Bells Will Be Ringing.....Part 2

Colby and I went on Monday night to RING THE BELL. Oh what a huge difference 5 years can make in hanging with your Mom. Cale and I sang Christmas carols on Friday. Colby says to me when we are there, "could you not sing Mom its kind of embarrassing." Nice, thanks my boy! I took candy canes for him to hand out to people and he kind of liked that. We had a good time, and I tried to explain to him how fortunate we are and how important it is to give back, I'm not sure if the boys understand this yet.

This is definitely a tradition we are going to continue every year!

Bells Will Be Ringing.....

Our family is so blessed. I really hope to instill on our boys the importance of helping those that are less fortunate than us. There are lots of ways to help others and I want the boys to realize how nice it feels to contribute to this world.

I was reading a newspaper article a couple weeks ago about the fact that the Salvation Army had a huge shortage of volunteers this year. It said that when there is no one there to man the kettles the donations go way down, I thought this totally made sense I almost never put money in the kettle if someones not there. Not sure why, but I don't, and I guess most others don't either.

Soooooo last Friday Cale and I went to RING THE BELL, and tomorrow night Colby and I will RING THE BELL. We are working at the same location, inside Merle Hay Mall near the food court. It was a lot of fun, and am looking forward to tomorrow with Colby. Its not a huge thing, but its a start.

Oh Yeah!

So as always I'm behind in my posts....Wednesday night we got to see the Glenn Beck Christmas Tour. It was absolutely amazing! I had heard such great things about it so when I heard from Amy that the show was coming here, I jumped at the chance to go. Out of 8 cities I cannot believe that Des Moines was actually one of the stops. Woohoo!

His show is described by himself as politically incorrect. The last story of the night I was wondering if anyone had a dry eye. He talked about Jesus, the man he became, and what he did for all of us. He is an awesome speaker and I hope that since this is the last year for this tour that he will release it on DVD.

My biggest regret would be that in my rush to get out the door I forgot my camera and then kind of thought they wouldn't be allowed anyhow. But I was wrong, there was a lady in front of us that took pictures the whole time. I found this picture on google and had to giggle because I totally knew the story that went with it.

Amy, Mark, Shawn and I went to dinner & the show and had an absolutely fabulous time. We were in the fourth row-our tickets ROCKED!

Addiction....

I have a new addiction this is my confession. Usually I am not a fan of Triscuit crackers I always thought it was a little like eating a bale of hay. But not these, they are sooooo good. To quote Dora the Explorers friend Backpack---yum, yum, yum, delicioso!

Merry Christmas!

I read a similar post on my friend Becky's blog, and I'm sure that is something we all feel often at this time of year. I am a huge fan of Glenn Beck -listening to his radio show and watching his show on CNN daily I guess you could call me a groupie. We have tickets to go to his Christmas show next week--one of his nine city tour stops is here in Des Moines, can you believe how lucky we are? I am totally pumped. He describes his show as politically incorrect since there is a lot of talk of Christmas and Jesus. I love it.

Today I stopped at Dahl's near our house to mail our Christmas cards, and outside was a man ringing the bell for The Salvation Army donations. This guy was so funny. You could hear him inside the store and all through the parking lot. MERRY CHRISTMAS! he was saying at the top of his lungs, how refreshing to hear those words. I heard one woman say "its so nice to hear you say that" so he says "well than I'll say it again-"MERRY CHRISTMAS" When I said Merry Christmas to him he said PRAISE THE LORD, I think he was about as politically incorrect as you can get.

More gingerbread fun!

The Sustala's
The Patterson's
The Singleton's
The Singleton's
The Adair's

Fun with Gingerbread!

The Workman's
The May's
The Cecil's
The Smith's
The Brown's

&

The Wilson's

Last night we had a potluck/gingerbread house night for church. It was soooo much fun. The food everyone contributed was awesome. The kids got along well and it was a great time for fellowship. I tried to take some pictures but got a little distracted and didn't get a whole lot. I was totally excited for last night and got crafty this week with some things, I'll post some pictures of that later. Here are some pictures of all the families hard at work. We had a few more families who had signed up but of course with this wonderful time of year comes lots of sickness too. We missed all of you who couldn't join us.

This is why I love being a MOM!

My friend Sharlotte sent me a link with her 3 boys and I was cracking up. I had to make my own. This is sooo funny, someday my children will hate me, but oh well that's why I'm the mom!

