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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Crystal Clear


Ella hung in there til' the very end of Idol. She had her rattle in hand to keep beat with the tunes.


We'll know by tomorrow night if our NW Ohio girl is going to come out on top. In this house, Crystal Bowersox is a star. In this house, we couldn't be any prouder of that girl. For a couple of middle aged folks who never watched this show before, this has been surprisingly emotional.

And you know what? This is proof positive for our little one year old that all things are possible.
H

Ella-Bration

Here's a little somethin' from Ella's 1st birthday.






Uncle Jeffie and me talking about our girl...


Auntie Sarah and one of Ella's boyfriends, Ike.
Ella and her posse of cousins - Isabella, Ava and RJ.




Thursday, May 20, 2010

What A Day!



Yesterday was just perfect. It will be a few days before we get through the pictures. These are from Roz's mama. (Thanks Katie!)




We all gathered at our favorite Mexican eatery. Ella was amazing, although wanted nothing to do with sticking her fingers in the cake. She did, however, thoroughly enjoy the group sing-a-long in her honor and clapped and yelled for more.


Party girl stayed up until 10 to make sure her American Idol, Crystal Bowersox, made it to the finals. She went to bed happy. So did we.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Until Now

Until now, I thought I had some pretty spectacular birthdays under my belt. To think, a year ago. I mean ... wow.

We had no idea how perfectly things were aligning, did we?

Tomorrow we share our birthday celebrations. For those of you who didn't think I would EVER be able to share the limelight? Watch me. Nothing will make me happier. Party pictures later this week! Heather and Ella (and Larry too)





Saturday, May 15, 2010

All Things Crystal


We admit it. We are fully on board the American Idol Express.

The season started while we were in China. Wow. We're like, 6,000 miles away and we catch these Yahoo News bulletins about Crystal Bowersox. After making fun of the show for years, we have watched every episode possible since our return. I know Crystal, not well, but I do know her. To see this happen to someone so deserving is just so . . . right. The last time we talked to her, she was playing a patio gig to about 30 people. Just the same, she was totally making love to an old Patsy Cline song. She ran out to the parking lot for something, and joked about her car being held together with duct tape.

Now here she is, being awarded the key to the city! I have to believe that there is a moral in here somewhere about hard work, dreams, good things coming to good people, etc.

Here is a video from downtown Toledo on Friday. It's not much, but I think that it shows the mayhem.


Go Crystal!
14-May-2010


Here are some photos taken by a friend...






The final thing is not only that we're happy for her, but that we're just so darn proud of how she's done it so far - with some good old Midwest rock n' roll soul. OK people, remember to watch, and to vote! Larry, Heather & Ella

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mother's Day

What a fantastic first. The day was filled with laughter and love and joy. Still, I pinch myself. Have a wonderful week! H, L & E




Saturday, May 8, 2010

Mother's Day Eve

This evening started a new tradition in our household. We lit a candle before we started our dinner and I spoke to Ella about her birth mother. It certainly isn't the first time we've talked about her, or her birth father. It definitely isn't the first time we've talked about her being adopted. These are ongoing conversations in our life.

What we did tonight was more than that, though. We lit the candle and we celebrated her. We gave thanks for her decision to bring this precious life into the world. Because the reality is this: without her I would not be celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow. Half way around this big world, there is a woman who gave life. And we love her. I love her.

Ella is so perfectly matched to me, to us. I am in awe of the perfection. And I smile a peaceful, satisfied, joyful smile at God's hand.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

P.S.

A few shots from our Cinco de Mayo with Roz and her family. These photos show BIG progress, folks. Roz was less than thrilled with Ella's arrival. And up until last night, she was holding to that. But we had clapping, smiles, and Roz even fed Ella. We think she got caught up in the spirited celebrations around her. The adults did!









The Backyard Is Open!

Last weekend, Ella's extended family came over to run in our backyard. We are looking forward to many more magical summer evenings with Ella and her family. Ella's Uncle Rob managed to snap this photo...

Hard to believe everyone cooperated! You may recognize these faces, as they were part of her welcoming committee at the airport back in March.

I'm back to work and Ella is trying to figure out the new schedule. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Roz and her parents and grand-parents last night. I'll be one of the happiest mamas this Sunday on Mother's Day.

H, L & E