Make New Friends, But Keep The Old

I have been looking forward to Jack starting Kindergarten in hopes of meeting some new friends myself. We have been walking to and from school with one of our neighbors and playing outside with them after school. I really like the mom and she also has a three-year-old little girl that Lauren has really hit it off with. I can't believe it has taken us this long to get together with them. We have even secured an invitation for dinner and swimming at their pool this weekend.

Yesterday we were standing outside my front door chatting. We had a UPS package on our porch. Lauren picked it up and started tearing into it. She got used to all of the packages being she and Ben's for their birthday. I looked at the package and told her that it was addressed to me so she didn't need to open it. I turned and continued to chat with my new friend. When I looked back she was still trying to get into the package. I told her that there were just some vitamins in the package for mommy, go play. The next thing I knew she was waving a catheter over her head, "What's this?"

I didn't address it with my new friend. I just grabbed it away from Lauren and stuffed it back in the box. I continued to chat hoping that she didn't see it or didn't know what it was. My new friend didn't go running for the hills, I think she might be a keeper!

Twin Swap

Lauren: I want to go to Kindergarten!
Me: You will get to go to Kindergarten when you get bigger.
Lauren: I am big!
Me: Yes, you are big, when you are five you will get to go to Kindergarten.
Lauren: I am five!
Me: No, Jack is five, you and Ben are three.
Lauren: I wish Jack was my twin brother instead of Ben!

Un Poquito

Ben and Lauren are taking a Spanish class twice a week. The teacher is a former elementary school teacher who comes to your home to read familiar books and sing songs in Spanish. We are doing the class with 3 other 3-year-olds from Ben and Lauren's playgroup, one of which is fluent in Spanish. The last class we read The Hungry Little Caterpillar, I was really shocked at how well Ben and Lauren did at repeating the words and how much they have retained!

Today I took Ben and Lauren to our rental property to do some more painting. We hired a guy to paint the outside because it is so damn hot! Martin (pronounced Mar-teen) has done work for us in the past and is always very nice to the kids. Today his wife Josefa came with him. Ben and Lauren were very excited to tell Martin and Josefa about their "Spanish preschool". They were trying out "me llamo...", "hola", "adios" and "uno, dos, tres". I was pretty proud of my future bilingual children when Martin busted out his full Spanish. Ben and Lauren just stood there with their jaws on the floor. I guess I need to teach them how to say "un poquito".

Lunch Doesn't Grow On Trees!

Me: What did you buy for lunch today?
Jack: A yucky bean burrito.
Me: Did you eat it?
Jack: No way!
Me: Did you get hungry?
Jack: No, I just got some pizza instead, they let you do that!
Me: You need to do a better job choosing your lunch, don't you?
Jack: Why?
Me: Because it costs mommy extra money for you to get two meals at lunchtime.
Jack: No it doesn't!
Me: Oh, yes it does.
Jack: No, lunch doesn't cost money, you just tell them your name and they give you a lunch!

Okay, so the lunch is only $1.85 per meal but it isn't quite the bargain when you pay for two lunches! I think it might be time for the 'money doesn’t grow on trees speech'!

Big Man On Campus

Last night I read Jack 'Twas The Night Before Kindergarten', when we got to the part where the parents were crying he turned to me and said:

Jack: Are you going to cry when you drop me off tomorrow?
Me: I am going to try not to!
Jack: Why would you cry?
Me: Because you are growing up so fast and I am so proud of you!
Jack: Well, I hope you don't!
Me: Why don't you want me to cry?
Jack: Because that would be embarrassing!

Jack wanted to walk the little over a mile to school this morning. As I pushed Ben and Lauren in the stroller he lagged behind me all the way down our street.

Me: You need to keep up buddy!
Jack: I am keeping up.
Me: Do you want to go back and get the car?
Jack: No, I want to walk!

It wasn't until we got to the crosswalk and school was closer than our house that Jack said he didn't want to walk anymore. We are going to try it again tomorrow. Let's hope the walk gets easier!



When we got to school, Jack showed Ben, Lauren and I to his classroom. He was so excited he was several steps ahead of us the whole time. We did hit a snag when he tried to fit his new backpack into his cubby. He HAD to have the giant camouflage wheelie backpack. It is too tall and too wide for the cubby and he can't smash it down because of the wheels. The only way we could get it in was to turn it sideways. Here's hoping the little boy he shares a cubby with has a small backpack!



