Toilet Training

Toilet training has gone really well. We are now on the stage of wearing our undies and remembering to still go on the potty. :) We will have to finish the toilet training in Canada. There are a few stories that need to be remembered:
1. Collin told his dad that he needed to go potty and he ran to the bathroom. Landon went with him to remember to push a certain anatomy down. Collin sat there and sat there and did not go potty. He finally said to his dad, "It's broken." After repeating this a few times he then stated, "It's broken, the batteries are dead." :)
2. Collin is very good about emptying out his potty into the toilet and flushing it all by himself. I was downstairs and heard a flush and then tears. I ran upstairs to find Collin frantic. He had flushed the toilet (while holding his beloved batman and robin happy meal toys) and Robin had fallen in. And sadly was flushed down the toilet. It was very sad. I am guessing that Collin had tried to save Robin because he was wet up to his elbows. After a good washing down, I sat Collin down to ask him what had happened. He told me that Batman had pushed Robin down the toilet and Batman was going to save Robin with a rope. I sadly had to explain that a rope was not going to save Robin. It has been almost a week and a half since the sad even and Collin still tells everyone that Robin went down the toilet. Hopefully I will one day find another Robin. Emily's solution when she heard was to say we just had to go to McDonalds and get another one. Since they are no longer offered there I told her it was a good idea but not possible. We still mourn the loss of Robin. I no longer get here Collin putting Robin into timeout for hitting Batman. Or Robin telling Batman he does not want to play with him.

**Oh and Collin is sitting next to me as I write this. I have told him what I am writing about and he wants you to know that "Collin went pee in the toilet" so now you know**

Tomorrow is the Day!

Tomorrow morning we are leaving for Alberta. This past week has gone by so fast! We took a couple of days to go and visit with Landon's family so that we could say goodbye. It was nice to visit with Mel and Vauna and hear about their trip to see Lance, Amber, Livy and Ashton. Emily was able to attend her cousin Zack's birthday party. She had a lot of fun. Landon and I picked up the rest of his temple clothing while we just had Collin. Then we hung out for a little while with Haylee while Collin joined in the fun with the older kids. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water and with the sand. Thanks Haylee! The kids were able to play with Zerric which was nice since we weren't able to see Cade and Janie. (Landon and Mel went out to see Cade later that night but I stayed with Vauna and put the kids to bed. It was nice to visit. We came home Friday with just enough time for a nap and then went to the ward potluck. It was a lot of fun. We have made some good friends and I will miss seeing them every week. Saturday was spent purchasing some last needed items. I got a new camera! I am so excited. It is nothing fancy and only cost $90 which is why we could buy it. I love it though. It is perfect for our needs. It is last year's model so we were able to get it for a screaming deal at Costco. We were able to get everyone packed and the house mostly clean by Saturday night. We had a lazy morning this morning and then off to church. It was an interesting day. Collin was so tired he was being very loud. Landon had to take him out and that left Emily and I. I was singing in the choir for the intermediate hymn and Emily decided to come with me. She spent the whole song wondering around the front. First she pushed over a stool to look over the front. Then she came to stand by me. Then she sat on the ground and crawled under the piano while the pianist was playing. I was so embarrassed. I kept a smile on my face but it was really hard. She and I had a little talk when we sat back down. Never, ever again! Primary was great. I will actually miss my class of boys. They are just so funny. Since the lesson was on Jesus healing the 10 lepers and the gratitude shown by one, I opened the class by going around the room and thanking each boy individually, and naming specific things, that I noticed the boys had done to make our transition as their teacher go easily. Each boy sat up straighter and smiled so brightly. I think that we often forget that even 10-12 year old boys need to be told what they are doing right. One boy has severe ADHD. He only comes to church (and goes to school) if he has medication and it is working for the day. He still struggles to control his body and outbursts. I just love him. He always has a huge grin and great comments. I complemented him on how much effort he puts in to listening in class and participating. I told him I knew it was really hard and that it meant a lot to me that he would do it. He got this surprised look on his face, grinned, and said, "It is really hard for me but I want to listen and be good." I almost cried. He looked so surprised that someone would notice and say thank-you for his effort. Sometimes it is too easy to find what kids do wrong. And not what they are doing right. Another boy comes from a family of boys who are "known" by many parents. He is the oldest and quietest. I will admit he was the one I was worried about liking the most when we started this class. But he has surprised me with his genuine answers and gentle personality. Landon complimented him on being our quiet strength in the class. His eyes opened wide and we got a rare huge smile. I told him that I had noticed at the park one day how his brother's asked him to help them move their bike and he did it without a question. I told him how I admired that because siblings are not easy. You could tell that he wasn't used to be described in such ways. He sat up straighter for the rest of class. Another boy is left at home a lot because his parents both work. He can be very pleasant when he wants to but I have struggled to like him. He and I sit together during Sharing Time so that things don't spiral out of control. I was unsure of what to complement him on but I felt prompted to tell him how intellegent he was. How I was impressed with his scripture knowledge and the ability to lead our class. He gave me a grin and was a perfect angel for the rest of the day. He even actively participated in singing time and sharing time. I was so impressed (and told him so). The other boy is almost 12 and quite ready to leave primary. I told him how I love how he makes us all laugh but that he is always willing to participate. And for showing some patience as he waits to go up to the Young Men. We really need to take more time to say our thank-you's. Everyone needs to hear what they are doing well. And when you compliment someone you can't help but love them a little more. In singing time they sang us a "farewell song" since they know that we will be gone for a month. It was a very nice thing to do. It is nice to think that we may be missed. (I know selfish. ;) ) Anyways we came home from church for some really good ribs that I had surprised Landon with. I secretly prepared them last night so they could marinate and then slow cooked them while we were at church. He loved them and it brightened his day. Landon is off making hospital visits with another man from church and I have finished placing everything at the door and put away everything that is not coming with us. The kids have had a late nap and so I am worried what time we will get to sleep tonight. But off tomorrow and on to an "adventure" as Emily tells everyone.

