Potty Training and Weekend get away

The Beautiful Scenery. Black Butte Oregon

Our little cowboy

So we had a wonderful weekend get away with some friends this weekend. They rented a house in Black butte and another couple and us went. So, six adults and 6 kids spent the weekend together. It was a fun weekend and we are all still friends.
Then we came home and got to see my family who had been away. My mom for 2 weeks and my dad, sis and bro for 1 week. I am incredibly close to my family as they are the ones that are always here when Jim is away. It is actually sad that it was weird and hard not having my mom and I am just so used to my husband being gone. Oh well it is just that way for now. Some day he will be home all the time. And for now he is home more than he used to be.
So Monday and Tuesday were busy crazy days and so today was our Potty Party day. We just used that as our starting day. He peeed three times on the potty and got treats and what not. I think he is starting to get it. He was just semi asleep and called out that he had to pee on the toilet. (the way he says it is so cute) There was lots of dancing and singing and praising (oh and some candy as well) But wow it is hard work. You have to drop whatever to run. Even if you know they don't really have to go. Just to keep them excited. I think he is getting the concept though or at least starting to know when he has the feeling. Hopefully. I know it may take awhile but we have dived in now. So pray that all continues going well.

Life's goings on

So, life has been busy lately. Just with day to day things and my parents are gone and we were sick. Last week was crazy. First we had a wonderful Saturday. Jim left early for a bible study and on his way home he stopped at several garage sales to look for a larger dog kennel. No luck but he did find a lawn mower. We were in desperate need and couldn't really afford a new one at this time. So, for $25 he got us a new to us one. It is wonderful. Thank you thrifty husband. Now we don't look like we live in the jungle.
The dog is okay. I am still having my moments but now am really thinking about how we are going to do the winter. As long as I can put him out and he can stay out most of the day things are okay. But, when the rains come (as they are doing now) I feel bad leaving him outside. But, I don't want him in the house all the time either. I am not a fan of having my house smell like dog. Especially wet dog. He also can't be in the house all the time because he likes to be right where Riley is and I don't want her to get sat on, walked on or chewed on. The garage is an out there option. I don't like the idea because that is where I park and I don't want my new van all scratched up and I don't want anything else in the garage chewed or scratched up. I realized the other day that if my parents said it was okay to get rid of the dog I would be sad but probably would. Simply because they got him for Brayden and I don't feel right giving him to someone else without there permission. Is that crazy? So many moms in my position have said they wouldn't do it either. (have a puppy at this stage) My friend got rid of there cats cause it was to much and they just didn't tell there daughter and she said it was days before she realized they were even gone. I think Brayden would know he was gone but I think he would be fine with it. If we just didn't say anything but explained that he had to go to a home that had more room for him. I just don't like feeling like a bad person because I can't handle it. But, I am the sole provider for him. My husband is gone so much and his main job with it is to put him in at night. I do everything else. Brayden will occaisonally want to feed him but other than the odd time they are both outside playing nicely they don't do a whole lot together. I just don't want Brayden to ever feel like Mommy took away his puppy. But this dog is going to be huge. Oh I don't know what to do. I think a small dog would be easier but if we get rid of this dog we aren't getting any sort of pet for a long time. I would like a cat someday but again not until my kids are a lot older.
Well, this week I start watching a little girl 3 days a week. It will help out financially and I think it will be a good fit for us. She is a 15 month old and her parents are great. This is her first time in day care so that will be good.
I can't wait till my parents get home. I miss my mom so much. I didn't know how much I talked to her until she has been gone for 2 weeks and I have to call long distance to talk to her. Brayden keeps wanting to go to see nanna. He is still having fun going over to help me water, even though we haven't had to do that to much with the rain the last couple of days.
Well, I am starting to ramble.

