toilet camp round 3

I guess it was time.  Being dry after a nap and night was always a tell-tale sign it was time to begin.  Unfortunately, with our third I have become tired and lazy or maybe more relaxed?  I stumbled my way into toilet training over spring break at the suggestion of my mother.  Until she suggested it, I hadn't given it a serious thought even though I knew it was creeping up on us.  After thinking about her idea, I decided spring break would be a great time because it gave us the time to be at home for a few days without interruption of pick-ups and carpools.

My little camper was extremely excited about picking out her own underwear at the store, especially with her older sisters in tow.  We stocked up on baby wipes, Clorox wipes, clean underwear, books, a potty chart, stickers, M&Ms (yes, I do use those as a reward) and an episode of "Daniel Tiger" to begin "toilet camp."  

We played at home for 4 days with many accidents, urine stained grout, an overflow of laundry, eager big sisters, an exhausted Mommy but an excited little camper. 

As we continue on this "camping" journey which I know will take a few weeks to completely master, I consistently pray for patience which is harder to come by this time around.  Even though it is sometimes frustrating and hard for all of us, we are so proud of out little camper and her toilet accomplishments!  Way to go!

springtime strawberry, cucumber & mint salad

In our neck of the woods, strawberries are plentiful and sweet this time of year.  After some warmer days, sunshine and a few good rains, my mint is bounding out of it's pot with fresh leaves a plenty.  In my half-hearted attempts to eat seasonally with my family, I put together a little springtime salad with what we had on hand.

Mixing together strawberries, cucumber slices cut into quarters and fresh mint leaves, 

turned into a refreshing salad that my whole family devoured.  

With the mint added, no dressing is needed.  

(for the mint, I just cut it finely with our kitchen shears -- 

I find it far easier to cut herbs rather than chop them)

On a side note, it is incredibly easy to grow mint.  My mother refers to it as a weed.  It can grow almost anywhere.  Mine in thriving in a dilapidated old pot that has been chewed on by the dog on our back deck.  It is wonderful to have on hand to embellish fruit and vegetable salads alike.