Sick!

It has been a rough well...almost 2 months at the gio house! Someone in our house has been sick since Sept. 4. I remember this date only because we were out of town for a friends wedding and ella got sick while there. Since then Kevin got a cold, I got bronchitis and cold induced asthma, ella had a mild cold, then ella got a stomach virus which lasted eight days and consisted of about 7-9 diarrhea diapers a day, which led to a horrible diaper rash, which then she took another cold just as the diarrhea ended.....(sorry for this run-on) then on Sunday she was diagnosed with pneumonia, and now Kevin and I are taking a cold...AGAIN! I can't tell you how ready I am for us to be well. I keep reminding myself that these are all minor illness that can be easily treated. I keep telling myself that there are many moms who would give anything for their child to just have diarrhea or a cold. Trying to keep perspective...as we all so ready to feel better! Thankfully we got a good report at the doctor today on ella and it seems the meds are helping her little lungs to fight the infection! Thank you Lord!

On a happier note my sis, Joy delivered her 4th baby early last Thursday. I was able to put ella to bed and head to the hospital in time for the delivery and even be back at home before Kev and ella woke up! Let me tell you she just popped that little guy out..I think she was only there about 3 hours before he arrived! He is so cute! Unfortunately we are staying away since we are all sick again. Hopefully soon Little Andrew can meet his cousin ella. I think she will be amazed at him and I know I am going to have to watch her every second since she LOVES her baby dolls. She may think Andrew is a new baby doll aunt joy bought her.

Birthday Pics Part 3

What is mommy doing?


Birthday's are SWEET!


This is so FUN!


I love my baby!

More B-day Pics (See Below)

My Girl!


Lots of Pink!


Ella's Cupcake!


The Birthday Girl!

ella's first party!

The Invites


The Birthday Girl!


Mommy's Crafting!


Party Hats!



On Saturday, October 4th we celebrated ella's first b-day! What a fun and special day! I have longed and dreamed about celebrating my child's birthday in a fun and special way. Every year Kevin and I have celebrated Samuel's earthly birthday together. He always takes his birthday off of work, we take one balloon to the cemetery and we reflect on his short and special life. This is not the way a mommy should have to celebrate her child's birthday! So everything in me wanted to CELEBRATE...this second little life that God intrusted into our care!

I hope you enjoy looking at ella's special day!

Reminiscing on your First Year!

Ready or not here we come!


Meeting Ella for the first time!


Day 2...we were so in love with you!


Ella's Home


Dear Ella,
Tomorrow you will turn one! I can't believe that our first year together has already gone. I rememeber last Oct. 7 daddy and I went to church and then ate at Rio Grande for our last outing without you. We were so anxious and excited for your arrival. We had everything at home clean and ready for your big arrival (my type A personality along with nesting led to a very clean house)! I was so worried that I wouldn't sleep a wink the night befoere, but God answered our prayer and daddy and I both slept until the alarm went off. We got up and got ready...we had to be at the hospital at 7am for my induction.

God answered so many prayers on the day of your birth. First and foremost..we prayed fervently for a healthy child and you arrived very healthy. We prayed that my doc. would get to deliver you...as she had walked with us through my pregnancy with Samuel and knew our fears and concerns...and she did get to deliver you. We prayed that I'd have a smooth delivery without complications and we did...faster than we ever imagined! We prayed that you'd come our crying and have your eyes open....these were so important to me as we never got to hear you brother's sweet cry or see him open his eyes. God answered those prayers as you came out crying and with your eyes wide open. Daddy and I had never heard a sweeter sound than the sound of your sweet cry! Daddy and I couldn't believe that we actually got to keep you...take you home, and love you. I think we said a million times...I can't believe she is ours!

Ella, you are such a gift to me. I cherish your little life and I thank God for blessing me with you. You have filled a place in my heart that was hurt...so lonely... and so wanting to be a mommy. Your life has reminded me that God loves me, He has a plan for me, and He knows my desires even better than I do.

I pray that you will continue to grow strong and healthy. I pray that your heart...even now will become sensitive to the things of the Lord. I pray that you will come to know Jesus in a real and personal way at a young age and that you'll live for Him your entire life. I pray that you will find God's plan for your life. I pray for your future...that God will guide and direct you each step of the way as He has my life.

Happy Birthday! Mommy Loves You!

My almost ONE YEAR OLD!

Loves watching Daddy do yardwork!


