"No, I Do It"

I'll be the first to admit that there can be definite differences when raising girls and boys. Perhaps these differences are not solely gender related, but since we have only raised daughters who act the opposite of Thatcher in many behavior instances, we can only assume its his Y chromosome. Thatcher has certainly proven more resilient, much more independent, and by far more danger prone than all three of his sisters put together. We try to gently modify a few of the less desirable behaviors that appear with these particular traits. Don't get me wrong. In our opinion we have observed these traits to have an even larger upside that will be a benefit and help to Thatcher throughout his life. Especially being surrounded by girls.

Thatcher's "independent" behavior is the theme we dedicate in this particular post. Understanding that he is already two and a half I still find it an amazing accomplishment that this child has single handedly potty trained himself. Honestly, it hadn't even crossed my mind to begin the task of potty training. Our pediatricians always commented that boys on average were potty trained between three/three and a half.

Credit Thatcher, and Kadyn for his recent success. Kadyn you ask? Yes. About three weeks ago Kadyn came running into our room proclaiming, "Mama, Thatcher went potty in the potty." I go to see what all the excitement is about and sure enough Thatcher had gone potty in the tiny chair that's usually stored under the bathroom sink. Kadyn had decided to pull it out and while she went on the big potty she said, "Hey Thatch. Why don't I go in this one and you in that one. That way we can go at the same time!" Apparently Thatcher thought this was a great idea because that is exactly what happened.

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't take him very seriously at first. I continued to strap on a diaper and didn't exactly push the, "do you have to use the potty" question. When a few days passed and he was now scaling the big toilet in hopes to go, I figured I'd better hop on board and offer any additional help and incentive I could.

Congrats to Thatcher on this great accomplishment and to independent children everywhere who continually proclaim, "No, I do it".


I had to add these. With all his independence he is the kindest little boy I know.

He walks himself daily into his room to take a nap.



He LOVES his sisters more than ANYTHING. He loves to play whatever they want and they love that he is old enough now to join in their games and make believe. Now they can both be dogs and forever have a constant "dog owner".



At times he loves his sisters perhaps a little too much- I left the room to change out some laundry and upon returning noticed Haley J was even quieter than her normal little babbles. I glance over and realized that Thatch had decided to share his sucker. Wasn't that nice! The next day we were all eating lunch and he attempted to sneak her a fishy cracker. Apparently he feels bad for her. We are always eating good things in front of her and all she gets is milk. We are now in the stages of explaining babies needs and he doesn't seem quite as concerned since we began feeding her baby cereal.

Spring Has Sprung

There is nothing better than spending every possible moment of springtime enjoying the fresh air and sunshine! Even with the small "hiccups" of waiting out the rain, and occasional tornado warnings (don't let our Mom's read this post), these past few weeks have been nothing but perfect, "kite flyin', park playin', the ice cream truck is back, sunshine", kind of weather.

I'm A Big Girl Look What I Can Do!

As with each of the children, Haley Juliana has been such a wonderful blessing to our family. We cannot believe she is growing up so quickly and is already five and a half months old. She is loving the "sitting" position, enjoys babbling at her siblings, and continues to bring smiles to all those around her.

Sundays View

When Steven and I made our first visit to Memphis we discovered immediately the one thing that would become our greatest blessing during the three years of our time here. We fully understand that living within five minutes from a temple, let alone having it join the church buildings parking lot, is something few experience. Having said that, the photo below is a view of what I see each Sunday afternoon when I glance out the door of our Sunday School room.

With the many opportunities we are able to experience with this sacred building only minutes from our home, this past Wednesday has been one that continues to stay fresh in my mind. Family history continues to grow increasingly in my heart. I had come to a wall however on my fathers side and wouldn't have known how to proceed if it weren't for some amazing individuals at the family history center. With their help I have had more success in gathering family names and was able to catch something very important that had been overlooked. While everything else had been completed for the first generation out on my fathers side, his sister, and only sibling, had not been sealed. Wednesday evening we were able to complete that important oversight. The spirit in the room was one I cannot explain and has left me with an intense drive to efficiently complete more. I know when we move from here seeing the temple out the Sunday School door and having it five minutes down the street, will most likely become a wonderful memory of our past. I am so very grateful however that families and temple blessings are forever.

Pocket Change

I promised a few friends that my "couponing" posts would continue. I haven't done very well in posting any recent activities regarding coupons over the past month or so. The experience below however is by far post worthy.

