Potty training advice for little boys

I am finding that this is much harder (and messier) than training little girls. We bought one of those kiddie seats that attaches with screws on top of the toilet so it can be flipped up and down when in use and not in use. It never really stays up properly and when he sits on it, he doesn't scoot back far enough or his pee isn't pointed down enough and it gets all over the seat and under the other little seat. I'm about to resort back to the Bjorn potty. I just don't like the idea of potty training on one since I don't want to have to take it with me everywhere. Tatum started off on it and then after about a month, I wanted her to get used to the big toilet so when we were out in public, she could do her thing and not be scared of the big toilet. Plus, the portable one is such a pain to clean and when I started off using it, he would get up and immediately pull out the white part to go and dump it in the toilet and get it everywhere (when I was in the other room not realizing what he was doing lol). We do have elongated toilets, so I may try and order one that sits on top for one like mine with a better shield in front so pee doesn't get everywhere. I just don't know what to do with this one. I'd love ideas from any of you....

Modern Art Overload

Tatum has always loved arts and crafts. But lately she seems to be at it non-stop. The girl would much rather color than eat or watch t.v. She is starting to get really good at it. As I'm scanning in just a few of her creations today, she is still handing me more that she's just made. I have piles and piles and it's so hard to decide on which ones to really keep, because they are all so creative and unique. I may start framing some of them. I love her style. You should see her rose creations! I just wanted to share a few of her masterpieces with you all :).

Day at the Children's Museum with our best buddies :)

I've been wanting to go here since they opened a little while ago. So we finally went last week. We went with a friend of mine and her kids. The place was absolutely amazing! It is housed in the old Monroe building downtown. We will probably buy the yearly membership next time we go since we loved it so much! There are three levels to this place and the kids just had an absolute blast (and so did I). Corbin had a little bit of trouble because he didn't get a nap in that day, but as long as he was able to play and not be confined, he was good. I loved the texture cafe. Everything was healthy, not processed and really yummy (mostly organic too). I loved that they use biodegradable utensils. I remember using them at the zoo and actually prefer them to the old fashioned plastic ones. They have an art room that has craft time for about three hours a day (they rotate out the craft every week or so). You can come and go and it's a very relaxed atmosphere. They had 4 different stations. The kids got to make their own hats, wands, paint a small house and decoupage a dragon. The gym was probably the best part because they could just go run and play. Talk about sensory overload lol. You really have to go and check it out for yourself to fully understand this place. http://www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/

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Kind-of a personal post...but I had to share :)

http://www.blackhoundgallerie.com/shoponline.htm

This post is maybe TMI, but hey, it's my blog and I can blog what I want...right??
So last weekend when we were in Flagstaff, my sister-in-law and I (and the kids lol) went into a shop called the Black Hound Gallerie downtown. I went right over to a table that had a bunch of different bras sprawled out (lace, boob tube, no lace). I picked up the tag and it read one size fits all and the price was $9.95! So of course I bought 4. What I love about these bras is there are no under wires, light molding in the front so you aren't left looking pointy or...you know (lol)... And when you wear it, you almost feel like you are wearing a sports bra/nursing bra...only ten times more comfortable, like I could actually sleep in this. They also don't really look like bras and almost like tank tops on top (especially the lacy ones). So you can almost coordinate them under a small top to make it look like it's a tank and not a bra (hope that makes sense). The straps are super thin and you can detach them or put clear straps on them that they come with. I called up there to order more and they are going to ship some to me which is awesome! She said they keep selling out of these puppies, but they just got a brand new shipment in today. Because they are so popular, they will always carry them! I seriously HATE and despise the feeling of wearing a bra and now with these, I don't have to lol. I just had to share my latest Favorite Thing!

**I just posted a few pics because my cousin asked me to :). It gives you an idea of the three styles available and a few of the colors. They also have red, a pale pink, bisque and I'm maybe one or two more, but I'm only laying out those ones ;P.

The boy sure does love his ball...and blankee...and blue bear...and mimi...

Vacation in the pines!

We had a fabulous time in Flagstaff this weekend with my dad, Kay, my brother, Theresa, Everett and of course...my family :). It rained a little on Sat and Sunday with the high today (Sunday) of 60 degrees (the high was about 92 here). I'm a sucker for monsoon season and I absolutely love a good thunderstorm. It was more of an on and off again trickle with some sun...so needless to say, the perfect weekend there. I heard the thunderstorms were pretty fierce down here. I'm kinda sad I missed that, but wouldn't trade it for temperatures like Flagstaff and for the simple fact we were outside most of the time which we don't do here this time of the year.
My dad makes a point to take a family trip at least once a year. We rented a huge place (Tatum even got her own bedroom) and it worked out perfect. Next year Dan and Theresa will have another little one and I should have a really little one if everything works out as planned.






