Yesterday for me overall was a great day! If you ask Ty he may have a different story. ;) I woke up to Scarlet saying she had to potty. I got to her room too late as she had went pee in her pull up. She had breakfast and then pee'd in the potty after that. She is still "scared" about going poop in the potty but she DID go after much panic about it! No accidents at all during the *day*. How is that even possible? She's doing sooooo good!!!!
I emphasize day because night..well that's a different story. After Ty got home I went to workout and then had an errand to run. He got them ready to go to the park. Before they got out the door Scarlet said she had to pee, but Ty discovered she had pooped in her panties. He cleaned her up and off to the park they went. She said she had to pee so Ty picked her up to take her to the potty and she had already wet in them a little so he decided to take them home. When he got home Scarlet went pee "for a minute long" he said. So even though she tinkled a little in her panties she held the rest of it until they got home.
Overall, it was a great day! No problems for me... atleast!
Here is a picture of the big girl saying bye bye to her yep, poopy..... {not pictured: poop}
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| "bye poopy" |
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Until next time,
Blessed Mommy!
This is going to be a very short and sweet post. Yesterday was a great day! She did wake up with a wet pull up, but I expected that since she had quite a bit to drink before bed. Other than that Miss Scarlet had ZERO...Z-E-R-O accidents! She peed and *pooped* in the toilet! She started to panic when she had to poop. She knew she had to go and didn't exactly want to go in the toilet, but she did end up doing it! I guess it's pretty scary to go poo poo in the potty, hah! She was extremely happy with herself afterwards!!
We went out to eat for dinner and kept panties on her this time! Tyler asked if I was bringing extra clothes for her just in case and I said no. I had faith in my baby girl! :) She had no accidents and even said she had to potty at the restaurant and went pee pee in the toilet! Holy smokes! This girl is surprisingly so so easy. You never know if it's going to stay like this or if she's going to have a set back, but for now I'm relishing her amazing accomplishments!
She was proud of herself for using the potty at the restaurant!
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| YAY!!!!! |
Feel free to share in the comments about your potty training experiences. How'd it go? How's it going? Did/do you dread this part of childhood? Would love to hear from you wonderful momma's & dadda's too! :D
And...just for a funny...
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| Poop happens! |
Until next time,
Proud mommy!
It's OFFICIAL. Scarlet Grace is peeing and ~not~ (you'll understand in just a minute) pooping in the toilet! Round 1 potty training was with Kierra. I looked back at her progress on
day 1 and I can most definitely say Scarlet is doing considerably
better at this! She only had 3 accidents yesterday! She has been saying for a while now that she wants to go potty in the toilet. I was not ready for her to take this step yet. Well, yesterday when she asked me first thing in the morning to go potty I put her on the toilet and knew right away she was ready. 5 minutes of having her big girl panties on she pee'd in them. She knew something didn't feel right. I decided to let her run around commando for the majority of the day. She did much better this way. She told me every time she had to go.
I downloaded a wonderful app that lets you record potty training progress. If you have a smart phone and are about to be in this spectacular stage called potty training then I highly recommend you download an app to keep track. No only does the app keep track of pee/poo it does drink input as well! You can really learn from that when your child goes to the bathroom. I've already learned Scarlet's pattern. It is very helpful! You may have to download a few apps to find one that you really like. The particular one I like best is called Potti Train.
The girls wanted to go play outside so I put panties on Karly and not 3 minutes later she had pooped in them. This may be TMI but some of the poop had fallen out and of course she stepped in it so there were poop tracks all over the porch. How *fun* and G-R-O-S-S, I know. The rest of the day she did great! We had to run some errands in Bloomington so I put a pull up on her. She did tell us she had to potty, but by the time we got to the bathroom it was too late. Overall, she did fantastic! I am so proud of her!!!!!! It's hard to believe that she is now 2 and it's even more hard to believe that she is no longer in diapers. Wahhh!!!!! I miss my little baby Scarlet! I am however loving this stage. :) Her personality is just so fun. I love watching her learn and grow! Her big sister is very proud of her! She helps cheer her on and gives her lots of praise when she goes potty! Love it!
The only advice I can give if you are in this stage with your little one is to stay consistent. Once you decide to start don't stop. That confuses them and it will take you even longer to potty train. Also, don't get frustrated! This is a learning process. There will be accidents. Don't make a big deal about it just put them on the potty and encourage them to go in there. Don't over do it by asking them ALLL the time if they have to potty. Watch their ques-you will know! "This too shall pass!" is my encouragement for you and for...ME! :)
And of course...a picture! Day 1!! So proud of you baby girl!!!!
