Potty Training Step #1

We are at the first step to our potty training efforts for Jeffrey - get the potty seat! He hasn't shown any interest, but I am more than ready to be done with diapers! So, today I went to Walmart and bought a cheap little potty (I guess I didn't save the one I used with the other kids). All the other kids were so excited! They wanted to put Jeffrey on it right away and start the process. Here is what happened after we got him on it: First Asha says, "Mom, I hear something! I think Jeffrey is going pee pee!" So, we lift him up to check.......nope false alarm! Then, Luke says a few minutes later, "Mom, I smell something! I think Jeffrey went poo poo!" So, again we lift Jeffrey up to take a peak...nope false alarm again. Finally, Jeffrey has had enough of the up and down. He gets up and says, "All done! ". Well, that was our first try.

Below is a picture of everyone helping Jeffrey. Poor guy! I can't blame him for not going. Who wants to have a crowd while your trying to go!

Why I am tired tonight....

I often feel like I have to have a reason for my tiredness (or maybe an excuse). I try to explain away my tiredness to my husband, friends or even my kids. Tonight during dinner I was probably staring at the wall (I can't remember for sure), and my daughter asked me, "Mom, are you tired?". Then she asked, "WHY!?" For once, I didn't even feel like I could explain. So, tonight I decided to come to some conclusions about my tired state. Here it goes.

The top 10 reasons why Mommy is tired tonight:

1. She was up twice during the night with her two year old who couldn't find his Binky (we really need to get rid of that thing!).
2. She was up at the crack of dawn with two boys who decided at 5:30 it was time to wake up.
3. She didn't have any caffeine.
4. She chased her two year old around the house trying to catch him to change his diaper.
5. She wrestled with her 5 year old (he is very strong).
6. She went up and down the stairs 500 times (sure felt like it).
7. She went for a walk with the kids.....helped the kids climb a tree in the forest.
8. She made a dinner that was a flop (in my opinion).
9. She put away 500 loads of laundry (okay...close to that).
10. She tried to keep the house some what clean in the midst of it all.

I really am tired tonight. I know there are many others out there that can relate. Maybe I better stop complaining and go to bed. =)

Good night!

Thinking about my Mom tonight.......

It has been two and a half months since my Mom passed away. Nights are often the time of the day that I think about my Mom the most. I don't know why it happens mostly at night. Maybe because the house is much more quiet, which it is seldom during the day (can you believe that with four kids). I walk through my living room and see a picture of her and wonder what she is doing now, and then say to myself "could she really be gone"? I've never dealt with death much until now, and I don't like the taste that death gives. It is harsh, sudden and painful. My Mom was so much a part of my life, so involved, such a friend, and such a support. Death just seems too final- too unknown - too out there! I wish I had it all figured out. I wish that I could say I am 100% sure there is a heaven (though I am hopeful of this). One thing I know for sure, life is not the same without her. The holidays are going to be especially hard. Yet, I want to make it special for my kids. I will try to remember how my Mom made the turkey & stuffing so yummy or how she made her home so warm and spirit filled. I will try! I will try............!

Pumpkin Patch Day

Today we went to a pumpkin patch for a field trip with some friends. We had a great time! It was a bit muddy, but at least it wasn't raining! After wards, we went back to our friend's house and made caramel apples. This is what Fall is all about!

Lana & Jeffrey

This morning I got out to get some time with a friend and do some much needed grocery shopping (by myself...thanks to Matt). This is what I found when I came home. Check out the extreme differences!


Lana was inside playing princess. Dressed as snow white with her long flowing yellow hair and freshly painted nails (thanks to her big Sister). As soon as I walk in the door Lana asks, "Mom, can you fix my hair it's so messy?"

Then....Jeffrey outside in the mud (yes that is mud all over him). Having the best time making mud pies. He could have been out there all day. That will be fun to wash!

Everyday is a great adventure!

Craft Idea

Here is a really great craft idea! My friend bought this for my kids and they just love it. It is called Hama Beads. Each child can create their own designs on a little peg board with very colorful beads. Then you iron it and the kids have created a fun design that they can treasure forever or give as a gift. It takes patience and time (on the kids part), but I was amazed when Luke,Lana and Asha sat for almost an hour working on this very intensely! I don't know where she got it, but I think she must have found it on line. Hama!

Friends.....

A friend sent this fun quote to me today. For my "girl" friends out there!

A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...
Hard to Find
Supportive
Comfortable
Always Lifts You Up
Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging
And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!!

Boys..... and more

How is it that boys can grab a hold of your heart in such an unique way? How is it that one minute you want to hold them and never let them go, and then the next moment you want to sell them to the zoo for free? How is it that they have so much energy to go, jump, play, fall, jump, hit, bang, and jump (did I say jump)? What an adventure having a 5 year old and 2 year old. Never a dull moment with them! But they sure are cute! (don't get me wrong...girls are uniquely wonderful too).


Well......we finished our room. It is pretty simple, but the color really makes it feel warm and cozy. The picture doesn't show the yellow very well, but it is a nice yellow. It is so great to have it done, as now I am sick and don't feel like doing much of anything.

Before

After