Jazz & Relaxin'.

Carrera is putting pretend makeup on Colton's new G.I. Joe truck. Then she called Grandma "LEGOs" on her toy phone to tell her about how pretty the truck is.

Today I sanded off the top of our kitchen table and stained it. The other day Shane's mom asked: "Why don't you just buy a new one? They are on sale right now for $100." I thought to myself: Why would I buy a new one when I can fix this one for about $20. It was hard work though and I am a little sore. I sanded it by hand. I'm hoping that I can finish it by Monday when daycare is back. I am going to put at least three coats of polyurethane on it. My goal is for it to last until I am done doing daycare.

We are on vacation this week. Our August vacation is for getting stuff done. The kids had their pictures taken. Everyone got hair cuts. Calvin got a new bike. We visited Shane's grandma. I ran tons of errands. I fixed the glider swing on our swing set. We've done some relaxing too.

Tonight I am doing the last of my filing and paperwork stuff I need to get done this week. Tomorrow night the kids are sleeping over at grandma's and Saturday Shane and I are going to the Renaissance festival. Monday it is back to life. I have a new daycare kid starting for sure on Monday, and Carrera has her three year old physical. But for now, we're listening to Jazz.

The little things.

It's the little things in life that get me excited.

• Shane's mom picked me up a new comforter set for our bed. It is almost exactly the comforter that I have been looking for (for years)! I actually couldn't focus on homework today because I was so excited!
• Carrera poops and pees in the toilet. She went to her daycare friend R.'s house today for a little play time (three whole hours)... without me (on her birthday no less!). She is growing up so fast. Big 3 year old today! Happy birthday baby!
• My classes this semester will be a breeze. I'm already bored.
• I have a new daycare kid starting probably on Monday. Last minute my neighbor asked if I'd take her daughter. Her daughter is adorable, and my neighbor is one of the positivest affirming people I've met. Bonus!
• My mission of finishing all my "to do" this week is nearing completion! I feel like superwoman.
• After losing some major poundage I went shopping and splurged on some fabulous new clothes.
• We're on vacation this week and it is nice to spend time at home focusing on myself and my family. As well as getting mucho mucho done!

Toilet Training. Part 2

Toilet training. Exactly what you wanted to read about today.

I am fascinated by the people I am meeting that say they let their child run around naked to potty train them. And they claim it only takes a few days (a weekend). I am ecstatic! Carrera has been running around bottomless since Monday. If I put underwear on her, she pees in them, so we are pantless. Yesterday she wore a long shirt to cover her butt. Today she is in a dress. I am hoping that by the weekend she will be able to be in underwear and be fine.

I will admit, this is the most emotionally charged milestone for me. I have been shedding tears of joy and pride for the last three days. I love being a mother!

Morning Encouragement.

Ok, I LOVE my horoscope! I don't put much stock in astrology. I think it is fun, but don't take it too seriously. I do find it encouraging most days.

Taurus (By Rick Levine): The New Moon highlights your 4th House of Roots and encourages you to plant your seeds close to home. There's no need to go looking for adventure anywhere else; whatever you begin now will grow and will eventually carry you far. But even a journey to the far reaches of the universe starts with planning, acquiring supplies and perhaps even building your rocket ship. When you're ready, you'll be approved for blast-off.

Now THAT was encouraging!

Toilet Training.

Carrera decided two days ago (Monday) that she is done with diapers. She peed in her underwear four times the first day. Now she is running around bottomless. She does better naked. She doesn't pee on the floor, but she does pee in underwear. We are on vacation next week and her third birthday is in less than a week, so this is really a good time to potty train. I'm glad that she finally decided that she is ready. Previously she has shown no interest and even anger when I suggest trying.

Feeling Fabulous!

So I debated whether or not to post this, but it is a major change for me, and I am VERY excited!

I've weighed about 208 lbs for a LONG time. Today I weighed in at 178 lbs. That means I've dropped 30 lbs! Not only do I feel great, but I am amazed that I could even drop below 180 (I really thought it would be impossible). This is the smallest I've been since college, possibly since high school (I remember weighing about 180 in college.) I'm 6'1 so at 180 I look fabulous. Only one person has commented on it though. My neighbor keeps calling me skinny-minnie, and it makes me feel wonderful to hear it. I am wondering if people don't comment because they think that it would be offensive if I hadn't lost weight. Not sure. I went out and bought new jeans yesterday. LOVE IT!

Another Sunday afternoon.

My home page is iGoogle. I have a "To Do" list application with only one item on it: Smile more. I take life to seriously or not seriously enough. Today was a very good day. I drove my sister to the airport this morning. I was very sad to see her leave, but she left me some CDs with great music and a lot of stuff to think about.

Last night was my brother-in-law's 40th birthday party. I saw a few people from a church I used to attend. People that I would have prefered to not see - they know too much.

Trouble Breathing!

Sick. Shane finally got me to go in to see our family physician today and I have five new prescriptions. FIVE! Three are to help me breathe. Waking up in the middle of the night because I am not breathing is not a fun experience (for me or Shane). Asthma and watery eyes are the only two allergy symptoms I have this "fall" so far. I am not a fan of asthma. I can barely go up stairs and I'm completely wiped out. So God knows our house will soon look like a pig sty if these meds don't kick in fast!

Change P.1

Breathing... I'm just breathing... (ok, I'll admit, I'm typing too).

I can't change other people. I can't change what other people think about me. I can't change myself to fit what other people want me to be. But, can I change myself so that I don't care what they think? Hmmm.