Fishies and Eyeballs

I think it's safe to say that potty training has not been the smoothest process in our house. We have had times of great progress, only to fall right back to square one again (sometimes much worse than square one!) Lately, Mac had been protesting and crying and refusing to sit on or go near the potty.

I had two ideas:

1) Focus on potty training Corrie instead, and take some of the pressure off Mac for a bit

2) Go to the store and let them each pick out a special treat.

We went to the grocery store, and Mac picked out a bag of chocolate eyeballs. Corrie decided on Swedish Fish. 

And that did it!

Mac has been going in the potty ever since, saying, "Mommy I would like a green eyeball just like my little green eye." (He has blue eyes, but we just go with it).

I am not sure what Mac likes better; getting to eat the chocolate, or taking the aluminum wrapping off all by himself.

      

 Corrie is "Making Pee-Pees!," in her words, and loves getting "fishies." The only thing is that she wants to show the fishies her accomplishment. "Look fishies!" (Those fish get pretty close to taking a real "swim" if I am not paying attention!)

 

 

:-)

Corrie

Corrie, do you know how amazing you are? Today you told me that you wanted your turn "to write in the book."

 "Okay, you want to color?" Nope. You wanted to write with a pen (crayons would not do), and you specifically wanted to write in the "book" that mommy writes in. You would have nothing to do with the Winnie the Pooh coloring book, but instead you kept asking, "I want the book please, mommy."

When you finally got a chance to "write in the book", I could not believe it! You actually looked like you were writing. You hold the pen and make little movements like you are are actually trying to write letters!

Corrie, you are a pretty incredible little girl. I think your big brother thinks so too. :)

Marge

       

Several years ago, I was stranded living on top of desolate mountain in Western PA and in desperate need of some transportation. Against all odds (mainly financial), God brought a nice shiny blue Suzuki into my life.

We have affectionately named her "Marge," because her body shape reminded me of Marge Simpson's hair.

Well, Marge was supposed to have died on us about 100,000 miles ago, but she just kept on faithfully plugging along.

Finally, a few months ago, she puttered out.

But Marge is a Johns now, and there is no such thing as a lost cause when it comes to machines in this family.

As you can see from the picture to the left, it took a little elbow grease to get her going again. (At one point, Ellis literally had the entire engine in pieces all over our carport).  Ellis' dad came and offered his wisdom, such as using a 2x4 "for leverage." I don't know what that means, but it stayed jammed in the engine for a while (you can see it pictured on the right side of the engine). I walked outside at one point and saw the scene on the left. Couldn't help but document that one.

And, just like a real Johns' vehicle - she is back on the road again!

Thanks again...

Lord, for a fun pumpkin patch picnic

Thank you, Lord...

For filling up our pool for us today!

And for giving us a kitty friend who plays outside with us!

Can't wear just one!

How was your afternoon?

"Do you love it Mommy?"

"Yes Macky, I love it very much!"