Amusing Musings by Ashlyn

Word of the Day

2011-12-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

In reference to something being VERY funny.

Ashlyn: Momma, that is SOOOO Hysterious!

I believe that is a combination of "Hilarious" and "Hysterical."

In French

2011-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn had a friend playing over at the house.

Friend: Ashlyn, can I play with your baby dolls?
A: nuh-uh!
Friend: I'm going to tell your momma.....Mrs. Andreaaaaaa!
A; Waaaaait! It's in French! "Nuh-uh" is French for "Yes!"

Such a clever way to get out of trouble. :)

Grace

2011-07-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

A: can I watch a show now?
M: now ashlyn, I told you that because you were disrespectful, that you would not be watching anything else tonight.
A: mom?
M: yes, ashlyn?
A: can you give me one of those grace things?
M: grace things?
A: yea, you know how you teach me about Jesus' grace: "getting something I don't deserve?"
M: yes.
A: well I was thinking you could give me one of those grace things and let me watch a show even though I don't deserve it.

Noah's Brick Boat

2011-07-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

While I was laying down with Ashlyn tonight, and getting ready to pray, she reminded me that we had not yet read a bible story.

A - Momma, you could read the story of Noah. Cause that's what I learned about this morning at church.
M - Yeah, the story of Noah is a good one.
A - You know the people laughed at Noah and told him, "Ha ha, it has never rained!"
M - That's right.
A - You know momma, God can give you anything you need. Like He could give them the wood they needed to build the ark. And He could give them the bricks too.
M - I don't know that they used bricks, baby.
A - Well, God can give you anything you need. He could have given them bricks. In fact, (pointing up to the ceiling and gesturing down to herself) if I asked God for a pink polka dotted ceiling fan, He could like just send it down from the air to my room right now.

Missing backpack

2011-07-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn couldn't find her backpack.....here is what she said to me:

A - Momma, it really disturbs me that I can't locate my backpack!

Disturbs?!? Locates?!? This kid cracks me up!

Scrambled vocabulary

2011-07-05T18:26:00.001-07:00

M - Ashlyn, do you want eggs for breakfast?

(Ashlyn comes running into the kitchen SUPER excited)

A - YES! And Momma, can I PLEASE help you hatch the eggs?!?!

Haha...we may need to review some vocabulary before school begins ;)

Mother's Day Attire

2011-07-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

A - What are you going to wear tomorrow?
M - Well, Ashlyn, I really haven't thought about it.
A - I think you should wear your wedding dress!
M - My wedding dress?! Why?
A - Momma! Tomorrow is Mother's day and I thought you would want to wear something really special!

Eager Anticipation

2011-02-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

A - Mommy...when are we going to die?
M - Well Ashlyn, only Jesus knows the number of our days here. Why do you ask?
A - I am just really ready to go to Heaven and live with Jesus.
M - Oh me too, baby.
A - You wouldn't have to cry if I died.
M - Why is that?
A - Because you would see me again in Heaven.
M - Oh Ashlyn, you are making me cry right now!
A - I wouldn't have to cry either if you died, cause I know I would see you in Heaven! And don't worry Mommy...I would take care of Addelyn-Kate for you.

Do you have the same eager heart? Are you ready to see your Jesus? My sweet 3 year old can definitely lay conviction on her Momma's heart!

2nd Rate

2011-02-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn and Addelyn-Kate were wearing matching outfits (obviously purchased from the same location). Aunt Emily asked her where they had gotten their outfits.

A - Well, Momma bought Addelyn-Kate's at the store...but she just got mine at a garage sale.

You think she is feeling 2nd rate or deprived in some way? My silly little girl :)

Mixed-Up colors

2011-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

While in a public girls bathroom, Ashlyn makes an important observation!

A - Well Momma, this is awkward.
M - What is that, Ashlyn?
A - You see how this room is painted blue?
M - Yea....?
A - Don't you see? We are in a GIRLS bathroom.
M - Well you're right. I guess it is strange that the room is blue.
A- Momma?
M- Yes, baby?
A - You suppose they painted the boy's bathroom pink?

Strange Person

2011-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

(We are at the Dr. to get off A's cast. The room we were in had a skeleton in it)

A- Mom. I really wish they wouldn't have put us in this room. That person over there is really scaring me!

Encouragement?

2011-01-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

(Talking to her baby sister)

A - Honey, you’re not big enough to climb the stairs. I know you want to be a grown up, but you’re just not there yet. You are still a baby.

Chick-Fil-A

2010-12-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

(Sitting at the dinner table with Ally)

Ally - Ashlyn, do you know what 1 + 1 equals?

A - Chick-Fil-A!

Haha...she may have a way with words, but her math skills are definitely lacking!

Ice Tag

2010-12-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving brought the opportunity to spend time with family that we rarely get to see. Ashlyn enjoyed playing/learning new games with her cousins.

A - Hey Ally, you want to play that ice game with me?
Ally - Huh, Ashlyn? What are you saying?
A - You know, that game of ice.
M - Ashlyn, are you talking about "freeze tag"?
A - Yeah! Ally, you want to play ice tag?

Anxious for an invite

2010-12-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

A - Mommy, what kind of birthday party do you think Jesus has in Heaven?
M - I really couldn't say, Ashlyn.
A - I am just so nervous.
M - Nervous? What do you mean?
A - I'm so nervous that I won't get invited to His party!

Our favorite colors

2010-12-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn praying about going to Heaven

A - God, I would really like it if you could make my bed pink. Maybe even make my blanket on the bed pink. Oh, and for Mommy, could you give her a red bed? She just LOVES the color red! And for Daddy, could you make his bed green? (Pause)....Yeah, I know that they are supposed to sleep in the same bed, but just this once, could you make them two different beds so they can both have their favorite colors?

