Baby Porter

Our new baby is here! Porter Scott Ellsworth was born on Monday, November 26 at 3:32pm. He weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz.

Energy!

I have had so much energy this week! On Monday I rented a carpet cleaner from Wal-Mart and cleaned the family room and dining room. Well, at least I thought I cleaned the carpet. It turns out that the machine's brush wasn't turning, so was actually just spitting out water and then sucking it up, without scrubbing. So, I returned it along with the $22 bottle of soap and they gave me a full refund! I love Wal-Mart! (Chem-Dry is coming on Friday). Then on Tuesday I washed and vacuumed out the van and today we're going to the park. I am trying to get contractions to start, but so far they aren't consistent. But, at least I am getting a lot accomplished before the baby comes.
I haven't posted pictures for awhile, but we will after we're home from the hospital. Whenever I call anyone they always ask if I'm in labor! I am just feeling too good for that to happen in the next couple of days. (I know that could change anytime, but I just think this little guy won't be here until after Thanksgiving). I hope all of our friends and family have a great weekend--Happy Thanksgiving!

Books, Baby, Flagstaff Fix, and Shopping

I just finished New Moon and Eclipse (#2 and #3 in the Twilight series). They were great so I read them super fast. I'm sad it's over until she writes the next one! At least the conference issue of the Ensign is here. That will keep me busy!!

I am due a week from tomorrow. But, I'm not having any real, regular contractions so I am thinking that I will go past my due date which is November 23. It's just a feeling. But, I have tons to do, so that's actually ok with me! Last night James helped me put Emily and Hunter's scrapbooks together. The little post extenders are such a pain. We got one all done and he said he wasn't going to ever do that again. So, I need to find some 12x12 3-ring binders! I always have lists going, and I got to check that thing off!

The other day I talked to a couple of friends in Flagstaff. So good to catch up with them. I was in the best book club while I lived there. There were lots of fun, crafty, creative girls in our group. I miss them and I also miss Flagstaff this time of year when the aspens are changing color and it's crisp and chilly outside--but always sunny!

Today was my turn to drive the carpool down to Museum School so Hunter and I did some Christmas shopping in Ft. Worth. I am almost done, except for teacher gifts. Any ideas??

Busy weekend!

On Friday, I spent the morning in Curren's classroom helping with their Thanksgiving rotation. (Did I mention that I am the room mom for his class?) They went to each kindergarten class and made macaroni necklaces, totem poles, tortilla teepees, brown bag vests, and woven placemats. I love working at the school--it reminds me of my teaching days and it's fun to be with Curren and his friends.
Saturday was busy, as usual. James took our friends' family pictures in the morning and then we cleaned, washed the cars, mowed the lawn, fixed lunch and ran over to Curren's last soccer game after we dropped Emily off at her friend's to go to ballet! Curren was a Shark this season and he had an awesome coach. The guy was super patient and mellow and the boys learned a lot from him. He's a pilot and has a crazy schedule, so he won't be coaching next season. : ( All the boys on the team were just like Curren. They always had a blast together at practice and games. James brought his big ole lens and took a bunch of pictures of the last game. Then we met at McDonald's for a trophy party.James gave Curren a haircut, we bathed the kids, ate a little dinner and then we drove to Dallas so Emily could go to the new American Girl Boutique at the Galleria.

She had been saving her allowance for Coconut the dog and she was so excited to look at all the dolls. We took Casey (her Bitty Baby) and James gave her a bath while we were there. He was cracking us up being so silly while we were there! Hunter had the most fun, though. He was loving all the babies and pushed a little stroller around for a long time! He had a hard time saying goodbye to them! The Dallas Galleria is a huge mall with a skating rink so we bought an apple pie carmel apple at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and a big Double Chocolate Chip drink at Starbucks and we all shared while we watched the ice skaters.

Birthday party and Hunter in trouble

Last night for my birthday, we met friends at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. It was so good! If you go out with Christine, just let her order. You can't go wrong when she orders at a restaurant! We shared the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza, a yummy salad (forgot the name) that had avocado, chicken, edamame, and then lettuce wraps, too. It was her son's birthday, too. Then we all sang Happy Birthday and had some super-rich, great, chocolate cake. When we got home I got to open my presents from James and the kids. My kids love to wrap presents and use LOTS of ribbon on their gifts! They love to give gifts and keep secrets about what the gifts are. They kept telling me that they bought me a new toilet and a new trash can! Then we had more chocolate cake! James made an incredible chocolate cinnamon cake from a recipe that someone at work gave him. It's amazing! And the frosting...WOW! Email me if you want the recipe.

Ok, so I have mentioned that Hunter is always getting into things...the latest was the blow-pens that Curren's cousins sent him for his birthday. They aren't washable, so this purple pen was on Hunter's hands for a few days. This picture was taken while I was telling him, "NO!" His face is priceless! He felt bad for a minute and then he smiled which made me smile and then he laughed so I started laughing!

One year older...

Today is my birthday! I'm 34! Last night I went out to dinner with a bunch of friends to celebrate my day as well as our baby coming soon. We had Mexican at Cristina's and it was so good. It was so fun to be out and be able to visit with everyone. I am so blessed to have such great friends here in Texas. They were so sweet to bring gifts for me as well as the baby. I feel so spoiled!

Halloween

This year it was a warm night for trick-or-treating. I think it had to have been 70! We met up with friends for pizza and walking around the neighborhood. All the kids had a blast. Lots of houses were decorated and people sat outside in their driveways to pass out candy. It's always fun to see friends and neighbors out. The people here are so friendly and there is a really good sense of community in our area. Towards the end of the evening the Keller Fire Department drove up and handed out neon necklaces to all the kids. It was a fun night for everyone!