The Waddell's

Faith of a little child

2012-02-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Something simple and sweet, yet a learning experience for Ava that she can draw from at such a young age.

Yesterday, my mom and 'aunt' Teri took the girls for me for the day. It was so kind of them and I was very grateful! As they were trying to leave the house my mom's van wouldn't work and we tried for several minutes to get it started. Our good neighbor and childhood friend Corey came down and he got the car going. (thank you!)
Well they went on their day and stopped for lunch. As they were once again trying to leave the car wouldn't start. Teri was trying to look at it again and in the mean time Ava asked grandma if she could pray for the car to start. Teri came back shortly and Ava told her to try to start the car and it started right away! They decided it would be best to get to the car shop and when the man looked at the battery he said he didn't even know how they drove that car at all. The battery was toast! We all know though that the faith of a little girl and angels round about helped them have an easier day and get the car properly taken care of.
I know that is something so tiny, but really it taught Ava that Heavenly Father hears HER prayers. She was so excited. We know that prayers aren't always answered that quickly, but they sure are answered and we are so thankful for that.

I am glad my little girl had that experience yesterday and that she was happy for a loving Heavenly Father.

"To the world you may be just one person...

2011-09-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

but to one person you may be the world."

I have procrastinated blogging about this because the quote sums up my beloved Grandma Gene. She was one of the most important people in my world. My heart now has a missing piece until I see her again some day.
The moment I found out my grandma moved on to the next life I panicked. I didn't know what to think or what to do. My grandma was the one to cheer me on with everything I did. Even if I was a complete mess or stressed out Grandma always told me how wonderful I was or that I was important in her life. For a few years now she has been ready to go because she has missed her mama and all her siblings who passed on. Then in June she lost her twin sister and I think that did it for her. She was so lonely for the ones who she grew up with and whom she missed terribly. Even though I struggled with her telling me that she wanted to go, I knew that she loved me. She told me (and my sisters) 'know that wherever I am that I love you.' I hang on to that so much. I believe that she loves me and that she is able to watch over me.
I would like to say though, that I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days. I wish I could yell the message to the world and have people understand that this gospel is true. I have felt the love of it in my life so many times. It may sound weird, but many times since I have lost my grandma I would sob and sob but then the next second I would feel peace and as if I could feel her around me holding me up. One of her many motto's was 'Keep your chin up.' I felt her tell me that. I know she is nearby because of the binding that we have of being an eternal family. I am sooo grateful to know that we are bound as a family. When my grandparents were sealed in the temple it wasn't "till death do us part" and the same thing for my parents and then for David and I. With that being said, the ending is never. We are bound and sealed together forever as a family. I couldn't imagine not having all of my family with me forever. For that I am extremely thankful for temples and their importance. I could go on for hours about the gospel, but I won't. Today, the aspect of the gospel that I love is families and the phrase that "Families can be together forever."
I am thankful for the testimony that my Grandma has in the gospel and I'm sure she is on the other side working to spread the message of Jesus Christ to those who need and want it there. Although I can't see my grandma now, I can live her legacy and share what I know of the gospel with those that I love.
I am grateful for all the many millions of memories I have with her. I sure miss my nightly conversations with her and her singing lullaby's to me, but one day I KNOW I will get to see her again. I couldn't be more excited for that day when I am surrounded by all those that I love and we will live as an eternal family.

Ava and Grandma Gene On Christmas Day 2010

Grandma and I at her 80th Birthday party

My grandparents with Zoe on her blessing Day

Ava and her first pet

2011-06-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ava recently got a bug catcher and she has been so fascinated with the different bugs that we could find and keep. I am pretty impressed with her excitement to actually keep a bug since her daddy taught her that the minute you encounter a bug just squish it. She will kill bugs with shoes, toys or whatever she can find.
Well today we decided to stake out grandma's yard and found Ava's first pet, a potato bug. She Loves it. His name is potato. She is so obsessed with him that she wanted to take it into a restaurant today, but I thought that was disgusting! Silly little Ava. She sure is our bug lover!!

