Unconditional Love

While having dinner Gabe and I were discussing how sad it is when a family struggles showing unconditional love for one another. We asked Abby if she knew what unconditional love is. Of coarse Miss Know-it-All says Yes! So we said, "okay Miss Smarty Pants tell us what you think it is." She promptly said, "Unconditional love means that you love me even when I toot!" Yup she gets it. :)

Manners

Since returning to school I have had many experiences that I must say just irks me. What has happened to our youth. Did we forget to teach manners? And these are college students.
Simply holding the door open for the person behind you is a thing of the past. I have noticed if it does happen it has been by an older student. And when I hold the door open for you, say Thank you! I provided a service it may not have been much but I took that extra twelve seconds to hold the door open instead of slamming it in your face.
Shut your pie hole during class. I paid to receive instruction from the teacher. I didn't pay to listen to you tutor the person next to you while the teacher was teaching the lesson so save it until after class. Same as your most exciting weekend. I don't care! And once again if you enjoy wasting your money on such trivial conversations please choose a class I am not attending because I will speak up and you will hate me!
Pick up your trash in the bathroom and wipe off the sink if you splashed. I don't like walking out of the bathroom with TP on my shoe either so bend over pick it up and flush it down. If you miss while crouching over the toilet seat wipe it off, flush, and WASH your hands! If you miss the waste basket with your paper towel pick it up and place it where it belongs and don't kick it down the hall.
Be considerate in the parking lot. If you are parked next to me and we both arrive at the same time let me get in my car before zooming off and hitting me with your side view mirror.
I know there are places for you to smoke outside. I know that smoking is a terrible habit to break. But standing next to the door and blowing your cancer in my direction is not COOL! Please smoke in your area. I paid for your little smoking station, use it!
Bring cough drops. I know we have all have had them, those horrible coughing fits that just wont settle. Or when we swallowed and it went down the wrong pipe. Don't sit in the class hacking up a lung. Trust me, we are unable to hear the instructor just as much as you. Leave the class if you are unable to control your cough after a minute.
Walk on the right side of the hall. We live in America, we drive AND walk on the right side of the road and sidewalk. If you are in a big group and chatting side by side one of you needs to break the line beacuse your steamshovel of a stance makes it so the rest of us get pushed up against the wall or running into another person.
DON'T run out of class and stop in the middle of the hall. I don't drive out of a parking lot and stop in the middle of the street, why should you? Your little group just took up the hallway and left no room for others to walk. When I run into you don't give me a dirty look either, move your tush to the side of the hall or WALK in the halls or sidewalks.
When you are asked to be a part of a group project do not get to the meeting and talk about how hungry you are or how disappointed that you can't make it to a movie or get up several times to get something, you're there to work on a project as a group that means do your part and contribute to the subject at hand. If you are my group partner and you pull that garbage you better believe that I will not be sharing my information and your grade will fall NOT mine.
If we are at a table and a drink spills don't stand up and wait for someone else to clean it up even if you were not the one who spilled it. Get something and help clean it up. Things move quicker when there are more hands. Hence, the notebook or your notes will not be soaked and be salvaged to face another day.
These are just a few of my observances over the past year. I hope that I can teach my children these basic manners and be considerate towards others.
And that is my rant!

Midway through 2011

Yes, I have not updated the blog in FOREVER! Well at least since December. Perhaps it's because our lives are totally boring OR we have been so busy with stuff that I haven't found or taken the time to write.

I have started back at school and am determined to finish this time. I should be done with my Associates Degree end of May 2012. I really wish I could be done end of 2011 but alas I am not that good at math. GRRR! I thought woohoo I passed my last class...950 (don't laugh), with flying colors. So in my mind I can do anything, RIGHT? Well, I figured I would see how hard the 1010 test was and try to test out. HA..... I couldn't even fathom the possible outcome to any of the problems. So that sets me back a whole semester. UGH!

