Potty Training

Here we go again. I'm sure I'm making all of you jealous of the fun that's about to take place in our house. The sad part is Mace was fully trained 4 months ago, in undies, doing all of it. Sometime after Disneyland and spending a week in pull-ups so we wouldn't have to leave long lines for him to relieve himself we went through relapse. It started out slow, a few accidents here or there until eventually there was poop in his pants daily. After a few weeks with my pregnant brain I accepted that he was no longer trained. He was so easy that I never had to bribe him, reward him, punish him, any of it, at first. When he started having accidents, I knew I had to give him treats to intice him to never have an accident again. He really got clever when he'd poop in his undies, dump it in the potty and say "look mom, poop in the potty, can I have a cookie??" What a tricker. Tomorrow I'm committed 100%, with a bucket full of prizes and all - here we go!

Happy late 4th! (but it's still July so it kind of counts)

I love that picture of my four favorite people. blue faces, teeth and all. I just have to express that I'm proud to be an American and there's no place else I know of that I'd rather be or live. Every time I see fireworks and hear patriotic music I'm filled with emotion and grattitude for the opportunity of being born in this country and for all of the service men both in the past and in the present that have sacrificed oh so much!! I'm so glad my kiddos were born here, into a life of prosperity, freedom and opportunity. This will conclude my soapbox for the month of July.

A visit to my past

We just back from Utah/Idaho for Chris's family reunion. I always get excited landing in SLC and being surrounded by the mountains. My kids are starting to appreciate them as well. I feel like the west is so much a part of who I am and that no matter how long I'm here, Utah and Idaho will always feel like home.
We took the kids to Provo and showed them our old stomping grounds. We went to the hospital where Charlotte was born, found our old apartments, found all of our favorite places to eat, shop, go to the movies and walked around campus. I really was emotional - I love Provo, oh so many memories. Charlotte has a favorite picture of her on Chris's shoulders cheering while I'm kissing him behind our old apartment before she turned one. We went to recapture the moment - it didn't turn out so great because Rozlyn was our only photographer available and I couldn't get the timer to work. When I scan in the old one I'll post the before and after.
We visited Chris's sisters over the weekend in Utah and stayed a few nights with my sister in Idaho Falls.
Chris's reunion was great. The kids LOVE their cousins and played so well, nonstop. I don't think anyone was ever asleep before midnight (including Mason) and we all took our sweet time waking up and getting ready each morning. True vacation.
In Rexburg we ate at both restaurants we used to work at, Frontier Pies and Gringos. Did I mention we revisited our past?? We took the kids to BYU-I, showed them Grandpa's old office, ate doughnuts, and saw where dad asked me to marry him. There was also Heise, Civil Defense Caves, ice-blocking, sand dunes, four-wheeling, the Rexburg temple and eating snow shacks once a day.
Now we're home, all spread out around the house, suitcases filled with laundry and it seems so quiet. I really wish we didn't live so far away from everyone and that every memory wasn't crammed into a 7-day period once or twice a year. So today I'm feeling homesick with a list a mile long of things to do. I better get on that before quiet times over. Here are a few cute pictures.
Mason rocking out on his "guitar" in the caves.

The gardens at the college.

Mason's new best friend, Teddy. They played nonstop the whole week!

Our rental car that had the kids waayyyy to close to each other - we're so happy to be back in the mini-van where no one is touching.

With all good intentions

So Charlotte has turned into quite the writer. She loves writing letters, addressing them and putting them in the mailbox. We have a new rule that I have to approve before giving her a stamp because she was using them all up on sealed letters and who knew what the contents were. When the mail comes each day all the kids rush to the pile to see if any of them got any letters. Grandma Cheryl is the best at always sending Charlotte mail and the two of them have become quite the pen-pals.
At the begining of the summer we got some chain letter about a sticker club. You know how it goes, send this to six people, make two copies, send a sticker to the name on the top, don't break the chain or your family will be cursed and in two weeks you'll get 36 new packets of stickers!!
I remember getting some of these when I was a kid but never participated, it's really not my thing and apparantley my mom was wiser then me to never fall for it. Thinking of the joy in her eyes as letter after letter poured in for her was a risk I had to take. There were only two spots for names, #1 & #2 so it only had to go through two people, one out of the six had to respond and one out of thier six had to as well - so I made my debut journey as a chain letter participant. I really thought I was the only one who had never done it - not true. It's probably been a month and no stickers in the mail. Don't think she hasn't forgotten about it either - she keeps asking when will my stickers come?
I feel like making up some fake names, putting some stickers in and sending them to her myself but I guess it's just best that she learns the lesson early on in life, 22years sooner then I did. It also reminds me of a time when I was down about something in high school and I received balloons, flowers & a card signed "from your secret admirer" - my lucky day!! Who could it be - I felt like being admired, he probably was hot & it really killed me to not know. I decided to be Nancy Drew and call the flower shop. Somehow I asked who had paid on the last order to which some dumb employee looked up the record and gave me my own Mom's name. It really was devastating. It still makes me laugh when I think back on it. The things we do for our kids and always with the best intentions.
So if anyone else has a small one as obsessed with letter writing as I do let me know and they'll have a pen-pal for life!!
(and I'm sorry to any of you we sent this to and made feel guilty - you're all wiser then me!)

