Milestone

Yes, she finally did it. We have had Chloee's little potty for over 2 months now and TODAY she finally, actually did something in it. She sits on it all the time and loves to wipe and wash her hands but has NEVER done anything. Granted most kids' first time around is pee but not Chlo, she went straight for number 2! Sorry if that was too graphic for anyone. I am just so excited I had to write it down in my ever so nice journal here.

We also were eating at Olive Garden tonight and Chloee was in rare form. Shock, I know. She was switching sides, spilling things, food everywhere, her feet on the table when I had finally had it and had a little talk with her after which she hit me. All you parents out there that have been in this situation before KNOW how embarrassing this is in public. Josh took her out and I couldn't believe what he did.

Let me back track. We were at Wal-Mart before and Chloee was being a "nice" girl so we let her pick out a treat. It was a box of Peanut butter Whoppers. Ok, let me back track again. So we have been threatening her with things lately that we can't take away at the time being such as at church on Sunday. "If you don't sit down and be quite, I'm going to throw your play-doh away!" Of course she doesn't obey but by the time we get home, she doesn't remember why we are throwing her play-doh away. Get what I mean by, something we can do right then so that she knows what she did was wrong.

Ok, back to Olive Garden. He took her out to the car and told her that if she wasn't nice he was going to throw her candy away. She just laughed at him like, "You wouldn't dare and that's such an empty threat." He did, he took her whole box of candy and threw the entire thing in the garbage. I guess she started to bawl. She didn't really think he would do it. I'm glad that he did it, hopefully she'll remember that for next time!

The Horrible

Chloee and I went to Wal-Mart today. I was just strolling along and she was standing at the end of the cart when I stopped and she went FLYING over the front. It was as though I watched my life in slow motion. I tried to reach my hands out to catch her but being behind the cart and with my short arms, made this impossible. I watched as she flipped over landing right on the top of her head then her neck twisted all funny and then the rest of her body followed the fall. All I could do was scream, and they weren't very good words. Everyone was just staring at me. She laid there without moving for a few seconds and after watching her horrific fall, my heart sank and I had thought I'd lost my sweet girl. As I screamed in the aisle, finally an older woman that worked there came to help me. I just felt like everyone was staring at me like I was crazy. Everything was spinning as the tears came down my face and I tried to comfort my baby. She screamed and screamed, nothing could comfort her. The worker tried to calm us both down. I just couldn't get that image out of my head, it was so horrifying and I couldn't stop trembling. The worker grabbed the store manager and he talked to me. He told me to go see Chloee's pediatrician to make sure she was okay. Then he tried to feel me out as far as if I was going to sue or something. I'm sure he had to do that but I was like, "Yeah, don't worry I'm not going to sue you, it was my daughter who was standing up in the front of the cart." Not that I would have anyway... We live a WAY too sue happy world.

I run out of the store, strap her in and start driving to the dr's office. Chloee keeps trying to fall asleep and she keeps telling me, "Mommy, I tired" as she dozes off. I had remembered that you aren't supposed to let them sleep if they have a concussion so as I'm bawling in the car trying to keep her awake, I just needed someone to CALM me down. My mom doesn't answer, Kathy didn't answer. Why was NO ONE available when I needed them. Then Kathy called me back and calmed me down. THANK YOU KATHY!!!!!

We finally got there and I asked if they could get her in and of course we waited for a little bit, but I sure didn't mind at all! To make this very long story short. She is okay, he just checked everything out and checked her head, eyes, you know the routine. Well, it sure freaked me out. I pretty much couldn't stop crying the rest of the day/night. I think I am all cried out for a while. I actually feel dehydrated. Is is possible to cry SO much that you become dehydrated? Well, if so, if I only accomplished one thing today, it was that!!!

What a crappy day. Way too emotional for me but I am very happy that Chloee is well and I feel very blessed that she didn't have any severe damage!

Scout Camp Survivor

Yes, Josh survived Scout Camp. Whaoooh!!! Just kidding, he actually had a lot of fun with the boys. He did just get put in a little over a month ago as the Assistant Scout Master but the actual Scoutmaster was on vacation during this. Nice timing, I'd say. So, Josh headed everything up and they had a blast.

The scouts named this squirrel, Burrito. Evidently, this squirrel actually ran off with one of the kids' burrito. This little guy also ripped a zipper off of another kids bag and put a hole in it trying to get to his trail mix.

