Sturgill Happenings

A Turn for the Worst

2011-10-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am scared of the garden.

Last time I went to the garden I stepped on a snake. Now...there maybe people out there who don't think this is a big deal but let me tell you, snakes and I DO NOT get along. Saying I am terrified is an understatement (I cried for 20 min after it happened).

That was 2 months ago. Yes, it took me 2 months to gain the courage to go back again. I finally did it because I knew I had some carrots out there that needed picked.

When I got to the garden, I realized no one has been weeding because I had to wade through knee-high plants (this did not help me nerves). I started pulling up the carrots and was laughing to myself because they were so small (smaller than the baby carrots you buy at the store).........when out of nowhere something large and black came lunging at me. I screamed like death was imminent which brought some neighbors outside to see if I was dead (just a little embarrassing). That scream saved my life though because the animal was freaked and ran off as fast as it could.

So.....are you wondering what kind of animal it was????

A Black Cat.....(she says shaking)

What does this mean? I mean...it's Halloween and a black cat didn't just "cross my path", it tried to kill me.

I don't usually consider myself superstitious but I am convinced that some colossal bad luck is headed my way.......

The one thing I know for sure is, I am not EVER going back to that garden!!!!!

Not About the Kids

2011-07-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

I know, it's a shocker but I am going to talk about something else today......I want to talk a little about friends, because I am a lucky girl (am I still a girl or should I say "woman" or "lady"?)

Last night I had a Girls Movie Night at my house. We watch "The Importance of Being Earnest" and ate some seriously awesome food. I was looking around during the movie and thinking about how lucky I am to call these people my friends. They are all so different and each has influenced my life in many ways....but mostly, I was thinking about........

The tomato plants that a friend of mine grew from seed and then gave to me after I killed all of mine. Our garden would be a failure if it weren't for friends.

And, the wall that we just painted green because a friend gave me the rest of her paint just because I said I liked it.

Also, the beautiful pictures all over my walls that a friend of mine took that are such treasures to me.

And I can't fail to mention the many conversations with a friend that made me feel like it's ok that I'm not perfect or getting things right and that I am just...not alone.

Or all the times each of them has made me laugh or brought me a meal or a super yummy treat or babysat for me and the list goes on and on.

I guess basically I am saying that without friends I would have a dead garden, white walls, no family pictures and would mostly just be really lonely.

Yep, that's right....I am a lucky girl!

An Update...

2011-07-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Ella:

She has been watching a lot of Tangled and has learned a new phrase from the movie. She walks around saying "I'm malicious, mean and scary and I'm going to______". She fills in the blank with any cruel act she can think of. For example; "I'm malicious, mean and scary and I'm going to hit you with my shovel." or, "I'm malicious, mean and scary and I'm going to poof you away." You never know what a child can learn from TV.

She has also finished her first year of preschool with flying colors. Her teachers even said they want her back next year. I knew she had it in her to be obedient. School taught her a lot of things this year. From her first swear word, "Jesus Christ, I am so frustrated at you" (I could have home schooled her right then and there). To how to count objects (she counts everything now). She also learned a lot of independence at school that really helped with her maturity and now is an awesome swimmer. I would have to say, I could have never imagined a better preschool for her.

She has also decided it is time for another baby (she is the ONLY one who has decided this). She is trying to convince Will. I found her yesterday telling Will, "Will, Do you want Mommy to have another baby? Go like this (shaking her head yes)."

And last but not least, is trying to convince Chris and I to call her "Rose". We have told her over and over again that "your name is Ella" but well like all things with Ella, that backfired because now if I call her Elle, or Ellibean, or Banana, or Sweetheart...she is quick to remind me, "My name is Ella".

Will:

Takes steps every now and again but is mostly obsessed with climbing. I am amazed at where he ends up (on the back of the couch, on top of the table, in the tub, in Ella's bed...). He keeps me busy and tired...very, very tired.

He says a few words. I think he is holding out on us but if screaming works then why ask nicely? He says "Mama, Dada, All Done, and Ella". Basically, everything he says sounds like "Ella". I swear, if the kid yawns it sounds just like "Ellll--aaahhh".

He has started to sing. Like I said before, he can't talk so there are no lyrics and it is only one tune that he performs. It is a favorite around the Sturgill home (and by favorite I mean, "seriously, make it stop"). It goes a little something like this; "ahhhhhhhhhh-ahhhhh-ahh-ahh-ahhh-ahhhhh-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". Did you guess it? Well here is a hint: It's from The Little Mermaid. You know the part where Ursula takes Ariel's voice and yells "Keep singing!!!" And if it wasn't bad enough that Ella sings it none stop and asks, "Hey Dad, Do you know this song?" "Ahhhh-ahhhh-ahhh-ahhh-ahhh-ahhhh-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". She taught it to her brother to sing it for a charming duet.

Will has also learned to fold his arms for the prayer. He folds his little hands together. Now of course, he doesn't do it when we ask him to (neither of our kids do for that matter). But it is as cute as can be when he decides to do it on his own.

And last but not least, has learned to hit a baseball off a Tee. This was a skill we were working on with Ella but she isn't great at it (she takes the Tee and runs away with it). But William picked it up and as you can guess Chris thinks he is destined for greatness.

By the way, the pictures are from a little trip to Ontario Beach to listen to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Have I ever told you that Rochester is awesome?

Food Fish

2011-06-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today was Ella's first time to eat fish. We grilled Salmon and she was very interested in the whole process. She wanted to watch me marinade it and see it cooking on the grill but the best part was when we sat down to eat it and she said:

"This isn't real fish. We wouldn't eat a real fish. This is food fish.......right? RIGHT?"

And on cue, Chris and I said "right".

Highs and Lows

2011-06-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that parenting is all extreme highs and extreme lows.

That there are moments of intense joy that I will remember forever and wish I could get back. When I look at a baby picture of Ella, I wish for just one more minute that I could hold her and give her a little kiss behind her ear. Or when I see Will's Moses basket that he slept in when he came home from the hospital...so tiny...so mine.

But let us not forget the lows and they are extreme. When Ella threw a tantrum to the point of vomiting and I thought "I am done. You can run the house. I have no idea how to parent." Or when Will stood up in the tub only to slip and fall...head completely under the water and two little scared eyes just looking at me. So I get him out and put his diaper on him....only to have him crawl back to the bathtub and fall in from the other direction.

That's parenting...extreme highs and extreme lows. Usually these moments are spread out a little but today I experienced the high and low all within seconds...

William took his first steps. He was so proud of himself that he could hardly contain it. I, of course, went to clap my hands but before I got to the celebration... Ella peed her pants.

And I thought "That's parenting."

Big Pet Pig

2011-05-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

First of all, I do it out of love...really, I do.

I remember learning in a parenting course at BYU that it is a good idea to take songs and insert your kids name into them when you sing it to them. Somehow I latched on to that idea and then took it to a whole new level.

With Ella it was pretty harmless...She has two songs; one is called "Pretty Baby" and I sing "Pretty Ella". The other is "What Heaven Sees in You". One song is more fun and one is more of a lullaby.

Will's lullaby is called "Hourglass" (I will be posting it later). It is a sweet song about how your baby boy grows up too fast. And now that I have you all thinking that I am such a sweet mommy it is time to confess to you all his fun song.

It's called "Big Pet Pig" and yes..I have inserted his name into the lyrics. I know what you are thinking, he is pretty skinny...but if you have ever seen Will with a box of Cheez Its, mouth stuffed to the brim, both hands full, and screaming while I try to pry the box from his grip... You will understand. Seriously, this kid starts eating dinner while I am making it and doesn't finish until about an hour after everyone else. If you are looking to win him over, just feed him and he will love you for life.

And so...here's to our Big Pet Big just a few days before his first birthday:

Making Memories

2011-05-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

I am the youngest out of 6 children. My Mom and Dad were the age of most of my friends Grandparents.

I remember learning how to ride a bike but it wasn't my Mom or Dad that taught me. It was my babysitter.

Now this has always been a funny memory to me, I would ask......Did they pay someone to teach me to ride a bike.......Were they that tired?

It all makes sense now.

So who is up for the challenge???

Say It With Me:

2011-05-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

"It's Mother's Day and I am a good Mom."

Countless people have asked me, "Did you have a good Mother's Day?"

Well...I would have to say "well..maybe...kind of, a little" but I have decided to embrace a new kind of Mother's Day. I like to think of it more as a Mother's Day Challenge and man...did I rock the challenge this year....

Let me start with Exhibit A: Ella's Mother's Day Card

Now my little girl has got some mad art skills. She draws things way beyond her level and loves, loves, loves to make cards. So of course, she was so excited to make cards for Mother's Day. She made two beautiful cards for her Grandmas. She folded the paper so it opened just like a card,
wrote their names on the front and then drew them each a picture of herself (complete with princess crown).

Then there was my card. I am not sure what happened but I ended up with a piece of yellow paper with the bottom cut up, a small scribble, and big hole cut in the middle with a ribbon coming out of it (I tried to take a picture but it didn't turn out). I asked her what it was and she said she didn't really know.

Now on to Exhibit B: A Mother's Day Greeting

Now, I am sure you can picture with me all the kind things you would like your children to say to you on Mother's Day so you will know in your heart how much you are appreciated.

Here is how Ella chose to greet me on Mother's Day morning, "Mommy, I just love Daddy so much. I wish it was Father's Day."

Bringing us to Exhibit C and D: Mother's Day Sacrament Meeting

Ahhh, I little time to listen to speakers talk about how mothers are awesome. And this year, for the first time, I get to have my little girl go up with the primary and sing "Mother Dear, I Love You So." (a proud moment for any mother)

But wait, somewhere between Will deciding he did not want to be in the pew and Ella peeing her pants...I missed the part about me rocking because I choose to stay at home with the kids. And when the Primary sang, Ella refused to go up front and sing because in her words, "I only sing this song in Primary!"

But don't worry...I am not throwing in the towel on Mother's Day. I am just embracing a new tradition of the Mother's Day Challenge. Because afterall, Mother's Day isn't a day when the children wake-up and think "It's Mother's Day. I am going to play it cool." No, it is a day for me to prove that I do rock as a mother. That when my kid uses my new shirt as his Kleenex, I'm not going to get upset...no way, It's Mother's Day and I am a good Mom. And when my skirt is colored on, you won't see me frown because, "It's Mother's Day and I am a good Mom." And when the goldfish spill and the song isn't song or the "I love you" said...you won't see yelling at the kids...no not on this day, because "It's Mother's Day and I am a good Mom!"

Because I Don't Want to Forget...

2011-04-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ella: "Mommy, smell my hair."
Me: smelling
Ella: "Does it smell like something?"
Me: "I'm not sure. Is it supposed to smell like something?"
Ella: "Yeah. What does it smell like?"
Me: "What is it supposed to smell like?"
Ella: "I can't tell you because I don't want to get in trouble."
Me: "Did you put something in your hair?"
Ella: "I can't tell you because I don't want you to be frustrated at me. But what does it smell like?"

fyi- It smelled like Chris's cologne.

Little Liar

2011-04-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ella has learned to lie.

And since it is Ella I am talking about this is no little lie but an elaborate story.

