Who does Adler look like?

My baby's Daddy??



Or my baby's Mama?

Just to brag on my mom...

So for almost 30 years my mom has been bragging on her three lovely daughters (oh and rightly so). However, after this article was written in the Houston Chronicle about my mom, I thought it was my turn to do a little bragging. You'll read about how awesome she is in the article below:

Rosehill Elementary principal finds her niche
By FLORI MEEKS

JeanineDeyoe says she likes it when people describe her as a
"teacher's principal."

"I'm a teacher first," said Deyoe, the new principal of Rosehill
Elementary School in Tomball. "I think it's important that a principal
work with teachers. It's the same with parents. We all have the same
goal."

Deyoe, who lives in The Woodlands, has been interested in education
since she was a girl in western Kansas.

"I come from an education family," she said. "I've always enjoyed
working with kids. I truly found that teaching was my calling."

Deyoe has taught in Vicksburg, Miss., with the McGregor district in
central Texas and the Conroe Independent School District before moving
to the Tomball district this year.

Her experiences run the gamut. She's worked with kindergarteners and
seventh-graders in affluent communities and in Title One schools.

"Sometimes you hear back from miscellaneous people how you impacted a
child's life," she said. One of her neighbors works in the chemical
industry. When a young man came to observe him on the job, he mentioned
that it was one of his teachers, Deyoe, who got him interested in
science.

Her neighbor couldn't wait to tell her the story.

"That was so exciting that I helped develop interest in a career," she
said.

"Any time you can have a positive influence on students, it's so
rewarding."

Despite her love for the classroom, Deyoe decided several years ago to
shift to administration.

"That was where I needed to be to feel I was using my talents to their
fullest for others," said Deyoe, whose father was a principal."It was a
natural progression for me."

Deyoe began her administrative career at Conroe's Austin Elementary
School, where she worked one year, followed by three years at Collins
Intermediate School.

From what she's seen, the best principals in the field are the ones who
make it a priority to listen to others, Deyoe said.

"They have to be able to understand what others' needs are, spoken and
unspoken," she said. "They also have to have the ability to see the big
picture. They look at how all things in the school affect each other."

Beth Hall, a counselor at Collins, said Deyoe demonstrated those
qualities regularly when they worked together.

"Her interpersonal skills are outstanding," Hall said. "In my opinion,
very few people come along in administration with her capabilities."

At Rosehill, Deyoe wants to get to know the teachers and parents she'll
be working with and get to know the school's needs.

"I want to look at the data and see where the strengths are, and where
there are weaknesses," Deyoe said. "I'm going to be communicating with
teachers so I know where student achievement is, and we can intervene
where needed."

But Deyoe said her ultimate goal is to maintain a safe campus.

"If you don't have a safe environment, you can't have learning," she
said.

Deyoe and her husband, Bill, are the parents of Kristine, 27; Rylie,
24; and Shelley, 21, along with one 9-month-old grandson.

Best thing to do on a fall day in Georgia....

One thing I love about living in Georgia is that the mountains are just about an hour's drive north. When Stephen and I moved here four years ago, we started taking drives up to the mountains just to do some exploring. It started because I wanted to see the fall colors changing in the trees. Stephen agreed because we had just purchased a 1.8T Jetta with a sunroof that was fun to drive. During our "exploring", we have come across some Georgia "gems". These "gems" have become our favorite part of fall and our favorite thing to do for a day trip. Those "gems" would be Burt's Pumpkin Patch and Amicalola Falls.

Burt's Pumpkin Patch is just that. A large open field covered with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors. This was the first time I had ever seen white or blue pumpkins. They also have gourds and squashes, homemade baked pies, breads, candy, etc. They offer a hayride for the kids (something we'll probably do next year). The experience is so fun; I'm amazed that it's free to enter! The pumpkins are reasonably priced and worth buying anyways. There is a creek nearby with shady trees - perfect for picnicking. We packed a lunch and sat under a big acorn tree. (thanks Caleb for pointing that out)

Amicalola Falls is a state park (bring $3 cash to enter) with a lot to offer. It is right off the Appalachian Trail, which always attracts an interesting group. They have accommodations for all types - a hotel-like lodge, a 5-mile "hike-in" lodge, cabins, campgrounds, and plenty of nature trails. The obvious reason it is so popular is for its 729-foot waterfall, which is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. You can either park at the top of the falls and take the stairs down, or park at the bottom of the falls and walk the paved trail (stroller friendly) to the bottom of the falls. Either way, it's worth the climb!

