The Alabama Ballet's production of Cinderella was this past weekend. John took Ellabee for a date night with Daddy. They ate out and then went to the ballet - where they made it for 2 acts, but after falling asleep during the 2nd, Ellabee awoke to inform everyone in their section, "It is WELL past my bedtime."
The coming of spring doesn't come with a furry woodland creature when you live in the city... it's the swell of "carnival" music coming up the street and the sounds of small children (and their mothers) screaming "ICE CREAM TRUCK" and running out of the house, barefoot holding a kid's piggy bank. Well, isn't that what happens at your house?
Sister Love
Enjoying our junior bomb pop and tweety bird ice cream pop.
Surprisingly, the first time we've ever had ice cream and it didn't end up all over our shirt.So, where did my baby go? I noticed just the other day that the sweet little chunk-a-monk is gone and is being replaced by this little girl. My toddler isn't really a toddler anymore. I can't believe that 2 years have flown by. She's getting quite the little personality (some good and some bad). I'm convinced that she's going to be even more strong-willed than Ellabee and yet, in the back of my mind I hear a friend tell me awhile back, "All Will is Strong." And I also know that my girls' strong wills will benefit them as adults... that is if they make it to adulthood.
Anne Bailey has taken on quite the little attitude lately. She knows what she wants and when she wants it. She's learning that she's not the boss and she's not too pleased with that arrangement.
Ellabee, on the other hand is becoming quite the little lady. Her will still shows itself daily, and she tests her boundaries every day (sometimes every hour), but she is much more able to control her impulses and sometimes makes the best decision before we have to even talk about it. I just want to know where my little babies went.
Piercing my Heart
Not a baby anymore.We headed South to Tallahassee for the Valentine's weekend to celebrate John's cousin Margaret's engagement and forthcoming marriage. The girls were so happy to be back at Mimi's and Papa's (and I think MiMi and Papa were happy to have them back). It was a whirlwind weekend that's for sure.... but one of the best things that happened was that John and I picked up some more Firefly Vodka (sweet tea vodka)... something seemingly hard to find in Birmingham. While we were there, Ellabee was able to celebrate her fifth birthday with MiMi and Papa who were unable to come up for the carnival because they were preparing for the engagement party.
Blowing out the candles (for the fourth time)
Thanks Mimi!
One of the Tallahassee cats... Hitler (because of his little mustache... his tongue hangs out like this all the time. He's sweet one minute and then will attack you.
Ellabee received a hop scotch mat for her birthday.Overheard as Ellabee geared up to take a whack at her new tee ball set: "Well, here goes nothing."
When deciding what to name a new blanket that is very colorful:
"What should we name it Ellabee"
"I think we should name it something colorful... Like Rainbow or Starburst or Rain or Bow... or Sally."
When asking to color: "Mommy, I'd really like to do some arts and craps"
We've been celebrating Ellabee's fifth birthday for almost a week now. It started Saturday with her carnival theme party. A great time was had by all. Balloons galore, yummy cake, a pinata and jump house.... and about 40+ people.
The birthday girl had a ball. I think the rest did too.
The line for Joey the balloon man was never ending.
The super star sister of the birthday girl.
Not to be outdone, Mommy and Maw Maw had to get into the act... although I have been informed that my pink flamingo hat did NOT really look like a flamingo but something else.
Seriously, it was never ending for 2 hours straight.
Best buddies.
The big moment. It's not official until the candles are blown out.
And then we went for the pinata.
The patriarch and matriarch of the block.
And then it was over - Happy Birthday Ellabee - Part I
Ready for the feast... and she took one bite and was done.
Anne Bailey on the other hand finished her whole cupcake... as noted by the amount of icing on her face.
I'm Five!So, I know that many will read way into this little confession but it's something I must get off my chest. You may think i've lost my mind but here it is... I really really like the Duggars. You know, the people with 18 children who have a show on TLC and Discovery Health. I really think that the mom and I could be pals. Aside from the fact that between her 18 kids and my crazy life, there really wouldn't be much time... oh and then there's the fact that the live in Arkansas.
Yes, they are pretty staunch with their beliefs, but I have respect for that. And they have 18 children. Holy Cow! But all 18 seem to be (by what we see on television) to be very well-rounded and great kids. They don't watch television. She home-schools all of them. The kids are well-spoken. She is soft-spoken. They don't spank (probably one of the many things we'd disagree on). But they also don't rely on government money to feed their children. They are able to provide for them all and I really think they are great parents.
I'm thinking about ordering their new book. I can't really explain the fascination I have with them. It's kindof strange, yes... but I just think they are a great family. And I think it really could be this new bent I seem to be hung on of "live and let live." They claim Christ... really all that matters to me. I wouldn't have 18 (I will have more than 2 probably) and I would definitely tan some fanny's if and when they stepped out of line... but who am I to ask why?
I think I'm just really sick of judgment. We have so much of it these days. Everything from how someone does their hair, eats their food, feeds their children... to what I deal with of judging a parent because they can't provide for their children. I can't answer your question... I don't know why they can't provide for their children, but the fact of the matter is that they can't. Is it my job to sit back and judge them for that or is it my job to step in and help.
As a believer ... isn't it my job to help? Isn't it yours?
And when I step into help... is it that I help or how? Or with what spirit .... I spent a hour sitting on a sofa in a local nonprofit waiting last Friday. A hour waiting with a family who had been invited in and offered the opportunity to come in and select some furniture for them to take home with them. A hour with this precious family who have put all their money into caring for young men who don't have a home... so they bring them in, put their money into helping these young men and as a result don't have much furniture of use to them. So, this non-profit invited them in... to serve them. As a service to them. And we waited.
And it was an interesting situation I was in. Is it enough to provide a service to someone? Is that the end of calling? Is it enough for me to go to a soup kitchen and put in my hour or two slopping food on a tray for a homeless man coming in out of the cold? Is it enough for me to put a smile on my face and in my mind judge him for being there in the first place?
I don't know the answer, but it feels wrong. It feels wrong that we "serve" and in the back of our mind we're judging the person for why they are needing a service. It's hypocrisy at it's worse.
I sat last Friday for 1 hour. I sat while the guy we were meeting let us sit. As if saying, "yep, I'm giving you something... it's free to you... so you have to wait on my time. You have to wait. Forget your day, your schedule, your responsibilities.... you have to wait because I'm serving you."
Father God, gracious Savior, give me a heart for service but more importantly give me a heart for those I serve.
What a gorgeous day we had on Sunday. I had to work all day Saturday and John had a rough week too so we took Sunday as a family day. John wanted to walk to Highlands but I had scouted out a park in the opposite direction for a picnic. Off we went. It was fun, but a little more "urban" than the parks on Highlands Ave. There were definitely reminents of the park goers the night before, but our girls are urban dwellers so it didn't phase them.
The minute we arrived, Ellabee busted it and skinned her knee. Unfortunately, the hispanic tienda across from the park had no bandaids or agua... oh well, we made do.
Laying in the park with Daddy.
Am I the only one who can't believe that she's 5?!?!?
Wrapped up on the blanket once Daddy ran off to catch Anne Bailey.
scrapped knees - a family tradition passed down from mother to daughter.
The end of any perfect day - ICE CREAM