The Tomlinson Trio

Fall 2009

2009-10-10T11:06:00.022-04:00

Fun Things...

2009-10-10T10:18:00.012-04:00

Dressed up for Evan & Taryn's wedding (Andrew's cousin)

Notice the worn out jeans and no socks!!! ;-)

Something to do on a cold rainy day...

Fat lip!

An evening walk down by the canal in Pittsford

He could throw rocks into water alllll day long!

Waiting in line for ice cream!

Niagra Falls

2009-09-09T20:47:00.021-04:00

Gavin & I went with my mom, dad, Elaine and Brian to Niagra falls the end of August. It was a beautiful day. It's only about an hour drive from where we live so it was a great day trip!

Andrew & I stayed in one of the hotels you see in the top right (Canada side) for our honeymoon. It was a great room that was right over the falls!

Pictures from the Maid of the Mist ride- it was amazing!

Dad & Brian on the stairway- you'll notice their the only ones not wearing the blue rain coats!!! (in the middle of the stairs)

Whoaa......

Me with my mom & Elaine!

Sportin his new shades!

Really happy about his new ducky from Grandma & Grandpa!

Lunch

Nap time!

Mom & Brian after walking the Cave of Winds. Elaine & I did it too...you can literally go on a walkway right under the falls...we were soaked!!!

4th of July & Camping

2009-08-09T15:42:00.018-04:00

We went camping for the night on Andrew's birthday this year. It was the first time we've been with Gavin and he loved it!! He couldn't stop talking about the fire and hiking! What a fun family memory!

Think the tent is big enough? We borrowed one from our friends, we put our queen air mattress and Gavin's pack & play in therer and still had TONS of room!!

4th of July Parade!

Abby (Andrew's sister) came with us! Gavin learned the deal with the candy pretty quick!

So patriotic!

Daddy's driving the truck!!

Summer Fun

2009-06-19T21:54:00.027-04:00

Trampoline fun at cousin Alayna & Nina's house...

Fun day at Seabreeze (a local amusment park)...

Cruisin' with Alayna!

Giving his "girlfriend" Jordan a ride!

Fun Days...

He picked the suit coat & socks himself!!

Jumping with Aunt Kate

More summer fun to come!!...

Update!

2009-06-08T17:15:00.011-04:00

Man, it's been a while since I've updated, I've got to work on that! Here are some random pictures from the last month or so. We are doing great here in the Tomlinson household. Here's the "low-down" on the fam:

Andrew is done with school (finish with a 4.0 I might add!) and enjoying having all of his evening free again. Working hard as usual in his construction business and the vonlunteer fire department. Keep his career situation in your prayers if you think of it because it looks like the city is hiring and he received a letter inquiring if he's still interested.

Marie has been traveling the last couple of months. Las Vegas for an Arbonne conference in April and Florida for a girls weekend in May. Other than that I've been enjoying my boys, working my business, and doing some photography. Also enjoying meeting new friends and having playdates with some mom's groups!

Gavin of course is changing and growing a ton. What a fun summer this has been so far! He's really talking up a storm (sometimes it's in his own language but he's always jabbering!) He's learning "A, B, C, D" I showed him the first three letters on a puzzle a couple of times and that was it, he knew them! I'm shocked at how quickly he recognizes and learns! It's so fun to see him come up with his own words or gestures for things.

We have started working on the potty a little. For several months now he's expressed when he has a dirty diaper and knows what the "pobba" (potty) is so we got a potty seat that sits on the big one and he gets up there and sits for a little bit. Nothings happened yet but he likes sitting! I know he could probably be trained by now but I just haven't taken the plunge to really get serious about it, I think the time is about here though!

We went to the zoo for the first time a couple weeks ago an Gavin still can't stop talking about it! And by "talking about it" I mean saying "zoooooo" and then going through all of the animal sounds of what we saw and talking about his friends CJ (which he has his own way of saying) and Syndey- "Me". We'll have to go back soon, he loved it. It made us miss the Jacksonvile zoo though, the one here doesn't even come close! But he liked it so I guess that counts!

We are in the process of putting our townhouse in Jacksonville on the market (good deal if anyone is looking!) so we are praying that will be taken off our hands quickly and smoothly so we can start settling better here. That's about it for now I guess, more to come soon!!

Mother's Day

Trying on daddy's boots (he LOVES putting on our shoes!!)

"beep beep" lookout!!

Discovering his nose!

Double fisting it- now that's the way to eat icecream!

Out to icecream with "bampa" & "mamaw"

-everytime he talks about grandpa he says "tractor" and he says "mamaw" with a really rough, deep voice!!! He's so funny!

At the zoo

Gav is getting nervous because he just realized he got to close to the polar bears!

At the zoo with his new friend CJ

Animal Sounds!

2009-05-04T11:00:00.003-04:00

Gavin doing his animal sounds! This is a month or so old so he's learned some new ones so we'll update soon!

NTC Vegas!

2009-04-23T10:42:00.017-04:00

April 15-18 I (Marie) was in Las Vegas for Arbonne's National Training Celebration. It was awesome to get such great training about our company, products, and industry. It confirmed even more that I am with the right company at the right time. We are booming right now and I am going to the top and taking anyone with me that wants to come!

I thought I'd share a little about what this opportunity has meant for us. At the time I was introduced to Arbonne (by my awesome friend Nicole!) I was tired of working for other people. All though I had only worked part time jobs, I was sick of being told where to be when, how much I was worth an hour, and putting in time on my feet working for someone else's dreams. I also knew we would be starting a family soon and it was our decision that I would stay home with our children.

I was excited right away because I saw the potential from the success of others around me. I knew this would be a way that I could stay home and still help financially. I sort of "played around with it" for the first year and then really started working it as a business about a year ago.

Since starting and being happy to make a few extra hundred dollars a month it has become so much bigger than that for Andrew and I. We have seen others (those that are now my friends and training me) succeed beyond their full time corporate income, retire their husbands, and be able to have priceless time with their children. We now see the full potential of this business and the Lord has used this opportunity to help us dream bigger than we have before. We now have a vehicle to pursue our dreams and plans of being debt free, owning a home, being able to travel, have Andrew home with our family on his off days from the fire dept., and able to give back to our parents and others financially...and more!