Last semester I took 13 credit hours and had a blast. I really do like school. And I was fortunate enough to pull out all A's. I screamed so loud my family thought I was nuts. The summer semester starts soon and I am so happy. I like a break and I NEEDED a break but these last 4 weeks I have been bored out of my mind. Abby is still in school and so my days consist of laundry, playing on the computer, Netflix, and yard work. Blah! Of Course I start back on Monday and Abby's last day is Friday. Go figure!

I am still doing Stampin' Up! and have my group of girls over once a month. I really do enjoy it and I love the ladies that come over.

Abby is doing well in school. She is on her 4Th teacher. We absolutely loved Mrs. Faux but since she had her baby the school hasn't been able to nail down a permanent replacement. Abby adjusts well and is still enjoying school. She is pretty smart and gets along with everyone.

Her competitive season of gymnastics is underway and she is amazing. But I'm the Mom so I can say that. Gabe and I were really banking on the fact that she gets stage fright so we wouldn't have to pay for next season of gymnastics. But she loves it and is having a great time. Her last meet she placed 3rd in the all around. We are so proud. Her favorite part is the bars but she actually does better on the vault and beam. Which she used to hate.

It makes me laugh to see her because she is not really that flexible, just daring, and that is how she is able to do all her stunts. She really looks cute in her leotard and her sparkly hair.

She has two more meets left and then I am not sure if they will move her up a level or keep her on level 3 for another year. BUT if she goes up the prices skyrocket. $250 a month plus $1000 extra for meets and we...her PAYING parents...have to pay to see her in her meets. I really hope that this is something she wants to do because I am thinking about dropping her out of competitive and getting her into softball or soccer and just the rec gymnastics program. I guess we will see how things pan out in the next few months. We really want her to do well and have plenty different and fun experiences.

Gabe's work has picked up. HALLELUJAH! Now we just need to get rid of our credit card and pay off his new MLC (Mid life crisis) and we are home free.

Gabe keeps thinking he is having a mid life crisis. and in order to satisfy himself he had to get a sports car. He has been talking about it for years. YES he is only 35! But, alas his car decided to die and so he came home with the new bright and shiny, cherry red, two seater, convertible, Mazda, Miata. He is so excited and believe it or not, Abby is too. She is constantly asking if Daddy can take her for a ride. And last Monday she got her wish. Daddy took her out for half a day and just had fun. They are so cute.

Gabe decided to participate in mustache May. UGH! It was horrible. He thought it was hilarious and got a kick out of changing it each week and seeing everyones reaction. He only lasted 3 weeks but trust me that was more than plenty. I hated kissing him and having those course hairs go up my nose. Gross! But I have my husband back and now I am sure he won't do that again for awhile.

Gabe's sister Josie moved in with us the end of January. She is back from her mission and working and looking for the love of her life. I think. We shall see.

So that is our life in a nutshell. At least the last few months. We shall see how the next pan out....

December 2010

Well this December we didn't do much out of the ordinary.

The fridge blew a fuse. That was extra frustrating since Gabe had to be at work nearly 2 days straight and couldn't fix it. And I am no good at electronic stuff. Thankfully, my neighbors the Paris' came over and saved me. We really do have the best neighbors all the way around. Aimee took our family photos this year. It was fun. We got some really good ones. She is a great photographer.

Our niece, Rebecca, turned eight and was baptised. We are so proud of her. She looked so beautiful and so happy. I know I felt the spirit there at her confirmation so strongly. That little girl is someone special for sure.
Me and Bonnie, my Activity Day partner, took the girls to the Utah Olympic Oval to go ice skating. I was out of gas and had no money to get some and no time either. I just said a prayer and cried on my way to the church that we would make it. Luckily, Karen, who I had asked to drive, pulled up next to me on the way out of the parking lot and yelled that she had room for everyone in my car too. So we all went in her car and had a great time. It was definitely an answer to my prayer. The girls had a lot of fun ice skating, Abby too(she didn't want to leave), and we did a gift exchange at the end. I just love those girls. They all have a personality of their own and they seem to get along pretty well. This is definitely one of my favorite church callings for sure.
Our ward had the annual Christmas party. It was the Polar Express. They made a replica of a train on the stage and had all the kids come in their pajamas. They each had a ticket and they had the conductor punch them as they boarded the train. They then were read the Polar express and Santa came and gave them each a jingle bell. It was really neat. A lot of work was put into creating the train and I think the kids and adults really got a kick out of it. Mylie was visiting her grandparents that day and came to play with Abby and we were able to take her along with us. Her and Abby had a lot of fun together. So much that they missed getting their pictures with Santa. Silly girls!


