Sweet Musings...

This week was a typical week for us.
We watched our favorite cartoons in the mornings before breakfast.(Curious George, Super Why, PBS etc)
Breakfast is our favorite meal, all except for Ryan, who chooses not to eat it.(Crazy loon) I love to make the kids pancakes or french toast for breakfast. They love it too.
Once a week we go to the library. I reserve new books for the kids every week and I've been reading them all of the Caldocott Honor Books. Lately Sam has been obsessed with Curious George books. I don't really like the series personally so I've been trying to get him to see the fun in other books. The library had a summer reading program that challenged the kids to read(or have read to them) 30 books during the months of June and July. I think Sam enjoyed reading all of the different books as much as I did. There's really something magical about having a new book to read, it's so exciting. We wrote down and kept track of all the books we read for the challenge and Sam turned his paper in for a prize on Friday. He was thrilled to have his name up on the wall at the library. They also gave him a certificate and coupons for free ice cream and such at the local businesses. My favorite part was that they gave him his own little book to keep from a selection he got to choose from. He choose The Little Rabbit by Judy Dunn. I remember reading it when I was a child and I've felt very nostalgic about it all week.
The library has a fabulous park adjacent to it. It has a running trail around a small lake, two age appropriate playgrounds and a fun water feature area. We usually combine our trip to the library with a trip to the park and spend some time playing in the water and on the park toys.


I've been lucky to make a few friends here in Augusta already. Eryn Rodgers whose husband is a fellow resident at the Medical College of Georgia with Ryan, has a sweet little boy named Tyler who is practically the same age as Russell. Sometimes we go swimming at their place in the afternoons and hang out just for fun.
We've also made some more recent friends that Sam will associate with through a Joy School. A few mother's and I are organizing a small pre-school for our 3-4 year olds and I look forward to both teaching the kids on my week and having a little one on one time with Russell when Sam is at school. Plus, Sam is super excited to "go to school" and I think he is going to love it.

Besides Monday family nights, the weekends are my favorite part of the week because Ryan is home. We spend most of our time taking care of household necessities like cleaning and maintenance but it's fun because we get to play together as well. Mom is nice, but Dad is fun. Or so, they tell me.

On Saturday we decided it was time to cut the boys hair. It was getting far too long and I had been putting it off because I don't know how to cut it properly. My good friend Bonnie who used to do it for me, now lives a LONG ways away. Sad, so sad. So we made the decision just to buzz their hair, keep it simple. In general, the boys cooperated. Sam had the most trouble because he was slightly afraid of the clippers but he survived and they both look great.

Russell hanging out this week. His long hair covers his ears and sometimes gets in his eyes.

Playing after the cut. He loves his tooth brush. I love the new look, clear of crazy hair.

This pictures shows a few of his teeth. He's got 3 and 3 more are coming in, all at the same time. Poor baby, it makes him so sad some days. I can't wait for them to break through.

Sunday's seem to wrap up our week. We both serve in our new ward at church in different ways. Ryan is a leader for the 11 year old scouts and I teach in Primary. I was also just called today to serve on the Enrichment Committee, which, is funny because I have been part of Enrichment for the last 4 years. It's such a fun calling, and I look forward to more event planning and crafting projects that will inevitably follow in the next year.
I spend Sunday evenings reading and planning the week ahead. Since we live so far from family, we spend our Sunday evenings alone together. I guess most of our evenings are spent alone together but Sunday's feel like a special opportunity to spend extra time talking and being together before the week begins and we spend most of our time apart. So although we miss being with our families, I enjoy this time together a lot.

Our lives seem so blessed. I feel so lucky to have good health and happy kids. This isn't the first and I'm sure won't be the last time I say, "My cup runneth over." But I should like to add, "and it spills all over." I am so grateful.

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Potty Training 101

{Warning!! This post does contain foul potty language}

My Samuel has mastered the toilet! I want to scream my happiness from someplace very high! It has been at least 1 week since I've changed a poopy diaper.(Note: I do still have Russell's to change) I really can't describe the freedom I feel...my life is sweeter, my time better spent, my house less stinky. Well, why are you still sitting there? Seriously, get up and dance with me. It's celebration time!

Why, you might ask, did it take me till now to potty train my child? My only response would be... Sam wasn't ready. In fact he refused entirely. After trying 2-3 times I finally dropped it. No forcing, no bribing. Okay kid, you let me know when you decide you are going to be a big boy. So, I waited, and waited, and yes, waited! Finally about 2 weeks ago I decided it was time to try again. So, we got out the little undies, filled a jar full of little candies(Skittles) and told Sam that if he used the toilet he would get a piece of candy...every time. Yes, every time. Oh ya, and the candy jar was in his view and on his level.

For the first couple of days we averaged 2 accidents per day. Reasonable? Very. But I had yet to see a bowl movement. Never before had Sam gone poo on the toilet. I had tried everything, I really did, bribes, threats(nothing drastic), actually putting him on the toilet every 30 minutes the entire day, but nothing worked.
This time though, I was determined and I think Sam could feel it. He knew he was only supposed to use the toilet but I think it scared him. So much so that he didn't go poo for 3 days...I was worried, and yet, still very determined. I was sure he was going to just go accidentally in his pants, or in the corner. I watched him like a hawk.

It happened day 3.

That evening we were having baths and I had just gotten him out of the bath. "I have to pee!" He said. Alright, so this was a good sign. I sent him back into the bathroom and told him to hurry back. A few minutes later he came running in yelling, "I poo Mom!" Sure, I thought as I followed him back into the bathroom. How many times had I peered over the edge of the toilet seat hoping I'd see poo inside? (Too many to remember) But there it was! Tada! Poo! Just like that. He was so excited, I was so excited and then I yelled to Ryan to join in on the excitement. Ryan immediately took him to the store and got him a sucker. His treat of choice. We'll support this habit as needed.