Look at how proud she is of her 'Mr. Potato Bug'

Just when you think you aren't making a difference

2011-05-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

As a mother I tend to be critical on my teaching styles. I always feel that I'm inpatient, not tolerant, frustrated too much and not loving enough. I especially feel like I need to be a better example to my girls about the gospel and showing them how much I love the Savior and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is such an important aspect of my life. I'm sure this is due to the wonderful primary leaders, but tonight I saw Ava sitting on her couch 'reading' her Book of Mormon saying, "Jesus does this and Jesus loves that..." She went on to say lots of things that she has learned about Jesus. I am thankful that at a young age she is learning about someone who is special in my life.

Sisterly Love

2011-05-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

I captured this moment the other day and this is an EVERY day occurrence. Ava tries to keep her toys away from Zoe, Zoe takes one and then Ava tells her 'that's not APPROPRIATE Zoe!!!!'
I love the sequence of photos because I know one day this will be hilarious to the girls.

Ava is so happy to be reading a book to all of her princess babies. She was showing them off for the camera.

Along comes Zoe, and she quickly grabbed a baby from under Ava's feet.

Ava's classic reaction to Zoe taking her toys. "Zoe this is NOT APPROPIATE!!"

Crazy, Busy, Life...

2011-05-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Time sure has flown since my last post. Ava is just about 3 1/2 and tells you how to behave or lets you know when you aren't. She is cautious about every little thing that she does and then she says she is scared to do anything. On mother's day I was pretty sad that she refused to go up with the rest of the children because she was terrified of the stage. She is a great little girl though. She tries to be Zoe's mommy and lets me know how to parent her quite often.
Zoe just turned 1 on the 4th and we had her birthday party at Glenn Otto Park. She had lots of family and friends to come celebrate with us. She is our daring little child. She goes around like no one's business and takes care of everything that she needs to. She screams to get her way, but then loves her big sister even when she hurts her. This morning Ava was in timeout and Zoe went up to her and patted her back and then attempted to give her a hug. It was pretty precious. They sure do love each other and I am glad that they are not only sisters, but are friends too.

David and I are still working and David is almost half way done with PSU. We are still hoping that summer of 2012 that he will be able to graduate. Even though he is still busy with school we are trying to do date nights. Our newest fun is playing Racquetball. I may stink at it but we have a good time. It takes me back to our H.S. days when he would take me in his big blue truck to play and we pretty much just flirted the whole time instead of playing the game...oh those were the days.

Recent Events

2010-12-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted on here. I think that its time for an update on our family.

These past few months have brought some great joy!

Ava is just about three and saying some funny things. My most favorite quote of hers right now is:
"I'm stressin' momma!!"

"Why are you stressin' Ava?"

"oh cuz of this rain!"

Ava is a small little gal with a lot of personality. She is spunky and outgoing. Much different than me. Personality wise she is more like David but I think she is even more outgoing than him. She really throws us for loops and keeps us on our toes. She is having fun these days with keeping up with Dora and trying to manage all her 15 or so baby dolls. We recently had her 3rd birthday party and all day she talked about her friends coming to her party and how she couldn't wait to eat cake!
For her party we had a small get together at the church with family and friends. The kids played a cinderella game and then got to decorate cupcakes while the adults mingled.

Little Zoe Sage is 7 and a half months now and I CANNOT believe it. I am seeing her persoanlity bloosem more each day and she is quite the momma's girl. Her new thing is trying to crawl into my lap, or even just crawl. She gets on all fours and then plops down quickly, but she is getting there. The other night I celebrated because she finally slept through the night. We seem to have children that are the lightest sleepers on earth and so any noise outside awakens them! Zoe is now eating more solids and screams till she is red in the face if she is not done eating. She weighs 17 pounds and is in the 75 percentile. I am amazed at how her and Ava are so much alike, yet so different. I am learning their individual needs and trying to parent accordingly.

David and I are not up to much more than last update. David will start the business program at PSU this winter and we are excited that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the next couple years!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Hope that life is treating all of you well!

All about June

2010-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe June is already over and we are into the month of July!