Canada Here we Come!

We leave for Canada next Monday so that we can be there for my sister Naomi's wedding. And I received the news yesterday that I will be teaching reading in Powell River for the month of July so we will head there after Naomi's wedding reception. We are excited to see family and friends for a whole month! And my paycheck will make it so that it will be a paid vacation. :)

Father's Day 2011

Emily's picture she made for her dad.
Emily painted two cups. Collin one.

The labels say, "Pops, you are one suh-weet dude!

Landon woke up Father's Day morning to find his ipod touch and cellphone missing. My cell phone was also missing. Emily had struck again. She likes to wake up early and quietly tip toe into our room with the turtle stool from the bathroom. She places it next to the bed and quietly swipes items. She keeps going until she is caught. (Side note: Landon woke up from a nap Friday and put on his glasses. Except that it wasn't his glasses. Emily had taken his glasses and replaced them with her purple sunglasses. It was pretty funny.) She returned the items and then happily wished her father a Happy Father's Day. She ran to get Collin so that they could give their dad his gifts. They had made them on Thursday and had hid them so daddy couldn't see them. They both painted mugs and then filled the mugs with Landon's favourite candy. I had printed off a coupon book and labels for pop. Emily happily taped the labels over some yummy rootbeer and Vanilla Cream Soda bottles. Emily came up with great "coupons" for her dad. They included a "I Love You", "A Big Hug", "A song from Emily", and "A song from Collin". Some of the premade coupons were for 30 minutes of silence and 14 minutes of silence in the car. Landon laughed at those. Landon received a "For Daddy's eyes only" coupon book from me. :) Collin excitedly announced that we were going to make waffles and bacon for daddy and I got out of bed and we made them as a family. It was a lot of fun. Then Landon let me go back to sleep for 2 hours as I was up all night with my stupid cough. Collin is still not 100% better so he only went to sacrament meeting. Both Emily and Collin got up with the primary and nursery to sing "I'm so glad when Daddy Comes Home" at the front of the church. All you could see of Collin was his hair. Oh and Emily elbowing him when he stopped singing or doing the motions. Very cute. Landon found out that all the priesthood was singing "Ye Elders of Israel" for the intermediate hymn when we arrived at church. Joys of being in primary he doesn't know these things ahead of time. And I still made him go up and sing. :) Landon took Collin home after sacrament and Emily and I stayed. I ended up having another class join with us so I had 10 kids instead of 4. Not a big deal when you are used to teaching in school. Landon did feel a little bad. :) The primary handed out cute cupcakes with striped gum ties to the dads. I took Landon's home for him as he wasn't there. Emily drew Landon a picture of Landon with Emily and Collin on either side. I am in the background. The boys are in blue and girls in red. :) She is my little artist. I came home and made pork roast and mashed potatoes for dinner. Landon's favourite. It was a wonderful day. Landon is a wonderful husband and father. He is not perfect but he is perfect for our family. The kids love and adore him and so do I. Happy Father's Day Landon!

