If You Go On A Date With Doug......

especially if it is his birthday, you allow him to choose the restaurant. Buffalo Wild Wings was his choice so I couldn't pass up a Diet Coke. Doug was good and chose ice water. We ordered wings, french fries and Doug an appetizer.

Then I proceed to mooch a few bites off his salad (a big pet peeve of his), but I needed just a little something to hold me over for our wings we were about to recieve.

Of course during this time, it's important to text Taylor just to make sure things back at the headquarters are running smoothly. Once we shoved our faces (sorry no visual) and licked our fingers of wing sauce it was time to head over to walk it off next door at Chandler mall.

We couldn't pass up walking by the Verizon store to check out the newest, latest Droid, but unfortunately we were disappointed since they weren't quite hooked up yet. No fun playing with a phone if it's not on! However, it is exciting that we have something at least close to an iphone. We continued walking and this store caught our eye.

I remembered a jacket we saw in there a few weeks ago for Doug and since he had some birthday money, he decided to reconsider that jacket he was eyeing. And walked away a little happier much thanks to birthday money from mom and dad. After browsing a few more stores and purchasing a new set of headphones for his ipod, we both decided a treat was a must. (well I did).

Tishia, Amber and Jenny

So, we drove over to our new favorite yogurt shop, Golden Spoon. And guess what? We ran into a few familiar faces and their spouses. We sat, chatted and I licked my bowl clean. Yummy, yum. And yes I made them take a photo (even though it is dark).

My favorite, blueberry palmogranite with granola on top.

And then it was time to head home, not too late, not too early with a little Pulse 26 in the background....it was a pleasant evening out. Next week, I think I may do it all over again!

Five For Friday

1). Guess what the cat dragged in around 1am last night? A mountain man? I don't think my husband went to a study course, but maybe ended up on a desolate island? Last I checked the Wal-mart in Maine carried razors. Apparently, he couldn't find that aisle. Ha. Doug has weird traditions such as going on the trauma service to grow facial hair. He used to do the same thing up at BYU before a test. He wouldn't shave until the day of (well he had to for standard reasons) Whatever works for good luck eh? This is the first time I have ever seen him grow a full beard. Remember his Halloween costume? At this point I'll take any look I can get. I am tickled my man is home!

2). The kids had their last swimming meet of the season today. This is Taylor and Jared with coach Dan. Jared improved his time in each event by a few seconds, as did Taylor. Great job guys!

3) Since Doug has been home you know where the boys have flocked to? Not me! They can't seem to get enough of dad. Fabulous!

4) Taylor and Mackenzi met when they were 4 years old. So hard to believe how much time has passed. Look how sweet and innocent they looked. (not that they still aren't :) Today is Mackenzi's 10th Birthday. Happy Birthday Kenzi!! We love you like a daughter and hope you have a great day!

5) We are off to get some stuff prepared for are upcoming drive to Arizona, then to Red Robyn for dinner. Yummy!! I can't believe Sunday is already July. Doug takes his boards a week from Monday. Crazy!

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!

good deed: Helped Doug do the yard.

Lucky Baby

I always wanted my kids birthday to be in the spring time. It is such a refreshing time of the year. Everything is bright and lush. Well, my wish came true two years ago today. My sweet Weston was born on the luckiest day of the year. He was the only one out of our kids that wasn't planned. I couldn't have been more blessed to have his little spirit in our home. It's hard to believe I cried and cried when I found out I was pregnant with him. I don't even know what we would do without him around. He is by far the happiest kid you have ever met. Granted he has his moments, but overall he is very mellow tempered, is constantly giggling and laughing and absolutely LOVES dogs. It's almost comical because Luke is completely polar opposite--he HATES dogs.

Here is Weston just yesterday following around the neighbors dog. It was pretty cute. I picked up some "green" donuts for breakfast for the kids in honor of the holiday. And this afternoon the entire family came over for cake and ice cream. Grandma Dorothy made the most amazing homemade cake. She just seems to have that magic touch when it comes to cooking.

Hmmmm one of the lephrocahn's must have gotten to this one.

The funniest thing was he had no desire to open up any of his presents after the first one. Grandma & Grandpa Clouse bought him a Curious George fire truck. I guess we could have all saved our money if we would have known that right?