Haha...I guess God must have "reminded" her in the middle of her prayer that we share a bed :)

Feeling left out

2010-12-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

Matt stayed with the girls while I went to a small group. Matt was singing to Addelyn-Kate while Ashlyn sat close by and listened.

Matt (singing) - "Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Daddy's going to buy you a mockingbird.

If that mockingbird won't sing,
Daddy's going to buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass,
Daddy's going to buy you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke,
Daddy's going to buy you a billy goat.

(Ashlyn jabs Matt in the back to interrupt his singing)

Ashlyn - Well Daddy, what's left to buy for me?

Bethlehem

2010-12-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

(Discussing the Christmas story)

A - Momma, how could Mary have a baby when she wasn't married to Joseph?
M - Well...that was God's plan for her.
A - That is not right to have a baby before you get married. Was God mad at Mary?
M - No. He wasn't mad because he was the one who allowed her to have Jesus.
A - Momma? Does God make all girls who are having a baby travel to Bethlehem if they aren't married?

God's sense of humor

2010-11-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

I always make Ashlyn stand on the white lines in store parking lots while I get Addelyn-Kate out of her carseat. I have told her that those are her lines.

I took her to Kroger where the lines happen to be yellow, instead of white.

(Pulling her out of the car and setting her on the yellow line)

A - Well, would ya look at that right there? Isn't God funny like that to change the white lines to yellow...you know, just like He is changing the color of the leaves.

Redefining sin

2010-11-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

We have a new dog! He is a chocolate lab and his name is Charlie Brown.
Charlie has decided that he likes to use the bathroom in the garage, which is definitely NOT ok.

Matt and Ashlyn opened the garage door to go outside, and right at their feet was a "present".

Matt - Oh, Ashlyn! Do you see that?
A - Yeah, Daddy.
Matt - Ashlyn, do you know what that is?
A Ohhh Daddy, that...that right there...that is SIN!

Glue

2010-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

M - Ashlyn! Get off Momma. You are going to break me!
A - Oh that's okay. If I break you, we can just glue you back together!
M - Glue me back together? What kind of glue are you going to use?
A - Well "people" glue, of course!

Far From Perfect

2010-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

The song "You make beautiful things out of the dust..." came on the radio. Ashlyn began to ask me questions about what that meant.

M - Do you remember Adam and Eve?
A - Yes. They lived in the Garden of Eden.
M - That's right. This song talks about when God made Man and Woman. God created man out of the dust of the earth. He then used Adam's rib to create Eve. Everything was perfect! Adam and Eve lived in a world without sin until they disobeyed God.
A - Um...Momma, everything was NOT perfect.
M - Well, before they sinned, it was.
A - Nuh-uh.
M - What do you mean?
A - Momma! They were walking around with their clothes off!

Shocked

2010-10-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

(Just pulling into church)

A - Mommy, are we here on time or are we late like normal?
M - Ashlyn, we happen to be EARLY this morning!
A - (Gasps) THAT.IS.SHOCKING!!!

Martha

2010-10-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

When I'm driving, Ashlyn seems to have this 6th sense of whether or not I am going too fast.

A - Mommy, are you going the speed limit?
M - Yes, Ashlyn. I am going the speed limit.
A - It doesn't feel like it.
M - Well, I am.
(a few minutes later)
A - Are you still going the speed limit?
M - Well, now I'm not.
A - You need to slow it down there, Martha.
M - Martha? Don't you mean, Momma?
A - No. I mean Martha. Like the one in the bible. She was running around like a chicken with her head cut off - just going way too fast. You are being like her!

Dragons and Snakes (that's what little girls are made of?)

2010-10-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn has a special little friend at MDO that she is quite attached to. This friend happens to be a little boy. (I will call him "John")

M - Did you have fun on the playground today?
A - Yeah, Mommy!
M - What did you do?
A - Well me and John played dragons!
M - Dragons? What do the dragons do?
A - They chase all of the princesses!
M - Well Ashlyn, you are a little girl. You should be a princess, not a dragon. Little girls are sweet and gentle, like a a little princess.
A - Oh, but I wasn't a dragon.
M - No? So you were a princess?
A - Oh no Mommy. I was a snake!
M - Ashlyn! Girls aren't little snakes either!
A - Don't worry, Momma. I was a sweet, little girl snake!

A Prayer by Ashlyn

2010-10-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

(Opening the Bible and reading/praying)

A - Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. He grew up and never disobeyed his Mommy or Daddy. He died on the cross to pay for my sins. He was buried and the rose from the dead. Now He is in Heaven. He is getting a pink princess room ready for me. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Rod of Discipline

2010-09-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

After a nasty display of disobedience and disrespect towards me last night, I told Ashlyn that she would be getting spanked. Here are her thoughts on the matter:

A - Mommy, you really need to talk to Jesus about this spanking thing.
M - What do you mean?
A - Well spanking is mean and the bible says be kind one to another. When you don't listen to the bible, that is sin. So you better talk to Jesus about being like satan.

Good grief! I teach her bible verses to HELP her obey, not argue a case against spanking!

I told her she was going to learn a NEW bible verse this week. Proverbs 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him."

He's Where?

2010-09-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

We were on our way to church when Ashlyn suddenly proclaims from the backseat

A - Jesus rose from the dead!
M - I know Ashlyn! He is alive and well!
(Ashlyn waves her little finger at me)
A - Nuh-uh momma, He is NOT in hell!!!
M - I didn't say "hell", I said "well".
A - Oh. Good. 'Cause He is actually in Heaven.

