Outside

We are so ready for spring. Being stuck inside is getting old. So, I bundled them up, and we got some fresh air for the first time in about 8 days. It was much needed. Kael woke Eden up early from her nap, so she needed a little snooze while Kael played out there. We are getting better at building snow men. Slowly but surely, one day, Kael and I will build the ultimate snow man. Kael was hilarious because he kept sticking his tongue out when he was really focusing on playing in the snow. Then, randomly he would throw snow balls at me. It caught me off guard about 4 times! He is too much like his dad. Sneeky little boy. ;)

Potty Training Day 3

I didn't plan on starting to potty train Kael, but he has been grabbing his underwear and insisting on wearing it and insisting on not wearing a diaper, so it has begun.

Overall, I don't know how this is suppose to go and have never done anything like this before, so I don't know if we are doing good or bad...

Rewards:

1 skittle for #1.

2 skittles for #2.

And a sticker for same thing until he fills his chart, which is about a week of going in the toilet, then he gets a toy car.

Day 1: About 5 accidents. 7 times in the toilet. No #2.

Day 2: About 4 accidents. 6 times in the toilet. No #2.

Day 3. 3 accidents. 7 times in the toilet. Still no #2.

I think we are making progress. Yesterday Kael went running to the toilet yelling "mom, mom potty!". Then, today once he yelled "mom, potty". Over and over. So, I think we are getting there. The rest of the time it is me asking him every 15 to 20 minutes if he needs to go. Today he would not let me put a diaper on him for nap time. So I just put the diaper over his underwear and let him sleep in that. To my complete shock, he woke up completely dry!!! We even played outside for about 45 minutes without an accident.

Not sure what to do about #2. He only goes once in the morning, so I'm just hoping to catch him before he goes, and get him to go just once, so that maybe he gets the idea on it.

Anyway. I think we are doing ok. We'll see how it goes.

Keep Moving Forward

So Kael and Eden have been sick all week and it has been a LONG week. I've been reflecting a lot and here are some thoughts.

I am a blog stocker.

That looks weird. But yes. I am a blog stocker. I don't read the blogs that you would think would be helpful to a crafty stay-at-home mom, such as couponing, cooking blogs, sewing blogs, or how to decorate your house with no money. Nope. I don't read those blogs. I read people's lives. It makes me a true time waster and blog stocker. However, I'd like to think that reading other people's lives gives me a little incite to my own crazy life. I feel empowered by the way other people live their lives, and it makes me want to be a better person. I know that the lives that I read about are not perfect, and I know mine certainly is not. However, it's kind of like reading an inspirational quote for the day to give myself a pick-me-up. I think I sound lame, but oh well.

Anyway, this past week I read a friend's blog from here in the village. In summary it was about doing hard things.

Here's a quote because I liked what she said so much.

"We have all done hard things in this life. It is what builds our character. At times it is easier to crawl back into bed where it is comfortable, warm and familiar. It is this "doing hard things" that I wish to teach to my children. I don't believe that it is ever too early to teach our children the value (and fun) of work. There is not a time that is better than others to be an example of persistence and success. Or giving up and failing. (Which ever it is, our children see it.)

...

I often reflect on my own experiences that were difficult, but worth it. I know I can do hard things because I have done them. They are my life's journeys to who I am. And whatever is to come, I welcome the challenge and growth that will follow!"

Anyway, my point for posting this quote is because lately, life seems really hard for some reason. Maybe it's the lack of sleep, or what not, and I only have about 25 more years of this lack of sleep I would imagine before my kids let me sleep again, who knows. It was just nice to reflect and think back on the hard things in my life that I have accomplished.

Such as:

• Going to the Philippines for 11 months at 16 years old.
• Moving to college.
• Getting accepted to nursing school.
• Dated.
• Found the guy of my dreams, and married him.
• Gave birth to 2 beautiful children.
• Held church callings.
• Volunteered and worked in the emergency room.
• Learned from hard mistakes.
• Made bad habits into good habits.

The list can go on and on if I thought hard enough. The point is that if I didn't work for these things in life, I couldn't learn from them. Work and overcoming trials in our lives help us to grow and develop who we are.

So why am I not working harder?

