BUSY!!

It's been busy at the Doty house! We have had so much fun lately, we celebrated my 23rd Birthday on Friday, by going together as a family to Farmstead, (a corn maze and pumpkin patch.) The kids LOVED it and so did we! They had so many fun things for the kids to do and we just really enjoyed our time there! We will probably be going back before it closes for the season. The kids LOVED the pony rides, the jumping pillow, all the animals to pet! Then they had a corn box where my little son got to play while his sister napped. They had a cow train that was just adorable! They had made little cow train car things, that were pulled around by a tractor and the kids just thought it was awesome! The corn maze was so much fun for the kids they loved running down the paths and picking which way we should go! (If only I didn't tire so fast we could have been in the maze longer!) We took a hayride to go to the pumpkin patch where we picked a couple of pumpkins that we'll carve on Monday! My little girl got to pet and feed animals, my little boy got to be around tractors and ride things, the day just couldn't have been better! We were there all the way until bedtime, went home put the kids to bed and then I got to cuddle with my Hubby while we watched a movie... perfect day!

Saturday Hubby had work and Rocky had soccer, he wasn't really interested in playing he was still tired from the day before so we stayed till about 10 mins left in practice and decided that yes it was just too tiring today haha. Then we had a little less than 2 hours till we had to pick up the Hubby from work so we went and saw Cars 2 in the cheap theater (it's right next to where he works so if it went longer he would be able to come get us/have the car) But he got off work early so he got to watch part of the movie with us (that was so nice.) We all agreed that it was fun once but not a movie we'd be buying (even after I thought for sure that movie would end up under the tree for our little boy!) That's okay there are much better gifts to be given! It was my actual Birthday on Saturday so my Hubby gave me a present as soon as we got home, it was such a sweet gift! He had purchased me new scriptures (which I really did need, chapters had randomly gone missing and pages were falling out) plus he really didn't like that they had my maiden name on them. So I have a brand new pair of scriptures with my name on them! He even picked out a scripture case that it just wonderful and got me new things to mark my scriptures with! He is so thoughtful, I am so grateful for him taking the time to make me feel extra special on my birthday.

WAY TO GO BSU we watched their game at Hubby's grandma and grandpa's! I appreciate them keeping me comfortable while watching the game and not stressed on the edge of the seat! haha

My sweet little boy has been having trouble the last couple of weeks and I feel so bad, I know it's my fault. I've been sick again and I have not been good about personal scripture study with the children. I haven't been taking the time that he needs in order to feel special and loved, and to help him learn and progress. Meals have been hit and miss at our house and I feel so guilty. That is something that I truly enjoy providing for my family a nice home cooked meal 3 times a day, just brings me joy.

I have a lot work on this week and am hoping that I have the energy and patients to accomplish everything. (Or at least the important things each day)

Sickness and a Busy Weekend!

It's been a few days since I posted. We've had either blogger down or Andi making herself sick (She decided she didn't want to go to bed and cried so hard she threw up) Cleaning that up made me stay up later than what I wanted so I skipped them Rob got sick. Well we're all healthy now and getting into a fun week!

Yesterday we had a family home evening on being polite and using good words. We talked about how it makes us all happy and Heavenly Father happy when we speak kindly to each other. For our young children to try to illustrate this I got a cup of M&M's (one of their favorites!) and we took turns saying please and thank you for a treat, (because treats make us happy and just like when we talk nicely.) It was short and sweet. I love watching my children grow up and developing into these sweet people and seeing them love each other, and attempt to take care of each other. Though they fight, we are all learning; to be patient, to be compassionate, and to be understanding. I hope that someday they look back on our FHE's with a smile and remember that we love them and that we had fun learning together.

We're looking forward to going to Linder Farm's later this week, which I am ecstatic to be taking our kids to! We've never let them go and pick their pumpkin before and they have a corn maze and all kinds of fun things for the kids. It's nice to have something to look forward to today.

Now I see...

