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.