The Kimball Krew

Piano Recitals

2012-01-13T16:49:00.002-07:00

In early December the kids had their Holiday Recital. This was Aug's first year and he is really liking it. He didn't like not being able to pass off either of his peices for 6 straight weeks though.

Quinn continues to be challenged and enjoys playing for people.

Christmas, the long and short of it.

2012-01-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

These were taken from Aug's Christmas Folder. He wanted to fill it out during the break. There were a few mornings that he got up and it was the first thing he did. I think it's a great summary of the fun memories we made. There were more pages that I didn't photograph, but these were a few of my favorite. I love the phonectic spelling of kinder kind.

I had a very good Christmas.

Above: I got to decorate my tree and well it was winter. I went to the movie theatre with my babysitter (while Mom and Dad went to a different show at the same time) and

I saw Alvin and the Chickmunks.

Before Christmas I went to Utah and I helped cut down my tree and I brought (or brung) it from Utah to Arizona.

That last one melts me. Our tree this year was literally hauled by Hubstar and I over two mountain sides. This was no ordinary tree...in that it was over 10 feet tall to begin with. You know it big when your Brother mockingly laughs and asks, "Whose tree is that?!"

Christmas Activities

The temple lights with these fine folks. It was the first year we were rained out so

most our time was spent inside. That can be tough with 6 crazy kids.

There wasn't just "a" letter to Santa but many from Ciel.

All placed nicely under the tree. They were so cute to read.

Christmas puzzles are always a hit with my kids. Cheap, easy and comes with a total satisfaction garuantee.

Sometimes little crafts don't work out...

But sometimes they do!

An awesome pic of us with an awesome family at Christmas Street.

Christmas Eve at the Kimballs. In spite of Ciel's festive look Grandma Junes was a hit as always.

Plenty of food, family and presents to go around.

These were her happier times.

Welcome to Who-Ville

Complete with the Grinch and The Who's!

These guys were cute but the kids didn't think they were cute

enough to get close to...haha.

We made the drive up to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. We stopped on the way back in

Tempe to break up that long trip.

The whole thing is really quite amazing. So much candy, sugar and creativity. In spots you would get these wafts of sweet smelling of cookies and frosting. The fun was in the details, the soda cracker steps and nuts that created the thatched roof effect were some favs. This took 800 lbs. of gingerbread people.

How'd they do that!?!?

Here's a picture of all of it to get an idea of scale. It was big...amazing.

It's not something you see everyday so I didn't mind the drive.

Plus we did it when the kids had a half day so it was a great day to go.

Tis' the Season!

2011-12-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

So far so good!

The first 12 days have included activities like the Chandler Tree Lighting and Christmas parade. It was fun while it lasted and then just cold and very wet when it finally downpoured. We have read a few new Christmas Books, had a great time at the ward Christmas Breakfast, the kids piano recital and decorating the trees.

We went to the San Tan Mall Christmas festivities with the Prines and enjoyed seeing Santa, the light show, playing at the park and the Horse and Carriage ride. The best of all was that there were no lines! Then, we ate dinner at Johnny Rockets, 8 kids and 2 adults...totally outnumbered but we made it.

Oh Boy, I've got JOY!

2011-12-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Let the ~~madness~~, festivities begin!

This aint no Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!

2011-11-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish you could scratch n' sniff...it would smell like the most fresh canyon air and Christmas with a hint of rosemary.

Recap on how we found this beauty and our Turkey Day to come. And even though I love feeling like I'm in a coniferous forest every time I walk around the corner into the living room, I think we'll pull out some decorations and lights on it, but I need to get up the energy to do that first.

My First Half Marathon

2011-11-14T12:33:00.002-07:00

This weekend Hub and I ran our first Half Marathon. Up until Wednesday I wasn't sure we were running it, but all along Hub was. Things fell into place beautifully on Wednesday and voila-registered!
I'm not a runner but I run. I don't love running but I run. I don't have the body of a runner, but I run and I'm not fast but I run. I hadn't ever run 13 miles before. I had come close in our training, but we started training a little late and never got up to 13 consecutive miles. Oh, well, Satruday came and I ran.

Here is my mile, by mile breakdown:

Mile 1: Wow, one mile already! EeeZAY! I feel GREAT!!!

Mile 2: Feeling GREAT! No worries here. I think we may even finish faster than expected.

Mile 3: Still good, why was I so afraid of this?

Mile 4: Is that a cramp...no, not at mile 4

Mile 5: Ok, wait, shouldn't that be mile marker 10?

Mile 6: And....half way...almost. Just one more 10K. I can do this.

Mile 7: Can I do this? I feel....great?

Mile 8: Why did that old lady just pass me? Don't stop now-just FIVE MORE MILES!?!?!

Mile 9: Whose idea was this anyway? I feel (like I'm gonna die) great.

Mile 10: Great, signs telling me not to give-up people are watching. Nothing like pride to keep you going.

Mile 11: I recongnize this...are we still that far away? Legs are hurting.

Mile 12: I can do it! I can't do this! Whose idea was this anyway-I'm not a runner....why didn't anyone stop me?

Mile 13: I see the finish line. I'm almost there. People cheering, loud speaker, time clock, could it be? Now smile dang it!

Day after...SO SORE! Even after cool bath and lots of stretching. Wow, was I sore, I almost didn't make it to the YW's closet after church the hammy's were so sore.

Two days after...that wasn't so bad. Which one should we do next?

Since it was just us...we didn't get pics, but I saw this on someone else's blog and looky who it is, right smack dab in the middle and I ran in right behind the people on the blog-crazy!

Why I haven't blogged...

2011-11-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's really quite pinteresting. I have felt many times in the last few months about completely unplugging when I find myself spending too much time in front of a screen. I work, and that by itself creates time to click through facebook as I wait on a phone call, or wait for a scan or wait for a fax or email. I mean don't get me wrong...I'm busy-ish. But that hasn't been the the big time waster of late. Oh no, the thing that has piqued my pinterest lately is this...

However, to my credit, I have made a few crafts, cooked a few meals, and even based my hair cut on a one I saw here...
I better run now, there's a scarf I need to make from an old T-shirt tutorial calling my name.

Oh what a night!

2011-11-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Back in October, I had the chance to volunteer at another Flake for Senator Event. It was held at the swanky JW Marriott, in Paradise Valley. I had been privy to news about the event a couple of months earlier and was told that Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) would be coming as the keynote speaker. So, I kind of had my eye on this event as one I'd love to attend.

I like Jeff Flake and I think it is natural move for him to take the seat of Sen. Kyl, albeit huge shoes to fill. Flake is and has always been a very genuine, hard-working and down to earth guy, I've always left very impressed. The evening began as usual and I was positioned at the VIP area. Basically, the bouncer. I saw a few famous faces...no embarrassing moments like I had with former Vice President Dan Quayle, or my mismatched shoe debacle though.

Right before the event began, they called for all of the volunteers to once again get their pics with the two Congressmen...yahoo! This photo op would have otherwise cost me a month's salary and I was getting it for free...but who can really put a price on bragging rights? After that we were all invited in to the ballroom for the three-course meal which wasn't even rubbery chicken but a delicious surf and turf main dish. The food was outstanding.

