CJ's First Word

Patience... it's at the end of the video.

CJ's sounds

Courtney is really good at making CJ laugh. This is while we were cleaning up after dinner on Sunday.




He also makes a really funny sound when he's frustrated (usually because we aren't giving him something he wants). I can't describe it so I'm posting the video.

The Mom Voice

I didn't want to use it, but there has come time. Emma Jane is just a playful spirit, and I have not been able to have her take me seriously. She will always look at me and laugh anytime I try to punish her...until tonight.

I finally developed my "Mom" voice. The "you know you're in trouble voice." The "I mean business voice." It is not a yell, just a firm, stern voice. And, I hate using it. I hate using it on Emma Jane who is so sweet and kind and innocent. But, I really have tried everything.

I guess the good thing is that I found something that worked. But, everytime I use my stern, mom voice, I just want to hug her and tell her I love her more. I want to play with her more.

Oh, the joys of punishing. I guess I will have many years of using my "mom" voice. But, I am definitely not used to it.

CJ oh CJ

What is up with all of the poop? CJ is on is 12th day of bad diarrhea. Poor kid. We have been to the doctor, and there is nothing she can do until they get his tests back. I have exhausted my efforts. We have done the BRAT diet, no lactose formula, Pedialyte, and probiotics--and absolutely nothing works!!! Ahh! And, Emma Jane woke us up at 6 am with it as well.

Even though CJ has been sick for like the past month, he is such a happy camper. I love that kid! He is like a self esteem builder. If you even look in his direction, he gives you the biggest grin. It is so fun. So, if you are feeling down, come over and CJ will cheer you up!

Here's to you kid!

My (Carl's) new PT job...

You read the headline, saw the picture and thought 'oh, he's a part time fashionista,' but you're wrong. My new title is PT-Stay-At-Home-Dad. I'm very excited about this (somebody save these poor kids).
Today I let EJ dress herself. That's a dress over her skirt. With rain boots. I'll post another picture once I learn to do her hair. She has lunch in her hands. Popcorn! Am I the nicest guy on the block or what?!
My goals are to learn how to braid her hair, teach her to swim by the end of the summer and teach her the ABC's. With CJ my goal is to teach him to walk before he's a year. That means two-a-days from now until his birthday. Today, I made hime stand holding on to the rocker for a half hour, no bottle breaks. He's getting tough!
So where's Courtney? She is a working woman, also PT. She got a job with an insurance company as their office manager. Side note: I tried to get extra work for a month and a half. Finally, she decided to try. It took her a week. McDonald's wouldn't even hire me. Anyway, we're excited for Courtney and worried for the kids. She works 8:30-12:30, and I work 1:30-10. So we get to eat all of our meals together. Courtney's employer says they'll pay her to get her insurance license and let her start selling eventually, too. It could be a great opportunity.
Oh, and the goal for myself is to learn to cook. I'm a PB&J kind of guy. I also heat up leftovers really well. Breakfast foods until I learn. Good thing the kiddos love pancakes.

Hit by a Snow Storm!

Well, I was looking forward to it warming up in March, but today we woke up to a snow storm--which never, ever happens here! It was crazy! We had about four inches of snow that stuck, enough for us to make a snowman, have a snowball fight, and slide down the hill. It was a fun day. Here are some pictures from it.

Even Mabel loved the snow. She was out there for an hour. Jumping after snowballs & eating them.

Carl had so much playing with Emma Jane in the snow...Emma Jane loved it too, but I think Carl was a little more excited.

Our pathetic attempt at a snowman...Sorry, Carl, but you need to work on those snowman skills.

CJ even ate a couple of snowflakes! And, to those I talked to yesterday, he is feeling tons better!

Our snow gear was hard to come by but it works, right? :)

The craziest thing is that when the kids woke up from their naps it was all gone. The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. It was like it had never happened. And, it snowed from like 7am to noon. Not the normal here in the south. I'm glad that it was only for one day. I don't care for the cold too much...I don't know how I made it at BYU.

Fun At SeaWorld

We lived right by SeaWorld in San Deigo. We had season passes while we lived there. If you ask any of my siblings, SeaWorld holds a special place in our hearts. It was a part of our childhood. SeaWorld was just another playground to us. We went there all the time. We knew all the shows. I even got to sit on Shamu--seriously, I got to sit on Shamu. Isn't that cool?

Anyway, so of course, I wanted to take Emma Jane there as a present for her 2nd birthday! We went this past weekend. And, we all loved it-- especially Emma Jane!! She never wanted to leave. Any time she left a place, she would beg to go back. She could have looked at the sea turtles or the sharks or the penguins all day. It was a well needed vacation. Here are some pictures...

Emma Jane Too

Right now, Emma Jane is all about equality or she just likes to say the word "too" a lot. If you give her pancakes, she'll say, "CJ pancakes too." Or, if you give her a drink, she'll say, "CJ drink too." At dinner, I made an airplane sound and flew the green bean into her mouth. As soon as she swallowed, she said, "CJ airplane too."

She is just very aware of CJ. It is really cute. The other day, CJ started crying, and she got him a toy. If CJ coughs in any way, she'll say, "CJ okay?" or "CJ coughing". I am just very surprised how concerned she is with CJ. She loves him so much. I love to watch their relationship. It is really cute.

Special K Squares

Special K Squares were a staple in our family. They are like Rice Crispy Treats but better! Seriously, they are so good. I was making them tonight for Emma Jane's party tomorrow, and I just wanted to share the goodness. That is true love-- sharing good recipes! Here's the recipe:

8 C Special K Cereal
1 C (finely) chopped walnuts
1/2 C Brown Sugar
1/2 C Sugar
25 Lg Marshmellows or 2/3 a bag of small marshmellows
1 C butter
1 tsp Vanilla

Directions: Bring Butter, Sugars, and Marshmellows to a boil. Dissolve Marshmellows. Stir in Vanilla. Pour over Cereal and Walnuts. Mix. Then Spread in a 9x13 pan. These are best if made the night before you want to eat them. And Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Emma Jane

Today is Emma Jane's 2nd Birthday! We are so grateful to have her as a part of our family. She is such a bundle of joy. Seriously, she is one happy kid. Here are a few fun facts about Emma Jane:
1. Emma Jane is now potty trained! Woo Hoo!
2. Emma Jane just learned how to blow bubbles in the pool.
3. Emma Jane's best friends are Mabel (our dog) and CJ.
4. Emma Jane's favorite show is Caillou.
5. Emma Jane can make a dang good elephant sound.
6. Emma Jane became a big sister at 14 months.
7. Emma Jane's favorite song, at the moment, is "The Itsy Bitsy Spider."
8. Emma Jane's favorite foods are pancakes, corn, and hot dogs.
9. Emma Jane's favorite movies are Tarzan and Finding Nemo.
10. Emma Jane doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She is the happiest, most playful person ever! She has a very sweet nature about her. She makes us want to be better people. We are so grateful to have her in our family. We love that little girl so much. Happy Birthday Emma Jane!