Friday when Maddy and Bodi came to play we made cupcakes with tie toppers. My kids ate all of theirs by Saturday night so at the last minute I made brownies for dessert. Mmmm!

(And also Happy Father's Day to our wonderful dad's Pat and Mel. We love you and thank-you for the wonderful examples you have set!)

Re-upholstery?

Vauna and Mel kindly gave us their couch and love seat when we moved in here. They had just purchased new furniture. Landon grew up with this couch and love seat and was so excited to have them. One small problem: old furniture + my children = big problem. The first time my kids spilt anything I brought out my handy upholstery cleaner and tried to clean it. The material started to fall apart. Holes appeared. Not good. So I have tried to keep the kids out of her with food and drink. Yeah mostly worked. But yesterday Emily put her glass of juice on the couch and Collin ran at her (part of their game) and over the drink went. Tried to flip the cushions over after everything dried. A no go. So after pricing out the cost for new furniture we are looking at me spending my summer re-upholstering/slip covering the couch. I think I have found fabric I am in love with but not looking forward to pulling the whole thing off. Anyone want to come help me pull it off??????

**It was no small miracle to find a fabric both Landon and I loved. He is very particular and so am I. Unfortuneately we both like different things. I was moving away from flowers, even wanting a solid colour with fun colourful pillows. He was completely against it. So we found the following fabric that we both like. What do you think???** (It is Amy Butler Midwest Modurn)

Family Party

Nic and Rita invited us to join them at the FBI family party today. It was fun to get together have food, jump on a inflated castle, watch Nic and Marty wrestle in the inflatable Sumo costumes, go through the fire department's fire house and watch the police dogs demonstrate how they find dogs and bring bad guys to compliance. I did not volunteer to wear the arm cover and have the dog attack me. Emily was so excited to learn what to do in a fire. Next week for fhe we are going to have to practice how to get out their window and where our family meeting place is. It was a wonderful day. The grounds were gorgeous. It was hard to believe you were in the middle of Pocatello since you can't see or hear anything inside the walled grounds. Thanks for the invite.

First Science Experiment

Actually its probably not her first as Emily loves to experiment but it was the first where we made it an official process. Emily picked out a helium balloon from the dollar store last week. On Sunday Emily wanted to have the balloon fly her toys around. She brought her pony tied to the end of the balloon and sadly told me that it wouldn't fly. I explained that the toy was heavier than the balloon and so it was sinking. She thought about it and ran to get another toy. The toy was smaller and she explained to me that it was smaller so it would fly. I tied it on and it sank to the ground. She ran out and came back with a toy car of Collin's. The balloon sank. She got Collin's mini batman toy. The balloon sank. She found a "hanger" for Strawberry Shortcake's closet and happily had me tie it to the balloon. She told me that it was going to work this time. The balloon rose to the ceiling. She did a happy dance and ran to show her dad. She explained that she had to find a lighter toy. He told her that she had done an experiment. She was so excited and told us she was just like Sid the Science Kid. It was really really cute.

Family Filled Weekend

(Gary, Collin, Naomi and Emily Sunday morning)

We had such a fun weekend!


Friday the kids and I headed off to see Mars Needs Moms at the cheap theatre at 10 am. (Loved the movie. I loved how it had a profamily theme. As in the importance of moms and dads.) Then we went to the park for the free lunch. We came home and I tried to get the kids down for a nap. No go. Thursday night Rita and I had decided to throw Naomi a bridal shower. A few people had said they were coming to the last minute party so Friday afternoon Rita and I headed out to pick up some treats and decorations. I got home with enough time to put together the little thank-you for coming favours and then Naomi and Gary arrived. Chaos reigned for about 45 minutes as the kids were so excited to see Naomi. After dinner the guys headed to our house to play guitar hero and I took Naomi to the store to pick up cupcakes so Rita could put together the room for the surprise. Only two people made it to the shower, Katie and Becca, but we had a great time visiting. The kids were more than happy to eat the food. :) The boys came back eventually and we read scriptures, said prayers and Rita's kids went off to bed. My kids fell asleep on the couch watching a movie. (Collin took an impromptu anp at 6:30 for an hour so he took awhile to fall asleep.) While the kids slept the three couples played a few games, laughed, and talked until we were all tired. It was a lot of fun to hang out and get to know Gary. (Who is pretty awesome by the way. Totally perfect for Naomi.)





