Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone! We had lots of fun opening presents, creating memories, and celebrating Jesus. Jake and Abbey were very excited with the gifts they got. Jake's favorite started out being his GI Joe's and then ended up being a gun that Uncle Joey and Aunt Stacey got him. Abbey's favorite was hard to say. She loves her Diego backpack and all the animals that go with it. But she also liked the "bobble head puppies" as she calls them.
Also, a quick update on Shelley, she is doing well. She is 37, almost 38, weeks pregnant and is 2 cm dilated already. We're taking bets on if this will be a 2007 or 2008 "tax deduction". My bet is 2008, but we'll see.

Clark Griswold Jr.

We put lights up on our house for the second year in a row. Last year was much easier than this year. I picked a great day weatherwise to put them up this year, but everything didn't go as planned. Last year I made sure the lights were all working and put away properly and neatly for this year. Well, I got them out last week and tested all of the lights to make sure they were working. They worked when I tested them, but just like Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation, I got all of the lights up and half of them didn't work. So, all my hard work was wasted. I took the broken lights down and retested them... they still didn't work. So, I went to Lowe's and bought some more lights. Fortunately these lights worked when I put them up the second time. Anyway, here's a picture of our house at night with the lights on. It's not the best picture, but it will have to do. And yes, our house is still up for sale!

Abigail's New Bedroom

We recently moved Abigail out of her crib and downstairs into a new bedroom and bed. When we were in Philly we went to Ikea and bought her a new bed and dresser. We took my old nightstand and vanity (from when I was younger) changed the hardware to match her new dresser and put it all together to make a bedroom set. We are really happy with how it turned out. Abbey is sleeping really good in her new bed and seemed to adjust well. The first night she slept from 7:30pm - 10:00am. It was the longest she's ever slept straight in her life and we were laughing because she was probably thinking "finally guys, a comfortable bed!" Thanks grandmom & grandpop for the mattress... it saved us a lot of money and here's the pictures that you wanted to see grandmom :)

Christmas Traditions

A few nights ago we decorated our Christmas tree. Every year gets more fun with the kids as they are able to do and understand so much more about Christmas and get into these traditions that we are starting as a family. The next day we went to the Leachs (good friends of ours) and Jacob, Abbey, Danielle & Connor made cookies (along with mine & Lisa's help). This is the second year we have done this together and plan on making it an annual thing. Another tradition we started this year was doing a nativity advent calendar. The kids have really been enjoying it and we feel like it is helping us keep our focus on the real meaning of this season as we prepare our hearts and count down the days to Christmas.

Beware of Stairs!

Yesterday we had quite a day. We went to a birthday party at the Cherry's house (friend's of ours from church). There were lots of people there and lots of kids. It was a chore just trying to keep an eye on where our kids were. Shelley decided to take a trip down into the basement to check on Abbey. Well, she somehow slipped as she was walking down the stairs and fell backwards and hit her head and back... and dropped the plate of food she was carrying all over the stairs. I didn't see her fall, but I sure heard it! The stairs were wood with no carpet, so the fall hurt quite a bit. For those of you who don't know, Shelley is 8 months pregnant. We were a little concerned, so we called the doctor and he sent us to the ER to have her checked out.
We went to the local ER... minus Jake, he wanted to stay at the party and continue playing... and Shelley was treated for her golf-ball-sized bump on her head and Micah was checked on as well. Everything appeared normal, but we were still sent to Hillcrest Hospital so that Shelley could be monitored for the next 4 hours or so... their standard protocol. I guess it was a good thing we went, because Shelley began having contractions every 3 to 10 minutes and was slightly dilated! The contractions subsided after a quick shot of medicine and at about 1am the doctor discharged us, with medication to stop the contractions if they start again.
While this was all going on, Grandma and Grandpa Richings took care of Jake and Abbey and got them to bed. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!! Anyway, it's take-it-easy time for Shelley and watch out for those stairs!!!

