All Aborad???

*warning: If you have an aversion to potty stories, please skip this post.

Tonight, Jason went to the bathroom door and said "Jason see bathroom."
I asked if he wanted to go potty to which he excitedly replied yes.
I put him on the potty and began saying the encouraging things a mom says when her boy is on the potty. He started in a quiet voice saying, "Come on.....come out...." which led to a louder "COME OUT.....COME OUT!!!!" It was so cute to see him screaming to his little self so naturally, I called Brent to come watch. After a few minutes of "trying" he looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said, "I done ....it broken."
So, maybe soon we will be on the *potty train*, but not today.

Hopefully, he will want to try 7 times a day (I am typing with the sarcasm keys)

insomnia and soccer

At what point do you fall asleep sitting up from lack of sleep?

Today Ty had his first soccer game. We new he would be good, but no one could have predicted exactly how great he would be. He scored 8 goals. He would have scored more but Brent had to keep rotating him out to give the other team a chance. In the first 2 min of the 2nd half, he scored three goals in a row. Ahhhhh, like mother, like son....j/k
After the game, some people in the crowd started chanting "MVP......MVP......MVP!" Sure, it was Jared and Katelyn but still..... that counts, right?

Pictures will come later, my camera battery died.

So big...., sigh

The first day of Kindergarten was exciting....
Um... Assume the position? Ty is proud of his back pack.
Waving "goodbye" to childhood...(sniff, sniff)

The bus was 20 min. late and we were on our way home to drive to school. We heard the bus turn the corner and ran up the street to flag her down. Maybe she was late because every mom wanted the "step on the bus and turn around" picture?

My 100th post

I saw a blog the other day that was talking about the decorative tiles and vinyl lettering that is so popular these days. She had a list of sayings that just may be the next "big thing".
Here are a few of my favorites:

It is always darkest before God opens a window.

I love you no matter how I treat you.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Everything happens for a reason you couldn’t understand.

Return with honor; I’m holding the iron rod.

Save the cheerleader, choose the right.

Sacrifice. Just do it.

Men are that they might be giants.

Be still and know that I know what you did last summer.

Remember who you are; if you don’t already know, I’m not going to tell you.

The field is white, the sky is blue.

Find joy in the journey, right in the last place you left it.

Faith: knowing is half the battle.

My mother-in-law has a funny sign that says "Jesus is coming...look busy!!"

May the force be with you after midnight.

What if the entire point of your life is to serve as a warning to others?

To hang above the computer.."Remember who you are, but don't tell anyone on the internet"

To hang above the XBox, " Idle hands are the devils playground"

Feel free to vote for your favorite, come up with your own or share one not included.

back 2 school shopping

When I was a little girl, my favorite time of year was "back to school shopping" time. I loved searching for the wardrobe that would be the perfect accessory to my 90's style hair...I had good big hair...but I digress. Hours of searching the mall...no Kmart wouldn't do.... trying on everything in sight (sigh) those were the days. Well, today I decided to do a little B2S shopping with the kids. Let's just say, now I know why my mom took us one at a time.
Why is it that no 2 pair of pants fit the same? Some are too low, some are too long, some are too tight, some are too loose. And they ALL looked the same to me. It that a sign that I am getting old? At times like this I am grateful that K is the only one of my kids who cares about her clothes! Luckily, Jason discovered that the store had a wicked awesome echo.....that was entertaining. Ty went to the bathroom 3 times, and Jared went to Sports Authority. After 2 long hours, we ended up with 2 pairs of pants for K and a shirt for Jared. I guess we will start again tonight......(long sigh...)

I'm ba-a-a-ck!!

Do you every feel like you've dropped off the face of the earth? That's how I've been for the last two weeks. If you didn't notice, that's okay... ;)
I am trying to get back into the swing of things again. Jared is still having issues with his thumb, we've been to the Dr. more in the past 10 days than in the last 2 months. It is healing slowly. I have to do a wet to dry bandage 2 times a day to try to help it heal. It's super fun. K and I had a blast at camp!!! We have never had that much uninterrupted "girl time". It was amazing! Tyler and Jason are clinging to my leg because they are afraid I'll leave again. Honestly, if they don't let go, I might just have to go again (for my sanity). Jason has this "cute" little thing he does when I leave. He screams "WAIT!!! WAIT!!!" So he can follow me everywhere. Isn't it great to be loved?

Brent and I "celebrated" 16th anniversary our almost 2 weeks ago. It's hard to believe that he's put up with me this long. I am a lucky girl. I love him more every day (too sappy?) He is amazing and I don't know how I got so lucky to snag him for a husband. All I do know is that he is my rock. He is my safe place to fall and I don't want to spend one day of my life without him.....Love you Brent!!!

School starts in two weeks. It will be bitter/sweet. I love having the kids home but they are so bored that it will be nice for them to have something to do. Maybe I'll finally finish painting my family room!