A cool Fall Evening!


So Pretty!


Peek-A-Boo and Walking...don't mix! We've learned the hard way!


So Big!

joy's Shower

My Polka-dot Cake...actually didn't fall!

My first attempt at a diaper cake!




The prego lady!

New boy stuff!

A few weeks ago I hosted a baby shower for my big sis who is pregnant with baby #4! Our Sunday School class always has a shower for each pregnant lady and I wanted to host joy's. Anyone who is prego with #4 definitely deserves some fresh, new baby items. Can't wait to meet the little guy..who will be the youngest member of our family for a few short months..until jess and ryan's baby comes in March! Lots of babies for the Moore girls!

The first Debate

It's been a while since my last blog. I'm staying busy most days with errands, planning ella's first b-day party...which is now only one week away...and keeping her entertained. I want to do better writing about the "everyday happenings" of our life rather than just big events. I often find more enjoyment in reading the blogs of others than writing on mine.

Now to the focus of this blog. I watched the debate last night. I have never been really into politics and half the time I haven't a clue what they are really talking about but I have found myself very interested in this election! I'm not sure if it is that I am older now, or because I have ella now, or because I feel the direction of our country could really be affected by this election...but I find myself watching Fox news more and more as the election gets closer.

I was really impressed by McCain in the debate last night. He seemed older, wiser, much more knowledgeable... like a grandfather who you just know is smart and would make sure you are safe. I know he isn't perfect. No one is.... and I am surely not looking to our government to solve the political or moral problems of our country. But I have to be honest that I am scared for America and for my family if Obama wins. I am scared that he will lead our great country even farther from our Christian heritage. Do people (mainly those who profess to be born-again believers of Christ) realize how liberal he is? I find it odd that so many Christians are supportive of Obama. I feel that any born again Christian who votes for a president who is clearly against marriage as defined by God and against life (pro-Choice)...really needs to think closely about their walk with the Lord...as these two issues are of extreme importance to God! Seems like many don't care these days....I know it is 2008 but PLEASE! They were his design and plan. Who are we to change them. What will this country be like for ella and my niece and nephews and for their children? Will it be safe? Will they have the freedoms that we enjoy today? I feel so passionate that it is my responsibility to vote for a president who not only sounds good, looks the part, but is the closest in line with my biblical beliefs. Sorry if you're bored but I am really burdened over the outcome of the election in November. I am praying that Christians will rise up, stand united and that truth will prevail.

Stay tuned...the next post will be about ella's big day! I can't believe she's almost one!

11 Months

Check out my new doo!


I'm not feeling good!


Mischeif!

Ella turned 11 months yesterday and I just cannot believe that my baby is almost one. Everyone says...I mean I hear this at least everyday..."Enjoy it because they grow up fast!"....and it is happening! I am loving this stage as I have loved every stage of Ella's first year!


Ella's 11 month accomplishments
-We've finally mastered the wave!
-She's awesome at playing peek-a-boo! It's her favorite game right now!
-She loves for me to sing the Itsy-Bitsy Spider.
-She tries to use any object as a phone! Her latest phone was a highlighter!
-She knows that the remote is supposed to be pointed at the T.V.! (I can't believe what kids pick up from observation!)
-She can say mama, dada, papa, jack-jack(tries to), Aaaa for addie. (Papa is her favorite word right now.)
-Her favorite food are graduate apple slices and still her yo baby yogurt.
-And finally...last week she took her first steps. She is still cautious but gets brave when someone has a toy she wants!
I love my Ella girl!

Fripp Island

The cousins looking at the beach!




Kev pretending to blow out his candles...we left matches at home!


This past weekend we went on a little vacation! This vacation was an unexpected gift from some of our friends and we had a great time. We invited my sister, brother-in-law and their gang to go with us..so we all packed into a 2 bedroom condo for the weekend. We had a great time relaxing (when we weren't chasing kids) and hanging out! We went to the beach on Saturday morning and I've decided that the beach is really hard at Ella's age...between her the eating sand...sunscreen getting in her eyes...and chasing her...WHEW! I'm hoping next summer will be easier! We rented golf carts on Saturday and drove around the Island. The kids loved this! On Saturday night we grilled out and I made Kevin a birthday cake! Oh yeah..and we watched Clemson get killed! Poor Papa! We had a great mini-vacation!

Happy 30th Kev!

Silly Daddy!

