Still In Touch

Amelia Belle Ellis

2009-01-24T13:17:00.006-06:00

I have no excuse in the past to why I only have been blogging like once a month.....but now...I do!!

And the other day...this is what I found when I walked into the living room (I thought Avery was aweful quiet!) And wearing Amelia's socks as gloves....a very proud big sister! Doesn't look like Amelia minded!

Special Delivery

2009-01-07T15:28:00.002-06:00

You know when Christmas is over and the tree is bare underneath with no presents....it's kinda sad. I took a pic of our sad bare tree but our camera decided to stop working. Just got a new one though! Well, we have one more special gift just waiting to be delivered! Anyday now! Really! If Amelia doesn't come by herself this weekend, we plan to induce Tues morning. Unfortunately, I had some pics to upload but the computer is not letting me... will try again tomorrow!

It's A-Coming

2008-12-12T15:41:00.005-06:00

Whoa! I haven't blogged in so long I just had to sit and think about my password when signing in! Or maybe it's the old age....HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me today! I've been telling my friends that I am well into my 30's now. Well - 31. Yes, I'm sporting the new "mom" hair-do (or is that cut and color your hair at the very last of your pregnancy hair-do?) Yes, that me, 35 weeks prego on a ladder. I just am trying to get this baby's room done...and it needed my touch on the walls as far as painting. I will show off my Mom's touch when I take a pic of the finished room later.....just what I imagined for my little Amelia.

And of course some pics of my shower. It was great...thank you Julie! Julie and I actually have the same due date, but she is like 3 feet taller than me, so sometimes she looks bigger! It was weird this time, not to have my old friends at my shower, but it was great to have some of my new SA friends there.

Avery knew it was a party for Baby Amelia, so she insisted on both of us unwrapping the gifts! (Cherie, we look like sisters again)

Well, Christmas Time's a coming, and so is this baby....4 weeks from today! We'll see!

Not-So-Scary Scarecrow

2008-11-09T17:29:00.004-06:00

I can't believe I'm posting Halloween pics so late! But seems like other things besides blogging have been on my to-d0 list. Anyway, here is the cutest little scarecrow in San Antonio!

Thanks Grandma for sewing on the patches and the "hay"! Avery was so proud all 5 times she wore her costume! The proudest when she wore it on Halloween evening, with scarecrow makeup, up to Daddy's firestation!

Family Reunion

2008-10-30T16:41:00.010-05:00

I'm just getting around to posting some pics of our annual family reunion. This reunion was different and special because instead of driving several hours to the meeting place and spending several hours then driving several hours back home, this time it was an all weekend thing. We stayed at Three Mountain Ranch near Clifton, sleeping in "cabins", eating and playing all day. The weather was perfect and we will definitely do again this way next year! This is the bunch

of us getting ready to go on the hay ride (with no hay!)

We also got to go horseback riding (well I didn't because of my "condition"....still haven't ever ridden a horse yet.)

Little Rhett (my nephew) had a great time too. All Avery could talk about on the drive up was seeing her favorite cousin Ryan!

G-ma's New Boyfriend

2008-10-15T15:17:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to post the sweetest thing and the cutest little pic.....no not of my Avery, but of my grandma and her new boyfriend, James. I haven't met him yet but will this weekend b/c grandma is bringing him to our family reunion. Everyone that has met James, says that he is so kind. It's been 6 years since my Popee passed away and G-ma has always talked like there would never be anyone else out there for her. Well God still has amazing plans for my grandma's life b/c the wedding date has been set for James and G-ma for Feb.14th, 2009. What an exciting Valetine's Day!

Little "Luby"

2008-10-10T10:40:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all the votes on the baby's name...it was fun to see what everyone liked out of the list. Here are the results:

1 vote for Bryce
2 votes for Winter
2 votes for Reese
3 votes for Joy
4 votes for Camille
9 votes for Amelia

Everyone did great! Because the name we choose for her isn't Luby...it will be Amelia! We still haven't decided on a middle but Avery insists that her name be Amelia Luby! Everyday she expresses how excited she is about becoming a big sister!

Baby Name Poll

2008-10-03T08:26:00.003-05:00

For fun, I'm listing all the names in alphabetical order, that I have considered for this baby girl. I'm curious to see what every one's opinion for which name is their favorite out of the list (even though David and I have actually decided on her name as of this week!) So, no, your vote this time doesn't count, but like I said ...thought it would be fun. I'll post the "results" of the poll next week! To vote for your favorite name, scroll to the end of this post and click on "comments" which will send you to another page. Type in your vote and be sure to leave your name too!! Then, just choose "Anonymous" to post your vote. Here's the list:

Amelia
Bryce
Camille
Farrah
Heidi
Joy
Reese
Winter (Yes people, cause she will be born in January!)

A Missed Celebration

2008-09-23T16:36:00.005-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in forever....but I need to go back to Sept. 11th for, actually, a happy celebration! My nephew, Rhett, turned 1! We couldn't make it to East Texas so we missed his party and all that good stuff. Luckily Mom sent me some pics of the birthday boy.....

First John Deere on the first birthday!

Dessert with Grandpa! We love and miss you Rhett...happy 1st Birthday!

Pre-Pre-School

2008-09-04T10:15:00.006-05:00

Despite my procrastination in finding Avery a new Mother's Day Out program since we've moved ...God led me to a (what seems to be) perfect Pre-pre school for Avery at just the last minute. First day of class was Wednesday. She will go every Monday and Wednesday ...I'm looking forward to decorating her and the baby's room during this free time. I think it'll be a great opportunity to be creative, schedule appointments and get things done around the house before this baby arrives. I mean, it's not like I sat around all day while Avery was at school watching "Days"... (I watched that later)... I cleaned like a maid finally, even scrubbed the bathtubs (which is not too often for me). It's amazing how much you can get done if you don't have a 3 year old on your leg. But I did miss her on her first day and much prayer sent on her behalf through-out the day while she was gone. Even amidst her excitement Avery wasn't too thrilled that I'd be leaving her there by herself...

Don't worry, I didn't leave her in this state. She felt much better after finding the puzzles.

She requested that Daddy pick her up, so we both came. Her teacher said she had a great first day and Avery even said that she was ready to go back to school real soon! "Daddy got me a Boot's Cookie, cause I'm a big girl!"

Sea World & Company

2008-08-25T09:18:00.014-05:00

We have had alot of company lately. It has all been fun, but we are pretty tired and ready to get back into a routine (at least I am). First was a fun, family weekend with Grammy and Papa who brought Grandaddy and Granny. Thanks for the good food and all the house-warming presents! Glad Samantha (Granddaddy's little dog) didn't leave us a "house-warming present"!

Then our friends from Palestine (Cherie and Dwayne) came for a visit and brought Jake (Avery's 1st best friend). We went to Sea World for the first time....it was ridiculously hot....kids were tired...and the stroller wheel busted off, but we DID manage to have a great time. It was so worth it!

In the big net pic, Cherie is helping Avery up the net and Jake is helping himself! Actually, Avery got this far up and decided it was too hot so she came and sat down. Jake played till we thought he was about to pass out!

As we left, after 7 hours in the heat with no nap (yes, I'm talking about me with no nap) the double stroller's wheel came off. My camera's battery was dead and Cherie dropped her camera in the pool at the water park, so no pic of our mishap. Anyway, the kid's were exhausted and had no stroller, so I carried Avery thru the heat, thru the park and thru the parking lot....prego! But I laugh when I picture Cherie carrying Jake in front of me, struggling. And Dwayne trying to balance a 3-wheeled stroller ...how embarrassing!

The day that they left my parents came in and brought Ryan (Avery's favorite cousin). What a wild weekend! I thought my blood pressure was going to burst. That's all I have to say about them two together! HA!

After the company's gone....Avery and I have been doing some bonding time together. Got to before January! We purchased season passes at Sea World and we have gone a total of 3 times in 8 days! This last time, we went to see the Backyardigans....but it was lame, b/c they came out for 5 minutes and then showed the CARTOON! But Avery thought it was neat anyway.....

Then we went to the Shamu's kiddie park area....

Poor thing, didn't have anyone to play with on the pirate ship....You can't see her, but then she got stuck in this net tube and some man had to help her out...

So my child, is the only one that decided to play in the sand area and forgot about the play ground thing that she said was "too crowded with too many kids." She was right!

Sugar and Spice...

2008-08-18T15:03:00.002-05:00

...and everything nice... that's what must be inside this baby... b/c we are having another GIRL! I couldn't be more thrilled! God sure knows my heart's desire and during the sonogram today, he surprised me again by going above and beyond my expectations. Really. We ALL expected it to be a boy after my last sonogram, except little Avery, who has been saying it's a girl named Luby since the beginning. Well, I don't know about the name Luby, but I guess Avery had some kind of instinct that we didn't have... she is so excited that she will be a big sister as well as have a little sister!

Pool Hoppin'

2008-08-11T08:58:00.005-05:00

We don't really hop from pool to pool in one day. Although... we have been visiting different pools in the last 2 months. A total of 7 actually, since our community pool has STILL not even been started on. I'm going to take that sign down and give it back to them that says "Community Pool" when you enter Laura Heights. Who's them??

I've given up, this summer, on the luxury of our own neighborhood pool that we can walk to at our own convenience and not feel like I am breaking the law by taking my child swimming. So, we have to go elsewhere...it's the only other option. Yes, we sneak in. Well, it's really not a sneak, it's a walk in unnoticed. But I think we finally found a pool to stay at... a nearby apartment complex with a huge pool and a shallow end that looks like a beach so that Avery can play while I relax... that nobody is ever at... with very easy access since the gate locks are broken. Here it is...

As the song playing says " You would do it too", especially if you were a stay at home mom, in 100 degree temps, with a 3 year old that LOVES the water. I can see me now, being arrested in my blue maternity swimsuit, slippery from sunscreen ...as my little fish watches and keeps on floatin'.