The Brown Family party was a success again this year. Grandma and Grandpa sure do make it fun for all of us. They made the cereal game a little different this year to make it fair for the smaller families. Grandpa read a poem and we had to follow the instructions. It was fun to see who would have to trade with who next because you never knew. We laughed a lot. Grandma made her famous scones and they were delicious as always. The party ended quicker this year. We started at about quarter after ten and everyone was gone by twelve. Not a lot of visiting this year because people seemed to have other things planned and had to get there. Sean and Colby both had to work which was sad. But I think we still can call it a success because we had fun and had good food.
The Utah Football team had their bowl game against Boise State. We knew we were going to lose. 26-3. Boise is a good team and they played well. We still cheered for our team. And we are excited to see how next year turns out now that we will be in the pack 12.

Gabe's work actually had a Christmas get together. Yes...it was at lunch, in the middle of the week but, family was invited and it was at a restaurant. No potluck lunch just employees. Yeah! Maybe this company buy-out will be excellent afterall. LOL

Christmas turned out pretty well. I was kind of sad this year and didn't quite get into the Christmas spirit like I had hoped. Abby had a lot of fun which is great!
On Christmas Eve Giselle called and asked if we would pick up a present for her kids and bring it on Christmas to the Johnson's. It was a puppy. I was reluctant from the start seeming that it was only 6 weeks old, not potty trained, and I was most likely allergic. Well, Gabe made the decision to go get it and it pooped, cried, and my eye swelled shut. Even after all that it was still cute and fun. The only problem was that I missed the fact that Abby gets attached really easy and the realization that she had to give it away was hard on all of us. She cried a lot Christmas day. She had to draw a picture when she got home, on her new easel, of the puppy to make her feel better. Then a couple days later I took her to the toy store to buy a stuffed puppy that looked like Giselle's. She is happy now!

New Years Eve was a blast. Although I had planned on having kids, all the kids I had invited ended up going somewhere else. So last minute Grandma and Grandpa Sessions took Abby for the night so she wouldn't be the only kid at the party. She had a lot of fun at their house. I packed her a box with lots of different games so they would keep busy and not have to worry about what to do all night. I still missed her.

We had Andy and Camille, Bill and Kimmy, and Peter and Connie over this year. What a great group of people. I think everyone got along and we all had fun playing the games. We played a new card game called Ratuki. We also played And It Came to Pass, Bezzerwizzer(a trivia game), and several Minute to win it games. We laughed so much and had a great time. usually when the clock gets to midnight we are ready for the ball to drop. But this time we almost missed it we were having so much fun and then after it dropped and we had our kisses we were back to the games until almost 2:00 am. It was a great ending to the year.

Well, on to 2011. I am hoping that it will be a great year!

October and November 2010

Utah football has begun!!! Gabe and I have season tickets and we Love to go! This year we had a great season aside from a couple of games(TCU, Notre Dame). And we barely beat BYU. I was going to go to the game but, I kept having a dream that I was giving my ticket to the Utah vs. BYU game to my neighbor. The day before I told Gabe what I was thinking and decided to send Gabe and Peter to the game. Connie and I watched at her house. We went to dinner at our traditional pre-game place (Chunga's YUM!) then the boys headed to the game. They had a great time as did Connie and I. A real nail biter. I almost can't believe we pulled it off. Now we are waiting for the bowl game against Boise. Ugh! Oh well party at my place Right? Halloween was a lot of fun. Abby chose to be a robber this year. She was so cute. We also had our annual murder mystery dinner. This year we did Chinese take-out. Bill and Kimmy, and Dallin and Cami joined us this year. Their costumes were fun. Gabe tried all night to sound like an old Chinese man. It was pretty funny. It was a lot of fun and the food was delish!

