Timeless

Gavinn was in shock as we informed him

Thanksgiving

is a day devoted to eating, sleeping, and of course, giving thanks!

I mean really, even a baby knows, there is nothing better!

Thanksgiving 2009 found us up and out early

to the McGary's.

Who, (I'll try not to chuckle) live in a log house at the moment BAHAHA!

(Dang it, I tried not to do that...)

while they start building their next house,

Food was prepared

Kisses were snuck

Baby was waiting patiently

(I had to add the picture below- he's all about blowing raspberries...)

Games of "Hide-N-Seek" were played

Until finally!

It was time to dig in!

(That's one thing our family does well!)

Naps were then taken, husband headed off to work, late walk in mist was taken,

and finally

homeward bound.

We can't wait to do it all again next year!

(Minus the husband to work part.)

Ahem,

I'm not quite finished yet.

Where did this kid come from?!

:)

Is it even possible?!

The date:

June 1, 2009

We attempted to climb Badger Mountain, which is supposed to look a little something like this:

Instead it looks like this:See the similarities? Exactly.

First attempt was a failure.

Why?

These

Believe it or not, I don't enjoy nature walks with rattlesnakes. Specifically ones shaking their rattles, curling up, and getting ready to attack me! I know, I don't get it either!

After near encounters with 2 and people on the trail saying there were more...

we called it quits.

The date:

November 21, 2009
We attempted to climb badger mountain

Nothing could stop us this time...

or could it?
Gavinn was rather skeptical from the very beginning.

We loaded him up in the carrier (Craigslist purchase numbero dos!)

and headed up the trail.

Gavinn was having a great ol' time! Laughing, screeching and flirting with the high school girls near by.

I'll admit, it seemed a little windy, but nothing that us Tri-Citian's can't handle.

Boy was I wrong!

We hit the second hill, rounded a bend

and

BAM!

We were wind blasted!

We struggled to stay on the path especially Chadd who was carrying Gavinn at the time. The top part of Gavinn's carrier (which we thought would help in blocking the wind, instead became a mightly sail!)

With a few pictures like these...

(Can you see the snot dripping from his nose?)

(It knocked the wind right out of his sail... bahah!)

Could you blame us for calling attempt two a failure?

We were all much happier at the bottom.

Gavinn was one tuckered boy.

So I ask the question:

Is it even possible to make it to the top of Badger Mountain?!

I've hear myths and stories that it has indeed happened, one day I'll see for myself!

Slowly But Surly

I know what you're all thinking...

"Geez Lady, give the blogging a rest!"

I can't help it, sorry.

I have good news.

This little dudes momma...

ran a 5K last night.

In 33 min.

Slowly but surly, she's getting it back!

Today

Today I am thankful for...

A hard-working husband,

a faithful dog,

A happy and content baby,

And a camera to help me capture the memories!

Brilliant!

It's me again, you know, the one with brilliant ideas!

You miss me?

Today being Veterans Day and all I wanted to do something special for Chadd. Every year I say 'Thank You' for all he has done, but nothing more. (Lame, I know.)

[Enters:] Applebees!

Applebees was giving free entrees to Veterans, which was fabulous in my book!

I texted, (since those who know me, know I HATE talking on the phone) my friends Michelle and Amanda asking if they would be interested. Michelle's husband is currently in and Amanda's husband is a fellow Marine. It was perfect!

We got schedules coordinated, plans made, and DD214's copied!

All was going smoothly... until we actually got there.

We sat, and sat, and sat, and sat, while group after group after group were taken back.

Do you know what it's like to wait in an overly crowded waiting area with (but not limited to): a 4 year old, 1 1/2 year old, 1 year old, and 7 month old?

I'm just askin'.

(This picture actually had nothing to do with the wait, I was trying to get a family picture and took his cup away. Who knew he was so in love?)

AN HOUR LATER...

This party of 10 was sat at a table, not just a table, we got the whole darn banquet room!

It actually was a party of 9 by then because Kevin (Amanda's husband had to go back to work).

We had 30 min. to eat and be out of there so Chadd could get to work.

Our waiter Jean- something or other did a great job! He was quick and efficient!

Note to self:

Next year don't plan to show up at 12 for free food. Because 70+ other people will have had the SAME idea!