A few things to recap about the month were:

Zoe was blessed and it was a beautiful day. We celebrated Father's Day and had a great time together as a family! David was able to go fishing and we pretty much just have enjoyed family time and me being home from work for a little while.
Ava and Zoe are doing well. Zoe was 11 pounds at her last check-up and I wouldn't doubt that she is at least 13 pounds. She is growing strong and being a great little girl. We are trying to start a bedtime now and she is falling asleep on her own in her bed (for now)! She is sleeping from around 11 to 4 and then goes back to sleep till about 7. That is progress and I'm hoping within the next month or so she will sleep through the night! Let's cross our fingers.

David is continuing to be a wonderful husband and father. He is going to school and working a whole bunch too! I'm grateful for him and all his sacrifices!

I am busy with well, taking care of the girls. I really want to start sewing, if only i could find some time!

We are doing well and hope that all of you are too!!!

Zoe's Blessing 6/13/2010

2010-06-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Zoe's blessing the day was just wonderful! We had lots of family and friends to help celebrate the special day for her. Gail (David's mom) made the dress and I think that she is so talented. It was a beautiful little dress.
That morning I made sure that we were up and moving by 6 am so that we could get to church by 8:30. I didn't want to me late! We made it on time which was amazing since we are usually late almost every Sunday these days.
We enjoyed church and David gave a wonderful blessing for his little girl. After church we headed over to David's parents and had a fabulous time eating and playing games. I think that it was one of the best days that we have had in a while. Glad it was a good one!

May 4, 2010

2010-05-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

Zoe is finally here!

The Birth Story:

We went to see the doctor on Monday the 3rd and I was still dilated to a 1, but it looked more promising for me to have an easier labor. The doctor wanted us to go in that night and get all set up for the delivery in the morning. We rested and then at 3 am the pitocin was started. I started feeling contractions around 6 am and then my water was broke about 8:45. By 9 or so I could feel some pretty painful contractions and got the epidural. It was so nice to have after a 30 hour pain with Ava to only have a really bad 30 minutes was awesome!
I was so tired for some reason and slept most of the morning. At 2pm the nurse checked me and I was at a 6. Thirty minutes later she came back and I was ready to push. The doctor got to the room around 2:40 and got set up. 8 minutes later at 2:51 Zoe was born. She weighed in at 8 lbs 6 oz and 19 inches long. She has thick dark hair and an adorable button nose. She is almost identical to Ava, but they do have their own features and I'm sure in the next few weeks it will show more.
We are so lucky to have two beautiful healthy girls. It has been an adjustment to having two kids, but we are sure up to the challenge and are loving every moment of it.

Zoe's baby Shower

2010-04-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Last Weekend my good friend Nyckie threw me a baby shower with help from my other two good friends Karlee and Becky. It was amazing~ I have great friends/sisters whom I'm so thankful for! Thanks guys for such a fun celebration for Zoe. It was fun to see family and friends there to support me for this upcoming birth.
I can't believe that Zoe will be here in 10 days. It has been a much harder pregnancy, so I'm pretty excited for it to be over and to meet my second little girl!

Zoo Trip

2010-04-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

A few Weeks ago we were able to go to the Zoo with our friends, the Ouderkirks. We had a blast and Ava loved seeing all the different animals and we have a fun time enjoying company with great friends! Here are some pictures from our adventures of the day.
While we were there it was pretty funny because Ava was pretty nervous about seeing some of the animals. When the Sea Lion swam by the window she freaked out and called it a whale. It was hilarious. After a little while she warmed up and decided she didn't need to be in her stroller anymore and ventured out with her friend Jadyn.
It was a wonderful day and I'm so thankful we have a fun zoo so close to us!

Aunt "Nitney" and Aunt "Heathy"

2010-04-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry we couldn't come to Utah this week, but I still love you and wanted to send you a big girl smile! See you soon!!!

A big move!

