And the Results are in...

Doing it Fancy, just like Nancy

Jane O'Connor, the author of the Fancy Nancy books, came to Rochester this week for a book signing. So, of course we took advantage of the opportunity to meet her and get one of Ella's favorite books signed.

Ella was so excited that she nagged and nagged us all day to go make dinner so that it would be time to go to the Fancy Nancy party. She would scream at me to go out to the oven and I would have to explain that it still wasn't time for dinner (2 year olds, where are their patience?).

Finally it was time to go and Ella got "dressed up" (this is actually what she wears daily but she was excited that we were going to let her leave the house in it).

Jane O'Connor read her new Christmas book and did some other fun things with the kids. Our favorite was telling them that the way to learn to walk with correct posture is to walk around with a banana on your head. She said people used to use books, but the book could fall and get hurt, so bananas are the in thing now.

Ella had a blast with the art projects (she made the cutest Fancy Nancy ornaments). It was great because we didn't have to wait in the long line. We just did crafts until it was our turn.

The author was so nice and Ella's boots were the hit of the night!!! After all, no fancy girl is complete without shiny pink cowgirl boots, right?

Christmas Miracles..not the average Christmas Letter

I remember when we lived in Fort Worth...Chris and I were talking about our lives and I said that we hadn't had any trials for awhile. We were out of school, Chris had a good job, Ella was an easy baby, and so on.

(As an aside..I would like to take this time to warn all to never ever EVER say that you haven't had any trials for awhile because that means they are on their way with vengeance!!)

Soon after this conversation we felt that Chris should quit his job to start his own business, then move to Ohio, and why not add applying for MBA School and have another baby on top. None of this worked out the way we were thinking. Chris owning his own business was stressful and not as lucrative as we dreamed. Our housing arrangements in Ohio fell through and we ended up moving in with family. Applying and visiting schools was expensive and meant another move. And the dream of another baby turned into 2 surgeries and a year of being tested for cancer.

Pursing an MBA brought us to Rochester, and we got pregnant with our second (which led to my being extremely ill). The adjustment to student life hasn't been easy (basically no Chris and seriously no money). It seemed like it was time for things to get easy again but they just weren't.

I have heard it said that being poor makes you humble. Well, I am not sure how much humility we have gained over the last 5 months, not to mention that it certainly isn't humble to say we are so humble now...but I think a lack of money has taught us something else. It has helped us to see the hand of God more than any other time in our life. And here are just some of the ways that we have seen God's hand during this time:

1. While I was so sick that I couldn't get up off the couch, Chris had to do way more than one person ever should or maybe even could do. He was bleeding himself dry and feeling like he wasn't doing anything well. We were worried that he wouldn't be able to do well in school with all the added stress and yet, somehow the work he could do was always enough. Even without being able to put in the time his classmates were, he was able to achieve the grades he wanted. We are sure that God had a hand in it!

2. It seemed like within one week Ella went from having plenty of clothes to barely any (I guess those vitamins are working!). We didn't even have pajamas for her. We kept looking and looking at the budget knowing that we would have to buy her clothes and at the same time knowing that we couldn't afford them. Amazingly, her cousin seemed to have more clothes than she needed and her mother decided to call and offer them to us and the problem was fixed. We are positive that the Lord heard this prayer and came to our rescue!

3. With a baby on the way, I somehow seem to be outgrowing all my clothes. I didn't have any maternity clothes and was starting to get worried as my pants became tighter and tighter with a budget that was tighter than ever. I remember the day that I was down to one last pair of pants that would fit. I told Chris that I thought we would have to buy something but alas we could not afford it (this is a common theme). That very day a friend randomly asked if I wanted to use her maternity clothes. She gave me a whole box and all was well. We are sure that God was aware of our little family that day!

4. The winters here are supposed to be something else so we felt that Ella needed a warm coat and snowsuit. Trying to buy her one seemed impossible but having her go without wouldn't work either. I am not sure how a family with 5 kids - 2 the same size as Ella - and one more on the way has extra anything but somehow they did. They sent Ella a snowsuit and warm winter coat with matching boots and they even have princesses on them. Yet another example that the Savior loves us!

