Gavin's News

What a traumatic day. . .

2009-07-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well we had two appointments in one day and boy was it a day!! First we went back to the Hand Surgeon for a re-check on Gavin's finger. Good news is we no longer need the cast!!

They downgraded him to a splint and a bandage-but still to keep dry. Now we are pleased to say we are only in a band-aid and we can get it wet!! The nail did come off on it's own (praise!) and we are waiting to see how the new nail comes in. There is a small little nail there (praise!) so that's one concern gone. As long as the new nail comes in complete, attached on all 3 sides and adhering to his nail bed we are done!! That is our prayer at this point, to avoid any other surgical procedures!!

Also that day Gavin had his first trip to the Dentist! Because of the drama with this finger accident Gavin has a new fear of hospitals, doctors and apparently dentists! What fun. . .

You can tell in this picture we weren't getting very far. Gavin has both hands covering his mouth.

We did make a little progress though and when they let him sit up on the side of the chair (I guess so he could make a quick get-away if he had to) he did agree to let her polish his front teeth. Thankfully the Dr. Cross got a good look at those teeth and said they look great. I'm SO glad he loves to brush his teeth!! And one thing is FOR SURE. . . Daddy is taking him next time!

We went to the Zoo and they didn't keep the boys!!

2009-07-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had a quick day trip to a small local zoo with Lisa and the twins. It was a hot day, but we made the best of it! The boys loved the animals of course. And we teased them that they better not get too close to the monkey cages because we might put them in there!!
And of course we TRIED to get a picture of them together, but getting all 3 to sit at the same time is nearly impossible!!
Gavin's favorite part was the goats and sheep that you could feed. He's all about some farm animals!

And of course the ponies that were wandering around. . . you know his love of horses!

Aren't they the cutest twins ever?? We love them!!

Summer is here!!

2009-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Where does time go?? I can't believe June is gone and we are now in July!! Wow. A friend & I were discussing this the other day, and I think it is so true. Once you have children time seems to go even faster!!

Well because of Gavin's finger accident he was not able to finish his first soccer season. He only missed two games though and we went to the last one to cheer on his team. Gavin truly loved soccer and is already talking about next season. Maybe he'll be like his Uncle Brandon and do really well in that sport (and others)!!

Also Gavin participated in a short term of Karate classes the last month of Preschool. Here's some pictures of his last class and belt ceremony for Karate. No, he's not continuing classes right now, but maybe in the future. He really enjoyed it. I'm researching other programs and schools to find the right fit for Gavin (and our bank account)!!

As you can see the cast did not slow this boy down ONE BIT!!!

Wow--what a Boo Boo

2009-05-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Gavin has had a really rough week. Here's the short version for those who haven't heard. Gavin got his finger smashed in a door at church, we took him to urgent care because we thought he might need stitches after seeing the bleeding that occured. They sent us to ER, where they ended up surgically repairing his finger. Then we were referred to a Hand Surgeon.

The Hand Surgeon explained to us the diagnosis completely. He completely crushed the end of his finger. While the bone is still intact, there’s other damage done. It’s certainly not an easy injury and it’s going to be long road to haul yet. At this point we are NOT looking at more surgery. That’s the good news. The Dr explained that in two weeks he would remove a couple sutures and then we’d see if the nail would grow. We won’t know for sure for 3-6 months if the finger and the nail bed are healed completely. The most important thing we can do now is protect the finger tip. Therefore, He got a cast today from the tip of his pinky finger past his elbow.

I'm so thankful that's behind us and appreciate all your prayers for complete healing.

Easter and Spring Break

2009-05-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Get ready for picture overload!! This post is WAY overdue, but I'm getting caught up!!
We had a great Easter & Spring Break this year!

We started the season off with a couple of Easter Egg Hunts. The first one was at our Church. The downfall of being Preschool Director and responsible of the Church's Easter Egg Hunt is you aren't available to take pictures of your own child. Unfortunately this picture of Gavin chillin out with his shades the only picture I have of our Easter Egg Hunt and my child!!

Then we were invited to an Easter Egg Hunt with Gavin's friend Robbie. . . they hunted for Eggs

And found LOTS!!

Then they had some fun at the park!!

Another highlight of our Easter Weekend was the Birthday party of a couple of our favorite Buddies. . . Carson & Parker!

The Easter Bunny did stop by our house, left some goodies for Gavin and Daddy too!!

My little man all dressed for church and posing for pictures for Mommy in the yard before we head out for our special day!

After Church we had a great lunch with family then headed to Nanny & PawPaw's house. Aunt Jody and Uncle Brandon hid eggs for Gavin to find!

They did a good job. . do you see the one in this picture?? Gavin doesn't see it yet!!

Nanny & PawPaw enjoying the beautiful Easter afternoon!!

Then we started our Spring Break!!
We had a great week enjoying time with friends!!

Tuesday we had lunch with Harrison & Annalise. . .
Wednesday we had a fun lunch with Aunt Teresa and the doggies. Gavin is loving on Maggie here. . .

Thursday we had a fun day with one of Gavin's best friends, Maggie. We went to lunch, the movies and the park!! Here's the cute pair stopping for a quick picture. . .

Does this look like a ittle boy that is enjoying Spring Break?? I think so!

Then on Friday we finished our week with a special lunch with our buddies Robbie & Heather. . .

The Boys are so funny. . across the playroom in deep, deep conversation. . . wouldn't you LOVE to know what they are discussing?? I'd say there's a good chance Rescue Heroes were mentioned in this conversation!!
All in all we had a great Holiday and Spring Break!!

The Children's Wing. . .

2009-05-10T17:59:00.001-07:00

So have you heard the news that we built an "addition" onto our house?? We like to call it the "The Children's Wing".

It started in boxes like this. . .

It took A LOT of steps. . .

On the first day of construction Daddy needed some assistance, thankfully PawPaw & Marshall came out to help. . .

Look at MY FATHER!!! Doesn't he realize he is over 60 years old!?!!?!?

Oh look, it's getting there!!!
Most of the construction is finished!! Gavin is REALLY excited now!

Time for mulch! Gavin can help with this part!!

We are happy to report it is all complete!! It is a wonderful playground for our little man!
Needless to say he is SO excited and absolutely loves it!!

To use his words exactly "Mommy, I'm the luckiest boy in the world"!!!

Soccer Mom

2009-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. . . I am a Soccer Mom!!
Gavin has started playing soccer and he loves it. Every night he asks how many nights until he gets to play again. He's so funny!! Here's some pics of the new found favorite sport at the Reese home:

Gavin and his scripture. . .

2009-04-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Gavin has to learn a new Bible verse each week for Cubbies (our AWANA program at Church). He's really good at it and loves learning new verses.

Yesterday we had one of those hysterical moments with him.

We practiced all afternoon ". . .I trust in you, O Lord" it was an easy one this week! He knew it, and said it over and over and over.

We get to the church, getting out of the van I said "Gavin, what's your verse?" He quickly replies "Have a good night and love God."

WHAT!??!!? Where did that come from? Seriously though he said it perfectly in Cubbies.

Later that night I was sharing the story with Daddy and Gavin overheard us talking and laughing about it. He in all seriousness brings me my Bible and says "look it up Mommy, I know it's in there somewhere--Have a good night and love God".

Happy Birthday PawPaw

2009-03-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

The family gathered for a special birthday dinner for PawPaw!! We went to Wildwood, which is his favorite restaurant. . . as you can see from the pictures he even got a Wildwood shirt to wear!!
Silly PawPaw, those sunglasses are too small for you!

Aren't they so cute & excited!!

I'm not sure who was more excited about the Birthday cake, Uncle Donnie, PawPaw or Gavin!!

Happy Birthday PawPaw. . .We love you!!

What a great weekend

2009-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dave & I got away for a weekend this weekend. We went to a "Weekend to Remember" conference. Gavin spent the weekend with his Nanny & PawPaw and Brandon & Jody. So needless to say he had a "weekend to remember" too!!

I really did miss my little buddy, but it was so good to get away with Dave. Unfortunately we don't have much time away together alone, so this was quite a treat!!

It's a beautiful day today, so we're off to the park to play with friends. . . hope you all have a great day!

Soccer

2009-03-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well the big news here is Gavin is going to start playing soccer. He's signed up to be on a local "league" here in April and he can't wait!!

This weekend he had to start "practicing"!! Thankfully we had lots of beautiful weather so we had a cookout with the Jones family.

Carson & Parker want to play soccer too!

I'm not sure I'm ready for this!! Boy he's growing up fast!!

From snow to sun

2009-03-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

All in the same week we had snow on Sunday and 75 degrees and sunny on Saturday! Wow!!
We visited Virginia Tech and had a picnic at the Duck pond, complete with feeding some ducks!
My two favorite guys. . . man I am so blessed!!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

2009-03-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Gavin and Nanny put candles and started the "Happy Birthday Song" for Uncle Brandon. . . Happy Birthday Uncle Brandon. . . one of Gavin's most favorite people!!

I can't believe my baby brother is 31!! Wow, we're getting old!

And a hug for Aunt Jody of course!!

Another Field Trip

2009-03-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Gavin & his class went to the Transportation Museum and he loved it!!

Here's a couple pictures of his day. . .Wow--that's a big train!!

Gavin & Ms. Vickie--he loves his teachers!!

Snow Days

2009-03-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Well we FINALLY got some snow here!! Of course it didn't come until the first of March!! But Gavin was so excited and we all enjoyed it.

Got to go out and play Mom!!
Gavin & Daddy had a mean snowball fight!

