Potty Talk

HE DID IT!!!!
After a few accidents and a lot of frustration on my part, McKade has finally gone poo in the potty! I knew he was scared to do it in the toilet so I got out our little potty chair that sits on the floor (the old fashion kind) this morning. We sat together for over an hour this afternoon, but nothing. Then for an early Family Home Evening activity we watched a movie before dinner. Towards the end, he announced he had to go and ran in and sat down on the little potty and went. YAY!!!! The best part is that he now does everything by himself. No more asking and prompting, he'll just go whenever the need arises. Every kid is different, and my boys proved that with this potty training thing. I'm just glad it's over. (well, the tough, frustrating part is anyways.) He hasn't wet the bed yet, and proved he'll get up to go like he did in the middle of last night. So it wasn't completed in a day, but I'll take 4 days over a few weeks or more! I didn't post a picture of the afterword celebration because he was being too shy for the camera.

PT

Yup, it's that time. (Well, according to my pediatrician, we should have started at 18 months!) Potty Training Time. McKade's time to "grow up." Since we potty trained Dallin just before his 3rd birthday, we decided to do the same with McKade. Tyli will probably loose the diapers at or before 2, as she is wanting to be potty trained more than McKade.
We started yesterday, following many of the guidelines from a book we bought on line called Toilet training in Less Than A Day. So far, so good. By noon yesterday McKade was going by himself and using the toilet, all except for #2. He has so far refused to do that. I have a friend who's little boy would hold it, but eventually he got the hang of it, so I'm not too worried. Any tips? We've been accident free for almost 24 hours (except for a little incident that just occurred because Dallin refused to get off the toilet to let Mckade on!) and I am so proud of my big boy! Tyli stands at the door and says "go pee pee" the whole time McKade is occupying the bathroom. (Which is making McKade laugh like crazy.) He has really good aim, and does better standing than sitting, which is nice. I love watching him celebrate afterword by jumping up and down in a circle with his underwear still around his ankles. Now if only we can get him to go #2...

My children are growing like weeds!

We just got home from Dallin's 5 year appointment and Tyli's 18 month appointment. It was fun. Actually, it was better than usual because I had Cauley there to help out. McKade kept wanting to talk with the Dr., and Tyli was her usual happy self at the Dr.'s and cried any time anyone looked at her. Dallin was just nervous. Anyways, here are their measurments for these ages:

Dallin: (5 Years old)

Height: 45 1/2 inches (90%)

Weight: 46 lbs. (75%)

BP: 106/70

Tyli: (18 Months old- actually almost 19 now!)

Height: 35 1/2 inches (97%)

Weight: 26 lbs. (70%)

Head: 19 1/2 cm (97%)

They're still big, but not as monsterous as before. (thank goodness!) At least Ty has hair to cover her huge melon!

Dallin's has decided he likes the tooth fairy so much...

Before we left for Idaho, Dallin got his first loose tooth. It stayed in during our trip, despite the fact that it laid down ready to fall out the whole time. (my mom says he was just to scared to loose it in Idaho.) He lost it the first night we got home. The next morning Dallin woke us up to inform us that he had indeed been visited by the tooth fairy, but only got 4 quarters. Anyways, three days later, he has his second loose tooth, leaving me wondering if he's going to have any teeth left in his cute little face for when he starts kindergarten in 2 weeks!

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

Eight years ago from today Cauley and I were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Does it seem like that "long" ago? Depends who you ask! (Just kidding.) Happy Anniversary, Babe! I love you more and more each day!

Having so much fun...

We are in Idaho right now visiting my family. I always have so much fun when we get a chance to head north out of the heat. So far we have had many adventures, starting with our first ever family hotel stay. (well, with our 3 kids that is.) I want to show pictures, so I won't give away all our fun times, but we are sure enjoying being with family and friends here in Idaho and Utah. My highlight so far was being able to be at our good friends Seth and Jane's wedding in Bountiful this last weekend. They both looked amazing, and I couldn't be happier for them! There is more planned for the family to accomplish within the next 3 days, including family pictures- which are always not so much fun!, so I will have to post about everything once I have more time.

