Potty Training in overdrive!

So we're potty training this week, and lemme tell ya... it's hard work!  Molly doesn't really care if she has a dirty diaper on or not.  She doesn't want to stop playing long enough to get the mess taken care of.  So how in the world do you potty train a kid like that?  We've tried gummy bears, M&M's, stickers, pretty panties, and promising her she can get her ears-pierced when she quits wearing diapers.  Nope, none of that has worked.  So on beloved Pinterest, there was a pin about potty training in one day.  We're currently trying this method (minus the wetting baby doll).  We start Day 3 today and so far she's doing pretty good, with just a couple accidents.  But I feel like I'm getting potty trained, not her.  And I'm starting to go crazy with the timer going off every 15 minutes and not leaving the house...I had to lock myself in the closet yesterday for a few minutes just to regroup and pray for patience (and I need them now-lol).  Anyone have any suggestions on potty training the KID?  Here are some pics of our experience so far.

T-shirt and panties only!  

Our list of people to call! 

In my awesome apron... phone (the timer) and candy in my pockets!

 After going to the bathroom, Molly always says, "You think you got something in your pocket?"

Keep drinkin' sissy!

Potty books to read while we're trying!

Wish us luck... we'll keep you updated!

Love, Jen

Update on our move ...

So maybe you're wondering (or maybe you're not) on how we're doing in Houston?  Well... we LIKE it.  Of course, we miss family and friends like crazy, but we're realizing that Texas isn't so bad.  (Except for the part of trying to get TX car tags and driver's licenses- which almost ended us.  I kid... kind-of. lol.)  Actually, we feel extremely fortunate for choosing a house in our neighborhood (Cross Creek Ranch) and feeling so "at home" here.  We have some awesome neighbors that are already becoming good friends and have met several other people throughout the hood that are really nice.  Life is still good!

As most of you know, I've become a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM).  Joel and I joked around about how when I stayed at home then I would just sit on the couch all day and eat Bon-Bons.  Not the case, lemme tell ya!  Cleaning, playing, cooking, teaching, laundry, bills, disciplining, grocery shopping and everything else that Joel needs done (because I'm not doing anything else, right?)!  It makes me wonder how in the heck I did it all as a working mom, cause I barely get it all done now without the 40+ hours given to someone else.  SHOUT OUT TO THE WORKING MOMMAS!  We definitely "live" more in this house so I feel like I'm constantly picking up and I think I cooked more in the last month than I did in the last 10 months in Tulsa.  Lol.  But I wouldn't trade it for the world!  I love waking up with Molly everyday and wondering what will the rest of the day hold.  This is how we started it yesterday- a walk to the park.

Joel is doing great too!  He really likes his job and seems to be doing really well with it.  And his commute is only about 30 minutes (we heard horror stories about Houston commutes)!  We're excited to see what opportunities unfold with his career.

All in all, we feel good about our decision and find comfort in the ease of our transition.  Lots of prayers were said for us and we appreciate every one of them!  God is still directing our path and showing His will for our lives.  The verse my devotional focused on this morning was Jeremiah 29:11.  What an appropriate verse for this blog entry so I leave you with this...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Love, Jen

Documenting Life: Favorite Thing (Week 48)

Molly has a blanket that is her favorite thing.  Her pediatrician gave it to her on her very first well-visit when she was 4 days old.

Wow, I'm looking rough...

Molly received a lot of adorable, soft, cuddly little blankets but she when she was old enough to pick a favorite, it was this blanket.  She calls it Dr. Sood (which was her doctor's name).  Here are a few pics of Dr. Sood over the past couple years.

Cuddling with Daddy!

Donut picnic anyone?

Relaxing on a boat ride!

I don't know what we would've done without Dr. Sood and our thumb!  It's kept us both from throwing a few hissy fits.  Lol!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!  And if it's not going your way, just get your blankie and go back to bed!

On the way to school one morning! 

Love, Jen

Drake Man turns 1!

