How Long Does It Take?

Ok, so it started as a dare from Melissa to blog the amount of time it takes to get home after a nice evening of dinner at Cary's favorite restaurant, Chaat. So, how long does it take to get from Chaat to our home? 6 minutes.

Then I realized that people will drive quite a distance to get to their favorite store, restaurant, church... So, I would like to bring up that question:

"It takes me _____(seconds/minutes/hours/days/months/years...) to get to ___________(favorite thing here)

For me? It took me 28 years to get to London, and another 2 1/2 to go back. I can't wait!

Alright Melissa--the dare is done! Now I dare you to post how long it takes to you get to your favorite place.

But, really, I hope that you and Jon enjoyed the evening, and hopefully you enjoyed the food as well! We'll do it again soon!

Howl-O-Ween Party

Last night was yet another gathering at the Jarvis house with dear family and friends. And this theme (as you could guess by the title) was Halloween. I have 3 additional blogs about it below if you have not seen them yet (I know, I know...Good grief Jenn!)

Now, nothing here was really frightfully scary (unless you count my uncle's lack of costume) but I hope everyone had a great time like I did.

The costumes:

Mom was a medieval maiden

Dad was a Pirate (the baseball ones!)

Melissa was the Sock Monster (and she stole a lot of cute ones!)

SaBra was a dark fairy whose wings were snatched from her

Alex was a vet (great job throwing that together last minute!)

Erica and Austin came from a football game, so they werent' quite dressed up

And Bill, well, we gave him a hat for his dress-up!

And from previous posts, you know that Cary, Chester, and I were dressed as the Grinch characters.

The night started with hot dogs, chili, and chips and then moved on to cake. Cary and I made a big marble cake with a pirate story and SaBra brought a pumpkin-shaped chocolate cake--both were delicious in my opinion!

We had a pumpkin-carving contest, where we randomly were paired up with someone to make the best pumpkin. Mom and Alex were paired, Dad and Austin, SaBra and Bill, Cary and Erica, and Melissa and I. We took about 45 minutes to design and carve a pumpkin to see who won.

And the winner is: Austin and Dad!!! Austin walked away with the grand prize of a Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh, and then the pirate toys from the cake--Lucky kid!

We finished off the night with SPOONS, which I lost, AGAIN! Bill walked off being the big winner this time--good job!

Bill brought his dog, Nina, along for the night, and Chester looked like he had so much fun with her. Whenever he got close to Nina (who is exactly like Chester except size, ears, and a white spot on the chest), she would growl (playfully) and Chester would tuck his tail under and run, only to return seconds later looking like he was ready to pounce. He slept well last night (thank you Nina!!!).

And it looks like our Christmas and New Year's parties are already planned out, thanks to the creativity of mom and Melissa!

How The Dog...

Became the Grinch!

Cary and I had been thinking for a while of what to do with ourselves for Halloween. There were thoughts of using a theme, and thoughts of our own costume.

Cary thought at one point he wanted to be Uncle Fester from the Addams Family, but we could not find robes that were good enough to be like Fester's!

I couldn't think of anything really fun for myself, though I played with a lot of ideas (Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, Pirate...). And then, there's Chester! If he's going to be going to a costume party, we need to dress him up!


Because of Chester's silly paws and the fur that comes up out of them, I call him Grinch feet occassionally. Well, that sparked the idea: Chester can be the Grinch! Cary wanted to go as Cindy-Lou-Who, and I got to be Max, the Grinch's trusty canine companion.

This blog you get to see the results. Cary makes an adorable Cindy, doesn't he!

And for feeling 'guilty' for putting Chester through the green dye job (yes we REALLY sprayed and gelled him green) we bought him a new toy (also to go with the theme that the Grinch was out to destroy Christmas), which he started destroying in 1/2 of the day! Poor Santa Dog!

The costumes were a big hit, and Cary enjoyed wearing pink pajamas all night long...but he refuses to wear them to work on Halloween! And I think Chester was glad to finally get the green out of him at the end of the night.

I will never see that cartoon the same way again!

Aaarrgghhh!!!

I don't know if it was the huge hit of Pirates of the Caribbean or dad's Safety Pirate theme for the Lewisville Safety Clowns a year ago, but pirates are HUGE right now!

What was originally going to be a 'cemetary' theme for our cake for the great party quickly turned into a Pirate theme when a visit to Toys R Us failed to provide any great cemetary decorations for under $70.

What we chose ended up working really well I think. And I think Cary agrees with me, because he likes to keep going back to the pictures of the finished creation and looking at them.

We baked the cake on Thursday with the anticipation of the next 2 days being super busy preparing for the party. And it's a good thing we did because we were busy on Friday and Saturday with de-gutting the pumpkins and the last minute errands on Saturday!

It was a large marble cake (a full sheet I believe) and it was fun to design and really colorful! The story behind it: 2 pirates row up on the shore of a desert isle and follow the map to where the treasure should be. They begin digging and they strike gold! Along with a skeleton that comes back to life and scares them away as he tries to protect his precious gold.