After he got all of his things put in his cubby I bent down and quietly asked "Would it be uncool if I give you a big hug and kiss?” Jack gave me a quick hug and whispered "How about a hug and a fist bump?” With a fist bump I was out of the room without a tear. I got a little misty as I walked to the cafeteria for my first PTA meeting, but Jack will never know!

Jack has been talking my ear off about his first day. The highlight? Buying his lunch. He gave me the blow by blow, "first you grab a tray and you push it along a shelf, then you pick out what you want to eat, then you open little drawers to see if you want to eat anything else, then you get to the computer where you tell them your name...” I am so proud of him, what a big boy!

Bubby

Ben: Baby Drew calls me Bubby.
Me: Yeah, isn't that funny?
Ben: NO! I'm Benny!
Me: Yes you are!
Ben: Why does he call me that?
Me: Baby Drew can't say Benny very well.
Ben: Why not?
Me: Because he is still a little guy. (14 months younger)
Ben: Oh.

Baby Drew just loves his big cousin; it is just too bad that Benny doesn't share the same love. The animosity started when I babysat for Drew when he was a baby and he took some of Ben's attention away. Ben likes to be the baby and wasn't happy having someone step in and steal his role. Now, he is just annoyed with Drew. Drew is so enamored with his cousin he is always in Ben's face.

Zoo Babies

My sister and I took the kids to the zoo this morning. We went in the 'cool' part of the day, but my kids' hair was wet after an hour and a half.

Hineys times six...



Gator gazing...


I love getting together with my sister and nephew; we try to do it every week. Some weeks don't work out due to sick kids or other engagements, but I love that my kids get to spend time with them. I don't mind the drive I just hate other drivers! It seems there is always some snafu along the way. I curse the rubberneckers until I become one. After driving with my foot on the break going 5 mph for mile after mile by the time I get to the wreck and have open road in front of me I feel as though I have earned the right to take a look. It is a vicious circle, everyone takes their turn rubbernecking creating a back up that can go on for miles on a Friday afternoon in a metro this size.

That Mom Isn't That Bad

Jack and I went to the ice cream social at school today. I signed up for the PTA, to help at the carnival, make copies, fill folders AND be the room mother. I think I am redeeming myself with Jack's teacher, when she asked for a volunteer for the room parent the other adults became astronomers. Most looked at the ceiling searching for stars, while the rest looked at their shoes. I was dying to be the room mother, but I did my best to pause slightly before volunteering. I didn't want to be too overbearing again! Mrs. K got all of my contact information, so it is official. I am not sure what the room mother does, but it sounds important, don't you think?

School starts Monday and Jack is so ready and so excited! I, on the other hand, am not so sure I am ready. I bought Jack book called "Twas The Night Before Kindergarten", I didn't read it before I bought it, I just thought it sounded cute. I read it for the first time with Jack. It talks about how the kids are nervous so the parents stick around for a few minutes. Then the kids get comfortable and they tell their parents Kindergarten is cool and they can go now. The parents walk away crying. I actually teared up as I was reading the book! I just hope Jack didn't notice and I hope he doesn't notice if I get a little misty eyed on Monday!

Winner, Winner, Tuna Dinner

Why is it that when I spend hours on dinner I am the only one who thinks it is wonderful and when I whip up Tuna Helper my entire family raves? My mom rarely made tuna casserole when I was young, but I hated when she did. Ben actually ate dinner and I had the following conversation with Jack.

Jack: So, what is the secret to making this dinner?
Me: Ummm...noodles from the box, sauce mix from the box, water, milk and two cans of tuna. The recipe only calls for one can.
Jack: Oh, so the secret is two cans of tuna!
Me: I guess you could say that.
Jack: I think my kids are going to love this recipe someday!

Where's The Toaster?

