Jenn's Blog

Pictures....

2010-01-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

Shawn turned 40 in November!
Daddy and Cooper taking a nap on the couch

Cale at the Mall of America-Legoland

Shawn, Colby Cale Cooper &

Grandma Leib (Shawns' Mom's Mom)

Cooper's favorite place to hang out, under the table.

Although usually stuck in between the chair legs.

Welcome to 2010!

2010-01-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

Ok I'm with Lisa no more apologizing for my lack of blogging I am just going to make time to do it, because I really love having this on going journal of all crazy things going on.

So here's a quick run down of whats been going on since my last post, which has to be a lot since it was in April.

Me: hmmmm can't think of anything. Guess maybe I've have no excuse to not have kept up with this. So sorry....
Shawn: busy as ever with work. Unlike most people in this economy fortunately for us, his business hasn't felt the hit. He moved offices in November. Into a much smaller place, but we really didn't see paying for space which wasn't being used.
Colby: Turned 10 in August. This was his first year playing football, and he absolutely loved it. He played quarterback and thrived in the position. Can't wait to see how well he does as the years go by. He absolutely lives for football, and can tell you all of the stats from teams and seasons past. But of course his favorite is the Minnesota Vikings. He and Shawn have been fortunate to go to two games this season, which has only fueled his fire for the game.
Cale: hmmm where do I ever start. Cale turned 5 in August, and is still Mr. Personality. His favorite things change daily, he likes music (singing and playing), Star Wars, and Transformers. He is going to preschool at Ashworth Road Baptist Church Preschool four days a week, and loves it there. And he is loving being a big brother too.
Cooper: He turned 9 months on Saturday, and is into absolutely everything. I don't mean his interests, and mean literally INTO everything! He has been crawling and is now pulling himself up to stand and cruising along to whatever he shouldn't be in. Wow! Its amazing to me how quickly they learn what they AREN'T supposed to have, which is all the things he wants. He just broke through his 2nd tooth last week. So he is enjoying trying new foods. I think he may give Cale a run for his $ in the eating category. At his last doctors appointment (right after Christmas) he was right at 21 pounds, growing like a weed. Last Friday, January 8 he had his first haircut which always makes this mama sad, because somehow it makes them look all grown up, which is happening to fast!

Going to post some pictures of our recent goings on, but keep your eyes out, I'm going to make this a priority, if for no one else than myself. :)

more! :)

2009-04-26T20:56:00.002-04:00

Cooper and Daddy relaxing in the recliner
After his first "real" bath

Laying in his crib after his bath

The first "real" bath

Snug as a bug in a rug...

More pictures.....

2009-04-26T17:31:00.003-04:00

Kisses from big brother, Cale will make me feel better
Exercising the lungs

Cooper and Daddy

Kisses from my other big brother, Colby

My sister Kelly, her daughter Tayler and Cooper

Announcing the arrival of Cooper Jude Adair...

2009-04-26T17:10:00.003-04:00

First bath...not really a fan.
Cooper and Papa (Shawn's dad, Shorty)

Proud new big brother Cale and Cooper

Big brother Colby and Cooper

First picture of Cooper Jude Adair

I just realized that I hadn't updated my blog with my new babes' arrival. Today is my actual due date so I don't feel too bad, if he would have come when he was supposed to I would be right on time. :) Anyways here he is....

Cooper Jude Adair was born on Thursday 4/9/09 at 11:15 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long.

So here is the story of his arrival, after dinner that night I decided I needed a little me time. Shawn suggested I go for a pedicure. So off I went. After I was finished with my manicure and pedicure, Shawn called me and asked me to pick up a few things while I was at Wal-Mart. I paid at 7:29 (according to my receipt) and left the store. I got almost to my van when I got a text message from our neighbor Michele (she watches the boys while we go to the hospital) she had been out of town so her text said "I'm home." I shut my phone and whoosh-my water broke. Can you believe that! Just then my phone rang it was Shawn, he said are you still there? I said I'm in the parking lot, my water just broke. He says whatever can you grab some popcorn? I said I'm serious! So I drove home, and after I got there contractions started. I packed a bag quickly and we went to the hospital. He arrived at 11:15, so it was a super quick, and easy labor

and deliver. Gotta love that!

The last couple weeks has been a whirlwind, we are all settling in to what ever normal may be. The boys are loving him, Maggie's still not too sure, and definitely Mommy and Daddy are loving this new little guy. What a great family God has blessed us with!

behind....AGAIN!

2009-03-25T10:55:00.005-04:00

Maggie is curled around my belly, she likes it

until the baby starts to move around.

My sister Kellys' baby girl Tayler and Maggie May.

Maggie waited very patiently for her to crawl over to pet her.

Maggie napping the in the rocking chair, I know its hard to see her,
she's laying on her back with her feet straight up in the air.

I guess like Dara I too find it easier to post a quick update on the happenings on Facebook than on my blog and really need to do better.

Lately I have been staying busy trying to get things in order before this new baby comes. The nursery has been completely done for about 2 weeks now, so I feel great about that. I need to get some pictures posted of that SOON. We cleaned out the boys drawers and found a bazillion clothes that no longer fit either of them so I decided to get them listed on Ebay. A couple of my auctions ended yesterday, and did very well, pretty excited about that. I think with the way the economy is right now people are looking to cut corners wherever possible.

I am now in my 35 week of pregnancy, feeling good for the most part, no big complaints. Just getting back to the really tired scenario. At 30 weeks I was measuring 33 which had me a little worried, but last week when I went in I was right at 34, where I am supposed to be. Next week I go for my final 2 week appointment and then I'm down to weekly appointments. I cannot even believe how quickly it has gone by. But I guess with 2 other guys and the craziness of that there isn't a lot of time to sit around and count down. Trying to enjoy these last weeks, and all the fun of it. It is so amazing to feel this little one moving about, too incredible for words.

Super excited for my baby shower this weekend, after a quick change of plans to move to Amy's from Marcie's I think everything is in order. I feel so bad for Marcie, her pregnancies really take a toll on her body. I pray that she is feeling better quickly!

Funny the other night on the news they were trying to decide if we are in the midst of a baby boom. They said they didn't think so, but birth rates are definitely up. That's for sure, at least in the world I live in. At church I swear there is someone constantly new that has either just had a baby or is now pregnant. Dara says it is just a sign that our church is healthy. WOW! I guess. Too much fun. A few years from now our youth group is going to be HUGE! Kristal tried to contact the news to do a story on our churches boom, but hadn't heard anything from them, she said maybe they'll come do a story on me while I'm at the hospital, now wouldn't that be just FANTABULOUS. Seriously, loving all the babies. Unlike Colby who is having the feeling that babies are a pain in the butt. What a boy. This of course is after they are calling dibs on who gets to hold him first. :) Gotta be a tough guy though.

Baseball practice is starting next week, and games in the middle of April. Colby lately has been obsessed (to say the least) about football, so I think Shawn is planning to take him to the batting cages so he can get moving in another direction.

Cale is just as funny as ever, I need to do a better job of trying to post the funny things he says. What a guy. He may be the most excited about the new babe, lets just hope it stays that way. :)

West Des Moines Living Magazine

2009-02-16T10:39:00.001-05:00

There is a great little news article in this months edition of the West Des Moines Living magazine... you need to check it out!

http://www.iowalivingmagazines.com/westdesmoines50266/pages/pdf/CVW_02WDM66LVP14.pdf

Here I am....

2009-02-13T20:47:00.002-05:00

This is me.... I had Colby take some pictures of me yesterday, pretty sad that I have to resort to having my 9 year old take the pictures so that I'm not cracking up.

I am 29 1/2 weeks along here, so the count down is on. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. I have been feeling great, other than the fact that I'm growing by the second. Last time I went to the doctor I had gained a total of 30 pounds so far....oopsy.

