Lights! Camera! Action!

Sometimes there are just pictures that have to be shared. Here are a few of my favorite taken this week...

Say cheese!
This is Ashley's 'base'. If someone is chasing her, she moves as quick as her little legs will allow to Riley's bed. She's under the impression that once she's on the bed, then she's safe. And yes I realize she doesn't have an pants on. And no, I didn't let her run around like that all day long....only half of the day.

Ever wonder what I look like after my pigtails come out? Well now you know...

I only look cute and innocent. What you can't see is the toys, balls and socks I have shoved down my overalls.

Watch out Iron Workers Local 29. I swing a hammer pretty dang well (thanks Aunt Linsday and Uncle Shaun for this fun toy!)

Mommy's Diner

Here's a video of Ashley enjoying her mac n' cheese lunch. Notice how she says Mm! every few bites? Little did I know what she was really doing; I never knew such a small mouth could hold so much....

Shovel it in, Ashley. Shovel it in.

Scrub-a-dub-dub...

Ashley's in the tub!

Mm mm! This shark tastes dandy!

Splish splash I was taking a bath...

I just can't get enough of these scrumptious bath toys!

Pucker up!

A story worth sharing....Tonight when Jake and I went to pick up Ashley from the childcare room at the gym, we heard Ashley singing before we even saw her. She was happily bouncing up and down in the portable crib, smiling and having a grand time. I said "Look at you! You're in jail!" and the childcare worker said "I had to put her in there because that little boy (referring to the boy that had just left with his mom) kept kissing her!"
Can you believe it? Our little midget has an admirer!
You can only imagine how thrilled Jake is.....

Cookie Monster

The other day I needed a sugar cookie fix. But, knowing that Jake wouldn't eat any (he's been so good and you can tell; the pounds are just melting away!), and knowing I shouldn't eat any, I tracked down a recipe that only yielded a few dozen. After they were all baked and cooled, Ashley was only interested in what was making that sweet, yummy smell. I gave her part of a cookie and watched as she joyfully chomped it down. I'm not sure what happened next, but the pictures will give you an idea:



Now Daddy, share and share alike.


Sweet cookie kisses!

G'day mate!

A special post just for our extra-special down under friends, Auntie Barbara and Uncle Geoffrey, who are currently basking in the sunshine and melting in the heat! So glad you guys check in on us. We love you both and will see you in June.

Click here for another special message for my wonderful Godparents - we love Uncle Mike & Aunt Marsha!

A Blockbuster hit!

Check out this video of Ashley saying "Daddy bye" to Jake as he walks out the door. Sorry it's sideways, my mistake!

Here's a video of Ashley's new favorite food: olives! Check out how excited she gets when she sticks them on her fingers.

And finally, a video of Ashley walking. Never mind she only has one sock and shoe on (those who know her know this is a common occurrence!) and notice how I have to use Riley's ball to entice her to even come to me...

Say cheese!

Wondering what we've been up to lately? Here are some pictures of what's been keeping us busy this week.

I didn't think this one all the way through....

Hanging out with Dad, Nana and Grandpa getting ready to go and visit Great-Grandpa Martin (Grandpa's Dad)

Visiting with Great-Grandpa Martin and helping him feel better

4 generations of Schoonover's --- a good looking group I might add
A visit to the local library --- look how tall I'm getting!
Riding the horse in the library
This one's easier to take care of and not as dirty as the real thing!

House keeping

People have been asking me "So how will we know that you've updated the blog?" And the answer is an easy one: get online and check! I am replacing my monthly email story and pictures with The Greatest Thing blog. This is just an easier and more interesting way to keep everyone up-to-date as things happen. So bookmark this page and check back every few days for updates, stories and pictures. It's just that simple!

Potpourri

This has always been my favorite category in Jeopardy; a bunch of random facts all tossed under one heading, and I can usually managed to get a few right, too! Don't worry, this post isn't a bunch of answers that you'll have to give the questions to; I'm not Alex Trebek. We've just got a bunch of random things to share, so 'Potpourri' seemed fitting.

Actually, playing a little Jeopardy could be fun. We'll call it Ashardy....

First answer: small, whitish structures found in the mouth used to chew food. What are teeth? CORRECT!! 2 new teeth to be exact! I think Ashley's just considers them 2 more reasons to bite mom....

Answer: act of communicating with a spirit, or in our case, God. What is prayer? CORRECT! I'm asking for a prayer request for my grandpa (Dad's dad). Grandpa's health is quickly deteriorating and yesterday the decision was made to call in Hospice who is better equip to make Grandpa comfortable and manage his pain. We will be going to Philomath today to visit him. He really enjoys having his family around, especially Ashley whom he loves watching and playing with. So, if you feel like prayer is as strong as medicine, please say a prayer for Grandpa.

Answer: the act of going some place to see something or someone. What is a visit? CORRECT! Sunday afternoon we went to Aunt Jean's house to visit cousins Justin, Katie and their beautiful baby girl, Lila. It was so nice seeing them again and holding little Lila. Here are a few pictures from the visit:

Baby swap! Get ready, Justin, it won't be long until Lila is Ashley's age!

Is Riane a giant is Katie a shortie or is it a little bit of both?
Happy family!
Hey look, Daddy. A baby!

