Smiles all around!

Here is our most recent heart warming letter from Tino.   

Thank you and I hope you all enjoy the holiday.Once again, the Adams family did it and put a smile on our faces. Thank you for everything. The boys loved it all, especially the beef jerky, crackers, drink mix and the magazines. The day we received your care packages, we went out on a mission and it wasn't the best mission. We all came back and wasn't in the best mood until we open the packages. As much as we love to get care packages from the # 1 family in Ohio, the kids drawings are what we love the most. The boys told me to please tell the kids thank you for the drawing, because it put a smile on their faces. We love them all, but Lincoln picture really gave us a good laugh with soldiers that have long hair. LOL. I took some pictures of the boys holding up the children drawings, but unfortunately I'm on a government computer and I'm not allowed to connect any form of USB device. When I get a chance to go on my personal computer I'll send them and you'll see the smile those pictures put on our faces. THANK YOU ADAMS FAMILY FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.

Needless to say the kids were beaming ear to ear.  Linc even exclaimed, "He knows my name?  I didn't know he knows my name!"  LOL  Our June box is underway and so guess what our troop has been busy producing - yep.... oodles of artwork!  

Memorial Day

Here are some photos from our morning enjoyment of the parade.  The kids had their Halloween buckets ready for candy collection.  As we drove to the parade, we reminded them that this was not a just candy parade, but rather a parade to thank, celebrate, and remember all the brave men and women fighting for our freedom and safety.  They immediately asked, "Like Tino?"  YES!  Just like our Marine, Tino.  Finally a connection - yes we get the day off and yes we love the time together, but Memorial Day finally had an authentic reason in their eyes.

So, we arrived home with all 3 buckets full of candy.  They were each allowed to pick out one piece of candy.  Then Mike suggested sending it to Tino and his platoon.  Shockingly, we didn't get a single refusal.  The kids happily filled a bag of candy, and we started a new box to ship out.  The placed some new artistic masterpieces in the box and we will fill it will odds and ends as the week progresses.


Wow... talk about a message hitting home - we had great family time together, the kids realized truly what Memorial Day is about, and they selflessly shared what is typically gold to them!  

Thank you God for the sweet blessings you have placed in our care!  We are doing our best to Shepard them, and in turn, they are teaching us more than we ever imagined humanly possible!  

Adams' Backyard Circus

A few days ago I was able to share a story of Ella's Fleas.  Today, I get to share the story of the Adams Backyard Circus!  You see, I think I can take this show on the road... all thanks to Lexi.  It was her creative mind that decided that Bubble Wands make amazing circus props - for her Toad Circus!  Yes, you read correctly - Lexi trained some toads this weekend to hop through the bubble wands as the kids cheered them on!

Childhood can be so magical when one takes the time and patience to let kids be kids and entertain themselves with the best resources - Mother Nature and a few small toys laying around the backyard.

Remember, you read it here first - toads are trainable and they are amazing hoop hoppers.  It is only a matter of time till they discover that magnifying glasses can start small fires.  Mr. Toad will be jumping through flaming hoops in a few years!   HaHa (Long live Evil Knievel.)

FREEDOM!

The weather cooperated this weekend and I am THRILLED to announce that the chicks have been moved outside!  Here is a quick glimpse of their new fortress.  LOL  Mike worked amazingly hard! Next time you see him, be sure to give him a pat on the back for a job well done!

From this.....

To this....

The handmade gate Mike constructed with locking latches to keep our 3 in house Chicken Whisperers from entering without our knowledge.

FLEAS????

Here is a funny post I just had to preserve.  Ella's preschool has had a documented case of lice.  Not overly alarming to me, since I am a school teacher and live through a case in the classroom at least once per school year.  However, when it hits a tad closer to home, I can't help bit be cautious!


I checked the kids heads this morning, to be certain.  Linc is easy with short hair.  He just thinks he is getting a massage and asks no questions - CLEAR!  Then I get to Ella.  I prep her with what I am going to do, to avoid her getting overly anxious.  I then take a look - CLEAR.  I ask if she wants to then jump in the shower since she was up early and had time to spare (plus - one less chore I would need to accomplish that evening!).  She happily gets ready and hops in the shower.   In the mean time, Lexi wakes up and yells to Ella in the bathroom - "Ella, you are in the shower in the morning?"  Ella replied back, "Yeah - Mom thinks I have fleas!"


Thanks Ella!  LOL  (Oh to be a fly on the wall in this crazy house!)