Friday, December 19, 2008
On Tuesday Jodi had a Winter Program, up until it was time for me to leave her side, she kept telling me that she was nervous, and that her tummy hurt. It was so cute! But the kindergartners did a great job. I didn't get very many pictures though, I was at the complete opposite end of the gym. So I sent Amber and Breanna crawling on the floor with my camera and cell phone to try and get pictures. The children sang several songs, including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (not only did they sing this song, but they used sign language also), The Dreidel song, a Kwanzaa song, and a very cute Hawaiian Christmas song.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It is finally here, the day has arrived! After almost 4 years Jared is no longer working the GRAVEYARD shift!!!!! APS has decided to do away with this shift! Yippee Yi Yay Ki Yo! Can you see me doing cartwheels? Wait, don't picture that! Sorry! The girls and I are truly jumping for joy! Jared will be on a somewhat more normal schedule now. Tonight is his last night of working from 10pm to 8am. We are somewhat spoiled though, with the graveyard schedule Jared would work 4 10's, he would start work Sunday night and Wednesday night was his last night of work. We loved it because when we would want to plan camping trips work never really got in the way. The thing that we didn't like about this schedule was that Jared was always tired, grouchy, and not himself. His new schedule will be working Monday thru Friday from 3 in the afternoon till 11 at night. The best part for us is that Jared will be on a more normal sleep schedule. The not so fun part is that the girls may not be able to see their Daddy during the week, and Jared and I will need to be more aware of our girls needs. Mainly meaning the time that they get to spend with their Dad. This means that their will be more Daddy/Daughter dates in store for the girls, and well camping will become difficult now. But we know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. But we are asking that you keep us in your prayers as we figure this new and exciting stage in our life out.
Ok, so onto the exciting part of our evening! For the past almost 4 years, we have had blankets hanging in our bedroom window to help keep light out. (Yes, I was too cheap to go and buy black out curtains!) The blankets would come down about once a month so that I could wash them, then they went right back up. So, we have now taken them down officially (hopefully) forever!
The before shot! Well kind off! Jared thought of me blogging about this after he had already taken the blankets down. So he kind of put them back up for dramatic affect.
Jared taking the blankets down! The thing you can't hear is the girls shouting for joy in the background!
The finished product! I think I want new window treatments! The kind that would let in beautiful daylight!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Well, as you know we went to the Imperial Sand Dunes for Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time with friends. We left Wednesday afternoon after I got off of work, Jared pulled the girls out of school early and came and got me. We got there after dark so the girls didn't get to ride, but they got to play with friends while the adults set up camp. On Thursday we started riding, and the weather was perfect, and so was the riding. It had rained really good the day before, and when it rains the sand is perfect to ride on. We had allot of good food for Thanksgiving diner, we had a big pot luck, with at least 15 other trailers, 6 of us from AZ, and the rest from CA, but everybody new somebody somehow. Good yummy food. We always seem to eat better when we are camping, or food just taste better when camping. The best part of the whole trip is that we didn't get stuck in the sand this time. Thanks to a 4X4 truck. The not so fun part of the trip is that Candace got sick, she ran a fever most of the weekend so I spent most of my time at camp. I just felt horrible for her. So here are some pics of our wonderful trip. I didn't get very many pics,because I would forget that I had the camera, and would forget to take it with me when we went on big rides. This is Amber taking the kids for a ride around the camp. And yes, she is only 9, and can barely see over the steering wheel of the golf kart, but she is so good at driving it, and watches out for everyone and thing. This is Jared leaving to go on one of the many rides the guys went on. He is on the motorcycle all deck out in riding gear. I will not let him ride unless he has the garb on, because I have ridden with him before, and he is a little crazy.This is video of Amber getting used to riding her dirt bike in the sand.
