Plus ONE...

Snow Daze'

2010-12-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

Boston got to enjoy his 1st real snow experience today! He loved every minute...except when it was time to come in. Although still a little young to truck around in a foot of snow, he was busy throwing the snowballs that Daddy would make him. It was fun to watch him experience this.

That little innocent look tells it all!

This is my Frosty the Snowman pic..."with a corn cob pipe and a button nose..."

"Snowball fight"

One happy boy!

Son...

2010-09-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

I get the opportunity to watch Boston almost everyday now that Angie's summer break is over and she is now back to teaching. Although we stand in the doorway and waive and blow 'mommy' kisses as she drives away each morning, I cherish the next few hours that I get with my boy. He makes me laugh and brings me more joy than anything I can remember. We usually share a bowl of cereal, some fruit, fit in a nap, shoot some hoops, toss the baseball around, grab some snacks(slurp a dew), a lil' bit of Dora the Explorer, and try and spend some time outside.
Last week while I was stacking our winter wood supply, I watched as he played innocently and curiously outside in the dirt and grass. He often placed a casual rock or two in his mouth, only to immediately pull it out and say...KKKKKK! That is what we say for yucky. His little mind is brilliant. Every morning when Angie is done running, he joins Mommy in some cool down stretching(his favorite is the calf stretch...pushing against the wall with some serious grunting). Boston loves to shoot hoops and play ball. We are working on that 'jumper' already. He seems to like to throw the baseball with either hand...(Daddy is hoping for a lefty). It is 'ball mania' in our home...and we wouldn't have it any other way.

When he was only a couple months old I would often say to myself that I wish that I could just go out back and play catch with him or take him to the gym and play ball. Those simple joys as a daddy are now coming to pass. Life could not be much better. I do not mind being husband homemaker, captain cleaner, or daddy daycare...all of those mean I get to be with my son. C'mon bubba...lets go play!

Boston's Birthday Bash

2010-07-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Boston celebrated his 1st birthday on the 19Th of July. It is hard to believe that it has been a year already. I can't think of a better year in all of my life! Boston is so special to me and his mommy. It is often hard to put into words what that little boy means to us. I remember the day when we found out we were having a little boy, I was the happiest man alive. That feeling still exists! It was with much anticipation that we awaited his arrival. Now that he is here, Boston has been everything we had hoped he would be and more. His smile that frequents his chubby face is highly contagious. One of my most favorite times is when I'm getting home from work at 6 am and I hear his little voice coming from his crib...I quickly snatch him up and we hang out for an hour, sharing breakfast and giggles so that mommy can get another hour of much needed sleep. Times like these are what I will cherish forever.
This last year has been an extremely busy one, but it also has been our favorite. Angie and I are both very thankful and grateful that Boston came to our little family. We cannot imagine life without him. We had a few parties to celebrate his birthday. Here are some pictures to show some of the fun times we've been having.
Mommy handing him his #1 cupcake

New Tractor

Island park fun in the water

Summertime Fun

2010-06-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Boston loves to play with the neighbor's puppy. Kiko is the pup's name and he just lets Boston play with him and pet him. We used to hate this yelping pup, but after a few short bursts of Officer Ivie's pepper spray, Kiko suddenly does not bark all night and has turned out to be a friend of the family. One day we will talk Angie into getting a puppy!

Grandpa's Buddies!

Loves his Granny!

'Tubbing with da boys!

Angie and Boston went to stay in Evanston with Grandpa Kirk and Grandma Kathy for 10 days...and had a wonderful time. Boston was Grandpa's little buddy. Boston got to play with his 3 cousins, Kaleb, Cambree, and Isaac...and had tons of fun. It was good for Boston to get to play with other children. He is often the only little rascal and gets plenty of attention around here, so thanks to the cousins for being good buddies to Boston. Just for the record...10 days was too long for daddy to be home alone without his family!

Boston is finally getting to spend some time outdoors enjoying the warm weather. We were given a cute little swimming pool from Cory & Julie and he loves to swim in it.

