Remembering Grandma Daisy

My mom posted this on FB today,

"On this day, in 1925, a most beautiful red headed baby was born. She grew up to be the most wonderful and beautiful mother, grandmother, wife and friend to many. Her life was amazing and blessed as we were truly blessed to have her in ours. I miss my MOM." ~ Charlene Beaman

Daisy Ackley was a wonderful woman and we are all blessed to have had her in our lives. We remember her today as we remember her always. A wonderful, strong spirited woman, who knew how to love unconditionally and tell you exactly how it was. I miss her dearly. Happy Birthday, Grandma. You will be forever loved.

Little Ham

Ali and Bella

Ellison and I have spent the week carting Ali and Bella to the vet for their Annuals. Both dogs are a handful in their own way, so we made seperate appointments. Today, was Ali's appointment. Ellison cried all the way to the vet because we left Bella behind. It was very sweet. She loves her doggies.

Ellison - 20 months

Over this past month, Ellison has been going developmentally crazy. Her teachers are shocked and amazed that she is only 20 months. Why? Well let's explore what Ellison is up to:

• Ellison knows exactly what she wants and how to achieve it. Example: Yesterday she asked me for a lollipop, I said no. So, she grabbed my hand, led me to a wall in the living room that does not have a view of the kitchem and told me to stay. She walked away, looked back and told me once again to "stay, momma." I then heard the pantry door open. I peaked into the kitchen to see Ellison trying to find the lollipops. When she saw me, she gave me a sly look and pointed to her bibs saying "chomp, chomp." She then ran away laughing.
• Ellison now draws objects and people and tells me what she has drawn. Of course Bella does not look like a dog, but you get my drift.
• This morning, Ellison baked me a cake and served it to me on a plate with a fork. She also gave me a cup of coffee, said "cheers", and then we both enjoyed our yummy cake. (While baking, she talks to herself, stirs the pots, turns up the heat on the oven, and washes her hands afterwards)
• Understands what is "nice" and what is "mean".
• Understands the concept of "sharing". For example, on vacation she wanted my necklace. I would not let her wear my necklace, so she politely asked me to "share, momma". Of course, I had to then share my necklace. (This is in no way a statement that she is an excellent sharer. In fact, her new favorite word seems to be "mine")
• She fake cries on command.
• Loves to play dress up with my shoes, jewelry and makeup. She will also play with her own dress up goodies, just prefers mine.
• Loves her friends. And remembers their names. I was super impressed when I dropped her off at school on Monday and she saw her friend's mom outside her classroom. She looked at Ashley and said "Bennett". After school, she was talking to me in the car about Bennett and Laura from her class.
• Conversations... Ellison no longer speaks in 2-3 word sentences. She has full on conversations. If you can understand Ellison speak, then you can find out how her day is going, what she would like to eat, if she is tired, who her friends are, and what toys she is playing with.
• Tries to get out of bedtime. An example, I tell her it is time for bed. Ellison looks at me and says, "Hungry, dinner time, momma. Hummus." I tell her that she is not hungry and we already ate. Her response, "Momma, change diaper, poopy." She says this and grunts and squeezes her buttom to make it appear that she is pooping. I open up her diaper and tell her she is clean, and that it is bedtime. Her response, "Mickey, TV". I tell her Mickey is asleep, she then goes on to ask about every Clubhouse friend. She recieves the same response, finally she asks for her sippy cup of milk and says says goodnight.
• Favorite foods: cucumbers, broccoli, avocado, yogurt, mac and cheese, chicken, hummus
• Favorite toys: kitchen and dora house

BMT Wrap Up

Snowman after a few snow flurries.

Baxter

The Gators won! 13-1 season!

What is that smudge on E's face, you ask?

Well it is smores of course! Cheers!

Ellison and I had a wonderful time in Beech Mountain over the holidays. Graham had a great time as well, but his view of the vacation is a bit snowy due to having to pack up the car and drive down the mountain in negative 1 degree weather during snow flurries. We had some great times sledding, feeding the ducks, making snow angels, and spending time with those we love. Thank you for the great time! Hopefully Daddy will join us next year because Ellison and I love the snow and have already marked our calendar for next year!

An Exchange

"Oooh, diaper... change, momma, change wet diaper." As I went to change her and pulled out a cold wipe, I said, "Really quick, cold wipe." Her response, "Brrrrrrr, be nice Momma, be nice."

Driveway + Sled = FUN!