Playing Ketchup...Big Changes

So... After lots of thinking and talking and praying we decided that it would be best if Ella moved into the "big kid" school this year. WOW. It was hard for several reasons. At St Rose the Pre-K is full time, last year durning registration I asked if there was a part time option b/c Ella (and I ) were simply not ready for full time. They started a new program that allowed 4yr olds to hang back at the ECC. This was great.
A lot of things have changed since then, that slowly weighed on me...The new baby coming in June, a possible move over the summer, and crazy Ainsley. I decided that a new baby, a new school, possibly a new country and going to school full time was just too much change for Ella over the summer. At least if she moved now she would get used to everyday and once less thing to 'change' over the summer for her.
and probably the bigger motivator, Ainsley. that kid is like 3 kids in one, and she has never had any one on one Mama time, since they both go to mothers day out at the same time. I knew she needed this before baby.
First week was rough, but as long as I STICK to the routine!! she is fine :) If Im late or miss the bye bye gate wave, she looses it :(

And I was right with Ainsley too. The first couple of days were rough, I didnt realize how much they entertain each other!! but she has grown so much with some one on one time and we even knocked out potty training (YIPPEEEE!) in the first week!!

Went upstairs and came down to this....Ains washing dishes. When I asked her where her clothes were she said "I was getting wet, and didnt want you to think I tee teed in my pants. Im a big girl now" :( ...yes you are and so clever too!

Nola wedding...

We were greatly honored to be invited to a good family friends wedding in New Orleans. New Orleans will always have a special place in our hearts since its our first "home".  In some ways I wish we would have gotten married there, but there is no way it would have been as perfect as this wedding! Wedding in the Cathedral, second line march down the square and to the reception inside Jax bewry. WOW! We had a blast, it was beautiful. And a nice little romantic weekend for us to remind us of where we started.
Congrats to Loni Kay and Troy. Beautiful wedding!

Christmas cards are out!

Most of you have received this card already, but just in case! One of my favorite things to do every year, and this year with a big announcement. We are all very excited, especially Ella. Mama has been feeling YUCK, but slowly getting better. This week will be the begining of the second tri for me and hopefully Ill be feeling much better too!

Day 24 Thanksgiving!!

I have so much to be grateful for today! Im surrounded by family in the USA on a USA holiday, I get to cook which I love, with my Mom Sister and Grandmother, there is so much more (and some you will have to wait for my Christmas Card for!)....Im just blessed to have TODAY!

Day 23 Big Nana

My family arrived today! Im thankful today that my Grandmother (Big Nana to my kiddos) is able to join us, and that my kids have the opportunity to know her. I hope to have half the spirit she has when and if I am lucky enough to be her age. She lives every day more than some people half it. What a great example on how to live a GREATful life for my kiddos!

Day 22 My Soda Stream

Today Im thankful for my soda stream. I love this thing. I just like fizzy drinks but Im tired of the sugar and fake sugar everywhere. I fizzy everything, lemonade, iced tea, wine (ok not really) and my current (and much needed these days) favorite, sparkling orange ginger tea. Mmmmmmm! Calming!

Day 21 Bonnie Kitty

Bonnie (as in Bonnie Blue Sky) is our British Blue we brought back from Scotland. She is the sweetest calmest cat ever and she LOOOOOOOOVES Ella. You have to be thankful for the family friend right?! (not pictured our recluse cat Jazz that sleeps under my clothes in the closet, she only comes out for Dylan :)