Handsome Daddy! (This is actually a fake smile)

"Daddy, stop cutting grass and come play with ella!"

I love my Daddy!

This weekend Kev will turn 30. It's kinda hard to believe that he will be officially out of his 20's. I mean 30 used to be so old! Now it is looking younger and younger to me..as I am not so far behind myself! I always want to make Kevin's birthday special...and yet I always feel that I never can top what he does for me. He is awesome at surprising me and he is a great gift buyer. Kevin is hard to shop for. He doesn't get excited over much.....materially speaking..except maybe a new tool or gadget and to be honest I just don't have a clue. I think we own half of Sears in our garage already! I mean Kevin is the guy who has figured out that we can save money if he eats 3 granola bars a day for his lunch...totaling out to a whopping $11.00 a month! I mean really babe! He is also the guy who is determined to wear his tennis shoes until they can walk away on their own. At the present they are two years old and have holes on both sides! He reuses everything...even saves his brown paper lunch bags! (You'd think he'd grown up during the great depression!) Although he is VERY frugal...he is also the biggest giver I know and he takes great joy and giving to me, ella, our families, friends, and even strangers. He loves to give to others out of what God has blessed us with. I love this about him! So...how can I make his 30th special? Is there a gift that will get that wow!!! this is what I've always wanted reaction!! How can I let him know that I love him and I can't imagine what I'd do without him! Happy 30th babe!~ Julie

Fun with Friends

Lisa opening a baby gift from us!


Lisa and Julie

Kev, Ella, Julie, James and Jane at Myabi's (I don't recommend this with a 10month old!)

The past two weekends have been fun and busy. We've enjoyed catching up with friends of ours who live out of town. Last weekend we took a little day trip to visit our friends Josh and Lisa. Lisa was my college suite mate for a short time and we have stayed in touch throughout the years (thanks to Lisa..she is much better at it than I am)! We enjoyed catching up, introducing them to Ella, eating at a delicious pizza place and shopping around. Lisa is due in about 4 weeks with their first baby...it's a surprise but I'm thinking it's a boy! We are excited for them as they enter the parenting stage of life. They have definitely waited for this as they have moved all over...including Alaska as Josh serves our country in the Army! We are so thankful for the sacrifices they have both made for our country!


This past weekend we had friends at our house. We met James and Jane on Kev's work trip to San Diego. We sat at the same table one night and quickly discovered that they are believers as well. It was awesome to meet another young christian couple at an event like this. We often feel like we are swimming up stream at these corporate events. We hit it off immediately and it was great to continue our friendship this past weekend. We ate out a lot, went to the Dave Ramsey conference, watched some Olympics and enjoyed visiting together.

The Big Scary Vacuum

So I am usually not a deep and meaningful thinker...but I have been trying, as I have recently gone through the bible study Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer....to listen more when God is speaking to me. The other day as I was vacuuming the Lord spoke to me. Our old, heavy, and yes very ugly, green vacuum has proven to be...might I say terribly scary to our little Ella. In fact, it doesn't even have to be on to scare her. The other week I got it out and never got it done, and so it sat in our hallway ALL week. It's presence scared poor Ella girl all week long. Every time we'd walk down the hallway she'd just stare at that ugly old thing and refuse to crawl past it. It's so funny because to her I guess it is a giant, green, mean monster...not that she even knows what a monster is yet! This past Thursday I was trying to get my housework done early and actually complete it all for once and I still needed to vacuum. It was almost Ella's bedtime and Kev was working outside in the yard, and so I knew if I was going to get the job done I better just do it. Rather than just make Ella suffer through I decided to try holding her. Let me add here that our vacuum is heavy and I always feel like I have had a good work-out upon completion...and my type A personality won't let me miss any corners or spaces...I want it all covered...so I got out the big green monster...picked miss E up and began vacuuming! She didn't even make a whimper, grimace or even a little cry. In fact, she was happy and just held on as mommy took her for a fun ride! It was then that the Lord reminded me that my presence with Ella was making all the difference. In my arms she felt secure despite the fact that her one and only fear was roaring so close below. He reminded me that I too need to cling to Him with my fears and only then will I find peace and security! (And even enjoy this ride called LIFE!) Just as Ella's mommy my presence makes a difference...God being my heavenly father...His presence should make ALL the difference.

