Sunday, August 2, 2009

making me happy now

I'm still on my little blog break, just checking in. I dropped the big computer at the mac place yesterday and gave them $95 just to drop it off. Ouch. Hopefully they can help.

We made the best green smoothies ever today. Can't resist posting it. Before we walked to farmer's market I chunked up two bananas and placed them in the freezer. At farmer's market we bought some nice organic kale. So here's what's in the smoothies: the frozen bananas, juice of 3 oranges, frozen pineapple, two kale leaves (you could add more for a darker green color) and just enough apple juice to get the blender to blend it. It was still really thick and frozen, even with the extra juice. We've never made such a yummy smoothie.
I adore this little smoothie drinker.
Also loving right now: a fresh batch of library books to enjoy with the children. And some for me too.
Bobbins! I'm crazy happy about this. I've been surviving on the original 5 bobbins that came with the machine--over 10 years ago! Why did it take me so long to track these down? When I finally did, I bought all they had (18).
This weekend's theme party: a hot dog and s'more party. The themes are getting simpler and simpler. Nonetheless, every time Dieter says "this was my best night ever!" I'm inclined to agree with him. I get such a sense of happiness and well being when I am surrounded by my beautiful family enjoying such simple pleasures. (And no lack of kitchen remodels can ever take that away, I remind myself sometimes).
And seriously, how cute are these kids playing with mama's new remote??

We are trying to potty train Rainer--thus the potty outside. No luck so far. How do you potty train an unmotivated two year old without bribes?

29 comments:

Jennie F. said...

Hmm, well I've only potty trained one child and I'm about to start on a second in the next few months. I've never used bribes as far as candy or small gifts. I did buy a book or two about using the potty, and honestly just a ton of praise and high fives seem to do the trick! That, and telling everyone we know about their accomplishments, even if that means a mid-day phone call to an aunt or grandparent!

I very much enjoy your blog. Thank you for all that you share. You've inspired me in many ways :)

Unknown said...

Ahhh, you have a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing it with us :)

Elizabeth (My Reading World) said...

Well-I wouldn't/didn't potty train either of mine. Just explained what it was all about and waited till I felt they were both ready to do it independently. Hazel was 2.5 and Kieran was 3.1. But-it was all done in one go to be honest and they both initiated it. They knew what it was, could get on the toilet by themselves-and we had no more diapers from the moment they went on the toilet. We did use pull-ups for about a month at night with H, and a week with K--we never had any accidents day or night, never ever. Which was a good thing--as I couldn't stand the thought of cleaning it up!

I didn't see diapers as something to stress over for me or them. I don't believe in making/bribing them to do anything, especially if it was just because I thought it was something they 'should' do.

Our Green Nest said...

We started ECing late at around 15 months and she had it down in about a week...but was completely diaper free by 16.5 - 17 months or so probably.

We have a couple baby Bjorn lil potties around the house and then a trainer seat for the toiliet too and she uses all of them depending on where we are in the house. I think what really helped initially was alot of diaper/undie free time and having potties easily accessible.

With EC there are no bribes or rewards and it doesn't even recommend praise, although we did do that - like "way to go", "yeah!", etc. etc. With EC there is also no negativity over accidents and no coercion either...it's awesome! I so wish we had started earlier though - like 1 month old or something...next time! :) Good luck!!!!!

Meg said...

The theme parties look so lovely--I may have to try the s'more one this week!

As for potty training, my son was my third one to train..after all the false starts and drama (mostly mine), I waited as long as I could. He was three years and three months--but it only took a couple of days (literally) and he had no accidents!

I especially love how you're wearing a sweater in the nighttime picture--it's getting that cool at night? How wonderful!

Miss L's Craft Room said...

The remote pictures are great. I can't believe how much Faith looks like you. You two could be sisters! Good luck with the potty training. I only did it once about 31 years ago and she was easy. I'm sure he'll do it when he's ready.

Tia said...

