Proud

Today, I mowed our lawn! Yay! I was so proud of myself. All week I have been thinking of something that I could do for Taylor, and I thought of mowing the lawn. By mowing the lawn means he doesn't have to, and instead of mowing the lawn, he could rest. So I mowed and mowed and mowed. Thank you sister for watching Miss Ellie for me. I was so proud when I was done. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. My sister and I were betting what Taylor would say when he got home. I guessed correctly. "Did you pay someone to mow the lawn?" When I told him I did it, he didn't believe me....haha. But I showed him my blisters to prove it. And my goodness do I have the blisters to prove it. But there is my story!

Sunburned

This weekend was SUPER busy! My dad celebrated his 57th birthday on Thursday, and they came to Longview to celebrate by going to the Ricky Skagg's concert at LeTourneau. But first, we went to an Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base. It was amazing how much being on the base felt like home. Even though we lived in Bossier City for a couple of years, we never lived on the base. But man did it feel like home. Looking at the housing, the pools, the barracks, the BX and the Commissary. Brings back so many memories, and I don't know how else to describe it except that it was kind of a comfort thing being back.

The Air Show was pretty cool with the exception that it was loud at times and made all the babies cry, even Ellie. The Thunderbirds were there. It was awesome. They all did some pretty neat tricks with the planes, things you wouldn't think were possible, at least for someone like me. The day was perfect, not TOO hot and a little windy, not a cloud in the sky - which is why I got a incredibly bad sunburn. I am in quite a bit of pain right now.

Taylor went on a barge trip with some guys from the floor. It was really cool for him because he was able to hang out with some guys he hasn't seen in quite a long time. I had a soccer game today. I think my skills are coming back little by little, I got a few goals today, and we won :) I just need to hustle and help my teammates a little bit more instead of leaving them to fight off a couple of defenders when I am like two feet away.

Then our incredibly awesome friends with their incredibly awesome kiddos treated us to a GREAT dinner...YUM! Thank you so much friends! You guys are great, and we are so blessed by your company and your friendship and your generosity, and I am so thankful to the Lord for you guys!

The church service was really convicting this morning; it was about prayer. He read a verse from 1 Samuel about how he was in sin when he was not in prayer for his people. I was convicted in the fact that I am not in prayer for my husband on a daily basis. Pray continually - God's Word, but I seldom do pray. My heart has been really heavy lately, and I am not sure why. I am hoping to dig more into the Word and more into PRAYER, and discover what the Lord is trying to teach me to my unhearing ears. Lord please help me listen! Open my heart and my ears O God!

3 Months and More

Today Ellie is three months old. I am really enjoying this time with her. In reality, I know that this is the easy part. As she gets older, it is going to get harder. Taylor and I will be put to the real test as parents. It is a pretty constant dialogue that we have. What are we going to do if she misbehaves in public? What are we going to do if she deliberately disobeys versus just being curious? What kind of habits are we going to develop when it comes to our daily devotional with the Lord, prayers before eating, and serving others? The thing that has been on my mind a lot is that God calls us to impress His word into our children. I know that I am falling short. Yes, I know she is only 3 months old and doesn't quite understand speech, but can't habits form now?? I want it to!

As far as growth goes, Ellie is doing great! She is still my petite little girl. Although, she is getting some chunky hams! She is sleeping great. Normally sleeping from 10 pm until 9:30 am. Although, the past couple of nights, she has been getting up a couple hours earlier than that. Not sure what that is about yet. She may just be legitimately hungry, or she is just waking up to talk to herself. Yesterday, as Taylor and I were hanging out with her, we had her in her bouncer, and she kept pulling her head forward like she wanted to sit up. We were putting toys in front of her, and Taylor describes it as the claw game that picks up animals. She would reach and close her hand but not quite be on the toy. It was great! She did finally grab the toy and then would shake it and then bonk herself in the head. Kinda funny to watch. Her frustrated face was awesome! We are still aren't great at tummy time, but I am starting to get her on her tummy a lot more, so hopefully we will see some changes in the next few weeks.

