Flower Girl

Here are a few of MANY MANY beautiful pictures from Tara's wedding. Ellie was SO excited to be the flower girl and of course, I thought she looked adorable! I was really happy that we were able to walk down the aisle as a family. It was a great moment. The first picture is my favorite. And check out that GORGEOUS bride!

Three, Preschool, and More!

My word! I have SERIOUSLY neglected this blog for too long! We have been SO busy this past month I cannot believe that fall officially begins tomorrow! I am so excited as it is my absolute favorite season of the year. Dan and I are excited to decorate for Halloween soon as it is a HUGE event in our neighborhood...apparently people caravan in just to trick or treat here so we need to be ready! Ellie and I also have already started our at-home fall crafts. It is so fun that she can actually help cut and paste now. Today we made a maple leaf art project with some old tissue paper and some cut outs from the Internet. It turned out very cute. Anyway, blah blah blah...ON TO PICTURES!!!!!! I wish I could relate all the details of Ellie's 3rd birthday, preschool, Mema's long visit, her first ballet class, and even her debut as flower girl but there is just not enough time. I hope that the pictures and captions will give you at least some idea of our last few weeks! Enjoy! First, we partied at Ellie's birthday party. Unfortunately, I cannot find our pictures! She had so much fun with all of her friends and family. Her party theme was "Camping" so the kids went "fishing" for all their goodies to fill their goody bags (thanks Auntie Claire for the idea!). It was definitely the highlight of the party! Then we went to the Puyallup fair the next day with Uncle Andre, Aunt Mary, Mema, Olivia and Nathan. The following Monday, Ellie started preschool. It was a VERY traumatic day as she was scared and did not want to leave Mommy. The good news was that by day two, she "liked it" and couldn't wait to go back! I think it helped that the second day (Thursday) was her birthday and she got to bring donuts, wear a tiara and tutu, and pick a treat from the classroom birthday box. I was relieved!

Day One:

Ellie finding her name tag Saying goodbye and putting backpack in her cubbycelebration lunch at Applebee's

Day Two: Ivy and Owen came by before school to surprise EllieOpening presents of course!

Ellie had such a wonderful birthday! But I enjoyed it most because I really enjoy Ellie. At three years old, she is so bright, articulate, and imaginative. I love how affectionate and gracious she has become, never greedy or thinking she is entitled to everything. And she is so full of joy. My mom remarked time and time again, "she is such a happy little girl." Of course, this is all I can ask for. That same week, Ellie also started ballet lessons! I told you we have been busy! It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen and I cracked up at how graceful she thinks she is and how backward all her movements were! She was adorable.

School shopping: Part One

We have completed part one of school shopping for Ellie: New jammies (Yes Mema, those are Elephants on her jammies) and new school supplies! Can you believe she is old enough for school supplies? SERIOUSLY! Next I will buy a new box of crayons, a set of sharpened Ticonderoga pencils, and a big bowl of crisp apples. Those aren't required on her list but they are my three favorite things to buy in fall. :) I know I am such a school nerd but I love this time of year! Just think, coming soon....first day of preschool outfit! Oh my cuteness! (Ironically, her choice is the purple flower dress that I wore when I started preschool! How funny!) Love to All, Ang

Poulsbo

This weekend, we took a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Our good friends Rob and Melissa were married on Saturday so we made a mini-vacation out of it. We had a great time, the wedding was AWESOME, and we discovered the hidden charm of Poulsbo. It is right on the water and the downtown has a cute strip of bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, etc. Congratulations again to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!

The Bride and Groom

Look how handsome my hubby is!

Father/daughter dance

On the dance floor with glow sticks

Ellie cuttin' it up on the dance floor!

Taking a break with Mommy Back to dancing!

At the hotel...Ellie wheels her own luggage now!

Downtown Poulsbo for lattes, bookstore, and woodfired pizza! Such a cute place!

An Early Birthday Present

Dan and I decided that this year, we wanted to get Ellie a swing set for her birthday. I never had one as a kid but I remember how much I loved to play on my cousin Katie Rae's. Anyway, Dan and I have been so excited and we wanted Ellie to have time to enjoy the swing set before it gets too cold (although I know she will be out there rain, sleet or snow!), so we decided to give it to her now. After Ellie went to bed last night, Dan worked in the dark with a spotlight to have the swing set ready for our little girl this morning (that is one of those things that I just love about Dan). When she woke up this morning, we told her we had an early birthday surprise for her. I wish you could have been here to see her shock, excitement and total joy. She was so happy she actually got quiet! She didn't know what else to do or say but smile and run right for the swings! Happy Soon-To-Be Birthday Ellie! :)

Gymnastics

We took Ellie to her gymnastics lessons last night. She looked so darn cute in her leotard we had to take a picture. She LOVES gymnastics...as I'm sure you can tell! Click here to see a string of videos from her practice last night. Enjoy!

Sunday School Lesson

Today at church, Ellie's Sunday school class learned a verse from the Bible. OK, so maybe not learned a verse so much as created very cute fridge art around it! :) In any case, I was struck by how a Sunday school lesson could reach my heart so easily. Here is the verse:

God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient... Galatians 5:22-23

It was such a good reminder to me to keep my heart filled with God's spirit instead of selfish things. I am very happy but can always be a bit more loving, peaceful and especially patient! And on those days when I am feeling impatient, unhappy, etc. I need to remember God's love for me and not try to fix my mood with earthly things (although a latte ALWAYS helps a little!) There is another verse that comes to mind (though I forget the citation) that says,

Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things.

I swear that was written for me! The minute I am feeling yucky, I realize it is because I am focused too much on trivial matters and my heart is full of the wrong stuff. So after Sunday school, I asked Ellie what she wanted to do for the day and she said, "Go to the park." So we went to the park and of course went straight for the swings. As I was pushing her on the swing, I asked her what her favorite part of Sunday school was. You know what her answer was? "When you came in, Mommy." Seriously, I started crying right then and there in the middle of the park. I must have looked ridiculous but my heart was overwhelmed by the simplicity and sweetness of her response. A glutton for emotion, I probed further: "Ellie, are you a happy girl?" "Yes, Mommy." "When are you happiest?" "Moooommmm (eye roll)! I'm happiest at the park, with you! And I'm happy at home." Big smile. Seriously, little children are the best reflections of God's spirit. Unadulterated by earthly things, their hearts are full, and their happiness and love are so pure. It seems that I have much to learn from my little one! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and find time to reflect on what is filling your heart. Love to All, Ang