Boston is on the verge of walking. He can stand on his own, and he even will take several steps if he decides he's in the mood. We are excited to see our families this summer and spend some good time with them. Boston is nearly a year old...I think we have at least 3 parties planned. One with us, one with the Hall side at Island park, and one with the Ivies in Arco. He may or may not be spoiled :) The jury is still out on that one!

Growing Up!

2010-05-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Boston continues to be the happy little boy that he has always been. He continues to bless our lives every way possible. We have been so busy lately with life that we have not had time to update our blog, so here is what has happened in the last few months.

Boston is 10 months old! He is crawling like crazy and wants to pull himself up on everything. He is into every drawer, toilet, garbage, fireplace, and anything else you can imagine, destroying the place. Hopefully one day in the very near future he learns what "NO" means! He is saying momma and dadda like crazy and loves to cuddle. He has learned that he only wants to sleep in his own bed for a few hours a night, waking up to throw a tantrum until we snag him and he is instantaneously back asleep in our bed. I swore I was going to be the dad that never let my child sleep with me....well, scratch that idea I guess.

As for myself and Angie...

Angie is finishing up another year of teaching. She has successfully managed to balance the woes of being a wonderful working mother, busily doing her best to fulfill her many roles and responsiblities. She is amazing to say the least. She seems to find time for just about everything that is important to her...even couponing. I often joke to people about her hobby...that being saving money while spending money! She does save us a ton of money. Keep up the good work babe! Angie will be finished teaching and ready for a well deserved summer break in 2 weeks.

THESE ARE MY TWO BEST BUDDIES!

I have been in Police training for the last few months. It has gone well. I graduated the POST academy in March and have been completing my field training with the Caldwell Police Department since. I am just about done with that stage of life and will be on my own shortly. Life as a Police Officer is interesting to say the least. I have many stories already, and surely there will be many more to come. I try not to tell too many stories, but if you are interested in sharing a laugh or two, I prolly can drum up a good one for us! On my days off, I enjoy watching Boston. We are good buddies and love the time we get to spend together. I have put fishing on the back burner for the most part due to the busy schedules and such, but look forward to some sweet summertime fishing on the Owyhee!

All in all life is great! We have loved the opportunity to be parents to Boston. We have had so much fun we are almost thinking about trying it all over again. Only thing we are waiting on is...well, time for each other! Stay tuned...

Our Baby is 6 Months Old!

2010-01-20T16:35:00.001-08:00

We have been terrible about updating our blog, so I thought I would post an update since Chad and I are now the proud parents of a six-month old baby! Boston is so much fun and is growing and learning like crazy. He had his six-month well-check yesterday, and he weighed in at 18 lb 12 oz and is 27 inches long. He is a very happy and healthy baby. He has been sitting on his own for just over a month now and loves to roll all over the place. If I turn my head for what seems like just a few seconds, I find him across the room or stuck in some random spot. He loves his rice cereal and is also doing well with veggies and fruit. Boston is sleeping pretty well--he makes it through most nights without needing Mommy or Daddy. We love our little guy so much and are very blessed to have him in our family!

Here comes the weight gain!

2009-09-21T10:07:00.001-07:00

Boston is the best little boy...we could not ask for a better baby. He has decided lately that he prefers to take a bottle rather than feed from 'Mommy's Milk Factory.' So Angie has been pumping frivolously to keep the supply coming. He grunts non-stop, eating or not eating, it remains the same. Boston went to the doctor last week for his first round of shots and did pretty good. He weighed 12 lbs 7 oz. and is 24 inches long. As you can see, he is rapidly growing. He is starting to smile more and continues to be a blessing in our lives.
Below we have posted a few pics...A naked shot, his blessing day, and some random cute pics of our little stud. Enjoy!

One Week Old

2009-07-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Boston is eating, pooping, sleeping and growing a little more everyday. He is feeding like a champ. He is a great little boy. Here are some updated pics. He is already growing up so fast...

