Christmas Pics

We had a wonderful time in Des Moines with my extended family. My grandparents & aunt & uncle from Florida joined my mom, my sister's family and us. We had a great time catching up and opening TONS of presents and eating lots of yummy food.

I think this is the funniest picture of the entire day. CocoPuff was "holding up" Granddaddy. Uncle Buck & Aunt Laura got all of the kiddos sheriff's sets and they spent most of the morning handcuffing and arresting people.

Baby sis got a vacuum from Santa and if it really worked Uncle Buck & Aunt Laura's floor would have been VERY clean.

Coco & Baby sis are talking about something VERY serious....

Life is to be Lived...

Life is to be lived...not scripted. As the mother of 2 young children, I often have to remind myself of these VERY true words. We've been trying to truly remember this year what the ONE AND ONLY meaning of this very special season is. To celebrate and rejoice at the birth of our Savior. Praise GOD for His Son!

I recently read this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 by Sharon Jaynes and it seems to say it well:
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Snow and Sick

Those have been the most used words around the house lately. We're in the middle of a big snowstorm and more is expected this weekend and next week. My family who is coming from Florida for Christmas probably isn't thrilled at the prospect :). And the other word...which just HAPPENS to be a four-letter one ;). Both Will and Morgan have been sick with the stomach flu and poor Will had strep too! I can hope (right??) that they're done for the year, knowing that's probably not the case. Oh well, we've had some good times cuddling under the covers and watching lots of movies (Will) and Mickey Mouse (Morgan).

We're excited to head to Des Moines next week for Christmas. My extended family from Florida will be in town along with my sister and her family. Will can't wait to spend time with his cousins, eat Jesus birthday cake and see what Santa has in store. I"m looking forward to relaxing during the nearly 2 week shutdown at work!

Merry Christmas - Praise God for His Son!

Snow Snow Snow

I really hope this winter isn't going to turn out like last winter with record-breaking amounts of snow, two ice storms, and lots of cold temperatures. However, living in the Midwest and Iowa, it's part of the story with winter! So, we'll do our best to enjoy it. Will's already anxious to make a twin for Frosty and asked when we could buy him a new sled. It's snowing as I type (I'm glad I'm INSIDE!) so I'm thinking that he's going to get the sledding wish soon. Oh, I need to stock up on hot chocolate too....now why can't I make it taste like Starbuck's Peppermint Hot Chocolate at home? Is that why it's $3/cup?

First Snow

Will and Frosty Jr. The snow was PERFECT for a snowman!

Thankful

I'm so thankful for these most precious gifts:

I am TRULY BLESSED!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

A New Cousin!

Congratulations to my sister Laura & her husband Buck! Their precious 3rd boy and 4th child was born yesterday. Tate is adorable and looks LOTS like his older brother C. Will and I had a great time visiting them today!

The Day After....I Think This Says it Best

http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/11/432-election-post-you-have-to-write.html

VOTE!!!

I don't care at all who you vote for. But the fact that we live in the United States and we have the right to vote, without fear, is incredible and should be valued. So VOTE!

Happy Halloween!

We had a great time (and WONDERFUL weather!) on Friday night for Trick or Treating. We got lots of candy and had lots of fun!

This made me laugh!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins & More Pumpkins

On Friday Will's class had a field trip to the pumpkin patch, on Saturday we hit the pumpkin patch with Nana and Aunt Laura's family, and tomorrow he's going again with a group from school....AND we already have pumpkins! Can't have too many this time of year though, can you?

Will's class on Friday. It was a cool rainy day but they had a blast!

The boys in the corn maze...they had a great time running all over the place looking for the hidden treasures within.

Cousins hanging out....

Sissy had fun walking, crawling and climbing everywhere she could!Wild man on a tractor

They both looked so cute but this is the best picture I got of the two of them together...and I think I took at least 100. :)

What's going on with us...

I just had to post this picture because it's so sweet...and it's how she sleeps most nights. All curled up with that sweet little bottom in the air!

On another note, she's walking! Here's video proof:

Big Brother lost another tooth - that's 5! He told me the other day "Only 15 more to go, Mom...does that mean I'll get 15 more dollars?" He's keeping the tooth fairy busy. He's also done with soccer for the year and gained another medal along the way. He's already got quite a collection of trophies and medals in his room.

The kids were having a great time last night playing with one of my favorite Ebay finds....a Fisher Price garage that was one of my favorite toys when I was Will's age.

We're excited to head to the pumpkin patch with Nana and Aunt Laura's crew on Saturday...we'll probably have lots of great pics after that adventure!

Happy Birthday to My Baby Sis!

Happy 32nd Birthday Sis. I love you!

Go wish Laura a happy day! http://www.i-love-naptime.blogspot.com/

Overheard in My Kitchen

Backstory: I try to enforce that my children (Will mostly) have to try 1 bite of something at dinner...whether they like it or not. My parents did this with my sister and me (I STILL HATE LIMA BEANS!!) and we both grew up to be relatively unpicky eaters.

