Hot Dog

I put Elli's hair in a bun one night and she thought it was very pretty. So, the other night I asked Elli if he wanted her hair in a ponytail. She said, "No, I want it in a hot dog." I asked if she meant that she wanted it in a bun. She replied, "Yes, I want it in a hot dog bun!"

Morning Prayers

I pray with Elli before I take her into preschool, but lately, she has taken over the praying. Wednesday she prayed this, "Thank you Jesus for today. Help me to obey and share. And thank you for the ideas you give me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen." When was the last time I thanked God for the ideas He gives me? Maybe never. Thank you Ellianna, for reminding me that even the ideas in my head are from above!

Pancakes, turning four and sweet pumpkin

This morning Elli said she wanted pancakes. Then, she said, "Hey I have an idea. How 'bout we make m-and-m pancakes. Sounds good." So we made them and she loved them. She also, helped as you can see:)

On the way to school yesterday, Elli said, "Mommy am I four yet?" I told her she would be four in April when she had her birthday. Her response was, "It's really hard to get into the fours."

This morning after breakfast, Elli wanted to play babies. She had a doll and gave me one. We named them Arabella and Lindianna. Then she said she had another baby in her stroller that she calls, "sweet pumpkin." I thought it was so cute that she was using little pet names for her babies. Then I saw she actually had a little pumpkin strapped into the stroller! I love this girl.

Christmas Lights

Since we have had such a warm November, Brent and Elli decided to go ahead and put up Christmas lights on Monday of this week. Brent also installed an outdoor outlet so we could run them with a switch inside. Thank you, Brent for getting this done for us. Elli loves it as well as me.

Cousins

We all love this little guy. It makes me smile though when Elli asks when he is coming over to play, or if she wants to buy him something when we are out shopping. How sweet she is. It will be fun to watch them grow together.

A trip to Michigan

Kyle and Elli playing Kyle's favorite marble game from when he was a kid.

Daddy and Elli playing Mouse Trap. As all kids know, the most fun part is watching it go.

One of the biggest reasons for the trip was to help with the humungous pile of leaves that cover the Ferguson's yard. Elli had fun trying to run through the leaves. She tired quickly though and then went in to watch Cinderella.

Linda and Kyle making some progress. We used 1 large tarp, two leaf blowers, 3 rakes, it took about 4 hours and there were 5 of us working. Fun times:)

Elli loves little Seth. How sweet they are in this picture.

I don't feel good, Mommy

Usually these words make me feel nervous of what is to come and sad for Elli, but today those words sparked a different emotion. Elli didn't want me to look into her lunch bag before I gave her a snack on the way home from school. I always make sure she has eaten her lunch before the sweet, so I looked anyway. I noticed the container with her yogurt wasn't there. I asked her about it, but she said it must be lost. I gave her a chance to tell the truth after this lame explanation and she did. She said she put it in a hiding place because she didn't want to eat it but she wanted me to give her a sweet on the way home. I told her that was a wrong choice and she should have just put it back in her bag to finish when we got home. She sat in her seat thinking for a while then said, "I don't feel good, Mommy. I feel sick about what I did to my yogurt." I told her that is what sin does to you. It makes you feel sick and you need to ask Jesus to forgive you. She didn't ask for forgiveness, but she said she wanted to make better choices and obey so she won't feel sick. What an awesome way for God to show that He wants Elli's heart for Himself. After a few weeks of really praying for wisdom in raising and training Elli (we have had many new issues lately) I am thankful for this very real sign that God is working in her life, and mine!

Surprise Papa and Gonga

We took Elli to my parent's house to surprise them. She was giggling as we told her not to tell them it was her. When she walked in after knocking on their door, the next trick-or-treater was a little surprised and unsure what to do. I don't think he wanted to go in:)

Baking Cookies and Trick-or-Treat

Getting candy from the neighbors with the neighbors/friends:)

Elli and Lily holding hands as they begin the quest for candy. Elaina and Kiersten were also with us. Very fun way to "trick-or-treat."

This police officer was handing out candy as well. Elli was a little nervous but once she saw he was giving candy, she was all for it!

I wanted a picture with Elli, Fergi, and our little pumpkin.

Elli using the rolling pin for the sugar cookies. Look at that smile:)

Once again, I let Elli help cook. This is becoming quite the regular routine. She was loving using the rolling pin. She did a good job, but had to reminded lots of times to wash her hands after licking her fingers. The cookie dough is just too yummy!

Care Group Costume Pictures

Reagan, Elli, Lily and Madilynn being sweet to each other:)

Andrew (Davy Crockett), Caleb (indian), Reagan (ballerina), Elli (Angelina ballerina), Emma Grace (elephant), Caitin (Wendy), Lillian (village Belle), Madilynn (princess, and Caroline (monkey)!

It has become a bit of an annual event to get all the kids in their costumes. This one is a winner!