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.