Today was Ella's last day of swim lessons. I really hate to see it end because she had really made progress this past week. She started using her arms to swim, instead of just doggie-paddling all over the pool, and she has overcome her fear of the backstroke, which Ella often refers to as "the backrub." The last two weeks on the way to swim lessons..."Mommy, I don't want to do the backrub today." "The what?" "The backrub." "The backstroke?" "Yeah, the backstroke. I don't want to do that." But, while she still doesn't like being on her back in the water, she at least got to the point where she would cooperate without crying and didn't seem nearly as terrified.
Today her regular instructor wasn't there, so another instructor taught the class, who also taught it once before. She kept laughing at Ella constantly saying, "No I can do it myself!" when she would try to help her with something. She is definitely an independent little girl when it comes to doing things. Even as we were leaving today and telling her thank you she mentioned Ella saying, "I can do it myself!" I told her that it's something I hear a lot!
Today at the end of the lessons they let the kids go down the slide. Ella was super excited, until we got in line with the big kids. Then she was nervous and started crying. But she was brave and went down the slide, and then went down a second time. I was so proud of her! I got her second slide on video...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Special Delivery!
Today the girls received a surprise package in the mail from Aunt Tara and almost-Uncle Daniel. Aunt Tara went on a little shopping spree at Crazy 8 (one of my FAVORITE stores to shop for the girls!) and got the girls all set up with new clothes for summer! Ella was so excited to go through her new things when she woke up from her nap. She's turned into my little girly-girl...always wanting to wear a dress and sparkly shoes, carrying a purse wherever she goes, always packing around "lip stick"...it's really funny. Ronnie is mortified, while I think it's adorable. She starts "wee ball" next month - there is plenty of time to roll around in the dirt! Anyway, she was so excited to see her new clothes, especially her two new dresses to add to her lineup. Thanks so much, Tara and Daniel, for the cute new clothes for the girls!
We love our new clothes!
We love our new clothes!
Fashion Show!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Ella the Fish
Two weeks ago Ella started swim lessons! I was so excited to get her signed up, especially since she is in a class with two of her buddies, Gavin and Reagan. I’m not a great swimmer, and Ronnie is counting down the months (or weeks, or days, who knows!) until he buys a boat, so I foresee lots of time on the water for our family! I really hope both our girls become strong swimmers, better than me for sure!
Ella hasn’t had a lot of experience in the water. Our YMCA has an outdoor water park, but we didn’t spend a lot of time out there last summer because Kendall was so young. And her first swim lesson was only her second time in the indoor pool. The first being the night before, when Ronnie took her to get her “warmed up” for her lessons.
We couldn’t be more proud of her. She is doing GREAT!! During her very first lesson the teachers evaluated the kiddos and put them in groups based on their abilities. Ella is in a group with two little boys, so it’s great to have a 3 to 1 ratio. At her second lesson the two boys weren’t there, so Ella got a private lesson!
This was the first “class” of any kind that Ella has ever taken, so I wasn’t sure how she would do following directions and listening to her instructor, especially with me sitting on the side watching, but she has been fantastic! She only got upset one time, and that was two lessons ago when her instructor worked with the kids on the backstroke. She did NOT like being on her back! But I was so proud of her because, even though she was scared and crying, she was tough and stayed in the water and kept trying!
I’m not expecting her to leave these lessons able to swim laps in the pool or anything, but she is definitely more comfortable in the water, which makes me more comfortable for the upcoming pool season. She still wears a swim belt, though she has briefly been in the water with no flotation device. But she does great with her swim belt on and can pretty much go wherever and do whatever she wants to do. She is halfway through her lessons – four down, four to go, and I can’t wait to see how she is doing by the end! Ronnie has been able to watch a couple of her lessons and he is really excited to have more pool time with her after lessons end to help her even more. It’s even made him excited about swimming again and he has been swimming laps in the pool. His knee has been really bothering him lately so that is a great cardio exercise for him right now.
Here are a few pictures of our little fish!
Ella loves swim lessons!
Ella hasn’t had a lot of experience in the water. Our YMCA has an outdoor water park, but we didn’t spend a lot of time out there last summer because Kendall was so young. And her first swim lesson was only her second time in the indoor pool. The first being the night before, when Ronnie took her to get her “warmed up” for her lessons.
