Another First to Add to the Record

Rudy did his first poop on a public potty today. Maybe I'm too sentimental about bodily functions, but it's kinda cool to me that he chose the public library as the place with which to share this honorable moment of personal history. :)

We're not even really potty training, he just asks to sit on the potty when he feels like it, which is usually about twice a week, tops. Today he sat on our home potty twice and the library's once. Maybe he feels ready to leave the diapers in the dust-we'll see. (He also peed on the kitchen floor today, least you think he's precocious.)

He's really growing up. I know I say I can't believe it almost every other post, but it's true. It's wild to see my tiny little baby not be so tiny any more.

I can't believe that this time last year, we were still working on the sounds animals make. Now he makes jokes that are actually funny!

Babysitting Mama!

Wahoo! I'm a babysitting Mama! I've been at it for 3 full days now, and I'm really LOVING it! Why didn't I do this a long time ago? Oh yeah, the whole 800 square foot condo thing..

I'm sitting the sweetest little 13 month old girl ever. She is great-and her temperament fits so well with our family. If and when I get permission from her parents to post her pics on here, you'll see for yourself just how sweet she is. Her parents are a dream to work with too...I'm actually a bit worried I'll be spoiled for life by these guys. :)

The only hard thing?

Rudy. Not that he's hard-he's his normal awesome self. Just as his Mama, I worry about him. Does he feel ok? What's going on in that sensitive little heart of his? Does he feel just as loved today as he did last week? Sigh. It's an inevitable issue-we don't plan on staying a one child family-but it's still hard. So far he just loves his new playmate to pieces and is kind and nurturing with her, but he looks forward to her nap time just the same, when he and I can have special 'us' time and do things we wouldn't with a baby around. Like play with marbles or pop popcorn in the air popper. I think the little girl, I'll call her Sweet Pea, feels the same. She loves Rudy, but savors the just us time we get when he's napping, when we can look at just the books she wants to, play lap games, etc.

I'm trying not to be neurotic about it-I totally believe kids pick up on your worries and I'd rather not plant the seed of worry in either child's heart. But sometimes it's hard.

Like today, when I watched my little man tumble down the stairs, as I followed, one step behind, cradling Sweet Pea safely in my arms. I felt terrible, my worrisome heart planting major guilt squarely on my shoulders, yelling that if I'd not have had Sweet Pea in my arms, I could have some how stopped Rudy from falling.

Luckily, and blessedly, The Comforter was not far behind us all in that dash down the stairs. Sweet Pea watched me cradle Rudy, concerned, but fine to be on her own while Rudy received the hugs and kisses and rocking that he need and I needed to give. And almost as soon as those accusing thoughts attacked me, they were replaced with a calm assurance that I did all I could to keep Rudy safe, and with or without Sweet Pea, I could not have done any more. I was comforted so that I could administer calming comfort to Rudy, and he recovered quickly. Aside from a minor bruise on his knee, he's no worse for the wear. He never even bonked his head, doing pretty much a barrel roll down the stairs. Things could have turned out SO much worse, but they didn't, and for that I am grateful.

Ah, life is full of adjustments. Never ending adjustments. I guess it's what keeps things interesting. Hopefully we'll be adding another child to the mix (as in babysitting child- this is by no means an announcement) ;) sooner than later, and then we'll make more adjustments.

I have felt plenty of confirmations that taking in some sitting kids is the right and good thing to do right now. I know it will bless us financially, but somehow, I feel like it will bring so many other, more important blessings into our lives, or the lives of the families I sit for, or both. I know I'll be blessed to know how to provide for these kids, Rudy included, a feeling of safety, comfort, and belonging in my home. I just need to keep my heart open, and free of fear.

Rudy's First Real Solo Prayer

Rudy's been trying to say prayers by himself these last few days. They keep turning out empty in the middle. ("Heavenly Father......Jesus Christ, Amen!)