Glenside, PA

We were at my parents house in Glenside, PA for the last week. We had lots of fun. Grandmom and Grandpop really enjoyed their time with Jake and Abbey (and me and Shelley too!). My dad and I went to the Flyers game on Monday. They lost to the Bruins, but it was still a great time. We also went to a place called Roadside America. It is a miniature railroad display that covers an enormous room. The kids really loved it. It was really amazing. We also stopped by Cabela's. It's a really cool store even if you're not into hunting, fishing, camping, etc. There was a huge display of stuffed animals that the kids loved. Jacob really got a kick out of the shooting gallery. On our last day we went to one of our favorite stores, IKEA. We bought a new bed and dresser for Abbey. Anyway, we had a great time and it was nice to see my parents again!

Thanksgiving Day

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time with my family. We ate a delicious turkey dinner with all the sides (thanks mom & John) and we went around the table talking about what we are thankful for this year. Later in the evening we played Catch Phrase (my favorite game) while the kids ran around and played. Here are a few pictures from our day. Tomorrow night we head out to Philly. We are planning on leaving after dinner and doing most of the driving while the kids are asleep. We are looking forward to being able to talk while the kids sleep in the back and of course getting there and spending the week with Jim's parents.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you (all our friends & family). You have all had an impact on our lives in some way and we are thankful for the ways God has used you in our lives. We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving as you spend time with loved ones. We will be spending Thanksgiving day with my (Shelley's) family at my mom's and then heading out to Philly on Friday to spend a week with mom & dad Colbert. We are looking forward to this Thanksgiving week as we can enjoy both sides of our family and be together all week as Jim is on vacation. The pictures below are from the Thanksgiving Celebration at Jacob's preschool. It was very precious. Jacob was a pilgrim and the three classes sang a song about being thankful. They then had a thanksgiving feast with Turkey (lunch meat) and all. It was a fun day for us all :)

Talking with Abigail

We Are Thankful For Daddy

We all anxiously await our time with daddy each day. Whether Jim is playing with the kids, or we are all just spending time together talking and hanging out, we love when he's home. Even though his schedule is crazy and changes often, he always puts us as a priority and we are so thankful for him this Thanksgiving and always. I don't know how he goes from working midnights and sleeping when everyone else is up to working 3pm-11pm, then switching to day shift and getting up at 5:30am, but he does it without ever complaining. We are blessed to have him and are thankful for how he provides for us in so many ways. God is good and has richly blessed our family and we are so thankful for his many provisions for us.

Fallen Officer

Officer Cassidy was laid to rest yesterday in Philadelphia. It's amazing how someone's death always gets you thinking about your future after death. I know what my future will be, but I wonder what Officer Cassidy's will be?
Also, John Lewis waived extradition and was brought back to Philadelphia today. One of his cousin's was also charged with helping Lewis evade the police and hide the guns.

Fugitive Caught

I've recently been following a case out of Philly were a veteran Philadelphia Police Officer was murdered when he walked into a robbery in progress. I'm sure my family has been following this a little.
The officer, Charles Cassidy, was alerted to the incident going on inside of a Dunkin Donuts in North Philadelphia on Broad Street. Officer Cassidy entered the store with his gun drawn only to be executed by the robber from 5 feet away. The gunman then grabbed Cassidy's gun, and took of on foot into the streets and on the run. An intensive manhunt eventually revealed the identity of the gunman... John Lewis, from North Philadelphia. After 6 days of all-day and all-night searches, Lewis was found hiding in a homeless shelter in Miami, Florida today.
I was following this story closely and I am glad to see that this killer will be brought to justice. It was of interest to me because it happened in my hometown, in an area I am familiar with, and because I am a police officer as all of you know. This murder of Officer Cassidy was the 3rd shooting of a Philadelphia Police Officer within a 4-day span. That city is setting a record for homicides this year. The Police Commisioner, Sylvester Johnson, was quoted as saying that the city of Philadelphia has a "gun problem." WHAT? He's an idiot. The guns are not the thing that are killing people at an alarming rate... THE PEOPLE WHO SHOOT THE GUNS ARE!!!!!!! You would think that a law enforcement officer would know this.
Our world needs Jesus badly!

Leaves

Here's some pictures of the kids playing in the leaves this morning :)

Patterson Fruit Farm

Today we went to a family fall festival at Patterson Fruit Farm. There was a ton of stuff to do for the kids and we all enjoyed the day. Jacob said his favorite part was getting the kettle corn. We got to see it being popped in the huge kettle so that was pretty neat and it was fresh out of the popper.