Our Neighbors also have an annual murder mystery dinner. Theirs is quite a bit different then the ones we have been doing. They go all out! It was amazing. She worked so hard on the decorations and theme and food. It was a 1920's mobster speakeasy thing. They have about 25-40 people there. Gabe was the Mayor and I played the mayors wife. I was a little intimidated. It has been so long since I had to full out play a character; and around people I didn't know. Maybe if we get invited next year I will be a little more relaxed. Gabe did really well. He played it up and had a lot of fun.

Abby entered the Reflections contest at her school. She chose photography as her category. I was so proud of her. She got 15th place in the whole school. This is her picture of the clouds.

Abby got a new dresser and she was so excited to put it together. She was all over the place as we were getting the pieces figured out. When we finally gave her some tools she was in heaven.

Gabe has been complaining about how the walls and the ceilings in our house are all the same color. He really wanted to paint the ceiling white. SO... while he was gone on business I purchased a paint sprayer and away I went at the kitchen ceiling. Thank goodness for the help of my grandparents or I never would have gotten it done in time. He was pretty surprised. I said that it was his Christmas present. I don't really notice a difference but, he seems to think its great.
I have the most AWESOME husband in the whole world! For my birthday he planned a trip to San Diego to see the Utes play. I was pretty excited. We drove the whole way so on the way down we spent a night in Vegas. I hoped we could do something fun. When we got there he told me he had a surprise for me. I had to see what it was before we got there or else I would figure it out. He handed me a piece of paper in the parking lot. When I opened it I screamed so loud everyone in the parking lot stared. He got tickets to see the Lion King! I LOVE LION KING! I was totally bummed when they came to Salt Lake and I wasn't able to see it. And when I knew it was going to be in Vegas when we were there I thought that fate was just torturing me. But lo and behold Gabe had the whole thing planned for months. And he kept it a secret! What an awesome guy. Lion King was absolutely amazing and I am so glad I got a chance to see it.

We went to parent teacher conferences this month too. I just love Abby's teacher she is so cute. Abby loves her too and is doing so well in her class. Gabe and I are so proud of Abby she made it on the Honor Roll for both academics and citizenship. Way to go Abby!

Our neighbors were headed out of town for Thanksgiving and asked us too keep an eye on their house. On Tuesday, when they headed out, a huge blizzard hit. They had to come back home. I felt so bad and wanted to do something for them. They said they would be able to take care of dinner. Wow in one day! I told Gabe that I wanted to do something for them and he had no idea what to do either. About 15 minutes later I got onto Facebook and found out that I had won $50.00 for a floral centerpiece for Thanksgiving. I called the shop the next day and asked them to make me two that would cover the $50.00. When I picked them up they were amazing! Our neighbors were so excited and I was glad I could do a little something to help with their impromptu Thanksgiving.
The tree is up and decorated and we can't wait for Christmas. We had our family pictures taken by our other neighbor who is a photographer. She is amazing. Although it was FREEZING we still got some really good photos. Abby's is my favorite!

September 2010

Okay so really I am trying. I know it has been three months since I wrote but hey, I was living life and enjoying my family and friends. So here is a brief overview....

July 2010

The beginning of July we headed to Flaming Gorge for the weekend and took a day trip to Vernal. Gabe had a job there that he needed to measure some grills on so we took the opportunity to see the dinosaur museum. Abby's favorite part was the glowing rocks and the koi pond. We also went to Flaming gorge Dam and had a tour. Abby had a blast feeding the fish. Now I would have pictures of all this to post but, because I am such a techy I erased all the pictures on the camera(on accident). Yeah, I know, smooth move. Anyway we had lots of fun.

