Some family fun at Red Rocks

The many faces of Babes McGee

Oh potty training

Well if you read my blog often you know that Marin has been potty training and that back in April I wrote she was interested and that I would be within a few weeks she would be done with diapers well I guess she had some different ideas.  She continues to pee and poop in the potty if she is naked but as soon as you put underwear on her she will pee and/or poop in them.  The frustrating this is that I know she knows she just does not want to stop what she is doing to go to the potty.  Here are a few examples the other day she was wearing her Cinderella underwear and she told me she would not pee in them because she wanted to wear them and guess what not one accident all day and I praised and rewarded and at the end of the day we went out for ice cream because she kept herself dry all day and guess what on the drive over to the ice cream shop she peed in her pants.  I thought what in the world and she looked up and said sorry Mama I no mean to do it.  Okay all forgiven and whether right or wrong I gave her ice cream and praised her.  So the next day I put on her underwear and I say remember if you have on undies you have to pee and poop in the potty and you get a treat.  She says Otay Mama and off she goes.  Well later that morning she is watching TV and she gets off the couch takes off her underwear and pees on the living room floor and then goes back to the couch so she didn't miss any of her show.  I was a bit mad but gently reminded her that I can pause a show and that she needs to pee in the potty. 

The next day we went to Target and I say okay Marin lets pee before we start and she insists she does not have to pee maybe a rookie mistake but I say okay and next thing I know in the fruit aisle she is peeing all over our grocery cart.  I take her out of the cart set her down to clean up the puddle and she runs away from me and pees all over the floor in front of the produce and then she laughs.  At this point Symeon is laughing and encouraging her and I am ready to crawl under the cart but won't because it is covered in urine and sitting in a puddle of it. 

Another day she comes to me and says Mommy I poop in the potty please have treat and say okay show me and I go into the bathroom and there is poop in the potty but yet something does not seem quite right.  My mother instinct, a bit of deductive reasoning, and some keen observation skills helped me piece it together.  I guess he pooped in her pants but knows she only gets a treat if she poops in the potty so she went to the bathroom took off her pants and dumped the poop in the potty.  You are probably wondering what gave her away well it was the poopy pants on the floor, the poop the missed the potty and fell on the floor, the poop smeared all over the toilet seat when she put her poopy butt down on it and the large amount of poop still stuck to her butt.  But with all honesty she looked up at me and said poop in the potty mommy me get a treat.  I busted out laughing and told her the poop had to come from her butt to the potty and not via her underwear to the potty for the treat.   Needles to say she was not happy. 

So potty training we have our days our ups and downs and we continue to chug along.  I know she can poop and pee in the potty anytime she wants at this point she just chooses not to and I am not sure what to do with that.  I guess we can only wait and see.  I must confess as well that I am unable to clean poop out of underwear I just can't do it so every time she poops in them they go in the trash so needles to say we have had to buy a few more pairs to get us through.  I am hopeful we won't have to get to many more until we are done.  If you have any tips please feel free to offer any suggestions I am not quite sure what to do with her. 

The prayers of children

One night while putting Symeon to bed I asked if he wanted to pray or if he wanted me to.  He said Mom you pray I used to know the right words but now I don't so I don't want to pray.  I teared up a bit and explained to him that there were no "right" words when we talked to God we could say any words or no words and God would hear our hearts and he loved anything we had to say to him.  He still said he did not want to pray so I told him I would pray for him.  I came upstairs and told Shawn about it and I decided that the next night I would show Symeon that God loved any prayers. 

So the next night I explained it all to him again and told him I was going to say all kinds of prayers serious ones, silly ones, funny ones and that God would love them all.  Well that began several weeks of rap prayers, rhyming prayers, singing prayers, using the first letter of his name prayers and just about anything else I could think of and after a time he said to me one night Mom I want to pray and I said great.  He said I want to do a serious prayer and a silly prayer and I said great again.  I bowed my head and closed my eyes and he gave thanks for his Dad, Mom, and Babes and he said he misses us very much when we are not with him.  He gave thanks for his friend Aiden then he said Amen.  Next he said he wanted to do his silly prayer and next thing I know he was busting out with a song he made up about the playground and the beauty of being outside with a rap ending that said "yes, yes, yes, yes, thank you God" it was awesome.  He said Amen I opened my eyes and there was a huge smile on his face which matched my own.  I told him it was awesome and that God was smiling and laughing because that was the best prayer I am sure he had heard in a long time. 

