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.