Growth

When Dallin was born, I remember holding him all the time, loving his "scent" and looking into those beautiful, mysterious eyes. About a month later when the "severe" case of colic started setting in, life wasn't so pleasant. Two days later I found myself telling him "I can't wait until you're older!" Time passed, and so did the colic and chronic ear infections.

Dallin grew quickly, almost too fast for some of his clothes. He was introduced to friends like Cooper and Logan. Oh how I wanted him to crawl! We were so desperate we would bribe him with phones or fruit snacks if he would just "inch" toward them. He crawled, of course, on his own schedule. Walking was much the same. I should have had him figured out by then that he does everything on his own timing. He's as stubborn as his mom!

Still, he grew, bigger and bigger. His words changed from "ewok talk" to real words, and eventually sentences. Even though my college education was in child development, I never had to encourage his vocabulary skills much. This part came natural, and he was able to communicate very well by 18 months of age. I loved this time we shared together, and wondered what the future would hold.

With each passing year of his life, I found myself becoming more and more strict. I would "make him obey" and be quiet in public while other kids would be running around screaming and hitting their siblings. I restricted who he was allowed to play with because I didn't want him picking up bad habits like fighting, fowl language and being spoiled by getting whatever it was that he wanted. He has ALWAYS been expected to say please and thank you, two of the most important words that much of society today lacks, and respect his elders, even at a very young age.

As his mother, I thought I would always know what was best for him and when. He proved me wrong from almost the time he was born. Today is no different. Cauley and I had decided earlier this year to wait on sending him to Kindergarten next fall. He would be bigger, older, more mature, and smarter. Plus, that way I could spend one more year with him, influencing his life the way I would like, the way Heavenly Father intended. Truth be told, I wasn't ready to let my little guy grow up, to let go of his innocence.

For his 5th birthday last month, both of his grandma's gave him easy reader books. He was so excited! That night, we sat down on the couch and imagine my surprise when he read me the first book, with help on only a handful of words like "wheels" and "night" and "highway." I excused myself to the bathroom where I cried, knowing that I was only holding back my little boy from the life he deserved to live.

Yesterday marked a big day for me. I actually filled out the paperwork for him to start Kindergarten this fall. He was so proud, marching up to the school, leading the way. The school, unfortunately was closed, but Cauley got the enrollment forms from the district office. He acted different, knowing he's going to school with the "big kids" and that means getting to grow up. He tried to be too much of a big brother by carrying his sister around the house and I even caught him trying to change McKade's stinky diaper, which I would have let happen if I hadn't seen the mess that had already started! He even keeps asking if I have any laundry that needs folded.

Lucky for me, he still wants to be a kid. He rode in the basket part of the shopping cart at the Fry's Marketplace Grand Opening this morning, begged for cookies and popsicles, and even sang songs with his brother to pass the time. When we got home, we all reveled in a game of "Duck, Duck, GOOSE!" and hide and seek before I claimed I was tired and needed to fix lunch. I am glad that he is still little, and loved kissing his cheeks which still had his pizza he had for lunch on them!

Yet another first, to add among thousands, for our family!

BIG title, yah, I know. I was just way excited for this. I guess you could say I've been looking forward to it for about um, 18 months now! Have you guessed what it is yet? Cheater! I saw you read ahead! That's right- Tyli is now officially in Nursery! She has (very UNwillinginly) been going to nursery for a few weeks, which has always resulted in me ending up with her because her nursery teachers love the sound of her screaming as much as I do, but today was her actual "legal" day to go, so I opened the door, placed her on the floor as I grabbed a toy from the toy bin, shoved it in her hand, and RAN! OK, so I know my sister-in-laws are thinking, "I always knew she was a mean mom!"-I'm only kidding Jen and Steph! I guess I am mean. She is so stubborn that she would NEVER go, and she needs to learn a little Independence- TRUST ME! She REALLY needs to be away from her mom- even if it's only a little under 2 hours a week at a time. I have to thank Megan, who had to endure the screaming, and another big thanks to Lindsay who ended up holding her the whole time. I just hope next Sunday she will let me plop her down again without magically sticking to me. Today was big because I actually got to listen to ALL of my Sunday School and combined meeting lesson for the first time in almost 3 years (no joke!), which I really needed.Really Megan, thanks!

