OH HE'S SO CUTE!

"Thank you, but she's actually a girl." That has been a common conversation for me lately - the plight of poor blonde babies. It usually then continues something like this "Oh I'm so sorry, it's hard to tell" or "Oh, I should have known by the socks" or the overly polite people " Of course, she's so beautiful, how could I ever think she's a boy!"
Now this doesn't really bother me. It is quite hard to tell sometimes, especially when she's wearing green or brown. I still get the comments sometimes though when she is entirely in pink. Like, how cruel do you think I am, dressing my boy in pink!? Anyway, I still just smile and politely answer, knowing some people just don't think before they talk.
But, what really gets me going are the downright rude people. "Oh, it's a girl? Wow, she really looks like a boy. Don't you think she looks like a boy?" Are you kidding me, like weren't you taught to not always say exactly what you are thinking. I guess I just don't get it. Like do you think I can do something to change the fact that you think my child looks like a boy, or maybe I will just figure out that I've been wrong all along. "Wow, it really is a boy. Thanks so much for pointing that out."
All I ask is please, if you get it wrong, just don't try to change my mind. I think she's beautiful, so just say sorry.

The Big Dipper

If you are looking for a post on astronomy, you will be greatly dissappointed, but if a post on mothering is alright read on.
Lately Ella has been determined to feed herself and finger food isn't good enough, oh no, it's got to be the spoon. So I will let her help me bring it to her mouth. That is no longer good enough, now I need to let go. This is incredibly hard as I just picture a head full of applesauce, not to mention her clothes or my floor. So there have been quite a few battles lately with her throwing fits because I won't let her. Well, I'm starting to realize that I need to go through this at some time, unless I still want to be spooning food into her mouth in grade 10. Soooo, I'm walking through the grocery store and something catches my eye... the BIG DIPPER. A big grippy handled spoon with no wrong ways to put it in your mouth. Now I realize this is just a big scam, but I have been intrigued by many a scam in my life. Like the solar powered LED flashlights - oh wait - that was my dad. Sorry dad, just couldn't resist, we've all been suckered in a few times, but when you start getting the shopping channel catalogue you know things have gone too far.
Anyway, back to my story, I bought the big dippers, knowing the day was drawing near. So, yesterday I buckled her into her highchair, threw on a bib, gave her a tub of yogurt, a big dipper and let her have at it. So, here's how things turned out. So you ask, "where exactly is the big dipper?" You guessed it, thrown overboard while diving in with both hands. Actually, it's not too bad, she must be a natural eater - gets it from her mama I guess.

Honey, hurry home!

Well, Ella and I have been spending some quality girls time together. Josh went out of town on Thursday morning, and will hopefully return late tonight. He has never left us for the night before (that I can remember), so I was a little nervous. However, he has worked very late quite a few times, and from that I have learned to not stay at home all day, because then the evening draaaaags on forever! So the last few days have been quite action packed. On Thursday we had the longest MOPS meeting in history. 10-3:30 whew, then I had to run home to clean the house for small group. Well, then we decided at the last minute to not have small group. Richard Blackaby was speaking at the seminary, so we all went there instead and went to Josh and Khara's afterward for dinner. We didn't get home till 10:30, so Ella was sleepy. Great thing though, Ella didn't cry in the nursery (which she has been doing a lot lately), and I was able to find a babysitter here in Cochrane - yay, the same girl who was able to keep her quite in the nursery. Anyway, on Friday we slept in til 9:30, when the cats away the mice will play - and play we did. Then we went shopping all afternoon. I got some great pants at Costco, some fall decorations and some Christmas wrapping paper. Yeah, it made me a little sick too, but it was nice paper. Then we went home, went for a little jog, Ella went to bed, I made some caramel corn - amazing - and watched a movie. This is the life. This morning we walked to Timmy's and I bought Ella her first honey cruller - and can you believe it - she didn't want it!! All she wanted was my bagel, so I had to force myself to eat it, someone had to. Then we walked to the farmer's market and bought some veggies. We definitely need em after all that junk. Now Ella is sleeping and I get to blog. All that to say, even though we are having loads of fun, I miss Josh terribly and can't wait for him to get home.

My sister and her family brought this towel for her from Disney World - doesn't she look adorable!