Until next time,
A Mommy who wants to bottle up every little stage because they grow up way too fast.
How can people be so fake? Oh wait, I know because that used to be me. Hiding behind the shell of our body. No one will ever know, right? Wrong. God searches our hearts. He knows. He doesn't care if you're good, bad, ugly, etc. Somehow we feel the need to hide our true colors to portray a picture of a "perfect" person. Some people are better than others at this. Don't you think after a while it is taxing on the body? I wish I had the magical ability to turn people into a porcelain doll who I knew were hiding behind a mask. I would then take a hammer and smash their shell. Their real self would then be revealed. They would realize it was a liberating feeling and now they could be the real person God intended them to be. Some people have intuitions and can tell who these fakes are. That person would say that it's sometimes a blessing and a curse. To find out loved ones are completely fake is a curse. To find out your loves ones are completely true to you no matter what is a blessing. What happened to compassionate, loving, caring, supportive, happy, true, bubbly, positive, patient, kind, forgiving, uplifting people? Maybe they are there, just selective to whom they treat this way. That's Christ-like, isn't it? Haha wow. Don't you know that even Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors and treated them better than the so called "religious" people did? I know I'm not perfect, have screwed up, and haven't portrayed all of these at all times. I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning.
I will guard my heart and continue to put all my hope and faith into Jesus, not faulty men on this earth. Despite the fakes, I will continue to love them as Christ does for us. Christ doesn't want us to have to live up to a list of 230108 peoples rules and regulations. He wants us to put our faith in Him. Hence, I don't want people to have expectations of me that I have to follow 2342234874 of their rules. I don't need to do what you think is right. You don't need to do what I think is right. We are all different. We all make mistakes. No one here on this earth is perfect. No one will ever be able to be perfect and follow a list of do this or that. They will try, and fail. But when they fail they will try and hide it because they feel shameful. Which we know doesn't always end well. The truth will always be known. If not by man, God knows it all. But God! He doesn't give a crap about any of that. He wants us to love Him and trust in him 100%. It's one thing to say we trust Him, it's another to actually put your trust in Him and live a life that is pleasing to HIM. Not you. I don't care what anyone thinks of me. I have to please God. After all, He is all that matter and why I am here.
I have to admit that I have sinned. Confess your sins to one another, right? The famous scripture; treat others the way you want to be treated. I twisted that and actually thought that I should treat the people the way they treat me. I took that amazing scripture out of context. I should have been treating them the way I would want to be treated, not the way they treated me. You should never stoop down to someone's level like that. Some people will never be able to admit they sinned. Isn't that ironic?
One day every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I
can't wait for that day and I pray everyday Jesus, come quickly. Maybe if everyone starting calling out to God and pray for him to come quickly, He would. But there are people who don't want that, because they want to continue to stay on this earth and do their own wills and ways. Sound familiar? Yep that's right, there are stories in the Bible of people who did this.
This post has been completely random and out of no where. I was reading some of my daily blogs and happen to log in to mine and start blogging. I let my fingers type what needed to be typed. Your way is not right and my way is not right. The only way that is right is through our Heavenly Father. All He wants is for us to put our faith in Him and share the beautiful news of Jesus Christ with others. If you haven't given your life to Christ and are reading this. Please do. Please pick up a Bible and read it every day. If only for 5 minutes, you will hear God speak to you, I promise. It doesn't matter where you come from, what you've done, what you think you're going to do. Your life is a mess just like everyone else's and guess what? God is working with you through your beautiful mess so that He may be glorified, not others.
Good reads and references:
Ephesians 2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Luke 6: 31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Matthew 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 2: 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Luke 7:36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A
woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was
eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar
of perfume. 38 As
she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet
with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and
poured perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore,
I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has
shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Until next time,
Shayna
My heart is so warmed by people who have a desire to help others out. Especially those who are going through difficult times in their lives as well. That shows what a true Christian is like. Helping out to comfort those who are in need no matter what. That is exactly what Jesus did when he walked the Earth. Even as He was walking to be crucified, he was telling people that it was okay and all would be well. Wow. My heart hurts from missing mom so terribly, but is warmed and comforted by people who are wanting to do something to help us during this difficult time.
