Ellie Goes to MeeMee and DeeDee's House

Yesterday while Kevin and I took things down at the consignment sale and Josh went to a football team party at his coach's house, Ellie stayed with MeeMee and DeeDee. She's at a fun (and yet very busy, I hear) age for going to MeeMee and DeeDee's house and enjoys everything. Mama sent me over 60 pictures of the things they did while she was there. I've picked out some highlights to share.

Ate her first bologna (ugh - I hate bologna). She apparently loved it. Ugh. *smile*

Picked her first tomatoes with DeeDee:

Rode in the dolphin swing -- she loves the dolphin swing too.

Played on the computer with DeeDee.

Sat in the big chair

Fed the koi fish.

And while she wore out the g'parents, it looks like everyone had a good time!!

Pix of Josh and Ellie

Tried out the new camera a bit .... more to follow later when I have some more time.

Vikings Season Starts Off with a Win

Josh's football team, the Joelton Vikings, were the 2008 Superbowl Champions in their division last year. After obtaining such a high goal, the expectations are high for this year, so it was exciting to see how the team would perform last night in the season opening jamboree. Apparently we drew the short straw in time slots, because our weigh in was 8:20 p.m. and our game time was 9:20 p.m. Since the games are more of an exhibition, they only last 20 minutes.

We were concerned about it being well past Ellie's bedtime, but she was a trooper and didn't complain at all and had a great time eating everyone's food. Since she's the wee one, it seems everyone wants to feed and take care of her -- which is a huge help for us and a huge source of spoiling for Ellie. Last night she got skittles, fries and popcorn (that I saw -- there might have been more!!) along with tons of attention.

I learned that I obviously have tons to learn about nighttime sports photography. Thank goodness I have a few years before Josh starts regularly playing at night because my pix were less than I had hoped for. Thank goodness, too, that our regular season games are at two in the afternoon -- in full sun, I hope!!

I wanted a really cute picture of Ellie and Josh together after the game. Obviously, I will need to do that before a game one Saturday. Here's what I got.

The best part is the Vikings won their season opener 7-0. Way to start the season Vikings!!

The only picture I got of Josh during the game that wasn't blurry was this one. Great mom, huh? Considering I normally take 200-300 pix in a game and I got 76 in this one -- a large portion that I really shouldn't even count since they are less than great (or even good, really), I'm thinking having one of Josh is ok.

Big Savings ....

If you live in the Middle Tennessee area you just about HAVE to go to the Encores and More sale tomorrow. It's 50% off time and everything that isn't marked for No Discount is 50% off. I picked up some beautiful things today for little to nothing. Examples: a Gymboree purse - $.50; two pair of shoes, new with the tags, $2 and $2.50; pajamas $1 a pair. The list goes on and on. Go by if you have time tomorrow. I'll be there working from 1-6. The sale is open from 10-6.

More clothes ...

Like she needs any more... here are the other pix of some of the clothes I got Ellie at the consignment sale. Today is 1/2 off for workers -- maybe I'll get some more goodies. AND, what are the chances that out of 750+ consignors, I would buy TWO outfits from my babysitter, Dee'Anna??? We obviously both have the same tastes!! I wonder if any of these are hers? I told her next time I'd shop her closet first!!

I remember posting pictures from the clothes I used to buy for Ellie while I was waiting for her to come home. This is much more fun!!

Got this little pixie type costume that's Gymboree, new with tags and I'm thinking it might just be Ellie's Halloween costume. It's very petite, like her and I think with some cutie tights, she would be adorable -- but shoes???? Suggestions (remember I new at all this girly stuff!!)

The Black Cloud

Allison and I have joked that a black cloud is obviously following me around. Over the past several months, it seems as if one minor calamity after another occurs: car break downs, car break ins, pay cuts, illnesses, blah, blah, on and on. I'm really kind of tired of it all. I know people are beginning to think we make this stuff up. No one can have these kinds of issues. *smile* I'm starting to feel a bit like Job. So, it should come as no surprise to me (or anyone else, really) that I have shingles. WHAT PERSON MY AGE HAS SHINGLES????? Now, I read it is brought on from stress, fatigue, illness, etc. Well, there you have it -- I'm sleep deprived and stressed pretty much all the time.

I give up. :-) The cloud wins.

Winter Clothes

Only have about half of the photos of Ellie's new winter clothes I picked up at the consignment sale, but Kevin will return tonight and I can upload the rest.

I love this little outfit -- horses around the collar, horses on the pants and cowboy hats on the pockets. CUTE!!

I LOVE Christmas outfits and these two just scream cute!!

Oh, how very, very true!!And, an obligatory Thanksgiving outfit too.

Ellie helped while I took the clothes off the hangers ...

A sweet Valentine's outfit.

A $1.00 gown with Princesses on it -- can't beat that!!

And, last, but not least, Elmo pjs. Ellie LOVES Elmo!!

More clothes pix later!!