Ever since I was a little girl I've grown up knowing my calling is to be a wife and mother and to "help people" (the words I used at a young age!). I am fullfilling being a wife and mother and the Lord showed me a few months ago that Arbonne is also one of the vehicles He has given me to help others. Whether it's to help clear up a skin or health issue for others that have tried everything else, some much needed pampering and girls night, a chance to make some extra money, or a "plan B" to their current position or a new stream of income. Every week people I don't know or have just met welcome me into their homes with their family and friends and I am given amazing opportunites to glorify God, encourage others, or just be someone to listen. I'm building relationships with sooo many people that I never would have had otherwise. My prayer for my business is that I will glorify God and be a light for Him. From the top down of this company the entire purpose and focus is about helping others and putting them above yourself...only then will you find true success. I love that you succeed when you help others succeed.

I love that my business, family, and walk with the Lord are all woven together like this.

Andrew and I are doing this together and are so excited about what it's done for us. My income payed for Christmas last year and made the difference when Andrew was out of work. We have been able to pay down debt, have extra money, and have the control of how I spend my time and when I work. I love being able to put my family schedule first.

I could never finish this without also mentioning how this business has changed me as a person as well. I heard when I started that "we're a personal growth company disguised as a skincare company" and I didn't understand that or think it was true. Looking back over the last couple of years I can not believe how much it has changed me and the way I look at others. I have soooo much more confidence in talking with others (especially those I don't know), I truely care about their lives and situations more than I did before, I have learned to not worry and stress like I used to (and that's a big accomplishment b/c I tried to overcome that for years!), my faith is more bold and strengthened because of the godly examples of the people in this company, and I have learned the value of surrounding myself with those that have a positive outlook and are working to better themselves. I have grown so much and am looking forward to see how God will continue to use this in my life to continue making me into the person He has designed.

Well, I hope somebody read this because I'm so passionate and excited about it and it's such a big part of my life that I wanted to share where I'm coming from and what it means to us. I'm so thankful for what this opportunity has done and will do for our family!

View from the plane

The MGM where we stayed (it's huge!)

Shelly, Diane & I as we were about to go into KA by Cirque Du Soleil- which was an awesome show!

Me & Tammy who's my ENVP (the top of the company) -awesome woman!!

Me & my RVP and friend Shelly!!

So glad I found someone as excited about crab legs as me!!

Inside the venetian hotel

My winning ticket from the penny slot maching for $1,800,000,000,000!!!

On the way home!!

Gavin's Baptism

2009-04-05T19:17:00.019-04:00

Sunday was a special day in the Tomlinson household. Andrew & I became members at our church and Gavin was baptized. We were so blessed to have lots of family there. Many of them traveled a lot to join us for the occasion (like my family who drove up & back from Binghamton the same day!). It meant so much to us to be surrounded by those we love and want to be an influence in Gavin's life as we made this public statement. Thanks everyone for taking from your day to be there!

After church we all headed over to Matt & Brie's house (Andrew's brother & wife) and had some yummy pulled pork, macaroni salad, and brownies! It was a beautiful day so we enjoyed jumping on the trampoline (which I'll post a video of Gav doing later this week!), playing outside, and challenging each other on the wii. What a special day to remember!

Looking at the "spiritual album" our families started for Gavin

Thanks Uncle Matt & Aunt Brie for the new basketball hoop!

Gavin loves to push around this doggie stroller at is cousin's house!

Gavin with Nana & Papa Tomlinson and Grandpa & Grandma Graham

Gavin bouncing on balloon!

2009-04-02T12:16:00.003-04:00

This video is so funny! Gavin learned how to bounce on this balloon from mommy's birthday! I can't believe it never popped!!

Update!

2009-03-12T15:30:00.013-04:00

Well, I've really been falling behind on the updates! We are all doing great! Andrew is working 3 days a week and going to school the other 2 evenings. Marie's Arbonne business is going incredible and just did the photography for a wedding. Gavin is turning into such a kid with new words, actions and tricks. As you see in the pictures he had his first real haircut a couple weeks ago (at 16 months). It wasn't to long but needed a little shaping and trim off the back! I'll update later this week on more of what he's doing, these are just some pictures I realized I haven't put up!

Cheering for Uncle Daniel's basketball game with cousins Alayna & Nina!

Loves to put on mommy's head bands!

Gav's Broken Arm

2009-02-12T19:38:00.003-05:00

His cast is off and he's all better now, but I found this video that I forgot to upload before, it shows his cute little cast a bit! This was the first night when he discovered he couldn't reach his mouth to eat..so sad!!

Broken Arm Update

2009-01-28T14:26:00.003-05:00

Gavin is such a trooper with this whole broken arm situation! He ended up getting his hard cast off after only a week because his thumb got all sore and infected from rubbing against it. I feel so bad because I didn't even notice it for a few days! So he had an x-ray done and it had healed enough (in only 1 week!) to get a soft cast put on! It was scary for him having the saw take it off, but he recovered good thanks to a lollypop! Selfishly mommy was a little disapointed since we didn't get good pictures and no family got to see his little cast, but I'm so glad for him because he can bend his elbow now!! And of course we saved his cast! We go back in another week to see if he can take it off for good!

This is how I turned around to find Gav the other day...let's see if he can break his other arm!! Such a boy!!

Only our son!

2009-01-14T21:25:00.009-05:00

Well, I was hoping that mine and Andrews tendency towards injuries and sickness would not be passed down to our kids, but we're not off to a good start...our little 1 year old has a fractured arm!

He actually wasn't in pain really at all a little bit after the fall

(which was no worse than his normal ones, but I think you only caught himself with his one hand). But, mommy decided to have it checked out anyway (the next day) because he would still fuss and grab it once in a while. He just has a little fracture above his wrist, but they had to put on a full cast because on kids this small it will

come off otherwise. He's a trooper though, he is

quickly adapting. The only problem he still has is trying to eat with that hand- he'll grab the food but then can't make it all the way to his mouth!! Poor baby!!

