"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!!!!!!