To Pee or Not to Pee:

Changing Christian's diapers is becoming a task that I hate more and more. It is like an adult. We are going to have to start buying Depends if he keeps growing. But gosh-darn-it, he just doesn't want to go on the potty. We bought him this cute little potty (Sorry Owen, we used one of your gift cards, but someday you can use the potty too!) I made a little treat jar, got stickers, and even bought some pull-ups. The kid just won't go! He will sit on the potty and then say "all done mommy." I will say "Did you go in the potty?" He replies by saying; "I don't want to go in the potty. I want to pee in my diaper." Good grief, if he can say that, he can pee in the toilet. Stubborn. Anyway, what do you think... vote on my poll and tell me what worked for you! (or your kids... you know what I mean).

Rain:

I know it is strange, but I am missing the rain. There is nothing better than curling up with a book when it is all dark and rainy. Plus, Christian takes longer naps! Of course, I won't miss all of the mud tracked through my house, having to change Christian's wet clothes all day, and Clark refusing to go outside to go to the bathroom. He can hold it for almost 18 hours- isn't that crazy!

The Mayan:

Last week my Dad took Jason, Christian, and I to the Mayan. Christian seriously can't get enough of his Papa. Since he went back home, Christian has asked about a hundred times "where's Papa?" And his favorite phrase is: "I want Papa to stay at mine house!" He seems sad when my Dad leaves. It is so cute to watch Christian when my Dad walks into a room. He yells "PAPA!" and runs to him and gives him a big hug. Then he follows him around like a dog all day and copies everything he does, gets stuff for him, and draws pictures of him. It is a little obsessive, but that is okay... he is only three, and Papa is pretty dang cool.
Anyway, this blog was supposed to be about the Mayan. Has the food actually gotten worse? It was really fun for Christian, but I think I would rather eat Taco Bell. And I could barely watch the diver because it looked like she was going to dive right into a rock. There is no way I would jump 20 feet down into that tiny pool of water! At least the atmosphere and the company was good. It kinda reminded me of Indiana Jones at Disneyland.... and we all know how happy that makes me!

Thomas the Tank Engine:

Friday night my friend Mindi called me and asked if I wanted her Thomas the Train Tickets for Saturday because her little girl was sick and they wouldn't be able to go. I was like YES! Oh my goodness! We wanted to go, but after looking at the ticket prices, we decided it was not in our budget this year. Mindi was so sweet, she said we could have them for free- but I am not that greedy so I gave her some money, and we were set to go! We had to wake up at 7:30 to get there on time, and for those of you who don't know me very well, that is REALLY early for us. My kids don't even go to bed until around 10:30 0r 11:00. Anyway, Kelli came with us because Jason had to work. We headed up to Heber and the drive was gorgeous. Unfortunately, I was so panicked about finding my camera before we left that I forgot to bring myself a jacket, and it was cold. When we got there it was really crowded so we hurried to do the train ride. All of the cars were full, so I finally asked a man who was sitting alone if he would move. He was really nice and gave us his seat that we squeezed in to. Christian and most of the other kids didn't even realize that we were on the train at all. He was bored out of his mind. Owen cried and I couldn't get him out because we were so crammed in. After this joyous ride, we went to get pictures with Thomas. We ended up waiting for quite a while before actually taking the pictures because he backed away right when we got to the front of the line. Christian did find a dead worm that he was really excited about while we were standing in line. When we did take pictures, Christian refused to smile or even look up. What is really strange, is that for the last couple of days he has asked me if he can watch Thomas on TV. I keep saying "But you didn't even what to see him when we were there!" Kids are so strange. I must say, I think I will save my money from now on.
If you want to read some more about our fabulous day with Thomas check out my other blog!

