I'd Like To Say Thank You...

To all of my visitors!

Off and on I've had Google Analytics attached to my blog. Well, good ol' Cary finally got it working correctly on April 1st, so I have been keeping tabs of my blog visitors for 1 month now. And for the entire month of April? I've had 554 visits!

Thank you! Thank you!! Thank YOU!!!!

Even though some of my posts seem boring, mundane, or perhaps just silly, I continue to have people repeatedly visit me.

Now with the new arrival in the works, hopefully everyone will tune in for more adventures!

Letters To Baby

Dear Baby McFadden (playfully known as Wilgar),

I wanted to introduce you to your parents and some of your family, even though you are but a small poppy seed at this time.

I am crazy in love with your daddy. No one in the world makes me smile the way he does. But I've never even seen anyone love like he does either. Even when I'm in the worst of moods, he listens, and then finds some way to help me forget or smile, or just let it go. I am very honored to have him by my side.

I am not a perfect person. I'm sure you will see that as you grow. I love food (and I'm picky with it too!) I struggle with my weight. Today at work I decided to buy a bunch of fruit for me and my co-workers, to encourage healthy eating. But another co-worker brought donuts....and of course I couldn't resist the 1 time donut.

But what I do hope you see in me is the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let me tell you one thing: if you never learn anything else in life, know this: He is the true miracle. Because of Him we are living the life we have today. He is the reason why I have your daddy, and why I wake up in the morning feeling so blessed to have your grandparents.

Now on to the next thing: not everyone can call their parents their best friends. But I can. All my life my dad has been my hero. And you will grow to understand that. He is very devoted to Fire Safety, and to the Fire Department, for which he is "only" a reserve. But NEVER will anyone see a employed fire man more dedicated than he is. He is on call 24/7, ready to drop anything to help his friends in need. And all of his fire buddies see the same.

You will grow up to know his as B-Pa. And I cannot wait for him to meet you. You will be a shining light in his life. But you will also know his alternate id's: Ashes and Santa Claus. Santa picked him out especially so that he can dress like the big man in red and bring joy to all the little kids around Christmas time, while Santa himself runs around the North Pole making sure all last minute things are in place.

And then there is my mom, your T-Ma. One of the most selfless people you will ever meet. Growing up, she was always there for me, always the wise one, always willing to do whatever she could for me. She has big dreams for you, and I know when she meets you she will never want to let go.

As for your Oma and Opa--2 of the sweetest people I could ever meet. I have only known them for 2 years at this date, but I really enjoy being around them. They love playing games. They love going on vacation, they dream big. And I am blessed that I have family like them.

I could write all day about more of your family, including Aunt Faith, Uncle Brad, and Cousin Helen, but I suspect you will get to know them at your own time...no need to confuse you when you are still a tiny little seedling.

But know this: your daddy and I have only known about you for 1 week, and we are excited. Nervous and excited. We want to give you the world, to let you reach out and explore, to fall, and to get right back up again and continue. This world is a scary place, but we will be here for you, to help pick you back up, dust you off, and kiss your boo-boos. This adventure is new and exciting for all of us.

Love,

mommy

*********

My little one,

First off I want to let you know how much I love you. Even though I have not even seen you yet, you are still so precious to me. And let me tell you, your mother feels the same. We can not wait to get to know you and show you this big wonderful world.

As your mother said, we have so much love for each other, and we want to share that love with you. But as much love as we have, it pales to Christ’s love for you. You are the most precious thing to Him. When we fail you or let you down, He will not. He will always be there.

Our goals for you in this new adventure that you are starting are simple. We want you to see the love of your mother and I, we want you to know the love that Christ has for you, and we want you to have Joy in your heart to enjoy this life.

Now go, grow, and learn to laugh. We can’t wait for you to get here.

Love,
Daddy

The Biggest Post Yet...

So, here it is: the Extremely Unique Weekend? Someone left a comment (if it was you, please let me know--I would love to know who it is!)

The scavenger hunt? Cary and I led our parents (mine on Friday, Cary's on Sunday) on a wild chase around their homes in a scavenger hunt.

