Halloween 2008..

Jason and I decided to be Supergirl and Clark Kent this year for our annual Halloween Party. Normally I try to come up with a cute & unique costume, but I just didn't feel it this year and plus I wanted something easy and already done. We still got lots of compliments on our costumes. It was a lot of fun. The hosts- Alberts, Satterfields, and the Wyttenbachs met up over at Rob and Jeannette's house Sat afternoon to get things ready for the party. Thanks to Jeannette for the OUTSTANDING food and to all our guests for contributing $10/pp, so we could have cool decorations and yummy food. There were so many awesome costumes. Believe it or not- we had a few duplicates- Clark Kents (Jason and Russ), Referee chicks (Michele and Shasta), and The Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth (Mike&Madeline and Phillip&Stacey). Overall there were great costumes. I'm just glad that everyone had a great time and played the part of their costumes. We hope to have another big one next year!!! :)

We are going to dress up with Kelson this Friday night- she is going to be Tinkerbell and I'm going to attempt to be Wendy and Jason little Michael (he just doesn't know it yet- hehe)Halloween Party Pics

Tumblebeez or not to bee ;)

Kelson and I are having a GREAT time at her gymnastics class each Monday night. Kelson's memere bought Kelson some adorable leg warmers, so we threw together some cute outfits for her to wear to class. She got tons of compliments on both outfits. Esp the one with the leotard. The owner even came and paid a compliment and showed her off to other classes ;) Proud momma moment ;)
Kelson has already started attempting a forward roll on her own- it was tough getting her to put her head towards her chest, but after a month she's got it. Just have to work on the pushing her over, but she understands totally what it is. What a smart and talented girl!

G'burg Trip with Friends...

WHEW... what a fun and crazy time we had. This is the first time we- as friends have all gone on a road trip together. We left Friday afternoon- after reassuring we had the MAIN nessessities- Mike's IPOD, the radio to support the IPOD, babysitters were watching our kids, money/purses, overnight bags, etc.. The girls rode in Stacey's car and the guys rode in Jason Miller's van. We had a GREAT time on the way up there gossiping and laughing- like girls do. We didn't too bad - as far as stopping to pee and stuff. We got to g'burg around 6 ish, but with the time change and the CRAZY traffic it took forever for us to get to our cabin. We finally arrived at the cabin around 9:15 - after stopping for some McD's and liquor and grocery shopping. The cabin was great. The rooms were perfect- all of us had our own room and bathroom- poor Stacey and Phillip had to sleep on the pullout couch, but they didn't complain :) Anyways, so we got there and it was like we didn't know what to do- haha. We had a hot tub, so some got in there, we started playing pool and I bought a drinking dice game that lasted about 5 min. Apparently it was too complicated and not very fun for everyone- haha. So anyways, we went downstairs to play pool. That was a lot of fun. We had the ipod turned up and the partying began. (A few years back we stayed in G'burg at some cabins and ended up getting kicked out because of the loud noise- the odd thing was- it was the freaking NEXT night the cops came and we weren't even there) It was BS- but anyways, we won't go there. So we had a great time- we kept the noise level to a minimum and didn't go outside much. Anyways- many drinks, songs played, clothes switched, hours later we went to bed around 4am ish. We went to G'burg the next day to go shopping and eat. We went to an AWESOME Italian restaurant- that I never even knew was there- delish- the pizza and calazones were out of this world and GINORMOUS. Anyways, so after lunch- all the boys, but Mike, went on the cabin to catch some Z's and to watch football. So we shopped some more- and had a blast. Stacey and I went into this kitchen store where they were sampling tons of different styles of dips and the guy would announce if anyone was caught double dipping they would have to wear the hat, so of course I called Stacey out- even though she didn't really do it- she had to convince the man she didn't really do it and turned so red- it was hilarious. So after lots of shopping and laughing it was time to head back to the cabin. We had planned on Sharee cooking dinner and Jason making breakfast for everyone, but NOPE that didn't happen. We just ate on the go. hehe. Sat night I figured would be an easy night since we partied it up Friday night, but boy was I wrong. We started all over again. We even did impersonations of eachother- that was sooooo funny. Went to bed around 4am ish again. Good times- good times. Got up around 9 to get the cabin back in order and showered and get the car packed. It def went by WWWWWAAAAAYYYY to fast, but the time we had together was lots of fun. Some of the memorable things for us- that only we will understand: Chocolate starfish with a side of harvest candy corn, hot pocket, bickem bickem bean and the boots with the fur- FLO RIDA- Song: Low, Fredrick's, Go get my purse Phillip- sorry Stacey- had to remember that one, Someone wanna play Jenga?, Jason trying on Sharee's high heels, Diet sunkist overload, suck n blow shots (thank you Sharee for showing me how to make JELL-O, hehe, and I'm sure there is lots more. Thanks gang- we vowed to try and do this every year- go somewhere different each time!!! :) Had a blast! Thank you Jason and Sharee for inviting all of us to come along.
More cabin pics

