Happy Halloween

 Two football players - ready for tricks or treats??

 Whoever said that there are not "good witches?"

My pumpkin masterpieces for 2012

We had a great night for trick-or-treating here this year (a.k.a Beggars night in West DesMoines). It was a bit chilly, but a fun time was had by all.  I would still say that the top candies for the Cairney house are Reese's peanut butter cups (Kate) and 3 musketeers (Ben).  I could not convince anyone to carve pumpkins with me, so this was my best effort. I must admit, the "welcome" pumpkin turned out much better than I would have ever thought --it was well worth the sore wrist (-;  Happy Halloween to all of you little spooks! 

An afternoon with the boys

 Football in the backyard with friends

Cake, ice cream and pizza!!! Isn't this what all 8 year old boys want to celebrate with??

A week after the official day, we were able to have a few boys over to help Ben celebrate turning 8. He finally got his warm & sunny day!  They had such a great time playing football, giggling, running around, going to the park and snacking. Ben chose a Chicago Bears cake but we did not get a picture before the devouring began  (-;  it was pretty yummy though! 





Half Marathon - am I crazy??

My friend Angie asked me in September while we were on a walk one day to do the half marathon with her in October. Half marathon??? I thought as we continued along.....I knew that I COULD do it. I had done it before; BUT that was in 1998, not only 14 years ago, but 2 kids ago (50+ pound weight fluctuations off and on for those pregnancies) two knees and hips that remind me almost daily that I am closer to "40" now than I was "20" then.  I pondered the thought for a moment as she awaited my response....then I of course said "sure, why not!" and the training began. I really did not have much time, I had already been attending some cardio circuit classes at the Y a few days a week, but I did add a little more running in on my off days.  October 21st arrived and our family calendar had many commitments for that day: Doug was scheduled to teach KQ at church, Kate had a soccer match out of town, etc., so I knew that I would not have them along the route to support me.  In perfect God fashion, he blessed me with the most beautiful Fall morning that anyone could have asked for.  He was all the support that I would need!  I picked up Angie and we headed downtown to join thousands of our closest friends (-; early that morning and hit the streets of Des Moines. It was going great, not only good weather, tons of supporters, bands, snack/drink stations, etc.,. but then Angie had to leave me around mile 8 (for a family commitment) and I finished the last few on my own. Constantly I was reminded that I was NOT alone. There was a "team Philippians" shirt that I continued to see along the route which constantly reminded me from verse 4:13 that "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me" and how true that was.  As I persevered on thru miles 9,10,11,12, and 13 with my legs cramping often, my feet and hips aching constantly, I knew I could do it.  Then as I crossed the finish line I saw my brother-in-law Jim, cheering me thru and that helped SO MUCH!!! Thanks for being there Jim (as I know that you know exactly how I was feeling).   
After getting home I chatted with my friend Angie a while later. She was anxious to hear how it went and then of course asked "Next year, we will do the whole thing together next year.....right?"  Who knows....I guess we will just have to see..... (-;   but I do know one thing....all things are possible!

Lunch with the birthday girl (a.k.a. Gramma Cairney)

Ben and Gramma are lucky to be able to share a birthday. This year after Ben's football game we had Papa and Gramma Cairney over to celebrate this special day. Gramma told Ben that he could pick their meal and he chose spaghetti dinner with all of the fixings (salad, garlic bread, fruit, and cookies/ice cream). It was  a beautiful Fall day for football, but mostly time together to celebrate another year of blessings! Many more birthdays to you Celie, Mom, and "Gramma", thanks for being the special person that you are , we LOVE you!

**** for all of you spelling experts, just wanted you to know that I do know how to spell Grandma, this is just a special spelling that she has always used for herself ***  (-;

Ben's Birthday -- 8 is GREAT!

 Good Morning Birthday boy

 tearing into his presents

 Once the lego's are opened, we go immediately into construction mode.....

  a monster cupcake from a friend and some of his birthday blessings!

