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Goodness GRACIOUS my blog is boring these days! (You know you were thinking it.)

Funny thing is, I don't feel like my life has been boring. I have had a million things going on, but yet nothing to blog about. How can that be? Just thought I'd give ya a little warning, this post will be a bunch of tidbits about nothing special. At least I warned you.

First, Jason and my big boys tried to go camping last weekend. This was their "make-up" trip because the ward's Fathers and Sons trip happened when I was in New York, and they had to miss it. They were really excited about this new trip, and I had a ton of things planned for my fabulous almost-alone time while they were gone. It started off great; I did some marathon shopping with my sisters, stayed up waaaay too late the first night, but at least I made a dent in my to-do list. The next morning the guys headed home pretty quickly because Mr. Tucker was throwing up. Yay. Not only did I have sickness heading my way, they had to cut their fun short, but I got robbed of that 2nd night. Dang.

I took Cooper back to the GI doctor this week. I had to throw a virtual tantrum to get this appointment. The last time we were even in the office was early FEBRUARY, and that was before his colonoscopy. Insane. So the doctor and I got all caught up on my experiment with sugar and everything else. Based on his biopsies that were done earlier, he does not have any of the conditions related to sucrose intolerance or anything similar. However, I learned that it is not unheard of for sugars and fruits to affect patients with existing diarrhea. Maybe that's why cutting them out helped him to improve so much. So far we have added eggs and some dairy back into his diet without too much problem. Wheat was so-so. Slowly over time I can continue to try soy and nuts, and (thank goodness) some fruit! It feels really good to have communicated with the doctor and be on the same page. I have no more confusions or questions. I can do this! We're in a good place right now, and I'll say it again, it feels GOOD. We will schedule to have him "re-scoped" in a few months and see if things have healed up!

Hold onto your hats, I leave for girls camp in 2 and 1/2 days. ACK! I have wanted to go back to girls camp for 17 years now, and I've had to wait every last one of those 17 years to get my chance. And now I'm nervous! Mostly nervous that I'll do my job well (YCL leader for my ward) and also a little nervous about how I'll survive the low sleep and craziness. My last week or so has been filled with meetings and planning and organizing. Cross your fingers!

On another note, did you know I make delicious soft pretzels?

Just thought that needed mentioning.

Last, my kids have settled nicely into our new summer routine. They let me sleep in a little bit, which is simply exquisite. Mornings are for outings and errands, if any. After lunch we have adopted a little "quiet time" which is helping Mr. Cooper take his nap better. They are picking up after themselves quite well, and I'm SO proud of each of them! I can see them doing so many great things each day. I have great kids! It's killing me how grown up they are. Some examples...

Mitchell recently talked us into (finally) letting him ditch his booster in the car. Which means he's officially HUGE. We can now share shoes = our feet are the same size!!! Mitchell will have very grown-up conversations with me, will always open up, and feels things very deeply. Too deeply I'm afraid. I pray that he will enjoy being a kid a little longer!

Here's Tucker making his own PB&J. He can read anything you put in front of him. He is making honest efforts (and strides) in improving his behavior - and it shows, bit by bit! He always takes the chance to give a kiss and a hug, and tell me he loves me.

Cooper has now decided that he can 100% self-feed. (Too bad he really can't.) But he sure demands it! He is talking a little more everyday. He now says HI MAMA! whenever he sees me, but his real love is singing. He knows a few tunes that are pretty impressive. Other new words include:

Elmo, Reese, Door, Car, Baba, Bye, Disney, Tickle... and has added to his signed words - Hungry, Play, and Book.

So there you go! A little brain-emptying in no particular order! Stay tuned though, I have a good idea (I hope?!) for a new topic here on the blog. It will have to debut after I get back from camp!