Too juicy

2010-09-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn and I were talking about her bible story from MDO.

A - Jesus fed 5,000 people Momma.
M - I know! Isn't that neat?
A - Yeah, He broke the loaves into pieces. But He didn't break the fish and I'm really glad.
M - Why is that?
A - Well, if he had broken the fish in to, all the juices would have come out and that would be disgusting.

There is none righteous, no not one (not even Mommy!)

2010-09-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

In trying to ready both the girls for bed, I had to use a very stern voice towards Ashlyn on more than one occasion. She was definitely not being obedient the first time.

As we lay in her bed and get ready to pray, Ashlyn lets me know that I am the one who needs prayer ;)

A - Mommy, you need to tell Jesus you are sorry for using ugly words at me in the bathroom.
M - What do you mean Ashlyn?
A - You were being mean to me when I was getting ready for bed.
M - Do you mean my voice sounded unkind?
A - Yes. That is not very nice and you need to ask Jesus to forgive you.
M - Ashlyn, mommmy was not using unkind words. I was just telling you what you needed to do to be ready for bed. You weren't listening, so I had to make my voice sound different to get your attention.
A - Well Mommy, the Bible says that ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, so you need to ask Jesus to forgive you.

Healer

2010-09-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

M - Who do we need to pray for tonight?
A - We need to pray for Addelyn Kate momma.
M - You are right. Do you remember what is wrong with her?
A - She has a double ear confection. But it's okay.
M - Why is it okay?
A - Because God is the great healer mommy, and He can fix that for us.

I love to hear my girl speak truth!

Hellfire and Brimstone

2010-08-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

I overheard this "conversation" Ashlyn was having with her teddy bear.

A - Teddy Bear, do you love Jesus?

(I suppose Teddy Bear said no. WRONG ANSWER!)

A- Well, I guess you are just going to die and go to hell...to live with satan!

Sleeping Beauty

2010-08-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

(Ashlyn lying on the bed "reading" her bible)

Popa Dave - Ashlyn are you reading your bible?
A - Uh huh.
Popa Dave - What are you reading? Philippians?
A - No. I'm reading about Sleeping Beauty.

Suppose I should tell her that Aurora is NOT in the bible?

Apple...the brand

2010-08-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

We were at the Spectrum in CA when Emily and Ashlyn passed by the Apple store.

Emily - Oh Ashlyn look! There is a big apple up there!
A - Where?
Emily - Look! Right up there!
A - That's not an apple...it's a computer brand.

"New" hands and feet

2010-08-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Addelyn Kate has just "found" her hands and feet this week! So cute:)

Granna, Ashlyn and Addelyn Kate were out in the backyard relaxing.

Granna - Ashlyn, let's call Nana and tell her that Addelyn Kate has found her hands and feet!

A - Did she not have hands last week?

Money

2010-07-29T19:31:00.001-07:00

I was explaining to Ashlyn how the "Tooth Fairy" works.

M - When you lose your baby teeth, you get to put them under your pillow, go to sleep, and then wake up to find money in their place! Isn't that cool?
A - Can I see your teeth, Momma?
M - Sure, Ashlyn. (I smile big so she can look)
A - (pointing at my teeth) Do those things still make you money?

Sinner

2010-07-26T14:06:00.001-07:00

Our plane had just landed in ATL, and I had repeatedly told Ashlyn DURING the flight to keep her seat belt on until the lit-up sign said otherwise.

A - Can I take it off now?
M - No, honey. Look at the sign. Is it still lit up?
A - Yeah.
M - Then you can't take it off.
A - But why?
M - Because you would be disobeying the rules. What is that called when we disobey?
A - Sin.

We ended up sitting on the plane for another 45 min! Addelyn Kate woke up and needed a diaper change. I had to UNBUCKLE to reach the diaper bag. Mind you, the "don't unbuckle" sign was still lit up!

Ashlyn looks at my buckle, then up at me with a disgusted face.

A - Sinner!

That was all she said :)

LAZY!

2010-07-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn had finished in the bathroom and needed to get t/p.

(My hands are full with Addelyn Kate)
A - I'm all done Momma. Can you get me the toilet paper?
M - Ashlyn you can get it. Mommy's hands are tied up.
A - Oh well, I guess I just can't have any.
M - What do you mean? Just reach down and get some.
A - I can't Momma...I'm just that lazy.

Uncle Brad

2010-07-26T13:58:00.001-07:00

(Uncle Brad is Ashlyn's great uncle and he doesn't have hair on his head)

Granna had just finished cleaning Ashlyn up for the night and was combing her hair.

Granna - I could just snatch that pretty hair off of your head and put it on mine!

A - Well then I would look like Uncle Brad!

Babysitter

2010-07-26T13:49:00.001-07:00

While preparing for our trip to CA, Ashlyn questioned who would take care of Daddy since he was not going with us. I told her he would go to eat dinner at Popa and Nana's a few times, but that he would take care of himself.

(Leaving the house to go to the airport)

A - OK, mommy, I think I'm all ready for the plane.
M - Good. Make sure you have your backpack.
A - I've got it. Now, all we have to do is make one stop at Nana's and then we can go to the airport.
M - Nana's? Why do we need to stop at Nana's first?
A - W Mommy, we have to drop Daddy off there before we can leave.

I guess she thought I meant that Nana was "babysitting" for us. :)

Frustration

2010-07-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn has been away from the house A LOT this past week because Aunt Emily has been in town. She finished off the fourth of July by spending the night at Popa and Nana's with Emily. She finally came home today!

