Pictures with an Update!

I wanted to post about planting our Bubba tree over Memorial weekend, but the rain prevented that from happening. We get to do that this weekend when Chad is home. Instead I decided now would be a great time to write an update on the Pate family and show off my lil' kiddies since I think they are the cutest!

Chad - As you know is working full-time for Midvale Fire and part-time for Saratoga Springs fire. Between those two departments he is very busy, but has decided that he wants to enroll in fall semester at UVSC to work towards his Paramedic.

Me - I have one week left of school and I can't wait to actually have a summer this go around. The last two summers I have been working on my Master's degree which I received on May 3rd. I am also moving to a new school and possibly a new grade. I may be moving from 6th to 1st...can you say crazy!!! I am a little excited and little freaked out, but either way I know I will have a good time.

Gavin - Is turning 4 on Sunday! Where did time go? He also just finished his first year of preschool and loved it. He didn't sing at the celebration because he said he was too shy (ya right!). Gavin is such an inquisitive boy, he wants to know how things work, why things happen, and how to fix things. I am amazed at the things he comes up with and what he can actually do. His new saying is "totally" and he uses it whenever he can. Right now Gavin loves Transformers, looking through books, and doing anything as long as it is outside. I love this boy!

Bre - Is is 21 months old and is my sidekick! She loves Dora and loves to sing the Dora song, which is the cutest thing to hear. She also loves music and dancing. Whenever we are in the car she screams "up" which is our cue to turn the radio up. She bounces her head and tries to sing a long. Her new saying is "No I don't" and Chad loves to get her to say it! Bre always has to have her 3 babies and her two Dora blankets before she even think about going to sleep. She is very head strong but such a sweetie. She is all girl but enjoys hanging with the boys. I absolutely love having a little girl!

Visiting dad at the Fire Station!
Gaver driving the fire truck.
Gaver and B's playing super heroes!
Mom and B's.
B's keeping her candy from Bubba! We miss him so much!

Breezy showing off her mouth after eating a BLUE sucker! Chad giving Gavin a haircut with Bre as his audience.
Building a hut and playing with Gaver's and B's.
Lil' Miss Breezy!
Gaver pretending to drive Bre around at Daddy's work. Check out that belly!

Gavin with his preschool teachers Miss Lola and Miss Norma! They were great!
Gavin at his preschool celebration!
Gavin with Grandma.
Gavin loves to climb in and cuddle with Bre!
Me and Allison my partner and crime in teaching. She is amazing!

Bubba Chubbs

Bubba as a puppy!
Bubba lounging around.
Bubba showing just how patient he was by letting us put a diaper on him!
Bubba's idea of walking!
This shows Bubba's personality! He as the cutest little nerd!
Today has been one of the toughest days of our family's life. Our cute little bubba passed away unexpectedly from liver/kidney failure. It is amazing at how these little guys come to your home and become part of the family. He was one of us! Bubba was the cutest most loveable dog in the entire world. He loved playing, eating, and getting attention! Bubba lived up to his name in so many ways. He was the runt of the litter yet loved eating so much that he became twice as big as he was supposed to. He couldn't jump up onto our bed (so we lifted him up) yet he could jump up onto the table to get to food when he wanted! He loved to go on walks as long as he could ride in the stroller or wagon! Bubba brought so much joy into our family, he was the best with Gavin and Bre. They could pull, poke, step, or do whatever to Bubba and he would just sit there. He was their protector (thank heavens he never really had to put it into practice)! What more could you ask for in a dog. So this is to you Bubba! You are one of a kind and can never be replaced. Thanks for bringing much happiness, many smiles, and a bunch of love to our home. We will miss the barking at any random noise made, the chasing around the house, the scratches to go outside, all the playing, and most importantly the cuddling on the couch. I hope they have Bacon Strips in dog heaven! Mommy, daddy, Gaver and B's love you and will miss you much!

Being grateful for MOMS & being a mom!

My mom with Bre.

This is a small ode to the two greatest moms in my life. I am absolutely the luckiest person to have been blessed with the amazing mom that I have. She is the most giving, thoughtful, and supportive person that I know. She has been my number one fan my entire life! I pray that I can be the type of mom that she is. Thanks for being an inspiration in my life! I love ya!

Papa and Nana with Gavin and Bre.

I am also so lucky to have a sweet mother-in-law (Tracy). When Chad was on his mission I fell in love with his family and it enabled me to create a close relationship with his mom. I enjoy the time we spend together and she has been so helpful. Tracy is one of the most selfless people that I know. She loves to do things for others and would live without, if it meant helping someone else. Thanks for all you do for me! I love ya!

Gavin and Bre playing in the car! They love pretending to drive!

My amazing husband (Chad), with Gavin and Bre!

What a great Mother's Day it has been. As I sit here and think about what this day is really about, I can't help but think about why I love being a mom. I really cannot imagine my life without my Gaver's or B's in it. Words cannot explain the love that I have for my kids. They show me every day what is truly important in life and that is family. Their unconditional love for everyone (especially me), personalities, smiles, funny sayings, hugs, and kisses keep me going from day to day. I look forward to seeing them when I get home from work and being able to spend the rest of the day with them. They are my sunshine and they make me happy to be a mom! I love you guys!