BTW, K is babysitting a lot lately. She is an awesome babysitter. If you need her please call. She loves to do it and she really does a good job. (shameless plug?) I can't believe that she is in Middle School this year, I blinked and she grew up :(

Camp Day

I just had to say, even though I am suffering from CAD (camp anxiety disorder) I am very excited to go to girls camp with Katelyn. I also found out more about the cabin we are staying in....it doesn't sound too cabin -like....more house- like. Who I still feel sorry for are the Trek campers who slept on the dirt with their duffel bag for a pillow. THAT is miserable.

camp anxiety has begun

I've never been a "camper". The first time I went to girls camp as an adult, I realized I got extremely claustrophobic in tents. When I was laying in my sleeping bag, I felt trapped like bear food in a sack. Every little noise through out the night brought new images of what was lurking between me and my nylon tent. So, when the bishop asked if I would help with camp this year, naturally I said, "SURE!" (I broke my rule of think twice, speak once)
So, last night I awoke from a nightmare where rat-like bird things were crawling all over me trying to bite me. Sure, this time I'll be in a big cabin with hot showers, but I still am getting the feeling I am in over my head. I mean, what's so great about camping? The best thing for me is Katelyn will be there, so I guess I'll have to be brave. (sigh)

Please.....no pictures

Once upon a time there was a boy named Jared. He was a good boy. He tried all the time to choose the right and to be good in every way. Last week he pitched his very first no hitter in baseball. He pitched 6 fabulous innings! Last night we were in a tournament with his High School league where he gets up to bat and smashes a double to left field. It was awesome. He was on 2nd base timing the pitcher and decided to steal to third when he slid into third base and slid into the cleat of the third baseman and opened up his right thumb. Luckily his cut was shaped into a Y (nice scar, eh?) He ended up with 11 stitches in his thumb...nice. It was his first hit of the game. The cut was so deep that I saw his tendon (gross). He'll miss championship game tonight.....needless to say, he's mad. The good news is it wasn't his throwing hand! We have to watch it for a few days to make sure he still has movement in his thumb, But I think it will be fine.
The very best part of this story is, I was talking to him about how serious it could have been and I, in my motherly was, said "you need to remember to thank Heavenly Father that it wasn't worse, to which he replied"(with a chest fist bump) I already did....I'm like that now, you know". ...So proud.....in fact, instead of sulking, he was in a good mood the rest of the night. He never ceases to amaze me. He woke up at three in the morning in agony and now is finally back to sleep/ I guess it is time for me to get back to bed too.

We love Ma and Pa Emch

I had to give a big shout out to all the wonderful people who made Trek happen for the kids this year. Jared came home a changed young man. He has talked non stop about the many lessons and experiences he had on the trail. Ma and Pa Emch were apparently "the best". I have so much gratitude for them and their willingness to sacrifice warm beds, showers, and general hygiene to be there. Jared is saying how excited he is that he can go again (we'll see if that is still true in 4 years) His nickname was "Ox", because he pulled the handcart the whole time. (not only for his family but for others who were struggling with hills and stuff) Of course, he forgot to use the disposable camera I got for him, so I can only imagine what it looked like. He said that the 24th of July will never be the same for him again. Thank you, thank you!!!!

quick update

I am just updating the ole blog to share what we've been up to lately. Jared is at Trek and comes home tomorrow. I am soooooo excited to see him, I love having the kids all home. K had a b-day and she is officially a *young woman*. (scary) Tyler is only happy if he is playing with friends 24/7. The little guy has officially hit *terrible 2's*, it's awesome....he throws the best tantrums!! My favorite phrase of his is when he yells at the kids and says, "stop it!" But it sounds like "top it". Also, he will lay on my shoulder and say, "lub you mommy". To which I reply, "If you give me a kiss, you can have whatever you want!" Ahhhhhh, summer....

And, BTW, my name is Linda and I am addicted to Scrabble on Facebook. Wanna play me?

39 days till school starts

I am updating my blog to say, I have nothing new or exciting to update! (how lame is that?) I am swallowed up in all things summer, kids bored at home with nothing to do. I need ideas on how you all keep the kids from fighting, driving each other crazy, and just generally following you around the house staring at you.....It's seriously cutting into my phone time. 39 days till school starts.

Rumor control

Hmmm.... I am feeling a little left out. All my friends are getting rumors started about them. I'm not "engaged", or have "swine flu". I am thinking about starting some rumors about me and my fam so we don't feel left out. So I came up with a few acceptable, plausible rumors:
1. Pregnancy- that's always good for a few awkward moments
2. Moving-That won't work, we've tried to move twice and it didn't work.
3. No, I didn't get a boob job.
4. I could start a rumor that I actually died from exhaustion.....
Okay, I can't think of any more. However, if if you can think of one and leave it on my comments, the winner will get bragging rights for the best rumor idea!

