Lots of homework...

So I know I've been busy lately...I had some big jobs to do that were under a time deadline, in which I had to keep any and all persons under 4 feet of height out of the office because they tend to ask me for things, like "Mom, will you please turn on Spongebob?" or, "Mom, I would like some juice now" which seem like reasonable requests except for the fact that 1) I've said 37 times that I'm WORKING and 2) their father is sitting 10 feet from the refrigerator and 5 feet from the television, on the couch. There must be some rule that dictates which requests go to which parent, because for some reason I get tons of juice/milk/food requests, even if Reed is standing in the kitchen, milk jug in one hand and sippy cup in the other. Reed, however, is always asked to turn the "game" on. But I digress.

Today was a really busy day for me school-wise. I didn't realise how I was coming across until I saw Carson sitting at his desk in the other corner of the office from mine. He was drawing random numbers on old work papers of ours, and Trevor wanted to play "Pirates" with him.* By the way, Pirates is a game that Trevor made up, and as far as I can tell consists entirely of him giving you one very short stick-like instrument (usually from his drum set) and him holding some apparatus like a plastic golf club that is at least double, if not triple yours in length and seeing who can hit the other the most. At least we're teaching him to be fair, right? And, also by the way, Trevor always wins.

So Trevor wanted to play "Pirates" and Carson goes: "Trevor! I can't play right now! I'm trying to do my schoolwork, so I can grad-utate and get a job!"

oops.* *schedules "play time with children" in after dinner* *

Because the flush is loud

Okay, so I'm sure that everyone that has raised children past the age of 4 has dealt with this on some level, and knows that this, on the grand scheme of things, isn't all that important. But it's important to us right now, particularly since we're on a bit of a time crunch here with school starting soon.

Trevor will turn 3 in September, and is set to start daycare in August. To be in the class with kids his own age, he must be fully potty trained. We've got the peeing thing down, excellently and rather quickly. It's the #2 we're having issues with.

He just will NOT poo in the toilet. I don't know if he's scared of it, scared of sitting, of falling in, of losing control of this or what. I read somewhere that some kids don't like to do it in the toilet because their BM is something they created and they feel attached to it, like it's a part of them. Judging by the girlish screams to "CLEAN ME!" when he does poo, I'm guessing Trevor doesn't harbor any overzealous attraction to the stinky stuff. But I still can't make him go where he ought to.

We've tried throwing him on the toilet when it's time, asking him repeatedly if he wants to try, talking it up like it's great ("No really, it's fun, like a game! Just try it, you'll see!"), holding him hostage on the throne until he does his thing (only led to a ton of screaming and angst since his poor legs started shaking from sitting too long--I'll be hearing about that one when he's 30, I'm sure), bribery...I even took away all diapers (aka escape clauses) so that neither of us could be tempted.

He knows when he has to go. He pees all day, wearing big boy underwear, but when that urge strikes, he immediately runs to his room and brings me a diaper and says "Now, please". It's not that he's not recognizing the signs. When I say, only half-hopefully, "Wanna try the potty this time?" he only looks at me and shakes the diaper. Like, I obviously don't, Mom, so don't even try that with me again, or I'll make sure I poop the runny kind.

So we're at a bit of wits' end now, especially since today the Potty Issue cut short our swimming time at my sister in laws'. He had to go home, so that he could hide in the laundry room and poop, which he did, within 10 minutes of walking in the door. When I asked him "Why the laundry room?" he said "Cuz it smells good in dere". I'm not sure if this means it smells good enough to mask the odor of his task-at-hand, which is pleasant to him, or if he's saying he wants to try to get rid of that scent...but maybe I should try hanging dryer sheets next to the commode.

Think that'll work?

How did you get yours to do #2 in the potty?

Dear Carson,

Five years ago today I was anxiously waiting in the hospital for your arrival. You were a bit late and we were all tired of pacing and waiting for the maternity ward to clear out so they could admit me. I was scared to go through labor, scared to be a "real" mom, but oh so excited to see you and begin. That first night in the hospital room, after everyone had left, it was just me and you. I counted your ten fingers and toes, touched your perfect face and inhaled all the sweet baby breath I could. I remember changing your diaper, by myself, which is a small thing, but huge for a first time mom on her own in the middle of the night. I put you in a cute sleeper and snuggled you back up next to me and said "I'm your mama." I promised you I'd do everything I could to be the perfect mama to you, teach you everything I knew, make sure you always felt loved and protected by your family. 5 years later, we've made some mistakes along the way. I haven't always been the perfect mom, I haven't always held my temper when I should have, and I sometimes get overwhelmed with daily life. But I still love you just the same as I did that day, that whole, consuming love that only parents can feel for their child.

