The Ceravolo Chronicles

Who wants to win some FREE jewelry??

2009-09-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

My friend, Hillary, over at The Other Mama is having a weeks worth of giveaways this week! Please go over there and check out her blog. It's GREAT reading and you could win something!
The jewelry is Lisa Leonard designs and it's really, really pretty necklaces & bracelets! Go check it out..NOW!

Pool Time Fun

2009-08-31T16:46:00.003-05:00

These are some pics from earlier (or "ur-yee-ur", if you're Ava) this summer. The kids and their cousins in the pool. They swam and played for hours!

"Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?"
Ava isn't usually very tolerant of her cousin. They are 9 days apart. He adores her. She's never really felt the same about him, however.

My bee-you-tee-ful niece..I swear, I could just eat her up!

Maybe this is wrong of me, as a mother..but I just love the cheeks!! Couldn't help myself!

Fancy Face

2009-08-31T14:34:00.006-05:00

I rarely allow the girls to play in the makeup because I know the mess it will make and I know they'll have to go straight to the bathtub once they're done. But I conceded one day (a few weeks ago) and let them dig in...literally. They had a great time..especially Ava, who'd never had this opportunity. She loved it!

Dont you just love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tattoo on E's belly..courtesy of Daddy.

First Day of School!

2009-08-31T11:59:00.003-05:00

Well, it's official. My baby isn't so much a baby anymore! I was very nostalgic and a little sad the days leading up to this day. When did she grow up? I want my baby back! (it's okay to sing the Chili's jingle..you know you want to)

As the pictures depict, she was quite excited for her first day. And she did very well...

Now, however, the novelty of it has worn off, and it's a battle every morning. She seems to be very unhappy at school. I've even gone to the principal already to see about moving her to a different class, which has more of her preschool friends. But my request was declined. Her teacher is already out on maternity leave. We met her new teacher last week at Open House. And she tells us that Elizabeth sits on the bench most days at recess without playing. THIS really makes me sad! When I asked her why she does this, her reply was "I just sit and think about you and how much I miss you." Can somebody please pass the tissues?? My heart hurts for her. Please pray that this situation makes a turn for the better and that she can be happy at school.

New funnies...

2009-08-13T21:32:00.004-05:00

Today Elizabeth told me, "My favorite days of the week are Fridays and Tuesdays (pronounced 'toos-days'). Fridays because we get to spend time together (family night) and 'Toos-days' because it sounds like there are TWO days until dark instead of one!"

At dinner earlier this week, I dropped a little food on my shirt..so typical. Mike says, "Ava, is Mommy sloppy?"
Ava: "No. She's the BEST!"...gotta love that!

And last night she was chanting, "I da bomb! I da bomb!" She says, "Thi-thy (this is sissy with a lisp), me and mommy are da bomb!" hahaha!

And a picture..just for fun and because I've been such a blog-slacker lately:

Mmm...ain't nuttin' like a N'awlins snowball!

Pool Time

2009-07-13T13:18:00.003-05:00

My future cheerleader??

Today, Ava told me that Sissy was "avvabating" her! love it!!

Sweet Summertime

2009-06-20T10:25:00.006-05:00

Yesterday we went to Blue Harvest Farms to pick blueberries. The girls loved it..even in the 98 degree HEAT. And the fruit is sooo sweet.
The owners of the farm are Chris and Rachel Pinto. And Rachel also owns and teaches at the pottery studio where I take classes. Rachel had been telling us how good the blueberries are and what an overwhelming attendance they've had this year at the farm. She assured us that if we wanted any blueberries, we'd better get over there! It took us about 30 minutes to collectively pick a gallon.. plenty enough to have some to snack on and cook with.I've dried them, bagged them and gotten them in the freezer. Thinking of making either a pie or a poundcake (my favorite).. don't think I can go wrong either way!

lemme, lemme upgrade ya!

2009-03-22T19:40:00.003-05:00

In case any of you readers are confused by the title of this post, it's from a BEYONCE' song, and it's in reference to my brank spankin' new camera!!!! Oh my goodness, can I just tell you how AMAZING this camera is??? I have been pining (and when i say "pining", I mean PINING) over this cadillac of a camera for a long, long time. I really didn't expect to get it anytime soon, but my sweet honey of a husband brought it for me for our anniversary..isn't he the best??
So anyway, it arrived yesterday and I just couldn't break it out of the box fast enough. And then.. I still had to charge the battery. I just stood over the charger very impatiently. It was like waiting for a pot of water to boil. FINALLY, it was charged and ready. I insert the battery, put my lens on, then go to put the memory card in, only to learn that it takes a DIFFERENT card than my "old" camera. I just wanted to cry. So my sweet little hubby ran right out to find the right card. So to cut the story a little shorter, this camera. Oh MAMA. What a camera. i. am. in. love.. simply in love. I cannot wait to get out and take some nice picturs of the girls..I'll post some soon!

Real cowgirls...

2009-03-19T22:30:00.004-05:00

...................................eat grits and wear pink leopard print pajamas.

Ava and her big girl bed

2009-03-19T10:41:00.009-05:00

I've been wanting to move Ava upstairs with Elizabeth for a while now. But didn't to do that while she was still in a crib. So we decided to convert her crib to a toddler bed. She loves it and is so proud to be in a big girl bed! She doesn't even try to get out. In the mornings when she wakes up, she just sits there and calls me in to come get her...just like always. I can't believe my baby's ready for a bed already... sniff, sniff.

