“There singing time and dancing time and laughing time and playing time and now it is our favorite time it’s SIGNING TIME!”

Those of you who have had children under the age of 2 understand that at times you wish to communicate with your child more effectively. While watching my two children go through this non-talking stage, I have often wondered what they are thinking or what they really want instead of trying everything in the diaper bag. I have seen many parents go through this same ordeal and our family has found a solution that has worked for us. It’s Signing Time

Mitzi and I began signing with Benjamin when he was about 6 to 8 months old. By the time he was 10 months old he could sign milk and more. We saw much success over the next couple of months and by the time he was two, just learning to talk, he could sign over 250 words. These signs ranged from colors, family members, foods, animals, and everyday language.

We are now starting to see the same success with Abby. At 15 months old she can sign: milk, more, want, water, bath, cold, hot, cat, dog, sheep, book, ball, tired, blanket, hat and her favorite - EAT! (I am sure I am missing one or two.) It has been a bonding experience to know what she is thinking/wanting and being able to respond and communicate back with her.

Apparently scientific studies suggest that “typical” children who learn sign have higher IQ scores, are better adjusted and read at an earlier age. Now we have not tested either of our children nor have pushed for any of these things as our primary desire has been to communicate with our children at a very young age.

Mitzi and I did observed that with Benjamin’s ability to communicate earlier in life, he never really when through the “terrible twos” as he was able to sign instead of throwing a tantrum. Now I know Benjamin is an exception as he is a very easy child, but we are hoping for the same with Abigail.

I know that each of us as parents have found something wonderful that has helped out our families and the development of our children – please share, I would love to hear what has worked for you!

They grow up sooo fast!

For the last two months Abby has been toying with the whole walking bit. She, like Benjamin, has been an amazing crawler – if not faster and a little better. Benjamin did not walk until 15 months old as we discouraged it. Every time either of them has toyed with standing and walking we tried to hold them off as long as possible. Benjamin never had any interest; Abby on the other hand has had a lot more however she has preferred crawling due to her speed on her knees. Well Mitzi and I now believe tonight was Abby’s turning point – she has seen the advantages of walking over crawling. All night she walked and of course she received a ton of praise. She then began to “show off” and now I think she’s hooked. Of course we had to take some pictures – hope you enjoy!

Woo, That was close!

Did you see that one?

Still Walking

8 years - but who's counting???

Mitzi and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on Monday. It is hard to believe that it’s been 8 years. Time just goes by sooo fast. Over the past couple of days, I’ve been reflecting on our time together and thought I would share (the things I can) 8 things we’ve accomplished together in no particular order.

• Both of us finished our Bachelor degrees taking many classes together and I just finished my MBA with her support.


• We have both changed multiple positions but still work for the same employer.


• We had our first child, Benjamin, 3 years after we’d been married and Abigail followed him 3 ½ years later.


• We purchased our first home together and have just finished off the basement, remodeled the bathrooms and replaced the flooring, deck, lighting and hardware.


• We purchased two cars together which we’ve loved – ok I have.


• We been on vacations to Vegas, Phoenix, and multiple places in California, Florida and Idaho.


• We’ve remained very dedicated and faithful to our church callings and many of those years we were primary teachers together.


• We have made it through some tough times, and enjoyed the good times!
  

I love you very much Mitzi Jo – here’s too many more years to come! I’m hanging on and going to enjoy the ride! Love you babe.

If Given One Million Dollars

My cousin recently posted on her blog what she would do with a million dollars. It was fun to read and I appreciated the reflection it gave me. So what would Duston do with a million dollars? If you would have asked me this a couple of months ago my list would have been totally different – but today due to everything going on it would be.

• Pay my tithing.


• Purchase an investment home from a new friend of mine so they don’t have to worry anymore – I hear it’s amazing, but have never seen it.


• Purchase my sister-in-laws house in Idaho so she could move down here without worry – rent it out by hiring a management company and then sell it when the market rebounds if it’s not cash flowing.
  
• Pay off our current home, finish the remodel and rent it out so Mitzi would not have to work anymore – cash flow.
  
• Purchase my wife a new washer and dryer (washer broke on Saturday *grin*).


• Build up our rainy day fund.


• Put some money away for Benjamin and Abby for school.


• Buy my other sister-in-law some clothes for her family and food storage.


• Do some remodeling for mom and dad B – bathrooms first, then kitchen!


• By my mom a new car.


• Pay off a new car for one of my friends, they need the little extra a month. Help another out in AZ if needed.


• And last but not least – Take the fam on the vacation we’ve canceled the last two years. Don’t worry Benjamin, I didn’t forget.

Now if you ask me again in a couple of months, I am sure this will change. What would you do with your million?