Merry Christmas everyone, enjoy!


http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9611244410

And What I'm Not Thankful For....

Bathtub 1 - Cale 0

We got home from Shawn's Dad's house around 4:30 yesterday, we planned to start a fire and hang out. Shawn and I told the boys to go get in the tub and that is about where are night of relaxing ended.... Cale fell when he got shortly after he got in, and if you know Cale he got right up "I'm OK" then he fell again. This time he was crying, I was like your OK, then I went to get jammies. Colby says Mom Cale's bleeding.... So off we went to Blank ER, and I can tell you that is not a good place to be on Thanksgiving night. I said it's a good thing Cale is on an antibiotic for a sinus infection or who knows what he probably would have gotten. I kept telling Colby don't touch anything. So keep us in your prayers that we don't get what ever was floating around in there.

We arrived at 5:30 and were discharged at 9:15. Four stitches later we are all recovering.

Note: this is the 3rd time Cale has split his eye open, left eye-coffee table-glue to the eye, right eye-dining room chair-butterfly strips, left eye-bathtub-stitches. I'm ready to put him in a bubble until he's 20.

What I'm Thankful For....

Yesterday was Thanksgiving we had a great time with Shawn's family. Other than the fact that the oven got shut off and there was a slight delay of the turkey. Someday we will look back and giggle about that. One of Barb's grand kids came in the kitchen no less than every 10 minutes and said "how's the turkey coming?" It was pretty funny. I just wanted to post a quick picture to tell you about 3 of the things I'm most thankful for, of course there are many. But man am I a lucky women to have these blessings in my life.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving....

We spent Sunday with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving. We drove to Orient to have lunch at my Mom's house. We took Ashlin and Ayrin with us since their mom was working. My brother came back from Omaha, his wife was working so she couldn't join us. Her mother Marjorie joined us, she is such a sweetheart. My aunt Janet, sister Kelly and her boyfriend Dave were also there. We had a nice time, the boys always love to go there since we aren't around much farmland here. It is amazing as I grow up how different things look in my hometown. Such a small town, everything looks so different.

Thursday we are going to Shawn's Dads house for lunch. He and his girlfriend Barb are hosting lunch for the second year in a row. Barb has 4 daughters and Shorty's 2 (Shawn & Sheila) so its a big group once you add in the spouses and grandkids. Its a fun group to be around. Barb has been widowed almost 10 years and Shorty just 5 years, its been such a blessing to see them happy. They are kind of fun to sit and watch, they just seem to be in their own little world.

What a great time to be with friends and family, I just want to take time to make sure we give Thanks for all we have been blessed with.

기합

Okay I didn't know how to spell hiyaw-you know like the yell in Tae Kwon Do, so the symbol above means yell in Korean. Today after school Colby was telling me how tired he was-oh I don't think I can go to Tae Kwon Do, I'm soooooo tired. So I say okay you can either go to Tae Kwon Do or go to bed, because I'm a Mom that's why. Tonight he's been singing a different tune, he is SOOOOO happy he went. He broke his first board, and it was totally cool.

Colby pretty much stood around with this same smile holding his boards for quite awhile tonight. I love the look on Cale's face in that picture, he loves his big brother (well at least most of the time).

Woohoo Colby!

Reminder of the fun at the marriage retreat....

This morning before church I was listening/watching CMT, I had to laugh when this video came on. Those of you that were at the marriage retreat or heard about it will find the humor.... I also added the music link in the upper corner just click on the little esnips guy (holding the candle...heeheehee)

I Melt….
By Rascal Flatts

When you light those candles
Up there on that mantle, setting the mood
Well, I just lie there staring
Silently preparing to love on you
Well, I can feel the heat from across the room
Ain't it wild what a little flame can make you wanna do
I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails, anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing I've ever felt
I melt
Don't know how you do it
I love the way I lose it, every time
What's even better
Is knowing that forever you're all mine
The closer you get, the more my body aches
One little stare from you is all it takes
I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails, anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing I've ever felt
I melt
I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails, anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing I've ever felt
I melt
Every time you look at me that way I melt,
I melt I melt

Not as tough as I thought...

Okay so during my last post I stated that I was just too tough to get sick...I wasn't. I am so glad that last week is over and I'm hoping that was our families one bout with the flu. Not a good week. Colby ended up missing 2 days of school and Cale was sick then as well. I went to the doctor on Saturday afternoon with a raging sinus infection and am finally starting to feel some relief. It was really too bad because Shawn and I attended a marriage retreat Friday night and Saturday and I really didn't get to enjoy it since I was under the weather. Its just not very often when we actually have a weekend without kiddos so I was bummed. The information at the retreat was awesome, and we had a lot of good laughs.

