No Plans, Just Drive!

My kids started their fall break on Friday which had me itching to leave the heat in Arizona. Originally we had no plans to go anywhere, until I decided on a whim to pack the car and kids and head over to California. How could you pass up a 4 hour drive to visit friends and family??

Knowing that Doug had to work I decided to head over and visit our long lost neighbors, the Palmers. She was a saint to taking us in since I only gave her a 24 hour notice that we would be crashing at their house. The trip is pretty UGLY, much like West Texas, but once you get close to Palm Springs, the mountains are so pretty! This area of the drive marks that we are only about 30 minutes from Redlands. I am always amazed at all of the power fans on teh hillside.

I haven't seen Chanel in a few years, so it's fun to be able to physically have a conversation in person rather than over the phone or the internet. We pulled in right as her girls got home from school. Due to the odd warm temperatures they were able to pull off going swimming. It may have been hot outside, but the pool was freezing in my book.

It was comical to me to see how much stuff we had for such a small pool. I think with my kids and Chanel's combined we pretty much filled it up.

It didn't take the kids long to settling in and playing just like old times. Weston was a little timid at first and then he met, Opal. He discovered that they had a dog just his size. He lugged that poor little dog around like a rag doll. He was seriously in dog heaven.

Weston and Opal

Skies The Limit

Ready, set, train!

If you would have asked me to run ANY distance 3 years ago, I honestly would have chuckled. In fact, several of my friends in San Antonio would religiously go to the gym. My comment would always be, work out some for me!! (as I sat and watched television munching on junk) Seriously! After moving to Arizona I found that running was a hobby by several girls not to mention doing sprint triathlons. I never in a million years would have considered something of this nature until I met the women in my ward. My neighbor Tiffany lured us into running the Pinetop 10k. She recently moved down to the valley after living their for over 15 years. So, several weeks ago and we began to train by meeting at 5:30am Tuesday/Thursday mornings.

Minnie, Aprel, Martha, Jenny and Tiffany

We headed out Friday afternoon up to blissful, beautiful Pinetop, AZ. I will say the windy road about did me in on the way up. I was extremely carsick. We arrived about 9pm and settled into our rooms. Tiffany's home in the mountains is super charming. I was lucky enough to score one of her older daughters rooms.

Cooler weather makes it that much harder to crawl out of bed, especially at 6 in the morning. Despite my body calling for bed, I managed to pull myself to get up. We headed out around 7am to the start of the race, and yes, it was a chilly 47 degrees!

Brrrrr!

I will say I was a little nervous knowing in advance there would be hills and 7000 degrees of high altitude mixed in for the race. You can't argue how breathtaking our run was though. We had blue skies beyond the eye could see and the smell of pine trees was super refreshing.

First few miles

The first few miles was a gradually downhill. I got a little lost since I wasn't really running in any sort of pack. Once the race began we all separated running our own speeds. As I was heading on the first leg of the race it was blocked off with orange cones. Unbenounced to me part of the orange cones wasn't intended for the route, but to simply warn cars there were runners coming. Luckily, I only got off course for a few hundred feet and realized where to turn. The last part of the race was the toughest (at least for me). It was a pretty steep hill which made you feel like you were running in place. I still managed to come in around 57 minutes, which is a little slower than my last 10K, but factoring in the climate and hills, still not too shabby.

We all finished within 15 minutes of each other. There were only about 60 runners total, since Pinetop is a small town. We headed over to Eddie's (aka Eddie Basha) for breakfast after the race. We couldn't resist taking a photo since one of the guy's in our stake owns this place.

I am by no means a breakfast gal. In fact, on most occasion I won't even eat breakfast. However, I succomed by pressure and ordered some of the tastiest hashbrowns, bacon and toast I ever ate. It was so yummy!

The best part was it was cowboy style cookin' You definitely felt like you were getting a home cooked meal. Our little running pack has already set a goal to run a triathalon in Decemeber and then we all committed to run a relay race in the end of February. It's a 180 miles that involves 12 people on a team. Have you ever heard of the Ragner's Relay? I am not sure what I am getting myself into, but I am super excited!! Let the training begin!

Five For Friday

1. Went visiting teaching.

2. Spent a small fortune at the scout store. (#$@$%!!) Those shirts are over rated if you ask me.

3. Got the laundry caught up.

4. Went and visited my grandparents and in-laws.

5. Packed my stuff (running shoes included) and am off for the night to blissful Pinetop, AZ. Running a 10K tomorrow with some friends. Wish me luck!

