Family Pictures

My good friend Annie has done it again! We hadn't taken a decent family picture since...well, our wedding, so I thought it was about time...plus we love Annie and her superb talent so this was our chance before we moved and couldn't pay her in babysitting, treats, or hugs. We LOVE you Annie!!!








In other news, we are moved-- Hooray. And ALMOST all the boxes are put away---booo. It's a cozy little place and I think we both think it'll feel like home in no time! I'll put pictures up as soon as that Almost all the boxes is as ALL the boxes are put away. Or maybe I won't post any pictures as a way to get you all to come see us...hmmmmm

CHANGES....

We've had lots of changes going on in the Ellis Household! Andrew studied, took, and passed the Oregon Real Estate Exam all while loosing 20 lbs with p90x. I started coaching cheer, teaching preschool, and am keeping SuperSaturday planning going (notice I did not loose 20 lbs). Bauer is half running everyone he goes, dancing on demand, being as hilarious as ever, and of course getting cuter by the minute. And guess what else? (I'll give you a hint...)

...and we're moving!! As of next week, we'll call central oregon our home. Sisters, Oregon to be exact. Andrew has a great work opportunity in Bend for real estate and we feel like this is really where our family should be right now-- so we're very quickly packing up and moving to this lovely place! I've loved Sisters for a long time, and I can't believe it will be home in a matter of days! The top picture is a picture of our apartment above the barn/garage. The second picture is actually the main house and you can barely see the apartment to the left, then that is our view out of our family room windows! Can you say breathtaking?!? That's the 3 sisters and Broken top, yes count 4 mountain views from our front room! We'll post more pictures of the inside when we're in a settled but we're so very excited/nervous/anxious/amazed at it all and how everything has fallen into place. Our renters are even wanting us out asap--does it get any better than that?!

More will come I promise-- as for now, I need to go fill these boxing up before Thursday morning!

just something on my mind...

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

My amazing friend Laura introduced me to this quote and have been thinking about it a lot lately. I love my job as a mom, a wife, a member of a church where I hold callings, learn to serve, and am given opportunities to grow. I love my job as a daughter to wonderful parents, sister to amazing siblings, teacher and coach to adorable kids and friends to some of the greatest people on earth! I love being a mom to the best kid on the planet and wife to a husband who I adore!
I love that Sister Hinckley uses the word "want" in this quote. As I look forward to my upcoming fall schedule, it's a busy one for sure. But I look forward with excitement as it's filled with all things worthy of my time and my attention, and giving me opportunities to learn, serve, love and grow- and there's nothing I "want" more!
I know that as I fulfill my callings and obligations, do it with a cheerful heart, with love, and with the Lord by my side, I will be refined, doors will be opened to me and my family, and I will feel the joy that comes from truly living.

South Carolina!

Last week, Bauer, my mom and I headed to South Carolina to go to one of my best friend's wedding. It was a GREAT time full of catching up, wedding fun, and humidity! I could not have done all the bridal party stuff if it wasn't for my mom so I'm super grateful to her! Bauer was a total trooper and loved all the attention! We had a great time and were thrilled we were able to be there for Ashley's big day.

being a goof-ball in the hotel room!

Mr. and Mrs. Gould!! LOVE THEM! can't wait to see them in October!

toooo cute!

My good friend Courtney from college with one of her twin girls!

totally tuckered out!