Monday Night at the Mall

Kermie has been really random lately with all of his requests... Gatlinburg on Saturday night (that we didn't agree too), Pavilion on Sunday (during Ella's nap time)....tonight's was that we go to the mall to walk since it's so cold outside.  Ella and I were both excited about this one so we headed out around 5!  We ended up eating at the Food Court, letting Ella play (we actually saw Corrie from church with her little girls) , and then did a little shopping before we left.  It was a great night!!

It was hilarious watching Ella stare at this little girl!!

She has no fear of other children or the bottle!

Daddy trying to get her to sit still!

I have been really horrible at putting pictures up let alone posting anything at all so here are some pictures from the past month or so that I meant to get on here!

Cute Brayden and Ashley during a visit to Georgetown.

Mommy and Ella

They are getting to spend so much time together!  It's wonderful :)

Daniel's 22nd birthday bash :)

Donovan Household Update

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything.  As a family, we have been extremely busy... or at least it feels like we have!  Fourth grade is crazy this time of year with at least twenty new portfolio pieces to read each night on top of all the other papers and grad school has required a little more of me the past two weeks as well.  I think I'm getting caught up!!  Kermie has been busy with the military and his business.  And, Ella is busy wanting to do anything and everything!!

This past weekend was wonderful on a more positive note.  Kermie, Ella and I stayed home ALL DAY Saturday.  We took naps, cleaned the house, played outside... it was great!  We actually did go into town for dinner though---- we picked up Cracker Barrel, rented a movied and head right back home! On Sunday, we went to church at Southland.  (Another huge deal in my house at the moment.)  We cannot decide where we are suppose to be as far as church goes.  We had been going back to Grace and enjoy it, but we also love Southland so much too.  This weekend was the first weekend we had attempted taking Ella to the nursery at Southland.  She did wonderful!!! We were both so proud! :) 

Other than this there is not much going on around here.  I am excited to be planning vacation this summer.  We are still not sure of the exact week and location because of Kermie's drill, but we know for sure we will be at the beach some where!  I know Ella will love it!  Also, I am really looking forward to warm weather!  Ella and I have been on our regular walking kick and she cries to go "stroll".  We have the best walks and time at our park.  Dear God bring on the warm weather and let it last!!!!!

Missing Dada...

So, Kermie has been gone for a week now.  Ella and I are really missing him.  We have done everything under the sun to keep ourselves busy, but we are running out of ideas!  Ella sees people that resemble Kermie and she calls them "dada".  She lays on his pillow at night and kisses it.  She see his soap in the shower and says "dada's".  Everything is "dada"!  I am glad he has been able to help, but (being the selfish wife I am) I'm ready to have him home again! Hopefully sometime this week!!

All About My Hubby :)

So I was tagged by a few people to tell what I love about my husband.... here goes :)

1. Where we met - I guess we technically met at church (Trinity Assembly of God). He was a cutie but way different from all of the other guys I had dated which was a good thing! I think deep down I knew it was love at first sight but didn't want to admit it too soon!

2. Our First Date - Well.... geez... we went on many "friend" dates but I would consider our "first" date the time we went to Applebee's right after he asked me to prom my freshman year.

3. How long did we date before we were married? - almost 5 years

4. How long have we been Hitched? - will be 6 years this August :)

5. Favorite Feature - it's hard to choose when his whole body is my favorite (haha) but if I had to say one thing it would be his hands!

6. Favorite Quality - Balanced! He is perfect for me in every way! His no stress balances out my too much stress!

7. His nickname for me - don't think I have one anymore these days...

8. His Favorite Color - he wears lots of grey, but I think he likes black and green a lot too

9. His Favorite Sport - Tennis which he is amazing at :)

10. Who Said I Love You first - hahaha.. I remember this day like it was yesterday! We both said it the same night after a very big and awkward build up. It was on my parents' front porch :)

11. Our First Kiss when and where - After prom my freshman year... I think we were watching Ernest :)

12. Favorite couple thing to do - Movies, look at cars, look at houses, go to Wal-mart

13. His Hidden Talent - he is an artist and a musician! I hope Ella gets these abilities! :)

14. His Favorite Music - all kinds of stuff, but he loves heavy screaming music which I'm not too fond of :) I think he'd enjoy being in a band like that!

15. What I admire most about him - That is was raised in a Christian home :) He is a Godly man and it's wonderful knowing that Ella has a dad she can look up to and never be dissappointed in and same for me :)

16. His favorite pastimes - Snowboarding, thinking of ways to remodel the house, searching for miscellaneous stuff on ebay and craigslist, playing the guitar, downloading music and movies on the computer, playing with Ella

17. Will he read this? - yes :) He checks Ella's blog when he checks everything else :)

I want to know why you love your husbands: Brittany, Ashley, Jackie

Snow Days

With the snow storm sending about four inches of snow and ice on top of that school has been canceled since Monday. I usually don't "like" missing school, but I had already planned for this one so I'm actually hoping for a whole Snow Week!  There's nothing better than spending extra time with Ella!  

On Monday morning she kept saying "Dada" and I would say "work" and then she'd say Mama and I'd say "here".  She did this over and over and it was so cute!  We went out in the snow on Monday before the big storm hit and she actually enjoyed it!  I need to get her some snow boots before taking her out in the new snow... otherwise she will freeze up to her knees!  I think her Pa is picking up some on his way home tonight!

Ella and I have really been working on her talking and she can say just about anything you want her too with the exception of a few sounds.  She says everyone's name in our family but still has trouble with "Daniel", "Geoff", and "Granny".  We have the whole week to practice though (fingers crossed) .  Here are some videos of her talking today and pictures of her out in the snow!

Lynsie and Emmie Kate

So this past weekend was so fun!  Ashley and I threw Lynsie a baby shower at my house on Saturday, so Lynsie and Robert came in and stayed Saturday night.  The shower was a blast and Lynsie got so many great gifts.  I know her and Robert will both be so excited to get home and put all Emmie's stuff in just the right spot.  Lynsie is such a beautiful mommy and you can tell how excited Robert is about becoming a daddy.  We were all a little overcome with emotion--there is so much beauty and amazement at a pregnant woman and the gift inside (especially when it's a good friend)!  God is truly amazing!  Kermie and I are both thrilled about getting to see Emmie in just a few weeks--I just can't wait to see who she looks like :)  Another plus to the weekend was getting another double date night :)  Mom and Dad kept Ella on Saturday night and we were able to stay up until 1 and sleep in until 8!  WOW!  I didn't get too many pictures of the shower, but here are a few that we did capture.  

Pretty in Pink

So yesterday Ella and I had a little time on our hands so we decided to give ourselves manicures.  I do my nails fairly often, but I have not had the courage to paint Ella's yet.  She's just so busy and still loves putting things in her mouth.  To my surprise, she did so well with getting her nails done.  She sat still and let them dry!  Yay for Ella and girly nails!

You may have to zoom in on the pictures to actually see the nails.