Sister sugar

Is there any doubt Natty Kat loves her "Bay-bee Sis-tee"?

Listen closely while I tell you the secrets of the world

Coming...

...in...

...for...

 ...sugar!

Mirror, mirror

Who's the good looking baby smiling at me?

And to all...

...a goodnight.

What a wonderful night Christmas Eve was!

Go tell it on the mountain!

Not only is Jesus Christ born, but Natty Kat can cut a rug!!
Check out this fantastic video of Natalie celebrating the birth of our Savior on Christmas Eve at our church service. 
Click here
Gotta love the spirit (and slick moves) of our Spunky Spuntmeister!
PS The video is really dark - just know that the constant movement across the screen Natty :)

Conflicted

My emotions are conflicted. On one hand I want to jump for joy at the goodness that happens and on the other I want to scream at the hate that still remains.

Early this morning I got a phone call from Shawna as she headed home from work. Sometime during the night (while she was at work saving lives) some asshole broke into her car stealing her purse, passport, video camera (a recent birthday present) and a bag full of her Christmas stocking treats. 

And those are just the material things. There's no price to be put on her sense of security and well being. 

What sick and twisted person does that? At one point has it ever been okay to take things that don't belong to you, causing damage in the process?

What happened to pride and respect?

While I sorted through the anger that bubbled inside of me, I glanced over at our Christmas tree, exploding with the millions of gifts given to the girls. How lucky we are to be surrounded with so much love.

If only everyone could feel what we feel on the regular.

A while later I chatted on the phone with Mom. We sorted through the upset of Shawna's car and talked about the health of Nana and Poppie.

A couple of real uplifting topics.

Then Mom told me a story that reminds me that goodness is still out there.

A family member (let's call her Miss D) was out shopping last week and due to flooding that caused major technical issues at her bank, debit cards were not working. Miss D was checking out at the store and low and behold, the card wouldn't read. Being close to Christmas, naturally the store was jam-packed with shoppers lugging around carts filled to the brim. Miss D's was no different. While Miss D stepped away to call the bank, a kind and goodhearted stranger stepped forward and paid for her things.

Some call it "paying it forward".

I call it angels among us.

Miss D had the funds to cover her purchase, but the stranger didn't know that. They just saw a person in need and did what we should all do; step forward and help without second thought. Since that blessed day Miss D has since passed along the goodness to others and I pray the light continues to shine. 

So while Shawna deals with the aftermath of a selfish asshole (including but not limited to: insurance, a broken car window and stolen identity) we're all reminded that good people are still out there. I hate to think that the good are few and far between. I hate to give up hope that we're all capable of performing everyday miracles, but sometimes it seems like the Devil is winning the race. 

So today, more than ever, make it a point to think about the well being of others. Make it a point to give more than you receive. Make it a point to be the kind of person you want others to be to you. Make it a point to remember, above all else, the meaning of Christmas. Those feelings don't need to be limited to the month of December. 

Be an angel. And for the love, don't take things that don't belong to you. Have some pride. Show some respect.

Horsin' around

So it would seem somewhere along the line we went wrong....

This morning Ashley and Natalie were playing horsey; at times one was the keeper and the other the horse or one was the mommy horse and the other the babe. It was fun listening to them as they traveled off to their own little world of make believe. They had halters, lead ropes, saddles and play toys. But when it came time for the horsey to eat, that's when I had to stop and wonder what I did wrong.

It seems the Baby Jesus (the one Aunt Katie recently found in the fridge - that's a whole different story) from their Little People Nativity Scene makes for a tasty equine treat, because that's what they were happily pretending to nosh away on. I was hoping I had heard Ashley wrong when she said "Here Baby Horsey, here's a Baby Jesus for breakfast", but turns out that's exactly what she said. And that's exactly what they were eating. I'm wondering if it's because Baby Jesus is nestled away in his manger, snuggled into hay and that's why they chose that particular "food".

I can only hope.

In the meantime I can only hope that on the eve of His birthday, Jesus can find it in his heart to be thankful that my two girls are quite literally *filled with The Spirit*. 

5 big ones!