Chloee anxiously awaited the arrival of Josh. I bought this shirt for her the day before so that she could wear it on Saturday when Josh came home. I thought it suited her well, considering it is VERY true!


We went out to dinner Saturday night as a family to celebrate the return of the very much missed man in our lives. We ate at Chili's (thanks Amy) until we were so stuffed, I actually thought I was going to throw it all up on the way out. We love Chili's so much, maybe a little TOO much!

Well, I survived the week. Luckily, Amy came and stayed with me. It was nice to have someone else who was husbandless around. Yes, I know, she is husbandless for A LOT longer than I was, but it was nice not to feel like I was being an imposition on anyone or their spouse or family, because we were in the same boat. We did break it up for a day and spent one night at my mom's, which was fun, I will post something about that later!

I just wanted to say to Josh that I am so proud of him for just jumping in and getting to know his scouts and for having fun with them. Thanks Mom and Dad for that great gift you gave Josh, you will never know how much that meant to him... and me. In your words, "from scouter to scouter", we thank you for your generosity, thoughtfulness and love!

Too Smart!

About a week ago I was getting ready to put Chloee down for her nap but she REALLY wanted to go play outside. SHOCKER! This was our conversation:

Chloee: "Mommy, I want play outside."

Me: "Chloee, you can play outside when you wake up."

Chloee: "Mom, I want to wake up!"

Me: "You are awake."

Chloee: "Ok, now I play outside."

Seriously, did I have that conversation with my just barely 2 year old? She is already manipulating me. I laughed so hard after this conversation, in fact, I still laugh about it all the time to myself. Now she thinks it is HILARIOUS to say all the time. She's a total smarty pants!

"The" Babies

A few days ago, Chloee and I laid down for a nap and she had to have all "the" babies with her before she could even begin to think about sleeping. After she finally zonked out, I took a picture of them laying all around her. The pink care bear is known as "Pink Baby". Of course there are the 2 "nakee" babies (as she calls them). The one with a white cloth body that is stained with punch is, Jack Jack. Then, the one next to him, yes the other nakee baby, well, not TOTALLY nakee, he does have a purple binki hanging around his neck. That baby is Hank! I know what's with the boy names for these dolls? The one whose face is down on her side is Betty Sue, we had just named that one that day. I decided she needed some with girl names and she laughed really hard when I suggested Betty Sue, so it stuck. Last but not least, her favorite "baby" that has been through everything with her since it was given to her for her 1st birthday by a friend. The care bear that used to be orange at one time. You can tell he is WELL loved. I have tried to clean him and he just gets more and more dirty. She CANNOT sleep without him!!! So there you have it, my multi-tasking daughter already has 5 babies to take care of and might I say, she does a fine job. Granted these angel babies can't do what Chloee does so I must say, Chloee has some model children she's taking care of here. What a great little mommy!

SWIM OF THE SUMMER

Here are some sweet pictures of the kids going down the slide. Yes, Amy is considered one of the kids, she may be the biggest kid, but a kid, nonetheless. I wish you could have seen her the first time down, she totally fell at the bottom!

Kai kept wanting Amy to put the hose down his swimming suit. Her face is priceless!

You should have seen her get a running jump into the pool. I pretty much had my own free entertainment provided by Amy all afternoon.

Thanks for the pools Grandma and Grandpa Williams and Adams. She loved them. She also says thanks in the video down below.

Yeah, my backyard was what I liked to call "the white trash inflatables' backyard". We had 2 inflatable swimming pools, an inflatable jump-o-lene and the slip and slide at the end of the slide on the swing set. Cars would actually slow down on the road because they could see all the crap through the chain link fence. Well, we had a blast! Right after we came in ate and all fell asleep for a nice, long nap!

Here is a video of the little ones (and Amy) going down the slide. Chloee thanks grandpa and grandma in this video for the pool, that goes for both sets seeing as how they both gave her awesome swimming pools!

Father's Day

On this Father's Day, I wanted to post a little bit about Josh. I am so grateful for such an amazing husband and father. He is the cutest daddy ever... not that I'm biased at all. Here are just a few highlights of things I love about Josh being a father.

* He has more patience than pretty much anyone I know. It shines through when he takes care of Chloee and disciplines her, all the while I'm in the corner pulling my hair out!

*He LOVES to watch her chew. Josh can't stand to see or hear anyone chew, especially if their mouth is open while doing so. For some reason he finds it really cute when she does it.

