Andrews Family

Christmas

2009-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Every year since Ella was born I have had a new perspective on the birth of Christ. Yes Ella is my second born but she was born just 3 days after Christmas. I remember sitting there in church on Christmas Eve 4 years ago, huge and ready to pop. I started thinking of Mary and what she went through. She was caring the child of God, the Messiah, the I Am, the man that would some same day deliver us all. Here she was pregnant, riding a donkey and when they finally get to their destination... NO ROOM IN THE INN. Yes they gave them a place in the stable to stay, but can you even imagine (those of you who have been through the child birth process) what it would be like to go through labor and delivery next to a mule? And then finally after who knows how many hours, her beautifully perfect (in every way) son, my Savior is born. She wraps Him in cloth and lays Him in a manger. This manger is not some pretty thing with clean hay. It is probably dirty from the animals who have been eating from it that day. My Savior was born in the most humble place in the most humble way. He can into the world with nothing but with so much to give us.

WOW - it has almost been a year

2009-12-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

So it has been almost a year since I last touched this website but here I am -- think I can keep it up? We will see.

A lot has happened in the past year. We sold our little house in the woods, bought a new one in Carmel at a sheriff sale, I turned 30, Blake turned 31, We celebrated our 6th anniversary, I got back into Real Estate, Went to Disney World, Ethan turned 5, Ella will be 4 in less than a week.

Other than that we are just about the same Blake still works at the same place, kids go to the same school, we miss our out of town family like crazy, love our God, chruch, family, and friends.
So here is a picture of the kids -- hopefully I can sit down soon to get more picture updates.

Ella Turns 3

2009-02-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ella. I am a little late posting this but Ella turned 3 on Dec 28th. Her request was a pink puppy cake and my friend Mindy delivered. So cute and really good.

The kids cake table.

Ella and cousin Faith in front of Ella's new kitchen. It was fun having cousin Faith in town from ID.

Ethan giving baby Julia some love.

More Christmas

2009-02-22T05:27:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more Christmas pictures.
Waiting for their turn with Santa.

We had to do a family photo because Ella wanted nothing to do with Santa unless momma was right there by her. She did end up asking for a puppy for Christmas -- Thank goodness a stuffed puppy is what she had in mind. Ethan ask for a fire station and a battery for his big flash light. Another family photo in the sled at the Indiana State Museum.

They love each other -- for that picture at least.

Merry Christmas Part 1

2008-12-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

So, I have been just awful about my blog lately. I see the last blog was back in October. So - give me a little time and I will try to catch up but for now here is a little bit of our Christmas and Ella's birthday.

We made a gingerbread house.

Ella girl in front of the tree.

I was able to get together with three of my best friends from High School. We went from 4 to 11 (one child is missing from the picture). Ethan and Ella with his Teacher Miss Patti at their Christmas party. Ethan loves his teacher and I highly recommend her for anyone. She teaches the 4 turning 5 pre-k class.

And a little love at the Children's museum.Faith, Ella, and Ethan at the Indiana State Museum. They have a replica of the Aryes Tea Room (those of you who grow up around here know what I mean). They also have the train that I rode on as a child. They celebrated their 50 years this year!!

Ethan, Julianna, Faith, and Ella.Cookies for Santa.This is just part one of Christmas. Hopefully more later today.

Catch up again!

2008-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Again, I am way behind on posting - bad me I know. I have a long list of excuses if you want to hear them but then again -- just excuses. So here you have it -- our past month or so in fast forward. And as I am posting the pictures I realize that I have a lot more of Ella right now. Ethan is in preschool 3 mornings a week so Ella and I have a lot of time with each other.

Here is Ethan on his First day of preschool. He loves going to school! And yes, I realize that he needs a hair cut really bad -- he got one about 2 weeks ago.

Ethan and Ella with their work gloves on and getting ready for a race. They both are really into running. I think Ethan will be a sprinter and Ella will do cross country. I guess we have to wait and see.Over Labor Day weekend Blake and Ethan went to the Derby and Ethan fell in love with monster trucks. Here is Ethan with his "monster truck" and all the dirt that is is ridding over.

WOW - don't they look like Best Friends and perfect Angels?

Poor Bird and her skinned face. Long story but she is all better now.Ella gets to go to dance class when Ethan is in school. She loves to dance.Sit-ups!!My three kiddos!Ella now can put a pony tail in her hair but she never leaves it in.
And of course Bond fire and smores time!There hopefully will be more to come soon.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-08-31T06:44:00.001-07:00

So we have been very busy here this summer, and I have been very bad about posting blogs. So here is a catch up.

We got our faces painted. Ethan is a tiger and Ella is a butterfly.

Did a few bonfires.I was able to visit my precious nieces in Boise. Baby Julianna and Little Faith.We have played with friends.

Slip-n-slide.Went to the state fair.Celebrated 4 generations of girls.

Celebrating finally getting a boy after 4 generations.Made forts.Played school.Went to the pool and spray parks.

Did a lot of crazy things. (Yes Ella is in her car seat in a wagon being pulled by Ethan in his red car).

Put together a play house.So there is a our summer in a small small nut shell. Hope you enjoyed.

Who wants cake?

2008-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

I know Ethan does. This is Ethan's birthday cake -- my friend Mindy just delivered it. Ethan loves his tractors and Mindy did such a nice job to obliged my request. Thanks Mindy -- Ethan just went nuts when he saw this -- now if only I can keep him away until after dinner tonight.

Happy Birthday Ethan

2008-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my child is 4 years old today. WOW -- time really gets away from you. Here is his life in review. This picture is just minutes after he was born weighing just 7lbs. 8 oz. At 1 year - drooling and still crawling.
And now 2 years old - he is running, jumping, and being a crazy boy.
Wow - this is the biggest change -- 3 years old.
Now here he is. The birthday boy - 30 lbs later weighing in at 37lbs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHAN. I love you so much.

The Ethan Plant

2008-07-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

My sister gave me this little plant the day Ethan was born. For those of you that know me -- I have - well I guess - a black thumb. Everything I plant dies but.... I have tried very hard to take care of the Ethan plant and much to my surprise it has now lived in my hands for 4 years. When Ethan turned 2 it was very very close to being completely dead but it was a good plant and gave me a second chance to keep it alive. It has made great strides this year as you can see in the picture I took of it last year and now this year. I I keep this plant alive just think how big it will be when Ethan turns 10.

The Ethan Plant at 3 years old.The Ethan Plant today at 4 years old.

Where were you 4 years ago?

2008-07-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

This is where I was 4 years ago today. Starting the long journey of bringing my son into the world. Of course you will not see any pictures of Ethan on this day because he decided to make his arrival on the 24Th. So now 4 years later I am working on planning his 4 year birthday.

Kids PBS Day at the Park

2008-06-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have been telling Ethan and Ella about this for a little over a month now and they were so excited to meet Clifford and Bob the Builder. It was a free kids day put on by PBS where kids were able to meet the characters, go down a huge slide, make crafts, ride a train.... The kids had a blast. The only bad thing was that we stood in line for Bob (who Ethan really wanted to meet and as we got to the front of the line, the switched Bob out for Curious George. Ethan handled it really well and just got his picture with George instead. Ella could not wait the whole time we were in line to see the characters and kept saying that she was going to hug them and give them 5 but as you can see - she made me hold her and was very, very shy.

We had to wait 1 hour and 25 minutes to ride the train but the kids really wanted to so that is what we did. Here are some pictures from the train.During the train ride Ethan was so busy just looking all around and taking everything in. He did not want to miss one thing.Little Miss Ella thought she was a beauty queen -- the whole train ride she was smiling and waiving at the people as we passed. It was so funny - I wish we had a picture of that but unfortunately we missed it.
And finally - the end of the day. Ethan loved every minute of it but here he is hot and thirsty. We are already marking our calenders for next year. The kids had a blast. I can't wait for the state fair this year because I know the kids will really enjoy it.

My little niece.

