New Fashion Swimwear

Finally a swim suit I like! Bryan and I have been looking for new swimsuits. Well we finally have them, and we had the chance last Sunday to try them out. We went to Sun Valley here in Lewisville.

This is a great place for the young and old. It has slides. A wading pool area for the kiddos. Of course the full size swimming pool with diving board. Even a lazy river course.

So let us know if you would want to go. We are ready! We had these made due an event we did 2 years ago. Bryan had a swim suit but I didn't and believe me it is no fun being at such a fun, cool place and not being able to enjoy it more.

Let us know what you think! More about the event in future blogs!

London

Well I know a few of you are wondering about where the "Rest of the Story" is about our London vacation. I encourage you to visit Jennifer's and Cary's bloghttp://www.lifeasamcfadden.blogspot.com. Jennifer has done a great job of telling the stories.

Pictures you ask? Well sit down with your favorite drink and snack and go to www.laughingj.com, albums. There you will find over 1700 pictures. After that if you want to hear more I can down load or just tell you some of the Trivia about London. We at a great time. I wish we could have stayed 3-4 more days.

So again please visit the links above and let us know what you think. We will be more than glad to share more with you if you like.....I just don't want to bore you to much.

Ashton turns 3!

Happy Birthday Ashton!

We had a small birthday party for Ashton on July 18 at McDonald's in Wylie TX. We took over the back sitting area and just visited and ate. Ashton received several gifts which was a great mix of clothes and toys.

I wish I had a video of how well he is getting around. We went out to the playground for a little bit and he was all over it. He did not have his leg, but let me tell you nothing stop that little guy! He is a great climber. I did suggest to his mom that when he tells her he only has 1 leg to tell him, "No, you have 2". Then have him go get the prosthetic leg and put it on."

Ashton has a great vocabulary. He speaks very clearly and in complete sentences. He is one smart little guy.
Just think 2 years ago we were not sure if he would make it to his 3rd birthday but watch out world here he is!

Thank all of you for your prayers. With out them we would not have had such a wonderful Saturday! God Bless each of you!

Peanut is a .....

Jennifer and Cary went to the doctor today to find out if we were going to have a boy or girl! They saw the heartbeat, the hands waving, toes wiggling and a good looking spine. Peanut weights 9 oz, which is average. Well Peanut is being bashful. You got it...we have to wait to see what we are having.

I will put away the credit card and keep window shopping until next month. Until then.......please keep Jennifer and Peanut in your prayers that they both will be healthy the next 5 months.

Our Vacation

Let me tell you about Cary the "Navigator" . As many of you know we really love Cary and just feel he beings a lot to our family. Well Cary showed us another talent, Navigating. We can usually get around but for some reason London through us for a loop. Since Cary had been to London before he knew his way around . The first day he was able to get us from the airport to the train station to the hotel. We then went just up the street to Buckingham Palace. After the tour and checking out everything there he took us sight seeing and looking for supper. He would tell us things about the area(s) and any thing we needed to know. He and I brought mini maps and his was used a lot more than mind. (I hate getting my glasses out to read) He was so great getting us around to where ever we needed to go. So I gave him the nick name "Navigator". I loved the fact he could take us down the back streets of London so we could see more of the city its self. It's also quieter!

Thank you, Navigator, for getting us around London so we could enjoy the city and not get lost!

Blood Donations

Kyle Allen , Lewisville Fire Dept.

Kyle Allen, a young fireman on the Lewisville Fire Dept is having some major medical problems. He is about Jennifer and Cary's age. The Lewisville Fire dept is having a blood drive to help raise money to off set the cost of his hospital bills. (He was in ICU) Carter Blood Care is offering $10.00 towards the hospital bills for each pint that is given. On June 15 from 8:00-6:00 at the Receation Center on Civic Circle Carter Blood Care will be set up for donations. I'm sure if you would like to give and can not make this donation time that you can visit any Carter Blood Care and give the Sponsor# 048056 and they will be sure to apply it to his account.

Bryan being a double red donor is going to call and see if he can have them donate one of his previous donations. I will be giving as soon as I have completed my 6 weeks waiting period from the last donation.This weekend or next.