Trick or Treat!

Last night was Beggar's Night, so here are some pictures. When I picked Colby up from school he said he wasn't feeling good. UGH! He came straight home and laid down but when it was time to go out he said he didn't feel like going. What? No Candy? So he stayed laying down. Cale and Daddy went out for a little while but he was more interested in helping me hand out candy. We had them both in bed before 8:30 (without argument), that's how you know their sick. Cale was sick in the night and Colby still wasn't feeling well so we just had a day of laying around today. Colby went to a Halloween Party Monday night, which I am glad for since he had to miss TRICK OR TREAT last night and his class party today. Shawn was sick yesterday morning and me-well I'm just too TOUGH to get sick. Knock on wood, everyone is feeling better, maybe were over it.

I love it....or no

So this past weekend Shawn and I were having a conversation about how we really need to be trying to get the boys to eat healthier. We try but sometimes when we are really busy trying to be quick definitely isn't healthy. I realize its so just about better planning so I'm trying. Today I went to the grocery store and stocked up on some healthy snack alternatives and also tried to do some meal planning. That brings us to dinner tonight.....Cale helped make dinner with Dad. They made homemade fries, broccoli and grilled some steaks. He thought the fry idea was cool. They cut them, tossed them in some olive oil and baked them. So all of this delicious food is on his plate. We begin the debate about the broccoli. So he eats it (FINALLY), declares that he loves it, Shawn says do you want some more buddy. No thanks Dad, and he hops down, I don't think he even got one step away from the table when he vomits all over the kitchen. Shawn was like that'll teach us. So for the rest of tonight he has been telling anyone who'll listen-his tubby toys, Maggie, Colby, the walls ~ANYONE-that he loves broccoli! Too funny. I guess its good that he hasn't banished it from his list.

Cowboys vs. Vikings

I forgot to even do a blog since after last Sunday I do have bragging rights. See I am a Cowboys fan~~my hubby a Vikings fan. They played last Sunday and woohoo Cowboys won! Even Maggie May is a Cowboys fan, don't let the disgusted look on her face fool ya....

It has arrived....

On 10/18-we ordered Shawn's new TV. It arrived on Tuesday. Best Buy told us it would be 6 days, it came sooner, and I'm absolutely positive that that wasn't soon enough for Best Buy. Shawn was like a small child waiting for his new toy. Everyday he said did they call, maybe I should call them, so he'd call. Anyhow he's happy, make that ecstatic about it. I'm feeling like its large, very large. But I guess that's to be expected since its a 50 inch plasma.....boys and their toys. Now we just have to wait for the wall brackets to arrive. Note to the manufacturer, please hurry.

Mama's little helper....

Friday morning Cale set out on the task to bake cookies (please don't notice the tub he's getting the cookie dough out of). Its so funny how when kids are young they love- love- love to help. Doesn't matter what it is-laundry, mopping, cooking, dishes Cale will volunteer. I have to take the help while I can get it, because as Colby gets older he gets busier with his own things and less willing to help. Don't get me wrong Colby still likes to help, it just comes a little less frequently.

The cookies were delicious, he's a great baker!

****please note the pile of dishes behind him are clean, just waiting to dry...:)

More Family Circus....

Family Circus

I have always loved the comic Family Circus, probably because the kids say the things we hear come out of our own children's mouths. Anyhow, there have been a couple here in the last month that I loved and I found a cool website that you can view them all. I thought I would share the couple that I really liked.

I love my life!

Please excuse my rant..... It is one week past our 10 year wedding anniversary and today, just a normal ordinary Thursday, and I can not explain how I'm feeling. I am one lucky girl, okay woman, since I am 33. I have two boys that love me and think I'm pretty fantastic. And don't even get me started on my husband, what a great guy! Someone who I love, who is my best friend, and who I can count on for anything. And probably what makes him even better is how much I respect him. He works hard and takes such good care of our family. A wonderful husband, father and business man. How lucky am I?!!! So for those of you that really know me, the lyrics to song below are of course from a country song, Sara Evans says exactly how I've been feeling today and for the past 10 years of this wonderful life. Jeffrey Shawn Adair, I love you, baby!