You see, Chris always keeps his wedding ring on his night stand while he sleeps but a few days ago when he went to put it on before heading to school, it was gone. He looked for it for awhile and then went to find Ella. He asked her if she had taken his ring and she looked from me to Chris and back again before saying "No, I didn't take it."

Later that day Chris found the ring laying back on the night stand. Suspicious?? We thought so. So off we went to find Ella.

Chris asked her. "Did you put my ring back on my night stand?" She then looked from me to Chris and back again before saying, "No?" Chris then said, "It would make me really happy if you found it." So she said, "Oh, I did find it and put it back on your night stand. Actually, Mommy and I looked and looked all over the house for it and then I found it under my bed."

I was stunned and shocked and desperately trying not to laugh because that did not happen. We didn't go looking for the ring. And I know I am slowly losing my mind kid but it's not so bad that you can start making up stories with me in them and I will be caught unaware. Also, why do you get to be the hero???

Teaching the Kids about Conference

2011-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am sure most readers of my blog know all about General Conference but for those who are unaware, this weekend members of our church all gathered around TVs, computers, radios, and more to listen to our Prophet (Pres. Monson) and Apostles speak. It is a busy weekend that consists of 4 Conference Sessions that are each 2 hours long. So we spent our Saturday and Sunday watching church on our TV.

I am always grateful for the opportunity to listen to the Prophet speak and because of this I work really hard to try to teach my kids about the Prophet and how important he is to us.

For Will this doesn't require much...basically whenever the Prophet spoke I would point to him and say, "Look Will, that's our Prophet". And he would politely smile at me as if to say, "If I smile can I get back to playing with my ball?"

There was a time when this is all I did with Ella too and I was so excited when she learned to recognize the Prophet and call him by name. Every Conference I try to up our expectations a little for her but realize that no 4 year old is going to sit through 8 hours of Conference.

So, this year she just had to sit still and listen during Pres. Monson's talk. She drew a picture of the prophet (she drew a cute little tie on him and everything) and then listened for something he said that I could write next to the picture. Since he spoke about temples that is what she chose for me to write down. Then Chris and I had her choose her favorite temple so we can hang that picture up on her bedroom wall (she chose the one is Sweden so it is going to be an expensive wedding).

We made some great Conference memories this year but I can't conclude this entry without leaving out the other side of Conference. You see, Ella did not seem to understand what was happening at all...with quotes like:

"Is this that movie about the Prophet?"

"Why is the Prophet wearing a purple tie?"

"Purple is a girl color."

"Why are we praying during a movie?"

"Why is the prayer so long?"

"Why are we watching this movie over and over again?"

It would seem clear that Ella thought we were watching a movie and every Session was the same movie again and again. I tried to explain but she just didn't get it. It did provide some great comic relief though.

She's 4 and She's Cute!

2011-03-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

My sister (Rayna) and I made this dress for Ella this week. I would have liked to have had a brown sash around the middle and lace at the bottom but when we asked Ella if she was going to wear it and she responded "If it is pretty enough", I figured we would let her accessorize.

I love the way it turned out. It is the perfect mix between my vintage style and Ella's fancy style. She even represented her father by wearing his Simon Business School pin right in the middle of the dress (she makes me laugh). And of course the look was made complete with her Fancy Nancy knee highs.

Isn't in fun to be a four-year-old girl/princess?

What Goes in Must Come Out

2011-03-14T09:44:00.001-07:00

Will has learned to crawl and he is extremely excited about it. I on the other hand am feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep the floor clean (it is hard when their hands are now also their feet). I sweep and vacuum the floor daily (I think I have OCD)....but it just doesn't matter because every time I turn around he has found something else to put in his mouth. One nice thing is that I always know when he has something in his mouth that he shouldn't because he starts to giggle (why are children so happy about doing something they know they shouldn't?)

Here is the complete list of everything that I have fished out of his mouth in his first week of crawling:

-one packing peanut
-a penny
-a foil wrapper
-a pink Barbie shoe
-a gold teapot for Barbie
-a Barbie plate
-a tiny teacup for Barbie (notice a theme)
-a small rock
-one princess magnet
-an orange bead

PS...I think it was good for me to make this list because now I see the real reason William is getting things to put in his mouth that he shouldn't.

It's All About the Card

2011-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ella took some pictures with my camera. After looking through them I noticed a theme:

This is Chris's Birthday card from his parents. It plays "Celebrate Good Times, Come On" when it is opened.

And here we have Chris and the card. Are you catching on to the theme yet?

Me and I know you are shocked but that is the card

Will showing off the tasty back of...the card

And now it makes so much more sense that she asked me to take a picture of her and the card. I guess her portfolio is now ready for display.

I think it's the Estrogen

2011-02-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Dilemma: I have no idea when Ella is sick or just trying to control me.

Evidence: Let's go back three weeks to an afternoon when Ella decided she wanted some applesauce. I told her she could get it herself because she had refused to eat any lunch when it was offered so I was not going to get her a snack. She cried and cried about how she didn't feel good and how she couldn't do it. She kept saying "I can't Mommy. I just can't!" We went the rounds for about 3 hours before she finally gave up.

After she ate her applesauce she begged to go to bed. It was like 5 so I thought that was pretty weird but I took her upstairs and she fell asleep while I was putting on her pjs. She woke up a few hours later and starting vomiting. So, I got that one wrong because she was really sick.

But while I have your attention let me bring up the fact that whenever it is time to go to school or church she insists that she is too sick to go. She will say that she has a cough or that her ribs hurt. I have tried forcing her, wrestling to get the boots and the coat on but that was unsuccessful because she took the boots off and through them at me. So, I have ended up putting her in her room until she decides to get ready to go. She is also under the threat that if she doesn't get ready she will have to stay in her room during all 3 hours of school. This has got her in gear each day and she ends up at school where her teachers report she seems very happy. So, all those times I was right. She was not really sick.

But then there was this morning. Where after arriving at school she said her tummy hurt and her nose hurt and she wanted to go home and go to bed. I talked it over with the teacher and I brought her home and immediately put her to bed where she was told she would be staying for 3 hours! Well..she fell right to sleep for over 3 hours. So, that time I was wrong. She really is rick.

And so I start to think, I am a bad parent. All this time I am punishing her for lying about being sick and she really is and I start to feel so bad for Ella but THEN....

I remember last week when she didn't feel good and her legs didn't work and she wanted me to get her goldfish to eat and I said I wouldn't and she ended up holding her hand over my mouth and saying "You get me my fish, NOW!" And after I put her in her room and told her "You can come out when you say you are sorry." She said "I am not gonna say I am sorry, you better say sorry to me!" She eventually said she was sorry but peed her pants because in her own words "I HAD to. My legs didn't work." And that time I was right, she wasn't sick.

And so I ask you...How do I know if she is really sick or trying to control me?

And by the way is it normal for a 3 (almost 4) year old to be this fascinated with control?

It Should be Illegal...

2011-02-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

To be this happy!

There he is suffering with pink eye and only a lid to play with and I turn around and this is the smile I get. I love this happy boy.

He is growing and changing all the time. I am pretty sure that he can say Ella and loves to call for her whenever she leaves the room. Even Ella says he is saying her name BUT if I ever ask him to say Ella he looks at me like I am a fool (they must be born with this behavior).

He still loves his food and has learned how to tell me if he wants more and I am taking too long. He makes fists with both his hands and growls at me. I probably shouldn't think this is cute but seriously, I can't help but laugh every time.

So Proud of My Sunbeam

2011-02-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

So Ella is officially a Sunbeam. It is exciting to have her in Primary. Her favorite part is learning the new songs during Singing Time. It is too cute to hear her singing songs that I don't even know. I also love hearing her tell me about Sunbeams. This week she came home and said "My teacher teached me a special lesson today about the activity (Nativity) and a new bersion (version) of "Once there was a Snowman"." I love it when she tries to use new words and has no idea how to pronounce them.

One of the things they are doing in Primary is memorizing scriptures. Ella was given a little book that has a scripture each month for her learn. Each night before we read from the Book of Mormon we work on her scripture for the month. And I am so proud because she memorized it!! She learned the scripture for January and is now so excited to learn the scripture for February!!

It's fun to be in Primary :)

My Doctor needs a Nap!

2011-01-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

For over a week now, Ella has been very sick. It started with constant vomiting (she didn't understand throwing up in a bowl so we were spending our time trying to catch vomit). After 3 days she stopped throwing up and developed a horrible cough. She spent every second coughing without a break and literally didn't sleep at all at night because of it. It was at this point that I decided to take her to the doctor.

Now let me tell you, I hate trying to decide whether or not to take my kids to the doctor. I go back and forth about if they need to go or if it is going to be a big waste of time. My final decision was to call and talk to a nurse and see if they wanted to see her.

When I called the office I told the receptionist that I wanted to take to a nurse. She asked for Ella's name and pulled up her chart and then asked what was going on. After I told her she had been throwing up the receptionist said "Oh, you don't need to talk to a nurse. They will want to see her for sure so they can test for strep."

So, into the doctor's office we go for what I think is going to be a strep test. That is not what happened. I ended up spending the whole time holding Ella (who was too weak to walk) while the nurses and doctor each took their turn at giving me a lecture about not giving her the flu shot. They even had someone come in who said they were doing a study with the university on kids who didn't get the flu shot and got the flu. They wanted to take Ella's blood and a swab of her mouth. I said "Are you kidding me? Do you see how sick my daughter is? I am not going to submit her to unnecessary tests right now!!!"

And as I am sitting there holding my daughter who can't stop coughing and has lost 8 pounds (she weighs 25 pounds right now and literally looks like she is starving to death) the doctor made his diagnosis. He listened to her lungs, looked in her ears and said "She has the flu. And your whole family didn't get the flu shot so now everyone in the family will get the flu. You will spend the next two weeks with a sick family and when you baby gets the flu he will have to go to the hospital. After he has had a fever for 24 hours you will need to bring him into my office and I will have to have him sent to the hospital where he will be for 5 days. I just saw a baby his age with the flu this week and that is what happened." So, I say "I have kept the kids away from each other and have tried very hard to keep disinfecting everything and I always wash my hands before I pick him up." And then he says, "It doesn't matter. Now that Ella is coughing so much the germs will be flying all over your house and he is going to get it!" At this point he walked out of the room, shut the door and said to the nurses "She decided not to give her kids the flu shot so what am I supposed to do?"

So, I left the doctor's office crying. But here's to you Doctor.....YOU WERE WRONG!!!

I am happy to report that Will did NOT get the flu. He has a nasty cold but no vomiting. I am also happy to report that I did NOT get the flu and Chris did NOT get the flu. So, next time don't tell this mom there is nothing I can do!!!!

God Given Right to Be Loved

2010-12-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

I promise to spend a ridiculous amount of money on crayons and goldfish.

I promise not to notice the cracker smeared on my shirt and instead notice your tiny hands.

I promise to know all about princesses and construction trucks.

I promise to read the same book over and over again until I have it memorized.

I promise to let you chew on my coasters and smile at all the teeth marks.

I promise to play dress-up and not be embarrassed when the UPS Guy sees me in a tutu and cowboy hat.

I promise to go to the game even if I don't like sports and cheer louder than anyone else.