He's smiling here because he got Daddy!!

This snow also came on the day of "Gavin's FIRST black eye". This is the start of it, and it just got dark from here. No huge story with this, just a trip and fall into a table. . .but boy he looked tough!!

What else. . .

2009-03-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well Disney was our big event for the beginning of 2009. . .but since we've been back we sure have been busy!!

We had a great time with the Jones & Correll family watching the Super Bowl. . .all the boys had lots of fun. . .

We also had lots of fun on our Preschool field trip to the Pet Store. Gavin fell in love with a "snow dog" (as he calls them) but we thankfully left the store without the puppy and too much upset.
Then onto a fun lunch with all his school friends. I'm so blessed to do what I do. . . I enjoy getting to experience all these fun times with my boy.
Let's face it, they grow up so fast, I don't want to miss a minute!!

Finally. . .

2009-03-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've uploaded some of our Disney photos to share. . .

The trip was truly magical. We are already talking about when we go back!! It's truly a magical place!!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=ysb7px0.5qw6j7y4&x=0&y=-addt0v&localeid=en_US

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

As I said in my earlier post we had a great holiday with Daddy at home for 12 days!! It was so much fun spending day after day together. We got so much done around the house (yes, lots of projects were actually finished!) and just had some good quality time together.

We had several different visits with friends also that were lots of fun, including doing Christmas with our friends Carson & Parker. The twins are growing so fast and Gavin just loves them so much. We saw them a couple times over Christmas and spent New Years with them as well! The only problem with all 3 boys being together is it's literally impossible to get the 3 of them in one picture!!

We spent New Years again with several friends at Chuck E. Cheese. It was so much fun and has become the tradition for us and several of our friends. Of course the kids all had a blast. I'll share some pics of our fun with you. Happy New Year!

Christmas Review

2009-01-03T12:24:00.001-08:00

Our Family Christmas in review. . . starts with a few traditions. . .

We started our Christmas Eve celebrations with our annual Christmas Eve service at Church, which includes the Lords Supper and the lighting of the Birthday Cake, I love this and this year I snuck a picture of it lit!

When we came home from Mom's house that evening we got Santas cookies & milk ready and went out to put the reindeer food on the grass for the reindeer. Gavin really got into that this year, he wanted to sprinkle it all around so they would be sure to share!

Christmas morning was wonderful, Santa left Gavin some great gifts, including exactly what he asked for. . . a big firetruck! His three gifts this year were Rescue Heroes, Firetruck and a soccer goal. And of course lots of goodies in his stocking!!

We then went to have Christmas Breakfast with our family and received lots of more great presents and had a great morning. The day concluded with dinner with extended family.

We had a very nice Christmas. We, once again, were abundantly blessed with lots of wonderful gifts. I'm so thankful for everyone that thought of us. My family spoiled us once again and I recieved so many nice and wonderful things from my kids at Church and Preschool and so many of our friends. We are so very, very blessed.

Another thing that added to our Christmas this year was that Daddy was off work and home with us for 12 days this year. We had a great and long break and were able to spend lots of time together as a family. We all greatly enjoyed it.

Christmas Baking

2008-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Dave, Gavin & I have done some Christmas baking at home the two weekends before Christmas. Of course since I had dough and chocolate on my hands I was unable to catch those memories on camera.

I did have the opportunity Dec 23 when my Aunt Teresa, Mom and I started a new tradition of making holiday Chocolates. We had a great time, but it was hard work!!

This year our project was chocolate christmas tree candy molds on pretzels. Here's the first batch. . . they got prettier as the day went on!!

Dave also got in on the baking action on Christmas Eve. He is "family famous" for his Sausage Balls. Dave always gets asked to make Sausage balls every year, for several homes in our family.

We also made Chocolate chip cookies for Santa. I had already made several other kinds of cookies, but apparently Santa told Gavin he wanted Chocolate Chip!!

Then of course we made our annual Birthday Cake for Jesus. . . the reason for the Season!

True Meaning of Christmas

2008-12-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's very important to David and I that Gavin know and remember the true meaning of Christmas. I'm very thrilled that he (well, we) are able to go to a Christian Preschool that teaches the true meaning of Christmas. They had Birthday Parties for Jesus last week!

Gavin loves to play with the decorations that we pull out for Christmas. I'm not kidding when I say I don't think his toys have been touched since November!! Not even his horses or rescue heroes!! His favorite is his Nativity Set. This thing has been the BEST purchase we have made. We have such an opportunity to talk with Gavin about the birth of Christ through playing with this and we LOVE to hear him playing with it now independently. He tells the Christmas story over and over.
(Of course the "typical 4 year old" comes out sometimes too. Last week the shepherds were looking for their monster trucks so they could go to the Rodeo)

Seriously though, Gavin knows all about the Nativity and he looks for them everywhere. If we see a house that has lots of decorations he's always quick to put out if they have a "tivity"!!

He was especially thrilled this weekend when Daddy was in a LIVE Nativity!! He was Joseph and Gavin just thought it was so cool!! Before he left that evening he told Dave "Daddy, be sure not to drop baby Jesus!!"

Gavin was very proud of his Daddy!

Our visits to Santa

2008-12-23T06:53:00.001-08:00

We've had a couple visits with Santa this Christmas season. Our typical one at the Mall went well, Gavin loved it and hopped right up there. I'm not sure how I lucked out to have a child that has yet to refuse to sit on his lap. Gavin picks other things to be scared of I guess!

He told him he wanted a firetruck, with a hose and a ladder. Also some Rescue Heroes and Leapster Games. He also confessed that he hasn't always been a good boy, but he tries very hard. Santa thought that was funny!!

Then our Preschool went to Fantasy Land, where Santa told us stories and sang songs with us. He's great!!

Then a friend of ours told us about this home that has a "Santa's workshop" where you go and see Santa. They decorate thier yard quite extensively and each child can visit with Santa. He even gives them a little "surprise" so they can wait until Christmas for their gifts!! This was a great experience and Gavin LOVED it!!

They had a special mailbox for Gavin to mail his letter to Santa

Santa even gave him a little early Christmas gift!! Wow!

Oh the Magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child!!

School performance

2008-12-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

We had our Preschool Christmas program and it was great!! Gavin did such a good job with his class's song!

They all did such a good job!! It was a great way to end for our Christmas break!

Gavin's Christmas Tree

2008-12-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

This year Nanny got Gavin a tree for his room. We got some cute little ornaments for it and he decorated it all by himself, although I admit I really, really have a hard time not "spacing" the ornaments!!

The most important thing is, he loves it!!

Christmas Parade

2008-12-23T06:33:00.000-08:00

We braved the cold and kicked off our Christmas celebrations with the Christmas Parade! We attended again with our dear friends the Gregorys, and of course the kids loved it!! But it was cold!!!

Afterwards we came home and got all toasty warm. The boys were a little tired!!

Christmas Performance

2008-12-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Our KidPraize group sang last Sunday. Look at this great group of kids!!

A lot of the children had a "part" or solo including Gavin. Now keep in mind last year Gavin knocked over the microphone stand while he was trying to grab it and sing in it--in front of the entire congregation. Now this year when it came time for his part I put the microphone in front of him he turned and said "No Mom!!" Ugg. You can't win sometimes!!

I love this picture of Robbie doing the motions to "Away in the Manger"

Funny things

2008-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Children say some of the funniest things, this age is just PRICELESS!!

On Thanksgiving morning we were on our way to Mom's house to help get ready for our feast. As we pull in her driveway the following conversatin occured:

Gavin--"Mom, I have an idea"

Me--"oh yea buddy, what's that??"

Daddy--"oh boy!"

Gavin--so proudly "I'm not going to pick my nose at all on Happy Thanksgiving"

Me & Daddy--"That's a GREAT idea!!!"

oh, this kid. . .

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

Gavin's Thanksgiving celebration started at school with his friends

Our family was blessed once again with a Great Thanksgiving!! Several of our family members were able to join us.

Gavin got to see his cousins from IL & DC areaAll in all it was a great Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for!!

And the party was. . .

2008-12-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

a HUGE success!!

We did John Deere & Tractors all the way. . .

Aunt Teresa made us these adorable "goodie bags"I made these cute "tractor shaped" crayons to go in the bags with lots of other John Deere stuff!

Gavin was thrilled to see some "old friends" he hadn't seen in a while. . .

And then some of his "newer" good friends . . .

And of course our little "bestest" friends (that's what Gavin calls the twins)

We had several fun activities. . .

But the favorite of course was the tractor rides!

Off they go again!!

There was Birthday cupcakes. . .
And LOTS of presents!!

It was a great 4th Birthday Party. Gavin really enjoyed it. That evening when I was putting him to bed and saying his prayers and looked over at me, put his hand on my cheek and said "Thanks Mom for my awesome Tractor party"!! Boy, that makes it all worth it. . .!!!

Could it be?

2008-12-04T16:19:00.001-08:00

Time to start planning Gavin's 4th Birthday Party?!!? Where has my baby gone??
Can you guess the theme?? John Deere of course!!

Mommy thinks PawPaw got a little carried away with the photo props here. . .
And of course I had to have a cute little invite made. . .found a great friend that does these, if you ever need one done, I'll be glad to give you her contact info (Thanks again Danielle!!)
(Of course address & phone number taken off for safety reasons)

Fall Fun!!

2008-12-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

What a sweet hubby!

2008-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

Just because I was having a rough day. . .

