Poop!

Today we hit a milestone for Ethan, and I had to share. I have been trying to potty train him for months, maybe not aggressively, but we have been talking, and trying, and talking and trying for a long time. Well, a couple of weeks ago, he finally started going pee in the potty. However, the poop was another story. He was one of those that got fearful and would hold it in, knowing that he wasn't supposed to poop his pants. I finally told him that if he kept holding it, we would have to put something up his bottom (something else he is afraid of.) Well, today, he spent a lot of time in the bathroom trying to go, but got stage fright. At one point I asked him what he was doing, and in his best Napoleon Dynamite answer said, "I'm going to take a dump, gosh!" ( I don't know how I feel about that!) I knew that he had an upset stomach so I put his potty in the living room, in front of the tv, with his favorite show on and let his body relax. And, pretty soon, there was a beautiful poop in the toilet. Now, I realize that this may be a little too much for some to read, and not all of you are interested in reading about poop, but I wanted to share. If you knew the things Scott and I have tried to bribe him with, and the attempts to accomplish this, you would want to share too. So, now we have to pay up. First, he wanted a tootsie roll. Then he wanted to play with his loader that has been sitting in the top of his closet for many months. Then he asked if he could have a camp out in the backyard, with a movie and popcorn. I am so proud of him! When he saw his poop in the toilet, he said, "Look mom, I made a mountain!" What a great day! Way to go Ethan! Now you can go to preschool this fall!

Gray

So, as I was doing my hair this morning, I noticed a lot of shiny gray hairs that have appeared on the top of my head. How can that be? It can't be...I don't want it to be! My kids have been sick...well Ethan has a cold and poor Aiden--He is a trooper! His eyes have been looking like he could be getting sick and yesterday acted like his stomach hurt. So, I snuggled him and noticed that he didn't really have much of an appetite. Finally at dinner time, he was starving and acting more like himself, especially when he threw an all to often temper tantrum. He threw his head back and I saw that 2 of his 4 eye teeth are coming in. And he is still working on his last molar. He has hardly made a peep. I am so proud of him. His new favorite thing to do is climb on the couch, stand on his tip-toes, and hang over the edge. I swear, this kid is going to give me a run for my money. It's amazing that I haven't lost more weight because I feel like all I do is chase him away from things that could hurt him. But, through it all, I wouldn't change it for the world! Maybe he is the reason I have gray hairs....

Happy 24th!

Last night, my family came over for a bbq and fireworks. However, things didn't turn out as planned. Usually we go to the parade, but decided that it was too hot and Aiden wouldn't sit still. (Imagine that!) We had a good time, don't get me wrong, but I was sick all night, and everyone was really tired. It was fun spending time with the family and my boys had a great time. Ethan's new favorite thing to do is pretend he is Dash from the Incredibles. He runs as fast as he can everywhere he goes. Yesterday was a good time to reflect the sacrifices made on my behalf to have the kind of lifestyle that we have. I am grateful for the pioneers and their courage to stand up for themselves and fight for what they believe in. It makes me wonder if I would have had the courage to do what they did for us. We are truly blessed because of their sacrifice, and should keep that in our thoughts every day. Yea for the pioneers!

There's a what down where?????

So, I was going to title this blog Happy Birthday Dad, because today we celebrated his birthday. However, I will add a little to this story before I tell him how great he is. Tonight Bountiful had their annual parade for the 24th of July as well as fireworks. As a family we decided to have dinner at my parents house and then walk down closer to the action. Well, we headed out and pretty soon my sister came running up the driveway and whispered something in my dad's ear. Next thing we know he is going into the garage and getting a shovel and flashlight. There was a RATTLESNAKE at the bottom of their driveway and it struck at my nephew Addison. This is the 2nd one they have seen this year. And for as many years as they have lived up there, this is the first year they have come across any. I can't begin to tell you how much I hate snakes. They creep me out so bad. Ugh! Anyway, I just wanted to tell my dad that I hope he had a great birthday and tell him thanks for everything he has done and continues to do for me and my family. We love you Bomps!

Good times with great friends!