I promise to kiss all scrapes and bumps even if they are covered in dirt.

I promise to watch Barney and laugh when I can't fall asleep because the songs are stuck in my head.

I promise to be just as excited about playing peek-a-boo as I am about going shopping.

I promise to listen to Wheels on the Bus in the car and do all the motions.

I promise to use my purse to hold sippy cups and animal crackers and of course diapers.

I promise to forget the bad and remember the good. To spend more time playing and less time disciplining. To hold you at 3am and kiss you goodnight. Mostly, I promise to give these years of my life to you, after all you are only mine for a short time.

Signed: "Just a Mom"

WillYum!

2010-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

I think that this cute little boy deserves a post all to himself.

I mean look at this face...

This boy is so much fun that I feel sad when a realize how quickly he will grow up. Of course, I wish he slept as well as his sister...he seems to think that he needs to eat twice a night. Actually, he would like to eat all the time. I have started feeding him solids for this very reason and from what I can tell he will eat as much food as I will offer. He usually eats an entire banana and a bowl of rice cereal before he goes to bed. And don't worry, he still has plenty of room to nurse. I am pretty sure his sister has never finished a banana in her life!!! This might have something to do with the fact that he is the size of most 9 month olds...a fact that makes Chris smile thinking maybe his son will be tall :)

I Never Saw It Comin'

2010-10-27T16:25:00.001-07:00

So, life really is full of surprises or maybe it's just that Ella is full of them (or it)...however you slice it...I would have never guessed that after the first week of school Ella's teacher would be waiting in the hall to talk to me...

That's right y'all, my kid is getting in trouble at school...(as a side note, for some reason having a kid that is getting in trouble at school feels a lot like YOU are getting in trouble at school).

But seriously, look at her. So cute, So happy....

So crazy...

I never saw it comin'.

I will never forget that day her teacher was waiting to tell me that Ella was having a hard time following directions. She said in particular that when it was time to go outside Ella refused saying such things as "No, I won't go!!" "You can't make me!!" and my personal favorite. "Don't tell me!!" Her teacher of course made her and she was very unhappy the rest of the day.

Well, after my little talk with the teacher I assumed things were better. Her teacher kept saying, "Today was a pretty good day" so that is what I thought until we went to the school's open house. At this event all the parents played toys and looked at the pretty pictures their kids had made. All but us that is because we were too busy being talked to by Ella's teacher, the teacher's aid, and the speech pathologist. They each took a little time to come talk to us about Ella. They shared things with us like how Ella never wants to do what they tell her to and how she is too loud during circle time for the other students to hear and often has to be taken away from the group and it went on..Chris and I just kept looking at each other thinking "We had no idea it was this bad." Her teachers kept reassuring us but we realized..we are the parents of a trouble-maker...where did we go wrong?

I can say all this now because things at school really are better. She finally likes going to school and her teachers are now saying "Today was a really good day"(fingers crossed for the next open house).

But man ohh man does this little girl keep me guessing and really, I love it because I would be a bored mommy without her.

Fall Outings

2010-10-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

One great part about living in Rochester is the Fall. It is beautiful..and thankfully our good friends, James and Sarah, planned some fun activities that got us out to enjoy it.

James is Chris's business partner or as I like to say "work wife". Sarah is James' girlfriend and also went to school with Chris. Ella is really shy around them (I actually think she is scared of James) but she does love to tell me how pretty Sarah is and gets very excited when he are going to all hang out.

So now that they have been introduced..our first fall outing was to go apple picking. And since a picture can tell a story..I will let the pictures do just that...

Do I look like I am miserable? This kid weighs almost 16 pounds!!!

Some people are such overachievers ;)
PS...notice the red tape...

Carrying the spoils!!

Our second outing was to a corn maze. Ella complained the whole time we were walking through it about how she wanted to get out (3 year olds are always fun). She did however like the duck racing and she loved riding the cow train. Sorry there are no pictures of these things because my camera stopped working. I am praying for it :)
Here are some fun pictures though of James and Chris acting like 3 year olds...

The chase..

I see this kind of thing all the time at Whipple Park.

Corn Husk Gun...poor Will cried after every shot.

New York, New York

2010-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

We finally made the big trip to NYC. It is sad that we have lived in New York for over a year and just made it to that happening place..but alas..it has been accomplished.

The trip had all the essential stops. We went to Philly...saw some old buildings where important things happened, we saw the Liberty Bell behind a glass window, and even ate a philly cheesesteak. Then onto NYC where we rode a ferry past The Statue of Liberty, saw Battery Park, saw Wall Street and took the subway to Central Park (by the way, subway travel is not great if you have a fear of being touched). We also went to The Met and of course Time Square. Ella's favorite stop was the Giant Toy "R" Us. Mine was getting cheesecake. I think Chris's was the nap we took on the floor of The Met.

We then rushed back to the ferry...missing our stop on the subway and making it on the last ride over to get the cars. We arrived back on Staten Island after the garage where our cars were parked had closed so the soccer player and marathon runner of the group ran to the garage, hoping to make it in time (I know you might all be shocked to find out that neither Chris or I were the runners)..and luckily they were able to get the cars.

So, just like this post..the trip went by in a flash. Fun? Yes. Exhausting? Yes. Wanna go again? Yes (without the kids).

And last but not least...here is my favorite story from the trip:

On the car ride there we decided to stop around noon to eat. We had all packed lunches but it was seriously cold so we decided to see if Subway would be kind enough to let us eat inside.

Chris walked up to the counter and said "Hey, I know it is kind of white trash but we are just passing threw and need a warm place to sit. Would you mind if we ate in here? We promise to clean-up before we leave." They said that would be fine and we sat down to eat. After a few minutes Chris asked me if he could have another sandwich and I told him "No, I only packed one for each day." He then asked for some water and I said "Sorry, I forgot it". Ella started begging for cheese and I told her "Sorry dear but I don't have anymore." I am sure sometime during lunch I said my usual joke about how Chris will never get a real job and we will be living in a shack. And needless to say..before we left, one of the ladies that works there walked up, grabbed my hand and gave me a twenty. I was shocked...but then I looked at Ella in her handmade sweater and thought about all the things I had said and realized that we did sound like we were that poor.

So, Chris and I are thinking we are gonna try this bit everywhere we go and see if we can start making a little cash on the side.....

Preparing for School and a Few Short Stories

2010-09-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend getting ready for Ella to start school. We started by taking her clothes shopping. Since I have spent a lot of time with Ella, I already knew I would not get any say in the clothes we would buy. I was feeling ready to let her pick out her own new clothes but I did have just one rule. It is the rule we have been working on a lot at our house. The rule is that "leggings aren't pants" or it's equivalent, "tights aren't pants".

Well, the shopping wasn't as much fun for the family as we were expecting. It never even dawned on me that it is Halloween so all the stores would be packed with costumes. Every store we went into Ella would find the costumes and beg and beg for one. We tried to explain to her that they were too much money and showed her how many other things she could get for the same price. She would just say, "I promise..I will wear it every day" (which is the problem). So in the end Ella got 2 pairs of tights, 1 pair of leggings, and 1 pair of pajama pants. It's going to be an interesting wardrobe.

So on with the story, Ella was so excited about her first day of school that she couldn't fall asleep last night. She was so cute telling us "I am just so besided (excited)." And imagine my surprise when she even wore real clothes to school (though she did accessorize with a noodle necklace).

And here is the little girl on her big day:

She had a rough start. She cried when I dropped her off telling me that, "I am just a little nervous." I thought that was a big word for such a little girl. She also cried when I picked her up, telling me that, "I don't want to go home!" She is an emotional roller-coaster.

And now in closing I just wanted to throw in some of the funny stories that happened yesterday.

First of all, Ella and I have been fighting about how you say the word "anyways". Ella loves to say, "I am going to do it evenways". I have tried to teach her that the word is anyways but she just informs me that, "I can say evenways. It's fine."

Second, Ella has been waiting and waiting to use the potty until she pees her pants. I am pretty tired of it so when I noticed she needed to go yesterday when we were playing a game...I told her I would put the game up if she peed her pants. She said, "I will go when I am ready." So, I said, "That's fine but if you pee your pants the game will go up and you won't be allowed to play games anymore." And then she said again, "I will go when I am ready." Well, I had had enough and told her, "You can go now or I will put the game up!" She then got up to go potty but I heard her say as she went up the stairs, "I will go when I am ready tomorrow!" I guess she figured I had won that one but she would get the next.

And last but not least, Ella loves to collect sticks. The bigger the stick the better the find. So yesterday we went on a walk to find sticks. Imagine her surprise when people had piled sticks at the end of their driveways just for her (or maybe for the trash man). She would run up and find the biggest stick and then look at the next driveway and say "Look Mommy there are more over there and there."

The conclusion to this long and kind of random post is that..part if me is happy that Ella is off to school. I mean I don't have to dodge long pointy sticks that can poke out my eye but then again...What am I going to laugh about during my day???

Will's Blessing

2010-09-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Well..after forgetting two months in a row...we finally blessed Will. Sadly, he didn't fit in the little white suit my sister had made but Will didn't care at all. I think he would have preferred to just come in his PJ's so he could have slept through the whole thing.

So here is the story:
A few nights before the blessing I had this awful feeling that Chris was going to change the baby's name. You see, the school that Chris goes to is called the William E. Simon Business School. So, I started thinking he was going to name the baby William Simon Sturgill. I told Chris about this the night before the blessing and he said, "I like that name. I think it sounds good together". Great, right? I was totally freaking out. And to make matters worse, the only white onsie I could find for him to wear under his dress shirt said "Simon School of Business, Early Leader".

When the time came for the blessing.......well, the bishopric member forgot about it. Chris was totally awkward and just started raising his hand right there in sacrament. But I am glad he did because they went ahead with the blessing.

Will did great. He apparently cooed and smiled the whole time. Chris said he was grateful because he blessed him that he would be a happy and always able to find the good in things. He was worried Will would start screaming right after he said the was supposed to be happy. He also blessed him to love the Lord and help bring people to Jesus because of that love. And most importantly he said his name would be William Clay Sturgill.

Here is the picture from after the blessing. I guess you can tell he is the second because we didn't even take him out of the car seat and thought the car would make a nice background....

That afternoon we had ice cream with a bunch of our friends to celebrate. Will made an appearance at the beginning but decided to sleep through most of it. Maybe he was just disappointed he couldn't have any ice cream.

Our place was totally packed:

We sure are lucky to have such great friends!!!

The Facts

2010-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ella:

-is almost 30 pounds...we are so excited.
-starts preschool in a week.
-had her first nightmare about a "mean dog"
-has developed horrible allergies (she is on 3 types of medicine)
-loves to watch Super Why
-talks in her sleep (it is freaky)
-is always fancy (she even packed tutus when we went camping)
-loves to say "Mommy, I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Daddy!"

Will:

-is in the 90 percentile for length, 70th for weight and 70th for head size (Chris is so hopeful that he will be tall).
-smiles all the time.
-started to suck his thumb (Ella insists she didn't teach him).
-makes such cute little sounds. I told Chris that he said "hi" the other day but Chris thinks I am crazy ;)
-loves to watch football...he will just look at the TV and smile.