*I love his "Chloee voice". Only a few people have been fortunate enough to hear it. For those of you who have, you know what I'm talking about. That cute little girl voice he does is adorable.

*He is always so proud of her. Every time she learns something new, you can see the gleam in his eye. He always gives great praise to her when she has done something right.

*He is not afraid to get down and act silly with her. He doesn't mind carrying a pink diaper bag around and hauling 15 different babies all over the place. He will play dolls with her and paints her finger and toenails. He loves to read to her and makes up his own version of the stories, those are her favorites and mine as well, they are so funny to listen to!

*Only daddy can make the worst of "ouchies" better. I have tried but she just wants daddy's kisses. Mine, evidently have been overused and have been weakened by such.

*The 2 of them have "most" wars at night when she is going to bed. Josh stays outside her door and she says, "I love you the most, daddy". He then retorts, "No, I love you the most". Once again from inside her door, "No, no, I LOVE YOU THE MOST." As she screams it at the top of her lungs. This goes on at least 5 or 6 times and she ALWAYS has to have the last and needless to say, the most powerful "MOST". It is very cute to listen to.

*He loves spending time with her and taking her to the store, stroller rides, he pushes her in the swing, will read the same book 20 times, LOVES to scare her and chase her around the house. I can't imagine being married to a person that thinks of their children as a burden to their lives and that don't want to spend any time with them. I'm glad that Josh has a playful relationship with her, kids need to know that there is more to their dad than someone that makes them work 24-7 and never shows any affection. I couldn't have done better in both the husband and father department.

Here's a little poem I found that reminded me of Josh and Chloee.

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

~By Susan Ceylise.~

I also wanted to put a little something in this Father's Day post to my dad. I love you dad, more than you will ever know. I love that you aren't afraid to show your emotions. That is something I have always admired about you. I love that it's okay for you to cry in front of your children and you aren't ashamed of it. I love that you don't feel like you always have to act like this big, tough guy who never cries and that crying is unacceptable. I know Josh LOVES that about you too! You have such a fun and lovable personality and anyone that comes in contact with you immediately knows that. Thanks for calling me on Friday night after I saw you, the things you said to me on the phone brought tears to my eyes and that meant the world to me! I love you SO much and as I said before, I'm amazed that you can still love me after living with me as a teenager and all of the hurtful things I said. Lucky for me, your memory is selective and I'm grateful you have NOT selected those years to remember. Thanks for everything you have done and continue to do for my family. All 3 of us love you to pieces. Chloee told me today, "Awan tickle bampa." LOVE YOU DAD!

I Almost Forgot

I almost forgot that I was going to post this. On my birthday, Josh made me a coupon for one of my presents. It was so cute, I loved it. He obviously messed around with it in our editing software. I laughed so hard. Check out the expiration date, it even has the bar code and the "exclusions" say footwear, which I thought was funny because the coupon is for a pair of shoes. He is so fun and creative and I love the look on his face when he gives me a present, it IS the best part!

Today's Happenings

Today was definitely one of those days where you know right after you woke up that you should have stayed in bed FOR THE DAY, that is, if you could have. I took Chloee into the doctor today for her 2 year check up. I swear it is physically IMPOSSIBLE for me to get ANYWHERE on time. What will I do when I have more than just one child to get out the door?

When we got to the dr's office, while we were in the waiting room, Chloee decided to announce to everyone, "Mommy, I did poopy!". Great, just then they call us back! She HATES the doctor's office so having to change her there was an utter nightmare. I found out she has THRUSH, AGAIN! I guess from all the stinking antibiotics this chick is on. She has had it 2 other times and the first time it lasted for 3 months. Who can go that long with a yeast infection in their mouth? Luckily, the dr prescribed me this wonderful stuff that makes it go away in 3 days but it STAINS EVERYTHING! Ok, this is starting to be long. She got a shot, not fun, she smacked the nurse and on our way out she told everyone that I pushed her down the stairs, which I have never done, but if I'm going to be accused of it.... just kidding!

I went to Albertsons to get her medicine and while I'm in there she picks up a bag of grapes and dumps them all over the floor, have to buy them now. As I am picking those up, she does the same to a bag of cherries, yep, bought them too! I strapped her in the cart and she was growling at some lady that walked past us and actually grabbed her shirt. What is wrong with my child? Then she started to scream at me and told me, "No, no, no bed, mom!". I guess she knew right where she was going when we got home! I have also decided that some AWFUL person with no kids decided to put the candy at the checkout just at EYE LEVEL to the little chocolate mongers. She just put her hands out and wiped about 8 of them off the shelf. I could have died! I had to haul her out of the store in the football hold while trying to carry my bags of groceries, most of which I hadn't planned on buying.

