Valentine's Day

My friend Jeni made this shirt for me. Brent thought it might be a little silly to wear in public, however, I think deep down, he was proud that I wore a shirt that said "I love Brent."

Elli was very sick over Valentine's Day, but I let her sprinkle some sprinkles on these rice krispie treats. She didn't touch them, or sneeze on them for those of you who ate them:) She does love to sprinkle though.

Brent and I enjoyed an evening out to Bonefish Grill. It was delicious and we had a good time together. Uncle Kyle stayed with our sick baby girl. Thank you Uncle Kyle!

Happy late Valentine's Day everyone.

Picture catch up

We had a couple of big snows and Elli had fun playing in it this year. After she tasted the snow she said, "Mommy we don't eat snow. We eat food." I guess she didn't like it.

Elli loves to give Fergi a bath. If you could see her feet, you would see that they do not even touch the floor. She sings a song, "washing the dog" the whole time. It is from her Kids Songs Sing Along DVD.

Elli has really gotten into dressing up lately. She loves to wear her princess dresses and "marry" me. (She also kisses like Ariel with the head tilt and parted lips:) This day she wanted her tutu on while doing ballet. Look how excited she is!

My little girl is turning into a big helper. She likes to do things for me around the house. Here she is putting away the peanut butter and marshmallow cream. She likes "fluffer nutters."

Family project to turn the mega blocks into a castle that Elli can go in. It was a little tricky getting the height and width correct and stable, but success is seen here.

Sorry about the lack of pictures lately. I just didn't seem to have the opportunity to sit down and upload them. (sit down, up load hehehe)

Tears to my eyes

In church, I've been getting Elli out of the nursery and letting her stay with us during the music. Brent is in the choir and praise team so Elli really likes watching him sing. She also LOVES music so it works well. This Sunday, my dad was holding her and we started singing "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, etc" This is Elli's new Bible verse to learn. When we started singing, Elli's eyes got really big and she squeezed my dad's neck and said, "papa, this is my Bible verse!" She was so happy. It made me cry, hard. She is so precious and I love seeing her get excited about recognizing the Bible verse.

Fergianna, Worms, and Jonah

This is a story post on the funny things from Ellianna:
"Fergianna"
Elli-"Mommy, I have a baby sister at home."
Me, "Really? What is her name?"
E-"Fergianna"
Our dog's name is Fergi. Pretty creative don't you think?

"Worms"
We had the TV on a channel showing the show "Man Vs Wild" before bedtime one evening. The man was looking for something to eat and found a thick juicy worm. He then prodceeded to eat it. Elli's hand went directly to her mouth and she told me she needed to "fro-up." We ran upstairs and she leaned over the toilet. Nothing happened, but she did it three more times. We finally put her to bed and she woke up an hour later saying, "Mommy, I going to fro up." I went upstairs and took her to the bathroom. All she could say was, "That worm. He eat that worm?"
Poor little girl. It made quite an impression. I guess we are not raising a doctor afterall.

"Jonah"
ON the way to school this morning, Elli heard the song, "Who did swallow Jonah." Here's the conversation that followed:
Elli-"That whale swallowed Jonah" "Yes, Elli." "Why" "God wanted to teach Jonah a lesson." "Why?" "God wanted Jonah to learn to obey him so the whale swallowed Jonah then spit him back out." "Who is God?" "God is the one who made all of us even Jonah and the whale." "Mommy, God lives in heaven with Jesus?" "Yes, Elli." "Can I go to heaven?" "Yes, Elli. If you ask Jesus to forgive all your sins you can go to heaven and live with Jesus." "And I can go to his house and have dinner?" "Yes Elli. You can go to his house and eat a very big dinner."
What a wonderful story and sweet reminder that we will go to heaven, go to God's house, and eat dinner:) Maybe Elli should explain salvation to others who don't know yet. It is much easier to understand.

