Five For Friday

1) Never did I realize that volunteering to make a dessert (that I have never made) would go so wrong. I spent an entire afternoon "whipping" something that NEVER seemed to set. Tired, SWEATY and now grumpy my kids new how to top things off by spilling a bowl of their after school snack. GRRRRRRR..........

2) Feeling edgy and unlucky, I decided to try my luck by placing on my green lucky charm bracelet given to me by Heather on my birthday.

3) And because I have to match for the most part head to toe, I couldn't resist brushing the dust off of my green shoes that sadly never get worn.

4) Finishing off the outfit with a green shirt completed the bracelet and shoes.

5). Feeling excited that I was able to pull myself together after such a terrible afternoon, it was then when I noticed the pen markings on one of my favorite pairs of jeans. I remembered that I allowed Taylor to borrow my jeans a while back and this was how they were returned. A peace sign and a happy face. What's up with that? Did I change? Nope, I thought it added character not to mention the icing for how my afternoon had gone. Such is life.

Red, White, and Brew

Clouse's, Sharp's, Hunter's, and Gustafson's

Last, but not least I made it in one piece to celebrate Julie's Birthday dinner with friends!
Happy Birthday Julie Dear!

Lunch Is My Thing

RUBIOS!
(Left to Right)
Jessica, Natalie, Gina, Marla, Jenny, Minnie, Tishia and Amber
(photo courtesy of Julie G.)

The school year kicked off with my birthday lunch (falling on Monday the 27th). Due to us now having most of our kids in school for at least a few hours, Monday's have turned into a ladies lunch. Those who know me KNOW that eating lunch is one of my favorite things to do. I am often mocked (well not really too bad) for how much I enjoy even just driving thru to pick up a diet coke and a BRC from El Polo Loco. Forget breakfast and dinner, lunch is my thing. It definitely makes Monday a day to look forward too! Is lunch your thing?

Five For Friday

It's been months since "Friday's" have surfaced on my blog and I thought what better way, then to bring back the famous five for Friday.

1) My latest obsession other than downloading new music to my orange ipod is, listening to scriptures. The best part about it is not having to carry a book around with me. Those who know me, know that books and I often don't get along.

2). You would think by the sight of my street (a view from my front driveway) I was having a raging party. Not so. This happens to be due to the construction of two new homes on our street seen below. It starts around 5:30am and doesn't end until around 7pm. Did I mention the lovely music that goes along with it. I have no opposition to latino music, but 12 hours a day can be a bit much.... I think the worst part is they approved 10 homes in our neighborhood completely different than our models to be put up. This is just another way the economy is lowering the prices of our homes. Grrrrrr............

The "lower end model" across the street "The Caribbean Series" Fulton homes

3)  As if the transition between primary and young woman's was not enough in our home....we have added in periods, bras, braces, junior high, teenage drama, and now glasses.   Just 6 months ago none of this even existed. Did I mention having just ONE daughter is such a fabulous thing. Despite it all we still do love our daughter dearly.  This is about as close as I could get getting a photo of her new spects.  Love you to pieces sweet Taylor Lauren...

4) Luke is a typical middle child. He shadows behind his older brother Jared and the younger brother, Weston often tries to size him up at everything he does. (which sadly happens on some occasions) We have encouraged him to try new things and hopefully he will start excelling in his own "things." He is the first boy in our family to express interest in piano. Not to sure how long it will last, but I will take what I can get.  We sit together everyday after school and even has the notes better memorized than me.

5) I knew and heard the horror stories of how "wild" and crazy little boys can be. Like a niave person I took most of those comments with a grain of salt.  Until my boys got to that stage. Taking them to a store can be quite a nightmare at times, especially if all three are together.My friends can all attest.  Since I had my camera anyway I decided to capture just how my boys act inside of a store. They refer this to their secret "hideout."  

Weston running in and underneath the book tables

This one happened to be Costco.  Yes, be very embarrased for me.  But, to be real this is my life right now and I couldn't help but chuckle, especially when Weston said, "Hey mom get me and Luke like this in our shirts and watch us bump one another." (aka belly touching while jumping in the air) Nice honey.  Ahh boys..... gotta love them!  And just in case you are wondering we don't cage our boys like animals, they do this ALL on their own.  The velvet hammer was dropped by the head master DAD not more than 2 minutes after being caught in the act.

