Our 1st Family Vacation to the Beach

Back in August, we took our 1st family vacation and went to Gulf Shores. We had a great time!! We left the night of Ella's b-day and drove about halfway down before getting a hotel for the rest of the night. Ella didn't do so well driving at night, but did awesome driving during the day. She played, read books, and watched a lot of DVDs!! All 3 of us loved playing in the sand and water. Ella enjoyed looking for seashells, which were all over the beach. Ella really liked being in the water until the waves got too big and splashed her face. But, the last day the waters calmed, and she got to stand and walk in the water on her own, and she really liked that. We had perfect weather for us...not too sunny so Ella didn't sunburn, not too hot to where we couldn't play in the sand, and rain one afternoon so I could go shopping guilt free! We didn't do much anything else...beach, eat, sleep, and that's how we wanted it. The condo was right on the beach, and was so nice!! It was way too big for just the 3 of us, but we enjoyed it! I am already thinking about our trip back next year!!

My 6 Things

I was lucky enough to get tagged by Andrea from Wright Where We Want To Be to list my favorite 6 things that make me happy.

Here are the rules: Create a blog post and list the person who tagged you, list your 6 things, and then tag 6 people.

Here goes...

1. My Todd. We have been together so long now that I really cannot remember him not being around. He is my best friend, and knows me better than anyone. And even after knowing all my faults, he still loves me!! He is a wonderful husband and an awesome father. He can always make me smile and feel better. Todd is the most hard-working guy I know, and he does so I can stay home with Ella. He is the perfect man for me.

2. My Ella. I had to separate the two because they make me happy in different ways and for different reasons. Ella is my sunshine; she makes me smile and laugh everyday. She has given my life more of a purpose, and I try everyday to be the best mom I can. She is the sweetest, sillyest, most precious little girl.

3. Shopping. I just love it. I don't have to buy anything either. I just enjoy getting out looking at the stores, finding the best prices, people watching, and relaxing. And, depending on my mood, I like to shop for different things...clothes, shoes, baby clothes, householde decor, seasonal decor, home makeover projects, etc. Shopping is a stress reliever for me, and it helps that Ella likes to shop too!

4. Christmas music. I really love anything Christmas, but Christmas music just makes me happy to hear. It puts a smile on my face. It also is a stress reliever for me. Christmas is such a festive, happy time so music that is about that has to be good. And, I like all kinds of it too...children's songs, Christian songs, pop songs, instrumental. But, this isn't to say that I like every Christmas song, because there are some really bad ones.

5. Chocolate. This one shouldn't need an explanation. Just imagine--warm, melted chocolate dripping over a warm, moist brownie with nuts. I bet your mouth is watering. It doesn't get much better than this!!

6. Fall weather. I love this time of year when the temps start to drop, there's a cool breeze in the air, and the leaves begin to change color. It seems to be a more relaxing time too. I love to start wearing jeans again. And, I love wearing sweaters. Happy times.

Ok, I tag:

Dawn Hearne

Kerri Fowler

Amy Barrett

Holly Taylor

Amanda Hardin

Joslyn Johnson

New sleeping arrangements

Last Sunday night after Ella's bath she said she wanted to sleep in her own bed. I was a little surprised but also relieved some. I had said that this week I would try her sleeping in her room, but had completely forgot about it until she said it. Todd nor I were really ready for this change, but I thought we better do it when she is wanting to instead of waiting til we are ready and she isn't. So, I got her bed all ready for her, got the monitor going in my room, and we laid her down asleep, and she slept all night long!!! I was so proud, and very tired because I didn't sleep very well. I couldn't keep from thinking these crazy scenarios of looking at the monitor, and someone being in there! I have gotten better since then. She has slept in her room all week, and is doing really good. She has woken up some, but when I go in there she says "Hi Momma" and rolls over and is out again. I will have to work on letting her cry herself back to sleep some other time (maybe), can't do it now.

On the left is her sleeping soundly the first night in her own bed. On the right is her sleeping like she has since she was born...with her arms straight up! So funny!!

Ella turned 2!!

As much as I was dreading her getting another year older, Ella is a perfect little 2 year old! She has the perfect little personality for this age, and she is so much fun!! We had a family party at the house again for her this year with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. As you all know, she is crazy about this show! For 2 weeks before her party she asked me everyday if we were going to her party that day, and she was so excited that Mickey Mouse and the whole gang were coming to her party. Then, for several days after her party she asked were her party went and were everybody was. So sweet! And, of course, she got plenty of wonderful presents that she is still playing with everyday!! My mom and us got her a play kitchen, she got a scooter and trike, a tea set, a stuffed puppy dog, and some Minnie Mouse shoes, and lots of other toys. We had a great time at her party, but my camera was acting up so I don't have many good pictures ): But, here she is playing with her new toys.

