Superkid and His Sidekick

Sunday Superkid gave his first talk at church. His lucky audience was the Jr. Primary. He got the assignment last week; the subject was baptism. We hadn't really covered the subject material with Superkid up to this point so we did a bang up family home evening lesson on baptism Monday night. I took a page from Amy O. and set Superkid up with a fine interview-style talk. We selected pictures from our gospel art picture kit and everyday we held up the pictures and asked Superkid the same set of questions. Admittedly, Superkid didn't really have his heart into the talk and we rarely made it ALL the way through the talk, but by the end of the week he knew the answers to all of the questions (at one time or another). So the big day came. Superkid was pumped, he loves an open mic. I voted Pops to be the lucky questioner for Superkid's talk. Superkid was chomping at the bit all during opening exercises. When the Primary President asked him to sit on the stand, he went directly to the mic, and was re-directed to his seat. When a child was called up to give the prayer or scripture Superkid flinched. FINALLY, it was his turn. He popped up and positioned himself so his mouth was directly on the mic. Pops joined him with the props. Pops held up the first picture and asked, "Superkid, why do we get baptized?" (at this point both Pops and I were holding our breath). We were relieved when Superkid confidently said, "Because Jesus was baptized." Pops nodded happily and said, "That's right, because Jesus was baptized." The next picture was of Christ after his crucifixion. Pops asked, "Superkid, what does going down under the water remind us of?" Superkid looked a bit stumped, then turned to his audience and with a big smile said, "I don't know." He was met with ripples of laughter from the children. Now at this point, it could have gone one of two ways. He could have either broken down in tears or really hammed it up for his audience. His mother's ancestry came out in him. Pops next asked Superkid, "What does coming out of the water remind us of?" This time there was no hesitation, just a big smile, "I don't know!" Now, much to Superkid's delight, the whole audience was laughing, adults and all. After about the third "I don't know!" I wasn't sure who was setting whom up. Pops was the perfect stuffy foil for Superkid's hammy smart mouth. I was reminded of Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, although I wasn't sure who was pulling the strings.

That evening, Pops was asking Superkid about his talk. He asked him if he enjoyed giving the talk. Superkid got a big smile (reliving his glorious moment in his mind) and said he did. Pops asked if he would like to give another talk; Superkid said, "Ya, but next time I want to talk about something I know about....like airplanes!"

Our Pops

This is a picture of what Pops now looks back on as the saddest day of his life. It is the day we took Abizella home from the hospital and Pops lost his day job as the stay-at-home Dad. Before he and Superkid came to the hospital to pick Abizella and me up, he took Superkid out for one last breakfast at McDonald's. This was also where Superkid uttered his first word cluster, "A bot on the watey" (there was a picture of a boat floating on water hanging on the wall). Pops is the kind of Pops that likes to be involved with his kids ALL of the time and has a great appreciation for the milestones in the kid's lives. It breaks his heart not to be with the kids all of the time. He is the kind of Pops that walks faster on the way home from work than on his way to work. He walks through the door beaming from ear to ear as the kids rush upon him. He is the kind of Pops that the kids ask for all day long. He is the Pops that plays with the kids all evening. And my favorite part, he is the kind of Pops that the kids cry out for in the middle of the night.

Our Pops truely can think out of the box. I pretty much do things the way that my Mom did (tried and true). Pops did not benefit from 5 younger siblings so when it comes to child care, he just does what works. He is the master of making the children comfortable for a nap. Or propping a newborn up to sitting position in the crib so that they can look around. He likes to refer to me as the, "One-Trick-Pony". While I have just one trick to soothe a baby (he is just jealous, breastfeeding is an awfully good trick) he has about a gizillion. My favorite being the surprise approach where he just blows in the babies face (can't cry while you are sucking wind, right?). When I first went back to work after having Superkid, I had a list of things for Pops to do (and how to do). The tables were turned quickly and I was taking my parenting queues from him. He is a natural parent.

I don't think a day passes when Pops doesn't thank me for our children. He is crazy about them, and we are crazy about him too! Thank-you for our kiddies Pops!

