Saying, "Cheese" with daddy in my tutu that Uncle Johnny gave me. Thanks Uncle Johnny.
Opening another gift. Thank you for all my presents.
Having something to drink before my family came over to celebrate.
Wearing my birthday dress that Mrs. Julia made for me. Thanks Julia!

On her actual birthday before she went to school.

Sick Birthday Girl

How about having your little girl being excited about her 2 year birthday. She wakes up and runs to the kitchen saying, "Cupcake" for breakfast. She gets dressed, we take a few pictures in front of her birthday sign and off she goes to school with her cupcakes to share with her class to celebrate her birthday. The day goes well and it is time to pick her up. In walks daddy to her class and Ella Joy has just thrown up. Thus begins the virus as we know it. She continued to do this on the way home and plenty of times more after she arrived home. She & I had a long night with each other. I love taking care of her & I hate to see her sick when there is nothing I can do, except to comfort her. I struggle so much when she is sick. It consumes all my thoughts. No matter if it is a small cold or a virus. I struggle trusting God. I ask questions like why? why now on her birthday? why now on her birthday when she is suppose to have friends over to celebrate? Lord, you know we have planned and spent money, invitations, a cake etc.? I feel so silly and out of control when suffering arises. I wish I could simply say, this is the Lord's plan. I wish my flesh would just respond in Christlikeness. Bottom line is this, the world is not perfect. Therefore trials of many kind will come. Sickness is part of this life. So it was part of God's plan for Ella Joy to get sick on her birthday, throw up all night, for us to cancel her party and still rejoice over her on her birthday.

I'll post some pictures later from her day, prior to her being sick.

Ella Joy

Say Cheese. Eating a Strawberry Cupcake from Aunt Lizzy.
Telling daddy about the cupcake.
Eating the strawberry icing of the cupcake.
Locking the door at night before bed time.


This Thursday, February 19 Ella Joy will be 2 years old. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I know that most everyone says that about their own children, but it is true. She seems so grown up now. She is aware that it is her birthday. She sometimes walks around singing Happy Birthday. We are trying to teach her that she will be 2 years old. Sometimes she gets it, sometimes not. We have been enjoying the nice, warm weather outside. She loves to go to the park and to blow bubbles. We are celebrating her birthday this weekend. We will have pictures to post soon.

What We Have Been Up to

Strolling Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse with my big girl panties on.
Giving each other some love in the tub.
Bath time is more fun when you have someone to play with.
Here they are getting a ride.
This was right before bath time. Trey was the target here. They were both tired. They would get on his back and want a ride.
We played all afternoon. It was so much fun! It was like having twins.
I love this picture. The girls had been playing outside and it was snack time. So I gave them cupcakes. I asked them to show me their cup cakes & Addison put hers in the air.
Enjoying the beautiful weather with cousin, Addison.
Playing with momma.
Papa reading me a story.


Ella Joy has been growing and changing so much. She has already grown out of some of the clothes we bought her for Christmas. I am not complaining. I am just wowed at that she is measuring so tall because I am so short. I know she gets the height from the Bragan side. Trey is tall, but his sister, Elizabeth is very tall for a girl. I am excited to see how much she has grown at her 2 year check up. Yes, that is right. Ella Joy will be 2 on February 19. Where does the time go? We are working on staying in our big girl bed and a little bit of potty training. She is managing well with the potty when she isn't distracted or too busy playing. She is so much fun & we are grateful the Lord has entrusted her to us . Here are some pictures from us playing and hanging out with family.