Dear Ashley,
Today's the day! Today you are 5 years old. Today I scratch my head and wonder where the time has gone. Today I rejoice in the little lady you are coming. Today I praise your free spirit. Today I smile at my memories of you as you grow. Today I anticipate the memories that are to come.
Today I celebrate YOU.
You made me a mommy for the first time. And even though those colic-filled nights have past, I still remember them as if it were yesterday (even though I'd gladly forget!). 
I love your spirit. I love how your mind works. I love your outlook. I love you.
Today and always I hope you know how much you are loved, honored and cherished. Today is your day, but everyday the world is yours.
Happy birthday dear Midget. I can't wait to see what year 5 has in store for you!

Rocking her birthday crown

Stage fright

It would seem Ashley is NOT destined for Broadway.

Her Christmas caroling performance at the retirement home could have gone better today. I mean it's not like she passed out or puked up her guts on stage. But if you count shaking like a leaf and crying crocodile tears, then yeah, it could have gone better.

The thing that baffles me is that just last night she was standing on the dining room chair, belting out her tunes and even entertaining us with the hand motions. But fast forward 18 hours and it was NO DICE.

Her teacher asked her to at least do the first song, and then if she was still feeling nervous, she could leave. Midget was apprehensive but knows the "you have to try it at least once" rule of the Enos House, so she reluctantly went to the front and sang along with the first song.

Between her tears and hiccups.

At the conclusion of the first song she politely removed herself from the staging area and curled herself tightly into my lap. As the concert went on, I tried time and time again to get her back up there, but she refused. At one point I think I even heard Jake bribing her with cash money.

And she STILL refused.

That one blew my mind.

As the singers prepared for their second-to-last song the got to put red stickers on their noses. As they sang through Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I could see Ashley's eager apprehension to be up in front performing. I asked her if she'd like to join the carolers and she said yes if I promised to stand behind her.

So up we went.

And sing she did!

It seemed she was actually enjoying herself so I wondered if she'd hold out for the grand finale of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Didn't happen.

So what today has taught me is this: children are unpredictable creatures. You absolutely cannot push Ashley to do what she doesn't want to do. Do I think she'll outgrow it? Who knows. But I'm going to keep encouraging her along the way.

Here's a short clip (click here) from their first song. If upset children upset you, then you'll likely want to skip the video.

PS I have actual pictures to share, but those will come another day.

There's just one way to put it...

...and that is THIS SUCKS.
What sort of bad luck lurks around our place that our girls can't ever just be sort of sick? They really take the motto of "go big or go home" to heart.
Which sucks.
Know what else sucks? Insurance copayments. But my soap box is currently in storage so I'll tackle that one another day.
For now, back to our girls.
Saturday Keely was diagnosed with an ear infection (EI). Lemme tell you a 3 month old with an EI is good times. I thought we'd seen it all with the 20+ EI's Natty Kat had pre-tubes. Psht. Yeah right. Keely Q's been on her amoxicillin antibiotic for a few days and we can see a vast improvement. Now we just need to get her back into the good sleeping habit she had before she got sick and it'll be money. 
Sunday the 9th Ashley got a cold. I was hopeful it'd just be a regular, run-of-the-mill kind of sniffle. I also prayed that she'd keep it to herself.
Wishful thinking.
Monday the 10th Natalie caught Ashley's cold and they were both Sally-Sneezes-A-Lot together. I still prayed the two of them would keep it to themselves.
Again with the wishful thinking.
Yesterday morning when Ashley and Natalie were still complaining of head pain, fighting congestion, deep coughs and constant sneezing, and with their history of bronchitis, I figured it was time to take them in. Our regular pediatrician was out sick (go figure!) so we saw the on-call pedi. His diagnosis came quick: sinus infection for Ashley and pneumonia for Natalie.
Remember what I said earlier about "go big or go home"? 
Remember how I said this sucks?
So for the next few days our Triple Crown will all be on antibiotics while their bodies get rid of the nasties. And in the meantime we'll just keep living life, wiping up snot and cuddling them close.
And if you're worried about it, don't be. I asked the pedi if they are contagious and he said nope. At least I have some good to report, eh? 

The view in the car after the appointment  - waving their white flags

Candy mission

This year the fun of trick-or-treating (ToT) was multiplied; this year Shawna,Wyatt, Katie and Andy joined in the fun! Because every weather man had forecast a stormy and wet night, we (being responsible adults!) made arrangements to ToT at Bethel Baptist Church in Mac. In addition to candy, they would be serving hotdogs and chips and they even had bounce houses for the children to jump around in. Hotdogs, chips, Halloween candy and bounce houses. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

Once we go to the church and did a quick walk-through we decided to go against the weather-man's predictions and brave the elements.

