Ty and Maylee

Ty is now starting to realize that every toy isn't his and that he gets to share with his sister sometimes. I think he'll get it soon since Maylee is way more mobile then she used to be. I keep telling Matt how weird it is to see her rolling around and inching to grab things since she is SO small. It is good though that Ty knows what she can and can't play with, this afternoon Maylee rolled over to Ty's container of Goldfish crackers, she knocked it over and tried to eat them. Ty started running to me,  "NO May-ee! MOM! NO MAY-EE!" Whew crisis averted, he doesn't have to share his SNACKS with her quite yet. 

In other news Maylee is getting better at eating. I have been starting to mix things with the rice cereal rather than formula. Today it was pear sauce, she liked it okay. I am not sure what she does and doesn't like because she hasn't seemed to show preference at ALL to food and she is such a messy eater that I am not sure any really gets digested. I do try and feed her cereal two times a day, maybe it will help with her spit up tendencies. 

So here is the good stuff y'all want to see anyway, THE SYRUP! 

 Maylee is sporting the huge hair bow Aunt Kristin made for her. I like it in all it's huge craziness.

 Maylee likes doing what my Dad calls the airplane. She sticks her arms out, bends her knees and kicks her feet, like she is trying to fly. She is getting close to crawling and is all ready in the scoot backwards phase. She does about 200 push ups a day it seems too. Now if she could only put her knees down and go forward. I remember Ty went in reverse for about 3 weeks before throwing it into drive, so maybe in a month or so Maylee will be full on crawling.

 Ty was upset with me and I couldn't figure out why...

Turns out he just wanted a picture with me, what a goofy smile he is sporting. 

Ty is OBSESSED with trains, as I have said before. We have this IKEA wooden train set that he adores, however there isn't much different you can do with the tracks. I figured this GEM out the other day and Ty loved it! Using blocks to elevate the track. He thought it was so great! Oh and Maylee LOVES her jumper just like Ty did. I think she likes to be looking around and feel like she can move herself. 

Maylee HATES to sit up. She would rather be on her tummy. Weird I think... I had to position her like this and she threw a fit right when I was done taking pictures. We'll keep working on it but for now she just plops over and rolls onto her tummy. 

"Mom, WHY do you make me DO this!"

Of course Ty couldn't have me just take pictures of Maylee, so he jumped over mid sip and said "CHEESE!"

P.S. Man my kids have blue eyes don't they? Ty's are quite bright. Maylee's are still steely but I think they'll lighten up more. I am quite jealous. A lot of people notice my children's baby blue's, my response is always, "Yep they get them from their Dad certainly not from me." I still couldn't tell you what color my eyes are. Next time you see my tell me what you think because I can never decide.

TMT: Together

Lately I have been getting a few things together to decorate Maylee's room with. Mainly the things to put on her walls. So far I have yet to find the right fabric at the right price for all the bedding. 

Anyway I made a quick trip to Goodwill with a friend of mine and picked up a few things. 

I brought it all home and got to work with some words of advice from Suzanne. 

Once I was done Matt had seen it all before and was very impressed with my after results. 

They turned out great we thought. 

So Saturday I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a few candles to use for her room as well. 

I thought I would be doing these by myself and as usual I was sorely mistaken. I always seem to forget that Matt REALLY LIKES doing little projects with me. He doesn't care what they are, even if they use GLITTER! So he went to town making stuff right along with me. 

Spraying the candles with Craft Bond Adhesive

Sprinkling and rolling the glitter onto the candles

Waiting for the candles to dry. Matt even got more creative with the candle sticks, see below. 

The finished product! We are going to get some sconces for the candle sticks.

Matt may not be the most romantic guy ever but he DOES like to help me do whatever it is I am doing. I really appreciate it and I think it is more fun when he does it with me too! That is how he shows his love for me. 

So here is the full spread of stuff we have so far...

AND I have only spent a grand total of 20 dollars and 50 cents. :) 

Next step is for Matt to help me hang it all up and finish the furniture for her room (Dresser, bookshelf etc.) 

Hopefully we'll be able to show the finished room sometime soon! 

Raft time

The other weekend we blew up my parents old raft that they gave to us and took it out to the lake. 

Pumping up the raft

May and I stayed on shore while Matt and Ty took it out for a spin. 

Hanging out in the middle of the lake. 