One of Mom's favorite songs and the one that my mother-in-law sang after her memorial service was called "Love lifted me." The love of God is what is truly getting me through this, as well as the love of others. Part of the chorus says "when nothing else could help, love lifted me" and that's exactly how I'm feeling right now. God's love and the love being shown by others is what is lifting me and comforting me. You really know how much people care when someone is going through the most difficult time of their life.
I have so much peace right now in my soul even though I miss Mom more than I can even take at times. As I sit here looking out the window and watch the most beautiful unusual glistening snow flakes fall I am reminded of three things: how beautiful life is and to never take it for granted, how beautiful and peaceful one's death can be and how even more beautiful and precious my Mom's passing is to our Heavenly Father, and most comforting that Mom is still here with me and watching over us :) Oh, how He loves us!!!!!
Thank you Jesus, to God be the glory forever and ever.
~Shayna
As most of you know from previous posts, Mom's last wish was to be buried back home at the Bellsville Cemetery in Indiana next to her Grandma and Grandpa. She never thought this would be possible because she resided in Sacramento, California. When I got the phone call on October 28th that she was in the hospital and I needed to come ASAP I also was told that she had agreed to cremation because of living and cost situation. (I knew from our previous talks that she wanted nothing more than to be buried back home in Indiana). I could not allow this to happen. This was one wish that had to be granted. Tyler and I talked and decided that we were going to create an account with GiveForward for her and hope and pray for the best. When I arrived at the hospital the conversation was brought up right away. I told Mom that I wouldn't allow that to happen and that we would get her back to Indiana and her wish would come true. She looked at me in amazement with big eyes and said "really? how?" I told her about the account and she repeated over and over "really Shayna? really Oche?" She was so happy! Each time there was a new donation we would tell her right away and she lit up the room with excitement! She would ask if this was really happening. It was incredible to see such joy on her face. She was so thankful for everyone that was donating. When we had enough funds from GiveForward and from family and friends to ensure that we could get her back to Indiana she cried and cried. She couldn't believe it was happening. Without you all and your love, support, generosity, and prayers this would not have been possible. We would not have been able to fly her home and have a beautiful viewing and memorial service for her. Her wish came true today.
My heart was seriously warmed by friends and family I was surrounded with and by others who I knew were thinking about Mom and wishing they could be with us while she was being laid to rest. I have two words to sum up how her memorial service was: beautiful and peaceful. Just like her passing. Everything was perfect, just the way she would have wanted it to be. It was a very difficult day to have to say our final goodbye's here on earth, but it helped being surrounded by our loved ones and knowing that many many others were thinking and praying for us on this day. The view of the cemetery was breathtaking. Even though it was a cold day, the clouds were beautiful, and the sun was shining. Oche opened the service by reading a letter that she wrote to Mom. Pastor Douglas did a magnificent job talking about her and describing her favorite scriptures. I have to mention that during this time a sound caught my attention. I listened intently and it was the soft cooing of a dove. I nudged Oche and Tyler and told them to listen. They acknowledged that they heard it as well. As soon as Pastor Douglas finished his remarks the dove stopped and never made another sound. This was incredible. I know that happened for a very special reason. Mom was showing us that she was there with us. Doves symbolize peace and that's exactly what we were experiencing the whole time. What a miraculous moment! Uncle Tom talked about precious memories and read a letter that I wrote her. Bro. Douglas closed with the committal and a peaceful prayer. So thankful we have the promise that we will get to see her again someday. We were getting ready to leave the cemetery, but Oche and I decided we wanted to stay to watch Mom be lowered to the ground. It was such a inspirational moment to know that this is where she wanted to be when her time here on earth was finished.
After the service we gathered at Family Life and Worship Center for a reception. A huge thank you to everyone who made that possible. Great food and fellowship. The tables were decorated cute and the food was delicious. What a blessing! It was such a wonderful and special time being with our loved ones and celebrating such a radiant life. I loved how everyone mentioned that mom was so special to them and was remembered by always having a smile on her face and being so positive. Mom had asked if my mother in law would sing and Oche as well. Tyler and my father in law played the guitar while Carol Ann sang Love Lifted Me and Oche sang Consider the Lilies. Those were mom's favorite songs. During these songs my heart was so touched and happy. These were two of the songs we sang to mom in her final days as well as during her final minutes. I can picture the biggest smile on her face and enjoying hearing Oche and Carol Ann sing so beautifully. I will cherish those moments forever!
