Back On My Saddle......

Grandma & Papa

It's been a rough two weeks. Some days I feel like several months have gone by and other days it seems like no time at all has lapsed. We lost my grandpa on April 22nd at 3:25am. At the point of his passing it was a blessing to see him go. We had watched him struggle and be in discomfort for about a month. He stopped eating a week prior to his death, he lost motor skills (due to another stroke) and he was no longer even communicating with any of us. The last words I heard him speak was on Easter Sunday. As I sat and held his hand stroking his hair, he uttered the words, "Jenny you have always been good to me, I love you. " I never thought that would be the last time I was actually to have a conversation with him, but it was something I will never forget.

The luncheon was held at my grandma's.
It was a perfect setting and something my Papa would have liked.

The funeral was held this past Friday May 1st. My dad did a great job at running the service. They had a Navy ceremony in which my grandma was presented a flag for his time spent in WWII. My dad, uncle Phil, my sister and I were given the opportunity to speak and share a few stories about my grandpa. Up until that day, I had held myself together and was fairly strong. However, once I entered into the funeral doors, I completely lost it. Pictures posted of Papa with us, my grandma all through out our life was hard to see. It's surreal that he is no longer with us. I miss him. His laugh. His smile. Everything about him. I know only time will heal, but for now it's just hard especially seeing my grandma's sweetheart of 61 years no longer by her side.

Ashton enjoying his food.
So cute!

I put fresh flowers inside of a pair of his boots for the centerpieces.

Heather, Gwen, Sarah, Marcia and Tiffany

Despite our families heartache, I have felt the love and service from so many around me. I have hands down the greatest friends. We have had numerous meals brought to us, flowers, cards, texts, and several phone calls all expressing sympathy for my family. I am grateful for each individual whether it was a small or large gesture, it meant a lot. I took it upon myself to organize the luncheon and the sister's from our relief society were so sweet and generous. There were 5 (see above) who came to help, serve, cook and clean up so our family wouldn't be burdened. It brought tears to my eyes to see how willing they were to help us. I know my family was extremely grateful and especially amazed that people they didn't know would come out and serve for them.

Bear Den, Home Depot Trip

April 2009

In the middle of all the craziness we have managed to keep up on every day things. Cheer tryouts came and went. I think Taylor had a wonderful experience (even though she didn't make it) I am proud of her for trying. Baseball games have continued twice a week. We have won some and lost some. A few field trips for scouts, home depot and the police station just to name a few.

All the Stake Leaders

Yee Haw!

Our girls camp kick off was last Wednesday night. We have some seriously talented women in our stake who have pulled together so many fun things. The theme is western this year and each ward has been given a song, mascot, and value that they are to make a skit from. I am excited to be able to go up for a week and see all of the things I wasn't able to experience as a youth. I am lucky enough to go on each of the hikes since they want all of it on film (yay for photography!)

Minnie, Tiffany and Amber (minus Tishia)

Our weekly running group is still going strong. Running has been so great for me, not only the bonding of friendships, but just to get out and be in the fresh air. The 4 (5--if Tishia decides, no pressure...) is planning on running the Laguna Hills Half Marathon (in California) this coming Memorial Day. We decided that in order to make it enjoyable we all needed a goal to reach for. We have been having to run our long runs starting at 5am because the Arizona heat has decided to kick in. I finally got another pair of running shoes which I desperately needed. The soles are completely coming off of my other ones (I bought 6 months ago!)

Proof I was really got into the FREEZING water.

Last, but not least our good friends the Hunter's invited our family to spend the day at the lake yesterday. It was a much needed stress reliever. The water was a tad cold for my liking, but I was still persuaded into getting in the water to try wake boarding.

Glad to be up out of the water!

Taylor tried for the first time, but got a little frustrated.
Maybe next time T!

These two 4 year olds were too funny

It has been close to 10 years since my feet had slipped into those boots, but like a bike I popped up on the first time. (yay for me) I definitely don't have the skills my husband does (which we were all impressed by). The most classic line of the day came out of Weston's mouth when Doug was boarding, he yelled "Dad you're tough!" It was a crack up.

Yep, honey you still have that wake board touch.
Doug was on cloud nine.

Jared tried his luck with the wakeboard too,
but he decided boogie boarding was
much easier.