I need to go out frequently with my children, it helps me keep my sanity. I did not make it out somewhere today, and around 5pm (after a day of no naps again) my wonderful children decided it was now time to play rough which is laughter shortly followed by much crying. It wasn't their crazy play where they run around giggling at each other and tag each other and roar and think they are the funniest thing on earth. (I missed that today) I was feeling rather fat this evening and low on patients and with them not listening and making each other cry, I was missing my Hubby. I kept just trying to think, would I rather not be here though? Would I rather someone else be taking care of them? I love them so much, but I am tired. Finally I spoke very firmly with them and decided that Rocky needed more encouragement to do good. So overtime he helped his sister we gave high 5's and told him he was awesome! When he cleaned up the same thing "You are awesome, you rock!" and "I love you! I am so proud of you." And his attitude improved, not to perfect but so much better than where he was! My daughter needed extra cuddling (and sleep) but she was able to calm down enough to help clean up. She loves to help clean up and I love how well she does it! She had a really hard time falling asleep. So now I see (again) that sometimes it's okay to wait on the cleaning. That even in the rain when I am feeling very pregnant I should just go out, take my camera, jump in some puddles. Make sure both of the me and the kids have fun, creative fun, not just playing with the toys in the house. Even play dough was boring today, we just are going to have to do something different tomorrow!

I should mention the morning. It was bliss, (which is probably why I felt so frustrated at the evenings attitude) The kids had an extra playmate who was super happy, my daughter and her played so well together. Then my son joined in and we all just had so much fun. We made muffins for breakfast. My kids hardly touched their lunch, (maybe that's why they had such a hard time.) But they played so well and made lots of messes with their toys (good messes) They made the morning easy, enjoyable, and just bliss.

Oh Wednesday

Preschool was good we worked on the letter B. I had made beehives for the kids with big black letter B and had printed and cut out lots of bees for them to color and put into the hive. Andi loved it and did AWESOME. She kept telling me the b sound and just really loved our story that we read to go with the lesson. Rocky didn't want to color his bees unless Mommy helped and I was trying to help both children. I had cut out the bees the night before and lightly taped them onto a piece of construction paper so that the could color and them move the bee's themselves into the hive. I am glad I put all the work into the lesson and coloring project even though I cut out 18 bees (9 for each of them) only 6 were used... Oh well. Hopefully Rocky remembers he can color by himself again soon!

We went to the pet store to take in a water sample to make sure our water was good before we added more fish. Sure enough there was a high (but not bad) ammonia level so we have to wait till Saturday before we can add more. But at least we know so hopefully all our fish won't die (again) Thank you Petco for having a 30 day guarantee on your fish!

Just a Tuesday

Our poor babies had a really hard night last night, with all of us getting very little sleep. That made our day a little harder than usual. We hadn't watched hardly any TV for a while so I decided that it would be okay to watch a couple movies to help them be happy and content. So we watched Beauty and the Beast, and The Princess and the Frog. I hate seeing my sweet children upset when I know the cure is so simple! It's amazing how much of an impact the simple act of resting our bodies can do for our attitude.

As I was sitting there with my babies thinking this is a harder day, and due to my pregnant self I was almost in tears, when I caught myself thinking "are you serious? you're about to cry because your children are learning how their bodies work/don't work when they don't receive enough sleep" Then I decided to instead focus on all the many things that I could be doing, like getting the family gift exchange set-up for this year. And then decided to just think about all of our wonderful blessings. I have a beautiful home, 2 healthy children with a 3rd on the way, I have a wonderful Husband, who has just started a job that he loves, he is able to go to a good school and receive further education. There is plenty of food in my fridge, the bills are paid. I have been given many tools to help my children learn the gospel, and for us all to grow closer together. Then my thoughts finally turned where I wanted them to go, it may not always be easy, it is always worth it. And that this calling gives me the greatest joy. And that sometimes it's okay to be tired and watch a couple movies. It was nice to just cuddle and play with the kids, we normally get lots of play time but not a lot of cuddle time. It was a special day.

Today I went to a store to look for a baby gift for a friend who will soon have her 1st little one, (a little boy) This store is a trap for me, I ALWAYS end up spending more than I planned to because that little boy section is just full of cute little clothes, and I happen to be having a 2nd boy in December! But I bought my birthday gift, I purchased an outfit for my little one coming in December, and then a matching shirt for my daughter (I already had a few shirt options for my oldest that would go perfect with theirs) and so now I have some matching outfits for the children, so that when this new little one comes I can take lots of cute pictures of them all matching! haha But I love it and it makes me so happy to have pictures of my little ones!

