We're Back!

I'm sure you're beginning to wonder if we've fallen off the face of the earth or think our life has nothing to report.  Sometimes I do feel like that and feel blessed that I have nothing crazy to report; but at the same time I'm missing opportunities to report on life as it happens each day.  That's okay - two months of no posting is nothing to feel guilty about, right?  I had to take a little break from the blogging world - and I don't even do it near as much as others I know! But the pressure of doing it is sometimes enough to break me down.  I'm just being honest.  And living life through reading other people's blogs or facebook statuses robs me of living my life and that's what was happening.  When you begin to think in terms of 'I've gotta blog about that' and 'Julie is...', there's a little imbalance happening there.  Especially when you're not doing taking care of your responsibilities around your world or creating memories for your family.  So, I took a hiatus to re-focus on what I should spend my time doing.  It has definitely been freeing; but I've got a long way to go!

Enjoy my look back on the past couple of months!

The token pumpkin patch picture.  Of course we chose a cloudy day; but at least it wasn't raining!

Ellie was Iridessa for Halloween and wanted her hair braided!  So, we sat for an hour and a half and braided her hair.  I thought it turned out really cute!

 

The day after Aubrey's birthday, she finally got her cake!  And loved it!  We had to cancel her party because Brian and Ellie were sick.  We made it up to her, though!  See below:

Aubrey's second attempt at a birthday celebration came at the same time as Brian's birthday. We enjoyed Mexican with friends.  Aubrey had fried ice cream and Brian had a tequila shot!

And this is my precious baby with her favorite animal in the world.  We call him Dog Dog and he has slept with her every night for quite some time.  Mom and Tom have it to her; but I don't remember the occasion.  I started giving it to her to see if she would adopt a 'lovie' (ellie never did).  She loves him alright; but we leave him in bed during the day.  Her favorite part?  His tag off the back of his left leg!  Yet another thing Ellie didn't care for -tags.  Aubrey loves them and every time you give her an animal, she turns it around to find the tag.  So precious!

Soccer and Birthdays

Yesterday was a full day! Ellie's birthday, of course; but she also started soccer! She looks so cute in her shorts, tube socks and cleats. Coach Bev is her coach and the founder of Warner Soccer - boy, do we feel lucky to have been placed under her! She said they came over from England 20 years ago and only planned to stay a year; but have now been here for 20! I guess they began Warner Soccer that year because they're celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. She's great with the kids, using all kinds of enticing scenarios such as flying to Disney World and looking for chocolate in Switzerland to get them to perform the drills she wants them to do. We really hope Ellie sticks with it because it is truly fun to watch! You can click on the picture to see more of this fun morning!

Ava, Ainsley and Ellie

After that, we had Ellie's birthday party at Red Elephant, a local pizza grill and the favorite restaurant for Ellie and many of her friends. We're not sure if it's the Red Elephant they see when they walk in or the game room or the pizza; but they love it! Everyone had a great time! Thanks to all of Ellie's friends for joining us and thanks to Red Elephant for a great party!

Dearest Ellie...

Four years ago today, God blessed us with you, our firstborn! You came into our lives and changed everything! And we are so thankful that He chose to give us someone so sweet, kind, caring, beautiful, intelligent, imaginative and energetic. It has been amazing to see how you've grown and what you've learned over these four short years. We love seeing you dance, do gymnastics and entertain everyone (even when you think no one is watching!). You are a wonderful big sister who loves Aubrey more than we ever imagined possible. We look forward with great anticipation to what God has planned for you and the young lady you will continue to become - but we're not rushing anything! You can stay a little girl for as long as you want;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Quesadillas, It's What's for Dinner

Do y'all love quesadillas? I do! I love that they're simple and super-quick to make. I love that you can put almost anything in them and have a different flavor every day of the week. I love that they're kind of snacky, which takes care of my snack cravings! And tonight, I loved that they were a great way to get the girls to eat the veggies that otherwise looked like, well, leftover veggies. I used leftover roasted veggies from a couple of nights ago and a bag of cheddar/jack cheese that I've had ever since it was on super sale at least two months ago! I hadn't opened it yet and it was still quite good. For those of you that this may make a little squeamish, the use by date is at the end of the month, so I'm okay;) Of course we had to top them with sour cream and Jack's Salsa from Costco. I couldn't find a good picture or it would have gone here. That stuff is sooo good and so fresh! And, it's got a coupon this month, so if you want some, let me know - there's no limit!!! Our dinner was so yummy tonight, I ate what Ellie couldn't! Oops;)