M - Ashlyn! I have missed you sooo much! I am so glad you are home!
A - Well...I'm really not happy about being back. I wasn't ready to come home.
M - Didn't you miss me?
A - Yeah...I did miss you Momma.
M - So why aren't you glad to be back? Don't you like your home?
A - I do like it, but it's just so frustrating to be back.
M - Frustrating? What do you mean?
A - Well you know...Addelyn Kate cries, I have to help, it's just a lot for me to deal with.

Embarrassing

2010-06-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

(Ashlyn was in the room when I accidentally scratched Addelyn Kate while changing her diaper)

M - Oh Addelyn Kate, I'm so sorry! Mommy didn't mean to scratch you.

A (In a quite annoyed tone) - Mommy! You need to be more careful with her! God gave her to us and she is VERY special.

M - I know, Ashlyn. It was an accident, though.

A - Uh Mommy, you are SO embarrassing!

Bless You

2010-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Addelyn Kate was sitting in my lap when she let out a huge sneeze. Ashlyn was in the line of fire. Now, a normal sneeze wouldn't be so bad, but a drooling baby's sneeze is quite the shower :)

Me: My goodness Addelyn Kate! Bless you!

A: Mommy!!!! Grooooossss! Addelyn Kate just "bless youed" ALL OVER me!

How hard, Mom?

2010-06-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

I was in the middle of a conversation about how I had to "kick out" a student from the Kindergarten Readiness program that I am teaching.

Ashlyn's eyes got really big and fearful as she asked, "Mommy, how hard did you kick him?"

Haha...I burst out laughing and tried to explain that it was just a figure of speech. I don't think she believed me:)

Sing what?

2010-06-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

While riding home from VBS, Ashlyn began to sing "I'm in the Lord's Army." Here is her version.

A - "I may never march in the infant trees, ride in the calories, shoot the tillery. I may never zoom over the indians, but I'm in the Lord's Army!

M - Ashlyn, it's zoom over the enemy.

A - No Mommy, it is definitely the Indians!

Mommy the cow

2010-06-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

While watching 101 Dalmations with Ashlyn, the scene where the puppies "get milk" from the cows came on.

A - Oh Mommy look! That is just like you!

I suppose she was referring to me feeding her sister:)

Rain dance

2010-06-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

While driving to church, it began to rain. I turned on the wipers and Ashlyn all of a sudden bursts out laughing.

A - Mommy!!!
M - What Ashlyn?
A - Look at those windshield wipers! (Still laughing)
M - Yeah...what about them?
A - Oh my gracious! They are dancing ALL OVER the place!

Race to kindness

2010-06-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn was at McDonald's with her grandparents after VBS. When Nana brought Ashlyn home, she told me that Ashlyn had done a very nice thing at McDonald's.

M - What did you do Ashlyn?
A - A lady dropped her money and she didn't know and I got it for her.
M - Ashlyn! That is so kind. You didn't have to do that, but you chose to think of someone else. I am so proud of you!
A - Thanks Mommy!
M - Do you know what? That is exactly like Jesus. He is kind and shows love to others! You were being like Him! If He had been at McDonalds, He would have bent down and gotten the money for her too.
A - Well Mommy...
M - Yes, Ashlyn?
A - If He had been there and seen her drop the money, I would have beaten Him to the floor.

speed

2010-06-03T15:55:00.001-07:00

(Ashlyn eating her supper at a super fast speed)

Me - Ashlyn! You are going to make yourself sick eating like that! Mommy and Daddy have told you that is not very lady like.

Ashlyn - Oh Mommy, you know I'm just a fast eater and heavy drinker!

What website?

2010-06-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn cooking/playing in the kitchen.

A - I think I'll have a diet coke slash...
M - Slash what Ashlyn?
A - slash dot org. ( /.org)

Where does my child hear these things?

Definition confusion

2010-05-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

A - Mommy, you're a genious!
M - Thanks Ashlyn, but what does that word mean?
A - Oh, it means you have to go to the bathroom!

Milk

2010-05-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

I am returning to work next week for a brief 19 day Kindergarden Readiness porgram. I am currently Addelyn Kate's only means of nutrition, and therefore I have been having to prepare for my upcoming absence. Ashlyn came to me very concerned that Addelyn Kate wouldn't be able to eat while I am away.

A - Mommy, when you go next week, how will Addelyn Kate eat?
M - Amber will be here to feed her, baby.
A - But Mommy, only you can feed her!
M - Ashlyn, don't worry, I promise Amber will take care of her.
A - Mommy?
M - Yes, Ashlyn?
A - Does Amber make milk?

Daddy's Name

2010-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

I had sent Ashlyn to wake Matt up the other morning. When I walk in the room, this is what I hear...

A - Maaatttt...it's time to get up. You need to get up now. Come on Matt!
M - Ashlyn, you don't call him Matt. Only Mommy calls him that. What are you supposed to call him?
A - Oh right. I just call him "honey." :)
A - Honey, it's time to get up now!
Is that better Mommy?

Honeymoon

2010-05-30T16:46:00.001-07:00

Matt and I were riding in the car with Ashlyn and something was said about Ashlyn's Aunt Kitty being on her honeymoon.

A - A honeymoon? Wow mommy, that sounds like a really good thing to eat! Is it sugary? Can I have some?

Hunger pangs

2010-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

ARP stays with family during the week while I work. I just heard about this story today at lunch.

Ashlyn had gone to Aunt Amy's Wednesday morning as usual. She always makes chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast when she gets there. I guess the poor child was hungry because when she walked into the kitchen she said, "Aunt Amy, I'm weak with hunger this morning."

I'm a Christian now

2010-03-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

We had a night of praise and the Lord's Supper tonight at church. With Ashlyn just turning 3, childcare was not an option. Matt and I decided we would give the service a try with Ashlyn...just to see how it might go.