Ty wanted Matt to paddle after the ducks

Love Maylee's tongue action... uhh and don't mind that her swimsuit is a bit big and comes down way too far in the front... haha

Maylee now recognizes when the camera is out and she smiles, pretty cute. 

Matt and Ty safely on shore

It was pretty fun. I just need to learn how to turn down my crazy nervousness. Every time I am pregnant I have a dream that my unborn child is going to drown as an infant. Yeah a little creepy. BUT once I get over that and make sure both my kids are safe I can relax a little around the water. 

Ty enjoying a Go-Gurt

Ty liked chasing the ducks, they were much faster then he on the rocks.

We do need to pick up a kid life jacket for Ty, I wasn't too keen on the one he was sporting since it was made for an adult. 

Next year we'll probably go a few more times I think :) Good trial run for this summer though. 

Running Running Running

It rains a lot here I hear. I guess the rainy season is about to begin too. So let me quote my mother on this one "Do you eat when it rains? Then you exercise when it rains." 

HAHA Did I eat? Oh yes I did and it was JUNK too, (insert blasted Halloween candy and Free Papa Johns Pizza) so I must exercise. Here in the Spence house we are runners. Matt took Ty yesterday so I took Maylee when they returned home.

Luckily a year ago my mom picked up this little jumpsuit on sale while I was pregnant with May. I think we're going to be using it a lot in the next few months. 

She is not even close to as big as the suit is, her arms and legs barely went half way down her sleeves and pant legs. Precious! She just looks so big!

P.S. My cousin Trish scored us a double stroller in Utah some how, a friend of hers just gave it to her to give to us. I am SO excited to get it! Once we have that, the whole family can run together. All though Matt is much faster than me i'll just have to pick up the pace and make him push the kids, that should even things out. :) 

TMT: A hug, 2 friends and Matt

So yes, I lost it there for a while. For the record I never yelled or screamed or got really upset with Ty but I wasn't exactly really nice when I put him in his room for 30 minutes until he peed in the diaper.

Regardless, after I wrote the earlier post and was so upset and crying I went in my room to kneel down and pray. I had been praying more in this last week then I think I ever had. I even started off the endeavor with a fast for myself and for Ty to do well. That is probably why I lasted so long, that and your prayers. Anyway as I knelt down to pray I was crying so hard I could barely see. Then Ty, naked except for the diaper he had on  that was 3 sizes too small, found me and patted my back to get my attention. I looked at him and a sad sob of "What..." came out. He crawled into my lap and hugged me. I tried to stop crying until he started saying, "I okay mommy, I okay..." Then I cried even harder. As a personal rule of mine if one of my kids gives me a hug, I am never the one to let go first. I wait until they are done hugging me. This time I was the one wanting a hug from him and I didn't let go for a long time.

I am so blessed to have my wonderful kids. Even when I am so upset Ty knew just what to do to make me feel better. I hope that trait of his sticks around for many, many years.  He was so sweet the rest of the day and so happy. I got the old Ty back and I really loved it.

Then my lovely friend Katie called and said "Hey, so I hear things are a little rough today." "Uhh..." was all I got out amid choking back a sob or two. Her response was,"We're going for a walk I'll see you on the corner in 10 minutes" I grabbed my baby carrier dressed the kids and we were out the door. She knew I needed some fresh air and to just get out of the black hole I was swallowed in.

Third, my sweet friend Steph called and e-mailed. We set up a date and went out to a movie tonight. It was so refreshing! We saw The Help both of us had read the book recently, it was a great adaptation and of course I cried then too.

Fourth, Matt was wonderful. Encouraging a nap today and watching the kids while I was at the movie. Of course, while I was gone he cleaned up the whole house and was ready and waiting when I came home with a kiss, a hug and a smile.

So in all this day turned out much better than I thought it would be. Being a mom wasn't half bad today.

Thanks again for all the kind thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it. My heart is full and it all leaked out my eye balls today.

Big Fat Failure-WARNING ANGRY POST

I am in a terrible mood this morning, I tried and tried and tried times a million to help Ty with potty training. I KNOW he is ready and some days were good but yesterday and this morning were more then enough to call it quits.

Usually our mornings together are calm, peaceful and happy as we talk about what we have coming up in the day and he lies on my shoulder. This morning he crawled into bed with me and screamed at me for about 45 minutes before I just made him sit on the potty for a minute. He of course didn't go then proceeded to scream, hit, yell and basically act like a maniac for another 45 minutes. At my wits end I asked him if he wanted to put on one of Maylee's diapers. He said Yes so I put it on and that is the end of it.