(the pictures are not very good quality beacuse my camera is in the shop so they are from Andrew's phone, but you can still see his cute little cast)

Still smiling!!

the "da" from daddy trying to sign it but he wouldn't sit still!

Oh the life...besides the broken arm of course!!

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-31T20:10:00.030-05:00

We had to stop after stockings so Gav could have some breakfast, he was to hungry!!

He thinks his new clapper is hilarious!

Sharing his new penguin blankie with daddy!.

The aftermath! Gavin is in the corner dancing to Christmas music!

Nerf wars at the Tomlinson family Christmas...who's idea was it to buy everyone nerf guns anyway?!!

Carolynn, Alayna, & Katherine in Alayna & Nina's new tent!

Christmas at the Graham's

Sportin his new Cowboys jersey and hat from Dan

Brian & Andrew seeing who can hit the tree with a snow ball first!

Armstrong family Christmas!

Gavin's Christmas Photo Shoot!

2008-12-31T16:11:00.012-05:00

Pictures from Gavin's Christmas photo shoot with Mama....

This is how the picture taking started out, I think it's safe to say it only got better! Who's idea was it to try and take pictures at 7:00 after a cranky day?!!

My handsome!!!

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..."

2008-12-22T10:52:00.003-05:00

It looks like after years of anticipation we'll finally have a white Christmas!! The last several years have been rainy, brown, dull, and dead (in terms of the weather!). But with Christmas being a few days away it looks like there's hope...we had a huge snow storm on Friday and ended up with about 8 inches and it's been continuing to snow during the weekend and still today!! We haven't been out to play in it because it's been coming down pretty hard, been extremely windy, and freezing (like in the 20's!) plus Gavin is getting sick (hopefully that won't last until Christmas). I just snapped a couple of pictures from our window, hope to be able to really get out and get some nice ones soon!

A rare moment of blue sky and a little bit of sun!

Christmas Baking

2008-12-18T08:26:00.006-05:00

What a big helper!

Apparently Brie has never used a hand mixer before and look what happened!!

Gav didn't mind Aunt Brie's mess of powedered sugar!!

Train em' young!

The task...

The results!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!!"

2008-12-17T20:08:00.012-05:00

We got our Christmas tree 2 weeks ago. I wish we could keep it up all year long, it makes the house so warm and cozy..I love this season!

"Could this be the one...?"

Gav saying "oh my" that there's a tree in the house!

Daddy explaining the symbolism behind why we get Christmas trees

"Hooray, we're finished!!!"

Fire Dept. Christmas Party

2008-12-12T10:05:00.005-05:00

We had the Christmas party for Andrew's volunteer fire dept. Sunday night. I love Christmas parties! We had drinks, dinner, singing (they made all the newer guys do the 12 days of Christmas, Andrew landing #12!!). All in all it was a fun evening out!Gav saw us taking pictures and wanted in!

The Difference in a Year!

2008-12-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

The other day Gavin found where I'm storing his old jungle seat and wanted to get it out to play with. He got right in it and loved it (even though he is to big!)!! It made me think of when he was in it at about 2 weeks old and pretty much his whole body fit in the green center part! I pulled this picture out to see the difference in a year!!

13 Days Old

13 Months Old!

Update

2008-12-02T10:47:00.010-05:00

I realized it's been a while since we've had an update! We had so many pictures with Gavin's birthday that I haven't had many new ones since then! Gavin has been growing into a kid every day! It's so fun to see him really be able to express himself and try new things on his own. I was going to share the details on what he does in his 1 year update but forgot, so I'll do it now! Here's the facts on Gav...

*He signs "please" and "more"
*Says "hi", "doggie", "daddy", "kitty", "piggy", "ball", and "ba" for grandpa!
*Puts 1 hand one his head for "up"
*Puts 2 hands on his head for "all done"!
*Walks into his room by his crib when we say "night night"
*Is a great dancer (video to come)!
*Loves bananas..well any food really!
*Has discovered walking backwards
*Will randomly stop when he's walking around and lay down on his back on the floor and look around (things look different that way you know!)
*Makes this little scream when he hears anything beep (like the microwave, the phone ring)
*Loves his play phones (yes, that's plural!) and puts them up to his ear and says in a high pitch voice "hi"
*Does not cuddle, this boy is always on the move!!

Hmm...that's the highlights I can think of now, I'm sure I'll add more as I think of them!! Here's some pictures from the day he turned 1 that I didn't upload before!

We bought the biggest and smallest pumpkins a Wegmans!!

Gavin's Birthday Bash!

2008-11-06T13:03:00.037-05:00

Well, it's true, our little boy is now a 1 year old toddler! I almost don't even want to say it because you hear it so often, but I understand now how fast it really goes! We have had a wonderful year! Andrew and I love being parents and the ways it's changed our lives. It's been more amazing than I ever dreamed to watch Gavin grow and learn. I know he probably has learned and developed similar to most children, but we feel like he's one of a kind and love teaching him and watching him change! We are so thankful for him and we love our little family!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We celebrated with a real firehouse party at the fire hall in Andrew's fire dept.! Lot's of family and friends came to join in on the fun! We ate firehouse chili, hot dogs, french fries, and dalmatian cupcakes! Everyone was able to play on and learn about the fire trucks which was a lot of fun! We had a slide show to music of Gav's first year, and of course there was cake and presents!! It was great to have both of our families together (minus a few siblings) since everyone is friends! It was a day to remember (at least for us...Gav will see pictures!!)

Ready for a party!

Gavin and his friends Aiden & Nathan!

Trying on daddy's boots!

Joe wearing Andrew's jacket

In the fire truck with daddy

Andrew telling everyone about the trucks and equipment

The birthday boy is ready for cake!!
Singing "Happy birthday to you"!!

He didn't get very messy. He picked off all the frosting first!

Presents!!

One of his favorite presents was a jack in the box from Uncle Nathan Graham and Amber. He laughed so hard!

The big present...a rocking horse that daddy spent many hours making!!