This evening, I gave him a little coaching to remind him to thank Heavenly Father for something. All I did was tell him- don't forget the "I thank thee for...." part. This was his prayer:

"Heavenly Father...I tank tee for....Grandpa....and Grandma....Jesus Christ, Amen!"

I don't know who was prouder, him or me. I can't believe how fast he's growing up!

Thankful

I've had a whole bunch of emotions as I've read about and listened to news about the destruction in Haiti.

Sorrow. Confusion. Guilt. Gratitude.

My heart aches for those who are living through the helplessness of being stranded in the midst of destruction, unable to even properly identify and bury their loved ones. Unable to discover the whereabouts of family members. Lacking food, water, shelter, reason for hope. I can't imagine the magnitude of this experience for them. I pray for them. I gave what we could to them, feeling guilty for not giving more. How can I say I need grocery money when they need clean water and medical attention?

Several nights ago, I teared up as I tucked my sleeping little one back under his warm blankets. The cold wind howled outside, but otherwise had no effect on our comfort. I thought of the many families right here in Utah who may be shivering in their car or some other insufficient shelter right then. And of the thousands of parents unable to provide that kind of protection to their children in Haiti, and around the world.

And yet, somehow, I have to keep living my life, keep moving forward, recognizing that this sorrow is not my own, but someone else's. Believing that the Atonement truly can make all things whole again, and trusting the Lord to be at these people's sides, succoring them as only One who has truly suffered for all can.

My eyes have been opened wide about what I'm blessed with. A beautiful, healthy family. A sound home, which protects us from the elements and gives us a place to gather and bask in each other's company. Good, nutritious food. Clean water at the twist of a handle, as hot or cold as I please. A safe community. Every shopping convenience I could hope for within walking distance. Internet access. This list could go on for a LONG, long time.

I will try to show more gratitude for these blessings. I will try to share more with my brother. I will try to be a better steward over the things the Lord has seen fit to place in my life.

Washing Dishes

If only I could consistently get as much pleasure out of doing the daily chores as Rudy does. Here's a video I took of my little man, who decided to rewash all the dishes from breakfast- just for kicks. It was so cute as I watched him play out the steps of dish washing over and over again, solidifying in his quick little mind yet another skill. His ability to learn impresses me!

Snow Man!

At last, we had good snow man snow on a day we had time to do something about it! Rudy and I (but mostly I) crafted our glorious snow man with photo documentation plus nose and eyes being contributed by Jason.

Rudy was mostly content to just sit in the snow and watch as I rolled lopsided orbs all over the lawn. A couple of times he gave a ball a pat or push, but mostly just gave me a move by move rundown of what I was doing. ("Mommy's rolling snow! Mommy's making snow ball!) I tried to get him super stoked about the fact that we were creating our first ever real snowman together, but he just didn't see the significance of the moment.

Now, however, he is very proud of our bug eyed snow man. He looked out the window several times today to announce that there is a snow man in our yard, and that he and Mommy made it. And when we drove into the drive way after running errands this evening he added to his usual, "Rudy's House!" announcement, "there's my snowman!"

Ah, the joys of winter, decent health, and a bit of land to call our own.

New Life

I stared into my first 'blood' niece's eyes yesterday. There's something a bit different when one of my own siblings becomes a parent, versus on of Jason's. I share a lifetime of history with my brother, and somehow seeing him holding his little daughter meant so much more to me.

Their baby came a little more than 3 weeks earlier than they expected her, but it seems to have more to do with the estimated due date than the actual maturity of the child. She's doing great, behaving like a babe that had plenty of time in her mommy's belly. What a blessing!

I'm so awed at the miracle of life. The progression of life. The beautiful gift we are given to have the chance to become parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents.

To Jake and Kirstyn: Welcome to parenthood. You are both beautiful parents already!