Corbin was eating a pretzel, so I couldn't get a smile out of him...but at least they looked loving ♥

My little ballerina

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

JuJuBe Be Right Back

I LOVE this diaper bag. I've had it for a few months now and I can't say enough good things about it. I really could have used it in Disneyland...maybe next time though :). I love that it's not your typical backpack. It has so many compartments, that it's hard to loose things in it and it helps me keep everything organized. The shoulder straps are padded well and the back of it feels soft and comfortable against your back. I also have the BeMine which I've had for over a year now. I love the products from JuJuBe. I just wanted to share with you this great find. It is expensive...but I feel worth it (especially since I can turn around and sell it on craigslist for at least half the price...that won't be for a while though ;-P).


Ergonomically curved and padded shoulder straps
Breathable mesh back
Quick grab handle
Extended lower compartment with expanded lunch/mess box inside
Two exterior insulated bottle pockets
Strategically located storage for your MP3 player
Picture pocket to keep photos handy when bragging to friends
Quick reach outside pocket conveniently fits diapers and a wipes pouch
Be Connected;trade stroller clips included

You can read about more features at http://www.ju-ju-be.com/smartfeatures.html

I got it!

So after waiting for what seemed like forever..I got the job! I'll be starting next Monday (after our long weekend trip to Flagstaff). I go in on Thurs to further discuss my job title and go over my pay. I gave them a basic idea of what I expected for pay and they seemed like that would be no problem. Daryl finally picked up my paycheck today at the dealership..finally! Darron called me tonight and told me he felt a little jealous that they came in and swooped me up like that. That made me feel really good, but I had to explain to him that wasn't something I was planning on and when the General Manager asked me if I'd be interested and to come in for an interview...I had to jump at that amazing opportunity. Plus, I needed something that was going to pay me and not keep putting me off like he did (regardless of the situation). So Darron now wants to pay me a month in advance and wants me to start for him in a month or two. So between those two jobs and my new secret shopping job (which should start next week). I should hopefully be able to make a little extra to help out the family with bills, groceries and things the kids need (not to mention some extra spending money for myself which will be nice). I have to keep pinching myself since this just seems so surreal. I prayed pretty hard for this job and I know He definitely helped out.

Our busy birthday party weekend...

Cousin Devin had her birthday party at Grandmommy and Papo's pool. So much fun! It was supposed to rain that day, but it didn't. :)

Devin's 5th Birthday Party (pull string pinata).
Trinity helping Tatum get the sugar out (Tristan's 2nd birthday party).
The following day playing with the goodie bag loot.

My semi-crunchy post

My friend Jenn had gotten me on board a few weeks ago with these diapers. I normally use Pampers Cruisers and have always used them. I normally would have never thought about buying these until I found them at babyage.com for just a few bucks more than what I would have paid for Cruisers (plus free shipping). If you buy them at Sprouts, they are pretty expensive, so this to me is the only way to go. Plus, it's so nice to have them delivered to your door. So far they have been great and if I can help my son while helping the environment, I'm all for it. Hopefully we won't be needing them for too much longer, but I will definitely be using these for our next one. I love cloth, but I don't have the patience for them even though they are so good for the environment and so good for baby's bum.

Our diapers are made of Chlorine-free wood pulp fluff, Sodium Polyacrylate (also referred to as SAP or absorbent gel), Polyolefin nonwoven fabric, Adhesives, Polyolefin film, Synthetic rubber elastic strands.

Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Diapers keep your baby dry and comfortable and contribute to a safer world for generations to come. That's because Seventh Generation diapers combine premium performance and comfort with the important health and environmental benefits of not contributing to dioxin pollution. Seventh Generation diapers feature a unique blend of unbleached and totally chlorine and fragrance free materials, resealable tapes, stretchy leg gathers, premium absorbency and soft, cloth-like comfort. They are hypo-allergenic, dermatologist tested and, latex and TBT free. Perfect for eco-conscious parents!Amazon.com Product Description

Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Diapers offer soft, cloth-like comfort and feature stretchy leg gathers and closure tabs. In addition to keeping baby dry and reducing the risk of diaper rash, the absorbent polymer in these diapers is non-toxic and non-irritating to baby's sensitive skin.
All-Natural Natural Comfort for Your ChildSeventh Generation Chlorine-Free Diapers are made with your baby and your environment in mind. The chlorine-free materials and absorbent polymers used in the diapers help keep your baby dry in between changes and through the night. In addition to being effective at keeping baby dry and reducing the risk of diaper rash, studies show that the absorbent polymer used in the diapers is non-toxic and non-irritating to baby's sensitive skin.

