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.