This year is the first time we have shared this experience with friends. (not sure why it took us this long) We went with our community group friends, the Presleys, and my sister, Rylie. It also just so happened that our dear friends, the Stegers, (from Orlando) had rented a mountain cabin this very weekend in this very area, so they joined us as well. Today really was such a fun day, and I highly recommend the experience!! (google Burt's Pumpkin Patch for directions)..and go with friends!!

How to cut an onion...

Trip to Vicksburg

Here are some pictures from our family trip to Vicksburg to visit my Grandmother. Adler had a great time and especially loved the watermelon! It was fun spending time with our family. Stephen had fun taking pics...

Mr. October

Couldn't help but to post this picture...

Cgroup Kiddos

In June we had a Community Group party at our house. Here are some pics of the kiddos.

Long Over Due Baby Dedication Pictures

Adler and "Da Da" pics

August Visitors

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to post. Adler's future wife, Emma Kate, came to visit in August. We had a great time together! Thanks again for coming Katie and Emma!

Sisters

A picture from when Shelley came to visit.....do you think we are related?

Riverwood Young Life

Here are some pics from Young Life. Adler liked to play back up with the egg shaker. (although I'm pretty sure it just wanted to try to eat it most the time)

Curls

Check out those curls!

New Kicks

Adler took his first step last week at Young Life, so I thought it was time for his first pair of shoes. Of course, what else would you buy the coolest kid on the planet but camo crocs! He's quit the stud.....

What not to do: Vol 1

Last night I came home from a long day of work. Excited to go to YL, but knowing that it'd be stressful getting there. As I got home, I needed to change, but Adler was waking up from a nap, so Kristine went and got him out of bed. She was bringing him towards our bedroom, so I decided I'd like to play with him a bit. (SIDEBAR: Adler loves Peek-A-Boo and hide-and-seek)...so as Kristine got close, I could here her saying "Who's In there"/etc/etc. So I jumped around the corner and gave a playfully, but loud "BOO".

What ensued was not the reaction I was hoping for. Adler's face molded into that of fear and pain. He started crying harder than I've heard in a long time and doing that "6th grade girlfriend just broke up with me for a 7th grader" gasp for air. I totally scared the crap out of him and it literally ruined the next hour. Only after we got to the car to leave for YL did he finally burp/spit up a bit, which made him feel a LOT better. I can only guess that when I jumped around the corner, he gasped and swallowed air the wrong way, got super uncomfortable and couldn't relax.

We did make up later, but boy did he not like me for a little while.

So....what not to do: don't jump out and peek-a-boo your baby, unless they already know you're there and want to play with you.
:)

Adler's Musical Influences Vol. 1

Adler's First Kiss (Back by popular demand)

That last post it getting old....

Okay, so Stephen has been back for 2 weeks now, so I figured it was time to update the blog.

For Labor Day Weekend, we drove out to Vicksburg, MS to visit my grandmother. She has lived in the same house for 30-something years. She has a great piece of property - right off a lake, which always seems peaceful. She used to have a pool in her back yard. Some of my favorite child-hood memories are of painting flowers on her back patio, eating cherry tomatoes off the vine, fishing in the lake, gazing at the incredibly large oak tree in her front yard, and cannon-balling into her pool.

The back patio is now a little over-run with cob-webs and wasps (which we tried to get rid of), the dock on the lake is no longer usable, the over-growth at the edge of the lake makes fishing pretty difficult, the swimming pool has long since been filled in with concrete...it's crazy to see the effects of time, however, it is still one of my favorite places and will always be a cherished family location.

My parents also drove out from Texas. My sister, Rylie, joined us too. It just so happened that my aunt and 2 cousins were in town at the same time too. So , in a way, it was a mini family reunion.

My grandmother and her husband had very interesting lives. My grandfather worked for the government teaching third world countries farming techniques. They lived in all over the world...and her house is decorated with mementoes from all their exotic travels. I always enjoy asking questions about different pieces in her house and looking at her picture albums. Stephen enjoyed taking pictures around the place - check out his flickr site for some pics!

Everybody enjoyed seeing Adler. He is getting so big! Crawling all over the place, easily pulling up to standing, will let go for a brief time, can say "ma ma" and "da da", loves to clap and do "touch down!". I'm pretty convinced he has been trying to say "tristan" and "adler" over the past week.

