A few things about Christmas...

1. Santa is not the daddy of baby Jesus.
2. Three Wise men brought Jesus a toy cucumber.
3. First you pick out your Christmas tree. Then you put lights and ornaments on with Dad. And finally, you look at it and sing..."We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"
4. Santa is coming in 5 minutes!
5. My favorite song is "Away in a Manger!"
6. Christmas parties are fun!
7. Real Christmas parties have Princess fruit snacks.
8. I am good at picking bows and "writing" labels for presents.
8. It is not a good choice to draw on the door while Mom is wrapping presents, even if you get bored. Cleaning a door isn't very fun!

Gobble, Gobble!

Last Thanksgiving Grams taught me how to make turkey cookies. So, this year we made them again and took them to Grams and Pa's house for desert. I wore my Indian headdress, noodle necklace, and took my drum to set the mood. It was a good time! Chase and I sat at the "kids" table together and played a lot of hide and seek. Of course, I did the annual "eat olives off your fingers" trick. And everyone was so nice to eat my turkey cookies. I was very proud to have made such a tasty treat.

Turkey Cookie "A"..Mom's design

Turkey Cookie "B"..my design. Mom said it was an abstract turkey. Dad said it looked like it had been in a hunting accident.

Prayers

Tonight Dad caught me in the hallway, when I was supposed to be in my bed sleeping. Dad asked what I was doing and I told him, "I'm just praying for Ryan. Mom told me Ryan gets a shot and I pray that his head will feel better." (I'm helping Mom take RyRy to his check-up tomorrow)
Dad asked me if I would pray for his work and I said, "Sure!" I said, "Please make Dad's work feel better. In God's name. Amen."

Also, last night Mom was talking to Dad in a "time-out" kind of voice. I asked her if she was "frustrated" with Dad and she said, "Yes." I told Dad to, "Say sorry to Mom and give her a hug right now!" I understand feeling frustrated because Mom made me frustrated last week before we went to the fire station. I told her so and Mr. Mike and everyone else I saw in the morning.

God is Invisible

...but if you pray to him, he will hear you. God lives in your heart. That is what my Daddy says.

Here we are at Roaring River...visiting Grams and Pa camping.

Trick or Trees

That is what I used to say, but now I just ask:
1. Do you have candy?
2. Do you like my costume?
This year, we were almost complete Disney movie. I was Ariel. Dad was Eric. Ryan was a lobster (Sebastian) and Mom was a jellyfish. There isn't really a jellyfish character in Little Mermaid, but we didn't have a Flounder outfit for Mom to wear. Grams came over and took us all trick or treating and I helped hand out candy at our house. I really love candy and especially Pop Rocks.

I also gave advice to other people about what they should be, like:

Aunt Michelle-A pirate
Uncle Marc-Fire
Reina-A squirrel

So Long, Old Friend

Here is a picture of me when I was little with my dog Bandit ("brother"). He got very sick, and went to heaven so Jesus will make him feel better. He was a really good dog. Mom and dad miss him the most, but I miss him too. We have been reading the book 'Dog Heaven' to help cope.

Dear Bandit,
Thank you for keeping mom company while I was in the NICU.
Thank you for welcoming me home from the hospital.
Thank you for cleaning up my snacks when I spilled them on the floor.
Thank you for running fast (and sideways) with me on the trail.
Thanks for wrestling with Jenks and making me laugh.
Thank you for always being nice, even though I sometimes pestered you.
Thanks for taking naps with me and mom on Fridays.
Thank you for letting me pet your ears. They were my favorite.
Thanks for being my friend.

Love,
Addie

A few of my favorite foods...

Pomegranates "Poms" and Edamame, but not together. And don't eat the edamame pod, even if Papa says it is good roughage.

