Gratitude

This rainbow was so large I couldn't even get a entire view on my camera with it!

I am a few days late for the week of Thanksgiving, however I couldn't help but stop and express my gratitude for today. It rained. Those of you who know and live in Arizona know that it seldom comes. Just look what I saw coming home from scouts. Is that not the most amazing site ever? So, thank you Heavenly Father for sharing a little bit of your rain with us today in the desert. (even if I do have to run it in, in the morning).

SPT--SLR (Canon 20D-Borrowed) Yet Smitten

Loving the manual setting.....and a little SP too.

Betcha Can't Catch Me

It never fails that each day when my kids come home from school they are immediately looking for forms of entertainment. Most of the time I feel like a broken record giving them ideas, but on some occasions they use their imagination and just play like kids are supposed to. Last Friday I happened to catch them in their element playing hide go seek. Luke thought I was Taylor so when he saw that someone was coming he immediately shut the door for fear he was caught in the act.

It then became a game that I was the monster coming to get them out of the closet.

Ah, ha caught red handed. This face is such a classic Luke face, I love it.

Little did I know that when I opened the door I would find his partner in crime aka brother Jared. Holding not one, but two illegal items that don't belong in my craft closet. 1). A ball. 2). Eating candy in a place other than the kitchen.

Weston didn't quite make it to base and is getting stopped by his big sister.

Determination

We may only be a few months into piano lessons, but I have to admit I love having her play. I have yet to have to make her practice. (I am aware we are just beginners, but still...) She gets on it before school as well as after without being told. Thanks to all of your advice, this was probably one of the best purchases I have made thus far. Why I didn't get one sooner? I'll never know.

My little perfectionist.

Peppermint Bubbles

Mom: "Hey Luke, what are you doing?"
L: No response, puzzled look

Mom: "Weston, what in the world are you doing?"
W: No response--swimming like a fish literally diving in the tub.

This appears to be a tender moment, but truth be known they were wrestling one another in the bathtub. Don't worry I WAS supervising them at all times. And then I found out what the swimming, diving in the bubbles, and wrestling was REALLY all about.

THIS!
You would have thought it was a treasure. A piece of plastic given to Weston by Magnus.

The things they do. Boys.

Peralta Trail

As a young girl, I was always intrigued by the Superstition Mountain. My grandparents bought me a few books on the lost Dutchman and other mystery books regarding all of the legends of the mountain. I remember being determined to be the one to find gold (a girl can have dreams right?) I first hiked the Peralta trail at the age of 10 or 11-ish. Since then I probably hiked it 2 or 3 more times. I haven't hiked that trail in 20 years, until today.

It first Saturday in months we had a free day. No soccer games, no church meetings, no birthday parties, bottom line NO PLACE TO BE. Because the weather has cooled down (significantly to us anyway) I thought it would be a great idea to take the kids out hiking. Afterall, we have gorgeous desert mountains that surround us with only a short distance from home. I knew it would be challenging having Luke and Weston in tow, but that didn't seem to stop my determination to hike together as a family unit.

view from the parking lot

They all started out excited and ready to hit the trail. However, not more than 500ft on the trail, the complaining began and truthfully never stopped (unless distracted by a song now and again).

Just starting out (hence all the big smiles)

It also wasn't long after we started Doug became a mode of transportation for Weston. Complaints soon turned into his feet not being able to go any further. This of course was followed by a full blown melt down on the rocks. Lovely.

Weston and Daddy

With the trail only being 2.25 miles we thought for sure we could at least make it more than half way to the top. I had to chuckle when Doug said this is a good test of our trek and being patient with the youth if they start to complain. I fear I am SO not prepared.

Encouraging Luke that he CAN do this.

We hit the 1 mile mark and that was it. The little boys were just too tired, so Jared and I decided to try and go as far as we could. Jared was a big trooper and didn't complain the entire time. We were probably still a good 1/2 mile from the top, but we didn't want to leave dad behind so we headed back down.

Jamming to his ipod to "Allstar" (his favorite song)

Despite us not making it quite to the top, the views were still breathtaking. There is just something unique and beautiful about the Arizona desert. Lesson learned, next time we'll leave the little ones behind and we WILL get to the Weavers Needle lookout point.