The boys are very excited calling dibs on who gets to hold the new baby first. I hope they are as enthusiastic when he's screaming in the middle of the night!

We finally got a new bed for Cale, and they have been situated in their new surroundings for over a week now. Just need to get started on the new babies room now, times' a tickin'.

No pics....

2009-02-09T20:01:00.002-05:00

Ok so I know I have totally neglected taking pictures of this belly I got going on. So just now I try to have Shawn take some pics of me, and lets just say it did not work out. I guess its a good thing that he makes me smile and laugh, but it was so bad.
I think he thought we were doing a modeling shoot...work the camera...are we going for sultry? So anyhow, Ashlin is coming over on Wednesday I will have her take some pictures of me. Right now my stomach hurts from laughing so hard I have to go lay down.

So much for down time...

2009-01-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

I guess this is the pay back for raving about having no where to go over the holidays. It has been a whirlwind every since Christmas. After we got back from Minnesota, we were right back to busy. Mom's Group was Tuesday Cale and I headed off there, while Colby went to Sleepy Hollow for sledding. Wednesday was New Years Eve, we went over to one of Shawn's friends, luckily for me we celebrated with the New Yorkers so I was asleep right before midnight. Then on New Years Day we went to Shawn's Dads' to watch the Hawkeye's play in their bowl game. And since then Cale has been sick. He started running a fever that day and continued to run one off and on, but had no other symptoms. Yesterday he said both of his ears hurt and in the next 20 minutes was SCREAMING and CRYING because of the pain. It was horrible. The whole time he had a fever I kept asking him, does your throat hurt, ears, stomach. NOTHING, then out of no where it comes yesterday. So after my trip to the OB for my regular check up we were off to the doctor with Cale. He has ear infection in BOTH ears. UGH! Is it spring yet? I just want to open up my house and get the sick out.
By the way, pretty excited about my doctors appointment yesterday. I was a little worried about my weight, you know with the holidays and all, but I only gained 2 pounds. That to me is almost like losing weight! Shawn may be in a smidgen of trouble because when I asked him what he guessed my gain was he said 8 pounds....I think his answer from now on will be " I don't think you look like you've gained an ounce my pretty." Although he claims he was trying to be nice because I was thinking like 10 or more. I'll let it slide this time....

Cale's fun in Minnesota!

2009-01-09T21:39:00.004-05:00

"Cream"
Diego & Dora

Bumper cars for "little people"-hilarious!

The Wonder Pets flyboat ride

Dad & Cale on the roller coaster

Obviously we decided that Cale was too young to go to the football game, so he and I went to the Mall of America. Cale and I had lunch at The Rainforest Cafe, which is totally cool. But we really spent the majority of the day at Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor amusement park. He had such a great time! When Shawn and Colby were done at the game they met us and Shawn went on a couple rides with him too. Cale also went to Build A Bear, he had gotten a gift card for Christmas and was excited to use it. His new "guy" is named Cream and as you can see apparently he is also a Vikings fan....

I can't believe I'm about to say this about any shopping establishment, but the Mall of America is just too much. It is all so overwhelming, I don't even think we saw a third of it, and we were there the better part of 2 days.

Seriously can just one of my children be a COWBOYS fan?

2009-01-09T21:28:00.003-05:00

Vikings vs Giants
Dad and Colby at the game!

Pregame at the hotel

Fired up about the tattoo Dad just put on his head!

We went up to Minneapolis December 27th-29th. Shawn and Colby had tickets to go to the Minnesota Vikings game on Sunday the 28th so we decided to make it a little weekend get away. Needless to say the had a great time! Shawn said their seats literally could not have gotten any higher they were at the clear top of the dome, we had decided that since we weren't sure if Colby would sit through and entire game we weren't going to spend a whole bunch of money on tickets. So Shawn says to Colby "Next time buddy we will try to get better tickets" Colby says "What are you talking about Dad, these seats are the best!" He did sit through the entire game and they even won. Shawn was pretty positive that the Giants were going to throttle the Vikings, but it ended up being a great game! It was such a great time for both of them, and I'm sure its a memory the two of them with treasure forever!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-09T21:19:00.003-05:00

Cale helping Dad open his gifts
See they can play together nicely....

My pretty girl....

We had a great Christmas! We had Christmas with Shawn's family on the 19th and my family on the 21st so we had NO where to go for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It was awesome! It was so nice to finally not have to run here and there for the holidays. Shawn made prime rib in his rotisserie for lunch on Christmas Day and it was incredible! Definitely a family tradition has begun. I am truly blessed to have such a great family and can't wait to add one more little guy to our fun.

Me and my big guy ringin' the bell

2009-01-09T21:07:00.002-05:00

Colby and I rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Christmas Eve. We had a lot of fun, I only hope that he will want to continue to do it with me. He might be getting to that I'm to cool to be seen with my mom stage.

The Envelope Please......

2008-12-11T16:36:00.004-05:00

(ignore the goofy look on my face, my boys were making me giggle)

Today was a big day, here for the Adair's! We had our 20 week ultrasound, and everything looked perfect, from the tiny little heart to the tiny little toes. Absolutely incredible how clear the images were, technology sure has come a long way in the last years since Colby and Cale were born.

We decided with this pregnancy we would find out the sex, something new and exciting since we didn't with either of the boys. We had the ultrasound tech seal the results in an envelope so we could find out all together, which we thought would be tonight but Colby is home sick (pink eye) today so we got to check the results right when we got home from the doctor, and......

IT'S A BOY!

Bells will be ringin....

2008-12-10T21:52:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Cale and I went to Merle Hay Mall to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. This is the second year we've done this, and I really enjoy it. I bought some candy canes for him to hand out so he likes that too, as well as eating them!

Colby and I will be at Merle Hay Mall on Christmas Eve ring ring ringing the bell some more!

I'm such a wimp I had to pick a location where I could be inside.

Getting in the groove of things....Again!

2008-12-07T15:40:00.004-05:00

Putting the angel on the tree!
Shawn's birthday-lunch at El Rodeo...Yummy!

The boys at the wrestling tournament in Waukee.

Colby at the Capital

Halloween-Colby, Cale, and Riley (a friend from the neighborhood)

It seems like I keep doing these blog updates where I claim we have been busy and I promise to do better. And this is kind of the same thing....sorry. So here goes.....

The boys went trick or treating with Dad and some other friends from the neighborhood, it was unseasonably warm. I remember having to put my winter coat under my costumes when I was little. It was so nice. Cale was Aang from Avatar (a Nick cartoon) and Colby was a Minnesota Vikings player.
Amy and I went to see Dolly Parton at the Civic Center, it was an awesome show! She is one talented lady, and soooo funny. She sure looks great for 62! Amy and I had a great time, it was sooo much fun.
We implemented "date night" with the boys. Each week Shawn and I switch boys and we get some one on time with each of them. This picture is from when Colby and Shawn took a trip to the Iowa Historical Building and the Capital.
The boys started wrestling in November. Dowling Catholic School has a Mat Club for ages 4 through 8th grade. They practice on Sundays and Tuesdays. The weekend following Thanksgiving they participated in a tournament in Waukee. Colby got 3rd place and Cale got 4th place. They seem to be loving it!
Shawn's birthday was last weekend, so after the wrestling tournament we went to El Rodeo for lunch with his family. Gotta love a cute guy in a sombrero!
Last night we put up our Christmas tree. The boys had so much fun getting out all the ornaments. Every year we get a new ornament and its always fun to look back from past years. Both the boys wanted to put the angel on the top so Dad lifted them up for a little team work. As you can see even Maggie wanted to help, she is wearing her Christmas bow.
I'm now 20 weeks along, 1/2 way there! This week we go to the doctor for our ultrasound. We should be able to find out if we are having a BOY or Girl, although my guess is BOY. Which is perfectly fine, I know how they work. I'm just praying that we have another healthy baby. Our lives are so blessed and we can't wait to add another little miracle to our family. I love being on this end of the camera!

