Our 4th Anniversary!

Four years ago today was by far one of the best days of my life. Second to only the day Ella was born. Matt and I began our lives together on this day and it obviously holds such a very special place in my heart. Matt and I didn't date for long. In fact, I've only known him for 9 months longer than I've been married to him. We met in March (yes, for the FIRST time), were engaged in June and married in December...of the same year. I guess our relationship is a testament to the ever popular phrase, "when you know, you know." Or maybe it's just a testament to how miraculously our Lord works. When I think about the two months between the time that we met and the time that we got engaged it seems like such a short amount of time just rolling off of your lips, however, it seemed as though the Lord stopped time during that two months for us so we could know and learn about each other in the way He wanted us to. Matt prayed with me, about everything, but mostly about us from the beginning. And though we liked each other... a lot, we didn't want to do anything outside of the Lord's great will. I had never prayed with someone else in this way before. Until this point my relationship with my heavenly father was personal, except for with my family. And sadly, Matt was just about the only boy that I ever dated that said the blessing at dinner. Needless to say, my eyes were open from the start. It amazed me how different we were as people, but how perfect we were as a couple. By Easter, I was in love, but didn't dare say anything for fear it would "freak him out" and cause him to go running for the hills away from the nut job that wore her heart on her sleeves! So, he said it first and I followed suit. Crazy or not, at least we felt the same way. Every year I'm reminded of the work that the Lord did in our lives that year and every year I grow more thankful that He loved me so greatly that He would give me someone that was such a perfect fit. I prayed for Matt my whole life...so did my mother. And when it comes right down to it he's so much better than anybody I could have picked for myself. The Lord answered my deepest prayer when he put Matt in my life...he gave me everything I always wanted and even better the things I didn't know I wanted. So, Happy Anniversary, Matt! I love you with my whole heart, thank you for marrying me on this day!

Thanksgiving

Ella and Lissa

Ella and Uncle Zach...where he goes, she follows

Playing with Moe's, the neighbors cat...there's not an animal she doesn't like!

Precious moments...

I love Lissa and Aunt Juli, I ask about them several times a day!

Reading with Honey

Hangin' with Daddy...literally!

CHEEEEEEEEEESE!!

I love my Boppa!

The Party!

Ella's party was last Saturday. We had everything beautifully decorated outside at the gazebo, but as luck would have it the wind was just a little too much to handle. Everything had to be moved inside at the last minute so we all wouldn't blow away. However, we all had a great time and were joined by our wonderful friends and family. Ella was so fortunate to have all of her grandparents, great grandparents and even great great grandmother attend. Everyone was so generous and thoughtful with their gifts and we've been busy all week enjoying our new things! Here is the birthday girl in her new rocking chair from MeMe and PaPa:

Enjoying some food and waiting for everyone to arrive...again, most of the decorations were still outside!

The yummy cake

Blowing out the candles, which she did really well!

Daddy, Mommy and Ella

Opening gifts

Here we were listening to the sweet poem that my very talented Nana wrote for Ella. This is the very pink fur vest that she gave her...we've worn it everyday since!!

FIVE GENERATIONS: Ella, Mommy, NaNa, Boppa and great great grandmother Hazel, we call her Mimmy. She had on her fur coat as well, she and Ella made quite the pair!

Ella and Jenny, who brought her a 120-piece food set that I thought just might end our friendship, but Ella has done surprisingly well at keeping her food in her refrigerator.

Kissing on baby Luke's...

The "after" party!

We really had a wonderful time and are so thankful for everything! I must admit the 2nd birthday was extremely enjoyable. Ella knew exactly what was going on and was very excited. She didn't cry this year when we sang Happy Birthday, she joined in and loved the ongoing attention. What a difference a year makes! She's been singing Happy Birthday to herself since mid-October and has just recently stopped. We celebrated this birthday for over a month with one small party, 2 trips to Chuck E Cheese and one actual party! I'm afraid she might be mildly disappointed next year if the festivities don't linger quite so long!

Happy Halloween!!

Ella had a fantastic Halloween. She enjoyed trick-or-treating very much and to say she exhausted by the end of the night would be an understatement. We went to my aunt's house to trick-or-treat with cousin Elissa. Ella ran the entire time in an attempt to keep up with her and was more than ecstatic at the candy that was filling her bucket. After the first house, she looked in it, her mouth and eyes opened wide and she said, "Look mama, I got some candy!" She was just the most precious thing running from house to house dragging her tail behind her. Here's some pictures from the night!

Ella and Lissa in deep conversation before the big night.

Enjoying a treat afterward. She only "sampled" about eight different suckers

Mama and Ella

Daddy and baby "Lukes," who was supposed to be a skunk but slept through the festivities! He woke up in time for dinner...go figure.

