Potty-training begins

Oh sweet, adorable Kate... What a day!
She is the fourth child I've attempted to potty-train. She is just over 3. She can "hold it" for hours and hours. She wakes up dry almost every morning. She is beginning to dress and undress herself. BUT our potty party today was not quite as easy as anticipated.

We did have a lot of fun with our girl party today. We opened presents--like Strawberry Shortcake movies, girl legos, and littlest petshop teensies. We read stories, played with playdough, and painted nails. We had tons of special treats. We played at the park. I was exhausted after playing with her for 8 hours straight.

Unfortunately we didn't have a lot of success on the toilet. Either she doesn't know how to make herself go on cue or she simply won't allow it. She simply holds it for hours until she bursts. And when I put her on the toilet every hour or so, she cries. I am sure extra patience was sent my way because I was able to stay very gentle with her, but I am glad the day is over. I will keep extra prayers pouring out for success or at least endurance.

But at least the process has begun. Diapers no longer have a place in this house. Maybe we'll be cleaning a lot of clothes, sheets, and floors, but it will end sooner or later. PLEASE BE SOONER!

What boys think spas are for

I overheard this conversation between Kaden (8) and Kyle (6):

Kaden: I wish I could go to a spa right now.
Kyle: Why?
Kaden: Because they're so relaxing. They put pickles on your eyes. I bet that stings though.

Rain, Rain Go Away

I just read my entry from last July--Summertime Blues. And I felt awful that this also happened to be a blue day too. Is July just like that? I must need to change my perspective. But it is raining outside as I type. I guess it's raining inside too.

I feel overwhelmed. We moved into a new home a few weeks ago. It is so fun to have a bigger home. We have a bigger yard. We have actual closets. We have a two car garage. But truly, we felt guided to move, and to move to Lindon. And here we are. I know we were guided here. Our neighbors are wonderful. The house needs so much updating, but it is wonderful too.

But the kids and I are at a major stalemate. Maybe it's the move? Maybe it's me? Maybe it's both? I had to pull over in the middle of the street today to stop them from fighting. I tried to calmly explain that we don't act that way in the car because it distracts mom from driving and we don't want to get in an accident. I had a couple of kiddos switch spots. Then we continued on to the restaurant for lunch with grandma, which was still rowdy and exhausting. I feel like I can't take them anywhere lately, but I do it anyway because I so desperately want to get out. AHHHH!

Rooms are messy. Laundry doesn't get put away. Toilet paper all over bathroom floors. Toothpaste and spit all over sinks. Legos everywhere. When I remind people of how we treat our house, it doesn't seem to register. I can threaten. I can take away privileges, but no one seems to care. Except me. I get all wound up. Ready to blow. Beyond ready.

Luckily my husband must have known this and he emailed me a link to a great idea.
http://realityfhe.blogspot.com/2013/07/two-simple-words-my-children-must-learn.html

I like this lady. I think we are kindred spirits. I will have to let her know that her post helped me feel like I was not alone in the war after all. I think we will be practicing those special words at my house tomorrow.

I also think I need to lighten up, get a better routine set in this new home, and seek God's help more.

I adore my family. I love my kids so much. And hopefully tomorrow I will show that better than I did today!