Boston Chad Ivie

2009-07-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Boston Chad Ivie was born on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 4:05 am. He weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and measured 21.5 inches long. He was blessed with a full head of hair...and believe me, it is enough for both he and his daddy. He is a beautiful boy. Angie and I could not be happier parents.
Now that I have had a few days to look back on all that has transpired since Boston's birth, I wonder why we waited so long to bring something this perfect into our lives. I am a very proud and grateful dad right now...Proud of my good wife and all of the sacrifices that she went through to bring this little guy here. She is a wonderful, patient mother. Already exceeding my expectations.
Boston is picking up the feeding. He is finally gaining a little weight. We will be sure to keep everyone posted and any new happenings.

Pregnancy Update

2009-07-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Angie is still doing well. Nothing much to report. We went to the doctor last week and according to the few tests, Angie is a bit ahead of schedule. She measured 38 cm and doc said she was dialated to a 2 already. Doc said all everything was starting to take its proper course and projected a week to 10 day early arrival of our little boy. For those of you wanting to see the adorable belly...take a look, it is definitely that. I have never seen a better looking pregnant girl...ever! We are anxious to see what happens. Tomorrow is another appointment, so we should have another update in a few days.

Sunday Neglect

2009-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

Awwww...(yawning)I woke up just like any summer Sunday morning to the constant sound of the air conditioner window unit blowing while intermingled with birds chirping just outside our bedroom window. I rolled over like I do every morning to check on my beautiful wife and her pregnant belly...and they were both gone. I got up, shut off the air conditioner and just listened to see if I heard anything. It was quiet. Usually if Angie beats me up...she will come in and make noise till I get up...I don't know if she does this on purpose...but she does it all the time. Today was different though. Not a peep. Not a screechy medicine cabinet drawer opening. No sounds of a pregnant woman relieving herself with a pee stop. No flushing of the toilet. No fumbling through the closet. Nothing. So I quietly walked out of my room not know what I would see.......and BAMMM! I forgot it was Sunday, and I forgot it was couponing day. This is what I found. Needless to say...for me it is going to be a day of rest...for Angie on the other hand, it will be a day of cutting out coupons. This woman has a will that I have never seen before. Maybe I should be a good loving husband and help her out. My guilty conscience will prolly overtake my lazy sunday-self and grab the other pair of scissors and cut away. It is either that or feel neglected the rest of the day. Oooooh...too bad the red sox aren't playing today. That would be the excuse that I am busy for a few hours!

Working out of town

2009-05-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

For all of you wondering where I spent my winter days...well, take a looksie for yourself. It was a fun challenge. The outter fireplace was 40 ft high by 7 ft wide. The base of the cabin had stone going all the way around the bottom. I forgot to take pics of the island and the interior fireplace that also has stone...but you get the idea. There was over 1300 hundred sq. ft of stone. I guess this answers why I have to go to the chiropractor 2-3 times a week for the next month or so.

Recent Pics

2009-05-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

These are just a few recent pics of me and Chad. I am now 28 weeks along and am still feeling really good. I'm very happy to be in the third trimester now! Nothing too new is happening with us--we are both keeping very busy with work. I only have two and a half weeks left of school--I am looking forward to the break and having more time to spend working on the baby's room and other projects around the house!

Gender Revealed

2009-03-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well, to all of those who thought baby would be a girl...sorry. It's a boy! The ultra sound confirmed that very thing this morning. The little man was not so cooperative, but we got some good looks at the flexible boy. Needless to say, we are very excited and can't wait to start picking out boy clothes and getting our home ready for a little chadwick. As you can see...the ultra sound pic is terrible. We have a printed one on the little guy showing off his manhood piece. In this pic, the ultra sound tech placed an arrow pointing to his Oscar Meyer Weiner.

20 Weeks

2009-03-17T10:50:00.001-07:00

Okay, here are a couple more pictures for my family who doesn't get to see me very often (or at all since I have been showing). As you can see, I am definitely growing!

My next appointment is next week, so hopefully we will know the gender by then!