You've grown up so quickly, so beautifully, that it feels seamless. You've finally grown past the baby, toddler and "little boy" stage...and I can see the Big Boy hiding inside, just below the surface. You are sweet, caring, thoughtful to your family. You love to learn and are so smart it surprises Dad and me. You have a funny wit and love to laugh and are almost never still. You have a bit of a temper, but you got it honest, so I can't fault you for that.

Dad and I are always remarking how much you've changed, how quickly you grow and mature, and we can't wait to see what you become next. Lucky Us, we get to be your parents and watch you.

Happy Birthday, Darling Boy!

We're slowly getting a dedication to baseball (and all things BOY) around here. We trekked to the neighborhood park the other night in 100+ temps to play a little ball and run around. You can see that it quickly got dark on us, but it was still over 100! Carson is following in grandpa's footsteps and is a very good hitter. Dad is teaching him to throw better, and I think he'll be ready for a team this fall.

Dad was concentrating on his next pitch, lol.

While the big boys played ball, Trev and I played in the trees and on the wall climb in the park. After a few minutes, T climbed on his bike, said "I hot. I going HOME!" If you have a child, you know how hot the kid must be to say that about the park...

I just love this picture...

Another Celebration

Since Carson's birthday falls on a Saturday this year and Reed has to work, we decided to celebrate it on Monday. We went to Chuck E Cheese with his cousin, Kimberly and they had a blast! I can't believe my baby is going to be 5 in a few days! Oy! I'll do the longer birthday post on his actual birthday, but here are a few peeks at the festivities.

He's obviously into Cars, LOL.

Celebrating Time

For our anniversary, Reed and I went to a place called Cloud Nine (funny, huh? Same name as the place we were married) and got massages. Then later, at home:

The perfect setting for some nice music and dancing--we tried to set this up outside but the heat literally melted the candles before we even had a chance to light them! It was heaven. Which is fitting if you start on Cloud Nine, don't you think??

Seven Years have flown by...

On June 30, 2000, Reed and I were married at a little place called Cloud Nine in Hendersonville. It was a beautiful little garden that sat next to wonderful fragrant apple orchards. We were surrounded by friends and family and dreams for the future...we had no idea we would move five times in seven years, live in three different states, battle cancer and have two gorgeous boys. We didn't know we'd travel to Mexico, Hawaii, go on a cruise, lose a father, lose a baby, try a new career, lose friends and find them again...It's been a crazy, strange trip, but it was all worth it because we were together. I'm happy that I was lucky enough to meet such a crazy, funny, loving guy and I'm proud that we have faced the adversities that have hit us head on and come through it all holding hands.

Thanks, Reed, for the past 7 years and here's to 50 (or so) more.

Comes with having a southern accent...

I rented The Lady and the Tramp for the boys at Blockbuster and told the boys the name of the movie. Trevor butchered the name right off, of course, but that's usual.

They watched it, and after the movie I asked Carson if they liked it. He nodded but had a confused look on his face so I asked what the matter was.

He said "It was good, but...I didn't see any shrimp." (which comes out shriamp, LOL)
"Shrimp? Why would there be shrimp in this movie??"
"Well, you said it was called "Lady and the Shramp", but I didn't see ANY fish."

Where'd these come from??

No humidity here, right? So how come my formerly straight-haired boy wakes up like this in the mornings? Especially if we don't comb his hair at night after bathtime. Funny!! It should be noted that Reed won't let me cut his hair.

The Grand What??

So after they get finished at an overlook yesterday, Reed and Carson head to the car before Trevor and I. Reed was really proud that we were able to take the kids to the Grand Canyon because he was really moved by it, and wanted to have a serious chat about it with Carson.

Reed: Carson, this was an important trip. I really want you to remember this, okay?
Carson: Okay.
Reed: So...what did we see today?
Carson: thinking....
Reed: The Grand....?
Carson: Opening!!!

Well...it IS an opening...sorta.

Grand Canyon

So, Reed had 2 1/2 days off this week, and we decided to take a little roadtrip. We went to the Grand Canyon! On the way, we stopped at the Deer Farm in Williams, AZ and it was really cute! Poor Trevor was petrified and wouldn't even enter, but he and I had a good time talking to the pretty parrots who talked back while Carson and Reed fed all the animals. Carson LOVED it.

Then another hour or two down the road and we got to pose for the requisite "We were here" picture:

And then just a short drive from the entrance we got to finally see it in all its glory. I really can't describe the feeling you get when looking out at the canyon, and these pictures, of course, do NOT do it justice. It's not just a hole in the ground, it's truly majestic. You feel small, the world feels awesome and magnificent, and it's hard to even comprehend how far down and across it is--it just goes on forever. It's very meditative and reflective, even though the first day we went it was swarmed with tourists. The boys loved it, and although my knees were shaking quite a bit (note to self: Learn how to get past fear of heights), the boys would literally bounce from rock to rock to ledge and lean way over, looking down. No wonder I was about to hyperventilate. I liked that they liked it, and were able to enjoy the views without being scared of it the way their mom was.