Instead of laying in bed this morning, or grabbing my blanket and lying on the couch while the kids jumped on me, I got up. I got dressed. I played with my kids.

You know what?. I feel better today.

We've been watching a lot of movies because the kids have been sick. Toy Story marathons, Cars, and recently Meet the Robinsons. I love the quote from Disney "Keep Moving Forward". As long as we are moving forward and trying each day to work a little harder, and keep trying, I think we are going to make it.

Here are some awesome pictures of my amazing kids. We got vanilla pudding and mixed it with food coloring, and made some finger painting. It was so worth the huge mess.

Eden's 11 Months

I know this picture is already posted, but I haven't taken that many pictures of Eden lately...

11 MONTHS

Where has the time gone? I wonder how much of this time I will remember even 5 years from now? 10? I don't ever want to forget your amazing personality, because it is amazing. I know you are just going to be more amazing throughout your life, but I don't want to forget a moment.

Eden, you have become Kael's shadow. He is getting quite annoyed, and I'm certain it is only going to get worse. He still loves you, and puts up with you, and hugs and kisses you, but there are times he comes up to you and yells, "No no Edee!". It makes me laugh every time. Kael's room has all of the fun big kid toys in it, and you are always trying to sneak in there to play with a book or puzzle, Kael's cars, any toy you can get.

Your teeth are ridiculous. They should just all come in already. I can see them, but they aren't there yet. You have 4 on the bottom and the top right 2 now. You have this one big tooth on top and when you really grin, it makes me laugh. You are adorable!

You are finally sleeping at night! Oh, the joy this gives me. You still get up to eat around 5 or 6 am, but then you go back to sleep until 7.

You are standing all the time, and are finally walking along the couch. You refused for the longest time and would lower yourself and crawl 2 steps and then stand again. All that extra effort.

You are eating TONS and TONS. You are independent like Kael was. You like to feed yourself. I'm having to get creative with what I feed you, but if I let you, you would eat all day long, and most days you do.

You can say Dada and Mama. Usually when you are mad though. You can wave hi to people now and clap your hands. You are starting to get friendly with people. You still are shy at first and want Mom to hold you, but now you will go to other people and not scream at them.

Dad thinks you are silly. And I have to agree. We love you and are so grateful to be your parents.

Oh and stop pulling cords out of outlets. You are going to get shocked and I"ll be sad. Thanks.

LOVE YOU!

MOM and DAD

A Snowman

I think I'm finally figuring out this snow stuff. I used to make snowmen when I was a kid, but the last couple of snow storms, I can't make it for the life of me... This time I let the snow melt a bit, and we did it! Kael did the top ball all by himself. I grabbed a little snow and he took over and just started rolling it. Poor Eden was on the cement and got wet and cold. By the end of this winter we are going to be cold weather people! ;)

Bouncin off the walls

Every Wednesday there is a place in Sandy called Bouncin off the Walls that you can get kids 5 and under in for 5$. Adults are free, and so is my baby. A couple friends from the courtyard we live in met there, and we had a blast! Kael ran from bounce place to bounce place and did this incredibly tall slide all by himself. (* He is the tiny dot on the top right picture.) He impresses me everyday. Usually in the car Kael tries so hard to keep his eyes open if only just barely, but nope he was passed out. Eden sure had a good time too. She loved watching all the kids and crawling around herself. I think this is a definite must do again and again.

Valentines from Grandparents

The kids received Valentines from their grandparents and I only got a couple photos. They LOVE getting to open letters and find fun prizes. Thank you Grandparents! We love you so much!

Kael puts his cash in his piggy bank.

Eden was not a happy camper waking up from her nap, but then she found that she had a Valentine, and she got super excited and happy!

He Kind of Loves Me. A Lot!

He surprised me with this today. It will be our first get away since we had kids. I don't count spending the night at a hospital to have Eden as a get away... He's so good at keeping surprises. Me not so much. He found out about our date tonight that I was planning for his birthday/Valentines.

I'm so so so so so so excited! Thanks Mom and Dad in advance!

I just have to brag about what an amazing, awesome, supportive, loving husband I have. He is so good to me! Thank you so much Derek! I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday - Happy Valentines Day

I kind of love him. A LOT! Like Forever!

2 1/2 or 30 Months

Like Father Like Son...

