Potty Training Day 3 (aka a week of new things)

Disclaimer... May contain questionable photographs.

I promise this is the last official day of Potty Training. I'll write about something new tomorrow. Brenna and I will leave the house tomorrow. Yea!! (By the way, I don't know if that word is spelled with an "h" at the end or not.) We are both a little stir crazy. I did need to give you the official last day words. BRENNA DID GREAT!!! She didn't have any accidents until the end of the day. There were about 4 in 30-45 minutes. I'll just count them as one learning experience. She was trying to figure out how to poop in the potty and SHE DID IT! Again, Yea Brenna! I have used a lot of exclamation points. In college I was taught to use them sparingly. I think they are absolutely necessary and well deserved here!

I never knew I could be so proud of someone for pooping and tinkling in a potty, but I am. We did a lot of dancing and singing and treat giving today. We are both exhausted. Potty training is hard work. That is the repeated theme of the week. Tomorrow we are moving back into the world of other people and distractions. Hopefully she will do okay.

Yes, this has been a week of firsts. Earlier this week, I made myself a smoothie and Brenna wanted some. I gave her a taste with a straw in her own cup. She was so excited about drinking it. She used the straw like a champ and even drank from a real cup without spilling the whole thing on herself.


A very unfortunate new thing, and one that I never mentioned to Brenna before we started this week, is the unpleasant feeling of wedgies. The poor little thing has a hard time pulling up her panties and will have half of them in her tushy. "Mama, need help." (Beware!! The first questionable picture follows.)


This isn't really a new thing, but the picture makes me laugh every time I see it. Nathan caught her wanting to wear her new rain boots. Unfortunately this was time she didn't want to wear her panties. I have debated whether I should post this picture or not. I am sure it will bring great embarrassment in the years to come. Hopefully she will forgive me one day when she has her own little girl with a very cute tushy. Giggle with me. She is just so cute.

Garden Herb Focaccia

I'm so tired I forgot to post the tastiest part of my day. I made this bread in the bread machine today. The recipe was from my Better Homes and Gardens book. It was wonderful. It might even be my new favorite bread. Try it, it is mighty good!

1 cup milk
1/2 cup sliced green onions
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
3 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoon fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoon fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
-----------------------
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 dried

1. Add the first 11 ingredients to the machine according to the manufacturer's directions. Select the dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough. Punch down. Cover and let rest for 10 min.

2. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12 inch circle (I made them rectangles). Transfer each circle to a greased large baking sheet or 12 in pizza pan. Brush the circles with the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Using a fork, prick the entire surface of each circle several times. Sprinkle with the extra thyme. Do not let rise.

3. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire racks. Serve warm or cool.

Potty Training Day 2

We had a great day today. Brenna had no tee-tee accidents and only one poop accident. Well she actually only pooped one time. I am so proud of her. Hopefully tomorrow will be even more successful.

I am so tired now. Potty training is quite exhausting. Nathan was even here for the morning and I am still tired. I hope I won't be this tired for the rest of her life.

Anyways, sorry for the short post today. I just can't think anymore.

Potty Training Day 1

Some may say that my life must be completely revolved around Brenna. I would argue most days that I may talk about her a lot, but I have other interests as well. She is just the most exciting or interesting news I have to share for the day. Today is a different story. Yes, my entire day, save nap time, revolved around Brenna. There were many accidents and a few tears falling from her little eyes, but for the most part, the day was a success. I am hoping that tomorrow will be even more successful. I don't even want to count the number of panties we went through. I did a load of them today, and I am sure I will be doing a load tomorrow too. I think I need to go buy a few more pairs for her. At nap time, I was questioning my certainty of the timing. Was she really ready? She doesn't really need to use the toilet. She can stay in diapers forever, right?

Then finally at 5:30 she tee-teed in the potty. Yea Brenna! We did a dance and clapped. The dog barked and she got her M&M. She was really proud of herself and wanted to call everyone she knew. Of course she didn't talk once we got them on the phone, but she was willing to repeat what I told her to say. She doesn't have the phone concept down yet either.

I wore many hats or titles today. I was cheerleader, janitor, fun maker, amazingly creative mommy, chef, did I mention clean up crew, tee-tee absorber (yes, she tinkled on me while she was sitting in my lap), professional reader, photographer (everyone needs pictures of their first potty experience), art teacher, and movie operator. I'm sure there are others I am leaving out. I am tired, but feel good about the day.