Dallin Had A Birthday, Shout Hurray!

I can't believe my big boy is 5 already! He looks 5, according to him, and I agree, but it hasn't really been 5 years since I had him, has it?

The kids and I had a great time looking at Dallin's scrapbook and talking about the day he was born. He loved seeing pictures of him from that time and the year following his birth. I think we spent a little over an hour doing this, but it kept them occupied. McKade thought every picture was of him, and Tyli just kept saying, "baby!" I loved looking at this almost more than they did.

Dallin is a very strong, opinionated boy (just like him mom!). He was convinced we HAD to go to Peter Piper Pizza for a party. Since it was his year to not have a party, we were hesitant, but decided to take our family and have fun. Brad and Stephanie and their boys joined us, and we all had a great time together. Dallin sure loves his cousins and was so excited to see that they were there. (Aunt) Stephanie bought him some tokens for his birthday, so the kids all enjoyed playing games and riding the rides. Dallin liked a video game the best, and the most wonderful part was that for some reason, he was playing off someone else's tokens and played for free for about 20 minutes! He even beat Steph and I at Air Hockey (well, kinda- the score said he won, but you know, it was his birthday!)

After dinner, we headed to Grandma's house for brownies and ice cream. Dallin was so excited for his presents, it was fun watching him try not to look at them. He absolutely loved everything he got, and was feeling pretty overwhelmed towards the end. I snuck out and got his new bike Cauley and I surprised him with. He was hesitant riding it at first as it is MUCH bigger then the one he had, but he got the hang of it and was riding up and down the sidewalk before too long. It was cute watching Parker and McKade run after him. All in all, he had "the best birthday ever!" I love him so much and can't believe that 5 years has passed so quickly!

Turley Family Reunion

Our family "hike" lead by Uncle Grant.

What a weekend! We all loaded our cars and headed to a secluded spot outside of Show Low, AZ for the Turley family reunion. We "camped out" in a very old church, which fit our family very well. We had plenty of rooms for everyone to sleep in, giving every family their own room, and everyone had their own bed. The "Relief Society room was changed into our "dining room" and provided enough space at the table for a majority of the people to eat. The cultural hall was my kids' favorite, providing loads of fun with ping pong, a pool table, and enough space for all our crafts, games, and running around. There was even an area (chapel maybe?) where we had couches and a big screen TV with satellite cable! This was where we all would meet for family time, which included games, meetings, and, of course, laughter and tears. My personal favorite area of this old church was the old baptismal font which had been changed into a big shower (which I don't think anyone used!). Our kids had so much fun running around this huge building with cousins old and young! I had a wonderful time chatting with Aunts and Uncles and had a great time with my two nephews, Parker and Bryce. My mother-in-law planned a lot of the reunion, with help from Aunt Gerry, and I must say they did a phenomenal job! I love spending time with this side of our family, and am grateful for the opportunity to go to our reunion again this year! (A BIG thank you to Aunt Gerry for everything!) I can't wait for next year!

Grandma Kathy (my mother-in-law) and McKade outside "exploring."

My kids taking their bath Saturday night in an old tub.



A fun family moment at a park in Show Low.

Brad and Bryce

?Thankful Thursday?

I know, I am pretty weird some times, but I just wanted to say how thankful I am to be helping out the primary lately. For pretty much the past 3 months now, I have substituted EVERY week by filling in as a teacher in either the nursery or primary. Either I am called during the week from a teacher who won't be attending that week or "searched out" as soon as Sacrament is over by a very desperate primary president, and willingly give up my seat to Sunday School to help out. Having been a primary teacher for the past 8 years of my life now (mingled with other fun callings, of course) I feel right at home sitting in singing time with 2-3 kids sitting on my lap while belting out the primary hymns. I pretty much have the lesson manuals memorized, and have a few "tricks," or time filling games I have learned. I love teaching these little ones and learning from them more than I could ever teach them. I am very thankful to be able to help out, as I have depended on others to fulfill my calling a time or two in the past.

*This is an absolute disclaimer, that in NO WAY am I wanting to be called AGAIN as a primary teacher (for the time being anyways). I am just happy to help out, that's all. But, I know the call is coming- it's just a matter of time. I think my purpose in life is to go every Sunday and teach either primary or nursery.