Disney on Ice...

Jason, Kelson, Myself, Bob, Lucy, Louise, and Elliott all went to see Disney on Ice this past Thurs night. We had a great time. We went and had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's then made our way to the VBCC. The seats were great, although I think Kelson wished she was on the ice with the characters. She enjoyed the show for the most part, but she really wanted to go hug on the characters- which of course- you can't. Elliott enjoyed the show very much too- he was in awe and didn't speak one word during the whole thing. Grammy and Papa bought Kelson a Peter Pan doll to take home and some cotton candy for me ;) that came with an adorable flounder hat. Good ole' grandparents. We didn't get a chance to get any pics with the characters, but that's ok cause after the show was over both kids were ready for bed. The show featured Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. The movies that were featured were The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch, The Lion King, and our favorite- Peter Pan. Kelson LOVED the crocodile and did the "tick tock" noise when he came out. It was priceless. Overall it was a great show and I'm so glad that we had that time together with our family.

My little republican...

GO MCCAIN/PALIN!!!!

buycostumes.com

Jason and I purchased our costumes from buycostumes.com this year and they sent me a 10% coupon that expires 10/31, so if anyone wants to use it- let me know and I'll send you the code to get the discount. We obviously don't need it since we already got our stuff. First come first serve.

This is a GREAT place to buy your costume- its worth the price and its not that expensive for a well made costume. Just make sure you read the reviews on the costumes - I read that my costume ran large so I got a M and I was scared that it wouldn't fit, but I tried it on lastnight and its perfect, so make sure you read what people say about it.

Let me know.... Happy Shopping...

Also, just an update on my working out- I've done it three days in a row ;) Plan on going again today before my hair appt with Stacey at 1!!! We have Disney on Ice tonight too- SOOOO excited and can't wait to see Kelson's reaction. Tinkerbell is supposed to be there too :)

Kelly Albert Graham-Bell

Being a new mommy- I came up with two new inventions that I think they should create or I myself will get a patent for- hehe! I think they are pretty clever. No one steal my idea :)

I've been analyzing this first one since I saw the episode on Oprah where a mom left her baby in the car seat while at work- the baby was sleeping and the mom was in a rush and forgot she was in the car- so unfortunatly the baby died. I could NEVER imagine having to go through something like this. So I came up with the idea of having a sensor type thing installed in your car or already installed with newer vehicles that beeps when you get out of the car to let you know that there is WEIGHT in the car seat. I know somehow this can be done- in my Santa Fe if no one is sitting in the passenger side the air bags know not to deploy- there is a weight sensor in the seat, so I think the same thing could happen for a child car seat. The only concern I had was the weight of the car seat alone- how that could tell a difference in whether a child was in the seat or not. But then again- if your car beeped everytime you got out- even if your child wasn't in the car, wouldn't it get you in the habit to look for them!!!! :) I know if anything beeps when I get out- I look to see what the problem is.

My second invention I came up with lastnight. Kelson started crying during the night- she usually wakes up during the night if she's either lost her pacifier or wants to be rocked, so I went in her room- unable to see much of anything- searching for her pacifier in her crib, but couldn't see, so I had to turn on her mobile for light. So once I found it I rocked her and thought of this next invention. A pacifier that blinks red when a baby cries. This would be most beneficial at night when you can't see and you don't want to turn the lights on to wake the baby. Also, this will teach the babies to find their own pacifier at night and eliminate one step for the sleeping moms.