Bumper Bowling

Tonight we took the kids bumper bowling for the first time. We all had a great time. Normal things to us like bowling are so much more exciting now because we get to experience these everyday things again for the first time through our kids eyes. They were hilarious because every time one of them were up to bowl, after they would roll the ball they would immediately look back to watch us cheer for them. I think they enjoyed watching us get excited for them more than they cared about seeing how many pins went down. We will forever treasure these memories that we are making as a family.

Cleveland Children's Museum

We recently bought a membership to the Children's Museum in Cleveland. The kids love going and learn a lot while playing. Since the snow will be here in no time, we thought it would be a good weekly outing for the kids (and mommy) since we all start to get cabin fever in the winter. Here are a few shots of the kids today.

2-3

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Kevin Curtis provided the game's only touchdown on a 75-yard catch-and-run, and the defense stopped the Jets on a fourth-down play late as the Eagles held on for a 16-9 win. Brian Westbrook rushed for 120 yards and David Akers kicked three field goals as Philadelphia improved to 2-3.
I'll take it. I'm happy when the Birds win, but I'm even happier when McNabb and Curtis play well because they are on my fantasy football team... The Cheesesteaks!

Playoff Update

The Phillies are out unfortunately. They got swept by the Rockies 3-0. The Indians however are in the ALCS against Boston. They play tomorrow night with C.C. Sabathia facing off against Josh Beckett. It should be a great series. The Indians and Red Sox tied for the best record in baseball, but with the Indians being my second favorite team, I think they have the edge. My prediction is the Indians pull out the victory in 7 games.

Bugs Galore!

If anybody is paying attention, the Yankees are on the verge of elimination in the American League playoffs. The Indians have a 2-0 lead going into tomorrow's game 3 in the best of 5 series. Last night's game was a classic.
Fausto Carmona pitched an absolute gem for the Tribe, while Andy Pettite pitched well enough to keep the Indian's off the scoreboard. The Indians stranded 13 runners in scoring position. Carmona pitched a 3 hitter through 9 innings.
In the bottom of the 11th, Travis Hafner singled in Kenny Lofton to score the winning run. Tribe-2 Yankees-1. Oh yeah, there was a swarm of bugs that got into the stadium. Unseasonably warm weather attracted the bugs off of Lake Erie and into the Jake. The Yankees seemed to struggle more with the bugs than the Indians did. It was pretty crazy.

Fall

We have been enjoying these last few days as it feels like Fall is finally here. It has been in the low 70's and just perfect to spend time outside. Last night we went and picked out some pumpkins for the front porch and the kids each picked one for their bedrooms. They thought it was pretty neat. Here's a few pictures that I snapped of the kids taking a break from playing outside today.

Sweet and Sour

Well, it was a bitter sweet day on Sunday for Philly fans. The Phillies won the NL East with a 6-1 win over the Nationals, and a record-setting collapse of the Mets. That was the sweet part...
The sour part was the Eagles loss to the Giants 16-3. With 5 starters on the bench with injuries, the Birds were depleted to say the least. Their stud running back Brian Westbrook was out and their team leader Brian Dawkins was out for a second straight game. But I think the biggest loss was William Thomas their left tackle. Winston Justice filled in for him and was completely OWNED by Osi Umenyiora, the Giants defensive end (6 sacks). But honestly, I was not impressed at all with the Giants. They should have handled the Eagles easily, but it ended up being a closer game than the score showed. The Eagles have a much needed bye week to heal their wounds.
The Phillies on the other hand are primed and ready for a playoff run. They won the NL East and face off against the Rockies on Wednesday. Jimmy Rollins made a strong push for the NL MVP with his performance. Even though my dad doesn't like Charlie Manuel, he's obviously done something right with the team's performance over the last several months. Wouldn't it be interesting if the Phillies met the Indians in the World Series? Oh, yeah I forgot I live in Cleveland... the Indians have the best record in baseball and face off against the Yankees in the first round on Thursday. It should be a fun playoff series!

Our Neighbors Puppies

A couple weeks ago our neighbors dog Scout had eight puppies. They are labs and are all very adorable. The kids have enjoyed playing with them, but they will soon be going to new homes so they won't be around for much longer. Here are some pictures of the kids spending time with them in our front yard. They haven't all sold yet, so if your interested in a new puppy let us know :)