Scout Camp

Ethan had 11 year old scout camp this week. On Friday I went up as a chaperone. The camp was in Wilmot, Wisconsin, and was put on by the stake. There were only about 15 boys there, and several great leaders. The days before Ethan had passed off swimming and knot tying and hiking requirements. The day I went we learned knife and fire safety. Ethan can now "legally" use his boy scout knife. The boys all made their own fires - - it was the first time Ethan had even lit a match! But he built a great fire. In the evening the boys in my group (3 of them) had to make another fire and cook dinner. We had that great taco soup (even better when cooked in a dutch oven!) and our boys were the first ones to finish. We had moved to an area with more trees and the mosquitos started to really attack us. Scott came to trade places with me and spend the night with Ethan in a tent (I had to go back and chaperone a pool party for the YW/YM). Anyway when Ethan came home the next morning the poor boy was absolutely covered with mosquito bites, hundreds on his legs, face, arms and back. He's been dealing with it pretty well, but he's not what you'd call a happy camper!

Long, long ago . . .

Following my friend Stacey's example (and inviting anyone else to do so) I'm writing about what I was doing 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. If I can remember back that far. Five years ago Ethan was 6 and Noah was 3. Ethan had just finished kindergarten, and with both kids home all day during the summer I was probably going a little nuts. I think that was the year Scott was working in San Francisco for United - - he spent more time there than he did at home. I don't remember much more about that time, I think I've blocked it out.

Ten years ago I wasn't yet 30, and Ethan was just a baby. I was halfway through dental hygiene school, in the middle of summer semester. That was crazy, taking care of a baby and trying to learn about teeth, I don't know how I made it. Going back to school was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was sure worth it, I love my job. Also during this time Scott was working on a business deal on the side that took a lot of extra time and energy but it also eventually paid off.

15 years ago was the best summer of my life, I was engaged to Scott and getting ready to be married. I'd been home from my mission about 5 months and I was working in Salt Lake City for a discount LDS bookstore (Seagull Book and Tape). I was living with Lears, having so much fun with Katie and I'm sure talking her ear off about my fiance. Scott was in DC but he came out and visited several times and I went twice to visit him. Because we saw each other so rarely we always had a wonderful time whenever we were together.

20 years ago I had finished my first year at Ricks and was taking summer classes and working in the reading lab. Hadn't dated much, but was having fun in college. I still lived at home and I think I drove my parents a little crazy. But it was great having my dad working on campus, we used to sometimes have lunch together and we drove in together most days.

OK, that was therapeutic. It was fun to look back and think about those times, good and bad, and to see that I could get through the hard stuff.

Scott and Ali in Spain

We just got this picture from our friends we visited in Barcelona. The boy with us is Jimmy Carlucci, the son of our friend Kras. As you can see, we're having a great time!

Boys' Bedroom

These pictures are of Ethan and Noah's bedroom. The bottom picture shows the beautiful bedspread Omi (with help from all the girls) made (Ethan has a matching one). A cute print Beebs gave us is above the bed. The pictures of the elephant and penguin we bought in Bali at Christmas time. A man had a little gallery at the Bali Bird Park and these were just perfect. They really brighten up the room!

Minerva Teichert Painting

Scott and I finally got our Minerva Teichert print framed, it's the one of the Angels ministering to the Nephite children. I love it, and I love the way it looks in the dining room. We have her print of Christ with Mary and Martha in the kitchen.

Ethan in Utah

A few weekends ago Scott and Ethan went to a mini Garner reunion in Utah, they had a great time!

Ethan in Chicago

Ethan has spent the week downtown attending a day camp at the Shedd Aquarium. He and Scott stayed in a hotel and Scott worked from his downtown office. Noah and I have missed them, but I think they're having a great time. They'll be going to an airshow before they come home Friday night.

Potty Training Videos Can Be Hazardous To Your Health!

In retrospect it was foolish of me to think that 1 or 2 weeks would be enought to potty train Noah. He really is very willing but he honestly just doesn't seem to get it. I'm going to make an appointment with a urologist on Monday to see if anything else is going on. We checked 4 potty DVDs out of the library and Noah has been watching one of them non-stop. The tunes are horrific and catchy. In church today I found myself singing "I'm a hottie for the potty" under my breath. Several people came up to me and asked how the training was going (word has gotten around). I appreciate the concern. Anyone who thinks potty-training shouldn't be a matter of prayer hasn't tried training Noah.

A Great Story

I wanted to post this video but I couldn't figure out how so here's the link. http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4e7679f8a731d6cce58a
It's a story from the today show about an amazing father and son team, very inspiring.

Potty Training

This is it, we're throwing away the pull-ups. After changing diapers for over 11 years I've finally had enough. Those of you who know Noah know that potty-training him is no easy proposition. I've wondered if he even can feel if he needs to go. He's exhibited some signs of readiness (he's dry all night, for instance) but in other ways he seems completely unprepared. He almost never says he needs to go, and he's never done #2 on the pot. There's a woman in Chicago who does consulting, she teaches 5 hour "booty camps" for $250. We spoke with her, but she's booked up until August 16th and I don't think we can wait that long. Plus one of the "testimonials" was less than encouraging (13 days in the kitchen and still not completely trained). So we decided to try it on our own, I'm just planning on staying in the basement until we're done. Noah is now in underpants, and we have 4 potty training DVDs (guaranteed to cause nausea within minutes to anyone over 9). I may be doing a lot of blogging this week, because I don't think I'll be going anywhere. Wish me luck! I may need to be hospitalized after this . . .