I know he is ready, I just know it! He shows every sign in the book. I vowed that once I started this process I would go until he was trained but this whole thing was ruining my relationship with Ty. It took every ounce of power I had not to just scream back when he was screaming and hitting me because he wouldn't go. I am not a screamer and I am extremely patient with my kids. I did not try to force him up until last night and he sat there for over an hour with nary a drop. Then he got off and lost it for about and hour until he forgot about it then peed down his leg again. Thing is I never scolded him for having accidents I would just clean it up and kindly remind him to go in the potty, not in his underwear.

He is normally such a happy kid that it really ripped my heart out to see him so upset and it was making me even MORE upset.

I am truly disappointed in myself, not him. I just want to crawl in a hole. I wish I could just scream and cry and give up on this day.

Motherhood is so hard. My family and friends always say how they love it. I'll get there someday, but today I do no like it at all. One day I'll look back on this post and smile, probably when Ty calls me in 25 years asking how I potty trained him because his child is acting like a maniac. I'll just find this post and send it on over to him.

Now I know why every parent with boys say don't even bother thinking about potty training until they WANT to be. Okay i'll heed that advice and throw in the towel. He'll get it someday, even if it is in 1st grade.

Excuse the mess

No not here on the blog, but at our house. I have gone through an entire bottle of carpet cleaner and done about 20 loads of laundry in the last 5 days, why you ask?

Potty training. The hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, and believe me I have done some pretty hard stuff.

Of three things I am absolutely certain of:
1. You can not force your child to do anything.
2. My Ty and his Daddy are much alike in personality.
3. One needs more then 8 pair of underwear for the little tyke when they're trying to potty train.

We started Wednesday and our first success was last night. He went in the potty for Matt. No success yet this morning and 3 pairs of underwear later it's hard not to be discouraged.

I figure he'll get it when he gets it. Until then i'll be doing laundry and cleaning the carpets, forgive me that the blog has been on the back burner.

Pretty sure I have some sheets to go wash and a bathroom or two that need cleaning.

Say a little prayer for us.

September 11th

Labor Day Weekend Part 2

Sunday we went to church and learned what I talked about in yesterdays TMT: Stand Up post.

Afterwards we had the Schmidts over for an early dinner seeing as which it was Fast Sunday and we're all starved right after church. It was SO good! My mom made steaks, homemade bread, homemade Strawberry Jam and Fruit Salad. Jacque made pasta with fresh veggies from their garden. Matt made grilled pineapple and I made grilled peaches. (i'll post that recipe soon) Pretty sure we GORGED ourselves with that meal.

Afterwards we settled down to watch the new Gulliver's Travels movie, it had its funny parts but it wasn't great... Maybe 2 1/2 out of 5 stars...

Then Shane noticed my Dad had all the Lord of the Rings on Blu-Ray so in went Return of the King! While the movie was on most of the kids went outside to play.

Matt, Bree, LJ and Hal all played a bit of backyard whiffle ball. Ty just ran around and pretended to play. I will tell you Halley (the one running into Matt's arms) had QUITE the crush on Matt by the end of the weekend and started to get jealous when Matt payed attention to anyone but her. It was cute I thought... Matt may have been a titch smothered however. Ehh, reminds me of the good ole days when Bre had a big crush on Jordan :)

Matt fielded Bree's hit and was waiting for her attempt at first base.

Ty still hasn't figured out my name is Mickie. Halley said "Mickie record me!" so Ty thought she was talking about Mickey Mouse. It will be funny one day when he realizes my name is the same as one of his favorite cartoon characters. Ironically, Halley didn't end up in that clip, however Matt's constant teasing of Bree and LJ did. 

While Ty was outside briefly, Evan and Matt played with the train set inside.

That evening we roasted more Marshmallows and Starbursts in the fire pit.

Monday morning Matt, Dad, Shane, and Jeff Dunn all went golfing, and when they got home we went shooting...

CHECK OUT OUR SHOTS!!!!

Matt is holding up his wallet and credit card to show his "money shot"

Now his perfect shot resides on the inside of his wallet.

I was MIGHTY proud of this shot for sure. I also shot that really tight group on that top left target too. This was with a .22 at 75 yards or so, not amazing but good for me! Matt and I have been watching a ton of Top Shot on the History channel so shooting has been even MORE fun for us.

