Gabi's Wish List 2007

Here is Gabi's wish list to Santa...I have a feeling he plans on bringing most of them to her...here's a sneak peek at some of them:

This...in pink (stylish)

She would absolutely love this...to be like her brothers

This version of Rubik's cube

Her favorite singer/actress new movie

This - because her last one fell off the back of the truck coming back from the campground this summer

A favorite game she plays at her best friend's house

This and this book

A sample of the things on her wish list for family include:

This book or others like it

This movie

This or this leapster game

These dolls - her or him

In her letter to Santa recently - Gabi told Santa that she thought he deserved a gift this year for delivering toys to all the boys and girls - how sweet!

Adams

Last night was our first dual meet. The team won as a whole (69-3), while Trenton pinned his opponent in 1:23 and Tyler won by forfeit for the JV team (so unfortunately he was unable to wrestle). The moms get together each year to make "flags" for the boys and hang them in the gym during the wrestling season. They looked very cool!
We had some great support - my parents, Ben's dad and his brother, aunt Annie and her son David, Kristi and Marissa (Tyler's gf and mom) and a good friend, Bill, all showed up to watch our boys last night. It was awesome! It's so good to hear Trenton say, "I am so excited for this season!" A very welcome change in attitude, especially while controlling his weight.













**That's uncle Dave with Gabi standing above Trenton's flag!

Tis' The Season

More on this little cutie girl and her wish list later...

My Wish List

I think it's fun to see what people like and want for Christmas so I thought I would share some things I would love to have (even though I usually do not get alot of these and that's okay, it's just fun to wish).
Been wanting to get one of these for a while now...just waiting till we had extra cash (as you can see, haven't got it yet). My only specification would be a 2 GB - I am not picky.
Have been going on wild goose chases lately for this one. Trying to get the best deal - can't see spending over $50 for one but would really like a 7 inch.
Can't get enough of these. Specifically sugar cookie, clean cotton, lilac blossoms, sweet strawberry, oatmeal cookie and country linen.
My favorite perfume - not expensive and easy to find.
Can always use these - especially around picture taking times.
I need this badly, my stash just recently ran out. I love Pearberry (but it's not available anymore), but I like Black Raspberry Vanilla and Country Apple the best.
I need one of these also for my purse - mine is worn. I have seen some cute ones at the Scrapbooking store.
I am very interested in this book and this one.
Been interested in this for some time (specifically mesa red, classic black, windsor navy or cambridge), just never wanted to pay full price for one.
Love this and cute ones like it. Can never get enough to accessorize with. $30 seems too much though, could probably find something like it for less.
Love this television show - it never could grow old - a show with values and lessons.
Don't laugh when you see this. Fan of the show - like the saying.
Last but not least...gift cards to here, here, or here.
See my whole list here (look up the list by my name). It's fun to create one when you have the time. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving Day

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Very different with us not hosting it, but it was fun. The boys started the day by going hunting. Trenton took along his buddy, Caleb, from school. They both ended up getting bucks. Trenton got a 4 point and Caleb a button buck. The boys were ecstatic. Trenton's first buck! Dressed out at 127 lbs.

I made sweet potato casserole and this to go along with my mom's GREAT Thanksgiving dinner. It was nice to visit with Uncle Kenny and Aunt Sharon at my parents' house to start the afternoon off. Ben got nice and cozy after the meal on the couch and took a nap while the rest of us either surfed the internet, looked through ads or watched some football. We were able to visit with Ben's side - Pam, Jeff, Bren, Dave and Dad R. later. We had a good time playing this. To end the day, we met at Chad's house to visit with him, Amber and the girls. Had some desserts and played some Scene It. Beautiful day...the sun stayed out all day and ended with a pretty snowfall. So much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Pictures from our day here.

Thankful

* My husband - who is patient with me and always sees the good in everything. His positiveness.
* My children - three beautiful children...one who is passionate about all he does, one who is a total teddy bear, and one who is silly and gorgeous at the same time! What a combo!
* Our parents and siblings - who support us and our children in all we do, we couldn't ask for a better support network. Their love keeps us afloat.
* Our God - a forgiving and loving God.
* Our Country - where we are free to make decisions in all aspects. Freedom. Our troops for keeping that.
* Friends - who listen when I need to vent. Who care.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Love these!