5. I have a mother who was willing to help in ways that I can not express. She has offered (and given!) of her whole person. It is a loving God who blesses me with such an example of womanhood.

6. And last, but I am certain will not be the last time the Savior helps us...

As we all know, it is Christmas and we have a little girl who is so excited for Santa to bring her presents. And yet we were struggling to even pay the bills. As parents it was so devastating to realize that we couldn't buy our little girl any gifts. We were thinking and thinking over what we could make so that she still would have something to open but it was hard knowing that we couldn't buy her any toys.

I don't know how but somehow packages just keep showing up on our door full of presents for Ella. People say they just see something at the store that makes them think of her and so they send it. Family who wouldn't usually buy for her because there are so many nieces and nephews to buy for have sent her boxes full of presents. I know that they are sending them to Ella but it is funny to me because I think these gifts are more for Chris and I. (Aside: she has enough presents now to be considered spoiled.)

And so I leave this year amazed at the safety that lies in God's hand. I am amazed at how he always blesses us at the very moment when there is no other answer but Him. And I am amazed at our Christmas Miracles!!!

I remember when I went away to college thinking that my mother was silly for keeping all my dance costumes. I knew I would never want them. Boy, was I wrong.

Today, I am so grateful she kept them because I am sure I had more fun watching Ella play with them than I ever had wearing them. She was walking around the house with her hands on her hips saying "Step, Step, Step". She seems to think that she has to walk differently when she is all dressed up than when she is just wearing normal clothes.

So, thanks Mom for keeping these for me even when I said I knew I would never want them. I guess (maybe) she knows more than me :)

Isn't it Cute??

So, I know I am a little biased but this is the best drawing I have ever seen. Ella made it yesterday and I am so proud. I thought it was pretty good for a two year old but what do I know???

Ella says it is a drawing of Jenny Sturgill (my sister-in-law).

Just for the record, Jenny actually has two arms and looks a lot more like a woman but again, it's pretty good for a two year old!!!

Ella the Fairy

Though she would tell you she's an angel!!! She is such a girl!

A Little Update

Ella is trying to understand this whole "baby in Mommy's belly" concept. It is funny the things she comes up with.

Some of her ideas are that the baby is going to come out of my belly-button. She seems to understand it needs a way to get out and we don't feel the need to teach her what is really going to happen. She also thinks that there is a baby in her belly too and sometimes it makes her sick, just like I am sick. So, she will have to lay down on the couch with a bowl and pretend to throw-up. She is all kinds of confused.

She was all excited today because she got to go to the midwives with me and hear the heartbeat. She was concerned about the midwife having me lay back on examining table but she seemed really interested in the heartbeat. Afterword she said she knew what she heard was baby Rose. So, I guess she has given up on there being two babies in my belly and thinks it is a girl. I sure feel bad for it if it's a boy being called Rose.

I think this baby is feisty (but what else would a Sturgill be?). I say this because when they were trying to listen to its heartbeat it kicked at the device. It was cool to hear in kick because I can't really feel much yet.

How Many Babies?

Well, Kira and I are pregnant again and we are certainly hopeful this one "keeps." We've been working with Ella so it's not a surprise when a new bundle takes her place as the family baby, and she seems quite excited about the baby growing in Mommy's tummy. We've frequently asked her if she wants Mommy to have a little boy or a little girl. For a good while, Ella was dead set on us having a daughter. But recently, there has been a subtle shift in her philosophy. Instead of answering "little girl," her reply is now "both of them."

And that leads us to our Ella-clip of this post. Being a smart one, Ella has pieced together that having a boy and a girl requires Kira to be carrying two babies. And she is convinced that is what is happening..



Sadly for her, the scientific evidence suggests a single embryo. And with that, may I be the first to present to you the little clump of cells we look forward to welcoming into our family!

