A Day of Shopping

We went to Lancaster today for our semi-annual trek to buy shoes at Stride Rite. We've never been to Lancaster and back without getting turned around at least once or twice or three times ;), and today was no exception. (There's a GPS on our Christmas list!) It was raining when we started out, but as forecasted, snow joined the mix mid-day. I hate winter, but I do enjoy the first snow. It's so pretty. It wasn't supposed to stick, but it did and the scenery was beautiful...lots of trees and hilltops covered in snow.

We had a very successful shopping experience. Everyone's feet have grown, finally. Caden is wearing a size 10 and the girls are both 12 1/2. Allie passed Jaelyn in height and weight this year, but her feet were still smaller. She's finally caught up.

Caden was excited about his boots with "creature features" which basically means they have little eyes on the toes. Allie picked a pair of mid-calf brown boots with pink starbursts on them. Unfortunately, Allie's boots were the only ones in the entire store in their size. They are at an awkward size, too big for the cute little girl shoes we've always bought, but not liking the styles of the bigger girl shoes. We ended up finding Jaelyn a pair of pink seude slides with fleece liners. They are adorable and will keep her feet very warm. I still might have to find her a pair of boots for snowy wet days or her heels will end up wet. I even managed to find 2 pairs of shoes on sale for me. For anyone who's ever been shopping with me, that's quite a feat (pun intended :p). It was a good shoe shopping day,

In addition to shoes, we were also looking for pants for Jaelyn. She has the tiniest waist and she's so picky about what she wears and how everything fits. I've bought her so many pairs of pants that she wears once and then refuses to wear again. I've bought dresses and cute tights to avoid the waist issues, but we still have meltdowns getting dressed 3-4 mornings a week. I made her try on at least 15 different pairs of pants at 2 different stores today. She picked out 5 new pairs (all on sale - wahoo!) so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll have easier mornings!

Jaelyn's pink pair of shoes are definitely my favorite purchase of the day.

My Own Personal Infomercial

Do your kids watch too much TV? I'll admit it. Mine do. We used to watch Noggin all the time with no commercials, but now my kids like shows from the DVR that come on Discovery Kids and Cartoon Network. They all have commercial breaks and infomercials. Caden has become quite the little spokesmen for some of the products. One day, he ran in saying "mommy, you have to come see this vacuum. You need one. It's light weight and it picks up everything." Another favorite is the big cupcake shaped cake pans. I MUST order those immediately and "wait, if I order now, I get another set of pans free." So yesterday, Caden and I were in the car. We drove past Chuck E. Cheese and Caden says "Mommy, can we go to Chuck E Cheese where a kid can be a kid one day." I love that he's quoting slogans now. Commercials sure do work!

So Mad at Allie...Sneaky Strikes Again

Allie is the sneaky one in our family. I shouldn't have been surprised to discovered torn Christmas wrapping paper in the basement trash can this morning. I was irate. I have spent days and days out trying to get my shopping done...looking for the perfect presents for the kids. I've spent the last 2 nights hunched over wrapping paper trying to get everything wrapped. I'm trying to make everything nice and special and I should have seen this coming, but for some reason I didn't. Allie took 4 presents out from under the tree (hers, Caden's, Jaelyn's, and Granddaddy's birthday present), snuck down to the basement, opened them, disposed of the paper and then hid the presents. She initially lied to me when I found the paper, but quickly fessed up and showed me where she'd stashed the presents. Allie is losing her present. I bought the kids all a new movie for the drive to Florida, and I really wanted her to have the movie I bought her for the long ride. I can't return it because I opened it so I wouldn't be having to peel off security tape in the midst of packing a car. I'm going to make her give her present to someone else with an explanation of why she's giving it away. Anyone want a copy of Ella Enchanted?

Then, after the time out and severe talking to, Jaelyn and Caden asked her to tell them what their presents where after I told them not to and she did. Arghhh...2 more surprises ruined. Everyone ended up in time out this morning and we missed the bus as a result.

I want Christmas to be magical for the kids and full of surprises. The surprise is on me I guess. Maybe I should just box up all the present in preparation for our trip and let the tree be bare underneath!

Our 6th Gotcha Day

I cannot believe it's been 6 years since Dan and I were standing before a Russian judge petitioning to adoption Jaelyn and Allie. So much has happened since then. We've had another child, we've moved 4 1/2 times (that 1/2 was a 2 month pit stop at my parents on our way back from Germany), we've lived through 2 deployments and through it all, we have grown more and more in love with our daughters every single day. Last year I walked down memory lane by posting my journal entries from that time period. This year, I thought I'd take you on a slide show of our 2 trips to Russia. I don't have time to do all the captions now, but most are pretty self explanatory.