Taylor and I have started an exercising program - P90X - and oh my gosh is it X-treme! I kind of quit in the first week because I thought it was affecting my milk. I am going to give it another shot this week because I think I was unconsciously giving excuses. Lol. One of the main things of P90X is the nutrition. That is probably where Taylor and I are REALLY falling short, as is most of America! It is so easy to eat junk, but it is BAD for you. We are good about not buying it, but if it is in the house, then I eat it. I know I still want a nasty fast food cheeseburger every once in a while, but we need to make our every day CONSISTENT diet better. The thing I hate about it, it is so darn EXPENSIVE!! There has got to be a way to eat BETTER without the cost being so much. I don't think we are going to go into the all organic thing, but just make the minor adjustments that will have big changes. Such as butter. Only using a small dose or none at all. Not eating fried food. Grilling most of our food, which is what we try to do anyway, will save on the nutrition.

My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary yesterday! They have been through so much, and it is awesome to see them together! Thinking Taylor and I will be celebrating our FOURTH year anniversary this year is CRAZY. That time went by super fast. I love him very much!! One of things I love most about him is his love to serve. I have gotten a lot better at it because of him. For example, I am so fickle with money. I always think that I do not have enough and therefore talk myself out of giving to those in need or even gifts for our family and friends. Taylor does not think twice about it. I have really worked hard on not griping but changing my attitude to be joyful about giving whenever he does give. God always provides, and I have seen that promise over and over again. Another example, I always think I want to be serving in the church somewhere, but I never take action. Taylor on the other hand has signed us up for counting, child check-in, and now hosting a life group type of thing at our house. He has been the one taking the lead on all these service things. And every single time that he has said, "Oh, I signed us up for so-and-so so we will be starting this day." I think what! We don't have time for that or the "gifts" for that. Then God comes in and says follow your husband, here is where I am putting you. I read something the other day. God does not use the enabled, He enables those He uses. That is where I need to trust God a little more. All for now!

2 Month Check Up

Ellie's 2 month check up was yesterday!! She is 24 inches long and 11.8 pounds. She is a long girl! Not surprised considering Taylor and I are both tall. Her eyes are still blue! Very pretty blue. Right now I am just watching her in her bouncer, and she is changing soooo much. She is starting to wave her hands around. I think she is trying to reach the shaking things on the bar on the bouncer. Occasionally, she will hit them, and they will rattle. She gets so delighted with herself. And the lion in the middle plays music, and she likes to smile and talk to it. It is getting more and more fun the more and more she interacts with us.

Michigan and Back

Ellie and I have just spent the last week or so in Michigan with Taylor's family. It was such a wonderful visit :) !! We definitely flew. There is no way I could drive that whole way...18 hours or so. I can hardly drive one hour without falling asleep. I left with my friend Angie and her two kiddos. We had planned it to sit next to each other, but they would not allow more than two kids in a row, so we got split up. I got to sit next to an empty seat, which I have found VERY helpful because I can spread out a bit. She did great for her first trip. Every time she started to fuss, I just nursed her. The beginning of the week was quiet...lol...sort of. It was just me, Sue, Mike, Gerry, Don, Ephram, and Jordan, oh! and Ellie.

Don and Gerry just loved Ellie! They are Ellie's great-grandparents (Sue's parents). It was fun to just watch them talk to her and for her to just settle right into their arms. Sadly, Don went to the hospital the very next day, and stayed there until Saturday night. He is home now though and much better than when he went into the hospital.

Then, Ellie began to meet the rest of the family. Great-Nana came in on Wednesday night, Uncle Austin and Aunt Erin came in on Thursday afternoon and Aunt Leah came in on Friday morning. What a busy house, but great! Ellie is sure a loved little girl. I am so excited to see her grow up and get to know everyone. Family visists are going to be super duper fun as she learns new things and everyone is able to play with her!

Then, one of our sweet friends from the church, gave us a mini photo session! She got a TON of pictures of Ellie. I think I might go broke! Ellie did great! Hardly fussed at all. I didn't get any sleeping pictures because she was awake the whole time, but the pictures are just absolutely gorgeous!!

Ellie then met her Great-Aunt Cheryl and cousin Katie. We had a wonderful lunch together. It was a short visit, but sweet nonetheless.