Playing some more with the jack in the box

Testing out the new truck with Uncle Nathan Tomlinson

Our 1 Year Old!!

2008-11-01T10:09:00.020-04:00

Gavin's birthday room! We went in his room in the middle of the night and decorated so he had a surprise when he woke up (thanks for the idea Brie) we didn't have lots of balloons like I wanted, but he still liked it!

Our penguin!

Cousins!

Wait for Gav!!

Cousin Virginia!

"Mmmm, think I'll have some donuts too!"

Big News!! (no, I'm not pregnant!)

2008-10-28T20:11:00.003-04:00

It's official! We have a walking boy here! Gavin has taken a couple of steps here and there but never really felt like trying more until today. He started by taking a couple on his own (usually we're coaching him to!) then he kept going from me back to Andrew and back to me. By the end of the night he was having fun and very proud of himself trying it a lot more. He's still wobbly of course but will get better and better really quick I know! We'll get a video/pictures posted in the next couple of days, I was just excited to share the news!!

When I got groceries last week it was the first time I didn't buy any sort of baby food item and Gav is only having big boy milk now!! He's such a kid! His first birthday is just a few days away!

Videos!

2008-10-24T10:09:00.004-04:00

These are some videos Andrew has had on his phone for about a month, I finally got around to posting them!

This is the best sound in the world! Apparently, Gavin thinks it's hilarious to knock the blocks down as soon as daddy can stack them!

Gav playing basketball. Oh...you'll see the skills!

Fall Family Pictures!

2008-10-19T22:11:00.009-04:00

Family Wedding

2008-10-15T19:50:00.016-04:00

My cousin Adrienne got married a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun to have the whole family together all dressed up! The place the reception was held was the same place my parents had their reception so it was cool to get the family pictures in the red room because my parents have pictures in there from their wedding day! It was a beautiful day!

My mom and dad

Andrew, Brian, and my dad. Look out...they don't mess around!

The beautiful bride!

Annie sang and Nathan played "Here" by Rascal Flatts. It was awesome!

The whole Graham gang (minus Gavin) Let's see, from left to right...
Elaine, Amber (Nathan's girlfriend), Nathan, Annie, Brian, Angela (James' fiance), James, Jackie (Dan's girlfriend), Dan, Me, Andrew, and in the front my mom and dad!

The girls!

The guys!

Mom & Dad

Me & my sisters!

Andrew & I with Amber & Nathan, we all happened to coordinate outfits!

Father daughter dance

A Fall Afternoon

2008-10-10T22:57:00.017-04:00

Man oh man, this boy loves his tractor! We usually play with it inside but on this beautiful fall afternoon mommy couldn't resist spending some time in the yard. So, we took the tractor outside. I wasn't sure if he would be able to ride it in the grass but he had no problem! He's seeming so much more like a toddler now. I guess that's cause he is!

Look at this fall country boy in his flannel shirt and overalls riding his john deere!!

Gavin was very enthralled with this leaf!
Oh what a good boy to share!

Gav goes around with his tongue like this all the time! Especially when he's concentrating!!

It's hard work to get to the top! Gavin could climb up the slide all day! He loves it! He has finally starting sliding back down on his belly!...and riding the tractor in our jammies before bed (with our tongue out of course)!

Just Playin'!

2008-10-07T20:20:00.004-04:00

Gav rides his john deere tractor all over the place! He seems to have crashed into the couch here!

Gavin loves this play table! He "dances" (bounces up and down and puts his hand in the air) when the music plays!

Sharing his blocks with mommy!

Fall is Begining!

2008-09-30T11:20:00.013-04:00

Yay...it's that time of year again! Our favorite! The air has been getting cool and crisp, the sky a clear deep blue, the trees are starting to change, and the smells of fall are in the air!! We made our first trip to a pumpkin farm a couple miles down the road last week just to begin enjoying the seasonal activities! We looked at pumpkins, a chicken, had some ice cream, and Gavin loved watching the model train they had go around the tracks!

Pictures from Labor Day

2008-09-18T08:57:00.010-04:00

I just realized I never posted pictures from Labor Day! There are some cute ones so I wanted to add them! We went to Brie's parents cottage (my sister in law) for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, sunning, eating, fishing, and water skiing (or trying anyway!).

Gav loved kicking and splashing in the lake

Daddy and Gavin in the kayak!

Uncle Andrew giving Alayna a ride too!

Gavin kept putting the rocks in his mouth to which of course I said "no". So he got the idea that if he showed it to me first like this which made me say "wow, look what you've got, cool rock!" then I would be happy it then he could put it in his mouth!!

Playing with Cousin Nina!

Gavin Update!

2008-09-18T08:57:00.002-04:00

Well Gavin is continuing to grow up and learn new things so fast! I can't believe that as soon as he learns one thing he starts another new one right away! And I know this sounds like a cliche' but I really can't believe we are approaching his first birthday!!

Gav is such a kid now...he's eating lots of food, can stand on his own but never really wants to, waves bye-bye using just his fingers instead of his whole arm, puts his hands up on his ears when you say "where's Gavin?", says "Daddy", and "doggie" (which sound a lot alike but he definitely knows and loves "doggies", especially tink!), he says please in sign language, he is pointing now and always points around to things on the wall when you're carrying him and wants to go touch them and check them out, and he loves giving hugs and kisses (a.k.a. wide open mouth slobbers on the cheek!)! It is so awesome to see him be able to communicate better and be able to teach him new tricks! He gets around so good too, I really think he will just decide to walk all of a sudden one day! We've had a couple of crying incidences when mommy tried to leave him at the ymca to work out and he doesn't like it when I run downstairs or outside- I'm just trying to teach him that "I'll be back"! Well, that's the run down on what he's doing now, there will be lots more to come as his learning continues!

Time with Family!

2008-08-30T08:36:00.016-04:00

Two weekends ago Marie's parents and youngest brother Brian came to visit for a couple of days (they live 2 1/2) hours away. We had a great time enjoying walks, picnics, hiking, and an evening at the lake.

Uncle Bud's fortress!

Gavin with Grandma & Grandpa!

