Field Trip to The Aquarium

Sadie's cute little preschool class took a field trip to the Aquarium yesterday.  Once Sadie heard about it, she couldn't talk about anything else.  She carefully explained to me that we would not be seeing dolphins and whales, because they were much too big to fit into the aquarium. 

Sadie was anxious to get moving, while we were waiting for the rest of her class to arrive.

We've never visited this indoor gem.  We were in for a serious treat.  Who knew you could see such exotic animals in Utah?

I loved seeing the neat jellyfish move so gracefully through the water.  One drawback....when photographing the jelly's I just think it looks like a mammogram.  Sorry, but it does. Let me know what you think.

Sadie said her FAVORITE part of the aquarium was seeing the Octupus.  Funny, cuz she wouldn't get near it, be in a picture with it, and demanded we walk away from the tank very quickly.

I have to thank Disney for providing names for all of the sea creatures we met.  Ask me the real scientific names of any of the creatures and I couldn't name one...but I know all the name's in Finding Nemo!

Hello Jacque....looks like you've been cleaning the tank today..my bubbles, my bubbles, my bubbles....

Well hello there Nemo!  So nice to see ya!  Cute little fishy fishy!!

"Ok Class. Optical orbits up front, and remember we keep our subesophageal ganglion to ourselves. That means you Jimmy."

Fish are friends, not food.

I was just waiting for this giant to open his mouth and have a bunch of little fish swim out.  These guys are huge!

I just thought this fish looked totally bedazzled.  Sadie commented on how sparkly it was.

Can you say totally CREEPY!  When I pointed out that there was a snake in that window, Sadie looked for a minute, then when she realized how big the snake was you should have seen her eyes!  She immediately took my hand and said, "Mom, we should go away from here."  Yes, Sadie, right after a take a picture of the snake yawning.

What is it about crocodile eyes that are just so scary!  The glazed over stare that seems to say, "I see you, and if you get near me, your neck is mine."

Loved watching the turtles swim around.  I didn't even notice the lovely wart on the chin until I got home and looked at the pictures.  Not that warts aren't cute, but kinda ruined the turtle's cuteness for me.

Thanks Sadie for letting me join you on your field trip.  I had a lot of fun watching you run from tank to tank and then getting creeped out by almost all of the animals and not wanting to get anywhere near touching the stingrays.   Things are always more fun with you cutie!

I want one of these!!!

This is exactly the kind of office chair I've been looking for.  What do you think?

Do you NieNie? I do.

So I'm sure there are many of you who know who Stephanie Nielson is and her amazing story.  But I bet a few of you don't.  I just learned of it a few months ago.  I'm so inspired.  This girl has endured more than I could ever imagine and continues to endure it every day.  All in the name of family.  She was injured in a private plane crash a year ago and was burned over 80% of her body.  Her life has been completely changed.  But her attitude is nothing short of miraculous.  If ever I feel like I'm struggling or having a rough day, all I need to do is click here and my perspective is instantly changed. 

There's a really great article you can read about her if you go to her blog and click on her Wasatch Back link.  Honestly, you have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by her story.

Just thought I would share her inspiring life with you, just in case you don't NieNie yet. 

Do you NieNie?  I do.  And I'm glad.

My Fairy Godmother

The other day I asked Sadie why she didn't pick up her things like I asked her to. 

Her reply and I quote, "Because my Fairy Godmother told me I didn't need to."

Me: "Oh really, your Fairy Godmother, huh?  Why don't you tell her that you need to obey your Mom."
Sadie: "Great idea!  I'll tell her."

Another time. 
Me: "Sadie, who told you that you could have a fruit snack?"
Sadie: "Fairy Godmother said it would be just fine.  She said you wouldn't care."
Me: "Oh really.  Next time will you ask me instead of Fairy Godmother?"
Sadie: "Ok!  I'll tell Fairy Godmother."

Another day.
Me: "Sadie!  You cleaned your room and got dressed all by yourself!  Good job!!"
Sadie: "Thanks Mom, Fairy Godmother knew you would be happy!"

So, Fairy Godmother, if you could please tell Sadie to put her Pet Shop toys away now so I will stop tripping on them, that would be great!  Thanks!

Up to Date!!! Finally!

Yes, it's true!!!  I'm FINALLY up to date in blog world!  It's only taken me a few months to get caught up, but YAY ME!  I really want to use the blog as a journal, so it was important to document the major events of our family.  If you are really bored, grab a snack and warm blanket and snuggle in for the past 6 months of GaddFam.  Just scroll down and click older posts THREE times...yes, clear back to August.  (I back dated them all so the date would be accurate)
And then you'll be all caught up with what we've been doing this past year!