The real fun was when they passed a small quiz out to each table with about 12 questions on it. All questions having to do with Congress and some specific ones to the two Congressmen. Questions that you wouldn't be able to find doing a Google Search. Fun, random, tricky questions. For example, how many Bishops are in Congress? We figured it wasn't anything to do with religion and we were right. There are four, and it was referring to their last names. They also asked how many points Pres. Obama scored against Flake when Obama invited some of the members of congress over for little game of basketball? 2, 0, 5, 10? Any guesses? 0! Of course, it ain't newsworthy otherwise. There were some very surprising and humorous answers too. Mrs. Flake started to go over the answers and our table kept getting them right. Well, all the quizzes were collected and the winner was announced. Out of some 30 tables our table had won! Did you know that Congressman Ryan is an experienced Noodler? Ya, look that one up! It was a triumphant win! And to our delight we each got gift cards to the Capital Grill.

Finally after a brief introduction from Flake, we had the pleasure of hearing Ryan speak. And that was great. He is a Speaker who speaks with plainness and doesn't mince his words. He has a message and with a little wit and humor is able to deliver a message with conviction and clarity. I found myself really identifying with his speech this time compared to other times when your mind starts to wander and the speaker's voice becomes a flat deep hum. Maybe I was just amazed that he could noodle, or that I spent a few hours in his state last year and felt a "oneness" with him. Whatever it was it was a nice little ending to my fun little evening out.

One thing that really amazes me with politicians is there ability to remember people. I mean really remember-names, wives, kids where you lived, what you did. I think Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) aka, Borin Orrin was the first person I met who exhibited this skill. And, he made a knowledgeable Gospel Doctrine instructor. I have a note on my desk with my neighbors names on it, the ones I see almost every morning, that I still refer to often in case our little morning pass-by turns into a conversation. And everyone since comes across just as adeptly. I think that because it's such a challenge for me, that I really admire that in someone else. Especially those who meet hundreds of people everyday.

So, today in the mail came my picture. Unfortunately what I thought was the "cutest shirt ever" makes me look like a peacock wrapped square box in this picture. Didn't someone just say Square is the new black?

Oh and by the way...I chopped my hair.

CC's busy schedule

2011-11-07T11:37:00.001-07:00

This Mama has loved having her CC doll home with her everyday. It was really odd at first only walking home with one kid from the bus stop...but now it's just our routine and I love it!

Ciel is now in her 2nd year of preschool. She is loving it and has learned some letters, about different animals and which kids don't get all of their special marbles everyday because they don't listen...or so she says. She is also learning a little Spanish and I love it. Especially when she says, "Adio".

I signed her up for a cupcake class and it has been fun for her to have her very own class to go to with such fun learning/edible materials.

She also got her first goose egg. This was one of our first meetings with the tile at this house and other than the awful look of it, it wasn't too bad.

How am I going to send my little companion off to Kindergarten next year?

Fall Break and Halloween

2011-11-07T11:25:00.001-07:00

It's all lumped together because isn't that how October really is? The only other thing I might add is college football. Fall Break was a nice break from homework and early mornings and a teeny tiny break from the hot weather. Enough to get out and enjoy it. We made the trek to Maricopa to the Shamrock Farms tour one day, up to McCormick Train Park, to the movies, to various neighborhood parks, and lunch dates at Chic-fil-A. Plus, now that the schedule is so busy they actually enjoy their down-time.

McCormick Train Park

Evening at the park

Cutest Batman EVER!

Hubs pumpkin creations

The kids went as the same characters from last year...the only differnce was that Mario's overalls were a tictch to short, but with Mario's face-who's looking at his pant length anyway? And as always one of the kids changed their mind on the night of Halloween and went as something different.

We have a small Mount O'candy at our house. It's blogworthy people...what do you do with all of your teeth-rotting leftover candy?

The Dog turns 6!

2011-11-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Why is six so big? My Auggy Doggy turned six last September. He was asked what he wanted to do for his birthday. He said no friend party, just a family party and Brooke. His "girlfriend" of four years now.
He opened up his Mario-riffic presents and then we took the kids and their friends to Matuku's Island for a pizza party.
Six GREAT things about August are:
1. He is so very loving. He loves his sisters and his family and shows it. He is by far my huggiest and kissiest one.
2. He is very determined. Whether it's learning to tie his shoe laces, making a perfect paper airplane or figuring a song out on the piano. He will spend as long as needed to get it right.
3. He loves school. He has loved learning, following directions, and even doing his homework.
4. He likes to help and is a clean freak.
5. He has a thing about pajamas. He must be in pajamas for bed...and they have to be his. No borrowing, no sleeping in just a T-shirt. We've gone home from sleep overs for PJs.
6. He is taking well to the piano and blowing through his big sister's books. He is adorable at lessons and his first recital is coming up.

July 4th

2011-11-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

This seems like a funny post, especially to be posting about four months after the fact. But we were up in Utah over the 4th of July and apparently the bajillion year old ban was lifted for the 4th and the use of "wicked" fireworks were once again allowed in the Holy Land. And boy did people celebrate. When I was growing up you were really lucky if someone made the trip to Evanston, Wyoming to buy the illegal fireworks and set off a few random ones in between your black growing snakes and sparklers.
Since those days I have witnessed quite a few spectacular fireworks shows and to be fair, they weren't all on the 4th.
I was in Washington DC for the Inauguration of President Clinton, (first time) and that firework show was one of the most awesome...it seemed to be in line with the type of fireworks that took place in the Oval Office during his term, but I preferred these fireworks to those. Unless those fireworks could've resulted in impeachment, but I digress. And unlike warm, balmy July weather, it was January in DC and it was freezing!

One year I lived in downtown Salt Lake in a high rise condo. On the roof was a pool and large patio area. That summer I had some friends over and watched the fireworks throughout the valley and on the 24th had a front row seat to the U of U stadium fireworks show.

A few years ago we went to Lake Powell up to Crystal Springs. We anchored in this big cove...big enough for two large houseboats. To our surprise the houseboat across the way did a firework show complete with music...that went on and on. The neat thing about being in the cove was the blast of sound that echoed with every pop of a firework. And dare I say they let off a few of the big "illegal" ones. There was nothing like being on top of your houseboat with the whole family to watch this fireworks spectacular.

Let's not forget the year I was in Vegas for the 4th...those hotels are nuts when it comes to fireworks...they light them off for just about anything there. Grand openings, demolitions, so why would holidays be any different? I can't remember much except dying of heat...that year it was 110 degrees at 10:00 PM! Little did I know at that point in my life that it would one day be my reality every summer.

The year before last, we were alone as a family here in AZ...we somehow managed to go straight from one fireworks show and drive down the street to another one. It's usually about 100 degrees at 9:00 in July so the kids had been doing water activities up until it got dark...so they were still in their swim suits. We pulled off into a parking lot that offered a great view of show #2 and the kids had the glory of climbing on the roof, the hood, the trunk and out the windows of the car. The laziness of the 4th and excitement of the kids (mainly due to this new car exploration and no so much the fireworks) made this 4th especially memorable. Hug and I sat in the front seat while squishy little bottoms graced the front window...

July 4th, 2011 was a site to behold. I was driving in between my Sister's house in one end of the Valley out to my Brother-in-law's house on the exact opposite side. We spent the night of the 4th out in the West Valley in a cul-de-sac that was home to something like 30 children. The parents had planned a fireworks show-down. It was funny and fun to watch. All the way home that night as I made my way back to my sister's the sky lit up with fireworks in every single direction. Some right above our heads all the while the windows were rolled down enjoying the cool summer night air that you totally miss being in AZ... I love the 4th. I don't know that it ever dawned on me before this last July, but I love being with family even if it's just my own little family of 5 but it's always great to share with everyone. I've never thought of myself as loving fireworks shows, but I guess that's the other common thread here. I am a firework lover. As long as I am not the lighter, and that the lighter's have protective eye-ware on, and I'm not forced to hold any sparklers... well, one usually doesn't hurt. I like to walk on the wild side sometimes.