Christmas at the Brown's

Saturday the 27th, was Christmas morning at our house. Santa brought Elli this trampoline which she loves! he also brought her a book, a puzzle and an outfit. Santa brought me a half day trip to a spa and a weekend away with the girls. Santa brought Brent enough socks to replace his whole drawer, (Just what he always wanted), an electric razor, new shoes, and a shirt. it was a fun morning.

After opening gifts at our house, we went to my parents for Christmas bruch. It was delicious as always, then on to the mound of gifts. We all got some very wonderful things. Most memorable, Elli's piggy bank and laptops, Lori's new clothes and purse, also a few house decorations, and Brent's saw. All goodies are appreciated and are being/will be used. Thank you all!!!!! (family, count this as your thank you card this year:)

After celebrating at my parents', we went to Leah and Matt's for Christmas dinner of stroganoff and asparagus with homemade bread from Heather. (all delicious once again) We played air hockey and ping pong, then went to the very crowded zoo. It was only about 65 degrees or warmer, so it was very busy this year. Elli really wanted to see the elephants, but we managed a few other exhibits along the way. She got kissed by a reindeer, laughed at the monkeys, saw the "kitties" and then gawked at the elephants. We had a good time and will hopefully do it again next year. This is the 2nd trip and it would be a fun tradition to keep around as long as they do the lights:)
Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas at the Fergusons

Nana is helping Elli play with her new wooden dress-up dolls. The kids went together to get the parents an air purifier, which helped my allergies while I was there. Elli got some nice gifts as well as each of the kids too. It was fun opening gifts Christmas morning.

After a very delicious Christmas dinner, we all bundled up for a long walk in the cold air. We went down the icy roads to the golf course and walked in the deer trcks, and snow mobile tracks for that matter. It felt good to burn some calories and be together. Elli did a little walking, but was enjoying being carried by family members for the most part.

Our plan was to leave Friday the 26th to head home. Well, Toleda got so much ice that morning, that our trip was blocked by a shut-down highway 75South. So we waited until later in the day. Once we hit the road, we realized that there was so much traffic, we wouldn't get home for another several hours. So, we turned back, went to Toledo and watched Devin play basketball that evening. As it worked out Jenna and Justin were on their way home from the honeymoon and we met up with them as well. So the entire family was able to watch Devin play ball and spend a couple more hours together. It made for a late night arrival, but good memories. Devin's team lost, sad to say, but they did play against a VERY good team.

Snow fun

Our first experience with Hillbilly sledding. This big tractor pulled about 10 sleds over the fields for about 2 hours. It was sleeting and freezing, my hair got stuck to my coat and my snot was frozen, but it was some of the best snow fun I have ever had:)

We bundled up at NAna's for some snow mobiling. Elli was a little nervous, so we just took her for a short ride on the four wheeler. She wasn't so into sledding either, but she did enjoy the warming up in the house with cookies and milk afterwards. ( We took her for a short ride on the sleds behind the tractor. As soon as we started to move, she cried. Then Kyle, who was next to us, fell off and she wailed! Memories for a life time)

Daddy daughter conversation overheard

Brent, "Elli you are a pain in the hiny."
Elli, "I not tiny. I a big girl."
Brent, "No, I said you are a pain in the hiny." (spoken more slowly)
Elli, "I not a hiny. I Elli."
Brent, "I'm going to have to send you to Hollywood to get a job."
Elli, "I not going to Olly. I staying here!"
Brent to me on the other side of the door laughing, "We're in so much trouble with this one!"

Elli is a sweet little girl, but she does have a mind and a mouth of her own. As we have learned from studying James, only God can tame that little, tiny, cute tongue!

Jenna and Justin Dodson, Dec 20, 2008

The happy couple ready to depart for their honeymoon after a wonderful reception.

Elli had a bad stomach virus causing her to throw up and have runny poopy too. Poor thing. She threw up the morning of the wedding even making me nervous about her performance as flower "princess" girl. She seemed to get better as the day wore on though and was begging for food after about 4 days of not really eating. So here she is, before the wedding started, eating a bag of pretzels. Thank you Nana for making her pretty dress.