To celebrate our Gotcha Day, we'll be making our gingerbread houses like we do every year. I woke up thinking about the Big Macs we ate in Moscow and after our court date....the best Big Macs in the world, hands down. I think we might have McDonalds for dinner as a happy reminder :).

Let Your Little Light Shine

Jaelyn didn't want to tell anyone that she asked Jesus into her heart. She did however want me to tell Daddy, Grandmother and Baba. She especially wanted to keep it a secret from Allie and Caden. Well, 2 nights ago, Jaelyn and Caden were coloring together. I over heard Jaelyn telling Caden that I told her a prayer and she asked Jesus into her heart. She told him he needed to do it too so he could have Jesus in his heart. Caden does anything Jaelyn tells him to do. Next thing I know, Caden is standing beside me asking me what the prayer was. I guess Caden and I need to spend some time talking. I think it's sweet that Jaelyn is letting her little light shine even if it was more of an order rather than just sharing :).

Thanksgiving at Medievel Times

Last Thanksgiving was absolutely horrible. I cried all day long. This year, we wanted to do something fun and different. We don't have family close by and the kids could care less about green bean casserole and dressing. We decided to go to Medieval Times since it was so much fun 2 years ago. This year was even better. We had a great time cheering for our Red Knight who saved the Prince and became the Champion. The food was wonderful. Allie especially loved the soup and chicken. We snuck in chicken nuggets from McDonalds for Jaelyn and Caden. That made them happy, along with the garlic bread and dessert.

Dan and the girls with the falconer, Anna and Amadeus.
Allie looking very unhappy in the gallows.

Jaelyn and Allie with the Prince and Princess.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but on Wednesday, I decided to decorate. Dan and the kids helped me pull out our tree and ornaments. It was nice to have help for a change.

Zac claimed our fall wreath. We put it under the tree for him so maybe he won't eat on the tree. I've found him curled up on it many days.

Allie with Bob, the blow up Christmas Tree. This is the tree my Mom mailed to us in Germany before we got our household shipment. My friend, Annie, called him Bob and the name stuck. Jaelyn has loved these snowmen since she was very little. She's always exicted to get them out every year. Dan and I aren't as excited as the songs have gotten a little annoying...especially when they turn on all 3 snowmen at the same time.

This is my Boyd Bear Nativity. This is the first year I've put it out in many years. I'm hoping little fingers and cat paws will leave it alone.

Putting together the Christmas tree.Zoe under the Christmas tree.The kids helped me put together the Elves that my Grandma Mac made when I was little.

Our fun blinky noses still work. Thank you, Baba.

Jaelyn Just Asked Jesus into Her Heart

Last night, I thought Jaelyn was close to asking Jesus into her heart. We've talked a lot about it lately...what it means to be a Christian, what you have to do to become a Christian. With Daddy Doe's passing this week, we had a whole new round of questions about salvation, death and Heaven and how it all works together. Our Bible story last night was Jesus' baptism. We talked about the salvation prayer being private and personal and baptism being the public statement of the personal decision. She and I spent about 10 more minutes talking about it after the other two kids went to bed. I asked her if she was ready to pray and ask Jesus into her heart. She said "Not yet. It's a big thing and I need to think about it some more."

We hadn't spoken at all about it today. While she was in the bathtub tonight, she asked me what the prayer was that she had to pray. I talked with her about it and asked her if she was ready to pray. She wanted to so I asked if she wanted to do it then or later when she was out of the bathtub. She picked right then. She asked Jesus into her heart right then and there, naked as a Jae-bird sitting in the bathtub. I keep telling her she can talk to God no matter where she is :).

Angels are singing in Heaven for her tonight and as Joan said, I'm sure that Daddy Doe is tickled pink to know his passing had an eternal effect on his Great-Granddaughter.

In Loving Memory

Dan's Grandfather, Daddy Doe as everyone called him, died last night. He was 91. Dan's mom, Joan, was by his side as he went home to Heaven. We are sad today, but also rejoicing because we have hope. I know that I know that I know where Daddy Doe is this morning. He's singing with the Angels in his new body that is whole. Daddy Doe was a character, full of life. He had a great sense of humor which Dan inherited.

Daddy Doe was the first person in Dan's family who really made me feel like I belonged long before Dan and I made it official. The second year we were dating, Dan broke his ankle playing tag football at a BSU guy's night out. During a visit to the hospital, Daddy Doe and I rode the elevator up together. Another man he knew rode the elevator with us. He asked Daddy Doe if I was his granddaughter. At the exact same time, I said "no" and he said "yes." The man looked oddly at us and again at the same time, I said "no, I'm not" and he said "yes, she is." By this point, the man must have thought we were insane so I explained that I was his grandson's girlfriend. It felt good to be "claimed."

