Potty Training & a Leprechaun

I have spent this week potty training Janie. I have to say that I consider this to be the trenches of motherhood.  It must be done, but it's not fun. I use the potty training method that I learned at the preschool. Janie spent almost all of 3 days on the toilet. When she went, even a little, we clapped, and screamed, and had a half hour "potty party" with treats, movies, etc. Then we were back on. And I pumped her full of liquids so she would have lots of opportunities to get her treats. This method only works if the kids are ready. I knew Janie was ready because she was constantly taking off her pants, trying to take off her diaper, and asking to go potty (it helped a lot that she adores Sami and wants to do what she does, so because Sami is so good using the potty, Janie wanted to follow suit). After three days, she was almost perfect with pee pees. Poo Poos are another story and we aren't even close with those yet. But since it's only been five days and she is two, I'll give her some leeway ☺.

With this method, the idea is to make the experience very positive. So we found lots of fun things to do while we were waiting for some action.  

Yes, I even had Janie eat some meals in there. Gross, I know. But I was cleaning this bathroom a lot and I tell myself that to feel better. And Sami wanted to picnic too. So we just partied in the bathroom. We even had family prayer and scripture study in there. Oh yes, we did. 

But on to another subject. A leprechaun visited our house on Thursday. He was going to turn the chairs over and die the milk green, but Jonathan reminded me that the girls wouldn't get it. So instead the little guy left a trail for the girls to follow to get a treasure. Sami loved following the trail to her treasure. 

The treasure was a bag for each of the girls with some art supplies that we were running low on and a snack of Lucky Charms cereal, which they only ate the marshmallows out of and left the rest, of course. But it was fun. Sami was so sweet. I put an S on Sami's treasure and a J for Janie's and Sami was upset that there wasn't an M treasure for Mama. I love that girl. So I made something up about how the leprechaun left me other snackies. She was ok with that. 

Janie didn't quite get it, but Sami helped her find the treasure. It was really fun. Until it was time to go back on the potty. ☺

Insurance

We have spent this past week getting our life insurance policies set up. And disability insurance for Jonathan. I haven't enjoyed this experience. It's very uncomfortable thinking and talking and planning for someone's death or disability. But it has also been a relief to know that if a tragedy were to happen, the family would be okay financially. And I appreciate that. I have to think of it like car insurance, you hope you never need it, but have it just in case.

One night this week, while I was thinking about all this, I was almost overcome with gratitude for the Atonement. It is so great to know that death is not the end. I have never actually faced the death of a close loved one in my life. I realize that I have been so fortunate and blessed in this. I dread losing anyone, and if it weren't for the Gospel, the thought of losing a loved one would drive me crazy. Even with my knowledge of the Gospel, I try not to think about anyone dying or I may start to cry :). But I am so grateful for the hope given through our Savior. I love the Gospel. I guess it's like an insurance policy for the soul. Because of it, I know I will always be taken care of. 

Well, on a completely different and more light-hearted subject, I can't leave this post without some pics of my cuties. They are growing up way too fast. And I love my life with them.

This video always make me smile, and I've watched it at least 20 times. I love her actions and cute little voice.

Jonathan's Week Off

Jonathan had this past week off and it was wonderful! We had so much fun and it was so nice to have him around. We went to the temple, looked at houses for sale (our rental lease is up in July), went to the park, visited the Zoo Life Aquarium, went out to eat, talked to a financial advisor, had lunch with some old friends I haven't seen in years, and I had some friends over and we talked Photoshop. It was an awesome week. I am sad it's over. 

I think the highlight for the girls was the Zoo Life Aquarium. Let me just say, that this place is not worth the full price of $18/person. Luckily I got the tickets for half off through Groupon (thanks Whitney!). And it was worth that. Just in case you live around here and are wondering.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures. 

Sami is showing us the starfish. Grandma painted their fingernails and they love their pretty nails. Janie's are purple and you can't see hers very well, but she will gladly show you them!

This is Janie's face when she saw the sharks.

There's a place where you can touch some creatures. Janie just reached in and grabbed a poor starfish, luckily J was  right there to put the poor creature back.

Jonathan has another week off at the end of May, and I am already counting down!