2008-06-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my little niece taking her first bath and with her first little bow in her hair. Janel has quite a story - she went completely natural and almost had Julianna in the parking lot of the hospital. WOW is all I can say. My guess is that Julianna looks like Janel, well at least more than Faith did when she was born.

Julianna Ruth

2008-06-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

Juliana Ruth is here. Altough I don't have the story or a picture my newest neice has made her arival at 2:56am. She was 8lbs 1oz and was born about 30 minutes after Janel got the hospital. I will post more info when I get more.

I told you she makes us laugh.

2008-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

In my last post I told you Ella makes us laugh all the time. Of course the funniest picture I could not post but I can tell you about. Ella was back in her room and out she comes -- I hear a "clomp, clomp, clomp". I then look and see a very proud little girl. She has undressed herself to only weiring her underwear and then put on purple dress-up shoes and a fuzzy crown on her head. She was all smiles and thought she looked beautiful. Here are 2 more pictures where Ella really thought she was beautiful and one that...

I came around from the garage and found Ella "helping daddy" (although daddy did not need any help). She was just off on her won cutting down a tree. I could not help but laugh.This picture is a bitter sweet one. She looks sweet but boy is she being naughty. It is about 9:30 at this time. An hour and a half after she was first put to bed. Ella has the tendency to prolong her night time routine and comes out of her room over and over and over and over again. She always puts her little head on the hall floor, her bottom in the air, and her feet in her room. After she is finally asleep we laugh about her persistence. Boy are we in for it when she turns 13??!!

Random Ella Thoughts and Pictures

2008-05-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ella is such a funny thing these days. Everything she says and does just cracks us up -- of course except for her of oh so fun terrific twos that she gives us at times. She is little miss thing as you can see in these photos. She loves to help Daddy outside mowing the grass. Ella got this adorable Tinker Bell outfit for Christmas but would not put it on until yesterday. As you can see she loves it now. She thought she was just beautiful -- and for good reason - I think she looks beautiful also but of course I think she is beautiful.

And Ethan got his glasses so of course Ella needed some -- here they are Mr and Miss Cool.

And Ella trying to put on her charm. What you can't see are those eyes flashing at you behind the glasses.

Random Ethan Thoughts and Pictures

2008-05-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

While Blake and I were gone on our trip my parents (who took care of the for 9 days) bought Ethan a big boy bike. Here he is in action. I actually thought I was taking a video of him but... well I am a little technically challenged. Ethan has become a little social thing. He loves having friends over to play now and is getting pretty good about sharing his toys (except with Ella). Here is is with his friend Gavin. Gavin and his sister Nadia came over to play last week. While Gavin was over he hurt his foot and Ethan was very concerned about him -- he kept bringing him toys and snacks and just sat with him.
Ethan loves his trucks and tractors and trailers. Honestly I think he gets this from his daddy. He watches Blake with his truck and tractor and trailer. Yes - I guess you could call us the modern day Clampets! Anyway - Blake bought him some very little bungee cords to attach all his stuff. He loves it.
Ethan just got a new pair of sunglasses -- he is always saying how his eyes hurt in the sun so I thought it was about time to get some sunglasses for his sensitive little eyes.

And finally Ethan still loves his crafts!

Sleeping Beauty

2008-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love going in to check on the kids after they go to bed at night. There is something so sweet about them when they sleep - it is as if all the imperfections go away and they start with a brand new clean slate. Now to the story behind this.

I went in to check on Ella and she had her feet on her pillow and her head toward the bottom of the bed -- When I picked her up and put her head back on her pillow she yelled real loud "I love you mommy!!" It was so precious because she did not even open her eyes - she just knew it was me taking care of her. I love it when the kids just out of the clear blue, with no ulterior motive tell me they love me. I guess that is probably how God is with us. When I came out of Ella's room Blake was in the living room and ask what she said because he could hear her all the way out there. So of course I had to go back in there to take a picture and document the event.

Ella got her first official haircut.

2008-05-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

OK - so her hair is finally coming in and was in need of someone a little better at cutting than me - after all we are setting the tone for her first hairstyle. Here are some before pictures. Also very similar to a mug shot.

And some after pictures. Although you can't tell much of a difference - she did have half an inch cut off, light bangs cut, and just touched up all over. It makes it look a little better when she just wakes up and when I put her hair up in a clip. In about a month I am hoping that the back of her hair will grow out some and it will look like the above picture with the little curl but thicker -- she still has so much baby hair and fuzz to grow in.

5 Years Of Marriage

2008-05-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Blake and I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary last week with a Mexican Riviera cruise. We have been talking about going on a big 5 year vacation since we got pregnant with Ethan just 5 months after we were married. I did not think we were going to be able to go on a vacation because as usual things just kept coming up. Blake surprised me for an early anniversary present. He had put some money aside in a separate bank for our cruise. Very sneaky because it is hard to pull one over on me and he did. We had a wonderful time and here are some of the close to 200 pictures we took.Our first stop was Puerto Vallarta. We went horseback riding through the mountainous. countryside. It was so beautiful. The horses road through creeks and even swam through a river. It was so beautiful to see Mexico on horseback. After the horse back we had some time to shop and view the city on foot. We even went to what they call the American Embassy -- Walmart. Yes I know my hat is a little silly but the sun was so intense I was avoiding a sunburn at all costs.

Our next stop was Mazatlan, Mexico. This was my favorite port. It was the least commercialized of the three cities we visited and it was absolutely beautiful. We took a 40 minute boat ride over to an island called Deer Island (Mazatlan used to be just over populated with White Tailed deer). At the Island we were able to play volleyball, do the beach thing, hike and kayak. Here is Blake playing volleyball with all the Mexicans tour guides we had -- they loved having them on their team because he was head and shoulders taller than everyone else.This picture was taken at the top of Deer Island -- this just gives you a glimpse of the beauty we saw.

The only thing I did not like about this day is that it was not long enough. The beauty was just breathtaking.Every night we would come back from dinner and our Room Steward had made a little animal out of towels -- we took a picture every night with the creature he made -- this one was a Monkey hanging from the ceiling.Here is one of the sunsets from the balcony in our room. Our last stop was Cabo and the only pictures we got where actually kind of boring so I am not posting any of those. Our cruise made port in LA on Sunday morning and my very very very good friend, Brie, picked us up and entertained us until we left on Monday. Brie was in our wedding and I have not had the chance to see her since our wedding. It was so good to see such a good close old friend (no she is not old but she has been a friend for a long time). This picture is at the beach near her house.We went out to eat with some other friends of ours from college - Me, Brie, Michelle, and Erin. Erin on the end just had a baby 3 months ago. Avery was born at 32 weeks gestation. She was 2lbs and ? oz -- she now weighs 9 lbs and is just adorable. It is so fun for me to see old friends as parents and Erin and Josh are very good parents.

Here is a picture of Avery -- the little thing just did not want me taking her picture.
It is amazing to think back 5 years and see how much God has blessed us. Thanks to all of you that have been apart of our lives and helped develop our lives over these past years. We love you.

Best Mother's Day Gift to Date

2008-05-09T04:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ethan's preschool put on a little Mother's Day performance for us mothers. It was adorable. Of course I loved it because it was Ethan's first performance ever. They sang about 5 or 6 songs and were oh so cute. They walked in and out in a single file line holding this cute little bag holding their "props". One of the songs they wore these silly glasses that kept me laughing the whole time. I video taped the whole thing and when we watched it back Ethan commented that he did not like people laughing -- poor little guy -- he thought we were laughing at him instead of with him. They also did a bell choir song -- I think Ethan liked this one the best. They all had different colored bells and when prompted they rang their bell. Ethan's was red. After the performance they took us back to their class rooms where they had set up a little tea party for us. It was adorable. They served us lemonade, cookies, and fruit. And we had an array of wonderful had made gifts: A corsage, a butterfly card with his picture on it, a magnet made out of clay that said mom and was hand painted, and some other little thing that I really don't know what it was. Ethan was so proud of himself for all the hard work. He was all smiles the whole time. What a great gift -- I know the teachers really put a lot of effort into making this a special memory for all of us moms. I wish I would have gotten some pictures of the tea party but my battery on my camera died - so sad.