Anyway, I was employing this trick tonight with Mr. Will as we were eating dinner. As he made faces and sniffed it and said, "This smells bad", I repeatedly told him that ONE bite was all he needed. He poked it in his mouth and started chewing, horrible face intact. So, I cheerily said, "See that wasn't so bad! It didn't kill you did it?" To which my still growly faced son replied, "I haven't swallowed yet"

A Thought...

I read this quote recently on a blog I like to read. It has made me think about my life differently. THIS is my life: good or bad, THIS is the life my Lord has for me right now. All I can do is be grateful and try to follow Him always.

"For a long time it seemed to me that real life was about to begin, but there was always some obstacle in the way. Something had to be got through first; some unfinished business; time still to be served; a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."
~ Bette Howland

Fun Stuff!

In honor of the beginning of October, Will thought we needed our pumpkins NOW so we would "make sure we get some, Mom". So we did....and some other stuff too.

We had a great weekend with my sister, my nephews & niece, and my mom. The boys and Nana went to a Drake football game, and while they didn't win, they had a GREAT time! Sissy had fun in the gator at Aunt Laura & Uncle Buck's....at least she didn't drive off.

In other news, Baby Sis is WALKING! At 17 months and 1 day, she took her first unassisted steps. I have to admit that it's not something I was looking forward to. She's my baby and her not walking let me hold onto that a little longer. She was so proud of herself and started clapping when she did it!

Walking and walking and walking and walking....

Friday was the Hawk Walk at Will's school. It is an AWESOME idea that serves as the ONLY fundraiser for the year for Prairie Heights Elementary School. No Christmas wrap, magazines, chocolate bars, pizza, cookie dough or anything else to sell this year! They had a great response and the kids (~550) raised over $19,000. The kids won an ice cream party as well as a party next week with a bunch of those blow up inflatable bouncers. Anyway, it was a gorgeous day that was perfect for walking and walking and walking some more. There was DJ there to entertain the kids while we were walking.

Here's Mr. Will demonstrating the YMCA....which was easily the most popular song of the afternoon. At the end of the second video are some of Will's classmates and his awesome teacher, Mrs. Harrelson.

47 Days Until Election Day

Sarah Palin has been a polarizing pick for VP from the Republican Party. Many questions have focused on her age, her experience (or lack thereof), her fashion sense and her children. In all honesty? I'm not sure how I feel about Sarah Palin. But it's not about her politics...this article says it well. I found this link on a blog I follow and wanted to post it here.

http://www.mamapop.com/mamapop/2008/09/what-the-hell-i.html#more

Grateful

I'm so blessed to have a dear friend with whom I will be spending my upcoming Wednesday nights studying the Word of God. I'm so grateful for my friend, who has been there with me through good times and bad times and she still loves me in spite of it all! You know who you are....and I'm so grateful God put you in my life.

Happy Monday....A Little Late!

Will and I had a great day on Monday. He was out of school for a teacher in-service so we took sis to daycare and spent the day together. Our original plan was to go golfing. Will has clubs but before this summer had never been to a "real" golf course - lots of time at the driving range, but never the real thing. I took him in August for the first time and he loved it and he actually did really well! He has a great swing and had several really good shots, so he was looking forward to our next trip. However, when Monday dawned COLD and RAINY, we decided to go with Plan B. We hit the fabulous indoor playground in town and Will ran and jumped and slid for almost 3 hours while I relaxed and watched. Several of his classmates' moms had the same idea so Will had no shortage of friends to play with. After that we headed to Dr. Matt's office to get Will's allergies checked. He has seasonal allergies just like his Dad plus a sinus infection that he may have had all summer! So, we came away with more medicine and the hope that his nose will clear up soon. By then the weather had cleared so we played wiffle ball golf in the front yard and fed the fish and scared the frogs in the pond across the street. After that it was off to pick up sis and head to Will's soccer DOUBLEHEADER. Now, do you think 6 year olds need doubleheaders? Nope, me either! Regardless, we spent 2 hours cheering on the "Gaddis Construction" team to victory (they don't keep score, but I'll guess they won!). Will had 3 goals in the 2 games so it was a good night for him. They had a great time and with 2 games come 2(!!!) snacks! The best part! I figured Will would crash on the way home, he has more energy than I could HOPE to have, and wasn't even tired. I love hanging out with my kids and just having fun, instead of worrying about chores, or bedtimes, or whatever. What a great day.

Sidenote....Mr. Will in only 6 weeks (since his 6 year checkup) has gained 3 lbs and 1 1/2 inches. NO WONDER NOTHING FITS!

Overheard...

Overheard in my van today:

"Mom, you're Queen Nice"

"Thank you buddy!"

"Yeah, but that one over there" (gestures to his screeching sister) "she's Princess Grumpy Pants"

I have to agree with him....Princess Grumpy Pants has an early date with her bed tonight.