Basically, I am one proud and busy Mommy!!!

Camp Sturgill 2010

2010-07-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Only Ella

2010-07-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have always heard that kids learn from your example.....well where did she get this from??

I promise I don't mop the floor in my underwear.

Family Pictures

2010-07-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Lisa Christensen just started a photography business so we asked her to take some family pictures since we now have a new member of the family. She did such a good job.

You can check them here: http://lisaruthphotography.com/?page_id=471

Just click on our picture...the username is sturgills and the password is july2010

Corbett's Glen

2010-07-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

We decided to go on a little hike for FHE tonight. When we told Ella what we were doing...this is what she decided to wear....

Makes sense right??? All ballerina's perform their best dances in the woods.

And here I am with Will strapped to my front. Isn't it great?? I couldn't wait to have the baby so I could strap him right back on.

I love Rochester...this is 15 minutes from our house. As a side note...it is impossible to get a picture of Ella looking at the camera.

Always asleep and always cute!!!

Check out the wicked bug bites...but all and all the trip was great. The best part was 30 minutes into the woods when Ella said "I need to go potty". We asked her if it was poop or pee and she said both. We were in a panic to get her home and kept telling her she couldn't poop in the woods..she then got this worried look on her face and said "Umm...Mommy, can you pass gas in the woods?"

Deja Vu

2010-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Watkins Glen

2010-06-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

What...I just had a baby??? So, I should go on a one and a half mile hike up some 800 stairs right???

Well...that is exactly what we did and boy was it beautiful...

The trip was a little impromptu so we weren't very prepared. We went with our friends the Howells and thank goodness she had her camera or I wouldn't have any pictures. Also, since we weren't expecting to be hiking...Chris ended up carrying Will in his car seat the whole time...while I ran after Ella (why do kids only have one speed..aka super fast?). It was a lot of fun and we are so glad the Howells invited us!!!

Here are some pics:

A Little Q&A

2010-06-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

My friend did this with her kids and I thought it was cute. It is always interesting to get into the mind of a 3 year old.

Questions about me:

Q: What do I say to you the most?
A: "you laugh at me"

Q: What makes me happy?
A: laughing

Q: What makes me sad?
A: "if Daddy be's mean at you"

Q: How old am I?
A: 7

Q: What is my favorite thing to do?
A: "play with me"

Q: What am I really good at?
A: "holding me"

Q: What is my job?
A: "clapping your hands"

Q: What am I not very good at?
A: "not holding me so much"

Q: What is my favorite food?
A: waffles

Q: How do you know I love you?
A "if you tickle me"

Questions about Chris:

Q: What does Daddy say to you the most?
A: "he tickles me"

Q: What makes Daddy happy?
A: "if I help him"

Q: What makes Daddy sad?
A: "Daddy can't be sad, Daddy be's happy all day."

Q: How old is Daddy?
A: "I think he's number 3."

Q: What is Daddy really good at?
A: "cleaning the car"

Q: What is Daddy's job?
A: "getting messy and messy"

Q: What is Daddy not very good at?
A: "changing my clothes"

Q: What is Daddy's favorite food?
A: cereal

Q: How do you know that Daddy loves you?
A: "because he winks his eye"

The Story

2010-05-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

So for all those who care...here is how it happened.

Sunday night we went over to play some games with friends from our Ward. We played Bonanza (or as Chris says, "The Bean Game"). During the game Chris decided to hit me in the stomach and tell the baby it was time for him to come. He hit me a little hard so he got in trouble for that later.

Well, I guess Will only listens to his father (it seems to be a theme with our children) because I woke up at 1 am with some contractions. I had about 3 or so that were 10 min apart and I told Chris they were really painful. Then I had 3 more contractions about 5 min apart and I told Chris I was calling the midwife. I think he thought I was jumping the gun and apparently so did the midwife because she told me to go take a shower and call her in an hour if I was still having contractions 3-5 min apart.

I am not sure if it was divine intervention or just my unwillingness to take someone's advice but I told Chris it was time to go to the hospital. We got there at 2:30 am and I only had one thing on my mind "Give me the epidural NOW!!!" They hurried around and got me what I wanted but as soon as they were done putting the epidural in I said, "I feel like I need to push" and they said "Don't push", and then I said, "Too late". After some more pushing and screaming and pushing and more screaming, Will was born. The cord was wrapped around his neck twice so he came out all blue. We are so grateful that he is alright.

So, at 4:30 am Will was born and the epidural had enough time to make my right thigh numb and nothing else. The midwife said next time I better just forget about the epidural because there isn't enough time for it to take effect. So, I am making no promises for future children. For all those who like their natural births, "here's to you" but as for me, I hope I never have to feel that kind of pain again.

As a side note, I really like midwives and all but sometimes they are weird. Here are two examples:

1. While I was pushing they kept asking me if I wanted to feel the baby's head coming out? I mean seriously, as if I wasn't busy enough pushing the kid out!

2. After the baby came, I had a lot of trouble delivering the placenta. When that ordeal was finally taken care of, (they had to call in a specialist, who know they had placenta specialists?) the midwife kept showing Chris and I the placenta and going on a on about how healthy it was and how she had never seen one so big. It was as if I had won an award or something and all we were thinking was "Will you please put that in the trash before we throw up."

William has been with us for a week now and he is such a joy. He loves to nurse (maybe a little too much) which is so different from his sister who has never had time for food. He is really very quiet and happy almost all the time. I have noticed that he loves to be sung too and whenever I sing a song that I have sung to Ella at nap time, he will open his eyes and watch me without moving a muscle. I guess he was listening during all those months he was inside of me.

Ella is sometimes into the baby and sometimes a little crazy. She has to be reassured a lot that we love her and that she makes us happy before she will go to sleep. She will ask, "Do I make you happy, do you love me?" She sure is drama and it makes us laugh!

William Clay Sturgill

2010-05-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

A picture says a thousand words, so here's a short story. Will joined our family May 24th at 4:30am, weighing 8 lbs 13 oz at all of 21 inches in length. Welcome Will: we're glad to have you in our family!

A Mother's Memories

2010-05-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

This is my way of honoring Mother's Day and the little girl that made me a mother. I can't believe it is her last week to be my baby!!!

A Plea for Help

2010-04-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

The last two weeks have been well....BAD and there is really no other way to describe it. I am not sure what happened to Ella but she is not the little girl I remember. She has picked up some nice new phrases that she likes to say to be about 20 times a day. They are; "I am going to throw this at your face" or "I am going to hurt your legs" or another favorite, " I will hit you". I am not sure where she even learned these things...I promise I have never said them to her.

To add to my misery she is also hitting and throwing things at me frequently. Let me just take you on the journey of our day so you can understand.

While on the phone, I am continually being whipped with her blankie. So I get off the phone and give her attention. She wants me to paint. I do and she starts flinging the paint at me. I try to watch videos with her, she hits me 6 times. It is now time for lunch. She says that she wants me to eat with her. I make two plates of food and we sit down together. She asks for some salsa and then takes her tortilla with salsa on it and smears it all over the wall. I then make her help me clean it up and she starts putting chips in her milk. So, I move the milk away from her and she throws her tortilla at my head.

Rest assured that there are lots of time-outs in between all this drama but after the last one time-out I go upstairs to try to do the whole "show forth an increase of love" thing. I tell Ella that I love her and she says "Do you?" I say "yes" and she says "But I make you sad?" At this moment I feel like I suck.

It is then time for nap...she decides to inform me that she is too big for a nap and apparently she meant it because she didn't take one. So, when I am supposed to be having a break from her she instead hits and throws things at me. We also have a little conversation during this time where she says that she wants to move back to our old house because Daddy was there and Rayna lived closer and she got to play with Isaac and Elliot.

Make no mistake about it. I feel bad for Ella. I really thought that after 9 months she would have stopped asking to move back but she still asks everyday about it and I wish I could figure out a way for her to see the good in being here. I also know that things have really been changing around here to get ready for a new baby and that this is hard on her. I know people say lots of kids have a hard adjustment to a new baby but what I need is to know how to get through this.....

So, do any of you out there in the world of blogging have any ideas.....please...

Easter Fun!!

2010-04-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Supposed to be dying Easter Eggs...she was really sad when all the green came off in the bath. I guess you can tell from the picture how pleased she is with her hands.

Easter Egg Hunt!

Daddy helping find.

The best part: Seeing what's inside.

Full of Surprises!!

2010-03-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

After art class today, I wrote Ella's name on the back of the drawing she had made. Then Ella said she was going to write her name all by herself. And here it is:

I know there is a letter missing but I was shocked!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we have made it to three. It is an exciting age. Here is a list of some of the things Ella can do this year that she couldn't last year:

1. Dress and undress herself

2. Use the potty (thank goodness)

3. Do some chores (put her own plate in the sink, put her clothes in the dirty clothes and wipe down the coffee table)

4. Negotiate with the best of them. When we ask her to do something we often hear "what about......(fill in the blank with Ella's idea of how to get out of doing what she doesn't want to).

5. Draw pictures of things that we can identify (faces, spiders, rainbows, and the letters "L" and "H").

6. Spell her own name.

7. Put together a puzzle.

8. Tell a joke (they aren't as funny as she thinks they are).

9. Sing a song (favorites are "I Love to See the Temple" and "The Colors Song").

10. Name all the different candy bars (yeah, she is genius).

And I am sure there are many more. She is a wonderful little girl and has filled our last 3 years with lots of laughs.

A Local Celebrity...

2010-03-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

Here she is at the park...trying to keep her identity concealed from the paparazzi.

And here is the most recent sighting with her best friend "blankie".

To: Those Who Have Been Here Before...

2010-03-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I can't keep clothes on this child. I understand that she needed to learn how to undress herself and am grateful bc now she can use the bathroom...but seriously...how do all the Moms out there keep their kids dressed?

And please tell me I am not the only one who leaves their child alone for one second only to find this....I mean the rain-boots do add a little something interesting but I think a shirt would be nice too.

I always thought it wasn't such a big deal that she wanted to be "all maked" all the time but as of late it is starting to cause problems. You see it was always one of those family secrets that no one else knew. When I took her out in public she was always dressed so I figured people just assumed that she was also dressed at home. But lately, my secret is starting to get out. This is partly bc I can't seem to take a picture of her dressed but that was just the beginning. We also have the problem that our neighbors both have boys a few years older than Ella that like to play outside our sliding glass door. So now I have to keep the curtains closed most days. And we tend to have friends that stop by and I am afraid they are going to stop coming bc they don't want to see Ella in her under-roos. Not to mention that they might call CPS bc it looks like we don't feed the kid.

We tried have tried a few tactics:

1. We let her pick her own clothes out..but they still only stay on for about 2o min.

2. We told her she was a big girl not a baby...but she just said "I want to be a maked baby".

3. We had a talk with her about modesty. She even admitted during it that Mommy and Daddy wear clothes and don't go around "all maked" but somehow the behavior did not change. Instead she added a little dance called Ohh, My Naked Tooshie that is preformed whenever the tooshie is exposed (don't worry there are no pics of it).

And so now I am requesting help from the all those who have been here before...please tell me there is hope...I really would like to get some clothes on the child.

