Crazy Ellie Talk

It's about time again to have a record of the funny things Ellie says. I am trying to remember so many things because I laugh all the time at what she tells me.

• She calls a flamingo a pink-cock until I correct her and then she calls it a flamin-ingo.
• She likes to pick random times (generally only 3, 8, 9 and 30 o'clock) and uses it as an excuse to do things. Some examples; "It's 8 a'clock. It's nap time." "Mommy, its 30 a'clock. Get dressed up and go to the store." "9 a'clock? Time a take a tub."
• Often I hear her half singing songs but usually jumbled together. "Twinkle, twinkle little star. How a wonder what you are. R S T U V W X Y an Z. D E F. X Y Z Now I know my A B C D F's next sing with me." This morning in the shower she started this, "I'm singing, in the water." Funny thing is we haven't watched Elf in a long time, long enough that she shouldn't know this from the movie.
• At seemingly random times, she will repeat something she heard on TV or a movie (we are learning to be careful about what she sees and hears).  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse often talks about Goofy's stinky shoes or his pineapple underpants. "Steffie has stinky shoes." "Mommy look at these daddy pineapple underpants" (referring to daddy size underwear not Jake's underwear specifically).
• Now Jake has taught her to put her fist on your cheek and say, "I gonna punch you in the face." I had seen him do it once or twice to her then she said it to me the other day.
• We have to be careful with music as well. She recognizes "I'm sexy and I know it" (if you couldn't tell from the previous post) and often says "I know it" as an echo to that line and "I wiggle" when she hears the song.
• Learning to share and interact with other kids affects her as well. A couple of times, even days after having a friend over or kids here playing, she will act traumatized about things that happened while they are here. "No Elena take Minnie." "Kate play at her house." "Baby Josh bonked my head."
• She is bossy and sassy as can be, especially with kids at playgroup. If she has a toy in the shower with us, she will tell me, "Mommy wash Ellie and Ellie wash (Minnie, ducky, orange, number B etc.)" Yes, she has brought a toy orange into the shower and she calls all letters "numbers". At playgroup, if a child hasn't listened to their parent after being told to stop doing something, she will place one hand on her hip, wave a finger in the air and repeat in a sassy tone whatever the parent told the kid. "No Gavin. It's Ellie's turn. No takin' it away." It's hard not to laugh but also very embarrassing. (Someone please point it out to me if they see me do this to her.)
• Many times I have told her that she is driving me bonkers. One day she walked over to me, placed her hands on my cheeks, shook my face and said, "Driving mommy bonkers." Now occasionally, if I look annoyed with what she's doing she'll ask "Ellie driving mommy bonkers?"
• Along with the previous point, she is a very loving and concerned child. She tries to discern my moods or feelings and will ask if I'm tired, hungry, etc. Then she will try to give advice. Some of it works, like "Mommy take a nap". Others not so much, "Ellie make dinner."

I love this child and hope that she continues to be happy and funny as I can always use a good laugh.

Having fun at home

After such a good time visiting family, I was a little worried about how to keep Ellie entertained being back at home. But I shouldn't have. We know how to have a good time.

About a week and a half ago, it snowed. Since this was the first snow (even while in Utah) that we could play in, we took advantage. I had mentioned it to Ellie earlier in the day and it was all she talked about. She even woke up from her nap excited and running to put snow clothes on.

All bundled up and ready to go.

Not quite sure where to go or what to do.

She walked on the sidewalk for a while like we were just walking around the neighborhood. Then I showed her she could walk in the snow, kick it, throw it, jump in it, etc. Some of those ideas took her a little longer to get used to doing but she shortly became a pro.

I showed her how to make a snow angel but she was hesitant about laying down in the snow. She really liked kicking it and watching the snow fly every where. 

Yes, I had to push my child down so she would lay down for a snow angel.

Mommy and Ellie snow angels.