Those smoothies look delicious! Can I move in with you and come to one of your family nights? I will provide some kind of scrumptious dessert.

Annie said...

Ugh. I think that you wait until they are ready...

My daughter would actually look at me and say "Mama, why would I want to use the potty? Going in my diaper is so much easier." Then again, this is the same kid who at age four would look at me after I said something and ask "Mama, are you being sarcastic?"

Sarah said...

Ummm, you don't?

It seems to me that kids use the toilet when kids decide they want to use toilet, plain and simple. My kid? He didn't want to until he was 4. And even then it took a bribe. A fancy new lego truck. Ha! So much for not bribing him, eh? :-)

In all seriousness though, because Rainer has had so much other upset this past year I would imagine he will not do it on his own for awhile. The one thing he CAN control and all that...

My Crazy Thoughts said...

What a fun little get together.

As for the green smoothies... I am still trying to get myself to drink one. Maybe I will try out this recipe first.

And your table reminds me that I need to start incorporating cloth napkins into my life. I started making reusable snack bags and sandwich wraps. On a start!

Little Ol' Liz said...

You call it a bribe -- I call it a reward. Not only have we learned to use the potty, but we've learned all the colors M&M's come in (and it's a lot). Life is hard - potty training shouldn't be. I find it takes a firm committment on the parent's part, and telling the learner that using the potty is their job, not mine. I'm already fully trained!

Ann said...

My son Sam still isn't potty trained at almost 3. He uses the potty if left naked, but after naps he's wet and in the mornings too. I'm told you have to wait until they have bladder control (waking up dry) and then it's really simple. But, all kids get bladder control at wildly different ages and boys are usually later than girls. Hope that helps!

I love all the sewing, cooking, and family life you share. Thanks!

a loyal reader in california said...

Hi Mary Beth, I've been reading your blog for a long time and have been so inspired by it, especially the way you are raising your children. I love your posts about fewer toys, play, crafts, etc.

Your question about potty training reminded me of something I've been wondering for a while. I am so curious about your discipline style/philosophy. All of your children seem so sweet and happy! I have a three year old and am kind of pulling my hair out right now :) I figured the mama I look up to for so many other "family-related" things might have some good insights. Would love to see a post about your musings on discipline someday, if you feel comfortable doing so. Just a suggestion :)

Take care :)

Mary Beth said...

Thanks, everyone, for your kind responses. In the past we've potty trained the children when they are 3 and it goes much better. With Dieter we simply waited until he was ready. When we had his potty-party he was nearly 3 and a 1/2. We're wanting to train Rainer earlier because he's supposed to start preschool in the fall . . .

Meg--yes! It has been a cooler summer here this year. I've enjoyed it muchly. That said, we were cooking out again the very next night and it was much warmer . . .

Tia--come on over!

California Reader--good idea. I will do a post like that.

Aileen--thank you! What a nice comment.

gardenmama said...

You are surrounded by such beauty Mary Beth, your family and the home you create is lovely! The happiness and love is apparent : ) I love the sweet simple ideas you share in this space bringing family together. I think we may just try the green smoothie, your recipe sounds delicious. I also must add that your photo with the flowers, candle and napkin is so pretty!

Anonymous said...

of faith you beauty ! i happen to love the shirt you are wearing ! i could have sworn that i have seen it in my closet ! that shirt i actually bought for the first day of highschool
oh the memories
and marybeth you sure know how to capture the moment
props to you
- kaylyn

Anonymous said...

sorry i forgot to add something
faith ... no paint on thy nails
what are the other bloggers going to say

anyway i recognize your hands in the smores picture

once again
kaylyn

Anna said...

I have those napkins too! Love them...

We are still in the depths of potty training, but lots and lots and LOTS of "nake-y" time outside seems to be working for us. At first Mina would only pee outside, but we're transitioning to the toilet pretty easily.

If your little one is still sun-sensitive, you could try naked inside time. This is more complicated, though, what with couches and such....