Spencer's Clothes:

When I was pregnant with Owen, I asked my Mom if I could have some of Spencer's baby clothes. I was surprised when she said I could! So she brought up a ton of late 1970's retro outfits that are SO AWESOME! I must admit I truly love the corduroy bellbottoms and polyester jumpers. As I was putting all of the clothes in his little armoire, I realized with sadness that Spencer and Owen were born opposite seasons! Spencer was born at the end of September and Owen at the end of February. For you men who don't understand what I am talking about, this means that all of Spencer's 3-6 month clothes are for cold weather, but Owen is 3-6 months during warm weather. So, you can imagine my joy when we had a cold-spell! And because Owen is so huge, he fits into the 6 month outfits perfectly! SO, that is the story of the green sweats. Although, I don't think they put long pull-cords on hoodies for babies anymore. I was a bit paranoid all day that I was going to find it wrapped around his neck.
When Christian saw Owen, he laughed and said "Owen is a frog!" I thought he looked so cute, and it makes his eyes look even bluer. Thanks Mom for all of the clothes!

Air Force Museum:

Last week me met up with our friends Josh and Peggy and their 2 boys and went to the Hill Air Force Museum. Did you all know it is FREE to get in, and the boys had a ton of fun!

Christian's favorite questions (besides "Why?") were:
-"Where is the Shark airplane?"- We went to the museum last fall and he remembered the shark airplane. Weird what kids remember.
-"Why does it have wheels?"- We found out that it is quite difficult to explain the take-off and landing procedures to a 3 year old.

Other than that, he had so much fun following Jonas around and copying everything he did. All of the elderly folk who seem to frequent the museum were a bit appalled, but they weren't hurting anything, so we let them have a fun time. Hopefully we can do many things in the future now that our friends are back from school!

Owen's 3 Month Birthday!

Owen is 3 months old today and I just can't believe how fast time flies. I cannot even tell you how lucky and blessed we are to have this sweet little baby in our family. Here goes the bragging: He sleeps about 10 hours each night and wakes up smiling and happy. He never cries unless he is hungry, tired or needs to go poop. He will just sit and talk and laugh when he is alone. He is SO SO easy to take care of! I do not know what we would have done the last few months without him and Christian to make everybody feel happy and positive. We love you little Baby Owen!

Dnnnns.

What is a Dnnnn you ask? That was Christian's word for snails last year. I can tell how much he is maturing because I can actually understand what he is saying this year. Anyway, as much as it drives Jason crazy (they eat our garden)- we have a backyard full of snails. Christian ran in the house a couple days ago and told me that the snail was too high. I went outside with him and there was a snail climbing up our fence. So, I grabbed it for him. Don't you think that was brave of me? Needless to say, I spent the rest of the day telling him that snails live outside and that he could not bring him into the house. He took the hingle guy outside and after his nap was really mad that he would not come out of his shell. I think that he stuck his finger in there and killed it. Yuck!
Sorry about all of the bug posts, but I really think that this is just the first of many. Lucky Mommy!
Can you believe Christian's eyelashes??? He is so lucky! What a handsome boy!

Temple Quarry

Last week Jason an I took the boys on a short hike up Little Cottonwood Canyon. It was perfect because it has a paved trail that we could take the stroller on. Christian LOVED it. He was literally jumping with joy just to be outside. He had a ball climbing up the big boulders and going on the little dirt paths with Daddy. He kept asking us why we were in the forest.
I was reading a sign that said there were mountain goats, so I started looking and we saw a couple up high on the ledges. That would be a scary life.
Christian found rocks and a rolly polly to take home. He lost the bug in the car on the way home and I found it just a couple days ago dead in the button hole of one of his shirt. I also found a tick in his bath. I searched his whole body and couldn't find any more. How strange is that?
We all had a lot of fun, even Owen had a great time!