We couldn’t be more proud of her. She is doing GREAT!! During her very first lesson the teachers evaluated the kiddos and put them in groups based on their abilities. Ella is in a group with two little boys, so it’s great to have a 3 to 1 ratio. At her second lesson the two boys weren’t there, so Ella got a private lesson!
This was the first “class” of any kind that Ella has ever taken, so I wasn’t sure how she would do following directions and listening to her instructor, especially with me sitting on the side watching, but she has been fantastic! She only got upset one time, and that was two lessons ago when her instructor worked with the kids on the backstroke. She did NOT like being on her back! But I was so proud of her because, even though she was scared and crying, she was tough and stayed in the water and kept trying!
I’m not expecting her to leave these lessons able to swim laps in the pool or anything, but she is definitely more comfortable in the water, which makes me more comfortable for the upcoming pool season. She still wears a swim belt, though she has briefly been in the water with no flotation device. But she does great with her swim belt on and can pretty much go wherever and do whatever she wants to do. She is halfway through her lessons – four down, four to go, and I can’t wait to see how she is doing by the end! Ronnie has been able to watch a couple of her lessons and he is really excited to have more pool time with her after lessons end to help her even more. It’s even made him excited about swimming again and he has been swimming laps in the pool. His knee has been really bothering him lately so that is a great cardio exercise for him right now.
Here are a few pictures of our little fish!
Ella loves swim lessons!
Swimming with the bar
Getting ready to "blast off" as they were introduced to the backstroke...Ella's did not enjoy this. :)
Getting ready to jump in with no swim belt! She jumped all the way to the instructor!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Mother's Day!
So Sunday was Mother's Day, and for the 3rd year in a row Ronnie had to work. Boo!! Since the girls were born he's only had one Mother's Day off, and that was when Ella was 3 months old, and only because the day before he graduated from Medical School. But I still had a fantastic Mother's Day and Ronnie made it very special!
Ronnie worked 12 hour shifts all weekend, but on Saturday night he surprised me when he came home with flowers, a card, a gift card for a massage and, proving that he truly knows the way to my heart, a French silk pie blizzard from Dairy Queen. :) Needless to say, I was excited and surprised. I can't wait to get my massage!
On Mother's Day the girls and I went to church that morning, then after they took their naps that afternoon we went to the park. Not a great idea, I think everyone else decided to go to the park that day, too. But we had a good time! Kendall loves swinging and playing in the dirt. Ella loves pushing Kendall in the swing, and is becoming a very "big girl" at the park and can pretty much do anything she wants with little assistance.
I did have another Mother's Day surprise. On Friday our neighbor Cheri watched the girls while Ronnie and I went to the Oaks. While we were gone, Ella and Cheri made me a beautiful pair of earrings and a necklace. I didn't know anything about this. When Ronnie and I got back Ella had just gone to bed, but she was still awake so we let her get up for a few minutes to say hi. She came downstairs and said, "Daddy, I want to give Mommy her earrings!" Ronnie had a panicked look on his face. It was hilarious. Ross was here when they were making the earrings, so he knew where they were. Ella was so excited to give them to me, and they are so pretty! And Ronnie was relieved. Ella has been known to ruin surprises (ex. On Christmas Ronnie was opening a gift and Ella said "Daddy I helped wrap your black pants!") After I opened the earrings he said, "I didn't know what she was talking about...I didn't get you earrings!" Then the next day Cheri came over with a box and Ella said, "Is that Mommy's necklace?!" Surprise ruined again. She's so funny. :)
I had a great day hanging out with the girls on Mother's Day. We spent a lot of time outside. Ella has pretty much mastered riding her bike that she got for her birthday. After Kendall went to bed Ella and I ate popcorn and watched Tangled. We hadn't seen it yet, but it is really cute! She loved it. Unfortunately she now wants to watch it all the time and we only had a one day Redbox rental. It might be one we will purchase for a special occasion.
And of course I hope my mom had a very special Mother's Day. She's the best!
It's hard to get a good picture when no one is home to take it!