Hospital Trip

Papa had back surgery, so me Mom and Ryan drove a long day and stayed in a hotel to keep him company. I kept asking Papa if he was okay and if he wanted my silky.
I really liked the hospital because they let me ride in the bed to take Papa to surgery. I told the guy with the funny hat to drive faster. Also, the hospital had a whole fridge of pudding and juice for everyone to share.
The hospital was right next to the zoo, so when Mary was watching Papa, Reina and Mom took Ryan and I to see the wild animals. My favorites were the flamingos, giraffes and the one year-old gorilla. By the way, I do a good impression of a flamingo. Ryan slept through the whole zoo, except when we ate lunch and he grabbed mom's fork and flung salad in her hair....that was funny!

Here is a curious bear.

A Bike Ride Adventure

Today Mom and Dad took me on a long bike ride in a beautiful forest with lots of waterfalls. Dad pulled me behind his bike in my rickshaw wagon. I like that the best because I can read the map and tell him to go faster. It was good to have everyone riding again. We used to go a lot, but then mom got in trouble for riding her bike with Ryan in her tummy. Oh, Ryan stayed with Grams and Pa...he's too little for the wagon now. Anyway, we saw a crane, lots of squirrels and fed the fish. We also had a picnic on a big rock and hiked a little.

A first time for everything....

This week we went with Dad to a school where he learned about big water. Mom took me and Ryan to a cave. It was dark and a little cold, but I really liked it. Things in a cave look like the Ice Age movie.
We played mini golf too. Dad showed me how to hold the club and swing, but I think it is more fun to just put it through the obstacles with my hand.
It's still warm, so we went swimming and I pretended rescued Mom. We can't play with the special floaty on the side of the pool. Also, I called the nice lady at the front desk of our hotel a few times. Daddy gave me a talk about not doing this, but I thought I'd try it anyway while Mom was giving Ryan a bath. I had to go to the front desk and tell the lady I was sorry. She shook my hand and said we could be friends.
Mom also took me to a puppet show at the Arts Center about Leo Lionni stories. "Swimmy" was my favorite. It was great because you were supposed to wear pj's and bring a stuffed animal. I have been for 3 shows now, so that wasn't really my first time to go. But after, we got pineapple gelato (that is funny ice cream) and said hi to "pirates" on motorcycles.
Then yesterday Dad took me to the football game. He bought me popcorn and taught me how to do a karate thing with my hand and say, "that's another first down." I cheered real loud for the band and the players. They have time out there, but it is good time out? I don't know why we don't have good time out at our house. I got to ride on Dad's shoulders "all the day long" home. What fun!

Apples and Cashews

I like apples and cashews the best! And going to Silber Dobber City with Grams and Pa. I like riding the biggest rides I can. Ryan is too little, but Mom, Dad and Grams ride with me. I'm not scared (imagine arms crossed and foot stomped) to ride the really big rides, but I can't!

I'm Medium

Mom and Dad are BIG, Ryan is little and I am MeDiUm!

Things

Me in Mom's bunny overalls. Wow, I can't believe they wore this stuff in the 70's!

This is Smushu and Meimo. They are getting married. Those are not panties on Smushu's head, that is her beautiful veil.

Addie Einstein!

My best Lady Marion impression.

Wedding and Visitors

My uncle Marc got married to Michelle. I had been looking forward to this all summer and could not contain my spontaneous clapping during the ceremony. To top it all off, they had CAKE and M&Ms for snacking after. I have always had a special connection with uncle Marc...maybe because we are both red heads? Anyway, I'm glad he married a nice girl like Michelle. Lots of family came to town for the wedding, including Auntie Ange, Uncle Kyle and my cousins Taylor and Eli. Here are Taylor and I. We played a lot and she taught me how to paint toenails. Mom doesn't have all the pictures on her camera, so I'll post more soon.

Camping Tips

We went camping last week at super fun place with lots trees, trails and a pool. Dad taught me how to go under the water without getting water in my nose. Here are a few things I learned on this trip...

1. When playing frisbee, be sure to wear your cowgirl boots.
2. Even though Dad says it is okay, don't eat a roasted marshmallow you drop on the ground. If you do, you will eat strange crunchy things.
3. The gray, crinkly tube that comes out of the camper is NOT an elephant nose....that is where the pepe goes. If you hold it close to your face and say, "Blllll...look mom, I'm an elephant!" Mom will freak out and rub you down with anti-germ lotion.

