Thank you Ernie!!!!

 

It's a praise The Lord picture!!

 

So randomly yesterday, we found a book on Ernie Can Use the Potty! Basically baby Ernie used diapers, but Ernie is a big boy and uses the potty now.

 

We read the book 25ish times.

 

Eli ripped off his diaper, said he was a big boy too and asked if he could put on some underwear. Well of course!!!

 

So knock on wood, but it's been 2 full days. No accidents.

He's been so excited to use the potty.

We've even made him a chart and if he fills it up (he gets an X for going #2) then he gets to go to Yogurt Beach!

 

Today alone he got 6 X's.

Just say no to Fiber One.

 

But, honestly... that is why I do not potty train.

When they are ready, they are ready.

He was dumping his little tray into the big potty, wiping, washing hands.

 

He even went potty while we were out and about at the library. I think it helped they had a mini-potty there. He used it two times.

 

It was his first time at a library toddler time.

3 years old almost.

 

But in my defense, we've had some librarians that can't read really well and I would get really frustrated. So after Maria, I took a little break. Spanish Springs seems to be really organized and well done though. We'll definitely be going back.

Homework Hell

Christina had a teacher that didn't know how to spell. Come to find out, that teacher wasn't certified. Hmmm...

So parent teacher night, we find out that it was a numbers game and that they had too many teachers and not enough students.

Right.

Anyways, Christina got transferred to the GT/ AAP class. She has been there since Monday and we've had 2 hours + of homework each night. I am not a fan of the amount of time required because that's not even including reading time. She hasn't read anything at home! Scriptures, of course. She was working on The Giver. But between swimming, piano and play time... yes, I do want her spending at least 30 minutes playing... it's crazy! The teacher does not send home specifics, so everything we do is based off of what Christina says. I guess it's just even harder because last year, Mrs. Hensley was so organized and detailed.

Christina has already had a substitute and on that day she had a 10 page homework packet. Come to find out, it wasn't homework but classwork. She was able to spend that time the next day doing research on Blue Whales.

I used to have the girls in bed by 8PM, now we're lucky by 9:30PM! I'm going to take this week by week and see how it goes. Right now though, not a big fan.

Ward Campout

 

The ward campout that we didn't really camp out at.

It was at Davis Creek this year and a little bit of a trek to the site.

 

We got there a little early, but enjoyed thoroughly the fresh air!!

 

The kids just love being outdoors. I love watching them explore and enjoy.

 

Papa was tired, but he came to help out. I enjoyed his addiction to technology and the fact he was playing Prince.

But really, he ended up being a lifesaver because I forgot a flashlight!!

 

The "pond" all dried up... except for some random smidgens of disease here and there.

 

Nothing like a sleeping babe.

Every part of me at peace holding this sweety.

Many memories of holding the other children too.

Complete happiness.

 

Papa was awesome and got us doughnuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Quotes of the night:

"I'm glad we're not staying, he'd probably just stab us in the eye while we're sleeping" Maria... thank you little boy who was throwing pinecones at Eli's head for no reason.

 

"Did you just feed him a marshmallow?" Mommy- Christina is a little bit/lot suave!!

Beirdo

 

6 months.

 

Pure beauty.

 

She is definitely a mommy's girl. She loves to be held by me.... she tolerates other and smiles at them...but for sure I'm her favorite.

 

As it should be.

 

She isn't quite sitting up. She just constantly wants to move. I can tell it frustrates her a little bit. She loves standing.

 

She also loves rubbing her daddy's beard. We call him her beirdo.

 

Our appointment for her isn't until next month, so I'll have stats when she is closer to 7 months.

 

 

She loves her soft toys!!

 

Our Aunties Come to Visit!!

 

We had such a lovely treat having my Aunts come down from the Bay Area. It was a quick trip but for the short amount of time, it was packed with lots of love and fun!!

 

I could watch my Aunts run and play and dance with the kids forever!!

It makes me so grateful for the family I have. I am so blessed to have Aunts that are truly caring and awesome with kids to boot!

 

The girls/Eli performed multiple dance routines, books were read and good food was enjoyed. I can't wait to visit them soon!! Hopefully October.

 

They brought some really fun games that we have been enjoying, one especially called Dance charades!! Also, a book called "Don't Push the Button" that is read hourly, daily! A million thanks!! They are always so generous and thoughtful!! Plus, Eli got to try on Uncle Bob's firemen helmet. He was so excited!!! It was pretty heavy!

 

I often wish that my children could have met my Nana and Papa. (My dad's parents) Unfortunately they passed away before they could enjoy their great-grandchildren. However, I am so glad that my dad's sisters are close. I can see my Nana's kindness and gentleness in all they do and say... plus, it's up to my Aunts to pass on Nana's love of shoes to the girls!!

 

My wedge platform days are done... flip flops forever.

 

When they left, we head over to Hidden Valley!!!
Yaya and Papa were the bank.

 

The big sadness was that Jody didn't find one single thing.

However, the girls scored big time!!!

They found a doll house (with all the furniture) that they bargained down to $7. They played with it for 5 hours straight and continue to do so daily!

 

Ray-no!!!!!!!!!

Humbling... of course

The other day I had just cleaned something up and was finishing up cleaning a diaper.

Maria spilled what I thought was milk. I didn't really care about the milk, but I told her that she needed to clean it up. She said that of course she would and had to go change her clothes real quick because they were wet.

I didn't yell, but my tone for sure implied that I wasn't thrilled about the accident. I was being a "grumper".