Ella had fun "helping" Todd put her kitchen together. She also needed no practice in using it. She jumped right in to telling us all to stay back because the oven was hot!

Ella looked so cute in her Minnie dress, thanks to Amy and Lori. Ella was excited to see her cake with the clubhouse on it. She was even a little upset at first because she thought Mickey was stuck inside it. But, we put the figurine on it, and all was good.

Ella was very bashful when we sang Happy Birthday to her, but it was sweet.

After her party, she played so quietly with all her new toys.

Ella got a bike at her party, but it was too big so we exchanged it for this scooter and a trike. She LOVES them both!! She was very excited about riding them. She stays on the trike all the time throughout the house and plays with sound effects. So cute!

Happy Birthday Ella Bella!!! Mommy and Daddy love you!!!

Ella's 1st haircut

Back in July I decided to get Ella's hair trimmed because she had a little rat tail growing that needed to be cut!! Todd had been on me for a few weeks to get it cut, and so I was going to get hers done when I went in for my hair cut. The morning of it I had decided I wasn't ready for the 1st haircut yet so I was going to back out. That was until Ella started asking if she could get one like me. So, I decided I better go ahead with it while she is wanting to do it, and I'm glad I did. And, I was surprised at how nervous and a little emotional I was feeling about it. It was silly. Ella did so great, just sitting still. And, although it was a simple cut I think it made a big difference in her hair. With the extra weight and lenght gone her curls were more noticeable.

Before and After

Summer Fun

I can't believe that summer is over already! It really did fly by this year. We had a lot of fun just hanging out and playing. Todd and I decided to get a little swimming pool to help entertain the kids--Ella, the nephews, and when I would baby-sit some. Also, Todd thought it would keep me home so I wouldn't be out shopping! Yea, right!! The pool was a hit with the older kids! Ella and Faith would get in for a few minutes then want out to play. Ella wanted to sit down in the pool, and it was too deep for that. So, I ended up getting her a smaller pool for her to play in, and she loved it!!

My nephews loved that I had other kids at my house this summer, and all of them had fun riding bikes, scooters, and the plasma cars!! Even the really big kids had fun with it!!

God's plan

I have thought about this for 2 1/2 weeks now, and still don't really know what I want to say about it. I'm not even sure I completely understand what I'm feeling about it. But, what I know for certain, and am holding onto, is that God is in control and he as a plan for me and my family. Todd and I were not planning on getting pregnant this time around, but were very excited to welcome the new addition to our family. We certainly were not expecting a miscarriage. It was very tough, and still is sometimes. But, I have faith in God, and that He is taking care of us. I really appreciate the support from everyone, and am sorry if I have seemed distant from anyone. I wonder how people deal with hard times when they don't believe in God. I can't imagine not getting the comfort I need from knowing that God is here for us and has a plan for our lives.

Father's Day

Although I didn't get a great picture of Todd and Ella on Father's Day this year and although we didn't spend the day celebrating, we did spend a little bit of time that night outside as a family. Ella loves being outside with her Daddy. This time Ella was helping Daddy keep Sampson in the yard as someone walks by. She was sure to try to sit and move just like him. It was very sweet. I am planning of celebrating Father's Day with Todd one day just because he deserves it. He is a wonderful daddy, and Ella loves him so much. I am amazed at how I love Todd more just from him being a terrific father. I love seeing him and Ella interact. There is a special bond between them.

Branson '09

Back in June my family went to Branson for a week. We had a crowd, but we all had a good time. It was my mom, sister, nephews, and us 3--there was 8 in all. Vacations are very different now than when I was a kid, but a lot of fun in a better way since I am a mom. I get more joy from watching Ella enjoy something than doing it myself. And, like most things my family does, we planned too many things for 1 week so there wasn't much down (nap) time. We went to Silver Dollar City (twice), White Water (twice), a Wildlife Safari in Springfield, MO, went swimming, bowling, and checked out the new Branson Landing. Oh, and went to the outlet malls some. Ella would usually wake up every morning saying "We're in Branson" with her hands above her head really excited. So cute!! I will try not to bore you with too many pictures and try to get some of everything.

Swimming with Daddy--Ella loved the water

She loved the water slides too!

What girl doesn't like laying out?