Happy Father's Day, Cauley!

I am not the sappy type, so, following my usual, I just want to say Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful husband ever, Cauley. (aka Daddy, Mr. Clark, and Coach Clark. ) I am so thankful to have you in my life. You are a wonderful example to me and our kids and I love watching you teach and play with them. It's no wonder our boys want to be just like you when they grow up, and if they are, I will be one VERY happy mom!

Tyli goes swimming

As I was cooking dinner the other night, I heard Cauley yell "Jami, bring the camera!" I quickly did as I was told, trying hard to figure out where he was. I heard him say, "No. Sit down!" and realized he was in our bathroom with one of our kids. To my surprise, I saw Tyli sitting in our toilet with a huge grin on her face. When she saw me, she said, "I swim, mommy!" I quickly turned on the video camera and we had a nice little conversation with her on video, then I turned it off and snapped a few pictures before we let her get out of her new swimming pool. (Just kidding about her new pool!) I hope we got the message to her about not getting into the toilet again!

Our New TV

I will not bore you all with details of this very interesting story, so if you want to read about it, please go to our other blog. (* I will not try and hyperlink this because none of mine ever work anyhow- just click on it under my fantastic family links.) Anyways, The first TV picture was returned, the second picture is of the TV that is now sitting in our entertainment center waiting for us to watch it! (Just kidding, we have used it PLENTY already.)

Swim Lessons

Living in Arizona, there is no other option other than putting your kids in swim lessons so they can learn to swim. Our swimming season here lasts about 5 months a year, and most of that time the temperature outside is much higher than the average body temp., so the most comfortable way to live is to swim. It is not easy to keep comfortable in the water while watching 3 small children who are fearless of it, however, so , like any wise person should, I enrolled my kids in swim lessons. Jennifer, my sister-in-law, taught my 2 oldest last year and I have to say, she did an AMAZING job! This year proved to be a little more difficult, as Jennifer is now living very far east of AZ. Aunt Jeni got the honor this year, and my kids loved it! (ok, so McKade screamed for the first week every time he had to go under the water, but since then begs us to go swimming!) They loved the fact that at the end of their lesson, Gavin, Cauley's cousin, would bring out each kid an otter pop. (Tyli even snagged a few!) I, however, sat outside for an hour or so everyday, watching and wishing I could be in the water cooling off with my boys. I think the only thing that saved me was good company (Megan, Jenn, and all the rest of you who shared in our dread for listening to our children screaming!) and giving my non-swimming kiddos a spray bottle filled with water so I could "keep my cool!" Overall, I am sad we are done with swim lessons with Aunt Jeni for the summer. Cauley is going to take over now that he has a few (VERY FEW!) extra minutes and he has experience teaching swim to small kids. (He worked at Swim Kids USA like Jennifer and Stephanie for a summer.) I just love watching Dallin swim under the water, as he LOVES it, and McKade "monkey walking" around the pool, which makes him VERY happy-acting like an orangutan. Tyli, I am afraid for her, as she hasn't had swim lessons yet, but has absolutely NO fear of water, and will willingly walk off the side of the pool or steps. If any of you need a good referance for swim lessons, please call or email me.

Daddy's gone!

Cauley and Jeff (Cauley's younger brother) are off in New Mexico (Mexico if you ask my kids!) having fun. Ok, really, they are having a great time, but Cauley went to coach one of his track athletes in the Southwest National Meet. (The guy who won the state decathlon when I was at home with food poisoning!) Anyways, I was, and still am, determined to make the most of it- especially when I am the one needing a vacation away from my kids. (I will take 15 minutes away- any takers? They really are good kids, I just need some kind of a break.) Anyways, Cauley left early Friday morning and the fun started with Tyli waking up shortly after and running into our room to see "Daddy." The poor thing was heartbroken that her "Daddy" wasn't there. I bargained and after some cereal, milk, and a "crackah," she was ok. Friday went pretty smooth overall. The kids and I spent a few minutes over at Cauley's parents before heading off to Costco to meet up with Brad and Steph. They were really good through Costco, and even made it home without falling asleep. After some lunch, Tyli took a quick nap and the boys helped me clean up. Then we had pizza for dinner. (I bought one at Costco for our "fun" dinner.) We had a movie night, watching "Finding Nemo" again and eating popcorn. They even went to bed good! Then they woke up.