19 Weeks Pic

2009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is for you Mandy! Chad is out of town so I just had to set my camera's self-timer. It's not the best pic, but at least you can see my belly.

BIG NEWS

2009-03-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Well for all of you who never thought it would happen or maybe couldn't wait for it to happen (Chad included), we are going to have a baby! I am due somewhere around July 29 or August 5, hopefully closer to the former.:) We are hoping to find out the gender this month, so we will keep you posted!

Holiday Season

2009-01-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Angie and I are enjoying a good holiday season. We spent the week prior to Christmas(as well as Christmas) at home this year. This was the first time we didnt have to travel anywhere for Christmas since we have been married. It was rather relaxing. Angie's parents came and spent Christmas with us. My sister Lacey also came over Christmas day and spent most of it with us. We had a good time. We mostly played games and ate good food. Nothing wrong with that for holiday cheer.
After Christmas we went to Eastern Idaho to visit my family for a few days. We spent the weekend in Arco. I havent seen snow like that for many years. Well over 2 feet of snow. From there we spent a couple of dsys in Hamer with Cory and Julie and kids. It was good to see them and spend time with the little ones. From there we drove to Pocatello to see Mandy and Rocky. Angie got her hair did...It is like getting a new girlfriend everytime she gets a new do...so I dont mind. lol! We had fun. We came home new years eve to warmer weather and no snow. We traveled the long loop to see everyone and we're glad we did. We are excited to start a new year and look forward to see what this new year brings. I had a motto for 08' that didnt turn out like I expected so I will not try and jinx myself this year.

Chad has 7 Secrets...(tagged by his wife)

2008-12-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

1. Tis the Season: I love to peek at my Christmas gifts. I used to cut the tape on the gift wrapped boxes and check out the loot, then put a new piece of tape back on to cover my snooping. Angie is trying to break my of this rotten habit which includes(can't keep a secret, snooping, etc). This started as a child, with my brothers. Oooooh...look, another fly rod from Kirk and Kathy! YESSSSSSS!

2. I only watch sports on t.v. This is it. I don't care about any other program that may be on the boob tube. ESPN is always on. I am a sportscenter junkie. I pay 50 bucks a month for a bunch of crap channels that I don't watch, just to get the five or so channels that carry sports. Makes a lot of sense huh?!

3. I am self conscious about being bald. Still not sure about life without hair. Believe me, if I could grow it out I would. Folks, I am afraid it is what we would call the skullit...you know hulk hogan style. I love hats.

4. Cant wait to have kids. It is no secret to some(Angie), but I can't wait to be a dad.

5. I've been known to write a little poetry. Exclusively for my wife Angie. I don't know if it is any good. You would have to ask her. Speaking of poetry, I haven't written any in a long while. Lets see what Santa might dream up this year...Depends on if Angie is naughty or nice...

6. Fly fishing has taken over as my #1 hobby. I never thought anything would be as fun to me as basketball. Let me introduce you to the brown trout species on the owyhee river. You might just change your mind too! I blame this sickness on my father in law...the great fly fisherman.

7. Mexican food is my favorite. Any time, any place. I would say that more than half the time Angie and I go out to eat, we choose Mexican food. Nothing better than eating tacos with my little Senorita.

Tagged by Mandy--10 Favorite Songs

2008-11-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

These aren't my all-time top ten favorites, just some I like that came to mind:

1. Home - Michael Buble
2. Better in Time - Leona Lewis
3. Stay - Lisa Loeb
4. Do You Remember - Jack Johnson
5. Canon in D major - Johann Pachelbel
6. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
7. No One - Alicia Keys
8. Adia - Sarah McLachlan
9. Clumsy - Fergi
10. Con Te Partiro (Time to Say Goodbye) - Andrea Bocelli

I was tagged by Julie 1 month ago!

2008-11-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

You can tell how well I stay on top of this whole blogging thing! Julie tagged me a month ago.....share 7 random facts about myself. So, here they are:

1. I love oatmeal. I eat if for breakfast almost every day from September to May (I don't eat too many hot breakfasts in the summer). A lot of people don't like oatmeal at all or they just think it's okay. But I love it--maybe I get this from my dad!

