Happy Birthday Tyler!

Before we get to the birthday celebrations...I just want to report, very excitedly that Tyler waved "bye-bye" for the 1st time this morning. As the bus was leaving, carrying a screaming McKenna Tyler's lil hand began waving. I guess her declaration to the beginning of her 2nd year of life.

I was chatting with my Mom and I'm sure this discovery has been made by many, but the 1st Bithday celebration is not for the baby, but for the parents. A celebration that she survived her 1st year of life and if you can survive all that happens, especially in the 1st 3 months well the rest should be easy, or at least bearable right? Sure.... Anyway I don't believe Tyler had a clue what was going on, but I think she liked it nonetheless.

Saturday she received a card from Grandma & Granpa Payne and as she opened it, it began playing Sleeping Beauty's music. Her legs started kicking the ground excitedly and then she proceeded to spin herself around in circles.

I think she liked it.
Breakfast with Dad

Birthday Kisses from McKenna

Sunday morning she found lots of balloons and had a great time in the ball pit with McKenna, are you seeing a theme here? We had Stake Conference in the morning, but as soon as we got home and naps were taken the festivities began. In true baby birthday party fashion with Pizza, fruit & choc fondue and cake.

Pizza!

During the song she looked around and smiled politely, a lil confused and then McKenna was nice enough to blow out the candle for her. Funny enough she didn't eat the cake, had no interest in it actually. She played with it, mashed it, and then smelled the plate to make sure she's gotten it all.

Round 2, found Jack's leftovers after the party. :) The presents I think were equally confusing. She loved the wrapping paper so much she got a little distracted. The kids were going crazy waiting so they were nice enough to help her open them up and assemble and play with the train and the lil car dashboard she got. She picked these paer cups out herself at the party store.It's still the little things in life that can make you happy! Paper cups and new best friends!

Thought of the Day

Good morning! How is everyone today? In the way of news: I heard the Utah Jazz played quite a game last night. I can't believe we missed it and the Superbowl Sunday night. I understand both games were great, too bad New England lost after such a great season! Things up here in Washington are a lil wet and windy, but nothing like the snow drifts I keep hearing about in Utah. Wow. :) Our dear late Uncle Stan's wife's funeral is today. Please keep his family and Mom in our prayers today. Tyler's teething which is good times for everyone...good times when it's all done. We'll be heading to the church this morning for a playgroup where the theme is tents. They are planning on making tents out of tables and blankets and having snacks. Should be a lot of fun!

Today's thought comes from one of my favorite books "Our Search For Happiness" by M. Russell Ballard,

"Consider for a moment the word understanding.

It's really a simple word, really-one that most of us use every day. But it means something that is quite remarkable. With understanding we can strengthen relationships, rviatlize neighborhoods, unify nations, and even bring peace to a troubled word. Without it chaos, intolerance, hate, and war are often the result.
In other words, misunderstanding."

Yesterday I think there was a patch of ice somewhere on a road and so school was postponed for 2 hrs and therefore am preschool was canceled...again. I was somewhat annoyed, only because McKenna is dying to get back to school. It's been over 2 weeks now. She did find a project for us to do, as she came across the paints and so we did some Fingerpaintings, or rather hand. Painted her hands and let her make some cute lil art work.

She's also really into her shapes so she practiced making circles and then we found some Mickey Mouse Stickers with shapes on them and had a great time plalying with those. I almost felt like a teacher...The other day I actually taught her the song "You are my Sunshine." Wish you could all hear it.

The one with all the different colored hands is my favorite!

She wanted to wear her Cinderella dress but the rule being she has to use the potty, anyway she ended up running around in her underwears for a while and at one point jumped in the toy bin. It's pry encouraging the wrong behavior but it was crackin me up so I had to grab a picture.

Everything they do at this age is cute isn't?

Randomness...Happy February 1st!