I promise to keep up this blog better, just as life promises to slow down a bit. If only there were more hours in the day.

Library Elf....

2008-11-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

I have to share this great new web service I found. Its called Library Elf . It sends you email reminders when your things are due, or if you have items on hold to pick up. They will even text you.
I know sometimes things get crazy and the due dates slip my mind. If like my family, you have multiple cards, overdue fees can add up.
Sign up is quick and easy, and most importantly FREE!

Ouch!

2008-11-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

Today I had made doctor appointments for Cale, Colby and I to go for get flu shots. My OB highly recommended that I get one, and the boys are also in the high risk category so we all went to our family doctor this afternoon.

Cale also needed to have his yearly check up so I scheduled it for the same time. He was weighed (35 pounds) and measured (40 1/4 inches), 40% for both on the growth chart. When we got there they were both aware that we were getting shots, unfortunately Cale didn't know what he was in for. He had to have four immunizations, plus the flu shot, and have his blood drawn. So 5 pokes. He was not a happy person, can't say as I blame the guy. Ouch! He looks like a pin cushion. The nurses felt so bad, they gave him candy and stickers, but I don't think he is up for forgiving them yet. The bad news....they could only give him 1/2 of his flu vaccine, because of his age, so he has to have the other 1/2 next month. I think Shawn gets to take him....

Beautiful Fall Day!

2008-11-02T20:19:00.002-05:00

The weather this fall has been absolutely incredible. I hate hate hate the cold, so this has been awesome. I'm thinking about hibernating when the winter finally does hit.

Today I think it was around 75 and tomorrow is forecast for 76....woohoo! We took advantage of the nice weather to get some much needed yard work done. As much as I had hoped the leaves would just blow away it was clear that wasn't going to happen. Shawn and I went outside and mowed, raked, bagged and got a good portion of the leaves taken care of. That is until we ran out of bags. Tomorrow I'll head out and pick some more up and try and get the side and back done. The bad news is the neighbors still have almost all of their leaves on the trees, so we will probably have to do it again.

Cale came out and helped me with some of my plants. We were working on cutting them back. I explained to him that since we had a freeze they had died, but if we cut them back they will grow again next spring. We were working away, of course he loves this part, the cutting that is. He says you know what we need.... Aqua Globes. Then the plants would get there water and not die. Okay maybe he watches too much television, either that or he is following after his father, he used to be, still is :), a sucker for those gadgets. Too funny....

Okay we are home...

2008-10-30T18:56:00.003-05:00

One of the sharks in the pool.
Fishies in the pool. You can see the slide, it goes right through the middle.

Picture of the pool area, where the slide goes in.

Yep, were back. As always when you come back from a vacation you are thrown right back into reality and sometimes HARD. We had a wonderful time, it was awesome to have some time for just Shawn and I. Its not that we even did anything that note worthy but just taking uninterrupted time for "us" was great. We ate some great food, that was super cheap, gotta love that about Vegas. We walked around, saw the sights, laughed at the silly people and each other, and basked in the warm sunshine. Below are a few tips I have for you when traveling to Vegas

Sign up for the shuttle through the airline, it would have cost us $28 round trip. Instead after some checking on line, must have been outdated info, we decided we would take a cab. $42 to get us to the hotel, we took a shuttle back which was $17.00. Ouch....
Do not play BINGO. I love BINGO, but I am obviously not a professional. My head is still spinning at how quick the numbers were thrown out. I couldn't have known if I had won or not.
The motto should be up all night, sleep all day. Not up all night, up all day, especially if one is pregnant.

Of course I say all these things in great humor. We stayed downtown at The Golden Nugget. The hotel was beautiful, especially the pool, and there is no way the prices could be beat. And if you have ever been to Vegas you know about the friendly (haha) handouts on the strip, none of this downtown. So clean, it was amazing to us when we went to the strip for the day how different it was. The have an amazing feature downtown called The Fremont Street Experience. It is soooo cool, this website shows some of the detail, but it is absolutely incredible. My favorite was Don McLean's American Pie. They do a show every hour, if your in Vegas it is a must!

All I can say is I'm so glad that Shawn got no pictures of me in my bikini at the pool. Now I'm sure that was quite a sight, but who cares....:)

And were off....

2008-10-20T11:44:00.002-04:00

Saturday we celebrated our 11 year wedding anniversary, yeah us! In so many ways it seems much longer than that, and I mean that in a good way. Shawn brought me beautiful roses on Saturday morning, and they have bloomed into some of the prettiest flowers I have ever seen. They are absolutely huge! We went to dinner as a family with the boys since we are taking off for our vacation today.
So this afternoon we are off. So excited I cannot even begin to explain. The boys are excited for the fun they are going to have while we are gone with Ashlin, Papa, Aunt Sheila and Michele. Amy is going to come and pick up Cale and Ashlin for Mom's Group tomorrow, so they get to go to the pumpkin patch! Thanks to all of you for being willing to step up and help us so we could take some time for us.

The Big News!

2008-10-15T17:50:00.002-04:00

And now the news you've all been waiting for, we went to the doctor this morning, and heard the babies' heartbeat, and there was only 1! That's good news, I think both of us exhaled a huge sigh of relief.
After weeks and weeks of everyone saying WOW, your big already. I had actually started to wonder myself, could there be two in there? I totally went in thinking that is what we would hear, so I was way relieved when there was one tiny little beating heart! So exciting!
We will have an ultrasound in December, and will know whether we are having a boy or girl before Christmas!

Busy, Busy Fall Days!

2008-10-12T14:51:00.002-04:00

We are busy as ever. Enjoying these especially warm fall days, wishing it would stay this way, but I'm sure its only a matter of time before it is bitterly cold.

We've been staying busy with little (ha) home improvement projects around the house. It will be awesome when everything is complete, but right now not so much. Just wanting it done.

Counting down the days until our mini-vacation. Woohoo! But even more excited that this week we go to the baby doctor, we should be able to hear the heartbeat. It always makes my heart melt, can't wait!

Las Vegas, Baby....

2008-09-29T14:00:00.002-04:00

Right before we found out we were expecting we had been planning to take a small vacation to Las Vegas. When we found out I was pregnant we stopped the planning. Last week I said to Shawn-"I feel good, its super cheap to go, and seriously when are we going to go on a vacation after this new babe arrives".

This is sooooo bad but we have not been gone more than overnight since Colby has been born. PEOPLE--he is 9 years old, it is time! So I got the arranging done, hotel is booked, plane tickets are purchased so there is no turning back.

Got all the childcare lined up, so now I am just super excited for the date to get here. The countdown is on, we leave October 20. Just a short trip, but what a great time it will be. And we leave 2 days after our 11th wedding anniversary.

Oh the things kids say....

2008-09-23T23:23:00.002-04:00

Today my mom and sister Kelly came up, of course along with my beautiful niece Tayler Lynn. We went to lunch and then went out to do some shopping. While we were shopping at Target, Cale saw a picture in the grocery section like the one above. He says "Nana, that's what our baby looks like right now." Oh my, I was trying to make him understand how much growing and developing the baby will do while its in my tummy, funny how they take things so literally. I certainly hope the baby gets cuter before its born....

If this doen't say it all.....

2008-09-14T14:54:00.002-04:00

Anyone with children in school can totally appreciate this. I remember when I was in school--way back in the day, peanut butter sandwiches were served with ALMOST every meal. Allergies had to have existed then, but wow have times changed. This is a tidbit of what came home from Colby's school last week....

