Just Gotta Laugh

There is never a dull moment.  Instead of getting frustrated and to keep from going insane, we just laugh it off. 

The kids often have the giggles at dinner time or scripture study before bed.  I try not to get bothered by it, because they are enjoying each other's company.  Sometimes it is a distraction and I have to redirect their focus.  Sometimes it is funny and I have to laugh along. 

Last night we were reading the scriptures and Teague had a Ken doll in his possession.  We had to stop him from making all the sounds of this dolls actions.  Cohen was distracted and laughing at Teague.  Teague thinks he is pretty funny and will only go for more silly once he has a fan.  We had to redirect Cohen so he wouldn't encourage sillies.  Cohen sat down by David to read.  He started reading and was focused.  David saw Teague and smirked.  I was trying not to laugh.  Then piped, "He (as in the Ken doll) has red panties with lace.  I can't help but laugh."  We all died laughing and laughed even harder at everyone laughing.  The hysteria broke the mood and purpose, but we sure were enjoying the moment.  So funny!

Today, I had to use the same antidote to get me through.  Just had to laugh it off. 


We have been potty training Teague.  I wanted to wait until he was three.  He was showing signs of being ready and was going when we asked him to go.  After spending $20 on diapers and wipes, I decided I would buckle down and do it.  I wanted to spend $20 towards food instead.  He has been doing really well.  A few accidents, but doing good.  Last night he even stayed dry the entire night.  We usually have to put him in a special night diaper to contain everything.  I should have known errands might not go so well after a dry night.  He went before twice, during twice and had another great relief when we got home. 

A few events have made it an entertaining morning.  First stop the consignment store to see what costumes I could get.  Second stop the post office.

Today was the first day the consignment store opened with it's racks full of costumes.  I would usually think it is too early to think about Halloween.  From past experience, it is definitely not.  I had the whole family decide on their costume choice Monday night.  At midnight Monday there was no changing their mind.  I am still being flexible with Cohen...something Star Wars.  I figured I would see what I could buy for cheap first and then make the rest.  It was slightly chaotic.  I went about a half hour after they opened.  The kids did fairly well.  Kennedy's costume, piece of cake.  Teague and Taylin: I bought them two years ago, done.  Cohen's a little more difficult.  They are all too big.  I might be making it from scratch...not looking forward to that.  We are Goodwilling for David and I. 

I put Teague in training underwear just in case he had an accident.  He kept showing signs he was holding something.  We checked out and went to the car for the next errand.  He was a little damp, but nothing we couldn't complete one last errand with. 

The post office may or may not be a nerve wracking experience.  Lately it hasn't been.  I walked in knowing we should probably get home as soon as possible to get Teague to the potty and changed.  There were two people at the desk being helped and only one in line.  I thought again, "Piece of cake!"  I shouldn't have been so sure.  Apparently the customers at the desk needed to accomplish many tasks or difficult ones.  Let's just say I have had a longer line in front of me and been done quicker.  Teague still putting a kink in things, trying to.  I thought we were close, still second in line.  I look over and Teague is in a corner with a look of distress, "I have to go potty.  I have to go potty."  Just as a pipe explodes.  This wasn't a drip.  The boy had to go.  So I, being ill-prepared (he can usually go 3 hours...I am retraining myself to be prepared for such situations), I try to ask him to hold the rest.  It continues for what seems like forever.  No one seems to be panicking or appalled.  At least I didn't see, because I wasn't going to look.  Very little made it to the floor.  I quickly removed his shirt and wrapped it around his loins to keep whatever else from dripping.  Of course the line then starts to move and had grown.   

We completed our delivery and swept Teague up in the most awkward manner trying not to get soaked myself...again, not acknowledging the eyes of the line which grew to at least 6 to 8 more people.  We made it to the car.  I stripped the boy down to nothing.  Again, I have nothing to put on him.  I couldn't put him in the seat wet or naked.  I did have his changing pad.  I laid that in his seat with enough to pull up and further protect his loins from the buckles.  Phew. 

We made it home with Kennedy in despair and need to potty herself.  Teague took himself to the potty as soon as we got home and found more relief as he called out, "I went potty.  Candy?"  I wanted to say, "Are you serious?  A reward?  Didn't you claim a few territories today?!"  I also know that praise will have better results so I obliged and gave him his sweet prize for hitting his target. 

While preparing lunch Kennedy was dancing around in her costume singing, "Lipstick stain...Hey soul sister..." lyrics here and there.  It was adorable and made me laugh. 

For the rest of the day wasn't over, but it was much less dramatic.  We quickly ate lunch and had to go pick Cohen up for a doctor's appointment.  I came prepared this time with a change of clothes and a bag for any soiled clothes.  We went to the school then to the appointment for Kennedy and Cohen's annual check up.  All three got flu shots and Kennedy's 4 year shots (four or five of them!!).  There was a restroom.  We attended it two or three times.  Teague wouldn't have anything to do with it.  He would hold anything in as he sat upon the special little kid sized throne.  We finished appointment with shots and suckers and on to drop Cohen back off at school.  The entire ride home Kennedy was whimpering about her shots.  She is most dramatic with the aftermath of the shots.  We got home and took Teague potty and he perfectly hit is target with full force. 

I then tucked the two of them onto the couch for an abbreviated rest time.  Thunder and lightening started and they quickly abandoned the couch and ran for my room.  They got on my bed and settled in.  A bright flash of lightening followed by a crack of thunder set fear in them again.  They wanted to cuddle and run at the same time.  They were quite upset.  They have forgotten Texas thunderstorms.  Teague has never known them.  We wish we could send it to Texas.  I am afraid they need more than the little that spat upon us.

For now folks they are peacefully reading books on the bed as we wait to go pick up the older kids.  We have the opportunity to camp tonight.  I am thinking a night at home will be just perfect instead.