All in all we had a fun time. The only thing that bothered me was that there were way to many people there for my liking. I think that I am an off weekend kind of girl. I wish that I had sent my camera to the Sand drags with Jared, he said that the drags were a mile long. I would have loved to see that. I also wish that I had taken it with me both of the times that we went to the hill, ton of people there also.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Ok, so this story may gross you out a bit, I was grossed out, and still am about this situation that happened to me. It all started Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I woke up and wasn't really feeling well, I took the girls to car pool, and started working. After I got off of work I went to go and pick up Jodi and Candace from school and then went to Fry's so I could get the grocery shopping done for the trip to the Dunes. We were in the store and had a couple of things in the basket when all of a sudden Jodi announced LOUDLY that she had to go to the bathroom. Mind you, when Jodi tells me that she has to go potty, she had to go 20 minutes ago. So, the loving mom that I am, took Jodi to the bathroom, I DON'T LIKE PUBLIC RESTROOMS! I decide to help her because all of the toilets have (I don't think I need to say it, you know what I'm talking about) in them. We choose the cleanest one (which wasn't very clean)(Why people can't FLUSH the toilet after they have used it is beyond me), I set my purse on the purse holder in the tiny stall and proceed to help Jodi, she proceeds to smash her finger in the door, I turn ever so slightly to help her and my purse falls, into where you ask, the toilet, my purse chooses inside the toilet of all places to land. At this time I am more concerned about the $250 Dooney and Bourke purse that the girls bought me for Mothers Day last year rather than Jodi's smashed fingers. I grab the purse and pull it out as fast as I can, and as I look down at the toilet I see half of the contents of my purse still sitting in the toilet, I am thinking to myself "Is all of this stuff really important, do I really have to stick my hand in that toilet to retrieve the contents of my purse?" So I grab my wallet and my sunglasses and left all of the pens that dropped into the toilet, and the chap stick, and the lotion, and my pocket knife (because I didn't know that it had fallen in) walk to the sink and proceed to dump about 4 inches of lets just say water into the sink. I clean out the purse to the best of my ability and wipe all of the contents down, and while I am doing this a cute little old lady came in asked me what had happened I told her the jist of it, she then looked at me with this sarcastic look on her face and said "Well, Happy Thanksgiving to You, Huh!" At that point I wanted to go home and cry. The sad part of all of this is that I still had to finish shopping with said purse on my shoulder. I can't look at the purse the same. So several people have suggested that I sell it on Ebay. Not sure if I can, but this is a warning to all of my friends and family, if you see this purse on Ebay listed by speedyja don't buy it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that everyone has a wonderful time with family and friends. We as a family, are so blessed, and we have so many things to be grateful for, our families near and far, our friends, our health, a steady job, the list could go on and on, but I will not bore you.
We are very excited this year, we are able to go to the Glamis Sand Dunes in CA, and spend time with friends. The girls are so excited that they get to go to the dunes for Thanksgiving. Jared is too!!! He has been saying for atleast 4+ years now that one day we will be at the Sand dunes for Thanksgiving. We are so going this year! There is a really funny story that goes along with this, and I am so going to tell it. It all started back a couple of months ago when Jareds sister Denee' told us that she and her family were going to CO for Thanksgiving, and invited Mom and Dad, they of course asked us if we wanted to go. We decided not to go, and we were actually looking forward to not having anything to do for Thanksgiving. Then Jared got a phone call from his friend Dax Cuthbert asking us what we were doing for Thanksgiving. Jared told him not much of anything, just relaxing at home, Dax then asked him if we wanted to go to the Dunes, because his wife Azure had suggested they go, since they wern't doing anything, and all of their family was going to be out of town. So, we all know what Jared did, came and asked me if we wanted to go. Silly me said sure, why not, we don't have anything better to do. It was as if Jared had Dax's phone number allready to dial in his phone, called him and told him we were in. So then a couple of days later I had a chance to speak with Azure and asked her what was up with going to the Dunes. She then told me that she was joking when she was talking with Dax, but by that time it was to late to change the BOYS minds. So here we are getting ready to go, and we are all very excited. Many fun stories and pics to be posted after the trip.