Sadly, my husband's grandparents are failing. His grandfather is 98 (I think) and in remarkable shape for his age. His grandmother is in her mid 90s and failing fast. His grandfather has gotten to the point where it is too much to care for his failing wife so they are preparing to move into a home. My kids have received sporadic shipments of things they are getting rid of. Jack has gotten a few books and today Ben and Lauren got some stuffed animals. We all know what old people's basements smell like, right? Well, take a guess what the stuffed animals smelled like! They were shipped in an old toaster box. Ben and Lauren could hardly wait to rip into the box.

Ben: What smells?
Lauren: This monkey is stinky!
Jack: Yuck, I am glad I got books instead!
Ben: I don't want this monkey!
Lauren: Me neither, where is the toaster?

The stuffed animals are currently taking a spin in the dryer with several dryer sheets. If that doesn't help they will be taking a field trip to the local dump.

That Mom Anyway

When I took Jack to Kindergarten round up a month or so ago we met all 5 of the teachers. Back when I was in Kindergarten there were only 2 teachers! Each teacher did a presentation about what Kindergarten would be like. One of the teachers really struck me. She was young, outgoing and enthusiastic yet stern. I thought she would be the perfect fit for Jack. The other teachers were nice, but they were all very soft-spoken and a little mousy. It crossed my mind to request Mrs. K, but I didn't want to be that mom so I took my chances. Imagine my excitement when Mrs. K called to say that Jack was in her class!

Mrs. K: I am going to be Jack's teacher and I was calling to set up his assessment.
Me: Oh, I am so thrilled! At Kindergarten Round-Up I thought you would be the best match for Jack, but I didn't want to be "that mom" and request you. I am sure all of the teachers are great, but we are so happy Jack is in your class!
Mrs. K: Well, I am glad you weren't that mom.

I left the conversation feeling like I was that mom anyway. I hope she wasn't trying to make me feel like a total loser, but I am afraid I may have come on too strong. I can only hope that I will redeem myself by being the best classroom helper she has ever had...or does that make me that mom again?

I Picked This One For You!

We were listening to the radio in the car on the way to the gym. The morning DJs were talking about the immune building of eating your boogers.

Jack: Well, I have that covered!
Me: What?
Jack: I like to pick my nose and eat it! I will have a strong immune system.
Me: Yuck dude! Don't do that AND don't tell anyone that you do that!
Jack: Why not?
Me: Because kids in Kindergarten will make fun of you!

For Heaven's Sake!

Jack: What is heaven like?
Me: It is a great place!
Jack: Do God and Jesus live there?
Me: Yep.
Jack: How do we get there?
Me: By believing in Jesus.
Jack: But who takes us there? The angels?
Me: I don't know, but that sounds about right.
Jack: Will my brothers be there?
Me: Absolutely!
Jack: What are there names again?
Me: Nate and Spence.
Jack: Will I get to meet them when I get to heaven?
Me: You bet!
Jack: Will there be a lot of people in heaven?
Me: Yes.
Jack: Then how will I find my brothers? What do they look like?
Me: They will find you! They have dark brown hair...
Jack: (cutting me off) No, I mean what were they wearing when they came out of your tummy.
Me: They were naked when they came out of my tummy.
Jack: Gross!
Me: You were naked when you came out of my tummy too!
Jack: Did they go to heaven naked?
Me: We put tiny little diapers and blue gowns on them.
Jack: Will they still be wearing that when I get to heaven?
Me: I don't know, I have a book about heaven that we can read when we get home, maybe that will help.
Jack: Is it the Bible?

I can't believe how great his questions are! The book I read him was really helpful and I would highly recommend it if your child has questions. It is a book in the Little Blessings series called 'What About Heaven?' by Kathleen Long Bostrom. The illustrations are fabulous and the text is really fun and informative especially for little kids.

I know that God loves me.
Of this there's no doubt.
But what about heaven?
What's that all about?

Is heaven a place
that is near or that's far?
Can I get to heaven
by boat or by car?

How will I find it?
Who'll show me the way?
Does heaven have nighttime?
And what about day?

Can I have a room
that is only for me?
Do I have to pay,
or can I stay for free?

Will I look the very
same way I do now?
Will everyone know
who I am? If so, how?

What food will I eat?
And what clothes will I wear?
When I get to heaven,
who else will be there?

Does heaven have mountains?
and trees I can climb?
What will I do there
will all of my time?