Our Little Singer

Here are some videos of Ella singing. If you are apposed to seeing Ella's cute little tushie, I recommend not watching because I took them while she was in the bath. What can I say?..I like to sing in the shower too!

The ABCs!

1st Article of Faith




2nd Article of Faith

Out and About

School has officially started and the vacation is officially over but it's never too late to share pictures of the fun activities we did.

Here you see Ella picking and eating raspberries. Or as Ella would say "a-berries".



And here she is riding the carousel at the Museum of Play. Every time she came around she would say "Mommy, I ride a horsie!"



And here you see her trying to convince us to buy her a giant stuffed dog at the gift shop. "But, look how cute I am sitting on him..."



Lastly, here is a little number by Ella in a crooked house. I wish our straight house made her this happy.


We also went to library and a music class where I didn't take pictures. She likes the library here a lot. They have a fun discovery room with toys and computers to play on. I stupidly took Ella in there first thinking that she would like it. All she did was look at me and ask "Where's the books?" So she went and stacked books for 45 minutes instead. Only Ella.

We have landed!

So, we are here and basically moved in. I would take pictures and show everyone the place but our camera is dead and well...you just don't want to know. The freakin' out began when we got here and I finally saw the place - but after I found out that the basement floods when it rains, the back door didn't lock, one of the burners is broken, and there is no dishwasher - that's when the drama really began... Not to mention that the carpet hasn't been replaced since...well, ever and it has a weird moist and sticky feeling. And let me just add that I love the fluorescent lights and the buzzing ambiance it creates. But don't cry for me, I'm a survivor and I am gonna make it!

There are some good things though. Our townhouse backs up onto a beautiful view of the forest with fun trails to walk on (the first morning we saw two deer). There are 3 parks on site and tons and tons of kids for Ella to play with. Also, about 30 Mormon couples live here and just by going to the park I have gotten to know a lot of women already. So, I am happy to be here and we are making it home!

For the brave of heart, pictures will be forthcoming...

Best Friends

And so the time has come for us to move (again). We are happy for a new adventure but can't help but feel sad about all that we are leaving behind. We will of course miss my family more than I can say. After all, a person shouldn't have to leave her home and family twice in their life. But I know that anywhere with Chris will be home.

It has been an awesome year filled with more challenges than we were expecting which have helped us to grow and be ready for the new challenges. But the challenges of the year seem to fade away and all we remember are the wonderful memories we have made. Memories like fun family dinners provided by my parents. And Ella begging to go to Rayna's house every week. Plus, who can forget the awesome family reunion and all the fun that Ella has had with her cousins!!!!

But this year has given our family more than memories. We have gained new best friends in Jared and Cindy. We have had too much fun going on double dates with them and getting to know them better. It is awesome when your family can become your best friends. And so it is with Ella. From the first moment Ella meet "The Boys" (Elliot and Isaac) they have been her best buds. She has gone from calling them her "babies" to calling them both "Isaas" to calling them "Isaac and Ewwiot" - and most of the time getting it right. Their relationship has had its ups and downs (mostly Ella and Elliot) but they have worked through it and grown to depend on each other.

And so here is my tribute to their special friendship that I know will last a lifetime (even through a move to Rochester)-press play for the music:

"Look, I'm Picasso"

It might be that I have been cooped up too long...but I love it when Ella plays with Mr. Potato Head. I find her creations too funny and I love to hear her describe them (I seriously need to get out more).

So here is a sampling of her designs..complete with their names.

Family Reunion: Ella's Top Ten

1. Playing with all "the kids", as Ella would say.

2. Going to Kasie's House (meaning Jessy's House, I am not sure why it came out Kasie).

3. All the doggie's (weird that she mentioned this b/c she would cower in fear if they came near her).

4. Playing in the sand with Madisen.

5. The Arctic Swim (also strange since she screamed "It's Cold, I want out" as soon as we got her in). Though, she did wake up at 6 in the morning, look out the sliding glass door next to where we were sleeping and say "Let's go swimming".

