Rainbow Connection

Last Saturday the youth in our stake put on a "Play in A Day" and literally they spent the entire day learning parts to perform later on that evening. They had about 7 musicals they took several familiar musicals (Little Mermaid, etc) and mormonfied them (is that a word??). Some of them were quite cleaver which wre mostly all written by the leaders. Unfortunately, there were also some we couldn't hear a word due to the youth not speaking loud and clear. There was about 200 that participated. Too me, that is an impressive number coming from Doug's Sunday school class of 6 active youth. I was most amazed with not only little time, but the costumes and props they had. This particular skit that discussed food storage cracked me up. Check out the cans of green beans--those boys were wearing green swim caps. Too funny!

Je--l-ll--0 Song

Monday I invited a few friends over for lunch. Kelly just recently moved here from Oregon (such a small world eh?) It's always fun to meet up with imaginary friends after communicating via blogging for nearly 3 years. We all seem to have a connection of some sort, the most common one all being graduates from Mountain View. Go Toros!

Apparently Gavin was the villian whom they were running from.

Miss PQ, Davyn, and Gavin

My Weston wasn't so sure at first about these "new" little people coming over to play, but after a while he seemed to warm up some. I officially met Davyn and Miss PQ (whom are both darling). I think the highlight of the day for them was running back and forth chasing one another. Hey when you have the room why not?

Our self timer shot (courtesy of the ledge in kitchen)
Sam, Courtney, Bella, Jennifer, Amy, Kelly and Jenny
(left to right)

Since moving into our new house I am constantly looking for cheap decorating ideas. (using the old and turning it into new). You can see by my bare walls I have a lot to do. My dad came over today to hang a few more shelves that were formerly in our living room in San Antonio. The beauty of cheap is taking what you have to create a new look. I took a simple can of spray paint to Taylor's purple pig and turned him green. I did the same with these plain white letters (which I bought for super cheap at Hobby Lobby--months ago).

Doug has recently taken our old dining room table and sanded it completely down to the natural wood color. He then took and stained it to be a dark espresso. I am LOVING the way it has turned out. Even better it only cost $8 for a new look! He is going to paint our old chairs black and I am considering putting a cushion on them to "dress" it up for a more formal appearance.

When I went to check on the boys one last time I found them all gathered in the same room. It cracks me up that Luke was using his pillow for his feet and a blanket for his head. I love that my boys all look out for one another (it seems mostly at night). Don't get me wrong there are definite days they fight, but for the most part they really do love each other. It dawned on me last night that we have been in our new home for almost two months. So much has gone on and changed. My kids now each have their own room (can you tell they still like close quarters). We have been lucky to have so many connections moving back. Meeting up with old friends and discovering new ones. I do miss my Texas friends, but most of them will be moving on at some point and no longer call that place home. It made me realize how much we truly live a colorful life. The best part is no matter where we are, that connection remains the same.

Don't Get Too Comfy

Moving into this house has been a process for me. I am starting to feel more and more comfortable as time goes on. I think it helps that school has started and I am able to see the same faces on a daily basis. We were fortunate enough to move to an area where the church is strong and so many children surrounding us. A huge bonus that Luke has found a buddy (Mangus) and Taylor has already exchanged phone numbers with several little girls, I know Jared has as well (we just don't hear much about it).

The kids and myself are going on just over 6 weeks living in our new area. We have been at church 4 out of those 6 weeks and I am just now starting to get name and face recognition. Last week we got word that they would be splitting our stake and adding two additional wards. This is good right? Meaning our area is growing and more and more members are moving into Chandler. Unfortunately, we really didn't think it would effect us. I never thought I would be bummed about being separated from people I just barely met. Wrong. We attended a stake meeting tonight going over the new boundaries.

This really isn't anything new to us since we just did this literally 9 months ago in San Antonio. I have decided change no matter how short or long is hard. Period. Us and another family in our subdivision was placed into a new ward and the remaining 70% of the "familiar faces" were kept in the other ward. I know that good things will come of this and that it was done by the Lords hand, but that doesn't make it easy. I think the hardest part was coming home to tell Taylor and Jared the news. As a parent you worry about your kids making friends, especially in a new environment. Luckily, my kids are pretty outgoing, but still...... Taylor's little friends that she paired up with are now in a different ward completely.

It's strange to be in an area and having someone live 1 block south of you in a different boundary. This is completely new coming from New Orleans and San Antonio. I explained to her that we still at their number and can still play at their house, but sometimes words aren't very comforting. (especially to a tween). Needless to say we had some major tears flowing, along with our sad Jared saying "now we have to meet all new friends all over again." My heart sank when I heard him say that. Really all I could say was, I know, but it will be fine I promise. We will get through this and we weren't the only families effected. There were several tears shed at the meeting tonight, so I can only imagine those families who have lived here for a few years must have felt. I know my kids are resilient, but that doesn't mean my heart doesn't ache for them. As a mother hen it's tough to see you chicks struggle. I just have to keep self talking, things will be alright.

