Cookie Decorating Contest

Kade's art teacher was so sweet and invited art students to her house for a cookie decorating contest.  She baked the huge gingerbread man shaped cookies beforehand and then allowed the kids to decorate with icing and candy.  Kade ended up winning the contest and was awarded with a package of candy (only a few entered the contest, so please don't think we have a bid in for the Food Network!).  I have not tried the cookie, but Kade, Clint and Layton have been eating on and it and say it is delicious.

Fantasy of Lights

On Saturday, December 12, Kade had a Y-Ball Basketball game, so we were back in WF again this weekend.  Once the game was over and we had dinner, we went over to Midwestern State University to take a stroll through their Fantasy of Lights.  I love the light display and remember going through it as a child each year at Christmas.  It was a little chilly, so we made a quick trip through, but everyone enjoyed it!

Clint, Kade & Layton in front of the Cinderella display.

Peter Pan

There was even audio from the movie playing, so it made you feel like you were in Neverland!

The Three Little Pigs

Santa soaking his feet after a hard night's work!

Guess Who Came to School Today?

The CAT!

Our cat (we only have one left) jumped in the engine area of my car this morning (Fri., 12/11).  I thought he had, but didn't have time to look.  The boys wanted me to stop and pop the hood, but I just blew them off and said it would be fine that he probably got in Clint's pickup, not my car.

Well, I left the campus for lunch and when I returned back to school, the cat ran up to me and greeted me.  I was not as excited to see him, as he was me.  Scared that he was going to run off (not sure why I thought that since he had apparently hung around all morning) I took him into my office until I could run him home, which was eventful.  He is a barn cat and doesn't like to ride in the cab part of the car.

When I told the boys the story, they were amazed that the cat had visited school.

It's Just a Booger!

Sorry about the title, but you will soon see that it's perfect for this post.

A friend called the other night to share this funny conversation she had with Layton.

On Monday night we went to the junior high basketball games, because Kade had a PIP performance.  Layton was sitting in the stands with Babers waiting for us to perform.  A friend of mine, Lynann, whose daughter also goes to the same babysitter as Layton, was asking Layton why he and another little boy were keeping a baby doll away from a youngster at the sitter's.  Lynann said it was obvious he thought he was in double trouble with Babers sitting there listening, so he quickly blamed it on the other little boy and claimed he was innocent.  She teased him that his nose was starting to grow, because he was storying.  He immediately started to feel his nose and his eyes went cross trying to see the end of it.  She said after a few seconds he looked at her very seriously and said, "My nose isn't growing, it was just a booger."

Church Christmas Program

Our church held their annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 6. Layton was an angel again this year and Kade moved up to shepherd. Of course, I had to bribe Layton with candy to get him to do it, but he did a heck of a job. Kade did great, too, which I knew he would.

Funny story: When Layton found out he was going to be an angel he wanted to know if he was going to be the kind with fire. My mom figured out that he was talking about the devil. In the old cartoons, you know, it usually has the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other (he watches the old-school cartoons at my mom's house). He was confused, but we quickly got it sorted out. He is just now catching on to who Jesus and God are -- it is just precious to hear him sing songs, which he makes up on his very own! He's been making up songs about Santa Claus, too. You will laugh yourself to pieces listening to him--he sometimes plays a guitar at the same time. I will try my best to get a video the next time I hear him.

Kade and Layton before the program.  Layton's grin looks a little devilish!

Kade with his beard on.

Layton (very back angel).  Notice the pink & white cowboy boots on the angel to his right.

Kade (in green) & KS

Layton waving at Baber's as he left the sanctuary.  The preacher even mentioned in his closing that we are so blessed to be in a church full of adorable children, and ones that feel comfortable enough to wave at their grandmas or wear pink cowboy boots with their angel costume.

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful church and church family to worship in and with.

UIL Storytelling

UIL (University Interscholastic League) events begin in 2nd grade. You have the option of trying out for storytelling or creative writing. Kade decided to try out for storytelling and has been working extra hard for the past 1 1/2 months (his teacher/coach, Mrs. Wright, has too). I think all the students tried out for creative writing, but Kade was not chosen as a student to pursue that (his crazy mother is already starting to work with him on that!).

The hard work paid off and he made the storytelling team. In storytelling you listen to a story read by one teacher and then you go into a room, one at a time, and re-tell the story to another teacher/judge. You have to remember as many details as you can, while telling the story with expression, etc. The contest was held on Thursday, December 3, and he competed against 14 other students from five schools total. Prelims were held first and he advanced to the finals. He was so excited--I saw him as soon as he found out! In the finals he placed FIRST and won the 2nd Grade Storytelling Contest! I didn't get to see him until an hour or so afterwards, so the excitement had worn off a little. He will receive a medal later in time at an academic pep rally. Clint and I are so proud of him and hope this gives him some type of the competitor bug. He is normally not competitive and doesn't try all that hard. Maybe now if he knows practice pays off he will want to try and go for the win. We'll see--he is so laid back (which I'm thankful for that, too).

Kade & Buddies at UIL

CH, CS & Kade McAdams

The Polar Express

On Black Friday I took Kade and Layton to Lubbock.  We met Mama Chris, Aunt Ronna and cousins Hallie and Hayden there.  We shopped, swam and rode The Polar Express.  The kids loved seeing each other and it was so nice to sit and visit with Chris & Ronna.

On The Polar Express the children were served hot cocoa, sugar cookies and were able to visit the North Pole, all in their Christmas pajamas.  Santa Claus and his elves rode the train with us and visited with all the children.  Santa could only visit long enough to hear what you wanted and ask if you had been a good child, plus he gave the kids a bell (if you believe, you can hear it).  The elves, however, were able to visit longer.  Kade visited at least 10 minutes with one of them.  He found out that elves age backwards, so she would eventually be a baby again.  Right now she is 212 years old!  Layton fell asleep right before we boarded the train.  He woke up soon after the music and singing started, but was kind of grouchy the entire time.

We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to Christmas and seeing our cousins again.

All the cousins swimming.

Kids with The Polar Express conductor.

On the train.

Hallie & Layton

Kade & Hallie with Santa Claus

Layton & Hayden with Santa Claus