Gabby’s 7th Birthday

Gabby hadn’t had a big birthday party in a few years. She’d been asking to have it at Kangaroo Zoo since last year.  It was a great party and Gabby had a great birthday.

Taja, Gabby, and Madeleine

Gabby and Marissa

Gabby’s dad got her 2 new dwarf hamsters.  So far they’re both still alive and have only brought us a bit of drama so far.

This is Cooper. He goes to church with us and is one of the boys that Gabby has a crush on. One of her more recent statements about him, “Mom, he’s such a dream!”

Gabby and Madeleine in the blast zone.

David

Gabby, Taja,and me doing a train down a slide.

Me and my beautiful 7 year old!

My First Grader

 

Gabby is now in first grade.  This was her first day of school. She is doing very well so far. She likes being in school for the full day. She is writing very well and a terrific reader.  I like reading to Gabby, but I’m looking forward to her being able to read books on her own as well. I’m hoping she’ll be as much of a bookworm as I am.

Trip to Arkansas July 2o11

Better late than never to post! Gabby and I went to Arkansas the last week of July.

Gabby and Madison always give a sweet and dramatic greeting to each other.

My parents ward had a Pioneer Day celebration that included a giant slip-n-slide.  Gabby LOVED it!

Gabby going down the slide.

We spent one day at Lake Degray swimming and picnicking. We had it to ourselves.

Gabby is still not much for pictures right now.

Gabby and Madison gave each other makeovers. Such pretty cousins!

Gabby and Madison started their own rock band.

We played tourist in Hot Springs with Mom, Adabelle, and Oscar. This the Promenade. 

All of us on Bath House Row.

Posing with a statue of an otter.

View from Hot Springs Mountain Tower of downtown and West Mountain. I grew up in such a beautiful place!

Gabby jumping in the pool.

Oh Gabby!

Gabby and I attended Riley Robinson’s wedding reception yesterday.  I’m not sure how soon I’ll take her to another! She kept us well entertained!

Gabby was enamored with the cake. She stared at it like this for at least 3 straight minutes.  She didn’t think that it was a real cake. Most cakes she is familiar with are from a box.  She was very impatient for it be cut and made sure to have a front row seat to it.

There was a candy table that was a big hit with the kids. Ranie’s son Tommy consumed candy for an hour straight.  Gabby brought this box just for me.  I haven’t even begun to make a dent in it. Side note:  I went 4 weeks with out sugar and didn’t make any difference so I’m back on and just in time for the candy table!

Gabby still loves her Uncle Gabe! That’s Tommy to the right working on all that candy.

There were 2 photographers at the reception. Gabby persuaded them to let her have her own photo shoot. She was throwing out some mad poses! I caught this one.  They were good sports about it.

Gabby making sure her candy box had her name on it.

Gabby and the “Wedding Girl” as Gabby termed her.  As soon as she saw Cece, she was impressed with that dress. It was a gorgeous gown. She told me she thought it was the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen and desperately wanted a picture with her. It was almost the end of the evening, but we finally got our chance! Cece was very sweet to Gabby. When Gabby was admiring her dress, she was telling her that she really liked all the pearls sewn into the bodice.  That was nice, but she felt it necessary to rub her hand all over the bodice as well.  Gabby and I had to have a talk after that and people’s personal spaces.  Gabby was later following Cece to get a closer look at the dress and noticed there was fly on the back of the dress. She first began screaming, “A bug, a bug!” She loved that dress, she obviously couldn’t stand having it blemished in anyway. As no one was responding to her cries, she pulled out some Mr.Miagi skills and grabbed that fly between her fingers before it even knew what was happening. She then proudly shoved it in Cece’s face so she could see that she’d rescued her dress.  This happened by the Arkansas table and they were all in hysterics at her fly-catching skills.

 

I love my Gabby’s unique personality and how she continually surprises me. She brings me so much joy and laughter. I am one lucky mommy and am of the opinion that Gabby is the bestest daughter in the whole wide world.  She is so sweet and even with all my faults and shortcomings, in every prayer, she always thanks Heavenly Father for me and thinks I’m the best mommy in the whole wide world and melts my hearts every time I hear it.

When I wasn’t reining Gabby in, I was visiting with some of my favorite people. Ranie and all the Robinsons feel like family and we had lots laughs and fun!