Naples Shirts

2008-05-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

Long time no post -- I know, I know. Most of you I expect to forgive me but no more giving me a hard time. We have been busy but have nothing to report - Does that ever happen to anyone else? So my parents are back from Florida and their little gift to the kids was a Naples t-shirt. I tried to take some pictures of them in their matching shirts because I think this is the only thing they have ever had that matches. And tell me - why is it so hard to get a 3 year old and and 2 year old to look at the camera, smiling at the same time? So these pictures are my best attempt of getting them in their matching shirts.

Oh and the Make a Craft Monday thing -- yes it is on hold - the weather has warmed up and all the kids want to do is be outside. I am sure that when the novelty of the warm weather, sprinklers, pool, sunshine, fairs, concerts... wears off from the summer we will start the craft thing up again. There is just so much to do this time of year now that we are not stuck inside.

Little Bunny Foo-Foo Update

2008-04-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Little Bunny Foo-Foo's are no more. Mush to our dismay a big black crow got to our precious little bunnies. Sorry for the bad news but it is just the Facts of Life.

Little Bunny Foo-Foo

2008-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Little Bunny Foo-Foo Hopping Through the Forest... Do you know that song? If not, no worries, you are not missing a thing - trust me. Anyway... We were walking throughthe forest and found little baby bunny foo-foos in our front yard. They were nestled under a layer of bunny fur and surrounded by leaves and sticks (very well hidden). There were about 3 or 4 bunnies and they aer so young that their eyes are not open yet. Hopefully we get to see them grow and I can post more pictures of them. So spring brings new life all around us. I love Spring because it is the start of my favorite 6 months of the year - May - October. Here are some more pictures of new life and spring.

We made the news today!!

2008-04-18T04:50:00.000-07:00

So early this morning at about 5:30 - we felt the entire house shake and heard a loud noise. My first question to Blake (after saying "did you feel that") was is there a tornado? We looked outside and there was no rain, no clouds, no wind, no signs of a tornado -- after turning on the news we found out there was a 5.4 earthquake in southern Indiana near the Illinois border. We felt this earthquake 166 miles from the epicenter. Who would have thought -- Indiana of all places. I guess this 5.4 earthquake matches the record for another 5.4 earthquake in 1968. Any exciting news from your part of the world?

I have been tagged.

2008-04-13T13:19:00.001-07:00

I have been tagged now by 2 people, Nicole and Beth, so I guess I need to get this done and pass the fun on to someone else.

Four jobs I have had
1. Realtor
2. Social Worker for Mentally disabled adults.
3. Nanny
4. School Social Worker

Four movies that I have watched more than once
1. Dumb and Dummer
2. Cars
3. Lady and the Tramp
4. Peter Pan (can you tell I don't like watching moves twice -- but my kids do)

Four Places I Have Lived
1. Indianapolis, IN
2. Upland, IN (Taylor University)
3. Fishers, IN
4. Atlanta, GA

Four TV shows I watch
1. Lost
2. Survivor
3. 24
4. Prison Break

Four places I have been
1. Israel
2. Greece
3. Switzerland
4. Honduras (OK - so I really need about 20 spots to count all the places I have traveled - but these are my top

Four people who e-mail me regularly
1. Janel
2. Life Group Members
3. MOPS and Date Night emails
4. Girls I lived with at Taylor

Four of my favorite foods
1. Stake
2. Pizza
3. Fresh Fruit
4. Ice Cream

Four places I would like to visit
1. Boise, ID (my sister just moved there in August)
2. The Mexican Rivera Cruise that we are going to for our 5 year anniversary in May
3. Italy
4. Israel again (my favorite place in the world)

Four things I am looking forward to in the next year
1. The birth of my second niece
2. My Cruise
3. Watching my kids grow
4. Less sickness -- this year was rough

Four friends I am tagging
1. Janel
2. Sam
3. Jennifer
4. Wendy

Cakes, Cookies, and Candy

2008-04-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Hey -- I know you all love cakes, cookies , and candies. Well - I would like to recommend a wonderful cake maker to you. Mindy's Cakes and Cookies. Mindy is not only a wonderful and creative cake maker, she is also a good friend of mine. She just started up her business a month or so ago and I fully support her and wanted to pass her info on to you. If you have any event coming up - give her a call her prices are very reasonable and they are one of a kind.

Easter Pics

2008-03-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our Easter pictures. We never seem to get any pictures of the 4 of us. I guess we will need to go and actually get some taken. Ella felt like a princess in her Easter dress and Ethan has been wanting to wear his vest for 2 weeks now -- he finally go the chance to wear it and loved it. Thanks Nonna and Papa.

Make a Craft Monday - The Ocean

2008-03-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

OK - yesterday was crazy so I am a little late. In the celebration of spring break I am posting a craft we did in Florida to represent the ocean. Again a very easy craft.

Supplies:

Blue Jello

Water

Glass bowls

Sea creature fruit snacks (sharks or fish)

Directions:

Make your jello according to the box. Pour into glass bowls. Let set for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add the fish -- some will stay at top some will sink. Enjoy!!! Ethan loved "fishing" for the sharks. Whereas Ella just loved having that much sugar all at once.

Make a Craft Monday - Dyed Easter Eggs

2008-03-17T15:11:00.001-07:00

Materials:

Hard Boiled Eggs

Vinegar (white)

Small bowls or cups

Water

Food Color

Directions:

Fill cups 1/2 full of water

Add 1 tsp of Vinegar for every 1 cup of water

Add drops of food color until you are happy with the color and then add 2 more drops.

Put Eggs in in cups

Let Dry -- to make a glossier egg - wipe with vegetable oil.

We made these eggs this afternoon with Melissa and her kids. Ella got a little messy - watch out for the food color -- it does stain.Ethan and Gavin just loved the coloring. It is fun to see you kids reach the age where they really start to enjoy friends. Ethan was so excited all day today that Gavin was coming over. He kept saying "Is it 4 yet mommy?" Have fun!!

Jelly Bean Prayer - Easter Craft

2008-03-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Red is for the blood He gave.
Green is for the grass He made.
Yellow is for the sun so bright.
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins we made.
White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for His hour of sorrow.
Pink is for our new tomorrow.
An egg full of jelly beans, Colorful and Sweet Is a prayer, a promise, A loved one's treat!!

Charlene Dickensen, 1997

Then put a jelly bean of each of the above colors in a plastic egg and tell of Jesus' love!

New Again

2008-03-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have not seen this video - it is a must see. It brings me to tears every time I see it. With Easter quickly approaching we get caught up in Easter eggs and the Easter bunny. But we need to take some time and think about the real meaning of our Easter celebration. This was the time our Lord Jesus sacrificed His life for our each and every sin. He endured so much for us up on that cross and then 3 days later the miracle of all -- He was resurrected!! This video is depicted as Mary the mother of Jesus and Jesus. It is so touching seeing this as I look on as a mother. And to think Jesus, the one who loves me more than any other person, endured every twinge of pain to make me NEW AGAIN!! Praise Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh7icqR9zEY

Oh and stay tuned because Make a Craft Monday - we either be later today or tomorrow.

Irresponsibility

2008-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last week at about 9:30pm we heard what we thought was a gun shot -- to our surprise there was an accident right in front of our house. The accident involved one car, one person, our yard, four trees, one for sale sign, and a few police men and fire men along with their cars and trucks. So the irresponsibility of one extremely drunk man caused this - although we all know it could have been much worse - thankfully no other person or car was involved in the accident. I have absolutely no tolerance for drunk driving. I know our world is full of irresponsibility which makes me realize how much of a responsibility I really do have in the lives of my two children. I was watching the news the other day and saw that 1 in 4 teen girls have a STD and 2% of 5th grade girls have one as well. WOW -- that is all I can say - it brought me to tears. So now my challenge is to figure out where God wants me to fit into this picture. I have a social work degree and would love to use it in a volunteer position. There are many organizations that help educate children. So my search begins. Hopefully in the next few months I will have decided where God wants me and where He can utilize me best. God has given us His Children for a short time and we need to do all we can to glorify God in what we teach them.

