Laila's Constipated

"nuff said.

Happy Birthday Russ!!

Today is my baby brothers birthday! He is 17 years old...WHAT?!?! As a mother it is weird when my kids get older, but it is way crazy when my little brothers get older. I hold Russell as a 2-5 year old in my head. Now those were the days. Russ was definitely the cutest kid in the world and he totally knew it, boy did he work it. He understood that he had 5 mothers and he had each one of us wrapped around his little fingers. I am sure none of you knew this but I was always Russell's favorite. I could get him to do things when no one else could. Also my name was one of his first words.

Happy Birthday, I Love You!!!

Happy Birthday April!!

Today is my little sister April's birthday. She is 22 years old. How did that happen?!?! I feel like it was just last year that we were sharing a room, playing house and rolling on the barrels. What happened to the last 10 years? Now she is so grown up having all sorts of grown up adventures.

The good thing about growing up is realizing how precious my family is. 10 years ago I was still very mean to my little sister. I thought she was so annoying and just wanted her to leave me alone. How times have changed. I feel so glad that I have 4 best friends, my mom and all my sisters, I am so lucky!

April has become a remarkable woman that knows what she wants out of life and is not afraid to go after impossible dreams. She is the best sister and Auntie on the block!

I hope they call me on a mission!!!

My little brother Douglas received his mission call today and he is headed to Mexico City West. We are so excited for him. There are only a few boys that I have ever known that are as ready as Doug to go on their missions.

Doug is one of the most amazing people that I know. He not only is a wonderful brother, he is a fantastic uncle and a great friend. When I am home he always wants to hold and play with my kids, and he never complains when I ask him to watch Aria and Laila.

The last time Doug came to visit us he would study "Jesus the Christ" and the Scriptures every part of down time we had. He is a wonderful example of goodness, devotion, conviction and hard work.

Doug is so talented and fun to be around. I am so proud of my little brother! We are going to miss him very much, but we know there is no place he would rather be then sharing the gospel with those in Mexico.

Doug's Eagle Scout Court.

WHATEVER!!!

So Target USED to be my favorite store. My cousin Camille just got married and I was on her blog this morning and she had quite an interesting post. Well, it seems that Target has instituted a new policy that you can only return two items within a twelve month period without a receipt and they cannot exceed $20.00. Seriously is that the stupidest thing you have ever heard?!?! When we registered at Target for our wedding their return policy was dumb, but at least they let us return the 30 cookie sheets that we received without a receipt. But this is ridiculous! I remember the nightmare of returning gifts so I will never buy another wedding gift at Target. I hope you tell anyone that might be getting married not to register at Target and if you want to buy a gift for someone at Target don't forget to include the gift receipt!

Who needs a mom?

Aria has always preferred her dad over anyone, including me. At least I was still the mom... not anymore. For the past few months Aria has called me "Leena". I thought it was just a phase and she would get over it but the last few days she has not called me "mom" even once.

She has been doing this for so long that I don't notice. But it makes me a little self conscious when we are around other people because everyone notices and makes comments. Has anyone else had their kid do this?

I might have the cutest kids in the WORLD!

Today was a great day! What made it such a great day? I played with my kids, that's all. I didn't worry about getting anything done today and just played. My house is a disaster, phone calls were not made, computer work didn't get done and projects are unfinished but my kids are happy. I usually get so caught up in what needs to be accomplished that I let the TV do my parenting. Not today.

Laila entertained us with her cheesy smiles and "melt-your-heart" laugh. She is so snuggly and always pats my back when she hugs me.

Aria is getting so big. It hit me today that she is not a little girl anymore, I am sad. Today she said the prayer for Family Night and she blessed that we would not go astray. (Her favorite song is "Follow the Prophet"). At times like these I want her to stop growing up. I suddenly don't mind the tantrums and drama, in one moment I am reminded that I love being a mother.
So today I definitely have the best kids in the world and there is nothing I would rather do then play with my girls.

Potty update

Potty training really IS a good amount of work and frustration. So after those first few days things didn't go so well. Aria pooped in her pants 2 times and peed once. The worst part was the 5 days that Aria held her poop. She was cranky and irritable (I totally understand) and just wouldn't go. The good news is that she hasn't had a"wet" accident in 6 days and she did finally poop in the toilet. My mom assures me I have a few more weeks until I am out of the woods.

So there you have the intricacies of Aria's elimination processes, I am not sure if you really wanted to know.