Blogger's Pride

Well....no more roots and I LOVE my new hair guy, Adrian Russell! He and his Dad work as a team...I've never seen anything like it. One puts the color on, then the other puts the heat on, the other washes my hair and then the other blow drys it. They were doing this same thing to two other people in the mean time. AND get this....to make all the other fellow highlighters/colorers jealous....he charged me $35! Whoa! That's like, unheard of! If you live in S.A., let me know and I'll get you his info. Also, I feel it necessary on MY blog to write about something that came to my attention recently. I think that some people may not really be getting what a "blog" is, or understand this thing that I recently started as a hobby. I looked up the actual definition and this is what I got:

• Short for Web log. A specialized site that allows an individual or group to share a running log of events or personal insights with online audiences.
• A journal kept on the internet. The journal is often updated daily and contains all the information that the person maintaining the blog (the blogger) wishes to share with the world.
• A blog is a publication of personal thoughts, experiences and web links.

So, with that being defined...that is what I intend on doing with my blog. I just want for my friends and family to still feel like they are in touch with us since we moved...especially concerning Avery (since most of my posts are about her anyway). But, you know, people have the right to express whatever they feel on a thing like this, but I personally do not think it is RIGHT to gossip or spread info that isn't any of their business, or offend or disrespect anyone. That is NOT my intentions of writing and posting these things. If I have offended anyone this last month by anything that I have written or posted...I'm sorry, that was not my intention.

If you feel like sharing and expressing anything...then I would suggest creating your own blog. This is my blog. I love the fact that my closest friends and family can actually know what's going on in my life. This is my life. I also love when people leave comments for me, responding back to what I posted that day. If you agree with me (fellow bloggers on the most part) and would like to share...leave a comment. If you don't agree with me....leave a comment. If you don't like my blog....don't read it. It's OK. I can almost guarantee that I will get some kind of grief over this exact post that I write right now....but hey, that's how life is, right? There is ALWAYS going to be someone that doesn't agree or takes it the wrong way or just doesn't like your opinion...about everything! Honestly, I just wanted this blogging thing to be a fun and friendly kind of a thing that I could share with anyone who wants to take time and read. Cheer up people!! (Oh believe me, the title and song is just a joke....I'm NOT THAT passionate....yet!) Oh, one more thing...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Pumpkin Patch

OK, you know you need to get your roots touched up when...a two year old says something about it!! Little children, when they haven't done something wrong, always give you the honest truth....that's scary. This morning I told Avery that I was going to get in the shower and she said "Are you dirty, Mommy?" I said "Well, I need to wash my hair" And she said "Let's see...yeah, you have dirty hair, Mommy." And she was pointing to my ROOTS! AHHH! The coincidence is...I have a hair appointment today at 12:30.....yes, it was already scheduled! When I pick Avery up from MDO, I'll ask her if my hair looks cleaner. I so wanted to go see my original hair guy, Dennis (who did my hair while I lived in SA in college) but he can't get me in till JANUARY!! Dude, I can't wait that long. So I am going to test someone new out named Adrian Russell over here by the house. Anyway, I didn't mean for this post to be about my hair but it sure has turned into that. I do not have a pic of my roots.....but I do have pics of Avery at the Pumpkin Patch. How exciting that was! Does every blogger have a post about the Pumpkin Patch because it does seem like that?

There was a big hairy spider on this group of pumpkins, she was a little nervous to touch.

Avery picked out a little one to take home...

This is "Baby Pumpkin" that she has been carrying around since she got it. Avery says "Baby Pumpkin, she's looking at me."

Fall Festival

Is this not the most beautiful Fairy in the land? Actually, the costume is not completed and this is a VERY thrown together look, because we decided to go to the Fall Festival at the last minute. More and better pics of this little fairy coming on Halloween. Saturday evening around 6:30 we decided to go down the road to a Halloween party (for parents and kids). After we got all dressed up and hyped Avery up about the kids and the fun and the bouncy jump castle (we saw it eariler being set up) we somehow put Avery in her car seat with that skirt and drove over to the party. As we were walking to the place there was a sign posted that said something about $75...become a member...... We decided not to go to that one....whatever and whoever it was for! So Avery was all dressed up and nowhere to go! We drove over to the Pumpkin Patch...it had been closed for 15 minutes.....then we drove way over on the other side of town to Chacho's so that Avery could play. It was SOOO crowded AND I had $3 in my purse and David forgot his wallet at home! We left Chacho's and by now it was almost 8:00. Avery usually goes to bed around 8:45, but we HAVE GOT to take this little fairy somewhere! Luckily, David remembered that he saw a sign about a Fall Festival on the way home the other day. It's crazy, but that Festival was super close to our apartment. We could have been there forever ago! I let David and Avery out at the festival and went home to get money and when I got back they were on the little train.....

