Potty Training... Yeah!

Okay! We have big news at our house! Yeah! I'm so excited! Avery went pee on the potty tonight! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! She has been mesmerized with the potty for quite some time now... she has been able to tell us if she has gone potty for a while, so we thought we should try and see what she'd do if we put her on the potty. LaLena, Nick's Niece from Washington sent us this really cool potty that flushes and makes noise... so we've been sitting her on the potty the last few days and she LOVES it! She doesn't want to get off.. well.. tonight she went in the potty! So I had to take photos of course! ha! ha! Maybe she'll be potty trained by the time she turns two! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! ha! ha! We have a few months, so we'll see! It's a Bitter Sweet thing for me! I don't want her to grow up... my baby is now gone... she's turning into a little girl! I waited too long to have her... to have her be getting so big! ha! ha! She is very proud of herself though... how can you NOT love that? Here are some cute photos... look at her face! I have to bribe her to get off and put her diaper back on! What a big girl she is! We are so excited!

Thanksgiving... and Christmas Lights

We had such a Great Thanksgiving Holiday! Nick's Mom and Step-Dad came into town from South Dakota. We love it when they come! It always seems like the time goes by so fast before they have to leave. This Thanksgiving we spent it with Nick's family up in Lava at his Brother-in-law's (Rex) house. What a great time we had. It's always sad when we can't be with both families on the Holiday's but we sure had a fun time with them in town. It was Richard's birthday while they were here, so I baked a cake for him and we had Uncle Bub (Nick's Brother) over too and we had dinner and celebrated. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA! Avery LOVED the cake.. as you will be able to tell in the photos below! It was pretty cute! We also decorated the Christmas Tree so they could experience a little bit of Christmas with us too where they won't be back for Christmas.. they got both Holiday's. The house was decorated for Thanksgiving when they got here and Christmas when they left! Avery Loved helping decorate the tree. Seneca (Nick's Nephew) and his girlfriend Mandy also spent the weekend with us too! It was great family time! We are so blessed to have great family on Both sides.. It was hard to come home back to reality. Nick and I went for a great 4 wheeler ride too up to the top of Baldy Mountain. We hit snow and the temp. dropped immensely by the time we got to the top. Of course I didn't have a coat on! Me and my never getting cold! I was still pretty warm though.. Nick got the blunt of it being in front! Sorry Babe! ha! ha! We were hoping to see lots of animals.. Elk, Moose, Deer, Coyote, Grouse... seeing how they are usually all over.. needless to say, because I was there.. we didn't see any! It was fun to watch Avery with her family... she has everyone wrapped right around that little finger of hers!

When we got home, Nick, Avery and I along with Mom and Richard went to see the Christmas Lights at Christmas Village. It was so much fun! Avery loves the lights. It was the night of the lights parade and after there was a horse at the lights that was all lit up.. Avery Loved the Horse. She kept calling him buddy! It was so cute! So we had to pet him.. and pet him.. and pet him! ha! ha! We need to go again because Preston went with his Dad for Thanksgiving to spend some time! He had a great time with his Dad and Brothers, being with his Melle side of the family. I don't think he's ever spent Thanksgiving with his Melle Family, so it was really nice for him! We missed him very much though.. that's the hardest part of split families... having to share the kids, the Holiday's and the memories... You just have to make the best of it!

Rex's house is so nice! It's up by the mountain and on the golf course in Lava. We hung out on the back patio and enjoyed the scenery. He had heater tables that are really nice.. we deep fried the turkey which was delicious and watched scary movies. All in all.. it was a great weekend. Avery loved being outside running around everywhere... looking at her big shadow on the wrap around deck... and playing with Gunner.. the dog.

Today Preston had his first wrestling meet! He took 3rd Place! Yeah! He got a medal and everything! Then he went to Logan with his Dad and got his hunter safety all finalized so he can now officially hunt with his Dad and Nick. He's very excited...

Today was the day I finally got to see "Twilight". Can I tell you, it was the longest two weeks! My Mom, Kaitlynn and Emily, (My Nieces) My Grandma Fikstad, 4 Aunts and 6 of my cousins all went along with Avery and I. It was lots of fun. Then we went to lunch! Avery was so good in the movie.. it was a great day spending a girls day with my family.... I LOVED the Movie! It was soo good!

I hope you enjoy the slide show... Avery is such a crack up! She loves the camera! She is talking SO much.. can I tell you a funny? She can say all of our names but Nicks. When we tell her to say Nick... she calls him "Dink". ha! ha! How funny! So Nick now has a new nickname! ha! ha! You are all now allowed to call him... "Dink"!

New Craft Blog

Hey guys! I just wanted you to know I made a new craft blog! It's Kerrie's Simple Treasures http://kerrieskrafts.blogspot.com/. I have some crafts already on there... I'll be loading more soon. I have several great ideas for Christmas Gifts for family, friends and even neighbor gifts for real cheap. I even have several every day decorations for your house! Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to look at the Sub for Santa post below! We still need lots of help if you'd like to participate! Thanks so much!

Our Sub for Santa Project

Hey everyone,

I am getting my annual Sub for Santa started and wanted to see if there are any of you who are interested in helping participate. I have had several people wanting me to let them know about it... so I thought I'd share it with everyone again this year. I am staying with North Park Elementary because they have one of the highest poverty rates and also, after helping them last year.. seeing the families... really touched my heart. These are people who are in real need and very grateful!