The kids have exactly 4 weeks left of school--yikes. With that being said life doesn't get any less crazy, but I do look forward to a up coming getaway to San Antonio with Doug, perhaps a trip to Utah for the 4th and a weekend in California. And who can forget my favorite holiday this month, Mother's Day! Hopefully, two weeks won't go by before I check back in again, but I won't be making any promises.....

Vacuum Murderer

Our newest appliance

Moving into a new home allows you the gratification of having clean carpets, new appliances, freshly painted walls, never been used toilets (a big perk in my book) and of course that "new" home smell. Another added bonus is the one year warranty the builder gives you when something breaks. I have taken advantage of this perk on several occasions, in fact my list continues to grow since my warranty is up in just a few short months. **sigh** Like homes, other products normally have an attached warranty and if it doesn't we have the option to purchase insurance. Having said all of this, I would consider our family to take pretty good care of things. I have tried to train my children to respect things for the most part and we even have a no shoe policy (what proved to save our carpet in our old house). But, yes there is a huge bb.....uu.....u......tt for some odd reason I can't seem to keep a vacuum for longer than a period of 12 months. I have owned 3 DIFFERENT vacuums for various reasons in the past 3 years. THREE!! Pathetic. I am not sure if it's because I just buy the cheapest one, a bad brand, allowing my kids to use it, or I just don't know how to use one properly. Call me the vacuum murderer gal!

Vacuum #2

Just last week as I was vacuuming I noticed that there was a silver prong on the ground after I had pulled the plug out. Has anyone ever had the silver part of their plug break off?? I attempted to shove it back in, of course this was not only dangerous, but left me worried that I was going to get shocked. Not to mention it could become stuck inside of the socket. Luckily, all of my purchases have been at my trustworthy Costco. (love that place!) The return policy there is AWESOME. They take back everything. Today I decided I would need to return my broken vacuum.

A glimpse of the one I put to rest today.

With my tail between my legs, I approached the counter. The nice lady just simply asked if I wanted credit or cash. That was it! I walked out happy with a new vacuum. I am certain this too won't last as long as it should. That sounds pessimistic, but just look at the track record!! Perhaps, I am just a little to harsh on vacuums. Seriously, if this one goes out I am forking out the cash for a DYSON! You would think by now I would, but I am still too cheap. Until then I am thrilled to report I have beautiful lines on the carpet again. A girl needs her therapy right??

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?

New Molds

You can mold wax into all different sizes, types and formations. I sometimes wish each of my kids had the same mold, well when it comes to school. Don't misunderstand, I love that my children are diverse and have each of their own personalities, but when it comes to self-discipline and making GOOD choices, some are better at it than others. Over the past few weeks we have been dealing with issues I had hoped would never happen at school. It's one thing to deal with them at home, but school? For the most part Taylor and Jared have been fairly good role models in school-- aka teachers pet. However, 3rd grade has started off on the wrong foot completely.

I think Jared has a great teacher, but my 8 year old has Doug and I shaking our heads more than I would like to admit. Thinks such as "what were you thinking?" and "seriously?" have been the questions we find ourselves asking him on a daily basis. It's frustrating. At this point I am not sure whether it's the move, the age, or him just testing the waters. We try to be fair and treat each situation differently. But, we have now gone to the extreme of loosing ALL electronics and anything else possible that would sound tempting. Part of me really feels bad about it, but I am at a loss what to do. A consequence is a consequence. Should we pull him out of sports along with everything else (knowing that would be more of a punishment for us?) Bottom line is the behavior has Got. To. Change. Period. As anyone knows.....having a family can be challenging, life continues to be crazy and yes, things of this nature come and go. I think it's part of learning and being a parent. But, one I am struggling with. Suggestions??

Luke, Magnus and Tyler

Now that is off of my chest (phew!) I can focus on the happier things that have been going on in our home. Surprisingly, the weather has been effecting many our "extra" activities. We survived a pretty hot Saturday watching Luke kick the soccer ball around. It was by far worth every bead of sweat sitting out in the grass, just by being a spectator. I am finding that my used to be quiet boy is molding into an outgoing one. Luke was so excited to go out and play and was so serious when it was his turn to get the ball down the field. His team played 4 on 4. It really was a hoot. I was surprised as to how much they were able to catch on and they ended up tying the game 3-3.