Sissy reading Bible stories to Ava

First night in the toddler bed

"Sweet Dreams, my love"

Look what I brought home today.....

2009-03-19T10:35:00.005-05:00

Isnt he adorable?? He was in the road this morning when I was taking the girls to school. Of course I had to stop to try and get him out of the road before someone ran over him. He was so scared.. and from the looks of it, he hasn't eaten in a while. AND it looks like he may have been in a fight. I tried to put him in someone's yard, but he just kept following me! I mean look at him.. could YOU tell him "No.. you can't go with me?" I couldn't. Call me a sucker. Not sure what I'm gonna do with him now. I mean, we dont need another dog.. 2 dogs and a cat is enough for one household, right?? but he's so darn cute....!

Ava's 1st Haircut

2009-02-18T13:49:00.005-06:00

We took Ava today to get a little trim. She didn't need much.. just enough to even out around the bottom. She was such an angel the entire time! I promised her a treat if she was good. When it was over, I said, "wanna go get some ice cream?" Her reply? "No..want fwies." So of course we took a swing by Sonic to get some fries. Enjoy the pics!

My Funny Valentine

2009-02-16T15:28:00.003-06:00

Elizabeth's at it again with her funnies. I have a few recent ones that I thought I'd share:

1. One night as I'm putting her to bed, she said, "Is Daddy your husband?" My reply, "yes, he's my husband." Elizabeth: "Husband. Hmmmm...I like that word. Husband." OH LORD...isnt it a little early for this??

2. While I'm on the phone with Mike, he puts me on hold..for a LONG time. She wanted to talk to him.
E: "Mom, I'm waiting."
Me: "Me, too. Your daddy's got me on hold again.:
E (with hands up and shrugged shoulders) "He's a difficult man, but we still love him."

3. Elizabth sits Ava down facing her. "Come sit, Ava. Let's talk. Are you feeling like yourself? I'm not really feeling myself."

and the one I heard last night..love this one:
4. E: "Mommy, I like your painted toenails. One day, can you take me to get my toenails painted? I want to go to Heaven to get my toenails painted. 'Cause if I got my toenails painted in Heaven, then Jesus could paint my toenails!"..oh I can just see it now!! talk about a divine pedicure! haha!

And i KNOW that i'm way behind on my pictures (for all you paw paws, nana's aunts & uncles). i promise i'll catch up soon! here are a few pics of elizabeth i'll go ahead and post for ya!

Christmas Time!

2008-12-19T09:37:00.007-06:00

And our card this year:

Merry Christmas to you all!!

We're in business now!!

2008-11-21T16:13:00.005-06:00

I've the pleasure of working with the wonderful Becky at http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/ to create a logo and business card for my photography business. I'm sooo excited to have this done..i feel like everything is falling into place..FINALLY! I've been so consumed with this and editing photos for clients that i've fallen behind on my own blog. To those anxiously awaiting updated pictures of the girls.. they're coming! But I just wanted to share this news.. now..gotta get back to work.. photoshop is calling my name!!

.....it doesnt look quite as good against this black background, but hopefully you get the idea.

Halloween Craft Project

2008-10-29T20:26:00.003-05:00

I found this little craft idea online and thought it would be something cute and easy for Elizabeth and I to do together. AND, as an added bonus, it was her turn for show-and-tell at school and it had to be an item that begins with the letter "G". Also, it couldn't be a toy. So Elizabeth was proud to take and show her "Gourd Ghost" to her class!

It's just butternut squash that I painted with white craft paint, then drew eyes and mouth with a sharpie.. EASY PEASY!

Dad's Night

2008-10-13T10:27:00.005-05:00

Last week, Elizabeth's preschool had "Dad's Night" where all the dads got to mingle, meet the teacher, see the kids' classroom and artwork, etc. Elizabeth was so excited to take her daddy to school. She made the cutest painting of him.. I'll post a picture of that later..my teacher friend is laminating it for me.

one quick pic before they left..'cause you KNOW we were running late...

And a picture of Elizabeth and her pudding....just because I thought it was funny

Trip to the Fair...and some random pics

2008-10-13T09:57:00.009-05:00

Our friends' band was playing at the local fair this year, so we decided to make it out there so girls could ride those rickety, germ infested rides operated by those scary carnival workers. (it really is a little unsettling, but we kept the kids close to the ground). Anyway, they had a great time.. well for the most part. Ava did get scared on one ride, but other than that, it was a nice night!

It was right after this picture that Ava started crying.. and cried through the entire ride. And my battery was low, low, low....so the camera was struggling to even make a picture..but you get the idea.

And..just some pics of the girls hangin' out in the front yard. We've really been enjoying this weather, and being outside more.

They were looking at the "flying monkey". Am I the only the mother that uses tactics like this? Anything to keep them sitting still for just a SECOND longer!

...and just in case you're thinking Ava's shirt looks familiar..it IS the same one she's wearing in the previous post. No, she doesn't wear it EVERY day. Just every OTHER day. Poor child needs clothes!

My Sweet Ava

2008-10-13T09:46:00.004-05:00

These were taken just minutes before our trip to the doctor's office (when we found out her ant bites were actually staff infected...hence, the band aids). She was being so sweet..even though I had no idea she was in so much discomfort.

Those eyes just melt me heart..and no I didn't touch her eyes in photoshop..they're really that blue!

that's some serious concentration!

YAY!!