Right now I have 5 families, but 5 families with lots of children. We have lost some of our sponsorship money due to the economy so we are going to really struggle to get these 5 families taken care of. I am getting the ornaments ready right now... so I just wanted to let you know, if you would like to get an ornament we would love your support. There are very simple & in-expensive things on there this year. The children have only asked for 1 toy along with the outfit and coat we get them.... we're talking things like, an Elmo doll, Barney Doll, Skate Board, Soccer Ball, Pet Shop Pets... I will have the tree at my office at Century 21 Golden Spike Realty. If you want an ornament and can't come in to get it, give me a call and I can get you one you want and mark you down on the sheet! I will do what ever is easiest for you!

If you and your families enjoy doing these kinds of things, even helping purchase one ornament will help immensely! Let me know if you have any questions. If you'd like to help and don't want to do the shopping, I have some who donate the money and I take the ornaments and purchase them for them. I do almost all of the leg work, so if there are any who would also like to help, you are more than welcome! It's such a rewarding thing my family and I are able to participate in... I'm just so glad we have so much support to help make it a success! This year is a little different than ones in the past because we have always been able to help 10-15 families. We understand this year is different with finances, but there are so many more people who need help this year, it breaks my heart.

Thank you all for your time! I appreciate all you guys do to help support me and the kids in all of our little projects! It's a great way to show them what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Plus it teaches them love and compassion for those in need and who are less fortunate than we are!

Love you guys! Let me know if you have any questions!

Nick's Collared & Banded Swan

I had to share with you all Nick's Swan! This isn't just an every day ordinary Swan I'm told... he got a Swan last year too.. but this one's different! :) See the band around his Neck... well, I guess that's a big deal! There is also a band on his leg too! So I thought I needed to share my husbands great accomplishment!

So here's what I know so far! Nick and his friend Chad went out to the Bear River Bird Refuge last weekend to try and get his Swan for the year... It's rainy and cold, but this doesn't stop these avid, die hard hunters... So I get a call and Nick's all excited! I tried to share in his excitement, but I didn't understand why this one was so different than the one in the freezer we already had! ha! ha! So here's some important info on this particular bird. He even had to take it up to the fish and game to get these bands called in and the bird measured. They even said it's the biggest one they've seen so far! So imagine his excitement then! :) This particular bird... we'll call, Wilford.... was collard and banned in Koyukuk Drainage in the middle of Alaska. The day it was banded there were 51 Swans total that day that got banded there. It was sometime between 2006-2008. It also had a stainless steel leg band, which are very rare. We will have more info on it in a few weeks when we get it back from US bird banding. Pretty cool I guess! So here is my husbands big deal Swan, Wilford! Good Job Honey! Poor little Wilford! Avery was excited to see the "Duckie"... but she didn't understand why Wilford wasn't quacking...

All I have to say is, "Poor Little... I mean Big Swan, flew all the way from Alaska just to get taken by Mr. Hunter." Just kidding Honey! I'm really excited you got your Swan! We are even going to make a nice little mount for the bands for him! :)

Halloween Photos & Boutique

Wow! What a few weeks it has been! Between Halloween festivities and getting ready for my Boutique.. I have spent countless hours running and staying up all night painting! It was so nice to go to bed last night at 8:30 PM... yep! I said 8:30! and Avery and I didn't get out of bed until 9 AM this morning! I was up of course running Preston to school.. but went right back in and cuddled with my favorite little girl and watched cartoons! Running on 2-5 hours a night of sleep for the past 2 weeks has really caught up with me! So now today, it's cleaning this house! I set up for my boutique last night so the crafts are out of my kitchen and dinning room and it's time to scrub and clean everything up! Yeah for me huh? ha! ha!

Halloween was so much fun.. except for the rain. Avery loved it! Absolutely Loved it! Preston spent the day with his buddies because they were out of school, then came home to be with his sister to go Trick or Treating... then we took him back to hang out with his friends. He didn't want to miss being with his sister! How cool is that, that he'd come home just to go with little Avery! What a great kid he is! So Preston, Mommy and Daddy.. along with Uncle Bub went out trucking around the neighborhood letting our little Caterpillar going door to door! She didn't want to stop! She'd knock on the door, say "Trick Treat" and then get her candy and want to go in and visit everyone who was home. She thought opening the door meant, "Come on in and look around!" ha! ha! It was pretty funny! Good thing everyone else thought it was cute too! So we had a great dinner, played with Uncle Bub and Trick or Treated with the family. What could be better?

Here is the info about the Boutique if you want to go! There are so many fun things.. even to just get out and look around! Plus Javier's will be there! Great Mexican food as most of you know! Yummy! Hope you can make it! Also, along with the photos of our Halloween night.. are photos of some of the things I've been working on for so long... many of you wanted to see what I was doing.. so here you go!

FESTIVE FOLLIES
St. James Catholic Church
495 North Harrison Blvd.
Ogden, Utah

November 7-8
10 AM- 8 PM

November 9
9AM-3PM

60 Booths filled with gifts for the whole family- Just in time for your Holiday shopping!

Enter to win Great Prizes!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

How Did It Happen?

I got to thinking today about how lucky we are. I cant stop thinking about how blessed we are to have the family and friends that we do. Here is a summarized list of all the things that have been crossing my mind lately...

