Happy Birthday Ben

Ben had his birthday this week.  Those of you who watch "The Office", will appreciate the fanfare I created surrounding the day.

Let's see - what is Ben up to these days...:)

-He's enjoying his job, but loves when he can leave early to play frisbee golf. 

-He continues to be the "handy man" around here, no project is too daunting for this man. Elena believes that her daddy can fix anything. 

-He sings "Love Song for a Savior" for Elena when she goes to bed; a song, "that only Daddy can sing."

-He never fails to make me laugh; laugh at him, laugh at me, laugh about life in general. I would take things far too seriously if he wasn't around.  

-He loves San Antonio Winters and will not be caught driving his Miata with the top up. 

-He is so energized after being with his Jr. High guys from church, and they think he's pretty cool too.

-He savors the few seconds before he walks in the door, when he can hear Evan chanting, "DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!"

and lastly...

-He's really seeking to know how and where God wants to use him.

I'm just glad that wherever God takes him, I get to go too!

 

I Think He Likes It

You know that heavily peppered manicotti that appeared to be ruined? Well, I rinsed each piece to try and salvage it for dinner, and I certainly had one fan of the finished product in the house!

Ooooh so gooood

"Just for fun, I'm going to choose this moment to point to my eyes, nose, and ears... Mom's giving me a pretty big reaction!"

NOT Part of the Recipe

Thanks Laney!

I Heart Valentine's Cookies

One of Elena's dear friends invited her over for a little Valentine's party. They decorated cookies and made cards... sigh... so sweet. 

The frequency of Elena's social engagements is starting to increase these days. Not sure how I feel about her having more things on her calendar than mine. ;)

Toilet Tales

It's Official - Elena is POTTY TRAINED!!! 

So you're probably thinking, "Wait... didn't you post that she started potty training back in... let's see, when was it? ... oh yeah...  JULY???"

Ummm, well yes, that is true. I followed the, "Potty Train Your Child in Just Half a Year" program ;).  Oh you're interested in it too?  Well, let me give you a few of the pointers. 

#1 After the first day of your child successfully keeping their undies dry, put them back in diapers (after all, they can take it off to use the potty, right?).  A few weeks later they will return to going in their diaper and this will successfully set you back a month. 

#2 Next, develop a deep, deep fear of pee on your floor or of your child having an accident in public.  This will stall your second start up for at least a few months. 

#3 And finally, jam pack your schedule, so that you feel you have a valid excuse for putting if off another two months.

Clearly, the person that needed the most training through this process was Mommy.  Peace and Love to all mommies headed towards this milestone, and if you need any advice... don't ask me.