Doug Time

I have never gone on a vacation without getting a tad homesick for my kids. This was definitely an exception. I could have stayed another week without thinking about it. I knew the kids were in good hands and what better vacation than spending time with friends one day and Doug the next?

Saturday we went for a 3 mile walk and headed out the door for lunch at Red Robin. We both really wanted to see a movie and the Dark Knight was at the top of the list. At first, I feared it may be pretty dark, but it didn't disappoint. Heath Ledger did an AMAZING job. And if you are any type of a Christian Bale fan you MUST see it. Doug and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. We finished up the day with more shopping for Taylor (her birthday is coming up) and headed back to the Gordon's to hang out. Good times.

left to right
Claudia, visitor?, Raoul, Doug, Ryan, Nathan and Eric

Today we headed over to our old ward. I couldn't believe how many families have moved in over the past 3 weeks upon our departure. Other than a handful of friends that we have there, I really felt like it wasn't our ward anymore. Despite our records already transferred Doug still is teaching his youth Sunday school class. We had intentions on just staying for sacrament, but he ended up teaching (well more like a thought) for Sunday School. This was the first time in several weeks they all were there. One more Sunday down and only one more to go!

Just What I Needed

I thought this was a cool SP at the temple

Doug and I went to a 6pm temple session on Friday. It was wonderful. Going to the temple is normally a great thing, but Friday was different. I felt like I needed to be there and actually went on a prompting. I left a blubbery mess, but I walked away feeling grateful for eternal families and having a strong happy marriage.

The boys finally got their names on their jersey's.
So cute!

Saturday without going into a long drama saga was interesting. Jared's team lost for the 5th straight game in a row. They had homecoming, which in my opinion was a bit to over the top for 7 year olds. I left feeling pretty disappointed and angry all at once. My friend was escorted off the premises because she gave her son his inhaler on the field--parents normally aren't allowed (granted other words and such were exchanged) but seriously calling the cops?? Give me a break. I was sensing a bit of racial tension. This isn't the first incident either. No worries we weren't involved, just others we know. Doug and I are very unhappy with how things are going with his league and may not continue due to these circumstances. I left with a bad taste in my mouth for sure.

doggy good mail and audible good mail!

Later on I went to the mailbox to find these two delightful items, that seriously turned my day around. My good friend Lucy and I share a love for "So You Think You Can Dance" and she burned several songs from the show onto a cd. Taylor automatically stole it and has not stopped listening to it. It definitely is getting me excited for November when we actually get to see them perform. Yay! Andrea (the shoe obsessed) sent a sweet package for our newest doggy member. And you can bet I will be using both. Thanks Andrea. Both made my day.

Jen and Ang
Dinner at Tiago's bar

Angie and I went and treated ourselves to pedicures Saturday night, went to eat and headed over to the stake center to watch the broadcast. Unfortunately, the satellite was down and they had the radio setup. It seriously sounded like we were in the stone age with crackling noises in the background. We ended up leaving (I know bad) and hooked up with some friends afterwards to indulge in one of these. So yummy!

The new Huebner building--almost finished

Today was bitter sweet. It was the last day we would be meeting as a ward. Next Sunday evening we will be meeting to find out the boundary changes and ward splits. (I wish they would have done it today instead of conference weekend!) I know for certain we will no longer be attending the stake building because the new one is literally right down the street. I am excited to be in the new building, but nervous and sad to see who we will be loosing. I almost felt like today was a goodbye meeting (which I guess it kinda was) our lesson in Relief Society was so touching. Each member of the presidency got up and shared an experience of how they have been served by others. I was glad I was able to hear because I definitely needed it. Here is one of the quotes that was read:

"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together"
(Luch Mack Smith)

good deed: Saturday helped Doug wash his car
good deed: had some friends over for dinner.

Golfing Lesson 1

I come from a history of golfers in my family. For starters, ever since I was very small I can remember my dad going golfing. It was a social event. He would go with old friends, work people and other family members. He even likes golf enough to name pets after them! We used to have a Bogie golden retriever, and now he has a lab named Putty. Doug has also enjoyed a game of golf as long as I have known him. I often thought he was crazy to borrow his mom's Cadialac just for the look driving up to a golf course. He is such a nerd! I don't think there is a sport out there that he doesn't like. This year he has made it a goal to bring back his hobbies. After slaving 5 years of pure medicine, he has forgotten how to "have fun" Golfing is one of those goals. Yesterday when he asked me if I wanted to join him to hit a bucket of balls, I have to admit it really didn't sound appealing. I am absolutely clueless about it and well, me and sports don't mix. You would think living in AZ I would catch the golf bug. Hello I am 32, so nope not yet. Yesterday, I decided to give it a try. And you know it wasn't too bad! Obviously there is no way I could play nine holes without some major practice, but it's a start.