We went up to Idaho for the Brown reunion again this year and once again we had a great time. We finally were able to talk Dad into getting on the tube and going down the 500 ft water slide. He went a couple times with Val then we decided to go all together as a family. It went Brandon and Dad on bottom then Sean and Colby, me and Valisha, and then Gabe on top. We got stuck at the top and Gabe tried to push us and we all toppled. Dad split his eyebrow and Gabe and I got burned on the part of the slide that wasn't wet. It was Hilarious. I don't think Dad will do that again LOL.
My Boss and friend Mary from the SLC clinic quit(was let go). She is so sad and so is everyone else. She has been there 11 years. While she may have a few quirks, and who doesn't?, she has been wonderful and totally committed to her job and the people there. It was a sad day :(

And last but, definitely not least Abby started 1st grade. She was so excited. She picked out her outfit and everything. She met her teacher Mrs Faux the day before and she was elated. her teacher is amazing and great with Abby and all the kids.





August 2010

Humm I cannot find my August calendar. Grrr and knowing my memory well your not gonna get much. All I can think of that happened in August is that Abby finally lost her first tooth. She was so excited. She even pulled it out herself.

Gabe took me on a really nice date. Gabe volunteered to be taken to jail for the MD foundation(he asked for donations be paid to the foundation to be released) and was given a gift certificate for his time to the Roof Restaurant at Temple square. Well, we had never been there before. It was VERY expensive. We had a great time and it had a fabulous view. We walked around temple square afterwards and enjoyed the flowers.

Abby was supposed to go to a birthday party and was unable to make it. She was very sad. Then I realized that Grandma Val had just had a birthday so we decided to go surprise her with a princess party. We got crowns and goodie bags and a cake and frozen pizzas. As we were headed there Brandon called and said that Sarah could come too. It was so fun and Grandma had a blast. except when the power went out and we couldn't cook the pizzas. LOL

I was able to talk to the new manager at Concentra and she agreed to take me on part time and work while Abby was at school. Yeah! I was finally able to get PTO hours and have something to do while Abby was at school.


September 2010

Okay so here it is September. Okay so its not the end of the month but I am writing now so might as well tell you what is going on right??

At the beginning of the month we had a meeting with Abby's gymnastics. They had moved her up to level 3. She is SOOOO excited. Mom and Dad were too until we found out that she is now considered on a team and this is Competitive prep. Okay, so what right?? Well her fees tripled and she now goes three days a week for a total of 5 hours. Come spring it will be Saturdays as well to prepare and go to meets. She is six and they are already talking about college scholarships and sponsorships. Crazy! Gabe and I agreed to let her keep going as long as it doesn't interfere with school. She is going to be one busy girl.

Tomorrow I go to meet with her piano teacher. Gabe and I really want her to learn the piano and music. She has always been great at playing and trying to understand music. She is going to do great. She said She really wants to do piano too but doesn't want to play in front of people.

Abby had a lemonade stand and she was so cute. She sat at the table calling out "Lemonade, Lemonade" and when nobody came she started knocking on doors. She is quite the sales woman. she made $13.oo.

I quit! I called it quits at Concentra. It was a good 9 years. The new manager just decided two weeks after she put me on part time and promised me the moon that I either had to work mornings or evenings. It was really frustrating since I had the conversation with her probably 4 times about what hours I was available and she was more than accommodating. She said she would put me back on as a PRN person but, seeing all the other people she said that to and never calls I think that I would rather say goodbye then sit and wait for a call. We shall see how stir crazy I get now.

Abby had a pep rally at her school with the official unveiling of the mascot. She was crazy about it and kept asking is today the day we get to see Fireball. Finally, we made it and it was a madhouse. I am glad Gabe took over so I could get home for card group. I couldn't handle all the people. It was nuts but, She had a great time.

We just had a barbecue at our house with my family. Dad and Val, Sean and Candace, and Colby came and we had so much fun. We played a game that we learned at the Johnston's house. We all laughed so hard at one another. Even Abby got in on it and made it that much more fun.

There is also a fire in Herriman. It is crazy. The smoke was so thick. We have to keep the doors and windows shut for sure tonight. Our eyes were burning just standing on the porch to wave goodbye to my family.