It's Halloween

2008-12-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

Halloween wasn't too much fun for Gavin this year. Unfortunately he was sick with a fever of 104 and pretty miserable. He got his pics taken before the day and thankfully he did get to dress up with his friends the week before at AWANAS.

And who says kids are the only ones to have fun at Halloween?? Dave & his co-AWANA-leader had lots of fun dressing up as condiments!! (Special thanks to Aunt Teresa for these great costumes!)

What a cute Couple

2008-12-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

I love this picture

Pumpkin Patch visits Galore!!

2008-10-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well, those that know me well know how much I absolutely LOVE the Pumpkin Patch. It's truly one of our family's favorite Fall activities!! We have visited 3 times this year, and loved it every single time!! The first visit was just our family and it was a great day. The farm is absolutely beautiful and truly a breath of fresh air each year we visit.

Gavin is ready to go! He's waited such a long time!

He was in awe of the huge tires full of pumpkins!

Got to milk the "cow". . .and took his job VERY seriously.

Then onto the tractor ride to the Pumpkin Fields. . .

This pumpkin is a little large for you buddy. . .

This one is more your size. . .

We'll let Daddy carry the big ones for us! (And BOY, did Daddy find a big one!) Look at his little "shadow" in the background!

Our second trip to the Patch was with our friends the Jones family. Unfortunately I forgot my camera!! Dear Lisa thankfully remembered hers and sent me some more pictures. So actually I benefitted greatly from this--she got some great pictures. She's a great photographer!

My little boy blue. . .And my favorite picture of the day. . .Gavin absolutely loves the boys. I know they will all grow up to be the best of friends.
Our final trip was with the family. . .

We packed some lunch and had a grand ol' tailgating picnic. . .

Gavin was thrilled the Granny (MeeMee Poff) came with us!

And of course two of his very favorite people, Brandon & Jody!

Jody rode the horse and carriage with Gavin. . .

Nanny & PawPaw looking for their Pumpkin. . .

Brandon found his "pick"

Donnie had an important job, he sat in one spot and we all brought our pumpkins to him to "guard". I think Gavin brought him at least 10 pumpkins! No, we did not bring all of them home!

We had some fun on the hay bales

Mom had a little trouble, but they got her up there! =)

It was a great Fall in 2008!!

First day of School!!

2008-10-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Gavin woke in a GREAT mood the first day of school! He was very excited when he saw his fun "monkey face" breakfast Mommy fixed for him!!

We got dressed, complete with the new backpack. When did my baby get so big??

I LOL at this picture, do you think he's tired of the camera??

Gavin kept asking when the bus was coming. . .Mommy is thankful that he's only riding my bus for now!!

Another Camping trip!

2008-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Back in August we went camping with the Jones family. They are some of our closest friends and Gavin truly enjoys playing and hanging out with the boys (remember they are twins) and they are now 2 1/2!! Doesn't it just seem like yesterday they were born!!?!?

Anyway, we had a great time camping. All 3 of the boys truly enjoyed being outside and having such freedom!!

The weather was a little less than cooperative. It was cold and very rainy. The campground we frequent has great and level campsites, but in the rain they do turn quite muddy. Rain, muddy ground and 3 boys ages 3 & under doesn't quite make a good combination. Needless to say the boys became quite a mess! We had to find different alternatives for dinner. The boys didn't seem to mind that we visited Pizza Hut for dinner--Pizza while camping? That works!

Don't worry--we didn't completely lose our sense of camping. We did "rough" it a bit. The boys did enjoy their outdoor baths though! These great big buckets are great for little boys and their baths!! They thought it was so cool!!

So yea, the weather may have damped our plans a little, It was definitely cooler, poor Lisa was quite chilly! But quite a trooper!!

The rain can't ruin our trip though, yea we explored a few "extracurricular camping activities" and just enjoyed a a great time with friends. We finished up the evening having "movie night" in one of the campers. Veggie Tales is always a good choice among this group!!

What do I want to be??

2008-10-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well one day Gavin & I were having an "at home" day. We don't have many of those, but Gavin truly does enjoy just "hanging around". He's allowed to stay in his PJ's if he wants and we just do "what ever suits our fancy"!

This day in particular we were playing "what do you want to be" where we played several different occupations. Of course his favorite, a cowboy was first, then we played firefighters--another close favorite. Then he decided to be a "backhoe driver" because that's what he says Uncle Brandon does. He's a lucky little boy because Uncle Brandon actully got him a real "worker man hat" (as Gavin calls it) and he loves to wear it.

I got these candid photos. . .

That little smile gets me everytime!

I'd like to introduce you. . .

2008-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

to Kelley, Gavin's Mom and the new Author of this blog. The former author was clearly undependable. She must have been too busy with other things to keep this blog updated, what a pity. I hope that I, the new Author won't let you down. :o)

Watch out World!!

2008-07-12T13:46:00.001-07:00

I'm on a roll. . .two posts within a week!! This post is a little on the more "manly" side. What can I say, I'm eat up with BOYS!!

Several weeks ago Daddy brought a bucket truck up to Nanny's house for him & Brandon to do a little "tree trimming" well Gavin thought it was the coolest thing ever!! Dave, Brandon & Dad enjoyed it a bit too! Here's some pics of their exciting day:

Loading up the bucket . . . the driver and the tree trimmer! Paw Paw is supervising. . .Wow. . .they are REALLY high!! Can you believe my husband used to be scared of heights??Nanny got in on the fun too. . .but on the ground!!
My next event to share about is BIG news in our family. . .Paw Paw bought a new toy and the boys are so excited you'd think it was Christmas! Gavin can HARDLY wait!

On Friday Paw Paw's new John Deere tractor was delivered. Wow--I don't think Gavin, Paw Paw, David or Brandon have stopped smiling since!!
Nanny drives it too! How impressive is that???

Come on Paw Paw, let's take it for a spin!!
Gavin's trying to drive it himself. . .
There's no better place on earth than on a new John Deere tractor with your Paw Paw!Gavin also went to yet another Birthday party this weekend (are you keeping count Jody?). His social calendar is one busy one! Of course most Moms know how that goes. . .

Gavin gets a shot (or should I say pull) at the Pinata

Gavin and his buddies playing Monster Trucks! Every little boys favorite!! Gavin and two of his very special friends. . .Jackson & Connor. . .Aren't they cute??
Happy Birthday Connor!!

And one more of my little happy Boy!!

It's July!!

2008-07-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well I'm already 10 days into July and I need to post about what we've been up to!

The funny things you do to entertain your child. Here's Gavin and we're playing a version of "Twister" in the Doctor's office last week. I'm saying "put your right foot on purple" "left hand on blue" and so on. . .it was a fun game!

We celebrated my Mom's birthday at Olive Garden--yum!! Happy Birthday Mom--we love you!!

Here's my good lookin' brother giving the birthday girl some love

And Gavin and one of his MOST favorite people in the world, Aunt Teresa!

We went camping over the 4th with some good friends!! You know we always love a good camping trip! This one proved to be successful with lots of time with family and friends. Dave's Mom came to visit us one day and we got lots of rest and relaxation on this trip. Here's a few of our pics.

Gavin sitting outside the camper.

Looks like some camping mischief going on in the tent by two busy boys!!

Robbie & Gavin went exploring with some cool binoculars Heather brought them!

Looks like Robbie enjoyed his smores!! Or maybe it was a cookie!!

Gavin is roasting his marshmallows getting ready for a camping treat!

OK, you may be wondering that that green string is there in front of Gavin. The first night we were paranoid about the boys falling into the campfire. So I made a "string barricade" of sorts. We tied string around our chairs and the boys couldn't go inside, we just put their chairs right outside and they never walked near the fire. I was teased somewhat about my "barricade" but hey, no one fell in the fire!!

Look at those happy campers!!

Robbie & Gavin enjoyed a few luxuries from home with the portable DVD player and movies!! Who says camping has to be "roughing it"!?!

We have planted a garden this year! Dave & I thought it would be a great experience for Gavin this year and he's really into it and excited. He's helped us plant, water, feed and weed our garden each day! Well on Tuesday we had a very exciting event--we picked our FIRST VEGETABLES!!! Gavin was cheering and hollering as we told him there were some ready to pick! We got 3 yellow squash!

Here's the "squash corner" of our garden--Mommy loves squash!!

Dave & Gavin are about to bust waiting for the tomatoes to ripen!! We'll keep you posted!

I'm a big boy now!

2008-06-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just another sign of how big my little munchkin is getting!
MeeMee brought him a big boy bike this weekend! He jumped right on and took off, quite fast from the start (a little too fast for my comfort) and he loves it!! Wow. . .where did the time go??

And a cute pic of the boys. . .Marshall & Lisa and their twin boys came over the other day . . .we really need a dump truck built for THREE!!

The Funny things Kids say, Act II

2008-06-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm recording these as much for myself (so I'll remember) as for you! Some are "location funny" (meaning you had to be there) and some will give you the giggles.

Gavin is just so funny these days. . .and let me tell you talks NONstop!! To share some things. . .

Gavin has what he calls "Imagination" friends. These are imaginary people that are with him, almost all the time. Their names are Katie & Bobby. Gavin tells you that Katie was born with him and Bobby well, he's 1. He talks with these kids all the time, argues with them and even puts them in time-out when necessary. I just get so tickled at him talking with them and being the "mommy" to them. Just this morning in the van "Katie. . .where are you" then he answers himself--changing his voice to be Katie "I'm back here" (back to Gavin) "OK, you better be buckled"!!

