Costumes and Candy

Enjoy the cuteness!!

Pretty Princess

Flower Fairy

Daddy, "Are the Gators winning by enough points that we can go?"

The kids are almost here. Mommy is the candy ready. They're coming! They're coming!

The not so scary jack-o-lantern.

Girly Bear dressed up too.

What a happy fairy.

Is God Busy?

My precious daughter was pretending there were wolves in our house the other day. I was busy cleaning up the kitchen so I suggested she pray and ask God to help her. She did, but replied God couldn't help her right now because someone else has a boo-boo that he needs to heal first.

We all have to wait sometimes to be heard or get our turn, but our Heavenly Father never asks us to wait for our turn. We are continually welcome into his presence for an audience with the King of Kings.

"Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Our prayers ascend to heaven's throne

Regardless of the form we use;

Our Father always hears His own;

Regardless of the words we choose.

- D. De Haan

Welcoming Fall

It is October. In Atlanta that means that you wear shorts one day and sweaters the next. This week the leaves have slowly begun to change to their flashy oranges and purples. It's a beautiful sight! What a magnificent display of God's workmanship.

Each year our family goes to Berry Patch Farms' Pumpkin Patch to ride the hayride, tromp through the patch, and look at all the baby farm animals. Lucy was not very sure of all the animals but quite interested. She stood almost motionless as she watched them. Ella Kate laughed with her friends and enjoyed running back and forth across the fields.

My New Favorite Casserole

The pasta layer reminds me of the Italian noodles my mom made when I was a kids. The tomato layer is not quite Italian and not quite Mexican. Enjoy!

Beef Lombardi
(Southern Living)
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced or stewed tomatoes
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 (6-ounce) package medium egg noodles
6 green onions, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese

Preparation
Cook ground beef in a large skillet until it is no longer pink. Drain.

Stir in chopped tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; cook 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and bay leaf, and simmer 30 minutes.

Cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain.

Stir together cooked egg noodles, chopped green onions, and sour cream until blended.

Place noodle mixture in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with beef mixture; sprinkle evenly with cheeses.

Bake, covered with aluminum foil, at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover casserole, and bake 5 more minutes. Garnish, if desired.

Day Dreaming

When Ella Kate grows up and is a mommy she is planning on having a girl named Sarah and then boys named Joe and Tyler. Joe is going to help her with the laundry and Sarah is going to help her put the baby to bed.

Heaven and Blankie

"Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace" ... However, Ella has some how found out that "Girly Bear", "Blankie" and "Ladybug", her prized possessions won't go to Heaven with her. Although true, it was absolutely devastating news to a four year old girl. She waffled back and forth on her way home today about if she wanted to go to Heaven or not. She finally decided she did but only with her entire family and when she is 6. What difficult musings for a little one. Praise God that her thoughts are of Him. He will teach her and help her to come into complete understanding of who He is and His love for her. And God, please give us wisdom as we are totally in need of you to be the parents you want us to be.

Ella's 4th Birthday

We had a special time with family and friends today celebrating Ella Kate's 4th birthday. We celebrated just about all day. Ella woke up to streamers decorating her bedroom door, something we've done since her first birthday. Her friends came at 10:00 for a playful party with games, goodies, cake, and ice cream. All kids birthday partied must have a theme and this one had several - Ariel, Tinkerbell, and Princess. The picture is Ella's favorite moment of her party. She had been wanted to wear party hats for months and had been telling everyone about the castle cake that mommy was going to make. Mommy teared up as her birthday girl blew out all four candles with one blow! Wow she's growing up. The birthday girl did slow down long enough for a cat nap before her Grandparents arrived with more excitement and presents and games. Ella spent the afternoon playing with all her new presents and Mommy wondered how she was going to organize the new treasures. Daddy loved spoiling his little girl for the day. Lucy found great joy in playing with all of the bags and wrapping paper. So, she's now four. We're looking forward to all the ways God will grow her this year and all of the wonderful memories we will gain. We love you Ella!

A Spontaneous Parade

The Birthday Girl

Birthday Castle Cake

It's so hard to say good-bye

The party girl did not want the fun to end!