My Kids- I have two of the greatest kids I could have ever hoped for! I love them more than life itself! They are my World and there isn't a day that goes by that the love I feel for them grows even greater! Even when I feel it can't grow anymore.... my heart swells with the joys that they bring to my life... the love and happiness they bring to my life! Preston's great heart... so caring and compassionate... The amazing kid he is... always so respectful and loving to everyone. Always striving to be the best he can. Avery's cute little voice and discovering all these fun new words and watching her little personality grow... even the little attitude of being a female.. is kind of cute! Whether she's off to kill a bear, wanting nummies or having you read a book for hours, she is such a joy to our lives. There is always something everyday that makes me giggle! To have a son that is such a great big brother to his little sister who follows him around like a little lost puppy... a little shadow wanting to be with no one but him when he's around! There's no greater joy than watching your kids love each other and bond together they way those two do! Even listening to her running around right now singing Ei-Ei-O... how can you not smile?

My Husband- Even though we have the normal trials of married couples.. I love this man very much! He is always so supportive of everything I do! It means so much that he helps me and supports me. Deals with my stubbornness and understands my woman tantrums! ha! ha! Not that I have many! ha! ha! He knows how to put a smile on my face after a hard day, or a day when their might have been a hard trial.. or a sad trial.. or when I have something exciting... listening and caring... I love you!

Family- I have the best family ever! No one could have better parents! I have two of the most supportive, loving, caring and amazing parents a girl could hope for! They are such an important part of not only my life.. but my kids! They are so supportive of their grandchildren... everyone of them is their World and they would do anything for any of their kids! I don't know what I would do without them and can't imagine how I would have gotten this far in life with out them! I love them so much! My Brother.. even though he is gone... has been such an important part of my life. Every day I try to be like him.. so loving and caring to others, always willing to give of his time and trying to make this world a better place.. his wife and kids are very important and we love them very much! I love having them in our lives and being so close with my kids... to be not only cousins.. but friends. My sister and her family always keeps us on our toes! 4 energetic kids that are always up to something.. yet so cute and loving.. with my sister who has a heart of Gold and same with Cuncle Dusty! I love my family so much.. Nick's family is just like my own! I couldn't have a more loving mother-in -law and father-in-law. They are such wonderful Grandparents to my kids. The joy on their faces and the light that my kids bring them is so fun to watch... Nick's Brothers and Sister... I love you so much! You are such an important part of our lives... and to my kids! The love you show to them means so much to me! I love you as my own siblings and miss you so much when you are gone! You give our family so much happiness and love and I can't even tell you how much it means to me that you have treated me with love and kindness... We love our Family more than anything!

Great friends is what we have! New or old we seem to find the greatest people to be friends with, I don't want to mention any names, due to the fact I might forget one or two and that would be sad. When I found out I was having Avery I was so Excited and Scared. I never thought the day would come... I had waited for that day for 10 years... and the support and excitement you all gave is more than I could have ever hoped for! Even now, the love and support you all give me is something one only dreams of! I love you all so much! Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me, good or bad, no questions asked! I couldn't be who I am today with out all of you!

So how did it happen? I have an idea that my Heavenly Father was the one in charge, but to give me all of these great things, I am not sure why. I don't always feel worthy to have all these wonderful people in my life.. and I thank him daily! I truly couldn't and wouldn't be the person I am today with out all of you to help shape my life, give me great examples, love and the friendship you do. You all mean so much to me! Whether I've known you since I was a little girl... or as a grown woman... Whether I see you all the time or it's been awhile... you all hold such a dear place in my heart and I only hope I can give you all that you give to me and my life!

Here are some fun photos of some of the fun things we've been doing! Baseball Tournaments... Avery entertaining herself in the dirt, Preston's first Rabbit. Our Great friends, April and girls who come to spend time with us.. and just some very cute photos of the kids!

SNOW! SNOW! and MORE SNOW!

Okay! So the other day.. I wake up and there is like 3 inches of snow on the ground! And me, being the dork that I am... didn't even know it was supposed to snow! So I wake Nick up... to come see all this snow! Then, it just kept snowing and snowing and snowing. It even snowed so hard you couldn't even hardly see out our window! It was Crazy! It went from Summer... a few days of Fall.. and then Winter all in a couple weeks! On the News, it said that our little town got 11 inches of snow in one day! Nick and I guessed about 10... but 11 Inches of Snow in October is NUTS! So for all of our family and friends who are out of State and didn't believe us... here you go! I stole this photo from my friend.. because with everything going on Sunday with Preston's big day... I forgot to take a photo! We had even more than this! Then today it's in the mid 60's, sunny and beautiful.. then this weekend... back to 70! Talk about weird change of seasons... so hopefully it stays good weather for us. Preston has a Baseball Tournament Thursday, Friday and Saturday.. plus we are supposed to be going to Lagoon on Saturday.. and having a Super Saturday Craft Day! Yeah! Nick would disagree with me.. because he is going Deer Hunting! Sorry Dear! I just wanted to share this snow photo.. so you would believe us! :) I'll get more photos of everything we have been doing later!

I'm trying something new!

Okay! I'm trying something new.. I hope it works! Just a few fun photos from the past!

We Need Your Help!

If you are interested.. all you need to do is click on the invitation and it will become larger! This is one of my really dear friends who is one of the most amazing people I know! She does so much for others with out even thinking twice! She is one who deserves so much! If you are interested in a participating in a great cause.. this is it! Hope to see you there!

Happy Anniversary.... and a FULL Weekend!