My family plays a game each month, that starts at the stroke of Midnight where it's a race to see who is the 1st to wish the rest of the family a Happy 1st of the Month. It started when I was young when My Dad would come to the basement where our rooms and bathroom was with well wishes. I don't even remember how it got started or turned into a competition. As we've gotten older it soon turned into phonecalls as we moved out of the house and as technology has progressed so has the game to emails and now Text Messaging. At the stroke of midnight and sometimes a minute or 2 before text messages come pouring in and go out as we try and be the first. It's gotten a little out of hand, but It's a fun family tradition that I LOVE!

Going through my folder of January photos there were a few that made me chuckle as we watch McKenna continue her saga from playing the Mommy Role to being the baby. We rejoice more in the Mommy role and try to forget the other.

Mommy Moment #1- Time out

Time out for the doll?
Yep McKenna even knows how to set the timer, Funny T/O worked better for her than for me.

Mommy Moment #2-Bathtime Baby

She's a natural! Even brushes her teeth!
Yes, McKenna's in her Princess dress & Apron! She cracks me up!

I love the outfits that only a 3 yr old could put together. It's the accessories...check out the gloves!
While John & I were at Alderbrook, Ashley, John's sister came up to play with/take care of the girls. Robin a friend of the family took Ashley and the girls to Club Libby Lou's for a makeover. A lil hesitant she did manage to get her nails done. Pink and glittery it's right up her alley!
As always you can't forget Tyler. I can't believe she's almost 1. the year has flown by way too quickly!

What's in those Cupcakes?

I'm still loving the Deceptively Delicious Cookbook. This morning I made the yummiest Oatmeal that had pumpkin in it. With the cold weather they canceled am preschool and so McKenna and I got to hang out again today. I feel bad because it's been about 2 weeks since she's been to school. (It was closed for MLK, I kept her home working on potty training last week, and then closed for snow on Monday and then today). She's to the point where she's asking for the school bus and she wants to go to school. She also has a pretty awful sounding cough that has settled into her chest, so I'm glad she's not going to school. It left us with what to do... John took the girls to the library last night and got McKenna a bunch of books and some movies. McKenna has discovered the Barbie princess/fairy movies and LOVES them. They got the 12 Dancing Princesses last night and she's hooked since she Loves to Dance. After watching the movie this morning we all danced. Even Tyler got in on the action in here pj's and tutu while she pushed her toy around.

After Tyler went down for a nap it was McKenna time so we made a Pie with the Playdoh, cards with markers and stickers and then we moved into the kitchen where she helped me make Chocolate Chip Cupcakes (which has pumpkin & Squash in it).
It didn't have any eggs and hardly any sugar in it, and McKenna loved the dough and had a hard time waiting for them to cool down so she could try them.
YUMMY!

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

John, who wakes up almost at the crack of dawn to go running on Mondays woke up at 5:30 yesterday morning to inform me it was SNOWING! Nothing could make me happier except that it actually stuck to the ground. The girls got up at 7:30 and since McKenna's school was canceled we were in our snow gear and playing in it by 8:30 am. McKenna was a little distraught with making a snowman at first, due to it taking the snow off the ground, but she warmed up to the idea once I got it all assembled. I felt like the little red hen, who will help me build a snow man. Not Me, I want to run in the snow, Not Me I want to eat the snow...

News...

I heard the news that our dear Prophet Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley has passed on. I have to admit that you are never ready to hear that someone has died. The news always come so unexpected that the shock of it is sometimes too much for me. I am happy for him because I know he has been re-united with his sweet and beloved wife, but like the prophets that have preceeded him (that I knew) I will miss him. His smile, his humor, his guidance, and his presence at General Conference. He was a wonderful man and I feel like I have lost a grandfather again...

On a brighter note John and I were able to escape this last weekend on a retreat. It's actually more of a retreat for me than for him since he is meetings the whole time, but alas I am ever so thankful! For those who don't know John is on the Board of Directors for Community Health Centers of King County. (I'm sure they would appreciate me linking their name to their webstie but I have no idea how to do that. Leslie you need to come teach me that stuff.) Anyway this entails him going to meetings once a month and as a reward for having to put the kids down by myself I get to leave for this one weekend a month and I get to do whatever I want for 48 hrs. Last night before John and I left I asked him if he missed the girls. He summed it up perfectly: we missed the girls, but not necessarily caring for the girls. :) Wouldn't it be nice if we could all afford a ft/li nanny?