From one lookout to another:

Where I was most comfortable (a bench away from the ledges, lol):

I just love how precarious this looks balanced on top.

There was a village in this area with cabins, restaurants (fancy and otherwise) and shops. We saw Jeremy, Amy and Zach from Little People and they were filming what looked like a new show up there! Poor Reed was so mad because he's watched that show quite a few times and wanted to get a picture, but I wouldn't let him. The scenery changed just about every lookout. From lush green grasses below, to stark red earth to crazy cliffs. There's been a drought here recently, so the Colorado River was not visible but you could see where it usually runs. A rare picture of me by the railing. Note the white-knuckle grip. LOL And note the gap in the fence to the rock ledge...**shudder**
These huge California Condors were flying directly overhead, swooping low enough that you could see their huge claws...giving quite the show. We weren't quite quick enough with the camera to catch them down low, but it was pretty awesome regardless. They were very close to extinction but are now bouncing back nicely. Day Two, we took a more leisurely tour of some of the ones that were crowded the day before, sat on some boulders and chatted, and let the kids have a better look. Finally, a bit of "flying" over one of the 7 natural wonders of the world...

Yesterday part deux.

So after all the daytrippin' yesterday, we came home, got the kids to nap (blessed heaven!), I did some work and then...

he took me out to the ballgame. yep.

we went to see the D-backs play the Giants (woot! Barry Bonds!) and irritatingly, they walked Bonds. But it was still a good game, and the D-Backs won! Some really cute old ladies took a pic of us, quite possibly the cutest pic of us ever, albeit out of focus. We gorged on nachos with tons of disgusting crap on them and frozen yogurt. We had club box seats and VIP parking, and now Reed is spoiled and thinks that's the only way. We go again on Friday to see our team Boston play the D-backs, and it should be interesting to be the only two rooting for Boston in the whole stadium. Oh well. I'll wear an old t-shirt in case we get beers thrown at us! On Friday we'll be right behind home plate with the other player's families--got our tickets from a D-back! woot! so watch for us on tv. LOL I'll be the one waving hysterically and yelling "Hi Emily!!"

Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flats

Today was an interesting day. We took a daytrip to Apache Junction, AZ to try to find the Superstition Mountains. I say "try to find" because maps around these parts often just drift off, roads stop and start with no real consistency, and we're often left driving round and round the places we want to go with no way of knowing how to get in there. If you follow. But today, our maps rang true and we found the mountains we were seeking. We also found a great deal more, and I was very pleased. When we arrived there was a dust storm, but once that passed, well...see for yourself:

this was the view from the Canyon Lake Overlook in Tonto National Forest. There were a few lucky boaters out there, and this picture doesn't do the water justice. It was a clear, glittering turquoise--really beautiful. It was also noticeably cooler here, at this elevation--only 86 or so, as opposed to the 104 we are used to down in the valley.
Just around that huge lake was a strange shanty-town of sorts. Tortilla Flat, Arizona boasted a General Store, a restaurant, a post office, and a schoolhouse-turned-museum. There was also a Motel on the end with two very decrepit looking rooms, but the sign had been marked through with CHALK to let you know they weren't renting anymore. It is literally the town time forgot, and since the road turns to dust just past this stop, not many people remember to visit it either. There were a few that were obviously like us, taking a trip to see what we could see, and I'm sure they get some business from the marina down the street, but it was otherwise pretty desolate out there.

Along with Wyatt Earp, they also claim that Clark Gable, John Wayne, the Dirty Dozen and Colonel Sanders liked to stop in from time to time. snazzy.

THEN on the way down, we had more breathtaking views (again, this doesn't do it justice, there was no place to stop and get a decent picture, so at 40 MPH:

Then Carson talked us into stopping at this ghost town, and we're so glad we did! We thought it looked hokey from the road, but it was really pretty fun.

It was really an old mining town started by the Lost Dutchman, Jacob Walz, and turned into a spectacularly cheesy tourist town, but we dug it. There was a "Jail", a Livery where you could rent horses for the day, a church you could get married in, an old mine to explore, even a "Bordello" (only $2!) and tons of fantastic views of the mountains surrounding us.

They ALSO had a train station (full of Thomas paraphenalia, I might add. Time has certainly kept marching through this area.) that promised a real train ride through the ghost town complete with a grizzly Mr. Conductor who'd tell witty historical stories about the area complete with random cactus jokes. Where else are we gonna get this? So we bought tickets and waited for the train.



Fresh mountain air and the promise of a train ride make for some really well-behaved children! Must note this for future reference!

The Superstition Mountains Ghost town from the train. Superstition Mountains follow. Some people think the government has a secret lair in these rocks, which tries to explain why most people who venture out too far in them end up shot. Or abducted by aliens. Aliens are always hanging out around top secret military installations. duh.

you think this is a lot of pictures? wait till we go on vacation! And we weren't even done with the day yet--more to come! LOL