Happy Birthday, Ella!

What a wonderful day! Matt went in late to work so when we woke up Ella opened her presents, he made us all breakfast and we spent the rest of the morning playing and just enjoying each other. Ella tried on her new princess gown right away and then wasted no time learning the in's and out's of her new kitchen. She loves to cook, always has. She's constantly playing with mama's pots, pans and utensils at some designated area in the house. I think she's excited to have a "real" place of her own now to prepare her masterpieces.

The funny thing was that later that afternoon as I was making our lunch, I peeped around the corner at her in her kitchen...she was opening her refrigerator door and taking out a cup that Matt had put some sweet tea in earlier that morning for her. She took several sips and then placed it carefully back in her fridge and closed the door. I can only imagine the array of surprises that I'll find opening that door!

She also got a very fabulous dress-up dress and slippers from Honey. She had to try that on as well. Isn't she amazing! She was funny in her fancy bell sleeves.

Her favorite was probably the slippers...she couldn't stop looking at them and yes, wore them around the house for the rest of the day regardless of how big they were.

Here's the close up:

Tonight we took her to Chuck E Cheese for dinner. She had a great time. We took her last year for her birthday and it was amazing the difference that just one year makes. We couldn't keep up with her!

There were two things she enjoyed most. The slide was the first one. After about two runs of assistance she quickly caught on and no longer needed us. She even waved and could look at other things as she came down. She would go up the stairs, through the window and down the slide repeatedly. We spent a good majority of our time here.This was the second, the Chuck E Cheese car or as she referred to him, "Chuck E Bear." I don't know, maybe he was too big to be a mouse so bear was more realistic. She put the token in all by herself and when it was over she would hold her hand out and shout, "Mo money, please!" That's scary...at two and we already know how to ask for money!!

Eating pizza and watching the "show"

This is the best picture I could get. She LOVED Chuck E. She wasn't the least bit scared. She could spot him a mile away and would leave whatever ride or game to go and give him a hug. She wanted him to follow her around and couldn't understand why he wouldn't do what she was telling him to. I believe she thought he was there FOR HER!Happy 2nd birthday, sweet girl! We love you so very much, you make every day so much fun and we are so blessed to have you. Thank you, Lord for our Ella bear, she's just the most precious gift.

'Twas the day before Ella

'Twas the day before Ella and I was at work,
managing Abercrombie, going berserk,

On a not-so-busy Saturday, they didn't need me,
so I left my assistant with my responsibilities.

When lunch rolled around, I headed toward home,
to be with my husband, for he was alone.

Then I was so tired I thought I would sleep,
a well deserved nap, I'd needed all week!

So three hours later I awoke from my slumber,
and into the kitchen, where Matt had my number.

He had bacon-wrapped filets ready to cook,
rice that was steaming and beans off the hook!

For he was awaiting the game on TV,
South Carolina was playing Tennessee.

When all of a sudden my eyes looked down more,
at the puddle of water that was now on the floor.

Not knowing what to do and feeling quite stuck,
I ran to the bathroom and stood there in the tub.

"Matt, please don't panic, but I think it's time,"
"And my pants are all wet," I said with a whine.

He scurried around the apartment gathering our things,
tripping over shoes as if he had wings.

I said, "Please don't fall, I need you alive,"
"for I am in absolutely no condition to drive."

So into the Chevy we loaded, me on my towel,
Anxious for what would happen in the next several hours.

Down the highway we flew discussing some names,
for now would be the time to agree on the same.

So Ella we decided really was great,
and along to go with it, what better than Kate!

We got to the hospital, and got all hooked up,
just in time for the game, gee, Matt was in luck!

We began our long night at Williamson Medical Center,
my mother showed up first to be my great mentor.

I labored all night, contractions galore,
but after 3cm I could take no more.

So in came the doctor to alleviate pain,
Epidural was surely the name of the game.

Matt stood by the monitor, watching the lines,
"Hey Abby, what about that, did you feel it this time!?!"

The next morning came slowly, but made us quite glad,
for we were able to look at the baby girl we now had.

She was round and all pink, from her head to her foot,
and a love I'd never felt just after one look.

She had dark hair and eyes and ears that were bent,
there was simply no doubt she was heaven sent.

Her little round mouth and small button nose,
were as cute as her arms that were covered in rolls.

It was the happiest moment we'd ever known,
it was no longer the two of us, we weren't alone.

We had a bundle of joy to add to the clan,
the Euten's were now two girls and one man.

Matt knew he would never be quite the same,
for this little angel was the one to blame,

For after just a few hours he was wrapped around her finger,
he felt his heart swell, it was a real stinger.

