Conquering the Potty

Call me lazy, but I really hate having to transition my baby/toddler/kid into a new phase. I think because it is so much work. I also think that our child is a creature of habbit (just like her mom). She likes routine. So far, she is not liking the new potty routine. She prefers the "comfort" of her diaper. I can get her to go on the potty but I cannot get her to tell me when she has the urge. Taking her to the toilet every hour is getting old. I am already discouraged, and don't laugh- but it has only been 2 days! I am tempted to keep her in diapers forever. It is just plain easier than trying to negotiate with a two year old.
Calling all brilliant moms and friends of mine: Any advise on the wonderful world of potty training? We already have the chart with stickers and the bucket of candy for each success. Will the day EVER come that my daughter runs to other room, climbs on the toilet, and does it all by herself? Of course it will. But I want it to come SOON. I am not lazy- I am impatient. :)

Easter Weekend

Here is our best attempt at a family photo on Easter afternoon. We visited the Ranch and had a blast with everyone. Too many pictures to share, but here are more than a few. Its hard not to be happy when its Spring!!!


Uncle Ray laughing with Kenzie. What a fun time we had down in the canyon. The boys taught the little girls how to throw rocks into the water:

McKenzie on an Easter Egg hunt at the Millar Ranch:

Happy Girl


Taking a little rest from all the running around outside:


Grandpa Greg with Elyette and Kenzie:

Coloring Eggs was so much fun with an independent two year old:


Playing with Daddy while mom packs for the trip:

Marine World

This blog is a bit late. It was last weekend that we drove up to the Marine World amusement park. My mom met us there and we all had a great time, especially McKenzie. The best part about the whole day was the weather. It was exactly what we needed, a day in the sun together as a family. It could not have been better. Although it was a bit pricey, it was all worth it. Watching McKenzie feed and pet the dolphins was definitely the highlight of the day. We all took turns taking her on the kiddie rides as well. There were so many. Evan had to ride the big roller coasters by himself since I am not much of a partner being pregnant, and my mom is just too chicken :). We watched a dolphin show in the stadium which was crazy fun. We even got to watch an elephant take a bath! McKenzie liked looking at the tigers and the giraffes too. What a fun day we had! If you are in the area, take your kid. It was a memorable day.

Our Little Annie

McKenzie is addicted to the movie Annie. Well at least parts of it. She walks around singing "Hard Knock Life" ALL the time. She can even be found on her little hands and knees pretending to scrub the floor as she sings it. She knows every word. The other day I found her talking to a stuff animal, calling it "SAAAAANDY." She was again, copying a scene from the movie. We have always thought (up until now) that she is scared of the Miss Hannigan scenes. Well today in the dressing room at Target, she began pointing her finger and yelling "Get out of bed Mom! I am Miss Hannigan!" "Listen to me OK." "Say Yes Miss Hannigan Mom!" Holy smokes, I was stunned. Everyone in the dressing room was probably getting a kick out of this too. Ahh the joys of having a little dramatic 2 year old. I wonder where she gets it? After all, Annie was my all time favorite movie growing up. I just hope she continues to pretend to be Annie, not Miss Hannigan.

Attitude

Lately, it seems I have had a negative attitude about life and my role etc. I spend a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. My poor husband only hears about how much weight I am gaining, or how tiring it is to be a mom (especially to McKenzie- our crazy kid who goes from 0 to 60 the instant she wakes up). I also complain about how I am sick of being sick, or how I am tired of my church calling, or how much I miss running on my own (without the jogging stroller). Poor me. I know.

I finally had an "ah ha" moment the other day. I think the warmer weather had something to do with it. I know it is elementary and may sound really dumb, but I finally decided that I must change my attitude. When I find myself slipping back into my funk, I remember this feeling and moment when all became clear. Attitude is the way you mentally look at the world around you. It is how you view your environment and your future. So here's to having a positive attitude. I am going to keep chasing the sun.