Oprah

Some great things on Oprah this week! One I am thoroughly looking forward to is Oprah's Favorite Things show tomorrow! I have always wished I could get tickets for that particular show, ha, yeah, I know, wake up! It's fun to watch and gets you in the Christmas spirit. Wednesday's show is also going to feature Miley Cyrus - Gabi is looking forward to that one. I believe that day they are going to unveil a new American Girl Doll on the show as well on Wednesday. Check out Oprah's schedule here. One particular show I did enjoy was when she featured Randy Pausch, a dying man who gives a lecture meant for his children. Very emotional and had great advice. Gives you a new perspective. One point I liked was the three parts to an authentic apology - 1. I am sorry, 2. It was my fault, and 3. How do I make it right? I enjoyed the lecture so much I put it on the side of my blog. Check it out here or there. Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

Build-A-Rudolph

Yesterday Gabi and I had a girls day out. After early service at church, the boys took off hunting since it was the second day of the start of gun season. Gabi and I decided to eat here for lunch (Gabi's choice-she ordered popcorn shrimp and I got my favorite, seafood stuffed flounder) and made a trip to the mall. Gabi had a gift card to Build-A-Bear from her birthday party and she had recently saw a commercial for Rudolph and Clarice there. She mentioned she would love to get one. Immediately she wanted both, but I explained it would cost too much. She opted for Rudolph with a light up nose. VERY CUTE! We saw Santa has made his venture to the mall as well, in fact, Gabi preferred not to sit on his lap at that time. She decided to wait till it got closer, besides, she "already sent her letter to Santa so he already knows what she wants" : ) After visiting the pet store, Gingerbread Cottage, The Disney Store and Bath & Body Works, we headed home. We were both hungry for something sweet so we baked up some yummy chocolate chip cookies (the boys enjoyed them too when they got home). It was a good afternoon, fun filled and exciting to see all the Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, the only deer the boys saw was Gabi's Rudolph she made earlier in the day. Better luck next time, fellas.

Prairie Heights JV Invitational

Today was Tyler's first wrestling tournament of the year. It was individual competition rather than team so Tyler went 130 lbs (one out of 4 that went that weight). He did excellent - he exceeded our expectations of a comeback! He wrestled three times. He teched his first competitor from Northridge (15-0) and pinned the following two (one from Prairie Heights and one from DeKalb County (I think)). We had to wait a round because he had a bye and he was ready for his last match, only to find out (2 hour round and 1/2 hour wait till his bout) that the team had already left the tournament. Tyler won by forfeit. Oh well, we were so proud of him. Coming back from a hard season last year (broken ankle/leg) and working all summer long, he couldn't have given us a better show! Thanks to maw maw, paw paw and uncle Dave who all were able to come watch and support. I was disappointed, however, that the quality of my photos were not the best. I guess it's that switching from football (outside shots) to wrestling (gymnasium shots) that is hard. I'll get the hang of it though. Here are some shots from today...

Holiday Shopping Frustration So Soon!

Yes, it has begun. I saw a digital frame at Meijer in one of their recent ads - regular $59.99 with $30 off coupon on a certain date (Thursday). Well, I thought this would be a good gift for my parents to give me and mentioned it to them. Since my mom is unable to leave the daycare during the day I made my way to Meijer to purchase it. I called about 45 minutes prior to leaving and they had 3 left. So, I get there and all 3 have been sold. Well, the lady at the counter kindly calls the next closest Meijer and they say they are just putting out their last 5. I then make my way out of Meijer (after picking up some groceries - probably not even 30 minutes later) and I decide to call the Meijer just to be sure they are still there so I don't waste my time and fuel. Surprise, surprise, all 5 that were just put out have been sold. I decide to call the other two Meijers (both about 40 minutes away), only because I am on a mission now...they have both sold out as well. FRUSTRATING to say the least. A good deal passed up.