2010-03-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

We have been getting ready for Zoe to arrive these past two weekends and finally got the girls room mostly clean and ready! We decided that it was time to put Ava in her big girl bed and I think it was more of an emotional thing for mommy more than anything else! I took some pictures of it and had to capture what this all meant from here on out.
I also have to mention that we got some storage shelves from IKEA and these are the greatest inventions ever! They store all the toys and make the room have more space. Worth every penny and they weren't even that expensive to begin with!
On Wednesday, the 3rd, was my 23rd birthday and to celebrate I took the day off and had a doctor appt. I got some good news from my doctor that she will induce me about a week early. Zoe should be here around May 3rd. She also gave me a work note because I have been getting stress pains a little too frequently and its been physically wearing on me. Three times now I have almost passed out, the kind where you lose hearing and see the silver stars. I have freaked out every time and cried too. I'm a worrier though so its no surprise.
For a little fun on my bday, I went with Ava and my mom to get a Pedicure and then as a family we all went to Olive Garden. It sure was tasty! Overall, I had a good birthday and good weekend and we are just trekking along until the arrival of the new member of our family. Have a great evening everyone!

The room is almost complete. Just a few more pictures to hang, a curtain to put up and it will be finished.

These storage bins are fantastic!

Ava in her big girl bed, the smile says it all!!!

The family (minus some) at Olive Garden. Picture provided by Karlee. She just happened to be there with her family too.

Ava decided to give herself a little pedicure. She didn't want to be left out!

Our little Zoe

2010-02-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday the 23rd I was able to go get a 4d ultrasound done of little Zoe. It was so much fun to see her features and I really enjoyed it! She was way more shy than Ava was. I wonder if that's a preview to how she will be?? ;)
Here are a few pictures from the appt. We are so excited to meet her in just a little more than 2 months!

I know you have all been wanting to know...

2009-12-15T15:22:00.001-08:00

We are so excited for Ava to have a little sister! The drama, baby dolls and lots of girly things sure makes having girls worth it!

Parties, Parties and More Parties!

2009-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I went to my best friend's mom's retirement party and Ava was able to see Karlee, and Preslee whom she loves to see! Ava and Preslee are only 2 months apart and people think that they could even be sisters since they look a lot alike. I tried to have them look at the camera, but it wasn't working for me.
We had a great thanksgiving! We spent some time at David's parents and then went over to my Aunts house. The day went pretty quick, but was it was good to see family.
We also got our tree on thursday and Ava is in love with it. She goes up to the ornaments and picks them off and then tells us 'put it back' like we were the guilty ones. Silly little girl!
We hope that everyone is having a fabulous holiday season and we find out in 2 days what the baby is...we will keep you posted!

The Future...

2009-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

it has finally started to kick in that we will be having another little one in the next 6 months. One of my best friend's had her baby a few days ago 5 weeks early and she is absolutely adorable! I just can't believe Evie is already here and now they have two little ones. I am getting nervous to have two little ones to take care of when one feels stressful sometimes. I have decided that Ava might have her moments, but I think she is going to be a great big sister. She is almost always carrying around at least 1 or 2 of her baby dolls. She has also started to become quite the miss Boss around her. Just as I am writing this she looks at me with both dolls in her arms and says, "come on, babe." She wants to go watch cartoons in our bed while Daddy is at Saturday school. I'm sure everything will work out just great, but the nerves are starting to kick in! Have a great day everyone!

(Sorry the quality isn't too great, but she sure loves taking care of her babies.)

Ward Trick or Treat Party 2009

2009-10-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

This year our ward combined with Columbia ward to do the Halloween Party. It turned out great! It was so much fun having all the people there and we really enjoyed ourselves. I had a great time bringing my friend Becky and her son Liam. Ava and Liam love to play together and they were so cute as a monkey and cheerleader.