Oh yes, she did go again after dinner too. She was watching her "Pongo and Perdy Moomie" sitting on her potty. When she got up for her bath, low and behold, there was some tee-tee. Again with the song and dance and M&M.


I'm signing off my Mommy duties now. Brenna's asleep now and I think I will just be Kayla now.

...to be continued.

Adventures in Potty Training

...beginning tomorrow.

Yes, I am starting the process tomorrow. I have high hopes for a fast and easy training. (Really, I just don't want to be stuck in the house for very long. The nightmare... I'm afraid I may never come out again.) I am hoping to stay home for three days and really get the concept into her head. I have a training potty that will be Brenna's and my constant companion for a few days. Maybe I should give her (the potty) a name. No, I won't get too ambitious yet. Anyway, my hope is that if we spend three days at home concentrating on the task then she will have a good concept of what it means to use the "big girl potty". (Maybe I should give the potty a name. Any suggestions?) My plans don't sound too unrealistic do they? I do know there will still be accidents, but hopefully we will be able to come out of our confinement with Brenna sporting her BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW PANTIES! Did you hear the enthusiasm in my voice. Yes, I have been selling that one to her too. Actually, every time she opens her drawer she wants to look at the white ones with the stars. She also keeps sitting on her little potty then standing and saying, "Okay, all done." They're practice runs. I think she is ready. (The previously mentioned ones as well other reasons too. I won't go into them now.)


So, I read over my last paragraph. How mortified would Brenna be to see that I am writing about her bathroom abilities? Hopefully she will forgive me when she realizes that her every move has been documented for her to read too.

Really, I am worried about our sanity level. We will be in the house a long time. I have all kinds of crafts and games ready. And yes, I will resort to "moomies" if that is necessary. I am taking any other helpful suggestions pertaining to the training, or funny stories to help with the sanity. Also feel free to call and remind me that there are other adults in the world and we all learn to us the toilet at some point.

...to be continued.

I have joined the computer age of finding friends

Okay, so I have been resisting for many months and I finally fell. I must say that I fell hard. Thanks Amy. I wonder how many hours I have spent in the last two days finding friends from my past. Yes, I signed up for a Facebook account. I hope I don't spend hours every day. I need to get some system. Amy, you promised it won't take me this much time forever. I am holding you to that. No, I don't watch much television. I don't have time to ride much. I don't read a lot anymore. Well, I do read at night. I haven't been sewing since we got back from Georgia. I really don't have a lot of extra time. But, I have made time for facebook. Feel free to add me as a friend. I have to admit though, this is fun.

Don't worry, I won't neglect my blog. This is still where I think and write and keep everyone informed about Brenna's and my days. You will see most pictures here as well as my irresistible wit. For now, I need to finish up on this computer and do something away from it before Brenna wakes up.

Is there such a thing as healthy cookies?

Yes, and I found them! Well, I don't know how healthy they really are, but they sound mostly healthy to me. I have been trying to stay away from sugar lately to see if that would help with my headaches. I was very unsuccessful in Georgia, and have not really started off very well since we came back. (Yesterday I had half a slice of chocolate cake. Thanks Aunt Emily, it was wonderful.) Today I made a batch of these cookies, and I already ate one. I see another cookie in my future too. They only had 3/4 a cup of brown sugar, and brown sugar is better than white sugar, right? Come on, someone validate me here.

Actually I found the recipe while we were in Georgia and couldn't wait to make the cookies when we got home. I was looking for something to buy for breakfast when we were staying in Athens and saw some Old Country Style Muesli. I was instantly transported to another time. Stacey and I were in Ireland riding across some of God's most beautiful country. Man, I loved that trip. I loved waking up everyday knowing that all I had to do for the day was ride a horse and spend time with one of my best friends ever. It was a great vacation. Sorry, I digress. One of the things they served us was Muesli and yogurt for breakfast. I loved it but couldn't ever find it here in the states. Eventually I forgot to look. Lo and behold, 10 years later, I found some. It was every bit as delicious as I remember. If only I could still ride a horse all day too.

Anyways there was a recipe on the bag. I made the wonderful little bits of sweetness. Nathan claims he will stick to the good old faithful chocolate chip cookies, but I think these are my new favorites.

Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies

1 cup Bob's Red Mill Muesli (I'm sure you can use other kinds, but that is what I bought.)
3/4 cup sifted Whole Wheat Flour (See, so far they are very healthy)
2/3 cup Applesauce (still good)
3/4 cup brown sugar (First bit of sweetness, but hey they are cookies after all.)
6 oz (1 cup) Chocolate Chips (See, they are cookies.)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda and salt together (I just mixed them.) and set aside. Blend applesauce, sugar and vanilla together. Beat in egg. Add flour mixture and mix. Sir in Muesli and chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Unbaked cookies. By the way, these are so easy that Brenna even helped.


