(More) Baking with Brynn

After church today, Brynn and I made cupcakes. Nothing fancy, it was from a box, but that meant she could help with each step. We had so much fun, and we got to talk about what she did at nursery today, some things we are going to work on improving this week, things we did over the weekend, etc. Luckily, Collin takes a long nap after church, so Brynn and I really enjoyed the rare one-on-one time. When I told her we could put sprinkles on the cupcakes, she got so excited. No, really...SO excited. She saw me get out all the sprinkles, and I asked her if she wanted to put some on herself, and she answered with "that's the best thing I've ever heard!!" Like most kids, she took the opportunity to put on as many sprinkles as that little cupcake could hold. And then some. I love how kids find happiness in the most simple of things. A $2 box of cake mix, some sprinkles, and half an hour of my undivided attention, and it made my little girl's day. I think I'm going to make this a Sunday tradition.

Recent Random Photos

Since we've spent the past month taking turns fighting some nasty flu and then ear infections, etc, we've had lots and lots of time at home. I've hardly taken any pictures (who wants to see cranky kids with runny noses or an entire family still in pajamas without a bath?), but I did get a few of our day-to-day. Brynn loves to create little pieces of art. She asks several times a day if she can paint or color or use the scissors.
Love her intense concentration here. I mean, she IS using two crayons at once.

In addition to art, she also loves to cook and bake. She definitely did not get this from me. I'm sure in about 2 more years, she will surpass me in her culinary skills. I love how she decided to put the dough on the cookie sheet...who wants to waste time on little cookies? Collin has been developing new skills of his own. Unfortunately I forgot to get pictures of him learning how to jump over the back of the couch or do somersaults into the furniture or eat fistfuls of dog food at a time. So these two pictures will have to do. OK, so he's just getting breathing treatments, but I had to take a picture, because Dave taught him how to hold the little mask over his face by himself. Collin HATES having the elastic around his head, but he'll usually hold it there himself. It also helps that that frees up Dave's hands to play funny dog videos on the computer while C gets his treatment.

Birthdays, Birthdays

Just wanted to wish my sister-in-law Melissa and my brother-in-law Mike both Happy Birthdays. And I wanted to add a few words about each of these people that I am now blessed to have as family.

Melissa is an amazing mother to her two kids, has a successful career, and keeps such a clean/organized house. I am in awe at all that she is able to balance and do so well at, while remaining so humble and down-to-earth.

Mike has also done very well in his career. He recently went out on his own and started his own business. It takes alot of knowledge, dedication, and guts to do that, and he has all of that. I know he will find lots of success in this new venture. Besides his business know-how, Mike also has a great sense of humor.

Happy Birthday!!

For Documentation's Sake

Collin's words at 18 months

(yeah, this is old, but I found a random post-it note where I had written it down a few months ago, so that doesn't make me that big of a slacker, does it?)

mama

dada

eye (which always includes him poking either his or your eye)

uh-oh

no

up

ma (more)

ma (milk)

hello

hi

hot

hug

ball

baby

bye

By 19 months old, he added:

B (nickname for his sister)

I love you (rarely says)

hat

banana

Heavy

This morning we attended the funeral services for my uncle Doug. It was a pretty heavy day, as we continue to see how much his presence on this earth will be missed. However, it was also filled with laughter at the memories that were shared. I am sure Doug would have appreciated that. This past week, I have been so overwhelmed to hear how many people's lives have been touched by Doug, whether in big ways or in small. And I have heard the same things repeated over and over, one of which was how he crammed a whole lifetime into his short 48 years here. He took advantage of every moment he had. I've also heard so much about how he would take the time to really get to know others and was always helping other people and making those around him feel better about themselves. He had such a genuine love for his family and spent so much time with them. What a great example to leave for all of us.

Another thing I have been reminded of this past week is how much our Heavenly Father loves us all and is aware of each of us. Even during times of sorrow (especially during times of sorrow), we can see His hand in our lives. I am so thankful for the faith and knowledge that I have of Heavenly Father's plan for us.

My prayers are also with the couple who were on the plane with my uncle. I hope they and their families will also feel comfort and strength during the challenges they are faced with.

More from Saturday

In addition to the events of my last post, we had another scary situation on Saturday. Collin ended up getting really sick and we had to take him to Urgent Care (actually two different urgent cares, since the 1st one wasn't really equipped to deal with young kids and referred us to a pediatric urgent care for a second opinion). Turns out the poor guy has a lingering respitory-type infection and an ear infection. We were completely unaware of the ear infection, and while he was being seen at the second Urgent Care center, he developed a fever of over 103. It was pretty scary, because he also kept coughing so hard that he could hardly catch his breath and would start gagging. He is doing much better now though. When we first got in to see the doctor there, you could tell Collin was so miserable and just wanted to be held and cry. By the time we were getting ready to leave, the medicine they gave him had started to kick in and he was acting more like his happy self again. We gave him a sucker and all his worries were quickly forgotten. What a relief!