Funny Stuff...

Well, it's no secret...I like to sing....usually songs from movies and especially princess songs. So, yesterday I was singing a Pocahontas song and Mom was confused about the words. She thought the song said, "Just around the river bend." Really it says, "Just around the rubber band."

Also, I love germ lotion (the kind you use instead of washing your hands). I like to put it on people too. One time when Mom was feeding Ryan, I put it all over her legs. Well, yesterday I put a big glob of it in my hair and rubbed it around. That is not a good idea because it makes your dad freak out. It does make your hair stay in one place though.

Lula

This is my bear, Lula. I made her today at Build A Bear. Grams took me and it was fun! I named her myself and put a heart in her. I have asked mom to address Lula directly, as she is now part of the family. After nap today I taught her and mom how to "fake" burp.

Responsibility

Since I am getting bigger, Mom taught me how to feed the cat. You open the box, scoop the food and then put it in the bowl. This week I added my own twist....instead of putting it just in the bowl, I put it all over the floor...scoops and scoops in the kitchen.

Also, when you spray perfume in your mouth...it hurts your tongue. So, don't do it.

First Big Movie

These are just fun pictures mom likes.

Today Mom and I went to my first 'big' movie called "Shrek the Third." We got a sprite and M&Ms and it was really fun! And this morning, there was a Spanish story time at the Library. The nice lady read stories about frogs and we all got to jump (a specialty of mine) and learn the word for jump. She liked to hear me say my colors in Spanish, especially orange because that a long word. Ryan slept right though it, but he always sleeps through story time.

My New Nickname

Mom has been calling me Stinkerbell because I have been a little contrary the last few days. Maybe it's the red hair, the weather or the fact that I have to share Mom and Dad with a little baby that needs lots of attention. Anyway, yesterday morning I wasn't obeying and mom looked me in the eyes and said I could obey or go to time out. I told her I wanted a spankin'! It wasn't pretty after that...I got a swat on the bootie and timeout for the second time that morning. After that, I told mom, "You gotta be nice to children!" Mom told Dad on the phone that she wanted to run away from home.

Busy, Busy

This week we went to the farm. Uncle Rod and Aunt Toni were visiting. They knew my mom when she was little. Aunt Toni made us great breakfast tacos and speaks Spanish better than Dora. She taught me some new words and is super fun. Then, I went to the rodeo parade with Grams and Pa and saw horses and girls. I wore my pink cowgirl boots (I wear them a lot, so thanks Reina!). Then we saw friends and we had fireworks. They were the big ones in the sky, not the fizzy ones in your sprite. Oh, and my Dad put up a trampoline that Mom bought for a great deal from nice people that are moving to New Zealand. I'm not sure where that is, but I like that family and they get to ride on an airplane. To top it all off, I stayed all night with Grams and Pa. They took me to get pancakes with strawberries and I have been talking about those pancakes since.

Here is my friend, Sam. Our moms say we are alike...kindred spirits. Our parents went to college together. He is just a few months older than me and is really smart. He can read already. I knew I liked him the first time we played together because he wrote his name on my Dora stove and likes to wrestle. He is creative and silly, like me. Btw..thanks for the pirate potato head thing, Sam. Argg...I really like it.

His blog is funny! It is http://samiyam.blogspot.com.

Where is Gracie? She is Reina and Papa's big dog. She is peeking her head out of the garden...can you find her?

Aunt Toni and I.

Me on the trampoline.

An action shot of me on the slip n slide.

Me and Dad talking about fireworks.

Baby Powder is FUN!

Today, while Mom was feeding my little brother, I sang "shake, shake, shake" and sprinkled a whole big bottle of baby powder out in Mom and Dad's room. It's better than pixie dust and once it gets on a wood floor you can spread it around and make designs. Mom was so surprised! She was extra proud of me for getting the broom and cleaning it up myself.