PEANUT ALLERGIES AT WESTRIDGE

Please remember when packing school lunches and sending treats to school, that Westridge Elementary does have many students in each grade level and staff members that are allergic to peanuts. We are trying very hard to stay peanut-free and your cooperation would help those that have this Life-Threatening allergy. Even the mere odor of peanut products can trigger a severe situation for them. Thanks for your help and understanding.

Wow! I cannot even imagine how difficult it must be to have a child with allergies to food, so I am willing to take precautions to make sure everyone else's children can be safe too. But can this be true, can the mere smell trigger a reaction? I couldn't imagine, and after looking a little on the Internet, it does look like that maybe an exaggeration, but whatever, I guess better safe than sorry.

Just the other day, I went to our pantry to grab Colby a snack to have at school, they are allowed to have a snack in the morning-granola bars, fruit, veggies, anything slightly healthy. He totally freaked-I CAN'T TAKE THAT GRANOLA BAR IT HAS PEANUT BUTTER...wow-e!

Its a learning process I guess that will take a little getting used to, especially when I have a 9 year old who LOVES peanut butter and jelly....

Missing the Olympics....

2008-09-08T13:16:00.001-04:00

I am missing the Olympics terribly....this is a picture of Michael Phelps in the beginning....a little post Olympic humor.
I'm not much for watch football, but boy oh boy are my boys. They are planning to have a huge Viking party this evening to watch their team. So if you need me I will be curled up with Maggie May and a good book.

Something in the water?

2008-08-25T22:52:00.005-04:00

This afternoon when Shawn was talking with Pastor Josh and he thinks something may be in the water at church, although its bottled water....hmmm. But if you have been to our church lately you know what I'm talking about, baby bumps everywhere you turn, and now I am adding another to the mix. We found out yesterday that we are expecting a new little Adair next spring. We are so excited, but totally still in shock. The boys are pretty pumped, and so are Shawn and I. Three...wow...I must be crazy!

Camping Fun!

2008-08-19T15:54:00.004-04:00

Spoiled rotten little foo foo doggie...
Some might think it would be easier to ride the scooter...
Ashlin & Colby
Maggie on the look out for another rescue
Me & my girlie-before the wild ride!

The last couple weekends we have taken advantage of the mild August temperatures and went camping. We went to Three Mile Lake which is down near Afton. The first weekend we tent camped (like we normally do) and then this past weekend we rented a cabin there. It was awesome. The cabin has two sets of bunk beds, a sofa with a pull out bed, table and 4 chairs, fridge, microwave, and most importantly air conditioning/heat. It was so nice to be able to go in at night and not deal with the extreme temperatures. That's one thing with tent camping, usually when you go to bed at night its OK, then you wake up in the middle of the night freezing, and then in the morning its sweltering hot.

We were able to do some fishing, tubing and most importantly just relax. Its nice to get away from the modern luxuries of computers, TV, and phones to concentrate on family. We played cards with the boys, roasted marshmallows, it was a lot of fun.

Ashlin drove down on Friday afternoon and went out on the boat with us. She and Colby went on the tube, then she and I. We were laughing so hard our ribs hurt for days. Shawn had a ball whipping us around the lake like little rag dolls. That was my first time, and I have only one thing to keep in mind for next time.....wear a one piece swimming suit....

Maggie even went for a swim in the lake, I think she went in to rescue Colby, all 11 pounds of her to the rescue...

The new boat....

2008-07-30T00:43:00.002-04:00

On Cale's birthday we got our new boat. Well actually 1/2 of a boat, the other 1/2 belongs to Brad & Sheila. I don't know too much about it other than the fact that my husband is giddy as a school girl in love with this thing. Oh sure not as much as he loves me but hey who could?

Of course this was one of those screaming deals, that just could not be passed by. I do know that it is currently occupying ALL of our garage. It is too big to fit in normal ways so it must sit diagonally, thus making it hard to even walk around the thing.

We went out last Monday and cruised around Saylorville, just to test it out. Then this past Saturday we went fishing-me, Shawn, Colby and Cale. The boys loved it and did awesome. We were out a good six hours without one complaint from either of them, except for Colby complaining that Cale had all the fish on his side of the boat.....:) Cale was the big winner for the day with 4 fish. I think this boat is going to be OK, we will have a lot of fun with it. Now if it would only get off my side of the garage.

My baby is 4....

2008-07-30T00:17:00.005-04:00

The dreaded CAREBEAR cake....
The brothers having fun at Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheeses where a Dad can be a Kid.
Cale and Daddy at Adventureland, his first driving lesson.
Where does the time go?

I'm so behind in the blogosphere....trying to get caught up.

On July 20, Cale turned 4. I can't believe it. You know when they turn 4 there is absolutely no baby left in them, they are all little boy. He will tell anyone who will ask or even if you don't ask, that he is this many....4

The Friday before his birthday we hung out with Sheila Brad Haley Addy Grandma Linda Grandpa Gary Papa and Barbara. Haley and Addy also celebrated birthdays in July so we just had one big celebration. Cale got to pick whatever cake he wanted and much to the disappointment of his father it was a CAREBEAR cake. It turned out adorable, and I don't think at 4 a CAREBEAR cake is going to ruin our little boy.

Saturday night we headed to Chuck E. Cheeses, because Nana thought he for sure needed to go there to celebrate his birthday.

Then on Sunday, his actual birthday, we headed to Adventureland for the day. We got there right at opening (10 a.m.) and stayed until 6 that night. It was a full day of rides, food, and hot sweaty fun. Why is every time we go there it seems like its 400 degrees. We invited Ashlin and my mom to go along, and my mom even rode some rides. We had a great time, we were all exhausted but it was alot of fun.

Cale Jeffrey, I can't believe your 4 already. You have provided us with so much joy in your short life, and can't wait to see what this year brings us. We love you so much!

Cale is swimming!

2008-07-30T00:06:00.002-04:00

Earlier this month we enrolled Cale in swimming lessons. For two weeks in the evenings he swam at Holiday Pool here in West Des Moines. The first night I thought it was going to be a long 2 weeks. He was about mid-chest in the water, when he exited(quickly). "I'm too nervous, its way too deep" This boy of ours has always been very timid in the water, about mid calf is good for him. Colby on the other hand, I'm pretty sure is part clown fish, the other part of him being just clown, but that's a whole other blog.

We went to Holiday that first week a couple times during the day just so he could get comfortable in the water where he was doing his lessons. He did so good. These pictures are of the 2nd to last night. We finally got to go out to the pool area, they keep the parents fenced into the concession area. Good idea, probably so they can't run to their mommies for help.

The first picture is of Cale and Miss Megan doing a front float, and the second picture is of Cale and some classmates waiting in line to go off the diving board. Now that is some serious progress.

Yesterday when we went to the pool, he was jumping in, completely underwater, swimming, without even plugging his nose. Yeah Cale!

Baptism

2008-07-29T23:42:00.002-04:00

Sunday July 13 was Baptism at church. That night we gathered at Raccoon River Park for a BBQ and then Baptism. There were about 15 of us baptized. What an amazing feeling. Before the Baptism we each did a video testimony, which I am totally dreading having to watch. I tried to convey about how great our lives have become since we joined the church. All of my life I have tried without luck to fill my life with whatever it was I was missing, not ever having gone to church before I had no idea that the thing missing was God. Since I have God in my life of course my life is not perfect, but man what a change has come over this family, and me. The pictures above are of Shawn and I before being Baptized and of Ashlin.

Thank you God for the comfort I have found in you. Now I know you are the only one that could make me feel complete.

More VBS!

2008-07-19T23:30:00.003-04:00

Sonya is in absolute amazement at how well the preschoolers are behaving....
Mandy taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.
The kids cooling off with a Popsicle.
Mandy leading the kids in morning worship time.