Turns out the weather-man was wrong.

Maybe he was handing out tricks this year instead of treats?

Jake drove us to a nice little neighborhood. Turns out lots of other parents had the same idea. The street was well lit, safe and even had a bunch of decorated houses. One house, referred to as "the spooooooky house" by Natty Kat, was not received well by Ashley. She opted to hang back while Natalie and Wyatt marched right up to the front door and got their reward. Once we made the rounds and headed back to our car, Ash proclaimed she was no longer afraid of the house and would like to ToT there. Of course we had already passed "the spoooooooky house", so rather than turn around we promised her a trip to get ice cream instead.

Yes. I know. We rock as parents.

Mission ToT 2012 was a major success. Lots of candy was collected. Lots of candy was consumed. And lots of fun was had. Thanks for joining the party Shawna, Katie, Wyatt and Andy! Same time, same place next year!

PS I am happy to announce that we still have 3/4 of the candy collected on Halloween. Apparently I did too good of a job of the "out of sight out of mind" thing.

Let's get this candy brigade started!

First official ToT, a Reese's PB cup. Better hide that one, Midget.

My (poor!) attempt at a group shot

"...smell my feet!"

Ice cream time!
PS Did you know the DQ gives free ice cream to kiddos on Halloween? All you have to say is ToT! Would have been nice if the lovely folks working the counter at DQ would have told us BEFORE we bought and paid for it.

Get.in.my.belly!

Sock monkey Wyatt.
And yes, that was Natalie's costume 2 Halloween's ago. Wonder if next year Katie will ask to borrow Natalie's Betty Rubble costume?

Cheeeeeeser!

Last stop of the night? Grandma's house!
PS Great placement of the flamingo head, Ash.

Making her first memorable

We've had snotty girls for the last week. It started with Ashley, slowly made its way to Natalie and finally landed on Keely. Her first illness at 14 weeks old.

It sucks but 'tis the season.

The nasty cough with this particular virus can linger for around 2 weeks (ungh) and while Ashley and Natalie have been holding their own, Keely's little body has had a bit of a challenge. In addition to a runny nose and horrible cough, Keely ran a low-grade fever for about 72 hours and was making some impressive eye goobers. I spoke with the triage nurse yesterday afternoon on some pointers for dealing with the eye goobs, and she suggested that Keely should be seen. I took her in and was somewhat annoyed that even though the doc (not our normal pedi, not even a pedi but an FNP in the family practice) could hear crap in Keely Q's bronchia, the fact that she was happy and moving adequate air outweighed the sickness, so we were sent home with instructions to call in the morning if she got any worse.

If coughing so hard that it makes her barf (all down my front) and sputter and choke for 90 solid minutes is considered "getting worse" then yes, she got worse.

Go figure.

When the clinic opened at 8:30 this morning I was one of those annoying moms who kept calling and calling until someone answered. After a few verbal rounds with the on-call pedi's nurse, I secured us an appointment at 9:45. When we checked in we were immediately put in a room. Imagine my surprise when the  nurse apologized for her attitude on the phone. Glad she realized she was being less than personable and was man enough to admit it.

After a quick rundown of Keely's symptoms, the doc arrived and checked her out. Right on queue Keely erupted into a coughing frenzy that even had the pedi raising her eyebrows. Turns out she's shooting for the stars: instead of just having her first cold be a plain old cold, she's going all out with bacterial infections in her eyes and an ear infection in her left ear. 

Oh Keely. Stop being an overachiever. 

So there you have it. A sick triple crown, one worse than the other two. Let's hope Keely isn't allergic to amoxicillin like Ashley is. Let's also hope she's feeling better, stat. A weeks worth of snot and coughing has just about done this mama in.

Maybe if she hadn't looked so chipper and smiley yesterday she would have been sent home with drugs?

Now there's a face for the record book

True love

I'll never be able to love them enough.

But I'll sure have fun trying.