Wiggly Concert

2008-08-04T17:21:00.007-05:00

It was like over 100 degrees outside and the concert started at 3:00(nap time), so I actually debated even going ...for like 2 seconds! Miss the Wiggles in concert? Are you kidding? The Wiggles are Avery's all time favorites! It was just me, Avery and a few other thousand people at the AT&T Center (where the Spurs play) and it was something I'll remember forever. The look on her face when the Wiggles actually came out was sooo worth the drive across SA, the heat, and crowd. I guess she thought that we were going to see a Wiggles movie or something and not actually see the real thing, because when they drove out on stage in their "big red car", Avery was like in disbelief. I actually held back tears when I saw them come on stage b/c I knew how exciting it was for my little 3 year old to be looking at Murray, Jeff, Anthony, and Sam LIVE! She looked in amazement and then gave me the biggest hug as if to say "thank you, thank you, thank you"! Thank you Eric, for the amazing tickets and GREAT seats!

Anthony, Jeff, Sam, and Murray. Captain Feather Sword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, and Henry the Octopus. (Just missed Wags)!

More Changes

2008-07-29T17:41:00.008-05:00

We're doing a little changing to our new house to make it look more our living place instead of a rent house! So sick of plain walls!

This is in our kitchen "Brown Clay" which is like UT orange really.

This is in our living room "Tender Twig"....Avery loved her big A on the wall!

A friend from church just gave Avery her daughter's play vanity. She is on this thing ALL the time "getting ready". It has lights and sounds when she uses the hair dryer, lipsticks, comb, and nail polish. This is my little girl's ideal playset. Avery is soooo girly! Thanks Connie!

How do you like the quilt hung on the window as a curtain ... (HA! It's gonna be the baby's room so we are waiting to decorate it!) By the way...we find out what the baby is when I have my sonogram on Aug. 25th!

Oh, had to take a pic of the socks and shoes she was wearing...she said she was going to play basketball!

Bring it On

2008-07-16T16:35:00.012-05:00

You know when you just feel like a change.... last Friday, I already had a hair appointment, so I made myself a appt. for a pedicure too! This guy "Steven", was the first person to just look at me and ask if I was having a baby. So glad I'm starting to appear pregnant to strangers instead if just really bloated!

Then I scooted on over to the other side of SA and had highlights put in and six inches of my hair cut off by Dennis. He's been doing my hair since 1998! Dennis is the most "fabulous" stylist in SA! I totally trust him, but he did try twice to convince me to wait and cut my hair closer to when the baby comes. What was his deal? Maybe he was just really hungry and was trying to get rid of me ...but I told him I needed a trim anyway, so he might as well work through lunch! Not only did I make some changes, but David finally did too. As a new firefighter, he had to rotate each shift to different stations. He has finally been assigned to Station 41 (Tezel & Dover Ridge) actually not such a bad drive from the house.

We went to visit Daddy on his first shift at his new fire station!

Guess who not only wanted to take control of the fire truck but also wanted to take control of the camera... this is a great shot for a 3 year old, don't you think?!

Monster House

2008-07-07T12:01:00.003-05:00

Warning: Do not let your 3 year old watch this movie!

We have regressed.... since we've moved into our house Avery has been sleeping almost all night in her own bed and then sometimes the remainder of the night on our floor. But ever since Monster House we've had problems....it's all due to scary images on this "fun" kid's movie! Avery came into our room and laid down on the floor. I noticed that she wasn't falling asleep b/c there was alot of moving around down there. I heard some whimpering. She said there were shadows of monsters on the wall. Unfortunately we didn't have our curtains up that day, so there were plenty of moonlight shadows. She refused to just close her eyes and go to sleep and she insisted on sleeping with us. Not going to happen...no room! I finally put her at the end of our bed by our feet...well, my feet, David is way too long. There were still shadows and whimpering so I had to turn and sleep upside down so that our heads could be close together. She immediately went to sleep... which left me upside down at David's feet, uncovered, wide awake... staring at the shadows on the wall.

Nauseaville

2008-07-02T15:48:00.005-05:00

I'm lost in Nausea-ville and can't seem to find my way out! Just when I was telling my best friend that I thought that I might be tapering out of it since I'm almost 13 weeks....up comes breakfast this morning. What was that! Has anybody got any NEW advice besides the older remedies...

Don't let your stomach get empty. (Well, my tummy wasn't empty after eating breakfast...which seemed to make the whole "episode" to the bathroom grosser)
Wear the "Sea Band" wrist bands on the pressure points. (If you don't lose one of them first b/c both have to be on to work)
Emetrol (Not if you want to stay awake)
Don't drink carbonated drinks (Another way to fight the pregnancy fatigue is a Dr. Pepper!)
Eat crackers (This is actually a good one, but how many crackers can a person eat without serious dry mouth)
Lay down and rest (With a 3 year old jumping on you - aint going to happen)
Preggie Pops (That's just hard candy in a fancy wrapper)

The one and only wonderful thing about this season in my life is the end results which were again confirmed today at my sonogram. That little thing is about 3 inches long but we could fully see it's legs and arms moving around....it's a REAL LIVE baby! HA! While I could see the baby moving around on the screen, I closed my eyes to see if I could feel the movements...it's crazy I couldn't feel all that dancing around in there! The doctor checked to see if he could see the gender...he made a prediction ...but I personally think it was a little too early. Maybe I'm in denial...

Got Sushi?

2008-06-24T14:46:00.004-05:00

I've honestly been waiting this one out....it's official...Sushi has been missing for a month. We all just got back from our week long trip to Tyler. Sushi was supposed to be there, waiting for someone to transport him down to San Antonio now that we have the new house. He just vanished! No sign of him....and b/c of that, I'd like to think the best. I imagine him with a loving family treating him like a king...dominant as he is being a Siamese male. We had Sushi for 5 1/2 years! He was my baby before Avery even came around. We will miss him and remember our first family pet, Sushi, forever!

Memories that will never be forgotten (good and bad):

Sleeping, snuggled up next to me EVERY night.
The sticker burr that got stuck to the back of his tongue
Never once, not ONCE cleaning up an accident off the floor
Searching till midnight, even the neighbors, with flashlights when stuck up a huge tree
His softness and warmth in the winter
Traveling with him...back and forth our first year like he was a dog, and like he liked it!
Come to find out, he had the biggest case of motion sickness I'd ever seen
The way he was so miraculously clean all the time ...where'd the dirt go?
Rescuing him from the two big dogs at our duplex
How he climbed trees like a pro with NO front claws
His calming purr
His response to my voice only

WE LOVE YOU SUSHI!

Rent to Own

2008-06-09T10:10:00.003-05:00

For the 6th time in our 6 years of marriage, we have moved again. Finally it is permanent. I'm glad we didn't really "rent to own" any of those duplexes, apartments or rent houses. It's just such a good feeling to finally be moved in with no more "moving" in the future...well for a long while anyway. Someday our little family will grow out of this small first house and we will move again.... But until then, goodbye renting!

An update on this little girl, who just had to get her swimsuit on when she saw out the window that Daddy had the sprinkler on.... Obviously, feeling much better. She has gone two nights without fever...that means we slept! She still is congested and we are still taking some Tylenol for the ears, but what a huge difference in the beginning of this week from last Monday (first sign of fever). Hallelujah!

Pneumonia

2008-06-06T21:11:00.003-05:00

I thought my next post would be a happy post about our new house. Well, that is coming but I have been extremely busy taking care of Avery that was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday! She has been completely sick and miserable since Monday with fever that is only controlled by me forcing medicine down her. It's just plain ridiculous how hot and on fire she feels at night especially. I have been completely miserable as well... even though we are all moved in ...and I DO love our new house. I gotta get this baby well, so that we all can enjoy it! Tomorrow, if the fever is not gone, the doctor wants her to come in a third time.. yes, that will be on a Saturday. (We found an amazing pediatrician who's office is open on Sat and Sun!!!!) Thank you God.... haven't we all been there on a weekend when we absolutely need help with a sick child? So, hopefully tonight goes well and me and Avery don't have to spend our Saturday at the doctor's! Please pray for my little one... somethings got to give. We are all about to go crazy!

Too Cool for School

2008-05-28T09:22:00.007-05:00

Summer is sooo here, especially with this 95 degree temps. We have actually been swimming for the whole month of May, but I just took my camera out to the pool on Memorial Day. Wow, looks more like the Guadalupe here..... all kids were out of school and adults were off of work and it was hot... so the apartment pool was the coolest option. Unfortunately the pool water didn't have it's refreshing, clear looking sparkle.... it was a little on the murky side this day!

I didn't get a good pic of my new little swimmer wading in the deep end (Avery has learned to swim by herself with her life jacket on) but I got a couple of pics of her on the stairs (I think she was waiting for the pool to clear out).

I love her being able to swim freely now by herself...this means I can be lazy and sit out on the chairs and relax. We are for sure looking forward to our new pool at our new community. By the way we are moving this weekend... we will have more pics of the new house soon. Yes, perfect timing... morning sickness combined with packing and moving PLUS a bonus of almost 100 degree temps! Fun and games!

$1 Results

2008-05-17T09:49:00.005-05:00

Yes, that's a $1 test from the Dollar General and it's postively positive!

Hot-lanta

2008-05-06T19:08:00.005-05:00

I'm heading back to Georgia tomorrow...will be gone a week. This time Avery is going with me AND we are FLYING! Today was busy spent washing and packing. Oh and I got my Mother's Day present early..... so I took advantage of a "stay-at-home-dad" and used my gift certificate for a wonderful and SO needed pedicure. Sorry no pics...was going to do a before and after but forgot. Seriously I hadn't touched my feet since January when Mom and I went for her b-day! Now my feet are ready to hit the streets of Hot-lanta!

Movin' On Up

2008-05-02T15:42:00.008-05:00

We drove out to our house a couple days ago. It couldn't get anymore exciting to walk in and around an unfinished house that will in about a month be a first home. Lots of memories are waiting to be created there....that's what I was thinking as I was walking thru taking pics of each room. Each room will have it's own story. We are closing on the 29th of this month. Yes, that's cool and all, but that also means that I have to start packing AGAIN really soon. Moving is the worst thing ever..... but this time it will be (finally) for a good long while. No more renting!! Since David and I have been married, this new house will be our 6th place to live in our 6 years of marriage! It's time!