Hypo-allergenic and offering soft, cloth-like comfort and premium absorbency, these diapers are made of chlorine-free absorbent materials that do not contribute to dioxin pollution. They feature super-stretchy resealable closure tabs and super-stretchy leg gathers that work to provide your baby with a comfortable, safe, close-fitting thin diaper.
Why Does Chlorine-Free Matter?Your choice of our chlorine free diapers could help reduce cancer rates. Your choice of chlorine-free diapers helps reduce the amount of dioxin polluting our air, water and soil, and helps make the world a safer, healthier place for your family and generations to come.
When chlorine and chlorine derivatives are used in industrial processes (such as bleaching paper and wood pulp), they produce substances called chlorinated hydrocarbons, which persist in the environment, accumulate in animals and people, and can be toxic to human and environmental health. The production of chlorine can also release the toxic metal mercury into the environment.
If every household in the U.S. replaced just one 40-count package of conventional diapers with these chlorine-free diapers, we could avoid 133,000 pounds of pollution from entering the environment.
About Seventh GenerationSeventh Generation offers a complete line of natural household products designed to work as well as their traditional counterparts, but use renewable, non-toxic, and phosphate-free ingredients as often as possible, and are never tested on animals. Seventh Generation products are healthy and safe for the air, the surfaces, the pets, and the people in your home--and for the environment outside of it. Every time you use Seventh Generation products you make a difference by saving natural resources, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment, and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

What $7 bucks can sometimes get you at Toys "R" Us

Not that I support buying a dog or cat from a pet shop..but this was just too cute to pass up!

Water Fun with Daddy-O

New Job?? *Update at the bottom*

So a few of you know that when we bought our new van about 2 1/2 months ago, the dealer offered me a job to work at home for him. I told a few people and I could tell that many of them were super skeptical about it and I just tried not to be. It was super fun, but did require some extra work and hours, so obviously something you'd want to get paid for right? I started on May 1st and was promised a paycheck under the table every 2 wks. It was easy money and I could help out with groceries and have extra money to have on hand which is always good. So after several broken promises of not coming through and paying me and 2 signed blank checks that were bogus, he has still yet to paid me. He half paid me, but after the ten millionth time going to Chase to see if the funds were good in his account and the teller telling me that I couldn't even cash a $5 check if I wanted to, I knew I had to do something about it. By then it was the end of June (yeah, I'm crazy for putting up with this guy for 2 months, but I was trusting and naive..and still am of people ). I hadn't talked to my "boss" in about 2 wks (he wasn't answering or returning calls), so I finally got in contact with his General Manager and told him what he owed me (which was a lot) and then he asked if I could come down to the dealership and talk to him. Then he offered me a job! He didn't even know that Darron had hired me. I told him that Darron also said that Avondale would be involved in my payroll as well (which again was another surprise). He said we would start off small..about 2 hrs a day whenever I could sneak it in whenever contacting old customers asking them how their experience was purchasing their vehicle from us yada, yada...and then we'd go from there. So no selling, which is super easy. I will be an "official" work at home employee and get paid through their payroll. He still wants to do something about what I'm owed, so we'll see how that works out. Even half would be great at this point. So I'll start off working only about 10 hrs a week (whatever hours I choose..and they can change from day to day which is really nice) and then he's going to have me start doing more of what I did before and then increase my pay. I then interviewed with the Team Manager and he told me I had to take an Omnia test, do a background check and fill out the proper employment applications that they will need from me. He did say that they are going to skip me through the training process which usually requires a lot more hoops to jump through..so that was good. Tomorrow, I have to go back for a second interview and meet more of the team and then I'll have a third interview after that. If everything goes smoothly, I'll have a job! They said my job title would be "sales woman"..or maybe he said salesman lol. He said I could keep moving up if I really enjoyed it to eventually selling cars one day on the lot. I'm not sure if I want to go that far, but any job that gives me the ability to stay at home and raise my kids with the freedom to still live my life...and then still get paid...is the perfect job for me!
Everything truly happens for a reason (which I know is pretty cliche), but I really believe that. This could really end up being a really good thing!

**I just came back from my 2nd interview and it went amazingly smooth. I interviewed with three other guys and have one more on Monday. I pretty much have it in the bag lol. This is such a blessing and I can't wait to get started. So keep your fingers crossed that everything works out this time :)).**

(I put this on my myspace, but I wanted you all to know what's been going on as well too :)).