Being 4 is awesome! Look what I can do in public and it's not even Mardi Gras!

The No Brainer

It's a mere 85 degrees outside, nearly noon, and I can't help but be excited about it! Unheard of in August. At any rate I decided to do something out of the ordinary and post a random list which I haven't done for ages. Here it goes:

1. where is your phone? in my purse
2. relationship? going on 14 years and strong.
3. your hair? still growing it out, it seems to grow slower these days.
4. work? constantly, I seem to never sit down
5. your sister(s)? is way better at keeping in touch than me, she is a great friend.
6. your favorite thing? going to lunch
7. your dream last night? I never remember them
8. your favorite drink? sonic happy hour!
9. your dream car? something small and sporty and definitely bright (like yellow)
10. the room you’re in? dead silent (I guess I should check on Weston)
11. your shoes? in the garage
12. your fears? not death, but how I am going to die. (morbid)
13. what do you want to be in 10 years? traveling outside of the U.S.
14. who did you hang out with this weekend? The Hunter's, never a dull moment :)
15. what are you not good at? starting and finishing a book.
16. muffin? blueberry or corn
17. wish list item? I am afraid it would take up too much space.
18. where you grew up? Arizona
19. the last thing you did? changed two little boys beds.
20. what are you wearing? Grey shorts and red shirt.
21. what are you not wearing? jewlery
22. your pet? no pet lives here, thank goodness
23. your computer? am hoping to get an apple for Christmas
24. your life? life is grand
25. your mood? melancholy.
26. missing? lots of furniture around the house, oh and a pool.
27. what are you thinking about? what I should be doing to prepare for pack meeting.
28. your car? Odyssey
29. your kitchen? could use a walk in pantry
30. your summer? Much too short for my likening this year.
31. your favorite color? green or blue that is a tough decision
32. last time you laughed? this morning
33. last time you cried? last week
34. school? if I was ambitious I would go back and get my beauty license.
35. love? everyone needs it right?

Football 101

I swore we would never do it again, (never say never) but taking a year off perhaps softened my heart and we are once again playing tackle football.  It seems as though Texas football would have been a much better league. Not so.  Remember our non touch down never get a 1st down season? Afterall isn't that was Texas is all about?  I know for certain we totally were in the wrong league at the time.  So, once again we start new and fresh and we are already pleased with the results.  Jared's coach for starters is SUPER organized not to mention is awesome with these boys.

Today Jared started his 2nd week of conditioning and full pads.  One thing about Jared is you can put him in any sport and he thrives on it.  In order to prepare for 2.5 hours of practice (4 days a week)..........

1). You must, fuel the body with none other than a bowl of cinnamon life of course--nothing better! (sometimes 2 if necessary).

2). Then you must get your HUGE thing of ice water.  Arizona tends to be a little on the toasty side (100 degrees that is)  Oh, and don't forget your helmet, jersey, and pads.  

3). In order to not have to run a lap or two, punctuality is also a must. 6 o'clock sharp or else!

4) Have a great attitude! (or get embarrased by mom making you smile right before practice--you choose).

5). Practice hard for two hours

Jason and Jared

Happy to be picked up and accomplished yet another day of training! Oh, ya and don't forget your carpool buddy Jason.  Tomorrow start the process all over again.

The Stars Aligned

You would never know the pain and agony by looking at these pictures what it took to get to the lake.  After what seemed to be over a month of planning, fixing trailor tires, driving to 3 locations for a change of registration (another post within itself) the stars aligned and we got on the lake.

I have to admit going to the lake on a Saturday isn't the most ideal day, but it turned out to be a great day!  The weather was in the mid 90's (lower than it has been in weeks) the water was a little chilly, but once you started swimming it was just right.

Our first stop was under a bridge area so the kids could swim and eat lunch.  Heather and I decided to be a adventerous and swam over to a near by cliff so we could jump.  I haven't done that in years.  It only took a few times to have the memories flood back of getting water up my nose and my swimsuit hiked up my bum.  But, it was fun anyhow.  You have to live on the edge sometime right?

