Potty training

So we are potty training this week.
On Sunday I told Cinderella to say good-bye to pull-ups. I told her she could wear a diaper or panties. Since then, she has worn panties every day. I don't know how long this is going to take. I just pray that I have the stamina to hold out until it works.

Are you voting? Do you know what you are voting for?

I am really concerned about this up coming election. I am concerned about what choices there are to make, because, we are the ones who have made those choices available.
I have to honestly say, that I'm not really in favor of either presidential candidate. However I do tend to favor Palin as a VP candidate.

I'm not really in favor of either of the candidates that are running for Governor in my state. I don't know a whole lot about the people running for the other positions in my state.
My state is a state that pretty much always carries the Democratic vote on Presidential elections, and one that the media has stated is already decided.

Because I side with the Republican candidate, should that mean I just stay home, because "my vote won't count for anything anyway?" And anyway, I don't know what to vote for on anything else?

Or do I go and vote, and just vote for the person who seems the most appealing to the senses or carnal self, just because I don't really know anything about them?

I don't know about you, but I want my vote to count for something. So what am I going to do? I am going to take what time I have left, research my options, and make my voice heard. Even if it might not be heard very far.

There are a lot of crazy things on many ballots this November. Do you know what's on yours? Do you understand what your vote means? If not I highly suggest that you do some research. Learn what it really is you are voting for, and vote. And if you don't vote, don't gripe that you don't like the way things turn out.

8 things tag

8 things I am passionate about:

1. my husband
   
2. my daughter
   
3. my son
   
4. my religion and my God
   
5. my family
6. my friends
   
7. sewing when I find the energy and time
   
8. cooking, when I don't have to
   

8 words or phrases I say often:

1. I love you
2. various things (when I'm making a list, but can't thing of any of them.)
3. I don't feel good, or blah (lately)
4. yeah or uh huh
   
5. please share with (fill in child's name that is complaining)
6. Did you go boom?
7. Cinderella, Is that a nice thing to say or do?
8. No
   

8 things I want to do before I die: (not particularly in this order)

1. Raise my children
2. Serve a mission with my husband
3. buy a house
4. live closer to family
5. finish my education
6. An LDS Church history tour
7. Get out of debt
8. make lots of friends
   

8 things I have learned from my past:

1. Even when we don't understand it, the Lord has a reason for the things he has us do.
2. Yelling is not the answer.
3. Happiness in life comes from serving others, not worrying about yourself.
4. Anger is a secondary emotion. It always is hiding a primary emotion.
   
5. It's not about me.
6. Heartaches will pass.
7. You will make it through hard times.
8. You are stronger than you think.
   

8 places I would love to go or see:

1. Utah. I have this burning desire to live closer to family. Maybe one day it will happen.
2. Virginia. I have a lot of good friends there that I miss, and would love to see again.
3. Nauvoo, Illinois
   
4. San Antonio Texas. This is where my husband served his mission. I would love to see it.
5. Palmyra New York
6. Alaska. I have a sister-in-law who lives there, and I've heard it is beautiful.
7. Denmark. I have a lot of ancestors from there, and I have recently become fascinated with that country.
8. Vermont. I'm not sure why, except White Christmas and the story about the Trapp Family Singers intrigued me about that area.
   

8 things I currently need or want:

1. To live closer to family.
2. A back yard would be nice.
3. A minivan or car that is big enough that it isn't a squish to put 3 kids in back.
4. To reach my 2nd trimester so that I have more energy, am less emotional, and don't feel sick all the time (hopefully).
5. Our own home.
6. To be out of debt. We are almost there.
7. A family that is completely healthy.
8. Furniture and decor that go together and look nice.

People I tag:

1. Brandi
2. Mike
3. Charity
4. Shamaine
5. Denice
6. Shannon
7. Kirsten
8. Courtney
   

Preschool Letter B

A couple of mom's from my ward (church congregation) decided to do a mom run preschool co-op this year. They invited me to join them. There are three of us involved in this co-op, and we all have girls who are close in age. I get to teach every 3 weeks, and today was my first time.

I was so nervous. I wasn't sure if I would have enough things to keep the girls busy for the required amount of time, or if I was being to structured. I didn't sleep very well last night, and I'm guessing it was because of nerves. Well it turned out great. Hopefully that means I don't need to stress so much next time.

I was assigned to teach about the letter B and the number 2. I focused most of my attention on the letter, and because of attention spans didn't even get to the number, but I think that is probably OK.

We started off reviewing what they had learned last week. About the letter A and the sound it makes. Then I showed them our letter for the day and asked if they knew what it was. They responded that it was a B, I asked if they knew what sound it makes. One of the girls knew right off. We then talked a little about the sound it makes. Then I had the girls trace the letter, while I read them a book about B sounds.

When they started to loose interest in coloring and tracing we had our snack. Bananas and Blueberry Bagels.

After that the girls were anxious to start playtime. Part of preschool is about 1 hr of free play. But I knew if they started it too soon, I would have a hard time getting them back into structure. So we did our activity. I blew up a balloon for each kid, including Guy. They then ran around the living room playing with their balloons. I could tell they were all loving it.
While they played I measured a piece of plastic cording on each girl to determine the right length to make necklaces. Then I had them come back to the table and let them string beads on their cording. They were having a lot of fun, and talked about making bracelets when they were done. I wasn't sure if we would have enough beads for that, or if their attention would hold that long. Well the attention didn't hold, so they just made necklaces.

Then they went and played dress ups, even Guy got in on the act. Guy handled the whole thing pretty well. He started wanting more of mommy towards the end, so I let the girls keep playing in the playroom, while Guy and I went and sat in the living room and looked at books for about 5 min. Then it was time to clean up. We cleaned up all the toys, and then we all went and read one more B book while we waited for the girls moms to come. I have to say all in all, it turned out pretty well.