I'm thankful we have such peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father. He loves us all so much and doesn't want us to be heartbroken because he called one of his precious saints home. I will never forget the peace I felt after a friend sent me this scripture to read after her passing. Psalms 116:15~ "Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of his saints." This whole journey that Mom went through was all planned out according to His will for her life. Only he knew when her time here on earth would be over. This is not the end, it is just the beginning for my Mother. To God be all of the glory for everything He has done. He is good. All the time. No matter what!
Attached is the program that Tyler Bonney made for Mom. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much my love!
Don't ever forget that Jesus loves you! And don't be afraid to tell others. You may never know what difference it will make in someone's life. :)
Dear Mom, Nov. 22, 13
I just realized that this will be my last letter to you. We have wrote many to each other throughout the years. It made my day whenever I would see that I received a letter in the mail from you. Your physical body is no longer with us here on earth, but you are talked about every single day. There isn't an hour that goes by where I don't think about you or see something that reminds me of you. I know you are still with me, there is no doubt about that. The morning after you peacefully passed away, CJ and I went on a walk as soon we woke up. On our way back to the house, something in the middle of the road caught my eye. I waited for cars to pass and then I walked towards it. What I saw was the biggest leaf I've ever seen. I walked back over to CJ and he couldn't believe it. We looked around for the tree of which this leaf came from and there was no tree around that had this kind of leaf. CJ and I knew that it was from you. You always loved to go on walks with us and your grandchildren while looking at all the beautiful flowers, trees, and birds around. That was one of your favorite things to do. Last year, when you stayed with Ty, the girls and I for a few days, we went on a walk to the park. There was a big hill that lead up to more park areas and a walking trail. You saw that hill and wanted to walk up it. I thought you were crazy, but you talked me into it! I will never forget that walk. Even though I knew you were in pain, you never complained once and smiled the whole way there and back. You truly lived each day to its fullest.
I loved how every time the girls and I would be on a walk, you would just happen to call during that exact same time, even with the three hour time difference. I loved how hands on you were with the girls and the rest of your grandchildren. I loved how positive you always were and uplifting to me and everyone else you came in contact with. You were the first person I would call for advice, and your advice would always be the right thing to do. You were always praying for me and my family. Not just praying, but on your knee's praying. I loved how you would ask me if I loved Tyler more than the day before, and yes Mom, I do. Thank you for praying for my husband years before I would even meet him. We both know that God sent me Tyler and it was the answer to your prayers all those years. You love him so much. You did the same thing with Oche and He answered your prayer and sent along, Nap, whom you love very much as well. Thank you for always loving me no matter what. You saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. With your life I know you would say you didn't always live in a way that was pleasing to God, but you were so thankful he never stopped loving you through it all and was faithful to forgive you. You most definitely showed us and others what it was like to be a true Christian. You never failed to tell us and every one else that, "Jesus loves you," with a smile on your face. I always thought it was embarrassing, but when I would see the reaction and smile on those people's faces, I knew there was nothing to be embarrassed about. That is our mission here on earth to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and yes He loves us all so much and wants nothing more than for us to accept him and have a personal relationship with Him. I can hear God saying to you, "Well done my good and faithful servant." When you smiled and took your last breath, you were the most beautiful angel I'd ever seen. I never knew one's death could make them look so radiantly beautiful. Your beauty is forever embedded in my brain and I know that's how you are going to look when I see you again.
It was 8 years ago that you dedicated your life back to Christ and I know that's the best thing you ever did. God gave you so much love, peace joy, happiness, and laughter in your life. I found a letter that I wrote to you after you shared that information with me. I was so excited and thanked you because I knew we would be able to pick back up and move forward with our relationship. These 8 years have been absolutely wonderful and I'm so thankful we were able to share them together. God knows our lives from the beginning to the end and he planned everything according to His plan and purpose in your life. Not what we may have wanted, but the way He wanted it. Everything happens for a reason, even though sometimes we do not understand. There is nothing like trusting in Him. He is the only one who can give us such perfect peace and comfort.
There are no words to express how thankful I am for all the beautiful memories I have of you. I would be typing for days if not months if I could mention them all. I will cherish each and every one, and continue sharing them with my family and others. You are no longer here on earth with us, but you live on in our hearts and precious memories. I miss your beautiful face, smile, and voice. You were an amazing daughter, sister, mother and an even more amazing grandmother. I love you so much more than you'll ever know and I miss you even more. I am looking forward to the day I get to see you again in Heaven. XOXO
Love, Shayna
