Nashville-Day Two

After a sleepless night (Ellie was sleeping with us) I surprisingly got up ready to go. We started the day at The Hermitage or the Home of Andrew Jackson (our 7th President). I have to get some history in, and I have such an awesome husband that he does not mind.

The view of the manison

After the Hermitage we came back and rested for a bit, then we suited up and headed for the pool. I was a little shocked when I stepped in to realize that it was cold...in August. Actually, the weather here is gorgeous. We sure have picked an awesome weekend.

After swimming we went back to the hotel and cleaned up a bit. We headed out for the evening without a plan. After much discussion we decided that we would take a cruise on the General Jackson (they built this boat at Jeffboat in Jeffersonville-and Bob really wanted to ride it).

I think you can tell from the pictures that Ellie had a great time. (So did Mommy and Daddy).

Nashville-Day One

Wednesday: Bob had decided last week that he was going to take Thursday and Friday off. The plan was to find somewhere to take a short vacation before I had to go back to school. There was no destination that really stood out to us. Wednesday afternoon we thought we had decided on going to Gulf Shores. I spent about three hours trying to find a desent and reasonable place to stay, but the ten hour drive did not excite me. So at about 8:00 Wed night we decided on Nashville.

We did not leave Indiana until after noon, but that was ok because Nashville is not that far. The drive was great. Ellie slept the entire time, and we made it (thanks to Bob's new GPS that he calls Carrie--I would be a little jealous but she is confined to a small grey box) in about 2 1/2 hours.

We got to the hotel, got settled, and then headed to THE MALL. If anyone has every been here you know why it is in all caps.

Ellie checking everything out

Ellie telling daddy how to work Carrie

We ate dinner at a cool restaurant in the mall called the aquarium.

The first of August

There has been so much going on the first few days of August. July seemed like it would never end as most July's do. I finished reading enough books to meet my goal (I have read two more since reaching my goal). I love to read, and Ellie loves to listen to me read--so it works out for the both of us.

I have not really been in my classroom since the end of school, so I knew that when I finally did go in it would take hours to get everything ready. I was right--I spent three days there (at least four hours each day). I wanted to get everything done before we started back on Monday. I have to say I am pleased for a while with the way my room looks. I have new desks in my room plus a new bookshelf "filled" with new books for my classroom library. YAH.

Last weekend was pretty busy too. Laura Hammond got married and she looked great. I did not go to the wedding because Ellie does not like to sit still--and I don't get to see anything in the cry room anyway. We went to the reception and had a great time.

Laura and Michael (a little fuzzy)

After the wedding we went to church. George gave an awesome message. He is getting ready to start preaching about the entire New Testament. This has sparked my new goal--to read the new testament again along with his messages.

Sunday was very laid back because we had went to church on Saturday (I really love this sometimes). I read my new book Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer almost all day. If you are looking for an awesome book/series to read then you should definately pick up the Twilight books. They are without question the best books I have EVER read.

Then Sunday evening we went to Tumbleweed to celebrate Maranda's birthday.

Johnny and Ellie

Ellie being silly with MarandaTwo of Ellie's favorite cousins (she has several more favorites).

Whew! What a weekend, and to think another one is starting. The last one before school starts :(

I DID IT!!!!!!!

At the beginning of the summer I set a goal to read 15 books before school started. I very seldom set goals that I can not accomplish, but I was pretty unsure that I would meet the goal once Ellie started crawling full-time. But last night I finish the last book of my goal. Every book I read was amazing, so if any of you are looking for a good book here is my list.
1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2. Sold by Patricia McCormick
3. Blue Bloods by De La Cruz
4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher------ very good for teenagers
5. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
6. Rash by Pete Hauntman
7. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
8. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
9. Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
10. Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
11. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr------the best book I read
12. When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
13. Cut by Patricia McCormick
14. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
15. Invisible by Pete Hautman

If you want to know about any of these books just ask.

