Bryant Family

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T01:02:00.002-05:00

"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold." --Anonymous

Our Family

2011-12-25T00:12:00.001-05:00

Christmas Morning at Home Sweet Home

2011-12-25T00:07:00.003-05:00

Christmas In Rocky Mount

2011-12-24T23:59:00.002-05:00

Christmas In Bishopville

2011-12-24T23:51:00.001-05:00

Bayler's Birthday Bash!

2011-12-24T23:03:00.005-05:00

I'm not a runner or much into exercise of any kind lately. Since we were in Bishopville on Christmas Eve we participated in Bayler's 5K Birthday Bash. My Dad left us in the dust and finished in 25.20. I have no pictures of him. He took a break, circled back around to find us and then pushed Ella the rest of the way. Not too bad for an old guy (wink,wink). We were more in the 50ish time frame with many of the Teal clan. It was nice to see them and catch up. What an amazing family!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:55:00.001-05:00

Ella's First Eye Exam

2011-12-22T23:16:00.000-05:00

Super Friends!

2011-12-22T09:36:00.004-05:00

I think this one is sweet/funny. He has his eyes closed
and she looks like she is too busy for this.

More Christmas Parades

2011-12-21T23:48:00.000-05:00

Lights Before Christmas

2011-12-20T09:54:00.002-05:00

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-18T09:50:00.001-05:00

Christmas In Batesburg

2011-12-17T23:49:00.000-05:00

What the Heck?!

2011-12-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

Shanna & Ryan's Engagement "Celebration"

2011-12-14T16:49:00.003-05:00

For the record - there's a difference between THE engagement party and AN engagement celebration. Shanna and Ryan (Ryan really) planned an engagement celebration BUT this was not the engagement party. Confused yet? lol.. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun and it was very nice for the two families to meet and hang out with some of their Murrells Inlet friends.

We had a great time at the party and spending the weekend at the beach. Ella was confused about not being able to put on her "baby suit" and go swimming or build sandcastles but her bothers kept her entertained most of the time anyway. Shanna and I went shopping for THE dress which was fun. She was beautiful. I knew she would be. I was surprised because I expected to get emotional (aka - cry) but I did not. I took some pictures but I won't share those.

Flushed...

2011-12-12T20:15:00.002-05:00

Yep, that's exactly what she did today with her last surviving papi. Flushed it...down the potty. I'm not sure what inspired such wisdom today but I'm afraid it will be a long night. I will be strong and refuse to visit the 24 hour Walgreens. Sorry Santa you won't receive any papis in the mail.

It was Magical

2011-12-09T14:12:00.004-05:00

We went to Disney on Ice - Dare to Dream and it was wonderful! Ella LOVED it!! We were on the 4th row up from the ice. We could see the detail in the costumes, the make up and every little expression made. Ella was in awe over all of the beautiful princesses. We saw Tiana, Cinderalla, Rapunzel, Mickey & Minnie with their whole crew. At the very end all of the princesses came out - Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Mulan and the others previously mentioned. And of course all of their princes were there too. Tammy & Tanner went with us and they had a good time. I think Tanner would have liked to see more Mickey though. ;)

Did I mention my favorite is Rapunzel and that good lookin' Flynn Rider?

Jesus Loves Me

2011-12-08T11:29:00.001-05:00

It's Not Pretty...

2011-12-06T21:43:00.001-05:00

But it was FUN and TASTY!!

Santa...

2011-12-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

We will be mailing all of our papis very soon so you can give them to new little babies for Christmas....Except for one (according to Ella - she only needs one). This gave Santa a good ole belly laugh.

Hanging of the Green

2011-11-29T22:55:00.013-05:00

I love this Christmas service. The advent candle is lit, the wreaths are hung, the poinsettias placed, the Jesse trees decorated, and the Christmas tree lit. All of this is done along with the stories of tradition that goes along with each and many Christmas carols are sung. What a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season. A perfect reminder of the true blessing of Christmas.

