Monday, July 28, 2008

Change.....

We have had such a wonderful summer so far. It has certainly been a season of change. Ella is changing so much every day-- I think she learns ten new words a day! She is so very BUSY these days- never slows. She and Nicki have been best buddies since I've been helping out a friend this month who's a dentist here in Conway on two days that I'm not working in NLR. They go everywhere imaginable while I'm at work. I've been a little jealous here lately because they get to spend OUR time together! =) What would we do without our Nicki?
One of the biggest changes around our house these days is that I have accepted a new job in Conway, effective August 4th. I will be the new executive assistant to the Economic Development Director of Conway. He (and one of the others I'll be working for) are very good friends of ours from church, and I'm really excited about the opportunity. It could not have come at a better time, with commute to NLR every day becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. I have not worked so close to home in a very long time (college). I will be working three days a week (MWF), and Ella will be attending Central Christian Academy this fall. Whew! I don't know if we were quite prepared for so many changes this year, but God certainly continues to open doors!
On a very sad note, though, I am leaving a boss, friends, and a job that I TRULY, TRULY love. Dr. Fox has been the most wonderful Christian mentor and friend a girl could ask for, and I will miss him every day. I have no doubt that God placed him in my life for a very specific purpose, and for this I am eternally grateful. There are few people in the world who can honestly say they enjoy going to work EVERY day- but it's true! I have also made other lifelong friends (Katie, Mary Ann, Pam) that have blessed my life in more ways than they will ever know. It is an amazing feeling to finally feel that God has you RIGHT where he wants you to be- and that's right where I've been the last 6 years. We are in every sense (almost), a family. I cry most every day thinking about it, but I know in my heart God has other plans right now.
SO- it you're needing something to add to your already mile-long prayer list, squeeze us in somewhere!! =) Pray that all of these "changes" will be good ones, and if not, that God will show us.
Did you also know that I have a dream of someday starting a children's clothing line? No, I'm not kidding. Wonder where that fits into the Conway Chamber of Commerce? Designing Toad Suck T-Shirts? Ha! More on that much, much later.
Back to the sweet girl-- here's Ella's Top Ten List for Summer 2008:

1) As always, Silkie and passy (spelled this way so as not to be confused with Pacey, the dog, who is on the list but not quite so highly ranked)
2) Nicki and her funfabulous outings to Playworld, Jumpzone, storytime at the library, etc., etc (she ranks over Mom lots of days =) )
3) Daddy's new 4- ten hour shift work weeks so he can spend one day at home taking Ella to JumpZone, Chick-fil-a, Playworld, etc. (are you seeing the pattern?)
4) Crocs. Hot pink ones. Daddy bought them for her. Ella loves them, Mom dislikes them. (okay, so they're cute on kids. For out in the yard, at least. For some reason ours end up going with every outfit?) However, we are currently missing the left one. No, I am not in the least bit responsible. Promise. =) Seriously, the Croc people really know what they're doing.
5) Outside. Even though it is 150 degrees out there. She loves to play in her playhouse, on her new trike, blow bubbles, find flowers, etc. Fall, come quickly.
6) Jack's Big Music Show. It's the best. If you've never seen it, see it. Noggin. She lights up a room when it appears. I feel a birthday theme coming on.
7) Eskimo kisses. She thinks it's the funniest idea ever.
8) Popcicles. Any color.
9) Baby dolls who like to make several trips around the house in a stroller, interrupted only by frequent stops because baby needs to be covered up, strapped in again, a shoe replaced, or kissed.
9) Marching. Look up the song "We are the Dinosaurs" by Laurie Berkner- not John Phillip Sousa, but it still makes a great march.
10) Music, in general. If you feel the beat, you just stop right where you are and break it down. No questions asked. Don't miss another chance.

Here are a few pics from our visit to Wonderplace with Mimi and Papa last weekend.






Papa's heart goes "thump, thump"!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Our Yankee Doodle Sweetheart

We celebrated the 4th this year with Michael's parents, then enjoyed fireworks with friends on Nobb Hill- the view was spectacular!




Hasn't our Yankee Doodle Joy grown since last year???

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Pretty in Pink...

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE pictures!!! This was just an evening out in the yard while we were at my Mom and Dad's in June.


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Home Away From Home...

Ella and I got to spend a week in June in Nashville at my parent's house. We enjoyed getting to see my sister Kristi, niece Staci and brother-in-law Walt for dinner to celebrate Dad's 73rd Birthday on Sunday. We were spoiled with Mommy Tot's homemade biscuits, Aunt Su-Su's buttermilk pancakes and our favorite- a fish fry! Aunt Connie took off work a couple of days to be with us! We went swimming in Aunt Nikki's pool, and Aunt Kim came to see us! I finally got my arms around Miss Ava! I enjoyed getting to see many old friends! We had such a wonderful week!




Baby Ava-- Isn't she the CUTEST??? What a precious little miracle, Kacey and Blake!