Random stuff

My flowers in my front beds aren't looking so hot this year. I came across this pic from last year, and since it had Ty in it, I had to throw it in.

I bought Jared some bandanna's for Trek, I think Jason looks pretty cute in it!

my son is proud of his muscles...

So, I posted random pics tonight because I have been a little busy with summer life and haven't taken new ones. Katelyn is out of school this week (yeah!) So, it will be great to have everyone home. Even though it's chaotic, I love having everyone home!

I went to a girls camp meeting today. I went once as an adult, in the YW pres. This is my first time as an assistant camp leader. I am looking forward to going, especially because my Kater will be there. (not to mention the 4 days away from home) I'm not a fan of camping with dirt so I lucked out because we are going to a cabin.....booo-yaaa! I would appreciate any suggestions for fun activities from all ya' all who have been. It's a little overwhelming to tackle everything that needs to get done.

Happy Father's Day (late)

I know it's a few days late, but this was a hard post for me. (my dad would say "better late than never, but better never late")
I have been blessed with 2 wonderful father's. First of all, my husband. He is so amazing. He is an example to me of many things such as, integrity, commitment, patience, calm, and my favorite...think twice, speak once. Each of these qualities and many more make me feel lucky to have him for a husband and father for our children.
Second, is/was my dad. He died nearly 9 years ago, when I was 26 (he was 53). Each Father's Day without him is, I guess, a little easier. He was also amazing. He was my hero. He taught me to anger slowly, and forgive quickly. He taught me to expect the best in others and find their inner good and help them to bring it out. He taught me unselfishness, by putting my needs above his. He taught me to expect great things in myself, to listen to the Spirit, to study and ponder the scriptures, he taught me to turn to the scriptures to find answers to my problems. The funny thing is, most of these things I have learned more fully since he died. His quiet example is still present in my life. He wasn't perfect, but he was humble enough to know it and tried as hard as he could to be a better person. I'll always admire his inner conviction to try again after he would stumble. I love him so much and still miss him every day.

Recital

Tonight Katelyn had her piano recital. She is amazing! She received her gold cup for her Federation performance, also she received the "Best in Federation" award which is way cool!!! It means her performance was voted best by all three judges for the day she performed. Way to go Katelyn!

2 Jason turned 2 today. Yeah! He had fun tearing wrapping paper, eating cake, blowing out candles and he especially loved his balloons. It's such a precious age, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!~
Grandma and Grandpa Barton made this cool toy that spins, Jason played with it for ever. He got a wagon, some sand toys, trucks, clothes and other cool stuff.
We love you Jason!

Represent! (fist bumps chest)

First of all, I don't know what my title means, I only know my 5 year old says this ALL the time. (thanks to Biggun')

My boys have been playing play station 2 to pass the boredom. On a baseball game, when you hit a home run, the crowd cheers and the announcer says "You can kiss that baby goodbye!" Well, Ty hit a home run and started saying " I'll kiss ya later baby!"

Which also reminded me of a funny Ty thing. When he was 3 he'd sing "Tyler, pyler, pumkin pie, kissed the girls and made 'em.....Happy!"

Represent! (fist bumps chest) ...er something

ode to school

Last week, J went to jr. high.
This week, J just teases Ty.
Today is day 2
which makes me a little blue
I need ideas to make the time fly.

3 months isn't so bad
as a mom, I should be glad (?)
What will be great
is soon we'll add Kate
and so much more fun to be had.

Summer vacation, at first, seems cool
maybe we'll go to the pool
until boredom sets in,
and prospects look grim
and then what looks good, surprisingly, is school.


Tomorrow....day 3...... :):):):):):):):[:):):)

Task oriented vs. People oriented

I read a book a long time ago called Positive Personality Profiles. It's basically like other personality determining books on the market. One thing I learned about myself was the fact that I am motivated with people oriented situations vs. task oriented. I've been thinking about this because I have been trying my little brothers' advice about charting you time in 6 min increments. Even though, as a mom, obviously we have many tasks, I am happier and feel like I am accomplishing more when I am helping people rather than doing the dishes.

So, where's the balance? I feel like I am being a better mom by reading to my kids and helping them do stuff but the laundry tends to pile up when I focus too much on play time. I had a friend who was the opposite, she gained a lot of satisfaction when her kids went to school with ironed jeans. There are definite benefits to both types of people and I don't think one is more important than the other, maybe it's just about finding a balance between the two. Or maybe it's about focusing on your strengths and developing your talents. I don't know.

The reason I am giving this scary in site into me is maybe other moms feel like me. Feeling bad about yourself for letting "tasks" go or feeling guilty for neglecting relationships with kids and friends. From my 6 min. experiment, I realized that I spend the bulk of my time on people, and in doing that, tasks fall through the cracks. But I realized that I do important things, I just can't prove it.........