Little mischief

So now that Ellie is mobile she likes to get into everything. Nothing unusual. But she does some of the cutest things. Bob and I were playing a bowling game on the Wii. Chloe is scared of several things: 1.) vacuum cleaners, 2.) folding clothes, 3.) trash bags, and her new fear 4.) the Wii. So she was hiding in her kennel while we were playing. Ellie decided she wanted to find Chloe and torture her more.

This was taken after Ellie kept closing and opening the door. Check out Chloe-she is wondering what is going on.

She got really quiet, when I went back to check on her she was playing in Chloe's water bowl.

She is in to everything. I have resorted to blocking things off, but she always finds a way to get around the barriers. It is funny watching her stay at the barrier for a few minutes before she executes her plan. She has definately outsmarted her mother.

Zoo

I have been wanting to take Ellie to the zoo for a while, but the weather has been to hot or I have been too busy. So yesterday-I had nothing planned and the weather was really good for late July. Mom went with us. Ellie was so attentive. I figured that she would fall asleep, but she stayed awake the entire time. She loved watching people, more than the animals--maybe she has an insight about the human race ;) I bought a membership so we can go back more often.

Ellie and Memaw

My favorite

Riding the Tram (her favorite part)

Ellie's new toy

Last weekend, Papaw Jenkins got Ellie a new ride. She loved pushing it around and filling it with all of her toys. Then when Bob stopped by to eat dinner, he decided to push her around in it. She loved it.









Check out that face

Only 3 Weeks Left...

...until school begins again. It is so hard to believe that it is almost time for school to start again. Where has the time gone? I really have not been motivated to get things ready for the upcoming year. I guess starting my third year has put me in a comfort zone, and I do not really feel that unprepared. My classroom is a mess, and I have at least one good five hour day to get things back in order, but the thought of driving all the way up to Scottsburg (ok I know it is not that far) does not excite me.

4-H Day Three

Wednesday was the goat show. I debated on whether to go for two reasons 1) I was reading a really good book that I wanted to finish and 2) Ellie is still having many effects to teething. But I decided that it should not be too hot and it was Maranda's last year.




The weather was nice, the judge went very quickly, and Maranda finished her last goat show by doing a great job. She won her class and was one of the top participants in showmanship. Her goat; however, wanted to dance with her in the ring--it was too cute.


















Ellie playing with Scott

4-H Day Two

Tonight was the second part of the horse show. This is the fun night, contest. Maranda and David had such a large fan club, who came out to watch them run.

Davy running poles

Maranda running poles

Ellie playing with Tanner

Just another Monday

Ellie has just recently been relocated into her "big" bed in her room on the other side of our house. I did not like the idea of her being so far away from me, but we had no other option. She loves to climb and has outgrown her bassinet. She started sleeping in her bed last Friday, and so far so good. She actually sleeps very well in her bed (minus the inconvience of her teething with the medicine wears off). Monday morning I heard her laughing so hard. I could not wait to see what she was laughing at, so when I went into her room, I saw this:**On Tuesday when I walked in, she was standing on one of her Teddy Bears trying to make herself higher. Needless to say, I have pulled everything that would add height out of her crib.

Then later that afternoon, I tried to put Ellie down for a nap before we headed off to the fair for day two. She refused to surrender, so I took her into my scrapbooking room with me so I could get caught up on some pages. She loves to playing with Chloe. She was so fussy, so I pulled in the cushion from the Papasan and put it on the floor. Chloe laid down immediately, and I hoped that Ellie would follow suit. I continued to work when I heard silence, this is what I saw:

Visit

Saturday when Bob finished working we decided to head up to New Wash for their fireman's festival. Bob ate a fish sandwich, we visited with friends and family, and that was pretty much it. So we decided to stop by and visit Tricia and John for a bit.

Trisha was sitting outside by the pool, so we decided to join her. It was such a comfortable evening. Ellie was sitting on Trish's lap when she spotted the pool. That was it, she was straining her neck and body trying to get to the pool. The pool was pretty warm, so Trish stripped her down and decided to just let her splash around. WRONG! She wanted to get in and play. So within minutes, Trish has her swimsuit on and was swimming with Ellie.

She is such a water baby.

She quickly learned how to climb out of this

We tried so hard to get a good pictures with both of their eyes open.

