Fear not!

Torpedo learned one thing in Sunbeam class today after the entire lesson about Jesus’ birth which included pictures of him and his classmate as babies together, a nativity set they could play with, a present to bring home, etc... The one thing he learned is, “Fear not!” He says it loud and often. I think if he keeps it up that will be really good for me. Can you imagine every 30-60 minutes hearing “Fear not!” Yeah, we could all use a little of that.

It reminded me of the angel in this favorite book who says, "Shazaaam!" instead of "Fear not!" but I think the message is the same.

Torpedo's Birthday

On Torpedo's fourth birthday, he showed me the joy of met expectations. For the six weeks leading up to his birthday, every time he asked for a "red Lightening McQueen racecar" I told him "Yes. I will give you a red Lightening McQueen racecar on your birthday." The fact that he was able to delay gratification let me know that he is indeed turning a corner, not squealing around it on two wheels at mach 3, but plugging along.

When the anticipated day arrived, he was appropriately giddy. Even though (and maybe because) he knew exactly what he was getting, he was SO happy when he opened the package and squealled, "A red Lightening McQueen racecar! I LOVE IT!"

I guess surprises are fine, but knowing exactly what you want, working towards/waiting for it and then getting it is awesome! Kachow!

I left his eyes red because it seemed right given his current obsession.

Hallelujah! (Potty Training)

"They'll let you know when they're ready." So said my pediatrician and he's been right about the first three kids. I created a lot of relationship tension and wasted a lot of time, treats and cleaning supplies the first time around. That was with a compliant willing child who wanted to please me by potty training. A few weeks after I stopped pressuring my second child with "just checking" trips to the bathroom and potty bribes, she told me that she needed to use the potty. She never used another diaper after that, day or night. I think she just wanted it to be her idea. She's that kind of kid. I didn't even bother with my third child. I just waited until I started finding dry diapers discarded next to the potty and asked if she wanted undies.

Enter Torpedo. He's three and three quarters years old. Once he realized he had control over those bowels, he just shut them off. It gets to the point where all his energy is spent on clenching. It's been traumatic for everyone. I won't detail the times and ways that I've had to "help" him. Suffice it to say that every time we're in the bathroom together he says, "No gloves. No gloves."

Last week, our neighbor's loaned us three potty training DVDs. Torpedo took these movies to heart. He quotes scenes throughout the day: "Is that a potty chair? [buzzer sound] No! That's a bicycle." He is constantly asking me if I'm a big kid and if I want to go to the potty. When I turn the tables on him he tells me that he likes babies. He likes baby toys and he does not want to use the potty or wear underwear. Were these DVDs creating a reverse psychology situation? I've been doing everything I can think of to help him succeed on his own including prayer, setting him on the potty when I see the signs, a high veggie diet and slipping Miralax or mineral oil into his sippy cup. I confess, I even let him play games on my iPhone while he's sitting there. Sometimes these things take awhile.

Well, it's working. Today he put his hands on his stomach and said, "I need to go to the potty." Hallelujah! I sent a grateful little heart-prayer up as I "flew" him to the bathroom. Minutes later he came out and started playing (sans pants) in the living room. I asked him if he "went." He didn't make a big deal about it, but sure enough... Then he asked for some race car undies. Zoom! Zoom!

Torpedo says: be-gone-zo

As a kid, I hated all beans especially those slippery garbanzos that would fly away every time I tried to stab one with my fork.  Good riddance, I'd think as the sneaky bean would shoot off my plate.   Now, I love them.  Garbanzos are a staple in our diet.  Torpedo, who asks for them regularly, calls them "Be-gone-zo beans."  And with him around to gobble them up, they are!

P.S.  I don't buy baby food anymore.  I make "hummus" for Mermaid by dumping a can of garbanzo (or any bean) and veggies (fresh or canned) in the blender with some olive oil (remember young ones need 40% of their calories in digestible fats).  She loves it and Torpedo has even started stealing bites from her bowl.

HAIKU: Not Torpedo

Phone. Remote. Mouse.
Open window.
4th Floor.
Gone.
Not Torpedo.
The stuff.

Ain't it good!

Anybody want to give me a kiss?

Ole'

My little Mexican Hat Dancers wish you all a very Happy Cinco de May-O My!

P.S. He brought me the dress and said, "I wan play Ole'"

On Set

I'll let My Hero post about "Berlin", but I just wanted to share some photos of our family on set.  Mermaid was cast as baby Christian (nepotism? yes, but very sentimental).  She had an authentic costume and was a favorite with the cast.  Trpedo was considered for toddler Christian, but he's far too combustible for film.  Still, we got some sweet shots of him in the costume.  The rest of us had fun hanging around and learning how movies are made.

Sunday

Sunday seems to come earlier than the other days of the week. Thanks to technology My Hero carried on with his bishop duties via phone and internet. We even tried a little webcasting with Skype. If you're on Skype let us know so we can webcast with you!!

Sunday night, my family made the reverse trip up the canyon to us for dinner. My Hero was under the influence of Sparkle's raging cold, but I enjoyed a leisurely visit with my family and plenty of good food. It was one of those nights that makes you grateful for a dishwasher. ;) And we finally got to meet Aunt Katie. She was such a hit that even Torpedo was standing in the snowy driveway waving "Goodbye Katie...oh, and you too, uncle...? what's your name again?"

Happy Birthday Two Torpedo!

Balloons can be fun first thing in the morning. Apple cider donuts are good any time of the day or night. But when you're Torpedo: Happy is what happens when all your helicopter dreams come true!