On a side note: Congratulations to my sister Kaelynn and her husband Uriah, on the arrival of their new baby boy, Abinadi James. We love you guys!!!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
On Friday Amber went on a BIG Field trip for a 9 year old. All of the 4th grade classes went on a Cavern Quest. I dropped Amber off at school at 6:00 in the morning. If you remember from this post, I was a nervous wreck, when Breanna went on this Field Trip. But this time it was much easier. I was still a mom, and thought of Amber all day long, whether or not she was obeying the adults, being nice and polite to her friends, etc., etc., etc., you know, all of the things that moms think about! But needless to say she had a blast, and didn't stop talking about the field trip for at least an hour. When I picked her up from the school at 5:30pm I asked her teacher Mrs. Gray if Amber was good and obeyed all the rules. Mrs. Gray then told me that Amber was allot of fun to have on the trip, and that her manners were wonderful, there was always a please and a thank you, and that she never had to remind her of the rules. Wow, I think what I am trying to teach the girls at home is really paying off.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
On Thursday Jodi was able to go on her very first field trip. She was so excited, and she asked that her Daddy go with her. They went to Tolmachoff Farms. They got to go through a corn maze, and learned about farms. Jodi even picked vegetables and was able to bring home what she picked. She will not let us eat the carrots, cucumber, radishes or even her zucchini. Jodi is now telling us that we need to plant a garden. (Jared and I have been thinking allot about this lately!) But the funniest part of the day was when she asked her Dad if she got to go home with him after the field trip and have her Daddy/Daughter date with him. (She got the idea from the week before. After Breanna got back to the school from Outdoor Ed Matt Cherry brought her home for us, and he and Jared took Breanna and Kaylee out by Lake Pleasant to go riding. So Jodi thought that this is what happens after field trips.) Way too Cute! Here are a couple of pictures that Jared got with his cell phone. I could post more, but I can't seem to get his new phone away from him, he loves it sooo much, he is even texting, something he wasn't really fond of.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Well, here I am again, a mom who is nervous right now. I am not as nervous as before as you can see in I am a MOM post. Breanna has the opportunity to attend Outdoor Ed. The 6th graders go to the Desert Outdoor Center where they learn about the desert, and get to stay overnight in the dorms there. I feel that it is a wonderful experience for Breanna, but I am still her mom. I can't wait to hear all of her stories, and what she learned about when she gets home. This is a pic of Breezy all packed and ready to go. She was so excited because for one, this whole trip sounded fun to her, and two, she got new jeans and a belt. We discovered that she has grown since last year (I know, I know, she is growing, but in my eyes she is still my little girl) and doesn't fit her jeans any more. It made her feel real special.P.S. I am about ready to cry! My camera (how do I put it nicely?) SUCKS!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Breanna was Cleopatra, Amber was Miley Cirus(not Hannah Montana), Candace was a Princess, and Jodi was a Witch (but was soposed to be dressed like she was from the 70's, she wouldn't wear the costume that I bought her, the one that she picked out) Danica was a pumkin witch.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
"This young lady is an enthusiastic learner. She comes to school with a smile and ready to learn. Her positive attitude shows in her concern for her fellow students and their well being. She is always friendly, cooperative, and fair and is a pleasure to have in class."
