Another fun day with Gary

We were able to spend another day with Gary. Aidan and Gary are like the best of friends now. We went and got Gary about 1030 this morning. We helped Grandpa pick some apples off of Suzie's tree and then we headed back to my house. From there I was able to talk Gary into mowing our front lawn. He only missed a couple of spots, but hey...even I do that. Then we had lunch and retired to the ultra cool (as in a comfy 66-69 degrees) basement. I got Aidan to wind down for a nap, and Gary played some Star Wars Legos and other video games. Then Gary and I colored some pictures. I have been working on a home made concentration game for Aidan. I know he is too young, but some days I think that he would be able to play and enjoy them. He currently enjoys a book that has some puzzle pieces in it. Then at 5 PM Suzie came to get our friend Gary. But we are excited it sounds like we get to play again tomorrow. Yippie!

I took this picture because Gary is playing Star Wars and Aidan just wanted to lean on Gary and watch. Aidan would giggle with Gary, get excited with Gary and frustrated with him too. It was so cute. Having Gary play with us everyday is helping me get comfortable with the idea of preparing for child number 2.

Gary Time!

Holly had to go to Pennsylvannia for a couple of days to be with a friend. So Gary was able to spend sometime with Grandma Suzie and today Gary was able to come over to our house and play. Aidan LOVES Gary. Poor Gary! Every time Gary comes around Aidan just acts all crazy like. Well we decided to watch a movie and relax. Aidan grabbed his bottle and decided to cuddle with Gary instead of Mom and Dad. I thougth it was so precious. We love being able to spend time with Gary.

Without a doubt...spoiled rotten.

So everyone and I mean everyone around me pulled one over on me today.

Brian and I woke up like normal and got some chores done. Big deal. Then he got ready for work and left at 555 PM just like normal. Then at 610 PM Brian returned home and stated..."get dressed, you have 15 minutes". What??? He made me nervous. What happened at work? Is everything okay? While I am getting ready he got Aidan dressed and ready to go. What is going on? Then he changed his shirt. Seriously....what's going on? Brian told me nothing. We got into the car and drove off. We passed the theater, his parents house, even Wal-Mart...I was so confused. Then he got off at the Kaysville exit...my first thought...is Aunt LuAnn okay? What happened? (My phone had been on silent today so I may have missed a crucial call.) When we got to the Lincoln's house everyone was saying Happy Birthday and stuff and then Stephanie tells me it was a surprise party/ BBQ planned. What!?!?! Suzie and Stephanie planned this little party for me...I am so spoiled! I had no idea. Brian never had to work tonight...tease! Suzie, Reed, Virgie, Bob, the Bennetts, Cherie, Brianne, Joshua, Jordan, the Lincolns, Ann, Jeff and the Bovee's came! Seriously spoiled!!! A delicious spread of some of the most delightful Lincoln family fare was available to eat and Amy made some yummy burgers and dogs. It was wonderful. Thank you to all....

And then to add to my incrediable situation...there were gifts. I received an awesome clock from The Roth's. I know exactly were it is going, in the main living room on the currently long empty wall. Then a gift certificate from the Lincoln's to Target. Bob and Virgie got me some fancy whisks. One of them is both a whisk and a tong set. Cool huh! And then to top all of that off Brian and I received some house warming gifts. We received some mixing bowls, a broom, a duster, and a sign for the main living room. And then a new Bissel brand vacuum. How nice is that!

The night was wonderful and full of fun. Aidan enjoyed his freedom with cousins and the Bovee kids.

I just wanted to say thank you again to all those who thought about me, organized it, brought food, visited, and was just being there. Thank you so much. I will never forget my 30th birthday. I loved it! And you too!

How old are you again?

So today has been one of those days, come to think of it...this week has been one of those weeks. Maybe its because I became another decade older, maybe its because of life and its overwhelming me. Maybe, just maybe it just needed to happen...but I have been needing my Mother all week. I know...ridiculous right! I am now thirty years old, have a husband and a child of my own, my own house and I need my Mom. I have been trying to ignore it but I have just concluded that sometimes a girl just needs her Mom. I recently found a poem that I got out of the newspaper years ago because I thought it was pretty. It is sure ringing true today!

My mother called the other day
I hadn't spoken with her for a while
My life's burdens were heavy
Her voice was like the spring to me
Blossoms, and green, and hope-
All bound with a gentle breeze and
warm sun on my back
Memories swept across my mind
And a lifetime passed--all in a
moment's time
Her soft voice was calling to me:
you can do it
it will be okay
you are beautiful
and I love you--always I love you.
My mother called the other day
I hadn't spoken with her for a while
And though I was all grown up
Her voice called to me:
you can do it
it will be okay
you are beautiful
I love you.
--Peg Hope

So I had been the one to call her...silly reason actually. But this poem describes exactly how her voice made me feel.

The house. The beautiful new house that we bought is beginning to be overwhelming. The rain has been a constant. Not every day, but every other day a good sized storm comes through and drops water on us. I love the rain, no big deal. But the grass and the yard are growing so fast I don't know what to do! I have developed weeds in my backyard that are so strong and set in there ways I can't get them out. I started to think, maybe these obnoxious things aren't weeds. I called my Mom for advice and a demand. I need you to visit NOW and when you come I need to be taught in all the ways of my mommy. How in the world did she do it all? I know my dad was around but I just remember my mom doing it all.... I don't understand how she did it all. She had a full time job (sometimes two!), four children, a house that was always clean and organized, and even though we never had the most elaboratly landscaped yard, it was always clean and green. How did she do it? She would even play sports and have us in some kind of recreational thing....how?