On a good note...picked up two Christmas gifts today (for Gabi) - both 1/2 off. My Christmas shopping has officially begun. Also, Tyler's first wrestling tournament tomorrow. I should have lots of pics to post. Good luck Tyler!

Hear Yoshi Talk!

I finally got a pretty decent film of our talking parakeet, Yoshi. We got him (yes, he is male) right before Gabi was born...I'd say February 0f 2000. He was a baby, my mom and I had to hand feed him for a few days. In this short video Yoshi tweets a bit (admiring himself - haha), says, "PJ" (our daschund who passed on), tweets, says "PJ" again, tweets, says "Yoshi, pretty bird, pretty yoshi," tweets, says "Maizy" (our current lab), tweets, says "Maizy" again and then tweets again. Yoshi also says, "Tyler," "Gabi," "Trenton," and "bless you" - all words he hears quite often. We love having Yoshi - he's such a unique parakeet.

American Girl

Gabi has found a new found love for her American Girl doll that she got for her birthday last year. That following Christmas (last Christmas) I got her a night gown that matched her doll but it was way too big. We decided to get it out a couple of nights ago and lo and behold, it is just a little long, but manageable. She had fun dressing her doll up just like her. They looked very "old timey" - and cute!

OMG Practice

Yesterday the boys came in from practice looking like death warmed over. Trenton had a black eye and the whole other side of his face was red, he had some bumps on the back of his head and to top it, his hand was all swollen up - thinking it was broke (confirmed today it is probably not but we have an x-ray order in case it doesn't get better in next day or so). Tyler had a black eye (from a previous practice) and the other side of his face was black and blue as well. A big knot on the back of his head too. Both boys' hair was drenched, their clothes damp and they looked terrible. We had heard of these dreadful "oh my god" practices but the boys had never experienced one, till now. "Intense" is all they had to say. 60 minutes of non stop wrestling and taking it to one another and then running and drilling. The signature OMG song they go to is "Sandstorm" (played over and over again). Trenton said the minute his coach turned it on, they all knew. It was rough - some may disagree as to the type of practice, but I myself, think it makes them tough and makes their endurance even better. It works for the team...helps them become state champs.
Correction from last post...I didn't make any hot tea...even better option...I drove to Starbucks on my way to get Gabi and got myself a Venti Caramel Macchiato (the best drink ever)!!!!
Yummy!!!
Relaxing evening last night...Tyler spent time with Marissa at her house and Trenton hung out playing guitar hero with his wrestling buddies. Both were in bed, asleep by 11:30 pm. They were tuckered! Today we are just taking it easy again...watching some football and relaxing. Go Irish! ; )

TGIF

We have been busy this week...as you can tell by my blogging...I have fallen behind somewhat.
Monday we had a wrestling meeting and Amber graciously accepted the chance of watching Gabi for us while we did that - thanks, Amber ; )
Tuesday the kids had half a day, so of course, that always makes the day go by quicker than usual. Wednesday I did circle time (as I do each week) for a couple of hours. That evening was the football banquet. Tyler made us proud...got to stand up with the football players who made high honor roll and I was glad to see they acknowledged that. We believe and hope that will continue for him. They gave out some awesome awards to the varsity team, including an MVP award that was the player's actual helmet, all shined up and lacquered...attached to a wooden plaque with little wood letters explaining the award and sporting their name, number and position. It was VERY cool!
In the midst of all the appointments we had, I have been working very hard on my claim for work (always bogs me down the first couple of weeks of the month)...but I can say, I have finally finished the claim (12:15 pm on Friday) and I can take a deep breath and relax...or can I? I know it seldom happens around here...but I think I will...make some hot tea, sit on the couch and read a magazine I got in the mail (I think it's Pottery Barn, not sure, just something to look at). Might even start making some Christmas lists...YIKES! I'll do better at posting next week, hopefully.

