Stupid Human Trick

Elyse's new thing that I believe she does just because it bothers me so much. I think it's disgusting, stupid and plus it leaves her shirt so wet when she is done. Anyway, thought I would share it all with you. What do you think, stupid or a real talent?

Great Big Sister

So often people ask Nate and I how Elyse is as a big sister. Our response is always the same, "She is an amazing big sister, so helpful and loves her brother unconditionally."

The video is just a small glimpse of this. Elyse was reading so nicely and I ran to go get the camera, unfortunately when I returned Caleb didn't cooperate so well, but I still think it is one beautiful and precious video of my two loves.

Elyse Recommends ~ Disney BINGO

Elyse's friend, Aiden introduced her to her new favorite game,
Disney BINGO.
A game that is thought to be played by children over three, but I find it to be easily played by a two year old if they will sit long enough to play it. It's wonderful. It helps children work on their letters, numbers, colors and most importantly, Disney characters ;) There are movie clips throughout each game that become WILD spots. Plus since it is all done by a DVD, I am even able to feed Caleb and play with her which is wonderful. Not only does Elyse love playing this game, I too enjoy it. Thanks Aiden for sharing your game with Elyse.

"All By Myself"

Recently, Elyse has been wanting to do everything on her own (which I should appreciate right now, but sometimes is just too much). One such thing that I appreciate is when she goes potty. She now successfully takes her pants and undies on and off and climbs up onto the adult potty by herself and does the entire bathroom routine without us. Today, however, brought a twist. After going potty she decided she did not want to put her jeans back on. Therefore, she proceeded to do something else she wants to do on her own, pick her clothes out and get dressed. So she went into her pajama drawer and picked out her summer pajama pants that don't quite fit her (look like leggings now). Plus as you can see, she puts them on inside out. (At least she color coordinates well.) The picture was taken right after her running downstairs saying, "Mama, look, new pants and no socks" :) Needless to say, I don't think we are going out in public the rest of the day. She brings so much joy and smiles to my life.

And so does this happy boy.

Perfect Kid's Clock

So I just have to say that this has to be the best, or one of the best clocks for children! The clock does just what the title of the clock says, "Ok, to wake." It lights up green to inform your child that they can get out of bed or call you. Here are other pros and cons for this clock and as you can see, not many cons :)
PROS:
-option to have only bell, only light or both to inform child they can wake up
-has both a nap setting and morning setting
-easy to use
-durable, Elyse often carries it and drops it too
-not too expensive, $29.99 (Amazon)
-option of either a green bug faceplate or pink flower
-built in night-light if needed
-has a snooze option too

CONS:
-runs on batteries (I maybe need to invest in some rechargeable ones now)

Elyse holding her new alarm clock (used older camera, sorry it's blurry)

Random picture of Caleb just because. (Again, did not use the good camera)

Prayer Needed for a Friend

As I have written many times, Nate and I are strong advocates in the power of prayer. With that, good friends of ours from our church have been in the midst of adopting their son, Tate from Ethiopia for years now. They were able to hold and see him in December and were told that they would have their court date today, January 24th and bring him home a month later. Unfortunately, another bad phone call today informed them that their court date is postponed to February which moves their travel date to March. Therefore, please will you pray for them?!? May God work a miracle and bring Tate home soon!!!! Love ya guys and may God give you peace, wisdom, His love right now during this hard time.

To read Dan and Angie's full story please visit their blog at: http://dangieland.blogspot.com

Spoiled By Nana Growden

Nate and I quickly got Elyse up and dressed this morning because Elyse's Nana (my Mom) was there to pick her up to take her out for a special surprise that we knew she would LOVE. So here they are right before they headed out to see...

Elmo's Healthy Heroes! Mom said she was smiling and in aw the entire time; but what 2 year old wouldn't be when they are eight rows away from some of their favorite fictional characters?!?
As you can tell from the pictures, she loved it. Thanks again, Mom, I know it meant so much to her and she will be talking about it for days, weeks, who knows, maybe months :) love you