The photo is a little smoky due to Doug's crazy grilling

Doug and I can no longer officially fly under the radar in church or secretly hope for that calling that you have to place the books back into sacrament meeting. Is that really a calling? Last week he was sustained as the new Young Men's President. And the first words out of his mouth were, "I believe every YM president I knew as a youth owned a boat, isn't that a requirement?" Um. no not until you put a much needed body of water in our backyard. Nice try though hon. I think if I had to choose any leader position for Doug this would have been the one. He fits the mold to a tee, not to mention he loves the youth. He also has some great advisers (Adam Hall, and Joe Germaine) between the three of them I think they make a great team. They had their first official mutual at our home Tuesday evening. Doug wanted to make sure they knew where we lived and if they ever needed a place to go our home is open. As far as my callings go. Drum roll please......I am a Den leader in the cubscouts. Go bears!

Jared at the top of the line up

Monsoon weather here is always so unpredictable. It can range from dust storms, to dark clouds and no rain, to rain and heavy wind and hail. Crazy! During the day it still gets pretty hot, but it has at least started to cool down at night when the storms come brewing in. Unfortunately, lightening isn't the safest thing to be around, especially at a ball field. We were surrounded by dark black clouds last night and finally as it kept moving in closer the lightening did as well. Jared was only able to get through 2 innings. I wasn't too upset since it was a late game, but it was a bummer they were ahead and it just went down as a forfeit. Thank goodness this week is winding down. Just a few more things on the calendar (Saturday--more about that later) You bet I will be welcoming Sunday with open arms!

Word Of The Week

querulously: /adv. /with complaint. grumblingly, huffily or irascibly. peevishly. petulantly. testily. acting sour, whiny or thin-skinned.

I am beginning to think we are the family that borrows cars.
Meet the Ruby Suby!

querulously /adv./ 1. I didn't mean to be so vague on my public transportation. I feel as though my posts have turned quite querulous not only for the month of February, but now into March! I normally take my kids to school in the morning because 7:03am seems a little over the top for elementary students (they don't start until 7:40am). I couldn't have been more thankful for school transportation last week since we have been solely relying on it each morning. It hasn't been all that bad other than getting up a tad earlier. Friday my dilemma of getting Jared and Taylor to point A and B was solved thanks to the help of great friends. Angie trekked out and picked up Taylor from school to take her to dance & softball practice. Ellice offered us their extra car so I wouldn't be without and could take Jared to baseball practice. Who knew one item would be such a blessing until you are without one.

Dogs can't speak.
But, if I had a word to describe not going for a walk querulous would be best.
It's his only outing of the day. Sorry Bones.

querulously /adv./ 2. Our morning ritual for the most part is the same. I get the kids ready and out the door to school followed by placing the boys in the jogger for our exercise. Luke is my child who thrives on schedules and when we deter from it, things sometimes don't end nicely. We woke up to morning thunderstorms and heavy rain, obviously to wet for our ritual walk. Luke being Luke querulously came up to me and said, "Mom why aren't we walking today?" I explained to him the obvious weather conditions. And in the most ebullient voice proclaimed, "BUT it's only a little rain and we can wear a jacket." Luckily, Little Einsteins saved me. (one of his favorite programs) I am forever grateful for the Disney Channel.


querulously /adv./ 3. Last night we sat down for our family council to do our weekly schedule. It's no secret that life is busy with kids (we all can attest to that). This week seems to be much more than I bargained for. I have been known to be a little more querulously than normal about my church calling. I am not sure if I am checked out mentally or it's the whole moving soon thing. At any rate, I have absolutely no excuse. I am required to do a weekly email and attend enrichment night to help set/clean up for the activities. Easy right? Unfortunately, it just adds more of my to do list this week. It never fails that these things occur before trying to leave town. I feel overwhelmed in guilt about borrowing our friends car (but thankful at the same time). Does that make sense? Bugged I am having to rent a car for our drive home and remind me why we signed two children up for baseball? I am beginning to think I am worse than my children with my querulous remarks.

querulously /adv./ 4. I rolled over querulously this morning remembering how much I detest "springing" ahead my clock. Who started day light savings anyways? One less hour of sleep or trying to get your kids on a schedule is hard. It seems ridiculous to me that now I am driving my children to school in the dark and when I try to get them to go to sleep at a decent hour it's still light. Oh, well such is life. It is the last time I will be changing the time. Arizona and Hawaii seem to only be the smart ones. Yippee!