Dallin seemed determined to make everyone scream today, including myself. Tyli found her Independence and is turning out to be a little more than difficult, and McKade just wanted to be loved ALL day. (Nothing wrong with that, I just can't sit and cuddle all day.) Anyways, Tyli was found in the boys' room ripping off the border (wallpaper) where she could reach from Dallin's bed while I washed dishes. Then, about 15 minutes later, after putting "Finding Nemo" back on as a babysitter, I finally got a shower. I should have stayed in. I had just put my shirt back on when I hear Dallin yelling "Mom, Tyli's stinky but doesn't have her diaper on!" (quick check to remember if I had put one on, and I remembered putting one back on and the shorts on as well.) I run to the living room thinking she's in there. No sign of her, just her shorts she had taken off and a stinky diaper in the middle of the floor along with evidence that she had headed to the boy's room. (When I say evidence, I mean I followed the trail of brown stinky stuff on the walls and carpet!) Tyli was not in there any longer, but had definitely been been on the boy's beds again! I followed the trail into her room and found she had climbed into my rocking chair, the baby bouncy seat, and there I found her bouncing along on her zebra my mom gave her for Christmas. BATH TIME! It was a pretty big STINKY mess, but I somehow managed (with help from a package of dried fruit and her booster seat I can tightly strap her into!) to clean everything up in about 45 minutes. No time for a nap, we had to lather up in sunscreen for our ward party. That was a lot of fun- no really it was. I only lasted about an hour, running after all 3 of my kids at a neighborhood park that had kiddie pools set up every 3-4 feet and slip and slides for my kids to stand in the middle of whenever someone came running toward one. I could tell we were all getting burnt, despite my use of half a bottle of "sun lotion." So I put us all back in the stroller and we walked home, only to get even more burnt. Try explaining to a 4 year old why gas costs so much so we have to walk the 2 blocks instead of driving when it's 105 outside! After dinner, we had a great time going shopping for a Father's Day present and then off to Sonic for "Date Night." (Dallin has been asking me forever to take him on a date, so since my husband isn't in town, why not?) We went to Sonic and each of the kids got a milkshake, which are on sale right now for 99 pennies! We had a great time sitting outside, once again, in the HOT weather eating ice cream and playing McKade's favorite game of "I Spy." When we got home, all three were ready for bed, but since it was only 6:30, we read books for an hour before I gave in and let them go to sleep. So, here I sit, feeling very proud of myself that I have survived yet another day without my husband here to laugh with me at our comical children. One more day to go- and this is the real test as tomorrow is the sabbath and I get to go husbandless with my three amigos to church- and yes, we are going the full 3 hours! I just hope he's home when we get home, so maybe I'll be able to make dinner without the help of 6 unhelpful hands!

Thank You!

I was trying to think of what I have really been thankful for for my Thankful Thursday post today, and have decided to "Thank You!" Yep! I read your blogs and am so grateful for the perspective it gives me with my own life and crazy kiddos. My kids come running to the sound of me laughing out loud as I read some of your blogs like Megan, and the meanest mom, and Melissa (and lots others!). Dallin always wants to know what was so funny. They always love to sit on my lap and look at the pictures that you post, as opposed to me who doesn't have time to wait an hour per picture to load on my dial-up connection. Stephanie, Andrea, and Anne do a great job putting up tons of pictures (as well as most of you!) and I am thinking of hiring you guys out (or at least your computers) to add a couple of pictures to my blog every now and again. Like I said about four months ago, I love reading all of your blogs so I can keep in touch and see what you and your families are up to. I especially love finding old high school friends like Tami, Kira, and Courtney and am so excited when I find my college roommates like Melanie, and Annie. But really, thank you for being honest and real, allowing me to feel bad when I'm not being a fun mom or feel good for acheiving something off your list of goals! Thanks for giving me something to read that helps me deal with life's everyday situations. Who better to get advice and laughter from than friends like you?