He and I started a music class on Thursdays. He loves being around all the kids, playing with the instruments (the drum sticks are his favorite) and he gets very serious about watching the instructor.

The best part is we are going on a VACATION next weekend with our small group! We are going to Gulf Shores with 4 other couples sans children! Stephen's mom is coming in town to keep Adler for us! I'm sure she would appreciate a prayer or two her for her weekend ;)

That's all for now!

Stephen's back!

Stephen is back from a LONG work trip to Miami (see "Daddy's" blog for details)! We missed him so much! Wednesday night, we had dinner with Aunt Rylie. Friday, we had a fun afternoon play-date, then a birthday party dinner for Jamie (Colby's mom). Saturday, the Fountains had us over for dinner. Sunday, I visited Trinity Vineyard church (closer to the house) and ran into my friend, Marta. Marta and I went to college together, so we had a fun "catch-up" lunch afterwards. Overall, it seemed to go quickly, but Adler was so happy to see his daddy!

I'm hoping to be getting a new computer in the next couple weeks, so then I can start posting pics and videos again.

Just wanted to say hello to my blogger friends!
xoxo
kh

My Ebenezer

Without a computer, I know my posts have become fewer and farther in between, but I wanted to share something new I learned today. Perhaps this is something everyone else has known while I have been in the dark??

One of my favorite hymns is "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I love the words of the song:

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
Hither by thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.

I love singing to Adler before he goes to bed at night. Sometimes I sing old Young Life songs, sometimes songs from the Sound of Music (not sure if Stephen would approve), songs I memorized as a kid watching Disney movies over and over, sometimes church songs...tonight, this song came to mind.

As I was singing this song over him as he laid his heavy head on my shoulder...I couldn't help to wonder.....what or who the heck is Ebenezer?? I decided to do a little research, and here is what I found:

The word "Ebenezer" comes from Hebrew and means "stone of help". The scripture I found correlating is:

"Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—"the stone of help"—for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" —1 Samuel 7:12, NLT

At this time in the Old Testament, Israel and the Philistines were at war. At word of the Philistine's advancements, the Israelites were frightened and turned to Samuel and asked him to cry out to God on their behalf to save them from the Philistines. "But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites." This gave the Israelites the opportunity to victoriously attack as the Philistines were disorganized. To commemorate their victory, Samuel set up a large stone to mark where God's help aided in their battle with the Philistines.

So, this got me thinking. What are some of the current day Ebenezers in my life? What are things that serve as reminders of God's love, mercy, assistance, that He hears my cry?

The first thing that comes to mind is Adler. Looking at Adler is like getting a glimpse at the face of Christ. Adler is no doubt a miracle of God's work. Getting to stay at home with Adler and not having to put him into daycare is also an answered prayer. I realized I am living my Ebenezer every day!

So now I'm curious, what's your Ebenezer? Even if you don't have a blogger account you can comment below...I would love to know what God is up to your life!

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above!

Hunton Video Blog Vol1

I don't know...just wanted to post video. Random, but hope you enjoy the change of pace. ;)

8 Random Facts

I just remembered I forgot to do this:

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I hate cardboard. I hate the sound, the feel, the dryness, everything about cardboard. Moving is the worst- when you have to pack up your house in nothing but cardboard boxes. I can barely touch it without getting goosebumps. Even the thought makes my skin curl. Stephen thinks this is really funny and will take any opportunity to drive me crazy by running his fingernails over cardboard.....ah!!!! Like nails over chalkboard!!

2. While I am pretty detail oriented, for some reason, when it comes to closing cupboards and drawers, I have a MAJOR problem! I will be cooking in the kitchen, turn around, and suddenly realize every cabinet door is wide open. I have no idea how I don't see this while it's happening and then all the sudden, it will dawn on me...very weird

3. I get OCD at night. When going to bed, I MUST go to the restroom before getting in bed. Then, I must have a glass of water next to the bed and put on chap-stick. Then I must push the button on my alarm clock 3 times to ensure that the glow is on it's dimmest setting. If I don't have these things completed I will lay in bed thinking them. It's just easier for me to do these things rather than spend 20 minutes thinking about them in bed.

4. My nails curl upward. This is hard to describe, but my nails don't look like other people's. I've actually had a couple people run into me before, look at my hand, and think they have broken my nails because they are curled upward. I should take the opportunity to have some fun with this one, but I haven't yet.