Ronnie worked 12 hour shifts all weekend, but on Saturday night he surprised me when he came home with flowers, a card, a gift card for a massage and, proving that he truly knows the way to my heart, a French silk pie blizzard from Dairy Queen. :) Needless to say, I was excited and surprised. I can't wait to get my massage!
On Mother's Day the girls and I went to church that morning, then after they took their naps that afternoon we went to the park. Not a great idea, I think everyone else decided to go to the park that day, too. But we had a good time! Kendall loves swinging and playing in the dirt. Ella loves pushing Kendall in the swing, and is becoming a very "big girl" at the park and can pretty much do anything she wants with little assistance.
I did have another Mother's Day surprise. On Friday our neighbor Cheri watched the girls while Ronnie and I went to the Oaks. While we were gone, Ella and Cheri made me a beautiful pair of earrings and a necklace. I didn't know anything about this. When Ronnie and I got back Ella had just gone to bed, but she was still awake so we let her get up for a few minutes to say hi. She came downstairs and said, "Daddy, I want to give Mommy her earrings!" Ronnie had a panicked look on his face. It was hilarious. Ross was here when they were making the earrings, so he knew where they were. Ella was so excited to give them to me, and they are so pretty! And Ronnie was relieved. Ella has been known to ruin surprises (ex. On Christmas Ronnie was opening a gift and Ella said "Daddy I helped wrap your black pants!") After I opened the earrings he said, "I didn't know what she was talking about...I didn't get you earrings!" Then the next day Cheri came over with a box and Ella said, "Is that Mommy's necklace?!" Surprise ruined again. She's so funny. :)
I had a great day hanging out with the girls on Mother's Day. We spent a lot of time outside. Ella has pretty much mastered riding her bike that she got for her birthday. After Kendall went to bed Ella and I ate popcorn and watched Tangled. We hadn't seen it yet, but it is really cute! She loved it. Unfortunately she now wants to watch it all the time and we only had a one day Redbox rental. It might be one we will purchase for a special occasion.
And of course I hope my mom had a very special Mother's Day. She's the best!
It's hard to get a good picture when no one is home to take it!
But I think it's even harder to get a picture of the two of them together!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
It's Derby day...have some pie!!
One of MY favorite Kentucky Derby traditions involves chocolate, of course. I love Derby Pie! So in honor of today's festivities, I thought I would share my Derby Pie recipe. It's not actually mine. It's my mom's. And she got it from someone else. So I have no idea where this originated, but who cares. It's delicious! Oh and keep in mind that many Derby Pie recipes contain bourbon. Mine does not. I think that's gross. So if you want a bourbon filled Derby Pie recipe you will have to search elsewhere!
Derby Pie
In microwave safe bowl, melt 1 stick of butter
In same bowl add:
1 cup of sugar combined with 1/2 cup of plain flour
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Pour in unbaked pie shell and bake 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.
Enjoy!
Derby Pie
In microwave safe bowl, melt 1 stick of butter
In same bowl add:
1 cup of sugar combined with 1/2 cup of plain flour
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Pour in unbaked pie shell and bake 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.
Enjoy!
Friday, May 6, 2011
And they're off!!
Today I got to do something I've wanted to do for several years but have never had the opportunity to do - go to the Kentucky Oaks!! Most everyone knows about the Kentucky Derby - the Super Bowl of horse races, but the Kentucky Oaks is more of a local thing. It's sort of like the Kentucky Derby for Louisvillians.
I've been to Churchill Downs several times for different events, but never for a horse race. I've always wanted to go. Ronnie has never been that intersted, but last year he was able to go to the Derby at the last minute because our friend Steve had an extra ticket. I was out of town and insanely jealous, but happy that he was able to go and I could live vicariously through him. I also placed a bet through him. I told him to put $20 for me on whatever horse Calvin Borel was riding. Of course he won, and I got just over $100. Not bad!