Is there enough space
for the animals, too?
Will there be some kind
of a heavenly zoo?

Since God is in heaven
it has to be great.
Can I go there now,
or do I have to wait?

All questions have answers,
but some you won't learn
Till God says it's time
for his Son to return.

Your questions are good ones,
so let's dive right in
And see what the Bible says,
Ready? Begin!

Though heaven's a place
that you can't see from here,
It says in the Bible
that heaven is near.

You don't need to know
how to fly or to swim.
The way is with Jesus,
believing in him.

It always is daytime-
there never is night.
The light of God's love
will be shining so bright.

Jesus will give you
a room of your own,
With others nearby
so you won't feel alone.

Your body will change
so it's perfect and new,
And yet you will still be
the very same you.
(that is my favorite part of the whole book!)

But here's something different,
and this is no trick:
In heaven nobody
will ever get sick!

Our hurts will be healed,
and the deaf will all hear.
The blind will see clearly.
There's nothing to fear!

Everyone there
will be able to talk,
To sing and to dance,
and to run and to walk.

In heaven God serves you
the very best meal
You'll never be hungry-
now that's a good deal!

The clothes that you'll wear
will be white and so clean;
In heaven you won't need
a washing machine!

Even the animals
won't want to fight;
They'll all get along-
they will not scratch or bite.

Though time has no ending,
you'll never get bored;
For thousands of years
seem like days to the Lord.

Heaven is full
of such beautiful things:
The music of millions of
angels who sing.

Rivers like crystal
and seas smooth as glass
Emeralds glowing
like green springtime grass.

Mountains and jewels
of every type,
Trees full of fruits
that are juicy and ripe.

Sadness and pain
will be taken away:
Once you are there,
you'll be happy to stay.

All of God's children,
the young and the old,
Will gather together
on streets made of gold.

And then there will be
such a grand celebration
When heaven and earth
have become one creation!

Life will be perfect,
for heaven's the place
We'll see God, the Father
and Son, face-to-face.

For God will be there,
everywhere that you are;
And Jesus will shine
like a bright morning star.

Heaven is wonderful,
don't you agree?
It's simply the best place
we ever could be!

Tax Me!

Nebraska doesn't have a tax-free weekend before school starts. Yes, I have lived in TX for almost 4 years. But, I have never experienced tax-free weekend. I have heard it advertised on TV and the radio, but I have never felt the urge to experience it. Jack's school supplies are due on Monday and I hadn't finished my shopping. I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was given the opportunity to buy Jack's school supplies from the school for $40. Did I buy them? No. I figured I could buy them myself for cheaper. Well, if I could get them all at one store it may have been a better deal. But my first trip was to Walmart and if you don't know how that turned out you can go back to that post. Needless to say I didn't get my shopping done. I went to Target last week, but forgot my list. I got frustrated trying to find the list for Jack's school in the giant mess of papers they had and left. Which brings me to yesterday, the first day of the tax-free weekend. I figured that if I went during the day it shouldn't be so bad. After all, everyone is working, right? Wrong! Now, I am not opposed to crowds to save a buck. I am an avid Black Friday shopper. But this was unlike anything I have ever seen before just to save 8%! And, to make matters worse, they were still charging tax on school supplies. I thought the tax-free weekend was to get ready to go back to school? I don't get it. Black Friday I am saving 50% or more, or I don't buy it! And, on Black Friday my kids are tucked safely in their beds sleeping off their Thanksgiving dessert. Yesterday, they were with me. I should have had Ben pull the fire alarm and see if we could clear some of the fools out of the school supply aisle! I wasn't able to finish Jack's list at Target, so we had to go to yet another store. We went to Staples where I was expecting someone to hand me an easy button and we would be on our way. Instead I was greeted with another mass of fools all paying too much for their school supplies too! Tax-free weekend was more taxing than any other shopping trip I have had, and I have had some craptastic trips! By the end of my trip I would have gladly paid the sales tax for the entire state just to avoid the madness! Never again. NEVER AGAIN!

Big Foot Lives!