A picture says a thousand words, and this one is screaming a million...

This is how good potty training is going. We aren't "officially" trying to potty train the kid yet. Just getting him used to the equipment, and such. Kael now offically goes #1 on the toilet every night before his bath. Then, he gets to run around in his big boy underwear until bedtime. We are going to keep this up for about a month and then I think we will go for it. He has been doing this routine for about 2 weeks straight. He gets a star if he goes potty and it goes on his door and he gets a treat. It used to be a fruit snack, but Janice told me about her skittle jar, and I LOVE it and so does Kael. I bought a big bag of skittles and put it in a peanut jar. Now whenever Kael decides to go he gets 1 skittle for #1, and 2 for #2. He now has quite the collection of stars on his door also.

I have to say that this has actually been a lot of fun. I have cleaned up some accidents, but so far not so bad. Kael is trying really hard. I think he would be ready if he never fell in the toilet. Anyway. He is super excited about it, and so am I. We are going to take it slow for now.

I can't believe I have a 2 1/2 year old. His little personality is just growing each day. Along with his kisses that he is now obsessed with he loves group hugs.

His favorite songs are #1 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, #2 Popcorn Popping, and #3 Book of Mormon Stories. We have to sing all 3 every night before bed.

He LOVES cars now. He got a bunch of little cars and trucks for Christmas and they are a hit.

He LOVES Buzz Lightyear. However, we told Kael to go get his Buzz to play with because he was driving us crazy, he went into his bedroom and got his Buzz UNDERWEAR... He loves Underwear too.

He LOVES books. He can read "has memorized" a ton of words. My guess is about 30 when he is in the mood.

He can count to 10.

He can recognize most letters.

His favorite shape is a STAR. Then circles come in a close second.

He is repeating words now.

I think his favorite color is still red.

He loves to play Melmo "Elmo" on the computer.

He is putting 2 words together. His favorite phrase is "Where'd it go?".

He LOVES talking on the phone. He could talk to Grandma and Grandpa and cousins and Aunt's and Uncles and anyone who would listen to him all day long. He has his own little language and just loves to talk and talk.

Kael you amaze me everyday. You are learning so much so quickly and I'm so proud of you. You share your toys with everyone, just so they will be your friend. You are a true friend. You are so loving and kind. You teach me how to be a better person every day. Thanks for the gazillion kisses every night before bed. Thanks for the family hugs! Thanks for teaching your family what is important in this life. Love, laughter, friendship, and family.

WE LOVE YOU!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

First Attempt at a Ponytail

She was super grumpy at me. I need smaller ties... Her hair is just too thin, but it was a very exciting 5 minutes that it lasted. :)

Dreaming of Warmer Days

Yes, we are wearing shorts! It was 9 degrees outside yesterday and we are ready for some sun!

Kael's newest discovery is a kiss. It really is quite ridiculous. He isn't allowed to kiss on lips and not strangers. We were coming home from the doctors office and pharmacy yesterday and there was a nice elderly couple waiting with us, and were so sweet with Kael. When we were leaving he decided he needed to blow them a kiss good bye. He is such a kind boy. Now every night before bed he insists on kissing both of my cheeks before I'm allowed to leave. If he only gets one he wigs out and has to start all over again.

They are without a doubt the sweetest kisses EVER! Thanks buddy! Hope you get feeling better soon.

Sick Day

What's better than a popscicle on a sick day? Not a whole lot.

Productive Day

So, I feel accomplished today. Doctor's office in the morning. Worked for one hour. Then, completed my 6 month medicaid review. Then, filed my taxes by myself for the first time ever. (I'm beginning to feel like a grown up.) Now, Derek is working on his fafsa. The day would have been perfect had I gotten my dishes done, and dinner made before Derek got home from school. Too bad life isn't perfect. However, I am now going to work on those dishes, and take out the smelly trash. Life would really be perfect if trash just magically disappeared instead of piled up in trash bags on my kitchen floor...

hmmm....

Sad Day.

Kael got his first ear infection. :(

I'm so sick of being sick. Derek was sick for 3 weeks. Then last week Kael started, then Eden, and this last weekend I am sick. I think that is inevitably the rest of my life with children. I'm ok with this now, but it doesn't make it any less miserable.