I first have to say, "Happy Anniversary" to Mr. Nick! I can't believe how fast the time goes! You always sit and hear all this mushy stuff on anniversaries.. about how wonderful they are and just how much you love them! This is all true... but it's also some of the hardest times you face too! I forgot just how hard being married is! Especially being on my own with Preston for so long! I don't regret it though for one moment.. I have been looking back on our life and thinking about how bad I wanted to find someone to spend my life with, be a father figure to Pres, have more kids... I thought it would never come! That I wouldn't be able to find Mr. Right! I think I was living in fairytale land! ha! ha! Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my husband... but it really is hard to live with someone and the differences you both have! I have had to learn not to be so stubborn on certain things... have had to be a little more lax on the Type A CLEAN FREAK... realize what things are small things and learning to compromise and work together! It sure has made me grow! Yet the love that you share is so worth it! Times get hard no matter how great your marriage is! I've learned you just have to take it one day at a time, be the best you can everyday and work together so you can grow together! Thanks for all the ups and downs honey! They both just make us stronger!

Okay! So our weekend was one of emotional bliss and compassion! Friday, Nick and Preston went Antelope hunting.. and they got one! You would think I would get used to the dead animals hanging in my garage seeing how I'm married to Mr. Hunter! ha! ha! Talk about sick! Then he wants me to come sit and talk to him while he's skinning and cleaning this thing up! I have a pretty tough stomach.. but it's not the funnest thing to do! But like I said above... you have to work together to grow together! ha! ha! Do things that the other ones likes, even though it might not be your favorite thing! It shows that you care about the other ones feelings and likes right? ha! ha! Plus Preston got his first Cotton Tail! He was so excited... until he started to clean it and it had WORMS! I about threw up! I won't tell you what Preston thought they were... ha! ha! I was trying to be the supportive mother and help him.. until Nick came over and told us what that BIG thing moving around was! Then I was out of there! ha! ha! I made Preston disinfect over and over and over... and then scrub some more!

Saturday was the big "Race for Trace". Can I just tell you thank you to all of you who helped support this great cause! I can't even begin to thank you enough! The support that was received was tremendous! There were so many people there who didn't even know the little family! They just heard about their story and wanted to support them! It brought tears to my eyes! Tracy even walked and made it the whole way. Even after just having surgery a few days before! She is such a trooper! She amazes me! I am so proud of her! Her strength is such an inspiration! She has such an amazing outlook on this trial she is facing! Her attitude is so positive and loving! She is Tough as Nails and I only hope I can carry myself the way she does! Her faith is so strong! I am envious of how obedient she remains! What a great example she is to all!

Preston had baseball games all day Saturday and he did an amazing job! He's playing catcher a lot and can I just tell you he has an arm. He threw out 4 people Saturday! I was so proud of him! Good job bud!

We weren't able to go the funeral of the little baby that past away.. We talked to the family and they are so strong! Yet another inspiration! I have been in tears ever since I learned the baby didn't make it... Holding Avery and just crying! Yet here are two young parents holding tight to their faith and having the strength to turn it over to God! Nick and I have talked so much about this and I don't know how I could handle loosing my child! I watched my Mom when my brother died and I thought that was hard and he was a grown man. I can't imagine loosing a young child! It sure makes you realize just how important it is having faith in your life! It makes you realize how fragile life can be and not to take those your love for granted! I want my children, Nick, family, friends and everyone I come in contact with just how great they are... every day! It really makes you re-evaluate your life and realize just what's important! I hope I can work harder and be better at the things that matter most!

I can't believe it's Fall! Yeah! I love fall! I love the Holiday's! I love decorating my house, making crafts... everything that goes with Fall! I'm so excited! Plus I am enjoying the cooler weather! Happy Fall Yall! ha! ha!

I need your help or your opinion...

Okay! So I am needing some input on what I should do! This is Avery's Nursery... and I'm trying to decided what to do with her walls. I have been having this hair to paint some walls in my house and I thought I'd start with Avery's room. I thought I'd like to paint one of her walls Red. Is that too BOLD? I was thinking probably the wall behind her bed... what do you think? For those of you who don't have a blog.. email me and let me know what you think. Would red look okay? HELP! ha! ha! I don't know what to do! That white stuff on the wall where Avery's name is.. really isn't there. I even went and took another photo.. but it keeps showing up for some reason. I thought it might be from the Scentsy Warmer in her room.. but I even turned on the light.. so just ignore it.

Preston also wants a wall in his room painted too.. I'll get photos for that too.. because I'm not sure what color to do in his. He's a BRONCO's fan and I'm sorry.. Orange or Bright Blue just won't cut it! ha! ha!

My Smile Award! How Sweet!

Rules associated with this award:

1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator.
(http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/)

(A Student in Texas)

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award. (I did)

3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself. (check the list below and see if you are on it)

4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere. (Kelly, you ALWAYS know how to make me feel better!)

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient. (Look Below)

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others. (That's what this is, I suppose)

7. You must thank your giver. (Kelly Walker, Thank You So Much! You have always been one of those... "One in a Million Friends". I am so grateful to have been able to have you in my life all these years.. through good times and bad! You have always been there for me.. No Matter What! I will always cherish our friendship!)

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude (I think I do most of the time)

2. Must love one another. (I try to love others, treat them kindly and try to make their lives better!)

3. Must make mistakes. (I make way more than Most I'm sure.)

4. Must learn from others. (I try. Oh do I try. Not always quickly but that's ok, right?)

5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world. (I contribute. Hopefully it's positive.)