Wanted to share some more pictures of the fun we had at Vacation Bible School!

Outrigger Island Vacation Bible School

2008-07-19T23:16:00.003-04:00

Miss Lori Starkey & Miss Meg Wetzel with the K, 1, 2 graders
Miss Mindy Abendroth & Miss Sonya Brown with the 3 to Pre-K
Miss Mandy Cecil with 3, 4, 5 graders
Miss Rebecca Baird helping with crafts
Miss Marcie Smith helping with crafts

Okay so I'm finally getting caught up....July 7-11 was Vacation Bible School. Not only did it happen in our backyard, I was the director. Oh what fun, it was an awesome time! Two different mornings I was literally outside on my deck, arms reached out to the sky, praying like no ones business for those pesky rain clouds to goooo away. He answered my prayers, it rained at night or after we were finished, but never more than a few quick sprinkles on our days.

Our theme, Outrigger Island, taught kids the ABC's of becoming a Christian. We had right around 35 kids, which I was thrilled with. We even had a visit from the Des Moines Register, she wrote a story and took pictures of the kids. The kids were great, and I think everyone had a good time. Am I crazy to say this....I can't wait until next year!

I can not even begin to thank the people who gave their time and energy to make it happen. Thanks to everyone for their donations, prayers and helping hands to help out "our kids!"

Back from Vacation

2008-07-14T12:38:00.004-04:00

We had a great time on vacation. It has been a total whirlwind since we returned. But then whats new.

We had a great time in Branson. We went to White Water for 2 of the days. It is an awesome water park. We had so much fun there. Colby loved the 7.5 story water slide, although he was hard pressed to find anyone willing to go on it with him. Shawn and Ashlin both went once but said it hurt so bad speeding down at 45mph, getting knocked all over creation. Cale had a ball playing in the Little Squirts Waterworks, he has never been a huge fan of water, totally unlike his brother, but he really loved this. They provide lifejackets for you to use here, so it may have made him feel a little more comfortable, but by the end of the 2nd day he didn't even want to wear it. He went on a few water slides even. The wave pool was great, Ashlin giggled like a small girl the whole time. Although I would have to say her favorite part was the cute life guards.

We did a lot there, saw some shows, ate some food, did some shopping, got some sun. All in all it was a great vacation.

We had a lot of fun, but its always nice to get back home. I missed my baby girl. Thanks a bunch to my wonderful neighbor, Michele, for taking her in.

dinner time...

2008-06-22T11:37:00.003-04:00

Thursday night after we got to our temporary home we decided we would go grab a bite to eat. Shawn's best friend Steve has an apartment in Kansas City, Kansas he's not currently there so he let us crash there. Steve is a storm chaser by trade so he is currently between working a storm in Decorah, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is good to know we could have a place in either of those spots too. :) So we are driving around and decide with 5 people its probably easiest to grab a quick bite at a mall, then everyone can pick there own thing. After about 25 minutes of driving we get to the mall, where everyone decides they will have SONIC... I know what are the odds we will all eat at the same place. We eat and head back to the apartment, another 25 minutes, stop by the HyVee right across the street from the apartment to grab some essentials, only to see a SONIC right there. UGH! you have got to be kidding me.

Route Recalculation...

2008-06-22T11:25:00.002-04:00

So on my last post we were on our way to Kansas City to spend Thursday night and Friday night before traveling on to Branson on Saturday morning. As we got near Kansas City, Shawn asks me to enter his friends address into the GPS because he couldn't remember which interchange to take. Easy enough, but not. The thing kept saying over and over, please exit at next chance. Route Calculation, exit immediately, over and over. Shawn is about to chuck the thing out the window, he was so mad. After about 15 minutes of road rage and anger, I go into the settings on the GPS, to see what route it is trying to send us on....like practical, interstate, shortest and how you are traveling. I was busting up it thought we were on a bike, looking for a ferry, driving on roads only with car pool lanes. Then of course we were cracking up. NO wonder it wanted us off the interstate.

Route recalculation, please exit the roadway.

Were off!

2008-06-19T15:59:00.002-04:00

We are officially on the road. We left earlier this afternoon for vacation, we are spending 2 nights in Kansas City and Saturday we go on to Branson for another 7 days.
Ashlin is going with us, and I'm super excited to get to have another girl to hang with. Our van looks a little like the Beverly Hillbillies. You have to pack a lot of stuff for 5 people to begone for 9 days. I hope we got everything, can't imagine how forgot anything. :)
We got a sweet setup a wireless card from Qwest so I'm surfing the Internet while we are driving down the road. Cool! Makes the trip go a little quicker.
I'll keep you all updated on the fun we are having. Keep us in your prayers for a safe trip.

Super Excited!

2008-06-11T14:52:00.003-04:00

My favorite author is coming out with a new book. Jason Wright's new book comes out in September, I'm thinking about doing a preorder on Amazon, that is how excited I am. The book is called Recovering Charles.

Maybe I'll make a paper chain like my boys do for Christmas to count down the days until it comes out.

This says it all....

2008-05-29T16:08:00.003-04:00

Today while Cale and I were out running errands I saw this license plate on a car. Really what a great concept. I am going to try harder every day to put my trust in God, really it does us no good to fret about things, he is in control. If we give it all up to him, our live will move down the road as intended.

I read some on the Internet about the controversy this plate has created. Christians are a huge group in the United States I think its time to stand up and be heard. Apparently the ACLU tried to step in to have the license plate stopped by the Supreme Court didn't let it happen. Yeah.

So the idea for the day is displayed proudly on this license plate, maybe I could apply for an address in Indiana and get myself one of these plates, hmmm now theres an idea!

One more....

2008-05-27T16:08:00.004-04:00

I loved these pictures Erica took of Ashlin and this is a perfect time to post them. The bottom picture was on the Des Moines Register's website after state track. Ashlin ran her final track meet of her high school career, she qualified for State Track and ran one event. In April she qualified for two events and ran in the Drake Relays. She is one fast girl...I just wish she'd use her speed to run from boys!

My sweet Ashlin

2008-05-27T15:38:00.003-04:00

Wanted to take a second to blog about my niece Ashlin. Many of you have had the pleasure to get to know her, but there are somethings I wanted to say about her during this important time of her life.

Ashlin,

It seems like only yesterday when your mom found out she was pregnant, right away I knew you would be a girl. The day you were born we (Gma, Kelly, and I) set out for Des Moines, traveling over 70 miles, driving 35 mph through a treacherous ice storm. There wasn't anywhere else we would have been. Even though I was 16, the minute you were born I immediately knew we would have a bond like no other. Now it has been more than 18 years since that day and it continues to grow stronger every day.

I remember introducing you to Shawn, I will save the rest of the story for a better time, like your wedding. You were 5 at the time, and such a funny little girl. We loved to have you and Ayrin come stay with us. I loved to dress you up and do your hair. You and Shawn bonded right away. As much as you've despised his protectiveness of you it is only because he loves you so much.

We have had good times, and bad times. But I believe the bad times made our bond even stronger. Those decisions we had to make were for you to grow and become a better person. I hope you can see that, if not now then in the future. When you hurt, we hurt and when your happy we are ecstatic! We could not love you more if you were our child. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and how much you have grown. I hope you know how much you mean to our family.

We love you with all of our hearts and we are so proud of the woman your becoming.

She did it!

2008-05-27T15:05:00.003-04:00

Well another crazy week has passed. This past week was a huge one around here. Ashlin graduated from Valley High School on Sunday. Her party was on Saturday, so last week we spent a lot of time getting ready for that. It turned out great! Ashlin and her friend Amber had their open house together at a hotel in West Des Moines. So many people came to see her and wish her well, I think she really had a great time. Probably a little nerve racking for her a lot of people from different avenues in her life all coming together.

