Out of no where Ava started to count the other day. I was giving her a countdown for some reason and after I got to 3 she just kept going. I don’t think she cared too much that she was past the deadline and in trouble.

Ava is only 22 months old. As you can tell, she can barely talk, but she clearly knows how to count. I couldn’t get the video started fast enough, but I got her from 3 on.

Proud of you Ava girl!

Although they appear to be a seemingly ordinary pair of sneakers, they are far from it. These Junior, black, Converse One Star, Chuck Taylors, in a size 1 are anything buy ordinary. Yes, these sneakers are hip. They are cool. But, they carry an even greater value than their hipness. These are no ordinary Chuck Taylors. These are one of a kind Chuck T’s.  They are extremely valuable, as this is the only pair like them in the world. Despite their rarity, they will not fetch a high-price on eBay. They are not in high-demand.

What make these Chuck Taylors so valuable? What makes them so special?  These Chuck Taylors are the first shoes Kenna learned to tie!

Kenna was fanatical in trying to tie her own shoes last night. She tried at the dinner table, rather than eating. She tried while she watched TV. She tried before she went to bed.  She wouldn’t quit (another family principle) and her perseverance paid off. Kenna can now tie her own shoes.

These Chuck Taylors are special. They represent hard work and perseverance.

WAY TO GO KENNA!!!!!

Oh yea, they look good on her too!

Elle getting the money from her Piggy Bank!

When we got home from school today, Elle asked me a very interesting question. She asked if she could take some money out of her piggy bank and give it to some of the people living on the streets?

Of course, my answer was yes.  I was very impressed with her generosity! Elle came to that decision all on her own. We hadn’t talked about the homeless recently. I don’t know how Elle came up with the idea, but I was awfully proud.

We got out Elle’s piggy bank and she carefully sifted through her stash to determine how much she had and how much she wanted to give.  Elle was adamant she had at least one of all the denominations; pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills.  Once she had what she felt was enough, she asked for a plastic bag. I don’t know how much she put in the bag. However much it was, it worked for her.

When then hit the streets in search of the worthy and down and out. Just outside our door, the first candidate appeared. After careful reflection, Elle decided this person was not the right initial recipient. We moved on.  A little further down the street Elle stopped and watched a young man and his dog.  The dog laid on his back with a sign asking for money.  Elle stood and stared for a good minute, not saying anything.  I’m not sure what she was thinking.  I don’t know what was being mulled in her head, but she was clearly evaluating her decision.  Then, like a savvy gambler, Elle decided to place her bet on this beleaguered soul. She walked up and handed him 50 cents.

One of the Keenan Principles is:

Giving and Sharing;

We share our good fortunes with others, always remembering we are very lucky

I think Elle get’s this principle.

Elle's first donation

Not content with her first gift, we continued down the 16th St mall looking for the next recipient. In spite of a down economy, we were unfortunate enough not to find another person in need. We decide to head back, at which time we come across a Salvation Army bell ringer.

I ask Elle if she wanted to put anything in the bucket.  At fist she says no.  I tell her that the Salvation Army helps more than one person. That by donating to them, she can help a lot of people. Her look tells me she is not convinced. I prod her just a bit and she says ok.

She reaches into her bag and gets out a penny. I say is that it?  She says yes. I prod her into a quarter and she reluctantly abides. It’s clear Elle aligns with the studies on giving. People like to know or see the people they are affecting. It was obvious Elle didn’t see putting change into the red kettle as the same as giving to the person sitting on the street.

As we walk away, the bell ringer says thank you and Elle say your welcome. Elle then turns to me and says she’s tired and wants to go home.

We start to head home with money still in her bag.  I guess Elle felt that was enough for the day.

I’m proud of Elle.  She spent her afternoon thinking about other people and not just herself. I think we will all take Elle’s lead and do this more often. Rather than go for walks to get ice cream or a smoothie, we’ll take walks and give to others.  It’s the least we can do.

We’re pretty darn lucky to have what we have.

Thanks Elle!

I love you — Daddy!!!

One of our Family Principles is a Culture of Intellectualism:

We embrace intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.  We celebrate education, educational achievement and the expansion of the mind

It’s with great pride and excitement I announce that Kenna is embracing our family principles with vigor.  Kenna made honor roll in her first semester in school.

