Friday, May 1, 2009

Our big girl

Okay, I'm finally going to do it. I'm ready to announce on this blog that Miss Caroline has been completely potty-trained for an entire month! I have heard about the "jinx" that blogging about this can lead to, but I'm ready to face it. I can't keep it inside any longer! Caroline chose to do this on her own and has never looked back. She never even wore pull-ups (not even at night!) Just cold turkey, she's potty-trained. Believe me, I am not taking this for granted at all. I'm seriously considering this a blessing from God. I've heard about some of my friends going through "potty boot-camp" and staying home for three or more days, etc. Not Caroline. One day after deciding to be a big girl, we took her to Branson to visit Silver Dollar City. Not one problem, not one pull-up. Amazing.Train ride at the "City" (as Caroline calls it)
As I just mentioned we visited SDC early last month and I haven't had time to blog about it! Growing up, Becky and I had some of our best memories visiting the amusement park. It seems like we went each summer for several years. Thomas and I had planned on taking her this spring, so I was determined to see our plans through!Mimi, Aunt B, Caroline and I all went and had the best time. We ate "fair" food (dippin' dots, funnel cake etc.) Of course, we went through "Grandfather's Mansion" ( like a "fun" house.) Sweet Mimi obliged Caroline and went through two or three times with her as well as rode the rides countless times with her. Aunt B and I had to rest several times that day and due to our "conditions" We had to watch more than "ride," which was just as fun. (The park is situated in the mountains, so we were also tired from climbing the hills! My calves hurt the next day!)
It is so fun experiencing SDC as an adult with a 2 year old. It makes you feel young again!

Catching up with Caroline:
  • We just went to her two-year checkup and the doctor was impressed with her verbal skills. He said she is much more like a 3 year old than a 2 year old. It was cute, as he was talking to me she would nod her head and look at me with her hands in the air like "Are you listening to all this?" She was most impressed with the stick-on earrings she got when we were finished.
  • She can count to 11 (sometimes skipping "4," but I think it's because it's hard for her to say.)
  • She still calls herself "Nine-uh," but I've heard her say "Caroline" twice, so I think she just likes the nickname.
  • She could eat a whole bottle of ketchup if I let her.
  • She is very much into dancing. She likes to wear "dancing dresses" as she calls them. (Any dress is a "dancing dress.")
  • She likes to sing-her favorites right now are Old McDonald, (still) Twinkle, Twinkle, and a song from Dora where whenever we go anywhere she sings "Where are we going? -clap, clap, clap-the bathroom!" or wherever (mimi's house, the park etc.)
  • She calls blueberries "boo boo bee bees" She also says "Yummy, hot, toe-toe" (instead of cocoa.) I'll try to post audio next time, too cute.

  • She talks to Aunt B's and my belly saying, "Watch baby Thomas" "Watch baby Jett" and then she'll play peek-a-boo "with" them.
As for baby Thomas, he is kicking up a storm-which I LOVE! I have an appointment next Thursday and maybe I'll have more info on him!
As for me, I am trying not to dwell on the fact that the school year is coming to an end. This will be another difficult transition for me. With both of us having been teachers, we always looked forward to our summers off together and planning hiking trips, picnics, and working in the yard. I will be having to "reinvent" myself and routines for the summers now. It's hard to describe, but I will be doing "okay" one minute and then the next I will feel like the air has been knocked out of me as I remember or a piece of the reality of our situation hits me.
I can say that I am having some new "understandings(?)" about life lately. I will hopefully be able to put them into words soon, but for now I'll just say that I realize how each day is an opportunity to do "good" in the world or someone's life. We are all going to die someday. I know that it is morbid, but it is true. We don't like to think about it (and we shouldn't dwell on it) but it is important to realize that some day will be our last one here on Earth. What then?? How will we feel (if we have time to reflect!) about how we lived our lives? Will we feel we made some kind of lasting impact? Are we happy with what we've accomplished? Any regrets? If we think about those things now, we can do something about them! Most importantly, will we be ready to meet our maker? (I know that sounds like a line in a movie) Seriously, I am so happy that I have an actual relationship with God and when I go to meet Him, we will know each other! I wouldn't want to have Him have to try to remember my name! (ha!)

Anyway, I guess what I am saying is-enjoy each day-and if you aren't, then change what you are doing. Life is too short. Be confident in where you are headed when your time is over, because that one day will be here eventually. If I am able to find joy and be happy (on most days) in such a sad circumstance then everyone must realize that it is not me, but God! He never changes. His promises have been the same from the beginning of time and I am living proof.

"To console those who grieve in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of mourning; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:3

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Thank you for your continued prayers. It comforts me so much to know you all care!

27 comments:

  1. Bless you, Bonnie. I continue to pray for you, Caroline, & baby Thomas! And praise the Lord for an easy potty training! Someday, I will need to know your "tips"! ;)

    --Rachel in Ohio

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  2. Potty training early and easy runs in the family, I'm living proof :)
    Take care we love you

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  3. Bonnie,
    Can you send me your address? I have a letter to mail you, but don't know how to get your address. you can email it to me: ruthch@hotmail.com

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  4. I'm so thankful you have such a healthy outlook on this journey...
    and YAY for potty training!! I'm hoping it goes the same for us:)
    Take care and I can't wait to see you so soon!