Afterwards we had a BBQ at my parents house with friends. We all went swimming then ate the yummy food.

Ty enjoying a one of Trina's famous rolls and Grandma Kay.

Matt and Ty munching on BBQ Chicken right after the pool.

Maylee hung out inside mostly...

Until my Dad went in and stole her to come outside after a little while.

We had to drive home that night. It's always a bummer to leave. While we were pulling away and my Dad was waving, Ty yelled "BYE BYE POPPY!!!" HAHA Matt and I cracked up, he's called him that one time previous. We don't know where he got it but we think it's great.

Ty didn't get a nap all day so he slept the whole way home, Maylee did too. When we got back Ty was up for about 45 minutes and went back to bed. He didn't wake up the next morning until 9:52. He was tired! We play hard at Grandpa and Grandma's house!

It's always a good time visiting and I am so thrilled we get to do it so often. It doesn't take much to get us down there. :)  Matt and I are even more excited for next spring when Nate and his family live there too. The more family the better!

Labor Day visit part 1

We went down to my parents house for Labor Day weekend. We had a BLAST!

Ty loves to watch his train shows on the huge T.V. they have. Last weekend we put on "The Polar Express" and he about died from happiness. I had to put it on again and record it to show you all just how much this boy loves trains,

 

That isn't even as excited as he was the first time.

Matt and my Dad did a round of 18 that morning and it was toasty, so right as soon as they got home Matt took Ty for a dip in the pool.

Matt put so much sunscreen in Ty's hair he made it stick up everywhere, oh and Grandma couldn't resist getting Ty a perfect little Thomas the train set that he hasn't put down since she gave it to him.

Ty has much improved in the last week in the pool, too bad we're near then end of the season and probably won't swim again until next year.

After swimming we watched the first BYU Football game of the season. It was a nail biter, but we came out on top 14-13 over Ole Miss. All of us were dressed in blue, even miss May was showing her team spirit.

That evening my parents brought out their fire pit that they bought years ago but never used, until then. We all enjoyed it. 

We roasted Marshmallows

Even Maylee came outside with us for a while.

When Matt brought her inside to check the scores of a few games and put her to bed, Maylee kept grabbing for his S'more. She wanted to eat one so badly!

Ty got to stay up late an enjoy way too many treats but he had a blast. Notice Thomas the train is firmly in his grasp... 

Stay tuned for Part 2!

TMT: Stand Up

How many times has someone asked you "As a ________ (insert your religion here) what do you believe?" You've gone to church your whole life and know and believe so many things, where to start? You don't want to take 3 hours of their time but you want to tell then enough of the basics...

Last Sunday my Dad who is the Ward Mission Leader back home, challenged all the youth (and will eventually challenge the whole ward) to memorize a response to that question, "What do you believe?".

He made a little business card with the first discussion on it, that everyone could carry in their wallet or purse just in case they forget the key points. He made it so you could tell people essentially what we believe in 3-5 minutes. Nifty huh?

So as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I'll tell you what it is that I believe:

~We are children of a loving Father in Heaven (Acts 17:29)
~Families are ordained of God and can be a place of peace, safety and joy. (D&C 49:15-16)
~God called prophets to teach us his word.  (Amos 3:7)
~He sent his son, Jesus Christ, to atone four our sins and establish His Church. (John 3:16-17) (Eph 4:11-14)
~The truth was taken from the earth as foretold by the Prophets and Apostles. (Amos 8:11-12) (2 Thes. 2:1-3)
~He called a prophet in our time to restore the truth named Joseph Smith and a living prophet directs the church today.
~He gave us the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ as convincing evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
~If you would like to know for yourself if it's true, I would be happy to get you a copy.

So, now that you know what it is that I believe exactly (well the beginning basics) feel free to ask questions or visit Mormon.org and go to their Frequently Asked Questions page. They have answers there to anything you could possibly think up to ask.

Now I just need to memorize this little card and all of the scriptures so I can Stand Up  when the times comes that someone asks me what I believe and give them the information that they need to know.

First Eats

Here she is, first time eating rice cereal!

First bite was all right.

Second Bite she was only interested in the spoon.

Third bite she was becoming uninterested.

Then Matt fed her while I ate my dinner. 

 We'll try again today and hopefully more then 5% makes it in her mouth HAHA.