Brent's grandpa Ferguson has only seen Elli a few times as he still lives in Canada. This was a great day for seeing people you don't see often, so we snagged a photo.

The wedding party and a finicky flower "princess." At one point she was playing hide'n'seek in one of the brides maid's dresses. The photographer did a great job of bribing Elli into smiling though. She hasn't had more candy, suckers, and gum at one time in her life:)

A quick smile before the ceremony. Brent is one handsome man.

The bride to be with Lana, Lance's wife. Lance and Lana were in town for the whole week. It was good to visit with them as well. Lana was an honorary bridesmaid along with 4 other ladies. Jenna did a great job of making all us girls feel loved and special at being part of her day. Thank you Jenna for a wonderful wedding to be part of and we wish you a wonderful marriage.

My 32nd Birthday

My sweet family, right before the present fest!Mom, dad, and Grandma Gracie. They forgeot to tell the rest of us it was "wear red" night:)(except for me of course.)

Matt and Leah taking a self portrait.

The newly engaged couple, Heather and Gary. They had just returned from a trip to NYC where Gary popped the question. Heather texted us "you need to learn to spell Gary's last name" as the way of telling us she was engaged. Catchy, for all but me. I didn't get it sadly until the next day when Leah asked me if I had talked to Heather about what her ring looked like. Goodness. I am new to texting and that's my excuse:)

For my birthday, we went to China Cottage, my favorite Chinese restaraunt. It was a good gathering with great food. Not pictured here is Brent's brother Kyle who was able to join us for dinner. We then went to my house for cake, icecream and presents. I made out with some great presents. Thank you everyone for wishing me a happy day and for celebrating with me.

Elli's cash register

Heather got this cash register for Elli this summer at a garage sale. Typically big toys like this go to the basement after Elli plays with them for a while. However, she plays with this all the time. It is one of her favorite toys. In this picture, she set up all her doggies from visiting Santa 8 times and had them watch her buy things. She is holding one of her dogs a well. She kept telling them things like, "You want this? I wil buy it. Here you go. You sad? I will get this for you." What a little mommy she is:)

Mom's Birthday

Elli wearing Gonga's glasses.

Elli took this picture of my mom. Sorry mom:)

The table set for a very pretty and delicious meal for mom's birthday. It was a good time with family. We all enjoyed a meal together after church, some cake and ice cream, presents, and then the Christmas program at church. What a fun day. I love you mom.

Baby Jesus

Elli is really enjoying this Christmas season. She loves to sing the Christmas songs on the radio, read Christmas stories, and talk about presents. She also likes to hear the story, thankfully, of baby Jesus coming to earth as a baby and then growing up as an adult to die for our sins. She plays with the nativity scene in our house as well. moving it all over the place. She calls the characters out like this: baby Jesus, Mary, Jophes, sheep and shepherds. How cute that Jophes is a part of our Christmas story this year.

Thanksgiving 2008

Elli and Madison sharing ear phones. How cute.

Look at the spread at my grandma's house. It is always a great Thanksgiving feast. Notice however, we are no where to be seen. Brent, Elli and I as well as my cousin Brandi and her family are now banned to the kid's table. At least we aren't far from everyone else. And, we do get served first:)

I do it myself

Elli and I put up a christmas tree today while Brent was practicing for the church christmas program. We had a great time with the christmas music, lights, and ornaments. Elli was determined to help me carry some of the boxes with the ornaments in them. This box gave her a little trouble, so she ended up pushing it all the way over to me. I think it took me longer to decorate this tree than any other I have done. One ornament on, two ornaments off with, "Mommy, look at this one. Is it pretty?"

While I was unloading groceries...

Elli was taking her baby for a car ride. Note the sunglasses, hands on wheel, baby in car seat, and Elli checking the road:) Who taught her to act like this?

