I know who I'm thankful for!!

Happy Thanksgiving!  We had a wonderful dinner with the family followed by watching movies and hanging out together.  Ella spent her Thanksgiving break with us and also with Papa and Aunt Amanda. 
Sometimes it takes a holiday called THANKSgiving to realize what you are thankful for!  I know the biggest thing isn't so big at all...it is a little 6 year old with a big, bright smile and a kind heart named Ella!!! I love her so much and so thankful to have her in my life!!! I am also thankful to be back in the U.S. and with friends and family after so long! Things may not be how I envisioned them...but I do believe they are as they should be.

Never a dull moment with Ella!

Ella kept us busy this fall/winter with parties, dancing and even a date with princesses!  Mima Dee took her to the Disney show when they came to town and she LOVED it!! She danced and took it VERY seriously anytime music came on!  And I could barely get a picture at a recent skating party for a friend!  She keeps me on my toes!!!  I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

My BIG haircut!

I've always thought about donating hair...but...I could never get past that point of getting sick of longish hair and cutting it.  Well, this seemed like as good a time as any for something new and I did it!!! Jodi cut 10 inches off and I donated my hair!! Ella the photographer took this pic of me with my long ponytails! Hope it helps someone! Ella is growing her hair to donate now as well! :)

Under the Sea this Halloween!

Ella has always wanted to be a red head so this year she got her chance! She was one of her beloved princesses - Ariel!  We had a lot of fun! She dressed up for school, marched in the parade, went to the church party and trick or treating with the Hartwells even getting to see her buddy Charly (the Cute Clown as Ella called her!).  All in all we had a great time! We even dressed up and played around at home!!!

It's Fall Y'All!!!

We missed last fall while overseas so we decided to really take this one in getting in a hayride and movie under the stars, drinking lots of hot chocolate, pumpkin carving and hanging out with our favorite black cat - Bella!!! Happy Fall Y'All!! :)

Our New Home...& New Start!

We are in our new home and looking forward to our new start! We found a cute little home for us and with the help of wonderful family and friends - we are moved in!!! Many thanks to Melissa & Mike up north for your help up there and to Becky, Beth and Gary for the help getting everything from the truck into the house!! Also thanks to Evan and Eli for the laughs - see above!  Our 1st visitors - Bisa & Biso! :)

Mommy & Ella = FUN!!

In case I haven't mentioned it lately - I love this kid! She is my best buddy and I feel so lucky to truly enjoy the company of my child! Like I say - I hit the kid lottery!! :)

School Days & School Spirit!!!

Hard to believe my baby is a 1st grader!!! She is loving school and all of the friends she has made! She especially loves the Spirit Days at school.  Here are pics of Interesting Hat & Crazy Hair days!  Also, her 1st grade school picture!  She does NOT look 6 years old!! Where does the time go??? :)

Finishing up Summer!

We had a great summer surrounded by friends!  We finished up the summer with some fun visits to the Hartwell's for bonfires and tree climbing - yes, Ella climbed her 1st tree! Of course the kids came running that she needed help getting down but you know me....1st we documented the big step with a picture! :)
Another big step was finally getting Ella back on her bike! Yeah! Of course it took so long that she outgrew it but at least she got her confidence back and is now asking for a big girl bike for Christmas! ;)
Hate to see summer go but she is so looking forward to school starting!!

Wedded Bliss!!...and Rekindled Friendships!

An invite for a wedding...that takes place 2 days before your dreaded anniversary.  What to do? Well, in this case - we go.  The bride was one of my best friends' younger sister that has grown into a beautiful, sweet woman and one of my best pals (her sister) was driving up from Georgia.  I hadn't seen Tonia in 5 years so it was a no-brainer!  Was the ceremony difficult? Yes.  Did I shed some tears, especially since I share a name with the bride...just think "Jennifer, do you take this man?"  Eeek! But being there watching this adorable couple so much in love made me realize that it could be out there again for me.  I wiped my tears and got over myself! :)
It was a beautiful wedding and a fun reception!  It was a very kid-friendly reception just like Jen said "the kids may outnumber the adults".  In Tonia's case, they did.  She has 5 adorable and active kids that kept us on our toes! :) Ella was so excited to see Annabelle again after their initial meeting when they were ONE!  They had a blast and when Tonia's family packed into their vehicle for the hotel...Ella cried..and cried...and cried the whole way home!  They have decided to be skype buddies! Should be fun to listen in. :)
Did I cry the whole way home with Ella? Nope...but my eyes did water up because I hated to leave Tonia again.  We need to get together much sooner next time!
P.S. Tonia...I just HAD to add our crazy pic! It shows the REAL us! :)  and it cracks me up when I see it!

Last Stop on the Mini Vacay - Beale Street...in the middle of the day!

We decided to check out Beale Street while we were in Memphis on our way home from Graceland.  It was cool but I'm sure very different from what it is like at night!  There were lots of cool bars and music but it wasn't really that kinda trip for us. We were just checking it out to have done it.  We weren't exactly checking out the night life with Danielle (17) and Ella Bella (6).  Also, we were all hot and tired!  That explains Ella not smiling in a picture!  It does happen every once in a great while.
So no BIG ASS BEER for me!  But now I know that I want to go to Beale Street...at night...with friends! :)

The Mini Vacay...Next Stop....Graceland!

We drove the little bit to Memphis and spent the day at Graceland - The Home of Elvis!  It was my 2nd time but Ella, Mima Dee and Danielle's first so it was lots of fun.  It was great seeing everything through Ella's eyes.  She had a lot to say about everything!  She always liked Elvis but left loving him.  She just kept saying how sad it is that Elvis died.  She thought his decorating style was funny and thought his cars were super cool - especially the pink and purple ones! She thought the planes were cool especially since one had a bed in it which she thought was amazing!  She danced and sang along all around Graceland to Elvis' songs.  She had listened to his music and knew about him through the Lilo and Stitch movie which she loved. 
She says she wants to go back 1000 times...I've been twice and love Elvis...but i've gone enough.