Quinn's Baptism

2011-11-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

On July 2nd, Quinn was baptised with her cousin Gracie who is six weeks younger than her. We waited for four months to do it up in Utah. Both of their Dad's performed the baptisms. It was a very special occassion for Quinn since she was able to have both sides of her family in attendance. Quinn was very excited to do that which she has watched her older cousins and friends do and enjoy the Spirit that was there and the special time with family afterward.
In true Debbie fashion, there were just a handful of pictures taken since, the girls hurried and changed before the luncheon at the park and things were a little chaotic following the baptism. But we are all used to that here.

Quinn's witnesses were her Grandpa John and Uncle Mike and Uncles Mike, Rory, Chad and both Grandpa's stood in the circle for her Confirmation given by her Dad. Her Aunt Karen did a great job preparing the program and getting it all organized. She is the Primary President in her ward and it turned out so nicely. Although were weren't able to do any personal talks we were able to have her cousin Kaylee give the opening prayer. It was a great day and I hope it is one Quinn will always remember.

Almost Famous

2011-08-28T12:10:00.001-07:00

If you watch closely you may see a kid or two that look familiar...but if you listen really carefully you'll definitely hear some famililar voices and screams. Pretty funny and very cute.

Kid History Episode 6

You bet I was a stage Mom! Toddlers and Tiaras here I come!!!

First Day of School and a New Kindergartener!

2011-08-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

In the words of my four year-old, "Today was flippin' awesome!".

I was worried about my Aug experiencing the nerves and anxiety that my Quinn experienced on her first day of Kindergarten; but not the Aug Dog, he was ready to go. No one was up particularly early, and luckily even though we woke everyone up earlier than they had been getting up all summer, they were all agreeable and engergized.

Aren't they the cutest little bunch? Quinn took on the "big sister" role right away and I think it totally shows in the picture below.

This one below was of Quinn's first day of Kindergarten.

Could he be any sillier in this picture with his Mama?

All smiles with Daddy though.

The troops are gathered and ready to go...

And they all came home smiling too!

Summer Remixed

2011-08-08T09:30:00.001-07:00

Hello avoided blog, I've missed you. I thought I'd check-in before Summer is officially over and the First Day of School post goes up.

PRESCHOOL GRADUATION WAS A HOOT HOLLERIN' GOOD TIME!

What better way to start a Summer post than with the graduation of my two preschoolers back in May. For August this was his 2nd and final Preschool Graduation. This was CC's first graduation and if all goes well she will also have her 2nd this year too. It was a cowboy theme. I wish I had a better quality and sound tape of the performance becuase it was priceless, but the quality is really bad and my video skills would end up being annoying than enjoyable.

JUNE:
June was a whirlwind that began with a visit from my Sister from Utah. She stayed with us and we shopped and ate out and had a great time! She is one of a kind and I'm so glad she came down to visit. It was especially fun to spend her birthday with her.

I had a great Birthday...all I know is that I really appreciated all of the thoughts and activities to commemorate my big 36. I really don't think 36 feels any different that 26...isn't it all them same after 21 anyway?

GIRL'S CAMP! This year it was ward camp and we went up North to a friend's cabin. It was so much cooler, the cabin was awesome and housed 15 roudy girls rather perfectly. The hike was beautiful, food was good, and showers hot. What more could you ask for? Oh and the Snipe hunt-"snipey".

Lunch with Grandma and Aunt Stacey. Let's face it lunch with three wild children is always "fun" but since we had family it was extra special! My little Quinn especially enjoyed and soaked up every last lazy minute she had of summer.

Some of the fun things we do during the summer to keep (our) cool are:

One of the many community pools, our favorites being the Basha and Hamilton pools and the closest Mesquite Pool with friends. We like the bouncy places and save up our Groupons for those long summer days. We did Amazing Jakes a few times and went early for lunch, hung out all day, came home for a short break and go back for dinner until they close. Those were extra fun days for Mom.

We do open gym at USA Gymnastics, the splash pad at Tempe Town Lake is an old Favorite and of course lunch at McDonald's is a decent crowd pleaser. Don't get me wrong, the kids have spent plenty of time in front of TV and they think Redbox is just like Safeway's. We go there weekly .

QUINN'S BAPTISM:

In June my parents drove down with two eight year old cousins in tow to pick up our Quinney and take them away on a week long California vacation that included the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland and one night in beautiful downtown New Castle. This is a tradition my parents started with their first grandkids and is now something the 8-year olds of the family look forward to. Quinn and her cousins had a great time. My parents are super troopers! I think they had just as much fun as the kids!

Up to Utah we went so that Quinn could be baptized with her cousin Gracie since they are only a couple of months apart. What a special day. So special that cameras were not allowed...or maybe pictures were just forgotten in the excitement of it all. Both Tyler's and my whole family were able to come and my brother and his in-laws. It was a very special day to see these two cute girls get baptized and confirmed. We had a little get together at the park afterward and it was just perfect! This picture really does it all justice don't you think?

I also got to meet up with an old friend Jodi. Jodi and I were besties in high school. She was the kind of friend every girl should have through high school. Easy going, impulsive, happy and funny. We shared so many experiences together in that short time. Unfortunately we haven't seen each other since we got married. It was so much fun to reconnect with her and her four beautiful childeren! We have promised to keep in touch now, so hopefully we don't go another 15 years without pics of her and her family on my blog.

John and Jude celebrated their 50th Anniversary on June 30th.

50 YEARS!!! We celebrated at the first of the year by going on a family cruise. For their actual anniversary we all went to the Temple together on the 30th (at Jude's request) and had a great Open House that night at Mike and Tam's. Now they are on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate with friends. I hope we get to do a year of celebrating our 50th when that time rolls around. My parents are not only considerate of each other, totally in love still, but they are party animals and I love them dearly!

~***~***~***~***~***~

This next little ditty won't mean anything to anyone if you don't know or haven't seen Kid History. Or rather Kid Histories. They are funny short little stories told by kids and acted out by grown men. Mostly 5 brothers. Well, once your kids watch them they will be hooked and they'll start quoting them around your house and in your car and at the grocery store. They are sweet, innocent and when edited very comical!

My brother-in-law Mike, is the eldest of the Roberts Brothers and while were up the kids were taped for the upcoming Kid History 6. AND they got to meet the actors. That was funny. Richard on the end is the only non-brother. He is a main character and his name on the eipisodes is Kyle. When he introduced himself to the kids at Richard, they didn't believe him and said, "No it's Kyle". So funny to see them star struck at such a young age. These are the nicest guys and were really cute with the kids.

Watch episode 2 here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXChsJCHNVM

And look for episode 6 to come out the end of this month to see my two little munchkins make a small appearance.

We spent two weeks in Utah this summer and part of that was over July 4th. I do have to say now that Utah lifted the fireworks ban we got a great view of fireworks popping like boiling water as we drove from the District in South Jordan to Wasatch Blvd. Too and from our family's homes was like our own little private fireworks show each night. We spend the day with the Kimballs up in Park City. We at breakfast up there at a little pubish type place where I had the yummiest bread pudding french toast. Then we went to the Alpine slide and stopped by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory for some sweet treats. We actually saw snow flurries between Park City and the Freeway...only in Utah.