6. Must love life. (I LOVE life.)

7. Must love kids. (I LOVE kids. Especially my kids.)

5 Awesome Bloggers Who Qualify for This Major Award!


Audrie Terre:

You are one of the most generous and loving people I have ever met! No matter what I have been through in my life.. good or bad.. you have always been there to pick me up, brush me off and help me on my way! You are a great listener and a great sport! Especially when it comes to lotion fights in the dorm... late night breaks to the grocery store for ice cream and cookie dough.. then late night dancing on the couch having rock concerts or boxing! You will always have a very dear place in my heart!

Kelly Walker... right back at ya girl!

I know you already got this award.. but you deserve it again from me! You are literally one of those people who Inspire EVERYONE! It doesn't matter who's life you come into.. you always make everyone around you feel better! People are drawn to you.. even strangers go away feeling better. You have a smile that warms your heart and touches your soul! I have been very blessed to have you in my life! You always know how to make me feel better even after all of these years! You never cease to amaze me with all the kind things you do for others!

My Mom..

I know you don't have a blog.. but I know you read this... so now you'll know just how much of a support you have been for me through out my life! You are one of the kindest people I have ever met and I am so grateful to have you as my Mother! I love you more than anything... and I know there is NO WAY I could have made it through the trials I've had to face without you! You are my rock Mom! You would do anything for anyone and I'm so lucky not only to have you as my Mother.. but also my kids Grandmother! You are such a great example and strength to them and I thank you for that!

My Brother Shayne...

I have to give him this award even though he has past away because he was one of the big factors of who I am today! He has always been my HERO and the person I wanted to be like when I grew up! I love him with all my heart and miss him every single day! I only hope that he will be proud of me and when I am able to see him again... I will be able to make him smile! I will always love you Shayne!

Raini Tucker

You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met! You have taken in 4 children as your own and love them with all your heart! Even though you've had to face some very hard trials in life.. you have taken them and touched the lives of 4 little spirits and given them something they never would have had! You are such an amazing mother and friend and I am so thankful to have you in my life! You are a true inspiration to so many! No matter what you are faced with... you take it head on, with such a positive attitude and a very pretty smile! You are so deserving of this award!

I had to do one more! This person deserves this award as much as anyone! I know Kelly gave her the award too.. but she also deserves another one!

Tracy Carrigan

You are one of the kindest and strongest people I know! Just being around you makes others want to be a better person! You have been faced with some very hard trials and yet you remain Tough as Nails! You have touched so many lives.. more than you will ever know and still remain to inspire so many! Today of all days you deserve this Award! I just want you to know how proud of you I am and I'm so very grateful to have you and your family in my life! You will never know just how much you have touched our lives! You are a fighter and I only hope when the time comes for me to face something hard.. I can present my self the way you have, have the Faith you've had and have the strength and endurance you hold! You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met! Thank you for always being so kind!

Remembering September 11, 2001

This morning brought back so many memories for me! Nick called, and mentioned what day it was.. I was already remembering where I was 7 years ago this morning. I was getting ready for work, listening to the news. Then the breaking news report came on and I stopped everything and went into watch. I got there just in time to see the second plane hit the towers. I just sat and cried! Not believing this was happening! When I got into work, one of our agents brought us in a TV to watch.. and we did.. ALL DAY! My heart was breaking for all those families and the WHOLE city of New York!Then the Pentagon was hit and Flight 93 crashing... it was a day I will remember for the rest of my life! All those people on the planes and also in the buildings... the bystanders.. and ALL of America!

Last summer when we went to Cooperstown, New York to watch Preston play baseball we were able to go into New York City as most of you know. We visited the site of Ground Zero. They are doing construction there, still digging. We were told that they still find body parts. The whole city of New York still mourns this day and this action as I know America does. We were able to go the the church across the street from Ground Zero.. and to see all the memorabilia is amazing! They still have posters of lost people.. most who were never found... photos of these people.. there is so much stuff in this church. My mom, Preston and I just sat there in amazement and just cried. Even Preston was touched by this.. the understanding of what really happened hit us all! It's so different than sitting and watching it on TV.. it brought a reality that I never imagined. Our tour guide also got teary talking about it! It was very real to her because she lived through every bit of it. I also was able to go to New York when the towers were standing tall... I couldn't believe the difference with them gone... the hole is amazing... and heartbreaking when you think of what made the hole and also... the thousands that lost their lives in that hole.. in the Pentagon and in the field. My heart goes out to all the families who lost their loved ones.. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love, not knowing if they suffered and have it so public. God Bless America and everyone who is hurting today!

I also want to send a heartfelt note out to some of my dear friends today.. you know who you are! Tracy, my friend who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer is having her surgery today and finding out the outcome of it all.. My prayers are with you... we love you guys so much! For everyone else.. if you can make it to the "Race for Trace" on the 20th.. please come! There is more information below in another post!

Here is a great poem that I love! It brings tears to my eyes every time I read it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! .... GOD BLESS AMERICA!

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their Faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew Every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me For the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the Smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... This way... Take My hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You May not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have Reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Fikstad Family Picnic some Baseball and Cute Photos of our Little Girl

So it's been such a busy week... again! ha! ha! We happened to have a power outage so Avery and I decided to build some bracelets.... Avery was such a big helper... as you can tell! They sure turned out cute though!

Preston started playing baseball on his new team "The Sandlot". He's playing in the Rocky Mountain League again in the comp league. The team he's on will be really good for him! The coach is great and he really likes the kids! I'm excited to spend my whole Saturday's at the ball park again! ha! ha! It's fun.. I'm just not sure how Avery will fair.

