Sunday, a Good Day

Sunday used to be a day I looked forward to. Recently, I have dreaded Sundays. Sundays have turned into a power struggle between Calahan and me. He doesn't like to sit in church and has discovered that if he screams at the top of his lungs (and he's got some serious lung power), I will take him out of the chapel. And so he screams and screams and screams. Disruptive and embarrassing screams.

No dreading today. Today was a great day.

Cal and I started out the morning by making treats for Chris' EQ lesson.

(In the unlikely case that some from the EQ is reading this, know that Calahan did not contaminate your treat; this photo was taken after your treat was already in the oven)

Then, Cal actually behaved most of the first hour. A few squirms and attempted escapes, but no screaming or running. As a matter of fact, we even heard the talks today. Cal and I spent some time last week selecting pages from the Friend magazine to color and then made the Reverent Book we found in last August's issue. These and some fruit snacks seemed to help this time.


The day got better. Everyone in the family went down for a nap at the same time after church!

Still better. Chris got up when Crewe woke up and fixed a scrumptious homemade dinner all on his own. I didn't lift a finger except to pick up my fork and enjoy. Wow, I love that guy.


For our dessert, we had yummy, guilt-free ice cream sandwiches. Not bad for a low-cal, low-fat treat.

Afterwords we just hung out and enjoyed being together. Chris read the boys books and Cal dragged us all into the living room to play the piano and sing.

More Sundays like this and I'll be looking forward to them again.

Full Hands and Mr. Anonymous

Some days I feel like I'm wearing a t-shirt that says "my hands are full." In big bold letters. On the front and the back. It seems that anywhere I go with the two boys in tow there is at least one (usually more) person commenting to me "wow, you've got your hands full."

Tonight I got the line again. The difference today was that Chris and I were both with the boys. One would think that a 1:1 adult ratio would be enough, but it wasn't yesterday at Chevy's Restaurant. We decided to stop by for a quick bite after meeting with a team of Crewe's doctors downtown. We should have gone to McDonald's instead.

Cal was practically bouncing off the walls. All he wanted to do was to run around the restaurant. If he bumped into a customer or server carrying a huge tray of food, he thought it was funny and was just encouraged to keep up the game. I ended up taking him outside in the 111 degree weather to run around on the grass so Chris could eat, and Chris did the same while I ate.

When Chris asked for the bill, the server simply said "it's been taken care of." Chris inquired as to who had taken care of the bill and the server simply said the person did not want to be identified. We have a suspicion that it was the same gentleman sitting at a neighboring table who told me "you have your hands full." Afterall, he mentioned having a three year old son himself who is very active.

Thank you, Mr. Anonymous. Suddenly, my hands don't feel quite as full right now. Your random act of kindness calmed my spirit, gave me an extra burst of patience with my kiddos and created a desire within me to do something kind for someone else.

Lake Pleasant

On Friday we met up with the Smiths for some much overdue R&R together on the lake. Seems like we were just at Lake Powell together talking about kids and now we each have two! This was the first time Cal and Crewe have been on a boat. Thankfully, they had the old pros, Jason and Haley (both age 3), to show them the ropes. Cal liked to swim in the "big pool" as he called it and "go fast" in the boat.

Is it Time?

When it comes to potty training, I tend to think like my Aunt Erin. That is, wait until they are begging you. So, the question is does Cal's current behavior constitute begging. You know, things like:

• taking off his diaper and bringing it to me and saying "wet"
• retrieving his Ernie and Bert toilet seat from its hiding place in the cabinet, placing it on the toilet by himself, and then telling me to "help"
  
• wanting to read the book "Bye-Bye Diapers" constantly
• working the word "poop" into several conversations throughout they day

During our last visit with the pediatrician, he told us that if a child can operate the remote control, he can be potty-trained. In that case, Cal has been ready for months. So, Erin and all of you mothers out there, what suggestions do you have? I've read and heard a lot about the 1 day program, some good and some not so good. What has worked for you?

It's Official: July was the HOTTEST Month on Record

Phoenix not only had its hottest July ever, but also its hottest month ever. The average high was 109.5 and the average low was a mere 87.1. Anyone want to come visit?