The other day we were leaving and he yelled out across the yard "Hey Katie, I'm leaving, I've got my phone if you need me. . .be careful!" (Gee, wonder where he's heard that)

He was at my Mom's house recently and walked in the bedroom when she was changing the sheets. He asked "Nanny, whatcha doing?" Mom answered "changing the sheets" and he replied "why, did you frow up?" . . .I promise I change the sheets often at our house!!

One more and I'll quit. . .the other night we were getting ready to put Gavin to bed. We read our books in the living room and brushed his teeth, he started heading into OUR room for bed and David said "whoa buddy. . .where are you going?" Gavin turned around and said "Daddy, you need to be a big boy and sleep all by yourself. I sleep with Mommy because I don't sleep loud" I assume he was referencing his Daddy's snoring!!

A friend of mine has a disclaimer at the top of their daughter's website, I probably should do the same. . .warning against anyone reading this unless they understand the pretentiousness of parents!!

Gavin learning Bible Verses

2008-06-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

OK, we've been trying to teach Gavin some Bible verses. His favorite is John 3:16, which is a good choice! Here he is in the car tonight reciting it for me. (Uncle Jimmy, this is for you!)

Click on play button below-

A couple funnies though: in reciting it tonight we got a couple other versions, including:
". . . son, that whosoever believes in him, one nation, under God . . ."
and then ". . . but have everlasting life. John Deere 3:16"

Funny things kids say. . .

2008-06-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dave and I were watching something on TV the other night. There was something funny on that was "adult humor" that Gavin didn't understand. He put his hands on his hips and said "Mommy, that not very propriate (appropriate)".

Big Buds

2008-05-26T14:19:00.001-07:00

Having special friends is such a blessing. . .

The countdown is on. . .

2008-05-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Gavin, along with his Mommy & Daddy are so excited. . .our Disney countdown is on!!

We only have 7 months, 4 weeks and 1 day until the grand event!!

Now just explaining it to the 3 year old that we are not leaving tomorrow. . .

Beach Report. . .FINALLY!!!

2008-05-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I know, it took long enough!! We had an absolutely wonderful time. Good times and good memories with Family. Gavin got even more spoiled rotten and loved every minute of the attention. I'll let the pics tell the story. . .get ready. . .there's a bunch!

Gavin & PawPaw working on one of their many Sand Castles. . .
Gavin on a boat ride at "Broadway at the Beach" he loved riding the boats!
Gavin at the Pavilion park (at Broadway). . .riding motorcycles!! He's ready for bike week now!
Gavin after his "Build a Bear" experience. Of course this is Gavin's 3rd time. He & Mommy really enjoy this. . .Daddy wonders if we really are going for Gavin or Mommy! This time we "built" a cat! Max the cool Cat!! He's dressed as a football player!
Here's PawPaw and Gavin doing some work. . .yes, while on vacation!! Look at their hands. . .it's hysterical!!
Gavin truly loved the beach this summer. . .

Long Tall Sally joined us several times on the beach too. . .don't worry we bought her a sun visor after this day--but she sported Dave's hat the first day down there!

If you want to see more pics. . . here's the album (be sure to scroll down to see captions below the photo)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=ysb7px0.al6xchp4&x=0&y=8gf8mf&localeid=en_US

Oh the joys of childhood. . .

2008-04-21T13:23:00.001-07:00

He's such a BOY!!!

Did I tell you about our E.R. visit??

2008-04-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know some of you have heard the dramatic tale of our visit to the Emergency room, but this blog is to keep those that I don't talk to often informed. . .so here goes again.

One night a couple weeks ago I was cleaning up from dinner, Dave had run downstairs for something and Gavin ventured into the bathroom. . .alone. Normally this is pretty safe, he has become quite self sufficient in the restroom (I'm thrilled to say) so we usually let him tend to his business unless we are summoned to said bathroom.

After a few minutes we hear a deparate, most painful scream. Dave got there first and proclaimed it was bad.

Apparently Gavin climbed onto the bathroom counter, stood ON the bathroom faucet to reach the top of the medicine cabinet shelf to get his daddy's razor. He wanted to shave.

Thankfully he didn't make it to his face, but instead sliced open his thumb. It was quite a cut and there was blood everywhere. It just bled, and bled and bled. We decided because of the nonstop bleeding we might should get assitance. You would have been proud, I was surprisingly very calm.

We proceeded to the ER. Gavin was hysterical, most worried about someone doing "something" to his thumb that was already in much pain. The nurses & doctors were great with him and he left with his wound "glued" together instead of stitches. A coloring book, stickers and popsicle for the brave patient and we were on our way home. Here's a pic of Gavin ready to go to school the next day and show his friends his bandage.

Never a dull moment here. . .never. I'm sure that will be our first of many trips with our little daredevil stunt boy!

Reading is fun. . .

2008-04-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

I hope Gavin always continues his love of reading. While cleaning the other day I noticed he was quiet. Usually this is cause for GREAT alarm. This time however I was pleasantly surprised to find him. . .

Mrs. Karen will be so proud! :o)

Marathon Catch-up Post

2008-03-24T06:11:00.001-07:00

Wow. . we've been very busy and have lots to share since our last post.

We've had a busy and yet good Winter. We've had a few illnesses sweep through our household, but are very optimistic and hopeful for Spring!

Since our last post we have been a busy family! Gavin's been enjoying school every week and doing great. He's been on field trips, learns something new everyday and comes home telling stories of different friends.

Daddy's been working hard as usual, but loving what he does. Daddy and Gavin have "bucket truck discussions" every night. Dave's thrilled to finally have someone that really enjoys hearing all about the chassis, boom and body on a truck! I mean I can pretend. . .but Gavin REALLY cares!! It's hysterical hearing Gavin repeat all these truck parts and act like he knows what he is talking about!! Dinner time conversations here are priceless.

Mommy has been very busy with her "life change" and work. Church has been good, lots of changes including a move of Mommy's departments and change in her job responsibilities, but it's all good and she's very excited!! Our "church school" is growing and growing and keeping her on her toes! She did enjoy a nice "girls weekend" away shopping earlier this month. It was great fun and a tradition they plan to continue!

Now for some recent photos. . from Easter. We had a great Easter here and we are looking forward to an early Spring Break!

Here's Gavin when he first saw the Bunny came to visit. He was so shocked! (Yes, notice the no shirt and only one sock. . .you never know what this kid is going to have on when he gets up)And I love this pic of his reaction, he did this with everything he pulled out of his basket. "Mommy, the Bunny brought me CARS!!!"Getting ready to go to Church. . .a couple sweet Easter Pics And now the REAL Gavin. . .

I hope you and your family had a great Easter as well! Happy Spring everyone!

The Pledge to the Flag

2008-01-07T14:25:00.001-08:00

OK, this is one of my "Proud Mommy Moments". And when they are 3, we have to "relish" in them, right??

Gavin's been saying the Pledge of Allegiance for a couple weeks now, and I just love it. I had to share. . .

(Turn up your volume and click on the arrow in the lower left hand corner. You may have to click on it a couple times.)

What a great Christmas

2008-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

We had a "picture perfect" Christmas this year. It was complete with family, friends, and LOTS of presents!! I'll just let the pictures tell the story. . .And get ready, there's ALOT!!

It started with our Annual Gingerbread House party at Church. Gavin and his friends really got into that this year. And the "Jolly ol Fellow" made an appearance too!

Then onto a Nativity put on at Gavin's preschool Open House. Gavin was a sheep. . . Santa made an appearance at our Preschool on the last day. . .he was just passing through town getting ready for the big day! Granny even got a hug from Santa himself! Gavin had a Christmas party at his other Preschool that week as well. . .lots of parties this kid had!
Next up is our Staunton Christmas. . .We had a great time with MeeMee Hoppy, Grand-daddy and Uncle Scott. Scott scored big with this HUGE tractor he got for Gavin. . .and more farm animals too! The boys all had fun with it. . .
Then Grand Daddy got Gavin his HUGE stable for his horses. . .what a hit. This was one happy boy!!

Then Christmas Eve Nanny & Paw Paw had their annual Party with lots of spoiling to be had. Gavin was truly "in his prime" with all the Nannys, Mee Mees, Paw Paw, Aunts, Uncles & Grand-daddys there!! He got quite the attention and loves every minute of it. Here he's "modeling" his new "horse towel" that MeeMee Judy & Grand-daddy got him.

Uncle Donnie & Aunt Teresa were in too and helped us celebrate!! Gavin loves seeing them & the dogs. We're so looking forward to them moving back (this Spring!) and being closer!!

Onto the house later that night and we got the stuff out for Santa & his reindeer. Gavin was convinced that Rudolph would like a banana. . .so that's what we left!! Along with cookies & milk for Santa and a nice note!!

It must have worked, Santa made his stop and left Gavin his beloved "Chesnut" a spring horse. It's all he asked for from Santa and he got it!! He was a little hesitant at first. . .this is one BIG horse, but it didn't take long and now we can hardly get him off!!

Onto Mom & Dad's for Christmas Breakfast and LOTS of gifts. Gavin was SO into the presents and opening this year. He got so excited and absolutely LOVED everything from clothes to toys!!

Gavin got a cool Rodeo Bull & Cowboy, movie, Remote Control truck, another big Horse, Lincoln Logs, cool clothes, a kids digital camera & lots of other great stuff. He was plenty spoiled!! He loved every minute of it. . .we all did.

Dave & I got great stuff too!! Even though I don't have pics (you know the camera is ALWAYS on the kid) we got stuff like a Wheelbarrow, new pots & pans, beautiful necklace, beautiful watch, gift cards, bathroom organizer, kitchen memo board, great clothes & shoes, money and more!! We were definitely spoiled this year!!