Here's hoping for a better nights rest and happier children tomorrow so that preschool goes smoothly and that we can do something fun afterwards!

Rocky can ROLL his belly!

Rocky during family home evening, (which neither child really paid any attention) they instead sat there (more like ran around) showing each other their belly. But the FUNNIEST thing happened when Rocky started rolling his belling. I think I might need to get a video camera it's pretty much hilarious. Hopefully they will remember anything from our short lesson on how to pray.

Christmas shopping has begun! (it may seem early but I want to be done before Thanksgiving, so I can enjoy the Holiday and focus on teaching our children about Christmas and I'll need time to finish all their homemade gifts!) I am taking care of Andi's presents from Mommy and Daddy this week. I am really excited to get her gifts because she's our only girl so far and she's SO girlie! She's is getting lots of girl gifts this year and I am excited to see her face! And it's fun to see the differences between the two! (Rocky will definitely be ready for another boy to play with!)

Coloring and Messes!

A tiring day, wonderful but oh so tiring! It usually is and as long as I don't loose my temper that day (I have been getting tired and cranky lately, being pregnant is hard sometimes) I can still feel like it was wonderful! Watching conference was wonderful, the first session we colored with the kids trying to get them to stay in the living room to listen. The second session I was trying desperately to get Andi to take a nap (she is barely 2 and thinks she doesn't need a nap anymore, but she does) so I relaxed with her on the couch and just cuddled her till she fell asleep... and so did I. So I missed half of the second session.

When I woke I laid Andi down on the couch and went to look for my Hubby and son, well I found a trail to follow to find Rocky... it was a trail of water (no he didn't have an accident) but he had grabbed two pitchers of water and spilled them ALL OVER his room! He had all his kitchen equipment out at his little play kitchen and water EVERYWHERE! His clothes were soaked so I thought; I wonder where your Daddy is and if he knows what happened to the house? I went into the office and there was my sweet, hardworking Hubby studying hard for his next test. I asked him so do you know where your son is... what he's up to, what he did? He had no clue! At least it was only water and Rocky was willing to help clean it up! What a cuttie he is! Then I went to the kitchen to clean the pitchers and refill them.... Orange juice was all over my floor, first thought; Oh thank heavens it's only in the kitchen! and there wasn't much left! So that was fun, the rest of the day I got to watch my sweet kids chase after each other laughing and squealing.

Unfortunately, Rob had to finish an online test so we had a late dinner to accommodate that which made Andi VERY unhappy and the poor thing just wanted cuddled but I was making fried chicken and couldn't have her in the kitchen with the hot oil. She cried for a good 30 mins while I made dinner, (Daddy came and comforted her a couple of times while he was studying.) Then once we had dinner together and a miracle happened! Rocky tried EVERYTHING on his plate!!!!!! This NEVER happens sometimes we wonder how that boy can even be alive with how little he eats sometimes! But he's been doing AWESOME! We decided that there can't be anymore "unhealthy" snacks, so no more fruit snacks, and cookies around our house. And he while he hasn't loved all the small changes I keep slowly making like it's a fresh fruit or veggie for a snack or homemade bread (any kind banana, zucchini, or potato -that's pretty much all I make- until fall and then I'll make some pumpkin) But he did so good at dinner I am so proud of him!

The kids took a bath while I cleaned up some messes and afterward they didn't want to get dressed! haha (Who likes clothes anyway?) But Rocky ran into the office naked with his hat and sunglasses on and his bubble gun, so funny and cute! His favorite thing to wear is his hat and sunglasses and have some sort of "gun" all he has is a bubble gun, squirt gun (both toy story themed) and then and little nerve type gun with no bullets) haha so it's just hilarious! Andi likes to do the same things as her brother so she got some sunglasses and they were taking turns with their tie. You might have to be there Mom to think that everything they do is cute (well most everything) but I took pictures so you can be the judge. (Pictures didn't get posted because we felt they were better kept for family) :) But they are just so amazing and going to be young for such a short amount of time that I just can't help it!