Ashlyn did great for the most part. She liked all of the singing, but after awhile, was just ready to go. Of course this is right about the time we begin to take the Lord's Supper. As the crackers were passed, I explained to her the meaning and reminded her of what we have talked about over and over at home. She said she remembered the Christmas Tree and seeing Jesus die on the cross. I thought she would ask for a cracker, but she didn't. Of course then we went on to receive our cups of juice. Here is where she decided that she wanted to take part...

(Whispering)
A - Mommy can I have some juice please?
M - No Ashlyn, you cannot drink this.
A - But Mommy, I'm thirsty. Let me just have a sip.

I had to explain again the meaning of the items we were receiving. She said she knew Jesus paid for our sins with His blood. I then went on to tell her that only once you become a Christian can you take part in the Lord's Supper.

A - (Whispering in my ear) Mommy, I can be a Christian. I am a Christian. Can I please have some juice now?

Soooo over this

2010-03-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

A - Addelyn Kate is talking to you Mommy.
M - She is? What is she saying?
A - She says "I am soooo over this. Get me out of your tummy so I can meet my big sister Ashlyn!"

Dragons

2010-03-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Matt and I always take the time to discuss Ashlyn's bible story with her after church on Sunday mornings.

M - What did you learn about in sunday school this morning?
A - I learned that God made the world.
M - Yes he did. What things did He make in the world?
A - He made me, the flowers, the trees and the mountains.
M - You're right! Did He make anything else?
A - Oh yeah...He also made dragons!

I think my child has been reading too many princess stories if she believes that dragons are real.

A 'sweet' dream

2010-03-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn woke up in the best mood yesterday morning! I asked her if she had been having sweet dreams and if that was why she was in such a good mood.

A - Yeah Mommy, I was having a sweet dream.
M - I'm so glad! What were you dreaming about?
A - Well, there was this big lion in the kitchen!
M - A lion? Was he nice?
A - Yeah...but Mommy, he probably, maybe came into the kitchen and tried to drink up all of my milk!

My child's view of a 'sweet' dream is so different from mine:)

Who's There?

2010-03-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

I had just taken Ashlyn into the restroom at our church, when someone knocked at the door.

A - Mommy, someone is trying to get in here.
M - That's okay. I locked the door.
A - Well who is it?
M - I don't know honey.
A - Oh I know, it must be the big bad wolf!

On my honor

2010-02-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn really likes gum, but she is very bad to swallow it. She was in my purse and had found some gum. I told her she couldn't have it right now. Here was her response:

(Right hand held high)
"On my honor, I promise to not swallow my gum. And on my honor, I promise to love Jesus with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength." Now Can I have some gum?

Belly Button

2010-02-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn has been learning at church that God made everything - even belly buttons.

A - Mommy, did you know I have a belly button?
M - I did.
A - Yeah, God gave me that one.
M - I know. God made everything about you. Just like he is making everything about Addelyn Kate.
(Ashlyn lifts my shirt to look at Addelyn Kate)
A - Well Mommy, why don't you have a belly button anymore?

Texting

2010-02-15T11:53:00.001-08:00

M - Hey Ashlyn, I need you to come in here.
A - (On her pretend cell phone) Wait Mommy. I'm sending Elin a text message. I'll be there in just a second.

No going back

2010-02-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn and I went through our "baby" closet on Sunday. I told her that Addelyn Kate would be here soon and that we needed to get out all of her (Ashlyn's) old baby things.

Ashlyn kept walking into the closet, retrieving things and saying, "My Addelyn Kate is going to need this Mommy" or " I want my baby sister to have this now because I'm too big." She was being just precious the whole time. Ashlyn then decided to go upstairs. A few minutes later I hear her at the top of the steps...

A - Mommy! Please help me carry this down here.
I look up and realize Ashlyn has grabbed a stroller, babydoll, and a handful of other toys/items from her room.
M - What are you doing with those Ashlyn?
A - I want my baby sister to have these things. They are too little for me now.
M - Well Ashlyn, that is so kind of you!
A - Yeah, I think she will like these things a lot!
but Mommy...
I think I'll need to get these back when she "goes back" into your tummy.

Oh Ashlyn, once she gets here, there is NO going back!

Out the window

2010-01-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

A - Oh look Mommy! There is the hospital where we are going to get my sister!
M - Yeah baby, it is.
A - We will have to go there to get her out of your tummy.
(I couldn't resist to ask THE question. She simply baited me into asking:))
M - Ashlyn, how is she getting out of my tummy?
A - Well...she is just going to open the window, climb out, and walk right down the street.

Only girls

2010-01-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

A - Mommy, when Addelyn Kate gets here, she wants me to hold her.
M - I'm sure she does. You will be such a great big sister!
A - Well, I'm the only one who can hold her.
M - What about Mommy? I want to hold her, too.
A - I guess so. Will Granna hold her?
M - Yes.
A - Will Emily and Kitty hold her?
M - Yes, the will want to hold her as well.
A - Well, they can, but not Daddy, Popa Dave, Popa, Uncle Brad, Jake or TJ.
M - Why not Ashlyn?
A - Because only girls can hold girls Mommy. (If she had known how to say it, she would have said 'duh'!)