More Hair pictures for your voting.

2008-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

So here are some more pictures of Ella's hair. It is not long enough (or thick enough) for a ponytail but here is our version of piggy tails. She really does not like this in her hair. So what is your vote - haircut or no haircut??

POLL: Haircut or no Haircut

2008-03-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

So here is my poor little Ella -- 2 years and 2 months old and not a whole lot of hair. As of yesterday she has let me put this little clip in her hair. Otherwise she does not let me put anything in her hair. So here is the question - do I cut it, give her bangs, trim the mullet, or just plan leave it alone and endure the bad hair for a few more months before reconsidering a hair cut? Any and all suggestions are wanted.

Make a Craft Monday - Hand Print Flowers

2008-03-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hand Print Flowers.

We made this craft while we were in Florida to thank our Nonna and Papa for all they did for us while we were there. Easy and Fun craft.

Supplies:

~ Construction Paper

~ Stapler

~ Green Pipe Cleaners

~ A Pencil

Directions:

~ Trace your child's hand on the paper (use bright colors for fun spring color). - I used orange for Ethan, pink for Ella, and Yellow for Faith.

~ Cut out hand prints

~ Use a pencil to curl the end of the fingers to make them look more like flower pedals

~ Curve wrist of hand print around the pipe cleaner and staple.

Like I said - super easy.

This would make a great Easter gift. Enjoy and have fun.

More Florida - Zoo and Sleeping

2008-03-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the Naples Zoo one day. Not nearly as good as the Indy Zoo but it was fun for the kids non the less. Oh and it is completely overpriced. Ella was being a little spitfire the whole time so I did not get many good pictures. Here is Ethan and the Alligator. There were lots of alligators.Ethan loved "Baby" Faith. Here they are posing together at the Zoo.Ella being a stinker and running away as I tried to take her picture.
And here are the precious sleeping ones. It is so funny how they seem so innocent when they are sleeping. Ethan and Ella shared a room. That was a little bit of a problem because Ella has the tendency to wake up at 5:00 am and Ethan loves sleeping until 7:30. So when Ella woke up I had to rush in there as quick as I could to keep Ethan from waking up. He is such a good sleeper - he actually did pretty good.

Florida Trip!!

2008-03-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

So for you loyal blog readers you may wonder where we have been -- well it has been sunny Florida. WE leave tomorrow so I thought I should at least post one blog about our trip because there will be lots to catch up on. Sorry for skiping the Make a Craft Monday but there will be one this coming Monday. I guess I was just to busy swimming, going to the beach, riding my bike, shopping at outdoor malls -- you know - the good stuff you can't do during cold Indiana winters. Here are a few pictures from our beach adventures. It was hard to get good pictures because they really liked hanging out near the waves and I simply did not feel safe letting them do that while I was taking pictures. Anyhow - they loved the beach this time around. I can't wait til this summer because they are both little fish -- swimming away like crazy.

Here is little Ella girl ready to get out and go to the beach. This is her "come on Mommy - lets go" look!Stay posted because when I get back there will be more sunny Florida posts.

Make a Craft Monday - Foamies

2008-02-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

So I am posting today because tomorrow (Monday) we will be on an airplane down to Sunny Florida. We love Foamies. They are these great foam crafts that you can get most anywhere including Michaels, Walmart, and JoAnn's. They have foam stickers in many different themes (animals, princess, flowers, bugs, Easter, Christmas...). We made these great sun visors for our Florida trip and then made some door hangers. A box of the stickers cost $4.99 put can make about 30 different crafts. The visors were only $1.00. So fun and it is an easy craft for little ones. Ella really likes these since she still struggles with the glue and scissors.

A new meaning to going potty.

2008-02-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

Ella is now potty trained!!!! YEAH!!! But going potty for a 2 year old girl is not the same as it is for us. For most of us it is just something we do but for my 2 year old princess it is fun, fun, fun. She likes to check out all the public bathrooms (GROSS). But all in all I am so proud of her because she decided this on her own. Last week she told me she wanted to wear big girl undies. So here you have it a big girl on the potty with safety glasses on.

Baby it is cold outside.

2008-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Baby it is cold outside and boy am I sick of it. We have had temps in the teens for many days in a row. This is how I found Ella today when Ethan and I were playing with Lincoln Logs (great toy for boys 3 or older). She was cold so she just decided to bundle herself up and get warm. But honestly the end of the winter is in sight. We are headed to Florida on Monday for a week and a half. By the time we get back it will be March and hopefully rid of the snow and bitter cold. Praise the Lord we are all feeling better. I would say that we are all back to at least 90%. Thanks for all your concerns and prayers.

Make a Craft Monday - Giraffe Puppets

2008-02-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

Here we go again at a new craft. This is a quick one to make but the kids are still having fun doing a puppet show. It is pretty funny the noises that toddlers think giraffes make.

Materials Needed:
~a paper lunch bag
~a printer
~some crayons
~scissors
~glue
~paper for the printer -- I used Yellow paper to print - you could use white and then color the yellow pieces.

For Giraffe Template Click here and print.

Have Fun -- I am sure I will make some more puppets coming up since I had to buy a bunch of lunch bags.

Happy Heart Day!!

2008-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday was a great imporvement for us and our health. Ethan went to school today. They had a V-day party but I was not able to come because I did not want to expose Ethan's classmates to Ella and her sicknesses. He was disapointed that I could not come but another mom took a few pictures for me and that made him very happy. He took all his valentines that he made and gave them out to his friends. Ethan even got a huge hug from one of the girls in his class when he walked in (he did not know what to think about that, with him being so shy and all). On Valentines day Ella decided that she was not going to wear diapers any more. We had a compleaty accident free day (although today we have already had one - I still think that is pretty good for a sick girl).

This first picture is Ella posing for all those she loves. She is very proud to say "I am wearing undies".

These last 2 pictures are of Ethan and Ella begging for those valentines day cookies I was making. Yes Ella only has on a shirt and tights - weird I know but she got her dress dirty and did not want to put anything else on. She is 2 and very opinionated.I hope you all had a great day. LOVE and HUGS!!

Call to all MOMS!!

2008-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is a call to all Moms. All you are wonderful out there and deserve to read this. It is a devotional that Mary told at my MOPS meeting a week ago. It was to funny and wonderful not to share. I hope this brightens up your day like it did mine.

Getting Better

2008-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

So Ella is feeling so much better today. I know it will take a few more days to get my spunky Ella compleatly back but I am so thankful for the antibiotic shot. It was very painful for Ella and was in both legs so she did not walk at all yesterday but today I got a few smiles as you can see in the picture. She even ask for applesauce and at 3 spoonfulls and had about 5 spoonfulls of yoguart. She has had virtually nothing to eat since Thursday, so this in itself was a huge sucess. Please keep praying that the antibiotic they sent us home with works to get rid of the rest of the bugs.

Also please keep praying for my dad - he was released from the hospital yesterday. They did many tests ond have determinded that his heart is healthy. They have him on blood thinners so that he does not form any more blood clots that they believe were causing the heart problems. Last night my dad suffered some sever abdominal pains again. They are thinking his gallbladder is going to have to go. Please pray for the Dr's to have wisdom in figuring this all out. Thanks for all the emails, calls, comments, and food. God graced me with wonderful friends.