Way to go Jodi we are so proud of you!! Love ya lots! Mom and Dad
Thursday, October 9, 2008
8 TV shows I love to watch!
1. Bones
2. CSI
3. House
4. Ugly Betty
5. Heroes
6. Prison Break
7. American Idol
8. Biggest Loser
8 Things that happened yesterday!
1. Went to work
2. Picked up kids from School
3. Made Navajo Tacos
4. Laundry
5. Talked on the phone
6. Read scriptures with the girls
7. Watched Bones
8. Kissed Jared good night (he is actually home at night this week, he's working the day shift)
8 Favorite places to eat!
1. Texas Roadhouse
2. Famous Daves
3. El Paso BBQ
4. Chipotles
5. Dos Hombres(in Colorado Springs, CO)
6. Casa Bonitas (in Denver, CO)
7. Fargo's Pizza (in Colorado Springs, CO)
8. Barro's Pizza
8 Things I'm looking forward to!
1. Christmas
2. Not having to go anywhere for Thanksgiving
3. Not working on Monday (Columbus Day)
4. Breanna starting YW
5. No children this Friday (Aunt Denee is taking the girls for our Anniversary)
6. My brother coming home from Iraq (he just left)
7. Jared's business making us money
8. Having 1 year of food storage
8 Things on my wish list!
1. 1 year of food storage
2. The girls to never fight (yea, like if that will ever happen)
3. More ALONE time with Jared (this working night stuff sucks)
4. Girls that get along (oh, did I say that?)
5. More time to do things for ME
6. To get more organized
7. To have no animals
8. I wish that I didn't have to work
8 People I tag!
1. Elena
2. Janette
3. Diana
4. Carolyn
5. Amber
6. Wendy
7. Katy
8. Shelly
Have Fun!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
If you live in AZ you know that we have Proposition 102 on the ballot coming in November. I am very worried for our children. I am voting YES on Prop. 102. I do not want this to happen to my children. I'm sure most of you have heard of this, but I thought that I would share this video anyways. Jared and I are seriously thinking about Home Schooling our children if they do not pass this. We know that things like this will come up in our lives, but our children do not need to be taught this in school.
I just wanted to share this wonderful video on family.
P.S. If you want to watch the video you can pause my music (at bottom of page) by pressing the pause button on the play list.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
We are very excited for General Conference. But I have to tell you a funny story leading up to Conference this weekend. It all begins about 2 years ago, we decided to purchase Direct TV, and discovered that they have the BYU channel. (Before Direct TV we had Dish Network for 2 years and before that we had Bunny ears.) We really enjoyed having all the fun channels. But about 3 or 4 months ago we decided to get rid of it, (children not obeying parents, abusing the rights to watch TV, etc., we have all been there before) so I canceled Direct TV. We have not missed it at all.(All of our TVs are on the older side so they don't even have internal antennas, so we weren't getting any channels.) The girls didn't even squawk at the fact that they couldn't watch Hannah Montana or Wizards of Waverly Place any more. It has been really nice, the girls have learned to play with each other again. But a couple of Sundays ago we were reminded that last weekend was fast Sunday because Conference is this weekend. Jared and I at the same time looked at each other and said in unison, "We can't watch conference in our PJ's!". It was funny! (had to be there, kind of moment) So we have been trying to decide what we were going to do for conference:
1. Get dressed up in our Sunday best both Saturday and Sunday and go to the Stake Center to watch conference
2. Or go out and buy rabbit ears so we can watch Conference on our TV at home and in our PJ's.
We opted for #2, I went and purchased one of these so that we could enjoy Conference in the comfort of our home
Monday, September 22, 2008
Amber with her friends Shelby and Jade!
(Sorry the pictures are so fuzzy! I think that my camera is starting to crap out on me. Bummer! Guess what I'm getting for Christmas!!!)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Candace is in the front row 1st child on your left.
And our Amber received a "TRRFCC Ticket" on Friday morning also. Way to go Amber we are so pleased with your decision to help others. Mrs. Gray her teacher had this to say about her:
"Amber is a very caring person she helped another student clean up their mess."
