Potty Training is the Pits!

Ok, so need to vent a little. Potty training sucks! This past weekend I ran into a high school friend with 3 kids. The 2 oldest were potty trained by 18 months, and her now 19 month old is doing great with potty training. Morgan, who just turned 3, has been "potty training" for almost a year and half now. She started to get interested a few months before she turned 2, and it's been a battle ever since. Two weeks on, two weeks off. And it's really hard to get excited now when she does show interest in the toilet. I must be jaded or something. The strange thing is that we never forced her into it, nor discouraged her in any way, but she has yet to get over this tiny hump. She knows when she has to go, she just doesn't. It's pretty much pure laziness. She also doesn't like to wear "pretty panties" whatsoever. The funny part is she'll go poop in the toilet no questions asked.
I've tried everything too...sticker charts, candy, special treats, tons and tons of praise, pull-ups, every type of underwear you can find....nothing does the trick. The past couple days, the Cool Alert pull-ups seem to work pretty well, but only if Morgan isn't distracted by playing or the TV or whatever.
Bottom line is, I think she's just not ready yet. And I really don't know where to go from here. Should I push it more, or should I just let her do her thing and let her potty train herself? Ugh! I don't know. I need professional intervention! Anyone know a Potty-Nanny 911?

Water Babies

We went to a BBQ at some friend's house today (thanks Nic & Jess). It was the first time in a long time that I crammed by muffin-top self into a bathing suit and got into the pool. I had a blast! I think I'm just getting to that age where I really could care less what other's think about me. After all I'm really not out to impress anyone. Granted, 20 lbs lighter and I'd probably one hot mama, but I'm working on that.
The best part about swimming today was Morgan actually wanted to get in the pool. After she did her typical groaning and whining she decided it was okay to put her feet in the water while sitting on the edge. Then after about 30 minutes of observation and watching the other kids have fun, she asked to get her "baving soot" on. So we did that, and then coaxed her into the water. Of course, no surprise, she hated it and wanted to get out right away. After I jumped in though and promised to not let go of her, she came in and hung on for dear life. I had to remind her of one of the Little Bill episodes (those of you with 3 year olds probably know what show on Noggin I'm referring to), where Little Bill was scared of the pool, but then kicked his feet and sang the "Guppy Guppy Guppy, I wanna swim like a Guppy" song. So we sang and kicked and splashed and had a great time. She even put her face in the water, although we still need to work on the whole holding breath part.
It's so funny how Morgan works with new experiences. She has to observe, then test the waters a little bit, then let everyone know how unhappy she is, then come back to the activity 20-30 minutes later and jumps right in. Yep, I think I've got her figured out!
Now we just need work more with Grifin, who absolutely wanted nothing to do with the pool today. I'm thinking about enrolling in swim classes for both kids soon!

We'll miss you Grandma Dee

This past weekend we spent in Bend for my Grandma Dee's memorial service. She passed away a few days before this last Mother's Day from cancer. Her wish was to have her ashes scattered in the Crooked River Gorge, over by her life-long best friend, Patsy's home. It was a great time, considering the circumstances. We were able to see the Duncan side of the family, of which I see only about every 3-4 years. We got to Pat's house right around 5pm and chit-chatted with family for a while, ate dinner, and then gathered to reminisce. We then drove over to the gorge to spread her ashes and through big slice of chocolate cake over the edge.

What an amazing woman my Grandma was. Of all the grandkids, my brothers and I were probably the closest to her. Growing up, I really can't recall a single Saturday where Rob and I didn't hang out with her while my parents worked. We would do all sorts of fun things with her...go out to eat, swim in her pool, go for walks, go shopping, etc. etc. I also remember going on a number of trips with her. One particular trip that especially stands out was our trip to Bend many many years ago. I specifically remember camping wth her and Patsy, and Patsy's grandkids. We also went to several museums, hikes, shopping in Sisters, so much more.

As I got older and when Grandma moved away to Joseph, obviously we weren't able to do as much cuz of the distance, but from time to time I would talk to her on the phone. What a positive woman she was. I don't think I ever heard any negative or pesimistic words ever come from her mouth, even through this last year filled with chemo, hair loss, and just plain not feeling well.
And really, if I think more about it, Grandma Dee was probably the greatest woman role model in life, next to my mom. From her I've learned to always have a sense of humor, even in the toughest situations. On the lighter side, from her I've learned:
To have an appreciation for my big butt and small boobs,
To paint with oils (oh what an artist she was),
To always sit up straight,
To swim,
To appreciate a good hamburger from Wendy's,
That it's vital for a woman should be strong, confident, and smart
And last but not least, to SHOP!

Oh what a beautiful, strong, independent, and classy lady she was. She was my favorite Grandma, and we'll all miss her deeply. God bless you Grandma Dee.

Works in progress

I've always thought it would be a great idea to have websites for each of the kids, and they could have them when they get bigger to do whatever with...so....I snagged a couple URLs and put some cute layouts on each. These are works in progress and hopefully will advance as time goes on (we'll see):
Morgan's Mind: www.morgansmind.com
Griffin's Garage: www.griffinsgarage.com

Let me know what you all think!