HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Caiden and Bailee just wanted to say "Happy Grandparents Day" We hope everyone had a great day and they really are so glad to have Pap paw Larry, Mimi , Kay Kay and Pappy as grandparents! They love to come and visit and they are so blessed to have each one of you all! They love to be with you all!

WHAT WE WILL MISS...

Jerry got the call... we knew it was coming and we were prepared for it. We are just so grateful
that he got deployed to Baton Rouge.
This means that he is not far, and we can go and see him on weekends.
We are just so thankful to God for the time that we had with him.
Just his presence, made us so happy.
Though, we weathered storms here, and didn't get to do much was not a issue.

These are the things that we will miss.
When we go and visit Jerry in different places, we usually have a great weekend planned.
But, when he is home, we stay home and soak up every bit of time we have with him.
These are the things that we miss when he is gone. The family time that we get when he is home is priceless. These are the things that we will miss most. Just having him here, makes us feel so complete and content. Jerry, we love you and we are always thinking about you. Thanks for all you do for our family. You are already missed and we will be praying for you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIMI

Happy Birthday Mimi!

Caiden and Bailee just wanted to tell Mimi Happy Birthday!They put so much into making her birthday cardsCaiden had is own way of showing how Mimi loves him and about how much she loved him He wanted his card from him too show her how special she really is him. Bailee Grace wanted to show you her special hard work that she did too special Hope you had a great Birthday! I know that the kids did. They didn't want to leave you on your special day

JUST PRAY

As I sit here tonight, I have realized now more than ever how blessed I am. I cannot sleep, for I feel so much hurt for those who have been affected by Hurricane Gustav. I have sat and watched the news, I have seen the devastation, the loss, the destructive paths, the loss of homes, business, and the pure existence of life. I have seen the heroic efforts of doctors, nurses, and parents. The ones who put there needs aside, and have put so much effort in making sure others were taken care off. The sick, disabled, and those who have no where to turn or to go. There are so many without, and there are those who are simply living moment to moment, minute by minute. How could I ever think that I am doing without. I have electricity, I have shelter, I have food and necessities, and most of all, I have my family.I even feel guilty for having all these blessings. I think that this tragedy had made me realize that no matter what happens, there is always hope. Hope is what keeps us alive, for me anyway. There is always tomorrow, a new day, A clean slate, a new beginning. I have racked my brain tonight trying to figure out what I could do to make these people's lives better, for they have been through so much , and lost everything. Should I go to these shelters, prepare a warm meal, give them clothes, or simply just talk to them. I want to do my part. But, it hit me, JUST PRAY. There is such much power in prayer. We may not get the answer we want, but the Lord is listening. How He chooses, and when
He chooses to respond is up to HIM, and HIM only. God's way are not our ways, and are above our thinking. But, we can rest assure, He hears, and He will respond in His time. God bless those in this tragedy, and bless those who are willing to put their lives on the line in order to safe another. There is always a rainbow waiting for us on the other side. God Bless everyone.

WE ARE PREPARED

I believe that it is ALWAYS better to be prepared for emergencies, no matter the situations that life can throw at you. With Hurricane Gustav approaching new territory, it has made realize the severity and danger that we can be in. Even though we are not scheduled to get hit here, we will feel some effects of it. Our schools have been closed to due to people evacuating New Orleans and they need places set up for shelter for those who have no where to go. My heart hurts for those who will be left without a home, food and any where to go, or no idea how to go from here. I can even imagine the devastation and tragedy that has happened and that will continue to happen. This hurricane is bigger than Katrina, and will do more damage than any of us can fathom. We have been taking all the precautions that we know to do. As of right now, it is expected to hit landfall Monday. Gustav has 115 mph wind speed. It is 263 miles from New Orleans. One of Jerry's best friends and co-workers lives in Houma, which is directly right where it is expected to hit. We have talked to him several times this weekend, via phone and e-mail. He was completely boarded everything, and is waiting out the storm, We have tried to reason with him several times, telling him that we have room for him and to please evacuate, but he is going to wait it out. Now, all we can do is wait... and the unexpected is frighting, but I am just so glad that Jerry is here with us. It's not that I can't handle situations like this, I have many times before, It's just a feeling of safety and security that only comes from having my whole family with me. I just feel like we can conquer anything that comes, together. We have been in preparation for this just about the whole weekend. We have filled both cars with a full tank of gas. We have towels, blankets, and pillows ready in case of bad winds and tornado warnings.Today, after church, we went to the grocery store, stocked up on bottle water, canned goods, and any non-perishable items. We have batteries for radios, portable fans, candles. I have also made sure we have all sorts of medicines, aspirin, Caiden's asthma medicine, and A first aid kit on hand. I have been cooking this whole weekend. So, we have everything in easy access range and not have to worry about what to eat. I have cooked everything from casserole dishes to desserts, being banana pudding and lemon pies, Jerry's favorite. We have paper plates , plastic cups, and plastic forks and spoons. I just feel more ready for anything this way, for the unexpected is frightening, the the anticipation of this hurricane is the worst feeling. I am just so thankful that God has allowed Jerry to be home right now. I think the worst part of this all is not only the devastation that is about to come, but about where Jerry will be called to. We are praying not only for the safety and protection of people, but also for Jerry. He very well could be in the middle of all this. Anticipation, waiting, for that call that he will deployed. And where he goes is crucial to us, and if we will be able to travel on the weekends to see him. So, we are here as of right now, as a family, enjoying and appreciating every moment we have together. The circumstances maybe bleak, but no matter what happens, we are here going through it as a family. God please watch over us all, and we know that are prayers are being heard. We will be protected by the Lord no matter what happens.