Numb

I have so much going through my head right now, I feel like I need to get it out somewhere. This weekend ended up being a very somber one. My uncle Doug was in a plane crash on Saturday and was seriously injured. He passed away last night. He and his family have been in our constant prayers and thoughts, and yet it does not seem real. Doug was one of those people who lived life to the fullest. He was very active, and would often bike for miles with his oldest son to our family get-togethers. I've always been impressed at how involved he was as a dad. He was also very knowledgeable and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. My aunt and uncle have lived out of state for most of the past 30 years, but were able to move back here 5 or 6 years ago. I am so glad that my aunt and their kids are surrounded by family as they face the challenges that are now in front of them. I am also extremely grateful to know that families are eternal and that they will be reunited with him again one day. This weekend has really caused me to reflect on how short life is and how important it is not to get caught up in things that are truly not important. It has been a reminder to me that I need to let go of silly little annoyances I hold onto or my own selfishness, and just appreciate each moment I have with my family. Yesterday, Dave shared with me the article that he was reading in preparation to go home teaching. It is entitled "May We So Live" by President Monson. What appropriate timing. There were a few quotes in the article that stood out to me. President Monson said, "How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so we ask, 'What are we doing with today?'....May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way...May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.' " There is peace in knowing the good and full life that my uncle lived. He will be missed!

Our Everyday

So most days are not particularly exciting around here. Whenever I haven't seen a friend or family member for awhile, and they ask what we've been up to, I always struggle with an interesting answer to that. Surely they don't want to hear details about the piles of laundry I am always working away at, or the great deal I got at the grocery store last week, or even that organizing project I finally got around to doing. However, that is what most of my days are like as a mom. Full of lots of little things to get done, that I never really appreciated my mom doing when I was growing up. But those little ones that I am forever picking up after or still trying to get to sleep through the night provide me with more happiness and laughter than I could have imagined. The funny or cute little things they do is what keeps Dave and I going when all the mundane things seem too much. For example, check out this little guy:Yes, folks, those are oven mitts on his feet. Collin definitely got his dad's sense of humor, and will do anything for a laugh. He also tends to wear his shorts on his head more often than he does on his legs, which still gets us laughing, even though its pretty much a daily occurrence. This little goofball can take a bad day, and make you forget all about it in an instant.

Then there's this little missy:
She has learned that whenever she smiles, it always makes us smile as well. She frequently walks right up to me, gets right up in my face, and flashes me the cheesiest smile you've ever seen. And each and every time, it does make me smile back. How could it not? She is also an extremely sensitive little soul. Of anyone in our house, she is always the one to notice if I have a headache or am sad or something. I'm not usually even aware that its obvious, but she will come over to me and rest her head against me and rub my arm. She asks me in the sweetest voice if I'm OK, and once she has given me a hug and kiss, she will pronounce that I'm all better. And she's right, it does make it better.

I think one of the very best parts about these two is that they are good friends. Of course, they argue and take each other's toys away from each other, and all that sibling goodness, but they truly love to be together. This is one of their latest things:
They like to sneak into the pantry and take a bag of cereal out to snack on. I found them like that the other day, each with their own huge bag of cereal, watching cartoons together.

So if you are wondering what we have been up to lately, this is it. Lots of laundry, the good deal I got at the grocery store, that organizing project I finished, and all the everyday moments that these two little ones provide. And I love it.

Let the Schooling Begin!

I know it's only preschool, but it is so weird to be sending my first child off to school of any sort. I'm not exactly a "young mom", but I suddenly felt so much older as I loaded up Brynn's little backpack and sent her off to her class. I had to do the mom thing and take a picture of her before she left. I could hardly get a good one of her, because she would not stay still or stop making goofy faces. I could tell she was as nervous and excited as I was. When I went to pick her up, I was happy to hear that she did well for her first day. (She even used the potty and stayed accident-free. Yay!!) My girl is growing up, and I am so excited for all that her future holds for her.

I know Collin's going to miss his best friend while she's at preschool, but it will be nice for me to get a little one-on-one time with him. I had to get a few shots of him as well.

July/August Celebrations

After 2 1/2 weeks of being sick, while everyone else in our house took their turns with a cold/flu as well, I am feeling so behind on EVERYTHING! We wanted to wish a belated Happy Birthday to Ida! Ida is married to Dave's dad, so I am lucky enough to have two mothers-in-law! She is so much fun to be with, is an amazing hostess whenever we visit, and is one of the most generous people I know. We always love when we get the chance to go visit her or when she's in town! Happy belated Birthday! (I know, I'm a loser for being so behind! Sorry!)

I also wanted to wish my parents a Happy Anniversary! I am so grateful to have their example of a lasting marriage. They have shown me that marriage can be tough sometimes, but you have to continually work hard at it in order to make it work. They have also been a good example to me of the selflessness that goes into a successful marriage. My parents have become two of Dave and my best friends!

