Water Button

Dear Ella,

You learned how to push the water button on the fridge to dispense water. Then you figured out how to hold down the button and stick your hand under it at the same time. Your beautiful independent spirit refuses to cease this new-found excitement even when water is running all over the floor. Now, you are only allowed to push it while flowing into a glass. This way we don't waste water or mommy's sanity.

I love you.

M.

Waldo Canyon Fire

Dear Ella,

So I suppose  I should be recording major things that are happening around this time in your life, more than just the things that are within our household.  

The past few days have been EXTREMELY hot! It was 105 in the Springs yesterday. Today our house registered 93 degrees. Sooo hot! Because of this, you have had trouble sleeping ( I think you were up 6 times last night). We moved camp into the basement, it's probably only 80 degrees down there. An improvement though. 

Along with this drought, extreme heat, and Colorado summer wind, it's inevitable to have fires. Despite the statewide burn ban things happen and fires start.

Yesterday, Waldo Canyon caught on fire. Immediately we could see the smoke from our house rising to the right side of the Peak. 

Today, the fire has spread to over 2,500 acres, over 11,000 people have been evacuated. The smoke in the sky is sickening and the smell is even worse.

In spite of all this chaos and destruction, God allowed us to see the most BEAUTIFUL sunset tonight. I wish I would have had my camera as I rode my bike up to the hill.

All I could think of as I rode was Isaiah 61:3 and the Crystal Lewis song lyrics...

" He gives beauty for ashes

strength for fear

gladness for mourning

peace for despair"


-love, mommy

Crafts

Craft weekend was upon me. I felt the need and had most of the materials for a couple of projects that I wanted to tackle so...away we went!

First, I had my heart set on making fabric envelopes for our cash budgeting system. I was really tired of having crinkled paper envelopes that  I had to remake every month. And, these envelopes (made from the most BEAUTIFUL fabric) were just the motivation I needed to stick with it! I found the tutorial here http://justimagineheaven.blogspot.com/2011/04/prettiest-little-envelopes.html. Don't mind my interim paper labels:)

Second, I saw this beautiful laptop case: http://www.crapivemade.com/2010/07/zippered-laptop-sleeve-tutorial.html. I didn't really NEED one; but, I figured we are traveling a few times in the next two months, and   don't care to drag my computer bag along. I also had all of the materials, so I couldn't resist:).

Next up...baby legs!

love,
Sarah

Play

Dear Ella,

Daddy took some really fun videos of you over the past few days. I love the way you play at this age. Starting to sequence pretend play and understanding so much of what we say. Absolutely fun! Here is the video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDANB3Q8ll4&feature=youtu.be


Love,
Mommy

Naked Cheese

Dear Ella,

You are OBSESSED with the refrigerator. Maybe because we spend most of the day opening and closing it; maybe because you know that's where the good stuff is. Either way, you make a B-line as soon as we open it. You also love being naked. And you love cheese. I'll say those traits are your father's.

love mommy.

Zoo (Take 15)

Dear Ella, 

We went to the zoo for a quick afternoon activity. It was a beautiful day. You loved trying out your new walking legs. We fed the birds for the first time! Overall, great trip!!

Video of the birds!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU4xh8ns3a4&feature=youtu.be

Measuring you against the Giraffe leg

Lovin the Gorillas!

Exhausted!

\

Sun Dog

Dear Ella,

Mahlah Dog will go to great lengths to find the sun and lay in it. See her down there. Yep,  right there in the only sunny spot of the driveway. Any further and she'd be in the street. That's your dog.

Love,Mommy