Anyway we drove an hour and a half up to Union, Washington to a resort called Alderbrook. It's a great lil place on the Hood Canal River. Last year I slept the whole time, this year not being pregnant I was able to utilize my time a little more efficiently. I watched a bunch of movies, read a lot of magazine articles, worked on a photo album, went running and even had a good soak in the tub. There's just something to say for not having to clean the house, being able to organize anything or even have to think about what to make for dinner. You almost wonder why you get married in the first place except that if I wasn't doing it for someone else I'd still have to do it for myself. Needless to say it was a wonderful restful weekend where I was able to spend some good quality time with myself and my sweet husband!

Pink Pancakes

For Christmas I got a wonderful new recipe book, I'm sure you've all heard of it as I know Oprah talked about it. It's called "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld. I have to admit when I first heard about the book I wondered if this was a good idea because how were your kids going to learn to eat their vegtables and in McKenna's case even her fruits if I hid them? Tyler doesn't seem to have this problem she even eats squash and zuccini, but as I thought about it more I realized McKenna's not eating them anyway so it couldn't hurt. I've had the book almost a month, I've read through the introduction and pondered which recipes I could make that McKenna would even try. I've even bought the produce and then we've ended up eating it before I could puree any of it. There just never seemed to be a good time.

Friday night I decided enough was enough. I wanted pancakes for dinner and remembered that Jessica Seinfeld had a recipe and it couldn't hurt trying it. So I threw a can of beets in the Vitamixer and then added the rest of the ingredients (which didn't include any sugar) and "Walah!" I had the batter for Pink Pancakes. They were a little slow to cook up, but it was suggested you throw a lil powdered sugar on it and some maple syrup. I wondered how it was going to go over with McKenna...

She actually LOVES them, even more than regular pancakes! She was very excited they were pink and she ate like 3 of them, and then had 1 or 2 more when John got home later that night. It was awesome and as sad as it sounds I felt like such a good Mom, mostly because my kid wanted to eat something I'd made.

Today McKenna and I made the Chocolate Chip Cookies. They have Chicpeas in them. Interesting...the dough is actually quite good and the cookies? Not too bad, McKenna just called them good and you know what a stickler she is when it comes to food.

PS- Never mind, she just spit the cookie out into my hand claiming "No like it." She must have gotten a chicpea/garbonzo bean. Oh well guess I'll be eating them today. Let me know if you want me to drop some by your house...

It's the Small Things in Life...the Kids

A friend called me tonight and while I chatted with her McKenna climbed into my lap and sang. The multi-tasker I am I had an apiphany (To realize one's own personal "abilities" to there fullest extent and compacity, infinitely happy, compassionate.) It was a Mom moment that you live for as I was infinitely happy for a moment. Actually I've had quite a few in the last week and wanted to write them down so that should I happen to find myself frustrated in the near future I might be able to read this and reflect on those moments. (I'll try and stay focused but I get distracted easily).

**This week as I was upstairs trying to get a few things done I had put Tyler in her crib (Which she loves because she gets her blanket and her binky) I heard laughter. I peaked in the room and found McKenna making faces and playing with Tyler, giggling each time Tyler would laugh at her. Later that afternoon I was playing with the girls and found they both love to ride...be pushed...not sure how to describe it but they love riding in the chair... maybe I'll just show you.

As you can see toward the end Tyler was kind of done, and McKenna didn't want to let go because she was having so much fun. It was a good time for all for the most part! I guess like any parent seeing your kids get a long and smiling and laughing just warms your heart and reminds you why you're a parent.

**The same day I was making dinner as I checked on the girls I saw Tyler cruising over towards where McKenna was playing. I went back to my cooking and then I heard the usual high pitched-frustrated sounding screams. Not wanting to deal with the drama I decided to see if they could work it out. A few minutes later all was quiet and well. I looked around the corner and found them happily playing. I was a bit confused but I can see that I need to stop "hovering" over my children and let them grow.