My parents' clues led them to places like:

The Iguana:

I may be cold-blooded and I sit so serene
Cary may mistake me for red
But I’m thoroughly green

The garden:

Memories in red , yellows and green we hold so dear
Take in a deep breath—spring is in the air!

And a doll made by Marie Osmond:

I sit in a chair that was once a child’s
I’m created by an artist that makes you smile

Cary's clues led his parents to different rooms in the house:

Bathroom:

Second door on the right
Is where you make your stand,
But if it is the otherDon’t forget the fan!

Kitchen/Refrigerator:

Tasty with cake
Better when brown.
Happy clues
Come from happy cows.

Laundry room/game closet:

You searched from start to home
With great chary (defin: with great cautious and wariness).
If you get sent back
Then we are truly SORRY!

The end surprise was a poem at the end:

With your final clue you get to see
Your present, small as a green pea.
Opa and Oma (or T-Ma and B-Pa in my parents case), I hope your Special day was fun
Your special present is hidden in Jenn’s tum’.

So yes, the rumor is true--Cary and Jenn are going to be parents!

And the grandparents seem to be very excited! Slowly everyone is starting to know. As soon as mom found out, she tried calling everyone she knew, so a large amount of our family knows. I'm slowly telling my friends here and there...most might find out by this post!

I guess I'm nervous about telling the whole world because I haven't even had my 1st appointment yet. So I can't even tell a due date! Not to mention, I have to get the doctor's ok that all is well. So please say a prayer for us, as we embark on this new adventure called parenthood. But also for a safe, healthy 9 months!

So, Cary and I are excited. But currently there is nothing to make me feel like I am pregnant other than the exhaustion and EPT test. This is why I'm anxious for the first visit--hopefully hear a little heartbeat and bring me out of my state of shock!

An Extremely Unique Weekend...

This one included 2 scavenger hunts, several phone calls, a comedy club, a new bedspread, and ShamWOW!

Oh...and I'm proud to announce my friend Steve is now a new daddy to little boy Simon--6 pounds 4 ounces! Congratulations Steve and Marika!!!

More to come soon!!!

Thursday Ponderings...

Do you ever wish that when you took a photograph, that it would retain the 3D look with it? Or even the smells? Not like the Scratch-N-Sniff stickers you find, but the real smells that made you smile: flowers, a baby, pizza...

Ok. The 3rd scent is weird. But at work we have iFratelli's come in and sell us pizza and lasagna on Thursdays. At 11:30 when you are STARVING, this is a glorious smell. And it lingers for a time. But come Thursday night, or Friday when you have a choice of sandwiches (not very fragrant there), you yearn for that smell again. Or perhaps it would make things worse.

I mean, who would want to bite into a cold hero when you have warm gooey cheese on the brain?!

Helen's Praise Poem

So, it looks like I have a talented niece on my hands...

Helen’s Praise Poem

I love you so much Jesus,

I want to worship you.

There’s a flower on my dress that has your name on it.

And an eye on my face that says Jesus, I love you.

And you say back I love you too.

I have some hair that says worship you.

I have two feet that say pray to you.

I have fingers that say praise you.

I have hand that say you lift me high up,

And a tummy that says you save me from my sins.

Amen.

I love this poem! (and the writer too!)

Weekend Without Pictures

Good morning!

How was everyone else's weekend? On this side, it was very fun and busy (no surprise there!).

On Friday evening, Cary and I hit a rare movie and saw Monsters v. Aliens in 3D. I enjoyed the movie--I like the technology of the 3D. Cary--he just like the technology of 3D. He said he would have been disappointed if it were not with the funny-looking glasses. The last movie we had seen before then? Either Marley and Me or Madagascar 2. I know. We are BIG movie fans!

On Saturday, Mom, Dad, Cary and I joined my aunt Kelly for an early birthday celebration at Kelly's house. Here, we ate hot dogs, hamburgers, cookies, chips...and we were introduced to the Wii.

Though I did not play with the Wii, I really enjoyed watching Cary, Dad, and Kelly's friend Sarah challenge each other in bowling, golf, tennis, baseball, and boxing...Hopefully they are not too sore after all that swinging around!