Then Nanny & Paw Paw hosted the extended Family for Christmas Dinner. We had a great time visiting with cousins we don't see often and their kids. . .

New baby cousin Derrick, Trotter and Maggie We ended 2007 with some great friends at Chuck E. Cheese. 13 of us joined the "big mouse" to send the year off and have some great fun. The kids played so good. . .

Yes, ALL the kids. . . And the adults had plenty of fun as well (stop laughing Mark!). It was a great end to a great Holiday season and year.

We aren't making "Resolutions" for the new year. We KNOW for a fact that 2008 is going to be a great year here at our house and we are looking forward to making it a great year. Spending lots of time together. . . and making some great positive changes in our life. . our new Motto is "2008 is going to be GREAT!!".

Thanks for making it through my "Marathon" post of our holidays. I hope you & your family have a very Happy New Year.

OH yea, the ever-famous Santa pic. . .

2007-12-14T04:59:00.001-08:00

Maybe I'm not very good at this "Blogging" thing. . .

2007-12-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Because I can't keep up with posting!!

Wow. . .since my last post we have been a very busy family!

Gavin had his "FIRETRUCK BIRTHDAY". We had his 3 year old party at a local Firestation. It was a huge hit. Here's some pics from the special day. . .

As you can see it was a very fun & active party. The Firefighters were great, lots of interaction with the kids and they all loved it. It was a little boys dream come true!

Then on the night before his birthday we celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese with his buddy Robbie. . .that's always lots of fun!

On Friday, December 7th my little boy turned 3. It's hard to believe. Where has the time gone? Boy. . .the saying that "time flies" is so true when you have a child.

That morning, his little friend Maggie came to spend some time with us. Gavin got his "birthday love". . .

We marked his On his birthday we started a very "big boy" thing. . .Potty training!! Boy. . .has THAT been an adventure! Actually I'm very proud of him, he's caught on quite quickly and done great with it! Here he is sporting some of his "big boy undies". . .and of course his cowboy boots.
Which brings me to our next "birthday" event. Gavin's gift from us for his Birthday was a date to the Rodeo. We had a great family outing and let me tell you. . .the child has YET to stop talking about it. He's my little cowboy. . .

The whole family went and we had a great time. We were all pretty surprised Mom & Dad joined us for the Rodeo, but it shows the lengths Grandparents will go to for thier Grandchildren. . .Gavin was thrilled to have them there, along with Brandon & Jody.

Last weekend he participated in his first "church performance". Since it was his first time performing I wasn't sure what he would do once he got on stage, but have no fear, he was quite the "ham". Yes, you are not seeing things. . he has on a "halo". No comments needed. . .

As you can see things have been busy around here. . . thankfully the Birthday celebrations have come to an end. . .it's a good thing. . Now we have to get ready for Christmas!!

Holy Cow. . .where did the last two weeks go!?!?!

2007-11-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

Man, what is it about the holidays that the closer you get to them the FASTER time goes?!?!

I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone. I hope you & your family had a great memorable Holiday. We had a very nice one there. It was actually very low key and THAT was wonderful!!

My Aunt & Uncle from SC came for a visit and that is always nice. They are very special to us and Gavin gets so excited when they come in. He truly loves them. They have two dogs that he's quite fond of too and he hasn't stopped talking about them yet. He actually cried Saturday night when I told him that Teresa wouldn't be at Church on Sunday because she went back to SC. He didn't like that answer ONE bit.

We had lunch on Thursday at my Aunt & Uncles house (this is my Dad's brother), got to reconnect with cousins, etc. and that was great. Then Friday I did my once a year *crazy* shopping extravaganza. Yep, left the house at 3:25AM for a stop at JCPenneys! Then onto various other stores for lots of Christmas goodies!!

Then yesterday (Sunday) we hosted Thanksgiving for David's parents and had a very nice visit with them as well. It was a great holiday! And now Gavin is on the countdown to Christmas! He is going to be so much fun this year. I can't wait.

Here's some random pics to share with you over the past two weeks. . .

The Birthday celebrations have begun. . . and we have a new Horse!!

Meet Riley the Horse, named respectfully after my Aunt & Uncle's dog Riley. . .

And who wouldn't want a new horse movie too!?!?!

And here's some comical ones. We tried for Christmas Card photos on Saturday. . .Whew. . .
OK Gavin, you have to sit. . .

Removing the props. . .I think he's going for the touchdown here. . .

Could you look at the camera!?!?!?

Taking a 3 year old's pics is such a challenge!! Especially when you add in that my Mom, Aunt & Uncle AND their two dogs went with us!! We were all exhausted by the end of that adventure!

Out of the mouths of Babes. . .

2007-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

Last night Gavin said some things worth sharing. . . .How can a almost three year old be so rudely funny one minute and sweet the next??

Let me set the scene. . .
We had taken my Grandmother to dinner and was returning her to her home. My Grandmother lives in a Retirement Community that has Independent Apartments (where she lives), Assisted Living (where my other Grandmother lived before she passed away in Feb) and a Nursing Facility. It was raining lightly, so I had the windshield washers on. It was just Granny, Gavin & I in the van, Daddy had driven separately.

Going down the road the windshield washers made that "squeak" noise that they do sometimes when it's not quite wet enough. . .Gavin in his innocent voice loudly announces "Meee meeee, I fink you passsssseeedd Gassssss!!" (Translated: MeeMee, I think you Passed Gas). We all got quite a chuckle. . .

Then we left MeeMee and drove past the Assisted Living building and sweetly Gavin says "That's where Ganny used to live". I replied "Yes, it is". He said "She's gone sleepy sleep with Jesus now, right??" That's right Gavin, she's gone sleepy sleep with Jesus.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

From my little cowboy. . .

When did you get so big??

2007-10-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2007-10-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Daddy (David)

Happy Birthday to you!!

Today is Dave's 34th Birthday and we have had a great day (evening) celebrating! Gavin was precious, he was so excited you would have thought it was HIS birthday! At the birthday boy's request we took Daddy to Olive Garden tonight. Gavin announced to EVERYONE (the host, waiter, people behind us, etc.) that it was Daddy's Birthday. We had a grand dinner and Daddy enjoyed his evening very much.

Happy Birthday dear! You are a wonderful husband, whom I love with all my heart. You are a great daddy and you are my best friend. Thank you for being you. I love you.

(Yes, I am fully aware that I am in BIG trouble for posting this picture on the blog. But David, seriously, how could I resist??)

Fall is here!

2007-10-12T05:28:00.001-07:00

The only place I can take more pictures than the beach. . .

2007-10-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

is the PUMPKIN PATCH!!

We went to the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend with our dear friends Marshall & Lisa, and of course their two boys and had a great time. Here's just a select few of pictures I took. . .

Can you believe how big all these boys are getting?? Where has the time gone??

Gavin is on the search. . .for his perfect pumpkin. . .

Come on Daddy. . .I might need some helpCarson, let me show you how it's done. . .

Come on Parker, let's me & you do some exploring!

Now this my friends, is THE pumpkinAnd he did a good job keeping up with it and carrying it the whole way. . .not even struggling to get it in his arms WITH his cup. . . .

Something else Gavin kept a close hold on that day was Lisa. . .he loves her!

Look at that sweet boy! (This is Carson)

If you are ever up for a challenge let me give you one. . .take 3 boys under the age of 3 to the Pumpkin Patch and try to get a good picture of them together. . .

OK, so the day is great. . .great weather, great friends, great pumpkins. What could be better. . .oh wait. . .there are HORSES here!! Anyone that know Gavin well knows that right now he is OBSESSED with Horses. His wildest dreams come true.

Let me at them. . .Horses. . .here I come!Don't worry Mom, you don't have to walk with me. . .me & my Cowboy friend can handle it!

I love this picture for two reasons. 1) the look on Gavin's face. . .he is loving every minute of this and is thrilled. 2) Lisa looks so happy & proud of Gavin, Now that is a true friend. . .standing there waiting through the LONG horse ride line, chasing and keeping up with 18 month old twin boys and STILL has a smile on her face when it's Gavin's turn. :o)

The ride is over. . .thanks Horsey for a great ride!

So we had a great visit to the Pumpkin Patch & Farm. We also ran into other friends, the Smiths who were just as excited over the horses and our friends the Higginbothams, who we miss and it was so good to see! Lots of great fun!! It was a great day overall!

2007-10-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Teresa & Uncle Donnie. . .
We love you!!

Wordless Wednesday--Welcome Fall

2007-10-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Beach Bums have returned home (Warning: EXTRA long post with LOTS of pictures)

2007-09-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

We're back! We had an incredible vacation!! It seriously was the best I can remember since my honeymoon. Gavin had a great time, was a good little boy and LOVES the beach. The time with family was wonderful. We truly came back with a new sense of how important our family is. We had good weather with the exception of one day and who could ask for more?? Now. . .for the details for those who are really interested!!

The drives to and from the beach went quite well. We took my 88 year old Grandmother and Gavin & Granny entertained each other quite well. We didn't even USE the DVD player until about 4+ hours into the trip! Brandon & Jody left much earlier that morning and had the house opened and all ready for us. WOW--What a HOUSE!! We were absolutely thrilled with our house. My Mom did HOURS of research on houses and boy did it pay off! She did a great job--our house was incredible! Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures of it, but here's a few:

A couple of the bedrooms

The view from the porch of the ocean & our pool

Our house from the ocean

We had lots of family and friends there this week. Some of our family came and stayed with us, we had 12 people total and some good friends were just 4 houses down from us! Needless to say it was a great time for all. We really enjoyed getting to spend quality time with everyone.