Another time at Nathan and Cathy's wedding, Daddy Doe got me really good. I was sitting in my pew by myself, minding my own business. The wedding started and Dan escorted his Nana in. I turned my head forward to watch them when all the sudden I was slapped in the back of the head (I'm sure it was a love slap). It was a good hit...knocking my head forward. Daddy Doe was walking up the aisle like he hadn't done a thing and all the people around were staring at me. I'm sure they were wondering what I'd done to him to make him hit me.

Dan will be flying home today while the kids and I stay here. I'm not sure about the funeral details yet. Will you please join me in praying for Nana and Joan and the rest of our family and friends as we say good-bye to a much loved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and friend!

Daddy Doe, I love you and I will miss you!

Spreading a Little Christmas Cheer

This post is a repeat of last year, but I think it's cute enough that it needs to be repeated.

They just make me laugh...I thought I'd pass it on!

Here are the words encase you want to sing along (and yes, I listened to it over and over again for a long time to write down the words)...

I’m gonna eat some candy canes
I’m gonna eat some chocolate chips
And lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of cookie dough
I’m gonna eat a cheese ball
and a big chocolate pudding
And skip the yucky fruitcake
And go straight for peppermint sticky buns
And pie
Nog nog nog
And cake
Nog nog nog
And nuts
and nuts
and nuts
and nuts
And lots and lots and lots of fudge
I’m gonna eat some gingerbread
I’m gonna eat a popcorn ball
And lots of peanut brittle
And gobs of chocolate covered cherries
Tons of lollipops and sugar plums!

Whew, I’m stuffed.
What’s for dessert?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

This year, I am thankful to be well and feel good. For the last month, I have been sick. The week before Dan's promotion, I had a sore throat and felt really run down. I was running myself ragged with errands in the mornings getting his promotion thrown together and I was taking naps every afternoon. There's a funny middle of the night chloraseptic and hairspray story from that time period I need to tell next week. I felt better thankfully for our trip, but the week after, I started coughing and was back to my naps. I went to the doctor twice to be told I had a virus and sinus issues. I had a cough, congestion and was dizzy and totally out of it. I slept through last weekend. Yesterday was the first day I felt back to normal.

The kids are all well thankfully and doing good. Jaelyn did great at her playdate yesterday; although she forgot to call me. I was worried about an explosion last night, but she maintained her cool and might earn herself a trip back to play another day. Caden had his Thanksgiving party at school. I had pictures and video, but when I uploaded them, I learned that a little finger touched the lens to the camera. Everything from the last week is hazy and smudged. The girls both had Thanksgiving feasts that Caden and I went to.

Dan is enjoying his job and has gotten used to his new title. He was only Captain-Major for a few days and once he was a Sergeant. He's going to be doing some traveling soon - Korea for a week in December and Missouri for a month after the new year probably just in time to leave me to shovel snow and ice off the walk.

Jaelyn's Going Home With a Friend

This may not be a big deal for someone else, but it is for me. Today, Jaelyn will not be coming home. She's going home with her friend Allison on Allison's bus. It's a big step for this over protective Mommy. Allison's mom promises to meet them at the bus stop. Jaelyn's promised to call me as soon as she gets to Allison's house. It's only a few hours, but I'm excited for her. Next thing you know, she'll be wanting to go to a sleep over. I could use the pull-up as an excuse, but she's been accident free for 3 month (yea for a bladder that finally matured). No more excuses other than Mommy isn't ready!

Thanksgiving at Schools

The kids all had Thanksgiving celebrations at school this week. Allie had a "feast" consisting of apples and popcorn in her classroom. She made a thankful tree as s craft project. We've all written on it now and it's the center piece on our table.


Jaelyn's feast was in the cafeteria. She had a lot of "party food" and I'm thankful that she came home and behaved herself loaded down with sugar and artificial food coloring.

Jaelyn with her friend Allison.Caden's party was Wednesday. He told me he had "corn muffins which I didn't like, applesauce which I didn't like and cold water that I did like." He helped Miss Patty make cranberry relish. She said he did a great job of stirring.

Indian Caden with Miss Barb.

Indian Caden with Miss Patty.

Fire Station Field Trip

Caden's class went to the fire station last week. The kids were all so excited to see the big trucks and touch all the fire gear.

Caden with his 2 buddies, Nathan and Ethan.

Caden said he was strong and the coat wasn't heavy at all. I think Uncle Chad would disagree.

Caden Loves Me

Caden climbed into bed with me and Dan at 7:15 this morning. The girls slept till 7:50, but that's another story. He snuggled with me for a while and played with his Charlie Brown Bear before crawling to Dan's side. He was there for a few minutes before he told Dan he wanted to go back to me because "I love Mommy a lot." I told him he loves Daddy too. He said "I love Daddy a little bit" and then crawled back to me! My big boy loves me and promises to hug and kiss me no matter how big he gets! What more could a mommy ask for?! My life is complete!