Just to let you know, TRRFCC stands for: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We are truly at the next step in our lives! Jodi has started school and is thoroughly enjoying it. The girls are all settling into their new school schedules. I have started working part time for a friend Gayle Juhl. She and her husband own a home based business called Metro Site Inspections! I work from 7:30 in the morning to about 10:00 or 10:30 in the morning. I am really enjoying working for Gayle. It is proving to be very challenging though. The hours that I am working are normally the hours that I try to get chores done around the house. I try to get them done before Jared goes to sleep, so I don't wake him when he is sleeping. Jared has helped out allot since I have started working. He will empty the dishwasher and load it for me, he will vacuum the floors for me. There are many perks to having all your children in school. Our home stays clean, it never gets as messy as it used to. It is working out very nice. Although I do miss the morning time that I would get to spend with Jared if I were home. I know that my hours are not full time, but we are still trying to adjust to me working at all. Having been home for over 10 years it is really strange. Love to all! The Lee's
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
We had a very nice weekend! We were supposed to go the the Cinders with the Larson's, Cuthbert's, and the Lowry's, but our plans changed. And when I was talking with all of the other wife's, they were also HAPPY that we ended up not going, because that meant that they didn't have to go also. Kinda funny, these husbands of ours will not go riding anymore with out each other. So our weekend started out Jared sold an engine that we have had in the garage for over 12 years (YES, he has had it longer than we have been married. I can't believe that I let him move it to AZ!). Then he went with his buddy Dax and they loaded all of the dirt bikes and quads onto the trailer so that the guys could go riding on Saturday morning. On Saturday Jared went riding with the guys, and the girls and I cleaned Candace and Jodi's bedroom. In the afternoon we went over to the Cuthberts home for a swimming party and BBQ. We had a blast! At about 9:30 Saturday night Jared got called into work, and was home within an hour. At 5am Sunday morning Jared got called back into work and was gone all day Sunday. APS has been working around the clock since last Thursday, when we had a very bad storm here. They called the storm that we had a "Hurricane on Land". Winds were steady over 100 mph. Jared and I were very excited about him being called in. He will get paid Double time! Yippee! Then on Monday we got up and cleaned the house, because we had Jared's family over for a BBQ, before Jared and his Dad had to go to bed so that they could work that evening. All in all it was a fun and relaxing weekend! I just wish that I had pics of the girls swimming! But I forgot to take my camera!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sorry the pictures are not that great, I took them with my cell phone!
Friday, August 22, 2008
"This young lady has continuously shown a positive attitude. She has made an effort to come prepared daily and shows great responsibility. She also has taken the initiative to help clean up the campus. Her positive attitude is always reflected with her smile."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Last night Jared had to run by his buddy John's house, and of course he was their for a while. When he came home he came home with a surprise. I could hear whimpering the second he opened the truck door, and the whole way up the drive way. So I ran to the door as he was unlocking it to try and find out what the heck was going on out side. He had brought a little puppy home with him from Johns.(Their dogs had puppies!) The breed of the dog is a Dachshund, I was not very thrilled at the moment, because this breed of dogs tend to be very YAPPY! I have gotten used to Scooter who will howl when he hears sirens, and bark when their is someone he doesn't recognize going down the street. He is a very quiet and blind dog. And we also have 3 red eared slider turtles that don't make any noise at all. Then I decided that I would train him not to bark from the beginning. Wish me luck! The girls have named him Thor!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I can't believe that Jodi is already SICK! The 3rd day of school and I am having to keep her home. She was up all night because she couldn't breath, she sounds horrible, her nose is stuffed up, she has a nasty cough and she is here at home crying because she can't go to school. I am just frustrated. She loves school. I know sounds weird coming from the mommy who was scared to send her. She is truly ready for school, and I am growing up. Thanks for letting me vent.
Monday, August 11, 2008
I began this day with very mixed feelings. Our baby Jodi started Kindergarten today. Last night when we were getting ready for today and Jared was giving the girls their Fathers Blessings, I was crying realizing that it is here the day I do not have anymore children at home during the day with me. I finally asked Jared to give me a blessing also, and was greatly comforted by the blessing. I was afraid that Jodi would not do ok in school, (she still has a hard time going to primary). That she would be crying for her teacher and wanting mommy and daddy to stay with her, and not leave her side. Well I was wrong! When school started she walked right on into her classroom put her backpack and lunch box in her cubby, went and sat down and started playing with the string and beads that her teacher had out on their tables. All while she was laughing and talking with her new classmates. Boy was I stressed out for no reason!Jodi all excited!