Ella 1st time bowling! She actually did pretty good, and really liked it. We will have to take her again.

Watching the water show at Branson Landing. It was pretty neat. Todd said this was his favorite part of vacation, just holding Ella close showing her a new thing.

This summer SDC had a kid's fun center thing set up, and Ella and the boys had fun. They got to paint pictures, play with magnetic builing toys (above), the boys made some goop to bring home, and I got Ella some kid cooking utensils. SDC also had a Veggie Tale performace and meet and greet with Bob and Larry. Ella wasn't too sure about the show at first, but when the veggies got on stage she was so into it!! She was dancing and talking to them, and watched the whole show. I was afraid of her seeing them because she was terrified of Santa and the Easter Bunny, but she was so excited!! She gave Bob a high five and stood there smiling for a picture with them.

Ella liked watching everyone else ride the log ride at Silver Dollar City. She was actually tall enough to ride, but I didn't think she was ready for it just yet.

Isn't she getting big?

Wildlife Safari--this place is pretty neat because you get to feed the animals from your car. They just walk straight up to the car, ready for their food. There was a camel, some zebras, bulls, ostriches, llamas, and lots of deer and goats. This was the 2nd time we've been here, and will be the last. It just doesn't seem like the animals are taken very good care of. Not only is there the "safari" you drive around feeding the animals, there is a section of animals caged. There are lions, tigers, wolves, birds, and this time a rhino. These are the animals that seem sad. But, anywho, the kids enjoyed feeding the animals, and so did I. Some were kind of scary to feed (ostriches) and some were very gentle (llamas) and some were very slimy to feed (bulls). It was very neat.

Feeding the zebras, so cool!

As much as Ella liked the animals, the highlight for her this day was getting to drive for the 1st time. She really did steer us for a short distance, and she did ok. Maybe teaching to drive in a few years won't be so bad.

This was a great vacation, and although there was lots going on we didn't get everything in. But, next time I plan on having more lazy time!!

Church Softball

The past few weeks I have enjoyed watching the men from church play softball. Todd is playing along with most of Ella's friend's dads. Ella LOVES to go to the games and watch her daddy play. She asks almost everyday to go to his game. I haven't remembered my camera as much I should, but here are some pictures from a game.

Todd and Judd





Berkley, Ella D., and Theron

The dirt has been the best toy/entertainment for the kids!! They are all covered in dirt by the end of the game.

Ella's Big Girl Bed

Ella now has a 'big girl bed' in her room instead of a crib. I had decided to take down the crib a few weeks ago because Ella never sleeps in it and had gotten to where she wouldn't nap in it anymore. So we decided to go ahead and put a twin bed in there and put the trundle in her room so we could turn the spare room into a play/toy room. So, I searched and looked for just the right bed, ordered it, and we got it put up. It looks really good in her room. I still don't have a comforter or quilt for it, but I'll find one. Ella enjoyed "helping" Todd put her bed together, and really liked playing on it. She is now taking her naps in her big girl bed, and so far it is working pretty good.

And, so now the plan is to have her sleeping in her big girl bed before the new baby comes. This just all worked out because we had decided this before we new we were pregnant. Hopefully, she will take to the bed and want to sleep in there all the time, because out queen size bed will not fit the 3 of us plus a new baby!!

My lil' gardener

When we go outside to play Ella almost always ends up messing around in our landscaping out front. She likes to help pull weeds, though she likes pulling the monkey grass leaves more! She likes messing around in the dirt, which is surprising since she doesn't like to be dirty. Ella can keep herself busy with the plants and bushes for a long while just by looking and pulling leaves off and going from plant to plant. Here are a couple of my new favorite pictures of her "working".

Well, it's true...

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!

We just found out last Thursday that we are pregnant, and should be due at the end of January. Although this was a surprise we are very excited!!! I've even gotten Ella to say she is the big sister! It's so cute! We don't see the doctor until the end of the month, but I am looking forward to the ultrasound already! (and hoping for just 1 baby!) I've had some family tell me they have a feeling it's twins, but surely not. I think they are just trying to freak me out.

So, look forward to many posts about pregnancy ups and downs.