The Awana kids decorate the Jesse trees. Each child takes his or her turn to place the ornaments in the perfect spot.

This year each Awana group sang a song. Most sang Christmas carols except for the Puggles (3 year olds). They sang Jesus Loves Me. Simple enough, right? You would think but this is how it went...

Jesus Loves Me

This I know

For the Bible tells me so

At this point the little boy on Ella's left realized she was holding the mic. He wanted it. He leaned over into her face and then pushed her. She proceeded to punch him in the stomach and say MINE. That was the end of Jesus loves me. The teacher (who is the little boy's mom) stepped in, took the mic and tried to get them to finish but Ella wanted the mic back, her son laid on the floor having a fit and girl on the right continued to do her own thing. Nevertheless it was precious....

***

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

Witty

2011-11-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

Ella has become quite witty lately. Several things she said just yesterday include:

Scenario #1: I pull into the garage after work. Ella runs up. "Get out, get out. I need to borrow your car." I asked her where she was going but she wouldn't say anything other than I needed to get out!

Scenario #2: I forgot mustard at the grocery store and was trying to make honey mustard. I told Ella to come on that we needed to run to the grocery store really quickly. "I old nuff. You go. I'll stay here." I asked her what would happen if she got scared and she said "I not scared. Just go."

Scenario #3: Somehow she spilled milk on the couch with her spill proof cup. I asked her what happened and her response was "I think Ryan did it." I asked her Ryan? Like Uncle Ryan?? "Yeah...I think he did."

What a mess?!

Raleigh Christmas Parade

2011-11-22T13:45:00.002-05:00

Thanks to great weather and the presence of "American Idol" Scotty McCreery, the 2011 WRAL-TV Raleigh Christmas Parade drew thousands to downtown Raleigh Saturday morning. The parade, in its 67th year, featured more than 110 entries, including bands, floats, super-sized balloons, marchers, twirlers, entertainers and a special surprise North Pole visitor. (copied from www.wral.com)

This was our first time attending and it was fun. It was a little long though (2.5 hrs). After the first hour and a half Ella started saying she was ready to go home. We convinced her to stay so she could see Santa at the end. She was excited about that. Then we ventured Christmas shopping. It was a very fun day in Raleigh.

Shanna's Engaged!!

2011-11-16T17:15:00.001-05:00

It isn't my story to tell but it was super sweet and thoughtful. We are very excited about Ryan joining our family!!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

2011-11-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

Ella was watching this movie the other day and I said "Good thing for Harley all dogs go to heaven." She started crying because she wouldn't be able to see him and she'd miss him so much. Sob, sob, sniffle with real tears and everything! It was so cute...

Happy Birthday to Me!!

2011-11-09T11:08:00.001-05:00

"A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV)

Today, we will dance!! And eat ice cream at the Outback.

MINE!

2011-11-02T08:06:00.000-04:00

And here's another just for kicks...

Halloween

2011-10-31T21:07:00.001-04:00

Too many options...I would have NEVER expected Ella to change her mind at the last minute. She's been adamant about about being Wonder Woman for Halloween. We were standing in her closest looking at all of her costumes and I really would have NEVER expected her to pick an almost thirty year old dance costume. BUT she did. AND she was absolutely precious in it. Such a cute little tap dancer!

NC Zoo!

2011-10-30T21:00:00.004-04:00

Everyone knows what kind of animals you see at the zoo so I won't bore you with the pictures of the animals but check out these pics of our family (minus Austin who hung out with a friend instead). It was a lot of fun!! We were concerned it was going to be too cold but it was actually the perfect day once we bundled up a little.

Did Someone Say PUMPKIN PRINCESS?

2011-10-26T23:19:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what the horse did that had this pumpkin princess so upset but it sure was funny. She really gave him a piece of her mind.

Fall Love...

2011-10-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

2011-10-22T20:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Meme!