One big long rant

Normally I don't dive into politics or world happenings here on the blog. I've also never been accused of being theological. I've not been blessed with the ability to move mountains with pen and paper. I'm just a regular girl who likes to have fun jotting down memories. I created this as a place to share the life and goings-on of our family and not as a place to get on my soap box.
But today I have officially had enough.
By now we are all aware of the deadly shooting at Clackamas Town Center earlier this week. And today another tragic shooting at a school in Connecticut. It's hard to wrap my head around it; I wonder what is our country becoming. I can't help but wonder if we could just let God into school, maybe a little guidance would help? Regardless, my heart aches for the victims and families. All I can do is pray for them and know it's enough.
As my head was reeling from the news I had the unfortunate opportunity to pick up some prescriptions for both Ashley and myself (daily asthma control meds for Ash, birth control for me). When the total came to $66 I had to bite my tongue. Why is it that in addition to the $129 we pay a month for Ashley's insurance, it's still necessary to pay an additional $61 a month in medication? Thankfully it now has a generic, but still the question remains WHY? Why is it that I can spend $5 a month to not get pregnant but it costs $61 a month so Ashley can breath? Why is it that someone who weighs 600 pounds and makes no money can be given government insurance and yet a self-employed person who makes a decent wage but doesn't fall into a specific weight-range can't purchase an insurance plan? WHY? 
Who is making the rules?
What is our country becoming? 
I know my raging and moaning isn't going to change anything and I can accept that. But the fact remains that this is ridiculous.
So today, instead of getting bogged down by the sad and pathetic state of our country and the asinine insurance companies, I'm going to focus on what I can do here at home. I had the girls in town earlier this morning and when we came by a bell ringer, I gave both Ashley and Natalie an offering to share. They both gave willingly and happily and I let that fact warm my heart. I explained to them what the money is used for and how it's important to help others any time we can. If all people would just stop and think, they too could help. God says give your first 10% to Him (a tithe) and the remaining 90% will be blessed. Even if you don't believe in tithing, you have to believe in the simple act of paying it forward. Don't be afraid to help. Don't be afraid to give. Don't be afraid to lift someone up. But when you do, please don't *expect* something in return. The simple act of helping should be reward enough. 
I may not have control over what's going on in our country, but dammit I have control over how I will raise my children despite the sickness. You do too. So exercise it. Give until it hurts. I promise you it won't hurt for long. 
And as for that insurance crap? That one I'm still working on. It's bigger than just blaming 1 person (coughObamacough). But I can promise you this, if they had to deal with what most of America deals with, things would change.
Until that day, I will do what I can do and that is to pray.

S is for...

...SNOW GLOBE!
But not just any snow globe; a pink flamingo snow globe all the way from Las Vegas. 
It's true...you can never go wrong with pink flamingos!

A super, spectacular, splendid smiling snow globe showcaser

Proud Mom moment

While sitting and filling out thank you cards to her friends that came to her birthday party, Ashley shocked my socks off. She needed to write cards to Arianna and Savannah and when I looked over she had written A-r-i-a-n on one card and S-a-n on the other. I said "Whacha doing, Ash?" (knowing full well what she had done) and she said "Making cards to my friend Arianna and Savannah." (I then had to assist her in the remainder of the names, but she's not even 5, so DUH). 

So it seems our little Midget has gone and learned how to "read" in a sense. 

Three cheers for Ashley Louise!

Changing of the Gods

Sooooooo Ashley is, well...Ashley.

After receiving 2 toy tops (the old school ones that you spin on a countertop) in a stocking from a Santa visit on Sunday, she has since informed that they are not, in fact, tops. 

They are dreidels. 

Because now Midget is Jewish.

And what's even more awesome, or festive I suppose, is that after she spins it she shouts "SHIN! I win!"

Since my Jewish knowledge isn't what it used to be (or ever was), like any seeker of knowledge would do, I Googled "dreidel shin". Turns out shin means "outside of Israel", "shtel" in Yiddish or "put in". And even though there are a few other Yiddish terms used in the game, shin is it as far as Ashley is concerned.

Next time you see Ashley and she's in silver and blue instead of red and green and she greats you with Happy Chanukah (don't forget that pesky C is silent) instead of Merry Christmas, don't be surprised. Love all, right?

In the meantime I'll work with her on her love of bacon and ham.

Shalom, Ashley

Pre-K pumpkins

Back in October (because why would you go pumpkin picking any other time?) I had the absolute pleasure of accompanying Ashley on her first ever school field trip to Heiser Pumpkin Patch. 

I can honestly say I don't know who was more excited, Ashley or I. Ash because she was going to be able to run amok with all of her little friends. And me? Well me, because, well, I don't really know why. But school field trips were always so exciting when I was a wee lass, and apparently nothing has changed?!