Future Picasso? you be the judge

2008-10-13T09:36:00.004-05:00

I'd like to share with you some of Ava's recent "artwork".....

under the bar:

on the cabinets:

in the dining room:

AND on herself!

you can't see in this picture, but her left arm is completely red..please notice the lips, too.

Thankfully, the Magic Eraser worked like a charm to remove the red marker..it even got permanent marker off the wood floors!! How come I'm just now discovering this? And of course, Goo Gone took the crayon off the walls...easy peasy.

She's Sassy

2008-10-12T21:25:00.003-05:00

Oh yes..I do have one sassy, and might I add-MOODY-child. Well, this day, Elizabeth was in a particulary good mood and was doing a little "posin'" for me. So I took full advantage of the opportunity!

BTW..i'm waaay behind on my posting.. stay tuned. i've got more coming!

Our Weekend

2008-09-29T19:21:00.002-05:00

Well, I accidentally posted my latest entry on the wrong blog..my photography blog. So if you're interested, you can jump over there and read about Ava and her little hospital visit. She's home now..thank the LORD! It was exhausting and stressful. I'm really glad to be back home and back to normal. Now I've got to scrub my house top to bottom. I'm a little paranoid about this rampant infection. Thank you to those who said prayers for us. They were answered! She's doing much better!!
I still have lots of pictures to post...i'll get around to them one day!

Little School for a "Big Girl"!

2008-09-09T17:57:00.004-05:00

Well, yesterday, my baby girl..not really a baby anymore.. started Pre-K. Her school, Little School, is at the Methodist Church here in Covington. I've heard nothing but RAVE reviews from former students' parents and also other random people from the area about Little School. I'm not even sure how she got in.. most people are on the waiting list for at least 2 years! But thankfully, she's in and she's already loving it!

Yesterday, the parents went with the students..i guess just to "ease" them into it. Also, to meet the other moms and fill out required forms and such. Today was a regular day for her. She walked right in and never looked back.. kinda made me sad! But I'm also so proud of her..that she's secure, independent and confident enough to be without mommy for a few hours. Her teachers are super sweet and there is so much to do in her classroom! They teach Spanish, have "Jump Bunch" once a month (which is a 30 min exercise/sports class), field trips, lots of art projects, chapel and morning praise. I really think it's going to be a great year for her!

Under the Sea

2008-09-07T17:39:00.008-05:00

Since Elizabeth 's birthday is in August, and it's always sooo hot, we decided to do a pool party this year. Our theme was "under the sea". Every year I say that I'm just going to do a "Chuck-E-Cheese" or "Bounce House" party and forget about all the decorations..not to mention the clean-up that's involved in having a party at home. It hasn't happend yet...maybe next year! Anway, it was a great party. I think the kids had fun..which is what matters most.

Party Favors: Fish Sunglasses and Sea Animal visors

Ocotopus (hot dogs)

Shark Bait (chicken leg quarters)

Ocean Water (punch)

Ocean Wall

Where most of the guys hung out
Typical childish behavior..cake in the face

To my girls.. Blake and Jill. Thank yall for coming! It

was so great to see you!

And a GREAT BIG thank you to my mom and Blake for all your help. I really couldn't have pulled it together without you!! Love yall!

Are we a little vain?

2008-09-06T22:51:00.002-05:00

This is going to be out of order..but I most document this before I forget. On our beach trip last weekend, Elizabeth had to sleep in the bed with us once all the evacuees joined us. So one night, we all crawled into bed, turned out the lights.. and talked. Usually at bedtime is when we get our best "jewels" from Elizabeth. Here is our conversation:

E: "Let's go around the room and say who is the beautifulest. Mommy, Daddy, Ava or me. "
Mike: "Hmmm....let's see...I pick Mommy."
Me: "Okay... well I guess I pick ELIZABETH!"
E: "Ohhhh.. THANK YOU, MOMMY! thank you for picking me, because I really wanted to pick myself!"

Fast forward a few days. Elizabeth is zooming around the house. Mike says "Hey, Elizabeth. Your pretty fast, huh?"
Elizabeth: "No.. just pretty."

Okay Nana..enough telling her how beautiful she is..I think it's going to her head!

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

2008-09-06T20:45:00.004-05:00

My baby girl is growing up too fast! Her birthday was actually on the 20th.. yes, I'm a slacker and I am just NOW posting birthday pics! She had a great day. Mike and I gave her a new big-girl bicycle. So, of course, she spent most of the morning cruising around the block on her fancy new wheels. Then after lunch Paw Paw came over with even MORE gifts. After a few hours of playing with Paw Paw, we met up with the rest of the family at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Carreta's. You can read more about that in my previous post below. Anyway..just wanted to share a few pictures of her on her special day. I'll post party pics in a separate post.

Her new gifts from Paw Paw. They were a hit. Thank you, Paw Paw!

Elizabeth & cousin Reece dancing to the band

correction

2008-08-21T16:41:00.002-05:00

I must have inadvertently deleted a line in the previous post.. it was the whole reason for the post in the first place. sorry if you were confused.. it's now corrected.