Who is Addie Beth?

Well....
I'm a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll. I'm a little Cinderella, a little Bob the Builder. I'm a little sugar and spice and a little snakes and snails. Mom and Dad think this pictures says it all....I'm a lot of things that you might not put together, but I'm perfect and fun.

Potty Pirate

Argggg....the Treasure! Just after Mom washed my old Dora potty seat to put away, I found it and thought it would make a great Pirate hat. I wore it all around last night, but not at the table for dinner and not to the library today (even though I asked).

Baby Brother Care 101

Okay, I admit it...I like the little guy. Just for the record, I don't like that he gets to sleep in Mom and Dad's room and I have to sleep in my bed. Anyway, here are a few things you need to know when caring for a baby brother.
1. Always cover him up. He likes silkies (see above picture), but not on his face or he can't breathe.
2. Baby brothers don't eat bread and you can't drink their milk.
3. Always, and I mean always ask the following question before holding..."He's poopy?" If the answer is "No" you can hold him.
4. Always talk to him in a really high pitched voice and call him "little buddy" a lot.

Let's Go Fly A Kite...

It was really windy yesterday, so we flew my Dora kite. I stood on it for a ride, but I'm too big. Kites are a "dream come true."

I Be the Princess

I be the princess and Daddy be the prince and I will marry him and have a blue wedding cake.

Brother's Blog

Some people have asked about it. Ryan is too little to blog, so Mom does it for him. The address is: http://ryan-thomas.blogspot.com/

My Brother is part Terradactyl

He doesn't say much, except when he is hungry. AND every now and then he will let out the screechy yelp, but he is okay and sometimes even asleep. The first time it happened it really scared us all, but then Uncle Marc said Ryan sounded like a Terradactyl. I think this is great, because I love dinosaurs.

I'm the BIG SISTER!!!

Well, my little brother was born. He is cute, talks funny and sometimes hurts my ears when he cries. I like him though. He sleeps and eats a lot and says "I love you" with his eyes.

When he was first born, Daddy brought him to me in a funny blue suit and hat. I thought it was hysterical and said, "Daddy...you are so silly, you're not a doctor!" Reina is going to send pictures of that to mommy soon. Oh, I fogot to mention...Ryan is good looking, like me. When Daddy showed him to me with the funny suit on I told him that Ryan was "handsomeable."

I've also been brushing up on breastfeeding information. I have been reading Mom's big book about it aloud. It also has good stories about "sharks" and "children."

TICKLE-FIRE!

This is a little game I play with my dad. Here is how it works...I tell him, "Tickle-Fire" and he chases me all around the house and tickles me until I laugh the hardest from my belly and make snorty, pig noises. My dad is the funniest guy I know!

Peace, Love and Organic Things

Mom and I love the farmer's market...it is full of fun. They have music, face painting, dogs and gobs of fresh veggies. Mom usually has to remind me of the "no sampling without buying" rule. When I see cherry tomatoes, I sometimes loose control and can't help myself. It's only okay if you are offered a sample...like the time dad tried goat cheese. He didn't like it and said, "Pooie" and spit it out.
This week I picked out some orange snapdragons. Some people told me they matched my hair. Here is a picture of me dancing around to a violin with the flowers. We also heard a tuba, trumpet and guitar. Instead of painting my face, the nice lady painted my arm with a big silver shark. I like sharks. We bought honey, tomatoes (of course) and also saw a fluffy thing. Mom said it was a Pomeranian dog, but I told her it was a chinchilla cat. I know all about cats because I have uncle Marc's old kitty cat book and like to read it a lot.

Funny Things

If you know my family (especially Mom), you won't think a thing of the fact that I insisted on wearing only undies and a raincoat to ride my bike today.

