This Week

--Potty Training is in full force. If we weren't paying $100 on diapers every month I'd have James in diapers until kindergarten. I had no idea how demanding it would be (or did I? hence why he's already 3). But, all in all, it is very exciting and he feels so big and so proud of himself. Ama made a good point that our "Naked and $75 method is turning into a $300 method with the toys and treats he earns each time he goes. (In actuality, he earned a $5 toy when he pooed the first time and gets a handful of  "boot nacks" (fruit loops) when he goes #1. However, we do do a lot of singing, dancing, and jumping around the house to celebrate, and that my friends is worth something! Mike got a kick out of the fact that during his EQ meeting, James hauled his potty into the center of the room and peed for our 3 guests to see. More power to him.

--The other day I said, "James, you're my buddy." His response: "Nuh uh, I James."

--While praying the other night James piped in and said "date doo (thank you) for my Monster truck, fire truck, police car, and ambulance. Amen."

--Sick with the puking bug. Daniel had it first. I thought I had given him food poisoning after one of the Top 10 nasty dinners I've made since being married. It was a creation from random freezer items I was clearing out-- I ended up dumping it in the end and probably would've done that to begin with if I wasn't trying to go green and throw food away.
Anyway, a couple hours after the delightful meal, he started throwing it all up. It already smelled going down, so one can only imagine how it smelled the second time around. Thankfully we got our new washer this week so I was able to wash his bedding and clothes that were just covered in it. After a few more rounds he was able to sleep. Since then, we have been changing his diaper what seems like every hour. 5 days later he is still having some amazing blow outs. Today his poo made it all the way up and past his shoulder blade! The following is a picture of Mikey holding Dan after a blow out.

Friday, as I was heading out to a RS activity, it hit James. Poor little guy puked everywhere. All over himself. On Daniel. On Mike (who was holding them both and reading a story). On the couch. The Floor. The rug. Everywhere. Once again, thankful for the laundry machine and all the loads I've put through it this week. James persisted to puke for the remainder of the evening. Finally, in the middle of the night, on his own he said a little prayer: "Please feel better." and went to sleep. This morning he woke up bouncing off the walls and happy as a clam and said another prayer: "Thank you feel better." I think I got a glimpse of what people are talking about when they refer to the faith of a child. Children are closer to Heavenly Father than I am. The veil is still thin.
Next thing I know, Mike's in the bathroom making some amazing noises. Poor Lovey. I honestly think that was the saddest of the three. He seldom gets sick and never pukes.
Well, it goes without saying that I am choosing to eat bland foods and am hoping that my mouth won't see them again.

--Now, on a Happier note: The Book of Mormon in 60 days challenge. Two months ago our Relief Society challenged the Sisters to read The Book of Mormon by this last Thursday. Yours truly is an overachiever, and though I only read a few pages, I did listen to the entire book on my phone. Each time I read The Book of Mormon, I obviously get a lot out of it, but each time I've done it for a challenge, I get something specific out of it. A few years ago I read it with our Stake. It was during the most difficult period of time since married life, as we were wanting and trying hard to start a family-- with no success. It was an emotional time, especially for me, and I was feeling down about it. I finished the challenge feeling strengthened to wait, and with the Faith that Heavenly Father was very aware of me and He had my best interest at heart. Not knowing how long it would take, I finished knowing that in the Eternal scheme of things everything would all work out for the very best.

This time around, my goal of having an Eternal Perspective and spending time and energy on what matters most was strengthened and clarified. There are so many good distractions and I'm trying to find a balance between taking care of myself and taking care of those around me. I was especially aware of the perspectives of the prophets. Their vision is so clear and much bigger than mine. Their desire is to share that with us and to persuade us to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. I was especially impressed with the Brother of Jared who's Faith could not keep him from within the veil. Because of their obedience and diligence in serving, these men were highly Favored of the Lord and did great things of great importance. Anyway, I guess this time around my reading was a little more technical, as it also reminded me how much richer my life is when I do get a full steady dose of scripture in my life. My faith is increased, my prayers more sincere and intent, my relationships with others are kinder and more patient, and my thoughts aren't as trivial. I'm so grateful for the words of the prophets and for the perspective, direction, and clarity they give us. I testify that The Book of Mormon is true and that a power comes into our lives as we read and study it.