We were able to get together with my Fikstad Family again for our annual Family Picnic at the park! It's always fun to get together and spend some time with my family! It's a big family.. but also a great family! We love you guys!

Avery likes the camera! She's such a ham! She already poses for the camera and yells, "Cheese"! She's walking all over, climbing up on the couch all by herself... talking up a storm.. learning her animals and sounds.. still counting and singing her ABC's. She even gets some of the letters right.. even though the tune is right on! She loves to sing... it's actually really cute! Her new thing is wrestling with her Brother! He thought that was fun.. teaching her to run and jump on him! I never knew two kids could have so much fun together... with 12 years difference! They are buddies.. it's a bond like no other! I love it!

Hope you enjoy the photos!

5K Race for Trace

Date: Sept. 20, 2008
Place: Fremont High School (west side)
19oo N. 47oo W.
Plain City, Utah
Directions: Take the Slaterville/Marriott Exit # 346
Head West to 4700 W.
Turn right-go north for 1 block to Fremont High
Time: 9:00 a.m. start time
Registration day of race from 8:00-8:45 am
Cost: $15.00/person $50.00/family
(Cash or check only, please)

Donations to help the family are being accepted at any Zion’s Bank. Those wishing to contribute to the Carrigan family can donate to “The Race For Trace” account.

If I have any blog readers that are interested in doing something for a good cause, DO THIS! Tracy and her husband Kris are great friends of mine, and the most genuine, thoughtful, and friendly people you will ever meet. Tracy was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and the bills are adding up. I just thought I would post this to give it the most exposure that it can get.

A Week with our Family, a Fun Trip to Lava Hot Springs.. and AVERY IS WALKING!

Okay! This week has been so fun, yet so busy! You know we had our family reunion of my side of the family... this week.. we were able to have a great week with Nick's Mom who was in town from South Dakota.. his sister Kathy and Niece Carlin who were also in from Denver. This week went by so fast! It makes me sad because I miss them so much when they are gone! We were able to go up to Rex's house in Lava for the weekend! Talk about fun! (Rex is Nick's brother-in-law.) He owns a home in Lava on the Golf Course that has views to die for! It was so pretty. We stayed up in the loft and were able to look out over the golf course because the whole front of the home is windows! We went swimming at the pools, Carlin, Nick and Preston went off the high dives... I was going to, but Chickened out! ha! ha! I even went up there to jump and as Nick went... I bailed! I can't believe I didn't dare do that anymore! I used to go off the high dive ALL the time! Now I'm a CHICKEN! ha! ha! Bock! Bock!

When we were getting ready to go.. Avery fell asleep in her High Chair! So of course.. I had to get photos.. once we got up there we were able to veg out and watch TV and just relax! Nick went 4 wheeling with Rex on Saturday, so Carlin and I along with Preston and Avery went to the pool! It was lots of fun! Nick's nephew Seneca came up on Saturday too.. so we had a great time hanging out with the family! Later that night Kathy played on the 4 wheeler along with Preston.. and then they all went golfing. Avery, Nick and I watched them out the window.. It was pretty cool! Sunday, it was back to the pool for some more fun! This time Ramona (Nick's Mom) and Nick went with us! Then Kathy and Carlin came and hung out at our house for a few more days while Ramona went and stayed with Bubba, Nick's brother. We were able to have lots of family dinners during the week.. so we had some great quality time! It was very sad to see them go! I'm such a baby because I always cry! I just wish they lived closer so we could see them more often! I love them just like my own family!

We have some great news! AVERY IS WALKING! Yeah! ha! ha! She has been walking all over the house today! We are so excited! We only wish that Nick's Mom and Sister could have stayed a day longer! So we had to make several phone calls! It's so cute! She thinks she's so BRAVE! She's been taking steps for a few weeks now.. but she is walking all over tonight! We are so happy! She looks so cute and loves it when you say, "Yeah!" She starts clapping and yells, Yeah too! We love that little girl so much! Hope you'll agree just how cute she is!

Preston started school! I still can't believe that he is in 8th Grade and taller than I am! He's going to be playing comp baseball again for a new team. He's way excited because the coach is really great! The team name is kind of cool too! It's "The Sandlot". Fun huh? Especially where that is one of our all time favorite movies. He's excited because The Sandlot is also a baseball facility where they teach Hitting and pitching too! It's a really neat facility with great coaches.. so to be on the team will be a great help for Preston. I think he's going to learn even more than he already knows. So it will be exciting to see him progress even more!

Nick and I have just pretty much been doing the same old same! Enjoying the kids, working and trying to keep up with all the things that go on in our lives!

We just want all our family to know just how much we love them! We both have great families! I don't know how we got so lucky! We love you guys and miss those of you who are far away VERY much! Thank goodness for email, phones and BLOGS! ha! ha! Love you guys!