Eating mashed potatoes on a chicken bone!

Gavin with all his grandparents!

Fun with Cousins!

Nina, Gavin & Alayna riding in the car together to go for a walk!!

Gav's first pb&j sandwhich!!

Gavin's Photo Shoot!

2008-08-22T20:46:00.015-04:00

I can't believe how cute this boy is!!

Summer Evenings

2008-08-16T08:53:00.016-04:00

The weather is already starting to get cooler here so we've been making it a point to get out and enjoy the evenings as a family before we are cooped up inside for months!! Nothing big, just enjoying the parks/trails around us. They are so beautiful here! Gavin loves being outside and exploring new things with us!

Gav loves to swing (especially when daddy makes him go fast!)

Exploring/eating the foliage!

All cleaned up and ready for bed!

Chillin in his new elmo chair!

Gavin is 9 Months!

2008-08-12T11:27:00.022-04:00

Well, another month has come here at the Tomlinson household and with it many new tricks and adventures! Gav's latest is that he just started hugging out of no where the other day. I thought he did it to me and then later that night Andrew said "I think Gavin hugged me today"! Sure enough, that was all it took and now he's a hugging boy! He just snuggles his head into you and wraps is little arms tight around your neck! It is the greatest feeling!

He also started clapping a couple of weeks ago! It's so cute to hear the little patter of his tiny hands!! He's also becoming more sturdy when standing up and is flat on his feet and can stand with very little support, sometimes he'll let go for a second before he plops down! It won't be long now!

Oh boy!

The kitchen once Gavin is through with it!

Watching tv in daddy's kayak!

Yummy cookie!!

A visit to Grandma & Grandpa Graham's

Giving momma a hug (he's patting my back!!)

Picnic at grandma & grandpa's!

Oh yeah...he really knows how to chill in the pool!

He loves his whale pool- thanks grandma!!

Giving Uncle Nate hugs!

"Gavin shmavin" & Auntie Anne!

Gavin and my parents dog boss love each other!

Grandpa kisses!!

Clapping with grandpa!

Andrew's 25th Birthday!

2008-08-06T08:33:00.016-04:00

Well, as of August 1 Andrew is 25! We started celebrating Thursday night by going out to sushi and ice cream with some friends and family (I broke out in hives for two days after!!) Andrew's big birthday surprise was a kayak. He's wanted one his entire life and now was the time! Thanks to all who helped get it for him. It truly was the surprise of a life time!! He was shocked and still can't believe it!

"Don't eat the sushi Marie"!!!

The gang that came out to celebrate! His siblings- John, Matt, Brie, Lauren, Jared, nieces Alayna & Nina, and friends, Jeremy, Hannah, and Dan

Andrew & I with our friends Hannah & Jeremy

Yes, he took it in the pool right away!!

Gavin sportin the bow from daddy's present while hanging out with Nana

Gavin LOVES playing in daddy's kayak!! Especially when daddy gives him a ride down the hallway! He is his father's son!

Time to get out!!

Scattered Lives

2008-07-31T09:53:00.005-04:00

Isn't it amazing how God will so clearly speak to you and show you what He's trying to teach you even when you don't give Him the time of day? I've had one of these experiences recently where everywhere I looked and went I was getting hit with the same message! It amazes me that even though I was not putting The Lord first at the time He loved me enough to smack me upside the head!!

So what did He tell me? Well, from my devotions, to something I'd see online, to a Sunday morning sermon, everything was tying together with the message "stop being busy, slow down, realize what is important in life and take time on a weekly basis to rest, reflect, and stop!" As all these pieces were coming together I didn't see how it could be for me. See, I've always said I want to make it a priority to not let life control us and to not go through live on "auto-pilot". Plus, we are not busy right now! We are not involved in a lot of activities or commitments, but still, I couldn't deny that God was speaking this to me. Then, as I was doing a devotional and trying to figure this all He hit me with it- "No, you're right, your not busy right now running around with activities, it's your mind- your mind is busy"!!

As the Lord continued to speak to me I realized that in my everyday life my mind is busy thinking about everything that has to be done. From being a wife and mother to keeping house and running my own business I am constantly thinking ahead to the next thing on my list. The problem is that I'm getting all caught up in what needs doing that I'm not giving my attention to the Lord and keeping him my number one priority. I may get a lot accomplished in my day, but He sits there waiting to spend time with me and talk with me. I need to remember to weave everything I do into the purpose of glorifying Him.

I don't' know about you, but I want to live life on purpose and always be in tune with my God and my purpose. Here are some of the scriptures that spoke to me. Whether you are someone who struggles with just getting by in life or is scattered and running all over, may this be an encouragement to you to stop. Stop and reflect on what the Lord has done in your life and what He has for you in this season. Rest in Him.

Ephesians 5:15,16- Be very careful how you live-not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Psalm 39:6- Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; he bustles about, but only in vain.

"I don't know about you, but I want to do more than survive life. It's not enough to just flap my wings a little before I hit the ground and get plowed under. I want to mount up like the eagle and glide over rocky crags, nest in the tallest trees, dive for nourishment in the deepest of mountain lakes, and soar on the wings of the wind." Barbara Johnson

"Don't let your life speed out of control. Life intentionally. Do something today that will last beyond your lifetime." Barbara Johnson

Summer Fun!

2008-07-17T22:01:00.030-04:00

It's been a while since I've updated, so we have lots of pictures! It's been a fun summer, we are definitely enjoying the nicer weather! You'll see all of our adventures below.

Gavin is now almost 9 months and seems like a little boy instead of a baby!! He's officially pulling himself up and standing on everything. He's been thinking about it for a few weeks now but would always give up after starting to try, then the other day he just decided to do it all the way and does it all the time now!!

Gavin's language is also expanding very quickly!! He started a few weeks ago with "bababababa" and now it includes "dadadada" and the letter g sound and a very fun (and high pitched) "yay"!!!
He has also gotten more teeth. One of the top ones has come through and the other one is about to any day now! He gives high fives and loves to "shake, shake, shake" his head back and forth when you tell him too!! My how this year is flying by!!

