Tuesday, November 24, 2009




JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is, " explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a .....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,"
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters,
(first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have "Three" credits
(all BOYS).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day,
(24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 4 and 2.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(an 8 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom."
Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

The JOYS!
I love being a mom!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sundays

I love how my boys look on Sunday before church.
I wish Harper was in this one, but aren't these two so cute?


Me and Harper

This is right before we went to Grammy and Popps house....a Sunday tradition
Me and the boys just before church.
I love everything about Sunday.
I love taking my kids to church, I love relaxing all day with Brandon and my little boys,
I love visiting family and friends and eating a nice big Sunday dinner.
I always feel like I realize what is most important in life is on Sunday.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Fun in the Fall
My kids love playing in the leaves.
I wasn't sure how Harper would like it, but he LOVED it.
I feel like we just have to take advantage of this warmer weather while we have it,
so we have been spending alot of time outside the past few days.








Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Random Pictures and a thought

We hear people tell us they don't want kids or they don't know "when" they'll be ready.
I know I am one of those people who adores kids,
so I am probably not one to critisize...
I have wanted to be a mom since, hmmmm, I don't know when....forever.
BUT
How could you not look at these little faces and not want one of them!?!?!
How could anybody ever hurt one of these precious little beings?
Even when they are being naughty?
Look at those faces...Does it get any better than that?
Nope.
It doesn't.
Can you imagine life without children?
Even if you don't have any of your own.
The world without children would be horrible.

We could never see ourselves without these little stinkers in our lives.
Even when they are all grown with families of their own.
They are everything to us.















Monday, November 2, 2009

POTTY TRAINING

Yes, I have decided to do it.
He is just barely turned 2 and I have had this philosophy that you wait till they're older and then its an easier switch.
Well, he is ready.
He has been for a while now
but I wasn't ready,
(I believe the success of your child's potty training depends ALOT on the parent and how hard and consistant they are with the child)
NOW I am ready.
We are going on 2 days now and only one "wet" accident.

I go cold turkey.
No diapers, no pull-ups, JUST UNDIES.
Even at night.
He has stayed dry through naps and through the night so far
so wish us luck that he keeps doing so well!

He looks so cute in his little boxer-briefs, I just had to take a picture.
Bye-Bye diapers!



This is what I do:
NO DIAPERS
NO PULL-UPS
These two things only confuse the child. They are pretty much the exact same thing and feel pretty much the exact same way to a child. There's not really any difference between the two.

People try and say they only use them at night....what is that teaching a child? It teaches them that they can pee and poo freely at night but they must use the toilet during the day. What happens when you decide to stop using the diapers at night?

Same thing with using diapers or pull-ups when you are "running errands"....they learn that they don't have to control their bladder or bowel movements when they are out and about.
I think it is confusing for the kids and therefore interrupts their success.

Simplicity and consistancy is the key.

It's easier for me to keep my little guy in undies and a T-shirt all day.

BIG BIG KEY- take them to the potty EVERY 40-45 minutes.
No Matter what.
Don't ask them, most of the time they will say no.
Just take them and put them on the potty.
Take them before you get in the car to go somewhere,
Take them as soon as you arrive (even at the grocery store)
If you are leaving and you have been there for a while...take them again.
Don't ask them, just do it.
Especially if they just ate food or had a drink.

Then stop drinks about 2-3 hours before bedtime.
This can be really difficult.
My trick is I give him water in a cup instead of a sippy cup and I only pour in a tiny tiny amount. Then I also load him full of water in the morning and after his nap to make sure he is getting enough fluids.

Put them to bed.
Remind them that they are in undies and they need to go in the toilet.
They may not get it yet, but they will soon enough.
First few nights might be hit and miss as far as a wet bed or not.
change the sheets.
It might be a pain but they figure it out really soon if you stay consistant.

Bathroom right before naps and as soon as they wake up.
Bathroom right before bed and as soon as they get up in the morning.

It sounds like alot of work and it is. BUT it is atmost 2-3 weeks and you are done! They catch on so fast. It is so worth it to put in the work and then you BOTH see results.

PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE

I also suggest that you don't have your boys stand up yet.
Atleast not till they have this all down.
Plus it helps for #2
I have some tips for #2 as well...if you have any questions about that just ask :)

Our Famiily

Our Famiily

Hewitt

Hewitt
Hewitt is our SMART litte 4 year old. He listens and does everything I tell him to. He is the BEST big brother and my big helper too.

Linny Binny

Linny Binny
This little dude keeps us laughing all the time. He just barely turned 2 and He is so sweet and getting so big.

Harper

Harper
Harper is 7 months old. Easiest baby yet and crawls everywhere and stands up on his own too!

Bossy

Bossy
Our BIG Wonderful Doggy. He will be turning 4 in October! We love ya Buddy!

McBride Family

McBride Family
20 grandchildren and 1 on the way! 14 boys and 7 girls.

Brandon and I with Harper at 4 months

Brandon and I with Harper at 4 months

Linford Family

Linford Family
7 grandchildren, soon to be 8! 3 girls and 5 boys