The days since then have quickly flown by,
two years have passed in the blink of an eye,

And I'd like to take this moment so that I can say,
Ella, have a very happy "almost" birthday!!

"Jesus Loves Me"

The first time she sang this to me I was laying down with her to go to sleep. She looked at me and said, "Sing Jesus." To which I replied, "I want to hear you sing it." I didn't know that she really would do it! I didn't even know she knew all the words! You can imagine my surprise. When she finished I was simultaneously laughing and crying. I ran into the bathroom, where Matt was trying to get in the shower, and beckoned him to come into the bedroom...I can only imagine the terrible thoughts that ran through his head. When we got back there she did it again for him and we squealed and celebrated...so much for bedtime!

Yes, she did get jelly beans for singing this...I was afraid she wouldn't do it for the camera. However, when I took it out she smiled and said, "You gonna take my picture?"

Fun in Nashville

Ella and I spent part of last week in Nashville. Courtney had Chloe in September and we finally had the chance to go visit them. It was wonderful to see them, we had a great time. Ella really loved Chloe and has constantly talked about the trip since our return. Allow me to introduce our god-daughter, Chloe Michelle Hanson, isn't she precious!?!

This is Ella "allowing" me to assist her in giving Chloe her bottle. I believe she's very nurturing for a toddler and I was so very proud of how unselfish she was when it came to the baby. It's not the first time she's surprised me! She kept pushing my hand away saying, "No, mama, I do it." And so she did.

Just loving on Chloe...It's a difficult task teaching a toddler the fine line between loving, squeezing and SQUEEZING a little much, but Chloe made it through the week unscathed...I think.

Speaking of nurturing she also wanted to make sure that the dogs were well fed. Here she is helping Bella or "Bedda" eat her dinner as well.

Ella really enjoyed bath time. It was fun pouring water on Chloe's feet, but sometimes it was more fun to climb up and down the stool.

Tuesday night Lisa, her husband Branson and their son Cal came over and had dinner with us. Cal is 4 months younger than Ella. It was so amazing seeing them together, we really enjoyed getting to spend some time with them.

This is Ella and Cal looking out the door at Bella. Notice Cal's hand on the door? Now notice Ella's expression...she's telling him he can't open the door to go outside. I don't know what we'd have done without "momma Ella". Later Cal was going to pick a coaster up off of a side table, but before touching it he turned around to "check" with Ella first. She said, "you're fine." It was the funniest thing. I was afraid he would be slightly irritated at her loving bossiness, but Lisa seemed to think he liked it.

Ella and Cal, so sweet! I think he is just the cutest thing. I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to get the "squeezes" that I wanted, but I did get a few to sustain me.

So did Ella... maybe this is why boys think girls have cooties! We keep trying to make them sit still and love us. Give a guy a break, all he wanted to do was run around and have a good time.

Here Ella has made herself at home in "Jock's" bed. I guess since it was small, she thought it was for her viewing pleasure. Jock is the Hanson's scottie dog that they've had for 16 years. Her actual name is Tia. Ella could only refer to her as Jock because of Lady and the Tramp. It was quite funny. She really thought the dog was from the movie.

It was a wonderful trip, we're so thankful to the Hanson's for all of their wonderful hospitality. We can't wait for our next trip and we hope Chloe can come visit us soon!

The Many Faces of You!

New Post Below

Just So I Can Remember...

My baby is almost TWO. And the only thought I have is how quickly time flies. She has changed so much and everything she does is precious in our eyes. Below I've listed some of her favorite or most common phrases, just so I can remember...


