Another baffling Boy-ism

So we decided to tackle the whole potty training thing with Parker today. Up until today I hadn't really even thought about it. In fact I just went out and bought him some "big boy undies" today. Of the six pair that I bought, five are currently downstairs waiting to be washed. I just asked him a little while ago if he wanted to go sit on the potty and go pee-pee. His response? "No, I no have go pee-pee, but I have to toot." Then he actually passed gas, giggled and said "see?" Then ran out of the room. Boys! I think I am going to have my work cut out for me getting this boy potty trained!

Here he is sporting his "Cars" undies. He's so proud! (although he wasn't too proud to pee in them about 5 minutes after I took this picture!)

Mottley Crew at Great Wolf 2009!!

Dear Santa...

I think most people remember there first Christmas after they find out there isn't really a Santa. I know I remember mine. I knew that the day was coming that Kendall would start to question the whole thing, but I was still pretty surprised when Brian's mom mentioned to him yesterday that Kendall had told her she didn't think Santa was real. I was really hoping to get one more year out of her. All of a sudden, I pictured my baby girl wearing a bra, shaving her legs, and wearing deodorant. I just want to keep her innocence! I know that it's not a big deal, but to me not believing is the first step in my eyes. So I decided to really kick it into overdrive this year with the whole Santa thing. Luckily I had letters for Santa that they could fill out and mail to the "North Pole". I don't know what my next step is going to be in my mission, but I'm hoping to make a believer out of my girl for one more year!! I definitely got a few good laughs out of some of the items they put on there list. The first thing Ryleigh wanted me to write down was googlie eyes (???) and a "light up nose like Rudolf". (again???) The girls pretty much said what they think Parker wanted from Santa because he just kept saying all kinds of verious silly thigs. The first thing Kendall wanted was some "Nail kit" she seen on TV. I have no idea what that is or where I can find it. Darn TV commercials!!

Fall cooking-cheesy potato soup style

Okay. If you’re trying to eat healthily(is that a word?) and eliminate fat and calories from your diet, I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t tell you right now to RUN. Run FAR AWAY from this recipe. I tried to get embarrassed about posting it. But I couldn’t. And the reason I couldn’t is that I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t share its deliciousness with you; it’s really that good!!! I got the recipe from a friend at work and have made it at least 3 times already this fall...best soup ever if you ask me.

This is what you'll need (I did forget to include the main ingredient, potato's in the picture)



Start by boiling 6-7 large potato's. If you have smaller potato's just add some more. I usually cut them in quarters so they cook faster. I take off the skins after they are cooked, but you can always peel them before you boil them. Just be sure that they are cooked through, I made the mistake of forgetting this step and can tell you that crunchy potato's really take away from the soup!


While the potato's are cooking chop up about 8 pieces of cooked bacon (I take the easy route and use the pre-cooked kind thrown in the micro to make them crispy) and also get all the rest of my ingredients measured so they are ready when I need them.

Cut the potato's into bit size pieces and set aside.



Next melt 2/3 cup butter(yup real butter)in a large pan. When its melted add 1/2 cup of flour(packed)slowly while stirring with a whisk.


After it's well blended add 6 cups milk. Add 2 chicken bouillon cubes, and salt and pepper to taste. Now cook on med- low heat until you have a slow boil stirring constantly.


After you have a slow boil add 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add the chopped bacon. Mix until just melted.

Add your potato's.




After all the potato's are in add 8 oz of sour cream. Stir until blended. Remove soup from heat. At this point you would add more milk or flour to make it thicker or thinner or add more salt and pepper if needed.



Serve with some more crumbled bacon sprinkled on top. Yum!!

Semper Fi

Pain is Temporary...Pride is Forever


3 days until Phase lll
21 days until Video
25 days until Crucible
34 days until Family Day....
35 Days until Graduation.....

****Go Delta Plt 1061****

Happy 7th Birthday to my oldest baby girl!

I think I am finally back in business and have the new computer up and running. I even found some new programs on here that I can't wait to experiment with (including the newest version of photo shop!!)
The last week of September we celebrated Kendall's 7th birthday at our house with a cook out and then a bomb fire that night. It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends and we all had so much fun - especially Kendall. Here are a few of my favorite pics from her birthday.




Kendall's birthday was the second time that the family has gotten together since my brother left for marine boot camp and his presence was definitely missed! We did take some pictures to send to him with all the kids and my mom and dad in their new USMC sweatshirts though.




It seems like only yesterday Brian & I were anxiously awaiting the birth of Kendall. I don't think that anything can prepare you for the birth of your first child because you simply have not known that kind of love for anything before.
Kendall's was not an easy delivery. I was induced because I was past due, but when my labor did start it was very fast and furious!! Too fast for me to even get an epidural. Never in my life had I been in so much pain and never in my life had fear and worry consumed my heart so violently. After her delivery she came out totally blue and limp. Luckily for me I had a wonderful group of nurses that resuscitated her and after a rough start she came around and started breathing and crying.
And I sobbed with relief that the birth was over . . . and then I sobbed even louder when I realized that Kendall and I were both fine. It was not at all a fun experience . . . not at all the type of birth that was talked about in our birthing class! It was truly a terrifying time for all and Brian jokes that he still has nightmares about Kendall's birth! In fact, I can remember telling him moments after she was born that Kendall would be an only child - because there was NO WAY I was doing that again.
But then they placed my sweet baby in my arms and I instantly felt such an overwhelming feeling of love wash over me. And at that very moment all the pain and worry was absolutely worth it when I looked at her sweet face. At that very moment, I became a mother. And it didn't take me very long to completely forget about the pain . . . and want another baby!
I always refer to Kendall as "my oldest baby" because even though she is seven she is still my baby. And she got to be my first baby, which means that with her I get to experience all my first as a parent with her. This parenting thing is an on going learning experience. I have learned so much from her. She is such a sweet kid. She is so smart and has a memory that doesn't forget anything! She is very kind-hearted and is very in tune with me. Kendall always knows if I am sad or upset or worried about something and does not like me to be sad at all. I love her with all of my heart and soul! Happy birthday baby girl! We love you so much.