Sportin' his new hat and shades (the hat he leaves on, the shades- not a chance!!)

The first time he stood up in his crib the other day- now he's like that every time I go in there!

Splish-splashing!

Gavin had his first ride on a merry-go-round this week. Binghamton (where Marie's family is) is the carousel capital America so we visited a park and rode one while visiting grandma & grandpa! Gavin was a little tense and didn't really know what to make of it!!

Gavin and grandpa splashing in a fountain that grandpa used to play in as a kid!

Gav loves his swing at grandma & grandpa's

Gavin really enjoys eating fruit in this great little mesh bag thing- he doesn't like it frozen, but he loves banana, watermelon, and grapes so far!

Fun at the lake

"Wee....!!!" Daddy spinning Gav in the chair!!

Gavin helping Papa & Daddy at work!! (3 Tomlinson generations)

Cousins!!

Alayna, Gavin, & Nina

Wonderful Grandparents!

At the park with Grandma!

Gavin & Grandpa

Gavin teaching Papa how to build stuff!!

Fun times at Nana's!

Fun Aunts & Uncles!

Uncle "Bud" (Brian Graham) and Gavin showing off their matching shirts!

Gavin & Aunt Katherine (Tomlinson)

Kisses from Aunt Lauren (Tomlinson)

Playing with Uncle Nathan (Tomlinson)

Uncle Jared (Tomlinson)

More Adventures!

2008-06-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

These are pictures from a little park and creek just down the road from us, Gavin loves to swing and enjoyed splashing his piggies the the cool water!

So fun to explore!

Notice the crocks!!!

Perfect!

2008-06-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen anything more perfect?!! I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago and still can't get over how cute Gav is!!!

Love the crinkle nose!

First Father's Day

2008-06-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

Well, Andrew had a great first father's day! It was actually a "father's weekend"! It started off after he got home from his firefighter exam Saturday morning. Gavin and I greeted him with a little scavenger hunt we made to collect clues and supplies we needed for the weekends activities. By the end Andrew had found out he was to leave and go get a 1 hour massage, then on Sunday we had steak, scallops, and strawberry shortcake, gifts, and then went off the a beautiful park for some hiking and fishing.

Gavin LOVED being in the carrier and going through the woods. He was laughing sooo hard when we would duck to get under tree branches!! What a great family day it was!!

Gavin's ready!!

"Duck!!"

Ready to explore!!

We have never heard Gav laugh as hard as he was when we were ducking under tree branches!

Guess he's had enough!

Right before we left a storm was rolling in (which is why we were leaving!) and there was this gorgeous rainbow!

Time with Daddy

2008-06-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

Gavin sure loves his daddy! Especially when daddy teaches him new things....like fishing, going in the woods, playing in the grass, and swimming!

Daddy teaching Gav how to fish for the first time!

King of the front yard!

Gavin's "war cry"!!!

"Hmm...maybe grass doesn't taste as good as I thought it would"!!

Ready for a swim!
Gotta kiss those cheeks!!

"I don't know, maybe it looks like rain"!

Girl's Weekend!

2008-06-15T18:20:00.000-04:00

Two weekends ago I went to Stuart FL (between Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale) for my second annual girls weekend trip with 5 of my friends from Jacksonville. My friend Lauren's parents own a condo on the beach which is where we stayed last year but it was under construction this year so they had some friends that were kind enough to let us stay in their's.

I went from Wed.-Sun. I left Gavin at home with daddy (and Aunt Carolynn)! He did great! It was so relaxing and refreshing to spend time with such great girlfriends talking, laughing, walking on the beach, floating in the pool, eating, late night talks over coffee, playing games, and going to a movie!

What great husbands we have to make this a priority for us to be able to do each year and hold down the fort at home! Already looking forward to next year!!

"Bowchickawowow"!!!

We spent LOTS of time by and in the pool!!

Kelly & Erin (and baby McKenna!!)

Nicole, Kelly, and I looking for shells and walking on the beach

Oh yummy!! All I wanted to eat while I was there was crab legs and man were they good!!

Outside the New England Fish Market after our great seafood dinner!

Oh geez......watch out!!!

Out on the streets of Stuart at "Jammin' Jensen"!!

Out to breakfast

Playing a wild game of spoons, I won!!

We had a surprise little baby shower for Erin (these are the burp cloths I made her)

Nicole & I

Me & Kelly
Me & Lauren

Me & Jillian

Me & Erin (and baby McKenna!)

Firefighter Test!!

2008-06-13T10:13:00.000-04:00

I know this is short notice (I've been meaning to get this up all week). We're asking if you all could pray for Andrew tomorrow (Sat. June 14). He is taking the firefighter exam for the county. He's still on the list for the city, but this one will place him on the list for the county (which is what the suburb areas use to hire). Please pray he does well and gets placed at the top. We're excited because we'd rather be in a suburb area and most of them pay better than the city. The test is just a lot of logic and memory questions so pray for his mind to be sharp! You prayers are much appreciated! We'll keep you updated!

Gavin's 7 Months

2008-06-03T15:47:00.000-04:00

Gav is 7 months old now! He's about to crawl...he still mostly just scoots and moves on his belly, but he's on his hands and knees all the time and usually ends up lunging forward to get what he's trying to go!! He's discovered his high voice (a.k.a. scream) and his low voice! He loves playing with his red ball and taking baths!! There's never a dull moment at the Tomlinson's!

Time to lower the crib!!

Bath time in grandma and grandpa's kitchen sink!!

Mother's Day/ Lilac Fest

2008-05-15T20:45:00.000-04:00

My first Mother's Day was great! It was so much fun to celebrate being a mom!! Andrew and Gavin treated me to a whole weekend of events! It started Saturday with flowers and a trip to the lilac festival. For those of you in Florida that might not know what lilacs are-they are one of my favorite flowers and smell sooo good!! The festival is at a park with beautiful hills full of lilac trees. The air smells so good! It was so nice!

Sunday morning I was greeted with breakfast in bed and gifts!! Then in the afternoon we all enjoyed a family nap together!! It was a fun weekend!

