I'm Back

It's been such a long time since I've blogged! I've been meaning to get back to it, but life is so busy and <insert other valid excuse.> Looking back over my old posts I remembered why I started blogging in the first place and vowed to make it a priority again. Those pictures, those stories...those would almost be forgotten had I not hit the publish button. Life is so hectic and full to the brim with duty and obligation. Don't get me wrong; as a mom, I carve out plenty of time to enjoy my family and not worry about the mounds of laundry or stinky dishes growing who-knows-what in the sink. But by neglecting this blog, I've lost memories of my family that I want to share with them as the time passes.

So, without further ado, I'd like to tell you that I'm back. And, I'm hoping to kick my shoes off and stay a while.  Look for a new post about my family soon, and hopefully an updated blog look! Look at me, already feeling a little ambitious. :)

Mappy Valentime's Day

Dan and I watched a 30 Rock episode a few years ago with Rachel Dratch as a guest star and her character says, "Happy Valentime's" and somehow that morphed into "Mappy Valentime's" and it stuck. We have several sayings/phases that have started out as a joke and now permanently reside in our vocabulary.

Dan and I are super low key, so the day of love has never been a big deal to us. But, gosh, when you have a child, it's so much more fun and special. I took off work early to head to Ellie's party at daycare.

The kids in her class exchanged valentines, and her awesome teachers, Miss Stormi and Miss Allison, helped her make a box for her goodies. They even got roses for the moms. Isn't that sweet?

Ellie brought Smarties and Cuties to her classmates with this note attached.

I always find it interesting to watch all the kids eat. Some go straight for the sweets, others nibble on the cheese, while some pick out the salty and dive in. Out of a cookie, cupcake, grapes, cool whip, bananas, string cheese and Cheetos, Ellie went straight for the cupcake then cookie. 

In the picture above, some of the kids were clanging their juice boxes and Ellie got tickled. It's fun to see her interact with kids her age.

When we got home, we played outside in what little snow we had left. Our neighbors weren't outside...when they are, Ellie makes a beeline over to their house to play with the older girls and their toys.

Of course Ellie got goodies from her Grammy/Papaw and her Great-Grandmas. Daddy got her an Elmo balloon and Mommy and Daddy got her a little monkey purse with a book, candy, fruit snacks, bubbles and a puppy dog.

Mappy Valentime's from the Myers family!

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!