So about a month ago Steve called and said that he could get his hands on two extra tickets for the Oaks if we were interested. Of course we were!! (Well, of cour\se I was!!) So after some intense shopping (have to wear pink, have to wear a hat, Ronnie has to match...it's stressful!) the day finally arrived. We went with Steve, his girlfriend Denise, and their friends Mary & Brian. After we got there we went to the area where you can see the horses walking to the track for the race. I was SUPER excited because I was able to see Calvin Borel. I love, love, love him! And one thing I noticed was that, as tiny as those jockeys look on TV, they are even tinier in person. I was also able to see the famous trainer Todd Pletcher. Yes, since living in Louisville I've turned into a horse racing nerd. I told Ronnie that we needed to buy a horse. He looked at me like I was crazy. Apparently that's not a smart investment. :)
We then went to make our wagers. We are not betting people, but when you go to a big race you have to at least do a little something! We each put some money on a horse to win. Ronnie chose the #2 horse (of course) Lilacs and Lace. She came in next to last. Way to go, dear. Ella had chosen Zazu so we picked her. Anyone who has ever watched The Lion King knows why she chose Zazu. And, after looking at the pictures online she said she wanted a white horse. Then I chose Plum Pretty...just because. Ronnie and I also each picked a trifecta. I'm not sure what Ronnie's was, but it involved Lilacs and Lace and Holy Heavens, who came in last. So the lesson learned is don't ever let Ronnie influence your selections. I chose Plum Pretty, Joyful Victory and Zazu. Here's how close I was...the first four finishers were Plum Pretty, St. Johns River, Zazu, Joyful Victory. So close!! But since I picked the winner, I did walk away with $73. Yeah!! If anyone wants my suggestion for a wager tomorrow, I choose Twice the Appeal, ridden by Calvin Borel. :)
Our seats were great. We were in the second section from the track. The gates for the Oaks race were actually right in front of us. If I had my camera ready I could have gotten a good picture of when they took off, but it happened much faster than I realized! The second that last horse is in the gates they let them go. They ran back by us right as they entered the final stretch. Plum Pretty was in the lead but it was close, so it was very intense! I should have apologized to the people sitting in front of us. I was excited!
We had a blast today. It was fun to get dressed up and fun to watch the races! The only thing negative I can say about the day is that my feet are killing me! I used to walk around in heels all day every day. But since I stopped working my feet rarely leave my Asics or flip flops. Ouch. But we had a great time with friends and enjoyed making new ones. And a yummy dinner at Olive Garden finished the night off perfectly! And I have to give a big THANK YOU to our neighbor Cheri and Ross for watching the girls today! You guys rock!
I've been to Churchill Downs several times for different events, but never for a horse race. I've always wanted to go. Ronnie has never been that intersted, but last year he was able to go to the Derby at the last minute because our friend Steve had an extra ticket. I was out of town and insanely jealous, but happy that he was able to go and I could live vicariously through him. I also placed a bet through him. I told him to put $20 for me on whatever horse Calvin Borel was riding. Of course he won, and I got just over $100. Not bad!
So about a month ago Steve called and said that he could get his hands on two extra tickets for the Oaks if we were interested. Of course we were!! (Well, of cour\se I was!!) So after some intense shopping (have to wear pink, have to wear a hat, Ronnie has to match...it's stressful!) the day finally arrived. We went with Steve, his girlfriend Denise, and their friends Mary & Brian. After we got there we went to the area where you can see the horses walking to the track for the race. I was SUPER excited because I was able to see Calvin Borel. I love, love, love him! And one thing I noticed was that, as tiny as those jockeys look on TV, they are even tinier in person. I was also able to see the famous trainer Todd Pletcher. Yes, since living in Louisville I've turned into a horse racing nerd. I told Ronnie that we needed to buy a horse. He looked at me like I was crazy. Apparently that's not a smart investment. :)
We then went to make our wagers. We are not betting people, but when you go to a big race you have to at least do a little something! We each put some money on a horse to win. Ronnie chose the #2 horse (of course) Lilacs and Lace. She came in next to last. Way to go, dear. Ella had chosen Zazu so we picked her. Anyone who has ever watched The Lion King knows why she chose Zazu. And, after looking at the pictures online she said she wanted a white horse. Then I chose Plum Pretty...just because. Ronnie and I also each picked a trifecta. I'm not sure what Ronnie's was, but it involved Lilacs and Lace and Holy Heavens, who came in last. So the lesson learned is don't ever let Ronnie influence your selections. I chose Plum Pretty, Joyful Victory and Zazu. Here's how close I was...the first four finishers were Plum Pretty, St. Johns River, Zazu, Joyful Victory. So close!! But since I picked the winner, I did walk away with $73. Yeah!! If anyone wants my suggestion for a wager tomorrow, I choose Twice the Appeal, ridden by Calvin Borel. :)
Our seats were great. We were in the second section from the track. The gates for the Oaks race were actually right in front of us. If I had my camera ready I could have gotten a good picture of when they took off, but it happened much faster than I realized! The second that last horse is in the gates they let them go. They ran back by us right as they entered the final stretch. Plum Pretty was in the lead but it was close, so it was very intense! I should have apologized to the people sitting in front of us. I was excited!