Getting lovin' from cousin Justin

A few last things. First off, thanks to Wikipedia for giving me a hand with the Ashardy answers. Do you think I could come up with those things on my own? And secondly, a little update on Ashley's mad walking skills. Yesterday she took a total of 6 steps, all by herself, before she was close enough to the couch to launch herself into it. It's so funny watching her trying to figure out how to maintain her balance, pick up her foot, and take a step. It's even funny watching her crash and burn, which she does so well. In a way I'm thankful Ashley has my bubble-butt as it seems to save her cute little tushy when she falls down backwards.

Picasso? Monet? Van Gogh?

Nope, it's an Ashley original! Jake bought Ashley a pack of crayons to sign my Valentine's Day card with. She had so much fun scribbling and making marks and we had fun helping her out.

Daddy helping me color Valentine's for Mom, Grandpa & Grandma and Nana & Grandpa

All this coloring has made me hungry. Orange looks like a good one to test for flavor....

Not a Valentine, but Ashley's first work of art from Ichabod's Restaurant. She's got potential, don't you think?

New tooth

Ashley's upper left lateral incisor (the one that's just to the left of the front, middle teeth) popped through today. This makes tooth #8 and gives her one more reason to try and bite me.

Playing Cupid

This morning Ashley and I, along with other MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers; a group we belong to at our church) and their children, visited an assisted living facility in McMinnville and handed out Valentine cards we had made earlier this week. Ashley was more interested in entertaining the residents with her goofy smiles and crazy jib-jab than she was in handing out cards and candies. But they seemed to enjoy her court-jester ways, so it was a win-win situation!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Valentine flower all for me!

Will you be my Valentine?

From 0 to 60

One minute Ashley is cruising around the coffee table and along the sofa and I say to Jake "You know, she'll probably be walking in a week or two" and the next thing we know she's doing this! I'll never stop being amazed at how quickly she picks up on new tricks. This morning she woke up only caring about the musical toy parts of this walk-along toy (a great Christmas present from Auntie A!) and tonight she goes to bed a walker! Somebody pinch me - this isn't for real...
As excited as I am for Ashley's newest milestone, I'm pleased as punch that Jake and I were both there to witness it together. I wish the battery hadn't died on the camera or else I would have gotten more on video. But don't you worry; I got more footage on our video camera (this was shot with our digital camera). So the next time you're at our house for a visit, be prepared to watch about 4 hours of video of Ashley doing everything from her first smile, first roll over and first steps. Nothing beats home videos. I'll even supply the popcorn!

Picture time take 2

Practicing my unassisted standing. I must admit, I'm getting this thing down! Pay no attention the pile of unfolded laundry behind me. Sometimes Mom says being a Mom means forgetting about the laundry and the dusting for a minute and playing with me instead. To tell you the truth, sometimes she forgets about those things for more than just a minute....

Mealtime is always fun-time! I've learned that food doesn't always have to go in my mouth. Things like eggs fit nicely up my little nose!

To you this is just a washing machine, but to me it's a really fun toy with lots of buttons and bells and lights and whistles! Although Mommy never looks pleased when she's playing with it and stuffing it full of my food and drool and snot stained clothes....

Look Daddy & Mom, no hands, I can stand all on my own now! And yes that is a spoon in my mouth, although it's not dinner time. For some reason it's one of my favorite toys. Who needs Fisher Price? I've got Oneida flatware!

Amy and Riane

Whoa! This is what happens when my hair isn't dry and I fall asleep anyhow...

Picture time!

...Check back in a bit for more adorable pictures...
Since I won't be sending out my monthly email in a few weeks when Ashley celebrates her 14 month birthday, I figured I'd share some of the pictures that would have gone out in that email. I'll try and practice some control, but she's so adorable I have a hard time picking out just a few to share....And since this is my blog, I'm in control and get to do what I want to do. And if that means posting picture after picture, then so be it!

Olive salute! ...my new favorite food...

One for you and one for me!
New ladybug hair bows from 2-Nana and Poppie
Hi Amy and Dorian! So glad you're back from Indiana - we missed you!

Riley's okay!

For those that didn't already know, Riley had a cancerous mass removed from her belly last week. She did really well with the surgery and has been healing beautifully. The vet just called to let me know that the results are in and they got all of the cancer. RILEY IS HEALED!
If you have a soft stomach, spare yourself and those around you by not viewing the picture below...

Hi! Hello! And Welcome!

Hi family and friends! After a lot of consideration, I finally decided to join in the fun and start a blog. I've toyed with the idea for a while, but always hid behind the "When will I ever have time to blog? Besides, who would read it anyhow?"mind-set. Well, the truth of the matter is that I love my life and love to share the amazing things I've been blessed with. From my wonderful and sometimes confusing husband to my ever-changing, active and often times defiant daughter; I couldn't ask for anything greater. Life in the Enos house isn't always easy. It isn't always pretty. It isn't always neat and tidy. But it's a life that we've created, a life we're proud of and a life that wouldn't be nearly as blessed if it weren't for you, our family and friends. And since a lot of you aren't around to see or talk to us on a daily basis, I figured I owe it to you to share our stories and pictures.

When I was thinking of clever titles for the blog, many witty, funny and even inappropriate things crossed my mind. I finally settled on The Greatest Thing as it seemed fitting. When Ashley was a newborn and people would ask "Aren't babies wonderful?" or "Can you imagine life any differently now?" I'd always respond with the same heartfelt answer: "She is the greatest thing we've ever done." And it is so true. And since this blog will mainly center around Ashley and any future children we may have, The Greatest Thing just fit.

So if you don't mind my horrible spelling and grammatical errors, then hop on and enjoy this wild and crazy life that Jake and I love as we share with you The Greatest Thing.