Christmas in May... for Ella

A very sweet friend donated a swing set, tricycle, and wagon to us.  We LOVE toys that have already been loved on!  We couldn't wait for Ella to get up from her nap to play on it.  So here are her thoughts on the new yard ornaments...


We started with the slide.  She wasn't too sure about going down.  But later decided it made the best place to sit.

 

Then we put her in the swing.  She has mixed emotions about the swing.  She loves it most when she is sitting still.  While in the swing she saw something she really wanted...

 

BROCCOLI!!! So we stopped and had a snack from the garden.

 

Apparently the seesaw swing is not for getting on, but for pushing.

 

She found the wagon.

And then the bike.  Miss independent got on it all by herself!

We are SOOOO blessed!!  Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts!!!  They will get lots of love! :)

A testimony of God's protection

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.  For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield."  Psalm 5:11-12

I was working on the computer and Ryan had fallen asleep in the recliner.  While watching the weather predictions I heard a weird noise from outside.  It sounded like someone splashed the front door with a tub of water.  It woke Ryan up.  He went down to check it out.  We have (or had) two trees in the front yard.  The tree to the right (farthest from the driveway) had snapped into thirds.  We couldn't really tell what exactly had happened as the wind was still fierce and all we could see were tree branches swaying like crazy.  Once things calmed down we took the camera out.  Here is what we found...

 This pic is taken from the front door.  If you take two steps from the threshold you would be standing on broken tree branches.

In the close up you can see that the tree separated into three sections- one remaining and two that split into different directions.  If the entire tree had gone down, following the same pattern, the one part standing would have landed on the house.

Although the yard is covered in tree branches, the only part of the tree that landed on the car was the leaves from the tips of the branches. 

Thank you Jesus:
A) that Ryan had just trimmed the low lying branches 3 days ago
B) for the direction the wind was blowing so to keep it off the house
C) that the only tree parts that landed on the car was the tips of leaves from branches
D) that we never lost power
E) that the only thing lost in this storm was a tree
F) that you continually watch over us all day and all night!
G) that you are God's son who died for me to pay a payment i could never afford

Happy Resurrection Day

Today was Micah's first Sunday morning back at church.  He did great during Sunday School and Big Church.  What a great Sunday to come back as we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!

one kid had to be crying :) and yes, noah made it in the family pic

since we're at church - we had to get a pic with BEEE

We also joined some dear friends for celebration.  Ella LOVED it!
It started off with skittles... thanks, Mama Sue.

then chocolate ice cream, thanks Thomas

then cake, thanks Elizabeth

and some sweet tea, thanks Papa C

 Needless to say Ella crashed in the car before we made it home.

Ella's BFF - "BEEEEEE"

Exactly 4 months after Ella was born, the sweetest little boy also made his arrival.  We said they would be betrothed to each other and some day marry. Well Ella loves him!  She is not aware yet that we go to church for Jesus. She thinks we go to see her best friend "BEEEEE" (Bennett).  Our first trip back to church after having Micah was last Saturday for the Easter Egg Hunt.  She immediately walks in and begins looking and calling for "BEEEEE".  Here is a walk down memory lane...

their first meeting - Jan 2010

she needed a closer look

Pajama Night at AWANA - Feb 2010

VBS - July 2010

Trunk or Treat Oct 2010 - they love their light up toys

It's good to have a friend to keep her in line

And they both LOVE Pa!

 Having a little brother really threw Ella for a loop at first. During this transition early on "BEEEEE" and his mom came over for a visit.  Ella was ecstatic!!  Most of the visitors were coming to see and hold Micah.  So not only did someone come to see her but it was her "BEEEEE".  The next couple of days when she would hear the front door open she would take off running to the door to see if it was "BEEEEE".  

she even made him some tea

they had a little dance party

Micah's Security Detail

Micah has a visible guardian angel in our house.  Her name is Ella.  She is ALWAYS watching over him.

She even prays for him!

"I don't like how high he is swinging."

"It's ok. The baths get better. I promise."

"high five"

"It's ok, Micah. Elmo's World is on!"

"Don't worry daddy, I got this."

"Momma, he has been crying! What took you so long?"

"Enjoy this now.  Cause tummy time is not all it's cracked up to be."

"Is the water temperature ok for you?"

Micah's Manners

So we have learned that Micah has no trouble asking questions when he doesn't understand something or needs more information.  He is so polite to always raise his hand and wait to be called upon.  It doesn't matter the time or setting.  What a sweet boy with manners...

"Excuse me, I know it's festive and all but I can't find my paci."

"Umm, excuse me, I don't seem to be wearing any clothes."

"I'm sorry, I understand I'm under weight, but do we have to wear horizontal stripes?"

"Pardon me, but does she exceed the weight limit on this thing?"

"I don't mean to be rude but can you move back a smidge out of my personal space?"

"I'm just curious, am I supposed to read these books in my bassinet?"

"I'm know I'm new at this, but shouldn't there be more water in here?"