I'm pretty excited about my two ideas!!! Maybe I'll take it on the Next American Inventor show ;)

Kelson- 14 Months Old Today!!!

I can't believe our little girl is already 14 months old. Dang does time fly by! It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home. She is at such a fun age. She is into everything, learning so much, snuggling, reaching for her momma and daddy, knows her momma and dada, its endless...
I just wish that she could remember this time right now, but I know she won't. But what is cool is that she will read this when she gets older and re-live it. Jason and I will ALWAYS remember everything about her so that in itself is cherishable. I've learned to be more patient- although its still hard sometimes- but she has taught me so much too as a mom. I LOVE LOVE LOVE going to her gymnasitics class with her- she loves to interact with other kids. She is so much fun to see first thing in the morning and its the sweetest sight to see her fall asleep at bedtime. Kelson has changed my life forever and I thank God everyday for her health and happiness. She has sooo many people in her lives that love her and take such good care of her when she's around. I'm happy to discovered two new languages (signing and french) because of her and I know the things I will learn are just beginning for the both of us.

27 Signs to date: milk, light, fish, more, tree, book, water, bathtime, please, thank you, love you, puppy, fan, so smart, touchdown, music, all done, bedtime, yummy, hot, sheep face, bye, hi, elephant, food, fan, and bird

19 Words to date: Ming Ming, Linny, Mama, Dada, Memere, Papa, Grammy (almost got it), bubble, cookie, tink tink, hi, what's that, whose that, up, down, go, kitty cat, & quack quack, meow


Kelson LOVES:
to have a book read to her
go to sleep with a nightlight, pacifier, and music
to give her baby doll/stuffed animal hugs
to give kisses
play with other kids
feed herself
yogurt melts, baby cheetos, honey smacks, and ice cream
brush her teeth (she still only has 8)
Wonder Pets
Mickey Mouse and the other characters
Tink Tink
Music
to sing
her family
bathtime
pool time
gymnastics class
getting dressed up - well I think so anyways ;)
being scared
to suck up noodles
to watch her daddy perform on stage
french
signing for everyone
Elmo and cookie monster
play with her belly button
to moan "mmmm" when she eats something good
her puppy Eers
to play in Eers's dog food and give him a cookie treat
to sip from a straw- she started doing that at 13 months

Happy Birthday Aunt Weeza...

Today is Aunt Weeza (Louise's) bday! Kelson will call her Weeza- her funny and smart ass attitude ;) reminds me of Weeza from Steel Magnolias. haha. We love her anyways! We hope you have a WONDERFUL bday. We are celebrating her and Aunt Nin's (Oct 20th) bdays on Sat night. Another fun celebration with the clan! It's never boring around the Albert house these days. Something is ALWAYS going on.

My bad... blonde moment...

Well as many of you know- I was po'd cause the government still hadn't sent us our Stimulus money- which I'm sure they are kicking themselves for giving away that money to the US taxpayers- seeing as the situation we are now in with our economy. ANYWAYS, I called the IRS for a second time and this time the guy was very helpful and basically told me that they received my payment and voucher, but didn't get my actual tax return?!? In the past I've always filed electronically so I guess I assumed that my accountant did that again, but since we owed this year, he didn't. It was an oversight on my part and I'm glad that I realized what the problem was now. So needless to say- I'm now sending in my return- so the IRS contact said once they receive it, that after two weeks well get our stimulus check. Good lord. Just imagine if I hadn't of paid them- boy those interest fees would have been a bitch. They would have just kept the stimulus money. Geesh. Live and you learn!!!

2nd night at Tumblebeez...