On Sunday we enjoyed our usual relaxing day at Cary's parents, doing laundry and playing games. The neat part about yesterday was that we decided to have tacos for lunch, so Cary and I got to go to the store and pick up the necessecities. Yum!

Over all, the weekend was very good and it was (as always) fun to see our families. Next week will be just as busy, so hopefully I'll remember my camera, and have lots of good stories to share!

Another (Shameless) Plug...

So I'm here to plug the wonderful site that Cary has worked so hard on.


It's http://lewisville-lafs.webs.com/index.htm, and it is set up for parents and children alike to look at and teach each other about Safety.


What started out as mostly fire safety, we (as in the clowns) have seen the need to teach other safety, so if you are in the area and see us, we could be teaching you anything, including:

How to cool a burn

Weather safety

Seatbelt safety

Crosswalk safety

What to do in an emergency

Stranger safety

Poison safety...

We are working hard to try to teach you and your loved ones on how to stay safe! Please check out our site!

Also, check out our newest merchandise: www.cafepress.com/lewisvillelafs

You too can sport the likes of Ashes and Radio in your own shirt, mug, clock....

Thank you for supporting the Lewisville LAFS group!

Another Jarvis Family Gathering

Easter Sunday with the Jarvis' proves to never be boring. A bunch of us (a.k.a., Mom, Dad, Amy, Mike, Steven, Spencer, Stacy, Grandpa, Grandma, Kelly, Rebeckah, Cary, Chester, and myself) got together for lunch, egg hunts, and game fun today.

Despite the prediction of 90% chance of rain, our spirits were not dampened with yummies like ham, au gratin potatoes, mac & cheese, rolls, green beans, fruit, and brownies and ice cream...and a 'salad' of candy (jelly beans, gummy candy, chocolate...).

After lunch, mom, Amy, and I hid dozens (and by that I mean about 150--individuals) of eggs, which a little later a 18, 15, and 10 year old got to hide...too old for egg hunting? Maybe, but definitely an adventure. But hey--Austin, Addison, and Reagan were not able to join Stacy, so we had to add a little competition for her!

After a ripped bag, a puddle, a lightbulb in a plastic egg, and Spencer and Cary partaking in throwing the candy-filled eggs at each other, all eggs were satisfactorily found, and then on to the games!

While Mike enjoyed himself to the Master's Tournament on the awesome tv (and keeping Chester entertained), everyone else gathered into the living room for a game of Apples to Apples. The running joke this time for this game was Hail Storm, when Amy kept thumping mom over the head...to demonstrate Violent...

All around it was a great time. Kelly and Beckah did not stick around too long, but we got to meet their cute new puppy Sookie, or 'Fierce' as her dress said. It was wonderful of Grandpa to make the drive to Lewisville and make our Easter so much warmer.

Eric, Deb, Faye, Erica, Austin, and of course, Kim, Tom, Addison, Reagan, and Gracyn, we missed having you here with us today, but know that we did think about you and we do hope we can all have another gathering with everyone again sometime soon. I also (briefly) toyed with the idea of having a Jarvis camping trip...but Grandma brought up the point that we might get kicked out...and I think with how rambunctious we can be, it might be true...




So, here's too another near perfect day, microwaving Peeps marshmallows, a homemade rabbit and yarn ball. Chester even had himself a great time, trying to get the eggs that were on the ground, playing with everything he thought was his toy, and digging in the mud...

God has blessed me with this incredible family!

The Day Of Miracles...

Today we celebrate the rising of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today we rejoice in the miracle that happened, showing us that God really did send down His son for us, that blood was shed, and we, with a sinful nature, have been Forgiven.

Today we raise our eyes, our hands, and our voices to say He Is Risen.

Happy Easter!

My Heart Has Been Touched Again...

By another blog I have stalked. So many of you have already heard of this one, but I stumbled upon it last week when I was stalking/reading another's blog (for another cute read on some cute kids, go here.

It is the story of Nienie, a BEAUTIFUL soul in a beautiful body. I started reading her story from the beginning, and was instantly entranced by her writing. She is creative, she loves the rain, she loves her family (husband, children, and siblings alike) and most of all, she loves the Lord. But I love the way she talks about her husband. It is much in the way I love and talk about mine (but she doesn't hold back--in a conservative way!)