I ran away

2010-01-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

As soon as I got home from work yesterday, Ashlyn runs up to me and proceeds to share the following information:

A - Mommy, I ran away from Mrs. Kim today.
M - You what?
A - Mrs. Kim was at the gate, and then Gabby ran away and I ran away, and Mrs. Kim said to stop but we ran away.
M - So do you mean you weren't listening? Did Mrs. Kim tell you to come back?
A - Uh - huh. But me and Gabby ran away.
M - Ashlyn, that is very bad. Do we run away from teachers?
A - No. I was a bad girl and then Gabby sat in time out and I sat in time out.
M - Ashlyn, not listening to your teachers is disrespectful and disobedient. What is that called when we disobey?
A - Sin.
M - That's right honey. Sin is a very bad thing. Do you know why?
A - It seperates us from God.
M - It does. And, there is always a price to pay when you sin. It is called a consequence. What did Mrs. Kim say to you when she caught you?
A - She said it was bad and I have to sit in time out.
M - Where were you when you ran away?
A - I had to sit in time out.
M - I mean, were you inside or outside when it happened?
A - I was at the gate.
M - On the playground? Outside?!
A - Yes. And then I ran away Mommy.

I will admit, I was astounded by her ability to articulate all that had occured, but horrified to think that she runs away from people and could get hurt, especially in a parking lot. I told her we would need to call her Daddy and find out what he thought we should do for her disobedience.

When Matt got home, she went through the whole story again.
Matt - Well Ashlyn, there are consequences for our sin. What do you think Mommy and Daddy should do?
M - Do you think we should spank or take something away?
A - You should take something away.
Matt - What things?
A - My baby dolls.
M - Anything else?
A - My blankies and my dog.
Matt - Okay. You need to go to your room, get those things and put them on Mommy's and Daddy's bed.
A - I won't run away again with Gabby.

I know this is not a funny post, but just a conversation that I don't want to forget. At least she was honest and didn't try to hide her sin from us.

Cheap

2010-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn and I have been playing her new Memory game a lot. She does really well with the concept of it being a game and taking turns, but we are having to work on the concept of integrity. She likes to 'look' at the cards as she lays them down. I have told her many times that is called cheating and that we won't play if she cheats.

(Playing Memory)
M - Okay Ashlyn, let's line up the cards in rows. Now make sure you don't look at them.
A - Ok Mommy. I'll play right.
As I was laying the cards down, some slipped out of my hands, and landed face up. So, I picked them up and re-shuffled to be fair.
A - Well that was cheap, Mommy! I guess we just can't play now!

Take her to the bathroom

2010-01-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

While coming around an aisle at the grocery store, a little girl, in her own buggy, reached out and slapped me. I was shocked and so was Ashlyn.

(Ashlyn's eyes are wide with disbelief as she tells off the little girl's mother)

A - (super sassy and upset tone) That little girl just hit my mommy! You'd better take her to the bathroom and spank her!

I thought for only a moment to be embarrassed, but decided quickly that having your child hit someone was much worse than for your child to tell someone off in your defense:)

Favorite Toy

2010-01-06T04:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday night, Ashlyn's teacher told the kids that Jesus also played with toys when he was a little boy.

Teacher - Boys and girls, we are going to go around the circle and share what are our favorite toys.
Child - Dinosaurs
Child - My dolls
Child - Blocks
Teacher - Ashlyn, what is your favorite toy?
Ashlyn - (Tucking her head to the side) My Mommy is my favorite toy. :)

Noah's Ark

2010-01-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

A - Oh Mommy look. They're building Noah's ark!
M - What are you talking about?
A - Over there, do you see that?
I turn and see her pointing to a house that is currently being framed out:)
I don't guess she has ever seen a house being framed before.

Sweaty Dreams

2010-01-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

I had just woken up when I had a conversation with Ashlyn that went like this...

A - Good morning Mommy!
M - Well good morning to you Ashlyn!
A - Did you sleep well?
M - I did. Did you?
A - I did. Mommy, did you have sweaty dreams?
M - What? Do you mean sweet dreams?
A - Oh yeah (laughing at herself) I mean did you have 'sweet' dreams!

Knoxville

2009-12-28T18:52:00.001-08:00

After attending the Living Christmas Tree, Ashlyn has been all about the Christmas and Easter stories.

A - Tell me that part again Mommy, about Jesus dying on the cross.
M - Yes. Jesus died on the cross. Remember why?
A - To pay for our sins.
M - Then after he died, his friends came and took him to the....?
A - The tomb.
M - Yep. Three days later...
A - Oh I know, the angels said "Roll that stone away!"
M - Yes and now Jesus is...
A - Alive!
M - Yes he is! And now Jeus lives in...
A - Knoxville!
M - No. Heaven.
A - (Laughing) Oh yeah, I meant to say heaven!

Sharing at its finest

2009-12-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn received a pink, princess umbrella for Christmas. This now makes two good ones and one broken one for her. Ashlyn had both of the working ones out and opened playing in the living room.

Ashlyn - Mommy, where is my other pink umbrella?
M - It broke honey. But you still have two good ones to play with.
Matt - Ashlyn, that is really nice to have two of them. Do you think you could give one of your umbrellas to Addelyn-Kate?
Ashlyn - Oh sure Daddy. She can have the broke, pink one!

Jesus

2009-12-24T17:07:00.001-08:00

Emily - Ashlyn, is this your Baby Alive?

Ashlyn - No. Just Jesus is alive.

Bobby shorts

2009-12-20T13:04:00.003-08:00

Ashlyn was in the room with her Aunt Kitty as she was getting ready.

Kathryn - You know what Ashlyn, I just call Bobby pins 'Bobby'...you know, for short.
Can you say that?

Ashlyn - Yeah....Bobby Shorts.

No such thing as Santa

2009-12-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

A - You know Santa isn't real Mommy.
M - What? Who told you that?
A - He is just fun to pretend.

I informed Matt of this in the car as we are all riding together.
Matt is shocked! When we come to a stop at the traffic light, he turns around and asks her if Santa is real.

We just happened to have stopped at a light where a huge, very life-like Santa is climbing the side of a jewelry store.