What’s your name? Edda Ootie means Ella Euten
Where do you live? Chessie, Adabada means Chelsea, Alabama
When’s your birthday? Octodo means October
How old are you going to be? TWO (with a squeal)
Can you say “hippopotamus?” Hiptopasa
-“I ludjew” means I love you and sometimes it's "I ludjew too much."
-“Watcha dewey?” means What are you doing?
-"Goo gain" means Do it again. And "louw" is short for lay down.
-Everything is still plural.
-She now knows how to fib, but is still extremely honest.
-Knows how to skip and count to ten.
-She still loves drawing mainly with a pen.
-“I pooty” means I’m pretty, usually as she rubs on her belly
-She loves “Aroll” Ariel and knows that Scuttle calls a fork a dinglehopper “dinglehoppa”
-She loves Lucky Charms and gets excited when she sees the commercial.
-Other than The Little Mermaid her favorite movie is Monsters Incs. (hence the plural), though she loves "hakuna matata" (The Lion King) and Cindereda (Cinderella)equally
-She loves t-shirts-any tshirt and shoes.
-She can feed herself with no assistance and holds her other hand underneath the fork to catch what falls off.
-She reminds us if we forget to say her prayers every night, but still fails to keep her eyes closed. If for some reason we leave anyone off the list of who we're thankful for she reminds us of them as well.
-If we ask her to say the blessing, she bows her head and says, "amen"
-"I wanna hold you" means she wants you to hold her.
-When she talks on the phone she holds it to her ear and walks around the room. She’ll talk about the toys, books, etc. that are laying around and say, “see” because she thinks that whoever she is talking to can see what she’s doing. She doesn’t like to say “I love you” on the phone because she’s about to have to say bye and she doesn’t want to give the phone away.
-When she talks to daddy on the phone she always says, "Hey Buddy!"
-She is constantly reminding him to "shave beard."
-She knows all the animals and their sounds, but she HATES crickets.
-She still loves dogs, all dogs with a passion.
-She could eat noodles all day, every day, for every meal. This includes spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine, macaroni and cheese, ziti...you name it. She loves biscuits and the chunky chocolate chip Chips-A-Hoy which she refers to as "fat cookas".
-Jelly beans are still a cause for joy and milkshakes are not far behind.
-She loves presents from the grandparents and shakes the bag upside down to see if there is anything left.
-She has NO fear, except for the Halloween aisle at Wal-Mart and the dark (and crickets)!
-Before she falls asleep at night she turns to me, places her little hand on my cheek, gives me a kiss and says, " I ludjew mama." Then she closes her eyes and goes to sleep.
-She says "God bless you", when you sneeze and "scuse me" when she burps.
-She loves to sing and dance and has surprisingly good tone and rhythm! She walks around the house all day singing, kiss the girl la la la la la!
-Her laugh is contagious.
-If you're not paying attention to her she grabs you by the face with both hands so all attention is now on her.
-When she calls for Matt or me and we don't respond on the first try she resorts to calling us by "Abby" or "Matts".
-She calls the booth in a restaurant a “couch”. Because of the “couch” she no longer sits in a high chair when we go out to eat.
-Like a true Southern girl, she LOVES sweet tea.
-She’s extremely determined and gets easily frustrated when she can’t figure something out. She doesn’t want help until she realizes she just can’t do it herself.
-Sometimes when I look at her it’s like looking directly at Matt. They have a lot of the same expressions.

Moment of Clarity

The other night Ella and I were on our way to Matt's softball game. She was in her carseat, we were talking and she was super excited about the dog that was hanging out the window of the SUV driving next to us. After a moment we passed by a La Petit Academy. An overwhelming and undeniable feeling filled my body and my eyes filled with tears...like the BIG crocodile kind that you can't hold back even when you stretch out your face and start thinking about something else. I don't have anything against this particular academy, I don't know any body that goes there, I've never even seen it before. But at that moment the Lord placed something on my heart - a thought, a truth, a not to distant reality crossed my mind...one day will come and I will have to drop my little girl off at school and leave her! Not there, but somewhere she will begin her education and our days of reading books, watching movies, playing make-believe and just all together hanging out and cuddling will end. Sometimes staying at home is trying, it's hard. There are days that I think, "I don't think I can do this," or "I'm not so sure I'm doing a very good job." Sometimes my patience are tested and some days I count the minutes for Matt to get home so I can have some relief, help or just a tiny break. As a mother, I have to believe at some point we all feel this way. But, at that moment, I was simply nothing short of thankful. And without closing my eyes (because I was driving) I prayed and thanked the Lord for not only blessing me with Ella, but making it possible for me to stay home with her where at least for a little while I don't have to miss a thing. I thanked Him for that moment of clarity where I saw how important it is for me to enjoy this time and relish in EVERY single moment that she learns and grows right in front of my face. Of all the things I've seen or done or been through there is nothing greater than seeing the look on her face through her struggles and frustrations and then watching her "light up" when she finally gets it right. There's nothing more rewarding than being her translator because I'm the only one who spends my days learning her language and teaching her what words mean or how to say them. And though there are times that I think I might just lose my mind if I have to hear or sit through one more Disney movie, cartoon or crazy kid show on NOGGIN-I wouldn't trade it for the world. Sometimes I feel as if I have lost intelligence significantly since I graduated or that I just might have forgotten how to hold an "adult conversation" because I spend my days reading books with nothing more than two-syllable words or playing with toys for 2+. But then I think of those people who don't get to do what I do and see what I see everyday. I'm overwhelmed at the thought that the Lord gave me a heart to shape, other than my own, and the responsibility to teach another person basically everything. I guess that's where I'll find my intelligence. I don't know why that academy, I don't know why that moment. I've learned not to question Him either. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for the lesson and even more so for that small moment that had such considerable impact.