Sharing

We've been trying to reinforce the concept of sharing, here at home lately. Even though Amara really doesn't have to share (toys especially) here at home, she DOES have to share at many of her classes, so we're trying to make a conscious effort where we can.

This morning, Amara decided she wanted to sit in the chair, and to have Ily sit with her, as she ate crackers in front of Ily. I must say, Ily is patient as a SAINT in this department, largely, I'd guess because she knows that in 90 seconds, Amara will move on to something else, and she'll get the "ok" from dad, to "have at the crumbs."

I think we've been telling Amara SO much to share, that she thought nothing of sharing with Ily as they sat together. Despite the cartoonish picture, that I think should have a starburst with the word "POW" on it, Amara was VERY gentle feeding Ily, dad just happened to capture a squint, and I thought it was hilarious.

The two of them sat there together, and polished off 1/2 a bag of animal crackers. As expected, Amara wanted down, and Ily was left to clean up the crumbs, but in the end, I'm pretty sure they were both happy with the arrangement.

Snowing!

This time of year around our house, pretty much the only thing for certain is that it will be stacked floor to ceiling with boxes from Amazon, cooking stores, game stores, and now toy stores.

By chance, one of these deliveries happened to pack with those bio-gradable packing peanuts, vs. the ever-popular air bags, brown paper, etc. I contemplated giving her the box of peanuts, but figured, what the heck, so here you go, kiddo!

I sat the box down in front of her and let her pick a few out, then dig her hands in them. Once I knew she was "ok" with the concept, we started throwing a few of them, and before we knew it--we were REALLY throwing them. I packed them all in the box and dumped them from the sky as I said "snowing!" and Amara repeated "snowing!" and so it began...

We put the peanuts in the box now, and she dumps them on her OWN head. I got another delivery with some more peanuts (which was lucky, because the first ones were getting quite compressed, and were losing their aerodynamic capabilities), and added them to the lot too.

This game has been going on at least a week or so--the peanuts are in a box under the tree--so we dig them out, play "snowing," then pick them up and repeat :) I'm not sure how long this game will continue, but it is pretty funny--I have to say. That box started out pretty sturdy-like, but since the "snowing," has come "sitting in the box, pushing the box, and other variations, so I don't know long the original box will take all the attention!

...and yes, that is a fork AND a toothbrush you see in her hand. 2 things she will NOT let go of, and quite common these days!

O Christmas Tree (and beads)

We managed to snap a shot of this crazy tree over Thanksgiving dinner, so I thought I'd tell a little story about him.

Mom got this tree out of the basement. It's beena favorite of the nephews over the years, so she was excited to see it work. It's one of those that has a sensor and it starts singing/ moving when you walk close to it--movement activated.

The first time she saw it move/ sing, I guess she just stood there in awe of it, but kept her distance. Now, that she knows what is going on with it, she wants it on, but won't ever get close to it, unless you show her that it is truly off. Funny.

We decided to get the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving this year. It was really nice having the long weekend of us all being home together, so we took advantage of the time, did some shopping, and then decorating.

She has been enjoying exploring the tree--and playing peek with dad behind the tree. She picked up on the fact that the 'needles' do come off, and stick to EVERYTHING right away too! (Seems like no matter how much you sweep, you find them somewhere). She likes coming down and turning it on, as well as watching dad work on the lights etc. outside too (from the warmth of Ily's bed by the front window).

We have opted for the "kid friendly" tree this year, vs. the "off limits" tree--so we thought beads might be a nice addition to the soft ornaments.

We took Amara to Michael's and let her pick out the beads she liked (gold, and simple) and we got 4 strands. I'm pretty sure it was the fact that they were all bunched up together and made noise and banged together, but whatever it was, she loved them! She played with them in the store, in the car, then continued when we got home.

Funny enough, now that they are on the tree, she doesn't pay them much attention; however, she does pick off an ornament or 2 each night and carry it around, ring the bell, or play with the dog, snowman, etc. in one of her playhouse sets.

End of the pumpkins

Call me traditional, but I just had to get rid of the pumpkins, before getting out the Christmas tree.

Mind you, they aren't rotten, in fact, I think they might actually be drying out from the inside if that is possible, because they were getting really light--weird....

...anyway--These were some of the ones we got from dad's patch, and they have been great! We opted for painting in lieu of carving this year, and it turned out great! These guys were one of Amara's favorite toys for the better part of the last 2 months.

I kind of hated getting rid of them, but it'll make them all the more special when we get to do it next year, right? Well, I couldn't let them go without preserving their memories, so here we are! (also, not that many of them are a tad 'banged up' and missing paint. 2 months of rolling them down the stairs, throwing them, etc. will do that to a pumpkin ;))

(not photographed, because he was hiding in Amara's room was another tiny pumpkin 'man' with blue eyes and braces)

Fall frolicking

Amara's favorite things: Max, Smoky, and leaves. Perfect!