Dear Symeon may you always pray to God with such openness, honesty, creativity, and heart.  I pray you always know he hears you and he loves you with an unending love.


Marin loves to pray every night at bedtime and she usually says God thank you for Dadddy, Mommy, brother, and me amen then she says you pray Mommy and I do.  Well last night she threw me a curve ball when she started her prayer with, "thank you for my baseball and me and when me go to baseball game with daddy, mommy, brother, and me.  I like baseball play baseball tomorrow.  Amen."  Then you pray Mommy and all I could think to say was "God thank you for Babes McGee she is a treasure and a blessing to our family and the world amen."  I opened my eyes and she was smiling that Babes smile and I told her that God loved her prayer then she hugged me and said na-night mama.

God thank you for baseball, playgrounds, night time routines, small children, innocent hearts, great smiles, big hugs, and thank you so much for motherhood. 

Dear friends

Back in July my dear friend Andi from college came for a visit.  It was so nice to have her hear with us just hanging out with the family and then some time alone with just her and I.  My dear sweet husband surprised us with a weekend at a gorgeous condo in the mountains for some much needed girl time.  I am so blessed to have this amazing woman in my life she is a treasure on my journey and although I find it hard to believe we have been friends for almost 20 years.  

There are so many more pictures but they are on Andi's camera and I forgot to download them to my computer before she left.  Hopefully I can add some more later. 

Aggressive squirrels

The squirrels in Denver are very aggressive and our current location is not exception.  When we lived here before we had several squirrel incidents.  One time I came home and found bread all over the floor and I thought gosh Shawn could have cleaned up after himself and then I went to our pantry to find all our bread ripped open and laying all over the place.  Then I figured it was not Shawn and I closed our window which had a screen in it but it was broken with a small gap at the top just big enough for a squirrel.  There were many times I would walk into the kitchen flip on the light and scream because the squirrel would be hanging on the screen inside the window yelling at me. 

We moved to a new place last time we live here and one time a lady walked by our window and found Shawn in the church and said I saw a squirrel in your apartment.  So Shawn went check and sure enough there was a squirrel sitting on the window ledge in our apartment.  We are not sure how he got in but he did and Shawn was able to chase him out.  The second time Shawn was home and heard a noise and there was a squirrel sitting in the vent above our oven.  I guess he fell down the vent and could not get out.  Shawn called animal control and they said they could only come out if the squirrel was loose not trapped so Shawn had to let the squirrel out of the vent and then they came to catch him.  The really funny part was this guy with a long pole and with a tiny loop on the end and he was going to try to catch the squirrel around the neck like a dog catcher.  Shawn busted out laughing as the guy was running around our apartment knocking over stuff and swearing as he tried to catch this squirrel.  Eventually he ran out the front door and the guy left. 

Well when we returned to Denver we had forgotten about the squirrels.  They have chewed holes in our garbage cans and consistently eat our garbage.  They have been in our house eating trash, climbing on the table, and most recently in our cupboard trying to get our bread.  One day I came up the stairs carry Marin and Symeon was right next to me as we rounded the corner I saw Shawn's back pack moving and out popped the squirrel.  He charged me and the kids since we were blocking the door so we ran outside screaming and he followed us into the yard.  He broke into our garage and ate a few snacks we left in the bike trailer overall it is just a pest.  Everyday the squirrel comes to our dining room window just to check and see if it is open and he might be able to sneak in the kids love it and find it quite funny.  It is a bit of a family joke now and in this picture Symeon was having a chat with the squirrel just laughing as you can see he isn't scared one bit and took his time leaving.   