She was in a tragic plane accident, but survived to now tell us about her long, painful recovery. But even though she is slow at typing for now, she still expresses herself as if you were sitting down on a couch with her, eating popcorn, and just talking like best friends talk. She inspires me.


When she was in a coma after the plane crash, one of her sisters kept all who was concerned in touch with the daily situations (I love and admire how this family is bound together, how they love each other, even long before the event). Though I admit that I started cjane's blog in the middle, when the accident was first reported, I am now eager to go back and read all of her blog, from the beginning.


Below are the links to this beautiful family. I also sport a cool I Read Nienie button on the side!


http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/


http://blog.cjanerun.com/

Please say a prayer for this family, and enjoy!

Hoppy Easter!!

From the Greatest Job EVER!

Ok. Well, considering we have to work on Good Friday, this is the greatest job, in that they are making it fun for us.

I came back from lunch yesterday and found a large load of candy on my desk. The Hip Hop Supervisor Bunnies came to visit all of us and with it lots of Hershey Kisses (Caramel and Cherry), Reeses, Dove, and Baby Ruths. An email was sent to the 'floor' telling us that if our Baby Ruth had a 15 on the back, then that means we earned 15 minutes of additional 'off' time. Mine didn't have a 15, but I got candy!!! The email continued to say that there would be several hidden eggs around the Resource Center on Friday, just to make the day fun.

Well, this morning, my supervisor Mickey came through and told us to start hunting for our small eggs. As I was scrounging the floor, away from my desk, she told me "If I were you, I'd be looking around your cube"...so I walked back over to my desk and started hunting everywhere...

The last place I looked (isn't that always the case?) was the top of my cabinet, where my collection of frogs are...and hidden there, was a nice, GREEN egg--the Frogs were hiding my egg!!!! And inside, chocolate with a magical 30 on it--30 extra minutes!!!

If you have to work on a 'holiday', this is the place to do it...

FINALLY!!!

So, last night, Cary and I decided to have an indoor game night instead of walking (the smoke is pretty thick in this area of Dallas due to the fires all around). We started off the night by playing UNO Attack--which I LOST--miserably...sorry mom!

Then on to the next game, which I thought I wouldn't have a chance in the world to win--Boggle. Let me tell you this--Cary is not the best speller in the world, but he is a GENIUS when it comes to Boggle. He can't explain it.

About half-way through, I began to have more points then him (unique words from the letter dice that he did not have himself). The last round, to reach 50, I needed 7 points. He needed 14. I got 11; he got 14. We tied at 54. So on to a tie-breaker...

The very last round? I got 17 points...thanks to words like lapel and lapels. AND I WON!!!! For the 1st time ever! I should have taken a picture for the momentous occassion, for I know it will most likely not happen again--his parents are really good at playing, too.

Here's to the greatness of games!

First Vandalization

Well, maybe not the first, as when I lived at my parents house, some random people decided to lift up GIANT plant pots and throw them at our glass door in the front of the house. I should really try to find pics and show you. They were massive!

Anyways, yesterday I experienced my first adulthood vandalization. Not that its a big deal, but still, I want to write this down, to help remind me that the world is not all hunky-dory...

I had a cute, very inexpensive door wreath on the front of Cary's and my apartment door. I have been putting wreaths up since last fall, and I always look forward to the next season or holiday to have an excuse for a new one.

This wreath was for Easter (though it had been on the door since Feb--I'm strange that way), and it had beautiful colorful eggs and flowers on it. And only $10. I always told myself to not spend a lot of money on something that can be stolen. But for some reason, I never thought to add the word, destroyed.

This past weekend was super windy, so this wreath lasted through several crazy moments, banging on our door. We learned to ignore that sound, along with the sound of wind blowing through our door and window cracks.

Such was the same situation Cary thought he was in yesterday afternoon, just before I got home from work. He heard the wreath bumping against the door and didn't think anything about it. But when he went to open up the front door, he was greeted with a site: the wreath had been destroyed...

