Cute Videos of Abby

Here are a few videos. The first is from the birthday party yesterday when Abby wasn't being grumpy. I love this video because it shows how adorably cute she can be. Just watch her little face.

While eating breakfast this morning Abby asked where her princess cake was. I showed her what was remaining of the lovely princess cake which was only one big piece. She then asked, "Where is the lady?" I showed her the naked skipper doll and she instantly needed a brush to brush her hair. Which then lead into the following video...

Happy Birthday Abby

Abby turned three today. We have been talking about her birthday coming up for about a week now. She has been pretty excited. However, this morning I had a difficult time convincing her that today was her birthday. She seemed to think that it was something to look forward to that would never actually come. Once I had her persuaded the conversation went something like this:

"Happy Birthday Abby," said Mama.

"Happy Birthday Val," said Abby (Yeah, she has been calling me "Val" or even "Valerie" lately. It is pretty funny.)

"No, it isn't my birthday it is your birthday," said Mama.

Abby replied, "Now we can get married in the temple!"

Well, not quite right but at least it seems like a few things we talk about during Family Home Evening are sticking and she gave me a good little laugh.

Abby fell asleep just before her party so she was a little grumpy when we woke her up. She didn't want to open the presents, didn't want to eat the cake, and didn't care about blowing out the candles. But with a few snuggles and laughs from watching Andrew and Mack throw themselves into her room and onto the floor, she slowly became less grumpy. When we went into the other room and saw the presents piled on the table, she suddenly was in the birthday mood again and the present opening began. She got some very beautiful dresses (which she kept changing in and out of after everyone left), a purse with girl stuff inside, Cinderella with many dresses and slippers, a pink princess sweatshirt and sweet random toys from the Easton kids (I think the McDonald's happy meal American Idol toy was my personal favorite.)

Kate had to go home early because she couldn't handle that the gifts weren't for her. Seeing Cinderella and not playing with her was just too much. It kind of reminded me of Abby at her cousin Clarie's birthday a few years ago. I think Abby was afraid the other hovering kids were going to take her toys but she never actually hit them...yeah! The grump still appeared MANY times during the evening but we survived...barely!

I made my first princess cake at the request of Abby. Lisa had some great ideas and past experience that I leaned on and I think it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself!

...but not everything was edible...

Its Abby! Or is it Snow White?

Made with Morpheus Photo Animation Suite.

Baby Sign Language and Mrs. Potato Head Princess

Luke has his own sign language. He shakes his arms back and forth with his arms out stretched. Ok, it is really just one sign but it can mean so much!

When he sees something he wants to eat it means, "I want that!" When he has been playing with the pots and pans while I cook dinner and Jonny comes home it means, "Pick me up!" It often has a dual meaning when we are playing games with him, "Do it again!" or "I love this!" And just about every time that Abby comes into the room it means, "I love her!"

Guess what he is saying in this video...

Luke loves to play ball. Jonny and I think that is a great sign ;) Abby can't stand to not be in the picture. But at least she is a great support with her "Good job little Buddy!"

For months now I've been trying to get Abby to sing on video but the second I get out the video camera she just wants to see herself. So, the other day, I finally taped her singing and dancing with the princess she made. The princess is a Mrs. Potato Head with one of Abby's dresses on. And the song Abby sings was made up on the spot. From what I can make out, she says something about a magic star, a big waterfall, and a prince. I think she has been watching Dora too much! I love the little snuggle she gives the princess towards to end.

We spent this Valentine's Day at the funeral of Jonny's uncle Robert Pommerville. I never met Bob but I found myself wishing I could have as I heard his friends and family talk about him. I found myself in tears many times as I was touched by the life he lived and the person he was. I felt a desire to be like him in many ways. There is such a sweet spirit at funerals that always draws me closer to my Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful we were able to attend. I needed that spiritual push.

One of his daughters told of when she was younger she would lay on her father's chest when she was afraid. She spoke of how it comforted her and she felt safe. The story made me think of my own little family. My two kids LOVE to lay on their daddy's chest. Jonny can always get Lukey to sleep that way and it is the quickest way to calm Abby down when she wakes up at night. Mama tries to do that occasionally with them and they HATE it! It is something special that only their daddy can do. It makes me smile.

A Dream Come True

I was recently called to be a den leader for cub scouts. I have since learned that this is a job many people do not want to have. For me, on the other hand, it was a dream come true! When I was a kid I was so jealous that my brother could be a cub scout but I couldn't. And there was no way I'd ever be a dumb girl scout! So, I finally get my chance. I have my very own shirt of which I've sewn my leader badges on and I wear the coveted shirt whenever I get the chance.

Now I've been to a few scouting leader meetings and I know there are a bunch of people that are really into it. I mean scary into it. I'm not like that but I love it when the boys come to den meeting and we just have a great time. Needless to say, it is fun and I like it!

Anyway, the point in writing all that is to say that I had some scout leader training on Saturday and in one of the classes they put a little paint on our faces. When I came home both my kids thought it was pretty cool. I sat Luke on my lap and he slowly reached his hand up and lightly touched the paint on my face then a huge grin appeared on his face. He continued doing that for about five minutes. It was so adorable and precious. It just made me love him all the more.

After this, he'll probably start day dreaming about becoming a scout too!

Cinderella & Prince Charming

I have to start this story out by explaining that Abby LOVES dresses, princesses, slippers, and anything girlie. She wears a dress everyday. That is no joke. We bought her a Cinderella book a few Christmases ago and she adored it. When she was younger she didn't really care for watching TV then one day we put in the Cinderella DVD and she watched the entire movie and asked to watch it again the second it was over.

So, we started referring to Cinderella a lot because she'd actually listen to anything involving her.

Anyway, one evening some months back Jonny was teaching Abby about the temple. He showed her a picture of the temple and showed her one of our wedding photos. As he was finishing, he pointed to me in the wedding photo and said "Cinderella". Abby just smiled and laughed. Then he pointed to himself and said "Prince Charming". Abby said, "No, that's daddy!" So, apparently Mama is Cinderella but Daddy is no Prince Charming. We thought it was pretty funny. But I think her daddy is a Prince Charming!