2011-10-19T20:41:00.005-04:00

Soccer!!

2011-10-16T20:31:00.020-04:00

Stephen was the "high scorer" for the JV team. This is especially exciting because he skipped 3 or 4 games and played up on the Varsity team. They had a great year!!

Haunted...

2011-10-14T13:16:00.008-04:00

We went to two haunted houses in SC this weekend that where pretty good. Stepehen and Austin where so excited. They had never been to anything like that before. Plus it was a last minute decision so it was 11 pm before we went out. I don’t remember the last time I stayed up that late – it was after 2 when we got home!! Me, Shanna and Ryan were exhausted but it didn't seem to phase the boys. Haunted houses don't seem to be a big thing around here but they sure are popular in the Bishopville area!! That used to be one of our favorite things to do this time of year.

Superheros rule!!

10/19/11: UPDATE - Stephen thanked me again last night for taking them to the haunted houses. He said it was one of the most fun weekends he's ever had. Awwww....

Vollmer Farms!!

2011-10-10T20:05:00.005-04:00

It's fall, it's fall! Time for pumpkins and fall fun. Ready or not -- it's fall!!

http://www.vollmerfarm.com

She was worn out!!

Déjà vu

2011-10-09T20:38:00.001-04:00

One major difference is she earned this one...for staying dry for one whole day! Now next costume will be earned for staying dry for one whole week. Can she do it? Stay tuned...

Superheroes

2011-10-05T00:17:00.004-04:00

We are partners in ~~crime~~ saving the day.

Charleston, SC

2011-10-03T13:32:00.001-04:00

Jeff & I made a quick getaway to Charleston, SC. We stayed at the Charleston Place, we walked around, we shopped, we ate (a lot), went on a carriage ride and a harbor tour. It was fun!

Wonder Woman!!

2011-09-26T13:16:00.002-04:00

I think she likes her new costume. What do you think?

Back To Awana!!

2011-09-20T17:52:00.006-04:00

And this little Puggle was EXCITED (although you can't tell from this pic)!!!

"Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
~Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Princess Party

2011-09-14T21:03:00.000-04:00

This little Princess needs a little practice:
1) Needs to learn to sit like a princess (see below).
2) Learn to watch the birthday princess open her gifts and not have a melt down wanting to "help."
3) Lip gloss is for lips not eyelids - this little princess loved the makeup table. The above mentioned meltdown resulted in crying off all make up before picture was taken.

In her defense, most princesses were 5 years old so they've had a little more practice.

A Love Story

2011-09-07T23:07:00.004-04:00

I love our nightly rituals. We get in bed, we read books or tell stories, we talk about who we are going to pray for, we pray together and I pray over her. I tell her how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. I ask her if she knows how much I love her and she says "yes." I ask her "how much" and she says "big." I kiss her. I don't remember when we started this but we've done this for as long as I can remember. Then she says "here Momma" and we put our heads even closer and she hands me a bunny ear. Sometimes she asks me to rub her back with the ear. Most of the time she wants me to rub my nose and face with the ear like she does. We lay there, head to head, rubbing the bunny's ears on our faces. I smell her freshly washed hair. I smell the night time lotion on her little body. I hear her sucking on her papi. I hear her breathing. There's enough light that I can see her beautiful face. She rubs her tiny feet against my legs. I watch her. I cherish these precious moments. They are real. They are simple. They are priceless. They are wonderful. They are pure. They are powerful. They complete me. It is true unconditional love. Time stands still for a short little while. Nothing else matters during those treasured moments. I. Am. Blessed.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." ~ Numbers 6:24-26 ( NIV)

9.26.10

Glitter Paint!!

2011-09-06T22:10:00.002-04:00

Step 3: Big Girl Bed

2011-09-06T22:06:00.001-04:00

The quilt was slightly small so it has to be exchanged but check it out! I really love the gingham sheets. The bed is A LOT higher than I expected.