They are in the first car in the back

I couldn't find them for a while, then David called after he spotted me. Avery had a blast on the little train. Of course she was Miss Independent again....we followed HER around!

Thank goodness that there was a bouncy jump castle here! She had been talking about it all night. I was so nervous that we might dissapoint this Fairy girl. She was so sweet and patient while we drove around San Antonio looking for something to do.

Avery bouncing in her castle....they cleared all the kids out so that she could bounce all by herself. Maybe we should call this costume her "princess" costume for that reason.

Me and the "fairy princess" going down the slide. Hey, why do I always have to do the kiddy stuff? It was worth it...again. Look at her feet up in the air!

Prayers for Andy

We need specific prayers for David's brother Andy. Early Friday morning he and two of his friends were in a serious wreck. One friend is OK, the other broke his arm and Andy crushed both of his feet. He is still in the hospital recovering from surgery on his broken up feet. He and his family need prayer for their strength and coping at this time. I'm sure my mother-in-law is under a lot of stress dealing with this and work and school. Knowing that Andy will not be able to walk for a while will put his whole family under a great deal of pressure with all of the care he will be needing. My heart goes out to sweet Andy and his emotional stress with losing his truck, job and probably any kind of social life for a good while. Even though this is actually the second time our family has had a scare like this with Andy and his truck wrecks, I thank my God that he saved his life and the other two guys in the truck. Thank you Lord Jesus for your mighty protection! We love you Andy!

Grandma's Visit

I'm so excited for this evening cause if David gets home early enough we are going to go to Chuy's ( my favorite) and get the "happy hour" nacho cart. You build your own nachos for free. Hey, you can't beat that...especially at your favorite restaraunt! And yes, I did leave my house this morning sporting the tadpole look again...all the way to Target where I bought me a new hair dryer. Maybe I won't be looking amphibianish at Chuy's tonight.

Ok, I've been wanting to post some pics that I just recently received from my Mom. She took some pics when she was down to visit us the beginning of this week. We had a really good time...that was when it got so cold suddenly. Monday, Mom and Avery and I went shopping for her Halloween costume.....

For lunch we took Avery to a fun place called Chacho & Chalucchi's (I think) but the huge play area was closed for some reason. So we opted to go to a McDonalds by our house so that Avery could play. First of all, she was being Miss Independent so she wanted to eat all by herself at her own table.....

I don't know who that lady is behind her.

While Avery was playing, Mom and I ate and talked. Then both of us heard a tiny little "Help". It was Avery way up in the top of the play area. She kept saying "Help Mommy. Get me down Grandma. I'm stuck!" It was the cutest thing, but so sad at the same time. I tried to talk her down for about 10 minutes, but she was just too scared.

Poor thing!

I don't think she appreciated the picture taking while in desparation! Of course, like any other time, I had to climb all the way up that nasty thing and get her down. Here is another pic of me on a "kid" thing with Avery. How did I get up there?

This was at the East Texas Fair in Sept. And yes, I had to go down that slide....gross...but when there is only one way out you have no other choice!

Had to add one more pic from the E.T. Fair. Go, girlfriend, go!

Good, Bad & Irrelevant News

Let's start with the irrelevant news. Don't you hate it when your blow dryer goes out? Like, it always happens when you are about to start blow drying your hair, not when you just get done. So, with no spares or back-ups, I had a choice to leave my house this morning for bible study with soppy, moppy, wet hair or tie it back looking like a tadpole. Just for your irrelevant news...I choose the tadpole look.

Now for the good news....David came home yesterday after taking one of the biggest tests that he will ever have to take in the Fire Academy, very discouraged. It was the National Registery Test for EMT. Basically, it's a pass or fail test and if you pass it you are done.....he was taking it earlier than all the other cadets due to some "irrelevant" reasons. (I like that word). Anyway, he got on the internet as soon as he got home even after feeling like he totally bombed the test and they had already posted the results. Well, the good news...he PASSED! Thank the Lord and congrats David! He studied so hard for this test....it would have been very discouraging to study that hard, fail, and have to study for it again.

