Time with Daddy

A week or so ago, Charis asked her daddy if they could go on a date. So he planned, thought, and prepared, and came up with a date perfect for such a little princess. He stopped by Panera Bread and bought some pumpkin muffies (and was questioned by the cashier about his proudly worn pink beaded bracelet, made by Charis), prepared a tea party type lunch, and took her to the Lotus Park. I love this...it's so Charis (and Brian). Gazing out at the landscape, daydreaming, and leaning on her Daddy's knee.

Charis turned 3! (Last month..oops)

Charis turned 3 last month and we had a little celebration at our house! She decided she wanted a castle cake for her princess themed party, so I tried my hand at something other than a sheet cake. :) Not terrible for a first attempt, but it was a little tilty. Our friends and family blessed her with all things girly...Fancy Nancy, princesses, dress up stuff, etc.
She had so much fun...and just for the record, she still talks about her birthday party at least every other day.

Pretty Pretty Princess

Charis's new favorite? Princesses. Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle... I've been Snow White, Ariel's daddy, Cinderella's "bossy sisters", every prince, and each dwarf almost every day. She sings princess songs when she goes to bed, when she wakes up, and pretty much every other second of the day. Cinderella was the first movie she ever watched and she was enchanted. It's neat to see her imagination go wild, though I'm not so keen on being called Anastasia or Step Mommy. :)

Funny funny...

Charis cracks me up almost daily...sometimes multiple times. Here's a little sample of what's coming out of her mouth these days.

• Clutching her toys close to her chest: "I'm using my boobies to help me carry the toys"
• After telling Charis we were having mashed potatoes with dinner, she said, "I don't like mashed potatoes. In the name of Jesus, I don't like mashed potatoes.
• We're driving, and she's grunting in the backseat. When I asked what she was doing, she looked at me and said, "Mommy, I'm just trying to grow bigger like Daddy."
• I hear her in the other room, counting. When I asked what she was counting... "I'm just counting my bones."
• She came out of her room and I was doing pilates. "What's this called?" I told her it was pilates, a kind of exercise. After trying it with me, she exclaimed, "I can do exercise. I like this tuh-potties (pilates)."
• She walked into the living room and yelled out, "Atalie! My goodness gracious! It is too messy!"

I love toddler talk. So much fun.

Fall Fun!

As some of you know, I've been co-authoring another blog on learning activities for children. I realized today that I've share my ideas and pictures on that particular site, but not here. Here's what we've been up to:

Our November countdown calendar is up and ready to go for Sunday!

We painted apples and did apple printing for thank you cards.

Here's Charis's wreath she made. Yes, she did it all herself.


Painting fall trees with Do-A-Dot art markers.

Our fall leaves chocolate chip filled cookies.

Pumpkin Pie Popsicles! Yum!

Pumpkin magnets!

Our wall hanging! We are thankful for Fall!

My Gym!

For Charis's birthday, her Uncle Jason and Aunt KeeKee got her a 3 month membership to My Gym. It's been so much fun!! Every Monday (and every time we get in the car) I hear, "We going My Gym, Mommy?"

She's climbing to kiss Mr. Bear.

Her favorite...the ball pit!!

Circle time! Not her favorite (since it involves stopping free play), but once the music starts, she's all smiles again.

Thank you Jason and Keex for the amazing gift! They even let Atalie roll around in a walker while Charis plays. Big thanks to Bean for babysitting Attie while Charis and I spent a little time together.

Brian has officially decided that we now need a rock wall, balance bean, and hanging swings in Charis's room.

Babies, bugs, and baths!

Bathtime has gotten to be a lot of fun around here. Atalie happily chewing her washcloth and Charis lining bugs around the rim of the tub.

And of course, a serenade or two from my girls.

Her lyrics: Zip-ee-doo-da, Zip-ee-aye. My goodness, wonder day. Penny sunshine in my way. Zip-ee.....Everybody ready go swimming!"

Uh-bow-sheens

When I went in to get Charis this morning after Roomtime, she was quietly "reading" her bible to Minnie Mouse. As soon as she saw me, she said, "Mommy, I doing uh-boe-sheens wif NeeNee Mouse."
Me: I'm so glad you're doing devotions with Minnie. What are you reading about?
Charis: Hosanna!! Yay! Jesus!! (Hands raised).

Then (I wish I had my camera) she bowed her head, closed her eyes, and prayed:

"Dear Jesus, thank you I reading my bible. Thank you for NeeNee. Thank you uh-bow-sheens. I happy. I love you (which sounded like "I yub yew"). A----MEN!!!"


...melt......

Happy 1st day of Fall!!

Happy Fall everyone!! Things have been a little hectic around here, so here's a brief update:

*Atalie is busy, busy, busy! Her EEG was 100% normal. No episodes at all! She is on the move...or at least attempting. Atalie loves her walker and makes it her mission to grab everything in sight. Here she is in plank position. Rolling...not so interested. But yesterday and today she's been on all fours, rocking. So I'm guessing rolling is not on the agenda...straight to crawling. She's full of surprises!

*Charis started her membershing at My Gym yesterday (thanks Keex!!) and LOVES it. It's a perfect outlet for her. She gets to meet some new kids her age and burn some energy. We're still debating about potty training. Not quite sure if she's ready (or if I'm ready...I get a very chaotic Wal-mart scenario in my head).

*We've been busy with Fall crafts and activities around the house. She's painting a Fall tree in this picture.

*Brian is busy at CBN and the FD. He's prepping for DPO school that's coming soon. Days are full of work, nights are full of studying.

*I've been busy with the girls (of course) and also working on classwork for the Child Health and Nutrition class I'm taking. Interesting, but time consuming.

*And Major? Well, he finds ways to entertain himself. Yes... there is a 112 pound doberman, fast asleep, in this picture.