Saturday, January 29, 2011

Long time, no post...

Thank you, my friends, who have come back to see if I have posted at all. It has been some time, hasn't it? Our lives have been so consumed lately that I have not taken the time to post anything, and for that, I am sorry. I do enjoy keeping you all "posted" on all the happenings in our lives, and I was just in a complete slump. Home life, school life, kids, and just plain ole' ordinary "stuff" has bogged me down. But one thing in particular has been heavy on my chest, and I have just not felt like posting.

Almost 2 weeks ago, a terrible tragedy happened. A car accident that took a small, innocent life. My sister in law's, brother's family was involved. To make a very long story short, this tragedy took the life of little Lewis Ward, 4 mos. His mom and sister were in grave condition until quite recently. Thankfully, Carrie, the mom and driver of the car that was hit, was released from the hospital this week. Her injuries are still severe (broken pelvis, broken back, lung injury, internal bleeding), but she wanted to be near her 4 year old daughter's side who was in a nearby Children's hopsital in critical condition. Her injuries are still very severe and your prayers are appreciated. She is in an induced coma at this time, yet, and her brian to skull pressure is an issue that they are trying to get resolved. She is a very injured little girl, and I ask that you pray for little Libby. Not in the vehicle were Matthew, the dad, and Lincoln, their 2 year old. I ask for prayer for them as well, and they prepare to deal with the loss of their son and brother, and try to manage the everyday "stuff" that will all seem so different now. My heart and mind have been completely consumed and just worried for so many dimensions for this beautiful family. So, I apologize for the lack of posts, and I ask you to please pray for the Ward family tonight. I know that it has made me squeeze my own loved ones just a tad bit tighter......I thank you.


The car that Carrie, Libby, and Lewis were in.

Carrie and Lewis, age 4 mos.

Libby (and Lincoln)


Thursday, December 30, 2010

Beauty Day

My little Ellie loves to be all made up. So, today we deemed the afternoon beauty day while Reid napped. We did make up and played beauty salon. She was loving every minute of it. She also wanted curly hair (which she asks for frequently). Her hair is so stick straight that it doesn't always do what she wants it to. So, with a little online advice, we went into the bathroom to have at it. And here is what happened....

I curled all her hair up and then pinned each strand that I curled. Oh, and I used lots of hair products. Lots.

Ellie was admiring her curls in the mirror.

Yippeeee! Curls!!!

My pretty girl. Love that face!

There she is! Curls and all!

I love having a girlie-girl!

Move over Betty Crocker...there's a new girl in town

We had a blessed Christmas all in all. We have not had Christmas with my mom and brother yet, but that is to come. My mom has been really sick for a long time and hopefully sooner than later, she will be feeling up to par and we can go enjoy another family gathering. We love them.

Speaking of family, my brother in law, Aaron, came from Rhode Island for a great visit. We were hoping that we would get to keep him here with us because of the huge snowstorm in the east. Unfortunately, he did have to leave us this week, however. His girlfriend, Christina, was with her family in North Carolina, but was sweet enough to remember Ellie and Reid. She sent gifts which the kids were thrilled with.....but truly I think they would have enjoyed Christmas a lot more if she could have been with us instead of gifts. Maybe next year! Ellie got a cute baking gift set along with other gifts as well, but we thought we would give this one a try. Reid was napping nicely one afternoon, and it gave Ellie and I perfect baking time! Thank you, Christina!

What an ensemble! Complete with muffin mixes!

Betty has nothing on Ellie!

It's very important to spray the baking cups since Mommy had no paper baking liners.

Mixing and more mixing...
Scooping and more scooping...

Dropping and more dropping...

Tah-Dah! The perfect muffins! Thanks again, Christina!!!! Miss you!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tis the Season

The countdown is getting really exciting at our house. Ellie has been putting cotton balls on Santa's beard since the first day of December to count down the days until Christmas. We are officially into the REALLY exciting stage because Uncle Aaron is home and presents from far away family members are coming in the mail. I think this Christmas will be very fun for the kids because of their ages. They are both so excited.

It has also been nice doing special things along the way to show the kids what Christmas is really about. Getting gifts for kids who are in need was a really special event this year because Ellie really gets that now. I loved seeing how happy she was to give to others.

We hope the true meaning of Christmas shines brightly at your house this year. Merry Christmas!

Aunt Holly sent gifts in the mail from Florida, and as you can see, Ellie was in shock that Aunt Holly sent accessories for her Zhu Zhu pet that were just perfect!

Ellie all dressed up for her holiday music program at school. I am amazed how grown up she is!

Seeing Santa was lots of fun this year. Reid was asking Santa, "Where is your mouth?" And the entire time he sat there, he was fixated on trying to figure out where Santa's mouth was. Needless to say, all the people in line behind us had a great laugh.

Ellie and Santa having a little heart to heart.

Santa was asking Ellie if she had been good this year. She wouldn't look him in the eyes! Maybe a little guilt set in due to terrorizing her brother from time to time!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Clean (but messy) fun...

Need a good way to get your countertops clean and allow your kids to have fun at the same time?

Edge shaving gel is all you need....

But be careful.....6 year olds and 3 year olds can take it a little too far....(and I guess the 34 year old in the above picture can, too!)

Add some paintbrushes to the mix, and life is just grand! And if you are asking how the shaving cream became shampoo to Reid....do you really have to ask??? It's Reid...remember!

I am not sure who is to blame......you decide.

Shaving cream fun.....wow....a completely messy way to get some good, clean fun!!!!
Hello, and welcome to my page! I am so glad you are here. I am going to try and show you the average life of a 5 year old from my perspective. Mommy and Daddy will help me along the way if I get stuck.

Let me first introduce my family to you. I am Ellie. I am a 6 year old. I live in Ohio with my Mommy, Daddy, little brother Reid, and dog, Sophie. My mommy is a teacher. She teaches nine and ten year olds and loves it. She has been teaching for twelve years. My daddy works with computers. He works hard everyday.

We all love spending time together. I have wonderful grandparents and a terrific extended family. I am a very lucky girl. Thank you for visiting my page. Write to me any time. I love getting mail!!!

Many blessing to you all.

Love,
Little Ski (Ellie)

Mommy and me having cuddle time at Hocking Hills.

Told ya, my hair can be wild! And you thought I was kidding!

Hmmm, Blue's Brother's perhaps?