My favorite....chocolate chip pancakes!!

Gav gives the lilac fest two thumbs up!!

Gavin wanted some funnel cake!!

"Ohhh...what's this?!!"

We've gone from piggies in the sand to piggies in the grass!

He discovered the grass for the first time (it's the first chance he's had!), he loved it!

Me and my boy on Mother's Day!

Binghamton Visit

2008-05-06T18:36:00.000-04:00

We went down to Binghamton where Marie's family lives (2 1/2 hours away) for the weekend. It was so much fun for all of us to be together since Nathan just moved back from school in Jacksonville. We had a blast hanging out Saturday night for dinner. All the siblings and "significant others" were there! And as usual, the instruments were whipped out and funny songs were sung. We have never laughed so hard!! It reminds us of why we moved back here!!

While we were there my mom and sisters taught Gavin to shake his head back and forth when you say "shake shake shake"!! I can't even believe he does it!! I noticed he was intentionally shaking it last week and then I left him for a couple of hours and came back to him understanding how to do it on command! He's a genius!!

Gavin & Grandma!

Gavin & Grandpa!

Andrew and a few of my brothers did a part of my parent's roof while we were there.

Pictures With Mama!

2008-05-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

Pictures from mommy & Gavin's photo shoot! We couldn't resist once we saw that we matched!!

Playtime at the Tomlinsons!

2008-04-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

Gavin is having tons of fun playing around! He is sitting up almost on his own (just has a pillow behind him).

Yes-he has a fohawk!

I put him on his back on the mat, went to change the laundry, came back and found him here!

The weather has been nice enough to go for lots of walks! Gavin loves chewing on the buckle strap!

He takes his drum playing very seriously!

Trying out a frozen teething ring (he liked it better than it looks!!)

Gavin & Daddy -not sure if you can tell but they have matching fohawks! This is Andrew's hairstyle of choice for Gavin!

"Oh look-my shoes!" (and no-they didn't stay on!!!)

My first tractor ride with grandpa! We love John Deere!

Yay-daddy's home from work!!

The Latest

2008-04-18T21:30:00.000-04:00

I realized that I pretty much only put up pictures of Gavin and talk about him every posting (which I know is all people really care about!) so I thought I'd update everyone on what's going on in mine and Andrew's lives!
I am having such a blast being a mom. It's so much fun! I love having Gavin with me all the time and taking him everywhere. He's my little buddy! I'm also plugging away at Arbonne. It's going great and I'm getting more and more busy with it. It's been the perfect thing to be able to build a business and work it around my family. I love helping others and seeing the products and company make a difference in people's lives! Between that and being a wife and a mother, my days are pretty full! I'm also working out at the ymca several times a week now (there's a beautiful brand new one 2 miles down the road!). It's been nice to get back in shape!
As for Andrew, he's working hard with his dad in construction. Their business has really been growing. God's really blessing them and providing! He's still on the waiting list for the Rochester city fire department and is in the process of joining the volunteer department in our town. That will be good because they pay for him to get his emt. There are several suburb areas that have payed departments here and they higher through the county who is offering the test in June. Andrew will be taking it and getting on that list too. We'd actually much rather be in a suburb area (and they also pay more). We'd appreciate prayer about that! It's looking like the city will not have any possibilities for openings for at least another year, so hopefully something will come about sooner with the county.
We have still not settled into a church. Which has been very hard because that means we still haven't gotten and group of friends. We have a few up here and of course our families but we're still searching for something even close to what we had in Jacksonville for church/friends. Though we will never replace you guys!
The weather is finally getting warmer (in the 60's and 70's) and the buds are coming out! It was a long winter and the sunshine and blue sky are feeling good! It's great to get out for walks with Gavin!
I guess that's about it for now! We'll keep the updates coming!

5 Months

2008-04-08T20:52:00.001-04:00

Well Mr. Gavin has been quit the busy boy lately! Now that he's 5 months old he has so much more to do! He's not just eating grain cereals anymore, he now enjoys bananas and green beans as well (more to come!). He'll also reach for your cup to drink out of it ever since grandma taught him how!

Not so sure about bananas!

Gavin is also sitting up more easily (still not on his own unless he's in a chair). He seems so much bigger now that he sits in his little highchair and stroller without his car seat. Today we went for our first walk in the stroller like a big boy-he loved it! He insisted on leaning forward and sitting straight up rather than leaning back ! It was so cute!

He's becoming much more active on the floor- rolling more, scootching and kicking. He loves to tell story's and thinks mommy and daddy are hilarious!

Notice his spikey hair! It's like that all the time! So cute!

"My dad is stronger than your dad"!

And I can't forget to tell you he has two teeth! They have both been all the way through for a couple of weeks now. You can see them when he smiles sometimes. He also officially finally discovered his feet within the last week or and can't get enough of them!

That's about all the activity for now! I'm sure we'll have much more in the next couple of weeks!

Easter

2008-03-29T12:04:00.001-04:00

We had a nice easter. We went to Andrew's parent's house and had a day with all the siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Daddy helping Gavin find his easter basket!

He found it!!!

He loves his new toy! (one of the things from his basket)

Chick cupcakes I made!!

So Busy!

2008-03-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

There have been so many changes! Gavin has had the corner of a tooth come through this week and had cereal for the first time two days ago! I can't believe he's already that old! He did great with it! The thing I really can't believe is that I could feel his tooth against the spoon. He's getting so big! It's so amazing to see him growing, changing, and learning!

Coloring easter eggs!
Gavin loves daddy!

He'd rather just chew it!

Swimming at the Y with cousins!

"I only drive the best"

Bathtime with the bumbo!!

2008-03-15T18:35:00.000-04:00

We decided to try giving Gavin a bath in his bumbo. It was a lot of fun because he was able to play with his toys more (and by play I mean chew!). The only problem was the bumbo wanted to float, but daddy held it down!! So much fun!!

Practicing his spider man moves (in his spider man jammies!)!!

A preview of our easter outfit!!