Here she is accepting her honor roll certificate.  Kenna got all A’s.

Kenna worked extremely hard (another family principle) to make honor roll. She did homework every night.  She asked to do extra work and extra credit.  She studied her site words, traced extra letters, read on her own and even played teacher to get better.  Kenna also is great a sounding out words.  Kenna is always hungry and excited to sound out new words and learn to read more.

Kenna we are very proud of you.  You worked hard to make honor roll. Congratulations!!!!

Kenna took this picture with my Iphone.  I love it.  I call it “High Heels”

I’m going to frame it.  Copies can be order here.  :)

Well, Kenna lost her first tooth tonight.  It was exciting. It’s been loose for a while. She’s been wanting it to go. So, tonight Jeffrey yanked it out. No crying, no whining.  Kenna is a tough little chick, as tough as nails.

Notice the gap on the bottom row.  It matches the one on the top now.

UPDATE: The Tooth Fairy left two dollars. She’s gonna make a killing with that mouth.  Congrats Kenna.

Let’s see if we can put a dime in that slot.

Love you babe!

Kenna, Elle and I went to our second baseball game last weekend. We had a blast. We took the train to Market Station and walked to the stadium. I gave the girls their first lesson in scalping. We got $25.00 tickets on the street for 20 bucks. It worked out well. They were lower level seats in left field. In a place called, “Home Run Alley.” No such luck in the HR depart however. Kenna kept asking when they were going to hit one to us.

Each of the girls had 5 dollars of their own money and go to decide what special treat they wanted to get for themselves. They both chose cotton candy. Not surprised. I chose a Coors Light.

I was proud of the girls. We watched a good 3 innings before they started to get antsy. Kenna asked a great question. After about 15 minutes into the game she looked over to me and asked; “Why are they all just standing around?” Good question Kenna. Baseball is not what you call an action sport. Love that perspective Kenna.

At about the 3rd inning we went for a walk and found a kids play area. Kenna and Elle were in heaven. They played off and on for the rest of the game. It was a night game, so we’re talking 10:00 at night. They didn’t want to leave. It was a blast. We’ll do it again.

I love this picture. I hope it is prophetic! Climbing the sings of capitalism. Way to go girls!

Dog and God, not two words you traditionally see together. In this case they are the first two works Kenna read on her own. I’m proud of her. She can also write them. If I were good I’d would have taken a picture of the work of art. But, oh well. Next time.

It’s hard to believe how fast she is growing up. Way to go Kenna!

You’re becoming a big girl.

Wow- I can hardly believe my last baby is turning one in a couple of months!  Ave is officially 10 months on Feb 3rd, in about a week.  I am writing this with bitter sweet emotions, happy to watch her grow and change yet a bit sad to know I will never have a fresh,warm, sweet new baby to hold and raise.  I came across a photo in a tabloid I might add of a new mom (some model I don’t know of) nursing her 2 week old son.  I took one look at that sweet little head of his and that was it- I was once again in awe.  Honestly, there is nothing like cuddling your new baby and kissing it’s sweet,soft, round head.

I guess having your baby grow up wouldn’t be so terrible if you could just for the life of you always remember what it truly felt like to cradle your baby in your arms.  Or to smell their sweet new scent on you.  These are precious memories that just fade away over time and I do not like it at all.

Getting big- about 8 months old.

Now we are here, number five having a birthday very soon.  Ava is coming into her own little person now.  She has 2 bottom teeth and 2 top teeth already.  Talk about a tough time….Whew!  Up odd hours of the night, not wanting to eat, the poor thing or poor mom and dad.  We know this is a phase and will end, hopefully sooner that later.  Ava is extremely active like her big sisters.  She climbs the stairs,never stays put and you can just see the excitement on her face when the girls wrestle around with Jim, she wants to jump right in!  In time little one.  Ava is starting to show she has a temper.  If she in unhappy she will sit on the floor and kick her feet on the floor.  Talk about a strong personality- very independent already.

Needless to say we are all having fun with Ava, Jim,me,Lex,Jeff and the big sisters Kenna and Elle….2 of the big sisters that is.  Can’t wait to watch the next 10 months to see where you take us all Ava.  We love you and are blessed to have you in our lives.

I love you,

Mom.

mommy fell in love, again.