I added this last picture because it cracked me up: After crumbling up the cake for the grave, I dug the skeleton in there: "I'm so hungry; I haven't eaten in years!" I know--me and my child-like mind!

In The Beginning...

There was the selecting of the pumpkins.

What was going to be a morning of walking through a pumpkin patch (or maybe just going to the closest store) with my parents and selecting a variety of pumpkins with "personalities" turned into a quick pick at the local Kroger.

Unfortunately mom was not feeling well on Friday night, and instead of going on Saturday to pick the pumpkins and de-gut them before the party, Cary and I decided it was best to do it Friday night and decorate the cake on Saturday. So, 4 became 2, but we had fun with the variety we got to choose from.

Afterwards, Cary and I loaded them into the car and drove to Lewisville to join my dad in the clean out process (which I refer to as de-gutting). 5 pumpkins=quite a mess! I wanted to get into a seed/goo fight with one of them, but both dad and Cary were less than enthusiastic about it--men!

With that process out of the way, Cary and I headed home, where we were happily asleep by 10:45 to get ready for a super busy day on Saturday!

P.S.--Mom is feeling better; it just sounds like she needed a good night's rest herself!

You Tube

I tube, you tube, we all tube, For You Tube!!!

I know, I know; it's a shameless promotion, but I want to let everyone know that Cary has put a lot of time into making 3 videos, 1 about the Lewisville Clowns, 2 about Chester, and 1 for our honeymoon photos. And they are REALLY good!

http://www.youtube.com/ , search Chestmutt, and you will find all 4 of them there. And of course, with his creativity, I'm sure many more are to come!

...And for extra laughs, search twoblindsquirrels (yes as all run togther) on You tube, and see my crazy brother-in-law doing what he does best--goofing off! Hi Brad!

I've Been Tagged!

My cousin Kim tagged me to post the 6th picture from my 6th folder, and here it is!

This is a picture of clouds from an airplane that Cary took back in March or April when he was going to North Carolina for a business trip. I guess that picking the 6th picture from my 6th folder was a great choice, because I love this picture and I have been trying to figure out a way to show it off!

Next, I'm going to tag my mom, Melissa, and Autumn. Alright ladies! Write a small posting about the 6th picture from your 6th folder! I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Live Oak Church

This morning Cary and I visited Live Oak Church, formerly known as Wichita Creek Baptist Church. This church means so much to me: it is the church that helped guide me to accepting Christ.

It started back when I was in high school, and my friend Brian Brooks invited me one day. This church was in a little known area of Flower Mound, off the main road for several miles. But it was wonderful, with woods surrounding us and the most comfortable setting.

The pastor of this group is Brad Kenney, and from the beginning I felt right at home here, and I started bringing other friends along with me. I also started babysitting for the families at the church, becoming the unofficial 'official' babysitter of choice. And how I loved those kids! There was Brett, Brooke, and Aubrey, Pastor Brad and Teresa's kids; Taylor and Jonah (their mom, Carol, was my 7th grade Science teacher who was pregnant with Taylor at the time); Megan, Matthew and Micalah; Tristan and Ian, Bobbie, Gunnar, Ty, and Lane; Jackie and Alex...and so many more!

Not long after I started this church, the youth group went to the Dawson McAllister Conference, which at the time had performers Todd Proctor, Joel Engle, and my favorite to this day, Chris Tomlin (he was just starting at the time, and I have a cd of his music that you cannot find anywhere today!). That night changed my life drastically forever.

I continued to put in as much time into the church as I could even with starting work and college. Unfortunately, my job wasn't as understanding in scheduling me for later shifts on Sunday so that I could attend service. I ended up having to give up bible studies and babysitting, as well as services for my job. And one day, Brad stepped down as pastor, and this pretty much ended my time of attending Wichita Creek. But I can say that I thought of the families (mainly the Kenneys) that helped my walk with Christ very regularly.

I started attending Fellowship after searching other churches, and thanks to Clay, who took me on my first visit and then a few others before I became more involved. I got into hometeams and hung out with my new friends, and eventually meeting Cary.

Of course I believe fully that God took me from Wichita Creek to help me find friends and the man I love so much. And when we began planning our wedding, I knew immediately that I wanted Pastor Brad Kenney to be officiating. I had found out that he was back at Wichita Creek, so one Sunday morning I made the familiar old drive back to the church, where I was greeted so warmly by Teresa, Brooke, Aubrey, and then of course Brad.

Brad seemed so excited to be the pastor at my wedding, and of course seeing everyone brought back so many memories! I took Cary there once before we were married so that he could meet Pastor Brad and all of the people who I cared about. At the wedding Brad made everyone laugh (as he has a great talent of) and made the wedding special.

Cary has been so wonderful to have taken me a few more times so I can keep up with everyone. I enjoy the sermons so much!

Back to today: Every time I see the kids, I still can't believe how much they have grown. The girls are so gorgeous, and they seem to be just as excited to see me today as they were when I used to play with them. It was also Pastor Brad's birthday, so that made it even more special. And afterwards, they invited us to lunch. We all (and I mean many people from the church) gathered at Culver's, a hamburger restaurant around the corner. I loved sitting there and catching up with everyone!