Fall 2009

2009-10-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

David, Ava and I made it to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday. We had a great time, but Ava was still pretty apprehensive when she saw all the people there and the mass amounts of orange pumpkins! She finally warmed up to them and even though she wouldn't look at the camera it did look like she was having a bit of fun. We also had Ava's cousin Eli's B-day party yesterday. We had a fun time doing the little carnival activities and I know that Ava had a fabulous time being dressed up. She said that "I pretty." (Meaning herself)
We are excited that all is going well right now. David is still going crazy trying to juggle work and school, I am getting so tired of working and being away from Ava, but I know its just till we can get David out of school and with a career so hopefully not too many more years! Ava is growing like a week and talking up a storm. She can repeat almost any word now and her new phrase is "oh gosh." Everything she falls, she throws her doll or if she is just jumping around that is the words that she says. The new little one is also growing well. The doctor is still thinking May 10Th and we are glad that the baby looks healthy. I am feeling better these days and can actually eat without it wanting to come back out. We hope life is treating all of you well!

Ava is practicing

2009-09-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

I found Ava on the couch this morning with her baby doll right next to her. She was talking to her and trying to take care of the baby. I think she is just practicing for when she is a big sister next spring!

Our 3rd Anniversary Celebration!

2009-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend David and I went on a trip just the two of us (ooh la la)! It was so wonderful to get away and to not think about any cares in the world. We went to the beach and went camping at Nehalem Bay. A few activities that we did was go to the Seaside Aquarium, went to see G.I. Joe, went to an awesome Arcade, had seafood, walked on the beach and even got some sun. We saw a whale in the ocean and david found a crab! It was a blast being able to be alone with my best friend and just to enjoy quality time together doing whatever we felt like and sleeping in was sure the best thing ever!

Baby Gracie and my little Doll

2009-06-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

So Ava and my friend Jill's daughter Gracie are exactly 17 months apart. When little gracie was born I took Ava up to see her and Ava was very jealous, but it was still fun for her! This was from May 27th.
This is from Heathers's graduation, I thought I'd throw it in!

Gone Creek 2009

2009-05-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

This last weekend David, Ava and I were able to go up to Mount Hood and go camping with some good friends. The weekend was absolutely beauitful and the campsite was just wonderful. We sure enjoyed it! Ava did pretty well besides the night. The first night she wouldnt sleep unless we had the lantern on. The second night though was much better. She slept much longer being cuddled up with mommy and daddy in the air mattress. David was also able to go fishing with Mark. With much persistence they caught some fish! It was awesome. I was so proud of david even if it was a little fish stick (hehe). We are so excited to begin our fun camping adventures this summer with our little family!

This is for you little sis!

2009-05-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I have been needing to post more pictures of Ava, my sister has been pestering me for about a month now to see pictures of her little niece! Ava is doing well. She is talking a lot now. She says, Elmo, thank you, kiss, doggie, momma, daddy, grandpa, papa, Heather, Jakie(the dog), bubble, and a few more. My favorite is that she does sign language. "Sorry" is the new one here especially since she is throwing her big fits. I really think she has hit her terrible twos early, but I still love my baby girl to pieces!

Just a little update!

2009-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well i haven't posted for a little while now and decided to let you know that we are doing well! Nothing really too exciting around here except that Ava keeps getting more and more teeth and is definitely getting a stronger personality. She visits "rest time" a few times a day now! She is learning quickly how to press everyones buttons. Her new thing is that she has to carry around a purse on each arm, and have her baby doll by her side at all times. She sure is a girly girl (I love it!)
David and I are just keeping busy with work and school. It's nice to think that David is about done at MHCC and can move onto PSU in the fall! Phewww~ long roads ahead, but we are ready for the challenge! We hope all is well with everyone! Here is a few new pics of little Ava

Grandpa was so blessed!

2009-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

Well last night my grandpa was driving in Oregon City and accidently drove on the train tracks and was hit from behind. He is up at OHSU for observation and is talking and everything. It was such a scary experience for our family. I'm etremely close with my grandpa and so I have had such a rough day. It's hard to accept that he is getting older and with such a freak accident as this, I'm still in shock. The news said that he was ejected from the car, but he wasn't. He is doing pretty well right now and we are just keeping him in our prayers. Thank you to everyone who is doing the same. We appreciate it so much.