Gabby’s Kindergarten Graduation

Gabby graduated from Kindergarten last Thursday! They had a great program singing and telling us about the things they learned this year.  I can’t believe she’s got 1 year of school under her belt! She’s growing up so much. 

They sang the Ugly Bug Ball.  It was very cute and a song I’d never heard of before. Gabby actually invited me to sing with her. She HATES having me or anyone sing to her. I was so disappointed I couldn’t oblige her after years of trying to get her to let me sing to her.

The Graduate!

Her very proud mommy!

Gabby’s K Field Day

Gabby had her first Field Day last Friday.  She was SOOOOOO excited about it. She had me read her the list of races and activities every night. Her prayers consisted of wishing that Friday would come sooner. Gabby really wanted to win a blue ribbon. When we were talking about it, I pulled out my stash of trophies, medals, and ribbons from back in the day.  Gabby was so impressed with them.  It was fun going down memory lane with her.  That moment with her was completely worth saving them the last 15+ years!  I can’t remember the last time I got them out.

Gabby’s field day was a few hours. I didn’t know what races she was doing and was taking an early lunch to come see her. When I got there, the races were over. I found Gabby and she was bursting with excitement after winning a blue ribbon. She ran the 50 meter dash (I think) and won and based on her classmates, won convincingly.  I was thrilled and so happy she was so happy. I was so sad I missed it though.  I secretly really hope Gabby gets into running.  I think it’s a good start. She definitely has a competitor’s drive.

They did a tug-o’-war. Gabby’s class didn’t win.

Next they did a big game of twister. They were practicing right and left in this shot.

 

Gabby was getting twisted and fell soon after.

Last think I saw her do was the hula hoop contest. It went straight to the ground.

 

I was super proud of  my runner!

Mom & Me Lunch

I went to have a fabulous lunch with my terrific daughter on Friday.  The lunch was at 10:40, which is a bit early, but well with it considering the company.  Gabby was so sweet and so excited for me to come eat lunch with her.  She make me a flower pen and a book about me. As I was never one to eat cafeteria food, I wasn’t planning on really eating, but they’d brought in outside pizza and it wasn’t too bad.  I’m so glad that I have a job that is fairly flexible so that I can do fun things like this with Gabby.  It really meant a lot to both of us.

I spent Mother’s Day being a mom. Gabby was sick all weekend, but she is a very sweet little patient and was very apologetic for the vomity mess she made at 3am.  She still gave me her hug and kiss as promised and even add in a drawing and cleaned the kitchen table for me all by herself. Gabby is so affectionate and tells me every chance she gets that she loves me and is glad I’m her mom.  I wouldn’t trade being her mother for anything!

Early Mother’s Day Gifts and a Breakthrough!

Gabby has been bringing home some early Mother’s Day Gifts for me.  I like the necklace and wore it for the evening when she gave it to me last week. The brown thing to the right is a dried up bean pod.  Gabby told me she found it for me and it could be a maraca. I shook it said, “Wow Gabby! That is really special.  Thank you.” Gabby’s reply, “Mommy, I don’t think you really like it. You don’t really think that it’s special. I can tell by how you said that.” I immediately began shaking the maraca and dancing to make sure she knew I was happy about any gift she gave me. 

Inwardly, I was thrilled. For those of you who know Gabby and attempt to use sarcasm with her, you know that she has formerly had no ear for it. She is very literal and deliberate with her words and wants everyone else to be so.  Jenny gets the brunt of it as she uses the most sarcasm and exaggeration with Gabby.  I think she’s finally understanding sarcasm.  I guess that’s not the best skill, but in my family it’s really a necessity.  Now to just get her to understand the humor behind sarcasm. At least there’s some progress!

I’m Still Here!

 

I don’t know why, but I just can’t get back into blogging like I once was.  Life is still good.  We’re actually petless now. I have to say I’m enjoying it. Both the hamsters sadly died.  Gabby isn’t pestering me for any new pets yet as I’ve told her a dog or a cat is not an option now.  We’re eagerly awaiting summer. This is the worst time in Utah.  The “spring” here gives very few tantalizing days that are barely warm and then dumps more snow on us. It’s supposed to snow again this week. 