5. I'm really good at fixing things. Or I'm really good at coming up with make-shift ways to solve little problems. I definitely get this from my dad. He, however, is the master at coming up with rigging things. For example, one day he got tired of the trampoline ruining his grass in the backyard. So, he put a pulley system in a tree and connected one end to the trampoline. When we were done jumping, we had to pulley the trampoline so that it sat sideways, against the tree, thus not ruining the grass. I haven't come up with anything this genius, but little things, like how to use a small twig to keep the stroller breaks to keep from randomly locking into place, etc.

6. I loathe pumping gas. I'm one of those people who uses a baby wipe to hold the handle. Before Adler, I used to drive as long as I could with the gas light on. This drove Stephen crazy, but I would try to stretch to at least the weekend so that Stephen would have to pump the gas the next time we got into the car.

7. I like the History Channel. I guess I like watching these random documentaries because I like History in general. The only book I saved from college was my History book. Some of my favorite classes and professors were my courses in History. I remember even really enjoying the opportunity to write History essays. The problem is I love learning History, but I'm not good at remembering it enough to repeat it. That's why I kept the History book, so I can look up a factoid if I get the inkling.

8. I'm really good at remembering the first letter of a name. The problem is, I can't remember the name. But, I am usually almost always right when it comes to "It starts with the letter....". This at least can help get my mind rolling and sometimes helps jog the memory (or someone elses). I think this came from a memory trick someone told me. When someone tells you their name, you picture the first letter of their name on their forehead. This trick really does work, but then I'm just stuck with a letter instead of a name.

Okay, I hope that is sufficient! The 8 people I am going to tag are Virginia, Stephanie, Julie, Elise, Kim, Tish, Jaime, and Shelley

Adler Ryan Video Blog

As I play more and more with my MacBook Pro, I stumble across neat tricks...here's a video of some of the latest Adler happenings. Enjoy:

Down time

Wow, I love Stephen's last post! Check out his site too for his latest pics and blogging skills ;)

I have been so bummed lately! My computer fried on me, so I can only check email, blogs, etc after Stephen gets home from work. Usually at that time, I'm busy getting Adler to bed, cooking dinner, cleaning, catching up with Stephen, that spending time on the computer is at the bottom of the list. I'm hoping to be able to get my computer fixed, but I'm afraid I may have to wait a while for a new purchase :(

Here are some of what we have been up to:
Traveling!
Traveling is great when you're a stay-at-home mom. It's nice to be away from the house, although it can be stressful at times. I think I mentioned in a previous post that Adler and I went to Texas for a week, mostly so Adler can meet my mom's mom, Bernita. We were at home for what seemed two short weeks and then we went to North Carolina to stay in a mountain cabin my parents rented in Maggie Valley (about 30 min west of Asheville). It was a great week, with great weather, and Adler really enjoyed getting to know his Grandpa, Neanie, Aunt Rylie, and Aunt Shay-Shay better. They even taught him how to say "bye-bye" and wave!

Home Renovations
In preparation for the Dedication (see below), Stephen and I have been working hard around the house getting things in order, painted, replaced, etc. We painted the kitchen, living room, guest bath ceiling; sanded, pressure washed, then stained the deck; yard make-over, purchased and assembled deck furniture, replaced lighting in the living, dining room, and kitchen.

Adler's Baby Dedication
We hosted Adler's Baby Dedication at our home on July 28th. It was at the end of my family mountain trip, so my entire family was present and Stephen's family all flew in for the occasion. We invited our small group and a few other couples who we have asked to keep us accountable as parents to Adler. It was a sweet day for our family, I definitely felt God's love on us! Stephen even wrote and sang a special song for Adler - we'll have to post the performance soon!

Visitors
Two weeks after the Dedication, my sister, Shelley, and her boyfriend, Brandon, came to visit. They stayed at our house while exploring the city. It was great of them to come to Atlanta to visit- they leave Sunday to go back to Texas - thanks for coming, guys!
I just got word that my dear friend, KT and sweet Emma Kate have plans to visit this coming week! They are arriving on Tuesday and staying until Friday! What a fun week ahead! Cant wait to see you sweet girls! Adler is excited to see his girlfriend!