This past Monday night was SOOOO much fun. Its fall break this week so it was a lot less crowded and there were two other girls around Kelson's age- their names were Emma and Stella. Stella wore a onesie with leggins- it was ADORABLE. She looked like a future "dancer"- hehe. Kelson was the youngest of the three but she was the biggest- as far as build and height. The mom's were very sweet- I actually didn't talk much to Stella's mom- but Emma's mom was named Kelly too and so was the fill in instructor. We had a GREAT time! The time flew by. Kelson crawled through a tunnel- she was a little intimidated, but then Kelly (the teacher) went to the other side to guide her through and Kelson went right in. It was very cute. She even did better on her forward roll. I came up with the idea to put one of the inclined pads into the styrofom squares so the kids could slide in. They loved it ;) GO ME! hehe. Kelson loved to climb the stairs too- that girl is not scared of ANYTHING! All the kids recieve a sucker after the class and Kelson was VERY happy about her sucker this time. She sucked the whole thing by herself- with lots of supervision- of course.
Aunt Toodles came with us and watched Kelson's class. She seemed to enjoy watching her. Grammy mentioned she wants to come one day too.
I felt a lot more comfortable this time and had a great time myself. I still may try to go to an occasional morning class- if my work schedule allows it- but I like the other moms and girls in her class. It's defintily worth it!

Mommy its HOT in Herre!!!

Lately Kelson has been doing this heaving breathing and opening her mouth like breathing on food if its hot when she comes into contact with a lightbulb or any hot food. Its hilarious. Its like she's telling us its hot and we need to blow on it. What a smart girl!!!

She's still doing the sheep face- its one of our favorites now. Its sooo cute and funny too.

Lucy is teaching Kelson to identify things on her face in french. Its super cool. She asks Kelson in french where her grandmother's nose is and Kelson points to it.

Tumblebeez... first class

Kelson and I went to our first class this Monday night. It was fun, but a little chaotic. Being an evening class, I think that's why it was sooo loud and crazy. Along with our class at 5:30 there were TWO squads (40+ girls) doing cheers, stunts, and tumbling. A level 1 and level 2 class and various girls tumbling everywhere. It was a little nuts and hard to hear at times. Kelson was more into the cheerleaders and kept trying to watch them and clap when they did- it was adorable. The parents n tot class was pretty basic. The teacher- Miss Penny- set up some wedges and things for the kids to play on and crawl over, etc. Miss Penny helped Kelson with a few forward rolls- and Kelson loved that.
Next we went to the trampoline and that was fun. Kelson couldn't really jump, so I got on there with her and jumped- she seemed to like it. The other two girls in class (who were 3) were having a ball so Kelson liked to watch them jump. The gym had a huge styrophom pit that they use for tumbling. It supports their fall if they are trying a new tumbling pass. I was grabbing Kelson saying Ready- and she said Go then twisting her and falling backward into the pit. She thought this was a lot of fun. At that age all you pretty much do is go and play with them on SAFE stuff for 45min 4 times a month. I'm ok with that ;) I signed Kelson up until May, so we are locked in. They do have a place where parents or friends can watch their kids through the huge window pane.I have several other friends who I'm trying to convince to sign up so we can all go together. one of the girls I actually cheered with, so that would be kinda cool. I have to admit too- seeing the BJHS squad in there made me miss my cheerleading days!!! Overall it was fun and I think the more we go- the more we will like it!!! Tumblebeez

Big Spring Jam... partying like celebrities :)

We didn't go to the jam at all this weekend, except for Sunday night to see Jason's buddies Blake Shelton and his bass player Rob. They were both SSSSSOOOO super cool and sweet. Sometimes celebrities can let things go to their head, but def not him. He was very down to earth and a sweet heart. Dan and Dingo were there (country station's DJ's) and had Jason come up and mentioned that he was from Heartland and that this was the first time they hadn't played in a 5+ years and of course made mention that it didn't get rained out. Heartland ALWAYS got rained out, so it was kinda funny that the weather was perfect this year. Oh well. Last year we got drenched.
We were backstage at the country stage the whole time- we were bummed we never got a chance to go get a gyro, but we ran out of time. Even my dad made it backstage to meet Blake- imagine that- hehe. Blake's bus was really nice- of course- he bought it from his g/f Miranda Lambert. After the show, we went on the bus and had a few drinks and got a few pics. People were picking and singing so- OF COURSE- I had to join in and sing too. They all seemed pretty shock that I could sing- it was a lot of fun. I was telling Blake to sing backup for me- hahaha. Only me, right? haha. A few girls that were hanging out on the bus too were Nashville songwriters and we ended up exchanging phone numbers/email addresses- how fun!!!!! They wrote Blake's new single. We are gonna try to meet him and Miranda up in Nashville one weekend. I would flip out.
I told Jason the next morning that no matter what he had to stay famous cause hanging out with the celebrities is a lot of fun :) hehe.