Bittersweet

2008-08-20T21:56:00.004-05:00

Today was my baby's birthday. Elizabeth turned four years old. It was a fun day for her. She got a big-girl bicycle. Her PawPaw came over and gave her an Ariel doll and some princess dress-up things. And we went to Carreta's, our favorite Mexican restaurant with Mike's brother, Steve, and his family, Rachel, Hunter and Reece, and Mike's oldest brother, Jay.
It's hard to believe my baby is FOUR years old already! It really seems like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with her. She's brought so much joy to our lives. I'm so thankful for her. And even though it's hard to watch your children grow up so fast, it's so exciting to see them mature into independent little "people". Elizabeth was so happy today and excited about everything that was going on. It was her request to go to Carreta's for dinner, which of course, we were thrilled with. We love that place. And to even add more fun to the night, they had the "band" playing and singing..very festive. Everyone was having a good time.. talking, laughing, the kids were playing and dancing in front of the band. Then right in the midst of it all, Elizabeth turned to me and said "I wish Gram could be here to see this." Just like that...right in the middle of so much joy and happiness, my world just stopped as my eyes welled with tears... the thought of my four year old child thinking of her Gram during a happy moment in her day..her birthday dinner. Some of you know, and some may not, that my mother-in-law passed away a few weeks ago. It's been hard for Elizabeth to deal with her death. She talks about her often. And asks a lot of questions. I'm not sure that she fully understands exactly what has happened. All she knows is that her Gram isn't here anymore. And that she can't see her anymore. She misses her so much. So do I. So does everyone. She was such a wonderful, happy, funny, charismatic woman. Everyone who met her instantly liked her and she was loved by many. Our days just aren't the same without her in them. I will miss her humor, her great cooking, her quick wit, her sarcasm, our shopping trips.. that woman loved to shop more than anyone. And she couldn't wait to make Elizabeth a mall rat. She was the anchor for our family and there will always be a void in our family gatherings and holidays. She just brought so much life to the party and we will miss her so. I love you, Dee. And I miss you.. we all do.

I'm sorry to make such a solemn post. It didn't really go in the direction that I intended. But it was just weighing heavy on my heart. Hope you don't mind. I guess this is what blogging is really about anyway, right?
Elizabeth's birthday party will be this Saturday. So the next few days will be pretty busy with the last of the party plans, but I will post pictures from tonight and of the birthday party next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

You're NOT going to believe happened to me....

2008-08-17T20:46:00.002-05:00

Okay.. so I was in Michael's buying some things to make for Elizabeth's party. I was just moseying around.. up and down the ailes. Then I pass this guy. I just happened to look down at the right angle, and his "you-know-what" was HANGING out of his pants!!!! I thought.. "okay. maybe this guy is trying to play a prank." Because it DID look fake. My mind was racing.."Oh my gosh. Did I really just see that?" So went straight to the first Michael's employee that I could find and told her what I thought I saw. I mean, how disgusting and inappropriate, to say the least! What if someone's little girl saw that?? So I stayed in that area so I could see what was gonna happen. I saw a man in a black shirt say something to him and then they both walked out the door. Then the guy in the black shirt walked back in. I said, "Did I really see what I thought I saw?" And he confirmed. He said he told the guy he needed to leave and then he just disappeared down an alley between the buildings. What DRAMA!! I certainly didn't expect THAT on my casual trip to the craft store! I guess he thought there'd be nothing but women in there to whom he could expose himself. How GROSS! Of course, after I checked out and was sitting in my car, replaying the prior events, I thought of all kind of things I could've/should've done.. Like say, "Oh, my! Is that real?? Can we go get one of my girlfriends?" And then take him to the front of the store and make some announcement over the loud speaker.. something to really embarrass him. Or just knee him square between the legs. I don't know.. some people are just sick.

Tell me what you think...

2008-08-14T11:31:00.002-05:00

I need your help. I haven't calibrated the monitor on my new laptop yet. Can you tell me if the colors and brightness look right? I haven't calibrated the monitor on my new laptop yet. And I can't check it from Mike's computer because his screen is very bright and oversaturated. Just let me know how it looks on your end. Hopefully I'll get around to calibrating this one soon. Anyone have any suggestions of a good program to use for this? Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Fun with the Girls

2008-08-13T23:12:00.004-05:00

Today, I could tell the girls had a little cabin fever. It's been raining on and off for several days..so not much outside time. So I decided to take them out for lunch. And where else do you go for lunch with kids?? Chick-fil-A! Good food, good service and a clean play area. What more could you ask for?? Once we got home, Elizabeth and Ava were wound tight from all the ice cream. We played "chase" around the house and tumbled on the bed. Just enough to wear them out before their nap! Here are some of the pictures...

Rare Moment

2008-08-10T08:28:00.003-05:00

I dont see this very often.. so of course, when I saw the girls being soooo sweet to each other, I grabbed my camera as fast as I could.

It makes me so happy to see them getting along and loving (even LIKING) each other!

Uninvited Pool Guest

2008-08-09T23:19:00.003-05:00

I typically don't mind this.. UNLESS, it's black, scaley and of the reptilian family. See below.....

We found this little guy in our pool this morning.. lovely, huh? Mike and another neighbor/friend of ours WRESTLED him out of the scimmer... and killed him. Which I actually kinda feel bad about now. After all, I think it's a speckled king snake, which is harmless..actually it (as an adult) eats rodents and such...which is a good thing. We shoulda just released him into the woods.. RIP little snake.

A Big 'Ol Messy Mess

2008-08-09T22:57:00.005-05:00

A few days ago, I was knee deep in photo editing. Elizabeth was climbing onto the counter to dig in the pantry for a snack. She accidentally knocked something out of the pantry. She said, "Mom, I made a mess." Foolishly, without even looking to see what the "mess" was, I said, "Okay. Just leave it. I'm almost done. I'll clean it up." Fast forward about 5 minutes. This is what I find...