This is an email I wrote to Cary this morning regarding it:

The sad thing is, I’m affected by it. I’m affected by the destruction of a $10 wreath. I’m affected because it means people don’t raise their kids to respect other people anymore, so therefore, even if we did catch the kids in the act, there is a strong chance the parents wouldn’t even care.

I spent only $10 with the thoughts that it could be stolen. And I wish it would have been stolen, just because I would have had the thought that some kid wanted to give something to his/her mom, and couldn’t afford anything, so…

I’ll get over it. It just makes me sad that this world is the way it is…(and that’s just for a measley $10 THING!)

And Cary is ever the wise one in this relationship:

We are going to have bad stuff happen to us in our lives, probably some very bad stuff, and how we react and our attitude during and afterwards will make all the difference to us, to our children, and to anyone who may be watching. We should practice on the little stuff.

I completely agree with Cary, but never had a situation happen like this, so the feelings are a first. I just hope to be like him in the future, with the reminder that material items are...well, material.

So the debate is still up on if I should post this or not. Not because it isn't an interesting story (well, I HOPE its interesting), but because it shows a weakness in me...

I tried looking for the pictures I had of the 'before' image, which was filled with several eggs of several pastel colors, but for now, enjoy the one showing how badly it was damaged...

Just How Many Posts Can I Make In One Day?

So on a daily basis, I get to talk to people all around the country. In fact, I bought a small, laminated sheet of the US so that I can circle all of the states the people call from. When I first started the circling, I had to quickly move to dots, as the page was getting filled up with so many circles!

This is probably my favorite part of this job, talking to people all over the nation. Everywhere has different weather, accents, attitudes. I recognize some cities when addressed without the states, but I am still trying to decipher accents. One of these days, I'll be able to distinguish Georgia from Tennessee.

Well, the reason for this post today is that an agent called from Duluth, MN. I've talked with several people in this area, but for some reason today, I decided to make small talk with this agent. I told him that one of my favorite hockey players, Jamie Langenbrunner, is from Duluth.

He then proceeded to tell me that HE KNOWS THE LANGENBRUNNER FAMILY!!! He told me that both times Jamie was on the winning Stanley Cup team, there was a party held in his honor, and this agent had been to both parties!

Ok. I'm getting off my high now. I guess I should think of other questions to ask agents as I come upon them...any suggestions?

The Easter Plans Thus Far

So, the emails began flowing in this morning! Let me just say, Kim, Tom, Addison, Reagan and Gracyn, if you could make it, we would love to see you and meet sweet Gracyn!

I went ahead and arranged the emails in descending order, and each individual email is separate by a line, so no one has to read them backwards. Let me say, I am entertained so far!
____________________________________

From: The Corrys
Subject: Easter Sunday

Good Morning, We are wanting to make plans for Easter Sunday. No plans yet but we were thinking about going to Ft.Worth. Lunch orhow about a game day? ZOO?

Mike suggested a easter egg hunt at the place with the big rocks and the horses at the entrance.
Hmmm ...the cemetery
Anybody up for a fun day?

Amy
______________________

From: Chestine
Subject: RE: Easter Sunday

I've been thinking about this all day, I know if it is a pretty day,the parks and zoos will be overflowing and I have tried to think of some place that would be interesting and fun.
We could take peanut butter sandwiches, marshmallow bunnies and chicks. Help me think any suggestions?

Mom

- by the way - Erica I have something for Austin's birthday. We could do as Mike suggests - there is no more interesting place thanthe cemetery.
_______________________

From: The Corrys
Re: Easter Sunday

I just watched the news and we have a 70% chance of rain!!I like peanut butter and marshmallow creme haven't ever tried p.b andpeeps!! yum!
_________________________

From: Tressia (TJ) Jarvis
Subject: RE: Easter Sunday

Just let me know where & time. How many kids will be doing the Easteregg hunt? In case I have time to make up some eggs to hunt. Also let meknow if I need to prepare something for lunch or what I can do to makethis a really FUN day!