Pneumonia

2008-02-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

My baby girl has pneumonia. I took her to the Dr this morning because she just was not getting any better from the flu (which she still also has). They took some blood work. Ella was so sad when they drew her blood - I felt so mean to make her go thru that. Then they sent us over to get some chest x-rays. The whole time Ella is softly crying "I want to go home". Because Ella was so miserable and just wanted me to hold her, they had to put her in this tiny tube thing to take her x-rays. She was standing up with her hands over her dead in the tight tube. Crying the whole time for me to pick her up. I could not help but cry for her. She is just so precious. The results came back as a positive so we are headed back to the Dr. to get a shot of antibiotics. Please please pray for my baby. She is so miserable. Satan is really attacking me and my family. God is stronger than any other force so I know I am in good hands but please pray for our strength.

After going thru just a few tests my heart really goes out to the moms and dads of little ones with serious illnesses. So please say a prayer for those children as well. God bless you all and thanks for the prayers.

Make a Craft Monday - Valentines

2008-02-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

So, in the spirit of the week my craft for this week is valentines. Ethan has to bring them to school on Thursday for his Valentines Party. They are fun, funny, and a little different than your normal valentine. We got his fantastic kit from JoAnn Fabrics for only $4. Ethan had a blast making these for his friends at school. There are lots of great craft ideas at JoAnn and Michaels. Sorry we are not more creative this week - we have been battling the flu, broncitis, and ear infections - not a fun week in our house.

So - go pick up yourself some fun valentine crafts to do with your kids. What a great holiday to celebrate with you kids. And another chance to make sugar cookies - this time in the shape of hearts.

Corn, Raisins, Peas, and Crackers?

2008-02-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

So you wonder "what do these four foods have in common"? I could tell you they are all you need for a healthy diet but that would be a lie. These are the only 4 foods Ella will eat right now. We have been pretty sick here at the Andrews house. Blake has the flu, Ethan has the flu and an ear infection, Ella has the flu, and I have broncitis (and am guessing the flu but they did not test me). Today is a bad day for Ella and the only things I can get her to eat are corn, raisins, peas, and crackers - does not sound good to me but at least I am getting a little energy in her. Ethan was really sick on Tuesday and Wed but is feeling a little better today as you can tell from the picture. Poor Ella - I even ask her to smile and she just could not find it in her to smile for one second.

When it rains it pours...

2008-02-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

When it rains it pours... but God sees us thru. Yesterday was a very trying day for my family. A day of constant prayer and worries. Yesterday morning I got the news that my dad was admitted to the ER on Sunday night due to sever abdomen pain. After some tests they determined that his gallbladder was infected and diseased, his colon was not working, he had a blood clot in his leg, and the worst news was that the atrium of his heart was not pumping.

Now to top everything off Blake was home sick with the flu, Ethan came down with the flu and I was anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI I had last week. Yesterday became a day of constant prayer. Knowing that God can do anything I was praying for a miracle. I was reading in Matthew 17 - the disciples were trying to heal a man but could not so they came to Jesus to ask why - Jesus relied "because you have so little Faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move." So with faith many of us were praying for my dad. As the day progressed we found out that his colon was fine, there is a small blood clot in his lung (they gave him blood thinner to help with that, his gall bladder is not diseased, and then to top all the good news off my dad's heart started beating again on its own. WOW God heals today - there is no doubt about that.

Blake is back at work today and Ethan is doing ok, but still pretty run down and lethargic. My MRI results came back and I am going to be referred to an endocrinologist for further tests but it is believed that things are ok. So yes it rained and poured yesterday but today there is a rainbow and a promise that God never gives us more than we can handle. Plus my sister had her first ultrasound and saw the face of her precious one. To hear about that go here later today. I hope this story of God's glory brings happiness to your day - He is so amazing!!

When I get big....

2008-02-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Since I do not keep a journal, this is my journal. Today Ethan told me "Mommy, when I get big, I want to be a fireman." I then ask Ella what she wanted to be and she said "princess mommy - oh no dancer." Could they be more different -- Ethan is such a boy and Ella is such a girl. Of course we all had hopes and dreams for when we got older. I remember always saying that I wanted to be just like my mommy - I wanted to be a mommy. Well, I sure got my wish. What about you and your kids? What did you want to be? Did you accomplish that? What do your kiddos want to be when the get big?

Make a Craft Monday - Soap Crayons

2008-02-04T04:04:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy thing for you to make for your kids - my kids are a little young to help but they enjoyed the outcome. All kids love drawing and coloring - so why not make them clean at the same time.

Mix about 1/2 cup of soap flakes ( you can etheither buy soap flakes or grate your own). Of course I suggest one from a natural food store or Melaleuca. Ok so mix that with 1-2 Tablespoons of very HOT water. Stir well. Divide into bowls and miz with food coloring. Place in mold (I used ice cube trays). Let dry until very hard. This could take as long as a week, depending on the humidity. Let you child draw on your bathtub wall - while getting clean all at the same time.

I have decided to turn Make a craft Monday into -- Make a craft or snack Monday. I have some good kid friendly healthy recipies that I would like to share and some that I want to try so stay posted for my successful meals.

Pictures of Ethan and Ella

2008-01-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Here are our lates prof. pics. of Ethan and Ella. My friend Vicki took the pictures and I think she did a fabulous job. We have a whole CD of the pictures she took. Here are just a few.

Make a Craft Monday

2008-01-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

So I have decided to post a kids craft every Monday. I am doing this to encourage me to keep my mind creative when playing with the kids, and to share with all of you (most of you are moms of young kids). So here is it Homemade Play Dough.

Not only do kids love play dough but they love to help make it. Ethan loves mushing it all together to make the consistency right. I have made more than a few batches of play dough for the kids but this recipe is by far the easiest and the consistency of the dough is great (creating hours of creative play). One more great thing is that you know exactly what is in it, in case you have a child like Ella - who likes to sneak a bit when I am not looking. Yes I know you are saying "gross".

Ingredients:

2 + cups of white flour

1/2 cup of salt

1 cup of hot water

1 teaspoon of cooking oil (optional)

Mix flour and salt together then slowly add water and oil (I used only 1/2 teaspoon of oil) Add more flour as needed. Add food coloring if you want or just leave it white. Store in air tight containers.

If you have a craft idea for me just email me and I will get it posted but make sure it is cheep and easy.

Another year!!

2008-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

So I have now kept this blog up for a year. GO ME! I am pretty proud of myself since when I started it, Melissa had to pull my arm to make me do it. It is fun for me to look back at all the fun times we have had (and all the black eyes, and fat lips). Here are a few pictures from this week. This first one is of Ella and Ethan in their puppy sleeping bags and Blake in his Colts blanket.

Ella with her crew of puppies. She sure loves her puppies.Not sure what this face is but Ethan wanted me to add it to the blog.

Craft Crazy

2008-01-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Ella had a lot of fun doing this craft. It was a wonderful Christmas present because it is something fun we can do during the cold winter without getting out. The strep bug hit us for the first time this week. Poor Ethan! So inside craft fun has been a huge success to help get Ethan's mind off of his throat hurting.

Pictures for Nonna

2008-01-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

So little miss Ella let me put a bow in her hair today. She really does not like bows in her hair but she kept it in long enough for Daddy to get home to see how pretty she was. When Daddy did get home she said "look at me Daddy, see - I'm pretty". After Daddy got home she asked me to take a picture of her for Nonna (yes for you Nonna - I know your heart is breaking because you don't like being so far away from them). So here you have it -- Ella hamming it up for the camera for Nonna to see.
I think in this last picture Ella is actually starting to look like me - yes I know - maybe one of my blond kids will end up looking like me after all.

Christmas and Birthday Highlights 2007

2008-01-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Get ready for a lot of pictures. I am way to tired to write a long meaningful blog entry. Instead here we have a whole bunch of pictures. We had a great past few weeks. On Christmas Eve we went to church and celebrated the true meaning of Christmas - The birth of our beautiful Lord Jesus. After church we came home and made Christmas cookies with the kids, my mom and dad, and Aunt Debbie. The kids put 4 cookies out for Santa along with apple juice (because Ethan really thought Santa would like apple juice better than milk). We then put reindeer food out one the front step (we heard that the reindeer got hungry while they were waiting for Santa to eat his cookies). Christmas morning we opened gifts with the kids and then went to my parents house for Christmas dinner and more gifts. Then just when the kids thought all the fun was over - Nanny, Pop, and Uncle Isaac came to stay with us for a few days. The kids had so much fun. We celebrated Ella's b-day with the whole family. It was great but of course we missed the Chatraws' and Schafer's.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ella!!!