Yesterday, just a few days after celebrating their anniversary, my dad also had a birthday. Happy Birthday Dad! I love and respect him so much. He is an incredible example of honesty and integrity to me, and I am so proud to call him my dad. Thanks, Dad, for braving the sicky germs to come over and give Collin and I a blessing the other day. I appreciate your willingness to always give us blessings when we have needed them. I know they have gotten us through some difficult things, and I have gained such a testimony of the power of priesthood blessings because of it. We love you!

And last, but not least, Happy Birthday to Dave's sister Laurie!! We haven't seen her in quite awhile, but we are excited that she is planning a trip here in a few months! We are looking forward to catching up with her and laughing until our faces hurt (she always gets us cracking up!). Hope she has a good day!!

Two posts in one day...

...but I had to give Collin his own separate post, because he said his first sentence yesterday. He said "I love you". Of course, it isn't as clear as an adult saying it, so I wasn't sure that's what I was hearing. But he said it a few more times, and then when I called my mom to tell her about this recent milestone, he said it for her too. What's especially exciting about it is that we are still "watching" Collin to see if he has some kind of speech or hearing problems. At 19 months old, he is still barely saying any words and doesn't really "baby talk" or babble. He mostly just grunts alot or points to things to communicate. Once again, I had been worrying about his lack of talking this week, and then he goes and says a sentence. And its so sweet that "I love you" would be his first sentence. He is such a sweet, affectionate little guy. His newest nickname is "Muffin Man" (which grew from "Cuddle Muffin", because he is always giving everyone hugs and kisses). We even changed the song "Do you know the Muffin Man?" to "Collin is our Muffin Man".... It's funny how cheesey your own kids can make you, but it is the cutest thing to hear Brynn singing in the other room about Collin being our Muffin Man. Go Collin!

Potty Training, Take 4 (or is it 5...)

Warning: this is bound to be an epic-long post, but I wanted to document what has been a pretty consuming process for us.

So a couple weeks ago, I decided we would try the potty training thing with Brynn again. In case you aren't aware, we have spent most of the past YEAR trying to get her potty trained. We've had successful days, and even successful weeks, but she always seems to regress just as quickly. I have seriously tried EVERYTHING, but she just honestly doesn't care if she is wet. She knows Collin wears a diaper, and she wants to be a baby like him, so why wouldn't she want to be in a diaper? After some major frustration a few months ago from both Brynn and I, I decided to get the pull-ups back out and take a break for awhile. We started the process again a couple weeks ago, and I pulled out every tip this time.

*I haven't been using much pressure or guilt at all
*we have a sticker chart (where she gets up to 3 stickers each time. She even earns a sticker for just trying. She also gets 2 extra stickers after she's had a day without accidents.) Once the chart is full, she knows she will get to choose a prize.
*she gets a candy for each success
*I've been known to bust out an occasional potty dance
*we bought 14 new pair of cute undies (and yes, that is in addition to the pile of undies from all the other rounds of potty training).
*I've been trying to get her to "teach" Collin how to go potty in the toilet. She pretty much just tells him how he can wear big boy undies when he learns to go in the potty, but I'm hoping it will make her excited about it all instead of thinking its cool that Collin wears diapers.
*we get extremely excited for her each and every time she goes in the toilet.
*we remind her occasionally that she is starting preschool very soon, and there probably won't be very many kids there wearing diapers.
*she has been around her friends and cousins alot the past few weeks, and she knows that they wear undies and not diapers.

See, what I mean? We have seriously tried it all. Hopefully, trying them all at once will be the magic trick? Right? (can you sense my desperation with this topic?). Any way, she has been doing fairly well this time. Her first potty chart was filled with stickers the other day, and so I asked Brynn what she wanted for her prize. She had previously told me that she wanted it to be a surprise, and then once she said she wanted shoes. When I asked her this last time, she said shoes and then quickly amended her answer to "princess shoes". OK, that's easy enough. Then she amended her answer once again to "princess shoes with a princess dress". So, despite still battling the flu, I knew I had to set off to find her prize today, so we could keep the potty enthusiasm going. Before I left, she got even more specific and said she wanted a Tinkerbell outfit. She commented on Tinkerbell's wings. Well, who would have guessed that would be a big request to fill? Of course there wasn't a Tinkerbell costume at all the stores I went to this morning. I decided it was better to return home with something, so I found a Barbie Mariposa costume, because it also had wings. Well, before I even set down my bags at home, Brynn saw a corner of the wings, and got sooo excited. (Mental note: next time I'm bringing home a toy/prize for Brynn, wait until after Collin is awake from his nap before letting her see it). She was jumping around and talking so loud about her butterfly dress. As soon as she put it on, her face lit up. She kept saying "I can fly!" and jumping off the furniture or having me catch her. She has been wearing it for hours, and would only take it off to eat her snack (because I told her the snack would stain her dress). She even wore it when she had to go potty. I just had to get a picture. She is so proud of herself. Oh yeah, and the potty-gods were with me today, because that butterfly costume (the one that quickly made her think...Tinkerbell, who?) rang up for under $5 at Target. Here's our new "big girl" (and I'm crossing my fingers that it works this time).