Miss Ellie

Ellie got a new headband and I loved it "so" much, it was a must to take several pictures of her in it. This was a hand-me-down from my cousin, Kerri. She has given Ellie many nice things that were her Libby-Lou's! We appreciate all of it!

Still Growing........so fun!

Ellie is able to sit up on her own now, and that makes her brother extremely happy! He is able to play with her more and more everday.......... oh, and Sasha dog joins in on the fun too! Drake & I tried so hard to get Ellie to smile at the camera the same time he was. It was a task for sure! It got to the point that Drake and I were laughing out of control! You know, the belly laugh type..........when your cheeks start to hurt after laughing so hard. Finally, we did get some wonderful photos taken! Drake actually liked our little photo shoot today! He's my buddy forever! Ellie is just days from turning 6 months old, so mommy had to get some photos taken...lol:) Too fun!

Pddwdjjm

Sweet Summer Day

It's about to rain outside........ Drake, Ellie, & mommy are trying to decide what to do for the day! As I started to clean up around the house a bit and brainstorm a plan, I looked over and noticed something very special to my heart.Drake was singing to his baby sister. He didn't realize I was listening and looking at them. His song: "Ellie, Ellie, you are my Ellie belly, you are my sister, you are my best friend!" I think my heart melted before my eyes. It just can't get any better than that!

When Drake Was 3 ~ Photo Shoot Days!

So...... here are some more photos from Drake's fun photo shoot days *age 3*........when he loved doing it with mommy! Not so much anymore. These photos make me stop in my tracks, be still, close my eyes, and think back at all the wonderful memories! It seems like just yesterday that he was getting these pictures taken, he was wearing the same flip flops, and checking out nature with Sasha dog. I can remember the striped shirt, chocolate brown courdory pants, and big loopy curls in his hair. He has never liked to keep his shoes on, as one pictures shows his flip flops off! That hasn't changed a bit...... and he is turning 6 years old this coming July *2010*! I can't wait for more opportunities like the ones in these photos! Drake is our first born...We love him with all of our heart! Never forget your sense of wonder Drake! It is part of you always and forever! It makes you "YOU!"

Father's Day Surprise

Today was Father's Day & all Jason wanted to do was to be able to go golfing. He went from 8-2 and then he came home to an adorable shirt handmade by Drake, Ellie, & myself. Such a great idea as a gift that wasn't expensive! Drake put his handprint on the shirt, while I had to do Ellie's footprint, as she wasn't about the handprinting at all. Jason was surprised and loved his gift from the kids! Great Father's Day! Spaghetti dinner followed the present opening! Yum!

The Magic Begins

I can't put into perspective of how fast the months have been going by since Ellie was born. It seems like only a couple months since she was laying on my chest in the hospital, making her sweet snuggle noises, and grasping my fingers with hers. Now, she is almost to the point of crawling shortly! Amazing! I remember Christmas night, going into surgery, listening to the calming tune of silent night while Ellie was coming out of my belly. So magical! She continues to bring magical moments to our lives daily!

Never Lose That Smile

Someone once told me that as long as you have a smile on your face, nothing else matters. Ellie reminds me of this every single day of my life. Even when times are tough, all I have to do is look at her beautiful smile, and then everything just feels so much better. When life gets too crazy, I tend to lose sight of the simple things. It's amazing how much happiness children bring to your lives.

Friends For Life

There's one thing for sure.......... Drake loves his best friend, Zackary! It has been pure sweetness watching the two of them grow up together. It's a tradition to spend time with our friends at Fisher Lake every Summer. We look forward to many more memories with the McGill & Dobrowlski families! Watching our children grow up together is like biting a piece of chocolate..........pure joy!

Never Forget The Moment

Over the past several years, we've realized how much Drake LOVES Halloween! Last year, he wanted to decorate our entire house with Halloween deco! His quote, "mommy, can I help you get out the decorations for Halloween so we can put them ALL over?" I said, "Drake, what do you mean by ALL over?" His response was, "You know, like on the walls and stuff." I replied, "we can put a few things out, but sorry buddy, nothing on the walls!" He SO wants to help in anyway he can around the house. His heart is as big as this Earth! If I could take his sweetness, capture it in a bottle, and keep it close to my heart forever, life would be perfect! He will always be our "adventurous and helpful PUMPKIN!"

Remembering The Days of Photo Shoots With Drake

This picture was taken when Drake just turned 3. I remember this particular day, as it was an entire day of pics! Mommy "had" to have a photo shoot. Imagine that? Drake was so cute! He was posing for me like it was his job! These memories will never fade. Drake is amazing and we adore him so much! He still is a ham, but today, it's a bit harder to get him to willingly do a photo shoot with mommy....hahahaha!

17 Years Ago Since High School? Really?

Takes my breathe away just thinking about all of the years that have flown past since I've graduated from Sturgis High School. 17 years ago already! This picture was taken on my way to our 15 year class reunion. It sure was a fun night! And......... definitely interesting! Oh, the memories!! I've been thinking about the past 17 years. Did I do what I set out to do after graduation in 1993? I think so...........plus MUCH more! Life's blessings have been upon me for sure!

Watching The Kids Grow

Think this may be Ellie? Nope! It's Drake at about 10 months old! WOW! As I look at this picture, it really resembles Ellie alot! Time goes by so fast! I've been trying to slow the barge down so that I can take every moment in as our children grow. Life gets TOO busy at times and we don't get to really soak in all those sweet memories as much as we would like. Today, I promise to not worry about the things in life that don't matter. Today, I promise to watch our children become independent souls, loving individuals who WILL one day make a difference in this world!

Mission Complete

Graduation day/night was so special to me! All of my family & best friends were with me on my special day! I finally got my Masters! I cannot tell you how many phones calls were made to family members and friends to vent all of my frustration after class, into the late evenings, and even early mornings! What a journey it was! I'm very blessed to have such a loving, supportive, and compassionate village!

Couldn't have done it without my buddy!

After the Masters ceremony at WMU, we had family & friends come back to our house for a luncheon. It was the best! Drake kept saying, "Mommy, I'm so proud of you!" He's such an amazing little boy, with a very special personality, and a huge heart of gold! I love you Drake Aaron Sellers!

Best Friends

I finally graduated in June 2009 with my Masters Degree in Curriculum Development/Educational Leadership! Jason was my ROCK for 2 1/2 years! It was a long journey, but my goal was achieved! This picture was taken graduation night. We went out with our best friends to celebrate! It was a great time! Thank you to Jason's parents & mine for being there for me through all the road bumps over the past few years! Your support means so much to myself & Jason.

Ellie is almost 6 months old!! What?? Where did the time go??

Hard to imagine......... Ellie is getting ready to turn a half-year old on June 25th! It blows my mind. Really? Where did the past 6 months go? Wasn't it just Christmas? She is truly a blessing from God. Drake adores his baby sister so much! Jason & I just stare at the two of them and give thanks to the lord for all he has blessed us with! Our children!

Drake is getting so big. As I look back almost 6 years ago, it brings tears to my eyes. Watching him grow has been a joy!

Ellie is full of laughter! She's one happy baby and we all enjoy her so much............hard to let her down!

Summer is here and we are enjoying each moment! Ellie is almost 6 months old & Drake is counting down the days until his 6th birthday! We are treasuring the beautiful Summer days! At night, we catch fireflies and sit on our deck. Our Summer has already started out extremely busy. Our next journey will be to Elgin, IL for the
4th of July. We will be visiting Jason's family & many great friends who will be getting together. We sure do have great friends and family who love us dearly! Jason and I are thankful for each daily blessing that we receive! We are blessed.