It always seems to look much smaller until you climb up the hill.  By this point it was too much effort to try and turn around.  So I had to jump.

Nice jump Jenny (who opens their arms jumping-so dumb)

note to self you end up smacking them on the water duh!

Luke and Weston had a blast swimming around and jumping off of the boat.

Doug was extra stoked he was FINALLY able to try out his Father's Day gift.  I think it took him a while to get used to it (new bindings, different board), but it didn't seem to take long.

Jump Doug jump!

Taylor did some body boarding herself and attempted a few times at skiing.  I think by the end of the day she was tired and decided skiing wasn't her favorite thing to do.

Weston and I (and later Luke) wanted to try body boarding.  I still am in awe how brave Weston is not only in water, but open lake water.  He is most definitely our fish in the family by far.

 Last, but not least we bribed Jared into trying out skiing.  After only 3 times he popped up (just for a minute).  Great job bud!! Next time I am sure it will be that much faster.  Thanks Hunter's for letting us tag along.  You know we are up for a lake trip anyday!

Drake and Josh Rule

It's amazing when the television is on ears become deaf, little bodies become still, and (a) the mind can focus in on one thing. The television. Forget trying to get any of my kids to any task if it's on. Seriously. I do try and limit electronics in our household, but now that the kids are in school Weston still sneaks his way around it. Funny things have occurred since the kids have gone back and it's just me and my buddy again (except on preschool days). One conversation that I recall took place just a few days back. It went something like this:

Deeply focused on the television

me: "Weeeessston"

W: silence

me: "Weeesssttoon"

W: silence

me: (getting louder) "Weston! Where are you?"

W: "In here watching my show"

me: "Well, we have to leave, so turn it off and get your shoes on."

W: "Pleeeeaaaase, just one more minute.."

me: "No, come on!" and proceed to turn off the t.v. (fairly irritated at this point)

W: "Buuutttt, this is a new episode!"

me: "What show are you talking about?" (not really paying too much attention to the show)

W: Drake and Josh

me: (thinking to myself) What 4 year old watches Drake and Josh? "Don't you want to watch something else?"

W: "No this is a good show!" "I love it"

I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and sit and watch some of it with him. He got a tad more comfortable (see below) Much to my surprise it was actually really clean and quite funny. I too was sucked in. I guess long are the days of sesame street......we've moved on to sitcoms! Perhaps this is what happens when you are the baby of teenagers and older siblings. Who knew?

Youth That Surround Us

Trip down memory lane in New Orleans

Shawn, Jon, and Doug

Doug received his first young men's calling while we were living in New Orleans. He was called to the young men's presidency and had the opportunity to serve with some of his close friends. Then moved on to the stake level. From the moment he was set apart he did everything with those boys. On one outing they even went to an ostrish farm and ate the eggs for breakfast (pretty exotic if you ask me).  He grew close to these boys, loved serving them and became their friends and mentors. He was able to serve for approximately two years before we moved to Texas.

San Antonio ward youth Sunday school class

About a year after being in our San Antonio ward Doug was once again placed as a teacher in the youth, but this time as a Sunday school teacher. He truely loved that calling and I never (if he did I don't recall) heard him complain a single ounce about teaching. He held onto that calling for the remaining 5 years in San Antonio. How? I really don't know, perhaps because he did such a great job. He was released the week before he moved to Arizona. I think it was bitter sweet. He definitely loved it, but I think was ready for the next chapter.......

Youth Trek, March 2009

Little did he know that was just a stepping stone for what he was called to a month after moving to Chandler. He is now officially going on his second year as the Young men's President. I think initially he wasn't sure how he was going to juggle a new job, adjusting to a new city, family AND a huge calling. But, somehow we have just made things work and I know for certain our family has been tremendously blessed because of it.

We have had the opportunity to meet some amazing kids. Once again, Doug has some how managed to be loved by the youth (not that it's to awfully hard in my opinion) He has a connection, a gift, and I really admire him for all of his hard work and time he puts toward these boys. He has been contemplating a challenge for all of the youth. And when his brain gets set on a project/challenge he can't stop thinking about it until it happens. Back in July Doug really felt strongly that his priests (including deacons and teachers) should read the Book of Mormon.  Afterall, they are now in the path of getting prepared for their missions.  That small idea arose into a HUGE combined activity. This activity pretty much as consumed his mind, thoughts and resources for the past few months.  With the help of friends and other leaders they came up with the BOOK OF MORMON CHALLENGE amazing race style.