* Just a little sidenote- I love all of your blogs and am sorry if I hurt your feelings by not meantioning you, I just picked randomly off the top of my head. Maybe, if you REALLY got your feelings hurt, post me and I'll meantion you in one of my next posts!

The promised pictures

I know I said I would post some pictures of our fun "adventures" from last week, but Cauley beat me to it. To see them, please check out our "other" blog here.

Adventures (for lack of a more creative title!)

Pictures will follow, I promise. My computer is being very odd right now and isn't allowing me to add them.

What a week! It all started off with our Memorial Day party which consisted of my fabulous family of 5 and my sister-in-law, Stephanie, and her husband, Brad, and their two sons, Parker and Bryce. They came over in the evening and I made homemade individual pizzas with a variety of toppings everyone could choose to put on their pizza. YUMMY! After dinner the kids played outside because the weather was BEAUTIFUL while some of the adults played Guitar Hero 3. While I am always in awe at the amazing abilities of my very talented husband, I was quite impressed with Brad and Steph! (You guys rocked!) I had so much fun outside with my kids and Parker, as they are so full of energy and kept me laughing with their odd comments. (Don't you just love the outlook on life from a child's point of view?) To top off our wonderful Memorial Day, we had a very delicious dessert that the Greer's brought over of cookies and ice cream.



Tuesday wasn't quite as adventurous. I did make it to a friend's bridal shower and was able to see a friend from high school, Kira (Rushdi) Adams, who happened to be down from Idaho. (Who was also throwing the shower for Amber.) Tuesday also marked the kick-off to football season for Cauley. OK, not really, but he's coaching the summer weights/conditioning program for the Freshmen. This started today and I think it pretty much goes until football school (camp) which is right before school starts. To top my day off, I got a late phone call from a good friend of mine saying she had had her baby that morning. WELCOME, Kameha Lily Noel Spence! CONGRATS Marie and Justin! We love you guys!



When asked what they wanted to do for fun on Wednesday, our boys said they wanted to go hiking. We didn't think they were actually ready to go hiking in the AZ mountains, so we took them to the Riparian Reserve Park in Gilbert Wednesday morning. What fun! (seriously, if you want to get away but don't want to drive a lot, here is your perfect destination!) We walked around, following trails and watching different birds, geese, rabbits, and turtles for over an hour! The kids had a great time looking for different animals, and we all enjoyed our time together. Of course, being in Arizona the end of May, we got hot so we walked next door to the Gilbert Library and cooled off by reading books. (My kids love the library!) We all decided we were hungry, since it was lunch time, so we headed to eat at Applebee's. (We don't know why, but it is Dallin's favorite restraunt ever. I think it has something to do with going there with Seth once upon a time.) We ate and then stopped by Best Buy to check out new TV's - ours is about to really die here pretty soon, which will be a sad day. We looked for a while and then headed home to give Tyli a MUCH needed nap. I, too, slept, which was an added bonus.

Today was also fun. It is my father-in-law's birthday. After calling and reminding a few family members about this special day, we decided to throw him a family surprise birthday dinner party. Stephanie met us with her two boys and we knocked on the door and yelled SURPRISE! and then sang "Happy Birthday." After that we all ate a delicious dinner of tostadas and burritos and then had cake and ice cream. Cauley's parents have just returned from a week long trip to DC, and the grand kids REALLY enjoyed marching around Grandma's house with their little souvenir flags (which they are so very proud to hold!). It was funny watching Tyli try and keep up with the pace which wasn't a real march, more like a jog. Tyli then screamed through her first (but very much needed!) haircut from aunt Stephanie before we said good night and brought home our very exhausted children.

I'm still here!

I am still here. I've just been REALLy enjoying having my Mr./Coach Clark home for a few days now! We have had a few fun adventures (which will be blogged about later) and have kept really busy together as a family since school let out last Thursday. I was so tired after our morning out that after coming home, I slept for about 3 1/2 hours! Cauley can sure come up with fun ways NOT to spend money! (except for a little gas, which ends up costing more than going most places that do cost money!) So please don't write me off- I promise I will share our fun later, right now I have to go make my family dinner. (I should be able to stay up and blog since I am very well rested.)