She loved her band-aid from her shot! Right after we left she wanted to go to daddy's work so that she could show him.

This is a little jump-o-lene that we gave her for her birthday. She loves it. Chandler, she really wants you to come over and play in it with her. Come on, Chan, get your mom's rear end in gear and get here up here.

Here she is after her first dose of the gentian violet. I really am not a bad mom and let my child play outside in just her diaper. She has to take off all her clothes to give this stuff to her, it stains EVERYTHING, including her teeth, the outside of her mouth and I have to wait about 1/2 an hour before I can put her clothes back on or she drools it out her mouth all over everything.

Oh yes, the infamous Barricade and Jazz Transformers. Stacie/Chandler gave her these transformers for her birthday. She has 3 cousins that have them and she wants them too. She took them to the dr today, they pretty much go everywhere with her. She loves them, although she does refer to them as Kennet's Barricade and Kai's Jazz. They love them just as much as she does. At Chloee's bday party, Kennet came unglued because Amy told him the Barricade wasn't his. He also tried to convince her to hide Barricade in Amy's purse and that Chloee would NEVER know it was gone. He is so funny! Thanks Stacie for the sweet gift!

When we were driving home today, Chloee said, "Ouch, mom, Jazz just bit me." I said, "You tell Jazz to be nice." In a total motherly tone she said, "Mom ssss, be nice Jazz!" as she pointed her finger at him, scolding him for his behavior. The ssss means "said". She told him that I said it, you know, so he better shape up. I couldn't help but laugh only to have Jazz thrown at my head seconds later. She had dropped Barricade in the car and I couldn't reach him and I told her she would have to wait so she chucked Jazz at my head and told me NO! Well, that got the car stopped in a hurry and she didn't have EITHER of them. Needless to say we came home and she took a very much NEEDED nap!!!

Oh, and to top everything off, my little brother Matthew, was rushed into emergency surgery to have his appendix out tonight. He just got out about an hour ago, luckily it didn't burst. It was HUGE they said. My dad even wanted Matthew to play in his baseball game tonight because they were short a few kids. Yeah, my mom didn't let that fly, she rushed him in as he was getting worse. You'd think this would FREAK my mom out but she went through the EXACT same thing with me at almost the exact same age. I was 10 though when I had my appendix out. All is well, as of now! Crazy times!

31 YEARS...

My parents' anniversary was yesterday, June, 10th. They celebrated 31 years of marriage. Wow, it's amazing how fast time goes by, especially now that I, myself, am married. Of course they have had their ups and downs... what marriage hasn't? I just love the both of them so much and I am so grateful that I was born into this crazy family. I feel very blessed that I was able to come down to Earth to such kind and loving parents who would give the shirt off their back to help anyone else in need, I have seen it done on numerous occasions. I love you Mom and Dad and congrats on yet another year down and an eternity to go! Just Kidding.
Lots of Love!

(You will probably have to click on this one to actually see our faces.)
A classic picture of the CRAZY WILLIAMS CLAN. Don't you just love the funny faces and to top it off, the beautiful snow falling in JUNE. Ok, so the snow wasn't really there but not too far fetched for the weather lately and especially for Cache Valley weather! (not pictured: Micheal, we miss you)

Mom and Dad with their 5 grandkids.
I thought I'd have a little fun with this picture. Kennet actually looks like he's painted in. This was the only grandchild picture that Kennet was actually looking up rather than staring at the ground, picking grass.

Last but not least, the only ones left at home. So, I guess technically, this would be their "family" picture. Thanks everybody for being so cooperative (NOT) for these pictures!

CONGRATS, I LOVE YOU BOTH AND HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL DAY!

Amy's 3rd Child

My dear, sweet sis, Amy, was visiting for a few days last week. She came down on Tuesday night so that we could go to the airport together to pick up Jordan on Wednesday. Well, I talked her into staying until Friday when we had Chloee's party.