Sorry I don't have any pics...they are on my computer and would take forever to transfer to Stephen's. I also don't know what's going on with the twango videos, but hopefully I can get that straightened out this weekend.

Bye bye...

Chocolate Rain is Sweeping the Nation

So, if you haven't heard of Tay Zonday, then shame on you. His song "Chocolate Rain" has garnered over 4.3million views so far and has earned him a live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. John Mayer has done a cover of "Chocolate Rain" and there are countless video responses to what may very well be the funniest piece of crap song ever written.

That said...I love "Chocolate Rain". Check it out below.


With something SO AWESOME...how could I not do my take on "Chocolate Rain" complete with heart thumping Karate Action. Check it out.



So....YOU GO Tay Zonday, YOU GO!!!

Great gift ideas for new moms (this is not a hint for Stephen, but if he wanted to buy me something from this list I would be okay with it)

Okay this is a random post, but I've been thinking about the gifts I have loved receiving since Adler's arrival, and figured it couldn't hurt to share my thoughts...especially for those dads-to-be (if that is you, be sure you have a gift in mind for your sweet wife whose body is about to experience all kinds of crazy things you don't want me to explain)

1. Bath and Body Works Anti-bacterial hand soap - this was a great gift because I never realized how much I was going to be washing my hands those first months of Adler's life. In all the craziness, it was nice to have a great smelling/relaxing hand soap. I hate to admit that I can't remember who gave this to me...maybe it was myself? 8 months seem like a long time ago..anyways, on to the next topic...

2. Votivo candles - being at home more than you are used to, it's great to have a fantastic smelling candle to brighten the mood and lift your spirits. KT gave this to me in the "Spring" scent - I will always think of baby Adler when I smell that "Spring" Votivo candle!

3. Bath and Body Works body wash - I had the lemon and coconut scent. This was a great gift from Jaime because I have realized as a new mom, you LOVE your showers! It's your little moment in time to yourself, to not have spit-up on you, and to relax.

4. Breakfast for day after bring home baby day- a great friend of mine, Jamie Clayton, put together a sweet basket of breakfast goodies. Decaf tea (for mom), coffee, jams, honey butter, english muffins, cream cheese, and bagels. She sent her husband over to the house the day we brought home Adler. It was a great treat the next morning for me and Stephen and for all the guests that were at the house. Stocking the kitchen of breakfast food was the last thing I thought of! Thanks Jamie!

5. Powdered Donuts in hospital room - who the heck doesn't like these things? Experienced mom, Misty Fountain, was the life saver on this one. This friend was also thoughtful to bring items like tooth brush and deodorant for a forgetful mom in labor! The donuts were a great snack at all times of the day! Food in general is a great idea. My sister, Rylie, brought a chicken wrap from Jason's Deli - nothing had ever tasted so good!

6. Comfy clothes to wear around house - it was late fall when I had Adler, so when my best friend's mom sent a comfy sweater from the Gap, I was very thankful. I had not bought any non-maternity clothes, so having something new that wasn't a tent or wasn't from last year was a big treat. Thanks Janet!

7. Massage - When Stephen's mom, Raynelle, came for a visit, she took me out for a massage while Stephen kept Adler. This was great time for myself, especially as I was adjusting to picking up and carrying a new born every where I went! A must for every new mom!!

8. A gift certificate for a house cleaning - while I never actually received this gift - I had a great team of cleaners - Raynelle, my mom, and Stephen, but I could imagine if you did not have the help, what a great gift this would be!

9. A great mom to cook all your favorite foods, do you laundry, and maintain your sanity! Thanks so much mom!

10. Special band to wear with my wedding ring - the night before I had Adler, Stephen and I had a great "last date" out. While we were at the Horseradish Grill, Stephen gave me a beautiful "anniversary-type" band to wear with my wedding ring. It was really sweet of him and meant so much that he had taken the time to pick something out special for me. Thanks Stevo, you're the man!

The return of the Nintendo

Just wanted to let everyone know that while I was at my parents house, I snagged the Nintendo I spent countless childhood hours playing...sweaty palms, callused thumbs, the dreaded music, that silly princess always in another castle....these are the memories Stephen and I have been reliving for the past 2 weeks.

The first night, we stayed up until 1am playing. I only have a few games, Mario 1/Duckhunt, Paper Boy, King Kong, and Mario 3, I think I would have the perfect collection if I only had Frogger.