       Waiting a week to celebrate his birthday after his sister often feels like pure torture for Mr. Ben, but it was well worth the wait as you can see.  He woke up to his room decorated and fun "8" things around the house. He invited me to celebrate his "lunch hour" with him enjoying a subway sandwich and then we all enjoyed some "monster cupcakes" with dinner that our friend brought over. They were so cute and very YUMMY!!  It was cool and rainy all day long, so Ben was bummed about not being able to get out and try his new football & new T. He even said to me, "You know Mom, when it's rainy on your birthday, it's like you don't even get to have a birthday!"  Isn't it amazing how an 8 year old interprets a cold, dreary day?? I reassured him that beautiful weather was ahead and that we would "party" outside very soon! 

       As I look back on the past 8 years, so much has changed with you Ben.....not just your hair (-;  Mostly, I absolutely LOVE being your Mom and am so very blessed to have you in my life. God has blessed you with boundless energy, legs that never stop running, hands that are always drumming and such a tender soul that can melt your Mom's heart each and every time.  I hope that you had a great birthday, and am so very proud of the boy that you are growing up to be. Many more birthday blessings to you Boy Blue!!!  I love you ~~~~  XOXOXOXOX~~~~~  Mom 

Mom's birthday weekend

 Celebrating Mom and Dad's birthday's at dinner

My Mom and sisters at the wedding

During the months of September and October we go into full birthday mode in our family. With all four grandparents, a few siblings, and children all being blessed to be born this time of year. Since we had a family wedding in Lincoln this weekend we decided to celebrate Mom turning "60" a few days late & had a great time! We started out our weekend with shopping, and ended that first day with dinner,desserts, catching up and plenty of laughter.  It was like "old times" for my Dad shopping with his wife and 3 girls. He was great as always, kept us entertained and continued to carry our bags out to the car once we got a handful (-; .  The wedding was beautiful on Saturday, and the evening was filled with celebration & time getting caught up with extended family members that we don't get to see very often.

Happy Birthday to my Mom, how blessed I am to be able to call you "Mom"! I pray to inherit your good genes as you are heading into the "60's"..looking amazing!!!  It was wonderful getting to spend this time with you this weekend celebrating you ~ Many more and I love you!!! 

Kate's Birthday -- 11 "Golden years"

 Excited about her "K" necklace and Iowa State hat

 Aunt Nicki sent her this yummy cake with matching balloons to school for a very fun surprise!

 Celebrating with good friends Breighlyn and Sydney

 May all of your birthday wishes come true my sweet girl!

The day that Kate has been counting down for has finally arrived.  Her GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!!!!  On the night of her 10th birthday, as I was tucking her in to bed, cuddling, doing bedtime prayers and just reminding her again how much she is loved and how I so enjoy being her Mom (most days (-;)  she interrupted me in true Kate fashion with this statement..."Mom, do you know that I cannot wait to turn 11?  That will just be so awesome having my golden birthday on 10-11-12!!!"  I smiled, hugged her tight, and just begged her to please try and enjoy being 10, live in the moment for what it is, etc.,  and she just giggled, returned my hug, told me she loved me and good night!  This is all SO Kate....I just love it!

        The countdown really hit hard about a week out this Fall, her wish list began, planning to have friends over, special treats, dinner, etc.,. she had thought it all through.  We had such a fun time celebrating! Doug and I managed to decorate her bedroom and the house once again ( the kids love this tradition). I treated her to lunch that afternoon from school.  She had soccer practice that night, attended her cousins' football game and then later on that week had some friends over for dinner, a sleepover and of course had a YUMMY ice cream cake picked out by no other than the birthday girl. It was perfect!!! Thanks to you all for the wonderful gifts that you gave her and for helping her celebrate this special day.

       Kate, 11 years ago, when you were born, at a wee little 5#7oz...I had so many dreams for you. Wishes of happiness, love, success, etc .,. but mostly that God would bless you with Love in your heart and a smile that you would share with others that could light up the world! It has been such an amazing journey and an extreme privilege for me, being your Mom for the past 11 years, and I cannot wait to see what else God has planned for you.  I love you Miss Kate, Happy Golden 11th Birthday to you and many, many more!!

XOXOXOXO ~~~  Mom