Here are some little tid bits we love about Weston:

-He gives lots of hugs.
-He is the best cuddlier.
-He has a great smile and laugh
-He talks more than Luke. (even sometimes more clear)
-He loves to sing songs and ABC's.
-He jugs on soda faster than anyone I know!
-He loves to go swimming (and thinks he can)--kinda scary!
-He is a free little spirit--that's what we love most about him.
Happy Birthday Weston Woo Woo's we love you more than you will ever know!

good deed: hand delivered a thank you note.

Happy Valentines/Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's 51st Birthday.

(what an old man)

Here are 51 things I love and have learned about my dad over the years:

1. He has a great laugh
2. Loves to tease and poke fun at EVERYONE.
3. He is a bit racist, but has a good reason to be he was robbed.

All for $17!
Dumb criminal.

4. He had "paper towel" time with his friends before they got into his car. He couldn't have dirty carmats! Hmm.... I wonder where I got my clean gene from?

Jenny a few days old with dad

5. He was married very young 19 (a whole year before me-ha!)
6. He started his own position at the City of Mesa. He often laughs that he was the "gas man" for the city.
7. He ran a half marathon in California back in the day and said he would NEVER do it again.
8. He loves coke floats more than anyone I know.

Jared & G'pa Stan
3rd birthday

9. He buys my kids the best gifts.
10. Grandpa Stan is their favorite grandpa (shhh don't tell the others).
11. He is obsessed with how he looks. If you feel his hair it feels like a turtle shell due to hairspray.
12. He has blonde wavy hair, it was really blonde until he joined the airforce and had to shave it. It became darker after that.
13. He has only lived in three different states, AZ, TX and LA.
14. He has NEVER driven a used car.


15. He wears Drakkar cologne and has for years.
16. He has to eat oatmeal daily and sometimes prunes.
17. He likes to travel with Susanne.
18. His dream would be to open up a bed and breakfast somewhere, someday.
19. He loves Polo brand shirts.
20. Likes to golf.
21. Doesn't mind walking around in his underware. He used to walk out and get the morning paper when I was a kid in them!
22. Enjoys going to the movies--does this a lot.
23. Shawshank Redemption is one of his favorite flicks.
24. He is a 70's music lover. I can still hear him singing the beach boys when I was a kid. (in my head!)

Jenny, Janet, Dad and Justin
Christmas 2004

25. He has three kids.
26. He is a ASU alumni and is only short a few hours to his masters.
27. He retired from the City of Mesa last year.
28. He loves golden retrievers. He has owned three different ones.
29. He names his dogs after golf terms. Current one is named Putty.
30. He has blue eyes.
31. He is Papa and Grandma's favorite--you can't argue me on that one.
32. Won a spelling bee in 6th grade (or 7th?)
33. Played baseball in highschool.
34. Married someone three years older than my husband.

One of my favorite gifts.

35. Is great at refinishing things. He refinished this old trunk for me one year.
36. Thinks Chia Pets are hilarious (bought me one for Christmas three years in a row) ha ha dad.
37. He has only one brother.
38. He used to be a faithful runner, I don't remember him missing a day when I was younger, but now claims he is too old to do it.

G'pa Stan and Luke
@ Janet's wedding

39. Enjoys his sunglasses.

40. Married his last daughter off last year.
41. Finally moved to an area of the valley he has been talking about for years. Red Mtn. Ranch.
42. Damaged his eardrum while waterskiing when he was younger.
43. Plays with my kids ALL the time--he is a kid at heart.
44. Currently working as a loan officer.
45. Uses more papertowels than anyone I know. I make him buy his own roll when he comes to visit!
46. He knows how to fix up most things around the house. Dad, are you for hire next year?
47. Did his fair share of mischief as a teenager--I am not at all fooled dad that you were an innocent by standard.
48. Great a making up rhymes and funny songs.
49. Was really surprised last year at his birthday party. I can't believe Susanne pulled off a surprise one!
50. Family is important to him.
51. Always makes sure he tells me he loves me on the phone.

We miss and love you dad and hope you have a great day!!

____________________________________________________________________

Happy Valentines Day!!!

A very scary early morning shot before school.
I think they are all half asleep!

good deed: made the kids heart shaped pancakes.