I'll Be Gone for a While.

I have a minute to post.....both boys are sleeping...a treat! Anyway, I have not been able to blog since the Potty Training Adventure has begun. Ben is doing SOOOOO good. He's has minimal accidents. No prob- they happen, no biggie!

I try to stay within a few rooms of Ben, in case he needs me, and I want to keep him upstairs by his potty seat and the toilet that has an "fit-in" seat next to it. Thus, the reason I won't be posting or blog surfing for at least a little while (Our computer is downstairs). I'll miss it and crave it often. I'll catch up with you all as soon as possible.

WHOOOOOO!!!!

I can hardly believe it. This morning Ben told me he wanted to go potty "in there" pointing to the toilet. I let him try. He didn't go but I pulled out the "Potty Scotty" doll -(potty training in one day thing)- and let him "watch "Potty Scotty" go potty. He thought it was cool but never went. I figured, "If he's telling me he's ready, then I'll go to the store, get drinks, big boy undies, and whatever else to encourage potty usage.

I planned for tomorrow or Friday. But -when Ben woke up from his nap, he told me he wanted to "go potty in there" again. I let him try.........and to make an already long story shorter, he ended up going and telling me when he needed to go SEVEN times. He had three accidents, but no biggie. all of this happened within two hours. ( What a pee-er) He gets the concept, and I will reinforce everything tomorrow. And, hopefully he'll be completely trained soon.
Any one who is thinking about starting to train -should really gets the "potty training in one day" kit -it WORKS. It was awesome. The light just turned on and Ben "got it". Whoohoo -it's all I can say! The end is in sight!

Farts and Good Manners.

For a long time now, Ben has known to say "Excuse me" after farting or burping. And, he's pretty consistent. Here's a funny story that impressed me with just how thoroughly ingrained it is in him to do.

A half hour after both boys were in bed, Kade woke up fussing, in needed to be soothed. So, I went in got him and rocked him out in the living room. After a few minutes I went back in the boys room to lay him down.

As I was entering the room, I heard four long drawn out, funny little farts coming from Ben. (Obviously, I wasn't going to talk just to remind him to say "Excuse me" and risk waking Kade for something not too big a deal at the moment.)

But, I didn't have to anyway. After the fourth tooter, Ben lifted his head off the pillow, looked at me and softly said, "Excuse me" then put his head back down to go to sleep. It was all I could do not to laugh too hard or loud. (I hadn't put Kade down yet.) I was laughing back to my room and even woke Joe just to tell him. (Sorry. ;D )

Kids really are a hoot, even more so when they toot. Ha ha -I'm so clever.

1 of 5 Posts -Scroll Down. :)

So, Saturday I needed a change in scenery, so we went to St. George. There is a little water park (Outside on Tabernacle and Main-it's free) that is SO fun and perfect for little kids. There are different areas to play in -a wall of waterfalls, a big fountain area, and a river that is wide and slow at one end, and thin and fast at the other. There are flat low rocks for the kids to climb on. (They are rough but not scratchy; kids can get great traction.)

Around the entire place are tables, tons of seating, and nice shaded places --totally great for picnics!

The boys and I had a great time -I posted a few clips of the day. ANYONE who is close enough to go,should really go. It is a blast!! (Word to the wise -don't sit on the red rock, it stains light clothing!)

This was probably Ben's favorite part --the "waterfalls". Ben would eventually get himself soaked. (He was just starting out in this clip.)

I love watching Ben play and nervoulsy try things. If you watch the shadows, you can "see" better how he's playing and splashing in the water.

Kade was having a great time! I wish the back ground noise wasn't so loud....you can barely hear his giggles. He's so happy!

I love this clip! Kade's baby feet are just too cute for words!

A Fun Tag.

Every time I sit to do a tag -something interruptes me and I never get to finish 'em. I have the time and stole it off of another blog. So here goes.
I usually: can't resist a jr. mint
I search: for nail clippers.
I wonder: if we'll find an awesome house in St. George.
I regret: not keeping contact -better- with my good friends.
I love: watching Joe play with the boys.
I care: for my family.
I always: watch "Psych", each week.
I worry: that I am not growing into my best self.
I am not: the best cook, but would like to be.
I remember: to stop and soak in tender moments.
I believe: I was born to be a mother.
I dance: like a goof-ball
I sing: to all Barry Manilow songs!
I don’t always:know the right things to do at the right moments.
I argue: way more than I should.
I write: journals for my boys.
I win: radio contests (I've won like four in my life.)
I lose: weight occassionally.
I wish: I could have super-speed superpower, and predict the future.
I listen: to a baby monitor at night -and love to.
I don't understand: how I got so lucky to have the hubby and kids that I do.
I can usually be found: taking care of two cute boys.
I am scared: of moths and spiders.
I need: to see my sisters and my Brittany more!
I forget: more then I would like to these days!
I am happy: to be a mother and wife and to have the gospel in my life.
I tag: Anybody -(I stole this tag, so it's not really fair to tag others. ;D)

I Can Hardly Express....