Anyway, mom wanted to remember this and a few other things because she says baby Ryan makes her forget things. I also hid her jump drive a few weeks ago (where she keeps a list of extra funny things I do and say). We are still looking for it, so Mom here are a few funny things from this week:
-I have been calling you and Dad "Sweet Cheeks" and "Kids"
-I told you, "Don't worry, I've got it under control!"
-I brought all my instruments to your bedroom at 5:30 am...so you, Dad and I could play music and sing. Daddy played the "carmonica" with his eyes closed.
-I have been putting on two sets of panties, because I can't decided...Little Mermaid or Dora.
-I tried to give a hurt goose my silky, cuz, "It make her feel much better."
-I've been insisting on lots of "grouf hugs"
-I say "Bless you to me!" when I sneeze

Infield Fly Guy Wanna Be...

Dad took me and Mom to the baseball game tonight. I haven't been since last year. I jumped right in with clapping and a lot of "wooo hoooing." When the plays were slow, I talked to the nice old people behind me and kept them laughing. I also told the guy hitting the ball, "C'mon guy, you can do it!" I keep telling Dad, "I love to go to baseball with you!" I think we will go again next week.

I like to wear headphones and listen to the game, just like Daddy.

"Jesus is Alive!...

...and so am I!" And the Easter Bunny came today at my house and at Grams and Pa's house too. We ate ham, which I love. And while Mom and Grams were getting the food, I put ham on everyone's plate. I also made sure everyone ate their ham and asked if they needed more during dinner. It is so cold at our house today we had to hunt eggs inside (and mom helped and forgot to take pictures). I like Easter!

BTW...My mom is not 25 years old. I asked her today.

Dying eggs is fun, even though you get kinda messy. The next pictures are of me playing with cascarones (confetti eggs). My Reina brought me some from Texas a few weeks ago. They were an Easter tradition at my mom's house when she was a kid. Notice the look of terror on my dad's face...I nearly gave everyone a concussion when I smashed them. We are going to save our Easter cascarones for a warm day.

I Like to Share

While mom was getting dressed this morning, I shared my Nature Harvest cereal with my dog Bandit. It's my favorite kind, with dried strawberries and blueberries. He "was so hungry," I went to the pantry and gave him whatever was left in the box. I put it right in his bowl and he ate it up fast, even without milk. Mom looked surprised, but I told her that Bandit thought it was "fantastic." He sure has had to go outside a lot since then.

What's a Baby Shower?

What's baby shower? This is confusing to me because there are A) neither babies nor B) people taking showers. I know because I have asked. Maybe it is sort of like the Taco Party at Jose's? You get tacos, but certainly no birthday cake, candles or balloons. Believe me, I have asked about that too.

BTW...I told Mom today that Ryan is going to be born in 3 minutes and we are going to play with him and change his diapers. I want her to be ready for the new baby.

A few things...

I wanted to write down funny things I have said this week, so Mommy doesn't forget...

-Chinchillas are afraid of snakes!

-Mom, don't say "No" that isn't very nice. You say, "Yes Maam!"
-I can't use the potty now, I'm too dizzy.
-I just need to take a little break, okay?
-Would you look at that!?!
-Mom, don't say, "Just a minute." That is a bad choice.
-Daddy, You're gonna be the BIG BRODER!!!!

Farm Livin' is the Life for Me!

Mom and Dad had a work trip, so I stayed at the Farm with Reina and Papa. I had so much fun that I didn't want to leave! We did a lot of "fantastic" stuff and watched Snow White and the 7 Horses (I think that is what it is called?).

You gotta say, "Yee Haw!" when you wear Papa's cowboy hat!

Me and Papa on a walk-about.

My friends, Will and Cordell. They are pretty tough boys, but I try to keep up.

The new farm kittens, Target and Tigger. Gracie (the Great Dane) licks her chops when she sees them.

Reina takes me on the big 4-wheeler, but Cordell has a little one of his own. Hold on!

I went to the creek a couple times a day to throw rocks in. I told Reina we couldn't leave yet because we still have more rocks!!

Thanks for taking good care of me Reina and Papa! I love you so much and can't wait to visit again (without Mom and Dad)!