**This morning as we were leaving church sweet Sis. Snow pulled us aside and told us how cute McKenna is in Primary, how she makes it so much fun. I wasn'tsure what that meant, and I was afraid to ask but she continued to tell us that when they ask for a volunteer McKenna is always raising her hand to be picked, and even if she doesn't get picked she goes running to the front to help anyway. Uh-huh...and McKenna is becoming quite the singer (as mentioned earlier), she sings all the songs even though she doesn't know the words but when she does she belts them out. I'm actually thrilled and a little proud of the last comment. There is the cutest little girl in the primary who you can always here during primary programs, and I always wanted that to be McKenna. She's actually coming quite along with her vocabulary so hopefully it won't be too far off.

**This morning McKenna saw Tyler in her church dress and pointed to her and said, "Tyler's dress. Tyler's a princess." When she woke up from her nap, she pointed out that she still had her "lella dress" on and then told me, "Kenna's a princess." Again my heart melted.

**I love listening to John and McKenna play games. McKenna and I don't actually play games very well mostly due to my lack of patience and wanting to help her do everything. (Hovering again) But John is so good, he explains things to her and then he waits and either lets her figure it out or shows her in way that she still learns.

**Bathtime is always fun at our house. There is just something about kids and playing in the water. Tyler has actually learned that standing in the bathtub is not acceptable and when she tries she looks at us to see if it's ok and when we tell her "uh-oh" she slowly lowers herself back into the tub.

**Lately the girls have been sleeping until 7:30 and when I've gone in to wake them up they are so excited to see me. It's so much fun to be the star of the moment.

I'm sure there are more moments because I've had a few days this week when John came home and I didn't feel the usual overwelming need for space. Just a happy feeling in my heart because the girls seemed to have gotten the attention they needed that day and they went to bed happy. I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to be home with my kids.

Band-aids and Horsey Rides

John has Thursday's off work so it gives him a chance to play with the girls and spend some good time with them. One thing McKenna has found is that he makes a great horse for Horsey rides around the house.Tyler's still a little unsure about the whole thing, but she's terrified of McKenna Stick horse, so maybe it's not too far off.


I don't know about you, but my skin gets terribly dry this time of year (Yes Mom even in Washington crazy I know) but I think all the excess handwashing hasn't helped my skin so that it's actually starting to crack. I only mention this because I put some neosporin and a bandaid when we went in to brush McKenna's teeth. She then declared she too had an "ouch" and when I looked at her finger there was a red spot. I asked her if she needed a band-aid to which she usually quickly declares that it's "all better" but last night she accepted the Dora band-aid I pulled out. It was quite cute and a lil endearing to have her support at this trying time, but I think we are starting to enter a new era of Band-aids, which I think is fun. I guess we're past my kisses being able to cure all ailments and pains.

Development Milestones...

Yesterday was an interesting day. I got nothing done and yet was too busy to even get a shower in. Yep it was all about the kids. McKenna doesn't have school on Tuesdays and I usually take the opportunity to shower after McKenna leaves for school and Tyler sleeps. Instead I tried to continue working on Potty Training which seems to be digressing, but that's normal right? She has decided she likes being naked which is new, and she only peed on the floor twice. So digression is frustrating but Normal... so we played with the Little People and their castle (which is her current favorite toy). She loves the Mommy and Daddy and they do everything together; dance, ride in the boat, she even kisses them and puts them in their beds( yes seperate twin beds) at night when she's going to bed. It's really quite cute.

Tyler took some big strides yesterday...quite literally. Yesterday she decided that walking isn't so bad. She has a toy that is a lil walker which she found when she was roaming the room checking out all the toys. She puts all her weight leaning forward as she's pushing it so I"m a little nervous that it's going to go flying and leave her on face on the ground, but I was very excited to see her interest in walking by herself. She also surprised me when I went in to get her from her nap she was sitting there clapping. She took a 2-1/2 hr nap and was well rested and obviously very happy when I walked in. I love watching babies as they hit milestones and to me clapping and walking and how excited she gets to do both is FANTASTIC! If I could figure out how to embed the video I'd upload it. Maybe I'll get ambitous and try UTube.

