All I want for Christmas...

I must admit that there was a small part of me that was wishing for a surprise this Christmas. Perhaps a doorbell would ring and he would be standing there. Or he would call and tell me he is at the airport and I am to come pick him up (I have replayed this event in my mind over and over). But as I webcamed with him the day before Christmas Eve, and I stared at the walls covered in Ella's artwork and pictures of the family, I knew he was still in Iraq, not to come home until it's time. It really didn't feel like Christmas, even with all the presents, decorations and snow. I think that made it easier, actually. If it had really felt like Christmas, then it would have been much more difficult. I miss you, love you and I can't wait until we are sitting under our tree in February having our Christmas with you.

Ella's First Dance Recital

Here is Ella on the day of her recital. She was so excited about this day that she was counting down the days a week ahead. She did awesome! She confidently walked onto the stage and danced from the beginning to the end of the routine. Her and another girl were the only ones really dancing. The other 3 were running around the stage and lying on the ground :) Afterwards she said: "I want to do 20 more recitals!" It brought me such joy to see her with such confidence and poise. She is usually the observer and cautious one, so this really took me by surprise. I really wish I could post the video, however Blogger has a hard time downloading even short clips.

Ramblings of a 3 year old. Volume #9

Ella: "Mommy, would you like Ellas everywhere?"

Ella: "What day will I be married?"
Me: "Who are you going to marry?"
Ella: "I don't know, I need to find a boy."
Me: Ugh.

Ella at prayer time: "Mommy, no matter what I will always love you. Even when the raindrops fall, I will love you. Even when it thunders I will love you."

Oh, my sweet precious Ella!

What is healthy?

Our discussion while cuddling in bed:

Ella: Mommy, why can't I eat fruit snacks all the time?
Me: Because they aren't healthy.
Ella: Are carrots healthy?
Me: Yes.
Ella: Is watermelon healthy?
Me: Yes.
Ella: Mommy, what does healthy mean?
Me: It's things that make your body feel good and strong.
Ella: Daddy makes me feel healthy! He makes me feel good.

Halloween Pictures (This is for you Sarah!)

Talking to Sarah last night she asked me when I was going to post the kid's Halloween pics. So, even though it is December, here they are. It wasn't as I remember Halloween: wearing our snowsuits under our vinyl costumes (which turned hard from the cold) with the parents driving in the car so we could run to a house or two then run back into the car to warm up. In all fairness, I guess I only remember one Halloween like that. But anyway, that is why Grant is not wearing the bottom half of his monkey costume. We spent it with some great friends, my friend Yvette who flew in to visit, and Amy and her husband and their daughter Shiloh, Ella's best friend.