Thank You Lightning McQueen!!

We decided to try a different approach for Taylor's issues with going #2 on the toilet. Instead of the gumball machine which was obviously not working we purchased a few matchbox cars. Not just any cars; but cars from the movie Cars. This seemed to spark some excitement in Taylor. He went right back to the potty, went #2 and collected his new car. Yahoooooo!!! A little bribery never hurt anyone!

Congratulations Thad!

Thad called me this afternoon to let me know he had his work review today. And...are you ready? He got promoted - to senior analyst. WOO HOO!!!! He is really excited and happy. He is a hard worker and I feel very happy for him as well. Yeah Thad!!

The Training Begins

It's that time again. I know when you read this you will be jealous it is me having the opportunity to potty train again - and not you. We have everything we need. 1)An unusually small potty (side note - it sings when you go but we turned that feature off. It gets annoying!) 2) Flashy cool underpants (lightning McQueen is trainees choice) 3) bubble gum machine 4) a willing, or at least semi-willing 3 year old.

It has been a week since the training started and I feel we are still just beginning. Here are some of the numbers from our progress report. We'll keep you posted.

(2) = The number of wet accidents wearing underpants.

(1) = The number of those two wet accidents that made it onto the floor.

(0) = How many times the trainee has gone #2 on the potty. (Can you see where this is leading?)

(4) = Amount of #2 accidents in the underwear.

(1) = How many pairs of underwear just got thrown into the trash because it was too gross to clean them.


At first glance, these numbers may look grim. If you look past the above numbers and think "at least he is actually willing to sit on the potty" (I say potty because the normal person toilet still scares him to death) It doesn't seem so bad! We will make it!!!!!!

Sweet Little Girl

We attended Miriam's class today for her Super Star presentation. Since we were a little early I talked with her teacher, Mrs. Hoddenbach, until the kids arrived back from art. She told me the class had done an assignment called 3 wishes before we left to Idaho last week for my Grandpa Walkers funeral. She then said I could get Miriam's assignment out of her cubby to take home and that what she wrote was touching. Rather than me telling you what she wrote, I will let you see for yourself.

Hubba Hubba

What a knock-out!!! Have you ever seen such a beautiful combination of colors and applications? I hadn't. I especially love the bright red lipstick outlined in black. It must be the new trend. Would you like to meet the make-up artist?





Introducing Miriam Leigh Kendell. This young artist has had much experience and loves to do her clients make-up in very quiet, secretive places where mom is not. Mom, knowing full well it was unusually quiet decided to enjoy the peace instead of actually checking to see the reason she was being blessed with it. (Don't judge me, you know you would do the same thing for some peace and quiet) All in all, I think our budding new artist shows huge promise.

Festival and Recital

Festival is now over. Phew!! It is a relief for both Thad and me. Why? you ask. I feel my reasons are obvious. Less stress and worrying about the readiness of our kids and my students. For Thad, he is just happy he doesn't have to listen to the same songs over and over and over and over... well, you get the point. Joseph and Miriam did great! They both received superior markings which is the highest you can receive. The judges wrote some really nice and encouraging comments. We also had the recital on Monday night so it seems all of the big events we have been planning for are over. Back to normal life.