The past two weeks have been a little busy.

We have been super busy around here. Some of you have told me that reading my blog makes you tired, and the past couple weeks should definitely make you want a nap. We (different family members, but I have been present for each visit) have seen 3 different doctors, an audiologist, speech therapist, early intervention coordinator, and visited the county preschool to inquire about services for next year. Ben has had an all day field trip (where he says he saw bears and Kentucky wildcats and climbed 16 mountains) and ridden the bus home for the first time. Kate has spoken about a half dozen new words, including bowl, ice, hide, Paul, yellow hay, hat Bob (as in Bob the Builder), and bad mama (she learned that little jewel from Will). She is also blowing bubbles, which is a HUGE deal. She has worked so hard on that. Will (in addition to teaching his sister unfortunate phrases) has been his usual funny self, playing with his imaginary bullies - that will be a story for another day. We have been to visit my family in P-ville, and Tim is in Chicago with Alex and the Jesus People, getting ready for his student mission trip in the summer.

But perhaps the best story of the week is from Kate. Yesterday she came into the kitchen and signed "potty". I said "Yes, Will is using the potty upstairs." She signed "diaper". I said, "Oh! You have to go to the potty?" "Yes". Ok, well then let's do it.

I had to go outside to get the potty because we hadn't even brought it in yet. I set it up in the kitchen so that she could sit while I ate my lunch. I knew that this could take awhile, and I wasn't sure how long her attention would last. She sat there for about 15 minutes chatting with me. I would occasionally ask if she was done, and she would say no. Then I hear her say, "Hello, poo poo!" Sure enough. There it was! The boys came running in so that we could celebrate. We called Da (that's what Kate calls Tim) to give him the good news. We are very proud of our little girl, and the boys are excited to learn a new phrase to drive me nuts at the kitchen table (hello, poo poo- I can hear them downstairs saying it right now). I don't know if she will do it again, ever, but we had a great moment of success. Yay, Kate!

As for the next two weeks, we have more doctors appointments (and dentists - did I mention I had a filling fall out last night?), ST, and regular school stuff. T-ball starts for the boys next Saturday, which is also when I am supposed to have a yard sale and go to a Derby party. That is also the weekend that the candidate for our senior pastor will be at our church. Maybe I need to start the week with a nap?

So, this is my new normal. I have to say though that I am incredibly thankful for all of the busyness (well, maybe not the tooth thing) because it just means I have more blessings than I can count. Amen?