Boy Oh Boy(s)

The Wises, Clouse's and Adam's Family

Ironically, every where we have lived my friends have had little girls. We definitely were surrounded by a lot of pink. Taylor was fortunate enough to benefit from this and always had a little playmate. When Jared was born it seemed that the girls just kept coming. Because of this he never really knew or realized the difference. His first little friend was Amy's daughter Sophie. They were just a few months apart and probably don't even remember each other.

Jared and Sophie

This was our attempt at trying to get them in a shot together for Halloween. So cute. After New Orleans we immediately connected with the Gordon's who had girls as well. I actually am really glad my boys learned to play with them and interact, because playing with the same sex, well can get rather rambunctious.

Maci and Jared

I know my boys never felt sheltered (nor did I) that they had nothing but girls to play with. And what better thing to teach your young boy than to play gently with little girls. Honestly, I think my boys will hold a special place in their hearts for these little girls that have touched their lives. I know I miss them!

Weston, Luke, Maryn and Abby

Moving to Arizona has been a little different. Taylor some how seemed to luck out AGAIN, finding friends her age quite quickly. Today we had half day due to the end of the grading period. Zoie and Taylor did their "girl" thing and baked brownies. Little girls are SO different than boys. They can shut the door and talk for hours, make up dances, and well, giggle.

Taylor and Zoie

On the other hand, I am not sure what happened in the year 2000, but we have a supply of boys that surround our area. In fact, Jared's ratio of boys in his class is 17-10 . According to the teachers it's that way in the entire 3rd grade class. Those poor, poor teachers. You can imagine how excited they are when they get together.

Doing what boys do best. Dog pile! Luckily my basement is the prime location for these spirits full of energy. I am beginning to think not having furniture downstairs is a blessing. They have been playing 4 square and kickball to their hearts content not to mention wrestling and running around like wild people. And you know what? I could care less, because that is the beauty of a downstairs.

Weston, Ryker, Magnus, Luke, Jared and Thayne

And for those of you who have boys, you know that playing brings out the appetite in these guys. 6 bowls of cereal to fill those tummies. Good thing I stock up on that stuff. The best snack ever!

No Pain, No Gain?

I think a foot injury of any sort whether it be big or small has to be one of the worst. Afterall, we depend on our feet to walk, get around and move where we want to go. Many years ago while I was in college I had about 4 planters warts removed on the heel of my foot. Talk about painful, not to mention gross! I never knew something so small could cause SO much pain. It took about 6 weeks or more before I could function or walk normal again. Since this experience I have learned feet are not something to be taken for granted.

I have been fortunate enough to have gotten through my life without breaking or injuring myself (knock on wood). I have been known to get a few scrapes now and again. A few days ago as I was mopping floors I managed to step on a thorn. You know one of those small burly ones found in a sandlot? How it got there I'll never know. (apparently the no shoe rule didn't apply that day). I immediately pulled it out in hopes of not leaving any remnants behind. A few hours went by and it began to throb and bother me. I knew this couldn't be good so Doug suggested I come into the office and he would look at it. I will wholeheartedly agree I am NOT a good patient (especially to my husband). The minute he started to even peek at my foot I cringed and well whined a little. He was even kind enough to spray numbing stuff on me--which felt like a freezer burn. Okay, so I am a tad dramatic, but it was cold. After what seemed to be several minutes of prodding and poking with a needle he sent me on my way. He never did find anything. I am just hoping that black tiny dot doesn't turn into an infection. It's amazing how the smallest things can cause the greatest amounts of pain. The funny thing is looking at it is quite comical. You would think I was talking about a huge gash, it appears to be the size of a pin hole. Okay, so pain tolerance isn't my strong point. No pain, no gain eh?

"the injury"

Testing.... Can You Hear?

"stop it mom!"

