Goodbye diapers...

I have been changing diapers for almost 14 years now. I never really imagined the day when this would cease. I am a firm believer in potty training when the child is ready, not when the mom is. My mom raised me this way. I didn't think Scarlett would be ready until the more common age of three, but she has been showing serious signs for the last month. Waking up with a dry diaper every morning and insisting on being changed every single time she wets her diaper.

Yesterday she came to me and said "Mom, I have to go pee." I ran her into the toilet and she did it. She has been going potty on the toilet every time since, and woke up with dry panties this morning. I guess she was done waiting on her mom.

I have a friend that became a mom around a year ago, and in my opinion is so wise. She posted a comment on her Facebook page that I really appreciated. She says...

"A year of motherhood has taught me that there is no right way to be a mama. Co-sleeping, demand feeding, structured or relaxed, bottle or breast - mamas who are doing what they feel are best are doing the best for their family."

I love this (thanks Charity!) because it's easy to get caught up in comparing how we mother (potty training) or like my friend said "Bottle or breast feed" or so many different things. But really we have to do what we feel is best, and if it's best for us, then it works for us.

So, I guess this means I am diaper free, at least until I become a grandma...which I can't wait for, by the way.

I'm going there someday...

So, on Monday I decided to take the kids to the the new visitors center located at our LDS temple. The kids were so cute when I told them Monday morning that we were going to the temple. Scarlett kept saying "I want to go to the temple!" It was so cute.

The kids surprise me with their testimonies. Halee especially has become so spiritual. She loves to watch video's about Joseph Smith, and she reads her scriptures by far more than her mother. I need to learn from her example.

While we were there we watched a video about family, and I felt so grateful to know that I will be with my family forever. Without knowing this, I would be a complete mess. I am so blessed to have these special people in my life. I owe it all to a loving Heavenly father.

It was a trip none of us will ever forget. It brought us closer together.

15 whole years...

It happened. A miracle occurred. I actually left all 6 of my children and ran away with my husband for our 15 year anniversary. It was more than wonderful. It was only for one night, but that's progress.

We went shopping, ate out at a variety of our favorite restaurants, and saw The Hunger Games. We stayed up late, and I slept in while Chris worked out and read the newspaper. It was so nice to be alone. It reminded me of what great friends Chris and I are.

We laughed so much and though we missed our kids, we were reminded how much fun we have together when we're alone. It was a a good eye opener into my relationship with Chris and made me happy to take on the next 15 years.

Thank you to Tammy for being brave enough to take on all 6 of my children for 24 hours....I owe you one.

Chris turns 42...

The kids worked so hard on making little cards for Chris this year. Halee and Austin were up late making this little replica of Chris, and boy does it look like him! I can't believe he is 42 years old. My dad was just a few years older than him when I moved out at 19. Reality check. We are all getting old.

Happy storage...

I remember getting up every Saturday as a kid for Early morning cartoons. Don't we all? My sisters and I would always sit with our knee's up inside our shirts that we had worn to bed, to keep warm. When I caught Grace doing this very thing it brought back all those wonderful memories. How I miss early morning cartoons and being a kid. I hope my kids will have as many fun, and happy memories as I have stored inside the zipfile of my brain...or heart...or both.

Let's gather 'round...

Once upon a time I dreamed of having my very own porch swing, that I could gather my children on and swing into the wee hours of Summer evenings. Or sit on, holding my husband's hand at a ripe old age. My friend Maria made that dream come true a few days ago. I actually planned on building my own, but Chris didn't like the look, and I don't think he trusted my building skills either...what's up with that?!

He called my friend who is moving from her home soon, and asked if we could buy hers, and she said we could just have it. Boy, oh boy...Christmas at our house, that's all I have to say. All we had to do was paint it white to match our home.

I don't know what it is about a porch swing that makes me feel warm, fuzzy and at home. It's like my best friend Tammy said "It's the gathering place."

Now if I can just get some warm weather around here...

Running green...