Once Elizabeth saw that I was taking pictures, I guess she decided that I wasn't too upset about the mess..so she joined in, too. (please ignore the fact that my almost four year old child still runs around in her underwear. She usually doesnt get dressed until after lunch!...bad mom...i know!)

Oops!

2008-08-07T12:25:00.001-05:00

..forgot the link for the pictures. Here it is:
http://dell.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?UV=642428600044_123734103307&collid=12333666407.320244103307.1218083230196&page=1&sort_order=0&navfolderid=2008&folderid=0&ownerid=12333666407

let me know if there are any issues with the link.

Cruisin'

2008-08-07T11:36:00.006-05:00

Mike and I just got back (a week ago)from a cruise with some friends. We had such a wonderful time. It was 5 days and 5 nights to Progresso and Cozumel. The cruise was sooo much fun. Cozumel was beautiful. I really would have like to have had more time to see it.. the water was gorgeous! I'll post a few of my favorite pics, then provide a link to kodak gallery if you want to see the rest of them. I'm really disappointed that I dont have MORE pictures..especially of me and mike. I was always the one with the camera..taking pics of everyone else. Oh well..lesson learned.

A friend of ours, Kevin Diggs, has a band-Five Finger Discount. They are the ones who headed up the cruise. There were about 50 or so people with our group. The band played twice on the ship and also had a karaoke contest. We spent the days on the ship just lying around by the pool, watching the fun activities on the deck..resting and relaxing. Then we'd get dressed for dinner, which was always fun, too. The wait staff was awesome. Everyone was so cheerful and it was such a fun atmosphere. Every night, the wait staff would sing and dance..we even did a conga line around the ballroom! AND..I had the same, amazing dessert EVERY night.. a chocolate melting cake. it was like dipping into WARM chocolate cake batter..delicous!

After dinner, we'd change clothes and then DANCE until the wee hours of the morning. Sleep late, have breakfast and start all over! I have to say, as much as I MISSED the kids terrible, I was a little depressed to be back in the real world again. Next year's cruise is already booked. And the ship is being completely remodeled for next summer. It's gonna be so nice! Anyone wanna go????

I'm BAAAAACK!!!

2008-07-31T19:05:00.002-05:00

HOLA! (just got back from mexico.. think i'm still there!) Well, we have sooo much catching up to do. I finally got my new computer! Well, i actually got it about 3 weeks ago, but i've had so much going on that i havent had a chance to blog. but i've got lots and lots of news and pictures. hope yall are ready, 'cause i'm about to UNLOAD!! but not tonight. i'm exhausted and i feel like my house is floating in the gulf of mexico. my equilibrium is all screwed up. so i'm just gonna watch all my tivo'd Big Brother episodes and hopefully get a little unpacking and straightening up done before i go get my girls TOMORROW! i cant wait. i havent seen them in a WEEK. i miss them terribly. anyhoooo.. i'll try to do a little blogging tomorrow. Buenos noches!

More conversations with Elizabeth

2008-06-28T18:31:00.002-05:00

Since I'm unable to post pictures right now, I'll just entertain y'all with some funnies.

#1. On the way home from the circus, I was drinking some Gatorade. Elizabeth was asking for some, but since it was a RED Gatorade, I really didn't want to take a chance on her spilling it on her and in the new MV (that's minivan). So I told her it was "magic potion" only for mommies. She said, "What does the magic potion do?". And I responded, "It makes me smart.". So, surprisingly, she accepted that answer and didn't mention another word about it. Fast forward two days to today. Elizabeth had asked me for a refill of juice. I got sidetracked and forgot about it.
Elizabeth: "Mommmmm, you always forget to get more juice for me. "

Me: "I know..I do forget sometimes."

Elizabeth: "I guess that "magic potion" didn't work after all."

Hahahaha.. WHAT?? She definitely inherited her Gram's quit wit.

#2. Tonight in the bathtub. She's playing and playing for like 30 minutes...in her own little imaginative world. She's saying, "Mom.. the wild birds and bees are attacking me. I'm gonna get dead. You have to save me, mom!! I'm too young to die!! PLEASE!! NO!!.. and the voice trails off as if..you know.

"I'm too young to die" ???? Maybe she watches too much TV. The girl constantly entertains us with her imagination. She keeps us in stitches!

Long time. No posts.

2008-06-26T09:33:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! My computer in on the fritz, so I'm having to use Mike's computer when it's available. And for those of you who know him, you know that that's not very often. :) (luv ya, honey!) And mike doesnt have photoshop on his computer, so i'm unable to edit and post pictures. I really dont know what to do with myself right now! my laptop had become sort of a third arm or something. anyway, i hope to have it repaired or get a new one soon. but for now, i'll be checking in on you with blogs and will hopefully be up and posting again soon!

My Little Actress

2008-06-16T19:48:00.002-05:00

Since the temperatures are already in the nineties, we usually wait until LATE in the day to go outside..like after dinner. Tonight, the girls and I were outside. They were playing in the front yard while I watched from the porch swing. Elizabeth had picked up a paint brush that Mike left out and was pretending to paint the fence. When she came back up on the porch I asked her where the paintbrush was. This was our conversation:
Elizabeth: "Mom, did you see the good job I did on the fence?"
Me: "Yes, baby. Now where did you put the paintbrush?"
Elizabeth: "It's over there on the gate."
Me: "Well you need to put it back on the bucket where you found it."
Elizabeth: "Welll.. Robert, my prince, doesn't want me to."
Me: "Well, I'm your mother, and you must do what I tell you."
Elizabeth: "Oh, no, mom. I have to listen to what my prince wants me to do."