6. Running up and down the stepping stones from the house to the pool. Her legs are covered in scrapes from this activity but she would not stop.

7. Riding the 4-wheeler (she kept saying "I like riding that thing"). Also, one of Chris and my favorite parts.

8. Running free through all the land. She would just run and run and loved that we never had to say stop.

9. Playing Corn Hole with Daddy (not one of my favorites b/c we were beat 21-6, I blame this on Chris).

10. And last but not least, The Fireworks.

Well...Stupid!

So, I thought I had awhile before Ella would start making me feel well....stupid but alas, she has started young!

Example #1: She got very good at folding her arms during prayers and then started refusing because of course, she has to be difficult. I starting trying to be creative when asking her to fold her arms and one night decided to ask her if she would fold Mape's arms (he is a stuffed penguin). She looked at me in all seriousness and said "Fold his wings". What could I say, she was absolutely right and I felt...well...stupid!

Example #2: We were going out for a walk and she wanted to take something with her so I said she could take the book she was holding. And yet again, she gave me that look (you know, the one that says "do I need to correct her again?") and said "Take the magazine". And again, SHE WAS RIGHT!! And again, I FELT...well...STUPID!!! Man, she is two and I am gonna have to start thinking a lot more before I open my mouth!

Favorite Spot in Lima

We are starting to prepare for our move and so naturally we have been thinking about all the things we will miss about living here. Of course, my family tops the list but this barn comes in a close second.

Chris and I purposely drive past this barn whenever we are out because...well, it makes us laugh! All that is standing is the roof and boy do I wish I would have been there when it fell and landed in this position. I am not sure why it hasn't been torn down but I sure am grateful for all the laughs it has provided.

The Many Roles of Daddy-O!

Ella and I are so lucky to have Chris in our family!!! He is so hands-on with Ella and treats her like the little princess she is. What more could a little girl want??? I love seeing all the roles that Chris takes on when it comes to Ella. She brings out something different in him that I wanted to share with others.

La Diva!

Last week I went into my room to hang up clothes and this is what I found. I thought, "Just make yourself comfortable, why don't you?" She thinks she is such a princess!





Also...............Last Sunday I thought I got her all ready for church so I went into the bathroom to put on make-up and do my hair. While I was finishing getting ready, Ella finished too. She put on her tiara, and pearls, then brought me her tutu to make the look complete.


She was devastated that she couldn't wear them to church.

4 years!!!

Today is Chris and my anniversary!!!! Historically, it is one of my favorite days because I have received really good gifts. Like our first anniversary I got diamond earrings, then the next year I got a diamond journey pendant, and last year Chris took me to the mall and let me pick out lots of new clothes.

While this year has been one to remember. We are totally broke because we haven't been getting paid from Chris's clients. Out of necessity we decided we were going to make it a free anniversary. I was going to make Chris a homemade apple pie (which he would have loved) and he was going to clean the house for me (which I would have loved)....BUT I woke up sick. So, Chris tried to take care of his wife and child while working (which meant he didn't get a lot of work done) and I....well did nothing but sleep and complain.

I think it is good though, it means we have hit the point in our marriage that we don't need things to be elaborate. I mean, how could I not know how much my husband loves me when he is taking care of everything!!! And Chris, of course, is still excited for an apple pie when I start feeling better.

All in all, it has been a good 4 years and I am so happy that Chris married me!!!!!!

Finally Done

Way back in November we all went to Texas to see Chris's family. While I was there I went with Kirsten, Jenny, and Danielle to some outdoor flea market/craft place (I am sorry for the horrible explanation). Anyways, it was fun except since I was flying back on a plane, I couldn't buy anything. I thought this would be just fine until I saw this sweet little plaque that said "I found my prince and his name is Daddy". As you can guess I wanted it real bad for Ella's room so I decided then and there that I would make my own.

So, I got a board and some paint and I started on the project. I still can't believe it took me 6 months to do!! I mean seriously, it doesn't look like it took 6 months. But I am happy to have it done and I think it turned out pretty cute.