Girls Beach Trip

2011-09-05T21:53:00.001-04:00

Girls Beach Trip!!

2011-08-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

I had planned to update with pictures daily but it isn't going to work out (my uncle's computer doesn't have a card reader & I didn't bring my cords). SO we'll update when we get home. Just consider this a "sneak peak" of our girls beach trip.

Earthquake & Hurricane in One Week!

2011-08-26T22:08:00.000-04:00

Crazy weather this week. No issues from the earthquake so now let's get through this hurricane. We don't expect much here other than rain and wind. All potted plants, flags, umbrellas are packed up in the garage. All should be good.

Quack, Quack at City Lake

2011-08-24T19:58:00.001-04:00

Heels NOT Sandals

2011-08-24T15:51:00.000-04:00

For the record - they are not the same - Ella is quick to correct you too!!

I don't know, what are you thinking? Hmmm... I don't know. What do you think?

2011-08-21T14:03:00.001-04:00

You Might Be A Redneck If...

2011-08-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

nuff said.

P-A-R-T-Y!!!

2011-08-16T22:43:00.001-04:00

I took SO many pictures I haven't really had time to look through them and edit them like I want but I didn't want to delay posting some either.

Three Year Stats

2011-08-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

37 inches = 50 percentile
28.8 pounds = 30 percentile
Hearing good. Vision good. Everything good.

Make Poop

2011-08-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Ella LOVES my new toy. The boys do too. It amazes me to watch Ella scroll through the pages, pick the app she wants to use, and just click away. We have book apps, drawing apps, counting apps, ABC apps, science apps, instrument apps, etc. But currently her favorite app is a doodle app and she likes to "make poop." lol...must be the farting sound that is so amusing... Happy Friday!!

Carolina Beach

2011-08-09T18:02:00.003-04:00

Third Birthday

2011-08-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

Despite not feeling well Ella still had an okay birthday. She blew out candles on her blueberry muffin Sunday morning and loved her new barbie house. She didn't even want her cupcakes if that tells you anything about how she felt. I'm so thankful her birthday party wasn't this weekend. Since we made a quick trip to the doctor Saturday morning we know that Ella is 37 inches tall and weighs 28 lbs. Her 3 year old a appointment is just a week or two away. My sweet little sick birthday girl... BTW, she pulled off the shirt due to her fever.

Strike A Pose!

2011-07-29T10:33:00.001-04:00

Go Mudcats!

2011-07-27T11:33:00.000-04:00

We made our annual trip to the Mudcats game with Eagle again this year. Mark did a great job singing the National Anthem like aways. Ella had a great time listening to the music and ~~playing~~ flirting with Tanner. She wasn't very interested in the actual baseball games (it was a double header). During the break she would poke Tanner and he would dance, make the silliest faces and then freeze. Ella thought that was the funniest thing ever. She laughed hysterically and would throw her head back in pure joy. Then she would poke him again and he would do this all over again. There was definitely flirting going on...

Wii

2011-07-25T16:56:00.000-04:00

Spank Fest 2011

2011-07-18T22:57:00.007-04:00

Potty training sucks!! No ifs, ands or buts about it. We've been doing this on and off (more off than on but...) for about a year now. I'm finally determined but it really sucks. I feel like Ella is ready because she'll tell us when she needs a new diaper, she'll tell me when she needs to potty if she's in the bath and I really just feel like she's being lazy. Saturday we spent most of the day outside in big girl panties. We played with bubbles, chalk, on the swing set, watered flowers, road the lawn mower, picked up pine cones, sang, danced, etc. She was allowed one accident and then she would get popped for any others. Needless to say this wasn't fun for anyone but I do think we are making some progress. She doesn't even want to wear a diaper but she still isn't saying when she needs to go either. Here are some phrases we heard...

No, no, no, no, no.
Don't do that to me.
You are a meany.
Please don't spank me.
You hurt my feelings.
Please don't pop my butt.
You make me sad.
I Ella Louise Bryant AND I'm NOT your baby.