Ella the Midwife

2010-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

I LOVE my midwives!! Not just because they take good care of me but because they let Ella be a part of everything.

They let her see how much she weighs and they take time to talk to her about having a baby brother. But Ella's favorite part is when she gets to turn on the little machine and find the baby's heartbeat (as shown above).

As a side note, I went back and forth about whether or not to put this picture up because, well, this is not my best side (not that I have one right now). But I decided to anyway..hoping that everyone would focus on Ella's happy little face as opposed to my huge belly (though I do have a good excuse!).

Art..Art..Art

2010-02-19T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ella LOVES art projects!!! She is always creating something for me to display around the house. I enjoy her artwork but I think my house is looking less like it belongs to me all the time.

She is slowly taking over the whole house. It started with the fridge..where she could put her art up by herself with magnets that were supposed to teach her the alphabet. Ella has found that they hold art projects fabulously. Then she moved on to the glass door on the bookshelf and finally the door to the basement. She needs tape to hang her projects in these locations which requires my help but if I refuse she is devastated and I don't want her to think her art isn't beautiful (even though some of it isn't so worth displaying).

But then...I got this great idea. We would color hearts and cut-out letters that would spell "Daddy Rocks" to hang on the sliding glass door for Chris's birthday. Genius right??? I mean, Ella loves art projects and this is an easy gift she can give her Daddy. Well I didn't think about the fact that she would never let me take them down. I would try and she would say "that is so sad, the poor hearts and ABCs".

So, the only way to get rid of them was to hang something else in their place. Which meant that Ella and I spent the day making shamrock streamers for St. Patrick's Day.

Sometimes I wish I had one of those houses that was decorated like in the magazines. It seems like it would be so luxurious and relaxing but then I look at this....

And I am convinced that my home is more beautiful than any picture in any magazine.

So, maybe no interior designer would decorate their house like this...

But at least for today...I don't care!!!!!

A Star is Born!

2010-02-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Why did I say that???

2010-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

It was so exciting when Ella starting learning words. And then when her words grew to cute little sentences. And then her sentences to whole stories. It was fun, I repeat WAS.....

I say this because lately I have been hearing things come out of her mouth that sound really familiar. They are the kind of things that I say to her because after all, I am in charge here.

Ohh, how I wish I could take them back, seriously!!

And so I proceed with the list of things I wish I would have never said:

1. "Do you understand?"
I asked Ella why she didn't want to do something this morning and she told me "I just don't want to, do you understand?? I just don't want to!!"

2. "Now!!"
Ella frequently tells me, "I want my milky, NOW!" (the fact that she calls it "milky" doesn't make it cute).

3. "I hate this!!"
Ella will randomly tell me something that she hates. "I hate meat!" is one of her favorites.

4. "I can't carry you because my leg hurts."
Ella has a broken leg from time to time now, mostly around the time that she needs to put her clothes in the hamper or put her plate in the kitchen. She says, "Ohh, my leg hurts!"

5. "If you do that one more time!" (with the finger point)
When Ella is frustrated with me she will tell me, "One more time!!" And yes, she has got the finger point down.

6. "We have to leave in 2 more minutes."
In my parenting classes at BYU "they" said to give your kids a warning before it is time to leave a task they are enjoying. Well, either this advice is craziness or I choose my words poorly because now Ella just keep asking for "2 more minutes." And it ends up that I am putting on her coat and boots while she is screaming, "2 MORE MINUTES, 2 MORE MINUTES!!"

7. "What did you like the best?"
I thought it would be a good thing to ask Ella what she liked the best about her day but she picked up on the phrase "the best" and now she uses it all the time. Like for example at dinner she likes to say, "I wanted chocolate the best!"

Isn't parenting funny? I thought I had to teach a little girl how to grow up and be a good adult and now I see that I might need to grow up (just a little) too.

I Have a Question

2010-01-27T11:16:00.001-08:00

Why do toddlers ask so many questions? I am tired of them. And it's not just the questions, it's the repetition of them and the fact that if I don't answer immediately they grow in intensity. I have been thinking over the last week and I am now certain that I am asked the exact same questions everyday at the exact same time. And so for all of you who know how truly crazy I am, I now submit to you the reason why I lost it!

Question Number One: "Mommy, where are we going?"
Coming at me at the lovely hour of 7am!! And yes, Ella thinks we should always be going somewhere.

Question Number Two: "Are you going to take a shower?"
She is onto this question by 7:02am.
She then tries to tell me when to take a shower(as in NOW) and even what to wear after I get out. I keep telling her "Mommy chooses Mommy's clothes" but she keeps saying, "Ella chooses Mommy's clothes". And we go round and round until we are both frustrated.
Ella also insists on getting dressed during this time. Wanting to pick out her own clothes which takes a long time because I do prefer that she matches. And then 10 minutes later she is naked (keeping her panties on so as to be "modest').

Question Number Three: "Mommy, will you play puzzle with me?"
She has 6 of these 9 piece puzzles that must all be put together, everyday, multiple times a day (yeah, it's great). Every piece she picks up she asks "Mommy, where does this go?" and I say "I don't know, where do you think it goes?", and then she puts it in the puzzle. Near the end the conversation goes more like, "Mommy, where does this go?" and then I say,"Ella, I am losing my mind. Just put the piece in."

Question Number Four: "Ella, what do you want for lunch?"
This question comes from me. But Ella always responds with a question instead of an answer. She asks,"Is it nap time?" She knows that nap time comes after lunchtime so she never wants to eat lunch.

Now that nap is over it time for Question Number Five (which is a lot like question 1): "Mommy, where are we going?"
Seriously, it is a good thing I had nap time to get refreshed.

And I have to insert Ella's favorite questions that I am asked near a million times a day, "Mommy, what are you doing?"
"What's this called?"
and, "Mommy, what are you making?" You might be surprised all the situations this question works in. Ella uses it while a I am making dinner and also likes to ask me this while I am sitting on the toilet (I have no dignity).

Any questions?????

Why I NEED Chocolate!

2010-01-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

We can't keep clothes on this child (she says she has to wear underwear to be modest). So, if you are going to feel awkward about seeing Ella in only underwear then look away.

Here are all the crazy things she is saying:
"I've got to sing stand-up. I've got to sing the Colors song. I wear blue today, all the colors of the world. I'm a rainbow today, I'm a rainbow today. That's silly..let's sing, let's sing...little, little, little, little things. One, One..little, little, little (stop, and clap)."

A bunch of gibberish to the tune of The Farmer and the Dell.

"When I get back is when I... I like to play with, like to run with. I like to run and stomp my feet. And I hurt my...I bonked my toe."

The World of Pure Imagination

2010-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ella has officially entered the world of make believe. It has been nice in so many ways because she is able to entertain herself more.

She likes to imagine "friends" to play with whenever she is lonely. Her friends are not people though, they are animals. The first time one of these animals showed up was a recent evening while she was going to the bathroom. She made a loud announcement (though, all announcements with Ella are loud) that there was a snake in the bathroom. After a brief moment of panic on my behalf, I realized that the snake was only in Ella's mind and told her that there were no make believe snakes allowed in this house and if she saw any we could just pretend to chop of their heads and throw them in the trash (as a side note, I may or may not have an irrational fear of snakes). Ella didn't like this idea and felt the need to protect the snake. So, she pretended to pick him up in her hands and carry him around the rest of the day. Chris took her to the store and she spent the whole drive there, the whole ride in the cart, and the whole ride back with her hands clasped together, holding onto her snake.

Her snake friend shows up on random occasions but more often than not it is a lion that comes to visit. He is a fairly needy lion, always wanting baths and goldfish. He also tends to make messes that Ella swears are not her fault. He likes to wear dress up clothes and sleep in Ella's bed. He showed up at nap time a few days ago and Ella fell asleep with her hands clasped together while sucking her thumb.

I have realized that he is a lot smaller than I previously thought because he fits in one of Ella's hands. She just walks around with her hand out, holding him.

Sometimes he disappears for awhile but Ella can tell you he is only playing peek-a-boo. I keep telling her that our lease won't allow lions but it isn't sinking in because today the lion brought over two more lion friends (boy, did they eat a lot).

Ohh, It is so on!!!

2010-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture from our Christmas Vacation!!!

And the Results are in...

2009-12-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Doing it Fancy, just like Nancy

2009-12-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Jane O'Connor, the author of the Fancy Nancy books, came to Rochester this week for a book signing. So, of course we took advantage of the opportunity to meet her and get one of Ella's favorite books signed.

Ella was so excited that she nagged and nagged us all day to go make dinner so that it would be time to go to the Fancy Nancy party. She would scream at me to go out to the oven and I would have to explain that it still wasn't time for dinner (2 year olds, where are their patience?).

Finally it was time to go and Ella got "dressed up" (this is actually what she wears daily but she was excited that we were going to let her leave the house in it).

Jane O'Connor read her new Christmas book and did some other fun things with the kids. Our favorite was telling them that the way to learn to walk with correct posture is to walk around with a banana on your head. She said people used to use books, but the book could fall and get hurt, so bananas are the in thing now.

Ella had a blast with the art projects (she made the cutest Fancy Nancy ornaments). It was great because we didn't have to wait in the long line. We just did crafts until it was our turn.

The author was so nice and Ella's boots were the hit of the night!!! After all, no fancy girl is complete without shiny pink cowgirl boots, right?

Christmas Miracles..not the average Christmas Letter

2009-12-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

I remember when we lived in Fort Worth...Chris and I were talking about our lives and I said that we hadn't had any trials for awhile. We were out of school, Chris had a good job, Ella was an easy baby, and so on.

(As an aside..I would like to take this time to warn all to never ever EVER say that you haven't had any trials for awhile because that means they are on their way with vengeance!!)

Soon after this conversation we felt that Chris should quit his job to start his own business, then move to Ohio, and why not add applying for MBA School and have another baby on top. None of this worked out the way we were thinking. Chris owning his own business was stressful and not as lucrative as we dreamed. Our housing arrangements in Ohio fell through and we ended up moving in with family. Applying and visiting schools was expensive and meant another move. And the dream of another baby turned into 2 surgeries and a year of being tested for cancer.

Pursing an MBA brought us to Rochester, and we got pregnant with our second (which led to my being extremely ill). The adjustment to student life hasn't been easy (basically no Chris and seriously no money). It seemed like it was time for things to get easy again but they just weren't.

I have heard it said that being poor makes you humble. Well, I am not sure how much humility we have gained over the last 5 months, not to mention that it certainly isn't humble to say we are so humble now...but I think a lack of money has taught us something else. It has helped us to see the hand of God more than any other time in our life. And here are just some of the ways that we have seen God's hand during this time:

1. While I was so sick that I couldn't get up off the couch, Chris had to do way more than one person ever should or maybe even could do. He was bleeding himself dry and feeling like he wasn't doing anything well. We were worried that he wouldn't be able to do well in school with all the added stress and yet, somehow the work he could do was always enough. Even without being able to put in the time his classmates were, he was able to achieve the grades he wanted. We are sure that God had a hand in it!