Now for the bad news. Yesterday we were also informed of a "test" that we didn't pass. We are not going to be financed for the house that we had plans to build. They called David yesterday and told him that it just wasn't going to work out with this house and basically we are back at square one. Not wanting to get into personal financial information....our debt ratio is way too high right now. It's very dissapointing for both of us. We both really loved this house and the idea of being able to build it and live in it in like 6 months from now was so exciting. I mean, we went and picked out the lot and everything! Here is a pic and the floor plan of what WAS going to be our future home.

I am really not that upset about the actually house...I'm more frustrated that we have to start over in our home hunting and searching. I have actually had peace about it all day today knowing that God just didn't tell us "No", but I think that He's saying "I have something better." I have been trying to remember that promise from Him in all the things that he says "no" to in my life. I'm confident that since He has fulfilled promises of all the other really big things in my life...for example my husband (who He held out just for me)...he will fulfil this one. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!

I didn't forget about my "Thankful Thursday" list. I'm so thankful for:

1. Autumn weather...right in time
2. Hair (love you, Athena!)
3. A working husband
4. God's promises
5. Librarys (think about it...free books to read!)
6. Mom's visit and her safe trip home
7. A potty trained toddler
8. A roof over my family's head

Finally Officially Fall

It's here in S.A.! Fall blew in Sunday night with a storm and Monday morning was COLD! There was no sun that day and lots of wind so it just seemed colder than it was. I couldn't believe that the very day before we were IN THE POOL!

Avery in her kiddy pool for the last time this year...

Carrying her "outside" purse!

I mean...I woke up amazed at the change...what a difference in one day. We haven't really been waiting for Fall and the drop in temp. but now that it is here we can't help to welcome it with long sleeves and candy corn. Actually my Mom brought all the candy corn that nobody eats but Avery....we have SO much. Kelli, do you want some? My Mom came to visit Sunday and just left this morning. We had a lot of fun and did a lot with Avery. More pics to come soon during those days with Grandma...

Back to the coldness....I can't get over it. Yesterday and today are beautiful days but still with lower temps. But that first day of "Fall" I was freezing. I turned on the heater in the bathroom when I took a shower. It felt so good but then I found myself about to sufficate because it got so stuffy! Guess I was getting a little too extreme! HA! Here's to the new season...let the festivities begin! And good-bye to our "Season in the Sun".

Love & Respect

Tonight, Friday night, is the big night for us. Some of yall may be going football games or get togethers or something like that....but David and I are going to our big Marriage Conference! Sound like fun...something you might want to do on a Friday night AND Saturday morning? Well, I actually am excited about it. I think it will be great and of course we need it...don't we ALL? Get this....the conference is called Love & Respect Marraige Conference! Some may have heard of it....it's actually a huge thing that goes around to different cities. It's hosted by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs. They discuss the 3 cycles....The Crazy Cycle, The Energizing Cycle and The Rewarded Cycle. I believe we are stuck in the Crazy Cycle. Based on Ephesians 5:33, a wife reacts when feeling unloved and a husband reacts when feeling disrepected. Sadly, when a wife feels unloved she tends to react in ways that feel disrepectful to her husband. When a husband feels disrespected he tends to react in ways that feel unloving to his wife. A crazy cycle! Round and round it goes! Is anyone else IN this cycle? I'm looking forward to hearing about what the Energizing and Rewarded Cycle are! I'll let you know what they are and how it goes..... Well, I was going to copy my friend Kelli yesterday and do a Thankful Thursday list, but I never got around to it. Not that I wasn't thankful yesterday. But here is my day late "Thankful Thursday" list. Today I'm most thankful for:

• The weather...beautiful!
• A surprising call from a friend this morning
• My new womens' bible study group...that meets on "thankful Thursdays"
• David getting a 86 on his first EMT test that he has been studying for all week! (better than my "D's" that I used to get).
• My friend Athena...it was her 30th birthday yesterday. Happy birthday, Madame!
• Leftovers when you just don't feel like cooking
• A sleeping baby....

Hump Day

I woke up this morning really missing my friend Cherie. I think it partly was because this is going to be one of those days when nothing is planned or going on...and Cherie and I used to get together on days like that. Even though we have 3 kids between us, now that she has had baby Luke, we always had "our" time. How did we do that Cherie? It was difficult but we managed during nap time. Some how Avery was pretty good about taking a nap at Cherie and Jake's house. Baby Luke was little and new that we could just hold him during "our" time. Sometimes "our" time would consist of laying down on the couches, closing our eyes and resting for 5 minutes...which always turned into 30 minutes. Another reason I think I miss Cherie is that I rented a movie yesterday that I've been wanting to see again for a long time now. Cherie is the only friend of mine that actually likes movies as much as I do....except for Lauren....but she lives in Dallas with her family. I've seen it before when it came out at the theater but I've been wanting to watch "The Passion of Christ" again. I've been reading in order, the books of the New Testament every morning and I'm almost to John...I never knew those first four books has the same stories in there 2, 3 and even 4 times. I like that cause sometimes you get a different view of the actual story presented in a different way. Anyway, these books I'm reading are stories about the life and death of Jesus. Maybe by watching the movie a second time it will mean so much more to me...we'll see. I know if Cherie was still just 15 minutes away, she would want to watch this together during "our" time. Avery talks about her best friend Jake alot...I know she misses him.