Brad, Teresa, Brett, Brooke, Aubrey, and the rest of the church members: Thank you for making me feel so welcome in your home again, and for letting me see how much the church (and kids) have grown! Check out their site and visit them if you get the chance: http://www.liveoakchurchfm.com/

Honoring America's Bravest

Tonight Cary and I joined my mom and dad in the Annual Lewisville Fire Department Banquet, where the city's finest got to sit back, eat great food, listen to guest speakers, and receive awards.

This year was very special because 2008 is the year my dad celebrated 25 years as a Reserve Fireman. We surprised him with his 'honorary guests', his parents.

Grandpa and Barbara drove in from Cedar Creek, and Grandma drove in from Ft. Worth to show pride as their son received a standing ovation as he walked to the stage to receive his certificate. How many people can honestly say they have served one group for so many years for no money (long and hard input as well!?). I can honestly say he is my hero. What an amazing man!

Another goose bump experience tonight (besides the fact it was freezing in there!): Back in August the 4 of us were enjoying our Saturday evening watching tv when we heard a tone out for a possible drowning of a 3 year old. I can honestly say that I myself was holding my breath, praying to God for this family that is possibly losing their child. We heard that CPR was in progress, then we heard the dispatcher call for the chaplin.

A long time (felt like hours) passed before we heard anymore. Then we heard the ambulance arrive and they continued CPR. Not long after that, we heard a child's screaming in the background: the child was breathing again! I felt overwhelmed at that moment and got teary-eyed. And I didn't even know the family!

Tonight we saw the aftermath of this call: a healthy, happy 3 year old in her father's arms while her mother received an award for bravery and staying calm while administering CPR to her own child. What an amazing story and proof that God does listen to prayers!

Our State Fair Is A Great State Fair

Don't miss it! Don't even be late!

Actually, it ends tomorrow, but Cary and I got to spend our date night on Friday there, and we got to enjoy the gorgeous weather (it dropped from about 77 degrees as the sun set!) and some wonderful shows. My favorite? The Birds of the Wild show. Amazing to watch those birds!!!

It was busy as always, but with the enticing food and colorful rides, it was well worth it. Cary enjoyed a Polish Sausage and later Fried Apple Pie while I got what I have been waiting a year for: Fried Cheesecake!!! MMMMM!

Along with a ride on the Skyway and watching the Pig Races, we left tired, happy, and full.

See ya next year Big Tex!

Chester's First Day Of Doggie Daycare!

I was like a mom sending her real kids off to school on their first day. Imagine what it will be like when I really have kids!!!!

Since I wanted to see how he interacted with the other dogs, I asked if I could see him go into the yard where he plays. What did I see? As I scanned the yard, I saw several dogs, walking around, sniffing, getting their 'stretching' done before the big fun. I couldn't see Chester, though!

The lady who walked me to the watching spot pointed to the far corner at a plastic trash can and said "He's behind that". I looked, and there was a Pomeranian trying so hard to play with him, but he was cowering behind the trash can!...hmmm. My dog, shy?!

Of course I tried not to call the daycare too early to check on him, but close to lunchtime I wanted to make sure we did not need to pick him up because he wasn't having fun. But when I did call, they reported that he was doing great. Yay!

When Cary picked him up this evening, he received a Report Card, letting us know how he did. The report:

Mood: Can I come back tomorrow? and First Day Jitters

Favorite Activities: Tag/Chase

Favorite Toy: Ball (that's no surprise!)

Favorite Playmate: Everyone & Pet Guardian

Comments/Recommendations: Chester had the first day jitters in the first half of daycare. He was a different Chester in the 2nd half of daycare. He was going around meeting different friends. Well today he met a lof of new friends, he also likes to chase the ball. Can't wait to see him again

--Jeff the Pet Guardian

(sniff, sniff) my baby's growing up!!!

Cary bought a 10 day package and we are planning on taking him back again on Friday! Thank you Pete & Mac's!

Arr Mateys!

I be Cap'n Chester Van Mutt, ruler of the McFadden seas, watcher of ye sickly plants, chewer of me bed.

I and me trusty crew of one set out to seek the rich lands of peanut butter and popcorn looking for cats to attack and humans to jump on.














Arrr!!!! Now, get back to work, you land lover before I bury you in the sand at low tide and torture you by licking you on your face!

God Save The Queen!!

Because the Jarvis' are going to London!!!

It's official! We just booked our trip to London for June 2009. Mom will get to enjoy her first trip to Europe, and dad's first trip to London. This is my 2nd trip to London (my absolutely FAVORITE city on this earth) and Cary's 3rd.

This time my goal is to get off the big red bus and really explore everything. The first time I went, I was in the city for a total of 2 days, and the 1 full day I was there was spent on top of the open bus, taking pictures of everything I could see.

It was November and slightly cold, but RAINY!!! I was soaked from head to toe! But I refused to leave the top of the bus in case I missed anything good (except to get off of it to shop at Harrod's and a toy store in Picadilly Circus to dry off). And now, I get to see it all again, now with my amazing hubby and my incredible parents and for 6 FULL days!