Candace had a bit of a hard time. She wasn't seeing any of her friends from last year, so she was a little scared. But when the bell rang she finally saw a friend from last year and went to class with no problems. Candace is starting 2nd grade.
Amber was overjoyed to finally be back in school where she could be the cutest and smallest girl in 4th grade. All of her friends found her and she was off playing.
Breanna is starting the 6th grade. She is excited because their is a friend of ours from our stake in her class Kaylee Cherry. She was excited because their will be 2 of them who have the same standards.
So for now I am not crying! I think that I am going to make bread without any interruptions.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
I wanted to post about this yesterday but I forgot about it when I saw that the price of fuel was cheaper. So here I am posting the funny story a day late.
Friday morning the girls and I were helping Jared to pack the trailer so that he could go on a guys trip to the Cinders. When he found out that most of the Dad's were taking at least one of their children he asked Breanna and Amber if they wanted to go. (He asked them because they are older and can pretty much take care of themselves.) They of course said yes and instantly started packing, and Candace and Jodi instantly started crying. When I was walking through the house I overheard Candace telling Megan, (daughter of John Armstrong, and one of the girls going) that it wasn't fair, because Breanna and Amber get to spend time with the fun parent, and that her and Jodi HAVE to spend time with the parent that isn't fun. I heard her say that Daddy is the one that they have fun with, and Mommy is the one who makes them do their chores, take their vitamins and eat healthy, and that they didn't want to do any of that. So Jared promised them that while he was gone that they didn't have to do any chores. I was laughing so hard because it sounded so cute coming from Candace. But after they left I started thinking that maybe I need to be a little more fun. So I am trying not to always be the "Meanest Mom on the Block" as my girls have told me before.
Friday, August 8, 2008
I just ran to the store for a few things that we needed and I came across the Shell gas station at 43rd Ave and Northern, and their diesel fuel was only $3.97 per gallon. I was so excited to see that the cost had come down so much. OK so just about $1.00 but still, Woo Hoo! Too bad both of our trucks were already full.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I just thought that this picture was funny, my sister Elena sent me an e-mail with a bunch of pictures like this one on it. This is totally how Jared and I feel right now. He drives a F250 which of course is diesel, and I drive an Excursion which of course is diesel. It cost us about $200 to fill each of our trucks. Anybody want to buy an Excursion?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
On Saturday we went to Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch with Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Laura and our cousins Wade and Jed. Then after that mom had daddy stop at the dollar store for water fight supplies. When we got home all of the adults filled up water balloons and water guns for us. When they were done we started the water fight with our cousins Wade and Jed and our neighbor across the street James. Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jeremy got in on the fight also! It was very refreshing to be able to cool down on such a hot day!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
After our visit in Show Low we headed to Hannagan Meadow Lodge about 2 hours from Show Low for the Family Reunion on Jared's side of the Family. This place is beautiful, and out in the middle of the forest with nothing around, and cars would come down the road about every 1/2 hour. It was so peaceful, it rained everyday, and it never got above 78 degrees. We would watch deer and elk come into the meadow across the street in the early morning and in the evening. We had a washers tournament and Denee and her husband Robbie won the tournament. We went to Big Lake about 1 hour away and rented rowboats and took the children out on the water, then we headed into the forest and had a picnic. The children had many crafts to do, and games to play. We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone, and just relaxing! Thanks to Denee for planing this years reunion!
On the row boats!
Making Crafts!
Playing with cousins Lenika and Benson!
I wish that I could post all of the pictures from the Reunion, but I am going to make a slide of all of the pictures and place it on the Blog.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
That night we then went to the annual dinner that the stake that the Halls live in put on for Pioneer Day. The dinner was delicious. When we pulled up the weather turned into a torrential down pour. But we stayed and ate dinner, and the children got to run and play. While we were in line for food, as we got towards where they were serving food we looked up and saw a very dear friend of ours serving food. Shawn Bryant, he lives here in the valley. I guess that his dad lives in the stake and he came up to help him with cooking and serving the food. We truly had a wonderful weekend. Thanks again to the Halls!