To Michaela: Welcome to the family, sweet pea. You are surrounded by a whole community of people who love you to pieces, and that's not a bad start at all. ;)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This morning I tried to explain to Rudy about who Martin Luther King Jr. was, and why we have a national holiday to honor him. I told him he lived when his Oma Pat and Opa Boyer (his great grandparents) were younger. He got stuck on the idea that he lived with Oma Pat and Opa Boyer. I let that one go, and moved on to what he did. I told him about how important it was to Dr. King for everybody to have the chance to work, live and go to school where they wanted to. For everyone to be respected and given the chance to chase their dreams. I told him it was so important to him, that he died trying to help people understand, trying to change the way the nation operated. Rudy got really concerned and said,
"He died?"

"Yes, Rudy, he died, because not everyone thought the way he did. Some people still hated other people."

"He DIED?"

"Yep. He died. You wanna see him and hear his voice?"

"Es!" (yes)

So we watched some video footage of his "I Have a Dream" speach and a few tributes. The one at the end of this post was really powerful-I wish I'd have previewed it before Rudy saw some of the graphic pictures, but I think it portrays the realities of the times really well. And I love the message that we can all be great.

I can't say I've studied Martin Luther King Jr. in great depth, but what I do know of him makes me believe that this was a running theme for him. A call for us all rise to the greatness within. To disregard the way it's always been and stand for the way it should be. I'm pretty sure Rudy's understanding of the day is limited to the fact that a king once lived with Oma Pat and Opa and that he died, but I'm sure his understanding will grow as he does. I just hope I can be a powerful example to him in his life about what it means to stand for truth.

WATCH OUT BONNIE! THIS IS PROBABLY NOT A MOVIE FOR AMY TO WATCH. :)

A Boring Old Day Gets a Face Lift.

Tuesdays and Thursdays have a predisposition for frumpy boredom this semester. Those are the days that Jason is at work and school FOREVER. Without a car, there is a risk of staying in pj's 'till well past the socially accepted hour, eating cereal for lunch, and making a giant mess doing nothing. (I don't know how it happens, it just does. Ask any mother of a 2 year old, and she'll confirm the phenomenon.)

So I usually try to plan something for those days. An outing to the library, a special home project, a trip to the park...something. Today our special frump prevention plan consisted of having two of my friends' children over for the entire afternoon, while she hastily packed away at least half of their toys (they're moving next week).

It. was. a. BLAST!

Rudy was totally stoked to have two big kids doting on him, and we all had fun making a 'day' out of our time together. We finished up lunch, did a grand band preformance in the kitchen while I cleaned up the dishes, read stories, put a certain very unwilling two year old down for a nap, played games, created ornaments and crowns with stuff out of my recyling bin plus tissue paper and markers, fixed dinner together, made cookies, and generally had a ball. It was like a holiday. The only one who didn't seem to appreciate the rumpus was Rufus. He slinked away and hid most of the afternoon, and only (ever so stealthily) came out of hiding on rare occasions to notify me that he was displeased with having 'strangers' in the home, stomping about and making merry. He'll have to adjust (he always does) when we eventually add children to our home on a full time babysitting status. Life is so rough for poor old Rufus, isn't it? ;)

Anyway, it's always fun to switch up the ol' routine every once in a while. Thanks, Amanda, for raising kids that are such a hoot to be around!

Awakening

Patience. What does it mean again?

Oh yeah...it means not getting antsy when you've had your KSL ad up for a WHOLE 24 HOURS and no one has inquired yet.

Jason and I decided that babysitting a child or two full time in our home would be a good idea for us right now. It would give us some reserves for his upcoming student teaching, help build our savings in general, and MAYBE even fund some home/yard improvement (though I'm really striving to reconnect with this realization from days gone by.)

I've prayed about it. It feels good. I just need to figure out how to 'be still', you know, and trust that God will bless us with what's right for us, when it's right for us. And not fret about 24 hours. Can you tell I'm totally trying to talk myself into believing what I'm writing!!? I'm sooo not good at sitting tight and waiting for something after I've decided I want it. After we weren't pregnant in two months of trying for Rudy, I was actually beginning to think maybe I better check out my options with fertility treatment. Sigh. I know, I need to chill. Someday I will...maybe.

