Favorite Things

My friend Jenn tagged me so it looks like I am supposed to narrow down all of the people, things, moments that make me happy to only six. We'll see how this goes!

1. When I feel like I am doing the right thing by God. Now, I know that probably the majority of the time, I am not. But, you know those times when you have to make a hard decision and choose the high road when you really don't want to. It makes me happy when I actually do that. Those moments are few and far between, but I pray that they become more frequent.

2. Matthew Scott Gaymon!! He is just amazing! I know I need to be more descriptive...Matt is such a good person. He loves the Lord and he tries to encourage me in my walk with Him. He is so unbelievably unselfish. He is hilarious, and one that I didn't know until recently, he is such a great dad. So, everyday, he makes me happy in one way or another.

3. My sweet Maggie. She makes me happy by just breathing, but when she smiles, laughs, hugs my legs, or blows me a kiss, it melts my heart!

4. Spending time doing anything with my family. Now, I know that most of you out there in blog World think that you have the best family, but, in reality, I do! Some of my favorite things (still only number 4 of my list) are:

- Talking with my mom (anywhere, anytime, about anything)
- Running with my dad (even though I can't keep up with him)
- Watching Project Runway with Kerri or taking a quick trip to Target
- Going out to eat and to a movie with Kimberly
- Laughing at B being silly (especially when he is entertaining Taylor)
- Watching Mrs. Gaymon love on Maggie and be such a great Nana Sue
- Listen to the many funny stories that Mr. Gaymon has to tell

and the list for number 4 could go on, and on, and on.

5. Getting enough sleep. It is an Oliver thing. I try to fight it, but it all boils down to that refreshment scale in the morning. I love it to be in the nines at least!

6. Enjoying a book on the beach! I know that I am going to have to wait a while on this one. But, at least I have the Holidays and a fun wedding to take my mind off of the Winter blues.

So, my typing is done. I am tagging Anne S., Anne G., Emily, Mandi, Rachelle, Amanda, Kimberly, and Allison. Have Fun!

Magpie's Second ERBC Harvest Festival

Mommy and her favorite Ladybug!

We had our third Halloween celebration, and I think that Maggie really did enjoy herself. We put her adorable ladybug costume on her and headed off to Mimi and Papa's church for a fun night of friends, games, candy, chic-fil-a, and lots of cute costumes! Maggie's favorite booth was picking out a ducky in the water...imagine that! She kept saying, "ka ka" (quack, quack) after she participated in that game. I think she is finally getting into the festivities! Happy Halloween, Maggie!

Mimi showing Maggie around and showing her off!
Checkin' things out.
Duckies!! Ka Ka Ka!
Daddy and Maggie
Gaymon girls can't get enough chocolate!

Busy, Fun Weekend for the Gaymons

This past Sunday, we had a shower for my cousin's fiance, Brittaney. It was fun to get ready for that with the help and company of my aunts, grandma, and mom. Saturday, we cooked, cleaned, and had a good time visiting. It is a little bit more of a challenge to give a shower with Maggie around. It is especially interesting now that she is walking and has a special love for pulling things out and putting them in the toilets. I have decided that it is just easier for Maggie to take a trip to Mimi and Papa's house when I want our house to get clean and stay clean. Anyway, our house was actually clean and the food was ready for the shower! It was fun to see Brittaney enjoy time with friends and open up some very fun and useful gifts!

The Hostesses
Brittaney and her mom and mom-in-law (to be).
About to open up the presents!
Rachel and Lena
Aunt Debbie and Mom

After the shower, Matt, Maggie, and I headed to Trunk or Treat at our church. Our small group had a construction crew theme, and Matt and Keith really enjoyed operating the huge machinery and making a game of dumping the candy into a wheelbarrow. The girls had a good time watching and chatting, and Maggie loved all of the action. It was a little bit of a late night and a slightly long day, but well worth it all!

Boo at the Zoo

Sarah, Linen, Maggie, and Me...notice how I am just holding her wings on her at this point.
Not sure what they were discussing, but I think it has to do with their food.
The two adorable ladybugs!
Ready for some candy!
Maggie the ladybug. Isn't she cute?!

Last night, Maggie and I met up with Sharon, Sarah, and Linen at Boo at the Zoo. We had such a good time, and I have to say that Maggie and Linen were the cutest ladybugs ever! They didn't fully appreciate the animals (who were not loving the crowd of people filing through while they were trying to sleep.) I don't think that the girls really even knew what was going on, and I was slightly stressed having Maggie in the dark with so many people all the while trying to keep her wings attached, feed her PB&J, take pictures, and not be trampled on by the fast lines of people. To top it all off I was a little weirded out by some of the costume choices. Yes, I was slightly spooked by some of the adult witches and goblins. I lost my mom's camera which was very disappointing, but I did not lose Maggie! So, I guess I know what I need to be saving up to buy my mom for Christmas. Sorry mom! Despite all of the insanity, I had a great time! My little ladybug did as well! Thanks for the invite, Sarah!

Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch!

Last week, Papa put in a special request to take Maggie to the Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch this past Saturday. Maggie didn't even know how excited she should be. Matt and I were glad that she was going to experience something special with her grandparents. We were also pretty pumped about the idea of having a Saturday afternoon to do whatever and get caught up on things. So, about 12:00 on Saturday, Papa, Mimi, and Maggie set out for a lunch outing and a trip to the orchard.

They reported that the weather was a bit chilly so they didn't stay too, too long, but despite the temperature, they had a good afternoon. Maggie LOVES being outside, and she thoroughly enjoyed exploring while she was there. She wasn't thrilled about the apple cider....oh well, maybe next year.

Thanks for a great afternoon, Mimi and Papa!

Loaded up and ready to have a great time!
Papa helping Maggie pick an apple.
This house seems to be a perfect fit.
My beautiful little flower.
Look how tall I am!
My little pumpkin with the not so little pumpkins!
So cute!

Bradley and Taylor's Engagement Party!

Another Cute Picture of Maggie and Lila

Allison, I stole this one from your blog. Thanks!

Weekend Adventures!

On Friday, Matt, Maggie, and I went to an engagement party for Bradley and Taylor. We had such a great time. Maggie had a ball walking around amongst the crowd and exploring the Stroups lovely house. She was the second cutest girl there! Taylor definitely got first place, but Magpie was a very close second. There were a ton of people there. Bradley and Taylor are a very popular couple, and they were most appreciative for the festivities. We are all so thankful for them, and we are excited about the next phase of life for them! I had such a good time, and I forgot to even get out my camera. But, I told Mr. Stroup to pass his pics on. So, when he does, I will post them for your viewing pleasure. (Don't worry, Justin, they are on their way!=))

Saturday morning, we drove up to the Pigeon Forge area, and spent the night in our friends' beautiful cabin (cabin doesn't seem to really fit because this house was amazing). Anyway, thank you, Weavers and Mr. and Mrs. Bailey! We are so fortunate to have such great friends!

We met our Samford friends, the Weaver and Yezerski family, at the cabin. We enjoyed time on the kiddie rides, the guys rode the go-carts, and we went out to eat at a couple of yummy restaurants. Maggie and Lila had a good time together, and we are looking forward to the Yezerski baby (otherwise known as "Freedom") playing with them at our next get together! Yeah for growing families and time together with good friends!

Sleepy men and their even more sleepy daughters...the Weavers stayed with us on their way up to the mountains!
Maggie wanted to get on the train!
So we let her! Allison, Lila, Me, and Maggie having a fun ride!
Daddy took Maggie on the Carousel!
Daddy trying to keep up with the zebra!
Matt had to give a fist pump since he made it through the accident. Notice in the right corner that Andrew spun a little bit out of control.
Andrew was not happy about his situation.
Lila posing on the rocks Maggie's gums were still not feeling great. So sad.
Bath time for the girls!
The Yezerski family...with baby boy on the way!
Family shot...look at that gorgeous view!

Fun Times at Litchfield and a Short but Sweet Reunion!

We enjoyed a week with my parents at their condo in Litchfield. Matt and Dad took in a couple rounds of golf while Mom, Maggie and I hit the beach or shopped. We played in the waves, enjoyed time in the sand, went for walks, and even squeezed in a bike ride. We enjoyed more time on the beach in the evenings, went out to eat several times, and then after Maggie was down for the night, we would cap off the night with a game or two of Scategories. We had such a great time!

Maggie had a little cold and has two more molars coming in, but she didn't let that stop her! She was pointing at the beach almost all day long. She would wave goodbye when someone would pick her up just hoping that they were heading outside. So cute! She did wake up a little bit during the night because of her congestion. It was so nice to be able to get up and comfort her knowing that Mimi and Papa would get up with her in the morning so that Matt and I could sleep in. Thanks, Mimi and Papa! What a treat for us and for Maggie!

From the beach, we headed to Sumter for the Gaymon Reunion. It was a short trip but it was nice to spend the afternoon and evening with family. We had a good time visiting, eating great southern food, and hearing stories of all of the Gaymon crew. What a wonderful heritage we have!