We took my 88 year old Grandmother with us. This was her first time being on the beach--EVER!!

Gavin had so much fun playing on the beach. He kept saying it was "a BIG sandbox". He loved the sand and water. He LOVED collecting sea shells and got quite a few! He had a blast playing in the sand with Daddy and with our friends too!

Gavin really enjoyed all the time he had with family too. . .

One day we went to the Aquarium, lunch & played on the beach with friends. . .

One little incident that didn't prove so much fun was My trip to the local ER. Oh. . .we had to have some excitement somewhere!! Sunday night we went out and stuffed ourselves at the Calabash Seafood Buffet. We always do this once for the guys. . .to get their fill of crab legs and other seafood. As most of you know I am only a shrimp lover when it comes to seafood. I do love shrimp though and have eaten it all my life. Well apparently I have developed a shellfish allergy. So anyway, we went to eat a late dinner, came home visited a while and headed to bed. I woke up an hour or two later just itching all over my body. Turns out I was having a reaction and was swelling quite badly all over my head & face. You should have seen my ears!! Dave called me Dumbo for quite a few days--and that was no exaggeration! Dave rushed me to the closest ER (thankfully we just passed on that evening and knew the location) and they gave me some big ol' shots and stopped the reaction. I was forbidden to eat any seafood the rest of the week. Also because of the steroid they used I had to limit my time in the sun! Well. . .no seafood, no sun, they took $100 of my vacation money--YIPPEE!! I thought my week was off to a great start! Thankfully I was wrong and we had a great time anyway!!

Thanks for reading my Novel of a post! We had a great time of fun, family, friends and relaxation. It was wonderful and we are very blessed.

Our TWO "First day of School" Days!

2007-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we had our first day of Preschool at Church. . .

And Today we had Orientation at Gavin's "other" Preschool. This is the one he will go to once a week that's "his school". . .one Mom is not involved with.

Happy to go to School!!

Here we go. . backpack and roll of paper towels in tow!!

Here's his little class. There is SIX boys in his class.

Please pray for his teacher!! ;o)

Family Fun Day at Daddy's Work

2007-09-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Family Fun Day at Dave's work on Saturday!

Gavin absolutely loves visiting Daddy's work events with the big trucks and all.

Here's some pics from our day. . .

We all loved the American Theme. .

Popsicles for everyone. . .

The day was great fun for all. . .

Gavin even had a great time in spite of the "oops" on behalf of his Mother. . .

I put his shoes on the WRONG feet!!

Daddy's Home!

2007-09-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!

Our "song of the day" on Friday went. . .

Daddy's comin' home today
Daddy's comin' home today
Daddy's comin' home today
Hip, Hip, Hooray!!

Dave returned at 12:10am Friday evening from a 10 day venture to California. His employer sent him to the west coast to assist with some special projects. He had an exhausting 10 day trip, working 80+ hours last week alone. That and the time change has led to one tired Daddy!! We've spent the weekend relaxing, resting and playing at home. It's been wonderful!!

Dave enjoyed the opportunity to visit the sunny state of California, and got to see some wonderful sites, including Sacramento, San Fransisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. He was thankful for the experience, but glad to be home again.

Welcome home Daddy!! We missed you!

Odds & Ends

2007-08-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Couple other cute pics I wanted to share with you.

Here's Gavin working (for the millionth time) his alphabet puzzle. He LOVES this thing! (Thanks Sarah!)

Here's Gavin on the truck Daddy brought home from work one day. Yes, he's in a diaper, I know. . .but he got up from his nap and went crazy wanting to get on the bucket truck. . .wouldn't stop for shorts OR shoes.

Here he is on his Daddy's shoulders, his favorite place to "ride" these days. And I love that look with his hat!! Too funny. . .

And finally a sleeping pic. . .you know how I love these. Who can blame me, he's STILL and QUIET and angelic. . .he loves that firetruck pillow. . can you tell??

I promise to try better with the blog. I've been having guilt lately about not keeping it up, and friends have been commenting and giving me the "encouragement" that I needed! (Thanks Kristin!)

Have a great evening!

Good times, good times

2007-08-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great playdate last week with some dear friends, wanted to share a couple good pictures.

Here's Harrison & Gavin doing the "boy thing" wrestling and playing

Here's Annalise, Harrison & Gavin being cute!

Our new Pet

2007-08-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Gavin has a new friend in town, and his name is Henry. Yes, Henry the horse. Henry is a stick horse and it is truly Gavin's new love.

It was hysterical. Last week Gavin was "riding" play broom through the house yelling "giddy up Cowboy! Yeehaw" and Dave quickly agreed we had to get the child a stick horse. (or he might start asking for a witches hat!)

Meet Henry the horse. . .

Riding off into the sunset. . .

Now our "Rodeo" is complete!

Sweet Words

2007-08-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

OK, I think any Mom would agree. Some of the sweetest words can come from your children. Today, totally "unprovoked" when I sneezed Gavin said "Bless you Mommy". Ahh. . .the little things.

Where have I been???

2007-08-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ha! I promise, I haven't given up on blogging. I have been meaning to come in and update, but you know how it goes. . .

I'm not really going to try and "catch up", I'm just going to share a couple pics and start "fresh".

Yesterday we went on a little "Daycation" with our dear friends Micheal & Dana. Gavin was THRILLED with going on a trip with Maggie. We ventured to a waterpark for the day and boy we had a blast. In an effort not to ruin my camera I kept it packed away most of the day, but did break it out for a few pics.

He loved this tunnel. . . and must have went though about 156 times!

Just taking a break from all the water and excitement for a quick snack!

In other "happenings" in our life. . .we have some new friends in town. Our Pastor and his family recently moved here from NC and we are loving having them here. Gavin has already proclaimed his love to their two daughters, ages 8 & 4. Seriously, we're thrilled to have them here at our Church and in our town.

We're getting geared up for a new school year. . .just around the corner! Our little Church Preschool is growing quickly and I'm very excited. I've always dreamed of Directing a Preschool and boy I am doing it! Wow. . .the Lord works in mysterious ways. He's blessed us abundantly though and I am so thankful. Gavin is getting excited about starting school too and seeing all his friends. . .now I just have to go through the whole explanation of why he can't ride the school bus everyday again. . .

Thank you

2007-07-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

A HUGE Thank you to all my dear friends and family members. Thank you for what? Thank you for your love and patience with me over the past 2+ weeks that I have been unbearable, absent, air-headed and just a pain!!

I have just finished successfully directing my 2nd Vacation Bible School. Our Church had 122 children in attendance and it was indeed a success.

So for all of you that have left me messages, emails, etc and I have not responded I truly apologize, I am slowly uncovering myself and plan to be back to normal as soon as possible.

Please know that I dearly love you all and truly thank you.

Camping Pics

2007-07-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's pictures from our camping trip from a few weeks ago. . .I just realized I hadn't shared them yet! oops! We went camping with our friends Marshall & Lisa, and of course thier twin boys Carson & Parker. The boys weren't too sure about the sleeping arrangements. They had to cut their camping trip short, but I think they'll be ready by next summer. We still had a great time. Gavin loves playing with the boys, and the boys enjoy him. . .as long as he doesn't play tackle football with them again or give them too many "bear hugs". . .ah the gentleness of a two year old boy. . .Thankfully Marshall & Lisa are very understanding and patient friends.

Here's part of our campsite. We borrowed our neighbor's pop-up camper. We love that thing. . .we gotta get one someday!

Here's the "fun quarters" of our campsite--playyard is a MUST with little boys!

Here's Gavin & Daddy looking out the camper looking for the horses. We had a horse pasture right beside our campsite. . .Gavin thought that was so cool!

Unfortunately the horses were not too friendly and we had to be careful when petting them, but Gavin & the boys really enjoyed watching them. . .

Gavin really loved "helping" with the twins.

No camping trip is complete without Tractor transportation!

And here's a camper at heart. Sittin by the campfire playing some music on his guitar and eating graham crackers. . .didn't even wait for the roasted marshmallows!

All in all Gavin thought the trip was great!! We'll do that again soon!

Get Ready. . .

2007-07-02T05:54:00.001-07:00

For Picture overload!
I've been very "lax" lately with the blog, so here's my marathon post with lots of pictures to update on all we've been doing.

First, Gavin has such a great sense of fashion. . he's his beloved rain boots that he begs to wear every day. And of course his Daddy's hat!!

We enjoyed a visit to the Horse Show. . .and a necessity for any show. . Popcorn!

We had a great playdate with his buddy Robbie. The boys (& Moms) have so much fun together. . .just hanging out!

Had a fun visit to Mimi & Granddaddy's house one weekend. We picked squash out of their garden! Gavin was such a big helper!

Here--let me pick one

I got one!

Wow this bag is heavy

You carry it Mimi, I got to find something else to get into

Let me reassure you these skunks are plastic yard ornaments. . .

And it's a good thing, because Gavin LOVED playing with them.

Five Funnies for a Friday

2007-06-22T04:37:00.001-07:00

Wanted to share a few things my funny child has said this week. . .oh out of the mouths of babes (especially Two year olds!)

1) He was playing with his Bob The Builder Duplo set and overheard his Nana (while on the phone) say "Praise the Lord" and out comes. . .

"Praise the Lord Bob the Builder!!"

