Funny Stuff

Potty-training update: Chocolate chips have proven to be quite the successful motivator in getting Azure to poop on the potty. She has previously received stickers for relieving herself of any sort. But, when she started hiding behind doors and then telling me, "Mommy, I went poop", I knew we needed something even cooler than stickers.

Yesterday after going pee, she said, "Yay! Now I get chocolate!" "No," I exclaimed. "You only get chocolate for going poop. You can get a sticker for going pee." So, she plops right back down on the potty, pushes a bit, produces a rabbit pellet sized turd and then says, "Yay! Chocolate!" I know this is a bit graphic, but, it's so dang hilarious that I must share :)

Then again today she did something similar. After pooping in her underwear, I asked her why she didn't let me know beforehand that she had to go. Then I explained that she wouldn't be getting any chocolate. So, again she sat on the potty and pushed the rest of the poop out. "See Mommy? Look. I went poop in the potty. I need some chocolate." The laughs never stop.

Take a look at this crazy ensemble...
Last night we got back late from the temple and consequently all went to bed very late. Azure woke up at 7:30 this morning. I told her that I was still really tired and needed to sleep longer. I asked her if she would go back to sleep with me in my bed. To my delight, she said yes. I was somewhat skeptical but, she fell back asleep right away and so did I. We didn't wake up until 10:30. It was so nice :) We both really needed it. Poor Daddy had to work early this morning and didn't get to sleep in with us. We appreciate his sacrifices!

Me with 3 of my Laurels at the temple :)

I got my hair cut finally. It had been 7 months. It hasn't taken me that long between cuts for years. I've been struggling to find a stylist that's affordable and skilled. I finally just decided to go to the lady that cut my hair the last time, even though she's expensive. So, here's my new do. She did cut an extra layer at the top that I didn't want, so it kind of looks 80'sesque (though you can't tell in this pic).

30.5 weeks

Gratitude

I give thanks for this beautiful girl who keeps me laughing daily.
Last night she thought 3am was a good time to wake up and crawl in our bed. She figured out how to open her door. We're currently thinking of ways to solve this problem. She continued to go back and forth from our bed to hers until at 4am she announced that she was hungry for lunch! So, we both had a snack and I tried to put her back down to bed. As much as I could be upset or annoyed that she kept me up so much, I couldn't because she was in such a happy mood, with a great big smile saying, "Hi, mommy!" as our eyes adjusted to the light being turned on. How could I be upset? I taught her the song "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain and it's her new favorite. She sings it so well, I'm impressed. I think she was a little too excited about the morning :) Around 6am she cried for more milk. I guess she's trying to get me ready for being up with Vince all night in a few months.

I give thanks for a husband who adores me despite my weaknesses. And who is forgiving, loving, and kind.
I give thanks for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today is my 11 year anniversary of being baptized. As I look back over the last 11 years, I'm overwhelmed with the blessings I have received in that time. So much good has come from that decision, mostly the two previous blessings I've already mentioned.
I am grateful to be a mother again to baby Vince soon. I'm grateful that I will have a son. I look forward to him receiving the Priesthood; to the time when he will bless the sacrament for the first time; when he and his daddy can lay their hands upon my head and give me a blessing; when he will serve as a missionary.

"For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise."

Videos from the past month or so

I've been behind on blogging and I will give my reasons.

1) Charles has the computer most of the day at school. Though I have my own lap top, it's primary function is the internet. I can't upload any photos or videos from it. So, I haven't had much access to the "big" computer lately with all the tests Charles has had.

2) We updated our computer with Windows 7 and I absolutely HATE it. The program I've used for editing pictures is entirely gone. I've had to relearn how to do things and it's not as effective.

3) This past week I put together our yearly Young Women in Excellence program. It was a lot of work. And though, I'm relieved that it's over (since my stress levels were running a little high) I enjoyed doing it. I put together a slide show (among other things) with pics from this past year of all the girls, including a recent photo shoot we had with each of them. They are all beautiful and I love those girls. The program turned out great.

Okay, now on to the videos...

Every night Azure sings her ducky happy birthday in the tub. The end of the video is pretty dang funny. She's gotten into the habit of telling me to go "bye,bye" or "go take a shower", or "go play on the computer" when I tell her something she doesn't want to hear. At this point, it's mostly funny.