My bad attitude

I'm so emotional - out of nowhere - and I'm blaming it all on being pregnant. Thursday I shuttled sick girls home from girls camp. I had to stop the car 4 times for vomiting on the side of the busy freeway. One time was in a Hobby Lobby parking lot.
Friday I got in a tussle with a park worker (way to long and boring of a story to tell you why). When he was done talking to me he said "your welcome", it really startled me and so I replied back with "I never said I was thank you". I often think rude things in my head but rarely do they come out.
Saturday our friends gave us their VIP tickets to the city 4th of July celebration. As we were entering they turned us away because of a huge storm rolling in. I was so looking forward to being a VIP and I lost my chance, good parking, free food and all.
Today I had to teach my lesson on overcoming opposition. I know my little trials are so lame, but still, it seemed a little ironic. My life seriously is a cake walk which makes me feel even worse about my bad attitude.
On a funny note: tonight when I put Mason to bed I told him I had three words for him 1- I, 2- Love, 3- You!! He replies with "Mom I have four words for you 1-Fireworks, 2-Poptarts, 3-(something I couldn't understand) and 4-tent". So maybe he didn't get my point but it really made me laugh, just like he does so many times everyday!

Florida, Swim Lessons, Six Flags

So if you found us you've realized I've delayed way to long again to blog and that we're now private. I hope you feel honored to have been invited. I really have to catch up on the past little while in a long boring layout and then maybe someday I can post something interesting again. It really is so much more fun to read everyone else's posts that I get carried away and run out of time to put anything down.
So here is the fast run down of the last month.
Florida - Chris and I took a premature 10 year anniversary trip to Florida. It was the most "real" vacation I've ever been on. It was the first time I've been somewhere without any agenda, no schedule, no one to meet up with. It really was the best!!! We stayed on a resort right on the beach, rented a convertible, drove down to the keys, went snorkling, ate delicious food and just relaxed.

Swim Lessons - Charlotte and Rozlyn just finished up a few weeks of lessons. My kids might be the slowest learners ever when it comes to swimming. This time around we made huge strides! They both are now comfortable going under for a long period. Actually swimming will be our next step. The pool has been my escape from the heat so far this summer. Our community is the best with the max depth at 3.5 feet. Our friends pool is almost like a big splash ground with the max depth at 1.5 feet. This way they have fun playing around and I don't have to worry so much about anyone drowning. I also enjoy my browner then ever skin I have. I really think tan skin automatically makes me look 10 pounds smaller which is a real plus in my third trimester state.

Six Flags - Yesterday we braved the heat and took the kids to Six Flags with their cousin from Palestine, TX. It was so hot and there were so many people. My kids loved it and had a great time. Each time the kids went on a ride that Mason and me couldn't go on we got to go eat as many treats as we possibly could and hide the evidence before they returned. Another highlight was the streaker that was arrested right in front of our eyes. We were walking along when some police stopped the traffic to escort a man out of a theatre wrapped in a small sheet into the police car. The man next to us explained that he stripped down in the theatre, made a huge scence, kids everywhere, not pretty, you get the idea...one police man was carrying out the shed clothing. Chris offered understanding for the guy by reminding us all just how extremely hot it was outside.
Here are some pictures. The whole gang.


My two favorite boys in the world!!!

I'm loving this summer. I can't believe it's already the last week in June. Slow down time, I'm not ready for a regular schedule anytime soon.

Weekend Hangover

Really this post was for yesterday but the system was down. Chris was out of town for his nephews baptism which left me on weekend duty. It used to be when he was gone I loved putting the kids to bed early for some "me" time but the older they get the funner they are to hang out with so it was the opposite this time around. On Friday we blew up the queen size mattress and did most of our eating, playing, movie watching (and a little bit of sleeping) right there. Mason was the last one to sleep both nights. That kid is going to give some boy scout leader nightmares in the future. He really could pull an all nighter if someone stayed up to talk to him. When we were just in Disneyland he usually was the last one to sleep in the hotel, occasionally poking and pushing on me and Chris.
Saturday's agenda was as follows:
1. Sleep in
2. Breakfast at McDonald's - play a long long time
3. Target for fun swimming toys
4. Swimming with the Marsden's
5. Swimming at the Twin Creeks Pool
6. Bath's, Dinner, Jammies, Movie Party
We had so much fun!!! It really makes me look forward to summer, only two days left!!! I'm really sick of the routine, getting the kids to bed each night and getting them up in the morning when all any of us want to do is sleep in, eat late and swim all day.
Of course we were so glad to have Chris come back and since he feels like he missed out on all the fun we're blowing the air mattress up one more time for the last day of school and he gets to join in on the fun.