I’m trying to get in shape for summer and being at the pool. I think I’ll sign up for a few races. Nothing big, just 5k and 10ks here and there.  I’m also about to go off sugar again. I’m definitely consuming too much so I’m going cold turkey. We’ll see if I can go another 12 weeks and I’m hoping I’ll drop a few pounds like last time and change my fatty fatterson ways!

Gabby is doing well. We’re working on riding her bike without training wheels.  She’s caved to peer pressure rather than my goading about it.  It hasn’t been the best experience for either of us yet, but we’re persevering.  She is growing like a weed.  All of the sudden all of her pants are much too short. I can’t keep her in clothes that fit!  And with her refusal to wear jeans, it’s not been easy to find new pants that fit her and she’ll wear. That’s another reason I’m ready for summer. When she wear shorts, it’s not so obvious that she’s outgrowing all her clothes.

Otherwise, life is pretty much the same.  I noticed  a certain theme at the last General Conference.  I had resounding and clear answer to the question I’d put to God before conference basically asking  if it was alright with Him if I just didn’t worry about dating at all or at least put it on hold for a good 10 years.  Gotta love those distinct and clear answers!  So I’m making an effort to keep putting myself out there when I can and to keep an open mind among other things in which I need vast improvement.

My parents were out here at the beginning of the month. It’s always great to have them out to visit!

Mom and Gabby while we were bowling.

I have a new nephew, Parker Scott Torgerson. Gabby was a little upset (ok, she had full on melt down) when she found out he was a boy and not the expected girl.  But like everyone else, as soon as she saw him, she fell in love and we’re all happy to have a new sweet baby to visit and cuddle!

We spent Easter with the Torgersons.  It was fabulous as always.  The weather cooperated and kids found plenty of eggs.  Gabby told the Mary Magdalene’s story in Primary on Sunday.  She did a fabulous job and is a great story teller. I told it to her just once and she did an amazing job remembering every single thing I told her. My brilliant girl!

After the hunt with David and Maggie.  These 3 get along so well! It’s actually really nice since they spend a lot of time together and rarely ever have a fight.

In Other News of 2011

 

Life continues marching forward! 2011 has had many good things, but there are some struggles and uncertainties that keep me on my toes.  Gabby and I are well, happy, and so blessed. Even with the trials I’m facing lately, I’m choosing to focus on the blessings, great and small. I am so blessed and am so grateful to God and His wisdom in blessing me with the things I wouldn’t think to necessarily ask for, but once I receive them, see it’s just what I need.  I’m trying not to let those things outside my control not stress me out too much. I’m getting better at it every day. I turn it over to God, knowing that He can work things out better than me if I trust in Him.

Work is going well for me. It’s busy, but I enjoy for the most part.  No complaints about my social life. I’m making more friends all the time. I love my neighborhood and love my ward.  I’m still as single as can be and still enjoy being so. I’ve decided that I’m looking for someone who I enjoy being with more than I enjoy being alone. I just find myself to be good company!

Gabby is still Gabby. She is doing very well in Kindergarten and learning to read.  My suspicions of her being brilliant are being confirmed.  She is a really good at memorizing.  She’s a bit boy-crazy and has crushes on boys at church and daycare. She also really likes a Ben10 character, Chip I think, because his voice is really nice. I love her more everyday. Everyone seems to love her, too. Her teachers at school and daycare all think she is entertaining and sweet. As a parent, I realize that I may be slightly biased so it’s gratifying to have others enjoy her so much as well.

We also experienced the end of an era. Whitey died.  I’m not sure of what. I’d imagine all the plastic she chewed from the cage. She’d chewed through it so I had to get a new one as she kept escaping. When I discovered her dead, I knew that getting her out of the cage would make me sick. I went knocking on my neighbors’ doors but none of them were home.  I had to get her out on my own which was accompanied by much gagging. Gabby took the death well and took comfort that Whitey was with Jesus.  She quickly asked for new pets.  She chose Robo-Dwarf Hamsters that she named Sparkle and Shine. They are much cuter than gerbils and have no tails to pull off! Unfortunately, Sparkle has gone the way of Whitey and died already. Actually more the way of Blacky seeing as I think Shine killed her as she was all bloody when I discovered the corpse.  I surmised that it was over where to place the nest.  They originally had it under the wheel, but as soon as Sparkle died, Shine moved it to the corner.  Shine doesn’t seem to be missing Sparkle and enjoys putting the nest where she wants.

The new cage and pets.