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!