Jason and Mike are playing a benefit for Robby Mathis and his family in November (to help with medical expenses, travel to the Philadelphia children hospital, etc...) so Jason got Blake to sign a picture so we can auction it off :)

More BSJ Pics

West by God Virigina/Auburn football

Have to show off Kelson's WV cheerleader outfit (that she got from Jason and Sharee Miller before she was born). It's too big, but it was too cute not to go ahead and put it on her. I guess the outfit worked because West Virigina won their game against Marshall :) I even had a blue/gold shirt for EERS since he is from West by God Virigina and all. I have an Auburn cheerleading outfit too, but since the games were on at the same time I didn't want to have to switch back and forth (like we did on the tv) so the AU cheerleading outfit is next week. Esp since it will fit her.

Both our teams won and AL did VERY well so it was a great College Football Saturday!!!

WV pics

Boeing's Company Picnic

Kelson, Grammy, and I went to Boeing's picnic this past Sat morning/afternoon- we had such a wonderful time. (Jason wanted to stay home and watch lots of college football). I have been to two previous picnic's (sang at one) and then didn't have my own kids, so it was kinda boring. Now having Kelson I wanted to try it out and boy was I glad I did. Kelson is walking so good now, so it was easy to let her roam and explore everything. We managed to do a lot in a few hours. They had hamburgers, hot dogs, and beans- very good- we ate first thing when we got there. Then we made our way to the bubble machine (this was Kelson's favorite thing). She even said Bubble. We talked about bubbles before in her bath tub and I read about bubbles to her in her "Water Water Everywhere" book, but I think she REALLY started to understand what they were. Grammy and Papa babysat Kelson the night before and played with their neighbor's little boy, Will, (who also had bubbles) so she got a double dosage. Its so cute to see her really pronounce the B in bubble. Sweetness. Anyways, so we continued our adventure and went to the HUGE blow-up obstacle course. I had to climb some walls (sweat) , then I would jump some with Kelson in one area, then pass to her mom (over the side) and climb to the next part (pass her over again) and etc... until we got to the slide and we went down that and she squeeled- she loved it. Course she signed more, but there was no way I could go through all that again just for the slide. haha. I was sweating (good workout)- I guess I could add that to my traineo website ;) hehe.
>Anyways, then we saw a few clowns- which they would have her touch their red noses and then push their noise honkers- she loved that and of course signed more more please :) She wasn't afraid of them at all- like her daddy was of Ronald McDonald :) Chi Chi the clown made her a cute poodle balloon. She swung on the swing set, went up and down the playground slides, climb a rock toy, got a squishy football for momma making two baskets on the basketball shooting game. Grammy played the basketball game and won a football keychain. They were playing music too so she would stop to dance and smiling from ear to ear. They had some face paiting and air brush tattoos, but the lines were long. There were lots of other kids there so Kelson loved that. She always wants to reach for them and pet em... and says belle. haha. She was started to get sleepy, so we were gonna leave and then remembered they had ice cream. Kelson is now a HUGE fan of the orange sherbet push pops. She had almost 2 by herself. It was everywhere. I'm so glad that we went and that Grammy got to join- she helped so much and we had lots of fun with her. As soon as we got her strapped in and headed home the angel had fallen asleep. She had such a GREAT time. We will definitely be going again next year.
Boeing Picnic Pics

Kelson update...13 months old

Kelson is signing, talking, and walking like crazy these days!!! Its sooo much fun to watch her pick up signing and talking so easily. The sponge days are near us. Lately she's been signing hi and saying it- in a VERY southern accent.

Signs: Milk, light, fan, fish, bedtime, elephant, music, please, thank you, love you, puppy, so smart, so big, touchdown, bird, duck, more, food, water, bath, book, hi, hugs, and more to grow on :)
* She still amazes people with her signing abilities!!!! :) Proud mom and dad!