BTW, any suggestions are welcome!!

VBS: Big Apple Adventure

2011-07-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

Ella had so much fun at Vacation Bible School this year. The theme was "Big Apple Adventure." On family night they all sang, danced and showed what they learned. The big question for the 2-3 year olds was "Who loves you?" Girl #1: Jesus, Girl #2: Jesus, Ella: "My Momma"...Hmmm... Wrong answer but so true. It still melted my heart. When I ask her though she says "Jesus" so she knows.

Austin also attended this year but he was a helper. He dressed like Jesus for several skits. He did very good but he wasn't so sure about letting anyone wash his feet. He participated in some of the games too.

Random

2011-07-14T08:36:00.001-04:00

When I said Ella would probably learn how to swim in our HUGE bathtub I really meant it. BUT this wasn't what I had in mind. This was her father's idea...She really enjoyed it too.

We went to several birthday parties last weekend. Chuck E Cheese for Kaylee's and Birchwood for Jack's. We enjoyed both parties.

My little sleeping beauty... Yes, she still spends most nights in bed with me.

My latest craft... You've seen this picture but I added a quote at the bottom and framed it. It was so cute I made Tanner one too. It looks like a greeting card.

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

Birthday Invite!!

2011-07-06T20:57:00.003-04:00

Party Doodles Pink Birthday Invitation

Shutterfly photo cards for Birthdays, graduation, and Mother's Day.

View the entire collection of cards.

Happy July 4th!

2011-07-05T13:22:00.001-04:00

"I swam like crazy!!!"

2011-07-05T13:11:00.002-04:00

Happy July 4th!

2011-07-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

She was very brave this weekend. She "swam" and "swam" and "swam" like a "bear," "fish" or "mermaid."

Week In Review

2011-07-01T16:14:00.004-04:00

This has been a fun yet frustrating week. I (along with three of our company executives) went to Des Moines for a claim review which meant an overnight stay. Phyllis and Ella went to the beach for the day and had a great time. Ella loves the beach. Ever since our day trip she is constantly asking if we can go to the beach. Anyway, our insurance claim review was good and it is always nice to see the people we talk to on the phone and email constantly. South Carolina won the college world series - Go Cocks! And I had the usual picture text exchanges with my sister which is always fun. They usually consist of food, beaches, clothes & whatever else we think the other may get jealous over. Stephen's birthday was yesterday so he was excited about that. He's 14 now - getting so grown and is way cool!! A lot going on this week. So here's the problem....when I got home Ella could not have cared less!! She was playing with her "brothders" (I'm not sure why she puts the "d" sound in there) and was not the least little bit interested in my return. Don't get me wrong - I'm excited that she is having so much fun playing with her brothers and that they are enjoying it too but I'm so jealous!! I need some love too...

This is our company jet. It holds 6 passengers & 2 piliots. BTW, I forgot to mention that I beat our company president in gin on the way to Des Moines AND on the way back. He said I'm not invited on any more trips. lol...

Shanna's new CWS t-shirt.

Ella's "Stephen & Austin" ken dolls that really do look pretty similar to her brothers. She had to have them...

Fourteen!!

2011-06-30T13:11:00.002-04:00

Star

2011-06-23T20:50:00.002-04:00

I'm so glad that I can turn up Taylor and Ella has just as much fun as I do - if not more!! We totally rock out!! There isn't a single day that passes where we don't turn up the music and DANCE!

Play Date!

2011-06-15T22:16:00.002-04:00

Ella, Tanner & Ramsey enjoyed Sunset Park today. In Ella's words it was "fun, fun, fun!!" We are SO EXCITED about Ella's birthday party being at Sunset Park. Anyway, today I managed to take tons of pictures but not get a single one of all three of them. Oh well... maybe next time.

UPDATE: Here's a couple of Tammy's pics.

Splish Splash

2011-06-14T20:32:00.001-04:00

Party Plans Are Underway...

