Memory Verse

The children's program at our church just started putting out a monthly newsletter. It has quotes from the kids along with other information. Natasha was asked what were three things for which she was thankful. She answered (unprompted), "Jesus, songs and my birthday."

We are working on the memory verse for this month (say it and you get a prize!). It is Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." We put it to music and she kind of sings along with me. But the funny thing is now when she counts, she says, "4, 19, 4, 19." (And I think that's the hardest part!)

Mommy? Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, MOMMY!!!

Well, I was at the end of my mental note the other day. I was soooooo tired of hearing my name, answering and not getting a response. I told Natasha, "Okay, enough! I'm not "Mommy" anymore. Call me something else."
She was quiet for a few moments before half-whispering, "Hannah?"
So, now when I'm starting to lose it, she starts to call me Hannah. It's a little better.

Bath time

Bath time is a huge hit at the Wehrley house. This picture is from Monday night. I wish I could do a video for you because these two were hilarious. I've never heard Elias laugh so hard (and that's saying something!). Natasha would get a mouthful of water and spit it at him--in his face--and he would just crack up...over and over and over.

Paper Dolls

Natasha and I had a little art/creative time together this morning. She was cutting paper with her special ladybug scissors. I was making snowflakes and paper dolls. I made the little girls holding hands at left. Natasha said it was a mommy and daddy. I said, "No, silly. It's two little girls. It's Natasha and Katie." Natasha continued to cut and look at the little girls. Then she picked up the girls and said to one of them, "STOP holding my hand!!!" She then proceeded to give one a bit of a hair/head cut.
Boy, those pesky dolls just aren't very cooperative, are they?

Kewpie doll or punk rocker?

Going to Oregon

Natasha is really excited to be going to visit our extended family in Oregon over Christmas. About every day she'll say something about it, like who we might see while we're there, "I'll see Baba and Erika?" but mostly she pretends to go there on an airplane. "Abby and me are going on an airplane to see Baba. A big airplane and a little one."
Molly: "Okay, honey. Who's picking you up when you get there?"
Natasha: "Baba is going to pick me up in a car."
Mollly: "Okay. Be good for Baba and don't eat any peanuts on the plane."
Natasha: "Okay, Mama. But I need a kiss and a hug."
*kiss* *hug*
This happens, seriously, everyday. Then the other day we were driving past the Bed and Breakfast that Baba stays at when she comes to visit. Natasha says very excitedly, "We're in Oregon! Mama! We're in OREGON!"
Um, no...remember you have to take an airplane to get to Oregon??
Oh, yeah.

Please pray for us...

It's been awhile since my last post because every time I sit down to write something, I feel like all I have to say is negative. No humorous quips or quotes, no funny kid happenings. So here's the reality of life this past summer.

Natasha has been a sick little girl since March. She has had allergy related eczema since she was three weeks old. The first year was okay with no huge worries, just a stubborn rash that never really went away, but didn't seem to bother her a whole lot, except when she was in the sun. Last year things were worse when she was in the sun and she had confirmed allergies to any form of milk, eggs, peanuts and cod. If she was in the sun for even five minutes, we paid for it with a miserable, itchy little baby for the next week. This year has been horrible. I am so exhausted and Adam and I are emotionally burnt up. Since it was first sunny in March, Natasha has been itchy, whiny, impatient, irrational and otherwise completely high-maintenance. I know that this is not just because "she's two", because there have been days when her skin has been better and she is very polite, articulate, understanding and helpful girl--we hear "Mom, may I have some more juice, please?" and "Here you go Elias, here's your toy."....much better than the if-I'm-not-whining-I'm-screaming-and-crying-at-the-drop-of-a-hat girl!!

We, of course, have been to all the doctors--even the chiropractor and audiologist. We just found out the week before last that she is also allergic to: dogs, cats, dust mites and American Elm. We were extremely blessed to spend this past week with our friends Jon and Jenny McElwain while we removed the rest of the carpet and put Kilz primer on the subfloor to kill all the nastiness down there. We are hoping to be able to more back in today.

Then were are leaving on Thursday for Oregon to be with Adam's family--His dear grandma, Alvista Steele just passed away. We will also visit my grandparents while in the area.

Please pray that we find some answers for Natasha's health! Also that God will continue to give us the strength, patience and grace to help her each day without letting her rule the roost. Pray that this trip will not be stressful for her--her skin always gets worse when there is any kind of stress in her life.

Thanks,
Molly