While driving out, Avery pretended to be asleep. She was so funny. But after a little while, I guess it felt too good...she put herself to sleep by faking it!

We just put the windows down when we got there...I didn't want to interrupt her "pretend" sleeping!

Nice Shot!

2008-04-25T17:11:00.008-05:00

We took Avery to her 3 year check-up yesterday... after choosing her pediatrician from the insurance booklet ..basically on what name sounded like a good and nice doctor name. But we were very impressed with Avery's new, young, fun, female, doctor! She had to get one shot and I told her several times before the actual shot, how it was going to feel - like a pinch. I was so proud of this little girl... the "pinch" didn't even phase her! She was so big - we took her to lunch at Chris Madrid's known for the biggest and best hamburgers - they are - YUM!

Also we had promised Avery, if she was a good girl, we could go that night to the Family Fiesta over at a nearby church. It was fun and perfect weather! Avery rode her very first pony!

Maybe I should have paid the $2 and got on myself... I still have never been on a horse! Well, but I'd rather spend money on myself by indulging in some nachos and funnel cake!

I just had to take a pic of the cutest piglets I had ever seen....they were tiny! (Not compared to Avery of course - by the way, at the doctor check-up we learned that Avery is in the 5th percentile in weight and height for her age group!!)

I felf like jumping in that pin with those piggys after ALL that I ate at this festival. Oh, we had to have a Big Pickle... requested by Avery earlier that morning...

We were lucky... we just missed the weather... today was hot and humid. All we have managed to do today was a big shop at Wal-mart and a walk to the dollar store across the street to buy a shovel and bucket for dirt digging.

Thanks to everyone for sending presents and cards for Avery's b-day. She really enjoyed opening everything on the floor and immediately going to town!

Birthday Girl

2008-04-21T14:42:00.006-05:00

I got home just in time to help this sweet little girl celebrate her 3rd birthday! We had a party at the "airplane" park and 7 other children showed up. It was perfect weather...and perfect to have it on a Monday, b/c our party was almost the only ones there! She just had to put on one of her presents as soon as we got home... of course "The Birthday Princess" just turned 3 and she rules this place! Yes, high-heeled shoes, ring, purse, earrings and all... she has summoned me to take care of the many piles of laundry you can see in the back!

Georgia was a success and a very worthwhile trip. I will be going back soon, but next time I will be FLYING! There was a total of 2000 miles driven, 11 days without my husband, 7 days without Avery, 13 presentations, and 2 crossings of the great Mississippi River. Oh and I actually experienced Starbucks for the first time in Atlanta....I went back 4 times! I got the Carmel Apple Spice (something like that) and it was like I was drinking liquid Apple Pie! It's good to be home... except for... we will be moving in about 7 weeks into our new HOME! God is so good.

Georgia On My Mind

2008-04-07T18:33:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm going to be away from posting pics again for a couple weeks. My Dad and I are taking a trip to Georgia to do a little Igniting (Georgia just opened for business, it's been deregualted too like Texas!) But hopefully I can still use his laptop to do some posting (no pics though). Finally my computer is letting me upload the pics that have been on my camera forever! Actually these pics are really recent.....

Yes that's a towel in the bath tub. She said it was her blanket b/c she was cold...guess I left her in the tub a little too long!

It was school picture day at Mother's Day Out. Avery slept in curlers....had to get a pic of my little beauty! This pic is of Avery and some of her friends on the playground.

Have a great week and pray for our safety, success and my sanity (I'm not a fan of road trips)! It's a five hour drive to Tyler and another 11 hours to Atlanta....then I have to turn around and come back!! Corn Nuts and Dr. Pepper, here I come!

No Pictures?

2008-04-02T15:40:00.002-05:00

Here it is half a month later and I'm finally posting. But there are still problems with our computer...it's still annoyingly slow, it won't let me upload any pics from my camera (I have tons of them I would love to share) and our sound is not working (speakers are fine..it's the actual computers deal). So I don't have pics for a while, please bare with me. I know, when I read my friends blogs I feel like a little kid....where are all the pictures? Do I have to read all this? So much has happened and been going on...can't wait to get my "real" blog going again. Congrats to my husband, graduation has come and gone...and he is a real live San Antonio Fire Fighter. Easter was great. And we have been house hunting again....and we GOT ONE! We are ecstatic! More about that later....don't want this read to get too long....then it won't be read. Without pics, these posts have to come in small doses......

Computer Problems

2008-03-15T15:12:00.003-05:00

We have been experience major "slowness" with our computer for the last week or so. We think it might be a virus. Anyway, we will probably not have a computer for just a little while b/c we're needing it to be worked or something. The post below that I just posted took about 5 hours...no I didn't sit in front of the computer the whole time, but it took that long for everything to be loaded and all the pics......... Anyway, hope to be running along "highspeed" like again soon!

The Countdown Is On

2008-03-15T10:29:00.006-05:00

Five more days till graduation and only two more days of the academy (Mon and Tues)! We have been busy. David's parents came in on Wed and stayed until this weekend...they will be back on Tues. But they wanted to come early because last night was Family Night at the Fire Academy. All of the cadet's families came to the academy to see where they have been studying and training for the last 6 months. We had hamburgers and then the graduating class put on a "demonstration" for us. See car. See disassembled car. First they tore a car apart using the "jaws of life" and other tools to demo how they free people who are stuck in their car after a car wreck.

Car fire. Now you can't see car due to smoke from the fire being put out! Structure fire. This got hot! But the "after" pic looks like it was taken 30 mins later b/c the sun was setting but it was really like 7 sec. There was so much smoke.

A few pics of some of David's cadet buddies.

Joe....Avery's "boyfriend".

Mercado. Who David car pooled with for the last 6 months.

Fernandez. Two class clowns.

My Friend Joe

2008-03-10T09:22:00.006-05:00

Meet Joe. Joe is my new best friend.... I've always taken an interest in older guys anyway. Originally, Joe was Daddy's friend and fellow cadet from the academy, but now I call dibs every time Joe is around! Joe has been coming over lately to study with Daddy after eating supper with us. I LOVE to stare at Joe and make comments about his body. And I love to ask Joe questions one after another sometimes even before getting an answer to the previous question that I just asked. Joe LOVES to play in my room and see all my toys and clothes. Joe knows how to play the guitar and sing.... here he is singing some songs to me ...I just can't take my eyes of him and how his hands move on the guitar. Joe played and sang to me the song playing on the blog right now "Better Together" and I thought he was singing about us. I told Mommy this morning when I heard the song again that "Hey, that's Joe's song that he sang for me. Ahh, it's better when we are together!"

Tower of the Americas

2008-03-04T11:03:00.009-06:00

The last Saturday, David's fire cadet class had to run up the Tower of the Americas... a 750 ft. climb. I brought Avery with me, the event was actually open to the public if pre-registered so there were lots of people there with one goal in mind. Make it to the top! There were even working firefighters that volunteered to climb with all of their gear and everything. (Notice the axe).

These pics are of the guys getting ready to make the climb. The navy shirts are David's current class (they are the senior class so they got to wear their class shirts) and the gray shirts are the new class in the academy.

Whoo-hoo, David was the second cadet out of all these guys who made it up to the top the fastest! All glory goes to Jesus, David's Strong Tower, who abundantly gives him strength, endurance, health and determination. Only 2 weeks until graduation!!!!!!

Randomness

2008-02-29T07:36:00.004-06:00

M.K. tagged me to tell you seven random things about myself. Here they go...hope you find them some-what interesting. If you are reading this and you are a blogger, consider yourself tagged!

I'm a Reality TV junkie! I am so addicted to these shows...I've got so many set to record on my DVR it's just plain ridiculous. And b/c I have so many, and b/c I have so less hours in the day to watch tv....I'm so behind on my shows. Here is just a few that I watch right now (in the summer there is a whole new list).... Of course my favorite Big Brother, American Idol, Apprentice, Top Model, Project Runway, America's Best Dance Crew, Make Me a Super Model..... I think the only "fake" show that I watch is Days of Our Lives and Peep with Avery.
I want to be a millionaire by 2020 and truly believe that will happen. No, really, I am getting my self prepared for this gradual life-change....and if you are a close friend of mine, you shouldn't doubt this and you should get prepared too. Really.
Due to my Crohne's disease, I have 6 inches less of my colon than you do. While having surgery my appendix was removed too, just for fun! Also, I wore a colostomy bag for a month at the beginning of 2003....the hardest time of my life and the worst thing I've ever gone through.
Most people know I love going to the movies...NO romantic comedies though....has to be either a psychological thriller or an edge-of-your-seat world-wide catastrophe movie of some sort. I love the director, M. Night S. which he does have a new movie coming out soon!!! Anyway, that wasn't my #4....it is that while at the movies, popcorn and a coke is a given but I eat my popcorn with jalapenos... yum,yum, and more yum!!
I've never in my life ridden a horse.
Every morning, since Oct.2006, at 6 or 6:30 I get up, have my Hills Bros English Toffee Cappuccino and do my bible study. I know I know....why? Well, it's true about forming habits....and I wanted my early morning time with God (and no one else) to be a habit. That is what it has turned in to, and occasionally when this doesn't happen, there is just something "off" about the rest of my day. And there is just something about rising early and sitting a the feet of Jesus and asking him to speak to your heart, daily. It's my favorite part of the day!
I was engaged once before David. We live just 10 minutes from my ex-fiance. And the most random part is that he and David are good friends and on the same deer lease. Talk about some male-bonding time!!!!

Glamorous

2008-02-26T12:16:00.006-06:00

What these girls have in common is that they think they are "all that"!! As Avery says "I'm the pretty one of the family."

Lost & Hope to be Found

2008-02-23T15:56:00.002-06:00

I accidentally lost everyone who also is part of "Bloggers R Us" address today when I was trying to change my template...it was VERY frustrating. Please leave me a comment with your blogsite address or email it to me at chantel1212@hotmail.com. I LOVE reading yalls blogs too! Thanks!!