Sarah said...

we didn't bribe our older child either. But...our pedi (who is a little on the crunchy side) suggested giving him tons of fluids and letting him run around outside with no pants. It worked for the summer, then fall came and he seemed disinterested until he asked for a truck. I told him we could either buy a new truck or more pullups that I didn't have the money for both. He chose the truck and has been using the potty ever since. I think boys just don't care if they're wet so it doesn't matter to them until something gets them moving in that direction and it's usually not bribes or peer pressure they have to want it for themselves. Ethan actually told me once "I don't want to wear underwear cus then I have to stop playing trains." He had figured out that while wearing a diaper he could just keep playing, smart cookie! We were totally hands off about it but did have a potty in his room, outside, and then the bathroom so that it was always there if he so chose.

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

wish I could say I'm doing it without bribes. I have a bag of wrapped "pooping prizes" by the potty (individual tubes of glitter glue wrapped in colored tissue with wiggles stickers) but so far she'll hold it for three days or go in her pull-up. peeing isn't as much of a problem, she's willing to go in her potty chair or on the big potty with a squishy seat. i think it will just take a bit more time and some peer pressure at preschool in the fall should finish her up!! : )

Unknown said...

Just made an interpretation of your kale smoothie. yum. Thanks :)

http://adventuresofarainbowmamamama.blogspot.com/2009/08/kale-smoothies.html

Kristina Strain said...

Theme parties sounds like a great way to pass the summer by.

Kristina
Sweetfern Handmade

pingouin said...

I'm going to have to try that smoothie! Sounds good and looks so yummy in those Ikea glasses, I just bought the same ones and even blogged about them in my last post =P
I'm certainly no potty training expert! I tried every trick that exists and my son was finally potty trained at four and a half, he's now 10 and still in pullups for the night. I figure he should be out of them before college lol.
As for my daughter, I talked to her about it a few times past 2 years of age and then waited for her to be ready. She finally was at 3, just as her brother was about to start kindergarten. She told me she was also going to be a big girl and that the day he would start school she would go to the toilet, no more diapers day or night. I was shocked and proud when it actually worked!
My friend though seems to be good with potty training, so far she had one son potty trained at 2 and the other at just 3, both by giving them lots of liquids and letting them roam naked all day for a week or two.

j o n i said...

Mary Beth, I tried your smoothie this weekend and let's just say--IT WAS FANTASTIC! So long Green Goddess of the grocery store! Hello home made shake!

Also, I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog so much that I have posted a blog love token/award for you over at my blog today.

Thank you for being such a wonderful blog!

xoxo
Joni :)

Christie - Childhood 101 said...

I think the taking off nappies and wearing training pants or undies is important (compared to going bare) so that they can feel the wet sensation and start to make the connection between wet and dry and begin to recognise what causes it and the warning signs of it coming.

Lots of praise too!

Christie
http://childhood101.blogspot.com/

Kristina D. Closs said...

mmm... those smoothies sound great! I like that you used kale leaves, whenever I buy them the person who rings me up always thinks I have an iguana or has no idea why I just bought a strange bundle of plant.

Rachael said...

I am so pleased to see that little boy with his smoothy! How cool. I am showing this to Minnie tomorrow in the hope she will want to be like your cool little boy!

What a great little party - cute photos.

Loo training - we just waited and waited and then at 2 1/2 Minnie was 'trained' in a few days and out of night nappies a couple of weeks later!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary Beth,
Just wanted to let you know that I am missing you blogging everyday.
Hope everything is going well and your enjoying the rest of the summer.

Oona Nicholas

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have 2 little boys too. One was ready at 1 1/2 and it went quickly; so we tried to rush the other one. He was mortified, and we realized we had to let him take his time. For us, Pull-ups were no help (except at night). They actually seemed to prolong potty training and cost more than diapers! The best thing you've got going for you is all the big brothers and daddy. Let him go in the bathroom with them as much as they will tolerate. Soon enough, he will want to be like them. Keep potty seats handy for him.