Bossy Girl

I don't know if all little girls are bossy or if it's just mine, but Ella is getting a little big for her britches! She has been telling me 'no' for a while now when I tell her to do something she doesn't want to do, but here lately she has started to boss others around and use the discipline talk I use on her on me. For example, Wednesday we took my nephew, Lee, to the eye doctor, and he was trying to play with her. But, she wasn't having it. She kept telling him to 'Stop', 'Quit', 'Stop Lee Beal', 'Quit Lee Beal' over and over. She's not even 2 yet! Last night during her bath I was putting the toys up to get her clean, and she told that "I better stop that." What? She's not the boss! Then this morning I needed her to come into the bedroom, and she was telling me 'no' then she said, "You hear me, no." I can't believe she not only remembers these phrases but knows how to use them! I do have to admit that I had a bit of trouble not smiling at her when she said this because she is so serious that it is funny. So, I'm going to try really hard to not sound to mean when I talk to her and try to come up with other ways of getting on to her. Because, she is almost 2 so she is getting corrected quite a bit.

I'm so excited!!

Today a great thing happened to me, and to most people they won't understand just how exciting it was. And, that's okay. For awhile I've blogged about Ella and her contact and losing her contact (whether just losing it or her eating it!) and how well Ella does with her contact. I'm not sure if I've ever written about looking forward to the day when Ella tells me when her contact comes out so we don't keep losing them and having to wait for a new one to come. Well, that day came today!! We had just put the contact in and walked into the kitchen to fix breakfast, and she started saying something like 'totactout' (and, yes, it sounded like one jumbled up word). So, after about the 3rd time she said it I turned out because it clicked that she was saying contact out. And, there she was holding her contact rubbing it together telling me her contact came out! I went crazy praising her and telling her what a good girl she was for telling Mommy. My Ella is getting so big!! I hope this is the beginnging to never losing a contact again!!

What a great day!!

I have come to appreciate Mother's Day so much more the past 2 years. This was my 2nd Mother's Day with Ella, and we had a great day. We didn't do anything special, and I didn't get any special gift except getting to hang out with my family all day. That's what it's all about to me--having a day set aside to reflect and reminisce about your children, your mom, and all the importment moms in your life. I have a great mom myself, and she is there for me when I need her. I can appreciate her more now that I am a mom, and love her very much.

I don't need an expensive present or day away from my child to feel appreciated and loved. When we woke up, Todd tried to get Ella to tell me Happy Mother's Day, but of course she wouldn't say what we wanted her to at that time. But, she said she wanted a hug and a kiss, and that is the best present on Mother's Day!!! I am so blessed that God chose me to be Ella's mommy! I love you Ella Mae!!

I knew I should've given her a snack!!

This afternoon Ella did something that truly surprised me. I had worried about it before, but not in a long time because Ella is such a good girl. I actually never thought she would do this. But, today I got her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD in for her and went to her bedroom to clean and get her laundry together. I went in the living room to check on her, and she was sitting all sweet in her rocking chair. Then I notice she has her hand up by her mouth like she is holding something in her mouth. I asked her what she had, and she ignored me because she was too engrossed in the TV. As I walk over to her I ask her again, and as she pulls her hand away I see something small and clear, thinking this cannot be! Then Ella says, 'tontact' and I see it completely. She pulls her contact out of her mouth. Then I notice the little chunk of it missing!! She ate part of her contact!! I couldn't believe it. She has never done this before! She hardly ever put things in her mouth. So, now when we ask her where her contact is she quietly says, 'mouth'. She knows. Crazy girl!!!

Happy Easter!

We started out Easter festivites with our church's egg hunt. I had said I was going to practice with Ella beforehand so she would know what to do since this was going to be her first one. Well, I got too busy, and didn't ever practice with her. And, there was no need for it. That girl knew what to do with those eggs!! She ended up with a basketfull and kept looking for some when they were all gone! She didn't even stop when one fell open and M&Ms fell out. I couldn't believe it.

Later that day we dyed our own eggs with my mom, sister and nephews. I was never a fan of this process before, but this year I did enjoy it. What is it about having a kid that makes everything fun again?! Ella was all over this too. She colored them, dropped them into the dye, and put stickers on them. The eggs weren't the prettiest ever, but they were fun making them.

Ella was working hard on decorating the eggs.

Our finished product...we made one for all 3 of us and some extras.

This was about all the Easter celebrating we got to do because Ella had an ear infection so we missed church and getting to get all dressed up. But, Ella is still playing with her Easter basket and Easter eggs from the Easter bunny. And, of course, watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD she got and the Handy Manny coloring book. Ella is addicted to both of these shows. It is so funny to watch how excited she gets when they come on. So cute!!

Ella getting her goody's. I got her too much this year, but since she was sick I couldn't stop buying things I thought would help her feel better.

I didn't have my camera at the church's egg hunt, so if anyone that was there that might have a picture of Ella there, please send it to me. I only have the one from my cell phone. Thanks.