One of those grace filled days

Okay so we had one of those days that was a bit rough at times but was full of grace as it came to a close and it was lovely!  It started with a back pain that told me I had to go to the chiropractor even though that was not part of the plan.  So we are flexible so off we went where we waited for over and hour to be seen.  The kids did great and had lots of fun.  Well I guess I should go back a bit Marin has had some difficulty with potty training which is a whole different post but this morning she told me she wanted to wear her Rella underwear and she would not pee in them no more pull ups she said.  So I went with it although we were going to be running around all day and home very little seize the day kept going through my mind so undies it was with a change of clothes a wish and a prayer.  Back to our day - the chiropractor was taking so long I decided to take her to the potty where she insists on taking off her shoes, undies, and pants to pee although I told her she really could pee by just pulling down her pants but once again we went with it.  She did great no accidents at the chiro and she said Mama I no pee on Rella (which is her Cinderella undies) and I said okay Babes great job.

Next we dashed off to haircut appointments and got there just in time.  I decided to have Babes hair cut into a sweet little angled bob since every morning she wakes up with a rats nest on the back of her head and she hates to have anything done to her hair and she will not wear it up.  Honestly I should have done this at the beginning of summer but I just couldn't but after multiple mornings of fighting and crying I decided it was best for us all.  She said she wanted it short so it is short and so cute a sassy little cut to match her sassy little self.  I will post pics later but I did cry as they cut off her sweet baby fine hair.

After hair cuts we went to grab some quick lunch because I was starving and that is where we tried the potty again and she said she did not have to go and I made her try and she did not have to go positive all around.  We ordered ate and then on the way out Marin became so upset about something she threw herself down on the floor and began crying as if I was beating her and I had to carry her out of the restaurant.  I still do not know what made her upset so it was almost impossible to avoid.  We regrouped and headed to the pediatrician to pick up some paper work I needed filled out.  I prepped Marin because every time we go to the pediatrician it ends with me carrying her out crying and screaming.

The melt down occurs, at least from what I can figure out, from the handicap door opening button.  The first door opens when  you step on the floor in front of it and the second door you can open with the handicap button.  Well Marin does not understand the door that opens by itself and she thinks Symeon always opens the door using the button which he doesn't and she feels cheated by not having a turn so she throws herself down screaming every stinking time we go which is embarrassing and frustrating to say the least.  So today I went over it and told her she would have a turn.  I thought gosh I am so smart I fixed this problem and then bam it happened again and I had to carry her out screaming and crying for the second time in 10 minutes.

When we arrived at the car she passed out asleep and when we got home she slept on the couch for about an hour before we had to head to Lil Kickers.  We jumped in the car and she began crying about something else I am still not sure what but she seemed okay by the time we arrived at soccer.  So I am trying to put her shoes on and guess what they don't fit her anymore.  She has not worn those sneakers since June and although it crossed my mind I thought oh they will be fine.  So now what? She has no shoes but were are at the class and she is so excited so I thought oh well we will just go without shoes and while I am thinking this she is climbing down slips and bangs her head into the door.  It was so loud and she wailed so I knew it hurt.  I picked her up and pulled her hair back and as I did this huge golf ball size thing was swelling up on her forehead.  I had never seen anything like it and I said Shawn I think we have a problem.  Well we carried her in and asked them for an ice pack now remember this is a place that offers hundreds of kids sports classes every week and guess what no ice packs what in the world but finally they got us a  bag of ice and I sat with Marin for about 5 minutes.  She was acting fine and told me she wanted to play so off we went to the field to explain to the coach why she had this second head growing and oh yah she has no shoes.  She played for the whole class and everyone was amazed but it seemed just about right for our dear sweet tough as nails Babes McGee.

When there was about 20 minutes left in the class I realized she had not used the potty since noon and it was 4:30 so I asked her if she needed to try and she told me Mama I no pee on Rella then she ran off yelling bye Mom.  Shawn and I cracked up and guess what she did not pee on Rella or the indoor soccer field once again not surprised when she puts her mind to something she does it.  I need to brag just a bit on her she followed every direction her coach gave her, stayed on task, ran fast, had amazing ball skills, and overall did a great job!