Here are some pics:

A Little Bit of Luck

A few days ago I found a 4 leaf clover. I was out in the yard with Ella when I looked down in the grass and there it was. Chris couldn't believe it. He said he didn't know they really existed.

Here's the proof:

Well, let me tell you those clovers really work. Boy have I been having good luck!



First, I went to Old Navy yesterday to look around and found some amazing deals. I got all this for 20 bucks!!! Can you believe it? That's 6 sweaters, 5 shirts, 1 dress, and one pair of tights. The most I spent on one item was 1.97!!!!!

Then later on in the day Chris and I went to the park with Ella. It was so hot that we decided to go to the gas station and get a slurpee. We were going to use some of our speedy points for a free drink but the rewards machine was broken. We were so bummed but that little clover came to the rescue and an employee said we could go ahead and get one for free!! We didn't have to use any of our points. It was so refreshing (all free things are).

Then this morning when I checked my email I found that Shutterfly had sent me 50 free prints. I was so happy...I have been needing to print some pictures of Ella and now I did it for free!!!

I can't wait to see what that little clover does for me next!

Never too young for a Classic

It's been confirmed....Our child is a genius!


Gathering some light bedtime reading.

Here you find her reading The Epic of Gilgamesh

Imagine our surprise by her reading about Chile. We didn't even know she knew Spanish!


And "yes" all geniuses do read in the Nude!!!

What the Pisa?

Ella has started naming her toys. I think the names are pretty funny so I thought I would share.

She has a stuffed penguin named Mape and a Strawberry Shortcake Doll named Sugar. There is also a stuffed giraffe named Haffy and a my little pony named Cherrylee. Then there is a stuffed horse named Pisa (Peace-ah) and an octopus named Pisa. A pony named Pisa and an armadillo named Pisa. Sometimes my name is Pisa and so is Daddy's. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty go by Pisa around these parts and you might also find a dinosaur or two that like to be called Pisa.

The best is that we have been trying to teach her the Prophet's name but currently he also goes by Pisa as well. I hope he doesn't mind.

Lovin' It!

It was a long time ago that we went skating with Ella but I still wanted to post this picture. I love how expressive her face is!!!

So Stubborn

Ella definitely has a mind of her own which makes it hard to teach her not to do things. Basically, if I tell her not to do something it is like a dare to her and she can't stop herself from disobeying. For example, I told her not to walk on her books, so what does she do? She walks right over to a book, stands on it and says "Don't walk on books, don't walk on books". What's a mom to do?

Well, she got a little taste of how unpleasant it can be to disobey a few days ago while playing in the sand. Here is what happened:

She put some of the sand up to her mouth so I told her "don't eat it". So of course she grabbed a huge hand full of sand and shoved it in her mouth. So I said, "it doesn't taste too good does it". So, she grabbed another huge hand full of sand and shoved it in as well. But then her face turned sour and she starting begging me to "wipe it, wipe it". So, of course I did not wipe it! I figured it was a good lesson and she hasn't even pretended to eat sand again.

One point for mom!!!!!!

A Wonderful Saturday!

This past Saturday, Chris and I got to go to the Columbus Temple. It was so nice being in the temple where we were married. We would look at all the spots where our favorite wedding pictures were taken and laugh and smile all corny-like at each other (yeah, we are still in love).

While we were at the temple, we got to do the work for Chris' Great-Great Grandparents, William and Anna. It was a really special experience for us both. Though, I had to laugh when I ended up being the last person into the Celestial Room. Chris had to wait for such a long time and was getting very impatient. After some reflection, we think it was supposed to be this way because it got Chris thinking about how long William and Anna had been waiting to be reunited. So, we went right to the sealing room and got them married for eternity. It was amazing kneeing there at the very temple where we were married and adding another family to our line. What amazing blessings come from the temple.

When we got back we picked up Ella from my brother's house and took her home for a bath. While Ella was taking her bath she was singing "I Love to See the Temple". It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day and another reminder of how big Ella is getting.