Happy Grandfather's Day Too!

The kids had a great time making their Grandfather's cards. We all love our Grandpas so much, we only wish we could spend today with them (and many more days too!). Please come see us soon!

Got Milk?

Waning: If you have a tough time hearing about potty updates (Uncle B) proceed with caution!

I am not one who is known for out-smarting others. One of the journal assignments in the English class that I taught this Spring was to write about a time that you out-smarted someone. I usually like to give the kids an example, but in the end I could only come up with this audience inappropriate example.

Back when Abizella was a wee little lass, we were kicking back enjoying a quiet Sunday at home. Or at least Pops was kicking back; I had just finished slaving away in the kitchen making the perfect chocolate chip cookie (the only area of my life that I strive for perfection). After carrying a plate of warm cookies to Pops, who was lounging on the couch, I was met with the demand, "Woman! Get me some milk!" Now, like any of you liberated women, my first inclination was not to get him milk, but rather go pour myself a glass and taunt him as I sipped it down. However, after opening the fridge door I noticed a bottle of not-so-fresh breast milk I had pumped a few days before. I started to shake and cry (I am not one of those dry-witted people who can tell a joke without laughing myself) as I poured him a creamy cup of Missletoes. I carried it out to him and had to turn my back immediately so I wouldn't give away my little joke. Now Pops has this amazing ability to drink without actually swallowing. He actually opens up his mouth and pours a whole container of something down. It is a good thing he is a clean-living man, because he could have done some serious damage at a kegger. In fact, one of my most embarrassing moments was after one of Pop's Coke Zero drinking challenges when our host had to go in the other room and throw-up. Go Pops! But anyway, Pops took the cup of milk and poured it down his gullet in one swig. I honestly thought he would catch taste and spit. When he finished, he looked up with me and said, "Was there something wrong with that milk?" I wish I had the composure to say, "No, I thought it was delicious" Instead I came out with the truth, at which point Pops started raking his tongue with his fingers and then went and scrubbed his mouth with a tooth brush. Much to my dismay, he did not approve of my brand. I tried to convince him it was because it was not fresh, but he is not up for a re-test.

Look At My Sweet Ride...na na na na na na na na

Superkid is getting a little impatient for his birthday to roll around. He REALLY wants that Batmobile, so he has taken matters into his own hands and built one himself (out of the sofa cushions, for those of you who lack imagniation).

The Satchel

I am not sure why, but I get a kick every Sunday by suggesting to Abizella that she should get her purse and stuff it full of books for church. Even Superkid has gotten in on the purse fun. They are so cute strutting into church with their little pastel handbags. It is strange to me that I get such joy from it being as I am a minimalist when it comes to packing up and leaving the house. These days the kids are lucky if I pack a diaper, let alone a snack or something to drink.

Maybe I am making up for lost time, as I would not be caught dead with a purse until I was out of college. Don't get me wrong, I had various accouterments to carry around the items I needed when I was out and about, but they all fell under the category of "Satchel". Meaning that if you could reasonably go hiking with it, than it was okay to haul around town. This pretty much limited me to backpacks, fanny packs, small bags made of Gortex, and this little baby referred to as, "THE Satchel". It actually isn't even mine. It belongs to Jupawsly, who after years of my pitiful lusting and whining finally gave it to me (probably to get some rest). She bought it from the Gap in high school; I was instantly covetous. I began the relentless pursuit to find a satchel as cool as hers. I went through a few models, but in the end could never find anything as stylish. When I went to China, Jupaws lent me the satchel in exchange for my striped Earnie-ish T-shirt (a big fav of mine). I was in heaven. I was the coolest thing going. I can't remember the circumstances that THE Satchel officially came into my hands. I think I was reluctantly returning THE Satchel to Jupawsly and she benevolently bestowed it to me. But then again, I could have also dreamed that all up to keep it for myself and Jupaws is still wondering if she will ever get it back. All I know is that I have never loved a bag more.

When the beach doesn't give you tidepools, dig your own!