So the boys, along with Chris and I decided to run in the St. Patrick's run in The Dalles Saturday. The boys and Chris were going to do the 3k and myself the 10k. This was Christian's first time running a race. He's been looking forward to it for a long time. They did excellent! I was so proud of them. Christian only stopped a few times for short rests, and never once complained. Connor came in 3rd for his age group and Austin his 2ND for his. They were so proud and excited.

I myself am starting to feel deja vu regarding this race. This is my 3rd time running this course in the last two years, and every time I have averaged the same exact pace, 8:38. Not a second slower, not a second faster. Weirdness. That is unusual as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I never really ran it yesterday, and am just remembering the 1st time? Just too strange. Another strange thing is I look like I could be related to the guy in blue who I tried desperately to catch, but never could. Nice outfit though.

The kids waited patiently out in the cold while I finished my race.

It was windy as could be but the perfect temperature to race in. I have been running slower the past several months and was so worried about how slow I might run. I felt grateful to my body for not abandoning me, and helping me get through it. It was a fun experience.

Mini mom...

Grace taught herself to change diapers the other day. Scarlett was a good guinea pig to learn on, and I am not complaining either. The funny thing is, Scarlett won't even let me change her anymore. She cries for Grace to do it. Grace gets the diaper on nice and tight, and even straight!

All I can say, is she will one day make a fabulous mother.

Connor races again...

Due to Connor coming in 1st for our local pinewood derby, he had the opportunity to go to districts to race. His car did really well, and he had so much fun! There were so many boys there and the competition was way tough. Connor did not place in the top three of his age group, but it was good for him to learn and see, that even when you don't win, it is still tons of fun.

Spring came for a day...

We have had the coldest, wettest year of my life, I swear. It's been snowing and raining for what seems like forever. We had a silver lining the other day though. 60 degree's. Let me tell ya, it felt like 80 compared to what it's been. I was in such a good mood that the boys and I played a little two on two. Shocking as it may sound...I lost...big time.

The beautiful weather lasted a whole day. Now we are back to rain and snow. Be nicer mother nature...please???

Putting them to work while their young...

Scarlett is such a hard worker. Whenever I fold towels, she wants to help fold the washcloths. Another one of her most favorite "chores" is to unload the utensils. Funny thing is, they look perfectly organized when she does so. Starting her out young will hopefully have a payoff for when she becomes a teenager. :)

Real housewives of the gorge...

Our 3rd annual girls weekend took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nine women that don't go shopping all that often, let loose in Portland and went a little crazy. Dresses, shoes, socks, jammies, more shoes, fun kitchen stuff, more shoes, and more shoes...all flying into carts.

Late nights took place as always. 3am the first night, and 2am the next. But after our hotel neighbors complained about our noise the 2nd night we sadly went to bed.

I love these women. I love to learn from them and get their advice. They have wisdom that I truly respect and admire.

I came home to kids awaiting me at the end of the driveway and a house that was clean, and a husband with a smile on his face. What a way to come home after such a great weekend.

You are an artist...

My boys are so funny about the things they choose to draw. They are so animated and their pictures remind me of children's story books. Austin drew this one of the clouds forming some angry tornadoes. I am the worst artist ever and am glad they inherited this fun talent from their dad.

Good voice and charm...

Lets face it...Josh Groban isn't the most obvious pick for hotness. But somehow his voice makes up for it. Apparently even 4 year olds are aware of this. I was listening to Josh Groban on Pandora, and I said "Doesn't he have such a great voice, Grace?" She replies "His voice sounds nice, but his face doesn't sound nice."

Sorry Josh.

Beds are for jumping on...

How many times have I heard "don't jump on the bed!" We all have at one time or another. For whatever reason, I resist the fact that jumping on beds is a bad thing. I mean, will it really make the bed any less comfortable if it's bounced on once in a great while? Will the life of the bed really be lessened because kids used it as a trampoline now and then? Maybe. But for me, life is too short not to jump on the bed. Now if I can just convince my husband of this...

Y-O-U spells you...

Scarlett's version of eenie meenie miney moe.

"Eenie, meenie, miney, moe. Catch a tiger by the toe, if he hollers let him go, my mom told me to pick the very best one...and....IT'S ME!"

If only life were that simple.