This attire will be taking a back seat in a few days.

querulously /adv./ 5. Doug is a hard worker and rarely complains about getting up at the crack of dawn. I say rarely because last night was the first time Doug querulously spoke about work. He expressed how excited he was about the next two weekends just being able to veg and have no other responsibilities. (I beg to defer on that one...isn't looking for a house stressful?) Poor guy it is the first time in several months he has had an entire weekend off. I think it will be good for the whole family.

Hopefully we will be doing more of this next week.
I can already smell the orange blossoms!

blessing: much needed rain we are getting today.

Is The Grass Greener?

It's been one of those weeks where I feel like I want to run away. What I would do to be on my way to California with my brother n' law and sister n' law to Disneyland, or how about down in Mexico with Doug's other brother and their family, even better up at the cabin with Dad and Mom Clouse watching my kids run around and get dirty. Do I dare say I wish we had some sort of fall break? Unfortunately, none of these are possible so I am here "wishing" for it to happen. I know it does me know good to sulk about it, but it does feel good to write it out. Also another reason I haven't posted until now. I took a day break. Good for me eh? I am feeling better already.

This looks pretty darn green! Ha.

I spent the afternoon yesterday critiquing Taylor and Mackenzi for the talent show tonight. They haven't practiced since they tried out and didn't even remember the dance they did the day of the try out. I was bugged at Taylor and made the suggestion to use the jazz dance they did for the recital and just change the music. Luckily, Lucy's cd that she sent me came in super handy and they picked a song off of it. We figured out an appropriate costume (which was challenging for church) and have a few more hours until the performance tonight to work out the kinks. I also managed to do their hair like the photo below. Isn't it cute?? If I can remember I will try and post their dance video later...........

Girls hairstyle for the talent show

The kids had half day today so we decided to venture out to the new Chick Fila that was built out by Angie's new house. I had to laugh the other day because people were camped outside with tents for the grand opening. I made a phone call to ask what in the world people would do that for and they said oh, the first 100 customers get a year of free food. The things that people do for food seriously cracks me up! In fact, one lucky woman actually won a "golden" ticket while we were at lunch for a free year of Chick Fila. They also handed out free coupons and little cows for the kids.

Maryn was afraid of the big cow...poor girl

I am starting to get into panic mode with deciding what to make for Pink Christmas, how I am going to do my Christmas cards (the photos have been done since July!), ward Halloween party, Doug's birthday, Thanksgiving (are we driving home?), and Christmas is creeping up. Soon we will be hearing the jingles throughout the store. I hate to say I am not even close for it to be here. Looking back at my blog from last year I was done with stuff like this by now. Depressing.

My kids are also throwing me through a loop with new behavior patterns. Jared has become a super great helper, has been really working on his temper, and actually quite funny. He decided he wanted to go running with Doug and I the other day and ran the entire 3 miles. Go Jared! The football coaches also pulled me aside expressing how he has really been shining in practice and at the games. Granted his team has a major loosing streak(not even scoring one touch down!)--but hey who cares when he is doing so well?

Weston aka Mr. Mischief

My sweet Luke has turned into, well I am not sure there is a word for it. Difficult spirited child? Do I dare say that him and Jared are switching rolls? The minute he doesn't get his way the screaming, tantrums, and yelling begin. It's quite exhausting and can be very embarrassing out and about. However, if my theory holds correctly with each of my children once they hit 8 years of age they are much more pleasant to be around and then once they turn 5 they automatically become difficult. Weston has just decided not to take a nap 3 times this week. @#@$! That puts me in a bad mood. I rely on those 2 hour breaks. He did take one yesterday, but still hasn't caught up on sleep deprivation yet. You all know what this means, a grumpy kiddo! And to top it off with a cherry........Doug is on call this weekend which means we will see pop in appearances, but nothing significant. Is is terrible to wish it was already Monday?

**edit: not my feet, but courteous of internet**
I wish it was!

I wouldn't trade my life for any one else's, but I can't help feeling like the grass feeling greener on the other side this week. Calagon take me away!!!

good deed: walked the dog
good deed Thursday: helped Taylor with her dance.