Baked cookies cooling. Don't you just want one too?


"Mmm," says Brenna. (Notice the small cut on her eyelid. That is where she hurt herself at Nonni and G-daddy's house. Would you believe that the stroller fell on her today and hit the same spot. My poor little munchkin. She deserved a cookie.)


"I think I'll have another bite of this delicious sweetness."


See, now everyone should go out and bake a batch to experience this wonderful creation of a cookie.

My Sourdough Starter

Well, I think the starter is okay. I made some bread today, and it turned out okay. Yea!! I hope that is the last problem I have with that silly starter. So if anyone has good recipes for sourdough bread, I am willing to try them.

We had fun visiting with Uncle David and Aunt Linda today. They were driving through and stopped to eat with us. Brenna was even good through lunch. She has had a hard time sitting through meals recently. She loved meeting my Aunt and Uncle. We think she was calling Uncle David "Paw-Paw" for some reason. I just wonder what goes inside that head of hers sometimes.

We have had some rain today from Hurricane Dolly. I had forgotten about hurricanes since I have been in Georgia. It was strange to be watching to find out what the storm was going to do today. We weren't sure how it would affect us. It hasn't really done anything bad. There hasn't even been more wind, and we still really need the rain. I hope we keep getting the rain as the week passes.

Apparently I don't have anything exciting to say today, and I don't have any pictures to post. I'm just not good for much today.

Oh, I guess I can post that sourdough starter recipe for Keith. That does seem appropriate with the title I picked. It is a Better Homes and Gardens recipe.

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
3/4 cup warm water
3 cups warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons granulated sugar or brown sugar

1. Dissolve the yeast in the 3/4 cup warm water. Add the 3 cups warm water; stir in flour and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on med speed until smooth.

2. Cover with 100 percent cotton cheesecloth. Let stand at room temp for 5-10 days or until mixture has a sour, fermented aroma, stirring 2-3 times every day. When the mixture has fermented, transfer to a 2 quart or larger plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate the starter until needed.

3. To use starter: Remove starter from frig and stir thoroughly. Measure the amount needed and bring it to room temp.

4. For each cup of starter used, replenish with 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon granulated or brown sugar. Cover and let stand at room temp for at least 1 day until bubbly. Refrigerate starter for later use.

5. If hasn't been used in 10 days, stir in 1 teaspoon granulated or brown sugar. Repeat every 10 days unless starter is used.

We're Home

We made it home today. It will feel good to sleep in my own bed. We had a whirlwind of a drive back to Karnes City from Houston. We came via San Antonio. I know, that isn't really on the way, but we were going to visit with my grandparents who have only seen Brenna once when she was 4 months old. We had a good visit with everyone there.

My parents were kind enough to watch our pets while we were gone. Westin and Annie are not the easiest pets to watch, so I was very grateful. Annie barks all the time for no apparent reason. Westin is very clingy after being left alone all day. Between the two of them, my parents had their hands full for two weeks, but I am wondering if I found the reason for my pets pesky behaviors.

I also asked my Mom to feed my sourdough starter. She forgot. We both think it will be okay, but I am wondering if the animals were pesky just to make sure they got fed. Probably not, the animals do the same here at our home. What can I say, I have high maintainance animals. I don't know, maybe my starter was just doomed from the start. We have really had a rocky start together. I will let everyone know if the starter survived or not.

I have a busy list for tomorrow (including making some bread to test the starter). It seems like every time we go on vacation I hit the ground running when we get home. I guess that is normal for most families who go on vacation. Hopefully I will be able to rest some too. I am very tired. Nathan and I are both hoping Brenna will sleep late for us.

Hey, I have a question

Question: How do you know when it is time to go home?

Answer: You know it's time to go home when your two year old asks to go to "Brenna's house" and to see Annie Boo, Westin, Seth, Caleb, Mr. Pat, and Mrs. Christy. (The last four are her friends from church.)

Alternate Answer: You know it is time to go home when Mommy runs out of patience. I yelled a Brenna this morning and even made her cry. I broke my own heart and apologized immediately. I felt so bad. I guess every Mom eventually speaks unkind to their child, it just caught me by surprise. Hopefully I won't do that again for awhile. I would like to say I will never yell again, but I know that would not be true. I just pray that my little munchkin will continue to forgive my mistakes.