Tonight we went to Cherry Hill with our good friends Jeremiah and Belinda Johnson and their great kids Sam and Elisabeth. Scott has been friends with Jeremiah since high school. They have recently moved back to Salt Lake after living in St. George for a little while. We are so glad they are back! We only wish that we lived a little closer to each other, but that is no big deal. The kids had a great time together. Sam and Elisabeth are older than Ethan, but you would never know it. They are so great with him, and with Aiden for that matter. Sam will be in the 4th grade this next year and Elisabeth will be in 2nd. When I see Ethan with them, I know that he is well taken care of. The kids are so nice to him, and make him feel just like a big kid like them. I am so grateful to know that he had good role models to look up to in his life outside of family. I think that is really important. I am also grateful for the friendship I have created with Jeremiah and Belinda. I don't feel like I am always good at making friends, and that sometimes I stand in the corner and frown. These guys are awesome, and great friends. Thanks for the great memories, guys!

Great times at Marsh Lake

Well, we are back from camping. I love to camp, but things really changed for me when I brought my kids. Ethan had the time of his life, but poor Aiden wasn't too happy because he was contained. The terrain was hard for a new little walking person to conquer, but he was determined. I was afraid he was determined to add a new scar to his body with new stitches. So, I was cautious. We had a short but sweet trip, just enough to say we went camping. Ethan found a new hobby--fishing. That is all he wanted to do, and when the time came for us to have dinner, go to bed, etc., he wanted nothing to do with it. He would have been perfectly happy to fish all night long if we would have let him. He also got to have his first canoe ride, but didn't think that was as fun as fishing on the shore. When Scott took him down to fish one last time before it was time to go home, Ethan had a had on. Right as he went to cast his line, he stopped and said, " Hang on Dad, I need to turn my hat around." So, he flipped it backwards, and cast his line. It was really cold on Saturday night, so Scott and I felt like we didn't sleep, but worried all night about the boys being warm. Aiden slept with us, and I could feel his cold little ear on my cheek. So, the sleeping wasn't great. In fact, Scott and I woke up the next morning (did we ever really sleep?) and said to one another, I thought this was supposed to be fun. And there was the fear of an animal coming into our campsite. I don't know if it is because there has been so much talk lately of bears coming and creating a panic. But I know that my sister in law Natalie spent the whole night listening for a sign. So, thanks Nat. So, camping is a new experience for me as a mom because I get to see how much fun my boys will have doing this. I want them to have these memories with family and cousins, and know how to fish and have fun in the mountains. It may not be my idea of the most fabulous vacation, but we will have fun creating memories for many years to come!

An "Ethanism"

So, I had to share a funny story about Ethan. Lately you can tell his little mind is questioning everything. "Why does the car move, where does garbage go, what for?" are just a few examples. However, one question really stuck out today. We were walking in Target, looking for a hiking backpack for our camping trip this weekend. When he noticed that we were by the baby section, he said, "Mom, I was a tiny baby once." "Yes, was my reply, you were." "I lived in your tummy, mom." "Yes, you did. You are very smart." Then, he said, " You swallowed me and put me in your tummy."
I love how inquisitive he has become lately. It is rewarding for me to know that the questions are sinking in, and that he really gets what I am telling him.
We are off for our first family camping trip. Hope we catch a couple fish! I think Ethan is the most excited to sleep in a "tank" (that means tent to the rest of us.)

There's no place like home!

Well, I made it back from camp. We had a great time, and had no major problems. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to go because Scott got really sick the night before. But, we got the problem under control really quickly and away I went. I am not sure that my boys knew what was going on, but I hope they were happy to see me today. When I got back, Scott had things working just great. The house was clean, kids were happy, Aiden had his stiches out, and I was tired and needed a shower. The young women are strong, amazing people, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them. This next generation is even stronger than you can imagine. They truly are special warriors saved for the last days. I learned a lot about myself, and I have to say that my bed sure feels good right now!

Aiden vs. the stairs

We had an interesting day yesterday. I was busy trying to get stuff finished up for camp and had the boys playing downstairs, just off my kitchen, with a gate up for Aiden. Well, after awhile, he decided to come shake the gate until it came loose, and climbed up the stairs. He wandered in the kitchen, and then went back by the stairs to go downstairs. He knows he is supposed to turn around by the steps, and he did. But he thought he could walk down backwards. Well, his head caught his fall, and now he has 6 stiches in his forehead. You would never know that he hurt himself however. He still continues to hit his head on the floor when he gets mad. The stitches are supposed to come out in just a few days, however. So, I guess you could say that the stairs won. Much thanks to Uncle Adam for the help. He has saved us so many times! Here are some pictures...