2007-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

WOW -- today my baby turned 2. It is exciting yet emotional all at the same time. My little princess is no longer a baby. Tomorrow we are going to celebrate her birthday with the family. Even Nanny and Pop (Blake's parents) and Isaac are going to be here. What a treat for my little girl and us. As I reflect on how much Ella means to me I can only laugh at all her fun, cute, sweat, precious, and yes even sly things about her. She is so full of life, energy, and love. One thing that pops into my head is how one day a few weeks ago Blake looked at her with so much love and just started to giggle with a smile on his face. I ask him what he was thinking and this was his response - "I love that girl - she is really going to be someone some day - you just watch and see." It amazes me how much we can love our children and then to think of our God looking down at us with the same loving, fatherly response that Blake made. God has given us such a wonderful, amazing, hard task of raising up his children. They are a gift God has given us, a responsibility He has trusted us with. I pray that God uses me to bring up my children in the ways of the Lord. For you just watch and see "they will be someone some day".

This picture is of the birthday girl today. Happy 2nd birthday baby.

Here is Ella showing of her new dance moves.

This is Ella at 1 year.

Ella just a few hours old. And I must say she is awful beautiful for being just a few hours old. Oh course I am partial but....

Ethan's Christmas Party

2007-12-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

So Ethan ended the calender year with a big bang at his Christmas Party at Preschool. Ethan is doing his craft, making a Santa hat. You will see the finished product at the end but if I were to vote Ethan had the most "decorated" hat.

After the craft the kids played "Pin the nose on Reindeer". And then to the presents -- all the parents gave money to buy gifts for the class. They got many gifts to use throughout the rest of the school year.
Then the snack. Ethan is sitting here with his good buddy Max.
The finished product. Pretty good, don't you think?
And the happy boy on his way home from his first school Christmas party.

Snowman!!!

2007-12-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

We got a little bit of a snow storm last weekend. We were expecting a foot of snow but instead only got about 4 or 5 inches. But non-the-less - we made our snowman and had our fun. Here is Ethan all pumped up to go play in the snow. This is Daddy, Ethan, and Ella with the snowman Daddy made. WOW he is big.
Now if you look really really close you can see the snowman I made sitting in front of me and the kids. I personally like my little snowman better - that is if it were a contest.

Indiana State Museum

2007-12-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

So we have been pretty busy - sorry it has been so long since I posted an update. Baby, it is cold outside so up go the Christmas decorations. For some reason we decided to finish our lights at night. Here is Ella all bundled up.

And Ethan as proud as can be of his snowman.

We went to the Indiana State Museum and ate at the Ayers Tea Room. They have a replica inside the Museum of the old Tea Room that the downtown Ayers used to have. After we ate the kids got a little gift from the Tea Room. It was pretty cute - we used to go to the real Tea Room when we were little and got little gifts back then also. Then we went to go ride on the Train. Boy was that a big hit. Of course the kids had to have Mommy go along. Don't I look a little big for this train?

Then to Santa. The kids are peeking in at the the kids in front of us telling Santa what they want for Christmas. We have been very diligent about telling the kids about the real meaning of Christmas and how everyone is having a HUGE birthday party for Jesus. Hopefully they understand that it is not about reindeer, Santa, and gifts. So here they are all excited and ready to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Now, Ella is not so excited anymore. She never did tell Santa what she wanted.The whole family picture. This was the only way to keep Ella from balling her eyes out.
Here is the whisper "I want a car and train".

Children's museum

2007-12-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Jolly Days of Christmas is back at the museum and you have got to go. The kids had a blast.

Huge Yule Slide -- I only went because Ella was not old enough to go by herself.
Santa's Cookie Cafe!! Ethan loved this place. Here is a wonderful brownie that he made.
Ella was more into the story time by Mrs Clause but here she is trying to figure out the kitchen stuff.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family. Janel, Jason, and Faith came and stayed for 2 weeks. It was great to see them and Faith is just getting so big (even though she is a peanut for her age). Now first off - who is that bearded man?! Blake is doing No Shave November again. I guess there are only a few days left.

Janel and Ga (my grandma).Ethan, Ella, and Faith. What a great trio they make.

I have a baby in my belly.....

2007-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

"I have a baby in my belly!!!" Those are Ethan's new famous words - along with WHY...? WHY...? WHY...? - Yes I now have a "Why" child. Back to the baby in the belly. So we have been talking a lot about Aunt Janel and how she is coming to visit us on Wednesday. As we talk about it I told Ethan that cousin Faith and Uncle Jason where also coming. We also told him that Faith was going to be a big sister because Janel had a baby in her belly. So this picture is what Ethan thinks Janel is going to look like when she comes to visit. He just came into my room yelling "I have a baby in my belly like Aunt Janel." He is going to be greatly surprised that since she is only 9 weeks - she will not be that big at all. He also is voting that it is a baby boy in her belly. Oh, I just realized that if you do not read this whole post you may think that I have a baby in my belly - which is indeed completely false.

New Rooms

2007-11-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

Now that Ella is 22 months - we decided to get her a big girl bed. Thanks to Ethan she got his old bed and Ethan got a fun new bed. Ethan's bed was a hand-me-down from Uncle Isaac. Now we have plenty of space for friends to come spend the night. (OK that may be a little premature but Ethan has reserved his top bunk for a friend of his at school - I just think that is awful cute)

Morning time and....

2007-11-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Ella is bright eyed and bushy tailed. She slept wonderful and did not wake up once in the middle of the night. Honestly, I thought she would wake up and get upset that she was not in her crib. See the post below to get a brief on what I am posting about.

I think we might be in trouble

2007-11-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

So, tonight we put Ella in her big girl bed for the first time. She is getting a little to big for her round crib (since she is our giant child). And she is getting a little to "rough" with it. So we decided to give her a big girl bed. I took this picture just one hour after she fell asleep -- as you can see, it looks like we will be in trouble tonight. After just one hour she is already turned the wrong way. This reminds me of Tommy Boy a little, but instead of "fat guy in a little coat" - it is "little girl in a big bed". (OK I know Janel will laugh at that - you others just try with all your might to withstand the urge to make fun of my bad joke.) I am sure I will have more to post about after tonight is over.

Leaves and Lumberjack

2007-11-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

This weekend was full of leaves, leaves, leaves. We were gone if Florida for a while and came back to a yard full of leaves. Since we live on 2.6 acres, full of trees - we had a lot of leaves to move this weekend. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the leaves but between me and you - I think Blake had the most fun. We also got some more fire wood chopped for our fireplace.We still have a lot of leaves left to rake -- all these need to fall off and this is only one tree.Ethan would get his car and drive as fast as he could and let the leaves stop him. What a blast for a 3 year old.
Where's Waldo?

Florida Trip

2007-11-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

The end of October we went to Florida for the United Convention. Jennifer, Blake's sister, watched the kids while we went out in style at the convention in Hollywood, FL. Jennifer did such a great job taking care of the kids - if you want to see any pictures of that use the link on my blog to her blog. After the convention we stayed another 5 days in Florida. Here are some pictures of the kids swimming -- they loved it. This was the first time that Ella actually ventured off on her own. This whole summer she had to hold onto someone - but she now has a whole new confidence.

Ethan loves jumping into the pool and making big splashes.Although Ella has a new confidence in the water - she still lacks a little confidence when it comes to jumping in - Even when Daddy is right there.

FIRE

2007-11-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

Our newest addition.