Something AWESOME that's already come from this endeavor: It's given me cause to reflect on my mothering. I realized I was getting a bit derailed and I was missing RUDY amid all my attempts to be some awesome mom. Like I was ignoring him while reading some blog about spending quality time with your kids. Stupid stuff like that.

I've set a "NO SURFING" while Rudy's awake rule for myself. It has made such a GIANT difference. We play more. We laugh more. We look at each other more. I feel like I'm waking up from some blog induced coma!

My goal is to spend maybe 10 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening (before and after Rudy gets up/goes to bed) on the computer. That way I can still enjoy a past time that has been educational and inspiring to me without having it numb me to my real-life awesome family. Now I'm actually doing what I've been reading or thinking about, and it feels GREAT.

So, thats nice. Hopefully it's not the only nice thing that comes out of this search for babysitting kids, but even if it was, I think it just might be enough. :)

Speaking "Cat"

I've been working on helping Rudy to understand the messages Rufus gives him with his body language and vocalizations. One of the big ones is hissing. It's taken me a while, but I think Rudy finally understands that when Rufus hisses, it means he's had it and Rudy is to immediately BACK OFF!! Rudy sorta gets his feelings hurt when Rufus hisses at him, so I know he's finally understanding the level of emotion Rufus is expressing.

Well, today, when human words weren't getting through, Rudy tried a little cat language. I was trying to get him to change into his church clothes, and Rudy wanted to just keep playing. When I continued insisting and eventually physically removed Rudy from his playthings to get dressed, he full on hissed at me. In total seriousness. When I realized what he was doing, I laughed. (oops!) Then I got control of myself and took my little man seriously. I told him I understood he wanted me to back off, but sometimes Mommies just get the right to stay even when kids want them to back off, and now was one of those times. I wish I could say that Rudy took this explanation in stride, but he didn't. A few kicks, several hisses and a time out later, he was finally dressed and we could all go back to our own splendiferous activities. :)

Favorite Recipe of the Week 2

And the winner is...

Shrimp and Black Bean Enchiladas!

shown here with herbed carrot and beet salad-a definite FLOP.

As cool as the salad looked, the taste was totally ho hum. Too bad.

Both are from the "Mayo Clinic Williams Sonoma Cookbook: Simple Solutions for Eating Well" again. I find it incredibly tedious to write out recipes, so I'll just tell you they're on page 200 and page 44, and let that suffice. For all you non-siblings who didn't get the book for Christmas like we did, feel free to email and I'll give you the scoop if you're interested. Anyway, the enchiladas were super tasty, with a great kick. The perfect thing to make with the shrimp we bought on the New Year's sales. :) They almost made up for the boring salad on the side. :)

Time Out Empathy

I put Rufus in time out this morning. He was being too pushy about getting fed, and ended up spilling the food out of my hand and onto the floor. I scooped him up and put him in my bedroom to show him that being pushy just makes the process take longer. He's a smart cat. I'm sure he'll get the picture. :)

When Rudy saw what I was doing, he got really concerned and flopped down onto the floor. "Rufus come back!" When I told him Rufus was in time out for a bit, Rudy put himself into timeout too. A few seconds later, he came back with the announcement, "I'm happy!" (That's our condition for coming out of time out.) I greeted him with the traditional hug, and while I was hugging him, Rudy said, "Rufus happy too! He come out now!" We talked a bit about how Rufus was still pawing at the door and whining and that means he's not happy. When Rufus did settle down about a minute later, we let him out and gave him his breakfast. Rudy talked to Rufus like I do to him about how he's glad he's happy and reminded him not to be naughty. Then he gave him a hug.

Cute little daddy in training. :)

Roudini

So. Yesterday Rudy called me Mama out of the blue for the first time in months. It's my preferred name as a mom, but for some reason, Rudy decided my name would be Mommy several months ago.