Since school started merely 6 or more weeks ago I have found it hard to find my little boy, especially around the house. I have often found him in the smallest of spaces curled up playing a Nintendo D.S. Which, he knows is off limits. I am not sure if I enjoy this little hide and go seek game he often likes to play. I have yelled, and called his name until I am literally crazy. "WESSSTOONNNN!!" The response.....nothing but silence. Last I checked NONE of my children have hearing disabilities (although I wonder). As a mother you know how frustrating this can get. Well, the other day I was once again looking for him. Because who knows he could have wandered outside, down the street (and has done this before). Again, I got the silent treatment. Until I finally spotted him. The response this time in the utmost whiny voice, "whhhaaaaat mom?" I explained how important it is to answer when spoken to. It's a sign of respect, etc. I am sure I sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher to his little ears. Waa--waa--waa. Then it dawned on me, who am I kidding? I have no chance. Especially when this was on our television set. (more often than I care to admit)

In stereo singing, "Go Diego Go!"

In conclusion, I am pretty sure he TOTALLY understood that he should listen next time. As the baby of the family (with a diet of M&M's, licorice, and diet coke), it's pretty obvious who is in charge in our household. Yep, that would be Weston.

All For The Cause

You would think having 2pm church I would have my kids dressed and ready in an ample amount of time. Afterall, I have practically the entire day, but nope I don't. I do start trying to get them moving around noon, but then lunch comes into play, they lolly gag around, (are mine the only ones that do this??) etc. On most Sunday's we have been taking separate cars because Doug now has to be there to make sure they have enough boys to pass the sacrament. I had intentions of leaving about 15 minutes early in order to get a bench seat. I wanted at least a place in the chapel I could see my littles faces for the program. I have found these are hard to come by in our ward. I wasn't quite ready so Doug agreed to take the kids to save a seat. He had the kids loaded and me being, well me said "WAIT DON'T LEAVE....I need a photo!"

D: (Grumbling).....A photo, why? We need to leave.

J: Today is the primary program.

D: Can't you just take it after church?

J: No, they will all be undressed...not to mention ragamuffins. (plus this is Taylor's last one *sniff, sniff*)

D: Kids get out of the car, your mom needs a photo!

So, just for me he unloaded them and I snapped this. I know it sounds silly, but for the past 2 years I have taken one right before church and I kinda like it. So, thanks honey for putting up with my crazy ways and "must haves." (maybe a SLR for Christmas too) Love you babe. Oh, and by the way the program was so good! Of course the primary program is one of my favorite sacrament meetings.

Grove 2nd Ward
Primary Program
2008

And this folks is as good as it gets. They don't even look this groomed when we enter the building! I think somehow they must get in a fight with the seat belt. Afterall, we do have a mile to drive down the road. Ha!

Dawg Gone It Anyhow!

Doug and I both agreed whoever picked the home game schedule for ASU this season was a complete moron. We not only had 4 games in a row (which is not always bad) but all of them were in the month of September. Anyone that lives here knows it's miserably hot, which in return makes the games just slightly uncomfortable.

We met up with Dean, Kathy and the girls prior to the game over at Logan's Roadhouse. We had a pretty interesting waitress (which could be a post all of its own) Anyways, just as we sat down and ordered it dawned on us that we had forgotten our tickets. I stayed behind and Doug rushed all the way back home to retrieve them. I don't even want to know how fast he drove the 25 mile round trip to get them. We still managed to get up in our seats just before kickoff at 5:15pm.

Fortunately, our seats were on the non-sunny side. I can only imagine how much hotter it would have been if we were in the student section. We knew going to the game it was going to be a tough fight. ASU played the #2 Georgia Bulldogs. I have to say I was impressed with their fan following. Many of the sections were filled with loyal red and black dressed fans. Although we had several loyal fans ourselves (just look at this guy that sat above us). Hilarious. We walked away with yet another loss. I am just glad the next game isn't until the end of October, which could still be warm, but nothing like 100 degree temperatures we were supporting last night.

Yesterday we followed Bob Barkers advice by controlling the pet population. He was a little freaked out about the lamp shade. But, if it prevents infection, I think 10 days is worth the price, rather than having him go back into be stitched all over. I have to admit I got the giggles just looking at how ridiculous that white thing is, not to mention he has no peripheral vision. Don't worry he seems to be back to his old self today. He even wants to play fetch and has his appetite back.

Five For Friday

1. It's FINALLY cooling off in AZ. People are now walking their dogs, riding bikes and taking strolls outside. The kids are now able to walk home without dying of heat exhaustion. Yay!! I'll admit I am a little sad that the monsoon season is over. Long gone are the heavy clouds that roll in, the thunder, lightening and these lovely rainbows. I took this while we were up at the cabin a few weeks ago. (hence the A-framed window).