2. I love Manhattan, New York. I first visited there when I was a freshman in college, and then Mandy and I spent the summer there a few years later. It is one of my favorite places I have been--I could live there. Don't worry everyone, it will never happen:)

3. I (like Mandy) organize my closet by sleeve length as well as by color. So all of my white short-sleeved shirts are together, then pink, then red, etc. Then there are my long-sleeved shirts color-coded. Then my dresses. My skirts and dress pants are also organized by length and color in a separate closet. It just makes it so much easier to find what I'm looking for. I also have to have everything hanging on the hangers in the same direction!

4. I love working out. It's not something I do just to stay healthy and in shape (althought that is important) or because I feel like I have to be a role model in my career (which I do). But I really enjoy working out--running, lifting weights, sports, etc. I love it--call me crazy--Chad does!

5. I like math. I have always liked how numbers fit nicely into formulas and equations so you can solve them. Since I teach exercise science courses, I get to teach some statistics in my Tests & Measurements class, some physics in my Kinesiology class, and we work with lots of measurements and formulas in my Physiology lab. I enjoy things like doing our taxes and balancing our bank account (except when it's low!).

6. I love to read. If I had the time, I could read for hours (which I do sometimes when I am on break). Of course it has to be an interesting book, but I probably enjoy reading much more than the average person. Even when I was in college and had a crazy school/work/social calendar, I was often at the public library. When Chad and I first moved to Caldwell, one of the first things we did was go to the public library to get library cards (not that Chad really uses his;).

7. Chad and I were married on Friday the 13th! Some people think it's an unlucky day. Some people actually have a fear of Friday the 13th (paraskavedekatriaphobia). I have never believed it to be an unlucky day--probably because I'm not really superstitious. It has definitely proven to be a very lucky day for us!

I tag anyone who dares to share their secrets!

Fall Fishing...Any better time to fish?

2008-10-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

With my recent success that I have had fly fishing the Owyhee River I can't help but remember why this is my favorite time to be on the water. I will let the pics do tell you why. Top Picture: A beautiful male getting his pre-spawning colors, caught with my buddy Cody. Middle: A meat headed male I caught with my brother Derek on labor day. What a fight he gave. Bottom: A big female I caught with my buddy Paul. All these fish I caught on the same fly in the same hole.

BSU FOOTBALL

2008-10-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Football season is in full swing again. Once again, the Boise State Broncos winning tradition continues. There is nothing like going to a game and watching the boys in blue donkey stomp another opponent. I get to share this adventure with one of my favorite people in the world. Since BSU football is not quite Angie's cup of tea, I take the next in line. That would be my sister Lacey. We have the best of best times. I wouldn't trade going to games with her for any other. She is as knowledgeable about the game as any guy and is twice the fun. Keep on winning. Lets crash another BCS party baby!

2008-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Boston Red Sox

2008-07-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Angie and I went to Seattle this past week for a quick vacation to watch my(our) favorite baseball team play...It was entirely a baseball trip. I must give props to my wonderful wife first of all for being such a trooper. I love her! Out of all the trips that I have ever taken, this one ranked right at the top of the list. We spent more time in the ball-park than anywhere else. Talk about living the dream.

4th of July Celebration

2008-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

Most families get together the celebrate our nations Independence Day with a barbeque and fireworks. I got together with my father in law Kirk and caught huge brown trout all weekend. After a great weekend of fishing, I have much to be thankful for...a free country, a beautiful wife, and a whole lot of fly fishing.

Look at the size of these monsters...

More Brown Trout Adventures

2008-07-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Kirk(father-in-law) and I spent most of the 4th of July weekend together fishing the Owyhee River. After spending most of the first day trying to figure out the feeding frenzy and matching the no-bug-hatch...Kirk finally figured it out. Let the fun begin. I will let the pictures tell the story.