Jack: You look pretty! Where are you going?
Me: I am going to a Girls Night Out with Ms. Trisha.
Jack: Where is it at?
Me: Remember that place where we painted the ornaments at Christmas time? The Joy of Pottery.
Jack: What are you going to paint?
Me: I don't know, do you have any ideas?
Jack: Well, if you can find a big enough plate you should you make your footprint into a Christmas tree like I did.

Okay, I know I have big feet, but I am not a Sasquatch. Size 10 is becoming more and more prevalent! AND, my foot would have fit on the platter he did, just the other direction!

Green With Envy

Yesterday I dressed Ben and Lauren in the cutest matchy outfits. Ben had a green polo shirt on and Lauren was wearing a green polo dress. I didn't even think about how Jack would feel about their outfits until he said:
"Where is my green shirt, aren't I a part of this family too?"

Bratz

Over heard at the pool last week...

Elsie: Do you like my new shoes? They are Bratz.
Jack: No.
Elsie: Why not?
Jack: Bratz are not asseptable at my house.
Elsie: Why not?
Jack: They just aren't!

Remember?

After discovering yet another open exterior door...

Me: Were you guys born in a barn?!?!?
Jack: No, we were born in a hospital. You were there, don't you remember?

Acampar Espanol

At the beginning of the summer I signed Jack up for Spanish immersion camp. It is a week of fun and games in Spanish. Jack doesn't know Spanish, but I thought it would be a great experience for him. I signed him up with a friend who doesn't speak Spanish either. The family that teaches the classes had a death in the family the week he was signed up for so his session was cancelled. We weren't able to coordinate with his friend for a different week so he had to go solo. Today was the first day of camp. We walked in and the two teachers greeted us with an "Hola!” There were three other children already there, all of which were Hispanic and speaking Spanish fluently. Jack quietly looked at me and said, "I don't know about this mom". I was thinking, "I don't know about it either buddy", but instead I said, "It will be fun buddy, just go over there and tell them your name!” I walked out of there feeling so uneasy. I hate being in situations like that and hated even more that I just put my first born into it. I thought about him over and over through out the day. Each time I thought about his little face telling me that he wasn't sure about it I teared up and my stomach tied in knots. I went to pick him up early so I could scope out the whole class. The class was made up of three Hispanic kids, Jack and one other 'Gringo'. Much to my relief, he loved it! He has been showing off his new Spanish ever since. I am so proud of him; he is such an adaptable kid. He is so ready for Kindergarten!

Scooby Birthday Bash

The Scooby Doo birthday party came off without a hitch. It was really hot so the kids didn't stay outside the whole time, but they did have lots of fun running through the Scooby sprinkler until someone got to rough and popped it. My first experience with the butter cream transfer for the Scooby cake was a success. My girlfriend Trisha supervised and even stepped in a little when I got too nervous! Maybe next time I can do it all myself...

And, it even tasted good. If you don't believe me, ask Benny!

Party's Over

There are very few things that I get to choose with MS. I don't get to choose whether my legs will work or not. As a matter of fact, I fell for the second time in two weeks while carrying Ben the other night. Ben now reminds me while I am carrying him "don't fall, mama!” I don't get to choose how well my eyes will work from day to day. And, I didn't get to choose how long my bladder would last. But, I do get to choose one thing. I get to choose how I will deal with the cards I have been dealt. You see, you don't choose the cards; you can only choose how you play the hand. I have chosen to play with a positive attitude! Feeling crappy, being depressed, being pissed off isn't going to improve my diagnosis or my symptoms. If anything, it will make it worse. Having a positive attitude makes me feel better from day to day. It makes my kids life better to have a positive mom and it makes my husband excited to come home to a happy house each night after work. So bad attitude, this is your notice; the pity party is over. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!!

Eddie Haskell

Jack is a boy after my own heart. He loves to go out to eat. If you can't go out to eat, take out is the next best option. It isn't that we won't eat at home we just love eating out. Yesterday as I planned for the kids to spend time at my aunt's house while I was at the doctor I asked...

Me: Do you want me to pack lunch in your lunchbox to eat at Aunt Kathy's or would you rather me stop and pick something up between my appointments and bring it to you?

Jack: Oh mom, I don't want you to work too hard, why don't you just pick something up?

What an ass-kisser! This kid knows how to work it. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he is a teenager!