So if you are able to give and would like to help out someone in the community , I know he and his family would be very grateful!

Speedy recovery, Kyle!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

We are back from London. Let me tell you we are very blessed to have so many friends and neighbors helping us be able to take our vacation. As many of you know we have a zoo here and it is not easy sometimes to juggle the schedules. With everyone pitching in we were able to enjoy our vacation without a worry.
Ross and Reid did a great job of feeding all the animals. I understand after the 2nd day Vader was out and they had no problems looking for him for his shot. He even let them pet him! Vader learns very fast on who he needs to buddy up to. Ross came in one day just to check on things and found Loch Ness had died. Loch Ness is a bottom feeder Jennifer has had 4-5 years and that grew to be at least 4" long. RIP our little monster.
Thank You, Ross and Reid!
Dawn and Craig were nice enough to come over and give Spike his baths. Dawn played with the cats and since there were no strings out I figure she was playing Athena's game of the "Huntress" as well. Thank You, Dawn and Craig!
Jeff was our back up on Vader if needed and to just keep an eye on things. He sent us a picture of what damage the storm did at our house. The flag pole was blown down! As well as lot of of twigs and branches. He was kind enough to take the pole and put it into the back yard so it was not going to blow around and cause damage to others or their property, if the winds or storms came back through. I guess I don't get the "Yard of the Month" . Always so close. :) (WHAT EVER!) Thank you, Jeff!
I asked the Debbie , Banner and Honor if they could water my pots in the middle of the week and pick up and trash that might blow into the yard. WOW! Danny, Banner and Honor dad, seen or heard the flag pole was down and came and took the flag off the pole since it was touching the ground. THANK YOU! The flag touching the ground is a disrespect to the flag. I would have felt bad if people passing by thought I did not care. Then Debbie, Honor and Banner came over and picked up the front and side twigs and branches and stacked them on the side of the house. Debbie called to be sure we were home and she told me that they had planned on picking up the back yard, putting the chairs back in place as well as move the grill back. (We have a grill that likes to move in storms. The wheels are locked but it still moves. ) I told them not to worry I would do it. They went above and beyond the little bit of trash. Thank you, Danny, Debbie, Banner and Honor!
Brenda, Cary's mom called Cary on Thursday evening to ask if we knew our flight had been cancelled. We had not been notified. Well everything worked out. We got on an earlier flight and was home 2 hours earlier. Gary, Cary's dad was kind enough to pick us up from the airport. Thank you for calling and letting Cary know. Thank you, Brenda and Gary!

So as you can see we are very blessed to have friends and neighbors who look out for us. Believe me, we appreciate each and everyone of them on a daily bases!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Grand Baby's Nick Name

Well while carrying Jennifer I called her "Angel". We were not suppose to have any children and felt very blessed that God gifted us with her and we still do. I was thinking I needed a name for the new grand baby. "Angel" just did not fit. I thought "Peanut" and that felt right, but still wanted to think about it. Well I got the signs. Mom J sent me a birthday card on she wrote on the inside, lil peanut around the corner. Okay that is so perfect. I found myself saying something and referring to the baby as "Peanut". I sent out an e-mail to let the non bloggers know how things went on Jennifer's first doctor visit went and told them don't be surprised if you hear me call the baby "Peanut". Not wanting to do anything to offend Jennifer and Cary I called to ask them if I could call the baby "Peanut". They did not think it would be a problem. Jennifer told me that with her CB radio handle being "Peashooter" (The type you shoot spit wads out of. ) and Cary being a nut. (Jennifer said that) that the name fits. So for now my grand baby has a name, "PEANUT"!

Jennifer Update

Jennifer did go to the doctor on Friday. She did get to hear the heartbeat...how exciting. The doctor asked if twins ran in the family and Jennifer told her yes! (I have twins on 2 sides of my family) The doctor did a sonogram to check on the baby and how many. We are having 1 that is due December 16th. I told her she needed to wait until December 20th so it was not so close to her anniversary. She told me I was being unfair. She would have to carry the baby 4 extra days. I came back with I carried you 9 extra days! LOL. She goes back on June 15th just after our vacation.
Yes, I have been looking at clothes. Yes, I have looked at baby things. Yes, I have ideas on what I want to make the baby. Yes, I have a lot going in my head but until we find out if it is a boy or girl then I'm on hold. Or Am I??