The kids engraved their names at one of the stations

I will have to say I am in awe with how awesome it turned out. It was a pretty cool production, I only wish I could have captured more images (I got there super late).

Captain Moroni (aka Joe)

He broke all the kids into 6 teams of 12 (orange, red, black, camo, purple, and green) each was given a challenge which consisted of a decoder. Each team had to go around to a leader (dressed in book of mormon characters)

Samuel the Lamanite (aka Mike)

In order to get their clue for the next station they had to "guess" who each character was. Some were good and some were bad. Obviously the bad was just there to taunt, try and deter them away from the correct path.

Laban and Lemuel (aka Mark and Bryant)

They tried to trick the kids by offering brownies, which ended up being full of salt. So sneaky!

I am bummed I didn't capture more of the teams.  The orange team (seen above) was trailing behind finding clues. I think they may have been tempted too much eh um by those brownies. Overall, the activity was pretty powerful I am excited to see how the school year goes, they have until May to finish The Book of Mormon challenge. Way to go honey you are one awesome leader!!

San Tan Stormers

We are now nearly two weeks into the new school year.  It seems as though the kids are adjusting to their new teachers and curriculum for the year.  We had a few minor bumps with Taylor's schedule, but after meeting with her councelor things are finally ironed out.  I am not sure if I am totally ready to be a parent of a junior higher, but such is life!  Next up soccer, football and a new piano player in the family!

Weston excited to start his last year of preschool

**sniff, sniff**

Lemon Yellow Sun

Ahh..... relaxation baby!

I don't normally quote Pearl Jam, but I felt it was appropriate since we spent the last week in California soaking up the yellow rays. We left bright and early Thursday morning arriving at the beach around 11am.

Going from 110 degree weather down to 70 degrees for the high, was most definitely worth the 6 hour drive. Welcome to Carlsbad, C A L I F O R N I A !!!!!!!


Dad and Mom C. went down each day around 8am to stake out a spot so we would have plenty of room and shade to hang for the day.

We played, ate, dug in the sand, swam and sat in the sun literally all day. It was absolutely glorious! Maybe got a little gritty as well.........

After a few times of Luke asking what he could build, Doug gave him the challenge of digging a hole as big as him. Truthfully, I don't think he thought it would happen. But, by the help of others this mound became...........

Someone's grave site, yikes! It was clearly above all their heads by the end of the day they even dug until they hit water.

Haleigh, Kathy, Dean and Doug

Read trashy magazines, newspapers and books


Taylor celebrating young womanhood!

Duane strategically thinking his next move

Doug's brother Duane and sister Sheri joined us Friday night so we played a pretty intense game of dominoes. I think it was the longest on record.

chicken feet style

The view from mom and dad's condo, watching the sun go down. Does it get any better?

Taylor celebrated her birthday Friday blowing out ALL 12 candles. I think she was most happy about graduating from primary. Welcome to young woman's Tay!

We took strolls in the early evening. Luke and Weston have decided that wrestling everywhere we go is a must including on top of fire hydrants. Whose children are these anyway?

me: Pose on this cool tree kids.
in unison: "do we have to mom?!!"
me: Yes, we are having so much fun!

Weston, Bret, Jared and Luke

4 rambunctious boys who appear to be eating (but don't let them kid you they didn't touch anything--except maybe Bret), just imagine the looks not to mention the noise level........

We ate at Island Burger for dinner. Jordan and Taylor decided to sit at another table.

(see reason above)

They may have had a ton of energy, but to their credit they swam themselves to exhaustion. I have never seen boys play this hard in the sun for 3 straight days.

All the girls
Haleigh, Taylor, Jenny, Kathy, Jordan, Makayla, Kristi and Tatum

Due to our long hours spent on the beach we all got a little fried, but nothing that a little aloe couldn't resolve. The weather was absolutely perfect, clear blue skies we couldn't have asked for anything better. Thanks Carlsbad....... until next year!