Sneak Peak at Our Vacation

Promoted!

Dan's promotion ceremony was so nice. We had about 35 people come. It was a good turn out. The Major Dan worked for in Iraq came up from Virginia to promote him. Thank you, Matt! Dan only flubbed 2 lines of his oath, but I would have flubbed a lot more. There were a few tongue twisters in there. Allie pulled off Dan's Captain rank and Jaelyn "slapped" on the new. She got him good! Everyone stayed and enjoyed food and cake. I've never seen 96 meatballs disappear so quickly :). I stressed about having enough food, but in the end, I think we had the perfect amount. We only had a few bites here and there and an entire veggie tray left over. I guess veggies are more of a girly thing, not a manly food. We found a soldier that was happy to take home the tray though and 2 others that took home our flowers to their wives. I was a little worried about the kids, but they managed to contain their energy until we were cleaning up. Everyone was laughing at their silly antics thankfully. It was a good day! I'm proud of you, Major Dan!

Major-ly Big Day

Today's the day. The pay started on Sunday, but Dan will pin on Major today. I am so proud of him. He's worked hard and he deserves this promotion. I'm checking the girls out of school so all the kids can take part. Jaelyn and Caden will take off and put on his new rank and Allie will do the rank on his beret. I've spent the last few days getting everything together for his reception afterwards. I have a cake, cookies, veggies, fruit, cheese, meatballs and pinwheel sandwiches. It's going to be nice. It'll take me a few days to post pictures and video since we leave tomorrow morning for Great Wolf Lodge!!! Yippee!

Congratulations Dan!

Halloween

You all know about my dislike of Halloween and the overload of sugar. It's genetic, passed down from my mom; I can't help it. However, I am all for the dressing up part of Halloween.

Caden was Bumblebee the Transformer for his Halloween party at school. He wanted to be a character from Star Wars, but couldn't decide between a Clone Trooper or a Jedi. Bumblebee was his compromise, I guess. He was cute. One of his friends was Optimus Prime so they were a matching set.

We offered the kids $10 each for toy shopping and a nice dinner out in exchange for not trick-or-treating and then not having to throw all of their loot in the trash. They loved our offer especially since they still got to dress up and Walmart always passes out candy. Jaelyn chose to be a tiger like last year, and maybe the year before that. Now that I'm thinking about it, I can only think of 1 year that she hasn't been something in the feline family.

Allie went as a princess in a pretty red dress out of the dress-up bin. The dream of growing up and marrying a prince is alive and well in Allie.Caden had planned on being a nerd for our Halloween outing, but ended up in his spiderman costume instead. He spent his Halloween money on a new, super cool light saber. It's spring loaded, lights up and makes humming sounds. He's in Jedi heaven.

Jaelyn and Allie being sillyJaelyn spent her money well. She got a Webkinz, a Little Pet Shop Frog, and 3 jungle Pocket Pals. Allie got a new Cinderella Polly Pocket, because you can never have too many Pollys. Disney has gotten smart and painted the shoes on her feet. No more searching through the vacuum canister for a missing shoe.After we got home from shopping and dinner at Ruby Tuesdays, Jaelyn wanted to carve a pumpkin. The weather has been yuck and with Dan out of town, we never made it back to the pumpkin patch as a family. We only had the 2 small ones Caden and I got on his field trip. He wanted to keep his pumpkin whole, so I used my tiny pumpkin. Last year, I bought a Disney carvng kit clearanced after Halloween. I wanted to do Frankengoofy, but he was complicated so I went with Vampire Mickey instead. I had to free hand it on the pumpkin because the pattern was too big...or maybe the pumpkin was too small. Either way, I think I did okay.

In the beginningAll cut out and ready to be lit upGlowing Vampire Mickey - Whhhoooooo

For the Love of Reading

I've loved to read for as long as I can remember. My parents had an oak tree in their back yard when I was growing up (well, they still do, but no one climbs it anymore). My dad or someone nailed boards to the trunk to use as a ladder so we could climb it. I used to take books up in the tree to read. I had the perfect spot on a forked branch that I could lay back on and get carried away through the pages of my books.

In the last month, Jaelyn has started reading for enjoyment and I love it. We've spent a few days curled up on the couch with each of our noses stuck in a book. It's been great. So far, she's reading Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House Books. Allie isn't quite to the chapter book stage, but she has always loved looking at books. She can read most of our easier books on her own and will read several before turning out her light and going to bed. I rocked Caden at bedtime the other night and let both of the girls leave their lights on to read. They were quiet the entire time...totally absorbed in their books. It makes my heart happy.

Caden loves to be read to as well. He picks out a couple of books for me to read to him at night, but his favorite book right now is our kids Message Bible. I get in big trouble if I forget his Bible story. We are reading about Joseph right now.