Elli's own Christmas tree

Gonga bought Elli a little Chirtmas Tree for her room. She was so very excited about it and kept carrying it around like it was toy. We took it up to her room and plugged it in. She loves it! When we put her to bed, she cried when we turned it off. How do you explain to a little girl that this tiny little tree could catch on fire in the middle of the night? Well, you don't. She eventually stopped crying after several verses of "her" song, "Amazing Grace." Sleep well baby girl.

The Spirit of Giving/Keeping?

This year we let Elli pick out some toys for a little girl for the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. We went to the store and she helped pick some toys. She picked out a baby first, then some head bands, and a toy kaleidascope(sp?) We filled in some other items and then went home to pack the box. Elli started filling the box, but as you can see, the baby is still clutched in her hands. She was very reluctant to give up the doll, so we had to explain several times that this was for a little girl that doesn't have any babies at all. Elli finally relented and put the baby in the box as well. She keeps wanting to look at the pictures we have at church of the kids getting boxes. She says, "We give toys to the girl? It's her birthday present?" Hopefully she will begin to grasp the meaning of giving and remember this special time.

Raking Leaves

What a beautiful afternoon to rake leaves in early Nov. Elli loved using the rake, but was unsure about jumping in the leaves. She didn't like getting dirty I guess. She is a princess you know:) Anyway, she did help rake with the one tree we have in our yard now. It took all of ten minutes, but it was fun all the same. Maybe next year we'll have two trees again. Our front tree fell down when the hurricane came to Ohio!

Science Experiments with Uncle Kyle

The first weekend in Nov. Uncle Kyle and Aunt Meg came over and did some fun science experiments with Elli. He did this huge bubble with dry ice and dish soap, he made small bubbles that she could hold in gloved hands, and he did worms under the black light so they glowed neon green. It was great and Elli loved it!!!

Christmas already

Elli is already very excited about Christmas. She likes the Christmas music, the few lights we have seen, thinking about presents, and baby Jesus. I am getting more and more excited about this year and seeing Elli learn all about it. On the way to church this morning we were listening to Christmas music and Elli says to me, "Mommy this is my favorite song. I love Christmas. I want to hug Christmas. I want to hug Christmas with my Gonga." (Gonga is Grandma) So as you can see, I am excited to see Elli learn about Christmas this year!!!

God Bless America

Today at Bible Study, Elli decided to sing a song. I make the announcements in the large group before we all break up into our smaller groups. When I was done, Elli walked up to me and asked if it was her turn. I asked her if she wanted the microphone and she said yes. I handed it to her and she said she was going to sing God Bless America. She then proceeded to sing the song into the microphone for all to hear. Talk about melting my heart! Also, how appropriate for voting day!

Elli's First Day of School!

Elli taking a baby to another little boy who was crying.

Elli started preschool at the Presbyterian Church in Cedarville this week. Wed Oct 29 was her first day. She was so excited. She wanted to walk up there by herself. She got really excited looking in the windows and said, "I see kids! I see a lady!" I cried while Elli helped another little boy who was crying by saying to him, "Hey boy, you want a baby?" She had a great time and will tell you all about it if you have the chance to ask.

Halloween Parade

The Raymond kids, Lily, Caroline, and Andrew with Elli, the princess mouse aka...Angelina Ballerina.

Elli getting ready to walk in the parade. She didn't know quite what to think. She was so serious most of the day, but did at least smile and wave to the judges.

Vacation Continued

Last night at the pier.

So sleepy. She had to be held for our whole beach walk because she was sleepy.

Elli was continually trying to get the birds to come to her. She was saying, "Birds come here. Come back here birds," as they tried to escape.

Elli's first ride on a ferris wheel. The mechanism was so loud though she rode it with her ears covered. Still, how cute is she?!

She wanted to ride the carousel twice. Once on a horse, next on a giraffe. We found this miniature sized amusement park one night in Destin and Elli thought it was great, so did we. She handed her tickets to the ride operators and didn't even wave good-bye to us as they strapped her in. Our brave litle girl.