Here is a picture of the crew sans Kevin (work) and Kai, (who is SOMEWHERE in the room...)Regardless, we had a good time and it's always nice to be with friends.

Thank you again to all the Veterans out there. Past, present, and future.

What is Gratitude?

My 'To Do' list-

Overflowing

Yet, here I sit at my computer, thoughts rolling all around this wondering mind of mine.

Yesterday I was feeling D-pressed. I was eating my way through house and home, I still have yet to run after getting sick, I miss my husband, and my friends are all busy with their own lives. I love being at home with Gavinn and wouldn't change it for the world, but let's face it, it can take its toll.

I decided to do something about it.

Our ward was having a RS something or other. At 6:30pm Gavinn finally got out of his Jammie's and I put on a bra, threw on some make-up and headed out the door.

*Confession*

Another reason I wanted to go is curiousity.

"Free gift!" was labeled on all the invitations...

I'll be the first to admit, I'm that kind of person. The person who goes to get a "free" something or other.

::Shrug::

Judge away my readers! :)

I walked into the church and was promptly handed 2 things.

1.) A 2 page story

2.)A pair of sunglasses with attached purposeful message.

"Is THIS my free gift?"Surly and yes indeed... a pair of 80's glasses with NCAT whitewater plastered on the side.

Although slightly disappointed, I reminded myself that a gift of this nature was to be expected. It's not like Oprah where everyone wins a free car of anything.

I proceeded to walk in the RS room and plop myself down on a chair in the back where Gavinn could sit on the floor and play. (And look at the toddler moving and shaking, he sure does love googling at the ladies. I hope one day he realizes his high pitched squeal won't impress them to him, but in the meantime... it sure works for his mommy!)

We have been in this ward for 2. 3 years. I have been V taught... once... February 2008. We have seen our Home Teachers a handful of times. We are not impressed with the ward. That sounds horrible to say. I know they are all thinking, "Well what have THEY done to earn themselves a place amongst US?" A lot.

(I only share this to further develop my story and why yesterday night was of significance in my little world.)

Five minutes after I sat down, another sister walked in and sat next to the babe and I. It was refreshing. Someone sat next to me!

The lesson was on

Gratitude.

My ears were 1/2 closed.

Then something warm came over me and I began to listen.

It wasn't like I was hearing these things for the first time, but it struck a cord with me.

I began to "look"at these sisters with my new glasses.

Why am I so hard on these woman? Why do I built a wall between them for things they have/ have not done? Are we not all the same?

I now have direction for the month of November. A light has turned on in my soul. I have things to accomplish. I am filled with gratitude.

Maybe it is a sign, "Gratitude is a sign of maturity."

Could I indeed be growing up?

Now,

I pose a question to you, my dear blogging friends:

In what way(s) do you physically show gratitude?

It's not a trick question, rather a sincere one, from a sister in search of something more...

Lookin' Fine at 29!

Here is a song created by yours truly! Please remember the following:

A.) I teach 1st grade

B.) I am indeed cheesy!

C.) Those of you who are GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) trained will understand the drive and constant creating of songs!

***

::Ahem:: Without further Ade, I give you:

***

Chadd's Birthday Song!

(To the tune of: B-I-N-G-O)

*

There is a husband that I know,

Who's having a big birthday!

C-H-A-D-D, C-H-A-D-D, C-H-A-D-D

His name is Off-i-cer Ott-ley!

*

He's turning twenty-nine and so...

He is getting old-ley.

Sni-cker and a laugh, Sni-cker and a laugh, Sni-cker and a laugh

At least he's still good looking!

*

He is Ga-vinn's fav-or-ite!
His one and only da-ddy!

How they love to play, how they love to play, how they love to play!

He is our favorite dad-dy!

*

I am so blessed to have him here,

He makes me feel so spe-cial!

Babe-I-So-Love-you! Babe-I-So-Love-You! Babe-I-So-Love-You!

So have a Happy Birth-day!

(The End)

*

On a more serious note:

I am so grateful to have Chadd! He has been more than I could have asked for (or deserved for that matter)! He is my best friend, my number one supporter, and the person I want to spend FOREVER with!

Babe, even though you're turning 29... you are still lookin' fine!

And... just so you don't feel bad Chadd...

Here's a picture of my birthday! Just remember I'll be 29 too someday!

(In 4 years! Ha ha!)