Oh no.. I think we're in trouble!!

This was the next conversation as she was picking leaves off a nearby bush (much like a young girl would pick the petals off of a flower while saying 'he loves me, he loves me not'. However, this was Elizabeth's version:

"Good hair day. Bad hair day. Good hair day. Bad hair day. GOOD HAIR DAY! Yay..I LOVE good hair days!"

HaHa! WHERE does she come up with this stuff? And what would a THREE year old know about a good hair day?? And I know she's never heard those words from ME, considering that my hair is in a ponytail most days!!

Skinny Dipping

2008-06-15T16:26:00.003-05:00

My mom and dad stopped in briefly one day last week. Mom, me and the girls were out back when Ava decided she wanted to get in the pool. So she just stepped in clothes and all. And of course, Elizabeth followed suit. So I did what any mom would do and ran inside to get their swimsuits.. HA.. no.. I just stripped them down to their birthday suits and let them have fun!! They loved it!

"I see your hiney, so white and shiney!"

Mom was spraying Ava with the water hose..it was COLD!

Just a swingin'

2008-06-15T16:19:00.004-05:00

My parents have a swingset at their house. And since we don't have one yet, the girls just LOVE swinging when they go to Nana's and Granddaddy's. Here are a few cute pics from our last trip up there.

wild hair, cross eyed and all!

Another Funny

2008-06-11T07:27:00.002-05:00

Mike, the girls, and I were sitting at the table having some yummy watermelon. Elizabeth said:
"Daddy, when are you gonna buy me some more cambellope" (this is cantaloupe, by the way)

Mike: "You like cantaloupe better than watermelon?"
Elizabeth: "Yep!"
Mike: "I like watermelon better."
Me: "To each his own. Huh, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth: "Yeah..eat your own!!"

April Showers...

2008-06-05T20:07:00.005-05:00

bring MAY flowers! These pictures are a few weeks old..just getting around to uploading them. I just learned how to use the Macro setting on my zoom lens. So I HAD to try it out. I really love getting {up-close and personal} with the blooms. :<)

This one's my FAVORITE
.

New Hobby

2008-06-05T16:20:00.005-05:00

i have a new love in my life.. pottery!! i started taking a class about 6 weeks ago and i was addicted after the very first lesson! i just picked up my pieces today. i was so proud of them i just had to share. now keep in mind, beginners only start out with 2 lbs of clay so therefore, the pieces are kinda on the small size. but nonetheless, i like 'em! if any of you moms out there need a little break from the kids..a little stress relief and an artistic outlet, i highly suggest taking a pottery class. you'll LOVE it!

I actually made 9 pieces but these were just a few of the better ones

Photog Blog

2008-06-03T18:00:00.004-05:00

well, it's up. and i'm actually getting hill's "hook-up" to pimp my blog, too! anyhoo.. i've got a few pics posted now. feel free to share! Thanks, y'all!

... almost forgot.. anyone know how to change the URL address for a blog? When I started creating the blog, I still was unsure of the name, so I just picked something out of the air until I decided. Now, I cant figure out how to change unless I delete the whole thing and start over?? NOOO!!!

www.ceravolophotography.blogspot.com

Silly Elizabeth

2008-06-02T23:56:00.002-05:00

I was laughing so hard at this particular "get-up". She said she was in the circus. I called her the "Gypsy Jester".

Sleeping Beauty

2008-06-02T23:53:00.001-05:00

I rarely see Ava sleeping. I'm too afraid she'll wake up if I go in her room! But this day, she had been sleeping a really long time so I was gonna have to wake her anyway. I just couldn't pass up the photo opportunity!

sweet ava

Jellybean Bribery

2008-06-02T23:50:00.002-05:00

Ava woke up from her nap in a great mood. She's usually just too darn fast for me to actually get a decent picture of her. So I managed to get her to sit still by giving her a few jellybeans. She loved them! And I managed to get this cute picture. I don't get many of her actually smiling...so I was happy!

Swimming at Nana's

2008-06-02T23:41:00.007-05:00

We spent last weekend visiting Nana & Granddaddy. Elizabeth had a BLAST swimming in their pool. She recently took a few swim lessons and it has done wonders for her confidence in the water. She's now jumping off the diving board AND swimming under water..no floaties! She's so proud of herself..and so are WE!

This is "chee-th" (cheese with a lisp)

Elizabeth thinks that her cousins, Addie & Lauren, are the living end. She was sooo excited that they got to come over and swim with her!

Lipstick, mommy!

2008-06-02T23:37:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth had been very quiet for a while...so you KNOW she was up to something. This is how she looked when she emerged from the bathroom... and she was holding a RED MARKER!!

Not too bad, huh?

Lil' Diva

2008-06-02T23:36:00.003-05:00

I think I'm gonna have to buy another pair of sunglasses. They fight over these!

Oh no she didn't...

2008-05-28T12:46:00.003-05:00

Oh, yes, I did. I've gone and done it. Something I swore I'd never do (well, at least not for another 10 years). I've made the move...to van-land. After weeks and weeks of looking for a new car, we finally bought a MINIVAN. Mike really wanted one..go figure. I was totally against it. But eventually, I conceded and agreed to at least drive one. Well, I liked it! It drives great, VERY EASY to get the girls in and out, and it's extremely comfy. So when I'm driving, I just close my eyes (not really) and imagine that it's a BMW. It's gonna be great to have on our trip to Disney next week!

