Ellie Knows Her Numbers

We're spending tonight with Nathan's parents in Cincinnati so Ellie can enjoy some time with her Nonna and PaPa. I got some great picts in the hotel pool but realized when I opened them on the computer that I had been shooting in RAW and didn't have the ability to edit them on this laptop for posting. Hopefully you'll enjoy this video instead (sorry the audio is so low -- turn up your computer speakers). Nonna brought a stack of picture cards which included numbers that apparently Ellie now knows by sight (we had an inkling earlier this week that she knew numbers 1-5) but in this video she demonstrates that she knows through 10 (but also identified numbers up to 14). We did this exercise only once before shooting this video to share with you...

Adornment with a Purpose

"I would go to the ends of the earth for you"

Last night my eye was caught by a unique piece of jewelry worn by our friend Katie. It was a simple pendant of the continent of Africa with a heart-shaped hole punched in the middle. Katie and Greg are expecting a referral soon for their daughter Journey who is waiting for them in Ethiopia. I immediately had to ask where she got her necklace and she sent me this link :http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5208670

You can imagine my delight when I found over 80 other missions/international/adoption-related pendants. The artist also makes custom pieces. Right now my mind is mulling something for myself and Ellie... What's extra special is a portion of the proceeds benefit other families in the process of international adoption.

In America...

In America we say, "Super Model"

In Germany they say, "Ubermodel"

In Albania they say, "Top Model"

While Ellie isn't aiming for a career in the modeling business (that we know of), she did sport this T-shirt tonight to help raise funds for a local organization which distributes grants for families in the process of adoption. (If you are interested in one for $10 -- children's sizes only -- let me know!)


Then, I just had to include the photo below shot by Nathan today on our cell phone. This car was in the parking lot of our local Wal-Mart. Oh how I wish I could have seen the owner and asked, "A flet shqip?" (do you speak Albanian?)

Sounds of Global Cafe`...

Some of you may not be familiar with the weekly Sunday evening fellowships we host at the student center, a time we call "Global Cafe`". In case you don't know, we have student-led worship, a challenge or testimony from a missionary speaker, and a time of prayer for the needs of the world. After the service we enjoy international coffee and refreshments while a portion of our music team provides an eclectic atmosphere with their original musical scores -- which you'll see in the video Ellie regularly enjoys and would like to contribute to.

Silly Songs With Daddy

Be-lated Valentine's Photos...

I can't believe I forgot to post these last week!!
Be-lated Happy *Hearts* Day!

(click on photo to enlarge)

Cute Ellie quote of the day...
Nathan: "Give Daddy a kiss goodnight!"
Ellie: [kisses Nathan, pauses and says] "Tickoes!"

(translated, tickles, referring to Nathan's goat-tee)

Snow Picts

Wheeeeee!

Okay, to our friends in northern states, you are probably laughing at our "snow", but it's really the most we've gotten all winter so we had to enjoy it while we had it!

And Ellie, we're sorry for this pitiful excuse for a sled...

Ellie's new phrase today: "Where dit go?"