This group of kids demonstrated true pioneering spirit Friday. The beach was stripped of tidepools, so they created their own fun digging toddler sized holes to sit in. I don't think there is anything cuter than a baby crawling across the beach with sand oozing from his mouth. Having little A. and S. along for the trip made me excited for another little toad to toss in a tidepool next summer.

Thanks for a great trip guys! Let's do it again soon!!!

Testing the Waters

Well, since Abizella has officially banned the wearing of diapers I decided to "test the waters" so to speak. I went to Wal-Mart and loaded up on Elmo and Curious George panties, cool puffy Elmo potty stickers (that ended up costing more than diapers), and carpet cleaner. The first day didn't go so well. It pretty much consisted of Abizella yelling out, "Pee Pee!" frantically as she stood in a puddle. The next day S.K. and A.K. came over for potty boot camp. I think I came out winner that day. S. K. sat with the girls, who were stripped down to their undies, reading them books and making up stories while they sat on their potties. We were pretty much waiting for gravity to happen because we loaded them up with 2 full sippy cups of juice in about 10 minutes. Let's just say we were awash in urine. Between the 2 girls, they went through 14 pairs of underwear in 3 hours. Where was I this whole time? Well someone had to make lunch... and why not take my time and make something delicious to sustain us through the boot camp? But at the end of the day both girls had at least pee peed and poo pooed in the potty, a step in the right direction.

The next day was Saturday. This was the day that my Mom and Sister were flying into town. I also had my last day of teaching. Needless to say, potty training had to take the back burner. I was scurrying around cleaning and getting my lesson ready and Pops was doing some home improvement projects. Abizella got up bright and early and insisted on taking her diaper off and refused underwear to boot. She was roaming free as the day she entered the world. I didn't have the time to care. Before I left for school, she had pee peed in the potty 2 times without me standing over her clapping. By the time I got home from school she had pee peed in the potty several times and even poo pooed. Each time she would proudly carry her full potty into the kitchen for Pops to examine, go dump it in the big potty and then go return the little bowl back to the training potty. She did have a few accidents, but on whole we thought we were out of the woods.

Well, things have regressed. She no longer cares if she pees on her feet and I don't always at least get the call, "Pee Pee" to locate the puddle. In fact, she takes too much joy in getting a towel and wiping up the offense. I think we have to go back to boot camp tomorrow, and this time we are going to have to use bribes. I was hoping to avoid introducing potty treats back into the house, as I love to munch on them so.

Overall, I think Abizella is a potty champ. She has pooped several times and has even woken up with a dry diaper and made her way to the potty to relieve herself a couple of times. I believe she thinks using the potty is optional; we'll make things interesting for her tomorrow. Stay tuned for further editions to the Potty Chrony.

Beach Bungalow

Come one, come all! This cozy beach bungalow is now open for business. It comfortably sleeps 8 (that is if 4 can snuggle onto our 5 star airmattress). This 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath (counting the training potty) has oppulent ammenities such as our swim pool (1 foot deep), playground, and tea room (aka play room... it does have a tea set and anxious toddler service!). Close proximity to beach. Ice cream always in the freezer. "Elmo's Potty Time" and "Curious George" movie times 'round the clock. Free airport shuttle service. Check availability by responding here, hurry space is filling up!

The Phrogbottom Phorum

If you are suffering from a Tidepool Toads posting drought, I'll let you in on a little secret. I actually have started a new blog. This one you may or may not find interesting. It is a blog my brothers and sisters and I started as a gift for my parent's anniversary. My Mom, Sister and two nephews flew in this weekend for a spontaneous trip. They knew the importance of Aunt Missletoes chewing on her new nephews little piggies. Since all of my postings have revolved around them, I have been using the other blog. You can find us there at the Phrogbottoms link on the side bar. I offer no explanation for the name of the blog as it is an ancient family secret and if I tell you, I would have to kill you (or they all would kill me!).

Diabetes Free!

The results are in!!! I have won the diabetes battle this time around, and we just got back from celebrating! Don't worry, I will keep the gym membership so I can win the diabetes war as well. But what good is living if you can't enjoy a little Cold Stone from time to time?
Bon Apetite!