Just about two minutes ago, I was talking with Ben while he colored. I was watching some of Education Week on TV, and a picture of the Savior came up. I asked him who it was. He knew. Then I asked him "Who is Jesus", he first said, "A prophet." So, I told him, "Jesus is our Savior." He got it.

Then I asked him, "Who are you?" He just smiled, looking at me anxiously for the answer. I told him, "You're a child of God." He grinned and then...

He said, "I want to be a disciple." Then he added, "I want to be a missionary."

I know we have read the scriptures to Ben, and I know I have given him the definition of a disciple before, but I didn't know it was anything he remembered. I knew he knew what missionaries were, but I am still thrilled that he thought to mention he wanted to be one, completely on his own. He's two and a half.

There are times as a mom that you wonder if what you are doing is going to bare fruit soon. I keep thinking that I will see the fruits of my labors when my kids have grown and made right and good life choices......but I have been wrong. This experience was fruit to me, that Joe and I have been doing something right. I know that I will see the fruits along the way, and for that I am very grateful. It allows for great validation.

BOYS!!

I figured the "older brother doing gross things to the little brother" stuff wouldn't start until my boys were at least 3 & 5. But nope, it's started already.

Last night, Joe had both boys on his lap reading books. I was going in and out of the room cleaning. As I passed by the chair, Ben said, "There's a booger in his hand." (meaning Kade's hand)

I asked, "There's a booger in his hand?" Then I opened Kade's hand, as Ben was saying "Yes."

Sure enough, there was a little booger in the center of Kade's hand.

I asked Ben, "Did you put the booger in his hand?"

To which he replied, "Yeah."

Where do boys come up with these things? I explained -very clearly- that "we never put boogers in any one's hands. It's not nice, and it's really just gross." I think he understood. We'll see.

Aw, boys, ya gotta love 'em.

Inspiration!

I have just started a book -that is so good and uplifting and inspirational -It is called "The Incredible Gifts of Women". It is a VERY easy read, something you can pick up for a few minutes here and there and still move through quickly.( I suggest you all get a copy!)

I have been very inspired by the women, so far, in this book. I have been looking to better myself, in many areas, and though I have a LONG road to go, I hope to grow closer to Heavenly Father.

One thing I have been lacking lately is self confidence, but I know I have good qualities -Satan just knows where to hit hardest. This book reminded me that I Heavenly Father is with me in everything I am doing, and I am not ever alone. I have always known this -but I forget it so many times when facing stupid daily struggles. I am going to remind myself of His presence and strengthening support more often.

Then when Blog surfing, my always inspired best friend added a quote to her blog -I just took from it the part that hit me the hardest. I am thankful for this reminder and challenge as well.

"...our primary example—is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."

To the duty designated by His Father, He turned His face, pledged His heart, and gave His life. And what a sinless, selfless, noble, and divine life it was. Jesus labored. Jesus loved. Jesus served. Jesus testified. What finer example could we strive to emulate? Let us begin now, this very night, to do so. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life we come—a life of faith, hope, courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility weighs too heavily; no duty is a burden. All things become possible."

I hope these two things can inspire you all the way they have inspired me. And, really -buy the book!

The Boys Being Boys!

I took this clip one morning --the boys were just too funny. This is Ben and Kade being their typical selves. They have a good time together and are just too fun to watch.

A BIG Change!

Joe said I could post the news, so here goes.

Joe got the job he put in for in St. George. So, yep, we're moving! CRAZY! At least I already know St.George, so it won't be a total -"where the heck am I"-kind of move. But still.....new house, new neighborhood, new ward. I am a little nervous, but still excited.

There are so many more things to do in St. George. And, the best thing of all is that Joe will no longer be gone for six months out of the year fighting fires. He'll generally be home every night for dinner. Whoo!

And, the second best thing is that the temple is right there!! I have a goal to go to the temple at LEAST twice a month...hopefully more. And, at least once a month with Joe. I already know I will enjoy going there. The St.George temple holds a ton of personal meaning for me and my family, so I'm excited to visit it regularly. (I 'll go for all of you who live too far to go every month!)

We haven't really looked at houses yet, we have to wait for some paper work to come in. So, we don't know exactly when we're going. My guess is a few months....maybe. (I really have no idea.)

The Graduate!!!

SHE DID IT!!! Here's a video of my little sister jumping for joy at FINALLY being done with school. After eight years straight, Natalie has graduated with a doctorate degree in Audiology. I thought a jump was very appropriate for her achievement.

Nat is amazing to me. I was so proud of her, in her gown with the cool velvet stripes on the sleeves. I got choked up at "Pomp and Circumstance" when all the grads walked in. I was teary when she stood to go to the stage. I cried when they called her name, gave her her diploma and hooded her, and even more when they pronounced her degree on her. She a doctor people!! I can't believe it. I love you Nat. There are no words.