TGI-SCHOOL!
ONE day and 14 hours left, tick, tick, tick-but who's counting? Seriously ready for my kids, who did more activities and got more fun crafts than I ever did as a child over the summer, to have some structure back to their day. I should clarify...structure that is NOT imposed only by me. Summer is finally winding down, and I am prepared. We have bought all of our school supplies, new backpacks, back to school clothes and are anxious to meet our teachers tonight. I am a little torn as my boy heads off to kindergarten but then I know he is more than ready to stretch his little legs and jump into kindergarten. It will be strange to say goodbye to both of them on the bus...instead of Auggy running next to the bus trying to race the bus home as it drives away to school. I better stop writing now before I change my mind. Haha. I'll be back in One day, 13 hours and 55 minutes to do the annual "First Day of School" post.

Spring Recital

2011-05-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

I love recital time, Quinn loves recital time, we all love recital time! But for very different reasons. I love it, because I see her go from average to amazing in a lot less time than it takes most kids. She is an acute ability to memorize and almost every time learns the piece well enough weeks before recital day. This time around she also played it twice before recital, once for her class in music and at activity days the other night for the girls and their Moms. And why does my Quinney like recital time-that's easy. It usually means a big break from piano practice afterwards. The smile in this pictures says it all.

As always she did very well! I love hearing her play...practice is a whole other story, literally. So, we will keep this post happy and post the video without further adieu.

My life according to my phone

2011-04-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

I've never been one of those women who over pack. Most times I even forget the bare essentials. Thank goodness I have family and friends who ne'er forget even the most random of items needed in a crisis, whether it's a button that needs sewing or a bottom that needs changing. Still, shouldn't I remember my camera when I head off for my first Mother-daughter-activity-days hiking adventure to Hole in the Rock in Tempe?

Lucky for me (and you), I have my trusty camera phone so that not all fun, humorous or amazing moments are lost due to my lack of preparation. See for yourself.

Super easy walk up this little hill to the hole in the rock. Great for a quick fun morning activity.

From the back of the hole looking down on Tempe.

Me and Quinn standing in the hole.

I just thought I'd share more of my random phone photos.

This sign really speaks to those of us who are "visual" learners...

If you can guess where this photo is taken, you get 100 points!

Pretty little site outside my front door that I can't believe I caught on camera.

Q's late great 8 birthday post.

2011-04-26T22:34:00.001-07:00

I just thought I'd post the 8 things I love about my Quinn who turned 8 last month, since I didn't think the last post did her 8 year old greatness justice.

1. She is a dare devil. Whether it was the slides at a year old that she loved to go down to the rock climbing adventures that she has already undertaken, to wake-boarding at Powell...this girl has no fear.

2. She is musically talented. She has almost perfect pitch, memorizes music quickly and plays the piano beautifully.
3. She pushes herself. Which I love because she's got that competitive little spirit about her that pushes her to do it better, longer, or faster!
4. She is a GIRLY girl. Dresses, pink, frills and twirls all included. AND now that Miss Fancy Pants has her ears pierced, she has a whole new obsession.
5. She loves to eat. She loves all types of foods and does not discriminate.
6. She is kind to her brother and sister and is very maternal with them.
7. She is an ANIMAL LOVER. Any opportunity she gets to spend time with animals she takes. She is especially fond of horses and has ridden many times.

8. Quinn is thoughtful and caring. She likes to make sure that others are happy and will often make notes for us or her friends or extended family. She is polite and loves to write thank you notes for things she receives.

We love our Quinner Bear and are looking forward to her baptism this summer. We will head up to Utah so that she and her cousin Gracie can be baptised together surrounded by friends and family.

Trouble in Paradise

2011-03-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not just talking about the Bachelor and AWK-WARD ATFR episode with Malibu Barbie. They aren't married yet-REALLY?? And once and for all does Emily have veneers? Did the phrase, "Come here to me" bug anyone else? I mean that and the thoughtful stand against the rail and stare out at the sea while they video summarize the whole season (sometimes in slowmo) that leads up to the most dramatic rose ceremony ever!!! Wow, do I have issues or what?

It's been a month since my last post. A lot can happen in a month. As you see I saw the finale of the Bachelor and loved it. I never liked that 38 year old man who had never committed himself before and goes for round numero dos to convince America and little sweet southern girl with a child that he's ready for a real relationship. I'm glad they aren't "working out". I know...it's reality TV. I'll leave it at that.

My Quinney turned 8! It's gone by so fast. I love that it was my little Quinnerbear that made me a Mother and took me headfirst into being a Mom for the first time. Quinn enjoyed this whole month of birthday excitement and expectations were high. She was up bright and early and ready to open presents.
She enjoyed a birthday treat with her friends getting pedicures and topped the day off with floats, shakes and fries at Lenny's Diner.

Birthday Girl

Thrilled with this choice of party

Big girls!

The Kimball's just enjoyed a long Spring Break that was filled with family and fun. My parents came into town for a long weekend. Of course they spoiled all of us. Dinner out every night, shopping, cupboards and pantries stocked and fun picnics and train rides of course. We love having them come visit. The kids are super psyched when they come and I love that they have a Grandma and Grandpa they can always count on to give them their undivided attention.

We also enjoyed a little fun in the sun and went swimming twice this week. One day we had a friend of each child's come along. It was so much fun and they played for 2 hours straight at the pool. In and out and in and out, and bathroom breaks, (all at different times of course and getting wet swim suits up and down-not easy!) and cheetos and drinks and near drownings by games of beach ball keep away. Girls against Boys. If you're not a whiz at math that was 4 girls to 2 boys.

I am really busy with real estate and have enjoyed showing homes in 70-80 degree weather instead of the brutal 100+ that is just around the corner. It's a really great feeling to help people sale their homes in this troubled economy. It's even better when it's been a six or seven month process with a file of over 100 pieces of paper that you can finally put to rest. And I don't know what has happened but the buyers are out and about and buying like crazy! The last few weeks the buyers have just come out like (you fill in the blank). Remember how bad I am with analogies and adages??? There was one house I previewed and it wasn't even cheap...one day on the market and it had FIVE offers!!! Holy cow! Good time to sale peeps and still a great time to buy-FHA mortgage insurance goes up next month.

So the "trouble" that I headlined with was the fact that Tyler was laid off last month. I won't dignify the event with details since I think it was a pretty crappy reasoning magnified by pretty crappy timing. Nevertheless, it was a set-back for us. I can't say that we were sad about it. More like confused...surprised. We've definitely entered into foreign territory since it happened. It's been nice. I can't lie. He's been able to pick up the slack while I've been working extra hours and with the exception of a few carpool mix-ups and scheduling gaffes...he's been awesome! I think it helped that he was really unhappy at his job and that he'd already begun looking. He knew he'd gone as far as he could with this company and was ready for a change. Change we got!

We both decided he ought to take a month off to finish up some projects around the house and actually enjoy the time off. After all it is one of the last times he'll probably have to be with his kids during the day and appreciate this nice weather that we all usually get to relish in at this time of the year while he was always working. We even went to the ZOO! We have only been twice since living here and we went with Augs and CC the other day on a perfect Spring morning.

At the Stingray Pool!

Wet up to his shirt sleeve and loving it.

Love this pic of CC. Seen one Stingray ya seen em' all!

YAWN!

But now I think he's ready to start looking and pounding the pavement. (Here's where I start begging and pleading). So, if any of you know anyone who has work, let us know. Like yesterday! ;)
He has his Master's Degree in Architecture and over 5 years of experience under his belt. We would like to stay in AZ, but I"ll be honest, we'll go where the money is (as long as it's in one of the four southwestern states). We aren't eager to take the first thing that comes. We just want to make sure it's the right career move. He's also open to contract work (of any kind) for the time being until he finds the best option for him. I know he'll find something soon. I am confident that he will do well no matter where he goes. And it is so nice to have a happy hub around that doesn't have to mask his "work stress" anymore. I mean how much stress can come with this "Manny" job he's been doing???

