Big Bootie

Jack is potty trained, an easy process compared to my beliefs regarding potty training. He basically trained himself over the last year and a half. He wears his big boy underpants and goes potty as needed with the occasional accident. Accidents seem to happen especially when he is playing hard or like a few weeks ago, prior to an illness. Overall he is very successful at managing the potty.

Given the potty training success, last week Jack decided it was time to start wiping himself and pulling up his own clothes. It may sound weird but this kind of makes me sad. Yes, it is nice to have one less butt to wipe but it also demonstrates his constant maturing. I want to freeze time and hold on to my babies.

The potty process also lets Jack's sense of humor shine. He is so funny. He likes for me to sit in the bathroom with him so that we can have "conversations" while he poops. We talk about trucks and Christmas and friends. He makes the most astute observations while on the potty.

Last week after a trip to the potty Jack was attempting to pull up his underpants and out of the blue says, "how do I get this big bootie in here?" I laughed so hard. I hope his humor gets your Monday off to a great start.

A Trip Home

The kids and I recently spent two weeks visiting family and friends. The bulk of our visit was to Gaffney, South Carolina - my childhood home - with a short trip to Hendersonville, North Carolina to visit my in-laws. Prior to the trip I was nervous about traveling alone with my two kids, especially the plane ride; however, both kids behaved wonderfully. Overall the trip was a success and I will definitely be back to visit again soon.

I know what everyone really loves are the photos and here are a few of the highlights from our travels.

Grace swinging at the park in Gaffney.

Jack sliding at the Gaffney park.

Jack sitting in Uncle Jim's new car.

Grace taking her turn in Uncle Jim's car.

Jack at the goat farm while visiting Grannie Annie and Pop.

Grace at the goat farm. She isn't walking yet and I didn't want her crawling around in goat poop.

Jack and Grace looking at goats. We got to see a hour old goat.

Jack and Grannie Annie dancing in the rain.

Grace with my Nanny Hollifield. Grace was named after my grandmother, Florence.

Jack fishing for the first time.

Jack reeling in his first fish.

Me and the kids at a Harris family gathering.

Grace playing in the South Carolina red clay.

Jack digging in the red dirt.

Before this trip I had not been home since August 2010, the longest I have ever gone without a visit. It felt so good to see my family and friends. I was happy to introduce Grace and show how big Jack has grown. Even with two weeks on the road I still felt it wasn't enough time to see everyone, but we definitely put our best effort forward to visit and spend time with our loved ones. 

That red clay is in my bones and some may say my attitude. Gaffney will alway be home and the people I leave there I carry with me in my heart. 

Easter

Easter weekend was beautiful this year. The weather was absolutely perfect and my family enjoyed every aspect of our time together. Here are a few photos to enjoy.

Hope you all had a beautiful Easter!

They Know Him

Over the last few months I have attempted to write a series of posts regarding hip dysplasia with tips and tricks to help other parents. When I first started down this road with Grace a year ago I couldn't find enough helpful information and would like to share what I learned.

The information on how to change a diaper with a spica cast or what products worked well are relatively easy to write. The problem with delving into this topic is it takes me to a time ridden with guilt. When I reflect on this time I am disappointed with how I handled myself emotionally. I feel as if I should have shown more strength and grace. I should also share that when I talk to my inner circle about these feelings they all think I am being way too hard on myself and that I handled the time just fine.

Around the time Grace was born a few women I know were going through very challenging health situations with their children. The issues vary but each had been in the position to pray not just for their child's healing but for their child's life. The stories these women shared through blogs, Facebook or conversations over our back fence all provided perspective and encouragement. However, in seeing these stories I always felt like my situation didn't even compare to the hardships they faced and yet I could not find calm during my storm.

It wasn't until recently that I had an epiphany about these women. Each of these ladies love God. They walk it, they talk it, and they rely on Him when their personal storms hit. They share a common link even though they do not know each other - they know Him.

I haven't talked about my faith on this blog primarily because I don't want to be judged. I call myself a Christian but struggle with faith. If I had to classify myself I would be a doubting Thomas. I need to put my finger in the nail scarred hands. I struggle with doubt, but I so want there to be a God who loves us. The idea of floating through the world with only human power to guide is scary. During my time of struggle I could not find the peace I saw in these women. I tried to find strength on my own and could not. That kind of peace is only found in the power bigger than ourselves.

Growing up my mom would often tell me, "you never know who is watching and looking up to you." This statement usually came as a counter to my sassy or naughty behavior. I would dismiss my mom's comments because I wasn't the popular girl who influenced others. As usual, my mom was right. I was watching these ladies who didn't even know I was paying attention and finding strength through their example. You never know who is watching and being influenced by your words and actions. Thank you for the faith you each demonstrated. It helped strengthen my own.

In My Pockets

The past weekend brought beautiful warm days before the traditional Colorado spring commenced. Our family spent our days outside playing and working hard to clean up the yard. Thankfully I have outdoor babies and like me they are happiest when the weather allows them to play outside. Of course, they would play outside in ten degrees but their poor mother just can't handle the cold.

 On Sunday after our day slowed down I cleaned out the pockets of my blue jeans. The contents brought a smile.

• 12 dandelions picked by Jack just for me
• a fancy balloon Jack has asked me to blow up 342 times 
• a used Easter sticker Grace had wadded up and put in her mouth
• four pennies I found on the floor and and didn't want to end up in Grace's belly
• sand
• a list for the store that Grace had ripped while she played with it in the cart

These are the joys of motherhood. Pockets full of childhood paraphernalia.