Since I am due in December I have started to think about Christmas... I know there's still lots of time but I want everything done before December 1st so that no matter what happens we are prepared for it! Last year we tried to make sure that the kids knew that it's about Christ's birth but I don't think they got anything from it except that they got to open lots of cool new toys...(granted they were 1 and 2) So this year I am thinking about a whole different approach, though I haven't figured to much about how I want to do it, I have a few ideas but I am having a hard time finding the things that I need to do it! So once I figure out more I'll share what we're doing! There's still time so for now we're more of looking at where we'll put the Christmas tree. This year I don't know how long we'll be able to hold off putting it up! haha But don't worry it won't go up in October! I am hoping that we'll be good this year and wait till after Thanksgiving. Well I still need to go work on the kids Christmas stuff and get everything going so I think I'm done.

But today I want to remember us all coloring together during conference. Remember pointing out who Andi was coloring (they were pages off The Friend's website so they were of kids praying, and the prophets.) And listening to my children try to say names. And remember how cute Andi is when she's tired of trying to say the name that she starts pointing out their nose, and eyes to try and change the subject!

October 1st 2011-Conference Weekend-

Today we got to listen to General Conference, I felt like at times it was more of an attempt. The first session I was able to listen well to everything except the first talk and the last talk. (I was so disappointed that just when Elder Uchtdorf got up to spoke my children decided they needed a hundred things and we're now getting tired, but I am very excited to read it!) Anyway so as conference was starting I decided to think of two or three questions that I had been pondering lately. My first one was answered as soon as I was able to sit down and really pay attention. Sister Barbara Thompson spoke on receiving revelation. As a mother of young children (and I am sure most mothers can relate) I find myself constantly trying to find the best way to teach and communicate with my children. (especially because my 3 year old is just starting to talk) As I listened to her talk and heard the different ways that we receive revelation it just hit me! As I have been praying daily I have been answered constantly and consistently with little things to help me teach my children. The Lord would never leave us alone while we are trying to do His will in raising His children! All those times I have felt those tears of frustration because I feel like I must be doing something wrong, why else would my child behave in such a manner, and have prayed to know what to do I have felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost and have had my mind enlightened. The Lord knows I am no where near being a perfect parent, and has been helping me as a parent since before the day I gave birth to my first child. What a loving Heavenly Father we have, he may not have given me a step by step handbook on how to raise Rocky or how to raise Andi. But He has given and continues to give the help I need (which trust me is a lot.) I am so grateful for her talk and reminding me of just how loving our Heavenly Father is and that Rob and I are not alone in this parenting thing. We have the greatest teachers of all available to us if we only will chose to listen and obey. *And as a side note one of the things that my mind was enlightened with one morning a few weeks ago was to start personal scripture study with each child. I take each one (all two of them) aside each morning (or mid-morning as the day may go) and we pray together and read scriptures just the two of us. This has made a tremendous difference in my sons talking. He has even been better about tantrums and will take time to listen to me, and sometime (in those rare shinning moments) talk with me about things. I know that the Lord listens and answers our prayers, even when we are to blind to notice where those brilliant ideas are coming from.

There was another quote that I want to take note of which is from Jose L Alonso; "Do the right thing at the right time without delay." I have felt like I should call or go visit a friend or family member and then immediately thought, "well I'll need cookies, or a cake, or bread, anything to take over there so that I am just not showing up out of the blue!" or "what could I possibly do once I am there? I'm 22, and 26 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child!" I have failed to act, a simple phone call may have sufficed, and my 2 and 3 year old may have behaved perfectly had I walked/driven to that sisters house. I have need to repent, in the 4 years I have been in Relief Society (and married) I have felt out of place much of the time and have skipped many activities because I didn't feel that I belonged that I wasn't wanted or needed there. There are plenty of wonderful, capable sisters there that I surely would not be missed nor even noticed if I show up or not. But I would notice the difference in my life if I didn't go. So it is just time to move forward with my new resolve; JUST DO IT ALREADY! I may not be able to offer much but if I am feeling prompted the Lord will ensure that I am able to help. I just need to listen, AND DO IT!