Potty Training Take Two!

So a while ago I had a post about what I thought were the beginnings of potty training. Well, that ended up being a fluke, but this time I think it might be sticking. I got him some underwear that have Cars, Incredibles, Nemo, Wall-E etc. on them. That seems to be working. He starting to tell me that he has to go and we aren't having too many accidents. I just need to make sure to take him often enough because sometimes we both get distracted by things and forget. I think he is doing really well for not even being 2 1/2 yet! I took him out in public for the first time in underwear yesterday. We went potty in almost every store we went to, but he did pretty well. We had one accident, but once again, we were grocery shopping and I think I just waited too long between potty breaks. It's been over a week, and I think we are going to stick with it. So here's to hoping we get even better at this potty training thing and find more mini m&m's because he is doing so well, we are almost out of them. They are the preferred reward for our potty training big boy!

Patience

So, there is this amazing adoptive mom that has an awesome blog. I read a quote on her blog that really sums up the 'waiting' to adopt children. "Everywhere in nature we are waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we want them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come." (Joseph F. Smith) We are so close (we hope) to putting our application in again that I am starting to feel the anxiety of the 'waiting' part of adoption again. I have been thinking a lot about what I learned from 'waiting' for Parker. Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and the righteous desires of our hearts will be given to us when and if He sees fit. I was fortunate enough to receive the blessing of being a mother in this life. I just have to remember this time that I can do what I can to get the ball rolling, but Heavenly Father will decide how fast it rolls after that. I'm hoping having Parker will keep me too busy to think about it too much. Maybe? Here's to hoping for no unexpected expenses in the next month and if anybody hears of any potential birth mothers, don't hesitate to send them our way!

13-0 BABY!!!!

***So, I didn't even think to take any pics of us watching the game. I was going to take a pic of Bryan and Parker with our U of U flag, and maybe still will, but for now, here is this post without a pic***
This post is in honor of the University of Utah football team going undefeated and beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl! We had Matt and Vicki over to watch the big game and my brother Dustin (BYU fan) just happened to be in town as well. He watched and tried to cheer for the Utes. Thanks Dustin! We've had our U of U lights up in our window for weeks in anticipation for the game. We were so excited and nervous and had our Ute gear on all day. It really was an exciting game to watch. So here's to the BCS bustin', Alabama beating, University of Utah football team! As Parker would say, "Fight! Fight! Fight! Go UTES!"

Christmas/New Years

Christmas this year was so fun! Parker really got excited about the lights, singing songs and of course the presents. I feel like I owe our neighbor across the street a big thank you. He goes ALL OUT and has so many lights and decorations. Parker actually sat still for a little bit while he enjoyed looking out the window at all the "ismas" across the street. The only thing he didn't like was sitting on Santa's lap. We spent Christmas Eve at Bryan's grandparents'. We ate, had a short talent show in which Parker sang 'Once There Was a Snowman' sang our favorite Christmas songs, opened pjs and sang 'Happy Birthday' to baby Jesus complete with cake and ice cream. We were also given an early present by Gary and Bliss. They called us into the office and showed us a picture of a positive pregnancy test on their blog! She is due in early July. Christmas morning Parker woke up and was so excited to see that Santa had brought a giant "McQueen" coloring book, a magnadoodle and Nemo and Cars plates. He also got his own copy of Nemo (now we can give Grammie hers back) and the movie 'Cars.' Mom and Heather joined us for opening presents and breakfast. We really had fun that morning and Parker was actually more patient than I thought he would be. He helped pass out presents to everyone and watched patiently while they opened them. We had a yummy breakfast of french toast, eggs and bacon and then played the Wii for a while. The snow was coming down nonstop and we were supposed to go to Bryan's uncle's. After calling it off, we finally decided to brave the weather and go. After we ate and played games we headed home. Matt and Vicki ended up getting snowed in at our house after playing the Wii until about 1:00 am. I couldn't believe all the snow! Overall we had a wonderful Christmas with our family. Earlier this week Dustin and Lindsey came and spent New Year's Eve with us. We ate yummy food and and of course played the Wii, until 4:00am! I should have asked Santa for a new camera because it was having issues and I didn't get very many pics this year. I put a few here and might add more later. We still have our gift exchange with my side of the family this weekend. We like to extend the Christmas season as long as possible!


This is our attempt at sitting on Santa's lap


Some of Bryan's family performing a musical number


Parker opening presents with Grandpa


Parker and Mommy in our new jammies


Parker checking out what Santa brought him


Parker and his cousin Rylee made it to midnight, and then some. Here they are cleaning up the poppers we used to ring in the New Year!



Bryan and Heather concentrating on Guitar Hero on New Year's