Ignition

2008-02-22T09:01:00.006-06:00

I haven't posted in forever...Ok, it's been like a week, but I've been fairly busy the last week. Getting back from Dallas was bitter-sweet. I totally missed David and Avery, but had a great time at Ignition and am so glad I went! David and Avery were still alive when I got home on Sunday afternoon and that's a huge plus.... HA! But I guess it's not all that surprising to see Avery in nothing more than panties on when they came home from church. She had tee-teed and Daddy forgot the back-up change of clothes. HA! We all learn the hard way it seems like!

Ignition was a blessing and a great get-away. Most of you know, but I work at home for a retail electricity provider, Stream Energy, out of Dallas. The company is called Ignite and I am "licensed" to switch people over from their current provider to Stream Energy at no cost them. Stream does have MUCH cheaper rates... 10.6 is the current lowest ever and lots don't know that they actually have a choice on who they want their electricity provider to be b/c Texas is the only state (so far) that has been deregulated. If you WANT a cheaper energy bill...hollar! I'll look up the rate for you and we can compare your current provider's rate with ours. My website is http://www.cellis.igniteinc.biz/

That was my quick bit of advertising on my blog. I guess it's fair game now...if you still continue to pay your high rates and all.......

Here are a few pics from Ignition...

It was huge....we were in Reunion Arena...with like 8,000 people.

Dad, Mom, me and Tara (sister in-law) and all of Team Inferno filling one section. (I know, with our red shirts and badges we look like "Team members of Target")!!!!

Tara and I with Executive Director and #8 Ignite money earner Tim Rose... he's from Tyler and is leader of Team Inferno.

Quality Family Time - Part 2

2008-02-14T19:02:00.009-06:00

This past weekend was another beautiful weekend...couldn't be more perfect for a picnic at the park.

We went to Avery's favorite park...the "airplane park". She calls it that because the airport is very near and the planes coming in for landing, fly super-close to the ground. And it's real loud!

After lunch it was time to play of course and why not make new friends too. Avery is pretty good about doing that anywhere and everywhere she goes....

This next pic cracks me up because not only was David helping Avery across the monkey bars, he was helping every kid that came up to it. He was "monkey bar patrol". The bars were really high off the ground and it seemed like such a long fall if the kid got stuck or slipped off. HA! He also wanted to show me how big is muscles are and he started doing pull ups on the bars....I couldn't get my camera up fast enough and he would NOT do them again for a pic!

Unfortunatly we won't be having our third family quality time weekend this coming weekend, b/c I am going to Dallas. But I'm sure there will be lots to blog about regarding the Daddy-Daughter weekend together.....say a prayer! :)

Quality Family Time - Part 1

2008-02-12T09:42:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we were given tickets (thanks Eric) to go to the annual San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Not only were we given just tickets to get in...they were amazing seats and a practically front row parking pass (a major plus)! My camera wasn't holding battery charge very well so I tried not to take too many pics. Avery LOVED the rodeo...it was so loud...but she didn't seem to mind. Her eyes were glued on the arena with the clowns, cowboys, horses and bulls!

After the rodeo, we went to the "fair grounds". It wasn't too crowded because it was SuperBowl day and lots of people were "doing football". We went to a Bird's of Prey show and it was so cool to see these awesome birds, but it was cut short (Avery got bored) because the bird trainer took a falcon out to show how it swoops and flys...but it flew up and away onto the AT&T Center dome and it wouldn't come down! HA....I actually felt sorry for the trainer becuase people started to leave the show (oh, like us) because we were waiting so long for the trainer calling his bird to come back.

This bird (I think eagle) was HUGE! It was brought out at the beginning and just sat there beside us the whole time...stretching it's wings then falling asleep.

This falcon was sat on David's hat on his head....it was so funny...but I couldn't get my camera out fast enough to snap a pic of the scene.

Of course we had to visit the petting zoo...

Besides the rodeo...it was perfect weather to get out doors anyway...what a memorable Sunday!

Not Alone

2008-02-07T15:52:00.000-06:00

A song for Kelli regarding the wonderful and reassuring news after the dreaded mammagram yesterday!!

Natalie Grant-I Am Not Alone
You're Here In My Heart
You're the Light That Guides Me Through The Dark
You Walk Beside Me
The Night Seems Cold
Each Time I Fall
Your Arms Are There To Hold
You Walk Beside Me Giving Strength I've Never Known
I Am Not Alone
You Walk Beside Me
You're Here In My Mind
I talk To You And All My Fears Unwind
I Know I'm Loved For who I am
You Make Me Wanna Be The Best I can
You Walk Beside Me Giving Strength I've Never Known
I Am Not Alone
You Walk Beside Me
I Am Not Alone
Where ever the Road Leads
And I rely on your patience
When I face the unknown
Because of you I am not alone
In the sun, In the rain
Through the good times and the pain
I reach out for your hand
I know that you understand

Something to Blog About

2008-02-05T11:02:00.000-06:00

I'm sure Avery wanted to find something that I could blog about...it just had to be the right timing...when I wasn't looking. Not keeping an eye on Avery isn't wise. (Kelli you know this after Avery eating soap in your bathroom!) But, I feel she is very safe in this apartment, but she can sure get into things and make a mess if she is by herself. While I was cooking in the kitchen, Avery was playing in our room (which I never think is good because of the computer, jewelry, bathroom stuff like "knee pads", etc..). After a while she came in the kitchen licking something....yes licking....at first I couldn't figure out what it was. I told her to show Mommy what it was and where she got it.......

She had used a stool to get up on the counter into the cabinet and discover dental floss for the first time....had a blast unraveling it....and just had to taste test it of course...yummy, this string taste like mints!

Cherie, you should be proud!

Now the next thing...well, I'll just tell you what proceeded it and then let the picture explain itself. I was on the computer while letting Avery play outside on the back porch area. With the door open and just the screen door closed I could hear everything...almost everything. She was super quiet, then she says "Mommy, I tee-teed and poo-pooed". AND POO-POOED??? (she has been know for tee-teeing outdoors). Not, I "need to go", but Avery is intelligent and she's good about putting into past tense the things that have already happened! What I can't get over, is that she was so proud of what she had done (especially in front of the guy cleaning the pool....(I know, it's winter and he is cleaning the pool...)). So sorry that he had to witness this. He was probably thinking "where is this little girl's momma! Oh, there she is...taking a picture of the evidence...humm."Hey what's the deal...this is why we don't have a dog...

Hometown Visit

2008-02-02T17:35:00.000-06:00

I know...it's been like 2 weeks since I've posted anything. Are yall so tired of seeing that Sunday Nap post? Sorry, Avery and I just got back recently from a wonderful visit to my home town, Tyler. It was a week long trip, full of things to blog about...but I won't bore you with all the details from the trip...just the highlights. Oh and know that the "highlights" are all memorable things but it doesn't mean they are all positive! By the way, David didn't get to go with us this time because of the academy...but that's why Avery and I were able to stay and visit for so long.

Avery's Highlights (chronicalogical order)....sorry my spell check is not working for some reason:

Surprise birthday party for Pa Pa
Fun w/ Shane and Evan
Cousin Ryan and rides on his John Deere Gator
G-ma's here!!! (great grandma)
Grandma's birthday cake...yummm....(and while no one was looking, shoveling in Ryan's piece of cake too!

Sunday school...didn't want to go at first....but started having a BLAST once they started singing!
Shrimp and onion rings at Clear Springs
No nap...when there was playing outside to be done w/Sushi (our cat)
Shopping and Ci Ci's with Grandma and G-ma
Lexie!!
Eating soap at Lexie's that looked like candy
The park
Lexie for the second day!!
Mazzio's with Angela and Lisa
Coming home to see Daddy

My Highlights:

5 hour drive with 2 year old
Locking my keys in my car in Palestine (Fire dept. came out to "rescue me" (how embarassing))!
Night spent at Cherie's house....and sweet baby Luke
Pedicure with Mom
Movie with Dad
G-ma's here! (Four generations...well five counting Avery's baby..Lovie)

Dave, Tara, Ryan and my new nephew, Rhett
The three cousins

My best friend, Kelli
Avery spitting out bubbles from the soap that she ate
Defeating and mastering "Toy Pop" w/ Kelli
Mazzio's w/ Angela and Lisa
Six hour drive home w/ 2 year old due to being stopped at an out of control brush fire and then a train a few minutes later....not fun!
Coming home to my husband
As a whole...bonding even more with my precious baby girl

Sunday Nap

2008-01-20T14:31:00.000-06:00

Now, tell me who...WHO can resist a good ol' Sunday afternoon nap? It's a given in our family. A true must. And they are legendary!

Cadet Ellis

2008-01-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

I'm so proud of my husband, Cadet Ellis. He has made it through half of his six month training at San Antonio Fire Training Academy. Just three more months till graduation (then you can be a real fireman again... doing real fireman stuff)! He has 40 guys in his class (actually 2 are girls) and has made a lot of friends, but has to be with these guys 5 days a week all day. They do intense physical training, lecture class which involves studying and tests and of course do "fire fighter training". I think we are both ready for him to go back to shift work...24 on, 48 off. Working every 3 days is not that bad. I haven't posted many pics of Cadet Ellis since we've lived here, but I've been meaning too. I guess there are just too many posts to create about Avery!

Saying bye-bye to Avery before heading out... must have been one of the mornings that we were all up before 7:00!

He didn't want me too, but I just had to get a shot of these massive boots that they have to wear daily as part of their uniform.

Heading out the door, with backpack on & lunch and running shoes in hand.

Going out, to bring home the bacon. Thanks, Babe! Graduation is right around the corner... March 19th. All are welcome to come ...announcements and invites will be sent out. Mark your calendars!

SAHM - The Secret Playground

2008-01-14T13:28:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, while Avery and I were out strolling we came upon a facsinating discovery! First we heard the sound of birds (birds in a cage) and followed the tweets. We walked right into the Secret Playground. It had been there all along and we didn't realize how close it was. How fun it is now,for a 2 year old, to walk over to the Secret Playground on such a pretty day!

