Tiny Dancer

My baby girl.....WALKING!

Here comes T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Ella Claire is into everything right now. She loves to "help us pack and is so mischievous."

10 things about Ella Claire....at 10 months

1. I can take about 2 steps on my own now.

2. I absolutely adore my cousin Breelyn. She gets me so excited. (But I think she thinks I'm hers.) I kinda like that boy cousin Jaxsyn, too, but don't tell him. I get so jealous when my Daddy plays with him.

3. One of my favorite things to do is dance-dance-dance.

4. Mommy has to keep some sort of pants on me at all times because I like to take my diaper off. I think it's so funny. hehe I have managed to take my pants off too though. LOL

5. I have just started giving real kisses. Mommy says they are the BEST!

6. I love animals....especially cats and dogs.

7. Mommy can't keep me in shoes and clothes. I'm growing like a weed. She just bought some size 18 month clothes and a size 5 in shoes. (2 weeks ago I wore a size 3 shoe to the Autumn Street Fair)

8. I race to the stairs every time Mommy and Daddy look away. When they notice me and tell me no....I smile because I know I am faster than those ole geezers. :) (Mommy says she is glad our new house doesn't have stairs.)

9. I am paying more and more attention to the TV and my videos. I really like watching Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse with my Daddy.

10. I love to shake my head "No No." I've heard it so much lately.

Pumpkin Patch

so many pumpkins........

Daddy showing Ella Claire the pig.
more at the petting zoo
Daddy and Ella Claire on the hayride.
Waiting for the bonfire
She found the perfect one. :)

We visited the Pumpkin Patch on Monday night with our church. (We really appreciate Central taking a group every year. It's such a fun activity and great time for fellowship with friends.) We had so much fun. Ella Claire had fun at the petting zoo, but didn't like it when the animals got loud. LOL She was amazed by the bonfire. She also seemed to really enjoy the hayride, but she had the most fun picking out her little pumpkin.

We can't wait for next year already.

Happy 78th Birthday, Ruthie!!

Happy Birthday, Granny!

My Granny is 78 years old today. Wes and I gave her the nickname Ruthie years ago. She hated it at first, but I think it's grown on her. She at least answers when we call her that now. LOL She is the absolute best. She is such a source of support in our family. I don't know what I would do without her. When I lived in Nashville (for 4 years) there wasn't a week that went by that she didn't send me a card or letter. Sometimes I would get 2 in the same week. I still have most of them. :) She is a wonderful cook and gardener, but she is an even better mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Some of my fondest memories growing up are with Granny and Grandad and I still continue to talk to her daily. She doesn't read my blog unless Mel or NiNi show her the newest pictures/videos of Ella Claire. However, I'm hoping that they tell her that I made a special note on here of how blessed I am to have her as my "Ruthie." When I count my blessings.....I count her twice. :)

Home Sweet Home

We bought our first home today.

We are so excited. Before we were married Bryan and I went through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It really helped us focus financially and get on the same page. Granted, we've splurged and not always been as strict as we should have. For the past 3 1/2 years we have prepared for this day. I think one thing that makes this so rewarding is that WE have worked and saved so hard ourselves to get here. We do have our land also (that we love) and may still build sometime, but this is our new home for now! :)

I have to say I am also sad to leave where we live now. It's been our only home as a married couple and as a family. I moved in 2 months before we were married and Bryan moved in after the honeymoon. Our neighbors, who own the house, have been wonderful to us. It will always be special to us.....for so many reasons.

This morning we dropped Ella Claire off at the jail with Nanny while we ran to the bank to close. On the way there Bryan was holding my hand. I looked over at him and said, "I'm glad I'm doing this with you." After he laughed at me for being my typical sentimental self, he said, "me, too."

Bryan-You are my best friend and I'm so proud that my little free spirit has become such a saver. I love you and I look forward to making lots of memories in this house together. Thank you for all that you do for your girls. I am thrilled with our new house, but my home is wherever you and Ella Claire are.