Well that is all that I can think of. Maybe I will add some to it later. See you next time :P

May 2009

Okay so I am totally a month off but hey I have the old calendar in front of me so I can sort of recall. Lets see how it goes.
To start off the month we went to a birthday party at Chuck E Cheeses for our friend Hailey. She turned 6. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Gabe and I didn't realize how much fun those games could be. Our friend Mike kept sneaking us coins so we could play too and not just the kids.
We got to babysit little Ethan again. He is getting so big. I decided to get out the swing for him to play in. He liked that quite a bit. And Gabe figured it was about time we let him in on our tradition... Ice cream. Gabe and I always seem to be the first to give the kids in our family their first taste of ice cream. Although this time Ethan got a taste of Uncle Gabe kind...Soy! The look on his face tells all. LOL

Gabe is still trying to sell his Jeep. Anyone want it. $3100.

This picture is a little embarrassing but it is what I have for Mothers Day! See how I got the royal treatment from my cutie daughter. Abby painted my toes and thought it was totally hilarious to miss the nail and ACCIDENTLY(yeah right) paint my toe. Silly kid. And Gabe blow dried my hair. It was a pretty good day. We went to his parents house for a BBQ and Gabe's brother Jeremy decided to drop in and make a scene. He said that was the last time we will ever see him. He is disowning the family, and changing his name, and goodbye. Of coarse he made sure to pick his stage...where everyone would be...and on the day that would cause the most impact...Mothers Day! We thought things were getting better with him. Apparently not. We wish him the best.

We got a piano! Yeah! Abby is so excited. My aunt Kelly moved to Florida and gave away everything she had. She wanted to keep the piano in the family and we were more than happy to take it. Gabe has taught Abby a few things and she seems to really like it. I can't wait to hear beautiful music coming out of that room. And of coarse from my cute family. What could be better?

Abby had her testing for Kindergarten and her teacher said she passed with flying colors. She is very smart and will do great in first grade.

She had a field trip to Wheeler Farm and I got to go with. Of Coarse I forgot my camera. But who could remember a camera when there was 3-4 inches of snow on the ground, At the end of May! We had to bundle up and everyone was in snow boots, gloves, and coats and had umbrellas. The animals were not too happy and we didn't get too close because of all the puddles. The kids did have fun feeding the ducks but their hands got cold fast. Abby got to ride a school bus for the first time and thought it was pretty cool. We ended up having lunch back in the classroom and we watched A Bugs Life. I had fun with my cute kid...even though it snowed.

Gabe turned 33. What an old man I am married to. LOL. We didn't do much. I did surprise him though. We have been tight on money and were not going to be able to renew our Utah Football season tickets. Gabe thought the time to renew had expired but, I was sneaky and borrowed money from Gram and Gramp and got the tickets renewed. He was pretty excited. We had a yummy dinner and had brownies al la mode.

Gabe and Drew also did their first Triathlon this month. They both worked really hard and spent a lot of time at the gym preparing. They swam 1/2 mile, biked 13 miles, and ran 3 miles. Our neighbor Matt let Gabe borrow his bike which was totally awesome. Gabe was really excited and had to constantly remind himself "Thou shalt not covet, Thou shalt not covet." He did pretty good and is thinking he might try it again sometime.

I had my first card group. I did it! I really did it! I had quite a few who didn't show up but I was pretty pleased with the turnout. I think I had 10 out of 16. I can't wait to do it every month. I like coming up with projects and helping everyone do them. Abby loves to get in on it too and she does a pretty good job. I hope it works out and I can keep doing this because I really enjoy it.

We are still waiting on the adoption. If you or someone you know is thinking of placing please feel free to contact us through this blog by leaving a comment or emailing me at leeshalovesgabe@hotmail.com. We would love to extend our family. Abby is just dying for a sister or brother. And Gabe and I can't wait to have more little ones running about.

Well that was May! Hopefully I won't take as long to update next month.