You can see the bird cage that lead us to the discovery, in the background in the second pic.

Simply The Best

2008-01-11T08:53:00.000-06:00

I forgot that I had this sweet little pic... It's the last of all the Christmas pics that I'll post, but to me it is the best one. This is simply the best gift that was "opened" this Christmas!

OK, here is more evidence of a Smart Tot. Early this morning, Avery had my hair bands and she said that she was going to make an eight.... she made two of them....

HA! Don't worry, she not ALL brains...she is a silly girl too!

Add More Firsts

2008-01-08T15:43:00.000-06:00

Gotta add a couple more "firsts of many" to come. While David was gone this weekend at his last deerlease run for the season, Avery and I went to her first movie! We went to see the Bee Movie, which was way, WAY over her head...but she sat through the entire previews and movie. She even had some energy to dance with the music during the credits at the end. She was amazed at how dark it got when the movie started and how bright and sunny it was when we left. She loved the "big TV" and of course the popcorn....she even brought her candy necklace to eat on.

Who can go to the movies without getting popcorn???

I know that we all think that our own child is the smartest, cutest and most talented, but I just have to brag about Avery's first real drawing. We went to Bennigan's last night for supper and Avery had a paper with a tree already on it. She said she wanted to draw her and Grandpa in the woods. Thinking that she was going to scribble something, David and I were both shocked to see her draw exactly what she wanted and saying what each detail was... "this is the eyes, this is the nose,... mouth, hair, legs and feet". Grandpa, can you guess which one is you?

First of Many...

2008-01-04T15:20:00.000-06:00

The new year has brought a few firsts for little Avery already. Firsts of many of course. This is Avery's first kitchen for some great cooking! A kitchen is what she would tell Santa that she wanted him to bring her. Why is it with kids...and all of us....when we get a new "toy" we play with it all day for days, but about a week later it's not so exciting anymore? Every once in a while she gets in a mood and cooks up a storm!

Oops just realized that her eyes are closed here, but I did get a shot of her wearing her oven mit.

Avery's first necklace....it's small, it's not mine, and it's made of candy! I remember having a candy necklace that I loved when I was little. But unlike Avery, I was kind of a hoarder with all candy (halloween, christmas)....my brother can testify to this. Guess I didn't comprehend that after I ate all my candy...I could, you know, possibly get more! So, my candy necklace lasted for years......... don't think Avery's will last very long at all.

Hopefully this next "first" won't be of too many.... First busted lip! Avery slipped off the chair while playing with her new playdough and hit her mouth on the chair. I'm just thankful it wasn't a broken tooth (like your little boy, MK!) ( I know....it doesn't even compare with Arkansas teeth!)

Hey, but check out those sweet "beaver teeth".....that's what Avery called them after studying herself in the mirror this morning. It cracked me up!

And the Most Favorite Christmas Toy goes to............... her tricycle that she got on her birthday in April!! What? That thing is a huge hit now! Because, it is one of the firsts of many. A couple days ago she actually rode it (by pedaling, not scooting) by herself.

Does she not look like the cutest, tiniest, most precious thing here?!

May this new year bring your all of our little ones lots and lots of only wonderful firsts of many! Happy 2008!

Last Post 2007

2007-12-31T11:39:00.000-06:00

Really, I'm not going to post anything else on my blog until next year! Gosh, that "joke" is so old. Happy New Year's Eve! I'm sure we will do some "partying" until AT LEAST 9:00 tonight. HA! I don't think that I've actually "rung in the new year" in quite a few years. If I do stay up till midnight it would be to watch the ball drop on TV....and that just isn't that exciting anymore. I always think to myself when I see that huge partying crowd in New York, "Man, if I was there I would be cold, claustrophobic, and sooooo ready for bed!" Anyway, that's just me....I'd rather celebrate with some close friends and family with some good food and a couple of good board games, inside. Rather than outside with some drunk strangers.

David's family left early this morning to back to Tyler and the real world. We had so much fun while they all were here. I was so glad that Andy and Jason got to come. We celebrated Pa Pa's b-day on Saturday and Sunday, I went with the boys to my first movie since the move to San Antonio and saw I AM LEGEND with Will Smith. I loved this movie and can't wait to see it again! Lot's of people, I heard, thought it wasn't good....but this is just the kind of movie that I like. I recommend it if you want to be scared and on the edge of your seat...but not in a cheesy way like The Grudge or The Ring or something.

I also want to thank my mother-in-law for this weekend...and for some of my favorite things.... hashbrown casserole... kittens... a night out without a kid.... Macaroni Grill... Nicole Nordeman... and some real help in the kitchen! Happy 2008!

Card Problems

2007-12-26T09:43:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! First let me tell you about my card problems.... the first card problem was resolved but it just adds to the other problems so I had to share. About a week and a half ago, Avery was "playing" with my check card and "lost" it....(I know, irresponsibility). I was without it for two days and without cash....no Christmas shopping was done during that time...or anything bought for that matter. Second, I was very excited and happy that I dropped Kelli's b-day card in the mail in time for her to get it on her birth DAY....but on her birth DAY I got it back because of no postage...I forgot to put a stamp on it....(I know, absent minded). Sorry K....I sent it with your present with my parents! And the third card problem is the biggest. I ordered Christmas cards off the internet, late, but in time for them to be delivered to me and then mailed to everyone in time for Christmas. I also paid for next day delivery. Well, it's the day after Christmas and I still haven't received my cards! (I know, bad luck). If and when I get them, I will have to decide if it's worth mailing them out. So if you get a really really late x-mas card from us or don't get one at all....you now know why!

Our first San Antonio Christmas was great...but it's not over...David's parents and brothers are coming this weekend and we are having Christmas again. Avery couldn't be anymore excited! My parents came down on Sunday and just left yesterday. We introduced them to Macaroni Grill on "Christmas Adam" and on Christmas Eve, we went to the Oak Hills Christmas Eve service which was crowded yet beautiful.

Of course I have lots and lots of pics, but I need to get those organized. Here are some pics with both times that Avery got to see Santa...

Watch out Santa, you are showing her panties!

TT - Happy B-day Kelli

2007-12-20T09:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my friend Kelli! On this "Thankful Thursday" I am thankful for my best friend, Kelli...my one and only "big sis"!
Wake up, wake up Kelli it's the 20th of the month,
But by the time you read this, it'll be time for lunch.
Today is your day, no time to waste,
I'm sure there are presents to open and cake to taste.
The big 3-0 has come and gone,
But I bet there is more excitement when you are 31!
It's Thursday, Brian is off, it's time to go shop,
Put away that vacuum, broom and mop.
This is the day to celebrate YOU,
So have a fun day with all that you do.
I thank God for you...and of course 31 years ago,
You mean so much to me..more than you'll ever know!
Happy Birthday, my friend, I love you!

Third & Final Miscellaneous (for now)

2007-12-18T16:31:00.000-06:00

Tea Pitcher Vase...

At David's arrival home from the ever so visited deer lease, he brought me these beautiful flowers... full of gerber daisies (my favorite). The only problem...we didn't have a vase. None were packed in our move. Moving into this apartment was supposed to be a temporary move...so we didn't want to pack and unpack everything that we own. So, the tea pitcher worked nicely. Thanks, Babe...I love my flowers and I love you! My fireman, you can't put out THIS fire!

Another "temporary" Decision....

Because of the apartment situation we were not able to bring one of the most precious things to me. Sushi, our Siamese male, is temporarily staying at my parents'. I have been missing him so much lately, and Avery has been too. David has forgotten about him. That's OK, because Sushi doesn't like David anyway! We actually have had Sushi longer than Avery! I can't wait until Sushi can be part of our family again.

Birthday Shopping Spree...

Thanks to Mom and Dad and Kelli for sending me gift cards to Target for my birthday. While Avery was in MDO, I totally took advantage of my free time and spent every last cent on those cards. Yea for shopping sprees.....that was FUN!

Call 911...

Congrats to my husband for getting his certificate in the mail stating that he's an EMT again. In Palestine, he was an EMT, but here in SA, fire fighters have to be EMS certified again so that they can run calls on the ambulance too. It's not particularly what David wants to do, but he is required to do that as well as fight fires for a certain amount of years. Now, I feel even more safe! :)

One week....

ONE MORE WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS!!

Hand-made Socks...

These are our stockings that I made for our little family. What's neat is, I made all 3 of them before our family was complete....I was pregnant with Avery.

Christmas Sweatshirt...

And I just had to attempt to make a cute little Christmas shirt for Avery this year. Yes, there is Dorito cheese remnant on it because I forgot to take a pic of it before now....and Avery wore it to MDO today! ;) It's kind of cheesy (not the Dorito cheese) but the idea, but Avery is so proud and loves to hear the little jingle bells when she moves.

Miscellaneous Continued

2007-12-14T15:33:00.000-06:00

Cards...

Thanks to everyone that sent a birthday card or e-card to me for my b-day! They really meant alot. And Kelli....yours meant alot to my daughter so much that I had to hide it. For hours she was opening that thing...everytime she opened it, it was like it was the first time! (The card was one of those that when you opened it, it sang "Happy Birthday" to you until you shut it again!

Live-in Nanny...

Maybe it is the right time to have another baby....Avery could be responsible for all the diaper changes. Here she is changing Baby Tad's diaper...she doesn't know I'm taking pics.

Miscellaneous

2007-12-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

Birthday...

I'm 30 today! I can't believe the big 3-0 has finally come. Today, Wednesday, although it's my b-day, it feels like just any old other day. I tried to get Avery to understand it was Mommy's b-day, but she just wondered where the birthday cake was! HA! So, what's a b-day without your favorite birthday cake? Even though it is cold and wet today, Avery and I bundled up and headed to Wal-mart for some stuff to make cup cakes. After we got home, and after I put on my flannel pajama pants, I realized that our muffin pan didn't get packed somehow in the move. Soooo, back in the car to HEB to buy a muffin pan to make those b-day cup cakes....with the pj pants, no make-up and Avery with no shoes...I carried her. The cup cakes were delicious (yellow with choc. icing of course and Christmas sprinkles) and a real b-day treat! And here is the after math..... (the after math of a cup cake plus a 2 year old!)...