THERE BACK!

Caiden and Bailee's build-a-bears are now out of their boxes!
They have been in those boxes just sitting there
With Mimi taking Bailee to build-a-bear, they have fell in love again with playing with them!
Bailee has enjoyed putting the new outfit on that Mimi bought her. And Caiden had forgotten how cool they really are. They have been playing with them all day!

GIRL TIME !

The Ellerman girls had a girls time this weekend! Mimi got Madison, Bailee, and Jayden for a fun filled weekend! They got to go to Build-A-Bear! MiMi bought each girl a new outfit for their little bears. And they got to ride the carousel at the mall!They got to do arts and crafts!
Bailee was so proud to show us her little house she made !

They got to eat McDonald's!

They also got to do a fashion show! Bailee has such a wonderful time with her girl cousins! Thank you MiMi for letting Bailee have fun with you and her cousins! She always comes back with many happy times to remember!

SCHOOLS CLOSE FOR USE OF SHELTERS

We have just gotten word that our school will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to Hurriane Gustva.
They will be using the schools as shelters for those evacuating New Orleans. I-10 is packed from those trying to leave New Orleans. I am so scared for those in harms way. I am soo thankful that Jerry is here to be with us! We all pray for those already traumatized by this horrible tragedy and for those who will be hit from its effects.

CAIDEN'S MUSIC RECORDER

The 5th graders at school are learning to play the recorder. These music classes are designed primarily to help prepare students for middle school/junior high school band and choir classes by helping them increase their music - reading skills. The students will also have opportunities during the year to play these recorders and other musical instruments for us parents and the school. Caiden is very excited about this recorder, and even though he just got it today, he thinks that he is already a maestro!!

DADDY'S TURN !

With today being Friday, this was the day to go have lunch with Caiden and Bailee.
Not only did I go, but Jerry did too! They were so excited about both of us coming!
Jerry may be gone a lot, but when he is here, he does so much with our children.
He definitely makes up for lost time! He is the best dad!

PARENT/TEACHER MEETING

Jerry and I attended Caiden's 5th grade teacher/ parenting meeting this evening. I always attend this meetings. Even though they are repeated, being that Bailee is one grade below Caiden. I was soo GLAD that Jerry got to go with me!!! It felt so good to walk in together, Jerry,me, Caiden, and Bailee. Normally, the children do not come, BUT this time we all went. I guess that since Jerry has been gone for so long, we just wanted to be together as much as we could. Plus, Caiden came home from school today telling Jerry and I that all his friends were going to be there, and they were going to play football while we were in the meeting. So we arrived, 1st thing we noticed was NO air conditioning!!! Jerry and I looked at each other in despair, we were thinking the same thing...How can they hold a meeting that was going to last at least an hour, with 5 different teachers explaining their teaching techniques, what they expected out of our children..... AND then "Are there any questions?" So, there we all were, parent to parent.... seated in a row with our little agendas and schedules for their classes. Then taking this bundle of papers, fanning ourselves. My little Bailee Grace sitting there beside me, taking my hair of my neck and fanning me, which in turn I fanned her. Parents trying to hold their attention on which ever teacher was talking, while they twisted and turned in their cafeteria seats, which by the way, are NOT comfortable. Jerry and I conversed with little chit chat, him being a funny guy, was trying to make me laugh out loud! And then, whispering little nothings to other parents to get them laughing. Of course these were mostly men, his baseball buddies that he has not seen in awhile, I could see that they really were wanting to do something else. Leslie and I were doing the same, for she has ALREADY done this before, last year! I guess the air cuts off automatically, for Leslie told me that the school security alarm goes on at 7 pm. It was HOT! All in All, it was a great meeting, informative, and the teachers all seem to be really dedicated to making our children's year the best. I figure this , in about 3 more years, this meetings will cease... The schools will be sending DVD'S home and we will be able to view ALL teachers, ALL schedule's and ALL test times without leaving the house. NOW that would be cool!