Ellie is playing with her mouses that Aunt Trish got her

4-H Fair: Day One

It is so hard to believe that it is already that time again. This means that school is soon to follow. Since this is Ellie's first fair I will spend a little more time capturing it in pictures. Only five years and I am sure her Daddy will encourage her to take part in as much as she wants. I would like for her to take horses and have a steer, but we are going to leave it up to her.

The pleasure horse show was last night. This was on of the most beautiful days and nights I can remember for the horse show. The weather was perfect.

Maranda and Count

David riding Holly bareback

Ellie loving life

Ellie spent the entire afternoon there with me and she was perfect. She just loves being outside. She cried everytime I took her in to change her.

Maranda and Ellie

8 Months

Dear Ellie:

It is so hard to believe that you are already eight months old. WOW! I can remember this time last year when you were still in my belly. I was in New Orleans living it up on yummy creole and cajun food. You did not enjoy everything that I fed you then, but mommy sure did. That was the first time you were on an airplane. I had never been so nervous flying then I was at that time, because I had such precious cargo ;)

Me, Marcy, and Karol in New Orleans

You are growing up so fast right before our eyes. You started crawling a few weeks ago, and you have not stopped. You are now however more interested in standing up, you know that there is a way to get you there faster. Crawling on your knees is no fun, so you will climb up on anything that will slide across the floor (Daddy's laptop case, boxes, etc) and use your little feet to push yourself to where you want to go.

You are really starting to put sounds together, and I know it will be soon when you consistantly say that first "real" word. We think you are recognizing Chloe, because whenever you see her you shout "eee" and get very excited.

You do not like to wear your shoes and you insist on trying to get them off. You feel off Mommy and Daddy's bed yesterday. Mommy helped break your fall, you pushed me away and kept crawling...note to Mommy--you will try that again. Your bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room in know a playpin, and you slept in your "big" crib for the first time last night. All went well for you (not so well for Mommy).

You love to be outside and spend time on Uncle Melvin's farm. It is a plus when Uncle Herman is there also. You love animals (Horses, cows, and especially dogs) You laugh so hard whenever you see a dog.

Ellie and Uncle Melvin

You are so special and we are enjoying every minute God has given us with you in our lives.

Love,

Mommy ;)

A Day of Fun

First of all, let me say that Ellie is going to have a mouth full of teeth before she is one. Last week she cut her fourth tooth, and she is still chewing relentlessly toward the back of her mouth. At least she will get to eat more foods now. She is definately happy about that.

Yesterday, she and I spent the day with my friend Laura and her girls. We had such a great time. I really miss seeing Laura during the summer (she is my best friend at SHS-where she teaches with me). Her girls are so cute and they are awesome with Ellie.

First we started the day bright and early at the Louisville Science Center.

Ally and Em

Ellie loved the Dinosaur exhibitsLaura, Em, and Ellie (Ellie is loving Em's pig tails)

After the center, we packed everyone up and headed to Waterfront Park. I love this place. We were so excited to to eat mostly, but the girls also looked forward to the playground.

picnicing in the park

she loves to swing

what a cute bunch

We ended the day with ice cream at Dairy Queen. YUM. by the way, for those of you who like Girl Scout Thin Mints, DQ has a very awesome Blizzard using them.

Happy Birthday America

The 4th was a very relaxing day. We slept in...well I guess 7:30 is sleeping in. Then we took Ellie shopping for her first pair of shoes. She is crawling all over the place and really trying to pull herself up to take off walking. Of course we had to stop by Disney store on our way out. Bob put a stuffed pooh in Ellie's stroller. And when he went to get it out, she would not let go. So we left the store with a Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and a princess cell phone.

It was definately a day all about Ellie.



Then we hung around the house and did nothing. It was nice just to lay around. Not to mention the weather was yucky and it helped to motivate us to lay around.



Then when we finally decided to get up, we headed to my aunt and uncle's for a party with my dad's family. We had such a great time.

Ellie and Nanny

Ellie playing with Matt and Princess

Ellie and Matt

Chloe was playing on the slip n slide with Kasey