Now, ya see why I started off with the Bachelor huh? Don't you agree it really WAS the most troubling event of the month?

I love it when we're cruising together.

2011-02-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

THE FIRST 50

Cruising, not my favorite vacation...I mean not once you've been to places like Lake Powell, New Castle or Eureka-Utah. (That's for my Dad-I'm his favorite for a reason).

But what better way to say, "Way to go!" and "Keep up the good work!" than for your parents to give you an all expense paid trip to the Caribbean with 20 of your favorite folks? But wait, I guess that's kind of backwards. We probably should be taking them and they definitely deserved all the kudos. 50 YEARS! That's a long time...I'm so proud of my parents and they are just the cutest! Don't you agree?

This formal night they were recognized in the Dining Room for their Big Anniversary!

THE CRUISE

By now you may have heard that our ship was Epic. That wasn't the name of our vessel and no it wasn't epic because of it's fabulous ports, or awesome water park, or size. It was epic because of a little known bug called the Norovirus. It struck 5 of us, just in our party. 150 some cases reported overall. But only one of our party even reported it so I know those numbers are higher. Our outing and the one before us all suffered from it and that was very disappointing since a few of us had to spend one or more days isolated to our rooms feeling nauseous and very sick. We actually made the local Florida news because of it. That really put a damper on things. But overall the cruise was fun and my little Q had a blast. It was so nice to get away and spend quality time with the Hub, Q and the rest of my family. We can't get enough of them.

We did lots of swimming on our sail days and laying out by the pool of course. Since the average age on the boat was 70 the night life was hopping, or rather scooting or shuffling. And a little wrinkly for my taste.

THE PORTS

One of our favorite ports is St. Johns. We actually dock at St. Thomas, taxi to Red Hook and take the short ferry ride to St. Johns and then an open taxi to Trunk Bay the most beautiful beach ever! You can snorkel around that big/little island on the left. We've spotted, turtles and sting rays there. Seriously I can't get over the color of the water here.

I love that my family is goofy. Not that I think this picture is goofy at all. I'm just sayin'.

As an extra bonus Mom and Dad treated not just the adults or young adults of the family but all the younger kids (8 and older) on this trip. So that meant that Quinn and her cousins all got to come too. It was so fun for all of them to hang out, eat as much as they wanted, run around, have their own room keys, and of course our undivided attention for the week.

My youngest brother and his wife and oldest daughter.

Karen and I had a good cry that first night without our 2 little babies at home.

My Dad...I kinda like him!

It has to be said. We missed you Mom. She had knee surgery about a month before the trip but was determined to make this trip great and fun for the rest of us. Although she didn't get off at St. Thomas she managed pretty well and it was such a memorable trip.

San Jaun Puerto Rico, has this huge fort built on the edge of a cliff. It was used all the way up until the 19?? I don't know I wasn't really paying attention, but it's the only thing to do in San Juan so we made the long hot walk/shuffle and finally made it. Big cannons, cool views and did I mention it was really hot?

This picture was after the long hike just to get to the top of the hill.

Once you're there, you still have to walk to the edge of the island to get to it.

The view from one side of the fort. It really is huge. They were serious about guarding their precious bay.

This was the roof of the fort. See those giant balls behind Quinn?

Those are just a stack of old cannon balls. No big thing.

Quinn almost didn't make it to the Fort. We almost turned back after about 5 minutes, and then again after 10 minutes and then Hub carried her after 11 minutes and once we hit that grass I think you can see her walking again. Well, once we started back down to the ship, she was once again stricken with the inability to put one foot in front of the other. But, luckily we found a cute little icecream/crepery shop that revived us all.

It served Ben and Jerry's ice cream and served their own homemade waffle cones and the cones were still hot when you got your icecream. Yum! Nothing like a really authentic Puerto Rican treat to give you a real taste of San Juan.

When we got home Quinn told her piano teacher that this was her favorite port of the trip and specifically mentioned our adventure to the icecreamery.

St. Maarten, my least favorite port. The best part was watching this couple. Enough said.

THE DINNERS

This is really why you go on a cruise. To grub in style and on gourmet fixins. Oh, and dress up and take lots of pictures!

Quinney even got her hair and make-up did by her older cousins...fun!

Me and my Quinnerbear!

Ready....say cheese. Why are the two brothers-in-law standing there with all the grandchildren??

It has to be said. We miss you Lindsay!

Me and the sista from another Mista

THE FAVORITE

This was the view from my parents room one night while docked in St. Thomas. They called me up to hang out with them...

and then they surprised everyone with a private party in honor of me on this private yacht that they rented out for the night. They had that little ski boat (you can see it there on the bottom left hand corner of the yacht) come pick us all up from the ship and then served us cocktails and and a seven course meal. After that we were serenaded by Sting. It was awesome! Maybe that didn't happen but I know they really wanted to.

Maybe this was just us sitting on their balcony and talking about how

much they love me and how I'm their favorite.

Here they are again insisting they get a picture with their favorite child...it's tough getting so

much attention from them in front of my siblings.

Speaking of favorites, if you're ever on St. Thomas and want a YUMMY place to grab a bite and apparently a free beer. Stop in at the Burrito Hut. The best Jamaican Jerk Chicken burritos ever! Oh so good. It's been there for at least as long as we've been going...Hub and went there 6 years ago and have been back every time we are in St. Thomas...well-all three times and it's always one of the best meals of the trip.

This is the view from inside the restaurant

They also have yummy treats.

Some more favorites...

I hope you enjoyed this recap as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you not at least at the end you didn't have have the Norovirus like us.

Here's to 50 more good ones Mom and Dad!!!

Ballentines

2011-02-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

We had lots of Ballentines Day Lub at our house this year. Ciel told me all day long that she wanted to give her friend Aba (Ava) a Ballentine. SO sweet!

Hub always gets the kids something and sets it out for them the morning of. This year I decided to do something blog worthy and make some pink heart-shaped Valentines for my little sweeties. If you haven't noticed making pancakes is a big deal in our family and is usually the "big thing" I do to celebrate something. On the other hand, Hub will often make pancakes on Saturday morning. And if I make cake or heaven forbid cupcakes, you know it's big time!

We decided also for FHE that we would heart attack the kids primary teachers, with whom they are all in love. The kids had fun decorating the hearts and LUBBED sneaking (albeit not quietly) out and hanging the hearts on the doors. We also left them a plate of cookies (made by Hub) too. They were so cute, and had so much fun, it makes me want to do it every Monday night. They were so loud and clumsy and really in no hurry. Except for Hub who nearly flattened Ciel in order to make a quick getaway. After the first near death experience with scurrying children, and their full-grown Father and a running car-we decided I would ring the door bell while Hub picked up Ciel and ran to the car with the other kids...much better.

Pink batter with chocolate chips, whip cream and fresh strawberries.

These hearts were homemade baby!

The mess...I mean fun!

No pics of the actual deed. It would have been certain disaster if I would've been trying to snap shots during all of this heart attacking mayhem.

Hope you had a nice Valentines Day!

Caribbean Blue

2011-02-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Paradise...

To celebrate 50 Years of wedded bliss for these two love birds.

Here's a peek at post(s) to come...

Four and Fabulous!