"I Could Not Ask For More"

by Sara Evans

Lying here with you

Listening to the rain

Smile just to see the smile upon your face

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

And these are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

Looking in your eyes

Seeing all I need

Everything you are is everything in me

These are the moments I know heaven must exist

And these are the moments I know all I need is this

I've found all I've waited for, yeah

And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

And every prayer has been answered

Every dream I've had's come true

Yeah, right here in this moment

Is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you here with me Yeah

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

And these are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've found all I've waited for And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

And every prayer has been answered

Every dream I've had's come true

Yeah, right here in this moment

Is right where I'm meant to be

Oh, here with you here with me

No, I could not ask for more

Than this love you gave me

Cause it's all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more No, yeah

No, I could not ask for more

Pictures from the Family Fall Festival

Cale playing a game
Chief Micaela, her costume rocked!
All the little cowboys during costume judging.
Middle sized cowgirls being judged. Little miss Jordyn won!
Jakey waiting to be judged.

Pictures from the Family Fall Festival

Talking over strategy before golfing...
Jordyn, Jake, Jayden playing a game with Mr. Randy.

I love the look on Colby's face in the background
Jordyn and Ashlin playing a game.
Jayden and Ashlin playing a game.
Jayden and Ashlin playing a game. Jake bring Ashlin his loot!

fun at the Family Fall Festival

Saturday night was the Family Fall Festival for JCFC. It was a lot of fun. We had a wild west theme so we got to dress up like cowboys. Cale dressed as Kenny Chesney, and was quite a cutie! I was totally excited at the aspect of making cakes for the cake walk, that is until the task actually began. I attached some pictures, it was fun but quite a bit more work than I had anticipated, I'm glad Ashlin came by to help me out. I don't think I will be quitting my day job anytime soon to become a cake decorator, that's for sure.

We had a tough time finding costume ideas for Colby but he was good enough with wearing his gun holster. Ashlin was babysitting for the Sustala's kids and they were all dressed up in their best western attire. They were so cute, and had a great time, and were soooo well behaved. I will add some pictures of everyone in costume later.

Another busy, busy week....

Last week was another of those weeks where when it has ended you just go wow! So here are a few quick details.

• Sunday night we had our Marriage Life Group at the Main's, it is a great "SMALL" group, it has been very eye opening and helps really think about how your partner may be interpreting things.


• Monday night we had Colby's Taekwondo belt promotion. He has been in Taekwondo since January of 07 and really seem to enjoy it. Because of his age range they do the belts a little different, he has to a little more work to promote to different colors. So this was his graduation from yellow belt with white stripe to orange belt with orange stripe. Very confusing. I was so proud of him, he has really been learning a lot these past few weeks, we've had an instructor change, and most of what he had to show to the judges was stuff he has just learned. He did AWESOME!


• Tuesday we went to lunch with Lisi and Amy, which has become a Tuesday ritual. Cale and Lisi play so well together and its great for some mom time. :)


• Wednesday I had to take Cale back to the doctor, he fell the other night playing at the Mumm's (you know being a 3 year old) and still was limping a week later so the doctor wanted to do more x-rays and lab work to rule out any serious issues. We started at our regular doctors office for blood work (not fun) and then went to the radiologists for some hip, pelvis, and knee x-rays. Long story short-they found nothing....I guess that's good, but its hard not knowing what exactly is wrong with your little one. (The picture of Cale with the eye mask is on our way to the doctors office, he has morphed into a TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLE)


• Wednesday night we had our Parenting Life Group, what a blessing it has been answering some of those questions that you know everyone has.


• Thursday was Shawn and my 10th wedding anniversary. Wow! Its hard to believe we have been married for 10 years. Wednesday night Pastor Lori was talking about making the decision to be a cycle breaker, and I guess that is exactly what I have done. I am so happy with the marriage that Shawn and I work hard to have. We are so blessed, and I hope we will celebrate many more anniversaries together. Shawn's sister and brother in law came over Thursday night and watched the boys while we went out to dinner, it was nice to have some us time. Guess what else I did on Thursday afternoon....put my WEDDING DRESS on, 10 years, two kids later and it was even a little loose. I was pretty impressed. (The picture of Cale on the fireplace is a after dinner performance of his wonderful singing talents, and yes his microphone holder does just happen to be his underwear)


• Friday I started with "THE" cakes....more on that later.


• Saturday I finished "THE" cakes with Ashlin help. That night was fall festival for church, such fun!