Farmer Bunky:

Okay, I have a confession. As I read everyone's blogs about going to the farm and seeing the baby animals, I just don't share the joy. First of all, I have Horrible, Terrible, Unbearable allergies. secondly, I really don't like animals all that much (except Clark). Yeah, the baby cows are cute form a distance, but when I get close up all I see are the flies buzzing around them and snot dripping from their noses. And do I even need to mention how the pigs smell?
Anyway, I broke down and decided to take Christian to the farm. Jason, Owen, and my parents came along too.
Christian is so opposite of me in this aspect. He just loves the animals. He wants to touch and feed all of them, and he shows no fear. I think he is a lot like his Grandpa W. in that he loves to be outdoors all day and likes to play in the dirt.
He thought it was really funny that the geese were biting his fingers when he fed them. Um, yeah... I hope he doesn't learn the hard way that those evil birds are mean! I try to stay at least 10 feet away from any animal that honks. But we did give the birds homemade bread, so I guess that make up for my hatred towards them.

Shots:

I forgot to mention; when the Nurse was giving Owen his shot, I kept waiting for her to finish (I can't look). When she said she was done we both stared at Owen. She said she had NEVER seen a 2 month old not cry when getting a shot. I guess I have really tough boys because Christian didn't cry when he got his last shot either. He just said "Ouch!" and gave the nurse a dirty look.
I pray that my kids aren't huge wimps like I am. The last time I got a shot I cried my eyes out, just ask Karen. Of course, I was a bit traumatized about having a needle stuck all the way through my finger and lodged in my nail. Now THAT was weird.

Lemon's Big Brother:

Who is Lemon?? Well, Lemon is a little baby caterpillar who has just been born and is still at the hospital with her Mom. Lemon's brother has a name I can't spell and sounds like someone hacking something up. So we will just call him "Lemon's Brother"
Christian is a total crack-up. He found this caterpillar at my parents and I made the mistake of letting him keep it. He discovered that it was fun to let it crawl on his hand. He kept saying "I like this hingle guy!" (Hingle=little). I spent that night and the next morning trying to convince Christian that it was mean to keep the caterpillar away from his family. This is when I was assured that Lemon's Mom was at the hospital having a baby and the caterpillar was very happy with Christian. As if I didn't have enough little critters in my room, Lemon's Brother slept on my nightstand in a blanket of leaves that Christian tore up for him. Unfortunately, he lost the poor hingle guy the morning we left somewhere in the house. I looked everywhere, but we seriously couldn't find that tricky little bug. I wonder if a beautiful butterfly will be flying around the house when my parents get home?

Owen 2.5 months:

Owen had his checkup today. He is 13 lbs. and 24 inches long. He is in the 62nd to 75th percentile. He is growing great and developing on time. We are so grateful to have such a healthy baby boy!

Worst Sleeping Position Ever!

Isn't it so strange that kids can fall asleep practically anywhere? I kept trying to straighten out Owen's head, but he just moved it back. He is a great sleeper! He sleeps through the night and when he wakes up he is always so happy and sweet. He brings so much joy into our home.

Troll Poll:

So I know all of you are just dying to know the results of the Troll Poll:
Whoever said that I didn't sell any obviously doesn't understand the enormous value of trolls. 52% said $23.98 and 41% said $56.99.
The winner is:
$56.99 plus $5.00 for shipping. That is an insane amount of $61.00!
I guess people love trolls! I had a ton of bids and have sold almost all 130-something trolls. Let me just say troll people are really weird, but also really nice. One woman called me and talked to me for over a half hour. One lady e-mailed me and told me that she puts blankets on hers. All I know is that if people are spending that much money on trolls, they must know something that I don't know. Here is a picture of the $60.00 troll just incase you were wondering. Oh, and don't worry.. this will be my last post about trolls- unless I decide not to cut the boy's hair for a while!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!
Like many holidays, this one is bitter sweet. I am lucky (and grateful) to have my Mom still here, and be the Mother of the 2 most wonderful kids in the world; but can't help feeling sorry for those who don't have these things. I think holidays are horrible reminders for many people of what they don't have. I truly realize the enormous gift it is to be able to have a Mom who loves and cares for me, and for me to be able to share that with my own children. I think there would be nothing worse than to not be able to be a Mom. It is what I have always wanted to be ever since I decided I did not want to be a gymnast (about age 10).