2011-01-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

We have finally had another winter that rivaled the one we had four years ago when I was nine months pregnant with this little one. She is four! What really sticks out besides all of the bangs I cut too short and the pictures that prove it is how fun she has been for our family. I would've never planned to get pregnant with a six month old baby but she is one of the three best things that ever happened to us.

This year we did something a little different and CC and Mama went with her best friend Alaina and her Mom to Disney on Ice. I mentioned to her in the morning that one of her presents would be going to see Disney on Ice and by that evening according to everyone we were headed for Disneyland. We ate dinner in Tempe at PF Changs and boy did our little four year olds stick out in that small student/university area.

She has insisted on growing her hair out, that includes bangs.

The other Mom and I thought this picture was too funny not to post.

Off for the real magic of the night. She could hear Mickey as we were walking to our seats and didn't want to find "our" seats she just wanted to get past that curtain and in a seat.

Here were some pics of the performance which was so good. The show lived up to it's Disney name and kept things fun, fast, and full of all your favorite Disney characters.

It was also at this time that CC thought the show was over and "just wanted to ride the escalator".

Buzz, Woody, Jessie, the Army guy and the PIG. Loved this pig. It was on four skates...and big!

The next day was her actual birthday. She opened presents and really seemed

to enjoy the different things she received this year.

We went to Peter Piper Pizza that night and Grandma, Aunt Mona and Uncle Wilson joined us and so did Jamie, Alaina and Maera.

Then we ended our night by going home and making wishes, blowing out candles and eating a little chocolate cake.

Four things I love about this little Belle-

1. Her laugh. She has an infectious little laugh. She has always giggled at her siblings but once she started really laughing it's one of the sweetest sounds. I love it now and will play and tickle her just to get her laughing.

2. She is so content to play by herself and make believe. She will sit in her room and pull out her squinkies, or barbies, or pet shops and play for an hour before ever even checking in with any of us.

3. She is much more artistic than the others. She is a very good colorer. She often colors pictures that I think Quinn has colored. She will often include designs in what she colors too. She is also a natural at the piano. She will play and play until I shut it down, but plays it for a long time and loudly. But even her finger positioning is natural and I am hoping that she will pick it up easily and enjoy it too.

4. She plays so well with her brother Auggy and anything he can do she can do, but often chooses not to. I've wondered how she and Aug will do when he heads of to Kindergarten next year and is gone all day. I love that the have each other and get along so well.

Happy Birthday Big Girl!!!

You get what you get and you don't throw a fit

2011-01-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

I think this will be our theme for the rest of our lives. As it was yesterday when our best laid plans for a lunchtime hike turned into a late afternoon hike with three sleeping kids that had to be awoken upon arrival. I don't know about you, but I will get in my car and drive around to get my kids to sleep. I even remember thinking I was crazy myself when gas was almost $5/gallon here and I'd load the two little ones in the car at 12:30 to get them to snooze. Anyway...

Sleeping kids, missed exit and a stuck register. Hubby didn't realize where the turn off was even though it was THE only turn off before driving into the river and I didn't realize that the Park ranger would still make us pay our $6 even when her register froze up on her. We patiently waited (and discussed just pulling off the road somewhere else and walking up a mountain for free) for our kind park ranger to give us our change and happily went on our way. Don't worry I brought two right footed sneakers...so I was in my flip flops-no worries.

We were headed this way...

Woken up and ready to rumble.

The always fearless leader...except when it comes to being charged six-whole-dollars to drive a mile off the road, park and hike.

So far so good.

This is about as far up the mountain that we got. Not bad for the first time. Baby steps.

Cute photo opp with the kiddos.

This was a really easy hike and path and it's about 3 miles roundtrip. Next time we will have to go in the morning or at least anytime before the sun begins to set.

Other fun pics from the holidays

2011-01-05T09:51:00.001-07:00

You know how you are rarely in pictures because you are always the photographer? Well, I can't say that I really object to that, but sometimes there are those pictures that are worthy of being documented. Here are a few taken by others from our trip to Utah.

Take One...

Take Two...

I love these pictures of all of the kids, well most of them, the four older graduated girls opted out this year.

Mike enjoying some jumping time with CC.

CC helping Kaylee with her puzzle skills.

Eating at Porcupine grill with Craig Bolerjack and company.

(Craig Bolerjack is not pictured here)

These were taken up Provo Canyon where we went sledding and on our way home around Page.

Days 14-24 Christmas Activities Wrap Up

2010-12-31T18:11:00.001-07:00

Day 14 Christmas Puzzle

My kids LOVE puzzles. I could just get them a puzzle every day and I think they would be content, in fact maybe I ought to try that next year.

Day 15 Read A Christmas Book

Always fun to sit down with the kids and read books about Christmas and it's true meaning...Santa and presents-after the book has been read and the question posed.

Day 16 Pre-school Program/Christmas Party with Friends

The little ones Christmas Program was a Gingerbread man production and CC was the little sheep. Aug was a horse. Cute little speaking parts and lots and lots of songs were heard and performed and made for a perfect Thursday matinee.

Later that night we got together with some of our best friends to exchange gifts, play and decorate cookies. Hub was busy doing church stuff and my friend's husband is always working which usually means she ends up tagging along with us-she makes a great sister wife though!

Day 17

Quinn's Christmas Party at school...it's always fun for Quinn to have her little siblings join her at school because she kind of gets to show them off. There were lots of fun things for Quinn and the kids to do too.
Later that night we snuggled in with the kids and watched the Grinch together.

Day 18 Ward Christmas Breakfast

Nothings says Christmas like breakfast casseroles, hot coco and balloons popping everywhere. The activity was to take some balloons and tape and build the highest tower with your balloons. You would think with a General Contractor, Architect and Builder that we would have taken the cake...wrong! They didn't win, but to their defense, they got started a little late and their balloons kept getting stolen by grabby little hands.

And anyway, I think everyone had more fun popping the balloons afterward.

Day 19 Christmas Celebration at Grandma's

The heavily anticipated night finally came and off we went to Grandma's. Aug had no other goal than to open his present which he already knew was a pillow pet.

He of course knew he was getting a pillow pet after the first time we went to Grandma's after she had wrapped presents and put all of our Christmas stuff up. Grandma June pointed out everyone's presents and before you know it Aug was busy unwrapping while we were in the other room talking. He announced to everyone what they got before we realized he was in there peeking. He was very put off when we told him he had to wait till Christmas to open his presents. Oh boy did he throw a fit. He couldn't process the waiting part of all of this present nonsense. He wanted his present NOW! Well, we didn't go back until it was time to take the presents home with us.

The kids were so thrilled about their pillow pets that I found all of their real pillows thrown out because they didn't need them anymore. Who knew?

Day 20 Quinn's Christmas Recital

Quinn did another outstanding job with her pieces. We are so proud of her accomplishments with piano and her skill to memorize all of it and then play it without being a bundle of nerves like her Mom.

Quinn is that gorgeous one standing there front and center...I have no idea why the girl in the back is wearing a Lakers Santa hat and I really wanted to rip that thing right off her head you'll see why in the video.

Day 21 Leave For UTAH

Auggy woke me up early to announce/yell, "Tonight we leave for Utah!!!" His hands were actually in the air cheering. Need I say more?

We packed up the car with extra bins and things and made our trip up to Utah beginning at 9:00 that night. Believe me when I say it was a long day of questions about Utah. I never want to do that drive any other way either. The kids slept peacefully through the night. I slept as we drove right over that Dam Bridge that I would've otherwise been hyperventilating over. And Hub and I switched off driving which meant I could listen to whatever music I wanted since he was sleeping. We made it in to Provo at about 7:30 am.

