The Potty...

2 pair of panties

The famous head cock

My darling little Sister


Doing the potty dance

Is it fair to say that potty training is in the top five hardest things about Motherhood?

Before Coco, I would have said that. In fact, I was so worried about potty training her, after my experience with David and taking into account her personality, that I never suggested, hinted or even seriously thought about starting.
Then of course one day about a month ago, she decided to use the toilet herself. And amazingly there are no potty treats involved, just a rousing potty dance and song- which she loves to do. Although I rarely let her go around without a pull-up on- just in case- when she does get to wear panties she insist on putting them on herself and of course, 2 pair are better than one.

Sometimes I can't deal with how much I love this little girl. Although the other day, after finishing storytime, I said, as I often do, "Coco, when you grow up, do you promise that we can be best friends?" TO my chagrin this time she said, "No, Mama, Coco be best friends with Aunt Jenny. Now Coco call Aunt Jenny on the phone."

And with that she waddled off to retrieve the cordless. For those of you don't know her, my sister Jenny is a prettier, sweeter, smaller, and gentler version of me. Can't really blame the little tease.

Coco is a little girl after Jenny's own heart. They both shamelessly flirted with the male gender by 18 months of age, cock their heads to one side in all photographs, and sweetly laugh their way out of any trouble they may find themselves in.

Maybe Coco was meant to be her daughter. I'm sure glad she's not. I don't know if I would survive without her.

Lauren...my African Princess

For those of you who think that only black people live in Africa...here's proof thais not the case. This is my bosom friend (reference to Anne of Green Gables)Lauren. We met when we were visiting teaching partners in the One and Only 8th Ward. Actually no, I take that back. We met (is you can call getting bossed around as meeting) when I was teaching at the MTC and she was the Bossy Wossy at the Telecenter. Now some of you may not believe this, but I was afraid of her. Yes all 5' 10 One hundred and - no silly I'm not going to reveal my MTC weight right here. Except to say that it was a lot closer to 200 than 100. Oh those were the days- when I put on a l pound a day.
But I digress, this is about Lauren, not an expose on my body weight through the years.

Anyway, after a couple of short years, Lauren had to go back to South Africa, for her student Visa had run out. Last year she came to visit me and my little family and as you can see she and Coco took a special liking to one another. I mean how could you not like Coco and furthermore you can't help but loving Lauren either. So when 2 people like that meet, even though they are years apart in age...they take to each other.

Lauren trains and teaches Doctors and Nurses in South Africa how to Run Free Medical and Educational clinics for people with HIV Aids, malaria and all manner of death causing illnesses and also how to prevent contracting these illnesses. Pretty cool huh. She is pretty much taking part in changing the world. Oh, yes. SHe also is Stake Young Women's president and spends pretty much all her free time travelin around one of the largest areas in all the church keeping everyone in the Johannesburg Stake in line. So in future, I'll just call her Wonder Woman.

Also Lauren is single, (the pickins are pretty slim in South Africa) so if you know anyone who is into very very long distance relationships... let me know.

We Miss you, We love you Lauren!

The Costume

Ok folks, here it is. Even I have to admit it was pretty awesome. My husband starts thinking about his Halloween costume sometime in mid-September and this year was no different. I think once in our marriage I put on a cowboy hat and cowboy boots to go to a mandatory costume party... I think he wishes I got into it as much as he does. But I think he should just be grateful that I do so much to help him.

This year, my talent for thrift shopping, came in handy when I had to find a pair of dark overalls that would fit a 6'6 man. I found the elusive article of clothing in the 11 hour...at yes my favorite store, Savers. I think they should pay me to advertise. Then again they would probably say that I need to have more than 12 readers for it to be worth their while.

I also woke up at the crack of dawn - before James goes to work and skillfully shaved the MR. T. hairstyle into that white head of his. Then filled it in with $1 black make-up. Yes, I did inquire as to why, if we were going this far, we were not going to also paint his face brown.. I was informed he was the white MR. T.

In a different vein, I went to a shower/get together for my dear friend. Remember the one who is going to have 7 children in 6 years? One set of triplets and now a set of twins? It was so fun to see old friends. I am amazed at what great women they have become. In high school aren't we just a big blob of teeny boppers trying to fit in, to be liked, not really knowing who we are. All these women have come into their own, with incredible talents and gifts, lovely personalities and strong minds.

Here's a shout out to LJ (righteouslou.blogspot.com) who was absolutely appalled at the number of us who voted McCain. Congratulations my dear...and more importantly, thank you in advance for taking care of my kids next week so I can attend the devotional. That, in my opinion is the surest sign of a true friend, a woman who is willing to babysit all three of yours while having 2 of her own.

That reminds me, my father, C Terry Warner, is giving what will probably be his final devotional address at Brigham YOung University this coming Tuesday Nov 11 at 11 am. So if you have BYU TV or KBYU, tune in. Then there will be a reception honoring his retirement at the bottom of the Education in Zion exhibit at the new Joseph Smith Building on BYU campus. Anyone who would like to come and see this most amazing exhibit that he has spent the last 8 years putting together is welcome.