Fall - God's Beauty

2007-10-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

Every fall I am reminded of how beautiful God made our world. He has blessed us so much even with the very details of season change. This just demonstrates the very essence of God. He is a God of beauty, a God of love, a God of forgiveness, a God of kindness, and the list just goes on. Here are a few pictures that I took that capture God's beauty. Also are some pictures of my blessings specific blessings from God. It still amazes me that God has entrusted me with these two beautiful and impressionable people.

The GOOD, BAD, and UGLY

2007-10-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

So my GOOD friend Beth (who is a faithful blogger) mentioned to me last night that my kids are just so GOOD and so loving to each other. So Beth this is for you. As most would agree - it is easier to go get your camera when the kids are being good or having fun. It is not on the top of my list to grab the camera when they are BAD fighting. "OH wait guys keep fighting while I get my camera". That just does not seem quit right. So to prove to Beth that my job is not all peaches and roses here is a picture of the UGLY. Something that happened less than 24 hours after Beth and I had this conversation. You can make your own conclusion of what happened but it has something to do with the kids fighting and Ethan getting a little out of hand - therefore producing many tears from my already emotional little girl. Beth like I said -- this is for you.

Survey: Toddler vs. Newborn

2007-10-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Who do you think is easier to manage: a toddler or a newborn?
Things to keep in mind:
~There is a difference btwn individual newborns...case in point, Ethan was a lot more difficult as a newborn than Ella was (same goes for toddlers).
~Things that are easy to manage with toddlers are harder with newborns (sleep) and vice versa (independence).
~Newborn phase really only lasts about 4 months, toddlerhood lasts about a year/year and a half.
~Toddlers can verbally communicate their wants (although it may not be what YOU want), whereas newborns use crying as their primary method of communicating (eventhough it seems toddlers only have tantrums and whining as their means to communicate).
~Toddlers throw food when they are mad but newborns spit up food all over you.

I saw this post on another blog and wanted to hear you opinion. I sure have one.

Because....

2007-10-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

This is what we did all summer and now that it is getting to cold to be outside so much we need to find more inside activities to keep my kids busy.

Play-Doh continues to amaze me. We pulled out some Play-Doh that Aunt Debbie bought the kids this summer (I put it away until now so that it would be new when it got cold outside). They played with this stuff for about 4 hours. Now that is truly amazing. I am open for any comments on any activities on how to keep the kids busy this winter.

Rose

2007-10-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from our last warm day. The weather went from a high of 90 degrees one day to a high of 60 the next. I have a single rose bush that made it thru the whole summer. I don't tend to be able to keep plants alive so this is huge for me.
Mr. Ethan being the little charmer that he is... giving his rose to Miss Ella.

Three heads are better than one.

2007-10-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

Enough said....

First Day of School

2007-10-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

So Ethan started School last week. He had been on the wait list and finally got a spot. He did not want me to take a picture of him with his backpack so I had to take a self portrait of us. As you can see he still has his black eye. Also here is a picture of Ella and me.

Jennifer's Wedding

2007-09-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been bugging me to get these pictures posted. You ask so you receive -- lots of pictures from Jennifer's wedding. We had a blast and came away with a new family member -brother-in-law and Uncle Steve. We went down on Wed. morning and stayed until Monday. The days were filled with lots of fun family and wedding festivities. The start was on Wed. night where we celebrated Bill's (Blake's Dad) birthday. Then on Thursday we had the bachelor and baccalaureate parties. Friday was a full day with golfing, bridal luncheon, rehearsal, and the rehearsal dinner. The Big day on Saturday started early with a 12:30 wedding, 2:00 reception, pictures, and then an 8:00 reception. Jennifer was a beautiful bride (she actually looked like a barbie bride). The kids did OK at the wedding. If it were not for my parents the whole thing would have been a disaster. My mom and dad stayed back with the kids and told them when to walk down. They started off perfect - they walked slow, did not make any noise until the got halfway down the aisle. Then they just stoped and looked at each other and around at everyone there. They were so cute. I finally had to go get them and bring them to the front with me - and just in time because the Wedding March started right after that. So here you go:

Debbie bought Ella's dress down in Florida so this is Ella when she first tried it on. She thought it was a dancing dress. My dad actually has pictures of Ella dancing in her dress.

The Rehearsal Dinner was on a Dinner Boat. So this is a picture of me and Blake at the front of the boat.
This is of me and Debbie (don't ask what we are laughing at).

Here is a precious picture of Jennifer and Debbie right before we walked over to the church. Debbie of course looked beautiful.

This cake not only looked good it tasted wonderful.

The first dance.

Here are some pictures of Miss Ella. My dad has the good pictures of the kids. I actually don't even have a picture of Ethan in his Tux, so when I get the pictures from my dad - I will post them.

Here are pictures from the 8:00 reception where there was chocolate fondue and dancing. Jennifer let all the bridesmaids change into something else for this event but Blake still wore his Tux.

I hope you all are happy now -- you have been blessed with way to many pictures. Oh but the fun does not stop there -- keep scrolling down - I have more posts of our Florida trip.

Beach Time

2007-09-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

We were able to slide in a time at the beach while down in Florida for the Wedding. But, I must say - the beach was not a big hit. Ella does not like getting dirty (or dury as she would say). So we did not last long but I did get a few pictures taken of the kids having fun. They preferred the pool to the beach much more.

Shiner and stomach Virus

2007-09-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

So when we got back from Florida -- watch out -- things got a little rough. Poor little Ella woke up the other day with a stomach virus (which she is still fighting). I felt so bad for her - when I went to get her out of her crib I saw that she had thrown up in her crib. It was all over her and her crib. That was just the beginning. So she has been taking it easy the past few days. And of course Ethan has another black eye. This one was caused by his favorite John Deer tractor. He did not want me taking a picture of him so this is the best shot I got.

10 Year High School Reunion

2007-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it is hard for some of you to believe that I have actually been out of high school for 10 years. I know, I know -- I don't look a day over 21. Any way, my friend Jenni and I did the majority of the planning. It turned out to be so much fun. We only had 68 in our graduationg class so we were all pretty close. We had a casual setting outside with a picnic style meal, hayrides, games, and a bon-fire. One of the fun things about it was that we all brought our kids - and boy did that make me feel old - looking at all of us with little rugrats running around. Anyhow - here are some pictures from the event. This first one is of me and Jenni before everyone came.

Here is just a picture inside the tent as everyone started coming.It was a cold night so we all bundled up -- here is a picture of the kids having fun on the golf cart. From right to left - Caleb (Corey's kid), Ella, Ethan, and Austin (Jann and Adam's son) is behind the wheel.Julie, Bari, ME, and Janaya.

Here is a picture of 2 of my best friends from High School - Jenni and Bari - and Clay is on the end. This is toward the end of the night at the fire side.

Stephanie, Becky and Todd (Todd is Jenni's husband and not a Heritage Alumni but he is still a good guy).

Few are the moments...

2007-09-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Few and far between are the moments, when I catch my kids playing well together on their own and cuddling with each other. But... I was able to catch 2 of these moments within a 48 hour period. Does that mean there is hope? As they get older will they fight less and get along better?

BIG shoes to fill.

2007-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

As we grow each day we learn something new all the time. Just think how much our kids are learning everyday. All the new experiences , trials, tears, foods, friends and the list just goes on and on. Every time the kids put on our shoes I am reminded how impressionable they are -- how delicate their little minds are -- and how sensitive their little hearts are. God has given us such a huge responsibility with our children. So I am reminded to step into God's shoes to help raise our children in His light.

Used Toy Lot

2007-09-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well - this looks either like a used car lot (excpet used toys) or like we are just plain messy, dirty, or trash. But I must say the kids sure do have fun playing with all their outside toys.

Puppies and Paint

2007-08-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

So, both my kids like puppies. Ethan has this great sleeping bag from Nonna and Papa that is a puppy. He got it last year for Christmas. Miss Ella is a little jealous because she does not have one. She sneaks in Ethan's whenever she can. And Mr. Ethan is always our BIG helper. Here he is helping daddy paint. Yes, we actually let him paint.
Although he did get a little on the window and a lot on himself.