A little late

2009-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy with life, and with Ava's hospital visit that I neglected to put up some pictures from her first birthday. We had a nice celebration with some family and friends. We had it at the church because our place is too tiny to hold everybody! It went well, except for the fact that that was when Ava was starting to get sick so she was a little grumpy. Here is a few pictures from the party!
Also a few new things about all of us-
*Feb 2nd we noticed that Ava is finally getting a third tooth!
*She is saying All done, up, done, and still dogs is her favorite word for any moving animal. She is probably getting close to 20 pounds now and is sure a cute little thing.
*David is still working as hard as ever in school and working.
*I'm working full-time as a preschool teacher and because of the economy everyones hours are getting cut, so I have been going to a different center to get the much needed money!
That is pretty much what is going on here in good 'ol Troutdale!
Have a great day everyone!

Ava loved the cake that Grandma Waddell made her!
It took her a minute then she started to dig right it.
Isn't this a cute little cake? I thought it was beautiful.
Our little family 12-27-08

Bath Time Buddies

2009-01-22T22:37:00.001-08:00

Tonight David and I went over to my good friends, Becky and Mark's, to have dinner and we decided to get the kids in the tub! Ava is a little scared of the water still and Liam kept splashing her, but it was quite hilarious watching the two scream at each other and throw toys! What a pair, and being only 9 months apart they sure had a good time.

Ava's trip to the hospital

2009-01-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

Well little Ava was throwing up this past weekend starting with at Church. She got it all over the floor and then decided to dress daddy up with it too. It continued through the weekend and I felt that she needed to go into the doctors today. I had my mom take her in and they diagnosed her with Gastroenteritis. Its an inflammation of the intestines. They told us that if she didn't have a wet diaper by 3 that she needed to go into the hospital.

As 3 o'clock rolled on through there was still no sign of urine and so we made our way to the hospital. We got right in and they took her back and tried to get an IV going but her veins were too small to find them. They concluded that she was a moderate severity of dehydration and just gave her oral hydration, but David and I have to get her up every 2 hours and give her enfalyte. She is already doing much better, but it was very hard watching them pin her down to a hospital bed and take blood from her little body.

Tis the Season

2008-12-27T21:39:00.001-08:00

Where to start? This Christmas was a fun, but crazy one! We were snowed in for many days and that kind of put a damper on all of our holiday shopping, traditions and just the spirit of Christmas. We did though have a wonderful Christmas and wouldn't want to even think of changing it!

Karlee's mom, Lois, made Ava and I matching Aprons for Christmas and they are just adorable. Ava looks like a doll in it. I have so much fun with her wearing it that I never wanted to take it off of her.

On Christmas eve we were going to have Christmas eve over at my Sister-in-law Joy's house, but the snow was just a little too risky so we had it at David's parents instead. We had an great evening snacking away, talking, and enjoying each other's company. By the end of the evening my sister-in-law Leslie said that Ava was feeling a bit warm and we decided to take her temperature and it was sure enough, 100.9. It wasn't sky high, but enough to worry a little. We then headed on home and got Ava dressed in her little Christmas jammies and were off to bed.

Christmas day was fun with the three of us first waking up at 5:30 due to Ava and her cough. We figured we might as well open gifts so we had a wonderful time doing that and then headed on back to bed. We then didn't wake up till 10:30. We quickly got ready and then went over to David's parents again and played some Sequence with Mom Waddell and had a yummy breakfast. We were glad that we could see Grandpa and Grandma Montague right before we took off and went on down the street to my parent's house.

When we got to my parent's we had a lovely dinner and ate my mom's famous 12 layer jello, which is AMAZING. We played Clue and laughed and Little Ava was acting a little bit sick, but still was a trooper and had a blast playing with Grandma and Grandpa. A funny story is that Ava has this little doll over there that my mom bought and Ava ripped off the head, but that didn't stop her from loving that baby. She walked all around the house hugging the headless doll and saying, "awwwww" it was pretty hilarious, if you ask me!

We found on Friday that away is starting to get a mild form of Bronchitis and so I was totally bummed because it was her birthday weekend, but everything worked out great!

We truly hope that you enjoyed your Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year!