It was a beautiful evening so we decided to grab dinner and  head to the park for a picnic and we had such a wonderful time.  Marin danced, sang and ran around, a true free spirit.  We all played and as the sun set over the Rocky Mountains and a cool breeze blew I heard my children laughing while they played with their Dad I reflected on the beauty that is my life.  I am truly blessed beyond measure and the mishaps of the day seemed like funny warm memories on the journey of our family.  I might add Marin had blue ice cream for keeping her pants dry the whole day!  She told me she would do it and she did all this while cutting her two year molars I swear she never ceases to amaze me!  I am often in awe of this beautiful, spirited child who I have the pleasure of raising. 

Our pets

Symeon and Marin have taken to collecting bugs mostly lady bugs and rollie pollies which do not bother me at all.  Actually there is a lady bug in the house somewhere due to an incident with our bug collectors and every once in awhile she lands on you says hello and then flies away.  Every day they like to take their bugs out of the bug collectors and let them get some exercise because of course they want them to be healthy.  Their exercise consists of running around on the floor and crawling all over the kids arms.  Here are our bugs enjoying some exercise.

 

Crack me up funny

Symeon says some priceless stuff right now and Marin is beginning to join in the mix.  In the last two days he has cracked me up.

1.  Symeon and Babes were on time out on the stairs and I was in the kitchen and I hear Symeon say to Marin Daddy is being nice to us but Mommy isn't and Marin said yahhh!  I wanted to crack up instead I just said I can hear you and they both said sorry.
2.  Today Symeon was using a pen that was running low on ink so it was difficult to write with so he turned to me and said Mom this must be an adult only pen because I am having a hard time using it.
3.  We were going to our local coffee shop on the way to pick Shawn up from the airport and Symeon loves their chocolate chip cookie although we have talked about having cookies in the morning and how it is not okay.  So when he asked I said honey we can't have a cookie for breakfast and he said Mom I don't want it for breakfast I want it for dessert.   I busted out laughing and thought oh he might be on to something dessert after breakfast not a bad idea.
4.  After we dropped Shawn off at the airport Marin cried most of the way home saying over and over that she did not want to go home she wanted to go on an airplane with her Daddy.  I explained that Daddy was going for work so she couldn't go to which she would wail even louder.  Honestly I do not lock her in a room when her Daddy is gone she is just super attached to her him.  So for the rest of the day every time we saw a man she would say is that my Daddy to which I would reply no wondering if people thought she really did not know who her Daddy was.  As we were getting out of our car at our house there was an African American man walking by our car and Marin proceeds to ask me over and over is that my Daddy and I say no Babes.  Well I guess Symeon did not hear me respond to her because as the man is crossing the street and I think it is almost over Symeon yells from the porch Mom I think Babes wants to know if that guy is her Daddy as he is pointing and yelling at the man.  At this point I was beyond myself and just busted out laughing but luckily by this time I was on my porch and no one but the kids could see me.
5.  Marin just started walking up to you and shaking your hand and she says nice to meet me, nice to meet me it is so cute and funny.
6.  Marin loves to sing and she sings all these great songs.  One of her favorites is, If Your Happy and you know it...  she loves the hurray so she walks around singing it and throwing her arm up in the air yelling hurray.   

The newest bike

We decided to buy a trailer bike for Symeon because he loves to bike.  He does great on his own bike but he is not able to go all over the city because of the traffic, he has a hard time keeping up with us, and eventually he tuckers out although it takes quite awhile.  We have a bike trailer he can sit in with Marin but they are so squished and hot that they end up fighting and we all get frustrated and then bike riding is no fun.  So now Marin rides in the trailer by herself which is good and Symeon rides the trailer bike and we have been biking all over the city.  We usually bike for several hours at a time and they both love it.  We do think Marin will probably need one of these bike trailers next summer she is still just a bit to short this summer much to her sadness and disagreement.  We are enjoying this so much as a family and we look forward to years of bike riding together.   

I love this man

Shawn and I have made many life decisions together and as we continue to make many more I am reminded today of how much I love him and how much we balance each other out.  We are a good team and I am so thankful for him and our life together. 