Then, Mike and Sue's church family showed us their love by throwing us a baby shower. It was amazing. We received soo much love, not to mention, Ellie received so many adorable little outfits and support. She has no idea how many people love her and are praying for her. I definitely saw God's love through them. To those of you reading this: Thank you so much! God showed His love to me through each and every one of you! And what amazes me is that you guys don't know me, but you know Mike and Sue, and you are loving me because you love them! God's family is truly amazing, and thank you for accepting me!

And on that day, she met Uncle Chris, Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelley, Cousin Logan and Riley. My, she has a big family!

We are home now, the ride home from Michigan, I have to say was perfect. She was right on schedule, and didn't cry AT ALL!! Taylor and Ginny met us at the airport. We then went out to eat. And that is when I think all the traveling caught up. But, Ellie and I are enjoying the sunshine and are able to go outside. As much as I enjoyed Michigan, I am happy to be home and with Taylor. It was such a bummer that Taylor could not join us. Everyone was there, and he missed it. He won't be able to see everybody until the family reunion. I am definitely glad we are going this year.

Consideration and Compassion

It just amazes me with the lack of consideration and compassion that people have these days. When we were on our way home to Fairfield to see my parents, we stopped by BK to get some quick food. A guy approached our car as we were in the drive-through and asked if we could spare him some gas. We said that we would and meet him at the gas station. My dear husband has a HUGE heart for helping people like him. He is very against giving anyone money, but he more than willing gives people food or gas or whatever it is that they are needing. So we met him. He had told Taylor that he had been asking people ALL day (it is almost 7pm) for help, and no one would. I just couldn't believe it. He then very shyly and almost ashamed asked if we could spare some fries. So we gave him our fries. I am so thankful that we have family. It makes me wonder how people end up on the streets. I know if Taylor ever lost his job, and we lost our house, my parents or his parents, or anyone one of our friends, would take us in a heartbeat until we were able to get on our own again. Do these people have no one? Do they have family or friends?

On a different note, guys!, if you hit someones car in a parking lot or run into their mail box, go and take responsibility!! I've been there, and it is embarrassing and you don't know what the person is going to say, but TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! A guy ran into our mailbox and ran over our recycle bin, mashing into pieces, yesterday, and did not confess. It just angers me so much. Reminds me a while ago when someone smashed a HUGE dent into our car and drove off. I did get angry, but then I prayed for that person. I admittedly prayed for conviction on that person. Just take responsibility.

My Girl

I am definitely falling more in love with our daughter! she is soooo beautiful...and we just love her to pieces. It is getting more and more fun each day. She has recently began smiling for us and starting to make cooing noises. We just cherish every moment.



This past weekend, we went to visit with Oma and Grampa (my parents). The car ride went great. She did really well and slept the whole time. It is about a 2 1/2 drive, so not terribly far. Oma and Big Mama (my grandmother - also known as Boozie) just could not get enough of her. Boozie thinks that Ellie will become a piano player because of her gorgeous long fingers. Of course Dad, or Grampa, is thinking his guitar player, or other stringed instrument. He tried to get my sister and I interested. But let's just say that didn't work out. We do not care what she chooses to be passionate about. We will support her, whether it is the piano or mandolin, or soccer, or ballet, or basketball, or photography, whatever she wants! That will be exciting to see her grow in something she loves! Dad also took us to see Anne and Bob. Anne is the one who made Ellie beautiful handmade clothes.




I didn't get a picture with Oma, but here is one with Ellie and Grampa.



He is so cautious around her, but he is definitely wrapped around her little finger. I was changing her diaper and she was crying a little, he came barging into the room at her crying to save the day!! It was funny. Other than that, she heard many stories from Oma, and watched basketball games with Big Mama.

We are going on an airplane this Saturday to see Nana and Papa (Taylor's parents) and everyone in Michigan. I am a little nervous about the plane trip, but my best friend, Angie, is going to be going up to Michigan with me with her little ones. We planned it to be sitting next to one another all the way! It will be a good day basically hanging out with them! But I am excited for the visit, but sad that Taylor is going to be missing her.

OH!! And I made something else scrumptious with my deep covered dish! Tortellini with ham and spinach and a cheesy sauce! Yummo!