I am so proud of her, anyone that has heard her story knows that this is a huge accomplishment for her, there was a point we weren't sure she would make it. She has come so far and I am excited to see where she goes next.

About a year ago she started going to church regularly with us and has really stuck with it. It is phenomenal to see the difference in her. She carries herself with pride and confidence now that was missing for so long. I hope she continues on the path she has started, the whole world is out there for her to conquer.

Congratulations Ashlin Ricelle! We love you!

Finally a second to stop and smell the Blog...

2008-05-09T12:36:00.002-04:00

Wow! Just wanted to let everyone know that the Adair's are still alive and kicking!

Spring is finally here and with spring comes more and more stuff to do. Colby is playing soccer and baseball both this spring. He had only tried soccer one other time, in Kindergarten, so he thought he wanted to give it another try. Of course anyone that knows Colby would totally understand this. Since soccer is a game of continuous motion as is Colby. Soccer games are played on Sunday afternoons, which is kind of a sore subject with me...don't get me started. Especially with the fact that there is one scheduled for this Sunday, Mother's Day. We won't be there, we are headed to my Mom's to help her with her HONEY DO list. Baseball games are generally played one time a week, randomly scheduled, but this week we had a game on Monday night, tonight, and tomorrow afternoon. Which means lots of laundry for Mom...:) Colby pitched at Monday nights game, and did AWESOME, if I don't say so myself. Taekwondo is also a year round "thing", which we have kind of pushed back to once a week for the time being.

Shawn is extremely busy with work, which I guess is a good thing with all the horrible things happening with the economy. This weekend is his annual golf outing for East High Alumni. He gets together with all his old buddies for golf, then tomorrow evening we will go to the banquet dinner which is held at Prairie Meadows.

I'm super excited I ordered and received the curriculum for Vacation Bible School. Lots of cool things and I need to get a meeting scheduled for volunteers so we can start getting more plans together. What an exciting time, woohoo!

We borrowed a baby....:)

2008-04-22T10:54:00.004-04:00

Friday night Amanda, who works for Shawn, asked me to keep her daughter. Of course this was after numerous times of volunteering. Leilani was born right around Christmas so she has just turned 4 months. The boys loved her, they helped bathe and feed her. Colby thought it was so cool that whenever she saw him she smiled and even laughed. Maggie May loved her too, she just love love loves babies. She is quite a tank, her rolls just go on and on, especially on her thighs, to cute and wonderfully snugly. Its hard to remember all this baby stuff as our boys get so big and independent. Leilani Lanae was awake at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and up for good at 8:00. When I returned her to her mom around 1:00 she had only snoozed for about 15 minutes. Amanda said isn't she doing good, she was getting up every hour. HUH? How in the world did she manage that, then get up and go to work for Shawn every day. I totally would have been snoozing at my desk....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! What a sweet baby girl, but I'm still wiped out!

Cale has found a new food (?) that he just loves....

2008-04-21T15:58:00.003-04:00

Amy insisted I blog about this when I shared the story with her. Cale has always really loved tuna. Just plain tuna canned in water. I put the tuna in a bowl and he eats it on wheat crackers. Probably a really strange favorite for a 3 year old.

Last weekend at lunch he was having his tuna and crackers, Colby was having a pb and jelly sandwich. Colby was first of all disgusted by the tuna itself, I mean really do you know what tuna is? Then his brother picks up the bowl and begins to drink from it. Then the gagging started. But when Cale got out the straw it was all over. Colby proclaimed he would have to leave the table because this was absolutely the most disgusting thing he had ever witnessed.

Twice since then Cale has had his tuna and crackers, then after he had consumed it, out came the straw so he could slurp up the remaining "tuna juice". Maybe I could become a millionaire by canning and selling "tuna juice". Let me know if anyone thinks there may be a market for this.

The ABC's of Me

2008-04-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

The ABC's of Me
A- Attached or Single: Happily & Firmly Attached!
B- Best Friend: Shawn & a few very sweet girlfriends
C- Cake or Pie: Angel food Cake
D-Day of Choice: oooh that's a toughy....any slow day!
E-Essential Item(s): a good book, baby wipes (duh I'm a mom), chips, and PEPSI!
F-Favorite Type of Music: I'm a country girl, but I like almost anything.
G-Gummy bears or worms: Bears
H-Hometown: Orient, Iowa
I-Indulgences: Pedicures, it feels so good!
J-January or July: Definitely July!
K-Kids: 2 sweet sweet boys-Colby-8 and Cale-3, but Cale is suggesting we sneak one more up on Daddy...hahahaha I also like to claim Ashlin as my sweet girl.
L-Last movie: Care Bears, I think. Cale is on a Care Bear kick and it is driving Shawn batty!
M-Marriage Date: October 18, 1997
N-Number of Siblings: 3, all older. My brother Curtis, sisters Kim and Kelly. I'm the baby.
O-Oranges or Apples: Apples-granny smith or braeburn are my favorites!
P-Phobias or Fears: Something happening to my family. I can't imagine life without my 3 boys.
Q-Quotes: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"
R-Reasons to Smile: The innocence of kids, I love the things they say.
S-Season: Spring, flowers in bloom, green grass, yeah!
T-Tag: Dara, Marcie (you need to get this blog thing going!), Sandra, Lisa
U-Unknown Fact About Me: Shawn and I used to work together, and I absolutely despised him...oh how time can change things.
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: Mmmm I love meat!
W-Worst Habit: Email, definitely!
X-X-rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds, of course only if a baby is involved.
Y-Your Favorite Food: Mexican-I could eat it every day!
Z-Zodiac: Taurus-all most my b-day, ugh!

Thank Him!

2008-04-08T10:41:00.002-04:00

Dear GOD,
I want to thank you for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

God is just so good, and he's good all the time. THANK HIM.

Give me a 10 for Best Couple!

2008-03-27T11:13:00.001-04:00

Give me a 10 for Best Couple!

Spring is here....

2008-03-26T17:29:00.002-04:00

Ahhh....you can see the yard. It's definitely not grass, but I'll take it over the piles and piles of white stuff we have had constantly since November. The boys went out to play some catch on Monday afternoon. It was so great to see a baseball and realize spring is here, and I have a song from a "Little Bill" episode in my head "Spring is here, Spring is here, it's the best time of the year..." I'm sure someone out there knows exactly the one I'm talking about. All I have to say is yeah SPRING!

...................................oh yeah and look at my hubby's cute little butt! heeheehee

Is This Too Much Chapstick?

2008-03-26T17:26:00.003-04:00

This should have been my first indication to dispose of this gift from the Easter Bunny. This chapstick went on a little dark. But then again hindsight is 20/20. Monday afternoon Cale says to me "I don't know whats on the carpet, and I didn't do it."

And that is the end of the chapstick.....the Easter Bunny definitely did not think this one through.

Easter Fun!

2008-03-26T17:05:00.005-04:00

Establishing The Game Plan
Let's Go!
I Think I Am The Winner!

We went to church Sunday morning, and of course, Pastor Josh had an amazing message for Easter. I am even more excited for his new sermon series that is coming up. You need to check out his blog for a sample of whats to come. He absolutely cracks me up! Sunday after church we went to Stuart to my mom's house for lunch. Ashlin went along with us, so there were 3 of the 4 grand kids present. My mom absolutely kills me she has so much candy you would think that the whole town was coming. It was fun to watch the 3 of them go after the candy, I definitely think Cale got the short end of it. Not much of a chance when your 3 competing against a 18 year old and an 8 1/2 year old. We had a great lunch and it was nice to hang out at mom's. Her new house is really nice and I'm so happy for her.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-21T17:32:00.004-04:00

Sunday is Easter, so earlier this week Shawn and I took the boys out to Valley West Mall to visit the Easter Bunny. I picked out their shirts and Cale had plenty to say about the fact that he was wearing a pink shirt. While Colby who has become quite the fashionista lately, loved it. I thought they looked nice and very springy, which I am more than ready for. Cale wanted to ride in the train and I thought his brother would want no part being the macho man that he is but he climbed aboard. I had to take a picture this probably the last time he will want to take a ride. Happy Easter everyone!