We had a blast today. It was fun to get dressed up and fun to watch the races! The only thing negative I can say about the day is that my feet are killing me! I used to walk around in heels all day every day. But since I stopped working my feet rarely leave my Asics or flip flops. Ouch. But we had a great time with friends and enjoyed making new ones. And a yummy dinner at Olive Garden finished the night off perfectly! And I have to give a big THANK YOU to our neighbor Cheri and Ross for watching the girls today! You guys rock!
Calvin Borel!
Plum Pretty!
With my winnings!
Monday, May 2, 2011
I did it! I did it!
I did it!! On Saturday, I completed my first mini-marathon!
After completing the Louisville Triple Crown of Running over the last two months (5K, 10K and 10 Miler), my final race was the Derby Festival MiniMarathon - 13.1 miles. I'll be honest, since running the Papa John's 10 Miler one month ago, my training had been pretty crappy. I tried to continue running, but my body just didn't want to cooperate and I didn't get the distance runs in that I felt I should to be prepared for 13.1 miles. But it all worked out ok and I did much better than I ever expected to do. My chip time was 1:51:04, a 8:28 pace. I was SUPER happy with this. I had hoped to keep my pace under 9 minutes and thought I could do it in the 8:40 range, so to be below that made me very happy.
Ronnie brought the girls to the race and I was so happy to see them as I neared the finish line. It definitely gave me an extra little push to sprint the finish! We had a good time hanging out after the race with friends who had finished and waiting for others to finish. The girls enjoyed my post-race food. Kendall ate my bagel and Ella ate pretty much everything else. :) As I mentioned in a previous post, five other people from our church ran the race and we all wore matching "Running for Connie" shirts with Romans 8:28 on the back in memory of Connie Towles, our preacher's wife who used to run the mini and passed away in December after a long battle with cancer.
I'm so glad that I was able to participate in the Triple Crown and the MiniMarathon. I have to extend a very special THANK YOU to my husband, who gave up a lot of time for me to train, especially on Saturday mornings! He's the best!
After completing the Louisville Triple Crown of Running over the last two months (5K, 10K and 10 Miler), my final race was the Derby Festival MiniMarathon - 13.1 miles. I'll be honest, since running the Papa John's 10 Miler one month ago, my training had been pretty crappy. I tried to continue running, but my body just didn't want to cooperate and I didn't get the distance runs in that I felt I should to be prepared for 13.1 miles. But it all worked out ok and I did much better than I ever expected to do. My chip time was 1:51:04, a 8:28 pace. I was SUPER happy with this. I had hoped to keep my pace under 9 minutes and thought I could do it in the 8:40 range, so to be below that made me very happy.
Ronnie brought the girls to the race and I was so happy to see them as I neared the finish line. It definitely gave me an extra little push to sprint the finish! We had a good time hanging out after the race with friends who had finished and waiting for others to finish. The girls enjoyed my post-race food. Kendall ate my bagel and Ella ate pretty much everything else. :) As I mentioned in a previous post, five other people from our church ran the race and we all wore matching "Running for Connie" shirts with Romans 8:28 on the back in memory of Connie Towles, our preacher's wife who used to run the mini and passed away in December after a long battle with cancer.
I'm so glad that I was able to participate in the Triple Crown and the MiniMarathon. I have to extend a very special THANK YOU to my husband, who gave up a lot of time for me to train, especially on Saturday mornings! He's the best!
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