I know...could be A LOT worse!

Quarter-life Crisis...

I think my husband is going thru a quarter-life crisis, since he has sheared off his leg and arm hair! HE says its because of Rescue Week at the fire academy and he doesn't want his hair pulled! Whatever the reason, it's still strange it hear the sound of the shears buzzing in the bathroom and know what's being shaved. HA! Love you, Babe! (Sorry, no pics)

Excerpts From a Not-so-Average Tot...

Remember how Avery all the sudden started counting backwards one day...well now she is counting like this.... "Uno, dos, tres"! Is it because she lives in San Antonio? I never taught her to count in Spanish...guess some one's teaching her...maybe it's Dora....she can count all the way to Cinco (Five)!

Mannequin...

Does anyone else notice something strange about this mannequin at JC Penny's....I just had to take a pic!

I mean the sweater is cute and all, but that girl just doesn't look right!

Brunette...

Last week I went dark again....my hair. I just needed a change. And no, I'm not going through a quarter life crisis, because I go from blonde to brown, brown to blonde frequently. Those of you that are fans of the blonde....don't worry, that is my favorite too, and it will be back around Spring!

Queen for the Moment...

As I was getting ready in the bathroom, Avery came in my room and announced that she was the Queen.....

What a happy queen! Guess the rug turned into a beautiful flowing robe, only in a child's imagination.

Elfed...

I just had to copy Stacey and Jessica...it was too cute not to! The Ellis family was elfed....take a look here... http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1281613156

SAHM - Chuck E Cheese

2007-12-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

I'm getting a lot of responses about my $6 tree. I guess I misinformed everyone...I meant that the decorations were $6 from the Dollar Tree. The actual tree...we already had and yes I'm sure it was at least $30. Sorry if you thought that that whole tree was $6!

This post about me and Avery's SAHM experience actually happened last Monday...I just never got around to posting it. Since the Winter Festival was so lame and Avery really didn't get to do anything but sit in a stroller and get wet, I thought that Avery and I could do something fun that Monday. I remember Chuck E Cheese as a kid but not much....must have been when I was really young or maybe I just went a couple of times. Anyway, this trip to Chuck E Cheese was Avery's first and the first time she has even heard of him. Here is Avery meeting CEC. He was moving and singing so she really didn't know what to do or think. (That was kinda scary). Not long after her experience with CEC she got into all the fun stuff.

Dancing on the video in front of the blue screen. That was another thing she couldn't quite figure out.

Riding on the yellow truck that really moved back and forth like two inches....she how she is thinking "when is it going to start moving?"

We dared to eat lunch there, which will never happen again.....yuck.....I felt like I needed to eat fruit and a big salad while driving home!

One of Avery's favorites is climbing in the play thing....and of course sliding!!

This is the "game" that she kept going back to...like 3 or 4 times. Talking to CEC on the phone. Just simply amazing!

$6 Tree

2007-12-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, the bow at the top is a little much and kinda overwhelming the little tree, but I made the bow before I decorated the tree. It was my first bow to make actually and this tree is the first Ellis family tree that I have really thought about, taken time, and mindfully decorated. Try to beat this finished look....with $6 to Dollar Tree. Avery and I decided we needed a beautiful tree since all of our family is coming here for Christmas...3 separate times. So, Avery helped pick out the decorations at the Dollar Tree and of course I, and David, were very pleased with the total being six bucks! I couldn't decide on silver or gold, so I did both....which looks great together...but only at Christmas time! And I needed an accent color so I opted for red...the ribbon and the berrys. It's still a tiny little tree, but it has already brought warmth to our little apartment. David helped put the balls on while leaving the "handmade" bows up to me. I tried to teach him but he didn't want to learn how to make a bow...he would rather just hang something! And of course a pic of the big Christmas helper...... "And I helped" she would say!

Tuesday

2007-12-04T16:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks for my new purple raincoat, Grandpa and Grandma!

And thanks for sending my purple stroller...I've missed it. I sure have been having fun!!

A Not-So-Winter Festival

2007-12-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we went to the Stone Oak Winter Festival. David had plans to go to the deer lease again but decided to go with us to the fest and then leave from there. It was short sleeve weather when we left, but after we got there and were strolling around, it started misting and the wind picked up. Also, Avery had to go tee tee and there were only port-a-pottys (GROSS!) David took off to the deer lease so that left me with holding Avery because she was cold and getting wet, while I was trying to push the stroller with one hand(not umbrella stroller). Plus I didn't know what I was going to do with the stroller with all our stuff in it while I was in the port-a-potty with Avery. So our festival outing lasted about an hour. Avery did get to take a pic with Blue which was very exciting...she kept giving him high fives....

Daddy was just "thrilled" to see Blue as well!

In this pic, Avery is giving her toy that we brought to the Toys for Tots. I was afraid that she wasn't going to give it up, but she was such a big girl and everyone thought she was such a doll. There wasn't much to do there for little Avery except for one bouncy thing, but the line was ridiculous. The line was even longer to play in the real live snow (which was all packed down and brown by the time we got there) and even longer to see Santa! We DID stand in line to go down the huge slide...but when it was me and Avery's turn the "conductor" of the slide said that Avery was too short. I asked if I could go with her and he said, "only one at a time". So Avery didn't ride or slide or bounce on anything this trip. There was a little game that enticed us though.... The sign said "Prize Everytime" and all that was there was a kiddy pool full of different colored rubber ducks and frogs...how easy for Avery! As soon as it was David and Avery's turn, Avery was reaching in for her frog and the lady said to David "Two dollars!" OK....too bad there wasn't a sign with the "Prize Everytime" sign that said "$2 per duck/frog". Hmmm...oh well, fun and games for Avery at least...don't really know what the "game" was because after she picked up a frog she went into the little covered area and picked out what she wanted to get for the $2! Still haven't figured out what the purpose of the little kiddy pool was for.

HA! This pic cracks me up...I notice, after I have written everything, the fine detail. As you can see Daddy and Avery are picking out the "prize". Can you guess what it is yet? You can see the "Prize Everytime" sign...and if you look real close you can see the lady in yellow actually holding up her fingers stating that she needs $2 from the lady in blue while at the same time her child also in blue is bending over picking out his duck/frog!!

And here is what Avery chose.....first swing after we got home was at the Christmas tree....

"Maid" to Love

2007-11-30T16:02:00.000-06:00

Today was house cleaning day...and we sooo needed it. I didn't forget about my Thankful Thursday, I just didn't have time to blog. I learned something so neat in bible study yesterday that I will treasure for a life time....well, as long as I am cleaning my own house! A woman in bible study said that she has been doing this for years and actually some of yall might have already heard this before....but anyway it was new to me, but what a difference it made in my house cleaning day. She said since cleaning is such a chore and most of us dread doing it, we might as well make the best out of it by giving glory to God. She said, the whole time you are cleaning, as you go around to each room, and to each thing, thank God for that "thing" and send up thanks and praises to him for blessing you and your family for that thing. Like today, I thanked Him for each thing I was cleaning and spoke why I was so thankful. Today I was thankful for my fridge... I said "Thank you for this fridge even though it is not new and big...it keeps my food cold for my family so that we can have plenty, good and fresh food to eat whenever we get hungry, days and even weeks from now." Today I was thankful for my carpet...I said "Thank you for this carpet even though I wish to have a house filled with hard wood floors....this carpet is so soft on my baby's delicate feet and it is warm to walk on bare foot when it is cold outside." Today I was thankful for Avery's training potty...I said "Thank you for this little potty even though it gets nasty and I have to empty it frequently...it gives my little toddler security while she is learning to do big girl things....I'm thankful that I am washing it instead of changing diapers." And today I was thankful for the trash can....I said "Thank you for this garbage can even though it stinks....I'm so grateful that I can just simply throw away my trash and garbage and get rid of it and never have to deal with it again."Being thankful for the trash can reminded me of some of the promises that God has made to us! As far as the east is from the west. Cleaning house this way, made it where it wasn't just work but it turned into worship and also serving for my family. I wanted to share with all you, others that don't have a maid yet! Maybe some day I will be thankful for a maid....but I will still go around and be glad and thankful for everything that I am blessed with.

While vacuuming (which is the very last thing I do) the vacuum started smoking and smelling really really bad. I truly believe the enemy will try even harder when there is worship and praise music going on through out your house. (By the way, Avery just loves it when I put praise music on...she sings and dances).....hey! that's another thing the enemy didn't like today! Anyway, what Satan didn't realize that even though the cleaning stopped....the praising sure didn't....AND that I have candles for the smell...AND I have a handy dandy husband who will get home later and fix the vacuum!

Our Little Christmas Tree

2007-11-28T14:10:00.000-06:00

I didn't wake up with the Christmas spirit but shortly got into it. We did however wake up in our pajamas which lasted all day. Avery and I started to put up the Christmas tree around noon today in our PJs. I always forget just how long it actually takes to put that little thing up...especially with a two year old. Avery helped so much....................

Not too long after we were making some progress, Avery decided she was bored with spreading out the limbs for Mommy.......

HA! I finally got the tree up, undecorated....it's our little family's little tree...it's only 6 ft, skinny and bare but it will do. It has added so much already and it will light up our little apartment. We are really going to enjoy our first San Antonio Christmas! I even got out Avery's tiny tree for her room, but she was so busy with all the other Christmas things...like wearing the big socks (stockings)! Let the holidays continue. Season's greetings everyone....the season IS here.

Monthly Vegetable

2007-11-27T11:06:00.000-06:00

Grandparents, you would be proud. Check out this spinach salad Avery was shoving down last night! I just had to take some pics because it might be a while until we ever see something as rare as this again. For over a year now, the ONLY veggies that Avery eats is an occasional green bean and maybe uncooked carrots (of course dipped in Ranch). It depends on what mood she is in. I was just amazed at how much she enjoyed her "leafs" and the fact that she just couldn't get enough or get them in her mouth fast enough. (I just feel sorry for the teachers at MDO that takes her to the potty today!)