Ashlyn points out her window and says (in a very sarcastic voice)"Well yeah, look he is right there climbing that building."

Our child, the literal one. You can't fool her with anything!

Too much

2009-12-18T05:53:00.001-08:00

Lots of our family members take turns picking up and taking care of Ashlyn for me as I work.

Maggie, our 17 year old cousin, was driving Ashlyn home the other day.

A - Maggie, sometimes you come get me, sometimes its popa and Nana, sometimes Aunt Donna, Aunt Jane or Nana Shirley.
Maggie - That's right, Ashlyn. We all come to take care of you.
A - Yeah, I think that is just too much family!

I don't mind, I forgive you

2009-12-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

So as soon as I get to school yesterday morning, my husband gives me a call. He tells me that my girl has something to tell me.

A - Hey Mommy.
M - Hey baby. What are you doing?
A - Mommy, I got the Tinkerbell movie for Christmas! And a princess puzzle!
M - What do you mean you got a movie? How do you know that?
(Matt in the background: Tell Mommy what you did while I was in the shower.)
A - I unwrapped the presents Mommy!

I couldn't help but laugh. I know I probably should have been sad that she now knows some of the things she is getting, but I wasn't. The funny part is that I don't know how she knew which gifts to open. I had wrapped everything in the same paper, and I had purposefully not shown her which gifts were hers. Yet, somehow, she knew right where hers were under the tree.

Ashlyn must have been thinking all day of her actions and felt a lot of remorse, because when she finally came home last night, the 1st thing she did was go to the tree.
A- I'm sorry for unwrapping them Mommy.
M - That's ok baby.
A - Please don't give me a spanking.
M - I'm not going to honey. I hadn't told you to leave them alone. I'll just wrap them again, I don't mind.
A - (A big smile on her face) Oh Mommy, I don't mind for you to wrap them again. I forgive you Mommy!

Had a what?

2009-12-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was in the middle of singing a song when Matt walks into the room...

A - (In a sing-song voice) "...had a Aunt Amy, Uncle Brad, Aunt Donna, Uncle Roger, Popa, Nana, Granna, Popa Dave, Mommmyyyy and Dadddddyyyy , e, i, e, i, ohhhhhh! And on that farm he had a Jake, Maggie..." Apparently we are a bunch of farm animals:)

So proud

2009-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was helping me make dinner last night. She likes to get out all of the ingredients for me, and usually has a comment about each one of them.

M - Ashlyn, get the blue packet of rice please.
A - Did you buy rice?
M - Yes, honey. Just grab that packet right there (as a motion to the rice).
(Ashlyn's eyes lit up and a huge smile emerged on her face)
A - Oh Mommy! You bought rice! I am SOOOO proud of you!

Oh the little things that make a daughter proud :)

Decaf

2009-12-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

As I was giving Ashlyn a bath last night, she was pretending to drink something out of her bath cup. Now, I really don't like her to do this, because too often, she actually gets some in her mouth. This is pure nastiness to me, seeing as how it is dirty bath water.

I turned around to grab her towel and when I looked back, Ashlyn was drinking the water.

M - Ashlyn! That is disgusting! Don't you know there are germs in that water?
A - Sorry Mommy. I was just pretending.
M - You need to stop. If you drink that you'll get sick.
A - Oh don't worry Mommy. It's just decaf water!

Addelyn Kate

2009-12-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

We are so excited that our new baby is another sweet little girl, Addelyn Kate.

When Ashlyn got home from 'school' (MDO) yesterday, I gave her a big hug.

A - Mommy, did you know I have Addelyn Kate in my tummy too?
M - No I didn't. I thought it was still Mary or the skunk. (Oh yeah, she told me last week that she was no longer having a Mary, but rather a skunk!)
A - No, just Addelyn Kate. Mommy, you need to be careful hugging me so tight.
M - Why is that?
A - I'm afraid you are going to squish her.

Fighting babies

2009-11-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

As I walked up the stairs, I realized that THE drawer is open in my kitchen. Now, for those of you who don't know, THE drawer contains my spanking spoon. Ashlyn usually stays far away from it. So, I begin to track down my little girl, knowing that she has it somewhere.

I step down the hall and look into her room. I honestly had to step back out to keep from laughing and then regain my composure before asking Ashlyn what she was doing.

The view looks like this -

Baby doll Andrea is faced down on the rug with the spanking spoon sitting next to her, while baby doll Kaitlyn is propped up next to the bed as if she is watching the whole scene unfold.

M - Ashlyn, did you get into my drawer?
A - uh huh.
M - What are you doing with the spanking spoon?
A - Well...Mommy...Andrea was hitting the other babies and so I had to give her a spanking!
M - Ashlyn...only Mommy or Daddy give a spanking, not you honey.
M - By the way, what is Kaitlyn doing?
A - She is just watching to make sure she stays in time out for now.

Extra salt, please

2009-11-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

I guess we have ordered a little too much while on the road this Thanksgiving.

I walk into McD with Ashlyn to order her lunch.

M - What do you want baby?
A - Mommy, I want the number zero with a fry and a sprite. Please tell them to add some salt, cause my fries aren't salty 'nough.

Armpit

2009-11-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

I have been teaching Ashlyn to sneeze into her arm instead of the open air. Ashlyn just sneezed all over the keyboard.

M - Ashlyn! Where are you supposed to sneeze?
A - Oh, I'm sorry Mommy. I should sneeze in my armpit.

New fruit

2009-11-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

M - what do you have Ashlyn?
A - an orange?
M - you mean a clementine?
A - yeah, I have an orangetine!

Smile!

