Griff's First Christmas!

It hasn't stopped snowing since I arrived in Steamboat last Saturday. What a magical place! Steamboat has been home to me since 1989 until recently, I now call a new place home...Montrose. BUT Steamboat continues to hold such a dear place in my heart. We love coming back to visit our friends and family and see the beauty that surrounds this place. I was thrilled that our Griff was able to spend his first Christmas here and take in all that this place is to us. Below are some pictures of our trip...Enjoy!

Griff's First Sledding Experience

LOVE THIS GUY!

Thanks MEMA for the GREAT sled!

Cousin Lilli was a great sledding companion

Pollard Family...

In the beginning of October, the Pollard family had a huge family picture taken by Chad Mahlum in Grand Junction. There were 32 people in all and let's just say it was short of a miracle that we ended up with such a great shot (not pictured). The one below is Jeff's parents, his sister's family, and ours...enjoy.

Thanksgiving '08

In Tennessee...
This year, the Pollards were blessed to get to spend Thanksgiving with my dad and his wife (Gramps and Gram). They flew us out for a 5 day get away. Thank you so much for your generosity, hospitality, and kindness. We fell in love with the area and the houses/properties there are just stunning. Below are a few pictures of our trip. Enjoy!

This place was amazing. It's an old factory that they put lots of little stores in...great place to have a photo shoot...to bad it's not closer! (Shaohannah's Hope had offices there too)

(Our boy, Jay's school...)

We also went to an Indian restaurant, but there's no pictures. Food was great!

Ryman Auditorium

On Saturday night we went to the mall to find Santa and sure enough he was there. He was a good sport and his helpers were nice too. Griffin on the other hand, (excuse me...) was PISSED. He gave out the I'm really mad and who the heck is this big, red thing hold me, scream. It was the kind of scream he does when he's really hurt...so we knew he meant business...not to mention the high pitched sound that was coming from his mouth...oh well we tried. Better luck next time.

I've been tagged...

Ashley blog tagged me - so fun! Here's the rules and here's my response:



1. I have only had 1 surgery and that was a double hernia repair at the age of 3. There's only a few things I remember from that day, the first is the black mask that put me to sleep. To this day, whenever I smell that gas, it takes me right back. The other was the nurse...whom I hope that was her last day. When I was waking up she told me not to cry like a baby. I later told my Mom and she was livid.

2. I went to 4 colleges and still graduated in 5 years!

3. I lived in 9 houses before I graduated from high school; and I went to 4 different elementary schools.

4. I was a vegetarian for 2.5 years only recently adding turkey and chicken.

5. We're probably the only parents with a 10 month old who researched the top 10 most conservative colleges in the country. One that we would love Griffin to check out...Hillsdale College.

6. Speaking of school, We're really leaning towards homeschooling for the elementary years. I always thought I was the last person for this job, but I feel more and more like it may be in our future.

7. I love my husband and son. I am so blessed to have these guys in my life. We pray constantly for Griffin and have added lately that he becomes an amazing Man of God! Thank you Jeff for showing me: humility, love, support, trust, and understanding (even when it's hard). (And as Ashley said, we too were both virgins when we got married...thank you LORD...that has saved us from so much trouble.)

Okay Lezlee, Missy, Cyndi, Jodi, Jayna, Shela, & Danie consider yourselves tagged.

Pumpkin TIME!!!

We FINALLY made it to the pumpkin patch today and...yes, it's the last weekend and the supply is LOW! The weather was in the high 60's and gorgeous. The lovely Synowics joined us there and we had a wonderful afternoon with dinner to follow at Pahgre's. I'm only sad I didn't capture our Griff on top a pumpkin, but rest assured I'll be getting one before the season is over. BTW, I think the Lord loves the fall 'cause it's so breath taking.

Sarah Palin '08

On Monday, Griff and I were able to attend the Sarah Palin Rally in Grand Junction. The experience was amazing and and I'm glad we were there to support her. Being there made me miss my "die-hard" republican dear friend, Danie. We literally lived 1 block from the rally just 2 years earlier. I know she would have loved to have been there, that's why I stuck out the 6 hour wait with a 9 month old, who was up 5...yes 5 times the night before. So lacking some serious sleep, we waited through rain, wind, sun and cold to see this beautiful lady bring some sort of hope for our nation. With a glimmer of hope, I listened as she spoke to us about their plans. Plans to not raise taxes, protect the unborn and fight for things we need to fight for. With the future unknown, I will continue to pray that the Lord will be seen in whomever is elected in November. Lord, PLEASE be with our NATION!!

Do we look tired?

(what are those boys looking at?)

Cyndi made all these shirts, thanks girl for all your work. Prayin for you guys too!

Greens & Blue Angels

This weekend our family went up to Junction to visit some friends and family. It's always so special to see a new baby, especially after having our own. I remember back to the day that he was born and how little he was...although it seems like he was never as small. Moriah (sp?) Green is 6 weeks old and beautiful as ever. She looks just like Izzy Green (the little girl we visited in England). It made me remember all the sounds and smells of our little one...even those few short months where they sleep during eating out. I unfortunately didn't get any pictures of her, but Malia says she will be sending the ones she took.

Sunday afternoon our family experienced the Blue Angels...the airshow was amazing. These guys are very talented pilots. The only downside was the noise, it was so LOUD LOUD LOUD...Just wait until you see the pictures of Griffin wearing the ear protection we got him (for later use with shooting). Griff has never been a big fan of noise, it sends him. So, it's a good thing we picked these up for him. The jets hardly fazed him. Anyway, I'm reminded of all the men and women and protect us daily in the service. Thank you to all of you for what you give us...FREEDOM...and some great entertainment as you'll see. Jeff said there's times when the jets are less then 3 feet apart, one slip and they are all done. It's pretty amazing. Enjoy the pictures.

England

He's On The GOOOO!

Our little guy has been wanting to crawl so badly for the last month and on September 3rd he just took off. I thought I had baby proofed our house, but he's showing me there's lots more to do! He's so proud of his accomplishment and so are WE! This guys brightens up our lives with his smile...we are totally in love.

Hello Cuteness...

Tonight we went to Griff's first football game here in the TROSE. Just as we were walking out the door, the UPS truck showed up with this TDF buffs hat. Although we don't usually go out with the binki, tonight was a bit of a special case...45 minute afternoon nap and the game was over at 9...hence the binki! Oh, and yes we did get the "W"

Lunch with Grammy

She always has the best toys in her purse to occupy me while we're out to lunch...does it get much better than an Arby's hat??? love ya Grammy!

The coolest thing since sliced bread...

SUPPER SOLUTIONS!!!

A few weeks ago, Cyndi, Jen, and I went to Supper Solutions. This has changed the way we do dinner. I can't stop talking about this place. Every month they change the menu and you can go in and prepare all your meals there (or they will do it for a small fee). So many great things, but one great thing is you dirty all their stuff and they clean it up!! We did 12 meals and that has lasted for us the greater part of August. We keep 2/3 in the refrigerator and the rest in the freezer until we need more. The dinners taste great, they're fast, easy, minimal clean-up at home, and I don't panic about what to serve...overall AMAZING!! I can't wait to go back next month!