Does this make me a "soccer mom"?.. yikes!

photography biz

2008-05-20T13:52:00.003-05:00

well, better late than never i guess. i have sat down to finally create the blog for my photography. however, i dont even know how to title it. i cant decide on a name for my business. i really need to nail this down so i can move forward.. order business cards, get a licence, etc. so here are a few of my ideas, in no particular order:

Ceravolo Photography

edc photography (my initials)

bella vita images or bella vita pictures (it means "beautiful life")

Any thoughts? i'm wide open for opinions on these names and suggestions for different names. Please help!!!

Funny from Elizabeth

2008-05-15T00:20:00.002-05:00

I really dont know why I'm still awake at almost 12:30..but I had to post this before I forgot about it. Here's a tidbit of an ealier conversation with Elizabeth:

Elizabeth: "Mom, I really want to watch 'Ella Enchanted'." (this is a movie I'd Tivo'd a few wks ago).

Me: "Elizabeth, you've been watching tv all afternoon. Mommy really wants to watch something else. Why dont we watch 'Wheel of Fortune' and you can help me with the letters!"

Elizabeth: "Okay, Mommy!"

I then try to turn on regular tv, but the satellite had gone out because of the storm.

Me: "The satellite's out. I guess we'll just have to watch 'Ella Enchanted'".

Elizabeth: "That's what I'M talkin' about!!!"

haha.. too funny. the girl just makes me laugh sometimes!

Mother's Day

2008-05-14T20:44:00.011-05:00

This past Mother's Day was the best yet (of 3 yrs :) ). First of all, Ava slept until 9:00!!! Thereby, also letting mommy sleep in, too! Then sweet hubby took the girls and I to brunch at a wonderful little place by the lake called The Broken Egg Cafe. There I enjoyed the most delicious Eggs Benedict.. and THEN, indulged in Bananas Foster Belgium Waffle!! It was absolutely DIVINE! Then, home to put the girls down for naps. That's when I got to lounge poolside while Mike tidied up for the afternoon crawfish boil. Mike's parents, oldest brother, and middle brother's family, & aunt and uncle all came over for the boil. We had a very nice afternoon. The girls were just so sweet all day... which made the day even better. I feel so blessed to be a mother at all..much less to those two amazing little girls.

This was the card that Elizabeth and Ava gave me.. Elizabeth wrote this all by herself! I was so proud. I had no idea she could do that!

Ava loving on Paw Paw

Gram & her girls

Elizabeth loves her Paw Paw

Ava kissing cousin Reece.

Mike enjoying some crays

More French Quarter

2008-05-07T23:44:00.009-05:00

I know this post is out of order...please forgive! also.. sorry for all the pictures. I took a TON that day!

After a visiting the praline shop..yum!

posing in front of St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

Ava insists on having her "own" cup when we go out to eat...what a big girl!

She's so proud of herself.

Believe it or not, this was just minutes before her French Quarter dance debut! Guess she caught a second wind.

Pooped after a long day.

Ava loves her Granddaddy! She was so proud to see him after we got home.

Thanks, Nana, Granddaddy & Aunt Meagan (may-may) for coming to visit. We love you!!

Coming soon...

2008-05-07T22:45:00.002-05:00

a photography blog. After much prayer & deliberation, I have decided to pursue the photography full throttle. A friend of ours, Emily Lipani, suggested that I start a separate photography blog as a way to post some of my work. I think it's a great idea (thanks, Em!) and I hope to get that up in the next week. I'm so excited! I'll let yall know when it's up! Now (deep breath)..that being said.. I still have some pictures to post on this blog. I've been a little behind the eight ball lately..working on some pictures for other people. I'll post and backdate. ~Emily

You know it's springtime in the south when....

2008-05-07T22:27:00.007-05:00

The kids start playing in the sprinkler! This was Ava's first encounter with the sprinkler. She wasnt so sure about it at first... it was cold! She would just freeze in place as the water "sprinkled" her head, simly uttering, "Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh." She did, however, love playing in the water that puddled in a small dip in the walkway. As you see the pictures.. please ignore two things: 1. the grass.. yes, it desperately needs a manicure, and 2. Ava's saggy diaper :) .

Notice the tongue!

One of her favorite things..splashing!

"How's my hair, mom?"

French Quarter Fun

2008-05-01T10:15:00.009-05:00

While my mom, dad & sister were in town last weekend, we made a "girls' trip" to New Orleans. We spent the day in the French Quarter. We did a little shopping at the French Market, ate at an open-air cafe and enjoyed just walking around the city a little. It was a nice day. While there, Elizabeth put on a little show for anyone who wanted to watch. There was a jazz band playing outside a nearby cafe, and Elizabeth took that as her chance to show off her dance moves (or "motions", as she calls them). She had lots of onlookers. Everyone who walked up had to stop and watch..some even took pictures of her. She was definitely the center of attention! These are some of her "motions". I'll have some more pictures of the day in a later post.

New Ceravolo baby

2008-04-29T23:43:00.005-05:00

NOOOO.. it's not what you think. My parents visited this weekend and brought us a precious new kitty! As of now, Elizabeth has named her Ariel (from 'The Little Mermaid'). I'm still working on trying to change that.. she really just doesn't look like and Ariel!

This was us surprising Elizabeth with the kitty. She was so excited!

