Dear Ella,

Today marks the day that you have been in this world for 15 months. It's unbelievable how quickly you have grown into a busy little toddler. Everyday you amaze me with something new you've learned. This week, you've learned to put trash in the trashcan, to help with dressing yourself, and how to run. Your running skills are not the greatest, but you have learned to move pretty quickly. With the newly learned skill of running, you have put it to the test while chasing Sheba and Jingles (our kitty cats). Luckily, you are gentle with them, so they don't seem to mind too much. Your other favorite past times include trying to wear shoes you find around the house, playing chase, pretending to talk on the phone, and experimenting with the funniest facial expressions I've ever seen. Unfortunately, you have also picked up a few bad habits this month - throwing a tantrum when things don't go your way (complete with kicking, screaming and throwing yourself to the floor), hitting your sister (and laughing about it), and refusing to nap and/or sleep at night without throwing another one of your above mentioned tantrums.

You are really turning into a little girl right before my eyes. You think you are so big! I watch you try to do things that really take a lot of effort and strength. When you master difficult tasks, you look at me with that cute little smile of satisfaction. One of the things you are doing that proves you are growing up (too fast) is learning and using language appropriately. Your "one word" phrases are starting to turn into "two word" phrases. (Bye, bye! All gone. Hold me. Thank you.) You surprise me everyday with the things you try to say. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, since you watch and listen so intently to everyone around you - including you big sister who secretly adores you. Here's a funny story about your adoring sister...

A couple of weeks ago, you and I went grocery shopping together. When we got home, MawMaw was at our house and outside with her dog in the yard. She came and got you out of the van and took you to the front yard to play. A few minutes later, Kellynn heard me coming into the house with groceries and noticed you weren't with me and asked, "Where's Ella?"

"Oh, I left her at the store," I said jokingly.

"You did not!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, I did. She was so fussy at the store, I couldn't take it anymore. Some lady asked if she could have her and I said yes."

"No you didn't, Mom! You're trying to trick me! I know she's still in the van."

Kellynn ran out to the van and saw that your car seat was empty. She immediately started crying and asking, "Why did you give my baby sister away?!"

Just about that time, MawMaw came around the corner of the house holding you. Kellynn ran as fast as she could and wrapped her arms tightly around you. So, she really does love you. She doesn't always show it. That's just the way big sisters are sometimes. I should know, because I did the same thing to my little sisters growing up (Aunt Kelly and Aunt Jennifer). Big sisters just need a little time to realize how amazing little sisters really can be! Just know, that your big sister loves you more than anything - just as Mommy and Daddy do too.

Love, Mommy

I don't get to watch a lot of daytime television, due to teaching during the school year. But come summertime, I get to catch up on many of the shows I've missed. (I assume I'm watching "reruns" over the summer). Today on Dr. Phil, there was a story about a mother with the world's only set of deaf and blind triplets. She and her husband were having difficulties in their relationship due to the stress and around-the-clock care of these girls. I found myself crying while watching the episode. I tried to imagine the responsibilty of caring for three small children with special needs - who cannot communicate with you. I commend the parents for their strength, as I have days that I feel overwhelmed with the frustration of parenting. Watching the show made me take a moment to look around at my own girls and feel thankful for how blessed I truly am!

One of my favorite (comedy) movies of ALL time, is "Dumb and Dumber." I laughed until I cried while watching it for the very first time in the movie theater. How many years ago was that?! I don't even want to know. (1994, by the way.) Anyway, that is not the point of this story...

I took K-Bugg to have her hair trimmed yesterday. I would like to note that this haircut was given by a licensed professional. I was not watching when the hair stylist "trimmed" her bangs. When I saw the result of this haircut, I had the same reaction as I did while watching "Dumb and Dumber" for the first time (except in the opposite order). My poor little girl has no clue that she has Lloyd's (Jim Carrey) haircut in "Dumb and Dumber"! At least Lloyd's bangs are straight!

My "first" baby is growing up right before my eyes! It seems like yesterday, when I held her in my arms and watched her stare up at me in the hospital. Her eyes looked coal black in the dimly lit room. I look into those eyes now - and see a sea of green, with a hint of blue and brown looking back at me. She is not a baby anymore. She is 5 years old and missing two bottom teeth. She has a fierce love for animals and bugs. She is smart and sassy (a little too sassy, sometimes). She is outgoing, yet shy in front of a lot of people. She is independent and determined to find her way in this world - with or without my help. I feel proud, happy and sad all at the same time. Proud of her compassion for others and her leadership qualities. Happy to see her grow physically, socially and emotionally. But a little sad about having to let go of my "first" baby. She will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall.