Thanks Mom for always being there for me. I know I was meant to be your daughter. You are a wonderful and thoughtful Mommy and Nana. There is nobody else in the world I would trust with an umbrella:)



I am so lucky to have been able to spend a lot of time with both of my grandmas when I was growing up, as well as my Great Grandma (Little Grandma). My grandparents lived nest door to each other and I was able to run back and forth to their houses. I remember my Grandma P. always letting me play with her little stove while she watched me during baseball season. I loved to sleep in the bear room. Grandma B. Made the best toast! I know that sounds strange, but she would make me a ton of it and bring it to me when I stayed with her. Little Grandma lived far away, but when I did see her she made me feel like her favorite. She would always send me home with a new broach or necklace.


And even though it is uncommon for women to like their in laws, I just love Laura. No really, I have the best Mother-in-Law in the world! She is such a great example for me. I love how she has taken me in and treats me like one of her daughters. I couldn't have picked better if I tried.


I just have to mention all of my kid's wonderful Aunts. Holly, without you the boys would never have Easter baskets and all the best children's books- you are always so thoughtful and generous. Emily, you are such a good Mommy, and Aunt. You are one of the only women Christian has warmed up to and I know it is because you radiate love for not only your own kids, but others as well. Marge, I am so glad you are part of our family. I have learned so much from you- you are one of the most easygoing and patient people I know. (and you got me started blogging!). Kelli, you are my sister in every way. I love you.

Home Sweet Home

I got home last night after what seemed like a VERY long drive. I walked into a spotless house. Jason (with help from his Mom) cleaned the house and changed the sheets on all of the beds and everything. But that wasn't all: Jason bought me a cute little geranium. Then as I started to look around I saw that he hid little notes all around the house. I have found almost 20 of them in weird places. I just never know what I am going to find! It is SO nice to be home and to have been missed.

New Poll:

Are there seriously only 2 people who read my blog?? Geez pople, take like 2 seconds and vote on my poll. I will post the answer in a couple of days.

I can do it by mine self!

Christian is going through another Caillou phase. It is a bit torturous for me because I can't stand that whiny little brat (Caillou, not Christian. I like Christian). He told Uncle Jim one day that I drank coffee. (Um, YUCK, I can't even stand the smell of it thatnks to my piano teacher when I was a kid). And now he wants to do everything by himself. He always says "Doooon't worry, I can do it by mine self!" So his new independent action is getting dressed. Except he is such a tease he won't just get dressed like a normal kid. First he does something silly with his clothes and looks at me and says "like this?" I will smile and say "No, you are so silly!" Then he keeps doing it until I get tired of it. Then he will disapear and come back with his clothes on all wrong. He thinks he is so hilarious. I am pretty sure he will have a great sense of humor- just like his Dad. But with all of the work it takes to get dressed, I am realizing that I may never be on time to anything!

Owee, Owee, Owen!

Before Owen was born I told myself I wouldn't call him Owee. Then Jason strted singing a song to him that goes "Owen, Owen Owee Owee Owen; Owen, Owen O-E-O-E---O!" I guess it just grew on me because I have been calling him Owee. Oh well!
Doesn't he look so different with two chins than one?? It is weird how much he changes when he looks up. But he looks cute no matter what!

Cousin Brea:

It is so much fun for Christian to be able to see his only girl cousin. Brea is a darling little girl and Christian has so much fun running around with her. She is so different from Christian in every way. She is very high energy, and Christian is more laid back. She wanted to pick up and hold Owen, Christian barely acknowledges his existance. Brea likes dolls and clothes, Christian loves cars. Brea picks at her food, Christian eats everything in sight. But, with all of these differences, they get along perfectly. What fun it is to have cousins the same age!

