It's My Wife's Fault

Sorry it has been so long since our last post.  And really, it IS Heather's fault.  As many of you know, Heather is not the most careful person when it comes to handling electronics (like her iPhone or the camera).  In fact, she has managed to break both of them.  Well her iPhone has been replaced, but I am working on trying to persuade Sony that the Camera should be under warranty....some 18 mos after purchase.  Thus, we have no camera...therefore no pics, and what is a blog without pics, right? (Now an admission on my part, I was the one that ruined the camera previous to this one. We like to wait about 2 months after the manufacturer's warranty to test the limits)

So here are at least a few of the phone pics we have managed to salvage.

Let's start with the 4th of July.  It was so darn hot, yet we fired up the grill (and by we, I mean the Waltons, and by grill I mean the Hasty Bake).  In fact, we have been a bit hasty bake crazy over the past few weeks succumbing to the pressure of Trey Cooper.  But when you see what this thing is able to cook up, it makes a good case for itself.

And the grill was not the only thing smokin that day.  Check out this little chickie babe:

We also lucked out that one of my best friends, Ryan Fulda, loves to take pics with his high tech camera.   So while at his baby shower, he took some great pics of our little princess.  Thanks Ryan, and can't wait for Kinley's arrival any day now.


We also made it to the lakehouse to see the entire family. However, we are at the mercy of the family to send us some pics since the camera was already in it's handicapped state. Hopefully we can show some of those images soon, as we had a great time spending time relaxing and playing with all the kiddos.

Sher Sweet Shoppe

For those of you who know my wife, also know that she was not raised to throw a simple party.  Whether we have folks over to watch an OU Football game or friends over for dinner, it always turns into an "event."  So why then was I surprised when the decorations, props and candy started rolling into the Sher home about 10 days prior to Ellison's birthday party?

Let me tell you, on this first birthday party, Heather outdid herself.  The theme was the 'Sher Sweet Shoppe' so everybody had their pickings of candy, cookies, cupcakes, candy-bars, gum-balls, and cookie mix.  It was quite the spread.  The weather cooperated (if 90 degree heat with 90% humidity is cooperation...but it did not rain) and the moon bounce was a hit.  Really the whole thing was quite the spectacle.

To be honest, many a times, it will drive me crazy the efforts my wife will go when hosting friends.  Never is it simple, never is it easy.  However, I also love the pride she takes in entertaining.  And in this case, she put countless hours in researching, planning, shopping (under budget) and ultimately pulling off one spectacular birthday party.

There were many friends that helped us pull off the event, allowing us to borrow party decorations, ideas, and even a moon bounce, however none more so than Alissa Adams.  Alissa's ability to be creative never ceases to amaze.  She created the beautiful invitations as well as took so many great pictures.  Alissa thank you for all of your hard work! Also, Mary Catherine Ward- we couldn't have pulled it off without your generosity and creativity!

It was a packed house, and it was fun to see all the kids that came to celebrate.  We truly are so blessed to have so many great friends here in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Norman.  It was great to see so many of you!

Shiner

Just in case you thought that helmet comment on the last post was said in sarcasm, check out the shiner that was on Ellison's noggin when I picked her up from school yesterday.

You may be thinking, "Dang, that looks like it hurts."  I, on the other hand, was left thinking, "Dang, we are definitely paying too much for her school, if she is coming home looking like this."

Needless to say, I was unimpressed.

Crawling...Finally Crawling

So there has been a debate in our house regarding our nearly one year old and her refusal to crawl.  Rather than the expected, "is our baby girl a bit on the slow side?", the debate was on our desire for her to crawl.

Heather has been in "training mode" for about 3 months, trying to get Ellie to crawl.  I, on the other hand, have been content being able to sit in the recliner and watch Ellie, without having to chase her around the house, without having to baby proof every room and every outlet, without having to worry about what trouble she would get into when she was mobile.  Well, as of this week, she is crawling.

Although, it appears this won't be the case for very long.  She definitely prefers the full out walk...one problem...balance.  How important is balance you ask; well, only important for those kids that don't want to look abused.  Ellison has a tendency to attempt the walk and end up crashing on the ground.  Her forehead has become a routine stop for bruises and marks.  As a result of this lack of stability, I am always fearful, based on my previous experiences, that I will run into a DHS or District Attorney, and get prosecuted for the bruises that are consistently on her head.  I am tempted to find a helmet for her to wear on a consistent basis.

Prior to the disabling heat that we are now experiencing, Ellie and I got to spend some time in the back yard.  After school, we would take off our shoes and examine the grass in the back yard.  One immediate lesson learned was that the grass was more forgiving than the patio when it came to our falls.  Not to mention that the grass tasted better too!

So back to the crawl.  It appears that she is capable, although not terribly interested. Rather, she wants to stand up, walk, and demonstrate her independence.

As a result, she is pulling up on everything.  And as long as she has something to hold on to she can walk pretty well.  She definitely prefers, if available, mommy or daddy's hands, as they make the best crutches.

In fact, we have recently walked into her room, when she was "taking a nap" and we discovered that she was standing full out, jumping up and down, giggling, and loving the rail that allows her to walk the entire length of the crib.  So much for our baby girl being much of a baby anymore.

Cousin Marshall's Birthday

Last week we had the chance to go to San Antonio to celebrate Ellison's cousin, Marshall's, first birthday. So we jumped on the plane at 7:00 AM on Friday, which for the Shers (including Ellie) is very early.

Fighting her sleep all the way to San Antonio, once we finally got her into the car (at noon) she was asleep before we were off airport property.  By Saturday, the rest of the family had arrived.  Together with all 5 of the cousins, we were able to see the amazing relationship already beginning to develop.  Ellison looking up to Addie, Addie adoring Bella.  Though separated by years and miles, it is amazing to see the love they have for each other, even at such a young age.

Whether it was playing in the sandbox, taking baths, or sharing spaghetti, it was really fun seeing these kiddos interacting.  Of course, Barrett, the oldest, had more fun schooling Uncle Rob on the Wii then anything else.

Besides watching Marshall take his first bites of cake, the funniest story developed from bath time.  Knowing that Marshall and Ellie would't always be able to share bath time, we thought it would be fun to get them splashing around together.  Towards the end of the bath, it was more than smile and giggles being deposited.  With a very serious and determined impression on his face, Marshall inadvertently cut bath time short with a couple of pushes.  Out from underneath his body came a "floatie" that caused tears of laughter.

It is always so much fun to have the cousins all together. So glad we were able to be apart of such a fun weekend.  I can not believe Marshall is already one, and likewise, that we are already planning a first birthday party for our own little princess.    We also want to wish Happy First Birthdays to Preston Clark and Griffin Garrett!