Potty time...

When my kids are around 1, I bring out the potty chair and start sitting them on it. I know it's early, but I have early potty trainers because of it. I don't expect them to actually go at this age or recognize their body cues, but by the time their bodies are ready, they already have the sit-on-the-potty thing down, so the 2 just merge together nicely. Roman actually pulls up his shirt and starts tugging at his pants now when he wants to sit down. We sing songs and clap wildly and then he's done. Good job little man.

Underware...

For the record, I know it isn't right to blog about your son's underware- but I had too! Tristin is actually tiny underneath those clothes and to prove it- I just bought him new boxers for the first time in years. He's been wearing size 6-8 boxer/briefs for YEARS! Since he was 6. I thought it was funny...he will too one day, right?!

Juice...

I borrowed my friends juicer the last time we were VT and we experimented. I had no clue what I was doing so I juiced some pretty terrible blends. I think I may be a smoothie girl!

Going on a walk...

Roman has discovered his car and he loves it! He also loves going for walks in the wagon!

Salsa and more jam...

Last week I finally got around to getting my salsa made! Geesh, sometimes I wonder what takes me so long to get things done around here! I also got another batch of jam made- raspberry, strawberry, peach blend.Yum!

Star of the week- Grace...

Grace just won the student of the week in her class! She was pretty happy with herself! Way to go Grace!

Weapons...

Although not thrilled that they are waepons, I'm actually very impressed with Tristin's wood working skills! He goes out, uses my tools and paint, comes back in awhile later and shows me what deadly impaling weapon he just made. From an artsy side, way to go Bud! From a Mom and an :I-hope-my-son-turns-out-normal side, I'm worried!

Temple...

A few days ago Trav and I went to the temple and it was great to go again. It had been a few months and it was so nice to sit and feel at peace. Peace is hard to find as a Mom and so I;ve tried making a greater effort to find it. I was also praying for a change in my attitude toward service in general. I've always enjoyed helping people, I've always strived to ease people's burdens, but I noticed myself getting irritated, tired and and frustrated with yet another service oppertunity! I didn't like what I was feeling and I know more than anything it stemmed from just being really worn out. I went to my Heavenly Father about a kazillion times and asked for him to help change my heart and to give me the strength to help when I was needed. Hopefully we'll get there!

Trying...

A few days ago I watched the tiny video clip from "Time out for Women" and in it they challenged us to learn something new this month. I honestly thought- yeah right, there is no time for that! But then I really asked Heavenly Father to help me find something. I came up with cooking. I hate to cook but love to eat. It drives me crazy, I don't enjoy it, I get stuck in the same rut with the same meals and I feel like a failure when Trav comes home from a long day and it's grilled cheese or speghetti! I knew I needed to step up my game plan- and I have! Nothing out of the field- but I've been trying new recieps and baking! I've cooked a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and gravy. I tried a new enchalada reciepe which was yummy, I defrosted chicken in time to actually have it ready for dinner- that was huge! I tried a new dessert (brownie, pudding & cool whip), made banana bread/muffins and there was another one I can't remember. Like I said, nothing amazing, but at least I have been looking at new things and actually planning. Olive Garden's Zuppa Tocana soup is on the list, which we love too! I'm seeing a little pattern though- cheese, bacon, butter, mayo, cream cheese & mexican- it just calls my name!!

Random...

The garden...

Well, this year I really tried,and things really grew- but a few of our vegtables never produced anything! I was bummed about my beautiful tomato plants, my peppers, the cucumbers and my brocoli. We did get some beans, which Willow is holding, some pumpkins, carrots and a strawberry from our transplanted plants. Luckily, the rabbits are munching away on what is left!

Carnival...

A local church had a carnival on Saturday so DeArley and I took the kiddos over to have some fun! (Trav had church stuff to do) They had a blast and this year they included a horse ride! The girls were in Heaven! Daisy had JUST asked to ride a horse a day or two before, so they timing was PERFECT! Everyone had a fun time, and the best part? Everything was free to the community, how sweet! Games, treats,food, 3 different bouncy houses, craft projects, horse ride, face painting- it was great!

Part 2- Seattle!

We left Seaside around 5:30PM and got to G-ma's house safe & sound! We were exhausted and ready to get out of the car. We had a good night's sleep and then woke up and: ate waffles, played the marble game, went over to G-ma's house, hit a yard sale, played some more and had fun! The next few days were filled with yummy food, a family gathering, yard saling, 2 sleep overs with the cousin's, relaxing, more yummy food, baking, going to the park, a breakfast with my step sister and Mama, watching a few episodes of Hoarders with Mom, visiting with G-ma & G-pa before they got sick, a football game, a series of Bingo & dime toss games and visiting with family (and seeing my sweet Erin!) It was a wonderful few days and I always wish it could be longer.Thank you Mom for spoiling us, thank you Brent for taking Trav to the game, thank you Jake & April for taking the kiddos overnight to play with their cousins and thanks Erin for making the drive out to Mom's new place to see us! We love you guys and had a great trip. After 1300 miles though, we are tired and now getting back into normal life: 4:00 AM alarm clocks and laundry!