Cabin Fever

2008-12-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

As of right now, I'm waiting to see if I need to come into work today. I had to ask my boss to come get me if she needs me which I feel bad about, but I just can't drive in this. We have close to a foot and a half here and it just keeps snowing! This morning Ava and I were having fun taking pictures because there is not much else to do around here. Have a great day friends.

Waiting on Daddy

2008-12-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

This afternoon the three of us were just hanging out and so David went into the bathroom and Ava has to follow him where ever he goes, but he shut the door. Well, I caught her sitting by the bathroom door reading her book and babbling. It was so adorable I just had to get pics of it. It's funny how mothers think their children do the funniest things. We are getting along here, but we are getting such bad cabin fever being in here for so long! Hopefully it will melt soon. Actually I think I need to enjoy this while it lasts. Have a great afternoon everyone. :D

First Snow

2008-12-18T20:37:00.001-08:00

So we have had some snow here for a little while now but finally took Ava out today for her first experience of it. She loved it so much. It was new to her so she was slow at touching it, but once she felt it she was stomping in it and had smiles from ear to ear. Also, Grandpa Tim came over tonight and Ava got a horsey ride from him. She sure was cracking up. I had to get a picture of that precious moment of them!

Goodbyes

2008-12-15T22:14:00.001-08:00

Tonight my little bro-in-law Thomas came over to say his goodbyes to us. He is leaving tomorrow for his mission to Peoria Illinois. Ava was attached to him! It was SOOO adorable. The second she saw uncle Thomas she went to him and put her arms up and said "up." They walked around the house for a little bit and then she laid her head on his chest. I loved seeing that. We will miss Tom, but are very excited for this opportunity that he will be having.

Christmas is just around the Corner!

2008-12-13T17:59:00.001-08:00

Well this year my hubby, mom, sister and Ava went to the same place in Boring to get our tree and its a great little spot. Last year Ava still went with us even though I was 8 1/2 months pregnant! At least this year I could walk a lot more comfortably. It's nice to be living in beautiful Oregon where there are so many trees. I just love this time of year and all of the Christmas Spirit that has been around.
I'm finally feeling more and more like myself. This past week I've been so ill and on wednesday through this morning I lived on the couch or the bed for seriously 23 hours of the day. I could barely walk or talk for that matter. I had a 102 degree temp, and it was not fun. I was blessed to have so many helping hands around to make life a little more easier and so that I could get rest to beat off this flu. I'm thankful for my health and I think that I often times take it for granted, but its a wonderful thing to have!
Life at the waddell home has been busy as usual. Miss Ava is copying us so much more with words like "Dogs" "Up" "ruff ruff" and "uh oh." She is such a doll! David just finished finals and I'm so proud of him that he is just about done with MHCC and then he will be able to transfer to a university! Life keeps on moving and its been busy, but its been a fun ride! We hope your holiday season is bright!

Ava decided to fall asleep right before we got to the tree farm and so grandma said that she would stay in the car with her and David, Heather and I ventured off to find the perfect trees.

Ava posing with her cute little snow cap. I had to force it on and she would rip it off every 2 minutes. It was hard to get any pics of her with it on.

David and Heather sure had a blast cutting the trees down!

David and I at the tree farm, precious, I know! ;)

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T17:33:00.001-08:00

Our family Pic at my Aunts
Ava and Uncle Jeff
Sisters!
For Thanksgiving this year we made it to both of our family's gatherings. At mine it was crazy with at least 30 people. Everyone was goo-goo over Ava because she is the only baby in the family right now. It was fun getting together with everyone and having a tasty meal. I think Ava must have known that yesterday was special because she wouldn't nap very much all day and resulted in a bit of a cranky girl. At David's family we had a fun Hawaiian theme and Jami showed us a video that she had gotten while visiting in September. It was also a celebration of our families birthdays for the month of November. It was exciting to celebrate and enjoy each other! I sure had a blast!

I loved it!!!