Soccer Fun

Will had his first 'kindergarten league' soccer game tonight. This is his 4th year, so he's a pro (yep, that's a direct quote from the little man himself). It's September 8th and when the game started the temp was 52 degrees and there was a NW wind blowing at about 20mph (oh, and it had been raining all day!). It felt like late November, not early September. In spite of all that, we all had a good time. It did stop raining in time for the game so at least we weren't wet on top of everything else.

Sissy enjoyed hanging out in my chair with her milk and munching on Chex Mix.

Will defending the goal

I'm glad Will and his buddy Jackson were paying attention to how their teams were doing while they were sitting out ;)

After the game we hurried to the van to warm up and then headed home for chili for dinner. It really DID feel like November!

A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

I think this one is.....

Monday Morning Muddled Mind

How is it Monday morning already? Didn't I JUST pick the kids up from school on Friday afternoon? How is it August 25th? How is Labor Day NEXT WEEKEND?!?!

I love Fall and can't wait for the leaves to start turning, for pumpkins and hay bales, for cool nights with the windows open and for digging out my sweaters. But MAN this year has gone quickly!! I can't believe I ordered Will's Halloween costume last week (he's going to be an "army guy") and my mom is looking through boxes at her house to find Morgan's. I'm hoping she can wear the clown costume my mom made me many years ago. School is in session and Will's gearing up for the first Prairie Hawk football game this Friday night - he already has his black & orange "spirit wear" laid out for Friday morning. I have to remind myself to stop and step back and watch and enjoy these precious times...they go by so quickly!

Happy Monday!

Growing Up.....

My precious firstborn goes off to Kindergarten tomorrow. His clothes are laid out, his school supplies are tucked safely in his locker at school, his lunch bag is waiting to have his peanut butter sandwich and pretzals tucked inside it tomorrow morning. Everything is ready....except Mom! Since I've worked outside the home since he was born, he's always been in daycare or preschool and spent last year in Alternative Kindergarten every morning. Why is this different? I'm not sure, but it is. I'm excited for him....for all of the adventures that are in store for him as he starts school. And I worry...I want him to keep that innocence with which he looks at the world. No matter what, he'll always be my baby.

Through the years....

Age 1 - love those carrots!

Age 2 - look at that smile!

Age 3 - GO PRAIRIE HAWKS!

Age 4 - handsome guy!

Age 5 - growing up!

and Age 6 - tonight as he got ready for bed before his 1st day of school

I love you Will!!!

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!

Big Brother turned 6 in early August in grand style. We started with a wonderful, fun kids party at Pump It Up http://www.pumpitupparty.com/. What a cool place! The kids ran and jumped and slid for an hour and a half and then enjoyed pizza, cake & punch. They all had such a great time and Will was truly blessed by all of his friends and their generous gifts.

The next week for his actual birthday, I had a BIG surprise in store. Will and I headed off to Chicago! Our main purpose was to take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field (they beat the Cards 3-2 in 11 innings - WHAT A GREAT GAME!!).

We also went to the Shedd aquarium, wandered Navy Pier, and took a boat ride on Lake Michigan. Will's already assumed that this will be an annual thing and is planning our trip next year.

This past week we headed to SuperMan's (http://www.i-love-naptime.blogspot.com/) house for HIS 6th birthday. Will and SuperMan are so lucky to be so close in age. We all hit the pool, relaxed and went to Chuck E Cheese for pizza & games. We had a great time visiting with SuperMan, C-Dawg & CocoPuff (and Laura & Buck!!) and we were all sad when we had to come home.

This week we've been getting ready for school. Will starts Kindgergarten on Thursday! We had "Meet the Teacher" night last night and got to take all of Will's supplies in to his room, find his locker, inspect the music & art rooms, and have ice cream! He's very ready for school and can't wait to have Dad as "his principal".

Baby Sis is doing well. She's pulling herself up and standing alone but hasn't walked on her own yet. She's got some crazy hair with the humidity we've had lately, but I can't bring myself to cut it! It reminds me of Aunt Laura's hair when she was younger with all the sweet curls.

We've had a good summer and it's hard to believe it's quickly coming to an end. But with school, football games, Homecoming, Halloween and so many more fun times to look foward to we can't wait for Fall as well!

Flood Pictures

The picture above shows the river that divides are town east and west. The bridge at the top of the picture is I-380 - the only means of crossing the river. If you look closely, you can see three of the main bridges completely submerged other than the tops of the railings. The buildings on the island are the Veterans' Memorial Building and the courthouse/jail.

While I was driving home from work yesterday and again on my way in today, I was able to get these incredible, heartbreaking pictures of the devastation.

Our favorite Dairy Queen

Looking towards town up 3rd Avenue SE

This image took my breath away today as I was driving north to work. I haven't been able to get it out of my head all day.


Looking south at the Quaker factory that is fixture on the west side of I-380.

The railroad bridge that comes out of Quaker. Officials put train cars on the tracks in an effort to keep the bridge from breaking free. There is a second bridge to the south that collapsed into the river yesterday. So far this one is still standing. There are houseboats that have broken free and are trapped against the bridge on the other side.
Looking west on 1st Ave from I-380 Look at the one-way sign....and the water covered that sign this morning before the crest.