10 Month Pictures

10 Months Already?

Time sure does fly. Ella will be 10 months tomorrow and I can't believe that we are getting so close to her first birthday! I am already planning the celebration (Kevin keeps reminding me that I said I am just having a low-key family party.) It is so fun to see Ella learning new things each month and to see more and more of her little personality developing! These are some of her latest tricks....
-She now gives kisses on demand...it's so cute she'll open her mouth so wide! She loves to kiss the animals in her books. Today we were driving and I could see her in the mirror and I said, "Ella can you give your little bunny (her favorite new friend) a kiss" and she picked him up did it! It's so fun to see her comprehending and learning,
-She also knows what a phone is now...The other night she picked up her toy phone and put it to her ear twice. Kev and I both saw it and we looked at each other and said..."do you think she knows that is a phone?" Well, she does because she did it again today. I am surprised about this because I always hold my cell phone up for her to hear my mom or family members say hi to her on speaker phone! I guess she has seen me on the phone enough to understand.
-Ella can growl like a tiger and she tries to make a monkey sound. I'll go oo oo oo oo and she goes he he he he he. It's cute and I know what she is trying to do.
-Ella completely refuses to eat baby food now so we are experimenting in table foods...most days she is only interested in her yo baby yogurt and puffs. I feel like I spend the majority of the day trying to get this girl to eat a balanced meal!
-I have been trying to get Ella to drink from a cup and hold it herself. She is doing better on the drinking part but when I try to get her to hold it she gets so tickled. I don't know why this makes her laugh but...usually she has water pouring out of her mouth and it completely defeats my purpose!
-Ella got a little scared of the vaccumm cleaner the other day and Landon's stuffed pony! These were the first times she appeared fearful.
-Ella has become a great crawler and cruiser..now she has been working on standing alone...we are yet to take any steps!
-She loves to clap, patty cake and gives hi-fives...she still refuses to wave!
-Last thing...She loves to roll her ball back and forth. The other day we were playing and I leaned in and gave her a kiss. Now she thinks this is part of the game. My mom kept the church nursery this past Sunday night and Ella and her were rolling a ball and sure enough she expected some kisses with each roll. So cute!
As you can see I am quite the proud and grateful mom! I am thankful for these 10 happy months loving little Ella.

Thankful

So I've seen this idea on lots of blogs and I like it because I know I need to focus more on praise and thankfulness in my life...so here goes my 10 things I am thankful for this Thursday!

1. Kevin who takes out the trash every Tuesday.
2. Ella stretching her arms out for me to get her!
3. Subway's 5 dollar footlongs- we've been taking full advantage of this.
4. My flowers are actually still alive this summer-it's amazing what a little water will do for a plant!
5. Ella has started rubbing/pinching my upper arm...rubbing my face...I know she loves me!
6. Homemade things-I have recently found etsy.com and rediscovered my crafty side!
7. My mom-she lets all us girls call her many times a day...to answer questions, give medical advice, listen to an Ella story etc.
8. Finding old friends on facebook.
9. Healthy Choice fudge bars-these are my indulgence...I try to keep them at 2 a day! So creamy!
10. Kevin having two weeks off of school!

So they may not be extravagent but these little things make my every day more enjoyable!

More Cuteness!

Baby Proofing!

Ella is on the move....and when I say move I mean she never stops! I am beginning to think she may have Kevin's temperment...Lord help us! In our FROG (furnished room over garage- sorry but I've heard people be totally confused over that before) we have lots of Ella's toys! We also used to have a tredmill, bowflex machine and lots of our other junk. This room was like a fun house for Ella. She even figured out how to climb on the tredmill and enjoyed sitting on it. That's when I decided that we had to do some re-vamping! So gone are the work-out jungle gyms and we now have a new loveseat thanks to Joy and Chad.

We also have a bookshelf in our FROG that won't be removed. This has become ...let's say a power struggle for Ella and I. She loves to crawl and pull up on it. We don't want her to do this...it's cheap from Wal-mart and not anchored to the wall. So she'll see it and take off as fast as she can for it...and then stop and look at me and smile and laugh as I tell her "no!" She goes as fast as her little arms and legs can and pulls up. So after doing this over...and over...and over everyday. I decided to just block it with her two big toys. (see above for the cute picture of her realizing what I'd done)

SO...I'm thinking this probably isn't the best parenting move...I've been telling her no and not allowing her near the bookshelf...and now I have her toys propped up against it. Poor girl...she is probably too confused.