A SATURDAY EVENING AT THE JARVIS FUNHOUSE!

I hope everyone is safe and not flooding. We did have some storms pass through yesterday about 2:30 and I'm really not sure when they slowed down. So what do you do on a rainy Saturday evening? Well let me tell you what happens at The Jarvis Funhouse.

We did have a fun evening. It started off with Genny and Davin stopping by for a moment. We visited and they did get to see Spike Jones. Spike allowed me to scratch his back. That was a rare time. We asked Genny and Davin to stay and join us, but they needed to go on their way. Jennifer, Cary and Chester made it over just a few minutes before Genny and brought Helen with them. Helen was in town and asked to come over. She is so sweet.

I was not sure how we would entertain Helen since we don't have to many children's toys here for her age. Not to worry. Remember we are at The Jarvis Funhouse! Helen played the ukulele. Petted the cats when they were out. ( Vader and Athena were hiding most of the night. Ditto stayed out but she was being cantankerous.) Had the chance touch Spike Jones. She did well with him. (Yes, we made her and Cary go wash their hands really well.) We have some balls on a string that we played with. Cary and Helen played with the DS's. Sorry Helen, we only have Brain games. I showed Helen Jennifer's dolls. I told her I really, really need to wash the dolls and clothes before we play with them. (Put that on my list of things to do.) Well as we were leaving Spike's room she spotted the green, Koosh ball. Well Chester saw the ball and wanted it! We played keep away from Chester for about 15 mins or more. If Chester had of gotten it, it would have POPPED! We did not worry about the ball, it was Chester. And of course played with Chester.

Chester was not able to go out too much due to all the rain so he did play a lot. We gave him a new ball. Well when you tried to pull it out of his mouth he would not let you have it. But if you quit trying he would get the ball as close to you to have you take it. Chester cleaned out his toy basket while playing. Remember the ball on a string I mentioned earlier? Helen and I teased Chester with them. If he did get it, I would say "drop it" and he released the ball. So was he just getting tired or did he really learn a new command?

We had pizza and I baked some cookies. We watched Wall-E. Bryan, Jennifer and Cary played a game Sorry. Bryan Won! Then Helen asked for Bryan to play the Dulcimer. Bryan let her try it. Then Cary tried it. So Jennifer and I talked while the band played. (Bryan on Banjo, Cary on the dulcimer and Helen on the ukulele) Helen came up and told Jenn and I we need to sing while they played. I told Helen I could not sing, I can't carry a note. But I went and got the Hymn Song Book. Helen and I sang Amazing Grace and a couple of Hymns and finished up with Christmas Songs, while Cary and Bryan played the Banjo and the Dulcimer. About 9:30 ish Cary thought it would be a good time to leave since Helen needed to get back to her Grandparents house.

I hope Helen had a good time. I know we did. I bet Chester and Helen slept well last night. I mean, who would have thought a rainy evening would turn out so much FUN!

Only at The Jarvis Funhouse!

Uncle John

Some of you know my Uncle John on my mom's side. He is now being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. No memorial service is planned. So I thought it would be a good idea to put a little something for him here.

Uncle John was a Character! In his younger years he was a little wild and crazy. Boy could he spend some tales! I sometime could not tell when it was fact or fiction. He was such a jokester. He was also a very loving and caring person if you could get through that tough exterior of his.

Uncle John and I were not that close due to miles and time. But I do think I have a little bit of him in me. I think that is where Petunia picks up some of her personality. That could be scary.

Yes Uncle John was a, Husband, father, brother, uncle....etc. But he did so much more. So I would like to share a few special memories of him that I have.