Naturally, I made a big deal out of how excited I was to hear him call me Mama, and I told him it was my favorite name to be called. Then I asked him what his favorite name for himself was.

Silence, accompanied by a ponderous face followed. Sometimes he does that when he doesn't understand the question, so I rephrased the question and listed all the different variations of his name that he hears from us or others: Rudy, Rudel, Rude (my least favorite for obvious reasons), Rudy-roo, RuRu...I paused to think if I'd forgotten any and Rudy's little voice chimed in, "Roudini!".

"Roudini?" I asked. He nodded vigorously. "Roudini is your favorite name to be called?" "Es!" (Rudese for yes). Hmm. I've never heard ANYONE call him Roudini before, so unless it's his secret nursery nickname or something, he came up with it all by himself.

A couple of times today he's told me "I'm Roudini, Mommy." (yes, Mama was just a fluke and we're back to Mommy again. Sigh.) Hmmm. Roudini. Daredevil. Escape Artist. Mysterious Death...I'm not so sure I want him to share anything more than a rhyme with Mr. Harry Houdini...but it is kinda cute. Especially 'cause it's Rudy's own made up name for himself. Roudini. I'm warming up to it as I write. (Though he better NOT be introducing himself as Roudini in kindergarten!)

****UPDATE**** Today (two days after the Roudini thing began) Rudy informed me that he's "Just Rudy again". Nice. My fears of kindergarten craziness are quieted. :)

Favorite Recipe of the Week 1

With our new eating habits, we've been branching out and trying new recipes like crazy. I decided it would be fun to share our favorite recipe of the week here each weekend. We'll see if the 'tradition' lasts till next week. :)

This week's winner:

PINEAPPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS

Shown here with Broccoli in spicy orange sauce. Also a good recipe, though I over cooked the broccoli a bit, so it wasn't on it's 'A' game today. Maybe it'll make the favorite recipe of the week yet, someday after I buy a steamer insert for my pot so it doesn't get so soggy while cooking.

Both recipes came from "The Mayo Clinic Williams Sonoma Cookbook- Simple Solutions for Eating Well"

Jason prefers boneless chicken breasts to any other cut of chicken, so it was a real treat to me to eat bone in thighs-my favorite. Since Jason's preference is the more healthful of the two, we usually eat chicken breast, and the recipe may work with with it, but I will always prefer thighs. They're so succulent (because they contain twice the fat as white meat). Sigh. Compared to red meat, they're still amazingly good for the body, though. :)

So-on with the recipe!

Serves: 6 Prep: 10 min Cooking: 18 minutes (It took me more like 40 minute total-I guess I'm just a slow chicken de-skinner and de-fatter.) :)

Ingredients:

6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs, 5 oz each, trimmed of visible fat

3 inch piece fresh ginger, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices (fresh ginger is amazingly cheap for something I always thought was an elegant pantry item-comparable to fresh garlic in price)

2/3 cup pineapple juice

2 T reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 T sesame seeds (I left these out 'cause they're not in my every day pantry...didn't miss 'em)

1 cup pineapple chunks

3 green onions, thinly sliced, including the green portions

1) Coat a large nonstick frying pan with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add the chicken and ginger and cook, turning the chicken every few minutes, until the chicken is well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.

2) In a small bowl, stir together the pineapple juice and soy sauce. Pour into frying pan and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover and add the sesame seeds and pineapple chunks. Continue cooking, turning the chicken occasionally, until it is opaque throughout and the liquid remaining in the pan has reduced to a glaze, about 5 minutes. (I ended up having to add more pineapple juice to keep the glaze from just crusting onto the pan while I waited for the chicken to cook through...maybe I didn't turn them often enough, or maybe too much...who knows!)

3)To serve, arrange the chicken, ginger, and pineapple on a large platter. Spoon an equal amount of glaze over each piece of chicken. Garnish with the green onions.

Yum! Two Splendiferous Thumbs up!