This is the day...

"This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us REJOICE and be glad in it!"

I think there are always a lot of things for us to rejoice over.  We have been blessed with great friends & family, freedom of religion, a wonderful home, fabulous jobs and an abundance of food, toys and activities to keep us busy!  Today the Nagelkirks are rejoicing for something a little silly but definitely something worthy of rejoicing…Parker pooped on the big boy potty!  :)

Parks has been potty trained for months now during the days and a few weeks for the night times, but he would cry hysterically any time we would ask him to poop on the big boy potty.  His hysteria always led us to putting a diaper on him so he could go.  I was feeling more than ready to be completely done with diapers for him and so with only 10 diapers left in the box I told him that we would not be buying him any more diapers.  He had 10 more diapers left so 10 more poopies in his diapers.  After that he would have to go on the big boy potty!  With every passing diaper we talked about what this meant and it seemed like he was grasping it and possibly even ready for pooping on the potty.  I felt a little anxious as the last diaper was used knowing that I potentially would have a battle on my hands in the coming days.  

We had borrowed Dan and Amanda's little potty while Parker was beginning his potty training but had returned it once he was peeing standing up at the toilet, but Parker shared that he wished he had the little potty back for going poopies.  Oddly enough while at a friend's garage sale we found a little potty and bought it for $3 (the price is always important when getting a deal!) and found a Potty Book that makes flushing noises as well.  That afternoon Parker asked if I could put it in his room and if he could shut his door for a while.  I anxiously waited…I knew the grunting I heard was probably a good sign!  About 5 minutes later an elated Parker came bounding out of his room with the hugest smile on his face.  While jumping up and down he led me to his room where he showed me his accomplishment…3 huge poopies in the potty!  

We danced, laughed, sang, and took pictures to show daddy and then brought the poopies to the bathroom where we sang the "Bye Bye Poopie" song.  We wished the little poopies good luck finding it's mommy and daddy poopie and sent them on their way!  We had special treats to celebrate and are heading to the store tonight to pick out a new animal for his farm.  After naps we plan on making some calls to let Marble grandma and grandpa know and his best friend Owen.

So thankful for celebrations about poop and the joy that brought to Parker's (and our) day!

**Kinda funny...he chose a donkey for his special animal!  Seems kinda fitting!  :)

Selfies...

I can't think of a better way to pass time while daddy is gone at 6th grade camp for 3 days than to take selfies!!!  Peyton was really into it, but Parker only wanted to do one.  

Lovin' Summer...

We have just loved the mild weather this summer.  So perfect for spending long days outside and playing until our hearts content!

Just another day in mommy hood...

Parenting is one of the most unique journeys I have ever been on.  Every day is ever changing and you can never settle into a routine because things are constantly changing.  Joel and I always joke that if something is going well we don't really speak of it because as soon as you celebrate something going right it will all change the very next day!  I guess we are a little superstitious!

Joel and I will admit that we have had a pretty smooth parenting road so far.  Parker was a unique little boy who was always very compliant, pleasant to be around, a good listener and very teachable with anything he was re-directed on.  Peyton on the other hand is quite different.  She is sassy, says "NO!" often, does not feel bad after doing something she is told not to and throws fits at the young age of 1 years old!  The past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride.  Trying to figure out how to parent our ever-changing 3 year old has been challenging.  There have been days where I feel at my wits end or I lose my cool or Time-Outs are at an extreme high before lunch!

While today had it's moments that I wish not to re-live, I feel like God is drawing me closer to His side through it all.  I started the morning praying for my children.  Praying for their hearts to be soften to God's will and for a love for Him.  I prayed that I would be slow to anger, abounding in love, rely on God when I feel I can't continue, be equipped with God's grace and that I would forgive myself when I fail.  I feel like that started my day the way it should always start but sadly all days are not like this.

Getting Parker down for a nap today was a bit of a struggle, but once he was out…he was out!  I stopped by his room and watched him sleep and prayed over him at the foot of his bed.  I then climbed in bed with him and took in all of his innocence and perfection.  I watched his chest rise and fall with each breath, his blond hair in sweaty clusters on his head, his fair skin so smooth and perfect, his dirty finger nails, his fingers twitching as he dreams and his long eyelashes fall on his cheek.  My heart swelled seeing him and having the realization of what a gift I have been entrusted with.

This precious time with Parker inspired me to do the same with Peyton.  I prayed over her and watched her as she slept.  It has been forever since I have been able to steal such a long look at her…she is always on the run!  Her long hair fell over her eyes, she suckled her paci constantly, her little hand tucked under her cheek and her legs tucked tightly under her buns.  My precious child, I love you.

At the end of the day these are the moments I am taking with me.

I have forgiven myself for my failures and continue to learn how best to love my children and teach them to love God, love others and show respect to adults.

I am a work in progress and I am glad I serve a God who has already gone before me and has a mazing plans for my children!

Summer Randomness...

Best buddies...

Barrel rides through the neighborhood with Mr. Tom...

Too many helpers?!?!

Parker's farm creations...

 "Please don't sleep Daddy...we want to play!"

Pretend Naps...

Too tired?!?!

With Parker skipping naps some days he gets a little sleepy.  We found out exactly how sleepy tonight.  

We thought he was in his room trying to go poopies, but after quite some time I figured I should check on him.

I found him sleeping standing up next to his bed!  Poor buddy!

Cran Hill Ranch...

Engedi camped at Cran Hill again this year and we tagged along for some of the fun!  Josh hooked us up with a 1993 RV which was super fun and worked great for our family…maybe we will have an RV in our future?!?  

The weekend was beautiful and sunny despite the weatherman saying there was a 60% chance of rain every day.  We had fun getting to know the families from Engedi, swimming, campfires, visiting the animals at the barn and spending lots of time outside.

The ride home was a quiet one when both of the kids fell asleep on the back bed!  So adorable.



Peyton so proud of her bracelet.

Checking out the big dog, Teva, from a safe distance.

Huge sand pile=lots of fun, but very dirty!

Peyton with all of her friends.

Cheerios + Praise Babies=a quieter morning so Parks can get more sleep

Quiet ride home.