Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ella's 1st Christmas program

Ella had her first-ever Christmas program Thursday morning at her pre-school. Her age group was going to sing 5 songs, and we had been practicing them the last few weeks. She was doing great at home, dancing all around and singing; her favorite being Jingle Bells, as you've seen previously. :) But, we found out that when they practiced the few weeks before in the sanctuary, Ella freaked out and refused to get up and sing with the kids. Oh, boy. I knew it was going to be interesting..... Here is a pic of Ella coming in with the other kids...the only one with a parent in tow. And, about 2 minutes later, her teacher rescued her from a crying fit: Shortly after, Ella came running back to sit with us. She continued to do the motions with the kids and was interested in what was going on, but just did not want to be front and center, I guess. Which I think is strange because she seems to love the attention! When the teachers started handing out bells to the kids, Ella realized it was time for Jingle Bells and ran back up there. She wanted to make sure she got her bell! I was so proud of her for staying up there for that song and getting into it. Hey, 1 out of 5 ain't bad, right??
Rushing back to us after her song, she decided to sit with Brad on the aisle, so she could "perform" close to us. When the Reindeer Hokie Pokie came on, she jammed in the aisle:

After the singing was done, Santa came to greet the kids. And, our 'fraidy cat is not too fond of him up close, either! Though when she realized he came bearing gifts, she tolerated him to get one and then got away from him!

Then we made our way to cookies and punch, and to hang out for a short while until I had to head back to work. Brad's parents and my dad came to see her, so she had a great time eating cookies and spending time with them.
And, last but not least, I finally got to see Ella's classroom since I'm always working when she goes to school. She was so proud, and couldn't wait to show me her "cubbie" with her name where she keeps everything.
Brad's mom works at this church and keeps a good eye on her, so I feel very comfortable with her being there. Ella seems to really enjoy it and is always talking about "going to school." I'm so proud of her, and I didn't even cry! :)

PS: If you noticed in the pictures, Ella has a scab on her nose....it's from her rubbing and scratching on it at night when she goes to bed! She just started it about 2 weeks ago, and it's getting pretty annoying! I couldn't figure out what was happening, and I finally realized it when checking on her one night what she was doing. I don't know if it's a comfort or what, but it looks pretty painful to me! Not to mention, an eyesore right in the middle of her face that could be prevented! I don't know what to do about it, I've thought about putting a bandaid over it at night, but figured she'd just pick it off, and someone suggested her sleeping in mittens, but I don't think that'd go over so well either. Anyone have any suggestions?? Kids are crazy! You never know what they're going to do next....

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

This posting is a little late, but alas.
We had 4, yes 4! Thanksgiving meals this year. 2 of them I didn't have my camera at, and the other two I only took a couple of shots. My Grable side and Brad's family were the first two the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. Didn't take pictures at those, but trust me, there was good food, and plenty of it! On Thanksgiving day, we went to Warsaw to be with my grandparents and aunt and uncle. The meal was delicious, as usual!
Ella goofing off before dinner:




And one very satisfied customer!



The following day we had dinner at Jen's. Ever since mom passed away, (5 years now, hard to believe!), we've gotten together for this, and sometimes Easter too. After all these years, we're just part of the fam! :) Jen and I do all the cooking, and I have to say, it's pretty darn good! We usually hang around most of the evening and play Wii and charades. Good times!

Ella had a great time. Jen has a nephew that's a year older than her and they play really well together, and can make quite the mess together, too!

A face only a mother could love:





I think there might be small crushes developing between Ella and Isaac. After beating up on each other, they appeared to be spotted feeding each other grapes. Hmmm...





Aren't they precious??


And, because I write the blog and have complete control over it, I'm leaving you with an "action" shot of Brad playing Charades. :)



Answer: Tammy Faye Baker. That was a tough one! On second thought, maybe I should've made a video......

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Jingle Bell Rock

Ella started going to "pre-school" recently one morning a week, and she's loving it! I teared up the first time she came home with a "painting" she had done. Can she really be big enough to do this stuff?? I'm a sap, I know!!
This week they are learning a few Christmas songs for a "program" they're having in a couple of weeks. I can't wait...you think I got a little teary over a few colored streaks on an over-sized piece of paper....I'm gonna need a box of Kleenex for that!
Anyway, she loves the Jingle Bells song and was really getting into it tonight, I have a feeling this program could be pretty interesting with her happy feet. I don't think she knows how to stand still. Here's a video of her practicing...half-naked...good times at the Johnson house!