Brave Ella at the Dentist

It was now here our second attempt at going to the dentist. We left the house with Ashley (her doll) tucked under Ella's arm. On the way there...silence...is this good or bad...I wondered. She took her steps into the office very slowly as if looking for a way out. Ah toys, a tent, and books - she left Ashley with the receptionist and off she went to play. Although, she was quickly back to regain her friend. When the hygienist took her back I'm not sure who was more nervous, Ella or I. In a little while the hygienist came out to tell me she was doing great and asked if they could do x-rays. Of course, let's get them while the getting's good. Three girls were in the back for their first visit. So far no tears. One girl finished and left and then uh-oh there was crying. Who is it? It was dear Ella who did not want to actually be seen by the dentist so the other little girl went first, finished and left. Ella was brave for her. Then, again what do I hear but more crying, luckily short lived. The other hygienists came out to reassure me she was okay and that she'd make it. Finally, she appeared from the room with tear stained cheeks, a new pink toothbrush, strawberry floss, an Ariel sticker, a magic erase drawing board toy and sweet Ashley. She was silent. We met together with the dentist. She wasn't scared of him now and didn't cling to me. She just wanted to play with her toy. Her teeth are great. No cavities, all of her permanent teeth are there and her 6 yr. molars are starting to form. Once we left, she was a proud girl and told me all about it as if she was never scared. Although, she said later that the fluoride made her feel sick and she coughed a lot and almost spit-up, but she didn't. A phone call to Daddy and a trip to Wal-Mar to pick out a toy finished smoothing off the rough edges of the event. Now she has Dr. Bradberry's business card and is ready to call him again when the time comes.

Pretty Picture

 

Tippy Toes

 
Ella had her first dance class today. She really liked her teacher, Ms Jessica. She loves the whole dance outfit from head to toe. She knows all of the names of her attire - leotard, tights, skirt, ballet shoes and tap shoes. Our first official bun was a success!!! Whew! I could see her in the viewing room. She was a wonderful student - paying attention, following along. She was the first one in line to leave and to switch shoes. She learned the names of 3 classmates - Erin, Abby and Emily. She danced before class, during class, after class and when we got home. Do tap shoes scuff wood floors?

My sweet Ella Kate!

My sweet Ella Kate!, originally uploaded by atlgator57.

Our little girl is growing up fast!

Lucy!

Lucy!, originally uploaded by atlgator57.

You have to love the spunk!

Birthday Girl!

Lucy celebrated her first Birthday.

Many Precious Faces

 
 
 
 

Charlie's Graduation

Yeah!!!! Charlie graduated last week with a Master's in Accounting from Kennesaw State. It has been a long few years, but we feel like it was time well spent. We are finally starting to feel the difference in our lives. Grad school is no longer a constant part of our days and weeks. Charlie has quickly started into studying for the CPA exam with his first exam being in July.

Movie Review

I finally got to watch Miss Potter last night. It's been recorded for weeks and last night was the perfect night for it. Charlie was busy finishing his last exam for Grad school, but he probably would have categorized it as a chick flick if he'd seen it with me. Miss Potter was a heartwarming biography of Beatrix Potter. If you have ever enjoyed reading Peter Rabbit or Jemima Puddleduck you will love this movie. Beatrix was quite a progressive woman for her time and her story is a fantastic one of creativity, persistance and pursuing your dreams.

Orange and Blue Game

Our family had a great day at the UF Orange and Blue Spring game. The crowd was a new record at 65,000. Charlie was proud to be teaching his kids about the love he has for Gator football. Ella Kate shouted "Go Gators" to the fans on our way to the stadium and watched the cheerleaders and tried to emmulate their every move at the game. Lucy loved the game so much she took a nap. It was a great family adventure. Check out the pictures here

Atlanta Tax Day Tea Party

Charlie and I could not sit idly by anymore and let our government spend and tax us without regard. We joined 15,000-20,000 others at the Atlanta Tax Day Tea Party to take a stand. Please inform yourself on the outrageous deviations from our Constitution that are being made today. Teach your children and those around you the truths about Capitalism and Federalism and how they are being undermined today by those who seek power over freedom.

