Milestone

That is a picture of my beautiful daughter Elli. She is 2 years and 9 months old and has been potty trained for almost 2 weeks. I know this might seem a little trifle or pointless, but she potty trained herself. I couldn't believe how easy it was with her. I had heard stories of kids just deciding to use the potty and never wear diapers or pull ups again. I never expected my child to be one of them. What you might not know is that Elli has an older brother who is 5 years old named Carson. Now, Carson did not care one bit about learning to use the potty. Alan and I actually forced him at the age of 3&1/2 to learn to use the potty. He just didn't really care about using the potty. It was a battle from the beginning and we still have lapses to this day. So when Elli said she was done with diapers and pull ups I wasn't sure if I should believe her or not. Thank goodness she showed me that she was serious. She has done beautifully in adjusting to this new aspect in her life. I was ecstatic that is was so easy with her, but it is kind of sad. This means we have reached a new milestone as parents. We no longer have any children in diapers. It is exciting to not have to worry about buying diapers and the carry all bag is a lot lighter, but it does make me a little sad. She is a beautiful little girl and I am so blessed to have her my life. I love her so much and can't wait to see what she learns to accomplish next. =)

Finish Line

Today is the last day of my classes for the next 2 weeks. I am really excited to come to the end of these classes. I am really excited about turning in my projects and not having the weigh on me anymore. I know I will feel a weight lift off my shoulders when I hit the submit assignment button. I might just do a little dance when I do it =) I am also excited about my next two classes. They will be more with my major. Next term I am taking Anatomy and Physiology I and Nutrition Planning and Management. I enjoyed my classes this term but I am ready to concentrate on something new and learn something new. Well, I need to get back to work. See ya next time!

Later days~
Dori

Snow =)

We have had some crazy weather lately in the south. First, we had a white Christmas. This was the first white Christmas in 47 years. Then just a few weeks later we had another big snow storm. I live in the south not the north. The town I live in is not used to this kind of weather and is not prepared to fully handle this kind of weather. As I am writing this the kids have been out of school for 2 days. This means my 2 year old can not go to mother's morning out. So, my 5 year old and 2 year old just aggravate each other all day long. When we had our Christmas snow the kids were getting over colds so they couldn't go out and play. This time around they were able to have fun and play. Here are some more pics to enjoy!!!

New Year

With the new year fastly approaching. I can't help but be excited =) This past year has been a hard one for us. Even though we have faced many trials many great changes have happened, and many great things will happen in the New Year. The approach of a new year always make me excited. The excitement of something new and the unknown. It almost seems like when the clock strikes twelve and we usher in a new year that we get a new start. A clean slate to start over and make all the changes that we have always longed to make. When a new year begins we can choose to take the baggage from the previous year with us or we can learn from our mistakes and make the best of the coming year. I am choosing to learn from my mistakes and take this coming year and make the best of it. I am going to make some resolutions but they won't be outlandish ones. I pledge to grow closer to my Lord and Savior, support my husband as he graduates college, continue to be healthy, and continue to further my education. I know the next year will have it's trials and hardships, but I am here to say "Bring It!" I know there is nothing I can't face with my Savior on my side and the support of my husband and family. Happy New Year and God Bless you and yours in 2011!!!

~Dori

Break!!!!

Christmas is coming and in the world of education it is time for winter break. I am just a few days away from my two week break and I am so excited. This term has been a little bit harder than the others have. So I am very ready for this break. I am also ready to spend time with my family and celebrate Christmas and Jesus' birth and not worry about homework.

This Christmas season has been a little different than others in the past. This is the first season that both of our kids have understood (mostly) what is happening this time of year. Elli has gotten old enough to learn about what Christmas is really about and get excited about the traditions we share. In a couple of days hubby will be home to help me do a humongous post with pics from most of the stuff that has been happening here. =) Until then......

~Later Days
Dori

Frustration -_-

I am feeling some frustration. This is midterm week for me at school and I am a bit frazzled. In my Nutritional Analysis class I have to not only do what we have due normally every week, but I also have an extra midterm project. Yay!! (please insert sarcasm here). I am also starting to get into the prewriting process for my research paper for my Comp II class. I am not sure I am headed in the right direction with it. That kind of scares me. We have a rough draft due in two weeks and I don't feel ready to do any of that. It is not my instructors fault I just feel ill prepared. I have no idea why I just do. Part of the problem is I keep going back and forth about my thesis. I am too scared to commit to one. All this apprehension bites. Oh well, gotta go and get back at it. Before I go just wanted to say I hope to post some pics of us getting our tree and stuff. =)

Later days~

Dori

What would I do?

This week in my comp II class we talked about plagiarism. The question was asked, "What would I do if I was plagiarized?" I think if this happened to me I would at first be very shocked. This is such a serious offense. I have seen what it does to authors who write fan fiction. They are very angry when they learn of the situation but above that they are really hurt. When you plagiarize someone you are stealing their ideas from them and calling them your own. I have seen authors pull stories never to be finished or revisited because they feel so hurt and betrayed.

I am sure that is how I would feel. I would like to think that I would act all diplomatically and talk to the person rationally, but I can't promise that will happen. I won't really know what I would do until it happens. I know I would take action and get the situation remedied. I would like to think I would do that in the best way possible and not bring embarrassment to myself or anyone else. All I can do is hope and pray that is what I would do. I guess we will see until then.

Later days~
Dori =)