Rella Hat

 Mom Mom sent Symeon and Marin a package which included this great Cinderella hat.  In the picture on the right is the hat on the day she received it on the left is her preferred way of wearing it.  She loves it and it is so funny to see her dancing with it on backward and to the side.  Thanks Mom Mom she loves it!

A creative lunch time

Loving art projects

A new fort

The room we turned into the kids play area has a good size closet and it has become their fort.  We put a ton of blankets and pillows inside to add to the comfort.  I often find Symeon in their reading books or doing legos.  It is a great place for them to each have a little quiet down time. 

Biking

We do a lot of biking these days and Marin is known to enjoy her nap while we bike.  On one trip she took with Shawn on his daily Fed Ex run she was passed out. It was so funny because somehow we overlooked her having on any underpants or pull up so although I edited it out she was spread eagle in this picture enjoying the freedom. 

Happy Father's Day super late

Since I am pretty far behind on posting about important times in the life of our family I realize Father's Day was quite sometime ago but I never posted about my amazing husband.  Shawn is a steady and calming presence in our family and he adores his children.  Just today Symeon said Mom I need to find something that Daddy and I can do together.  He is always willing to play, offer hugs, and give them undivided attention.  Shawn had a very difficult week this past week and in the midst of a ton of stressful work situations one of our kids would walk into his office with a request of his time and attention and he would offer it freely setting aside his own stress for a few minutes to reassure, love and hug one of them.  We are blessed to have you Shawn and we love you so much!  Here are the kids giving him his Father's Day card and small gift.  It took them each a lot of time to pick out just the perfect card and it was so fun to hear their reasons. 

Trip to Lake Dillion

Last month we took a trip to Lake Dillion one of our favorite places to hang out.  We rented a condo with a great view, rode bikes, ate ice cream, explored the mountains, parks and bike paths.  Overall just a fun relaxing family get away.

 The bikes ready for the big trip

 Marin enjoying the view from the playground not bad huh?!

 Throwing rocks into the water one of our favorite past times in life

 I know the balloon seems odd it was the breast cancer 2 day walk and it came right past our condo.  A woman who was done cheering for the walkers offered the kids her balloons.  Thanks and yet what a pain although they were big fun back at the condo which is where they stayed for the rest of the trip.

 Ah loving the outdoors already such fun

 The views from our condo.  I can see why people pay for a view to live everyday it was very soothing to wake up and walk out on our deck and see this, something I could get used to doing.  

 Biking the Frisco bike path both our kids love to bike it is a great family activity

 

 The many sides of Babes McGee.  In the first one she is showing me how her blue lollipop matched the blue sign and we stopped at every sign to see the connection.  I know she is eating a lollipop on her little bike but it was the only way I could keep her moving and honestly we were going so slow that she was in no danger.  In the second picture she decided to wear her Cinderella crown out to dinner while she played with her princess figures.  She is a girl who can dirty and be pretty I love that about her. 

Lil Seedlings

 I have been taking Symeon and Marin to a garden class at the Botanic gardens and they love it.  The teacher is amazing and after the class we hang out in the amazing water area in the middle of the kids garden.  Here they are climbing the rock area.

 Marin dragging one of the many boats around.

 He loves a magnifying glass

Their lettuce plants.  A funny story about these plants is that I switched their name tags on the plants and here's why.  At the beginning of summer we bought them a little plant kit to grow on our porch water etc.  Well Symeon cared for his little seeds faithfully being ever so gently and Marin dug in her pot threw the soil out over watered it and dropped it multiple times.  Symeon would check his everyday waiting for his little seeds to sprout and they never did while Marin's sprouted and grew multiple times.  So fast forward a bit and the same thing plays out again and Marin's seeds sprout and nothing in Symeon's I say it first and switched the name tags because I did not want Symeon to be discouraged he loves to garden.  Now granted a couple days later "Marin's" seeds sprouted and it was fine.  I still feel a bit bad I did it but if you could have seen the look on his face when his seeds finally grew I am pretty sure I did the right thing.