GO LSU TIGERS!

It's that time again...LSU FOOTBALL!!! They will play their first game Saturday against Appalachian State.We have a fun weekend planned! We also will be having a surprise friend or should I say family member home!!!!! But, SHHH, Caiden and Bailee don't know yet!!!! He is on his way home as I write this!!!! He will be here in about 1 hour, and he will get to go with me to pick them up from school!! They are going to be sooo happy!!!! We love when he comes home... he may not be here for long, but we cherish every moment we have together as a family!!

OFF TO A GREAT START

I feel really good about Caiden and Bailee's school year. I have really put a lot of planning into their school work and studies. I am trying something new this year and it seems to be agreeing with us! I have snack ready for them when they get home. Then then start on homework, this includes written assignments, such as Math, Spelling, and English. I am trying so hard this year, to make them figure it out for themselves, only asking me for help, when they are stuck. I believe they they should TRY first, THEN, ask for help. I believe that this is essential for learning. They are at the age where they should assume some responsibility, I am there to help, not do it for them. They are spending anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes on it. Which, I feel is a sufficient amount of time. I then let them have free time, this means tv or video games, or just simply relaxing. Then we have supper, kitchen clean up, and then their bath. We then have study time. This usually starts around 7:30, and they each go to a room and look over their study material. I usually give them about 10 minutes to look over it and then I individually go to them and study for tests that are due in 4 days in advance. I try to make it fun for them. This helps them to retain the knowledge, and makes them want to learn more. Caiden has made little songs to help him ,and Bailee likes for me to mix things up a bit, so it doesn't seem redundant. I am taking all this into consideration when I was in college. I seemed to retain more when I studied right before bed time. They go to bed with that in mind, and they seem to sleep with that in their heads! After this, it is 9 pm, and its bed time. This also gives their bodies time to settle down and ready for sleep. So, I feel like this is really going to work for us. So far, it has worked out great! I'm just glad I am here and ready to tackle it all when they get home! And when the days ends, I can go to bed with the satisfaction of knowing that they are well prepared ... for the next day!!

HE DID IT !!!

With all the hustle and bustle of a new school year, I forgot to mention that Jerry has passed his test!! YES!! He has been preparing for a very lengthy test. State Farm specifically sent him to Dallas to prepare and study for it. He was so nervous. This test depending on a lot of factors, job promotion being one of them. Jerry, Caiden, Bailee, and I are so proud of you.. I told you that you could do it. I have always had faith in you!! We love you and can't wait for you to come home!

NOW... his preparing for another one to take in September!

We know you can do it again!

THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE

We love in many different ways, It can be anything from a simple saying "I love you" to a great big hug. We can also show love by just being there, no words said, just by looking into someones eyes, we can feel and know that they love us. WELL, Bailee showed me tonight another way to show love. Technology is amazing and it keeps improving everyday. Sometimes I agree, sometimes not. Yes, our children have cell- phones for various reasons, but this was a personal decision Jerry and I made. Well, being that I sleep with my cell-phone, for we don't have a home phone, Its pretty much always with me. Mostly in the pocket of my sweat pants! Caiden's cell phone stays pretty much charged as were Bailee has hers with her pretty much all the time. Since school as started, our sleeping schedule is still a little thrown off, and we are still trying to get it back to normal as possible. Now that they are just a tad bit older, I make sure that they are in bed by 9. But, with them being children, they are not always going to go right to sleep! You can make them go to bed, but you can't make them go to sleep! Any way, Bailee was in her bed, I was doing my usual routine, of picking up the house after I tucked them into bed. I did not have my cell phone on me, and Bailee told me that she heard my phone ringing.... So, I go and check it out. It was a text message from Bailee.. Just a simple " I love you" Those 3 little words , just 3, made me feel so happy and so loved. It's the little things that we do for another that means so much! Bailee is so thoughtful and for some reason, she felt like I needed to hear that! And, I did. I miss Jerry so much, and my heart grows heavy and I get weary sometimes because I know he wants to be here.And they miss him too. Of course, I had to text her back, and she was happy I did. So, love can be shown different ways, the only thing that matters is that you make sure its reciprocated !