We have had a wonderful time here with Nonni and G-daddy. Brenna loves both of her grandparents and all their pets. She wants G-daddy to take her to see Patty Puppy every morning after breakfast, and night after dinner, and many times in between. She wants Nonni to hold the kitties so that she can pet them. She has loved being here, but there is a time to go home and I believe we have hit it. I think we will all enjoy sleeping in our own beds.


Today after church, we all went a Japanese Hibachi grill. Brenna was so funny to watch. I actually paid more attention to her than the grilling show. She loved watching the fire at the beginning and she also enjoyed listening to the man tap out a rhythm with his cooking tools. She tried to dance to the "music" he was making.

Yesterday she enjoyed the flamingos that showed up in the yard and she helped G-daddy and I pick some blackberries. I use the word "helped" very loosely. She ate the blackberries faster than G-daddy could pick them. I think she probably ate anywhere from a half a cup to a cup of them. She really likes those berries.



We are Texas bound again tomorrow. Hopefully our flight will go well. It is a late one, so I am really hoping that Brenna will sleep some. I am also hoping it will make the time transition go better too.

A Day and Night of Many "Firsts"

When our children are infants and babies, there are so many "firsts" they seem to come everyday. Now that Brenna is a toddler, the "firsts" don't seem to come as often. Oh, they do come around and I love to be present when she learns something. Well, today there are three "firsts", two not so pleasant, and one great.

We went to Lake Blue Ridge with Nonni and G-Daddy, and Brenna got burnt for the first time. I don't know really know what happened because I did put sunscreen on her back. I must not have put enough on or maybe I rubbed it off at some point. Whatever the case, she has a red back. I really feel bad. She doesn't seem to mind it, but I know how bad it is for her health to get burnt.

Later when we got home, she was trying to climb onto the piano bench and fell. Now falling is not the "first". We have actually had many of those, but this time she cut the corner of her eyelid. How is it that kids always seem to hit so closely to their eyes? It makes me sooo nervous. I was worried that she split her eyelid all the way through to her eye, but I was just a worried mom. It is really just a little cut with a little swelling. Hopefully it won't look too bad tomorrow.

Then shortly after the eye incident, I put Brenna in the bathtub.

Isn't that white tushy just too cute. (Sorry, I'm easily sidetracked. Also, note the sunburn as described above.) Anyways she was lying on her tummy when I noticed something brown coming out. I was quick on my toes and rushed her to the toilet. You know the saying, "You scared the poop out of me?" Well this was the opposite. I "scared the poop into her" at least for a minute. My little baby girl pooped in the big girl potty. Yea Brenna! She was so funny. When she finished she smiled so big at me. She knew her accomplishment was big. She looked at the poo poo and said "bye-bye" and flushed it away. Maybe this is a sign that potty training won't be too bad. More likely, I just got lucky.

Sorry to those of you who don't like to read about the poop accomplishments of a toddler. That is the hazard of reading a blog of a toddler. It funny that I talk all about Brenna's poops but that isn't something I would ever consider talking about myself. One day she will probably read this and be so embarrrised at what I wrote.

Here are a few pictures from the lake today. I really do have a little fish. She loves playing in the water. All in all we had a good day today. Everyone enjoyed our time together. Hopefully after this full day we will all sleep well.

Thankful Sadness

We left Athens today to return to Blue Ridge. I am always so sad when I have to leave the place and people I made home. On the other hand, I am so thankful that I have friends I am sad to leave. I have been thinking about friendships today. There are some people who come into our lives for a short time and then leave. They are important and close at the time, but we loose contact as time passes. Then there are others who we have to leave, but they stay close forever. I love it when you can catch up and continue the relationship even after there has been time without much contact. They are friends that will last forever. I am so thankful that I have friends like that even though it is hard to leave them every time.

We had a wonderful time in Athens. I didn't take one pictures. How sad. I didn't even take any of baby Elijah. None. I was so busy trying to just be with everyone. I wish I had thought to take the camera out. Oh well, next time. Brenna was sweet with Elijah. She still didn't love for me to hold him, but she tolerated it. Tonight when we put her to bed she asked for baby Elijah. It was so sweet.

I wish we could have stayed longer, but we would have been sad to leave at any time. I am starting to develop relationships in Karnes City, but I still long for something different at church. I also got to see Faure's new filly. She is only a few days old and so precious. I miss the horses I was privileged to be with so often. One day, I would love to be with them again.