2. It seemed like within one week Ella went from having plenty of clothes to barely any (I guess those vitamins are working!). We didn't even have pajamas for her. We kept looking and looking at the budget knowing that we would have to buy her clothes and at the same time knowing that we couldn't afford them. Amazingly, her cousin seemed to have more clothes than she needed and her mother decided to call and offer them to us and the problem was fixed. We are positive that the Lord heard this prayer and came to our rescue!

3. With a baby on the way, I somehow seem to be outgrowing all my clothes. I didn't have any maternity clothes and was starting to get worried as my pants became tighter and tighter with a budget that was tighter than ever. I remember the day that I was down to one last pair of pants that would fit. I told Chris that I thought we would have to buy something but alas we could not afford it (this is a common theme). That very day a friend randomly asked if I wanted to use her maternity clothes. She gave me a whole box and all was well. We are sure that God was aware of our little family that day!

4. The winters here are supposed to be something else so we felt that Ella needed a warm coat and snowsuit. Trying to buy her one seemed impossible but having her go without wouldn't work either. I am not sure how a family with 5 kids - 2 the same size as Ella - and one more on the way has extra anything but somehow they did. They sent Ella a snowsuit and warm winter coat with matching boots and they even have princesses on them. Yet another example that the Savior loves us!

5. I have a mother who was willing to help in ways that I can not express. She has offered (and given!) of her whole person. It is a loving God who blesses me with such an example of womanhood.

6. And last, but I am certain will not be the last time the Savior helps us...

As we all know, it is Christmas and we have a little girl who is so excited for Santa to bring her presents. And yet we were struggling to even pay the bills. As parents it was so devastating to realize that we couldn't buy our little girl any gifts. We were thinking and thinking over what we could make so that she still would have something to open but it was hard knowing that we couldn't buy her any toys.

I don't know how but somehow packages just keep showing up on our door full of presents for Ella. People say they just see something at the store that makes them think of her and so they send it. Family who wouldn't usually buy for her because there are so many nieces and nephews to buy for have sent her boxes full of presents. I know that they are sending them to Ella but it is funny to me because I think these gifts are more for Chris and I. (Aside: she has enough presents now to be considered spoiled.)

And so I leave this year amazed at the safety that lies in God's hand. I am amazed at how he always blesses us at the very moment when there is no other answer but Him. And I am amazed at our Christmas Miracles!!!

2009-12-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

I remember when I went away to college thinking that my mother was silly for keeping all my dance costumes. I knew I would never want them. Boy, was I wrong.

Today, I am so grateful she kept them because I am sure I had more fun watching Ella play with them than I ever had wearing them. She was walking around the house with her hands on her hips saying "Step, Step, Step". She seems to think that she has to walk differently when she is all dressed up than when she is just wearing normal clothes.

So, thanks Mom for keeping these for me even when I said I knew I would never want them. I guess (maybe) she knows more than me :)

Isn't it Cute??

2009-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, I know I am a little biased but this is the best drawing I have ever seen. Ella made it yesterday and I am so proud. I thought it was pretty good for a two year old but what do I know???

Ella says it is a drawing of Jenny Sturgill (my sister-in-law).

Just for the record, Jenny actually has two arms and looks a lot more like a woman but again, it's pretty good for a two year old!!!

Ella the Fairy

2009-11-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Though she would tell you she's an angel!!! She is such a girl!

A Little Update

2009-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Ella is trying to understand this whole "baby in Mommy's belly" concept. It is funny the things she comes up with.

Some of her ideas are that the baby is going to come out of my belly-button. She seems to understand it needs a way to get out and we don't feel the need to teach her what is really going to happen. She also thinks that there is a baby in her belly too and sometimes it makes her sick, just like I am sick. So, she will have to lay down on the couch with a bowl and pretend to throw-up. She is all kinds of confused.

She was all excited today because she got to go to the midwives with me and hear the heartbeat. She was concerned about the midwife having me lay back on examining table but she seemed really interested in the heartbeat. Afterword she said she knew what she heard was baby Rose. So, I guess she has given up on there being two babies in my belly and thinks it is a girl. I sure feel bad for it if it's a boy being called Rose.

I think this baby is feisty (but what else would a Sturgill be?). I say this because when they were trying to listen to its heartbeat it kicked at the device. It was cool to hear in kick because I can't really feel much yet.

How Many Babies?

2009-10-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well, Kira and I are pregnant again and we are certainly hopeful this one "keeps." We've been working with Ella so it's not a surprise when a new bundle takes her place as the family baby, and she seems quite excited about the baby growing in Mommy's tummy. We've frequently asked her if she wants Mommy to have a little boy or a little girl. For a good while, Ella was dead set on us having a daughter. But recently, there has been a subtle shift in her philosophy. Instead of answering "little girl," her reply is now "both of them."

And that leads us to our Ella-clip of this post. Being a smart one, Ella has pieced together that having a boy and a girl requires Kira to be carrying two babies. And she is convinced that is what is happening..

Sadly for her, the scientific evidence suggests a single embryo. And with that, may I be the first to present to you the little clump of cells we look forward to welcoming into our family!

Our Little Singer

2009-09-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos of Ella singing. If you are apposed to seeing Ella's cute little tushie, I recommend not watching because I took them while she was in the bath. What can I say?..I like to sing in the shower too!

The ABCs!

1st Article of Faith

2nd Article of Faith

Out and About

2009-09-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

School has officially started and the vacation is officially over but it's never too late to share pictures of the fun activities we did.

Here you see Ella picking and eating raspberries. Or as Ella would say "a-berries".

And here she is riding the carousel at the Museum of Play. Every time she came around she would say "Mommy, I ride a horsie!"

And here you see her trying to convince us to buy her a giant stuffed dog at the gift shop. "But, look how cute I am sitting on him..."

Lastly, here is a little number by Ella in a crooked house. I wish our straight house made her this happy.

We also went to library and a music class where I didn't take pictures. She likes the library here a lot. They have a fun discovery room with toys and computers to play on. I stupidly took Ella in there first thinking that she would like it. All she did was look at me and ask "Where's the books?" So she went and stacked books for 45 minutes instead. Only Ella.

We have landed!

2009-08-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

So, we are here and basically moved in. I would take pictures and show everyone the place but our camera is dead and well...you just don't want to know. The freakin' out began when we got here and I finally saw the place - but after I found out that the basement floods when it rains, the back door didn't lock, one of the burners is broken, and there is no dishwasher - that's when the drama really began... Not to mention that the carpet hasn't been replaced since...well, ever and it has a weird moist and sticky feeling. And let me just add that I love the fluorescent lights and the buzzing ambiance it creates. But don't cry for me, I'm a survivor and I am gonna make it!

There are some good things though. Our townhouse backs up onto a beautiful view of the forest with fun trails to walk on (the first morning we saw two deer). There are 3 parks on site and tons and tons of kids for Ella to play with. Also, about 30 Mormon couples live here and just by going to the park I have gotten to know a lot of women already. So, I am happy to be here and we are making it home!

For the brave of heart, pictures will be forthcoming...

Best Friends

2009-08-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

And so the time has come for us to move (again). We are happy for a new adventure but can't help but feel sad about all that we are leaving behind. We will of course miss my family more than I can say. After all, a person shouldn't have to leave her home and family twice in their life. But I know that anywhere with Chris will be home.

It has been an awesome year filled with more challenges than we were expecting which have helped us to grow and be ready for the new challenges. But the challenges of the year seem to fade away and all we remember are the wonderful memories we have made. Memories like fun family dinners provided by my parents. And Ella begging to go to Rayna's house every week. Plus, who can forget the awesome family reunion and all the fun that Ella has had with her cousins!!!!

But this year has given our family more than memories. We have gained new best friends in Jared and Cindy. We have had too much fun going on double dates with them and getting to know them better. It is awesome when your family can become your best friends. And so it is with Ella. From the first moment Ella meet "The Boys" (Elliot and Isaac) they have been her best buds. She has gone from calling them her "babies" to calling them both "Isaas" to calling them "Isaac and Ewwiot" - and most of the time getting it right. Their relationship has had its ups and downs (mostly Ella and Elliot) but they have worked through it and grown to depend on each other.

And so here is my tribute to their special friendship that I know will last a lifetime (even through a move to Rochester)-press play for the music:

"Look, I'm Picasso"

2009-08-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

It might be that I have been cooped up too long...but I love it when Ella plays with Mr. Potato Head. I find her creations too funny and I love to hear her describe them (I seriously need to get out more).

So here is a sampling of her designs..complete with their names.

Family Reunion: Ella's Top Ten

2009-07-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

1. Playing with all "the kids", as Ella would say.

2. Going to Kasie's House (meaning Jessy's House, I am not sure why it came out Kasie).

3. All the doggie's (weird that she mentioned this b/c she would cower in fear if they came near her).

4. Playing in the sand with Madisen.

5. The Arctic Swim (also strange since she screamed "It's Cold, I want out" as soon as we got her in). Though, she did wake up at 6 in the morning, look out the sliding glass door next to where we were sleeping and say "Let's go swimming".

6. Running up and down the stepping stones from the house to the pool. Her legs are covered in scrapes from this activity but she would not stop.

7. Riding the 4-wheeler (she kept saying "I like riding that thing"). Also, one of Chris and my favorite parts.

8. Running free through all the land. She would just run and run and loved that we never had to say stop.

9. Playing Corn Hole with Daddy (not one of my favorites b/c we were beat 21-6, I blame this on Chris).

10. And last but not least, The Fireworks.

Well...Stupid!

2009-07-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I had awhile before Ella would start making me feel well....stupid but alas, she has started young!

Example #1: She got very good at folding her arms during prayers and then started refusing because of course, she has to be difficult. I starting trying to be creative when asking her to fold her arms and one night decided to ask her if she would fold Mape's arms (he is a stuffed penguin). She looked at me in all seriousness and said "Fold his wings". What could I say, she was absolutely right and I felt...well...stupid!

Example #2: We were going out for a walk and she wanted to take something with her so I said she could take the book she was holding. And yet again, she gave me that look (you know, the one that says "do I need to correct her again?") and said "Take the magazine". And again, SHE WAS RIGHT!! And again, I FELT...well...STUPID!!! Man, she is two and I am gonna have to start thinking a lot more before I open my mouth!

Favorite Spot in Lima

2009-07-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

We are starting to prepare for our move and so naturally we have been thinking about all the things we will miss about living here. Of course, my family tops the list but this barn comes in a close second.

Chris and I purposely drive past this barn whenever we are out because...well, it makes us laugh! All that is standing is the roof and boy do I wish I would have been there when it fell and landed in this position. I am not sure why it hasn't been torn down but I sure am grateful for all the laughs it has provided.

The Many Roles of Daddy-O!

2009-06-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ella and I are so lucky to have Chris in our family!!! He is so hands-on with Ella and treats her like the little princess she is. What more could a little girl want??? I love seeing all the roles that Chris takes on when it comes to Ella. She brings out something different in him that I wanted to share with others.

La Diva!

2009-06-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I went into my room to hang up clothes and this is what I found. I thought, "Just make yourself comfortable, why don't you?" She thinks she is such a princess!

Also...............Last Sunday I thought I got her all ready for church so I went into the bathroom to put on make-up and do my hair. While I was finishing getting ready, Ella finished too. She put on her tiara, and pearls, then brought me her tutu to make the look complete.

