Sweet Hearts

Somehow my precious 4 year old and I were talking about hearts at lunch and I asked if she could touch her heart. She thought and replied "Only Jesus can touch our hearts". What a sweet reminder that He can touch our hearts unlike anyone or anything else if we simpy let Him.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ella Kate's First Purchase

Ella Kate bought her first dress today with the money from her piggy bank. Mommy's only contribution was a $10 coupon. Ella even had some money left over. Isn't she pretty! She almost couldn't part with the money. She had to let someone go in front of us in line so she could think about it some more, but then bravely paid for the dress. The dress is a size 5! Wow!

Ella Kate's Dramatic Dancing

Snow

It did snow for a long time eventhough none of it stuck. The flakes were huge! Ella loved it.

Ella's Wheels

First Giving

Ella Kate gave her first tithe today. She has been collecting coins she found around the house in her piggy bank for a while. A few weeks ago she wanted to count it and give some to Jesus. Today she proudly took her plastic bag, tucked tightly in her coat pocket. After she gave it she said "Mommy I am so happy. See, look at my happy face." There on her face was the widest and brightest smile I've ever seen. God loves a cheerful giver.