2008-11-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend David and I were able to go to the movies while Ava had a sleepover with Auntie Heather and Grandpa and Grandma Gruwell. She had a blast as always and so did we. We went to see the Twilight saga and I sure loved it! There were these 3 girls right in front of us that had posters, all their books and were squealing through most of the movie. It was pretty hilarious to watch. I think that some parts weren't very close to the book but overall as a movie I had a blast. David thought it was good too so I think that on my day off on Monday that I will take my mom to see it again because I won't be able to wait until it comes out on DVD to see it again.

Yearbook Yourself!!!

2008-11-20T19:13:00.001-08:00

I went onto Yearbookyourself.com and I had a blast. I think that David's is awesome. I set it as our computer background and man, I can't wait for him to come home tonight from work and get a big surprise!!! You should check it out! We would not have fit in in the 70's! ha ha

Fun family times!

2008-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

David and I loved this dress that Ava had on last sunday. We got a whole bunch of clothes from this garage sale for 20 dollars! I couldn't believe all the fun things I could find. These pics were from Nov. 16th. That was also the first day that Ava took the sacrament. It was so fun to see her drink the water. She loved it and was upset when it was all gone

So today, I was able to meet up with my cousin Emily! I always have a blast when I see her and wish that my lunch break was much longer so we could catch up on more things. She was just married in August. It's pretty crazy because all of my married cousin (including David and I) were married between August 8th and the 20th!

About my other half

2008-11-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

All about my one and only~

1. What is his name? David Paul Waddell
2. Who eats more? David, he has a never ending pit for food!
3. Who said I love you first? David, I remember it was Feb. 23rd right before my 15th birthday!
4. Who is taller? David
5. Who is smarter? We each have our strengths
6. Who is more sensitive? oh ME by far!
7.Who does the laundry? I usually do, David Hates it
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do
9. Who pays the bills? Me
10. Who cooks more? Well, I have been cooking more lately
11. What meals do you cook together? usually sunday dinner
12. Who is more stubborn? me probably.
13. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? David
14. Who has more siblings? David
15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? we both do hehe
16. What do you like to do together? we love friday date night!
17. Who eats more sweets? oh we both do!
18. Guilty pleasures? Dark chocolate milky ways for him
19. How did you meet? Church Volleyball
20. Who asked who out first? He asked me out
21. Who kissed who first? he did
22. Who proposed? David did at Larch Mountain.
23. His best features? I love his eyes and he has a nice toosh! lol
24. What is his greatest quality? He loves me, Ava and the gospel so much. He would do anything for us and that just makes me so happy!
25. Tag? All you ladies...tell us about your hubby- because we all know that they don't update the blogs. (I agree Kayleigh!)

Ava's First Day at "School"

2008-11-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

My little Cheerleader!

Ava was very grossed out by the pumpkin guts

Mommy and Ava! (Ward Party)

(This is a good quote from a conference talk a while back)

...So today I took Ava to work with me and she was in the infant room while I was in Pre-Kindergarten. I think that she did well for her first day. The teachers said that she loved to touch all the babies faces and pull on their clothes. She sure is a very busy little gal! I actually was very excited to have her there and see her on my breaks, but by the end of the day I realized I much rather her with my mom so that I don't sit there all day at work wanting to walk down the hall to see her! It was nice to see how she does with other babies her age.

Baby Proofing!

2008-11-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize that Ava growing up so fast would be a bit of a problem! She started walking at 9 months and now is into everything. I can't keep her away from furniture, cabinets or anything else that can be climbed on or opened. I do, however, love this stage. She is laughing and say 'uh oh' all the time. I'm so excited to be a mom and enjoy every minute of it.

For an update: David is still going to school, but is only working part-time now which is a relief, and I am a Preschool teacher at Kindercare and Love it! We have been very busy but are loving life!

Hello Friends!

2008-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

We have decided to get a blog going. I think it's a great way to keep in touch with friends and have some fun getting to know everyone better! David and I have been doing great. Ava is just about seven months old and we are thrilled to have her. She is such a fun baby. She wants to crawl and tries to get into everything. Here are some pictures of her 6th month birthday. She sure is getting big. We actually just started giving her baby meat. It stinks like cat food, but it sure gets her to sleep through the night, and she loves it! We love getting our sleep, if only she would go to bed at a decent hour...