2) Gavin has become quite interested in "his" house. "Where is my house?" "We go to my house?", etc. We were leaving the house to go run some errands the other morning and out comes. . .

"That my house? Bye Bye My House. . I love you My house. . ."

3) While playing with his friend Madison they were doing a "salute". Madison would count off. . ." 1-2-3-4-Salute" then Gavin would repeat. . .

"5 - 2 - 4 - 2 A-loop"

(Yes, he knows how to count)

4) While sitting at the dinner table we usually "review our days" with each other. This always starts with me saying "Daddy, how was your day". . .when we were finished last night Gavin paused, then looked at Dave and said. .

"Daddy, how your day were?"

5) Most of you know that my child has a TRUE OBSESSION for Fire Trucks. They are his favorite thing in the whole world. Now he finally knows what the man is that drives the Firetruck (For a long time they were called FireTruckMan). When I say Gavin, what do you want to be he replies. .

"I want to be a Pire Pighter, I drive Pire truck and spray water on fire, it's HOT!"

Just for you "A-issa"

2007-06-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

Hugs to you!!

Where has the week gone??

2007-06-17T16:23:00.001-07:00

Wow. . .I've been pretty absent lately, huh??
Here's a "slideshow" of what we've been up to lately!!

Our friend Maggie came to play one day. . .we had fun times together!

Then Gavin went to a very cool birthday party at the zoo. . .here he is with his friends Piper & Ty.

Piper & G-Man are blowing their party accessories. . .

Gavin's music class started again and he has so much fun! Here he is with Maggie & the twins. They are all in his class now!

We had a picnic with our friends from Church
Gavin was dancing with his friends. . .

Then we had a fun playdate with more friends from Church:

Then last night was our Father's Day Cookout at Brandon & Jody's House.
Love getting together with everyone from Jody's family. . .
Gavin had a great time with the kids. . .and played ball with BoBo and huggin HarleyDog!

As you can see we having been very busy. . .enjoying Summer!!
Hope you all are doing well!
Happy Fathers Day!

Happy "Half" Birthday to you!

2007-06-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Gavin's "Half Birthday"! He was officially Two & a Half!

I baked him half a cake and we had a little "party" after dinner.

We had 1/2 a chocolate cake with two and a half candles! It was fun. . and we sang!

"Happy Half Birthday to you
Happy Half Birthday to you
Happy Half Birthday dear Gavin
Happy Half Birthday to you!"
In case you were wondering. . .NO there were no presents!

Yes, I am over-the-top-goofy! But my two year old LOVED it!!

Blowing out the candles. . .

Saying "Cheese" because I kept snapping pictures!

What a mess!

Best part of the day: Watching Gavin light up when he saw that cake with candles! It was precious. He's getting so big!!

Painting Fun

2007-06-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Mom & Gavin are enjoying a couple weeks of a "less hectic" schedule before all the "Summer fun" begins for Mommy at Church. We've enjoyed some home "projects" including finger painting! (Can I tell you how much LOVE Crayola's Color Wonder!!??)

Here's some pics of Gavin's masterpiece from today:

Notice the tongue. . .closely resembles a close male role model of Gavin's, whom I won't mention any names to prevent embarrassment. . .

Working hard, yet thoroughly enjoying it!

And the finished Masterpiece. . .it's a fridge door jewel for sure!
He's so proud!

Best part of today: Getting to spend a little time with my munchkin. . no schedule to keep to and taking our time! Life IS good.

More sleeping pictures

2007-06-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love when he's sleeping!! Ha ha!

Can you find him?

Yes, EVERY night & naptime we have to have the following in the race car bed:

Pooh
Tigger
DoodleBear
DoodleDog
Roo
Owl
Mickey Mouse
Firetruck pillow
Firetruck Blanket
Cars Blanket
Down blanket
a "ju" cup (with water)
and now "FiretruckMan"

There's barely room for Gavin!

How to build the PERFECT CheeBurger

2007-06-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Gavin gave lessons this morning on how to cook the best Cheeseburger (CheeBurger).

First, you have to look really cute

Then you have to get the appropriate attire on

Get your cooking tools ready (microwave)

Use LOTS of dip-dip (Ketchup)

Yes, even more ketchup (his Daddy would be SO proud)

Does that look like enough ketchup? NO! Needs more!

Looks "YummyLicious" to me!!

Taste it out. . .

And be sure to follow up with our new "Monster Face"

And THAT is how you make the perfect CheeBurger

Rodeo! (Pic overload!)

2007-06-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

We received a last minute invitation from the Gregory Family to go to the Rodeo tonight! We had one here at a local park and boy was it fun! This was actually Gavin's second Rodeo (Yes, his Daddy is a country boy) but he liked this one much more than the first. I think because it was outside, and a lot less LOUD. He really got into it this year.

The kids had first class transportation.

First we had to check out the bounce house. . .get some of that energy out!

We loved the horses. . .they were beautiful!

We were impressed with the Christian Flag and representation from "Cowboy Church"

The kids were so cute putting their hands on the hearts for the National Anthem

Look at that cowboy go! We had great seats--VERY close!

The kids got very comfy in their wagon. . .precious toes

This guy was HYSTERICAL--he is actually posing here for Dana & I to take his picture

Here are a bunch of kids running after a calf to try and catch it! NO, Gavin (nor Maggie) participated. We decided they weren't quite ready for that. Them or the calf!

They watched closely from the sidelines.

We had a great time! Gavin's still talking about the horses!!

New Sleeping Buddy

2007-05-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Gavin's new sleeping buddy

His beloved "FiretruckMan".

He recieved this as a party favor from his friend Tyson's birthday party--and boy is it a hit at our house! Thanks Kristin!

Happy Memorial Day!

2007-05-29T11:34:00.003-07:00

We sported our Memorial Day T-shirts in honor of our Country's special day!

We joined several friends at the River on Monday. We had a great time and enjoyed lots of fun with our friends. Gavin absolutely loved the river. He loved playing with the kids and especially playing in the water. Here's an abundant supply of pics of our great day!

Hanging out with my friends, sitting with MeeMee, playing with Bryan & Parker

Carson eating some yummy chips, Parker checking out the water

Gavin playing in the River--Oh he loved it!

Splashing Kaitlyn (Kate Kate--one of Gavin's babysitters)--he had such fun with her

Our beautiful friend Cara, basking in the beautiful sunshine!

All the kids playing on the tubes

We had a great time!!

We went on a Safari!

2007-05-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

We went to a local (well a short day trip) Safari Zoo this weekend and had a great time! At first Gavin wasn't too sure about all these animals coming up to the windows of the truck, but after a few minutes he was really into it. We saw all kinds of animals, some we got pictures of. . .

This gives you an idea of what it's like (if you haven't been), the animals are all over and you drive through--quite often, like here, you have wait for them to get out of the road! Gavin would holler "Move over Buffawo. . .let us through!" (that's a Zebra at the car in front of us)

This pic was funny too, Gavin said "Say Cheese Buffawo"! He really liked the Buffalo!

Here's Gavin & Daddy petting the goats and pigs.

And looking at this huge bronze turtle.

And look at these real turtles!

Kangaroos--Gavin wanted them to get up and was jumping all around to show them what they were supposed to do!

Gavin loved the Giraffes, he called them "big GiGis" from GiGi the giraffe puppet at his music class.

His favorite was probably the monkeys! I think because he is part Monkey!

Here's Mommy & Gavin pretending to be Kangaroo & Baby!

We finished with a yummy picnic lunch!

It was a fun Family day and we all had a great time!

Pool Fun begins!

2007-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

We got out in the pool for a little while today, Gavin had a great time and decided he loves the pooouuuullll!

Here's a few pics of our fun. . .

And here's two pics I wanted to share too. Gavin is in this new "stage" where he gets into these very serious conversations and the facial expressions he gives me are hysterical! Here he is talking about washing his hands.

Sorry the pic quality isn't wonderful-my camera is acting up again
(Hey Mom, guess I need to return it for a refund, huh? HA!)

Summer is here!

2007-05-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

This week marked Gavin's start of Summer. . .for the first time today Gavin yelled "Schools Out"!!

To refresh your memory, Gavin goes to a Mother's Morning Out on Tuesday at a local Church and on Thursday he's enrolled in our My Morning Out program at our Church--Mommy is Director there. May not be "real school" but try convincing him of that! When we wake up and I announce "we're going to school today" he starts looking out the window for the big yellow bus!

Well we finished up both "schools" this week and we are officially on Summer break. How fun! We celebrated tonight by going and purchasing one of those cheap little plastic pools that every Two year old must have to decorate (or tacky up) their yard. You would have thought we bought him his first car! Pics of that are sure to follow!

Meanwhile, here's some pics of him on his last day of school on Tuesday:

Going into the school with Ms. Carolyn:

Yippee!! 1 Year down, only 19 more to go!!

Best part of today: Teaching my Two year old to yell "Schools Out for Summer" when we left school today!! Too funny!!

Fun with Kids

2007-05-22T16:43:00.001-07:00

We had a delightful lunch with Carson & Parker the other day. . .and their parents of course!

We decided afterwards we really needed a recent pic of all the boys together, since this was their last. . .

But as you can see from our attempts we didn't get one of them all looking at us.

It was quite a site too. . .four adults yelling all kinds of funny things to get their attention, standing outside the Restaurant looking like "tourists" as Marshall put it!

Good times, good times. . . .

More Sickness and Favorites

2007-05-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ha! What a title. . .

Well I was really looking forward to summer so all the sickness and germs would go away. So far the opposite has proven to be true at our home. Now Mommy & Daddy BOTH have strep throat.

