Where's Your Belly?

This is my favorite question to ask Ellie right now. Why? Because this is what usually happens.

There's her belly!

He's back!

After nearly 4 1/2 months, my dad is back from New Zealand. Home. Safe and sound. Praise God!

Ellie enjoyed being reunited with her Papaw this week. She was a little confused at first. Because we Skype with him so much, she associates him with the computer. Anytime I'm online, she runs up, points and says, "Papaw, Papaw." She's changed so much since he's been gone.

Right before he left back in late Feb/early March.

Their reunion on Wednesday

Papaw came bearing gifts. First, she got a $2 bill.

Next, she was given a bee from one of his co-workers.

Then, more money. This time, it was New Zealand money. She watched as Papaw explained the $2, $1, .50 cent, .20 cent and .10 cent coins. They have nothing smaller than .10 cents and all their currency under $5 is coin, not paper money.

Welcome home, Papaw! We love you and missed you!

11 Years Ago Today...

I went on a first date.

It was hot. It was July, after all.

I wore a berry-colored tank top, jean shorts and white Keds.

He wore an orange Hawaiian shirt.

He had a green lowrider truck, but no CD player. I brought some new CDs for us to listen to. Bummer.

We went to dinner. Mexican food, and we both got quesadillas. And Dr. Peppers.

Sumo wrestling was playing on the television in the background.

We went to the drive-in movie and saw Boys and Girls.

I went to the bathroom, got back in the truck and made a not-so-first-date-friendly bathroom joke. Something about someone before me leaving a floater in the stall.

Despite this, he asked me out again. And again. And again.

I guess he liked it cause he put a ring on it.

It's amazing how God knows and helps you find what and who you need. How your past circumstances and experiences all seem to align to a specific purpose and plan you could never dream was laid out for you.

Eleven years ago, I would have never imagined my life as it is today. I would have never guessed that the guy who offered to teach me to drive a standard that night, who shared with me his passion about cars, and the guy who was so easy to talk to and refreshingly honest and funny would end up becoming my spouse. My partner-in-crime. My best friend. My travel buddy. My baby daddy.

I guess I had him at hello floater.

Feeding Time at the Zoo

Mealtime around here has certainly become an adventure, as you can see! Yep, that's peanut butter she is burying into her face. What have I gotten myself into? :)