Even with all my sadness, I would not have missed a moment. I loved the time we had there. I am so thankful that time and those memories. I am ready to enjoy the rest of our time with Nonnie and G-daddy.

Multiple Random Synapses

My mind is running wild today. I have so many thought, I don't even know if I will be able to record all of them before they fly away. Here is a list so I can remember them as I explain.
1. Brenna
2. Vacation
3. Books
4. New site
5. Camera
6. Athens

Okay, I feel better now. Sometimes I just need a good list to calm me down so that I can actually accomplish a task.

Let me start with Brenna. She is doing much better today. I think the rash is gone now. I don't see it at all on any skin that has a tan. I see something on the incredibly white parts of her skin (sorry honey, you got that from your Mommy) that haven't seen the sun, but I think it might just be veins and such that I am seeing under the skin. She has been eating better and playing more today. I think she is officially over her bout with Roseola. Yea! At least that is one less infection she has to have again.

So, vacation is going well. yesterday we went to the park with Debbie. I only have one picture from there, but it was a cute one.

None of the others seemed to turn out as well. She had a good time, but was ready to come home quickly. It was lunch time. You can tell the time from her stomach. Here again is one of the proverbial chicken and egg questions. Did I train her that way or is she just like me? Let's just say we both like to eat on time. In fact, just this week she has started to tell me when she is hungry and thirsty. That is a big deal. Now I don't have to guess.

Next are the pictures from today. Debbie took us to one of the white water sites were the 1996 Olympics were held. Nathan and I had actually been there before with his grandparents many years ago, but it was fun to actually get out and walk along the path. I have now been to several of the sites here in Georgia that hosted the Olympics. It is fun to see how they use the area now. So much work went into hosting the Olympics. Some of the work was wasted, but other parts are now a beautiful part of the Georgia landscape. I guess that is true in all the areas where the Olympics are held, but I digress. Brenna loved to walk and look at all the rocks. She actually didn't do a lot of walking. Nathan carried her as any good father would.


She also played in the water with Debbie and enjoyed walking on the rocks that were covered by silt. She wanted to try the slippery ones, but I already discovered that wasn't a good idea when I tried to get a better shot. Luckily I had enough balance to stay above water. Only wet feet, at least for me. Brenna tried to sit down faster than Debbie could catch her. She ended up walking around in her diaper and shirt. We looked very hillbilly.


I love that we have had the opportunity to let Brenna spend time with Nonnie and G-Daddy. She doesn't get to see them very often and loves to spend time with them. Unfortunately G-Daddy has had to work while we have been here. (I guess someone had to work.) He has been here when Brenna gets up in the morning and in the afternoons. Whenever she sees him she runs to him asking to see Patty Puppy. I fear for Patty Puppy's health. Brenna wants to feed her a bone at every sighting. Patty may have to go on a diet when we leave. She also loves playing with G-Daddy on the floor. How fun. I pray we all remember these fun times.

Fun times- that brings me to my next thought. I am really looking forward to our time in Athens. I can't wait to see the Neal's and their newest addition. I have been longing to hold that little one and see their precious new baby. What fun it will be to spend time with them. I am also looking forward to church. We will see so many of our wonderful friends there. We plan on seeing as many people as possible there. I am also trying to slip in a visit to my two favorite quilting fabric stores. We'll see how well that goes over and if I can accomplish the feat.

(I have now written so much that I have to move back up to consult my list. See it was a good thing I made a list or I would have forgotten some of my important points.)

Oh yes, books. I may have to write that section later. I thought I would like to start reviewing some of the books I read. I can't always remember what I liked about a book or even what it was about or if I read it. I read a variety of books, but now mostly fiction that doesn't make me think too much. I do miss my analyzing days of college. I love to read a very well written book that has so much inside that I can't even discover it all. Yes, I am a book worm. I have finished two on this trip already. I only brought one more and I fear it won't be enough. Oh well, maybe that means I will be forced to take a trip to the book store.
I'll write about these two on another day when I don't have so many thoughts.

That brings me to my last two points. And yes, I know, I went out of order a little. I have really enjoyed learning about photography lately. I have loved using my dad's old camera when he got a new one. But now I am getting an itch for a new SLR Digital Camera. I don't know if it will ever happen, but I love all that I am learning. Blame it on my Dad and his talents passing down. Or maybe I can blame it on Amber. I seem to follow in her footsteps a lot. (This blog was started because of her.) By the way she takes great pictures. I would love to have her talent and skill, though I am not interested in becoming professional. I think part of my interest has come about because I want to capture every moment of this life I have. I don't want to forget any part of raising Brenna or growing as a wife. I love to see it through the art of photography. I want to get better. Why do I keep picking the the hobbies that are so expensive: horses, sewing, scrapbook, and now photography.