I remember when my sisters and I put our money together to buy the Nintendo Entertainment System. We bought it at Walmart for $199. That was a lot of chores or whatever the heck I did to earn that money!

Anyways, just thought I would share!

Project: Complete the Projects

So, the Hunton house is a bit crazy right now. We're having a little get together in the coming weeks, and Kristine and I just got really motivated to get the house in "presentable fashion"...so thus began "Project Month" where we've been painting the rest of our living room and entrance, finished painting the kitchen, installed new dining room lighting, a new living room fan (more on this to come), started looking to replace our flourescent eye sore of a light in the Kitchen, etc etc. I aerated the grass, am now "de-thatching" it (basically clawing at the ground with a rake in order to get up all the dead grass to promote growth), re-soiled and mulched our tree in the front...back yard tree is next...re-mulching the beds in the backyard, and also sanding, pressure-washing, and finally staining/sealing our deck. The deck is actually looking pretty solid. Kristine was quoted saying "wow...I might actually want to go out there now."

The most challenging aspect thus far, besides the de-thatching , was the living room fan. We have vaulted ceilings, which are quite tall. This shouldn't be difficult with my HUGE ladder though right? Wrong...even with it, I still couldn't reach the top...SO, we pulled over the trusty dining room table and installed the leaf. This made the ladder a perfect fit atop the dining room table (by perfect, I mean "no room left whatsoever"). I then proceeded to stand atop this ladder/dinning table combo and take down the existing fan to replace with the new one. It looks so much better, and was definately worth the effort, but I am glad that I didn't fall and break my face.

Pictures to come.

Hello

Just saying hello today. As you can see, I finally figured out how to post videos without Stephen's help. Adler and I flew out to Texas to spend a week with family. It was definitely interesting flying by yourself with a baby (Stephen stayed at home for a week of bachelorhood). But I had a great time seeing friends and family - pictures posted soon. You can also check out posted pictures from my night out without Adler below. Hope you're having a great day!
xoxo

Adler Tries to Clap

Adler's First Kiss

The Faces of Adler @ 8mo's

Momma wore heels

I would like to say my calves are sore from a really good work out. Actually, they are/were sore from a night out in heels! I was invited to a really fun work party last Thursday. I got to see all my event industry buddies, favorite caterers, staff, and my old boss, Robyn. It was really fun to hear people say I was missed...after 8 months of changing dirty diapers, I had forgotten I used to handle 3-4 200 person events in a weekend with no sweat. Jamie let me borrow a super cute dress, so it was also fun to get dressed up. However, I realized I'm a bit out of practice with the curling iron when I burned the side of my face (ouch!)...nothing a little added blush wouldn't hide!
Anyways, I'll post pictures soon to prove I actually left the house without Adler!

Happy Father's Day to me!

Well, my first Father's Day has come and gone, and I honestly don't know how this first one will ever be topped. Kristine gave me a great gift, a new lens for my camera that I've been wanting for a while, PLUS some really great pictures she printed out of us that I'm going to bring to the office to remind me that no matter how tough a day is at work, I get to come home at night to a great family.

Adler's present to me was probably a little less predictable (seeing as I'd sent Kristine a "helpful link" of where she could find the lens I wanted....should she be so inclined to purchase it ;)

We were at Church, and following the service, Kristine needed to feed Adler in the nursing room, so I took a walk to check out the Church's new bookstore. Kristine let me know that they were done, and that the room was empty so I could come in and help get Adler's bags/etc. When I walked into the room, Adler looked up, saw me and said "Dadda" in such a sweet voice. It was the perfect Father's Day gift, and so awesome that Father's Day was the day he figured out that I was "Dadda".

We then took Adler to experience The Varsity for the first time. Famous for their chili dogs, frozen orange drink, onion rings, and mean old ladies that yell impatiently at you for your order, I knew that Father's Day was the only day in which I could request such a meal without too much resistance from Kristine. It was a great meal, and Adler got his first Varsity cap (see below). I can't wait to take him back when he's old enough to actually eat there and experience "The Frozen Orange".

So, overall, Father's Day was a great day. I felt so encouraged by Kristine, and couldn't help but think of how blessed I am to have this family.

*a couple pics from the new lens!!!

Adler

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad! Stephen and I had a fun day together. Church, lunch at the Varsity (famous Atlanta drive-thru/diner restaurant)...I'll let Stephen write about his day and Adler's special gift to his daddy!