Last Tuesday was my last day of work. I have been counting down the days until the end of the school year. To celebrate, a group of teachers I work with, asked if I would go to the beach for a "Girls Trip." Of course, I had to say yes! We had a great time while relaxing on the beach, having a few cocktails, shopping, eating out, and jamming to 80s music in the car! It was a lot of fun!

Our landscaping project is coming along. The girls' swingset is finished - thanks to Kevin and his friend Adam. As you can see from the photo, they also had some extra help from a 5 year old and a 3 year old. Good times, I tell ya...Good times!

We had some grading done in the backyard in order to build the swingset. Now that the swingset is finished, we have a dust bowl for a backyard. We looked into putting down sod, but the landscaping company we talked to, does not recommend the installation during this time of year. So now we are going to have to wait until September to have grass.


The next phase of our project involves the building of a retaining wall. In the photo below, you will see the area in need of "retaining." We are waiting on the estimate to come back from the company we talked to - and will hopefully begin work on the project this week. Several things we are having to consider with this project: building steps, planting groundcover on the sloped hill meeting the retaining wall, location of future pool. (It has always been my dream to one day have a pool. Due to a change with Kevin's job, it doesn't look like the pool will happen this year like I'd hoped.)

Thanks Kelly, - for tagging me and giving me something to write about. Actually, I have several things to update you guys on, but will save it for later. I need to download some pictures for my update - and I am feeling too lazy to do that right now.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
1997 - That would be the year I moved to Virginia Beach, VA. I met two girls who ended up being some of my closest friends (soapbox.SUPERSTAR and Kerry). During this time, I was frantically trying to finish college and working at Bennigans part-time.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
One year ago, I was at home on maternity leave with Ella Ruby. I was enjoying my precious time with her and not missing my job as a teacher.

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Reese's Pieces
2. Ghirardelli caramel chocolate squares (milk chocolate or dark chocolate)
3. peanut butter crackers (the orange crackers)
4. Betty Crocker microwavable brownie bowls
5. trail mix (it MUST contain almonds)

Five songs that you know all the lyrics:
This one is embarrassing!
1. Any Kelly Clarkson song! (Yes, she is one of my favorites.)
2. You're Beautiful (James Blunt)
3. SexyBack (Justin Timberlake - and yes, I think he is talented!)
4. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison) - I am a total hairband fan!
5. Photograph (Nickelback)

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Quit my job and volunteer occasionally
2. Travel around the world
3. Put in the pool I've been wanting for the last 5 years!
4. Pay off bills for my family.
5. Save for retirement and college for the girls

Five bad habits:
1. Picking the dry skin off of my lips (I am much worse than Kelly on this one!)
2. Picking at my face
3. Wishing things were different about my body
4. Going to bed late
5. Interrupting people in conversation (I feel I have this under control - but must admit that it's a daily struggle.)

Five things you like doing:
1. Spending time with my family and friends
2. Watching movies
3. Reading (This is a new interest. I have never been one to enjoy reading.)
4. Watching my girls grow
5. Napping

Five things you would never wear again:
1. The girl's version of a mullet. This was the fashionable hairstyle when I was in high school.
2. stir-up pants
3. tight jeans
4. pants with a tapered leg
5. pointy toed shoes (I'm with you on this one, Kelly)

Five favorite toys:
1. My iPod
2. My MacBook laptop
3. Pogo Games - Do websites count?
4.
5.

I’m gonna tag ~
1. Kate
2. Amanda
3. Summer
4. Shelly
5. Cat

I am a mother, wife and full-time teacher, with a very sassy little girl (daughter 1) on my hands and another one following in her footsteps (daughter 2). And I wonder where the gray hairs are coming from?

• My Profile
• Email Me
• Blogroll Me
• Home

www.flickr.com

• Life Is Busy
• Do I have ADD?
• Mother's Day
• My Angel Has Lost Her Wings!
• Nae Nae's Notes
• My Snow Angels
• 911...Vet Emergency
• Karate Kid
• 36 Years and Counting...
• A New Family Member

• October 2005
• November 2005
• December 2005
• January 2006
• February 2006
• March 2006
• April 2006
• May 2006
• June 2006
• July 2006
• August 2006
• September 2006
• October 2006
• December 2006
• January 2007
• February 2007
• March 2007
• April 2007
• May 2007
• June 2007
• July 2007
• August 2007
• September 2007
• October 2007
• November 2007
• December 2007
• January 2008
• February 2008
• March 2008
• April 2008
• May 2008
• June 2008
• July 2008
• August 2008
• September 2008
• October 2008
• November 2008
• January 2009
• March 2009
• May 2009
• October 2009

Powered by: Blogger

Design by: soapbox.SUPERSTAR

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]