The first pic is a more recent pic of the friends but the second is an older pic of Jake sitting in Avery's chair...oops we can see your diaper Jake! We miss yall!

Mother's Day Out

Here it is, Tuesday again. That means Avery goes to "school", which is actually Mother's Day Out. It is so neat for her...she just loves it! Avery started last Tuesday and her teachers said that she had a wonderful first day. They play and do crafts and eat lunch, then take a nap. Here are a couple pics of last Tuesday (her first day at school).... Oma, do you notice the Strawberry Shortcake bag?

Today her teachers Ms. Lori and Ms. Kerri said that she had a rough time after she realized I was gone. Well, I guess there are good and bad days.

She HAD to watch "Peep" before we left.

This is her little class playing with playdough.

She is on the end beside the girl in the pink (her friend Holly).

Enjoying a Push Pop after I picked her up for being such a sweet girl!

"Jesus Saved Me."

Avery fell in the pool today...the deep side. All I heard was a splash and when I looked up, she was struggling to get her balance and grip. Out of the whole pool she fell where there was a ledge for people to sit on inside the pool. I was way on the other side so when I got over there, she was standing up on that ledge reaching for me and crying because it had scared her. We talked about what happened after we went in and I told her that Jesus put that "step" there for her so that she wouldn't sink down to the deep pool. All day she has been talking about the incident and saying "Jesus saved me and then Mommy came and picked me up". We have certainly moved up in the world as far as pools go. Here are a few pics that I found of our swimming history.....

Last summer. Watch out now....someone is doing some serious swimming here!

This summer in Montalba.......the sprinkler!!

She has had a cold for a couple days now and I guess the medicine that I gave her before her nap today made her a little wired instead of sleepy. I put her to bed and got in the shower...when I got out I was hearing a weird noise on the monitor. This is what I found when I opened her door....

Don't know if you can tell in this picture, but she got into her closet and got two games and two puzzles out. (My mistake...I shouldn't have left that box of games and puzzles in there!). Do you realize that there are TWO puzzles with all of their pieces out on the floor. I don't think I have enough patience to put two together at one time...needless to say, I'm getting rid of them.

Tis the Season

Tis the season to be swimming...still! In the middle of October! Can you believe it? I really think God provided us with long hot days all the way into mid October, just for me and Avery. He has given us the kind of weather day after day that allows us to go out in the afternoons and soak up the sun and relax in the pool. Avery and I both needed something where we could just get out of the apartment for a couple hours and have fun. We have been "swimming" almost everyday here. Yes, the water in the pool is a little on the chilly side, but after you have been sitting in the sun for about 10 minutes....it feels so nice! AND...the pool at this apartment is literally out the back porch. Which makes it irrestistable to Avery every time she looks out the back window or hears others splashing around out there. What's neat is, there is a kiddy pool with a little fountain in it...it's like a foot deep. Avery goes round and round that thing. She also likes to swim on the steps. I know it probably won't last much longer, so that is why we are taking advantage while God gives us this "swimming" weather. I mean Avery has a tan line in October like she has never had before! Here are some pics of my little one enjoying this season.

In this second pic, Avery is in her kiddy pool and she is making the fountain spray out.

Avery calls this

"floating on the steps".

First For Everything

Well, here it is. My first post on my first blog. Just like my friend, I never thought that I would do this...or have time to, but the more I read hers I realized that it is a great way to keep in touch. Or should I say....a great way for everyone to keep in touch with us. That is why I named the Ellis family blog site "Still In Touch". Even though we have moved and we seem "out" of touch, this is actually a great way that my friends and family can know what is going on with us and most importantly what's going on with sweet Avery. Even though she is far in San Antonio, anyone who wants to read this can watch her grow. At first I thought "Who, besides my best friend, will read this...what's the point...waste of time". But now I know for sure that Avery's grandparents will read, aunt's and uncles, other family members, my close friends and hopefully our new friends in SA. Oh, I need to make those friends first, huh?