Plumber anyone??

So my wonder husband Chris rescued our family again with his amazing plumber skills! On Monday he made his trip to Home Depot, purchased the goods and took apart the toilet for the second time this month! I never knew he had these handy skills, we also never had a need for them until Mason came around.
A few weeks back we were out on a date. I went through the routine call I always make a half hour or so after bedtime to see how everything went. In all the times past there is only silence in the background, the babysitter tells me how fabulous the kids are and that everyone's sleeping soundly. Chris and I can then go on to have a worry free, enjoyable night. On this night it sounded like the babysitter was throwing a party, I was immediately annoyed, asked why all the kids were screaming and wide awake. She told me there had been a little problem. More like a HUGE problem. Apparantley (after everyone WAS in bed) Charlotte had to use the bathroom, it started to overflow. The babysitter found a plunger, started plunging away with no relief in sight. The babysitter proceeded to plunge while she instructed Charlotte to flush and the water kept coming out. When I took the babysitter home I asked her to guess how many times she thought they flushed it, her estimate was 15!(The following Monday's FHE was on toilet emergency's, particularly never flush it twice if the first time didn't work!) Rozlyn was then assigned to grab every towel she could find in the house, since there was a river now running into each girls bedroom. The babysitter then called my emergency contact friend, Tanya and she came to the rescue. Can I add that only true friends come over late at night, stomp through flooded toilet water, clean it all up and do all of your laundry (the 50 thousand saturated towels)! Tanya, you're the best ever!
Our date night ended with us rushing home, pulling up carpet, ripping the soaked pad out and running a bunch of fans. I was so bitter that we didn't get to ever have dinner that I got some fast food at midnight, set a blanket on the floor, washed our hands really really good and ate our greasy hamburger and fries.
Tanya told us she plunged forever without progress. Chris had the same luck. He ended up taking the toilet apart and found a plastic waffle lodged in there. The perfect storm!
Our toilet in our master bedroom stopped working about a week ago. Chris once more removed the whole thing, turned it upside down.
Here were the latest casualities


We just bought these toys for the airplane ride on our trip to Disneyland. They were his favorite!! Mickey is also missing, we think he might have gone all the way. If it wasn't for Goofy's large bottom, they probably would have all cleared nicely.
Here are items that have been lost and found, four different race cars, including his favorite lamborghini, my credit card, car keys, plastic food, toothbrushes, washclothes, handsoap and now these guys. We don't have an account of whats made it down the shoot.
I have no idea how to solve this problem. We only wish his poop made it in as frequently as his toys.
Should you have the same bad luck you can call on Chris, he's extra helpful, really good looking and even applies brand new clean white grout around the toilet when he's done. I have a super plumber for a husband!

So Long Best Friends Wallpaper & Diamonds

We are undergoing major home repairs as we speak. It all started because Mason is about to say so long nursery, hello big boy room. The girls will begin sharing as soon as schools out. (8days!!) Then Mason gets his own pad. It currently has purple diamonds on the wall and pink wall paper that's border says "best friends" all over on it. Chris tried to convince me that we could move him in, in this condition and eventually paint it. My present to myself and our marriage was to find someone else to strip the wallpaper, re-texture and paint. I had to take pictures before it's all long gone. I loved the diamonds that were only with us a few short monhts. It was one of my funnest painting projects to date. I will miss you!!

Graduation!!

It's official, Roz is off to kindergarten. I shed a few tears at the ceremony. The presentation was darling and she made mom and dad very proud. Why do they have to grow up so fast?? I wish I could freeze this little phase she's in right now.

More then just a .

I'm making my way back into the blogging world. To kick this new debut off in style I decided to change things up & create a new fresh look. It's really the thought that counts right? It shouldn't matter that my title is just a "." and nothing else. When I get to heaven I'm for sure requesting some magical technical power that I wasn't granted during this life.
Thanks for the concern from some of you on my behalf. I really didn't fall off the face of the earth but am flattered to know that if I did a few of you would notice. My big news for any of you who haven't yet heard is that baby #4 is well on the way. I'm due in Sept and more excited then I can express. I feel so blessed. We aren't finding out the sex of this little one and even that is making this pregnancy so much fun. In the process of being sick and chasing around 3 kids five months have somehow passed me by.
So here's to a new try and a small dot for a title.