And on the lines of photography, I was reading a cool website that I had read before and was reintroduced to lately. I have added it to my most read section. Visit Confessions of a Pioneer Woman and be inspired by her photography, cooking, and writing. It is really fun and she has lots of horse pictures. (All things I love too.) I would love to meet this woman. I think we would have a lot in common.

So here is one last picture of Brenna from our fun this morning. Sorry you don't see any of me. I was taking all the pictures.

New Brenna Update

I called Brenna's pediatrician today to find out about a mysterious rash she has. The nurse said it could be roseola. I looked it up online and I think that is what Brenna has. The symptoms I found online described what Brenna has experienced. She had a high fever for 3 days then as it left a rash appeared. Everything I read said the rash should leave in 24 to 48 hours. Hopefully she will wake up rash free. At least now that she has had this (I think), she shouldn't have it again. Roseola is like the chicken pox in that you normally don't get it twice.

Brenna Update and Jones Location

Brenna seems to be doing better. She has run a little fever today, but not too much. We flew into Nashville this morning and were all very glad to see Nonnie and G-Daddy. I am ready to take a little nap. It has been a long weekend. Hopefully Brenna's fever will stay away now and we will all have a great visit with family and friends.

Getting Ready

Not a great picture, but I had to post something from our festivities.

Our 4th of July was fun and uneventful. Unfortunately the following day Brenna woke up with a fever of 101 and rising. She seems to do this every time we travel or fly. I don't know how her body is so good at picking the right days to be sick. She runs very high fevers. So far with this illness she has reached 103.8. I am starting to get used to that high fever when it happens, but it is still a little worrisome when I feel her and her whole body is roasting. Anyways, we have spent the morning at the doctor's office. Her ears were fine which was my main concern. I think she probably has a virus. The doctor ordered a blood test and urine test. We will get the results soon, but I think she will just have to let it run its course.

On our way to Houston we were in almost in what could have been a fatal accident. I think everyone was okay, but God was really looking out for us. A car hit the concrete barrier going 75 on I-10 swerved across three lanes of traffic and back. Then it hit the barrier again with it's front end and spun around to face the oncoming traffic and stopped in the shoulder. He was even driving on two wheels at one point. I know I saw a cooler from the truck bed, tire tread, and a hub cap flying back at the oncoming traffic (that included us). Very scary. I am still amazed that no one got hit. I know God's angels were watching over my little family that day. I was praying for everyone while I watched a man battle to regain control of his car.

Fun times

The weather was so nice last night that I took Brenna out to play after dinner. I was able to take a few pictures outside with her. Consider them to be her Independence Day pictures. I don't know if I will get any good ones tomorrow.




Today Nathan and I took her to the pool only it was cloudy and cooler out. I didn't even want to get into the pool. Luckily Nathan was willing to be cold for a little while. I got one of the pools floats. It was a big turtle that Brenna had been eyeballing the last time we were there. She was quiet excited and didn't want to get out. Nathan and I had to laugh though. The wind made her shiver and her lips started turning blue, but she still wouldn't get out. Don't we all wish we could be a carefree child again that doesn't mind getting a little cold in the pursuit of fun.

My Little Singer

Brenna has been listening to music when we eat for months now. She loves to listen to her favorite songs. She has also been singing some of those favorite songs when we are playing and the music isn't playing. Just in the past week, she has started really singing with the CD's we are playing. Some of the songs are very funny to hear her sing. Nathan and I can't help but laugh and tell her she is doing a great job. She loves to make us laugh and proceeds to sing even more. Today she was listening to her Veggie Tales CD that has her name placed in the songs. She was singing the songs and reciting the dialogue in between the songs. Nathan's comment was, "I guess sense she has been listening to this CD for more than half her life she should know all the words."

I know I have talked about her language development before, but I still have a few favorite phrases. She is using lots of phrases now and stringing words together to make "toddler sentences". Here are a few of my favorite.

"How 'bout dis one?"
"Mama, pick up Menna." (I hear that one a lot.)
"Mama go-go-go, Daddy go-go-go." (Not really a phrase, but I'm sure you can figure out the meaning.)
"I like dat."
"Read it book"
"Watch a moomie?"

There are many more I can't think of right now, but I just love to hear her chatter away. It is a good thing I like to hear her talk because she does a lot of it. She takes after me in that department so I've heard.