All Done, Moving On!

Hello blog land, it's been a while. I had a friend ask me "why aren't you blogging any more?" and I told her I didn't have time, which was true. But the real deep dark honest answer is, as some of you know, my life has taken a horrible rotten turn for the worse and it's been too painful to post on this lovely happy family blog. So I just haven't. However, I'm at a turning point now. I have carefully deconstructed my former life and I'm just now venturing into a new one. It may not have been my original plan, but it's still somewhat exciting and I want to document it. So I'm starting a new blog. It will probably be a little more open and honest than this one, as I have a lot to say and a lot to process, so I'll be restricting access to only family and friends. And I hope it might help some of you who may be having your own struggles. Or maybe it will just be entertaining. Either way, I could use all the support I can get, even over the internet, so please do join me @ riesenstorejoice.blogspot.com.

Scared

This morning as I and Ella walked out the door, she took two steps outside, paused and exclaimed "Scared!" and ran back inside. Not sure why, for it was a bright beautiful morning. I thought to myself "Me Too Kid. Every single Day!" and wouldn't it be great to just run back to bed!

Utah's Scotland

 

 

We went to the Utah Scottish Festival {Thanksgiving Point again}. Ella and Grant wore their Kilts. Much fun was had by all.

Perfection

 

Ella can count to 10. Sing her ABCs (mostly!). She calls us Mom and Dad now (instead of Mommy and Daddy). She can name almost every animal. And she loves to play outside. We have a picture of a scuba diver and she calls it a "Schoola Bobber." And she starts to pull on her hair when we watch Tangled (Rapunzel) because she wants it to grow longer. She sleeps in a big girl (Toddler Bed). And she's mostly happy all the time. She makes us laugh every day. Today she held the Ipod up to her ear like a telephone and said "Hi. Whatcha doing?" Her best Frienemy is her cousin Riley. They are always excited to see each other but after the initial hugs and kisses, the squaking begins. The other night, Riley sobbing to her Mommy said, "I just want Ella to go away!" One day they'll love each other unconditionally I'm sure.

Super Star!

 

We gave Dad the star treatment for his Birthday. Red Carpet and all. Michelle made cute little cupcakes that looked like theatre popcorn. Then we gave him some of his favorite movies, and a bottle of Spider Man Bubble Bath! So fun!

Hello Pocahantas!

 

Easter Bunnies