Up to What?

2007-08-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

So, you look at this face and think "What is Ethan up to now?" Well he bagged up his trucks and tractors and put little Miss Ella to work. This picture was taken right after he yells "Ella help me move." Poor sweet innocent Ella hard at work moving all Ethan's toys.

Ella kept saying "Mommy I help!"
Followed by "E E I help." She calls Ethan E E - it is pretty cute. So this is what we did today during the thunderstorm. Have any better ideas on what to do on a rainy day?

Flashback four years.

2007-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

August 2006: Ethan was 2 and Ella was 7 months. August 2005: Here Ethan just turned one and I was only 20!!! Ok - I was 20 -- I was 20 weeks prego with Ella. I guess I was 26 years but who is counting.
August 2004: And here is my baby just a month old.
August 2003: Just months after our wedding - here is Blake with his first baby girl. Alot changes in 4 years -- wow.

State Fair Fun

2007-08-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

We went to the fair over the weekend and boy did the kids have fun. Their favorite part was the horses and they really liked the petting zoo. There was a calf there that really liked to lick (kind of like a dog). Ella Lynn thought that was the best thing ever - she squealed with joy every time the calf licked her little hand. Here is Ella getting ready to harvest her crops. They have a really cute kid area called Wonder Trail. They teach the kids where all our food comes from -- when they are all done they get some money and get to buy something -- we got cheese. My little gardner.
Ethan loved this but Ella was still a little to small to make it move on her own - I had to push her the whole way but she loved that.

Hard at work harvesting his crops.
We could not get Ella in that third hole -- This is the best picture I got of the boys.

Of course Ethan loved the tractors -- I don't think he is really allowed up on the tractors but he sure had fun looking at them all and sitting on them.

So we had a lot of fun and we even made it past all the rides without having to purchase one ticket. I just hate those rides - I am guessing this will be our last year to avoid them.

Mattel recall

2007-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is getting a little rediculous how many toys are being made that are so unsafe for our kids. Check out his link for the most recent recall. Thankfully we don't have any of these toys.
http://www.mattel.com/safety/us/

HOT HOT HOT!!

2007-08-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

So it has been HOT HOT HOT around here lately. So we have been staying COOL COOL COOL playing make believe and going to the pool. The pool pictures are yet to come since I always seem to forget my camera when we go swimming. Here Ethan and Ella are showing off there new found tent area. They love playing forts and tents.
Oh and look at Ethan loving his baby sis. Ethan is always calling Ella "baby sis" with lots of affection. I hope they become best friends because now they fight an awful lot.

Ethan is very proud of himself in this picture. He made lots of cookies. You want one? What do you mean they look to bright to eat?

Just when you thought Ethan was the tool man.

2007-08-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

I came across Ella this morning playing with the tools and goggles and had to get a picture. She has such a little head and these big goggles just made me laugh.

Hard at work

2007-08-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

My son is sporting his new toy. Aunt Patty and Uncle Fred gave him this saw. I took this first picture because I thought he looked cute but them..... He started cutting down my inside trees. And of course that is little miss Ella's head in the back with the grinder helping out.

Ethan's kids party

2007-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

So, I am a little delayed on getting this post up. Ethan's party was about 2 weeks ago. Well, we had a little kids party for Ethan at a spray park in Carmel. We had a pinata (as you can see in this first picture). All the kids got a try at it but it was a strong one so I ended up knocking it down after a few wacks.

We played in the water... Here are some of the moms and their kids. There was also a school bus of kids that came - so we did not everyone here.

And of course cupcakes. Thank you everyone for coming. Ethan really had a good time and he felt very important.

Ethan's Family Party

2007-07-24T11:03:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Ethan's 3rd birthday on Sunday with our family. Everyone was there but Aunt Jenny and soon to be Uncle Steve and Uncle Jason. We missed you. We even had Nanny, Pop, and Issac up from Florida. Here are a few pictures from the party. Ethan sure knew what he was doing this year with the presents.

The 4 boys and their toys. My dad, Blake, Ethan, and Bill (Blake's dad).

It looks like my son is officially spoiled now. Nonna and Papa got Ethan a big blow up jumper. Those of you with kids better come over and play with us and give this thing a workout.

And of course Miss Ella can't miss a step.

3 years ago today

2007-07-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

I was in labor with Ethan -- yes all day!!! Of course today is not his birthday -- the little bugger wanted to wait to celebrate his birthday until the 24Th. So you ask - why a picture of this plant. Well this plant was given to me 3 years ago today. Janel flew in on stand by to make it in time for Ethan's birth (she made it in time since I labored so long -- it gave her plenty of time to get here). So I am proving to everyone that I do not have a black thumb. Although a year ago this plant only had 2 leaves -- I have nursed it back to health and it is thriving now. GO ME!!

Aunt Janel, Baby Faith, ZOO

2007-07-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

My sister has been in town for a little. They just sold there house in Atlanta and are moving out to Boise, ID. SO, Janel and Faith came for a visit before the big move. One of the days we went to the Zoo. Here is our atempt for a picture of all of us. Don't these two look like little angels? They are actually holding hands instead of fighting. No actaully Ethan likes to hold Ella's hand when we go places like the park, zoo... he is her big helper.

And of course a picture of the cousins. Unbelievable how much hair my neice has. So we have Ella with blond hair, Faith with red, and Ethan with light brown. Could they all look any more different from each other. We have had fun with Janel and Faith -- we hope you come back again soon.

Late Night with Friends

2007-07-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

So the other night Blake and I had the opportunity to watch our good friends Cindy and Daniel's kids while they had a night of good food. The night started off with the swing set. Then some play doh.

Of course any time Ethan is involved there has to me a little wrestling match. (Check out Blake in the back trying to get a little nap)
Now all pooped out - they set up there beds and watched a movie.

Yes - even Ella had to stay up later than normal. But she did go to bed way before the rest. We had a great time. Ethan loves playing with his friends.

Fishers Freedom Festival.

2007-07-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the Fishers Freedom Festival despite the bad weather. Ella was very ready to go and wanted to dress herself -- so here she is in her vest coat - and only her vest coat. We did have to intervene and make her wear some pants.

Ethan was a little scared yet intrigued of the Chick-fa-la Cow. Ella wanted nothing to do with it.
Ethan off with bag go winnings. He had a lot of fun in the kids tent. He went fishing, golfing... and of course won all kids of wonderful prizes.Ella girl with her one prize -- she just sat back most the time and enjoyed the large crowd.

Bike Riding

2007-07-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we bought 2 bike seats, set them up, and starting riding again. Ethan loves to ride on the back of Blake's bike. Ella is still a little small - she bounces around alot but she likes it as long as we stay away from the bumps.

I of course could not get a picture of Ella on her bike since she was riding behind me. But at least I got a picture of her in her way to big helmet and cute little face. Notice her necklace. She is very into jewlery these days thanks to her friend Kenzie.

FOR SALE

2007-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

So after much sweat, tears, and prayer we have decided to put our house for sale. We moved in about 2 years ago. Before we moved in we completely remodeled the home. The house has all new flooring, doors, wood trim, kitchen cabinets and appliances, master bath completely remodeled, paint inside and out, gutters, garage door, furnace, and water heater. It will be very sad to leave a home we love so much but we feel the Lord is moving us on. Please let me know if you or anyone you know may have interest in our home. It lies on 2.6 beautiful wooded acres. Here is the front of the house.This is a view of the front yard from the front door.A view of the back yard.

This is a picture of the Great Room. It has a functional fireplace. Behind where the picture is taken is an additional 10 feet or so that we made into an office. Another picture of the Great Room. It is overlooking the back yard.

Here is our kitchen. The kitchen and dining room are connected and overlook the front yard.Here is the master bath.

Master Bedroom.

Bedroom #2. It actually is bigger than these pictures indicate.

Bedroom #3.

And bathroom #2.