2011-06-08T09:04:00.002-04:00

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Hand Me Downs

2011-06-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Mr. George (President of the company I work for) loaded me up with a couple of toys and LOTS of play shoes for Ella today. When I got home for lunch she was hiding which she does on most days. I said "I guess I'll just take all of these toys back." Needless to say she started knocking on the pantry door "I in here and I want them!! Let me out, I in here." She still can't work door knobs but she sure was very EXCITED!!

Weekend FUN!!

2011-06-06T13:28:00.001-04:00

Church Picnic on Saturday.
Wrightsville Beach on Sunday.
Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Happy - Not Your - Birthday!!

2011-06-03T12:50:00.001-04:00

Phyllis and Ella went to Sam's this week. Ella told Meme she wanted a birthday cake. Phyllis proceeded to tell her it wasn't her birthday and she didn't need a birthday cake. Phyllis turned around to look at something else and Ella took it upon herself to pick out a giant, double layer, cookie, birthday cake with pink icing. Needless to say she just couldn't handle a birthday cake that size and it flipped over and onto the floor. Phyllis ended up buying Ella a birthday cake. Ella insisted that her piece of birthday cake have candles that she could blow out and so they celebrated. Even thought it wasn't her birthday. She ate some of the pink icing which she didn't like and then she was over the birthday cake.

Ella and I went to Target a little later. She told me she needed a birthday present. I explained again that it wasn't her birthday but bought her new Ariel and Snow White ballerina barbies. I couldn't help it - they were on sale and she wanted them. I began to wonder on the way home if she really did think it was her birthday. I can see where a 2 year old can get confused - she did get the cake and the presents she asked for. I asked her how old she was and she wouldn't answer. She was too busy playing with her birthday presents. I don't know if she really thought it was her birthday or not. Either way her real birthday is quickly approaching. I need to come up with some ideas.

Spoiled??

2011-05-31T09:37:00.002-04:00

Hanging out w/ Kaykay and Meme at the same time - of course she's spoiled!! Look at that little grin...

FCS Middle School Awards

2011-05-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

Austin - 6th Grade Awards

Highest Average in History
Highest Average in Science
PE Award
Year Honor Roll

Stephen - 7th Grade Awards

Highest Average in Science (he actually tied for this award)

Stephen took off after the awards ceremony so I wasn't able to get a good picture of him. Guess he's too cool to chat with the family & rather go back to class. Oh well... teenagers.... Austin was very excited and totally made up for last year when he was so disappointed that he didn't win any awards. We are very proud of both of them!!

Weekend Fun!

2011-05-23T21:08:00.001-04:00

Shanna came up and we had a great girlie weekend. We slept late (late for me and Ella = early for Shanna), watched movies, shopped, ate Mexican and had a good ole time. Jeff stayed in SC and played golf all day with my Dad and some of his friends. Sunday night Ella had her Awana awards. She didn't sing like she was supposed to. None of them did actually except for Haley. She is the oldest one in the Puggles class and a great buddy of Ella's. Ella will really miss her next year when she moves up to the next class. I forgot to mention Possum Pete also made an appearance Sunday night.

Princesses, Fairies, Barbies - Oh my!

2011-05-18T19:36:00.001-04:00

Is it normal for an almost three year old to have this many? I don't know but then again, can you ever have too many? For some reason, I just don't think so!!

I want to be like....

2011-05-16T09:36:00.002-04:00

She's such a little performer. We went to a dance recital Saturday and on the way there I was telling her about all of the girls we were going to watch dance. She told me No that we were going to watch her dance. AND she really meant it!! We had to move to the way back because she was up singing and dancing the entire time! I also found out that she has to be potty trained or she can't take dance. UUUggghhh...I figured it but now it was confirmed. I'm bummed out because she's being so difficult....

"1-2-3-4-5 - Come on everybody, dance with me!"