Christians Obsession!

You know how kids repeat the same thing over nad over?? Well, when we are at Nana and Papa's house the phrase is "Wanna ride in the Hot Rod with me??" Papa has a couple of old cars in the garage and Christian just can't get enough. One is all leaky and Christian won't go in it because "It is stinky." But he would stay in the other one all day if he had a choice. He makes me sit in it with him as much as he can (at least twice a day). We do lots of fun stuff in there:

-We go to sleep (by laying the seats back).

-East snacks: water to drink and marshmallows (these are all pretend).

-We go adagio, fast, super fast, and really super fast. (He watches way to much Little Einsteins, I know).

-We go either to Grandma's house or Disneyland. Sorry Laura, I like Disneyland better.

-We honk the horn at "freakin' drivers." Yes, that is the phrase Christian uses. I think I need to bridle the road rage a bit!

Needless to say, Christian is obsessed!

Letters to my Daddy:

Okay everyone, my crazy cousins Jenny and Karen are doing the nicest thing for my Dad before his next chemo session and we want everybody to be involved. No matter how well you know my Dad, we would like you to write him a letter of encouragement. Jenny and Karen are making a book that they will give him with all of the letters. It would mean a lot to our whole family, and we hope to get lots and lots of letters. E-mail them to me ASAP: gdbrittanygd@hotmail.com. Thank you all for your time and for loving my Dad! (Oh, and please keep it a secret from my Dad so that it will be a surprise!)

The Biggest Loser:

(Let me clarify: Loser as in weight, not social skills, although my social skills are a bit lacking too. I hang out with little kids all day- what do you expect?)
So, as everyone knows, I had a baby a little over 2 months ago. Can I just say.... I HATE women who give birth and then leave the hospital in their pre-pregnancy jeans? Okay I don't hate them, I am just really really jealous. I literally can't get my above my knees. Hell, I can't even zip my husbands jeans that I am wearing. Anyways, a few weeks ago I decided to start working out. Those of you who know me are rolling on the floor laughing. My idea of working out is reaching for something in the fridge. I am just so sick of being a bit tubby; but even more than that, I want to be HEALTHY. Here is what I have learned since I started excersizing:

-Excersize videos have really cheesy music.

-2 pound weights can get quite heavy!

-I can loose more weight by peeing and nursing than working out for a month. (I just lost a pound this morning using the pee/ nurse method).

-My knees click- a lot!

-Just because you can see your toes doesn't mean you can touch them.

-Jumping Jacks make your brain jiggle... I swear I can feel mine moving around in my head. Jason says because it is so small. (Huh?? I don't get it.)

-I look really sexy in my workout clothes. You know... garments with a sports bra.

-3 year olds cannot do jumping jacks but they can sit on your back to intensify push-ups.

-Excersize does NOT give you more energy. I find that I am much more energized by a donut. (Particulary, Bavarian Creme).

-I can be more motivated and devoted to something I hate than I thought.

Well, hopefully I can keep it up and feel confident to go swimming this summer in Holly's pool (Hint hint Holly). OR at least go up the stairs without panting.

Monkey See.... Monkey Do

Christian is such a crack-up. I never know what he is going to do or say most days that will make us laugh. Last time we were here (about a month ago) Christian wanted to do everything just like Owen. He was pretending he was a baby and being a bit jealous whenever Owen got attention. I did get a couple of pictures that give you an idea of how silly Christian was being:




This time, he wants to be a big boy and asks to hold Owen, help bathe him, and do all of the "big boy" things. Christian has been doing this for a couple days, and a couple nights ago Owen pooped while Christian was holding him and blew out on Christian's leg. Lets just say, he hasn't asked to hold Owen unless he says "Owen don't poop on me?" We assure him that Owen won't (we hope). It is nice that my parents can be around all of the time to see the boys grow and develop. But we sure do miss Daddy!