Now, ladies with little ones. If this picture doesn't get you crazy about couponing than I don't know what will. You won't believe me when I give the end cost here. I can barely comprehend it myself. Granted, we are talking about items from stores that run at a higher price then your average Costco/Sam's Club deals. Believe me, I am all about "price per" diaper, wipes, and juice box. When deals like this come along however we may as well hop on board and enjoy the ride.

The total on these items came to $110.36. I ended up paying $6.39. No kidding. Toothpaste, shampoo, hairspray and deodorant can usually be bought and stocked in your closets for under $.50, if not free. The unbelievable part of this picture is of course the diapers. Alright. This week Walgreen's had a deal on Huggies Gentle Care diapers. If you bought three jumbo packs at $10 a piece, they would give you $10 back at the register. This $10 does need to be used in their store, but I guarantee, with all their deals you will go very far with $10. The girls here just use their $10 to pay for any couponing items that take place the next week. That way you rarely have to pay for anything out of your pocket. So, now you have spent $20 on three packs. For the past few weeks Huggies has had coupons available on the Internet. $5 off one package of diapers. Each computer can print out two coupons. I print two and have a few of my friends and neighbors print two as well. I hand the cashier 3/$5 off coupons. One coupon per package. He takes $15 dollars off the total and it's now $5. I hand him my Walgreen's coupon coloring book. (These come out every three months and can be bought for $.99. You keep these coupons the entire three months and reuse them on any purchase within that time period.) He scans my $1 off coupon - per package - and I now pay $2 for the three packages of diapers.

Crazy, I know. Listen, the best way to start is by viewing the site I have posted in the right side bar. Each Monday morning she'll have all the new deals for Walgreen's/CVS posted - along with a multitude of other things in regards to saving. Each week is different. Some with few deals, others with huge. If it wasn't for her, and the girls at church, I would have no idea what was going on or even where to begin.

The nice thing about couponing is this. Individuals interested have the ability to be involved dependent upon the time that best fits their limits, whether it's one free shampoo and toothpaste every other week or stockpiling for an army. I'm certain that either way, it's a nice feeling for anyone to walk away with an extra penny in their pocket.

Wise Words

A few weeks ago our kids had their first experience in living without electricity. The lights suddenly went out, and while it was only for three hours, we learned some valuable lessons through the experience.

Like most families we are continually building and rotating our food storage. With the frequent moves we participate in though, we have found it necessary to "customize" our food storage in such a way that will fit our family best. Food therefore is packaged in boxes that are easy to move and water is stored in five gallon, or smaller, containers. The nice thing about that size is ones ability to throw a few in the back of the car if leaving urgently, not to mention the ease of rotating the water each spring by using it for your flowers or yard.

Out of the things we have thus far stored, I realized something on that day without electricity. The thought came,"what if we had to leave the house immediately? What then?" This thought continued to press on my mind for many days later. I therefore have followed the great example that so many of you have shown us, added with some great advice from incredibly knowledgeable members of our current ward, and fixed the concern that was so pressing on my mind.

For Steven and I the best route was purchasing a 72 hour pack that was already formed. Sorry, but combined my lack of excitement in shopping with a list of items such as whistle, light stick, swiss knife, and ponchos, and you will find me hiding in the closet.
Initially I bought the three oldest kiddos a backpack, then later remembered a wonderful friend who works at the Children's hospital. She always has a surplus of numerous items so I gave it a shot and called her up. Immediately she brought backpacks, including one for Haley J so we could store formula and a blanket. The kids had a blast packing their own personal emergency kits and it was a great opportunity to explain what each item is used for and why we our counseled by the prophet of our church to be prepared. I am so grateful for the wise counsel of our leaders and for that fateful day with three hours of no electricity.

Missing my quadrennial anniversary

On Feb 29, 2000, Lynette Darden agreed to marry me. There was no hesitation or reluctance in her answer, believe it or not! I don't know what possessed her to do so, but I have been blessed ever since. She has been a more amazing wife and mother than I could have ever imagined. She is patient in raising our children, and even more patient in her handling of me. In her loving arms I have become a little more patient, a little more understanding, and (hopefully) a little more responsible than that day when she put an engagement ring on her finger and decided she would tie her fate to mine for all eternity. The fact that she actually went through with it is equally amazing!

I just wanted everybody to know that I know what you already know- She is awesome. (You should also know she is probably incredibly embarrassed that I am posting this!)

This day only exists every four years- and this year isn't one of them. Despite the fact that it is like waiting for Brigadoon, I still wanted to say; Happy belated, but not really, kind of imaginary, randomly celebrated engagement anniversary Lynette! I would ask you again everyday! Here's hoping you will always want to say yes- even if I still leave clothes strewn on the floor :)