_________________________

From: Chestine Jarvis
Subject: RE: Easter Sunday

Tressia, this may be presumptious of me, but maybe we could come toyour place and play games - bring a mystery dish and hunt eggs in yourhouse - just kidding about that but if it rains we will have to have arain check anyway. I am serious about the game thing and well, my houseis too small for all the clan that is growing so fast. Don't want to putpressure on you and you would not - I state - would not have to dodinner - everyone bring something for sandwiches or bring a can ofsomething and we could have stone soup.

Love ya
mom
_______________________

From: Bryan
Subject: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

FYI, mom's suggestion
________________________

From: Tressia
Subject: Fw: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

Good Morning! I wanted to let you know what is going on so far for the Jarvis Easter. I understand that there is the McFadden Family to so you do what you feel you need to do. As Always Brenda and Gary are welcome to join us but we might be a little too much for them. :) Have a great day Mom

PS I responded with I would provide the Ham and everyone else would bring the fixings for sandwiches , potato salad etc......
______________________

From: Cary
Subject: RE: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

So is it semi official that we are having it at your house?
______________________

From: Tressia
Subject: RE: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

BINGO!!!!!
______________________

From: Jennifer McFadden
Subject: RE: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

We can go to a cemetery and hunt eggs there!!! What can we bring?
______________________

From: Cary McFadden
Subject: RE: [Fwd: RE: Easter Sunday]

I think we should get glow in the dark eggs and hunt them at night in the cemetery.

_____________________

To be continued...

Trying To Play Catch-Up...

Sorry it's Tuesday and I haven't written about our weekend just yet. For the most part it was the same, with visiting my parents on Saturday evening after church and then Cary's parents on Sunday...but with bits of different in-between.

On Friday I went home "sick"...I say that with the quotations because it most likely was allergies (well, still feeling it), and I felt bad for going home, but when your job consists of talking on the phone all day and your throat is sore and you feel disoriented, it was just a good idea to go home and sleep. And that is what I did. When Cary left after lunch (Chunky soup!), I hopped on the bed and slept for about 2 1/2 hours. It felt so good! When I woke up, I thought I would feel good enough to go swing dancing that night, but Cary said, "No. No work, no play..." (sigh)...just like my mom used to say...

So instead we baked a cheesecake, settled down and watched Over The Hedge for the night. Not swing, but very enjoyable none the less.

On Saturday, Cary and I dropped Chester off into my parents backyard for a day of run and sun (thank you again T-ma and B-pa!) and went to visit my Uncle Bill's new home and to catch up with him, Ivan, and Nina. Their home is very nice, and the back yard is big! After a filling lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cheesecake, Cary and I sat down and taught Ivan how to play 42 (and gave Bill a refresher). I never thought I'd be in the position to teach someone how to play that game!

This weekend was a good time, as always, and when Monday rolled around, of course I was sad. I miss my sleep!

Easter is this coming Sunday, so I'm looking forward to more family fun! Be on the lookout for more posts!

Did I Mention...

We were thisclose to selling our wonderful Chester to some kids the other day?

They were interested in him, but when they asked if he really was for sell, Cary said, "Nope"...I'm so proud of him! He resisted temptation!

:o)

Note: We both care about Chester too much give him up...even though we playfully say we will!

And now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Prayers Answered?

I want to thank you if you read my post about my dear co-worker/friend, Penny. It's so nice to know that people in my life believe in the power of prayer.


I have not seen Penny in over a week now, because she has been spending precious time with her husband, setting up the finalities of what is to come for him.


But something truly amazing happened. Before this situation came about, Penny had arranged for Cary, me and another co-worker to join her for a Christian comedy event in Plano, which is tonight. I heard from Penny yesterday, and she still wants to attend. So tonight, we will join our friend who is in need for a happy smile.


But that is not the truly amazing. What reached out to me, what has struck me in awe, is that she invited us to meet her husband tonight. She has talked about him, but I have never seen pictures. What was once a man who shied away from people now realizes that he NEEDS people. And Penny wants us to be a part of THOSE people. I feel truly honored.


God is showing His presence in more than one place.


On a happier note, my cousin gave birth to her 3rd little princess on March 30! Welcome to the world Gracyn!