Saturday Emily and I headed up to watch Nic finish his 10K race. We arrived a little late so we actually missed it but we sat we them for the award presentations at the end. I ran Emily home and then Rita and Naomi picked me up. We headed to Distribution Center to pick out Naomi's temple dress. She looked so beautiful it was really hard to keep from crying. I am so very proud of my little sister and excited for her and Gary. We did some shopping at Deseret Book and then around the mall. Naomi wanted to pick up some longer shorts and there were some great sales. I ended up picking up some shirts from Aeropostale because they were a screaming deal. I made one into a maternity shirt for my friend. We were ablet o find a temple bag for Naomi at TJ Maxx's. I really want to go back and get a cute one for myself! We went for lunch at Great Harvest and picked up everything I needed for the BBQ. I went home and made potato salad (Thank-you Rachel for your delicious recipe!) and cut up vegetables for the dip. I had made a "watermelon ice cream cake" earlier in the morning. I had made one for my sister in law Janie's birthday when she had come up to Canada. Really easy to make and delicious. I had that and watermelon for dessert.





Around 5:30 Landon's cousin Dustin and his family arrived. We were so excited that they stopped by to see us on their way home from Idaho Falls. We haven't see them in forever and we have really missed them. I love Missy and Landon loves to sit and laugh with Dustin. (They are about as close to perfect as you can get. :)) Rita and her family plus Gary and Naomi arrived a few minutes later. Rita's kids were close in age to Missy and Dustin's boys so it was really fun. Nic bbq'd up all the burgers and hot dogs while I got the table set up outside. Missy had brought chips and Rita had brought some chips and apple & candy bar salad. Lots of yummy food was consumed while the kids ran around and played. I do like having a fenced yard. The kids ran their razer scooters up and down the side walk in front of the house while the adults visited. I loved how Missy's twins got out their books an read for the last half of the visit. It reminded me of me at that age. And now as well. :) We were able to give Dustin and Missy a tour of the house which was fun. I never thought we would get to own our own home and this one is beautiful. I love to share it with others. The visit was too short and soon they had to be on their way home. At the same time Rita, her family, Naomi and Gary all headed home. We gave our love and hugs to Naomi and Gary because we figured we wouldn't see them before they left for Alberta. They surprised us by stopping by Sunday morning to say good bye. My kids love both Naomi and Gary. We are so excited to go up in a couple of weeks and celebrate with them as they are sealed for time and all eternity! It is so wonderful to spend time with family. We look forward to seeing Naomi and Gary in a few weeks and hopefully Dustin and Missy again too!

Good Song

My dad emailed me to refer me to this song on youtube. The singer is the son of a friend of my dad's. It was a fun song to listen to. It is always interesting to listen to a song that talks about Christ but is more pop music than gospel. It brought a smile to my face. I hope you enjoy it.

"Sleepovers"

We had our first "sleepover" (Emily's description) with friends from Canada! We have been lucky enough to have my parents, brother and his family, Landon's parents, and the Barretts (our friends in Utah) all stay at our house. But last night was the first friends from Canada to stay over. The Norris were on their way back to Canada from a wedding in Colorado. They stopped over in the Salt Lake City area to set up some things for when they start their mission their in August. Darlene contacted me a month ago to ask if they could stop and stay the night with us before they headed back up to Canada to see their daughter and her family and Darlene's dad. I very happily told them they could. Bill and Darlene were like another set of grandparents to my kids and very good friends of ours. We have missed them alot. They got in just after 6pm last night and we had a "BBQ" at my house with my sister and her family and the Norris'. The weather was horrible so we ended up having dinner in my house but it was fun all around. Landon cooked up some yummy New York steaks for us and the Norris'. Lots of yummy food, great conversation and good laughs were enjoyed. After Rita and Nic left to put their kids to bed we gave a tour of our house, and then put our kids to bed. Emily and Collin loved showing off how they "read" scriptures, say prayers and sing songs. We stayed up till almost midnight talking and laughing. It was so nice to visit with them. We all got up a little later than planned (around 8am). After breakfast, Landon and Bill visited in the kitchen while Darlene read to Emily and Collin from their library books. Around 9:00 am Bill packed up the car and we said our goodbyes. Emily was sad that our friends were gone but we are so grateful for the chance to visit. Oh and the fact that Darlene brought us some Ketchup chips to enjoy. I will have to save some for my father in law for the next time he comes to visit. :) My camera is broken right now so these are the photos I took on my phone. I love these pictures of Darlene and the kids!