Just for fun:

Last Year

Now

I think my baby is disappearing!!!

Easter Miracle

News flash..potty training stinks!!!!

We have been going at it for 2 weeks now and Ella is accident free!!! Cool huh? Only problem is she WILL NOT poop on the potty. I have tried every enticement I can think of...I even told her she could have anything and everything she wants. I guess all she really wants is to hold it.

Well, Easter came and it was a joy just like all these potty training days have been. At Church, Ella figured out how fun it was to stand up on the pew during sacrament and announce that she needed to poop on the potty (we have been sufficiently humbled). We took her out 6 times and I would have said "that is enough" but she went 4 out of the 6 times (not poop mind you)! But, then it happened (just as a side note this is going to get a little personal). After Ella's nap, Chris had to poop and then I had to poop and then Ella sat down on the potty and pooped!!!! It was our Easter Miracle!! Too bad there have been no repeats!

Just so everyone knows that we did celebrate Easter like the rest of the world. Here is a picture of Ella dying eggs. She loved mixing all the colors so most of our eggs ended up a nice brown. But, fun was had by all!

PeePee on the Potty!!!

Doesn't that title just warm your heart?

So, seriously we are doing it. It being the dreaded potty training. My sister Rayna always called it "potty wars" and I am starting to get attached to that title.

Ella starting showing interest in sitting on the potty after our trip to Texas. I am sure this is because Debbie would let Ella watch Gretchen use the bathroom (can't wait to bust that out when they are teenagers)! But seriously, this was a great idea.

I don't think anyone needs a lot of details about how many times Ella's peed on the potty or anything, I mean let's get serious you might be eating right now. But everyday seems a little better than the last, though I am currently contemplating giving it all up tomorrow and trying again when she is older. Or maybe I can borrow Gretchen for a week and she can teach her???

Birthday Party

Ella is two!! Though if you ask her she will fight and fight with you about how she is one. We had a dance party for her on Saturday. For her party she wore my very first tutu...isn't she so cute?






The party was so fun. Everyone helped out with the food which made it a lot easier. Check out the treats I made:

(Birthday Present Cake)

(Mock Sushi)

I am pretty sure that Ella had a good time, considering that she keeps talking about "birthday party". She loved opening presents. She had all the bags dumped within 30 seconds. The dancing was a hit too. I was amazed that all the toddlers danced for like 10 minutes. That is good for 2 year olds.

Trip to Texas!

We had a whole lot of fun in Fort Worth. We went to the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, and to a Cattle drive. I am pretty sure Ella liked the Gardens the best because she could run free while Chris and I chased her. I don't know why it is her goal to run away from us?

While here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Howdy Y'all

So, we are on our way to Texas to visit Chris's family. We are excited to see everyone but worried about a thousand things that come along with traveling with a toddler.

Ella is really excited as well. Whenever I tell her we are going on an airplane she says "Fun". If I tell her she will get to play with Gretchen, she says "Gretchy, fun". Or if I say she will see Gammy and Grandpa she also says "Fun, It's Fun". Her only concern is that blankie can come too and of course, it will!

Where to sit?

There are two chairs in the house that I usually sit in. One is the rocking chair in Ella's bedroom and the other is the recliner in the living room. Ella has caught on that these are the most likely places I will sit down. So, while I am doing the dishes or whatever else I do during the day, she usually brings a few books to my seat. This way whenever I sit down I know it is time to read to her. She's so cute, right?

Recently, she has been getting more and more ambitious about the amount of books she will put in my seat. But I laughed and laughed the night we put her to bed and she wouldn't seem to settle down. I went in to check on her and this is what I found:

I was so impressed, I mean seriously these books are stacked up taller than she is. This took real effort and let's be honest, it was a pretty smart way to get to stay up late.

I hope it makes you all laugh too!!

And PS-Kirsten, just in case you didn't notice, I think you bought her all the books in the stack. Even the dog purse that is currently being smothered at the bottom came from you. So, the way I figure it, you are the reason I don't have a seat anymore!