The rest dear reader...is history. From that moment on Sam has been potty trained. I admit we've had a tiny accident once and I am still rewarding a good poo with a good sucker. But really, it's done. I still sort of can't believe it. He was just ready. I had to wait.

I was going to write a short list of things to help myself for the next time I have to potty train. But I feel like all I had to do was wait. Plus, Russell is such a different soul I'm guessing he's going to be totally different. Hopefully he'll be ready sooner. I'm crossing my fingers.

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A 3 year old's independence

"I can do it!" said Sam, the other day while I was trying to get him dressed.
"Alright, go ahead." I answered.
Somehow this time didn't seem like a great time to force him to let me help.
I left the room, giving him ample opportunity to "do it himself."
When he came downstairs a little while later I was shocked to find everything right side out. Upon closer inspection though I realized every bit of clothing was on backwards, right down to his ninnies!
"Sam, everything is on backwards, sweetie." I told him.
"Yes." He replied.
We had errands to run and I was trying to shuffle everyone out the door while I asked him if he wanted to turn everything around.
"No." He said quite calmly.
"Alright Sam, I don't care really if your clothes are backwards. Let's go." and out the door we went.

After locking the door to the house I turned around to find Sam walking backwards to the car.
"What are you doing Sam?" I asked.
"I'm backwards Mom." He said.
Oh, I thought to myself, why didn't I think of that.

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A dental conference and some fireworks...

Ryan started working on the 29Th of May. Orientation lasted a few days and then of course it was time to travel somewhere fun for a dental conference. Ryan's residency will be including several trips to attend dental conferences. Great news for Ryan, but sad news for me because I don't get to go and won't have a husband when he travels. Such is life though, right? Well how excited was I when I learned that I didn't have to sit this dental conference out?! (So excited.) No, I didn't actually attend the conference but I did actually get to stay at the fabulous resort and play all day in the sun!

Ryan got home from work his 4Th day and we packed the kids into the van and headed out on another little adventure. Our destination, The King and Prince beach resort on St Simons Island, just off the coast of Georgia. We stayed in a resort view room and I felt the accommodations were fairly luxurious. We had so much fun I could hug the person who made it possible for families to go. The best part was that the conference only lasted until noon every day. So then we spent the rest of the time playing in the ocean waves or splashing in the pools. It was a luxury we never would have been able to afford otherwise and we were very grateful for the opportunity.

The resort had 3 pools; 1 indoor, and 2 outdoor. One of the outdoor pools had waterfalls and a shallow area for kids. The ocean was just down a few steps from the pools. Sam is our beach maniac. He definitely prefers the crashing waves and messy sand to the static of the pools. Russell on the other hand was very wary of the inconsistent waves and odd texture of the sand, the pool was certainly more his style.
We spent most days traipsing back and forth from beach to pool.

A few of the other residents families came along too and we got to really get to know each other. What fun friends we made. One day a few of us ventured out to see the island's lighthouse.


The hike up to the view was kid friendly, only about 129 steps(I think). Down was a little bit more tricky than going up but Sam did great. Ryan did too.(He was carrying Russell:)



The Davis's cute family

The lighthouse & Ryan from the pier you see in the photo of the view from the top of the lighthouse.

Sam with Kylie and Ambrie. (I hope I spelled their names right)
Sam really had the most fun when we were hanging out with these girls. Whenever we would get separated from them, whether at night when we went to our own room, or during a 2 minute interval when he couldn't see them around the corner he would ask me, "Hey Mom, where's my girls?"

These two were so sweet and fun.

This picture is a little too bright but I wanted to include it because Sam really liked the cannon.

A few whales the kids really wanted their picture taken by.

We were at the resort over the 4Th of July. We celebrated the holiday swimming and eating. Then we watched the fireworks show they shoot off the pier. It was a lovely way to celebrate. (Thanks to those who made it possible.)

Wish we could go to the next conference in Hawaii. (hint, hint:)

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Lucky us...

When Ryan and I returned from our sailing adventure we got to spend another day or so with Ryan's parents and sister before they left town. I always enjoy the time we are able to spend together. I am so lucky to have such wonderful inlaws. They make me laugh and feel so appreciated. Thanks again for helping us escape off to the Keys for a few days. It was so kind of you to watch the boys while we went adventuring.

Two days after the Bailey's left town, the Gray's came to see us. My parents were able to come for 10 days and we enjoyed every minute of their visit. We played at the park, visited Atlanta, saw a few Augusta sights and went shopping! Lets not forget all the yummy food involved and the fresh fruit stands we raided. I don't get to spend very much time with my parents bein's how I live so far from them. So it was a real treat to have them all to myself. Sorry siblings, it had to be done. I took a few photos of our adventures.

Playing with Grandpa at the park.

Chilin' with grandma.

Exploring a park in Augusta.

A new superman cape! Sam puts it on and asks me very seriously, "Where should I fly to mom?" Special thanks to Julene O'Dell, my mother's friend who made the cape for him. She passed away recently and our thoughts and hearts go out to their family.

Hugging the pandas!

Riding the carousel.


And the train.

Feeding the birds.

Little lion Sam.

Big gorillas.

My mother and I spent some time shopping together and we found some great finds!
Only in the south would you find such beautiful hats for sale at JC Penny's! I love it here! Thanks for coming to visit us everyone! We love you. So long, and thanks for all the fun!

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