Happenings.....

Well, I'm a blog slacker these past couple of weeks, but the Ekenseairs have certainly been busy living!!! Michael and I enjoyed a weekend away in Dallas over Memorial Day weekend, and Ella was spoiled past rotten at her Mimi and Papa's in Searcy while we were gone. We had the best time- we shopped 'til we dropped, enjoyed our favorite restaurants, and caught a movie. We even made a stop at my family's in Nashville on the way down. It was so nice to just get away!

Ella is something else right now!! Her little personality is really blooming, and she is running everywhere- she loves for us to chase her. I had to take her to the doctor yesterday with a nasty sinus infection- thank God for medicine!!! She weighed in at a whopping 22lbs, 15 1/2 oz. We are still lingering around the 25th-30th percentile, which is just fine. Good things come in small packages, right? =) She loves shoes right now (uh-oh, get ready daddy!)- anyone's- she loves to put on our shoes and walk around the house in them, or bring you your shoes and put them on your feet and then clap. She is such a picky eater right now! She would be a chubby baby if I would fix poppyseed chicken every night- I'll have to think on that one! =) She would spend all day outside if she could. Oh, and she still has dance fever, of course. It really is quite hilarious.

On a little bit of a sad note, today is Nichole's last day (at least on a regular basis =) ) with Ella while I'm at work. We are so sad, but Nichole starts clinicals next week (she's in her last year in the speech therapy program at UCA), and since we haven't talked her into quitting school and keeping Ella full time =), we just won't fit into her "schedule" anymore!! (just kidding, Cole) I can't say enough wonderful things about Nichole. We met her a few years ago, and have loved her ever since. Who knew that someday she would keep our baby girl? She has been an absolute answer to our prayers. How many Moms can honestly say they have never left for work even one day and been worried about their child? It's true! We knew before Ella even came that Cole certainly knew more about this "baby" thing than we did!!! We never knew someone else could love our child so much and not be part of our "biological" family!! She is the most caring, compassionate, sincere, fun-loving person who has a heart for Christ and for just people in general. Could I ask for more from the person who gets to spend time with my child? She has a zest for life that is completely contageous, and Ella certainly loves her to death (almost a little too much- I get jealous in the mornings when she doesn't even want to tell me bye because "cole's here now"! =) ). And all of these things don't even begin to describe what a wonderful person she is, and just how blessed we are to know her. We're so thankful she's part of our (especially Ella's) life, and she has certainly made a lasting impression on all of us! She'll ALWAYS be part of our family!! We love you, and are so proud of you, Cole!

And, because God is so good, he already had someone else in mind for Nichole's "replacement"- Niki, who happens to be Cole's best friend. She's out of PT school for the summer, and is such a sweetheart! She has some big shoes to fill, though. =) Just kidding. God really takes care of us, doesn't he?

Well, I'm rambling now. The Ekenseairs are looking forward to a great summer! I'll post new pics soon! I promise to be a better blogger this month!

One more thing-- our friends Shelley and Brad found out they're having a baby GIRL!!! Congrats to them!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Ella, cousin Emily, and Michael had a blast playing in the sprinklers Friday night!!! The girls got soaking wet- even though you can't tell from this picture!!!

Just Us Girls....

My Mom, Mother-In-Law, Aunt, Sister, and Niece came to spend Mother's Day weekend with us. We had a girly luncheon on Saturday -- No Boys Allowed!! It was so much fun! It's never a dull moment with my family! =) Thanks, girls, for making a special day even better!

Happy Mother's Day!

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."
I Samuel 1:27-28

For those of you who might not know, I found out on Mother's Day two years ago that I was expecting Ella. So, this day holds an even greater significance in my life! As much joy as I felt anticipating her birth, nothing on earth could compare to the joy I felt as I held my baby girl in my arms for the first time. Lord, thank you, thank you, for the precious gift of being a Mom! Thank you for enstrusting your child to me!



I received the following from a friend (who is a WONDERFUL Mom) this week and had to share.....

For all the moms with young children, enjoy these days for they will pass very quickly!

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the
sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake
cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they
can't handle it anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you
a little tighter, a ittle longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............

Latest Photo Session....

Here are a few previews from Ella's photo session last month!! Our little girl is growing up!

Quote Of The Day......

While driving to work this morning, I read these words on a bumper sticker....

"Don't believe everything you think"

hmmmm.....

Toad Suck 2008!

We made our annual trip to the Toad Suck festival here in Conway on Saturday!!! What a beautiful day! Ella had a blast- especially with the "fair food", which is why we ALL go in the first place!! Can you believe our little girl is 16 months old today?

Best Buddies

Our two silly girls...

She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy......

Daddy got his Father's Day gift a little early this year (just in time for mowing season)!!! I can't tell who has more fun on the thing!! Boys and their toys.....