What an Incredible Day!

I just have to say that I have had the best day today. It was wonderful to watch the historic events of today unfold. I have been glued to the television all day. I think it is incredible that in Ellie's lifetime...she will never know a time when it seemed impossible for an African American to be President of the United States. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, you have to be excited about the vibe and energy in America. I think the Obamas are wonderful and gracious people and I know he will be a great leader! The United States is the greatest country on Earth. I will pray for President Obama each and every day because he has quite a task before him. God Bless America!!

What a Fun Weekend

Ellie, Jack and Catherine

Ellie wearing Pop Pop Pop's cowboy boots!

Pop Pop Pop was a little worn out after raking leaves all day. We changed out his glasses while he was asleep!

Ellie, Nana, and Pop Pop Pop

We had such a fun weekend. Friday night, Nana and Pop Pop Pop came to see Ellie. She was so excited and that was the last time she even looked at Brian and me. She had two constant playmates for the entire weekend. She led them around by their fingers all weekend! Saturday morning, we ate breakfast with Brian's grandparents and his Aunt Nancy. It was great to see everyone. During naptime, we finished raking all the leaves in the backyard. Doesn't everyone entertain their in-laws by making them rake their yard? (and bring their own raking equipment????) After naptime, Meredith, Chris, Jack and Catherine came over on their way to a wedding! It was so fun to get to see them. Ellie, Jack and Catherine loved playing with Nana!

Ellie will soon wake up from her nap today and her playmates will not be here. Everyone needs to start praying right now that we will be good enough for her today! Have a great Martin Luther King Day. I am looking forward to such a historic week ahead!

Ellie's Pig Tails

Ellie's hair is getting long and wild. I really have no idea how to control cute curly hair. My mom wouldn't let me have long hair until I could take care of it myself. Of course...when I could take care of it...I wasn't sure I wanted it. Thus, my hair has been short my entire life. On Friday, I decided to see if El's hair would go it pig tails. It was so cute. She took them out at least one hundred times. Now, she runs when she sees me coming with the brush. It was cute while it lasted!!!

Just a Swingin....

Nothing much to report at the Shelton house. Brian asked me to please post something because he was tired of seeing his face come up on the blog. Ellie and I were outside this week and these are a few of the pictures I took. It seems like this was the only pretty day we have had in a long time. We are gathering the wood to start building our ark...

Not Quite the Loveless Cafe...

What a morning! Let's just say that we won't be getting calls from the Loveless Cafe any time soon! Brian's assistant, Mary Ann Brown, gave him pancake mix, syrup and bacon for Christmas. (Sidenote...I thought Brian told me that our neighbor Jack gave us the pancakes. I went on and on in his thank-you note about how much we were going to love the pancakes. I saw him before church and apologized...but he was confused as to what I was talking about! Let's just hope he barely read it and threw it away!) Back to the story...Brian has been planning to cook his girls breakfast on Sunday morning. When Ellie and I went into the kitchen...this is what we found. The top picture is Brian trying to shape Ellie's pancake into an animal. I think the animal looks more like road-kill!!! (I realize that you might get that confused with eggs...but it is a pancake!) He cooked the bacon for 10 minutes in the microwave. We are still sitting in our house with all the windows and doors wide open. There is a new rule at the Shelton house....NO BACON! He did get the hang of it...and made me a really cute heart-shaped pancake! We laughed so hard at how everything was going wrong...including thanking the wrong person! I promise that we will do better if you come and visit us...or we can get to the real Loveless Cafe in no time!!!!

Happy 60th Birthday to my best friend...

Happy Belated Birthday to the most wonderful woman in the world. I can only hope that I will be half the person that she is. She wakes up every morning thinking about what she can do for someone else. She would give ANYONE the shirt off of her back. I have never met anyone with a bigger heart than my mom. She has done more for others in her 60 years than most people ever hope to do. Thank you for everything you do for me and the example you have set. I love you with all my heart!!!!

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 was tons of fun. We started our holiday in Memphis with Nana and Pop. We had a great time...except for Brian running over an azalea and giving his dad a heart attack! The Kirkland Christmas party was lots of fun. Ellie had so much fun entertaining everyone. She was not so great with her cousin, Lilliana...she didn't really like sharing her toys and decided to bonk her on the head. I am sure Lilliana will remember it for years to come and get her back very soon.

On Sunday, Ellie and I headed to Aberdeen. Ellie was not so happy on Sunday and Monday. After waking up with a rash on Tuesday, I decided to take her to the doctor. She had Fifths disease and ear infections. After getting medicine, we were on the right track. It was so awesome getting to see Uncle Scott and Aunt Lindsey. (they now live in Alaska!) Chris and Drew were tons of fun, as always. The Lord girls are growing up so fast...it seems like yesterday I was babysitting them for the summer! Aunt Nan came home looking like a Super Model. I can't believe I didn't even get a picture to post.

Ellie got more than she could ever imagine for Christmas. We have had a blast playing with it all since we got home. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful "loot!" I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!