Taylor with her hip/hop hat

2. Taylor is enrolled in three dance classes which consumes her entire Thursday after school. I opted to trek her into Mesa just so that she would be able to go to a "good" studio. People have their different opinions on what "good" is, but for me I prefer the technique side to be good. Plus she has some of the same instructors I did as a youth along with a few of my friends teaching the classes there. Her favorite class is hip/hop. This doesn't at all surprise me and she LOVES her teacher (House). The bummer part is his dance crew is in the process of trying to make it onto the Randy Jackson's Best Dance Crew. This is a great opportunity for him, but means that if they make the cut he will no longer be able to teach and choreograph at the studio.



3. The other day I couldn't help notice this piano at Claudia's house (she does my nails). I asked her if she played and she said she used to but is looking to sell it. My ears immediately perked up when "sell" came out of her mouth. I know nothing about pianos, but we have been wanting to start our kids with lessons. She is selling it for a little higher than the price of a keyboard. (like the ones at Costco) After talking to a few people, they said I would be crazy not to take it, it's a steal! We are still weighing the idea or deciphering between this or a piece of furniture. But, isn't it beautiful?

4. Little League has been a little different this season. Last spring the games tended to be on the more exciting side due to having it machine pitch. Jared has now bumped up into the "kid pitch" age, which DRAGS on and on. I know they have to learn at some point, but 2 hour games? Seriously, it's painful especially when some games start at 7:30pm. Did I mention these are on school nights?

5. It seems along with blogger another craze besides my-space is going around. One of my friends briefly told me about facebook a few weeks ago and since then I have found TONS of people from high school not to mention people I haven't thought about for years. Who needs a reunion when you can find them online? Crazy. Have you gotten on?

Curtains and A Movie!

When you move into a new area whether it be a new state or even ward my advice....leech on to people with amazing talents! Seriously, our stake has some pretty talented folk. Of course in order to do this you must be willing to talk to anyone and everyone. Remember I did this the month we moved in? I placed myself out there going to every extra function available just to meet people. It was honestly the best thing I did. Sadly, then our ward split and I'll admit I was frustrated at first, however, now I am realizing the blessings that have come with the realignment. Just think of the many extra friendships I gained in just a short 4 week period.

Step 1 cutting the suede

As you know I have been in the market for finding a window treatment for our LARGE sliding glass door. Aforementioned, my super saver buddy Julie (the girl can make anything) convinced me to make them. We cut the fabric on Tuesday then called upon our other friend Kristy to help us surge the edges. She not only offered to help but took it upon herself to do the edges (all for a hostess cherry pie) Not to shabby! And lets be honest, her surging machine frightened me. Just look at the complexity of it.

surge Kristy surge!

Once the sides were surged she recommended just using sticky witchery tape to bind the sides. All it required was ironing. Can you say easy? In just under an hour I had two 60x108 panels awaiting my window and all for about $80. That's a steal!

Those curtains wiped us out ha!

We celebrated today by heading out to the movie. I would have to rate it just meh, much like most people rated it. Perhaps a rental. I am just glad it ended good because it started out a little depressing and slow. The biggest disappointment was not showing any of the men they referred to in the movie at all. Kinda buggy, but entertaining. I was excited to come home and find the rod I had ordered sitting happily by my front door. Doug hung them for me when he got home and I am really pleased with the outcome. Not to mention another task checked off the list!

Next month I will be adding a butter colored sheer behind the tan just to give it some more color.

Ahh, finally the room now appears dark while watching television and even better we have privacy. Yay! Thanks Mesa Sales for a great price on fabric and pottery barn for my rod. Oh, and a extra special thanks to my friends Julie and Kristy!!

Luke Man

Luke with his requested "spikey" do.

The ages of 3 and 5 are some of my very favorite. They are old enough to do things on their own, potty, get dressed, and feed themselves and are so innocent. Life is good once your kids hit 3. Luke continues to surprise me with how much he has grown up in just the past six weeks. We decided to put him into soccer at the last minute with a bunch of his little buddies and it has been the greatest thing. He has had a blast! I think he would eat, drink and live soccer every day if we allowed it. Taylor is much better at documenting video footage and I found this interview on the camera. So funny.