Without a word, Christina quickly cleaned up the spill while her sister was changing. I know she wasn't doing it for praise. She was really quite humble about it.

When I told her thank you, she just said, "Mommy... of course." The way she said it, I could tell that she just felt empathy for me.

Maria came down and gave her a big hug and thank you. All was well. No biggie.

Except to me.

There are these small moments that constantly happen around our home where I am just amazed. Where I feel the spirit so strongly. Where I really feel like I am in the presence of angels.

Everyone of my children steps up to the plate and helps. They don't grumble. They just do. It's such a lesson to me and so humbling, because I wish I could be more like them.

First Day of School- 2nd and 5th Grade!!!!

Well, we were ready to go to school 2 hours early!!!

Maria was beyond excited.

She even practiced piano and was thrilled to do so because it meant she was that much closer to going to school.

2nd grade!!!

We weren't sure where to line up for Christina. It was all very unorganized.

But, whatevs.

5th grade!!!

Christina played with Nikki at recess and they have their meeting spot all figured out.

Her teacher was really nice and I got a good feeling when I walked her to class.

Her assignment was to decide what motivates her to do things.

She said, "Rewards."

When I asked her to dig deeper, I was proud of her knowledge and wisdom, "I do good things so I can return to Heavenly Father."

I'm glad she can be a good little disciple and share what this life is really all about.

THIGHS!!!!!!

 

Ella is loving standing.

 

I'm loving her chunkles.

 

Her little chongo fatsies.

 

We definitely know where she gets those thighs from.... Mommy!!

Patuli

 

Pronounced Pah-tool-ee.

 

This is Eli's baby.

 

He is not the father, he is her mother.

 

One time Jody threw Patuli and it was quite terrible.

No one really trusts Jody anymore with Patuli.

After all, we don't throw our babies.

 

Eli loves to sleep with her, feed her, change her diaper and overall just love her. He'll take her places, read to her - he freely shares her with whoever is willing to hold her.

 

Often times if I need to.... distract... Eli, then I'll tell him Patuli is crying and needs him to do something for her. He is always willing to stop everything to help her.

 

It's darling and I love being able to raise a boy who is all boy, but tender at the same time.

First ride in the doubles stroller together

 

Sometimes I feel old!! I remember when we first got this stroller for Christina and Maria. Good Disneyland times!!!

 

Now it's Eli and Ella's turn!! And I don't know what it is about my kids, but they sure love to hold hands! Eli loves his lil' sister!

Night Out with N

 

Nina and her best friend N.

 

Guest post by Nina:

" First we went to a nail salon where we got a pedicure. I got daisies on my toes. They are beautiful! It smelled good there.

 

After that we went to the Eldorado Buffet. It was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo amazing!! I ate pizza, ribs, fortune cookies and that's pretty much it.

 

I had a really fun time. N is very nice and I love to play dragons together. We have a secret club and another club called the EAS club. (Endangered Animals Society)"

I was really excited for Christina to go celebrate N's birthday. Her family is just plain awesome and I'm glad that they had such a great time. They were like mini-teenagers!!!

Hooray!!! Toothless!!

 

She woke up in the morning and felt something in her mouth....

the dangling tooth finally gone!!

 

The tooth fairy came and brought her a little pet shop toy.

Our Cutie Pie

 

Docile.

That would be the word to describe this sweet baby.

At the same time, on the rare occasions she's tired or hungry... she gives full baby attitude. It's the cutest thing ever.

 

Sometimes her brother scares her and she screams.

I hate to laugh, but it is a little funny because he thinks that she enjoys it.

For the most part though, she truly adores her brother. He can always make her smile. But I suppose that can be said about all of us, Eli always makes us smile.

 

Something. So. Interesting. Over. There.

 

What are your dreams in life?

 

Someone today asked me a rather deep question - what are my dreams in this life?

 

Really, I answered, I am living my dreams.

 

I am so blessed and so incredibly happy.

 

And then I was asked, "Really? You have no other dreams?"

 

I am truly blessed to have the family that I do. I get to stay at home and watch my children grow. They are spectacular. We never have want or need. We have a peaceful home.

 

I know that life can throw twists and turns so I value every day.

Every single beautiful day.

 

I've had a great upbringing. I have loving parents and my dear Yaya.

I married a wonderful man that is my best friend.

I got my degree and have been blessed to be able to teach many children.

 

I have The Lord in my life and know that His gospel is true.

I am living my dreams.

 

I'm not saying every moment in my life is perfect. I'm grateful for those trying moments that help me appreciate the good times. I see in the balance in experiencing the hard to understand the joy.

 

Plus, I have these awesome times throughout the day where my children do fabulous things to make me smile..

BIG FOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I can't believe we got to see this monster truck!!! It's from one of Eli's favorite books.

Needless to say, he was thrilled!
We all were!!

 

It's so fun to be able to read about something and then actually see it!

Hot August Nights!!

We went early this morning to look at all the cars downtown!!

Eli was thrilled! He was excited to learn new types of cars other than Corvettes and Cameros.

 

We learned Impala, Mustang, and Charger.... that's about all I know!

 

He wanted to take a picture by every single car!

 

They were also very excited to be able to go in a classic fire truck that served the Reno area.

 

I heart Ray-No.

Just the right size.

 

Afterwards we went to Circus Circus for a bathroom break. I never take the kids there so they were super excited!! We rode the tram and I got a big kick out of it. They were holding on tight to the bars and wouldn't get up because the tram hadn't come to a complete stop. They looked at me in disbelief that I would stand up while the announcement said not to. It was a classic moment.

 

Eli loved all the little ride on toys.