Before I forget...I've been meaning to mention something about the Bachelor.....for those of you who watched....WHAT was Brad thinking? It still bothers me a week later. I think he must have been told and paid not to pick someone! AND....on Days, can you believe John Black is really and truly dead and gone?

Ok, had to get that out of the way. I'm very proud of my news boots that my Dad bought me (maybe as an early b-day present) when we went shopping together. Remember, it was freezing and I needed some shoes bad! Ladies, get to Wal-mart now....these are the cutest crochet boots for winter and they were only $14. I saw them and remembered that Oprah had them as one of her favorite things...except they weren't from Wal-mart! The brand name is UGG and they are like $130. And so comfortable.

Avery has been so excited to give her MDO friend, Wyatt, his b-day present. We weren't able to go to his party since it was Saturday and we were in Tyler. She has been talking about giving him his present at school and then "getting a little bit of Wyatt's birthday". I think she means the cake.

I think anyone would love a birthday card as beautiful and artistic as this one!

SAHM - After T-Day

2007-11-26T14:56:00.000-06:00

It's Monday...back to the real world. But I still love being a SAHM. Avery found some more uses for her latest favorite toy..... you know, remember the "knee pads"? She calls these her new flip-flops. Even thoug they are stuck to her feet I think she thinks that she has to "hold" them on with her toes. She didn't call the next anything but was wrapping them around her hands like gloves. WOW...so interesting. HA!

We had a great time during Thanksgiving. We left SA in 85 degree weather...I was literally sweating because Avery and I took a walk before our 5 hour trip. We we arrived in Tyler, actually 6 1/2 hours later....it was FREEZING. We had fun staying up playing games and in the morning Pa Pa made an awesome Thanksgiving breakfast. Later at Grandaddy and Granny's house 30 minutes before Thanksgiving dinner the fun came to an end because Grandaddy had to go to the hospital because of some chest pains and high blood pressure. We all wanted to be safe than sorry. Grandaddy (David's Mom's Dad) is still in the hospital and may be there a while...I will update with some more news tomorrow.

The next day, we went over to Dave's (my brother's house) for yet another Thanksgiving. It was so much fun....of course holding baby Rhett all day! Ryan and Avery wore their selves out! Oh, I almost forgot.....(now I sound like Mickey on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse....those with little ones know what I'm talking about). Anyway, before we went over to Dave's, Dad and I woke up early to do a little shopping. I've never shopped on the Friday after Thanksgiving and I will never do it again! It was ridiculous! The only good thing was that I ran into Cherie at 7:00 in the morning unexpectedly. What a nice surprise to see my friend. I was looking for some shoes, because the warmest pair I had were some flip-flops!

Now that we are back, it sure does feel good to be home....it always feels that way...both here and there. It's kinda funny. Today I got to see another friend that I hadn't seen in forever! It was another wonderful thing. Lauren was still in town here in SA and we met for lunch with both of our girls. Side note - You know when your kid acts like a little toot the first time that you friend sees and meets them and you worry that that is what your friend is going to think they are like ALL the time...... Well, that is what happened. Avery was unbelievable....being such a little toot! Ahhh...sorry Lauren that our lunch was not eaten in peace, but it was so great to see you and hug your neck....and see sweet McKinley too. What a precious girl. Lauren assured me that she believes Avery is a precious girl too!!!

We love you Lauren and McKinley!!

T-Day

2007-11-22T09:32:00.000-06:00

Let's start eating! Thank God for family, food and fun. We are in Tyler and I am personally ready for hashbrown cassarole, games and the Cowboys. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm so thankful for all of you!

Smarter Than the Average Tot

2007-11-20T19:01:00.000-06:00

Anyone that knows Avery well enough knows that she is an exceptional child....not quite a genius (I don't think) but for sure a very quick learner and has an amazing memory. Yesterday while she was making a worm with her play dough, she started counting....backwards. She started at 10 and ended at 1 perfectly. Why? I don't know but she is amazing to me....daily. Maybe I should start a weekly post about all of the surprising things that she does. I forget half of them....

This time tomorrow we will be starting our Thanksgiving celebration! We are so excited. First stop is Grammy & Pa Pa 's house.

SEE YOU TOMORROW G & P!

(Yes, Avery marked on her shirt with a red marker)

I cleaned the entire apt today....I hate coming home to a dirty house. Avery helped....she was with me all day today even though we got dressed and packed to go to MDO. It was closed....I wonder why I wasn't notified. Good thing I don't drive half across SA to get there....it's literally two minutes away. Anyway, so Avery was all dressed and no where to go. I had already planned on running to couples places so I drug her with me. First stop...Municipal Court...to show proof of my registration. I've been stopped for it twice now!! WELL...it was due in JULY! Anyway, $10 took care of that.

Avery and I were tired today....we were up from 12:30 to 4:00 last night. I ended up on the floor beside my bed with her....so uncomfortable....she was wide awake.....I wasn't......it was hard....but sometimes I have those nights too when you just can't sleep for nothing. (SIGH)

Well, I don't know what happened to Thugs N Harmony. Maybe they broke up.

Avery just came in here and started pushing buttons on the keyboard...she said "Am I messing up your pooter?" (computer) We are waiting for him to get home...the last two days at the academy, they have been training for Swift Water Rescue. Today they met at the Comal in New Braunfels. I'm anxious to see how it went. Better him than me...that's all I have to say!

Last night, Avery was playing beauty shop with Daddy, putting clips in what is left of his hair - I don't know how she did it..... of course Daddy just loooved it and loved me taking pics too!

SAHM - Change of Attitude

2007-11-19T15:44:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm fully aware that that is MY bed that Avery is in. Tell me, who could refuse an angel like that snuggled up in bed with them? I recently watched a program with Beth Moore giving a great lesson. She was talking about circumstances in our lives and how to deal with them. What I got from that, I know I will never forget and I will always remember no matter how big or small the circumstance. She said "After we have asked God to change our circumstance and situation and it doesn't look like it is going to change for a while....we must then change our attitude". I'm glad God erases bad feelings toward others when we ask Him to and even works the negative things out for good. Well, He promised to do that with everything. This weekend I decided I needed to change my attitude toward some circumstances. For example...as you know.....I was tired of being mad and frustrated with sweet little Avery. For some reason she is scared and I need to do nothing more than to open my arms to her and comfort her. That's what we want our heavenly Father to do with us in the middle of the dark and scary night. It's amazing how much weight I feel like has been lifted now that I have decided to change my attitude instead of praying for this situation to change.

We are excited about this week...our trip back home for Thanksgiving. I've been talking about seeing family as much as possible with Avery and she is getting very excited too. I'm thinking she is getting it and understanding we don't live close anymore. David is back from the deer lease and managed to get his first doe of the season....sorry no pics of that. Oh, I DO need to get pics of something else soon. For the past two evenings there has been three or four "gangsters" parked right outside our apartment. I call them the Thugs N' Harmony because they just stand around this one car listening and singing with their rap music (which is very vulgar by the way) for hours. And while they sing and rap to each other, they bounce. I'll be very scared for them to see me get a pic...but we'll see. They really don't bother me, because the music is not loud enough for us to hear it inside, but it is kinda awkward and annoying when we actually go outside to our car or go strolling...they go right along with their cussing and bouncing. I wonder....do they really, I mean really not have anything better to do??

Hey don't forget to set you DVR's for Oprah's Favorite Things 2007 tomorrow!!

Turn Down the Monitor

2007-11-17T15:00:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it has come to this.....it's 3:00 in the middle of the day...I have lost my mind and I have just turned down the monitor for the first time. Have we really come to the end of naps? Surely not. Yes, Avery has transitioned her screaming and fit throwing into her naps as well. How can this be? I mean night time is one thing....but NAPS? Naps are sacred! I love my daughter but I NEED her nap time as much as she needs it. Can anyone relate to that? I refuse to give up nap time....I have chosen to turn down the monitor. It's awful. She is standing at her door screaming for me right now.

I know for a good week, all I have posted on my blog has been about Avery's sleeping situation but that is seriously my life right now. Everything during the day comes back to how we feel...and I feel...tired. David is gone again for the weekend to the deer lease. And it's OK, but given the situation I can't help but feel at little bitter. Again, this is my blog....I'm entitled to feelings and expressing them. I just feel at little crazy right now...not even because of the sleepiness but because I feel like I am raising a completely different little girl. Who snatched Avery? And where is my little girl who used to LOVE to snuggle in her own bed with her lovie, lambies and Baby Tad....and would read her books till she feel asleep?

Well, I want and NEED to write about something else. In other news....on Wednesday, David and I totally missed out on going to the So You Think You Can Dance tour here in SA. We even had tickets to go and had been planning it for like 2 months. I thought it was this coming Monday instead of Wednesday and had actually been planning on that day. Without a baby sitter, what can you do? I heard it was so neat. I was so looking forward to seeing Neil, Danny, Lacie and Sabra....oh and of course Hok. Oh well, maybe next year.....

She has done it...she has used super toddler strength and managed to open her heavy door that drags on the carpet.......

Ok, I can't be THAT crazy if I actually take pics of her during all this. Or is that part of my craziness? This is Avery pretending to be asleep on my bedroom floor right beside the computer where I am. Poor thing. Who? Me or her? My crazy self has convicted me to do one thing....pick this little thing up and put her in MY BED.....

TT - Bad Night Good Day

2007-11-15T16:11:00.000-06:00

How does some one's personality and mood change drastically from 10:00 at night to 6:00 in the morning? I love the smiles and laughter that morning bring from this sweet girl, still even after another bad night. We aren't crying it out anymore...just staying in Avery's room till she goes to sleep. Last night...an hour and a half. But sometimes I think SHE has lost her mind when she is crying and screaming while I am sitting in the room right next to her....I felt like screaming too! Amidst all this, I forgot to put a pull-up on Avery, so she woke up at 6:00 and accidentally tee-teed in her bed. Mommy's fault. But we did have a great Thursday. Avery celebrated Thanksgiving with her Bible class and got to have lunch and made all kinds of crafts. She is napping so hard right now. Well, can't believe in ONE week it is already Thanksgiving. Let's give thanks, a week before!