Ashley and her favorite little friend

 Aaaand their off!

 Ashley's pick of the day, which only came after scouring the entire patch and personally surveying every pumpkin available 

 All that pumpkin hunting wore her out

 Digging through the wheat bin

 Splashing around at her favorite activity - the old school water pump

 Besties

 Amity Community Preschool Bears Class

 Farm girl

 OUT, but not without her sucker

A day with my Natty Batty

While Ashley was off in Disneyland playing with Mickey and the gang, Natalie, Keely and I enjoyed a clear, crisp autumn day at the pumpkin patch with a few of my MOPS friends and their littles.
It was clear Natty Kat didn't need her Tissy around to help her have fun; she was off on her own adventures, doing her own thing and making her own fun. But despite her Miss Independent attitude, I still had a great time playing with her and watching her little personality shine. If you think she's a riot when Ashley is around, just imagine the character that glows when she's running a solo act.

Ready...

...set...

...go!

Just roll with it

Mini boot camp 

Guess who just got a goat kiss?

Going...

...down!

Pumpkin checkers

Spunky's pic o' the day

Keely is 3 months old

Lordy, Lordy. 

3 months old!

Here's what it's like being a 3 month old Keely Q:

* wearing size 3 month clothes, although she can still easily fit into size 0-3 month

* diapers are a size 2 but that's because you can't buy size 1 at Costco and I got tired of buying small packs here and there

* sleeping 9 hours at night, waking to feed, and then going back to sleep for another 3-4 hours. Occasionally she wakes after just 6.5 hours, but that's usually just once a week, if that

* alert and awake for 1.5-2 hours at a time between daytime naps; sometimes will only nap 1 hour at a time (which is frustrating!)

* thoroughly enjoys hanging out on her activity mat and batting at the hanging toys. Will also hang out, happily, on her belly. But instead of working on strengthening her neck and back muscles, she often times sucks her thumb, lays her head down, and watches her sisters play.

* is a completely different baby now that she's not getting any cows milk protein. Not sure when we'll start testing to see if she's outgrown the sensitivity/allergy, but I can guarantee it won't be anytime soon

* suffers from a slight case of acid reflux; will be starting a Zantac prescription very soon

* loves, loves, loves when you sing to her

* has started to giggle more often

* grins ear-to-ear all.the.time

* found her hands and is totally fascinated by them

* sucks her thumb on the regular; prefers her right thumb just like Natalie

* has officially found her voice and enjoys using it

Still a wee-bitty thing

So much for tummy time

W is for...

...Wise Men.

This week Ashley is learning about the letter W. Today for sharing she took the 3 Wise Men from her children's nativity scene. Here was our conversation on the way to school about her sharing:

Ash: Today I'm sharing the 3 Wise Men for the letter W (then she showed me W in sign language)

Me: That'll be so much fun, Ashley.

Ash: I'm going to tell my friends that they (Wise Men) saw the star, and followed it until the found Baby Jesus asleep with clothes around him, laying in hay.

Me: Really? I bet they'll like that.

Ash: Yeah. And then they (Wise Men) gave Baby Jesus presents of myrrh, gold and rankens.

Me: Do you mean frankincense?

Ash: Yeah. Frankens-rinse. (pause, pause, pause). Mommy?

Me: Yes, Ash?

Ash: When can we follow a star and find Baby Jesus?

Me: (pause, pause, pause). Well, Ash? Umm.....

Thank goodness we pulled into the parking lot and she saw her favorite friend and forgot about her question. Saved my bacon for sure.

One wise Midget preparing to share her Wise Men

Going to the Big D

Back on October 14 (my goal is to not get more than 8 weeks behind....I'm cutting it close....) Nana and Papa showed up late one evening with a trick up their sleeves: DISNEYLAND! Ashley didn't know it but she was getting her 5th birthday present early and would soon be leaving headed to the Happiest Place On Earth!
Her reaction was exactly what I figured it would be: anxiously reserved. I'm afraid she gets that from me! When Nana and Papa told her of their plans, she was smiley, but calm. Excited, but silent. But even though her outside wasn't jumping up and down, she was so excited on the inside and could barely control the thoughts in her head. I just love her!
Click (((here))) for a video of Midget being let in on the big secret. 

What's that you say about Disneyland?

 "Is that why you're wearing a Disneyland shirt?" = best line of the night!

 Going to the Big D!

 Ashley's first pair of ears!