Easter

This was Ella's first Easter where she began to understand that Jesus died on the cross for her sins and how special it is that He is risen! It is exciting to see God working in her life to draw her to Him. She was also very excited to help pick out her sister's Easter basket, dye eggs, hunt eggs, eat eggs and eat candy!! Our family had a wonderful time on Saturday with our friends from church at an egg hunt and picnic dinner at a local cattle farm. It was a beautiful location and each of us enjoyed the time so much. Sunday we worshiped at our home church with a wonderful time to celebrate Jesus our Risen King and reflect on His incredible love for us. Afterwards we joined up with Krysta's extended family for lunch. The weather was perfect for the get together.

There were too many pictures to post here so click on the link below to the slideshow.

http://picasaweb.google.com/krystaejordan/412Easter?feat=directlink

Lucy's Check-up

Lucy had her 9 month check-up yesterday and the Dr. says she is just devine. She is 27 3/4 inches long and 19 pounds which puts her in the 50th-70th percentile. She loves feeding herself and has been trying out broccoli, potatoes, grapes and rice lately. Yesterday she pulled herself up to standing to see Ella and I on the couch.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game - Part 2

Ella on the big red Coke bottle chairs.

Ella and Daddy at the game.

Ella loves her lollipop.

Ella in the Tooner Field playground.

Ella and Daddy before we left for the game.

Take Me Out To the Ballgame

Ella Kate and I (Charlie) went to the Atlanta Braves game this Saturday. It was a beautiful day and a sparse crowd, which was fine by me.

Ella enjoyed watching the baseball players play, the cheers over the loudspeaker, waving at the people on the jumbotron that were waving at the camera,

however, the most fun was had in running the bases up in the Coke Zone for kids and playing in the play area of Tooner Field. She probably ran the bases (as seen in the video) 10 times. She also met a friend named Abby and they were instantly inseparable.

She had an absolute blast and was wiped out when we left. I had to carry her to the car. She was so zonked that she fell asleep drinking water and spilled it all over her shirt!

All in all we had a great day.

Lucy Playing

Lucy makes some funny faces and expressions. She's starting to talk some too! She says Da-Da, Ma-Ma and now Ella Kate. I can't seem to catch her saying it on camera. Hopefully soon. Monday morning in her crib Ella went in to see her and when she danced out of the room Lucy shouts "Ea Kate". The scene was repeated multiple times and each time Lucy got better and saying it. It is so sweet to watch them grow closer as sisters. Lucy always wants one eye on me and one on her sister. Yesterday, they started taking baths together. I'm not sure which of them is happier about it. They would stay in for hours splashing and pouring water in and out of cups.

Watch out here she comes!

A new milestone for Lucy has arrived. Here is her third attempt at crawling. I couldn't get the camera fast enough to catch the first two. A day later, now that she has the hang of it, she is moving everywhere. Life has changed!! She is so excited about her new found trick.

Questions

Ella crawled into bed with me (Krysta) this morning and started asking me questions like she so loves to do. This morning the theme was what letters do different words start with. Imainge this:
"What does you start with?"
"Y"
"What does why start with?"
"W"
Poor thing. English is so confusing it's amazing that any of us learned to read and write.

Krysta's Project

As much as Ella Kate loves "projects" Mommy does too. Here is my completed roman shade that I started at sewing class last Friday. The directions from class were incredible and except for me trying to take a shortcut from the directions everything went so smoothly. It's really tough for me to completely follow written directions. It was so much fun to do something creative.

Little Lucy sitting up

This is how I found her after her nap. Sitting up! Little Lucy is getting stronger and growing rapidly again now that she is well.

Ella building

Ella Kate is building Mary Alice's house. Mary Alice is Ella's best friend and her house was destroyed by a fire last August, but praise God they are scheduled to move back in in a few weeks!! It has been amazing to see friendship through Ella's eyes. Anytime we've seen a fire station or a house being built she wants to talk about her friend Mary Alice. Even more amazing is to see her greet her friend when she hasn't seen her in a while. She gives her a big hug and a word of encouragement that the house will be done soon. What a reminder that I should greet friends with such encouragement and excitement, even in the worst of circumstances.