I had no idea I was being filmed.
Note to self: straighten my arm!

I can already tell my swing in the above photo is a big no-no. The advantage to having a well-rounded sport guy around is his ability to teach you things. Holding the club properly is a challenge in it of itself. Add that with the proper swing and it is VERY hard. I managed to hit a few balls, but nothing fabulous. I will say it was fun just to hang out even if it was only 40 minutes. The golf course is so quiet and peaceful. All you hear is the birds chirping, which by the end of yesterday listening to my house of noise was pure bliss. Who knows we may have found a sport to do together like these guys.

Today was stake conference and what I would have done to be back on that peaceful golf course. I tried to take notes, but it was next to impossible. It is definitely challenging to sit and listen with my littles. I know it will someday pass, but for now it's just hard. I did manage to get one thing out of the talks today which really hit home. So, I leave with one message. One of the speakers said that we as parents say harsh words we often later regret. (I think that says me written all over it!) It often is harder for them to forget those words sometimes. They often leave an imprint on their minds. Make sure we take time to praise our children EACH and everyday and tell them we love them always.


good deed: took notes in church

7th Heaven

Taylor and Jared pretending to be scared
that the lights went out.

Last night the lights went out for about 45 minutes. It really seemed longer because it started to get warm. The funny thing was I was on the computer and Doug was watching t.v. so when the lights went out we were a bit lost as to what to do. A sad state of affairs if you thing about it. It dawned on me how much we depend on electricity. I pulled out his laptop and we started downloading music into the itunes to put together some music on my ipod. I didn't have any music on it yet (and I got it for Mother's Day) I was using his for running. So by candlelight we had a romantic night jamming out to some tunes on the computer. Good times.

This morning I called down to ask Angie something before church and she sounded AWFUL. Unfortunately she got the nasty cold/sore throat I had a week ago. I immediately told her to get her girls some dresses and I would come down and do their hair and just take them to church with us. I was glad she complied easily (normally I have to beg a little more) I knew she needed the rest and Greg was still out of town. We loaded up 7 kids and away we went!

getting ready for prayer before church--we were even on time!

The kids were so good. We had the older 4 sit in front of us and the three littles sat with us. Luckily after yesterday my boys did much better than I had anticipated. Doug leaned over to me after sacrament and said 7 kids--no problem. Yeah, right. All I know is I have more respect for gals like this. Or my mother n' law for that matter. (she had six as well) I don't know how you do it on a daily basis. After church Doug suggested that we just take the girls home with us and feed them some lunch so Angie could rest before having to go pick up Greg from the airport.

Weston acting like Taylor is a horse.
I know nice attire :)

Taylor and Mackenzi planned another great FHE. I am beginning to think that having the kids prepare it is definitely the way to go. Last week Doug picked up several of these and decided to just go through each topic for the lessons. Tonight it was on gratitude. We discussed a little bit about it and Taylor read a scripture in Luke. Doug made brownies for dessert and during the "cooking" period we played some charades. It was fun to see what the kids came up with. Gotta love the imaginations of kids. My boys crashed at 7pm due to no naps. It ended up being a great Sunday!

**what are your top 3 running songs on your ipod?**
{mine are below}

good deed: took the Gordon girls to church.

Normalcy

Showing off our fancies before church
(can you believe I got that dress for $4.99?)
I really should have bought more.

You can just imagine the expression on my face when I found out the news Taylor would be singing a duet in church a few weeks ago. First, I have to say Doug nor I really have a clue about music, let alone singing. I asked the primary music time person, "Are you sure?" She said Taylor is one of our strongest singers. Today she made her debut on the pulpit with another little girl singing this, while the senior primary (8-12 yrs) rang the bells. There was only ten total of them. That is what you call a small primary! I was kinda bummed Doug didn't get to see her in her glory. And she wouldn't even sing it for him when he asked her this afternoon.

We left church about 45 minutes early to pick Doug up from the airport. I had dinner waiting when we got home, which was delicious. We are creatures of habit and I made the pork dinner with stuffing. All is well. Doug is back home the kids were back to climbing on him and I am back to being the not so "fun" parent in the house. Which I am definitely OKAY with.

On a side note: I had a little scare this afternoon. I thought I was without internet and phone (which are oddly connected) I called the cable company and they said they wouldn't be able to come out until Wednesday! What? Come to find out the big cord that runs the show was unplugged I plugged it in and I was back in business. 3 days without cable, phone and internet would have been a sad event in our house. Or as Doug would say are only means to connect with the outside world.

good deed: donated some of Weston's old clothes.