Words: dada, ming ming, linny, go, mama, memere, papa, what's that?, whose that, kitty cat, hi, down, up, cookie (said that lastnight when I was showing her cookie monster),lalala,

Sounds/noises: meow, roar, elephant trumpet noise, sheep (below is her version-its hilarious)- she got this because we were making the BAAAA face and I guess she thought this is how we looked. haha!


A few cute things about her:
She wipes her mouth when given a napkin- thank you Bobfather
We say Ready......she says GO...
Has eaten eers's dog food several times
Loves to crawl on stools, stairs, and steps- doesn't mind hights
Loves to be scared
Loves her front facing car seat and the ability to watch her DVD's while in the car
Still uses a pacifier- but only at nap or bedtime
Walks all the time
Loves to kick and throw the ball and pretty darn good at it
She copies me when I sing "lalalala"
Still only has 8 teeth
Hugs things all the time
Washed her baby doll with a washcloth lastnight in the tub- that was precious



I really love to dress her up in the CUTEST outfits/accessories! It's so fun having a real life doll :) Thanks to cousin Belle for all the ADORABLE hand me downs too!!!

Sept 08 Pics

Signing up for classes...

After a talk with my hubby, we decided that we are going to join the gym together. Its called 24/7 - its open 24 hrs/7 days a week. It uses fingerprint security so after hours you can come and go as you wish. I'm super excited that he is going to do it with me. As you know- I'm already a member at Lady Riviera, but since Jason can't go there- FOR OBVIOUS REASONS ;)- we are going to sign up for this gym together. My girlfriend Stacey signed up there a few months ago and says its SUPER nice. Only downfall is they don't have a swimming pool, but it sounds like the other ammenities are great-sauna, cardio machines, weight room, women circuit, and more. She even mentioned they have a "pole dancing class"- which they call the "desperate housewives class"- haha- I'm excited about that, but waiting a while before attempting that. I don't mind paying for my two memberships at diff gyms- as long as I'm using it. Another good thing about 24/7 is they have kid care and tanning thats included in the membership fee. At Riviera you pay extra for it. I want to lose around 25 lbs and he wants to lose 40lbs, so wish us luck!!!

ALSO, I'm signing Kelson up for the Parent-n-tot class at Tumblebeez . I'm REALLY REALLY excited about that. Its only $35/mo and we go 4 times a month. I know how much she loves to climb, jump up and down, etc.. so I can't wait to do that and not worry about her safety. I LOVE the idea that I get to go with her too. My niece Annabelle goes to a similiar place and loves it, so I hope Kelson will feel the same way. Kelson is walking all over the place now, so little miss independent should really enjoy this class.

Happy 10th Bday EERS

Today is Eers bday. He is 70 yrs old (in dog yrs). So hard to believe we have had EERS for so many years. He has been a WONDERFUL dog. He is and will always be a part of our family. Eers was originally given to Bob- Jason's dad- back in 97- he was born in West Virigina- hence the name "eers" for WV Moutaineers. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. I had a tendency to have a huge heart for animals- esp dogs. Huh Mom? ;)
I was told that I if I rent the front apt with Jason that I would be given Eers too- haha. Nothing like a little bribe- I got the best deal out of that situation ;)
He's a wonderful dog and been great with handling having Kelson around the house. Happy bday buddy. We love you.

Kelson is giving eers one of his bakery cookies for his bday!!! My sweet babies ;)

Ready, Set, Show off...

Kelson is catching on to signing SOOOO quickly now I just can't believe it. When we are trying to show her off, we can't remember all the ones that she knows, but I continue to teach her more everyday. It literally takes Kelson two times to learn a sign now-as long as you do it consistently.We've added tree, music, and elephant to our "signing" list.

I've started singing "La la la" and she copies me, well sorta, but she carries a tune- pretty good for a 13 month old. Also- I'm gonna get it on camera but Kelson does this insane grunting look when we ask her what a sheep does. I think its because if you try to say ba ba- you look kinda like your grunting, so that's her sheep impression. Its hilarious. I'll get it on video and upload it.

She is talking up a storm too. She knows lots of words. Some of them are hard to make out, so its hard to say exactly what she is saying to us.

OH- and did I mention that she is walking now?!? It started a week or so ago. What a girl!!