Showstoppers Dance Camp

We packed up and headed out a few weeks ago for MariAustin's first experience at a dance convention.  It was a long weekend filled with about 8 hours of dancing for a little girl, but honestly nothing could have made her happier.  I even tried to talk her into skipping a class once, just to get a rest break after her 30 minutes of lunch.....the girl would not have it!

 The purpose of the convention was to experience classes under a new group of teachers.  The instructors were all great including dancers from Broadway, Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Broadway and MariAustin's favorite a Rockette!

 Her autographed poster from each of the favorites!

 Of course, we tried to make a little time for fun with the family.  We headed out for an evening at Broadway.  Despite the cold, we had a little fun!

 MariAustin was treated to a little pampering and Ella--being such a good sport all weekend, got a new Build-a-Bear. 

Take My Dreams and Give Them Wings

Dear Family and Friends,

What a truly amazing God we have!  We serve a God who loves us and had a plan for our lives from creation.  Erskine and I are realizing God has been working in and building our lives towards that purpose for many years now.  We also believe July 19 will be a giant step towards that purpose as we head to Karima, Kenya for a 10-day mission trip.

When Erskine and I met almost 17 years ago, we saw a future for us that involved a beautiful house in the country, a family full of happy, healthy children, and successful jobs. Of course, another vision for our marriage ten years ago, included loving God, going to church, being good, and in doing so we naively believed, God would bless us and make us happy....which truely he did!

Seventeen years ago, I never saw our future putting us both on a plane heading across the Atlantic, to a country we know nothing about, to a country that is home to people that most in our world would consider “hard to look at.”  But the truth is, God is working in us a desire to live intentionally and with a purpose that is in line with His purpose.  He is revealing to us that we have spent our lives in the church but not being the church.  We were reading God’s word, but not living his word.  Luke 12:48 says, “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  We have been given so much, truly blessed beyond measure-- so, you see, we were being good, but were we being radical? 

We have no desire to leave our children behind for ten days heading off to an unknown, but this adventure is about a command.  We have been called to go!   We have not been asked, but commanded to go.  And that is why I write this blog.  The cost of this journey is, well, it’s really unknown, because the truth--- is our hearts tell us, “This isn’t it.”  Our hearts tell us,” This is just the beginning!”  While, we know the $7000 price tag that hangs on this trip is daunting, we are trusting that God’s mighty power will make this happen.  I'm writing this in the hopes that you will read this and see a small glimpse of what God is doing inside of our hearts.  The passion He is building to help those he has commanded us to help; the broken, the oppressed, the hungry, the naked.  I encourage you to read Isaiah 58! It is amazing!

We need your help!  There are those called to go, those called to pray, and those called to give.  Every ounce of my heart is telling us to go!  We hope that each of you may find a way to support this journey alongside us.  We ask you to begin praying now:  prayer for the hearts of God’s children in Karima; prayer for the work that will be done to bring God’s light to their community; prayer for God to continue working in our hearts and for His will to be done.  We know that these prayers are essential!  Psalm 37:4 tells us He will grant the desires of our heart.  Oh how our hearts yearn to do His will and to set the world on fire!  If you feel led to contribute by praying or financially, no matter the amount, it would be greatly appreciated.  Each and every prayer will be heard and each and every dollar will be blessed and becomes a part of the whole.

A journey such as this was not an easy commitment as parents to make, but we know God will see us through.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7  Those words fill us with all the confidence we need!                      

With all of our love, Erskine and Jill Adair

Christmas Celebration 2011

Christmas 2012 has been ....eventful for the Adair's!   It was a sweet time with many church events and Christmas story readings.  It was fun with lots of family get-togethers.  It was exciting with Jack's first year of understanding opening a gift a little more.  It was priceless to see the kids amazement as they ventured in to see all of Santa's surprises.  And well, even more excitement....later to come.

 A visit with B for Christmas.  She was excited for the kids to see her tree and all of her beautiful silver ornaments!

 The Adair family get-together at the Ramages.  All of the kids wore their light up necklaces for the hay ride.  It was hard to believe the weather was nice enough for them to play outside all evening!

 13 of the 15 grandchildren.  This famiy has grown by leaps and bounds!!  Its a mad house!

 The Adair clan..all 16 of us!

 Jack got a bigger ride on toy.  The little thing had completely outgrown the one he got last Christmas!

 Ella got her new bike and the long awaited purse!

 ....and of course MariAustin got a big girl bike!

 Jack was completely thrilled!
After a morning of Santa and family Christmas, we headed off to church and then lunch at Nanny and Papa's. 

 The kids were super hyped by now.  We knew going into this day that it was going to be a long one!

 Ella and her go-go pet!  She loves this thing!

 MariAustin and her Easy Bake oven!

 The girls got matching hat and scarves!

 Nanny and Papa surprised us all with an IPad.  We had no idea and had not even asked for one.  Lots of the kids in MariAustin's class were asking for them, and I had explained to her that she was not ready for that type of item.....so when we opened it, she beamed from one ear to the other.  We have had to explain...It's not yours, its the family's!  But, having said that, I must admit, I have had to ask her several times for help with the thing!  How do these kids just instinctly know this stuff!?  We have really enjoyed it and were super surprised! 

So after an already full day, we headed over to the Coats side.  We had a terrific meal (thanks mom!) and then settled in for an evening of more presents.  All of the kids got matching pj's from "Uncle"

 MariAustin showing off her prized boots!

 The evening was just beginning to wind down....when we saw it happen, but it was just too late...Jack went over to the wood stove and touched the front of it....and yes a beautiful, hot fire was burning!  We all reacted immediately and it took him about 2 seconds to realize, but his hand was already in pain.  I have never heard a child scream so hard for so long.  It was just awful!  After about 45 minutes, we were finally able to settle him long enough to follow the nurses insturctions and get it wrapped.  The poor thing just did not understand.  We headed home, not even finishing grandmam's part of the gifts and knew we were in for a long night.  Thank goodness Jack was exhausted from the long day and finally drifted off to sleep.

 This was his picture the next morning.  Bless his heart! But children are so resilient! A week later as I write this, he has just handled it like a little champ and sure does NOT let it stop him from doing anything he wants!

 Excitement Part 2: As New Year's moved closer, Ella discovered a loose tooth that she did not let rest.  She wiggled and wiggled until New Years Eve, she was ready for it to come out.  This being her first one she was super excited and ready to get her name added to the "tooth chart" at school.  Please understand this is major stuff to a 5 year old!  We pulled out the tooth pillow and prepared for a visit from the tooth fairy!

 New Year's Day brought on a Church Service, lunch at Grandmama's and Dinner at Nanny's.  We invited everyone back to our house for a campfire, smores an an evening of playing on Santa's big gift to the girls.  A Playset! 

 It has 3 towers on it connecting to each other with tunnels and a swinging bridge.  Each child has claimed their territory and are preparing signs for each tower.  Oh, what fun summer days are ahead of us!  Thanks Santa!

As I close what should have been the last entry of 2011, but is really the first of 2012 (oh well), I have to reflect on the pictures above.  Wow, what blessings!  I am so truly blessed!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!