1) He was a Truck Driver. I always thought it would be neat to be able to drive across this great country and see it's beauty.
2) He was a cowboy on a ranch in Colorado. A true cowboy!
3) He introduced me to the Payday candy bar. I don't eat them often but when I do I think of him.
3) A quilt made of Jeans. That was so neat to me as a child. It was just jeans that were worn out or too small that was sewn together. Yes there were pockets in it too. Some day I would like to make one.
4) Cold candy bars. We were on a trip to Oklahoma and we were in the back of the truck with a camper on it. (Remember when you could do that?) It was hot so when we stop for gas, Uncle John came back out with everyone a cold candy bar. So did I enjoy it because I was hot and the candy bar was cold or because the candy bar was good, cold.
5) I told you he could spin some tells. Well without explaining why, I will NOT eat sauerkraut to this day because of how he said he was made. I know how it is made but......
6) When ever he addressed me he always called me Tressia Lynn.
7) I rarely received a call from Uncle John but when I did it was important. It happen twice and both times I jumped right on it. I guess I never wanted to disappoint him.
8) He loved to get together for a good poker game. No I never attended any but I was around long enough to hear him start gearing everyone up for the games. He got out his change jar and would start counting his money. Or he would pop off how much he was going to win from everyone. That was my cue to leave . You know I think our game nights at my house may be a little similar. FUN!

Again Uncle John was a wild, crazy guy. But FUN! He tried to come off as a tough old guy and maybe he was. In my eyes he was someone who was not afraid to take life by the horns. Yes he had his ups and downs. His bumps and bruises. Don't each of us when it comes to LIFE!
I know that Time and Aunt Barbara mellowed him out over the years but he was still My Uncle John!

Heaven is just a little bit livlier this morning.

Love, Tressia Lynn

WE'RE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS!!!

No details at this time. Jennifer and Cary have their first doctors visit on May 8th. We believe our little angel is due between December 15th and Christmas!

What a wonderful blessing!

I will keep you posted from time to time on any details that is going on. I can't wait to hear what the doctor has to say on May 8th. So please keep Jennifer in your prayers that she will have a healthy pregnancy.

We're going to be a grandparents, We're going to be a grandparents, We're going to be a grandparents.......

Early Birthday/Mother's Day Gift

Well on Friday the 24th Jennifer and Cary wanted to give me an early Birthday/Mother's Day gift!


We had gone out to eat with them and our friends Regina and Jeff. We came back to the house and when we got in Cary asked if anyone needed to go to the bathroom. What a strange question. Jennifer then gave me a envelope.I was instructed to read everything out loud that was inside the card.There was a clue inside. I had to go on a Scavenger Hunt! Each time we found a clue I had to read it out loud and off we go. The one that took us a while was the one outside in the ring. I bet our neighbors across the ally thought we were crazy. It's after 9:00 PM and we have a flashlight out looking for something. Oh but the fun we had. Once we went through all the clues there was another envelope again I was instructed to read it out loud. Stay tune............

Grandpuppy

As many of you know that we have a Grandpuppy. Chester, aka: ChestMutt is the sweetest puppy around. Bryan and I enjoy having him come over. He has his own toy basket. He can have toys all over the house. He comes in for a brief hello, but wants out to visit his friends. We play tug of war, give me the ball, chase. He is really good with other dogs. Check out our Thanksgiving post. I think our cats are a little jealous. Chester usually will try to play with them but that soon is a growl and a bark and we have separated everyone. A few weeks ago I was coming down the ally when suddenly something black started chasing my car from my back yard. A smile suddenly came across my face, CHESTER! Well last weekend we went to Kelly's birthday party and we told Jennifer and Cary that we would pick them up on the way. (An excuse to be with them a little longer!) Jennifer jokey said after you drop us off do you want to take Chester home with you? Sure! So I put a blanket into the car and off we go to have a great time at the party. We stopped at Jennifer and Cary's to let them off and to pick up Chester. Off we go. He would lay down in the back sit but if I stopped for a red ligth he would look around and see what was going on. Once we came through the back door he knew where he was and let me out! I have to say hello to my friends. When Jennifer and Cary got here after church Cary said something like you did not even say good bye before you left. You got Chester and gone. I commented that we did say good bye. We were just happy to have Chester . In a joking manner I said this will be the way most of the time when we have grandchildren. Well I think we have done a good job of being Chester's grandparents. I hope he thanks so.

I'm back.............

It been a while. Sorry I have been busy with things here at the house as well as at work. But since I like to keep up beat we will forget the work part.

I will be bring you up to date on what has been happening at the Jarvis FunHouse so stay tuned!