A big day

Well today has been a big day. Today was Riley's 5 month birthday. She is growing so fast and it is hard to believe that she is 5 months already. She is waking up a lot the last few nights so I am tired. She isn't eating anymore than normal just fussing. So, I think her teeth are going to be poking through soon. We also took my mom to the airport this morning. That was a fun trip. Weird though. It is strange that I am used to my husband being gone and it is so much stranger having my mom gone. She is visiting my grandparents and will hopefully get some relaxing time to herself as well.
Then during nap time Riley rolled over from her back to front for the first time. She has been working on it so hard. Mom, you were right she would do it when you were away. She only did it once though.
After nap we played and went for a walk. Brayden didn't want Charlie (the dog) to come but I said he had to, not quite sure why I would think he needed to come it was so much harder. Then off to Grandma Harris' birthday party. It was a nice time. Although, my emotions get tugged at because my son it the oldest boy there with older girls and was told again that he couldn't play and came in crying. Only this time I went to my mother-in-law and told her and she handled it right away and so hopefully the little girl who starts this will learn that it isn't an option. Her mother doesn't tell her it is wrong to treat people that way or anything. All in all though it was a nice time.
Then we came home. Now, I must remind you that I am tired and I already have had a rough week with this dog. But, I feel bad for the little guy being outside all the time and what not. So, I let him in and he is jumping all over me and biting and just being a pill. And I am trying to find his food dish so that I can feed him and be kind. Well, I end up getting frustrated and just putting him back outside. Then Jim arrives home and I am not myself and haven't been since the dog came. He said I don't smile when he comes home and I am just not as happy. He thinks it has been ever since the dog. So, we have to make a decision. I am in tears about this. Because ideally we wouldn't have the dog. No more poop, no more biting, no more feeling guilty all the time for not spending time with him. Then I wouldn't have to worry about food and the vet and tags and all that. But, then my heart breaks because I think of the fun times when he isn't jumping up on Rileys toy to lick her face and dragging her toys around and I remember when I hear Brayden talking outside and he is chatting with Charlie. I just don't think this was the best time for a non dog lover to get a dog. But, again it was Brayden's birthday present and how can I be the cause of him not having him anymore. I just don't know what to do.
Well, the first thing I can,will and should do is go to sleep.

How I want to be viewed

So, I was driving along today and I saw a girl walking on the sidewalk. I thought wow. She looks like a nice sensible, smart, friendly person. Which got me to thinking. When people see me what do they think? Here is how I hope they see me.
Friendly, genuine, kind, sensible, a mom who loves her kids but isn't about to let them walk all over her. Sincere, modest, a true friend. Would be there to help you if you needed them. A person who when asked to pray or says she will pray for you will genuinely do that. An example of Christ. Low maintence. Dedicated to my family and passionate in my love for them.
I guess not all of these things would be found just by looking at me but I hope those of you who read this and know me see these qualities. If not I will work on it.

8 Random facts about me

According to the tag rules I have to post these steps so you'll know what to do if i tag you. so here goes:

Tag rules:


You have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
people who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
at the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get taggedand list their names. don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they are tagged, and to read your blog. ( I am putting people I know read my blog but don't have one of there own. So,if you don't have a blog you have to email me.

1. Ever since I was pregnant with Riley I have become obsessed with Chocolate milkshakes.
2. I love my down time.
3. Enjoy people but not constantly
4. I am a total morning person
5. I love time with my husband and kids more than anything
6. I have been married almost 8 years
7. I would be a surragate mom if Jim would let me.
8. I am a Canadian Citizen.

Okay here you go.
1. MOM
2. Carrie
3. Kimberly
4. Dyanne
5. Heidi
6. Sharlean
7. Connie
8. Tanya

Technology

Okay so I love technology. I love my electricity, washer and dryer, dishwasher, computer. I do my banking online and am on my computer a lot. I like that I can talk to my friends and family that are far away without having to wait for letters. But, there is something to be said about having a day away where you can't use the phone. My husband is a very busy man. His cell is attached to his ear. At least some days it feels like that. Between crazy army stuff he has to deal with to Real Estate. I try not to complain cause I know that if he can't take his calls we don't make money. But, wow. Yesterday we went to Silver Creek Falls for the afternoon and lost cell coverage. (YEAH) We had his attention for the afternoon. Now mind you there were other people there as it was a work picnic, but how fabulous to not have phones ring. I mentioned to my niece (she's 6) how nice it was that phones don't work up here. She said yes especially when you do real estate. Your phone rings all the time. I thought. You know girl you and I are in the same boat. So, I have decided that we should get away more often and not just anywhere but to the mountains or just anywhere phones don't work.
Brayden loved the water fountains (waterfalls) We plan to go back and hike more. Nothing better to wear out an active 3 year old.