I've moved!

Jack is TEN months old! (11/11/12)

Jack is a big ten month old now! We are having beautiful, warm weather here, and enjoyed some outside time today before naps! ...Shortly after I snapped this pic, Jack popped some leaves in his mouth. YUM! Jack is really starting to shine in his personality. This little peanut has SPUNK, and I think he's going to hold his own with big brother just fine!  Love you, Jackers!!!!! 

Potty Training = SUCCESS

All of the toys above are just some of the rewards and incentives that Quinn got from going potty in the toilet.  There are a lot more little trucks and cars around the house that he 'won', but I couldn't track all of them down!  He loved the reward system that we bribed used to sweeten the deal.

Quinn will be two years and nine months old (...gasp, when did THAT happen?) on November 20th.  A mere four days away.  Steve and I have been talking to Quinn about using the 'big boy' potty for what seems like years.. (in reality, it probably has been about one year.)  In August, Quinn and I did 'potty training bootcamp' at our house, for numerous days.  We did everything I thought was 'right,' I let him pick out his new big boy undies at the store, he was able to choose the potty chair he liked best, he decided peanut butter m&m's would be an awesome reward whenever he used his fabulous potty chair.  Yeah, he was excited for about one day.  Then, it failed and we had so many 'battles' between us! At that time I decided I was going to stop pushing. I've heared many great mama friends tell me to leave it up to the child.  So... we waited and waited... three months, and no sign from Quinn.  I started to get used to the idea that Quinn would probably be in diapers for years.
(I'm KIDDING)! *kinda. 

 

On Saturday, Steve and I went to a wedding.  I cannot believe that Steve met an old coworker of mines' husband for the first time, and they talked about TOILET TRAINING. Of all things. I think it's hilarious, and kinda disturbing that that's what our conversations with everyone (even people we just meet) are about!    However, the conversation sparked an idea and we decided to go with the method that worked for them! 

 

This is the article I read, and for the last four days we have been doing this.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_potty-training-in-three-days-or-less_10310078.bc

 

I'm cautiously optimistic that this is the real deal and our little man is really on the homestretch to being fully potty trained... I'm so proud of him! 

Real life encouragement!

The last couple of weeks have been trying!  Between cloudy, chilly fall days where the sun seems constantly to be hiding behind clouds and affecting my mood.  There's been the flu attacking my family. God was gracious and kept me healthy (to tend to my sick family, I'm sure!)  Quinn woke up with croup on Thursday night (which we have had to handle countless times now, yet it always leaves me worried!) 

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

And personally, without sleep my life seems so difficult!  Even the usually normal routine of running to the grocery store and making a meal plan feel like an impossible task!  My mind is tired. My body is tired.

... but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

 I begin to think: "Okay, God. You've challenged me enough this week. I have been taken from my comfort zone, more than I care to count.  Please give me a break.  I have learned enough today!  Please give me a couple 'smooth' sailing days to catch my footing (and sleep) and get back on track!"    And I think, how funny this is! To think that I know more than God, creator of the universe! Which I most definitely do not!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

...And during those trying days, that sometimes stretch into weeks, I realize a few things. I know I can find temporary peace in some places (like zoning out on a TV show, visiting the gym or browsing through face book!) ...but the only place where I can find lasting peace is through Jesus.

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13(NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the LORD," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 Quinn and Jack are watching the example I set on how to handle adversity. Even though Jack cannot talk yet, I think that the attitude he sees in his mama, teaches him what type of attitude he should have.  Quinn is to the age where he often wakes up in a grumpy mood, or gets angry if things do not go his way.  I pray I can be an example to him, in what kind of attitude and mindset is God pleasing. If I am thankful to the Lord, in EVERY circumstance, even when I am tired, even when it is hard to be thankful, even when I would rather be grumpy and lazy. :) I am teaching my sons faithfulness.   


"When many things seem to go wrong, trust Me (Jesus).  When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Me. These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances. If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey to negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mindset. With this attitude controlling you, complaints flow more and more readily from your mouth.  Each one moves you steadily down a slippery spiral.  The lower you go, the faster you slide, but it is still possible to apply brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name!  Affirm you trust in Me, regardless of how you feel.  Thank Me for everything, though this seems unnatural - even irrational.  Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.  When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time -- trusting and thanking Me -- you will experience My unfathomable peace."

(From: Jesus Calling - a Devotional book by Sarah Young.)

I know when life gets me down, I need encouragement like this. I wanted to share with anyone who also needs encouragement for the upcoming week!

A pirate, a dragon and a lion...

 I had SO much fun getting Quinn's Halloween costume ready for him this year...

 Jack's first Halloween costume: an adorable lion, just like big brother Quinn was in 2010.

 'I'm tired and I DO NOT want my picture taken!'

 

We had an outfit change when it was decided that being a pirate was much too itchy, and the soft terry cloth material of the dragon was a lot more comfortable! .. Hey Quinn, I don't blame you!

 Rooooaaaar, goes the scary lion!

 Proud mommy with her pride and joy (x2)!!!!

 Okay, finally a genuine smile from Quinn.

 Watching how to play a game at the Halloween party we went to on Saturday.

 These treats were the best part. For Quinn and Steve.

 More games, Quinn isn't so sure he wants to participate ;)!

Chooo Choooooo! (Fun at Choo Choo Bob's in St. Paul)

Indian Summer Day

Messes are fun?! YES!

 Jack: "I LOVE this! My big brother is playing with me and there are toys EVERYWHERE!"

 Quinn was using his bulldozer to push toys into a big heap.

I guess there was a method to this madness!

 Still working....

 Oh, there's Jack. I lost him for awhile in all the toys!

This picture is fuzzy, but it was so funny when I took it, because Jack had just succeeded in crawling out of the exersaucer and he has this random fish (toy) in his mouth. It made me think: This mess is getting outta control, but the boys are so happy!

Bedtime Devotions and snuggles

 Daddy reading Quinn and Jack from their Children's Bible.

Ahh, nice face Quinn! :)

Pilgrim Pies

Oh, how every day I learn something new about myself, with having my kids be the teacher!  

 

Baking today, with a 2 1/2 year old got me thinking how many times I wear 'rose colored glasses', and probably not in a good way! ...I love getting all my baking stuff out, tidying up the kitchen a bit (BEFORE I even start to bake, because I want it to look good in the pictures.) ...I know, it's ridiculous!  Then, Quinn props himself up on the chair and we're ready to begin! The Chef hat he is wearing is just the cherry on top (e.i. My plan for a 'picture' perfect memory can begin!). Ah hem, and then, reality sets in. 

 

Why would my toddler (almost preschooler), want to sit there and do everything I ask of him? Isn't it more fun to open all the containers and canisters, jars and boxes? Isn't it fun to throw a little of the flour around and eat the cream cheese (which is meant for the frosting?). Of course, part of this baking experience for Quinn, is to try every single ingredient that I have on the counter. Whether it's baking soda, salt or vanilla extract.  The more frustrated I become that he isn't 'acting' how I want him to 'act' ... the more I'm reminded that it isn't suppose to be about me and my silly expectations! He isn't an 'actor' to play a certain part in the play. He's suppose to be curious about everything. This is how he learns.  And today I learned too. To take those rose colored glasses off for awhile, let my little boy be just that, a little boy! A little spilt flour on the floor isn't going to hurt anything!  ...As easy as this sounds, I am still learning to 'let go' and let the moment/memory go the way it's meant to go... I'm a work in progress. I am learning!