankfully Saturday Ella woke without a fever so I thought we were on the mend.  After getting Elizabeth the girls and I went to Color Me Mine and did some pottery painting to celebrate being together for 10 years.  We had an awesome time.  I can't wait to pick up the finished pieces.

We went out to eat after we were done and came home and relaxed. 

Sunday we went to church with Dad and visited a little.  But, the girls had to get their homework done as we were going to Holly's to meet up in the afternoon with some of our travel group.  We had a wonderful time together as usual.  Of course some of the soon to be 11 year olds are feeling a little bit of some hormones so there was a tiny bit of fighting with a couple of the girls. 

Monday I had the day off.  I was going to a funeral for a friend's ex husband in the morning and was going to use the afternoon for me (the wake was at the same time as the dinner at Holly's).   It was in Oakdale - opposite of school.  I was doing great time wise after dropping the girls off and had a little extra time.  So, I went to Target to get Easter stuff.  As I was rounding the bend to go to the checkout, my cell phone rang.  It was the school.  Ella had a rash and I needed to come get her.  So, I paid my bill and hid the stuff in the back of the van and called to make another doctor appt for Ella.  Picked up Ella and made our way home.  She did her homework and had lunch.  Then we went to the doc.  The rash could be from the antibiotic, or it could be the double virus.  Since Ella didn't have a fever there was no need to find out what it was.  We got a note in case the school needed it and then went home.  Ella took some anti itch meds and fell asleep. I was very thankful she was not catchy since we had spent time with Dad and other kids.  Later we filled a prescription for stronger antibiotics and took Elizabeth to gymnastics.  Ella did not go to skating but instead we watched Elizabeth practice.  Then home - feed the kids some more and bed for us all. 

I will update this post with pictures of Elizabeth from the years.  But, I am so proud to be her mom.  She amazes me with her intelligence and logic.  I am starting to see the bits and pieces of the young woman emerge and love every bit I see.  I love her strong voice (even when she is giving me a piece of her mind).  I love her sweet heart and really enjoy when she is being nice to her sister.  Thankfully that happens more and more often without prodding from me.  As I told Elizabeth when I was saying goodnight on 3/23/13 - "I am so thankful that God made me your mom and feel blessed all these 10 years and I can't wait to see what happens in the next 10 years.