Wrestling season begins

Can you believe it is wrestling season again, already? Cuts were made this past week and both boys made the team at school. As far as JV/Varsity...yet to be determined. We are assuming one on JV, one on Varsity - so needless to say and with this being the case, we have a busy schedule ahead of us. Here is the schedule. Looking forward to a fun and exciting wrestling season! Below...new shoes (exact ones) the boys have ordered for the new year...Trenton chose Rulons (gray and orange) and Tyler chose Caels 3.0 (black and silver) - VERY COOL!

A Year Already

Can you believe I have been blogging for a year now?!! I ask myself...why do I do it...well, to keep everyone informed on special things that happen with us, for entertainment, but I think most importantly, for the memories...maybe this blog will be kept in "internet space" for a long while...for the kids to eventually find, as they are surfing the internet or whatever they have in the future...10, 20 years from now. I even find it fun to go back and look at what has happened this past year...to remember. I can only imagine how neat it would be for the kids to find this many years later...it would have been very cool to have the internet when my parents were raising me. Anyways, in honor of my anniversary date blogging...please leave me a comment on what you think of my blog or even what entry this past year is your favorite and why...I'd love to see what you think! Take time to surf through my blog and enjoy!!!

Pen Pals and Buggies

Went to Gabi's fall party this afternoon to celebrate with the class. They also had a party with their pen pals they have been writing to from Orchard View Elementary in Goshen. Gabi's pen pal is Korie and she is in the second grade. When describing the other kids from this school she mentioned some were ones that "go in the buggies." It took me a minute, but said, "oh, you mean, Amish..." How cute! Had lots of fun at her fall party...made foam bookmarks with their names and fall pictures (turkeys, pumpkins, etc.) and had snacks (water bottles, apple slices and cupcakes). Fun!

Idol Funny

How funny was Survivor last night! After that shady challenge a couple of weeks ago where Jaime and PG threw the challenge to get rid of either James or Aaron (ended up being Aaron)...Jaime all smug and laughing as she is doing it. Well, I have been a fan of James since the show began so I was excited when Todd gave James the immunity idol (but James didn't have to use it because Jaime and PG decided not to throw the challenge last week). Well, lo and behold, James found the other immunity idol at his camp this week so now he has two! Jaime ends up taking the one end of the immunity idol (that is no good) and thinks it is the idol! HA HA!!! James was thinking this was hilarious too...how badly I wanted them to vote out Jaime so she'd look like an idiot when she tried to use it - and that's what happened!!! It was GREAT! I have to say I am still rooting for James at this point but the preview shows Todd starting to get antsy, turning, and wanting to get rid of James next week out of fear. I am not a huge fan of Todd - he seems to be too controlling at this point, he thinks he is directing the whole game plan...I think this will be his downfall though. I do not like PG or Jean Robert...I do, however, have a liking for Frosti. At this point, he is voting with the powerhouse alliance and staying under the radar...he may go pretty far. Anxious to see next week.

Happy Halloween!

We took Gabi trick or treating last night and she got so much candy we just don't know what to do with it all! We only took her around our one circle and her bucket was full. We came back at about 6 pm - grabbed some dinner that was in the oven (chili mac), checked out the candy she got and headed out to visit family. We stopped at Chad and Amber's first to see Presley and Addy. Unfortunately, Addy wasn't feeling well so she was in bed. Presley was a very cute Jo Jo. Afterwards, we headed over to maw maw and paw paw's house. They had already given the kids their treats but Gabi wanted to show off her costume. Last stop was over to Ben's dad's house to visit with Uncle Dave, grandpa, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Pam and see Bren. He was an adorable dragon. We got our treats there and visited for a while...nice visits to say the least. Tyler went over to Marissa's house to trick or treat after wrestling practice but I guess it rained in Granger so they only hit one house. I think they just wanted to enjoy each other's company more than anything. Trenton opted for an evening at home relaxing...he has a bit of a virus...cough, sore throat. Took him to the doctor yesterday and she decided no antibiotic would work on this virus. He will have to wait it out. Lots of rest and relaxation for him. He didn't mind. Trenton had some homework anyways. All in all, a nice Halloween...not too cold, not too hot...no rain and it was nice to visit with family, even if it was quick. Thanks for the treats everyone!