While out there, we saw some neighbors (a mom and little girl) and walked over to say hi and let the kids play. At that time, we realized we were in the same ward. It was kind of a shock but its nice to know someone lives that close. The girls had a blast. Finally after about an hour of playing, I made Ellie come inside so I could make dinner but also warm up her hands (if you notice in the first picture, she only has those cheap knit gloves. She wouldn't let me try on or buy any others.) By the time we walked across the street, she started to feel/not feel how cold her fingers were and cried. It was so sad but I got some good cuddles because of it and now maybe I can buy real gloves.

A few days later, we were being artists and I turned on some music. Ellie loves to dance and she learned about this song from my brother and sister while getting ready during our visit to Utah. This never ceases to make me laugh.

Natural History Museum of Utah

While visiting family in Utah, we decided to go to the Natural History Museum of Utah up by Red Butte Gardens. Previously it was the "Museum of Natural History" *wink* (if you've ever seen "We're Back") located in President's Circle at the University of Utah.

We had quite the group and had a lot of fun. Those who came; Grandma Connie, Cassie, Becca, Kristine, Gracie, her friend, Brody, Ben, Stef, Jeff, Annie, Macy, Kelsey, and Braden. Sadly because there were so many, we mostly crossed paths while exploring but still glad so many of our family could come.

The picture below is of a wall projection that is interactive. The plant images sway when its windy outside, they grow when it sunny and all sorts of fun things.

Of course playing in the water was a favorite activity.

Walking on glass floor to see a dinosaur dig site.

Don't worry. Ellie has a matching water spot on her shirt too.

Wall of triceratops skulls. So cool.

Stef in a hole in a archeology dig area.

There was so much to see and do that I forgot to take more/better pictures. One of Ellie's favorite things was smelling scents for different flowers. A warning; some of them are not pleasant. It was fun to walk through all the areas and learn about so many things. We really enjoy visiting places like this with family and friends. 

Christmas Catch-up

I guess I should do my Christmas catch-up and quit being so lazy.

Since the previous cookies were eaten before they received decor, we made more. Ellie and daddy had so much fun decorating them.


The cookie Ellie made all by herself. No help from mommy.



How they turned out. Can you tell who decorated which ones?

Shortly after that, we left for Utah. This was Ellie and daddy's first flight together and it was a late flight, but Ellie is a pro and there were no problems.

One night we did some more decorating with Annie and her kids at Grandma Wendy's house.

At Grandma Connie's house, Ellie and Becca were inseparable.


Can you tell the girls apart from this angle?

Did you know that bowls make excellent hats?

We had lots of fun. One night was the Jensen family party, which was nice to not have on Christmas day so it could be less stressful. Then for Christmas Eve, we went over to my Uncle Dale and Aunt Becky's place. We were also over there 2 years ago when Ellie played the baby Jesus in our nativity. I realized I have some very talented cousins and some not so talented siblings.

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with the Watterson's. Ellie slept in and didn't realize there were presents so she waited until we were done with church before opening anything. We didn't mind either. 

Can you see how excited she was for her new toys?

She loved unwrapping gifts, even if they were for mommy.

Christmas was so nice and easy going. Family just wandered in and out at the Watterson's. Food was always available for snacking and there were naps.

Uncle Rob and Hayley napping.

After that we headed down to the Gledhill's for a nice dinner and more presents and cousins.

This Christmas was so relaxing and slow paced that it was easy to enjoy the day and really enjoy the company.

With Christmas over, all that was left was spending Christmas cash and gift cards, and hanging out with family. We spent some time at the mall, went to see the lights (don't have any of my own pictures because I left my camera at home), and just loved being near family.


Silly girls at the mall, pretending to read books.

The kids were really tired out after a long day shopping.

My apologies to all our friends who live in the Salt Lake area. I had wanted to make plans and visit but with family things, the holidays, and buying a replacement vehicle, there just wasn't time. I love reading your blogs, seeing pics and updates on facebook, and/or receiving Christmas cards. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays as well.