Practice Makes Perfect

Ellie reached another milestone this evening - riding her bike w/o training wheels! Yep, that's right! Another right of passage into Big Girl world - she is growning up way to fast! Her daddy just took off the wheels & it was off she went. She caught on super fast & had about 3 wipe outs. But, as you can see - no bumps or scratches - we have elbow & knee pads as well as a helment.
She is setting up to take off! Go Ellie Go!

I love this expression - surprised mixed with excitement!

Now, we have to keep our promise of a new "bigger girl" bike ... off to WalMart we go!

Ellie's school year ends...

Ellie had her end of year program for Mom's Day Out Preschool this weekend. She is so excited about being out for the summer! She has thoroughly enjoyed going to school & making new friends. Her teachers, Ms. Rita - Ms. Kathy - Ms. Tabitha, have taught her and the other students not only classroom skills, such as counting & spelling, but about The Bible as well. Ellie had to memorize several Bible verses and learned Bible stories and songs. She also got to tour a fire truck, police car, and go on field trips throughout the school year. Plus, she was worn out and ready to eat lunch & nap when she got to the babysitter's house after school. Special thanks to her teachers for all they did! Ellie's 1st day of preschool picture. Ellie with one of her teachers, Ms. Tabitha. Ellie told us the other night she wanted Ms. Tabitha to come spend the night sometime.
Some of Ellie's favorite things about school:

playing on the playground

singing the songs - especially the "Peanut on the Railroad track" & the Star Silkin' Banner (that is what she calls the National Anthem)

writing her name & spelling words

Ellie's end of school year picture. She is standing in front of a school house that was the backdrop of her program.

Way to Go Ellie on completing your 1st year of Preschool! We are proud of you & love you very much!

fun weekend

This weekend has been so much fun! We love it when the "Alexander crew" comes to visit West TN! Jamie's aunt & her family came in for Whitney's college graduation - Way to go Whit! So, while the family was entertained by the graduation ceremonies, we were entertained by Mr. Max! Max (20 mths old) is the son of Jamie's cousin, Courtney & Brandon - And boy, is Max fun! I kept trying to get a picture of him & Ellie, but I must say it is very hard to hit a moving target. The above picture makes me laugh because it captures him at is normal pace - on the move! Ellie has a love-hate relationship with Max. She loves to be around & play with him, but hates it when he barrells through her building block projects. OCD Child vs. Max can be eventful!
Also, Jamie's cousin Adam came down to see his baby sister graduate. Adam & Jamie had "jam sessions" the 2 nights they were in ... I know our neighbors appreciated it. Above is a pic of Ellie & Adam having a deep conversation about Granddaddy's horses. Adam also show us more of his musical talents by playing Ellie's 2 recorders at the same time - He is such a BIG KID!

One of my fav pictures of Ellie looking at Granddaddy's horses. She loves them so!

Ellie, Courtney & Max petting Sam. Max is a little unsure of the horse.

Ellie longing to saddle up a horse. I love this pic of her too!

Mom Knows Best

Happy Mother's Day!

In a tribute to all the special women in our lives we call Mom, Meemee, Meemama, Granny, & Memaw - I have posted photos of our mothers & grandmothers. We love you all & you are very special to us. We appreciate all the meals cooked, ball games attended, and wisdom & advice you so kindly give. I was blessed in 2005 to become a mom. It is the most rewarding and challenging experience.
My mother w/ Ellie this past Christmas. She allows my daughter to do things I would get in trouble for. Not fair!
Jamie's mom & Ellie in St. Louis a few years ago. She spoils us every Sunday with lunch.

Jamie's grandmother, Ms. Peggy - who makes the most delicious old time spagehtti. It can never be duplicated because I have tried!

My grandmother (Granny) - see a previous post on all of her wisdom & grann-isms.

My other grandmother, Betty, that kept my sister & I when we were smaller during the summer & made the best chocolate chip milkshakes. yummy!

Duck Crossing Ahead

Ellie loves taking a trip to "Farmer Brent's" house to see his ducks. Brent is one of Jamie's buddies & raises a variety of ducks & geese. During the spring & summer we usually take weekly trips to his house to let Ellie feed them, play with them, hold them, & just watch them - they are very relaxing. He has recently had several eggs hatch, so now she has the baby ducklings that she loves to feed & hold. She loves feeding them shelled corn & laughing when one tries eating her toes rather than the corn.
Here she is hearding the baby geese.

flyin' high

After a weekend of rain & weather alerts, Ellie enjoyed the beautiful sunshine this afternoon! She & her Daddy decided it was kite flying time, so she decided she needs to dress up for the occassion. Yes, she is flying her kite in a glamorous play dress. She is such a diva!

Flood 2010

This past weekend, we saw a down pour in West TN to say the least. It began raining Friday evening & did not stop until sometime Sunday. I'm sure you have seen national coverage of the Nashville area (for pictures and more information visit The Tennessean website), but our area saw flooding as well. The only words I can use to describe it is INSANE! I have never seen this much water before! Rural towns and communities are having to evacuate - Dyersburg, Milan, Trenton, Kenton, Rutherford has been impassable. My heart is heavy for all the flood victims having to deal with their personal tragedy and loss. I have taken some personal pictures that I will post later, but if you would like to see the local newspaper coverage, visit the websites below.
www.jacksonsun.com
www.thetennessean.com