Fikstad Family Campout and Avery's Cute Hair

So after 5 days up camping.. in a tent and in the dirt.. it sure was good to be home. Being able to shower was to die for! ha! ha! We went Wednesday and came home Sunday from our annual Fikstad Family Camp out. We camped up at Memorial Campground up by Causey Dam. The kids had a ball floating the river, playing night games with their cousins and just camping! It was so much fun being able to see all my Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Can you believe that my Grandma Fikstad has over 100 Grand kids... including Great and Great Great... Yes, we have a large family! But as I've always said.. the more the merrier! Can I just tell you though.. it's so hard to go camping in a tent with little Miss Avery! Man.. I had to take everything but the kitchen sink.. and wouldn't that have been wonderful to have! ha! ha! If it would have been able to have running water! I kept taking Avery down to the little dam that was by our campground and she kept wanting to get in the water! I thought it would be way too cold for her, but she kept wanting to get in it. I put her feet in it thinking that would cure her! Boy, was I wrong! She kicked and splashed and cracked up... so we trekked back to the tent.. put on her swim suit.. and headed back to play in the river! She LOVED it! After about 45 minutes I thought we'd get some lunch and a drink because it was really hot up there.. anyway.. when I got her out.. she freaked out! She didn't want to get out! As you will be able to tell by her face.. she was in hog heaven! She loves the water! Preston gave me a scare on Thursday... he, Parker, Kaitlynn and her friend Kaylee went tubing from Causey down to the Meadows Campground... it takes about an hour and a half, so my dad was going to take the truck down to pick them up.. they never came back... and they never came back. They were over an hour an a half late... so my sister and I went looking. On the way down, we passed my dad with NO kids. I freaked. He said he couldn't find them. So Christy and I went looking in every campground even though my dad already did... still nothing. I was a bit of a wreck! Finally my dad found them down at the Meadows... they had a tube pop and had to walk at least a half mile down the river.. got leaches on them and were tired and scared. It was getting dark and I was in a panic.. they were all okay Thank Goodness!

We always have a dutch oven dinner on Saturday where pretty much everyone makes something.. I even took the task to make potatoes.. that were yummy! Thanks so Nick and my Dad... Nick whipped it up for me and my Dad watched the coals! ha! ha! I really was going to do it by myself... but I was helping giving out prizes to the kids after the water games! It was a good weekend... even though I didn't get to relax too much! Nick didn't come up until Friday night so I ventured in the tent alone with Avery. Preston slept in Parkers tent with him.. so he thought that was cool! He looks up to his cousin and they are good friends. I was really excited to read my Breaking Dawn book seeing how I got it over a week late.. .but I didn't get much reading done! So I'm now one of the last ones to know how it ends! ha! ha! We also had several Humming Birds that fed in our campground. Mom and Dad brought up a feeder and there were about a dozen birds who camped with us all weekend long! I got some photos... it was really neat!

Today I took the task of putting Avery's hair in pig tails.. I thought it would be a task.. but she sat so good! I turned on the sink water and she played.. go figure.. in the water while I did it! I had to show photos! It looked so cute.. I had to share!

CHRISTMAS BOX HOUSE SERVICE PROJECT

Okay... here is the latest for our Andrews Family Service Projects... It's so fun to have Nick and Little Avery helping do them now with Preston and I!

I have a very dear friend who's sister lost her life as a victim of Domestic Violence. She was an amazing woman and didn't deserve the fate that laid before her. "In remembrance of Natalie, a tree was planted on the grounds of "The Christmas Box House".... a shelter for children who are victims of Domestic Violence. During a tour of the facility it was mentioned that one item usually in short supply at the center was underwear. Hearing this, Natalie's father made a comic remark about his grandson, Carter who loved to joke about underwear. He also remembered that his granddaughter, Clara loved all colors of socks. Natalie's father went on to say that he felt his grandchildren would love to know that the kids that came to stay at the Christmas Box house would always receive new underwear and socks. Natalie's family wanted to establish a memorial in memory of Natalie and in honor of her children that would help people in need. A dresser was chosen as the symbol of this loving memorial. A professional artist came and painted this dresser in honor of Natalie and a plaque now resides next to it.. the name given to the dresser is.. "Natalie's Dresser". This family has been very important to me for several years and we love them dearly. Several times, Preston and I have taken underwear and socks to the Christmas Box house in honor of Natalie... but we realized that there are several other items also very much needed. So, with the permission from Natalie's family... I thought this would be a great project to take on to help these kids who are victims of such horrific acts. I thought if I could get the word out... and get the help from our great family and friends, that this project could be as successful as the ones we've taken on in the past. If you would like to help us in this great cause we would appreciate your kindness. Below is a list of items that are needed. You can drop them off at the office for me or my home. If needs be, I can also come pick them up. If you have any questions, please let me know! You can contact me with a remark on the blog.. or email me at kerriegirl04@Msn.com. Let's help support this wonderful organization and give these kids a little bit of love in their lives. I will be taking donations until Sept. 1. 2008 .. I'd like to have everything in so I can drop it off no later than Sept. 2nd. You can check out the Christmas Box House website at www.thechristmasboxhouse.org. If you go to "How to help" You can click on the location. I am going to be helping the Ogden location.

WISH LIST - CHRISTMAS BOX HOUSE SHELTER

We are in need of new items for children and teens.

Children's Clothing (all sizes)
Pajamas, Summer & Winter (all sizes)
New socks & underwear
Shoes (all sizes)
Large size diapers & Pull-Ups (sizes 3,4,5)
Baby formula (Enfamil w/iron LIPIL most used.)
Baby Wipes
Trial size tissues & wipes
Clorox Wipes
Rubber gloves
Sun Screen
Lotion, soap, hair care items
Children's Shampoo
Children's toothpaste
Craft kits/activities for all ages
Puzzles (New)
Glue Sticks & Markers & Ink Pens
Spiral Notebooks
Scrapbook supplies
Birthday wrapping paper & ribbon
Birthday kits (cake mix, frosting, etc)
Children's DVDs & VHS
Infant Toys
Kid's music CDs
Kid's exercise videos
Soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, outdoor balls
Water fun toys
Large & small plastic totes
Bed Pillows (standard size)
Portable radios/headsets
Paper plates
Backpacks
Snack foods and Juice Boxes

Thanks so much for your help! You will never know just how much your kindness can touch the lives of others!