Perspective

I have had a particularly crappy time with my MS lately. I am not having a flare, but I am finally getting into the neuro-urologist and my neurologist and let's just say the news was not great. I spent a good portion of last night and this morning throwing a little pity party for myself. On my hour long drive back to the doctor this morning the kids and I witnessed a horrible accident on the freeway. I was traveling south and the accident was on the northbound side. Someone changed lanes and clipped the corner of a man in an SUV who lost control, flipped his car and hit the center guardrail right in front of us. The motorcyclist in front of us and I stopped and tried to get the man out of the car. We couldn't pry the doors open. The EMTs arrived almost immediately. Three of the men were able to bend the door open. The man crawled out stunned and covered in blood. The EMTs put him in a neck brace and cut his clothes off to assess his injuries. My knees shook and my stomach was weak as I watched. I was nearly in tears when I returned to my car to answer my children's questions.

Jack: Is that man going to be okay?
Me: He had a bad accident and is really hurt, but he is going to be okay.
Lauren: Does he have any kids?
Me: I don't know, it looked like he was on the way to work, he could be a daddy.
Ben: What will happen to his kids?
Me: His kids will be okay the man will get better.

All the while I was hoping that I was telling the truth. It really shook me up too. It really puts things into perspective. It could be a lot worse. I need to take some time to look at the good things in my life. I may post the details of my appointment at a later date...and I may not. I am choosing not to think about it right now.

Happy Birthday Babies

My babies are three today. This morning was like Christmas, except poor Jack didn't get anything. I felt sorry for him. In most families that have three kids, each kid has their own birthday. It isn't like this morning when every kid was opening gifts except for Jack. I got Jack a couple of puzzles from the dollar spot at Target which made him feel a little better and he has had a fun day teaching Ben and Lauren how to use their new toys.

Dear Lauren,

Oh how I love you. You are the best daughter anyone could ever ask for. So loving, independent, strong, spunky, witty, beautiful and smart. I am so proud of you and lucky that you are my daughter. I love the relationship we have and hope that we are just as close when you are 13 as we are now. You remind me so much of my sister. I love Nicole so much and I know she loves you! You are the best girl in the whole wide world. I can't wait to go through all of your milestones with you; first kiss, first bra, first period, first boyfriend, prom, graduation, wedding and babies. I can only hope that you continue to think I am as great as you think I am now!

Love,
Mommy


Dear Benny,

My strong willed little pleaser. You have an infectious laugh and a smile that goes on for miles. You hate when I give you kisses, which makes the times you decide to kiss me even more meaningful. I love the running tackle hugs you give me. People ask me if you are always so serious which make me feel even luckier that you save your smiles, jokes and laughs for our family. I can't wait to see what kind of man you become. You are a great kid and I love you more and more each day. You will make your wife very lucky someday! I am so proud of you; it will be years before you understand my love for you!

Love,
Mommy

The Speeding Ticket Theory

I have a new theory to potty train Ben and it goes like this. I compare Ben to a speeding vehicle. Always in a hurry, always on the go, always busy, unless of course you need him to hurry for you. Doesn't it seem like when you get pulled over for speeding the officer takes his sweet time pulling up your plates, reviewing your insurance and writing you a ticket. By the time the cop is done with you, you have lost any time that you may have gained by speeding. This is my new theory on changing diapers. I take my time. I waste his time. If getting your diaper changed is a hassle maybe he will start going in the potty...

Brotherly Love

I kept up the tradition and asked Jack if he wanted to choose a toy for each or if he would like to use his own money to buy them gifts. He went with the 'home shopping network’, which is fine with me; we don't need a lot of new toys around here! He put a lot of thought into the gifts and came up with his Diego Jeep for Ben because he likes Diego and his Grumpy stuffed animal because Lauren "loves" Snow White. He wrapped the gifts himself while I was wrapping the presents from Travis and I.

Jack: Wrapping presents is hard work!
Me: It sure is.
Jack: But, it is fun when you are doing it for someone you love.

You have to love this kid. If you don't there is something wrong with you!

The Good News And The Bad News...

The good news: Ben refuses to wear diapers. Only "panties" for him!

The bad news: Ben refuses to go potty on the toilet. He will sit on the potty, but that is where his cooperation ceases.

