Potty Training AGAIN!

I know what you're thinking! He looks thrilled! Actually I'm the only one thrilled that he's ready to potty train. Now begins the time to re-train myself to go to the potty every 30 minutes and then 10-20 minutes after a meal. Lots of work, but the save on diapers is WONDERFUL! It helps to have 2 brothers that cheer along with me and give him "prizes" when he performs correctly. It's been interresting. When he gets discouraged, he says, "bypah, mom" (That's diaper, for all you not versed in toddlerese.) Wish us luck! It's already been 30 minutes, gotta go! :)

Easter 08

Easter.... the "rest of the story" after Christmas!

Happy Easter Bunny Day 2008!

We celebrated Easter Bunny Day on Saturday. That way the candy/bunny thing is done and the actual Easter reason can be recognized. They were good with it and it worked well! I worked Saturday night, however, so Primary had to teach them about the REAL Easter! We talk about Jesus' resurrection often, though so they know why we celebrate that and Christmas. They seem to "get it" so young, it's amazing! Anyway... hope you all had a great holiday, however you celebrated! :)

Talent show tryouts

"And our next entry.... Dawson drawing a picture!" (clap, clap, clap, clap.)






(clap, clap, clap, clap, shy smile, proud parents clapping loudest!)

Dawson entered the first grade talent show. He said he could play his guitar he got for Christmas. We decided he really didn't know any songs, so he agreed to draw. There were 5 entries--2 dancers, 1 piano number, and 1 story reading and Dawson. One of the dancers got chosen to go on, but Dawson still seemed as proud as we are to have tried. What a cool kid!

Block heads

Blocks have always been a favorite of our kids'. They can build the darndest thing with them! These are the latest blocks we have purchased. They seem to be pretty sturdy, definately one we'd recommend.

Dawson's snowman

Here's the only snowman built on our property this year! Dawson did it all. By himself. No help whatsoever! Notice the arms----LONG branches across the middle of the picture! The hat is a sand bucket, the mouth are red soft mints, the nose is a whole cucumber cut in half, the eyes are round mint tins and the scarf is an ancient one Gary had downstairs in his box of "old stuff." We watched from the warmth of the window. Good job, Daws!

The First Grade classes made an Ocean Museum at school this last week. They researched different animals and then made a habitat or brought a visual aid to represent that animal. They decorated the room with art projects and put the research projects on tables around the room in a semi-circle. They even had refreshments---sea blue punch and fish crackers!! They seemed to have had a good time getting them together and it was cute! Dawson's group did the Sea Turtle. He said he learned a lot about them... He said they eat seaweed, live in warm shallow waters, and most important---they are UNABLE to put their heads inside their shells like other turtles! Good job, Dawson!

OK so funny story about Dawson's turtle. He made it out of salt dough and then painted it with water colors after it dried. It was still wet, so he brought it home on a paper towel. He sits in the very back seat in our van and Gary happened to look back in his seat and saw the turtle on the napkin. He said, in an annoyed voice, "Who puked back here?" We couldn't figure out what he meant... Then we realized that from afar, Gary thought it looked like vomit. Sad! At least it didn't make Dawson sad! :)

Hayden, my youngest (so far) is full of....life! :) He's active, learns and mimics quickly, laughs and sings to himself and is a huge joy to be around. That is if he's had enough sleep and things are going his way! He is very sweet. He loves his daddy and if I isolate him long enough, he likes me too. :) He started out a cranky strong-willed child and is now a wonderful child, with toddler fits here and there. He loves animals, especially "goggies" and "orsez" I love you, Hayden!

Campbell

Campbell is our second-born. I had a miscarriage between Dawson and Campbell, then became pregnant the very next month with Campbell. It was a blessing to have someone to help ease our pain. He has been our comic relief. His smile and laugh melts tension away at our house and most any situation. He is also very sensitive. He responds best to positive boundaries (telling him what he CAN do instead of what he CAN'T!) He is a big helper and lives up to end exceeds my expectations. He's a people pleaser and doesn't understand why others would be mean (even though he has a teasing streak that doesn't stop!) He wants to help and learns very quickly. He's very strong willed and does things on his own time, which is met with opposition from his often impatient mother! I love Campbell and am proud to me your mom!

Dawson

My firstborn child. He is endearing by nature. Angelic smile, happy disposition, desire to be good, and loving to all. He has become a great helper and big brother. He is learning a lot in school and seems to like it (once he gets there!) He likes to make friends everywhere he goes and isn't afraid to be different. His spirit is older than mine and I am blessed to be his mom as he raises ME and forgives me of my mistakes. These kids are definately stronger by the generation! I love you, buddy!

I'm a pretty girl

The boys dressed up and were dancing around. Neither Campbell nor Hayden talk really clear so it takes a while to figure out what they're saying sometimes. When I payed attention, I realized what they were saying.... "I'm a pretty girl, I'm a pretty girl!" (Sounded like "I a pittee geeeel!") It was hillarious! Hayden was prancing around also saying the same thing. So welcome to the depiction of a girl!