I'm Baaack

So happy!!
Mom, are you gonna make it?
Sweet outfit.
How can you say no to eating dirt when she's this happy about it.
That's right, just standing there.
Recently I was on a blogging hiatus. When I first started my blog, I really couldn't get enough of it, but as with a lot of fads, it lost its excitement and I got a little bored. I kept going, knowing people wanted to see Ella, but then I just kind of quit. Well, last week I went to Winnipeg on a little trip. While I was there I had so many comments about being a little sick of "princess Ella" - well not exactly, but you get the picture. It made me realize how many people are interested in our lives, or at least interested enough to take a peek. So I thank you, all my fans out there, and it's because of you that I press on.
Let me start with bringing you up to date:
1. I sadly never mentioned the fact that while we partied with princess Ella, another wonderful thing was happening that day. Josh and I had our 5th wedding anniversary. While she was being born, I knew that our anniversary would probably not be celebrated for the next 18 years, and year 1 proved me right. Even though we tried, it just didn't happen. I guess next year we will need to try a little harder. These last 5 years have absolutely been the best of my life, and I am still amazed that he chose me to be his wife. He is an incredible man, and I am honoured to wake up next to him every morning. Actually, he is usually gone by the time I wake up - but you get the picture.
2. Our church has just asked us the be the new youth leaders. We are excited and quite nervous. We will be taking over October 1. Please pray for us as we step into this new job.
3. Ella is walking. Well, not really - but she does take steps once in a while. She took her first ones Aug30, so any day now she will be running around everywhere I'm sure.
4. Everyone I know is pregnant. Well, once again not really. But all the people from Winnipeg who I was pregnant with are now pregnant again. So, I thought I might be getting ready for another one, but now I'm not going to be a copycat. Sorry mom.
5. I really need to clean my house.
6. For my birthday weekend, the 3 of us went to Waterton for a little vacation. We had so much fun together. We went camping, and even had to hike in to our campsite the first night. That was the first time doing that since Ella. It was a little crazy, but for the most part a lot of fun. Then we went out for a birthday dinner on Sunday, and birthday latte's on Monday. Wonderful!
7. I made some really good chili for dinner tonight. I struggle with chili, so this is a big day.
Well, there you have it. I'll try to do better from now on.

Princess Ella

Well, yesterday was the big day. Ella is one year old! It's so hard to believe that it has already been one year since our little Gus was born - only he turned out to be a she. It has probably been the best year of my life. It is such a priviledge to stay home with her and experience everything again through her eyes. She has taught me so much and has rebuked me a time or two. Like when we are in the grocery store and she makes noise to get peoples attention so she can smile and wave at them. I wish I was more like that. I can't remember what my life was like without her. Thank the Lord for the last year I have been able to spend with her, and for everyday he chooses to give me from here on out.
We had a little party for her last night. Just a few friends and of course cupcakes!! Here are some pics...



Well, this was before the party ever began when she got a hold of the icing whisk. Honestly, I didn't give it to her, she just knew it would be good.













The pretty girl. Don't you love the sign Josh found to put up for the party?
















Oh yeah, this is good stuff!















On to the chocolate.

















Alright Ella, that's disgusting!
















Crazy dad
















Just a few of the party guests

Nihahi Ridge

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Well, on Sunday we decided to go on a little hike. It was a beautiful day, and we didn't want to waste it. So we headed out to the Elbow falls area to hike the Nihahi ridge. It was to be a 3-4 hour hike. It was quite steep, so after about an hour we stopped for a little break (that's where the pictures of Ella and I were taken). As we were there it started thundering and lightning so I requested we head back down. We got out our rain gear, and as we started hiking, it really came down. Then it started hailing like crazy. It rained and hailed the whole way down. Thank the Lord Josh remembered the umbrella - our little Ella was so warm and cozy she even fell asleep, doing her bobble head impression. (I was a little thankful for the rain, since it was one of the first hikes since the bear incident - except for with the teens - but what bear in his right mind would attack a group of 14 teenagers?) Gosh my hair looks bad, sorry about that.

EJ

Well, I know Grandma and Nana have been waiting with bated breath for some new pictures of Ella. Well here are a few of the soon to be birthday girl. Ella went on her first canoe ride the other day down the mighty Bow. We went with our friends Josh and Khara. It was a beautiful day, but of course a rain cloud had to go with us all the way down the river, but that didn't stop us from having a blast. Luckily we had an umbrella or it probably wouldn't have been as fun. We didn't take any pictures of the trip, but I just wanted to show you her lifejacket.

Chateau Genn

We have had a busy week here at our house. My sister, her family, and 14 teens from their youth group came to stay with us from Tuesday till Saturday. Wow, pure craziness. We went hiking at Lake Louise on Wednesday, then to Banff for the evening. On Thursday they volunteered at this lodge, and then we camped that night. Friday morning we went on a 5 hour white water rafting trip, then we went back to our house for a few hours of fun before bed. Then they left at 6 the next morning. It was a bit of a whilrwind. Josh found that sight while they were digging through scrap metal at the lodge, and thought it would be perfect to hang on our house while they were here. We did have a great time.

Well on Nana's request, here are a few more pictures of Ella. It's getting harder to get pictures of her, because she just wants to see the camera and play with the string. She is always on the move these days. I'm constantly chasing her around, but I don't mind (well, most of the time anyway). There's nothing else I'd rather do.

Well, it has been a little too long since I have done this. We went to Winnipeg for Canada Day, and stayed for the weekend. Then Josh came home while I stayed for a few more days. It was a fun time seeing my family. I didn't really see too many friends, I just spent the days with the fam. We went to the zoo, went strawberry picking, hung out at the cabin and went shopping. I got back on Friday - and I can't really remember what we did on the weekend - just spent time together I think. My sweet husband had the house nice and clean for me and bought me a coming home present - some new earrings. This week has been pretty laid back, but I have a lot to do for my sister's youth group coming to stay with us. The basement is a disaster! I hung out with my MOPS group yesterday and last night some guys came over for wings night. Well, it's good to be back in the blogging world.
when you live in Calgary...
crazy kid
Happy Canada Day!
these things are awesome

Ode to the Rowdy's

We just found out the most wonderful news
Of the Ramsdale famile there will no longer be twos.