OR...

Ignore, move on with your day and just know that I feel AWESOME knowing I'm all caught up.  (So warm and oh so fuzzy)

Wish me luck in keeping it up to date!

Arrow of Light

Spencer has worked really hard this year in Cub Scouts.  In November he earned his Webelos badge and this month he was awarded with his Arrow of Light.  During the award ceremony, the purpose of the arrow of light award is discussed and feathers are tied on the arrow one by one by each of his fellow scouts.  Each feather representing a different quality that a scout should posess.

Then Spencer pins a special pin on me and is congratulated by the Cub Scout Master and Matt and I.

I'm really proud of Spencer for acheiving this award.  It took a lot of patience and perserverance.  But I did it.  Oh, I mean HE did it.  No really, Spencer did work really hard to fulfill all the requirements.  I just had to bug him everyday to get it done.  And if you're wondering why I'm wearing a scout shirt...I'm currently serving as the Bear den leader.  So I get to wear a uniform too!  Just look at all the pins Spencer earned this year...

Matt's parents and Grandma were able to come and support Spencer in his acheivement.  We are so lucky to have them live so close!  (Only a mile and a half away!)

There's something about a uniform that just makes your baby boy look all grown up.  We're so proud of you Spencer!  Way to go!  Watch out Boy Scouts...Here comes Spencer!  Now we're on to earning the Eagle!!

Celebration of Life Dinner

So,  I'm part of the best group ever.  However, NONE of you are invited to join.  Sorry!!  It's my breast cancer support group entitled, The Young Survivor Sisters .  It's a group another girl and I started after we were diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago.  It's a support group for women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 45.  One in every 8 women will get breast cancer...usually not in their twenties though.  So we're a rare breed. 

When a nurse coordinator put me in touch with another young woman battling breast cancer I felt an immediate connection.  Ginny Nelson ... (Ginny and her hubby)

and I were instant pals the second we started talking on the phone seven years ago.  Then we decided to meet for lunch along with another young survivor, Cheryl Pulsipher. (no relation, but the irony....)  After having lunch together and feeling so relieved to talk to someone about our experiences, challenges and fears, we knew we had something good going.  While I have AWESOME friends and family support, there is something extra special about connecting with another "sister" who has been through the same crap I have.

Ginny and I started meeting other young women at various places and realized what a benefit it was to get together and share stories.  Even if it was just to laugh and sometimes cry, it feels great to have someone who understands.  It proved to be an AWESOME resource for surgeons, doctors, reconstruction options and where to get the best wigs.  Ginny and I kept meeting more and more young women and decided we need to form a group and name ourselves.  We decided that ever since we've met each other, it was like having a sister...hence...Young Survivor Sisters.

Along the way, we met an AMAZING survivor named Ginger.   (Ginger and her hubby)

Ginger saw that keeping the group going was becoming somewhat burdensome on Ginny and I and she stepped in to help out.  Ginger has done AMAZING things for our group.  In the one year since she has been president, our group has gone from around 40 members to almost 80.  She designed these super cute cards to put in doctors offices to advertise our group.

She has worked tirelessly to get the word out.  We knew there were lots of young women out there who needed our group, but just didn't know how to find us.  Ginger has done so much to improve that.  Ginger started a yearly donated dinner entitled, Celebration of Life.  We have a nice dinner, (donated by a generous plastic surgeon Dr. Marge Massey) and enjoy a nice program and each other's company.

This year was AWESOME.  It was overwhelming to see so many faces that I'd never seen before.  Ginny and I were both so taken back that what was a small lunch in a McDonald's 7 years ago, has turned into this!!!

I'm so grateful for the experiences, life lessons, and humility I learned from having cancer.  The experience was forever life-changing.  I feel like the person I am today, is due in large part to the lessons I learned while battling the disease.  Everything from self worth to physical illness and lots of lessons in between.  I grew an unbelievable amount spiritually and my testimony of the gospel has deepened imeasurably.   I know that meeting Ginny was not a lucky happen-stance.  It was a blessing from above.  These amazing young women have changed my life.  I have learned from them, laughed with them, and will forever be their best friends.

If you know a young woman who could benefit from our group, please refer them to our website.  It can make all the difference.

The Young Survivor Sisters