I Want To Enjoy New Gloves

Well it is official. We have the first lost glove experience of this winter (okay technically the first day of winter is Monday). The gloves were less than a week old. Adele did have mittens and has kept track of them. This last week she said, "Mom I am the only one in my First Grade class who doesn't have gloves." I remember using this line as the ONLY ONE too.
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!

Grandparents Day at Des Moines Christian School

So today was a great Day!!! Daddy surprised Adele by showing up at the Grandparents Day Christmas Program at the school.
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!
Thank you Lord for our friends Mark and Amy Main. Isabella and Adele were standing next to each other and they came VERY EARLY to secure great seats and video taped the whole thing! Yeah! I love that you captured our daughters moments too! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Christmas Gifts for the Homeless

Our family has in the past wrapped warm wear for the homeless to deliver in the Skywalk systems in Des Moines, IA. They were well received and even had an article in the DM Register about the Secret Santas that blessed the homeless.
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!

Daisy Scouts making bracelets

On Saturday, the Daisy Girl Scouts made bracelets for girls in Africa.
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!

New Winter Clothes

Growing, growing, and growing.

I was informed by Adele that they had to stay on the blacktop only at recess in school unless they had snowpants and snowboots. Well last years obviously don't fit anymore.

Daddy was such a great sport he went shopping in his store for a new pink coat/pants. Then went to Target to find some snow boots.
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!

Black Friday in the eyes of Adele

First, before you read this blog, you have to know that my husband is a Store Manager of Younkers a retail department store.

Adele: Daddy, do you know what Black Friday is?

Paul: Will you tell me?

Adele: It is when people get up really early before stores even open and stand outside and wait. When the doors open they rush in.

It is so cute because Paul left at 2:00 am to go to his store to ensure customers would get the best bang for their buck yet she didn't even realize daddy knew what Black Friday is! Even though whenever we visit the store, she is sure to point out the portrait of him in the entry way. She even tells people that are entering in the same time as us that this is her Daddy!

Paul - I love you so much and the impact of proudness you have instilled in our daughter. May she marry the man of integrity who has a focus for God and cherishes his wife as much as you do me!

Thanksgiving with Nana and Papa

My parents came on Wednesday Nov 26 and left this morning at 9:30. We had some wonderful times together. We went for Chinese food on Wed night.

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.

Friday, my dad pulled out the family recipe for Peppernuts. Peppernuts is a small German cookie that tastes like Gingerbread but kicked up a notch. (Brewed coffee with grinds and all is included in the very stiff batter). Adele had a lot of fun helping Papa make these traditional cookies of our heritage.

Thanks to God for providing food and protecting travelers who spent time with families. We had a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Nana and Papa also brought gifts for Christmas for Adele since we will not be able to spend time with them for Christmas. Adele was thrilled with her new Webkins and the Fairy! Thank you Nana and Papa!