This sounds so bad, but today was Adele's first sledding outing. I guess because #1 sometimes it is so cold to go. #2 Adele has never had a sled until Santa brought her one on Christmas Day. #3 It is so much work taking off the wet clothes. #4 It is tough climbing back up the big hill.So now you get the idea why the child has never sledded before.
Today was the perfect weather. Warm and still snow on the ground. We went out behind Jordan Creek elementary to this huge hill. We had some good and bad times.
Good times: We got some great distance on the sled.
Bad times: I talked Adele into going down by herself (Santa brought a sled for 2 so we slid together). Adele wiped out. We also wiped out together but she wiped out by herself and was so dramatic about it. I laugh every time I think about it and it hurt her feelings.
I was able to talk her into going down one more time with me. We hit this big slushy spot and snow flew into our faces. It was like going down a water log ride. I thought it was fun and was laughing. She looks at me with these pieces of ice in her hair and drops of water on her face and was so upset.
Needless to say that was the last run down the hill. We went home to strip off our wet clothes and I made hot chocolate. She felt better after that. I think she will hop on that horse one more time hopefully!
Adele wrote a note to Santa and also baked a cupcake in her new cupcake maker. We left trail mix of peanuts, M&Ms, and raisins for the reindeer.
Oh well, after sniffing, the kitty decided she wasn't interested.
What excitement and anticipation it is on Christmas Eve!
It was a great chance to connect with people that we don't get a chance to spend a whole lot of time with on Sunday.
The Browns and the Raridons were also there so all the children had a great time playing together.
The boys were in full out "boy mode" and terriorizing the girls who kept trying to go downstairs then upstairs then back down and up. The boys kept following them. Poor girls.
The other interesting thing is having a single child vs. multiple children. Adele wanted to play "Sisters" and Morgan and Dakota wanted to play games. In the eyes of Morgan and Dakota they were probably thinking - we play sisters all the time lets play games! In the eyes of Adele she is probably thinking - I play games all the time with my parents, I am not a sister so I want to play sisters! It was an interesting lightbulb that went on in my head.
Cute Thea is just a little ball of fun! It was so cute to watch her dance and listen to her talking. And oh my lanta - is she just a little dare devil who shows no fear!
They were all wonderfully patient on a hectic day of Christmas shopping and were excited that she was using her own hard earned money to buy this toy. They were so gracious and full of questions for this wonderful baker. We had a great time making cupcakes.
On this same day, we just finished a 3 hour volunteer time with Raccoon Valley Animal Shelter at Petco with Santa. Adele raised the most money ever in her fund raising efforts so far in our fund raising. Around $100 to go to the shelter.
Way to Go! Thanks to all who gave to save a life!
I asked Adele if she wanted to be a tester and she said she did! Adele got picked to test this new Color Explosion 3D color kit. It is so cool but we did notice some little kinks we would like to give feedback on and possible ways to improve upon the product. The Color kit contains black pages and white markers that don't stain or mark on furniture or walls. The kit also comes with 3D glasses. It is so cool! The images are seriously jumping out at you from the pictures. They sell a similar product you can get in stores now but just not the 3D version which Adele is testing.
I thank God every day for my job with Hallmark and now I feel like we have just been given a sign on bonus! Love testing arts and crafts! We love free art stuff!
I told her I would replace them and would find her the exact same pair since they are pink with hearts. I thought she would love that.
"No, I would like to enjoy a different pair, please." So I found 2 more pairs of gloves that are new so she can enjoy them. Thanks to all the retailers who have provided different gloves so that all kids may ENJOY new ones when they lose one!
We didn't think he would be able to attend because of the work schedule. I think he must have gotten heckled by other moms working saying he cannot miss this performance.
Standing room only. We purchased our little performer a flower for her hair and a bouquet for Mrs. Hoogerworth, the music instructor!
Adele and I delivered the flowers before the performance and went to Stellas (a great 50s diner) where they poured a Strawberry milkshake on her head and then she had to open wide for a drink. She received a round of applause from other customers on achieving this feet!
As a church we came together to wrap gifts, eat finger food, munchies, and fellowship. It was a great wrapping party. Christian Walk was delegated as the blanket wrapper since he was "bragging" about his wrapping skills.
We received so many donations for scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, and blankets! Thank you God for this service that we can impact the community.
Most recently there were mini shelters built for the homeless along the DM river. Recently there was a fire and the "shelters or huts" were deemed unfit and were torn down. So we have many people who are not prepared for the winter that we want to help!
Yeah! Building relationships, encountering God, and Serving others is what we are all about!
One of the moms works for Blank Childrens hospital. They provide medical treatment to children in one of the countries in Africa. (Can't remember now which one.) The girls will get a bracelet after their treatment as a Thanks for being good. How cool is that?
The goal was set for each Scout to make 7 bracelets so they could give 70. Adele was in bracelet making fury stringing beads. It didn't hurt that she gets a ton of practice at home as this is one of her favorite hobbies.
They ran out of string and made 67 - very close to their goal!
Way to go Daisy Girl Scouts! You will earn a new badge!
Adele was so pleased with his purchase. Since we had a good amount of snow, she had to "test" these before she took them to school today to make sure they worked properly.
It was hard to get her to come back inside for dinner!
Paul's only day off was Thanksgiving day so we had a wonderful relaxing day with him. He was up and at 'em at 1:00am to be at Younkers at 2:00am. Dad and I got up and left the house at 3:15 to be at Paul's store at 4:00am. We were greeters and handed out fliers. The store was busy and I haven't experienced the "Day After" in a very long, long, long time! It just reinforced my idea of staying home that day.