We LOVE our Drake Man and could not imagine missing his first birthday!  So Molly and I loaded up and headed to Coffeyville, KS for his party.  It was worth every bit of our 9+ hour drive.  Here are some pics!

Big Boy with a Big Smile!

How could you not love that face?!

Drake was not into opening presents.  He's too busy!

And why wouldn't you use a hammer to eat your cake?!  :) 

Papa and Birthday Boy!  I think I caught Papa mid-sentence.  Oops.

Grandpa Dino (according to Molly) and his girl being silly!

Mimi and her lil man.  Jeff calls him CJ when he's in this stare (Carrie Junior).  Lol.

These 2 kids LOVE their Grandpa Bunny just as much as the rest of us!

D-Man and Daddy playing with their hats!  My bro's a dork, but I love that about him.

Grandma Carrot (another name given by Molly) with her kiddos!

Grandma Bunny and Grandma Laine having a good time!

My cute cowgirl.

It was a great party!  Thanks Jeff and Carrie for all your hard work!  We had fun, but we always do when we're with you!

Love, Jen

Documenting Life: Your Child's Feet (Week 47)

Are these not the cutest feet?!? Of course, I'm biased. Molly loves flip flops and having her toenails painted!

Today is Joel's Friday! Yay! It's funny how a SAHM gets excited for the weekend, but I do. We have NO plans and are looking forward to it!

Love, Jen

Lake City, CO

Joel and I love Colorado- summer or winter, it doesn't matter to us. We recently got away for 4 days to relax and enjoy God's creation. We like Lake City because it literally feels like you are stepping back 50 years in time. Nothing changes in this town. There are no stoplights and no chain restaurants/stores. Just good people living in a beautiful place. This was our third trip there and we plan on many more! It's in the San Juan Mountains and is part of the Alpine Loop Pictures do not do this place justice, but I'll still share some. ;)

Joel fly fishing.


At the top! So awesome!





Switchbacks on the side of the mountain that we rode on.


We saw 3 moose!


Taken from an overlook.


In the valley.


Catching Brook Trout.


We feel extremely blessed to get to travel and explore beautiful countryside. Thanks to our family for taking care of our sweet Mollypop. And trust me, this girl was not slighted. She's the boss with her grandparents and would prefer to be with them than just about anywhere. Here's a few pics from her vacation...

Heading to a lunch date with Papa!


Playing in her "water park"!


Driving the wheelie!


Have a good one!
Love, Jen

Documenting Life: Favorite Summer Treat (Week 46)

Today the Ice Cream Truck came singing down our street. Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE ice cream. So we grabbed a $5 bill and ran after it. I got an ice cream Crunch bar, but Molly opted for the classic Firecracker Popsicle. Both were so good!


Love, Jen

Documenting Life: In the Car (Week 45)

On an 8-hour trip, driving back to Houston, crammed in here like sardines. Who's jealous? ;)


Love, Jen

Documenting Life: Get in the Shot (Week 44) and our PA trip!

This pic was taken at Lake Sheridan, PA. Mom, Molly, and I went to visit our good friends, the Hayduks and the Connells. We love this family and are so thankful that they allow us to come to their lake home.


This is Anne. She was my BFF in high school and college. She's one of my favorite people to be around, but it's hard to get together since I'm in Texas and she lives in New York. We both continue to beg our husbands to get us closer. I don't think it'll happen anytime soon. :( Our moms love being together too. All 4 of us laugh until we cry. Such good times!!!


Here are our little ones. Well 3 of the 4. The other lil guy lives next door. I love this pic. This is what the lake is all about. Relaxing, telling stories, and making memories- no matter how old you are.

Love, Jen

Documenting Life: Who is your child? (Week 43)

My Molly loves to...

Eat donut holes.


Dance and sing.


Swing at her park.


Suck her thumb and hold Dr. Sood (the blankie her doctor gave her, so we call it by his name)


Play with her friends.


Giggle.


Run races.


Swim or play at the splash pad.


But most of all, Molly LOVES to be with her people.








Love, Jen