She was devastated that she couldn't wear them to church.

4 years!!!

2009-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today is Chris and my anniversary!!!! Historically, it is one of my favorite days because I have received really good gifts. Like our first anniversary I got diamond earrings, then the next year I got a diamond journey pendant, and last year Chris took me to the mall and let me pick out lots of new clothes.

While this year has been one to remember. We are totally broke because we haven't been getting paid from Chris's clients. Out of necessity we decided we were going to make it a free anniversary. I was going to make Chris a homemade apple pie (which he would have loved) and he was going to clean the house for me (which I would have loved)....BUT I woke up sick. So, Chris tried to take care of his wife and child while working (which meant he didn't get a lot of work done) and I....well did nothing but sleep and complain.

I think it is good though, it means we have hit the point in our marriage that we don't need things to be elaborate. I mean, how could I not know how much my husband loves me when he is taking care of everything!!! And Chris, of course, is still excited for an apple pie when I start feeling better.

All in all, it has been a good 4 years and I am so happy that Chris married me!!!!!!

Finally Done

2009-05-26T11:35:00.001-07:00

Way back in November we all went to Texas to see Chris's family. While I was there I went with Kirsten, Jenny, and Danielle to some outdoor flea market/craft place (I am sorry for the horrible explanation). Anyways, it was fun except since I was flying back on a plane, I couldn't buy anything. I thought this would be just fine until I saw this sweet little plaque that said "I found my prince and his name is Daddy". As you can guess I wanted it real bad for Ella's room so I decided then and there that I would make my own.

So, I got a board and some paint and I started on the project. I still can't believe it took me 6 months to do!! I mean seriously, it doesn't look like it took 6 months. But I am happy to have it done and I think it turned out pretty cute.

Here are some pics:

A Little Bit of Luck

2009-05-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I found a 4 leaf clover. I was out in the yard with Ella when I looked down in the grass and there it was. Chris couldn't believe it. He said he didn't know they really existed.

Here's the proof:

Well, let me tell you those clovers really work. Boy have I been having good luck!

First, I went to Old Navy yesterday to look around and found some amazing deals. I got all this for 20 bucks!!! Can you believe it? That's 6 sweaters, 5 shirts, 1 dress, and one pair of tights. The most I spent on one item was 1.97!!!!!

Then later on in the day Chris and I went to the park with Ella. It was so hot that we decided to go to the gas station and get a slurpee. We were going to use some of our speedy points for a free drink but the rewards machine was broken. We were so bummed but that little clover came to the rescue and an employee said we could go ahead and get one for free!! We didn't have to use any of our points. It was so refreshing (all free things are).

Then this morning when I checked my email I found that Shutterfly had sent me 50 free prints. I was so happy...I have been needing to print some pictures of Ella and now I did it for free!!!

I can't wait to see what that little clover does for me next!

Never too young for a Classic

2009-05-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's been confirmed....Our child is a genius!

Gathering some light bedtime reading.

Here you find her reading The Epic of Gilgamesh

Imagine our surprise by her reading about Chile. We didn't even know she knew Spanish!

And "yes" all geniuses do read in the Nude!!!

What the Pisa?

2009-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ella has started naming her toys. I think the names are pretty funny so I thought I would share.

She has a stuffed penguin named Mape and a Strawberry Shortcake Doll named Sugar. There is also a stuffed giraffe named Haffy and a my little pony named Cherrylee. Then there is a stuffed horse named Pisa (Peace-ah) and an octopus named Pisa. A pony named Pisa and an armadillo named Pisa. Sometimes my name is Pisa and so is Daddy's. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty go by Pisa around these parts and you might also find a dinosaur or two that like to be called Pisa.

The best is that we have been trying to teach her the Prophet's name but currently he also goes by Pisa as well. I hope he doesn't mind.

Lovin' It!

2009-05-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

It was a long time ago that we went skating with Ella but I still wanted to post this picture. I love how expressive her face is!!!

So Stubborn

2009-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ella definitely has a mind of her own which makes it hard to teach her not to do things. Basically, if I tell her not to do something it is like a dare to her and she can't stop herself from disobeying. For example, I told her not to walk on her books, so what does she do? She walks right over to a book, stands on it and says "Don't walk on books, don't walk on books". What's a mom to do?

Well, she got a little taste of how unpleasant it can be to disobey a few days ago while playing in the sand. Here is what happened:

She put some of the sand up to her mouth so I told her "don't eat it". So of course she grabbed a huge hand full of sand and shoved it in her mouth. So I said, "it doesn't taste too good does it". So, she grabbed another huge hand full of sand and shoved it in as well. But then her face turned sour and she starting begging me to "wipe it, wipe it". So, of course I did not wipe it! I figured it was a good lesson and she hasn't even pretended to eat sand again.

One point for mom!!!!!!

A Wonderful Saturday!

2009-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Chris and I got to go to the Columbus Temple. It was so nice being in the temple where we were married. We would look at all the spots where our favorite wedding pictures were taken and laugh and smile all corny-like at each other (yeah, we are still in love).

While we were at the temple, we got to do the work for Chris' Great-Great Grandparents, William and Anna. It was a really special experience for us both. Though, I had to laugh when I ended up being the last person into the Celestial Room. Chris had to wait for such a long time and was getting very impatient. After some reflection, we think it was supposed to be this way because it got Chris thinking about how long William and Anna had been waiting to be reunited. So, we went right to the sealing room and got them married for eternity. It was amazing kneeing there at the very temple where we were married and adding another family to our line. What amazing blessings come from the temple.

When we got back we picked up Ella from my brother's house and took her home for a bath. While Ella was taking her bath she was singing "I Love to See the Temple". It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day and another reminder of how big Ella is getting.

Just for fun:

Last Year

Now

I think my baby is disappearing!!!

Easter Miracle

2009-04-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

News flash..potty training stinks!!!!

We have been going at it for 2 weeks now and Ella is accident free!!! Cool huh? Only problem is she WILL NOT poop on the potty. I have tried every enticement I can think of...I even told her she could have anything and everything she wants. I guess all she really wants is to hold it.

Well, Easter came and it was a joy just like all these potty training days have been. At Church, Ella figured out how fun it was to stand up on the pew during sacrament and announce that she needed to poop on the potty (we have been sufficiently humbled). We took her out 6 times and I would have said "that is enough" but she went 4 out of the 6 times (not poop mind you)! But, then it happened (just as a side note this is going to get a little personal). After Ella's nap, Chris had to poop and then I had to poop and then Ella sat down on the potty and pooped!!!! It was our Easter Miracle!! Too bad there have been no repeats!

Just so everyone knows that we did celebrate Easter like the rest of the world. Here is a picture of Ella dying eggs. She loved mixing all the colors so most of our eggs ended up a nice brown. But, fun was had by all!

PeePee on the Potty!!!

2009-04-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

Doesn't that title just warm your heart?

So, seriously we are doing it. It being the dreaded potty training. My sister Rayna always called it "potty wars" and I am starting to get attached to that title.

Ella starting showing interest in sitting on the potty after our trip to Texas. I am sure this is because Debbie would let Ella watch Gretchen use the bathroom (can't wait to bust that out when they are teenagers)! But seriously, this was a great idea.

I don't think anyone needs a lot of details about how many times Ella's peed on the potty or anything, I mean let's get serious you might be eating right now. But everyday seems a little better than the last, though I am currently contemplating giving it all up tomorrow and trying again when she is older. Or maybe I can borrow Gretchen for a week and she can teach her???

Birthday Party

2009-03-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ella is two!! Though if you ask her she will fight and fight with you about how she is one. We had a dance party for her on Saturday. For her party she wore my very first tutu...isn't she so cute?

The party was so fun. Everyone helped out with the food which made it a lot easier. Check out the treats I made:

(Birthday Present Cake)

(Mock Sushi)

I am pretty sure that Ella had a good time, considering that she keeps talking about "birthday party". She loved opening presents. She had all the bags dumped within 30 seconds. The dancing was a hit too. I was amazed that all the toddlers danced for like 10 minutes. That is good for 2 year olds.

Trip to Texas!

2009-03-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

We had a whole lot of fun in Fort Worth. We went to the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, and to a Cattle drive. I am pretty sure Ella liked the Gardens the best because she could run free while Chris and I chased her. I don't know why it is her goal to run away from us?

While here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Howdy Y'all

2009-03-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, we are on our way to Texas to visit Chris's family. We are excited to see everyone but worried about a thousand things that come along with traveling with a toddler.

Ella is really excited as well. Whenever I tell her we are going on an airplane she says "Fun". If I tell her she will get to play with Gretchen, she says "Gretchy, fun". Or if I say she will see Gammy and Grandpa she also says "Fun, It's Fun". Her only concern is that blankie can come too and of course, it will!

Where to sit?

2009-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

There are two chairs in the house that I usually sit in. One is the rocking chair in Ella's bedroom and the other is the recliner in the living room. Ella has caught on that these are the most likely places I will sit down. So, while I am doing the dishes or whatever else I do during the day, she usually brings a few books to my seat. This way whenever I sit down I know it is time to read to her. She's so cute, right?

Recently, she has been getting more and more ambitious about the amount of books she will put in my seat. But I laughed and laughed the night we put her to bed and she wouldn't seem to settle down. I went in to check on her and this is what I found:

I was so impressed, I mean seriously these books are stacked up taller than she is. This took real effort and let's be honest, it was a pretty smart way to get to stay up late.

I hope it makes you all laugh too!!

And PS-Kirsten, just in case you didn't notice, I think you bought her all the books in the stack. Even the dog purse that is currently being smothered at the bottom came from you. So, the way I figure it, you are the reason I don't have a seat anymore!

Do the Elephant

2009-02-23T12:03:00.003-08:00

Cold and flu season is upon us and our family is sick yet again. There has been a lot of coughing and sneezing going on, especially from Ella. It is disgusting having a toddler who doesn't understand to cover her mouth. She will be sitting there on my lap and turn her head and sneeze right in my face. Is it any wonder I get whatever she gets?

We are working on becoming civilized and refined. She quickly caught on to saying "bless you" after each sneeze. She also adds a little "bless you" after she coughs because after all we don't want to miss out on any chance to be blessed. But we sure are having a hard time with teaching her to cover her mouth.

So anyways, I found this cute song called "Do the Elephant" by The Jimmies. It teaches kids about the very problem we are having and I think it is genius. Ella loves it. She hasn't caught on to what doing the elephant means because if I ask her to she just dances a little jig. But I still have hope!!!!

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iqZ61fTW9M&NR=1

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

2009-02-06T17:58:00.001-08:00

So, I think I know the answer to the question...I wonder where she got that from?

PS-Did anyone else notice that my pants took like a piece of the carpet?

Carnegie Mellon

2009-01-31T15:21:00.000-08:00

We were off for another visit to another campus this week. We left on Wednesday and came back on Friday. I took my camera so I could document the trip but only took one picture because it was so busy.

Isn't she a Diva?

We should have known it would be rough when we had to shovel out our car from the 8 inches of snow we got the night before (which all went on top of the probably 4 inches we already had). It was supposed to take us 4 and 1/2 hours to get to Pittsburgh so I was thinking, "we can do this". It ended up taking us 7 hours to get there and we only lost control of the car twice. We are seriously crazy.