Movie Night

Daddy cuddling with his boys

Over the past few months since our sofa has arrived we have really enjoyed using it, especially as a family. In fact even though the kids have their own quarters downstairs (tv included), they tend to favor the one upstairs. Either Friday or Saturday night (which ever one works) we normally try and rent a movie. Tonights choice: Kung Fu Panda.

And watching a movie just isn't the same without some fresh hot popcorn even if it has some runts and skittles mixed in. Boys choice of course.

Missionary Dinner

I admire this man who takes his calling so very seriously. I can only imagine the different stresses he has juggling work, young mens president and our family. And yet he does and relates so well to the youth, even if it entails spending your Friday night planning an activity. Doug currently has approximately 6-7 boys that have just graduated from high school. He would love to see each and every one of them go out and serve missions. Therefore, he organized a "Mission" night and had 4 leaders come over with different foods from where they served. Everyone that knows Doug, KNOWS that he can make some pretty mean eggrolls. As I helped him prepare the ingredients I couldn't help but smile at the giddiness he had remaking the food he ate for a solid 2 years. Elder Clouse's (aka Som Kit's) Process:

Ingredients: cabbage, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, cooked ground pork, vermicelli asian noodles, a dozen eggs, salt, pepper, and oyster sauce.

Using spring roll wraps, putting just the right amount and wrapping them into desired form. Because the recipe is so large it normally yields 80 Thai Spring rolls.

It wouldn't be right if we didn't add sticky rice as a side dish. The best part you can mold it into balls in your hands and eat with your bare fingers. Yummy!

Watching the boiling vegetable oil, very very carefully.

These eggrolls have a serious technique, if not followed properly you can end up with an unpleasant result (not to mention the smell of burned grease in your home).

Luckily, that wasn't the case and we ended up with some delicious golden brown authentic Thai eggrolls (yes, they are as good as they look)

Note: Preparations began approximately 3 hours before the actual guests arrived. I personally like to have the kitchen rid of grease or any dishes (not too shocking eh?) I was also anxious to see what the other leaders had on their "menus."

Our spread included a Peruvian seafood dish, black beans and rice (Guatemalan style) and the best good old fashioned Omaha, NE steaks.

My cute friend Tiffany (I love this photo of you!)

Allen and Talin

Doug was thrilled with the turnout and the food asortment was fabulous.

Bishop Brown, Adam, baby Nash, Ashton, and Reese

Brother Meeker, James, Talin, Rockan, Bishop Brown, Allen and Doug

We finished up dinner and the young men had their "Missionary Training" class. We were strongly advised to take the children downstairs to play.

The boys watched Toy Story 2, while we sat and chatted amongst ourselves (coffee talk style)

Weston, Luke, Hershal, and Bo

Baby Nash just sat in his momma's arms as cute as can be. Quite a success if I do say so myself!

A Day With Weston

I don't need your help, I can do it MYSELF!

On most days I am constantly reminding my boys (mainly my younger ones) to wash their hands after using the potty. I have never really documented any of my children washing their hands, but found it to be quite amusing via the camera lens. I am by no means a camera expert. Most of the photos I took today are primarily practice and unfortunately I only had one subject at this particular time. This is my first experience on a manual setting thanks to my friend Sarah (check her site out if you have the chance) who was generous enough to loan me her fabulous camera! As you can see natural lighting without a flash is tricky. (at least for me right now)

W: "Mom this water is TOO hot!"

It wouldn't be washing your hands without splashing a little water.

"Hey Mom look, it's getting in my eyes!"

......Yes, I am pretty cute.

Without Luke around, Weston finds himself bored on most occasions. Apparently mom as a playmate just isn't the same as your brother. I can't say that I blame him really. On the days he doesn't have preschool you can find him roaming the house along with repeating these phrases:

1). "Can I play Nintendo DS?
2). "I'm hungry!!" (in the most demanding whiny voice possible)
3). "Mom, when and where are we going?"

Just to prove that I don't starve my 3 year old child.I actually took the time to walk through the process of cutting up an apple with him. Of course, I couldn't do it, Weston specifically instructed that he wanted to do it ALL by himself.

Step 1: First you have to pick it out of the bag....

Step 2: Make sure you wash it really good....

Step 3: I want to cut it by myself, without YOUR help mom!

Step 4: Hmmm that is tasty, you want some mom??

Despite his demanding nature I really do love this little guy. How can you not resist this sweet face? Practicing a little self portrait of ourselves (yet again a little tricky)

Next up CARS!!!