We had a day of visiting (and sleeping) with Grandma and Grandpa and later that night Hub and I were able to go to my old roommate from BYU's wedding reception up at the Grand America. It was beautiful. She was gorgeous and it was great to see her so happy.

Day 22 Go Sledding

The kids were so excited to go sledding. They had fond memories of two years ago when my Dad took them just down the street from their house. This year, despite the "huge" storm they had received earlier that week we had to drive up the canyons to find a suitable place. The air was cold, the snow packed and the sledders were ready. Oh the laughter...after Aug finally dared to do a solo run it was all laughs from there. Up and down and up and down. What fun!

Day 23 Cousins Sleepover

My sister likes to have the kids up for a sleep over at her house and other fun activities every holiday season. The kids all love it and the parents love the night off right before Christmas. Hub and I met up with some friends for dinner and a movie which also meant we got no extra Christmas shopping in...

Day 24 Christmas Eve Festivities with Family and Christmas Jammies

The hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is even that much more fun when you get to spend it with your family. Lots of scurrying around, last minutes shopping, lines, and bumper to bumper parking lots, but all ending in a rendezvous at my parents in their warm cozy house surrounded by those you love most. Everyone ended up brining so many appetizers that we never even made it to the Christmas ham or potatoes.

After dinner we dressed up the kids and read the Nativity from the Bible. Do you all have to make up the part about the Three Wisemen too? We always forget to find that part in the Bible beforehand and end up ad-libbing after we realize there are still "performers" waiting in the kitchen to come out and present their gifts to baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

I know it's a little late.

Day 14 Visit Santa Claus aka Line of Death

2010-12-15T08:54:00.002-07:00

I don't think I've ever blogged about my love of waiting in line for Santa Claus with three little children or how I love spending $10 per polaroid of my kids with the big fella. Well, I'm not going to have to this year either.

We visited Santa, and I have to admit, we usually don't. After the one year at the mall here with the three of them by myself in an hour line I decided never again. I know it was partially my fault, who would try to do it by themselves anyway and my babes were 4, 2 and 1. Live and learn. BUT last night we headed over to the Bass Pro Shop because Santa has a workshop there and each of the kids had a chance to have a chatty chat with the Mister himself.

The line wasn't too bad, but I wasn't standing in it either...Hub was. See, I wised up. And they hand out passes too so you can wait in the line of your pass. Then, the kids and I roamed around. They had all sorts of free activities, remote control trains, cars and trucks, crafts, coloring, range shooting practice among all the other stuff (ed) animals they had.

So seeing Santa for this family is a big deal...remember my "Scroogie-ness" thing? So without further adieu-here are the FREE pictures.

Quinn was not about sitting on his lap-smart girl. Just look her body language when he asked her to just stand next to him. And she doesn't even know about the "grabby" Santa incident from a few years back!

Ciel could've gone either way and I was prepared for her to either burst out in tears, or just completely avoid him, or be totally fine and talk his ear off. She didn't do either. She was cautious but not really shy. She was happy but not really smiley. What do you call that?

Auggy + Santa = True Love. If only they had an interactive Santa on the Wii. That would be Aug's Heaven.

Day 13 Service Project

2010-12-15T08:27:00.001-07:00

Gather coats and blankets to donate to a local shelter.

Quinn with the first two victims.

Ciel was thinking we were going to give away every single blanket and

diligently went about folding them all up.

If a picture is worth a thousand words...which ones would belong to this one?

I felt great because we gathered quite a few coats and blankets to donate and had done it rather quickly (short and sweet FHE) but for some reason Aug was having an off night and doing his best to share his misery with the rest of us. After we'd put everything together Hub stuffed it all in a overly huge garbage bag big enough to fit both of us in it. We started teasing Aug that we were going to donate him if he didn't lighten up. Sure enough Hub grabbed him and threatened to put him in the bag with all of the coats. This didn't go well...as you can see. But it was funny.

Seriously look at the size of that garbage bag!

Day 12 Make Santa Claus and Snowman Pancakes

2010-12-13T12:09:00.001-07:00

This was really fun. The kids really loved this...but what's not to like pancakes, whipped cream, milk chocolate and cherries?

Everyone thoroughly enjoying their breakfast...and Quinn squirting whip cream directly into her mouth.

Quinn's got a little messy when she decided to make her snowman a snowgirl.

One of Ciel's classic looks AND her cute snowman.

Posted these again because they ended up being so cute and

I LOVE them.

Can you imagine how "braggy" I would be if I really was a crafter.

Hope you aren't too sick of me yet either...we still have 12 more days to go!

Day 9 Sing Christmas Carols

2010-12-11T23:54:00.001-07:00

Not to anyone but ourselves but it was still fun. The kids are at that age where they are learning all of the fun Christmas songs. Some of their favorites are Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer minus the beginning with the naming of the reindeer, and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. They also like all versions of the Nutcracker and Carol of the Bells. They like the last one because Quinn is playing it for recital. Hub is particularly fond of the Mannheim Steamroller version of Carol of the Bells-bleck!!!

Augs and CC are performing their Preschool Christmas Program this week so we practiced their songs too. FUNNY AUGGY-ism: There is one song they sing about a runaway gingerbread man and the line says, "Because eating dessert isn't very fun". Well, CC thinks it says, "BEING dessert isn't very fun". Aug insists it's 'eating' and she insists it's 'being'. After some serious debate and lots of yelling, Auggy says, "CC you're a baby and you have small ears!" Quinn then piped in and said, "I want to see your ears CC. Yeah, they are small." I was trying so hard not to laugh and stay neutral, but small ears or not, I think CC was right. We will see on Thursday.

Day 11 Make a Christmas Tree Craft

2010-12-11T22:31:00.001-07:00

I bought these cones with Auggy at Michael's (Aug's favorite store I think) a few weeks ago when I saw this idea. He has bugged me about them ever since and wanted to decorate his tree for the last 11 days. Well, today was the day. It was a really busy Saturday, but I knew I'd have to do it on a day where I had Hub as a back up because I knew the mess, time and patience it would take me for a project like this one would have been too much to handle alone. Plus, it involved a GLUE GUN.

Strips of holiday paper cut, then curled around a pencil and finally glued to a floral cone.

He is hiding under the table here

I don't know what I did to deserve three smiling kids with their trees?

Don't worry CC's Tree ended up with a pink star on top too.

They weren't that hard, but a little time consuming. Quinn did much better than the little ones but even she wanted help at the end. They all liked picking out the papers and colors though. Aug wasn't a fan after all and even hid from all the photos being snapped. In the end he thought it looked like his perfectly good bare cone looked like it had a dress on.

Day 10 Eat Sushi?

2010-12-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

So, Quinn had a sleepover with the only friend she's ever been allowed to have a sleepover with in her 7 1/2 years of life and Hub and the two little ones and I all went out for sushi. I mean Christmas Sushi? I mean we drove around and saw Christmas lights before going for sushi. Does any of this count when all day long the kids were asking me why there was nothing behind the #10 door? Well, I'm counting it, so there! AND it was one of my favorite activities so far.

Day 8 Watch Elf

2010-12-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

"You stink. You smell like beef and cheese, you don't smell like Santa." -Buddy The Elf.

I love this movie! The two little ones could take it or leave it and Aug asked about Rudolph about every five minutes, but Quinn, Hub and I enjoyed ourselves.