Sunny Sunday Afternoon

2011-05-15T16:47:00.000-04:00

"I Your Baby!"

2011-05-11T16:21:00.000-04:00

And this one because it is funny..... Look at that sweet little face.

Prissy Princess Ella

2011-05-10T07:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-09T10:25:00.002-04:00

Swimming & Playing in Bishopville...

2011-05-08T10:18:00.005-04:00

Southern 500

2011-05-07T10:14:00.003-04:00

Next year I'm going to break out the tight cut offs that show my butt checks and a wife beater tank with a confederate flag on it or something. There's nothing like people watching at the racetrack. It is right up there with people watching at Myrtle Beach.

The Dentist

2011-05-05T10:08:00.002-04:00

Just the 6 month visit but Ella did not love it this time. After some convincing she sat in my lap and let Ms. Penny "shine" her teeth. She had to be flat out bribed to let Dr. Patel look at them. Since the treasure chest is his treasure chest she could only get a present if she let him look. She finally opened up and let him take a quick look and off to the treasure chest with Ms. Penny she went.

Ella Louise Bryant

2011-05-03T19:17:00.002-04:00

When I told Ella to "sit on the potty or I'm going to pop you" today her response was "No, ma'am...don't do that to Ella Louise Bryant again." Well, at least she knows her full name....

"Baller"

2011-05-02T14:07:00.007-04:00

Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I'm not athletic. There isn't a single athletic bone in my body. When I was in high school I wanted to be on the softball team only because the girls seemed to have so much fun. I finally decided I was going to try out one year. Mr McDowell came to me because he heard that I was going to try out for his team. He told me that he didn't want to hurt my feelings or embarrass me but he would have to cut me so there was no need for me to even try out. Needless to say... I didn't try out.

Ella loves "ball." She loves to "play" basketball, soccer, golf, tennis...any type of ball she can play with she likes to throw, kick, catch, etc. She doesn't get this from me. I guess it comes from having a very athletic (and competitive) father and two big brothers. Today was the first time I've seen her with a baseball. She seemed to have quite a little arm on her.

This one is on here because she has such a cute little tushy. Notice she's playing in big girl panties. We're still working on potty training so we wanted easy access. The potty is in the garage but you can't see it. This is her first time wearing big girl panties without a diaper underneath.

Jelly Kiss???

2011-04-29T13:56:00.001-04:00

Easter

2011-04-25T18:52:00.006-04:00

"But he was wounded for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

It All Started with a Big Bang - HEY!

2011-04-22T08:54:00.002-04:00

I'm the only person I know that loves this show. It is so funny to me. Perhaps it speaks to my inner nerd. I don't know but Ella loves the theme song. We rewind it so she can sing and dance over and over and over again.

BTW, make sure you pause the blog music by going to the bottom of the blog so you can hear her trying to sing.

fearfully and wonderfully made

2011-04-18T22:28:00.002-04:00

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

In My Shoes

2011-04-15T10:57:00.007-04:00

I was super excited about my summer shoes this week. I don't know why but I took these pictures and sent them to my sister.

I was over heels after only two days and decided my feet hurt. To my surprise Ella told me "you aren't pretty today because you aren't dressed up." Hmmm.... she's awfully young to be so sassy. Her shoe fetish started about a year ago. I don't see anything wrong with these flats though. They're cute.

These are her little piggies this week. She's super excited about her ~~purple~~ pink little toes. Bless her heart...she wants to wear sandals but she doesn't have any that will fit right now. Sounds like we need to do some shopping this weekend. She was sitting on the floor yesterday going... "this little piggy went to the market...." Isn't that cute? I sent these to Shanna.

Shanna's reply was "what is your deal with with feet this week? Here's mine. Haha."

She didn't even realize those cute little feet weren't mine. Don't you just love the way Shanna is wearing flip flops with dress pants and her pretty heel sitting on the floor beside it. That's my sister....

Happy Friday!!