Luke is also my more conservative child. He doesn't like to go out on a limb with anything. Luke does things at his OWN pace. This morning I was cracking up because he woke up and said in the most enthusiastic voice, "Mom can you make my hair into a Mohawk?! (I later found out the real reason he wanted it, his friends have that hairstyle). I think he meant more of a faux hawk which much of the time I style Weston's hair into. I happily agreed to add in some extra gel knowing full well that by the time he reached school it would be flat again. He has a little curl and very thin hair, opposite than my other boys. If he could only be in kindergarten forever *sigh* or "foreber" as Luke would say.

Top of The Mornin' To Ya!

AZ morning sunrise

Back when Doug and I were very first married I was a morning person. I loved to get up early to start the day (unless of course it was freezing outside). It was a guarantee that my eyes would pop open and be awake at the latest by 7:30am. (even on the weekends--it used to drive Doug insane). I am not sure when the tables turned. In our household Doug has been known to create and say some of the craziest things. One of his more popular sayings is...... in the most high pitched Irish voice, "Top of the Mornin' To Ya!" It can be quite obnoxious, but it has now become a joke in our house. Perhaps having to get up early to be at the hospital at the crack of dawn has done it. At any rate Doug is definitely WAY more of a morning person than I am. Despite my constant battle to stay in bed my alarm goes off at 5:30am whether or not I would like it too. Eventually I find my self rolling out of bed about 15 minutes later (after a few snooze smacks).

Some may think that is a little early, but in order for me to fit in my exercise regiment for the day I really don't have a choice. I really miss loading up my boys in the double stroller and doing my 3-4 mile walk each day. I am afraid with our schedules those days are long over. I have found that running 3-4 times a week isn't as enjoyable as walking.

Our first step

We have been wanting to put Taylor on some sort of exercise regiment for a while. Kids just don't "play" the way they used to. Things such as bike riding, running around, and being outside is becoming a thing of the past. Blasted electronics anyway! Don't misunderstand, I don't think my daughter is fat or needs to loose weight, I just think that getting outside and being in the fresh air does wonders for your soul. I am hoping it will also teach her the principal early to bed/early to rise. Cheesy, but I think Taylor struggles with going to bed much too late, causing her to be dragging ALL day long.

The moon was full and heading up as we were leaving.
Very cool!

We struck a deal with her that if she walks three times a week (MWF) with me for the next month she would in return be able to have a chef party with 5-6 of her friends. (Something that she has been REALLY wanting to do). I think it's a win/win for all. I not only will have someone to go with, but I think it will be a fun time to bond with her. Another bonus is she will also be passing off something in her Faith in God book. Wish us luck!

Extraordinaire

Me and Janet

With just a little over a week to plan, I was able to pull off a surprise 80th birthday party for my grandma on Saturday afternoon. To be honest, I wasn't sure who to call except for family members, but luckily I got a hold of her phone book and quickly jotted down a few people I "recognized" or heard of her mentioning in the past. I couldn't have done it alone, my party committee included, Doug, my dad, Susanne and Janet. I think she was a little in shock upon opening the door to find people she hadn't seen in years.

Happy Birthday Grandma!
Is she not the cutest 80 year old??
I can only hope I look HALF as good as her.

We set a table up in the entry for cards

In order to be sly we had people park in the back of the house (they are on 1.5 acres). Many thanks to our valet parking attendants to my Dad and Doug. I think the biggest key to throwing together something so quick was making it WAY simple. All we served was cake and punch with some chex mix. Easy. Also, instead of spending a lot of money on a banner (which I was going to do) I went to home depot picked up a painting canvas and painted the sign my self. Because of this I was able to have everyone sign it so she would remember who came.

You can't see all of the signatures, but my favorite was the one my Papa wrote to her. It read, "I met you nearly 61 years ago and loved them all." I Love You--Boyd. So cute!

Besides baby Ashton my kids were the only little people at the party. They had a blast as always with my dad. He thought it was funny to duct tape their mouths (as did they). Hmmm maybe I should try that more often around my house :)

I snapped this photo of Doug and Taylor and it's one of my favorites. Taylor was in the middle of negotiating who knows what in order to get her phone back (remember our behavior issues lately?...)

Dad, Uncle Phil and Papa

I learned over the years when holding a party in order to wrap things up (it had been 2 hours) I began cleaning up. It worked like a charm. The house was empty by 5:45pm which worked out perfect. Doug headed off to the ASU game with Jared (hence his spirit shirt). Overall, I think it was an extraordinaire party! It isn't too often I can get these three Hughes men smiling all at once (they aren't too fond of cameras). Happy Birthday Grandma. Love you!!!