PS- McKenna did have a great few days of Potty training. We got the dress for her on Jan 8th, and she went 2 full days without an accident and so on Jan 10th we gave her dress to her. She was excited to say the least. I think it might have been part of the reason for PT regression, you ever had to pull up all that fluff just to get on the potty. Way too much effort.

Potty Training?

My lil McKenna is finally starting to get potty training. YEAH! I was looking through pictures and found this one that was taken in June of ok, ...that was the first time she sat on the pot. (It's sad that I actually have pictures to document it).

Yep it's been a year and a half. 2 months later she got her first little potty which really has been more of a toy. A year later we thought we had potty training going on when she took a week and used the "Potty" faithfully to poop in, but after 5 days she decided she was through with it and asked for diapers. What do you do? So I gave her back her diapers on the advice that she'll go when she's ready. On New Years Eve I made a Resolution for her. :) My friend sent me directions on what to do to prepare your kid by using a doll as an example, so that morning while Tyler Slept I got her doll and "we" talked to the doll about going potty in the potty. I rewarded both the doll and Mckenna for just sitting on the potty with a chocolate chip and when the doll peed on the potty she got 2 chocolate chips. So it began and it was time to start asking McKenna again. I was surprised when she said yes, so we excitedly ran into the bathroom and sat down on the potty, and guess what? She did it!

Then we were playing with her toys and she found a miniature doll and potty my mom had given her and I watched as a lightbulb went off in her head. She took down the dolls pants and then sat him on the potty. Then she brought it to me and said, "potty". She got excited at that point and then headed for the bathroom where she decided to sit on the potty with the doll. To get her to sit on the potty a lil longer I decided to give her a cup with 3 dorito chips in it and her water, this seems to have been the key. A girl after my own heart chocolate and chips are true motivators. Up until yesterday she did pretty good at going once a day, and I'm getting faster at responding when she randomly calls out "potty". Monday we went to Target where she saw this dress she wanted. She's all into the princess frilly dresses right now and so I made a deal with her, when she filled her chart, 5 times each (P&P) she could have the dress. Once we got home we've had a few "discussions" about her putting on the dress, mostly her begging and my insistence that she needs to fill her chart first.

After McKenna pee'd yesterday she asked for the dress, so I explained it to her again and it was funny. She got back on the potty and started to push, as if she could will more out of her to fill the chart. When that didn't work well...for a minute she thought she could pry it out...it's only funny because I could see the wheels turning in her head and a light come on when she realized that wasn't going to work. After that McKenna did so good. Once we changed her diaper in the morning, put on her Dora Pull-ups she didn't have one accident all day. As a substitute to her motivation she's been wearing her "lella" dress and so I couldn't help but take a picture of her sitting on her throne. Little did I know what had already gone down in the potty right before this picture was taken. :)

New Years Resolutions

New Years Resolutions...I've actually been giving it a lot of thought and I've decided on what I want in my head but you're right, I need to actually put it down in writing, so here goes:

My New Years Resolutions are as such:

1. Run the St. George Marathon. I don't think this one will come as any surprise to anyone. I'm just a little scared of being injured, not accepted/drawn, or becoming pregnant during the training process (is that as awful as it sounds?).

2. Be more consistent with my journal writing/blogging so that I can write down the things my kids do that make me laugh and cry because I don't remember things like I used to.So my goal is to make a record once or twice a week, at least.

3. Keep up with Sunday school and read the assigned reading before attending on Sunday so that I can get more out of the class than just being present.

4. Be a more positive and uplifting person. Quit dwelling on the negative or frustrations in my life. As in "Meeting the Robinson's" I'd like to move forward, and to keep moving forward and celebrate in the good and positive things in my life. Hopefully this will be done in my blogging.

I think any more resolutions than this will be overwhelming...Here goes...