Wednesday's Wacky Words - What's in a Name?

Brielle with her new baby doll!

For her birthday last week, Brielle received a new baby doll. (Yes, Brielle is 17, but she still loves her doll.) Her previous doll was looking a little scary/creepy with one of her sleepy eyes always down plus missing eyelashes and paint on the lid. So, it was time for a new one!

So, how to name a doll?

With Brielle signing, it's always helpful to have a name that actually has a sign for it. Her first doll's name was "Lily" (it was looking poorly so she had to be replaced about five years ago) and her second one (the one that most recently had to be replaced) was named "Daisy". We adapted the sign for "flower" for both doll's names and just used an "L" for "Lily" and a "D" for "Daisy".

So, what's the new doll's name?

I asked my friends on Facebook for suggestions. The doll had a fish embroidered on it's little shirt, so that was the first point of inspiration. Plus, we seemed to have a flower theme going as well (Ashley's most loved doll's name was "Rosie").

Here's some of the suggestions we got:
- Ariel
- Violet
- Bella
- Dory
- Cora
- Angel
- Mona
- Bailey
- Mermaid
- Rose
- Mollie
- Nemo
- Sweeite Pie

I kinda liked "Violet" and "Angel" the best (and we could do signs easily for either one), so I gave Brielle the choice. She enthusiastically chose "Angel"! What a perfect name! And an easy sign to go along with it!

Thanks to all of my Facebook friends who made suggestions!

Tuesday's Tiny Triumphs - Scrub-a-Dub-Dub!

Laundry day is always Monday. It has been for at least the last 15 years. No real reason other than I am a creature of habit and need routine to stay sane.

Since I started homeschooling Brielle three years ago, I've tried to get her more involved in household chores as part of our "Life Skills" training. Laundry was one of the first things she learned. She's now a pro and a real help, too!

She collects our baskets, dumps them out,
and puts the baskets back where they belong!

She knows how to sort the dirty laundry into piles, start the washing machine,
transfer clean/wet clothes to the dryer, and then empty the dryer as well!

She folds all of the washcloths and small towels....

...And then puts the washcloths and towels away
as well as her clean laundry!

Although she can't manage everything, she can do a lot and is so proud to be able to help!

Monday's Making a Difference - Brielle's BFF

Everybody needs a best friend. Brielle's BFF, Victoria, is a sweetie. They met when they were classmates in middle school. They have a long history of doing fun things together.

Hanging out at the mall.
2009

Playing with Brielle's iPod after going out for some ice cream.



At an American Heritage Girls event
(AHG is like Christian Girl Scouts)
May 2011

At a cheerleading event
September 2011

Brielle and Victoria (both on the far left - holding hands)
at a cheerleading competition.
February 2012

Brielle and Victoria at Vacation Bible School.
June 2012

Brielle (in the blue t-shirt) and Victoria (in the yellow t-shirt)
at dance class.
October 2012

Brielle and Victoria at a school dance
February 2013

Victoria helped Brielle celebrate Brielle's birthday last week. And, boy, did they have fun!

Brielle and Victoria got pedicures.

 

Waffles for dinner at Brielle's favorite restaurant - Waffle House!

Victoria helped Brielle blow out her birthday candles.

Victoria is a precious gift to Brielle and our whole family. We are so grateful for their friendship.

Victoria and Brielle are certainly two peas in a pod!
February 2013

If you would like to know more about Victoria, please visit her blog!