Our Camping Get Away and a Trip to the Pool... Plus a 1st Place Win for Nick! Yeah!

Well... we've been so busy doing fun things that I had to add two things to one post! Last weekend we went up camping with my Sister Christy and her husband Dusty and their kids! It was a riot! It was so nice to get away and just relax and do NOTHING! I can't even tell you the last time I was able to just sit around and relax and read a book and enjoy myself! The only thing that caused a little problem was my allergies! Man, those dang cottonwood trees! My eyes were giving me greif, but we managed thanks to the Sis and Brother-in-law... or Cousins.. it depends on what side of the family you look at it! ha! ha! I love you guys! How many people have a sister and brother-in-law on one side... and then have them be your cousins on the other! ha! ha! My sister is my cousin! ha! ha! Anyway, we were in the best campsite... lots of shade and there was even grass so we could put a blanket down and let Avery play! She had a ball with her cousins too! Thanks Chris.. and Dusty for letting us come on your little family get away!

Then... a day later.. back in the real world.. we took another little break and went to the pool! Man, it was HOT! So the water felt very nice! I got a bit of a sunburn.. imagine that! ha! ha! and I even used strong sunscreen! It never fails... the sun and I don't get a long well! ha! ha! Thanks Dad for the fair skin! ha! ha! Avery is such a little fish! She had a ball! As I've told you before .. she loves the slides! It was lots of fun! My mom went and took my sister's kids.. and also my brothers kids! So we had the whole clan! Preston was glad that his buddy Tucker went too! Preston and Tucker had their golf league and then headed over after. It was fun.. he loves hanging out with his cousins.... so we had a great day! They boys kept going down the fast slide to see how far they could soar.. they flew.. it was pretty fun to watch! I have such a good family.. on both sides! Mine and Nicks... I don't know how we got so lucky!

Also.. I have to mention! My hubby had a fishing tournament this weekend.. so it was just me and the kids that went up with my sis camping... anyway.... he won 1st place! Yeah! Honey! It was a nice win for him and we are all very proud of you! We have another plaque to hang on our wall! He's been placing in all of them, but to win it against all those other anglers is a great accomplishment! Way to go Baby!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!

I just wanted to tell Nick Happy Birthday! Today's the special day! I love you!

4th of July Photos.. Check below for more!

Wow! What a fun day! The 4th of July is one of my all time favorite holiday's. Last year at this time we were in Cooperstown, New York! I can't believe it's been a whole year. We went to New York for 2 weeks last year to watch Preston play some baseball in Cooperstown! It was amazing... plus we were able to travel around a little bit and see all of New York City... and Queens! ha! ha! So it was good to see the fireworks this year seeing how we were on our way to the airport last year while they were going off. The fireworks are my favorite part.

This year, as normal we went to Plain City Days. Nick took Avery and Preston in the parade on the 4 wheeler. Preston was glad he got to ride this time instead of pushing her... even though he was kind of excited that he might get to pull the wagon.. we thought we'd do something fun though and decorate the 4 wheeler and ride. Avery was a crack up as usual! She was waiving and blowing kisses! She is such a ham! Preston quite enjoyed seeing lots of his friends... yelling and waving at him! He's quite the shy guy... so he gets a little embarrassed. It was way fun because they were their own little part in the parade and didn't have to ride with anyone else... so people all over were waiving and saying hi! It was pretty neat! After the parade we played at the park for a while with all the family... had our annual Taylor BBQ with homemade Ice Cream at the parents house.... played a little Wii, went home with two added children... Parker and Kaitlynn (my Nephew and Niece) who we love very much... and love to have over... watched a Scary movie and then headed off to Hooper Park to watch the fireworks. We were going to go up to the dam and watch Huntsville's fireworks on the boat, but with the wind we didn't know how that would fair with Avery... so we watched them with my sister Christy and her husband Dusty... who is also Nick's cousin... we like to call him "Cuncle Dusty" ha! ha! Because he is my kids Uncle on my side of the family... and their Cousin on Nick's side of the family! I know! I know! We like to keep it in the family! ha! ha! He was just to great... we had to add him to my side too! Then we all went back to our house and lit off fireworks.... Got spot lighted by a Police Officer... because for some reason our fireworks were shooting in the air. I don't know what got into them... but man they were going high! ha! ha! They sure were pretty!

I'm going to try something I haven't ever tried.. but seen on so many cute blogs... A Slide show of photos. I think it will be a lot easier for me because I'm so Anal and have to have my photos all lined up just right and it takes me FOREVER! So this will ease all of our pains! ha! ha!

I have to share a photo with you though... FREAKED me right out! We were down at Hooper Park and you know me... Camera Girl... anyway, I took this photo of Avery and there was someone kneeling behind her! A Transparent someone! It is so freaky! I can't tell if it's a woman or a man.. but it looks almost like they are in old pioneer clothes or something! It is clear as day! RIGHT BEHIND HER.. like he's holding on to her or something! Look at this photo.... If any of you know this person ... please let me know because I'm a little nervous about it stalking my baby! ha! ha!