Unfortunately this is the only good pic we got of Azure in her Halloween costume this year. She was not cooperating and neither was our camera. Can't wait to get a new SLR for Christmas this year :) Oh the joy!!!

Bubble beard

Helping Daddy wash the car

Keeping the Sabbath day

Today while waiting for Daddy in the car, I put on the radio to pass the time and started singing along with a song. Azure said, "No, turn it off Mommy!"
A little puzzled, I asked, "Why?"
"It's Sunday!"
Laughing hysterically, I said, "No, it's Friday. But, you're right, we don't listen to the radio on Sunday."
What a cutie!

To Azure

I feel like you've grown leaps and bounds recently. Maybe not so much physically, but mentally and emotionally.

You are going potty now consistently every day. You are so proud of yourself. Daddy and I are proud of you too. You make me feel pretty good about myself when you praise me for using the potty too. "Yay Mommy! You went pee in the potty!" Thanks for boosting my self-esteem when I'm having a hard day. We haven't yet ventured to using the potty outside of the home yet, so we're still a few steps away from being completely trained. You've taught us to be patient, and to have a good sense of humor. Thank you!

You are phrasing sentences together very well as of late. "I need some yummy soup in my bowl." Your pretend play is hysterical to watch. You tell your babies step by step what you are doing, always ending with an emphatic, "Okay?" at the end. And sometimes you scold them, which is sobering to watch.

We had some friends over for dinner on Sunday and you performed "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" for them. There was twirling, and crescendos, and it was beautiful. You love attention and clearly love to perform, definitely your mother's daughter.

Sometimes when just the two of us get home from running errands, the first thing you blurt out as we open the door is, "Hi Charlie!" When asked what your name is you reply, "Azure Marie Jensen," with the utmost confidence. When I ask you what Mommy's name is, you say, "Denanna." What's daddy's name? "Charles." Hopefully you can retrieve that info if you ever get lost.

It is so fun to see your exuberant delight at such small things. I found these jammies on sale for $3, complete with slippers. You love them! You are cute and feminine in them.
You are such a blessed little girl. I thought of you constantly when I was dating and trying to find a suitable daddy for you. I have always been pleased with my decision. Heavenly Father helped me to choose the very best. When you are sick or sad, Daddy can always give you a priesthood blessing of health and comfort because he has the authority to do so. And more importantly, he is worthy to do so. He loves Jesus, and you, and Mommy. He works very hard so he can support us. We are so blessed to have him. And we are blessed to have you, Azure Marie.

Pumpkin Patch

So happy she smiles so beautifully for pictures when asked. Let's hope this stage lasts a long time.

Sweating, Swimming, Socks, Shoes, Strollers, Sleeping, and Singing

I won't list my excuses for not posting regularly lately. Good things have been happening. Last Friday it was 90'F with 100% humidity. So ridiculously hot! So, Azure and I decided to be spontaneous and went swimming at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I put her floaties on and she swam the entire length of the pool with no help from me! It was so fulfilling to see her grasp the concept of swimming on her own. She cheered herself on and said, "Yay! I did it. I'm swimming!" It was cute to see her so pleased with herself. We were both all smiles :) She's a great friend to hang out with. We swam and splashed around for about an hour.

Lipstick prints on her cheeks from mommy

She's had this fetish lately where she'll put on Charles' socks, which go up to her knee, and then put his shoes on. It's funny because she insists on putting his socks on with the shoes. She won't put his shoes on without his socks.
I purchased this baby stroller for her for $2.50 at a thrift sale. Money well spent, she loves it.

Me at 25 wks

Charles is usually tired after class and naps for about half an hour on the couch. Azure enjoys putting her blanket on him and getting her entourage of dolls/babies for him. He doesn't even flinch. So, I'm extremely proud of myself for getting the following pictures:

2 weeks ago my choir performed Verdi's Requiem in a beautiful cathedral along with the orchestra and 4 amazing soloists. It was an incredible performance. Here's the only good picture I have of the cathedral.
Since finishing the performance we have started working on our Christmas concert. Singing songs about the Savior's birth gets me really excited for the Christmas season.

I am more exhausted than usual at this stage of my pregnancy but, am grateful to be able to go to the gym which boosts my energy. I've bought a lot of clothes, and even some Pampers Swaddlers on sale (my fave diapers for newborns). So, we're getting stocked up and ready for Vince's arrival. I can't wait to snuggle with him!