The Gift of Gab

We have known Caitlyn had "the gift" since she was a little munchkin. She can talk, and talk, and then talk and talk. Her kindergarten teacher told us - and I paraphrase part of this, that she was such a mature little girl, and very intellegent, yada, yada but she sure is, and I quote "a chatty Cathy"! Nothing changed over the years - always the same thing - she's so smart, so intelligent, but she sure likes to talk! Well, it paid off!!!

Caitlyn got first place in the Oration competition at the UIL (University Interscholastic League) meet. I wish I could have been there to congratulate her on the spot, but we celebrated to make it up to her. She got a chocolate cake with green frosting and Christmas tree sprinkles (it was cheap!, and Ethan picked it) We're so proud of our "orator". Maybe she'll be the first female president -Good speeking ability seems to play a pretty big roll in who gets elected ????

The competition invoved choosing from a list of topics, researching and writing the speech, memorizing it, and delivering it to a panel of judges. She has worked very hard on it and we're super proud!!! Now she will be in the tournament of champions in February against winners in the other tournemants across the state!!!

I don't have time for a picture now, but stay tuned.

We're paci free! and other stuff.

It has actually been 2 weeks, but we are completely pacifier free in the Ratliff house! We went cold turkey (that always seems to work best for my clan) and just stopped giving it to her. I figured it was best to do it before she was old enough to really ask for it. She did fine. Other than laying in her bed a little longer to fall asleep, she hardly seemed to notice. I also managed to get two little pony-tails in her hair this morning. It was pushing it, but she looked so darn cute. I also caught her trying to give her "baby" a drink of her water. I love this age!






Caitlyn is at her first UIL competition. I wanted to go so badly, but it was almost 5 hours away, and too much for the little munchkins to sit through. Anyway, she just finished her oration competition and is anxiously awaiting the awards ceremony later this afternoon. We're keeping our fingers crossed. She also got all A's on her semester report card. We're very proud of her!

Is it Really Jan 6 already?

I can't believe the whole month of December is gone already. We stayed very busy!

I hope we aren't taken off anybody's Christmas card list for not sending one out this year. I don't know what happened - it just never got done.

We got to go home for Christmas this year. It was great to see all of my mom's family - aunts, uncles, cousins and oodles of new kids for the first time in 4 years. Then we enjoyed our Hancock family party where Santa visited once again, and we got to try our hands at chimes. Big success, I would say! Then we were off to Sierra Vista where we dwarfed Grams and Gramps tree under way too many gifts and enjoyed waking up Christmas morning and watching the joy in our children's faces. Then we were off to Bisbee for still more family reunions. Back in SV, we got to see old friends who were also home for the holidays. It was quite a treat.

After returning home, we got it all put away, and hosted a game night with some of our friends here. A barbecue with the neighbors and lots of yard work on our 82 degree jan. day rounded things out. Whew!

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas season, remembering our Saviour and being with the ones you love.

Casey's back to work, Caitlyn in school, appointments abound, and life is back to normal after a wonderful 3 week break. Stay tuned.

Turn off the playlist to hear the video!

My handsome man

He did the funniest thing today. I was working at the computer and he came up to me and said "Do I look handsome?" Well, of course, I said yes (he was still in jammies and he'd taken a handfull of lotion off the counter and used it to smooth his hair down. It was so funny. We washed his hair and got ready for the Christmas party, and lo and behold, here he comes again, with his hair matted to the top of his head. Obviously I didn't explain the difference in lotion and hair products well enough! He had greasy feeling hair all night, but he did look so handsome!
This coat was one of our hot bargains at Mervyn's. Isn't he handsome!


Ethan was so excited to see Santa arrive in the T-38 tonight! Oh, to be young again! Ali even showed a little excitement (for her, this is somewhat rare - our serious little monkey). She was terrified of the big guy when he actually got wihin 10 feet of her!

Good Stuff!!! Good stuff.

It has been crazy, but life is great!
we finally saw the urologist in San Antonio and learned absolutely nothing new, but at least we know we are on the right track. She'll be re-tested in March for signs of improvement with the reflux. Thankfully, she now sees her medicine as a good thing and takes it happily - since she could be on it for many years!

On our trip, we spent an insane amount of money - Christmas shopping and hitting going-out-of-business sales. I have a sense of guilt about taking advantage of poor stores who are practically giving stuff away - but who can pass up 80 percent off at Mervyn's? Not me!!!! It was a fun trip - with a trip to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park and a return to the zoo (we have a season pass, you see!). Casey and I had dinner and a romantic walk on the River Walk one evening. I love, love, love that Caitlyn is old enough to watch her siblings! Did I say I love it!

We returned home and had a wonderful visit with Pops and Granny Dannie. The kids loved calling her that, and I think she came to like it. Maybe she was just being polite? They drove all the way from Louisiana to spend Thanksgiving with us. We hope next time, we can get more time with them. Alisea really took to Pops and I know they loved getting to know them both better!


I got most of the Christmas stuff up, but never seem to have the time to put the boxes away. I took over the reins for the branch Christmas party on Tues, for a party that is tomorrow! Think simple! And I was in charge of crafts for the squadron Christmas party tonight. Did I mention I don't know how to say No? It's probably pretty obvious.


So that pretty much catches things up.

lots of info and pictures coming soon

It's been crazy busy around our house, so I have lots to mention - but no time just yet. Stay tuned! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!