I would say she was Chloee's 2nd mom but I think that I would have to take that spot and put Amy in the #1 place. She fed her, held her, played with her, dressed her, hauled her around in the grocery story, you name it, Amy did it. Chloee wouldn't let Amy out of her sight. She was constantly fighting off Kai and Kennet for "her Amy". Of course Chloee thinks she needs to come before Kai and Kennet, Amy's ACTUAL children. Amy is so great to just dive in and help with anything. I never would have been able to pull most of the week off without her. One morning I woke up and thought Chloee had slept in, bless her little heart. Nope, not the case. Evidently, Amy heard her crying at 6:30 am and got her out of her bed took her downstairs and they painted toenails and fingernails together while they watched Star Wars. She did all of this so that I could sleep in because she knew I was exhausted. There are COUNTLESS things I could name off that she has done for me, the Chlo and Josh but this post would then take up the rest of the storage for this blog.

As you can see from the above picture. Amy has Kai, Kennet and Chloee sleeping on her. In fact, all 4 of them are asleep together on the couch. As if Amy doesn't have enough on her plate having Micheal be gone and being a single mother, she loves my child as her own. I can't believe that she can love her so much, especially after watching Chloee hit her kids for days on end. Yesterday, Chloee actually bit Kennet's ear. Yes, you read right, we have a little Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfied on our hands.

I just wanted to write a post about her and what a sweetie she is. Also, after the birthday party on Friday night, she came home and bathed Chloee while Josh's dad and fam had come back to the house to see where we live. She bathed her, put her in her pajamas and then left my house to go home at about 11:15 pm or so. What??? Seriously, could there be anyone more sweet? Anyway, thank you Amy for EVERYTHING you DID and DO for me. Josh and I appreciate you more than you will ever know!!!

Chloee's Birthday Bash

THE PARTY...

We had family over last night for a little get together for Chloee. We had it at the park by our house. It was a lot of fun having everyone get together and laugh. Thanks EVERYONE for helping, cook, clean, bring things, make 101 trips back to our house, you name it... Thanks!

Josh did a great job with this cake. He had really no time and did a wonderful job with what he had to work with. The gel icing to write with wasn't working but hey, it still looks good. Love the Death Star on top. Oh yes, and for those of you who don't know Chloee is OBSESSED with Star Wars, especially Darth Vader.

She is SOOO concentrated when she is opening presents. It is very cute to watch.

Could this picture be any more beautiful? No, not just because of the gorgeous subject in pink. Just kidding. The sunsets down here are so stunning!

THE ACTUAL BIRTHDAY...

Chloee got a bike. She loves the little girlie tassels on the handlebars. Such a girlie girl!

Josh made her this little cake for her to blow out on her birthday. She was so cute trying to get the candles out.

It took about 5 times until we finally got her to dive her face into the cake. After she did, she wanted mommy and daddy to do the same, as you can tell from the next picture....

YUM!

THE ZOO...

Josh took Chloee's birthday off of work and we went to Hogle Zoo. It was so crowded, there had to have been at least 5 elementary schools there. We had fun anyway. This last picture is of us getting ready to take our train ride. I think I did a pretty good job trying to get all of our faces in the picture just from holding the camera in front of our faces. It's a little TOO close but hey, I have short arms.

Sweet Return

My brother returned home TODAY from his mission in Trujillo, Peru. How sweet it was to see him. There had to have been about 10 missionaries coming home on the exact same flight. Families were swarmed at the bottom of the escalators, anxiously awaiting to see their loved one. Jordan was one of the last ones to come down... of course. I stood there with my dad at the bottom of the escalators waiting to get some good pictures, as soon as I saw Jordan it brought tears to my eyes. Then, only to open the floodgates, when he hugged my dad, his grip was so tight as he swung his arms around him and began to sob. This was extremely emotional. I then got to experience it again as he did the exact same thing to my mom. With tears streaming down my mom, dad and Jordan's faces, you couldn't help but be touched by the calm and sweet spirit that was there. It was one of the best feelings and I only wish I could have shared that moment with everyone. Just for you to be able to have seen the love, emotion and happiness. CONGRATS JORDAN, WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HOME!

Josh was able to meet up with us for lunch in Layton. We went to Sizzler and laughed pretty much the entire time, listening to Jordan tell stories about dogs, thermal shock, bronchitis and many other things. Thanks mom and dad for doing your "right of passage" as dad called it. It was very nice and greatly appreciated!

Jordan, I am so proud of you and have missed you terribly. I'm so glad you're home and we can joke and laugh about mom smoking "weed". (A total inside joke, not many will get that) I love you so much. Good luck on the new and exciting adventures that await you!