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  5. That Caroline is too much! Amazing how quickly she potty trained. I've been trying to potty train my nephew for four months - ugh!!! Having a house on the market and potty accidents are not a good mix!
    I'm glad you've got a sweet girl to bring you such delight! I'm still praying for baby Thomas and for you too!
    I'm actually reading Randy Alcorn's book "Heaven" right now. It's long and deep, but so insightful. I've been a Christian my entire life and I'm learning so many new things. It's a great read!

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  6. Your daughter is so adorable and I am SO impressed with the potty training. Even when my daughter was potty trained, she was petrified of the automatice flushing toilets for the longest time and would refuse to sit on them!!! :) It sounds like God has given you a lot of fresh hope lately, for which I'm so thankful. Praying for you today!

    Ruthie, in Ohio

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  7. Thank you for this - I needed this reminder today! :) Your daughter is adorable & you are a strong woman.

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  8. thank you for posting bonnie. i know it's hard to squeeze in the time and i appreciate knowing where your heart is!
    the potty training, that is amazing!!! i definitely see that as a gift from god!
    see you tomorrow!!
    love you and pray for you consistently :)

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  9. Beautifully put Bonnie. I love you so much and am so blessed to be enjoying this life with you and our family and friends!

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  10. Way to go Caroline! Violet screams bloody murder if we even mention the potty. I have a feeling we are going to have our hands full.

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  11. Congrats on the potty-training...I've heard girls are less painful than boys. Maybe baby Thomas will make it easy on you, too. I know it will be hard, but I hope you enjoy your summer. I teach, and I always look forward to my summer to spend with my children. May God bless you and your sweet children! Heaven will be much sweeter...if you can imagine that!

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  12. What a big girl Caroline is becoming. She looks like such a big girl. Way to go on the potty training...our oldest daughter was like that. It just happened in one day. I think I am a long way off with the youngest child. I was not surprised to hear that Caroline was so advanced in her language. I have been so in awe of her words and talking. She is a smart cookie! Still praying for you.

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  13. Enjoy each day and if you aren't, change what you are doing. This is my new favorite quote from you. You are such a blessing in my life and I love you so much! (P.S. Aly and I are going with you to SDC next time!!)

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  14. Bonnie, You have no idea of how many Springdale (High) teachers are continually praying for you. We love being able to keep with you, Caroline, and lil' baby Thomas through your blog. Your blog is such a testament of your faith. Thanks!

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  15. I have to admit that I haven't visited in a while. (Actually, I have been taking a blogging break), and I didn't know that you are pregnant. I am also pregnant and due 9/15, but will have a c-sect. the week of Labor Day. I have to tell you that I know your baby (and mine) are both blessings from God. I am thrilled for you that you are pregnant with a boy! While it must be bittersweet, I'm sure this new little boy, as well as Caroline will always remind you of the special qualities your husband had. LOL & best of luck. I hope you have NO PAIN with the delivery! :O)

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  16. You are such am awesomely strong person!! You're a real inspiration to Lola and i am so glad she got to meet you guys! I am going to make sure she reads this blog!! Thanks again for sharing your life with everyone and being somebody my daughter and other kids can look up to!! God Bless you all and our prayers are with you!

    Kim Butler

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  17. I haven't visited your blog lately, but I am glad to read about your lovely daughter and the upcoming birth of your baby boy. You are a strong woman...so inspiring! I hope you find your summer a time to relax, and reflect. Take care! Sharon

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  18. Please send me your mailing address as I would like to send you something I make....
    dswideman@comcast.net

    Sharon

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  19. You have an amazing positive attitude! And yea for Caroline!!

    Kristen

    http://tothblog.blogspot.com/

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  20. Bonnie,

    Congrats on the quick potty training! What a blessing from the Lord above! My oldest took FOREVER to potty train. I can only hope and pray that his little brother will be easier to train! Thanks so much for the reminder that every day is a gift. It truly is, and it is so easy to get distracted by all of the little things that aren't very important in light of eternity. Hope your pregnancy is going well!

    Praying for you!
    Tricia York

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  21. Wow..your words are powerful and so true, well said! thanks for sharing your heart

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  22. p.s. I loved your 'shelfari' so much that i have spent more than an hour working on one of my own!

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  23. That is great Caroline is potty trained! Congrats! She sounds like she is doing wonderful. I think of you and your family often:)

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  24. "She calls blueberries "boo boo bee bees" She also says "Yummy, hot, toe-toe" (instead of cocoa.)"

    this part made me laugh out loud. HilARious. You're blessed to have such a sweet girl! Looking forward to when baby Thomas joins the stories.

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  25. i love reading your blog, bonnie. it's so refreshing and uplifting. thank you for being you! --staci

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  26. Hi my name is Karen V Nelson and i just read your blog since i was not able to sleep since i am not feeling well. dont know if you know bethany at all but i saw this on her page. i was truely inspired by your life changing experience and the power that the Lord has given you to go on. God is so good and i am just so happy that you already knew Him and that's gotta be what's helping you along with the prayers of loved ones. your daughter is just beautiful and if you raise them according to God's will, they will be blessed. The happiness in your daughter's eyes just speaks for itself-yes you are doing a great job! And dont stress about the summer. God'got it already planned for you:) just keep smiling and know that you are in my prayers. With love for all,
    Karen
    karenvnelson78@yahoo.com

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  27. Oh my goodness. I can't believe how much Caroline looks like Thomas in that picture of you two on the train!

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