Congrats to Kelly & Dave...well not yet....

2008-03-21T17:16:00.002-04:00

My sister Kelly is expecting in August. It will be her first, and I'm so excited for her. They went to the doctor this morning and found out they are expecting a girl. Which makes me even more excited. But also like what in the world! Now both of my sisters will have girls, but none for me... I guess I will have to spoil this new sweet baby. Her name is going to be Taylor (sp) Ann.

Congrats Kelly & Dave!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T21:54:00.002-04:00

Well what a week (or so) its been since I last posted. Colby started Spring Break on Friday and he is off this entire week also. Today is St. Patrick's Day so our plan as we always do, was to head downtown to the parade, but this wonderful Iowa weather didn't cooperate. Rain, rain, rain. So we opted for a movie instead. Today we went to Billy Joe's Pitcher Show, which we love to do, and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks (for the second time, still very cute!) On Friday we went to Jordan Creek movie theater and saw Horton Hears a Who, very cute! Tomorrow we are headed to Backyard Adventures for Mom's Group, what a great place for kids to run off some much needed energy. Colby has been trying to track down a friend or two to come over, but we are finding that he is the most deprived child ever and we are the ONLY people in West Des Moines that are not traveling. Even Ana is gone to Monga's for part of the week, now he is really beside himself. Poor guy!

Looking For Volunteers!

2008-03-05T17:00:00.002-05:00

Okay so everyone that reads my blog knows that we have been participating in a church wide fast. We have doing the Daniel Fast and it has been amazing. I'm glad that we decided to do it, and we haven't missed a beat. Its amazing how much closer I can say I feel to God, I've spent a lot more time praying. I've also stepped outside of my comfort zone with food choices. Sunday ends the 21 day fast with communion at church, then foodcourt fellowship. Amy brought up a very good point yesterday and really made me think about what my choice may be for lunch on Sunday. I was thinking like the biggest bacon cheeseburger I could find but she's right my body would probably not appreciate that at all.

But back to my reason for this post--today for lunch Cale wanted pizza, and let me tell you it about killed me! 4 huge slices of pizza this boy mowed down, and it got me thinking....Happy Joe's!

Anyone want to join me for a pizza lunch on Monday?

Fun at the Drake game!

2008-03-03T22:04:00.003-05:00

Saturday afternoon Shawn and I took the boys to the Drake game. It was a lot of fun. Drake has had a rockin season and ended there home season on a good note with a win.

This is a picture of my little one before the game started, and I do have to say he is one cute boy. Of course that is too be expected I think he looks just like his father and look how cute he is.

I could not resist this second picture. This girl walked by us and I did a double take, her belly looked so round I thought it was a piece of rubber. When I saw her coming again I discreetly angled my camera to get shot. It was real, you could see her belly button. So cute of course I could have never pulled this off my whole body was round.

Good Saturday fun, even though we had to sit through the boys eating all the yummy game food, while we ate raisins, cashews and water. mmm!

Daniel Fast!

2008-02-26T11:58:00.003-05:00

Today is day 9 of our Daniel Fast. It is going great, its amazing the options we have found. I think Shawn is still in shock that I'm doing this good. He thought for sure with my crappy diet I would be in detox, haha proved him wrong! Its amazing what a little prayer will do for you. I've maybe had 2 headaches but other than that I feel good.

My new favorite snack....mmm....Quaker Lightly Salted Rice Cakes and Smuckers Strawberry Simply Fruit. Yummo!

Shawn is questioning why we should ever go back to the way we ate before when we seem to be doing good at this. One word TASTY. Just kidding I'm definitely planning to do a lot better making choices, its amazing now that we are taking time to read labels what we really are eating. Frightening.

Moving....ugh!

2008-02-26T11:47:00.002-05:00

We spent last weekend helping my mom to move. She purchased a home in Stuart, Iowa, I'm so excited for her. She hasn't owned a home since my parents divorced in 1979. WOW! She is pretty pumped to know that this is her house. She has been working in Stuart since September and driving back to her house in Orient, she had been talking about wanting to move to Stuart and Shawn and I finally convinced her she should buy.
Closing was supposed to happen on Friday (3:00) and the key word would be supposed to. We have had nightmare after nightmare with the mortgage broker and at 2:00 on Friday they called to say it was going to have to be Monday. Luckily the current owner was nice enough to let us go ahead and move her, since the u-haul and all the helpers were already in line. The only stipulation, she couldn't stay there. So it was supposed to happen yesterday, again supposed to. Now they are saying today, and I think if it doesn't happen my Mom is going to explode. All of her stuff is in her new house, her old house is empty. So I think she's feeling homeless. She stayed with us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then stayed with her sister last night because the weather was too bad to drive here. Please keep her in your prayers that she can be in her own bed tonight, and all of this mess will be put to rest. I'll let you know soon the broker you definitely don't want to use.....

Loved it!

2008-02-19T14:56:00.002-05:00

Today was Mom's Group at Jumpin' Jacks. Usually we order up a pizza to share but not today. I packed my lunch box and we were off. I packed some nuts, fruit, a salad and some water. I just ended up snacking on some nuts there but had my salad when I got home. This handy little tool pictured here is awesome! We already had it prior to the fast but is definitely going to get some good use now. I'm almost positive it came from Target. Its good because it keeps the lettuce and dressing seperate. Then when your ready to use it you just push the top and the dressing runs down into the salad and you shake it up. Shake-Shake-Shake-Shake your salad.....
Highly recommended by me!
Also unsweetened GRANNY SMITH applesauce may be a cure for all of us with a sweet tooth! Yummy!

It continues...

2008-02-18T22:13:00.002-05:00

Okay so one day down. Seriously it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Colby kept questioning me-what if you get really hungry, what if your stomach is growling. I said you know its all about what you think about, I will pray and be just fine and I was. Shawn and I made some yummy juice last night-banana,orange,apple,pineapple. I think the banana made all the difference it added a little substance to it. Other than that we drank a lot of water. Last night I started writing in my journal, reading the bible and I felt very much at peace. It truly is mind over matter.

Late this afternoon as the timer started ticking down in my head, I made a salad dressing. So we both had a whole plate of veggies and salad. Then I had some cashews. Then I started to make dinner. We had homemade fries and I sauteed some green beans in a little olive oil, added garlic and mushrooms. It was delicious.

Today I also made the commitment to do the Purpose Driven Life along with this. I have had the book forever and stopped and started it. I was close to have only 21 days left anyways so I'm going to read the days as we go through the fast.

Praise God, I'm feeling good! No headaches, and I don't think I've been grumpy. But you may have to ask my hubby to confirm this one.

Daniel Fast

2008-02-17T19:18:00.002-05:00

So tonight starts the Daniel Fast we are doing with our church. It is a 21 day fast, but the first 24 hours are juice only. I'm thinking this will be the hardest part. So far so good, okay so I'm only a little over 2 hours in but hey.... Shawn and I spent the last hour or so cleaning fruits and vegetables. I think alot of making it is going to be just being prepared. We have a juicer which really makes awesome juice, it is so frothy its almost like a shake. Yummy! Starting tomorrow night we have a ton of recipes to try and that should keep us healthy or full.