Gavin is spending the night with Nanny & PawPaw tonight so that we can hopefully avoid passing anything on to him and so we can both get some much needed rest.

A group of online friends did "surveys" on their kids' favorites and I thought it'd be fun to share here. . .

Some of Gavin's Current Favorites

Food: Pizza--loves it
Drink: Milk or V8 Fusion
Fruit: apples & oranges
Veggie: green beans
TV Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jay-Jay the Jet Plane
Movie: Elmo visits the Firestation
Music: Ms. PattyCake and Laurie Berkner
Book: Train Song and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Inside Toy: His Train Table and his Tonka Firetruck
Outside Toy: Sandbox and his Tractor
Bath Toy: any cup!
Fictional Character: Mickey Mouse
New thing to say: No Mommy, I do it!
Thing to do in the car: Watch for Firetrucks, School Buses or Dump Trucks
(and yell frantically if he sees one!)

Other interesting fact about your little one?
He is obsessed with washing his hands and brushing his teeth. Wants to wash his hands or brush his teeth all the time now!

My Disappearing Act

2007-05-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

I know, Sunday I have a roll with multiple posts, then go all week with nothing! What a disappointment. Let me explain. . .

I have a sick baby AGAIN!

If you will remember back almost 2 weeks ago Gavin was diagnosed with an ear infection and strep throat. So we were on Omnicef for 10 days. Finished that up on Monday. Tuesday morning he woke all stuffy and just very yucky feeling. He kept going on and on that his ear hurt. Great. . .call and back to the Dr.

Saw a Nurse Practitioner and she said ears were clear, just allergies and start him on Claritin. Gavin's taken this before. . .no prob. Deal with LOTS of congestion, especially in his nose and TOTALLY NO SLEEP on Tuesday day and night. He can't breathe at all laying down. Just plain miserable.

Wednesday morning we get up and change his diaper. . .he has blisters all over his bottom. Not a typical diaper rash at all. I call the Dr. . .they want to see him. . back we go.
Saw the DR this time and he said it's just a reaction to the Omnicef (called a POST antibiotic reaction--never heard of it!) just to treat it like diaper rash. Also prescribed Singulair for his allergies to maybe give some relief from all this congestion and keep his allergies under control for summer.

So as Wednesday goes on he gets no better. Last night was horrible. Again, absolutely no sleep. Go on to school today because it is allergies (two Doctors say so). Ended up coming home early because he was just so miserable. Not home long and the fever starts.

I call back to Ped's office and guess what. . they want to see him!! So again, for the THIRD time this week we go back to the Dr. His ears are clear still (to the surprise of me & the DR), but it's evident from the 102.5 temp that he has a sinus infection. So he got a shot of antibiotic and a prescription for Zithromax.

I'm so ready for a healthy child!!! Now let's get these allergies under control come on Summer! Unfortunately he got his Mama's allergies and I know from YEARS of experience they are no fun!!

Best part of today: If there really CAN be a best part it was this. In the Doctor's office, the nurse comes in with the dreaded needle for Gavin's shot. She says "Gavin, let's give you something to make you feel better buddy!" to which he so innocently replies "No Pank You" (No Thank you). It was precious. . . She was very impressed with his politeness!!

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Whew. . .I'm on a "post overload" tonight!

I had a great Mothers Day today. . .I hope all of you Mothers did as well!

We had a great day yesterday, started out super early headed to visit Dave's Mom and have some fun. We visited a local Book Fair. That's always a HUGE hit with me, I absolutely love it!

Then came back for Ashton's Party--which was lots of fun! Happy Birthday Ashton! I can't believe you are SEVEN!! And to think, 7 years old and already a Hero! Gavin thinks the sun rises and sets on Ashton!!

We had dinner last night with my Parents and "BoBo" (Brandon). Yummy Mexican food! We sat outside the weather was so nice. . .it was lovely. Literally as soon as the waiter brought our check the BIG raindrops started falling. Ended up leaving kinda quickly because of the rain. . but it was a nice dinner.

Then today had a great morning at Church, a lovely Sunday afternoon nap, some fun "outside play" time with my boys and another Mother's Day dinner with my Parents and Grandmother. This time we visited the Cracker Barrel for some yummy food and Gavin loved every minute of it.

From checkers with Dad

And checking out EVERY rocker in the place

And lots of spoiling from the Grandparents

It was a dream come true for a Two year old little boy!

My sweet hubby did some yard work for me for Mothers Day today. What a man, working in the flower beds!

And just a few pics of my little guy running around outside today. He is an outside kind-of boy for sure!

Best part of today: Realizing the most incredible name to be called is. . .Mommy

Houston. . .we have foilage

2007-05-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here's an update to Gavin little "Garden Project". He's been checking it everyday and is so excited to see some progress. It's amazing this is working, considering he wants to drown the flowers daily when watering them. . .these are some tough little plants!
April 26 (when we started)

And today-May 13

Previous posts: http://gavinsnews.blogspot.com/2007/04/wow-where-has-this-week-gone.html

Stay tuned for more results. . .

No Mother was seriously hurt during this event

2007-05-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

I was enjoying my leisurely Mother's Day Afternoon by sitting my swing reading. Quiet, blissful sounds around me, my two year old happily playing independently, sun shining on my face when. . ."BANG" Something literally fell from the sky and HIT ME!! (And it hurt!)

This tree limb just fell out of the tree right above where I was sitting and landed RIGHT on top of me. Talk about waking you up! Wow!

Too much "Kitty" Influence

2007-05-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Yea, I think my child has been spending too much time with our cats. This is how we found him this afternoon. When I asked him what he was doing he said "I drink water Mama"!! Oh my. . .

2007-05-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!

It's Finally Friday!!

2007-05-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I know you are all excited as I am that the weekend is here!
I love the weekends, having Daddy at home with us and all being together is just so much fun! We have an action packed weekend planned this weekend. . . so no resting will occur!!

First, let me tell you about Gavin & the cats. Boy do my poor cats have a rough life ahead of them. Don't get me wrong. . .Gavin LOVES the cats. Too much some times. And Gavin is so bossy with the cats (not sure where he gets that from!) He loves to fuss at them "Luke, get down!" Except Luke comes out as "Uuuuttt get down!" It's hysterical.

My concern is now for the cats safety. Already this morning (and it's only 9:00) Gavin has brushed "Uuut's" hair (the wrong way of course), put a curler on Leah, poured cat food on Luke's head because he wasn't eating fast enough (wonder why, with a two year old WATCHING you??). Then of course he shut them in the bathroom AGAIN. I heard both cats crying at the door and knew exactly what crime had taken place. So I opened the door and like always Luke sprints out faster than he has in years. But no Leah. Hum. . .that's interesting. So I leave and go back to my cleaning project in the kitchen. When I come back down the hall I still hear Leah crying. . . this can't be good. When investigating further I find that Gavin has locked Leah in the vanity cabinet. Poor cat. We probably won't see her the rest of the day. And who can blame her? (here's a couple pics, first one is Uuut (Luke) and Gavin chilling on the bed this morning while Mommy did laundry--the second is Gavin actually being NICE to Leah and rubbing her head.)

Here's a pic of Gavin with one of his surprise and wonderful packages from Aunt Teresa. She's so good to him (& me). This time he got a Life is Good shirt, that adorable hat and a set of Cars Books! Yippee! It was like Christmas at our house!

Funny Parenting Moment to share. . .

2007-05-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

OK, for various reasons my Son has been cracking me up this week. This child has come out with some of the funniest responses to me this week and I have laughed at him several times. But I have to say. . .today takes the cake, by far!

After Gavin's preschool this morning we had to run to the DMV (Dept of Motor vehicles) because when going to my van this morning I noticed my tags expired the end of APRIL!

So, we head out to the DMV. Me & a Two year old. . .YIKES! We get there and the line is SO LONG. And this is the line JUST to get a number and wait! Seriously, like at least 20 people in line in front of us.

Now I don't have to tell you that you see "all kinds" of people at the DMV. It seems like when I am there the "winners" just come out from everywhere! Well today was no exception. Several people in front of us was a lady with PINK hair. Now I am talking BRIGHTER than Doodlebops DeeDee Pink!

It was a sight. . .but onto the story.

So we are standing in line and two "classy" women come up behind us. They started "fussing" about the wait. One of them in particular was quite "mouthy" about it and kept using words that I don't feel is appropriate for a public place such as DMV. Curse words that I haven't heard since high school were escaping from this woman's mouth and she wasn't trying to be quiet AT ALL. I was really getting aggravated. Not at the wait as much as this woman and her LOUD and NASTY mouth behind me. And the fact that my two year old was hearing this as well. And I was really fretting because Gavin repeats EVERYTHING he hears these days.

So before I knew it she started "calling" Jesus. "Well Jesus this" and "Jesus that" "Jesus, why can't they have someone else work the counter. . ." You get the picture. Well. . .it happened. My son heard her. Suddenly, from his stillness in his stroller he jumps when he hears it. Gavin says (none too quietly) "JESUS??", "Oh Mommy", "Jesus loves me, Bible tells me so" and goes on to sing "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so". And no, it wasn't in a quiet little angelic voice. This woman was loud and heard and Gavin WOULD NOT be outdone. He was almost SCREAMING as he sang.

The woman in front of me joined me in laughing hysterically. We were both in tears we were laughing so hard. I have to say, the "Loud" woman heard too and commented that it was precious. Oh we can only hope it truly meant something to her. . .