"That," "What's That?" and "I want that!"

Daniel is becoming so communicative. In the car, he will sing and sigh and pat his hand in front of his mouth making a "Ah-wa-wa-wa-wa" sound. He is now signing: more, milk, please, and seems to know what they mean. We're working on Amen--this one is slow going because he doesn't want to stay still for prayers. (I'm open for suggestions on how you taught this to your kiddos.)
He also loves toothbrushes (and most things in the bathroom!) In the morning, he will sit on our bed and point through the bathroom door, saying "that, that, that" in successively higher-pitched tones until we manage to distract him (rare), or give him his toothbrush. We have now implemented a new rule in our house that you only play with your own toothbrush!
He shared his vocal talent yesterday at the Mount Bonnell (the Young Single Adult) ward--one not used to noises during the sacrament. We went to hear Aunt Candace speak about her mission, which she did quite successfully, and at several quiet times during the meeting, everybody heard "What's that?" in a very high-pitched voice. He walked the back row and distracted everybody from the High Council speaker--sorry Brother Simonsen!

Just now, he succeeded in opening the bathroom doors, looked at me while pointing his finger at the toothbrushes and said, "I want that!" I guess we now have three phrases to use!

Oh, and Daniel is figuring out doors and doorknobs! Watch out us!

First Father & Son Campout

Clinton and Daniel had their first Fathers & Sons Campout last night with the men from church. Daniel helped Daddy pack up the car by checking the tire pressure and working on the bumper, then they were off.
I learned I have a lot to learn about these events when packed a bib for Daniel's dinner. I was amused to hear Clinton laughing when I told him this and he admitted he wasn't going to use a bib on a F&S campout--silly me! I'm grateful Clinton volunteered to help with the laundry as well.

I don't know much about the campout details--I guess that's how it's supposed to be?!? However, I was able to learn that Daniel slept well through the night and awoke early (6:00 am) with the light of day. He enjoyed climbing all over sleeping Daddy in our two-person tent. Needless to say, Daniel fell asleep in the car ride home and continued sleeping upon returning home for at least an hour...Clinton joined him in slumber land; although, he made sure this was in the comfort of his own bed without a little munchkin learning to mountain climb on him. Clinton can fill in more details, if that's not breaking a male-bonding pact. :)

Yeah for Fathers and Sons and Campouts! Maybe next year, Clinton will have two sons to accompany him on the campout! Won't that be fun (for me especially)!

Meanwhile, Candace and I had a GREAT girls night out! We can recommend Freddy's Frozen Custard, which recently opened up in Pflugerville (on 1825).

Daniel's First Birthday

On April 30, 2009, Daniel turned ONE year old. It was a great day with lots of celebration! We continued the "Train up a child" theme to culminate our year.

Thank you Grandma Wouden for coming to play--it also helped Mom get the cake decorated throughout the day. It was really wonderful having you in town. We often thought of other family members all around the world--we miss you. Daniel enjoyed your phone calls as he had learned to put the phone to his ear and make noise.

We had made a colorful train out of cardboard boxes and fun gadgets to play with. It even had a "present car," which Daniel enjoyed discovering throughout the day. He loved opening presents throughout the day and playing with all of his new toys, which included a rocket walker/rider toy, Leap Frog fridge magnets (Thanks Grandma Dee and Grandpa Dan--he knew just what to do when he opened the package, and went right to work pressing buttons!), and more.

We had a BBQ dinner of hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages with all the fixins, and of course birthday cake. Daniel thought it was more interesting to touch the fire, but luckily Daddy was there watching over him. He and all the kiddos began dismantling the train and enjoying all the frosting and goodies. It was a happy time!

Thank you for all who participated in our celebration, both near and far. We are blessed to have wonderful friends. We love Daniel and are grateful that he is in our lives. We also love being parents--families really are the way to go!

Mother's Day Bliss

While finishing my lesson preparation early Sunday morning, Daniel was drinking his milk and snuggling with me! It was a wonderful way to start Mother's Day 2009! Clinton made us scrambled-egg bagel sandwiches for breakfast and then we rushed to get ready for 8:30 am church, but not before I got two cards. Daniel signed his (see attached picture) and Clinton's poem allowed me a day of rest and relaxation--and he held me to it!

Clinton's card poem:
"Honey, it's your SPECIAL DAY, so just ignore the phone. The chores can wait, so sleep in late or spend some time alone. Enjoy your favorite magazine. Veg out and watch TV. Sit back, relax and snarf some snacks...in short, pretend you're ME."

After church, he brought me lunch, which even included chocolate milk! We all got to take a long afternoon nap, and then I got to read the Ensign and Life of Pi while he made a delicious pasta and chicken dinner with our fresh garden herbs! He, of course, did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen--another amazing treat! Talk about spoiled!
Needless to say, we slept well last night--Me, because I was relaxed, and Clinton, because he was exhausted.

Thank you, honey, for making it such a special day for me. Looks like I have a high bar to live up to for Father's Day!

REALLY Yummy Breakfast Casserole!

We used this recipe at our Visiting Teaching Conference earlier this year--it is phenomenal! I hope you all can enjoy:
“Thee” Egg Thing
Melt ½ stick (¼ cup) butter in a 9”x13” pan. In a bowl mix:
10 eggs
½ cup self-rising flour (or regular flour plus ½ teaspoon baking powder)
1 pint cottage cheese
1 lb. grated Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1 small can (3 or 4 oz.) chopped green chilies

Bake for 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

New Calling

Sunday was a big day for me as I got a new calling as the Relief Society President for our ward. Life will be interesting as we get organized! I am grateful for the opportunities we have to serve.

I do feel sorry for my bathrooms--it will now be even harder for them to stay cleaned :)

Balls Balls and a Swimming Pool

It is great having Grandma Wouden in town for Daniel's first birthday. On a very rainy day, we went to run errands, including visiting the toy store for a few last-minute gifts. Daniel got to have his own playgroup in the purple-elephant swimming pool and his many ball findings. It was so much fun watching him as he is ever-more mobile. He's walking and getting more confident every day.

We love him and are so glad for the year we have been his parents.