Fun with Photo Booth

It was girls' night tonight--Dan was off getting some corn for deer season, which left me, Ellie and Peaches for dinner and the bedtime routine. Which also meant we could act super silly without a care in the world. We growled, we wrestled, we danced--all great fun which would soon be surpassed by playing with Photo Booth.

I just signed on to play around with Pintrest (still on the fence about it because I like it as a bookmarking tool, but I don't like the idea that all my boards are public) when Ellie walked up and wanted on my lap. I thought, "hey, we could go to YouTube and watch more School House Rocks videos." But then I remembered how much "Unpack Your Adjectives" stayed with me the other day (singing it now!). Then the lightbulb went on. Let's play with Photo Booth. Brilliant!

Take 1: Her eyes are closed

Take 2: Trying to be silly, but she didn't get it.

Take 4: Mommy said 'forget it' to the silly, stick-the-tongue-out face, and went in for a kiss.
Ellie finally gets the stick your tongue out memo.

Take 6: Here we're supposed to be screaming, but I'm not sure what she decided to go with last minute. Wait...yep, I think her nose was running. That's her 'gross, my nose is running' face.

Take 8: Yep, we both nailed this one. We were growling.

Final Take: Me waving bye-bye and Ellie blowing a kiss. Doesn't get any sweeter than this!

We finished off girls' night with a ride around the block in Ellie's car, had a double date with Elmo and Grover, washed our hair and counted our toes. Not exactly pedicures and margaritas, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

P.S. You can always tell how silly we get by E's hair...it was pretty crazy tonight!

The Frog

God uses mysterious ways to guide, reaffirm or comfort us. In the Bible, it was a talking donkey, an angel, a star, among others. Today, for me, it was a frog.

After 93 years, my great-grandma went to be with the Lord and we laid her to rest today. Many people said good-bye to a mother, sister, grandma, aunt and friend. While standing outside waiting to be escorted in, we noticed a little frog hopping toward the door of the church.

You see, my great-grandma loved and collected frogs. She had a large collection of frog stuffed animals and figurines. So, a little frog trying to get into the church was the perfect subtle reminder of God's comfort and love, and grandma's special memory.

And it's that memory and so many others that I'll hold on to as I remember her life and her legacy. She had such a joy and passion for life and a genuine love for others that will remain with me always. In fact, inspired by her love, Dan and I performed a random act of kindness for someone this evening because I couldn't help but reflect upon the joy great-grandma had when she gave someone something...and I want more of that joy in my own life.

I believe that God gives us more when we appreciate what we have and make the most of it. Whether it's our finances, our time or our talents, He loves to bless us with more--but only when we wisely use what he's given us. I wonder if that's why grandma had such a full life...because she was always grateful for what she had and lived her life full of joy, so God blessed that.

I'll miss grandma's smile and her laugh. I'll miss her spunk. She was witty and quick with a comeback. And so funny! She was exceedingly generous. A fantastic cook and talented with a needle and thread.

I realize how truly lucky I am to have had a great-grandma for 29 years. That's something that's rare and I'm forever grateful to God for these many years and for that little frog reminding me of how special she is--as if I could forget.

Her 93rd birthday (note the frog robe)

Five generations, taken last Memorial Day

Sprinkler Fun

A few weeks ago, on one of those days when it felt like 119, we were in the back yard potting some plants, when Dan turned on the water hose. Ellie ran over, so like a good daddy, Dan sprayed her with the hose. Instead of running away, she said "more", so Dan kept spraying. And spraying. And spraying. Any time we stopped, she demanded more. 

After about 10 minutes of constant spraying, we broke out the big guns...the sprinkler.

She just stood and let the water hit her in the face!

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? :)