I'm really excited about this, I think its going to be incredible. Rough, but incredible. Shawn couldn't believe I was even contemplating this. I don't have the healthiest diet. I got a journal and I'm going to start writing everyday, this should really help to get closer to God. Keep my family in your prayers, we will need it.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T14:56:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Its a girls dream come true today I have had two gorgeous boys fighting over me. Ok ok so one of them is 3 but hey, he still counts. But my forever Valentine-Shawn- came home this morning with two dozen beautiful red roses. He is so sweet. Red roses have always been our "thing". I can't count the number of times he sent me flowers (always red roses) while we were dating so it was only natural that it was the only flower in our wedding. Still makes me smile when he brings them for me. He also had to go to Let Them Eat Cake this morning and the owner sent home some awesome looking fudge for me, I haven't eaten any yet, I'm thinking it may be my dinner. :)

Meet the newest member of our family....

2008-02-13T16:13:00.004-05:00

This little cutie came in Cale's happy meal today. I know not a very healthy lunch stop, I'm gourging myself this week in preparation for the 21 day fast coming up. Anyhow...she already has a name, it is Lisi.

Shawn: Why is her name Lisi?

Cale: Because I love Lisi.

enough said.....

Fun for the girls!

2008-02-13T15:36:00.002-05:00

Friday night we met up at Amy Main's for JCFC girls night out. We had a great time and it had a great purpose. Everyone brought a dish to share and we had some yummy food. Then we made welcome baskets and valentine bags for the girls/women at Ruth Harbor. What a wonderful feeling helping make these baskets. So much fun and for such a good cause.

Two cuties!

2008-01-31T11:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Amy was nice enough to lend me her sweet girl Lisi. So off to Happy Joes for lunch we went. Yummy! They were so good. Both of them ate and ate. It is so funny how it seems like my kids can go days without eating barely a nibble and then suddenly they eat like they have never ate before. Cale and Lisi had a ball. They ate pizza, played games, ate ice cream, and ate more pizza. We went back to our house and they played all afternoon. They did great, not even a spat between them. Colby had early out, and of course he got them all riled up when he got home. I did overhear Lisi declaring that she wasn't sure who she was going to marry maybe Colby, maybe Cale, maybe Colin. At least the girl has excellent taste! Thanks Amy for lending me your sweet girl, I hope my wild boys didn't teach her too many bad habits.

Let Them Eat Cake!

2008-01-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

The best cream puff ever!

On Friday Shawn went to a new customers to install a credit card machine and walked away with some of the tastiest treats. This is a new shop in Valley Junction, and the man that runs it is a phenomenal baker. Yummo! I had to take some pictures of the delicacies--sorry that most of them already have bites out of them. The name is Let Them Eat Cake.

Another look to my future.....

2008-01-22T15:29:00.001-05:00

Today we had Mom's Group at Chuck E. Cheese's. It was a lot of fun, for the kids and mom's. They have done some more remodeling and its really nice. I couldn't resist taking a picture of Colin and Cale driving in this jeep. They are 1 month and 5 days different in age, do you think they are going to be trouble together?

They have a new Deal or No Deal video game that you play for tickets, so if Dara or I ever come up missing for an afternoon check there first. It was a hoot!

Another Belt Promotion For Colby!

2008-01-22T15:17:00.001-05:00

Last night was belt promotion night at Farrell's in West Des Moines. Colby has been working hard and has been in Taekwondo just over 1 year. We are so proud of him and he is doing so great. He promoted to high orange belt, for those of you that don't know there are three levels to each belt color. So it is quite a long process to get to black belt. They say usually 4 years, just like graduating from college. He is doing great and seems to enjoy it a lot, I hope he sticks with it. The one picture of him is with Mr. Shephek, his instructor, when he received his new belt. The other picture is of him getting ready to break a board (his third
one!) Woohoo Colby!

Off to watch the cheerleaders or I mean the basketball game!

2008-01-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

Friday night we went to Des Moines Christian's basketball games. This past week a lot of friends from church worked hard to learn some cheers and we went to check it out. What a fun time. Of course Colby only had eyes for one cheerleader, oh my. It is sooo much fun to watch the two of them. I don't know how many times someone would try to sit between them, and usually Colby would just pick them up and move them.

Sunday morning I had to go to church early to watch Colin and Ana. Saturday night Colby said he wanted to go with, I said well you probably need to go to bed early. Not another word, its eight o'clock and the kid is in bed, that is after laying out his clothes he wanted to have ironed. Sunday morning I barely had to say his name and he is up and in the shower. These two things are definitely not something that goes quite as smooth.

What a long, long road we have a head of ourselves with these two.

Just like Dad!

2008-01-21T11:22:00.001-05:00

This one doesn't even really need words. Every little boy wants to be just like Daddy. Apparently right before bed on Friday Cale wanted whiskers just like Dad, so on Saturday morning Dad made it happen.

Daddy's little helpers...

2008-01-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

We are trying to do some updates around the house. This weekend Shawn and I painted our front room which is a formal living room. This room NEVER gets used unless you count it being a catch all. I am wanting to change it into a sitting room of sorts for reading, my ultimate favorite escape. I have found some chairs on Overstock, that just need to be ordered, sometime..... The boys of course could not be left out on the fun and set out to paint the front door. All in all they did a great job, with only minimal paint wearing.

My sweet baby girl.....or why you shouldn't get a Golden Retroover!

2008-01-21T11:09:00.001-05:00

The other day I thought it would be a good idea for Maggie May to put on a fashion show...only she was less that thrilled with participating. After about 10 clothing changes (seriously) I swear she started to roll her eyes at me. This is by far by favorite picture of her.

For those of you who don't know apparently Amy and Mark have promised Isabella a dog when she is 10, and if you ask her she will tell you she is getting a Golden Retroover. :) But you could never have this much fun with a big dog.

Time to catch-up!

2008-01-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

Seems like this is my thing a lot anymore. So much is happening and I find it hard to find time for it all. So while it is quiet today-hahahahaha-I'm going to speed blog. I have lots of pictures and things I want to share so here it goes.....

To young?

2008-01-10T13:29:00.000-05:00

I know it may seem a bit old fashioned or maybe that my children are to young to think so far into the future but I'm thinking the way to go with them is BETROTHAL. Just hear me out if I pick my children's spouses it not only insures that I like the girls but I....I mean they....also get good in laws to deal with. Makes you start to think about it, come on, admit it.

Back from near death....or what felt like it....

2008-01-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Must have been shortly after my last post that I fell ill, and now finally yesterday and today I am feeling a little bit like I'm back to normal (or as close to normal as I have ever been, :)) After 2 rounds of antibiotics and 3 trips to the doctor I am on the mend. Before Christmas I finally gave in and went to the doctor and found out I had bronchitis, after Christmas I'm pretty sure it had turned into pneumonia and finally this week the doctor gave the all clear. My lungs are finally clear. WOOHOO! I was beginning to think if this was dying I was ready to give up.
Shawn told me on Thursday that I HAD to get better, things just aren't the same when Mom is down, ahh a new sense of appreciation. My wonderful husband has always shown appreciation for my hard work, but this definitely brought it to a new level. I was sick the whole time Colby was on Winter Break, so he had both kids to deal with. This is normally his time to regroup since between Christmas and New Years is typically his down time, needless to say he is more than ready to head back to work tomorrow.
I am so lucky to have a partner that was more than willing to step up, I love you baby!

Bells Will Be Ringing.....Part 2

2007-12-19T12:15:00.000-05:00

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.....

2007-12-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-16T21:37:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-12-09T21:53:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-12-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

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

Fun with Gingerbread!

2007-12-01T16:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-11-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-11T15:45:00.001-05:00

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...

2007-11-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-10-31T17:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-10-27T22:10:00.001-04:00

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....

2007-10-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-26T11:16:00.001-04:00

Family Circus

2007-10-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-25T23:10:00.000-04:00

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