I'm NOT Potty-training Courtney or am I?

Okay, I am totally shocked! The following story is not to make other mothers feel bad or to brag that Courtney is amazing, it's simply a surprising story that may not happen again, who knows? (You can totally tell I'm a Mom, if you had told me 5 years ago that I'd be excited over potty-training, I wouldn't have believed you). So I bought Courtney a pink potty a week ago and about once a day she'll sit on it and we'll sing songs, talk, and clap when she's all done. Sure no big deal. Mind you I did not set out to potty-train Courtney. We are expecting another baby in July and I heard that kids regress after a new sibling, therefore I wasn't pushing it. It was mainly just a fun game. I was planning on training her after the baby came. So this morning, she said "poo-poo" and I sat her on her potty thinking nothing of it. We sat and gabbered then what do you know?, to my amazement she went poo-poo!, signed done, and in disbelief I clapped for her. She acted like it was no big deal! I don't know maybe I'm making too big of a deal out of this but I can't tell you how amazed I am over the whole thing. Maybe some other Moms will discourage me or say I'm doing it all wrong, I don't know. Maybe this is the beginning of the awfull 'potty-training' hardships that everyone talks about. I don't know.

It is always crazy to me the things that Courtney learns so quickly and then there are other things that I think are really simple she won't get at all! Go figure?!

Brisbin Reunion

I have been looking forward to this last weekend for along time! My Great-Grandma Brisbin turned 89 yrs old this March and we typically have a reunion for her around her birthday. No one had stepped forward to do a reuion so, I did! I love parties and I decided this was a great way to show Grandma how much I love her. It turned out great! Everyone was in such good spirits and there were no problems except the 'bounce-house' kept deflating, but I think the kids thought that was even better! I am really grateful to everyone that came because it is always a sacrifice. It was more work than I thought it was going to be but one of my goals was not to get overly-stressed about it and I think I did really well. (This is huge...my husband is so proud)!

Tawna (my sister) came down a day early and we had a chance to play! Her son, Drake, and Courtney had a blast playing outside all day. Then more of my family came down. We went for a walk to the park, played at the sand dunes, caught fish at a pond with ducks, shopping, and then to the reunion. (But not all in one day)!

These next pictures where so funny I couldn't resist putting them on.

Courtney is not crying in this picture. I think every Mom knows how it is when you say smile then the camera clicks just as they turn their head away. Well, this picture is such a result of a 'smile' picture. My mom and the kids at the dunes.

San Diego Trip

We love to hit the swap-meet everytime we're in California. It works really well where it's only a couple blocks away from Dave's parents house. The T-shirt and jewelry shop are my favorite shops. Since we, Dave's Grandma and I, were taking too long Dave found this darling bus to occupy Courtney. Dave said he's seen these little cheesy rides for kids his whole life but didn't think anyone ever used them. I think he was just as thrilled as Courtney to find a fun toy!

We took Courtney to a Milk Farm that has animals you can feed. Boy, she LOVED it! I'd ask her what do the sheep say and she'd say ahhhh hhhh hh. She was leery at first but just started to giggle when the goat would lick her fingers.

We also had a chance to go to the San Diego Temple. One of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen! It holds a special place in my heart because even though I got married in the St. George Temple, it's the only one I knew for a year while Dave and I lived in California.

Dave and I celebrated our anniversay almost 2months early but we were able to get a night away and get to know San Diego. We went everywhere!!! One fun place was the Aerospace Museum in Balboa Park.

Biking

Biking Tonaquint Park Shane and Alissa- our buddies!, AND they're family! Too cool!

Still trying to get the hang of eating... she's getting it slowly! Hallmark picture. One to show at her high-school graduation!

Birthdays. Birthdays. Birthdays.

Coutney's First Birthday! Oh, it was sooo sad. She had been throwing up the night before and I thought she was okay... nope! Just as we all sat down for dinner she decided to share! Poor thing. This picture was taken after her bath and new pair of cloths.Courtney was really timid about digging into her cake which was fine with me because she couldn't eat it 1) She can't have milk, butter, dairy, etc. 2) She was obviously not feeling well! Happy 50th Dad! He was an awesome sport- it was a definitely a 'happening' party! Uncle Clint and Wyatt... somewhere! Courtney helping Daddy blow-out his candles. Happy B-day David.

Winter Activities

Even on really cold days, Courtney and I have to get outside and play! She loves her ricketty old play house and slide.

We have loved going up to Pine Valley, sleding, and playing in the snow! Courtney with her cousin Joseph. Sleding down the road is always a big hit! Aunt Laura and Jacob- cute as little bugs! We have also gone to the indoor pool once a week, another chance to get-out, Courtney LOVES the water! Pictures are taken in December but it's always nice in California! The McBride Family

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Family Tradition: Tromp around the forest in search of the perfect Christmas Tree. Usually we are doing it in 2-3 feet of snow, but not this year it was quite warm- for Vernal!

Keeping warm waiting for the Light Parade to start! My crazy brother!, and his wife-she's just as crazy!

Our Family Picture- Nov 08

The Barton Family

Courtney is learning and discovering everyday. She had fun in the leaves but spent a lot of time trying to 'figure them out!'

Courtney LOVES to ride in the trailer behind my bike- she gets to go on all sorts of adventures!

She has also found a lovely past-time! I can't get angry with her- she's just too adorable.

Sand Dunes

On Sat. we rode our bikes down Snow Canyon (maybe someday we will be able to bike up it) and we stopped at the sand-dunes had lunch and played. Courtney loves to walk she wouldn't let David put her down!

Courtney will eat everything except what she's supposed to. For some reason she loved her carrot once it was covered in sand!

We took a break from crazy life and just enjoyed the sand between our toes and how fasinating it is running through your fingers.