What do you do with a kid that won't wear diapers and won't go in the potty?

I'll tell you what I would do; I would let the kid wear his "panties" and clean up three, yes THREE, accidents in one day. Technically, I only cleaned up two messes, the poor saps hanging onto the bottom rung at Walmart cleaned up the other (see previous post). Tonight when I went to put a Pull-Up on him for bed he flipped out.

Me: We are going to put on your special nighttime underwear.
Ben: Those are not panties; those are diapers, I DON'T WEAR DIAPERS ANYMORE!
Me: You have to use the toilet if you want to wear underwear to bed.
Ben: I DON'T NEED TO GO POTTY, I DON'T WEAR DIAPERS AND I DON'T WEAR PULL-UPS, I WEAR PANTIES!
Me: I've got a deal for you; if you go pee pee in the potty tomorrow you can wear underwear to bed tomorrow night.
Ben: I want Bob The Builder PANTIES tomorrow!
Me: Okay, deal.
Ben: Give me the diaper...

Go Potty Go!

Ben woke up at 6:30 drenched in urine. He's had it with diapers. We watched the Go Potty Go video a friend loaned me and we were off and running. He didn't want to wear diapers anymore. He picked out his "Bob The Builder panties" and we went about our day. We played outside without an accident. Don't get me wrong, he didn't go potty in the toilet, but he didn't pee in his "panties" either. We took several potty breaks with no success. By 11am we needed to leave the house to run some errands. I tried to put him in Pull-Ups but he refused. I know, this is a good sign, but it is also a major hassle. "Okay" I said patiently, "Then you will need to go potty before we leave". He sat and sat and sat, nothing. Finally I gave up and we headed out of the house with a ticking time bomb in Bob The Builder panties. I thought to myself, this is a blog post in the making. I pushed the thought out of my head, being hopeful that this is it and my boy will be potty trained by his third birthday, which is Sunday. We went to Half Price Books to find the books Ben and Lauren will be using in their Spanish lessons. We spent an hour and only found one of the seven we needed. I took all three kids in for a bathroom break. Lauren chose the first stall, Jack chose the second and Ben and I headed to the handicapped stall.

Lauren: Mommy, my dress is in the potty!
Ben: Gross!
Me: It's okay baby, I will help you in a minute, just go potty.
Lauren: Mommy, I can't reach the toilet paper!
Jack: I will help you Lauren I am almost done.
Me: Thanks Jack, you are a great big brother!
Jack: Benny, have you peepeed in the potty yet?
Ben: Nope!

Ben finally decided that he didn't have to go so we headed to our next errand. Lauren's dress was wet in the back from the waist down.

We went to the post office.

Then the bank.

Then Home Depot. I decided it had been long enough and we should try to potty again. So, in we went. No luck. We spent at least 30 minutes gathering our purchases and getting through the checkout.

Last stop, Walmart. We had to pick up a few groceries. We stopped at the bathroom as soon as we got there. Lauren peed and dipped her dress in the toilet again. Ben sat on the potty with no results again. We stopped at the McDonalds in the store for Happy Meals for the kids to eat while we shopped. Ben chugged his apple juice in seconds flat. I didn't consider the implications when I got Ben a cup of water to drink with his lunch. It was 2:15 by the time I got through the entire store. I put everything up on the conveyor then heard a frantic "Mommy, I have to go poo poo!" I turned in his direction and before I could say "Okay baby, as soon as we are through the checkout we will go to the bathroom" the woman behind us in line announced to everyone within earshot "Excuse me, your son is having an accident!" I quietly told the checker that my son had an accident. I expected her to get on the intercom and say, "clean up in aisle 3" but no she picks up the intercom and said "Urine clean up, aisle 3". Poor Benny was hiding his little face. I didn't blame him; I wanted to do the same thing. Instead I told him "It's okay, everyone makes mistakes when they are learning to use the potty". Apparently the guy behind the potty narc did not hear the request for a 'urine clean up' because he walked right through it. I saw the potty narc whisper to him and felt the glare of disgust from the unmarried and most likely childless man. If only he had known about Lauren dipping her dress in the public potty...twice. I won’t give up, I have a goal…Sunday is only two days away. Go potty, go potty, go potty go!