I just wanted to point out that my mom, in her very unique, non chalant way always makes me feel better. Our conversations aren't very long or drawn out. But I love knowing that she is always there. I don't ever remember feeling this way but it is good to know that she is around and always a big help....no matter how lame my reasoning or need....I love my mommy! And yes I need my mommy...all the time...and yes...I am 30 years old and I admit....

I NEED MY MOM!!

My shirt!

I know that the picture isn't very good...I used my phone and he was moving. But I had just got out of the shower and couldn't find my shirt...or the child. So I went around the house looking for the child. Then I found him., with my shirt, on Brian's side of the bed. He had managed to take off his own shirt find mine and put mine on his little body. When I caught him and giggled he looked at me like oops...I got caught. Then I went for the camera and he started undressing again. Silly wonderful delightful child!

But when all was said and done. He freaked when I tried to put it on, so I am letting him wear it now. I tied it in the back so that it doesn't drag so much.

I found myself another shirt.
End of story.... :)

Happy Birthday to me...you old lady!

So I have to admit...I was kind of mopey yesterday and earlier today. Today is my birthday. The big 30. That's right I am half way dead...my life is nearly over. Crazy thought process huh! So I was not real excited for today. Yesterday was horrible. It was yesterday that I realized that Brian would be working all day long. Brian has two jobs now. He still works for SLC as a computer tech but then he decided that he "missed" working in the projection booth at the theater so he made arrangements to go back, two days a week. Thursdays and Saturdays. So you got it...he would be up at 7 AM work in SLC until 5 PM drive home and return to the other job from 6 PM to 2 AM Friday morning.

Crappy!

So as I begin my pity party yesterday I do what I usually do and blog stalk and check out my regular sites. And would you know...EVERYONE SLAPPED MY WHINEY BUTT IN THE FACE...HARD! My good friend Debbie posted a story about playing the "Glad Game" as found in Pollyanna. Its the basic idea of find something to be happy about, because there's stuff everywhere (probably not exactly what it is, but that what I got from it). I loved it. Made me take a minute to ponder my attitude. Then I got on to FaceBook and read another blog from Brian's aunt Whit...about....you got it...the GLAD GAME...same referrence and everything. Yes...I was...awake, aware whatever you want to call it. So I decided to give it a try. It was hard, because I wanted to be a brat! I wanted to be spoiled and get my way....I didn't want Brian to work! But I have since regrouped. I have decided that all this GLAD GAME talk and Pollyanna business was something I needed to pay attention to.

Today was borderline obnoxious. Around every corner there was something that wanted to make me mad, sad, pouty and even irrate. But I played the game...and today wasn't that bad. I still missed Brian. But he was able to come and play for a little bit before work. I am truly loved by many, and I appreciated all they do...even if it is just there company or knowing that today...they thought about me...even for a minute...and that helped a lot. virgie and Bob made dinner and brought it to our house. Her yummy Barbeque (which apparently is just a fancy sloppy joe...see Armga recipes for the recipe) and funeral potatoes. Suzie, Jeff, Ann and Lorraine came over for dinner as well. Then everyone sang to me. That alone was wonderful. Aidan LOVES that song. He beams when he hears it. Even if it isn't for him. I love it. For presents I got a lot! A hamburger masher (Suzie doesn't think I make ground beef correctly so she found something to help me out!), silicone heart shaped muffin shapes, three batter bowls, a dozen red roses from Brian, a bouquet from my parents, a Jimmie Johnson folding chair, a card with some money from Grandma Wilson and and fabulous dinner. And to top it all off...Ann, Jeff, and Lorraine stuck around and played some Phase 10 with me. Its funny how the little things are the best. Even though I couldn't spend the evening with my Brian (we will go out tomorrow) it all worked out nicely.

So in order to follow the game...I am grateful for all of those who took a minute to wish me a happy birthday. I am grateful for this silly game that helped make my birthday a good one. Thanks again everyone!

FHE....Friends Home Evening

Growing up I don't really remember having too many family home evenings. You the kind where you all gather around the living room at seven on Monday night, read a scripture, a thought, and a lesson, followed by a baked good of some kind. I know that we had a couple just not really a habitual form of FHE. Maybe it was my dad's schedule, maybe it was not enough space, maybe I just can't remember.

One thing that Brian and I have talked about it is doing things either exactly the same as our parents or do it differently. After much talk we have decided to combine the to ideas.

Though I don't remember Monday nights specifically I do remember things like Friday night pizza and a movie night. Always cheap pizzas (either Little Caesars or frozen pizza) and go get two movies. A child friendly movie and then dad picked out an adult movie (not a naughty movie just a PG-13 or greater). It was such a treat if it was your turn to pick the movie! So in the tradition of that we have our own tradition to work on and build.

We have decided that we enjoying friends and having people around. So Monday nights will be FHE, Friends (Family) Home Evening. We will gather together and do something. Dinner, movies, games, walks in the park, visiting other family, etc. etc. As long as it is done together. At least one Monday a month we will do a religious FHE (not necessarily a lesson because there is so much to do in visiting church history and stuff).

Last night night we started this tradition. We had Megan, Steven and their kids Zoe and Lincoln come over for a stir fry/spring roll dinner and a game of phase 10. I have become addicted to phase 10...I love it! We had a blast. We were finally able to eat outside under our covered patio (a first!) and let the kids play in the yard. What a fun thing that is! They finally decided that it was time for kids to sleep about 1030. Brian and I had so much fun. Aidan enjoys playing with other kids and I am glad to help him with that. Thanks so much to the McFadden's for coming over and hanging out.