2009-11-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

While sitting in my lap this morning, Ashlyn gets all up close and starts 'loving' on me. My sister, who takes the pictures, was also sitting in the room. I guess Ashlyn wanted her to 'take a picture' of us, but it came out this way instead...

A - Aunt Wendy, can you get your camera and smile at us? :)

Pink or Blue?

2009-11-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

We are down to one day before THE ultrasound! With Ashlyn, we just called everyone on the phone to announce the princess, so this time, we thought we would get more creative. For Thanksgiving, we are bringing a plate of either blue or pink iced cookies to announce baby's gender. Ashlyn is SUPER thrilled to make cookies!

A - Mommy, when can I make those cookies?
M - Not until Tuesday.
A - Are we making pink ones?
M - I don't know yet. We have to wait for the dr. visit on Wednesday to ice them. If the baby is a boy, they will be blue though, not pink.
A - Well Mommy, you KNOW that I only eat pink cookies!

Poor baby. I don't think we will be able to convince Ashlyn of anything but a girl even if baby is a boy!

Royalty

2009-11-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

Matt, TJ and I were sitting in the living room the other night while Ashlyn was playing all over. I heard her messing with the front door and told her to come in the room with us. Her reply (totally out of the blue) "Yes....your highness!" The funny thing is that the way she said it was just like from a movie; serious yet sweet.

I was laughing about it last night and she thought it super funny that I was so tickled. So what does Ashlyn do? Our conversation went something like this -

M - do you want to help me with dinner?
A - Yes I do...your highness
M - Go wash your hands.
A - ok...your highness.
M - Can you hand Mommy the pan?
A - Yes your highness.

You get the idea. If only I could convince her to address me this way for forever:)

No money

2009-11-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

A - Did you know I'm broke?
M - What do you mean you're broke?
A - Well, I'm almost out of money.

Birthday

2009-11-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Someone at MDO must have had a birthday yesterday, because Ashlyn was all about singing "Happy Birthday" last night.

A - My birthday is coming soon.
M - Yeah, your birthday is in just 4 months. What kind of party do you want?
A - I think I'll have pink.
surprise, surprise!
M - Well, do you want pink and maybe Sleeping Beauty or princesses or ballerinas?
A - Just pink is fine.
M - You know someone who shares your bithday is Mr. Ben. We will see him next week at Thanksgiving.
A - (Troubled look crosses her face)
Mommy, do I have to share my birthday cake? What if I just have pink one and Mr. Ben gets orange?

Someone is going to need to learn to share come April!

Baby tummy

2009-11-20T07:45:00.001-08:00

We have Ashlyn come get in our bed for some stories, bible reading, prayer and singing before sending her to bed each night. Every night when we pray, she loves to get down and kneel beside the bed. Now, the bigger I am getting, the harder this will become, so I always just sit on the bed while A & Matt do the kneeling. Last night Matt was out, so it was just me and A going through the routine.

M - Ok Ashlyn, get down beside the bed and pray.
A - I can't tonight.
M - Why not?
A - Well, I have this baby in my tummy and I'm just getting too big for that:)

little caretaker

2009-11-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

Matt has a new "scary" game that I have told Ashlyn not to watch.
Matt was playing the other night while I was in the room. Ashlyn walks in and sees me sitting there while he's playing.
A - Mommy! Close your eyes!
M - What's wrong baby?
A - Mommy, that will scare you. Don't worry though, I'll take care of you.

Broken heart

2009-11-16T15:52:00.001-08:00

M - You need to pick up all of your blocks before we can eat dinner.
A - That just breaks my heart.
M - What breaks your heart?
A- That I have a mess to clean up first!

Cowgirl

2009-11-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn just got a stick horse and has been "riding" all over the house on it.

M - Are you a cowgirl Ashlyn?
A - No, I wore that Sleeping Beauty costume to get that treat.
M - I'm not talking about last week, I mean right now. I know you were Sleeping Beauty for Halloween.
A - Oh. Can I be a cowgirl for next time?
M - Sure. If you want to that's fine with me.
A - Ok. I'll be a cowgirl and ride that cow:)

Mommy's Pink Hair

2009-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

A - I used cutting things at church with Brady.
M - Do you mean scissors?
A - a huh. I used those scissors.
M - Do we cut anything but paper?
A - Nope. Just hair and paper.
M - Not hair Ashlyn, just paper.
A - Does Brady's momma cut your hair?
M - Well yes, because she went to school to learn how.
A - Mommy, you go to school. You learn how to cut hair?
M - No baby, just Mrs. Casey. Did you know I'm getting my hair cut and colored at Mrs. Casey's this week?
A - You should get pink so I can look at it!
M - Baby, if I got pink Daddy would wonder what is wrong with me.
A - (laughing) yeah...Daddy would say "Woman, what in the world you doing with that pink hair?"

All bigger

2009-11-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn has this weird thing for wanting to take any medicine Matt and I take...should I be worried?

I was getting a cough drop when Ashlyn came into the kitchen.

A - Can I have a cough drop too?
M - No. You can't have a cough drop until you get bigger.
Ashlyn stops and thinks for a second. She bends down as low as she can and then jumps up as high as she can.
A- Hey look Mommy. Can you see I'm all bigger? Now can I have cough drop?

Too much junk

2009-11-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

(Ashlyn sitting on the potty to GO)

A - I been having lots of tummy hurts and trouble.
M - I'm sorry. Do you not feel well?
A - Yeah...I guess I just ate too much junk yesterday.

Pink Palace

2009-11-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

(Ashlyn looking at a weddding pic of Matt and me)

A - I'm going to get married someday, Mommy.
M - Yes. I know you are sweetie.
A - Yeah...I think I'll go to the palace to get married. It's probably a pink one.