More Christmas and Gold Coat Explanation

Happy 2008!! We had such a fun time ringing in the new year. We got together with some friends played games, ate lots of food, wore the party hats and watched our own ball fall at midnight. I wish I had some pictures, I'll try to sneak some from my friend to show you just how funny it was. Our friends had no T.V. so a volleyball adorned with some tin foil patches around it hanging from the 2nd floor did the trick. There were a few flash lights on the sides shining on it for added affect. I'm sure it was much funnier then I can describe. Even little Charlotte stayed up til midnight. All together a very fun night.
Here is another picture from Christmas at our house.

I was very proud of myself for putting up this arch of lights. I hot glued it, got burnt in the process, but was so happy at my effort everytime I saw it throughout the month. So since so many of you seemed concerned about the gold coats I thought I'd better explain. We went to this awesome display of ice sculptures. It really was amazing. I loved it! It's in this huge hotel with a million Christmas decorations, a life size gingerbread house that you can go in, etc. The whole experience was fabulous. When you check in they provide everyone with those huge Gold Coats. I guess here in Texas they figure people don't have their own warm coats. I'm dissapointed that you all thought that I would seriously buy those for my fam. This is a must do every year for us now. This is the real picutre of all of us waiting to go in.

.....and a final picture of my favorite Christmas present. I might just leave it up until next year I love it so much!

Chris went to work today, the kids go back tomorrow. After this long month of fun we are about to be back on the regular schedule. I've loved our break and am a little sad to see it all end. It should be a good year though because I convinced my kids of some good resolutions to make (obey quickly, listen to mom, help my siblings, do chores without being asked) I'll let you know how it goes.

Look at our fun month!!

We've been having the best time with my parents here. Celebrating Christmas is so much funner with some extra family along to share it with. Here are some fun pictures from the month.

Tagged

Tagging really is the best when your mind is so unorganized and you can't put any other complete thoughts or stories down. So here it is in all its glory.

Five things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago
1. Living the life as a freshman at Ricks College
2. Lots of cheering, dating and not so much studying
3. Faithfully writing a missionary I was certain I was going to marry
4. Not making any money
5. Meeting with the Dean for breaking rules

Five things on my To Do List (short and long term)
1. Complete a triathlon
2. Live in a small town
3. Serve a mission with Chris
4. Visit Every State
5. Own Power Tools and build cool things

Five things I'd do if I was a Millionaire
1. Visit my family much more frequently
2. Travel the world with my family
3. Pay off all my debt
4. Decorate my house
5. Buy new cars

Five things I'd never do again
1. Never really is a long time, I can't think of specific things. Maybe there are too many. I would hope that I'd be more independent, strong, optimistic, self assured and less worried about everything.

Five Favorite Toys
1. Bike Trailer
2. Sewing Machine
3. Bosch
4. Computer
5. DVR

Five Things I've Read Recently
1. Animal Vegetable Miracle
2. Complications - A Suregeons Notes on an Imperfect Science
3. The Christmas Box Miracle
4. Austenland
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Five People I'm Tagging
1. Amy
2. Tanya
3. Jessie
4. Tori
5. Rachel

A few reviews

I've been thinking about all these things I love lately and have to give some positive reviews for a few of my favorites.
1 Fall Decorations and smells, pumpkin spice wall flower from Bath and Body Works.
2. Two Rows - Fruit Cobbler. Who know that somewhere so close could have such deliciousness. It was even more exciting that we've lived here over a year and now just found it, it made it seem more like a hidden treasure discovered. You must try one yourself.
3. Sprinkles Cupcakes - I've almost tried every flavor. I get all hooked in the craze of new and exciting things. If you have to stand an hour in line to get one, it must be that good right? That is my way of thinking. That's why day after Thanksgiving shopping at 5am in the freezing cold is so much more fun then any other time. I'm sad and sorry for you if your not in an area where you can get one of these. Should you ever visit us, it's the first place we'll go.
4. Dan in Real Life. - This movie was such a delight. Squeaky clean and hilarious especially if your future will involve a teenage daughter. Go see it if you haven't already.
5. Wal-mart paint. For all of you anti-Wal-mart people out there I'm sorry it's at Wal-mart. It comes in a plastic container with a screw on lid. It's genius because when you take the lid off it's a little bowl perfect for touching up with. I've been getting my paint at Home Depot forever and paying twice as much. I really think it even covered better and was overall better paint (it could just be the savings or fun plastic container swaying my opinion). Again, sorry it's at Wal-mart for you haters.
6. The "Buy it Now" option on Ebay. I've been discouraged to many time being out bid or paying waaayyy to much because the bidding up becomes a game for me. The "Buy it Now" option was made just for me. Find the item, click, buy, no waiting, no stress, not so compulsive buying.
7. Reading blogs. Here is why I never post, because I'm always reading all of yours. The blogger world has exploded and so many friends and family have joined me on the bandwagon. There really isn't enough time to read them all as often as I wish I could, and that really leaves no time to ever post. All of you lives are so much more exciting to here about. I really love it.