But an itty bitty Ramsdale is on the way,
Sometime on a January day.

A cute little one it will be for sure
And the worlds about to get a little rowdier!

We love you guys, congratulations!!!

Craft Time

Well, I know it's not polite to brag... but I am just so proud of myself. I am not a crafty or artsy person - or anywhere close to being one. But every once in a while I feel the urge to try something new. So a friend told me how to make this easy quilt, and I thought "I should make something for Ella." So I bought some material (which Josh always discourages - since I have plenty of "good intention" yarn and material in the basement), but this time I was determined to prove him wrong... and I did - not only that, I enjoyed it!! I know it's far from perfect, there are tons of flaws, but it was definitely made with love.
So here it is, I hope Ella is happy because it's probably the only thing I'll ever make for her. Sorry sweetheart, but I'll take you shopping.

Where did my baby go?

Well, just a few more pictures of Ella. She had an ear infection a couple of weeks ago and it took her a while to get back to normal. It's good to have our happy baby back. I guess I should stop calling her our baby, since she really isn't one anymore. I can't believe how grown up she is. (Have you notice my lack of blogging since she's been mobile?) I feel like I say no 1000 times a day - and it's only just begun!

Father's Day

Well, I've had a post to write about my dad for quite some time, but now's about the perfect time to write it. I have a wonderful father who I know loves me so much. A few weeks ago he came out to Calgary on business for a few days. It was the week I was staying with Deb, so I wasn't sure if I would be able to him. On Thursday though I went to MOPS, so I thought it would be a good day for me to at least go out for lunch with him. I knew he would be really busy, but I also knew he wanted to see me for a little while - so it worked out well. I got to the office around noon and after a lot of gushing over Ella I asked him where he wanted to go for lunch. He said "Well, I'm all done here and my plane leaves at 6 - so do you want to go shopping?" So we went out for lunch to Kings for Wor Wonton Soup and then we were off to the mall. He took care of Ella while I tried on clothes. Then he bought me a now outfit for the wedding we went to last weekend. It was such a nice surprise for him to take the whole afternoon off for me. Thank you for that dad, and for loving me so much.
I would also like to pay tribute to the other dad in my life - my father-in-law. Everytime we are with them I am more thankful for him as I see that many of Josh's best character traits are just like his dad. Thank you for raising such a godly son.

this week in review

Well the last couple of days I've been trying to think of something to post about and nothing has come into mind. I guess that means that our life is incredibly boring. I'll tell you what we have been doing though. Josh has been working a lot! I started teaching Sunday School at our church for the 5 and 6 year olds. Great fun. We started a home group at our house. We had a cool MOPS craft this week that we prepared all day on Monday. They were eye-spy bags. You sew up a bag (like a bean bag but bigger) with a clear vinyl window in it. Then you fill it with rice and different little toys and whatever. The kid has to look for everything you put in the bag (you put a list on the back). Tuesday night I babysat. Wednesday night I played my first game of Bunco. Interesting. Tomorrow I am working at our MOPS garage sale and BBQ while Josh guides his first rafting trip. Now I just need to plan for Father's Day... Hmmm, doesn't sound so boring after all. Here are just a few pictures of Ella to keep everyone happy.

Those are some big eyes.

While I was loading pictures I did think of a little story. The other day we were late for something and running out of the house. I had to strap the car seat in, so I left my muffin and Ella on the floor while I ran out, not thinking anything of it. I left the door open, and I couldn't heear any noise, which was kind of strange. When I came back a big chunk of my muffin was missing and I had a very happy little girl. I just thought she would be intimidated by the saran wrap. ha!

weekend widows

Well, it wasn't exactly the weekend, but that sounds better than Tuesday through Saturday widows. Last week Josh and Blue went on a river training trip. So I went to stay with Deb and help her out. She has 2 kids and they run an ice cream business in the summer. (See my reasons for going weren't to be nice... hello free ice cream!) We had a great time, but it was pretty busy. She worked in the evenings so I took care of the kids. I learned that three kids are hard work. Ocean is 31/2 and Meadow is 11 months. Deb forced me to jog in the mornings, and on Thursday I had to come back for MOPS and my dad was in town on business so I wanted to see him. Busy week. The boys surprised us my coming home late Friday night. So nice. So on Saturday we went out for breakfast to one of my favourites, The Summit Cafe, and then we went for a hike with Roly and Lisa. So it was quite a crew going down the trail, and wouldn't you know it, but we came across a huge grizzly with 2 cubs. That was crazy scary, but she just kept going off in the woods, not that we stuck around to watch her or anything.


The 2 little trouble makers - Ella and Meadow

Quite a character this one.
Just a few pictures or our hike.

Blue, Deb, Ocean and Meadow
Roly and Lisa - they're getting married on Saturday!!