Thankful Thursday list...I'm thankful for:

My cappuccino each morning
The cool front that just arrived
Your prayers about Avery's sleep
Baby Tad
Bible Land teachers at church (we had an appreciation luncheon for them today)
The wall knocked down outside our apartment....now we can see and don't feel confined!
Being with family in less than a week

This Too Shall Pass

2007-11-14T08:41:00.000-06:00

The morning is here...thank goodness to the newness and freshness that morning always brings! We survived... and of course in the morning problems don't seem as bad as they do at night. Why is that? Avery finally went to sleep (and slept all night) after a two hour ordeal. We were all three exhausted. We didn't let her cry it out all the way...30 minutes was all I could bear. Avery was making herself sick, shaking and sweating and being hysterical. David and I thought we were going to lose our mind. She finally fell asleep as her Daddy stoked her hair and rubbed her back....every minute or so she would open her eyes just to see if we were still there. She is so precious, but that was a rough night for all of us. We'll see how tonight goes. Avery and I are going to the park because I promised her we would go if she slept in her big girl bed all night. Oh and NOW she wants to play with her Baby Tad!!

Cry It Out

2007-11-13T20:43:00.000-06:00

At this very moment, while I write this....we are letting Avery "cry it out". We haven't done this since she was 7 months old. PLEASE pray that all went well. It is almost unbearable sitting here listening to her screams on the monitor. David's solution - turn down the monitor. So you might be wondering why it has come to these extremes....well we do too. For 5 nights Avery has been crying and sometimes screaming when she is put to bed. She also does it when she wakes up in the night, which is at least 3 or 4 times each night. She says that she is scared and wants to sleep in our bed. This is the thing....I am one of "those" moms. I have not and will not let my child sleep in our bed. I can't sleep...with all that tossing and moving around...and now grinding of the teeth. Yes, Avery grinds her teeth at night, it's really strange but the doctor said that she would grow out of it. Anyway, I did sleep with her last night (I just wanted sleep SOOO bad I would do anything). The anything was sleeping with Avery in her toddler bed! I ended up being so cramped and miserable, but I just wanted her to get good sleep cause she had "school" the next day. After I did take her to MDO, I even went on a BABY TAD mission. (Thanks Kelli and Lexie for letting us have your Baby Tad a long time ago....it was Avery's favorite toy, but it stopped working a couple days before our move to SA). So, I thought if I could just find another one, she would do better at night. Well, she is still screaming for her daddy right now....guess Baby Tad lost it's soothing touch. By the way, Baby Tad has been discontinued and is now different, but during my search mission I found ONE at Ross for $20. Avery WAS thrilled. The silence is still not here yet. But I know this couldn't possibly last all night...could it?

SAHM Monday - Funny Girl

2007-11-12T16:35:00.000-06:00

David made it home from the deer lease at about 3:00 today...no trophies this trip. Avery has been talking about him all weekend and was excited to wake up from her nap and see Daddy. Avery and I had a great girl's weekend. It seemed short. Now here we are back in Monday again. Just the typical things happening today ... cleaning up the house, a little stroll, a couple loads of laundry, and a quick trip to HEB. Last Monday I said that I wanted to dedicate my Monday blogs to being a stay at home mom. There's a couple things during each day that I wonder if I would ever experience if I wasn't here with Avery. Like walking into the bathroom to see this.....

Of course this is a reenactment because during the real incident, Avery was actually going potty. But it looked just like this ... her lamb propped up and everything. Guess she was showing Moses (the name of the lamb) how it's done!!

And yes, Avery named her lamb Moses without our help! HA! She has another lamb named Lamus and another one which was named last night, Lango. Another surprising sight on this Monday, was this running down the hall....

Ok, sorry to any guys reading this, but those two white things are pantie liners....... She must have gotten into my stash under the cabinet. Now why would a two year old do that!! :) Avery said, "Now I am ready to go roller skating." (Knee pads)! Later on, I found that they were quite used today.... actually on her knees, stuck to the mirror, stuck on her forehead, stuck on her lambies and had been drawn on with a pink marker. Yea, Monday!

Raise the Roof

2007-11-09T14:19:00.000-06:00

It's a girl's weekend. David is off to the deer lease today and will be back Monday. We have already started the weekend off with a bang this morning with Super Target and the new park on Heubner! (well, it's new to us) Oh, just wanted to clarify one of the things I'm thankful for...."Freedom of Choice". Don't want anyone to think I'm getting too liberal here! HA! Who ME? Just think about it...we are so lucky to have that freedom....and I'm just talking about everday simple things....really simple things. Like freedom to choose where we want to live, what to eat, what to do with our day, what to wear, what church we go to, or what we watch on TV. It's such a great freedom...the freedom to choose!

Speaking of church, Avery is so proud of her art that she makes in bible class. She is mostly proud cause her Mommy and Daddy are proud and make a big deal about it. She loves it! And I really, really believe that this is going to make a HUGE impact on her life...possibly for the rest of her life....that she is starting early. She is learning so much in her little bible classes and she loves to talk and sing about it. As a matter of fact she is in 3 classes a week...I know that is alot but what else am I supposed to do with her? Sunday morning she goes, Wednesday night and Thursday morning she goes to her long one, because Mommy's is long. Listening to her sing her songs is so sweet to my hears. It's funny cause some of the things that this two year old talks about I can't even remember....like Daniel's three friends being protected and not burned in the fiery furnace. I forgot about that one.....

This is the lion's ears and mane ... guess she was still learning about Daniel (Daniel and the lion's den)....

And of course...Jonah and the whale.

Don't get me wrong, I've taught her most of the bible songs that she knows, but her hearing them over and over is really healthy for her. There is this one somg that David and I had actually never heard of. It's so cute when she sings it. She puts her hands in the air and goes up , up, up with them (just like "raise the roof"). And sings "My God is a great big God...." I asked her to sing it for me this morning but she didn't want to AT ALL. Then, after I had put her down for a nap, I hear...."My God is a great big God...you can come take a picture now!"

Thankful Thursday

2007-11-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

I've got to come up with some unique titles for my thankful Thursdays....this is not one! Well, I am very thankful this week ...here's my list.....

Mercies made new every morning
Medicine that works
When there is nothing else...there is always PB&J!
Helpful people...even when they don't have to be
7 hours of sleep plus a bonus 30 minute nap!
Freedom of choice
Brunch at bible study

Early Start

2007-11-07T09:32:00.000-06:00

Avery woke up at 4:30 this morning ....that means I did too. She usually wakes about 6:30, but this morning she insisted on laying on the couch and watching cartoons. I even tried laying on the floor in her room so that we wouldn't disturb David. (No, that is not really a pic of me....it was too early to take any pics...but I know it does look like me).

But on top of our sleepiness, Avery and I both have colds, so we were in there coughing and hacking...... I don't know how he does it. How do guys just sleep thru a crying baby and all the other noise to go along with it? Come on, the monitor is right there...you've got to hear what's going on. I mean, it's either you hear it but ignore it and go back to sleep or you really and truly don't hear it! How? But just think.....if there was a buck grunting or a turkey gobbling out our door.... THAT would be heard and dealt with. But EVERY TIME, if asked about it, my husband says "Yes, I was awake the whole time....I wasn't getting any sleep". WELL? Can anyone relate to this? It's crazy what men can just choose to "block out". (Now, that really doesn't look like David!)

Ok, Ok, I am relieved that I didn't have to go do P.T. at 7:00 with the Navy Seals. I guess all that exercising makes someone sleep exceptionally well, with disturbances and all..........

Stay At Home Moms

2007-11-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

I love, more than anything, staying home with this little girl. I am so very thankful for this. I am so blessed and fortunate! I think all of us SAHM feel this way. Avery and I are having a great day together...doing nothing. Yes, sometimes I feel bored stuck in the house and sometimes I do feel like I need a "break" from a two year old, but for the most part my heart is full of joy EVERY time I see her face in the morning. I know she is mine and I am hers. I wanted to start a new thing on Mondays to dedicate my blog to being a Stay at Home Mom. Kinda like some of us bloggers are doing on Thursdays.... "thankful Thursdays". I thought it would be good to do it on Mondays because that is when everyone else goes back to their workplace. And again I am so lucky to not have to miss one single thing........

Silly things.........

...like when I was making up the bed and Avery was "hiding" from me. And she still loves to play peekaboo!

Creative things....

....like playing with playdough ....for almost an hour!

Check out the face. She was so intense, she has got the tongue hanging out!

And innocent things.....

....like carefully buckling up her babydoll in her own stroller and then, those sweet tip toes....

I encourage all the SAHM bloggers and part-time SAHM bloggers to dedicate Mondays to the reason why we do what we do - and love it!

Better Late Than Never

2007-11-04T17:27:00.000-06:00

Had to post a pic of Avery last year as a little lady bug! I know Halloween was soooo last week, but I never had a chance to post pics of my fairy's Halloween night. Avery and I drove to Tyler on Thursday and went to our family reunion on Saturday....where she had a BLAST with all of her cousins! Halloween night was fun for us too...we took Avery to another Fall Festival, but we called this a "carnival" so that she would know that we were somewhere different. It was held at Church Hill Baptist Church.... right down the road ...where she goes to MDO. We decided this would be a better idea than trick or treating ....she is two and we still have to follow her around everywhere and she would want to eat EVERY bit of the candy that she gets from each house right then and there.

The fairy/princess presents herself again!

She rode the CUTEST little train... six painted barrells pulled by a fun lawn mower!

Fishing for candy with Daddy... he's like "Watch Avery, I'll show you how to pull in the big one!"

People couldn't take their eyes off this tiny fairy doing the Cupcake Walk. Avery thought she won everytime!

Of course another bouncy jump castle.

And a magical kiss from Avery to you...fairy style.......

Blogger's Pride

2007-10-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-27T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-25T15:42:00.000-05:00

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:

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

Finally Officially Fall

2007-10-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-17T07:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

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."

2007-10-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-14T17:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-11T15:05:00.000-05:00

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?