BTW, if you noticed I skipped a day I didn't send these to Shanna. They aren't anything to be too excited about. Ella didn't criticize these either so I guess they meet her approval.

Praying

2011-04-14T08:03:00.002-04:00

Last night I asked Ella who she wanted to pray for before we went to bed. She started her usual list - "Abbie, Tanner, A-nna, Ryan" and then she surprised me..... "AND KayKay's dog." Not KayKay but KayKay's dog. Oh she just melts my heart....

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

2011-04-11T17:21:00.002-04:00

We've Resorted to Bribery

2011-04-08T12:45:00.001-04:00

Let's face it...Ella isn't potty trained because I've been lazy. I keep hoping that she'd show interest and we'd potty train. She did for like a week and then she was over it. She's been lazy because I've been lazy. I'm still not to the hard core point but I've resorted to bribery. If she goes on the potty she gets a treat. She can't have a treat for any other reason. This only half worked with Harley so I'm not sure why I'm hoping for a different outcome with Ella. Initially our conversations were like... Ella: I want a sucker, Me: Then you need to go potty, Ella: No, Me: Then no sucker. But then the bribery started working like magic....it isn't perfect but she's been using the potty more than she ever has. She doesn't say "it makes me sad" when you try to take her in there anymore. Guess we'll be brushing our teeth extra to make sure potty training doesn't result in cavities.

Hakuna Matata

2011-04-05T21:14:00.003-04:00

Ella is learning the words to "Hakuna Matata" and sings them at the top of her lungs. It is so cute. We ~~borrowed~~ stole Lion King from KayKay when we were in SC the other weekend and we already had the soundtrack. We can eat the rest of the banana pudding strait out of the bowl if we want to - Hakuna Matata!!

Here's a picture of Ella when we were in SC and she was sick with a 24 hour virus. She was pitiful so we watched quite a few movies. She watched the Lion King for the first time and really enjoyed it. When I played the CD for the first time after she saw the movie, she pointed to the CD player and said "there's a lion in there."

Spaghetti....YUMMY!!!

2011-04-04T20:03:00.000-04:00

Bryant Family

Happy New Year!

Our Family

Christmas Morning at Home Sweet Home

Christmas In Rocky Mount

Christmas In Bishopville

Bayler's Birthday Bash!

Merry Christmas!

Ella's First Eye Exam

Super Friends!

More Christmas Parades

Lights Before Christmas

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas In Batesburg

What the Heck?!

Shanna & Ryan's Engagement "Celebration"

Flushed...

It was Magical

Jesus Loves Me

It's Not Pretty...

Santa...

Hanging of the Green

Witty

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Shanna's Engaged!!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

Happy Birthday to Me!!

MINE!

Halloween

NC Zoo!

Did Someone Say PUMPKIN PRINCESS?

Fall Love...

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

Happy Birthday Meme!

Soccer!!

Haunted...

Vollmer Farms!!

Déjà vu

Superheroes

Charleston, SC

Wonder Woman!!

Back To Awana!!

Princess Party

A Love Story

Glitter Paint!!

Step 3: Big Girl Bed

Girls Beach Trip

Girls Beach Trip!!

Earthquake & Hurricane in One Week!

Quack, Quack at City Lake

Heels NOT Sandals

I don't know, what are you thinking? Hmmm... I don't know. What do you think?

You Might Be A Redneck If...

P-A-R-T-Y!!!

Three Year Stats

Make Poop

Carolina Beach

Third Birthday

Strike A Pose!

Go Mudcats!

Wii

Spank Fest 2011

VBS: Big Apple Adventure

Random

Birthday Invite!!

Happy July 4th!

"I swam like crazy!!!"

Happy July 4th!

Week In Review

Fourteen!!

**Star**

Play Date!

Splish Splash

Party Plans Are Underway...

Hand Me Downs

Weekend FUN!!

Happy - Not Your - Birthday!!

Spoiled??

FCS Middle School Awards

Weekend Fun!

Star