July

Hi all,

It's been a while. I figure I owe any followers a big update. Here are a few things that went on around here this month. Tired of all this hot weather? Think snow. Sarah makes an indoor snowman. You'll also notice she is not wearing any shorts in this picture. Underwear and a shirt is about as much as I can get her to wear these days. She would rather be totally naked, but I insist on at least a few items of clothing. She became toilet trained earlier in the month. There were a couple of tough days in the beginning, but now she's really got it. My big goal this summer was to potty train both of our kids. Yes, that's right. For those of you who don't know us very well, Layton has yet to get the hang of this toileting thing. C'mon though, cut him some slack, he does have autism after all. I always hear that kids with autism are the hardest population to toilet train. Based on our experience with Layton, I will never try to argue that point. Anyway, my big goal has been met half way. Layton, you're next buddy!

In other news, we've had a furry addition to our home. I hesitate to say addition, but we've been caring for this stray kitten for 3 weeks now. I'm pretty sure this no name kitty is here to stay. I don't know what it is, but Chad is a magnet for stray animals. He discovered this little guy running around the parking lot at a Home Depot. It was a 100 degree day and the vet said the kitten was likely just a day away from dying. I was dead set against another animal coming into the home, but I also didn't expect Chad to just leave the kitten in that hot parking lot. He has such a heart for animals.

Sarah Meredith will not leave this cat alone. She has gotten into so much trouble over this thing. She treats it like she would one of her stuffed animals. She holds him by his neck and carries him wherever she pleases.

Here's a rare sight. Sarah is petting the cat instead of squeezing it.

What kitten wouldn't want two "e" 's (pacifiers)?


Oh kitty! You poor patient thing!

Layton has been terrible lately about eating the meals I fix for dinner. That's fine though. I always wrap up his plate and save it for later that night when he's starving and asking for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, this particular evening he was having none of that. Layton can be very sneaky. He had sneaked some potato ships out of the house and was gobbling them up in the backyard.

And of course just throws the empty chip bag on the ground when he's finished. I'm ashamed to say I think the bag is still laying in the yard somewhere.

Layton is again in desperate need of a haircut!

I love this picture. I just wish he had his eyes open. I told him to say "cheese" and he flashed me the biggest smile ever.

Chad has been out of the house and very busy the last few days. I get a break while my mom reads a book to Sarah. Sweet relief! This girl can really wear me out!