Tomorrow....

Tomorrow is a BIG day for us. I am really excited, but really nervous also. I'll be sure and post sometime tomorrow. Cross your fingers for us that everything goes smoothly! :)

Ella loves her car.
My lil Vol!
Mommy and Ella Claire cheering for the VOLS!

(We're trying to teach her not to be a fair weather fan early. LOL)

One thing I love about blogging is......FRIENDS!

I have made new friends and reconnected with old friends through blogging. I also really enjoy staying in touch with my friends through their blogs.

One friend (who I saw at the Autumn Street Fair with her sweet baby boy)

told me some "exciting" news today.

Congrats and I'll keep you in my prayers! :)

9 things about Ella Claire at 9 months

1. I can say 3 words, "ma ma," "da da" and "bye bye."
2. I have 6 teeth now. (3 top and 3 bottom)
3. My favorite toys are cords, lamps, coasters and blinds. (Anything I'm not supposed to have.)
4. I'm a girly girl! I have an eye for jewelry. If someone has it on...I want it.
5. I'm really wanting to walk. If I can just figure this balance thing out.
6. I'm a Daddy's girl and he loves it!
7. I like table food, but my Daddy is so nervous about giving it to me. I'm a good eater, but my favorites are mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, bananas, peaches and crackers.
8. I usually sleep from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am.
9. I love to dance. Daddy turns on the music channel and I can bust a move.

My 1st Baby!

The sweet and most talented Brandie Mansfied tagged me! Brandie is a very talented artist and teacher. She is also wife to Mike and mom to Carter and Lauren. I just love her sweet family and am thankful she is my friend. :)

Me and My First Baby
Were you married at the time? Yes
What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? We were thrilled, but really nervous about losing another baby. We had prayed for Ella Claire and the Lord blessed us more than we ever imagined!
How old were you? 25
How did you find out you were pregnant? Multiple home pregnancy tests - Then, nurse Jennifer at Dr. McGowan's office (oh, I miss her!) She moved while I was pregnant with Ella Claire, but she will always be special to us.
Did you want to find out the gender? Yes, I couldn't wait. We found out in August of 2007. Bryan, Mom and Wes went with me. Then, we had a party to announce the big news to both families.
Due date: January 6, 2008
Did you deliver early or late? Early, December 23, 2007
Did you have morning sickness? Not too bad
What did you crave? everything, but the most unusual for me was sweets
Who irritated you the most? I don't really remember.
What was your first child’s gender? Girl
How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? Around 45 or so. (Who's counting?)
Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Yes, I had preeclampsia. I also had complications after childbirth. It was scary!
Where did you give birth? Middle Tennessee Medical Center
How many hours were you in labor? around 11 - My water broke at home around 10:45 pm on 12/22 and I had Ella Claire at 10:04 am on 12/23.
Who drove you to the hospital? Bryan......but the entourage followed. (Wes in her car and Mom and Dad in theirs.)
Who watched? Bryan, Mom and Wesley Caroline
Was it vaginal or c-section? vaginal
Medication? Yes!
How much did your child weigh? 7 lbs 3 oz
What did you name him/her? Eleanor Claire Matheny
How old is your first born today? 9 months

I am tagging Wesley, Lacey and Tara!!! Looking forward to reading yours!

The Smile Award

I am way behind.

My first award! :)

I was given this award by my sweet friends Brandie Mansfield (Dream Custom Artwork) and Tiffany Gannon. These ladies are two of the sweetest women around. Thanks for thinking of me. Check out both of their blogs in my favorites.

These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the award's creator 2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.
___________________________________

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
Must love one another
Must make mistakes
Must learn from others
Must be a positive contributor to blog world
Must love life
Must love kids
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I nominate: Wesley Hillis, Hannah Gribble, Brandi Holden, Tanya Houston, Paige Entrekin and Marian Norris