Isn't she adorable?

Kitty loves to curl up in the basket for a nap.

Silly Ava

2008-04-29T23:03:00.004-05:00

Two things you should know:

1. Ava loves baths (as if you couldnt tell from the previous post). She especially loves to take
a bath in my tub.

2. Ava loves these pink sunglasses. On Saturday she walked into my bathroom while I was getting dressed, wearing the pink sunglasses and told me in Ava-ese that she wanted a bath. She played a lot and did lots of funny things. I was laughing so hard I couldn't hold the camera straight! She wore the sunglasses during the entire bath. If they fell off, she insisted that I put them back on.

This is her famous "Did you SEE that???" face. It's my favorite expression of hers and it always makes us laugh...which is probably why she continues to do it!

Food for Thought

2008-04-24T12:34:00.002-05:00

This was an email that I receieved today. I had read it before but it was a nice refresher for me. If all of us mothers could be this way more often...

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours toget her.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow b ubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't ha ndle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a ittle longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.............

Birthday Party fun

2008-04-24T08:51:00.000-05:00

We were invited to a birthday party for a two year old, Ellie, last weekend. The girls had a great time. There was a pinata, a huge spacewalk, swingset, bubble machine, and LOTS of lollipops (Elizabeth's FAVORITE).

Ava loved digging in the ice bucket!

Bathtime..take TWO!

2008-04-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, after I had already given Ava her bath and dressed her for bed, she decided that she'd like to bathe AGAIN! I heard her giggling from the bathroom and this is what I found...

She thought it was hilarious! (that's an old neclace of mine that she likes to wear)

Drumroll, please...

2008-04-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

Okay..I know you're thinking.. "who's baby is this?". Well this is Peyton. He's the new baby of some friends of ours. I had the privilege of photographing him this past weekend. He's adorable. Anyway, the reason I'm posting this is because I had a revelation of some kind last night. One of the books I'm reading, Boundaries, is part of an 8 week Bible study. Last night was the first night of the study. The speaker stated that one of her favorite quotes, from Joyce Meyer, is "Do It Afraid" , meaning..even though you may be scared, just step out in faith and DO IT! We were actually discussing a sub-chapter of the book on "using your talents" when she made this statement, "do it afraid". And I just felt like something clicked. Now, I've never considered myself to be "talented". But photography IS something that I have a passion for. And it has been a dream of mine to have my own photography business one day. I just finally feel like this is something that I should seriously pursue. So I guess the pictures of this baby may just be the start! The mother of this baby called today and already has a referral for me! I'm really not sure how to go about opening a business, but I think I'll start researching!

2008-04-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

I had to wash the slipcover to Elizabeth's chair this morning. She, in turn, created a makeshift bed of sorts with the cushion inserts. She and Ava were maxin' and relaxin'!

Movie Time

2008-04-18T14:48:00.001-05:00

Because Ava does everything her big sister does, that also includes watching movies, or "oooh-wee" as Ava says. And even at 17 months old, she has a favorite.. NEMO! This child loves Nemo. Her attention span is forever amazing me. Is it educational? probably not, but it's so cute!

Donuts

2008-04-18T14:41:00.000-05:00

Okay.. so I have a love of powdered donuts that began when I was pregnant with Ava. This love has carried over to Ava (as seen in the slideshow pictures) and also Elizabeth. Every now and then, against my guilty concience, I allow myself and the girls to indulge in the sinful little things.

Elizabeth was scarfing down a few before going to "school" (mother's day out). ...such a healthy breakfast for a growing girl!

Big Brother 9

2008-04-16T20:21:00.000-05:00

Is there anyone out there that loves this show like i do?? tonight was AWESOME!

Bedtime Prayers

2008-04-15T21:35:00.000-05:00

Tonight Elizabeth decided that she wanted to say her own bedtime prayer. It was so adorable and heartwarming. I wanted to share a little of it. I dont remember it verbatim, but here goes:

"Dear Jesus, God bless us. Thank you because I know you're keeping an eye on us. Thank you for keeping us safe. Help us to be good. Thank you for my stuff and my food. Thank you for Jasmine. Thank you for mommy's beautiful flowers. Keep us safe. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."

And then she ever so sweetly says, "Good night, mommy. I love you, mommy."

....tissue, please!

Playtime with Granddaddy

2008-04-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

The girls love their granddaddy. Here are some pictures of them

tackling him on the floor, just like I did as a kid!

pretty pictures

2008-04-11T22:29:00.001-05:00

We made our annual trip to my grandparents' lake house last week. It was a great trip as usual. a few of the pictures of the girls are actually on the slideshow above. i managed to capture a few other pictures of God's beautiful creations while, there, too. Just thought i'd share.

These were some beautiful water lilies blooming in the lake near the pier.

And thanks to sweet, little Ava I was able to catch the sunrise one morning. It was breathtaking!

Oh where to begin...

2008-04-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

This is officially my first post. After much hesitation, I have decided to try this blogging thing. I'm hoping that this will be a better attempt at documenting the girls' daily adventures than scrapbooking, which i've been "meaning" to do for 3 years now...and maybe i still will some day. The scrapbooking is a wonderful idea. but the thought of having to pull out all that STUFF, with the risk of one or both of the girls destroying it, just overwhelmes me. I'm gonna include some recent pictures of the girls. I've been quite the slacker lately when it comes to emailing pictures to the family. So i'm thinking this will be a better way for everyone to keep up with us.