So, to the reason why we went. We were checking out Carnegie Mellon University. Chris had an information session with the Tepper Business School at 11:30a so we got up at 8a thinking, "we will get there early", only to find that Chris forgot his tie and belt. So, we ended up getting to campus with 5 minutes to spare and Chris had no idea what building he was supposed to go to (he made it in time, don't worry).

While Chris was informed about the school, I drove Ella around trying to get her to sleep. It was pretty hilly there and with all the snow my car just couldn't do it. There was one hill that it just wouldn't go up. I wanted to cry but I was brave. I backed the car down the hill and went another way and somehow in all that, Ella fell asleep.

The whole family went to lunch with some students from the school. There was a big group of prospective students visiting that day and I felt like we were being watched. It might have been in my head or it might have been because Chris was the only one with a wife let alone a child. Ella did great though. She showed her cute to the important people and we were so proud. What more could we ask for?

They next day we went to breakfast with a student at the school, his wife, and their 2 children. It was snowing again and it took us an hour and 1/2 to go 20 miles. We got lost and ended up on another hill. We conquered it this time but the car smelled like it was on fire. After that we found the road we were supposed to be on but for some reason kept circling under it and beside it. We could see it but we just couldn't get there. We thought of Elder Wirthlin getting lost in southern Utah and laughed.

We are all home now and more confused than ever about where we should go to school. Life is such an adventure!

I am an open book....

2009-01-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks go out to Kirsten for this post. She tagged me and now I am supposed to write 10 "honest" things about myself that no one knows.

So here ya go:

1.) I don't like to be alone.

2.) I might be a "control freak". I just really like for things to go my way, because after all, my way is the best way (or at least I think so).

As a side note: being a "control freak" means I struggle with having a toddler who really likes to make her own choices.

3.) I can't stand stains on clothes. So...I struggle with having a toddler who stains her outfit within 5 minutes after putting it on. I am trying to get better about stains because some days I have to change Ella's clothes 3 times. She even cries now when she drops food on her clothes.

4.) I have a reoccurring nightmare that all my teeth are slowly falling out. This nightmare began after playing intermural softball and being struck to the mouth with the softball. My jaw was broken and I had to have 5 root canals. This is also when I found out I was pregnant with Ella (good news, but bad timing). It was a bad week so it is hunts me when I go to sleep.

5.) I seriously have no aptitude for sports (see above). In middle school the big joke in gym class was to see how many people could call my name and then throw the ball at my face. I was always the last person chosen to be on anyone's team. And in high school I would have been a straight A student if I didn't have to take gym (I got a C).

6.) I feel like I can only be happy if I do whatever makes someone else happy but I also like to do what makes me happy, so I drive myself crazy!

7.) I have the worst itchy back ever! I think I have excema or something.

8.) If I hear about a disease, I think I have it (see above). For this reason I need to give up my addiction to the TV show "House" because I keep thinking I need to go the doctor.

9.) I LOVE DIP!!!! Chip dip, veggie dip, cheese dip, they are all so wonderful. Recently, I introduced dip to Ella for the first time and she loves it too. She even ate it with a spoon and I thought, I would do that if I didn't know that it is wrong.

10.) I am taking guitar lessons. My fingers hurt and I can't play anything but E, F, and G. But those notes sound ohh so good!

Elizabeth Mitchell

2009-01-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

I love Elizabeth Mitchell's folk music for children. Her songs are enjoyable for kids without being annoying for a parent to listen to. They are also fun to sing to your child.

So, you can imagine how excited I was to see that she has 2 new songs out and is letting us download one of them for free. The free song is called "The Little Bird Hops" and is really cute!

Check it out: http://www.youaremyflower.org/mp3/

Just as a quick note:

2009-01-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

I got out the swimsuits today so I could wash them and was surprised to discover that Ella not only remembered her swimsuit but remembered what we were supposed to do with it. She cried (for what seemed like forever) while carrying around her swimsuit, hat and the sunscreen.

So, I took her swimming in the tub.

She made us laugh because she had to wear the hat and even pretended to put on the sunscreen. All she needed was Grandpa to take her to the pool!

Indy Children's Museum

2009-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

We went to Indianapolis to visit my sister Jami's family for Martin Luther King Day. While we were there we had to go to the children's museum because they were having a free day. The place was seriously packed but it was free so it was great.

Dance Floor Pro

2009-01-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

My family had a big Christmas get-together on Dec. 30th. While we were there Ella decided it was time to "bust a move" and the whole family joined in. I think it was the most fun she has ever had. Here are some pics:

Ella's gettin jiggy wit it!

Do you like my moves?

Elliot has mastered the deacon shuffle.

Dance Party!!!

Kayleigh and Ella, strike the pose!

Christmas Morning

2009-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to put up some pictures of Ella opening the gifts from her family in Texas. We wish you could have been here to see her. She loves the gifts. Thanks for making her Christmas so fun!

What did she say?

2008-12-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ella works really hard at communicating. She tries so hard to say the words we say but usually has to come up with a simpler version. Sometimes this is really cute...like how she calls a phone a puck and then we laugh and laugh. Other times the words she comes up with are downright inappropriate...like how sock comes out a-s-s (and then we try to hide our faces as we laugh and laugh).

Lately, Ella has started saying "snack". Which is great and all but it is coming out as a-s-s too. And I am starting to wonder if our house is still G rated. I was ok with it though because only the family was aware of Ella's bad mouth or as Ella would say bad "bop". But the secret is out and we are shamed.

Last Sunday...at church...during sacrament...while the sacrament was being passed, Ella decided she wanted a...snack. Apparently it was an emergency too because she yelled a-s-s so loud and then kept repeating it at such urgency that we were searching as fast as we could. But it was too late. People had definitely noticed and turned around to see who's kid it was. I was embarrassed but choose instead to laugh because I am well, a little immature.

Ohh..isn't having a toddler fun!

Reading Suits Me

2008-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

It began:

And grew:

And grew:

And grew:

Until it was LOVE:

Ella has no time for toys. They stay in her toy box all day. She is obsessed with books. And don't sit in one spot for too long or she will start piling the books up on your lap.

It is so cute as she brings me a book, puts it on my lap and says "more book", then she proceeds to go back to her room grab another book and put it on my lap. This continues until my lap is piled high with all the books she wants me to read. Then she stands at my feet and says "up, up, upupupupup.." (it is an emergency) and we read.

She actually spoke her first sentence not too long ago. I was trying to do the dishes and she was standing at my feet holding three books. She kept saying "book..book" but I wasn't responding. Then she did it...she said "Mommy, re-re a book". And so we did.

And with that, I dedicate this song to Ella, my bookworm:

Trip to Rochester

2008-11-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Last week we took a trip up to Rochester, NY. The purpose for the trip was for Chris to check out the MBA school at the University of Rochester.

The drives up there and back were pretty miserable because Ella did not appreciate being stuck in the car. She would tell us over and over again "uck(stuck)...I walk...up". We all had a great time after we got there.

The first day we were there Chris had an interview with the university. That seemed to go well. He also attended a class. Ella and I just hung out on campus, it seemed like the students had never seen a child before because I got a lot of weird stares and a lot of people asked me if I needed help. I think they assumed I was lost. After the class they took us on a tour of the campus and out to lunch. It was a nice time. The campus is beautiful but not very stroller friendly.

That evening we went to Park Avenue downtown and got some pizza from a local place. While we were waiting we checked out a record store. The pizza was amazing, it was so good that Ella even ate it. This is a big deal because she would never try pizza before.

The next day we went to The Strong Museum of Play. We drove around trying to find the place and when we finally got there we turned around in the car to see that Ella had fallen asleep. So, we went and got some hot dogs off the street. We tried the local favorite called the White Hot and it was so good. I never knew a hot dog could taste that wonderful.

The museum was definitely my favorite place we went on the trip. It was crazy how much they had for kids to do. There was a train to ride and a carousel. They had a Sesame Street Set. Complete with Elmo's World and a yellow taxi to drive. There was a Market to buy groceries and check them out. The list goes on and on. Chris's favorite room was called Field of Play were everything was an experiment in science. My favorite room was called Reading Adventureland. The had made different exhibits for different genres of books. There was an actual ship for the genre of books like Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island. There was a castle for the fairy tales and I could go on and on. This place was awesome.

I really loved how every exhibit had a art project to do, like make a crown or a kaleidoscope. I also loved that he museum got together with the local library and had books that matched each exhibit that the kids could check out. Isn't that genius?

That night we went to a Thai Restaurant and Ella got to experience curry for the first time. She didn't like it but she was really into anything that was deep fried.

Back From Rochester

2008-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Ellaspeak

2008-11-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Ella loves to talk and learns new words everyday. The fun part is trying to figure out what she is saying. It is like she has her own language that we have to learn in order to communicate with her.
The way she says things make us laugh and laugh. And I love how if she doesn't know what to call something it becomes a "this". Check out some of our favorites translated into proper English:

"gink"= drink
"eww"= shoe
"ock" = sock
"ki-kik"=blankie
"Isaas"= Isaac/Elliot/Gretchen/Cousin
"pass"= pacifier
"pa-pal"= grandpa
"butt" = what
"bucko"= Michael
"bish"= fish

I think I will miss all her made up words when she learns to speak correctly.

No Trick All Treat

2008-10-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

This was Ella's first year to trick or treat. We ended up with 2 free costumes so we decided to let Ella choose. I thought for sure she would want to be the pink octopus but no, she chose the dragon.
On Wednesday we took her to the Ward Halloween Party. As you can tell she wasn't too sure about the thing on her head:

Then yesterday we went trick or treating. It didn't take too long for her to forget about the costume. She would walk up to strangers (not an easy thing for Ella) and hold out her hand and say "UHHG" (give me candy in caveman). Then when she got what she wanted she would say "thank-you" (she is a polite caveman).

By the end of the evening the pumpkin was so full of candy she had to carry it with both hands. We tried to help but she had her death grip on it. Sturgill's don't foul around with their candy.

Then she decided it was time to start eating:

She had a great time and got a lot of candy which I am very excited about. Because, you know, I had to go through the candy and take out any pieces that "might" be a choking hazard or that I "might" need to be able to get through tomorrow.

Just for laughs

2008-10-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

She was even wearing a bib!!!!

Gretchen and Ella

2008-10-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like the girls are fast friends. Ella and Gretchen were so cute together. I found them playing hide and seek. Ella would come around the corner to find Gretchen and they would laugh and laugh. Debbie found the girls sitting in bed looking out the window and then they would look at each other and giggle so cute.
Ella really liked Gretchen and decided she needed to be big like her. So, now she sits on a chair at the table (though, just her little eyes peer over the top). She is also sleeping in a big girl bed or on the floor in her room, wherever she decides. Gretchen really liked Ella too. My favorite thing was when she walked past Ella tapped her on the head and called her "sweet pea". Check out the pictures of the girls playing:

(As you can imagine, their music was beautiful)

("Hold on tight!")

("Weee!")

("I don't get it?")

Ella Can Fly

2008-09-30T08:43:00.000-07:00