Mom and dad's is blessed/cursed with enough tress and leaves to share with about half of Grove City, but she got to share playing this year with her dog friends and cousins.

It's funny--these dogs collectively have over 100 pounds on her, and she could care less when they completely mow her over! She giggles and gets right back up and ready for the next one.

She's also really into hugging dogs--and she gets right up on top of them and then lays her head down on them. To my surprise, they don't care, much less move an inch. They just let her lay her head on them and she says "awwwww" and then pats them, gets up, and goes on her merry way.

Taking advantage of the warm weather, Kalvin got out the 4-wheeler, and I think she enjoys just being with Kalvin, more than the ride itself. I hope we get some nice snow this year and she has some sledding partners!

I think the craziest part of this whole day of being outside and enjoying the leaves, is that they were doing it in shirt-sleeves, with no coats! Crazy for mid-November in Ohio!

Dog show

I can't even say "Dog Show" without thinking of the Molly Shannon and Wil Farrell SNL skit of the same name--which is disturbing and in itself dates me, and my tastes, AND, simultaneously the movie of the same name, with the actress otherwise known as Stiffler's mom (whose name I NEVER remember)...but I digress...we went to a dog show.

A friend of ours shows Sharpei's and had mentioned the dog show this weekend. Knowing how much Amara likes ALL dogs whenever she sees them, we thought this would be perfect!

We headed to the fairgounds/ expo center, and IMMEDIATELY began seeing dogs of all shapes and sizes, milling around, walking, running, etc. ALL over the place.

Once inside, the nice ladies at the table were getting us up to speed. No, we (apparently) didn't need a program, since we appeared to be pretty much the only non-showing, spectators there. There was no schedule, and have at it. Cool. We got our hands stamped, with this fun State-of-Ohio thing with a dog paw in it. Cute.

We didn't make it 2 feet inside, without Amara lunging for a BEAUTIFUL grey dog (A Weimaraner I think)...

...then a Giant Schnouzer, then a something-or-other (tiny, but no clue)...and we finally found our friend Kori! She showed us some Sharpei's who were VERY pretty and friendly too!

A cute little Australian Shepphard caught our eye and was so gentle...then, we found a GIANT Great Dane, Doc, one of the most HUGE dogs I've ever seen--and he was only 7 months old--lots of puppy energy there!

After splitting a corndog with dad--we ventured to find a few more friendly guys...of course, now, as you could imagine, they were even MORE interested in Amara (and her corndog fingers :))

We saw Izzy the Sheltie--SO cute, looks like a tiny "Lassie" and loves kids--I think she was 7 months too, and this was her first show...Brigette, the Shiba Inu--just like Ily, only the black-and-tan version, and very (characteristically) shy...then some British something Corgie? All I remember is that the guy said "it's the same one the queen has" ohhhh--ok---I'll take your word for that one--very cute, just Amara's size, and seemed so smiley.

...and on the way out, Uno, the Saint Bernard--was VERY friendly, and funny enough, her brother was right there too (though once the two were there, it was a little much to photograph--but take our word for it, they were SO gentle and friendly with Amara, ALL of the dogs and owners/ handlers were GREAT and Amara had a wonderful time--she didn't want to leave and we will definitely go again. Thanks again Kori, great suggestion and good luck!

Sweet 'tato pie

Well, it's official. Amara likes the sweet potato pie (as do the rest of the testing group!)

Because of a somewhat heated debate at work, Tammy and Jason encouraged me to try this southern classic, because of "how good" and "different" it was than pumpkin pie--

Well, knowing that I've made over 20 pies so far this season--I figured what could I lose? And CERTAINLY didn't want to miss out on another potential family favorite!

After Amara helped me with the potatoes, I got down to business, found a recipe and went for it. We all got to try it--and liked it, though--I have to admit, if it were a blind taste test, I don't know that I'd know the difference over pumpkin on most days. The texture, spices, flavors, etc. were all identical--I'd say MAYBE I could taste the sweetness of the sweet potato, but that is a reach.

Regardless, Amara kept coming back for bites--as she's known to be quite the little grazer when eating. She's never really apprehensive with eating, unless something is extremely hot or cold with that first bite. Other than that, she's usually good.

I'm pretty sure, in the extreme closeup shot, that I was trying to capture her mid-bite-steal...but that is pretty much like trying to photograph a hummingbird :)

Also, it's of note, that Amara is REALLY into feeding herself with forks now, and has even stepped-up her "sharing" as I call it--as in sharing with this lovely fall scarecrow decoration, which, incidentally is NOT one of her dollies. (not that this stops her)

I'd say overall, it's still in the lineup, and if we ever decide we're bored of Pumpkin, or have a bumper crop of sweet potatoes from dad, we'll certainly revive this one--but we're good for now!