Oprah!

Last Tuesday, we finally had Oprah tickets! My sister, mom, a friend, and I went to Chicago this past Monday night. We had tickets for Tuesday's show, which ended up being a live show about Autism. Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson Peete were the guests. We ended up on the 2nd row somehow, so that was great! You can see the back of my head and my mom's arm in this picture below - great shot, huh???:) It was a blast, though. We flew home Tuesday evening - very quick trip!

Yea for Fall Weather!!

It's beautiful here today! The weather is cool and the sun is shining!! I decided to take Ella outside to try to get some pictures made. Mom and I took about 30 different pictures, then the best smile was when she was finally in Grandad's arms.

It's a boy!!!

I'll bet some of you were thinking something a little different with the title!

Ella has another pet - Elmo Kitty. It started as "mommy", then went to "Sam", and settled with the name "Elmo Kitty". Ronnie often corrects me that it isn't a pet as much as a mouse defense weapon for the fall! It's definitely cute, though.

Becoming a big girl!

Ronnie and I talk all the time about how we can't believe how fast Ella is growing and changing. I have accepted the fact that she is no longer a "baby", but more of a big girl! We took her to the state fair yesterday. She had a great time looking at the cows. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to pet one. Looking from a distance had to be enough!!:)

She also recently discovered finger painting. You talk about a mess! She had a great time, but we had to thoroughly scrub the kitchen table when we finished!

This past weekend, I was able to get together with some friends from college. We had a great time together. Margaret, Alecia, Kristin, and I were able to spend some quality time catching up! For those of you that know Margaret, doesn't she look amazing! Keep up the great work Margaret! I am so proud of your discipline and determination!!!:)

Ella has also started "helping" with the blog. It seems to add a little time to the process!:)

asfo jjjawefo[iiiiii gaaaaaaaaaaaoi (love, Ella)

Ella absolutely loves to be silly! She recently found her sunglasses on her dresser and never wants to take them off!

Ronnie preaches for the first time this weekend at Northeast. He is very excited about it!

My first week at school is over. I love the new reading class I am teaching this year. It is a new experience - we are piloting a class to teach basic reading skills to high school non-readers. I love the group I get to work with in this class. They are highly diverse (most with a colorful background), but I love the challenge of the whole concept!:)

Life in Caneyville

I realized I am forwarding this blog to many people who have no idea about the environment where we live. It is a major change from Wesmere in Plainfield! Our nearest neighbor is not within an arm's length like before!

I have a garden, which has been quite overwhelming. I don't even eat tomatoes or peppers, but we seem to be well stocked!

I started back at Grayson County High School this past Wednesday. I am working in English classes, and teaching one Reading Strategies elective class. I think this year will be a major challenge, but I am also excited to try something new with the reading class. It is definitely going to keep me busy this year. Ella isn't too thrilled with the fact that I am back to work, but hopefully she will adjust once we get into a routine.

Ronnie actually is starting a new job this coming weekend. He currently is the associate minister with my dad at Caneyville Christian. Starting this coming weekend, he will also be beginning the job as teaching minister at Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. We don't exactly know what it entails, other than preaching once or twice a month at this point, but he is very excited about this job, too. It will be different because they have 3 services each weekend. He is used to just preaching for one!:)

For those of you wondering, Mocha is great. He loves to roam around the yard and explore. His new trick is to get in our garbage can. That is always fun to come home to in the afternoon. Just his little way of reminding us he still has some influence around here!:)

Recent Ella Pictures

These are some pictures that I took of Ella this morning. She has learned that I want her to smile, so she likes to avoid that as much as she can! She is a pretty good sport about it, though. Poor Mocha has to put up with a lot of tugs and pulls!!!