4 Months Old Already!

2008-03-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

We can't believe how fast Gavin growing up is going already!! He laughs a lot now, is grabbing everything and putting it in his mouth, rolling over (when he wants to!), talking up a storm, and is SOO happy all the time!! We love him more everyday!

I love my jumpy seat! Mommy & Daddy just set it up for me!!

Gavin's discovered his ears!.....it's his new way to chill!

Chillin' in my bumbo!

He turned a complete 180 degrees from how I put him in there!!

More Pictures!!

2008-02-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

Our Jacksonville Visit!

2008-02-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

It was SOOO good to see everyone during our visit. It made us realize even more how much we truly miss all our great friends (and the warm weather!). We had a blast hanging out (all the hours of day and night!) We really love you all and already can't wait to visit again! Thanks so much to Mark and Lauren for putting us up while we were there. Gavin had tons of fun with his best friend Ezekiel!Chris & Andrew

Gavin & Ezekiel

Gavin's "preppy" lookThe Guy's

The Girl's (and some of the kids!)

"This play mat ain't big enough for the two of us!"
Us with Don & Hannah

Back in N.Y. all bundled up!!

3 Months Old!

2008-02-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

Gavin is 3 months now! It's so hard to believe! He went swimming for the first time last week. He liked it but it was a little cool so we didn't stay in long.

Gavin has been sick the last few days for the first time. Very congested, coughing, and he had a little temperature for one evening. No fun. He's been so good through it though. He's been resting up and staying home trying to get healthy for our trip to Jacksonville this weekend! He is getting better!

Chillin' with Papa in my robe after my swim!!

Mommy let me watch Elmo for a few minutes for the first time! I loved it!! I was talking to the tv and kicking my legs and arms!!

We're Going to Jax!!!

2008-01-31T10:27:00.000-05:00

Well, we've had a lot to do lately! With Marie's Arbonne business growing and trying to unpack and set up home and Gavin growing, growing, growing, it's never dull around here!! We want to let all our dear Jacksonville friends know we're coming to visit....in a week!! We'll be in town Friday, Feb. 8, at 10 in the morning. Andrew will stay until Monday evening and Marie and Gavin until Wed. We will be in church Sunday morning and can't wait to see everyone!!!! See you SOON!!!!!
13 Weeks Old!! (holding our head up during tummy time!!)

He loves this seat!! He'll sit and "talk" to the monkey and frog that move for a long time!!! It never gets old!

Busy Busy!

2008-01-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

We have been busy the last two weeks! As some of you know we moved (yes again!). We found a place, packed, and moved within a week!! The Lord was really in it! Andrew and I took the time to figure out how much we've moved since we've been married and including the couple places we've stayed temporarily it's been 8 times in 3 years!!! As hard as some of the moves have been God's been in each one and we've had fun going through all the changes together! If anyone needs packing/unpacking, apartment hunting, or any moving advice give us a call!!!

We're in a two bedroom apartment now. It's been hard going to something small and renting again, but we're so grateful to have our own place (something we haven't had since we left Jacksonville). It's exactly what we need right now, the Lord really blessed us again!

Gavin is doing great. We finally picked up his crib and set it up a few nights ago. Now I can really have fun setting up his nursery!

Final plans will be made soon but we're planning on going to Jacksonville the beginning of Feb.! We can't wait!!! We'll keep you all posted!

Daddy putting together Gavin's new crib!

First night in my own crib!!

It's cold out there!!

11 Weeks Old!Watching the Cowboys game with daddy! (don't talk to him about it, he's pretty upset!!)

"Daddy's Little Wingman"!!!

"He'll kick your butt"!!

I love my Jaguars teddy!

10 Weeks Old!

First Walk!!

2008-01-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

We had incredible weather the other day! It was 60 degrees out! That is unheard of for January! Gavin got to get out for his first walk in the stroller (he slept through it!) It was so nice to get outside!!

Swinging on the deck

Firefighter!!

Two months old!!!

2008-01-08T17:49:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that Gavin is almost 2 1/2 months already! He's changing so much every day! He smiles, coos, and laughs a lot now! We're all having a blast and adjusting really well now. Gavin is starting to bed down between 8:30-9 each night and the last few nights he's made a 6-7 hour stretch in sleeping!! Mommy is loving that!! Can't believe how fast time goes!

Go Jaguars!!

Lot's of smiles!! (9 1/2 weeks)

He's not sitting in here much yet, but we couldn't resist doing it for a minute for this picture!!

So cool!! (6 1/2 weeks)

Bath time with daddy!

First Christmas!!

2008-01-04T18:08:00.000-05:00

We had a great first Christmas with Gavin! We went to Binghamton to be with Marie's family. It was fun being with everyone! We had our own family time opening stockings in the morning and then went downstairs to join the family for the Christmas story and presents!!

The whole family (besides Nathan's girlfriend Amber!)

Christmas Eve dinner table

Presents!!

This is boring!!

Scarf the Auntie Anne made!!
The "aftermath!!

Naps with Grandpa

Christmas Tree!

2007-12-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

We really wanted to cut our own Christmas tree this year...so we did!! We actually got it a couple of weeks ago (the beginning of Dec.) and it's a funny story! We didn't find any trees at the first stop so we drove around and found another tree farm and set out hiking around to find the perfect tree! Well, they were pretty picked over and we were deciding to just buy one already cut. Then we found one that looked pretty good. It needed to be cut about 1/4 of the way up the tree because it was so big but we got it down! It was so big and heavy that Andrew almost killed himself dragging it through the snow! When we were checking out they said it was going to be $50 (which is a lot for a tree up here and surprised us b/c we saw that the trees were all $28 at the most) but that's b/c we picked the most expensive one that was charged per foot. So we made it home and realized we had to cut about another 2-3 feet off (remember we payed for those feet!!!) Well, we got it set up and as we were decorating we realized it wasn't a very nice tree at all!! It's very scragly and thin at the top! We tried trimming and shaping it and did the best we could. We were really upset that night because we could have bought a perfect really nice tree for a lot less but really wanted to cut it (even though the selection wasn't good!). We are laughing about it now though. I guess this is just our "Charlie Brown" year!!!