Day 7 Make Gingerbread House

2010-12-11T21:55:00.001-07:00

This is one the kids really look forward to. One of my favorite memories of Christmas while I was growing up was makng these with my four little nieces. Tiffany, Kaylee, Crystal and Lindsay were all born one year after the other. They were (are) so cute and fun and the light of my life during my teenage years.
I remember the days of graham crackers and milk cartons, tin foil and cardboard and then trying real gingerbread which is really hard to get just right. But now we are lucky, we have kits with the whole caboodle.

I actually had a great idea, to get the kids started with the house and then leave them with one of favorite gals, Jasmine to finish it up and then go to bed while Hub and I went out for a little shopping. Well, unbeknownst to me, this gingerbread kit had to sit for hours between construction so we put the walls up and like all new construction homes I've worked with-everything was delayed. ;)

It finally got done and Hub and I bought more candy since I knew there wouldn't be much left of what we left with the babysitter and I was right. I also got smart and bought a can of spray frosting to make things go a little easier than trying to do it through a pastry bag.

Ummm. Sorry no pics of the finished products. I will say it looked like a custom home after the kids got done with it though.

DAY 6 Temple Lights with the Johnson Family

2010-12-07T09:35:00.001-07:00

Most of these advent activities are really easy because we do them every year. This is one that we have done for quite a few years in a row with one of our favorite families. Our kids are all the same age and gender so they all have quite a rowdy-I mean reverent-time when we get together. There were a few things that made this trip a little different from the rest, first, it seemed like there were a lot more and brighter lights this year. I enjoyed that very much since some years you felt like there were some budget issues. Secondly, this year Matt pointed out that it was the first year without strollers and that was weird.

The Annual Three Wisemen. Ciel wanted to ride on a camel.

This held their attention for 2.5 seconds

Behind this cute boy is a huge piece of petrified wood. Don't know the story behind it and never noticed it before. It was also too dark to read from whence it came or it's church significance, so if you know do share.

The picture by the stairs.

And proof that we were there and I didn't just use last years photos...

as I may have been tempted to do in other posts.

It's usually a lot of hubub to get there and to walk around and try not to lose kids or their attention spans, but this year it wasn't nearly as much drama to get there as it has been. It wasn't as cold or as crowded either which makes it much more bearable. Once we do our lap around the grounds we end up at the stairs where the kids start their acrobatic routines and games of tag and hide-and-go-seek. And we saw some pretty nice lights and other stuff too.

DAY 5 Drive to Christmas Street...

2010-12-07T09:24:00.002-07:00

My kids love this street. It's a fun tradition mainly because there are so many lights and people and fun (tacky) decorations that I would never put up. If anyone is wondering where this is it is located at Natal Circle in Mesa. It's on Gaudalupe between Country Club and Alma School. You turn right/North on Cherry off of Gaudalupe. You'll see the line of parked cars and if you're lucky a real London Double Decker Bus-like we did. Seriously.

As a side note I always wondered what happens if you just happen to move into a home on this street. Is the decorating required? Is it in the CCR's? Would it have to be disclosed? Well I got my answer in this article from the AZ Republic. Pretty funny. http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2010/11/29/20101129mesa-holiday-lights1127.html

DAY 4 Primary PJ Party...

2010-12-07T09:16:00.001-07:00

Our Primary people are so fun! They are great with our kids and their activities are super fun. This past Saturday was 'PJs' Party. Pillow, Jammies and scriptures. The kids went over in their Jams, pillows and itty bitty Books of Mormon and came home with prayer rocks (each with more than one), journals and popcorn. The kids have loved the prayer rocks and I made the mistake of throwing one away-since we had 8 extra and of course the Dog was asking for the one with all the colors, aka-the one in the trash. I went and fished it out for him that night because he wasn't going to sleep without it.
They have been coloring in their journals since they got them and Auggy proudly announces that he has already said his personal prayers when we come in to have family prayer. What a difference a rock makes.

That night we went to a production of "Savior of The World" with my friend and her family. It was really nice. A little too much singing for my taste, but hey the kids were entertained and the focus was really on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas so I can't complain (too much). It was a great way to end a great day.

Family Photos

2010-12-04T15:39:00.002-07:00

What do you think? Not a big fan of photos taken from afar with the whole family standing...especially not with little kids. I don't know why Tyler is "smiling" the way he is but you could make a fun game out of it and try to put your own thoughts to his smile.

I know which one I like best. The one of ME sprawled across the rocks. You can get that in a 16x20 only. I don't want people to have to clear a space on their wall for me or anything.

Thanks Givmas

2010-12-04T09:14:00.003-07:00

It seems like a month in between in posts is gonna have to do these days. And since Thanksgiving seems like it was a month ago itself, I am going to have to combine the two. Plus, that will help with my lack of picture taking.

Thanksgiving was great. It was only the third time having it at my house. The first two were really small so I sort of don't count those ones. But this one outdid them all. I really put a lot of effort into this special day. I kept hoping that it would be worth it since I never really understood why we make so many dishes when we only have one plate and one plate can't even fit everything on it. Seconds you say? Well by the time I'd prepared everything and sat down to eat I wasn't even in the mood to actually grub on everything I'd just prepared. Have you ever had that problem? It was really odd. But after cleaning the house, prepping food the night before, fighting with a raw turkey, making stuffing, dips, rolls, desserts, jello salad, AND pulling out the china ALL before and after running the turkey trot, I guess I was more in the mood to nap. I mean, I was really thankful that day and this whole month in fact, for so many blessings and people and things...but I had a sort of out of body experience with how exhausted I felt Thanksgiving night. The food, was great, the company was great, but having Tyler home for four days straight just to hang out with the family was probably the best thing about this last Thanksgiving.

Hub and I both did a little bit of Black Friday shopping. Can you say-$6.98 tennis shoes? That was totally by chance and I probably could've been just as lucky to find them any other day of the week, month or year, but since I found them on Black Friday, I am listing them as the best find of the day. It's funny, because it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but Hub was in shock and awe...and couldn't believe it, I don't think he would've if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes. I think his experience at Wal-Mart was worse than mine at Target. We got a few things for the kids and luckily got everything we were hoping to get.

Somehow, the next few days following Thanksgiving are a blur and BAM!!!! December 1st! I have to be totally honest here. Actually I could totally lie and no one would know. But I have been staring at my Christmas bins all week only pulling out the things that have been an absolute necessity. Lights-and that's only because Hub was in charge of that. And this? This has been taunting me all week.

I woke up early enough one morning to print out all of the activities, but I've been so lazy that I've only cut one day's activity out at a time and stuck it in there before the kids get up. And I'm obviously 4 days behind already.

I give myself a lot of credit because if you really knew what a scrooge I used to be I'd look like Mrs. Claus herself now. I have come a long way. How far? Not only one year, but two years in a row I spent in New York with my Jewish family. Another post for another day...but I didn't even want a Christmas tree the first year we were married-but again, my parents bought us a little one that would fit in our tiny place and it made a big difference. I still have that 2 foot tree even though the lights don't even work on it and most of the branches are stuck in a forever-up position. For some reason I can't toss it.

The kids are nuts as usual and are in full Christmas swing. They can't wait to decorate, get the tree, make the gingerbread houses. I am blaming this week on PMS and hoping it's about over so I can get my 'Merry' on.

So, I've managed to pull off a few things and here they are.

*********************************************

DAY 1 Open Chocolate Advent Calendars...

I think this is the first year that they've only eaten one day ahead instead of like seven. It's still the first thing they do when they wake up and Ciel asks to do it all throughout the day.

***********************************************

DAY 2 Attend The Gilbert Christmas Tree Lighting...

A yearly tradition now. It's the same old thing, but the kids really seem to enjoy it. This year they had a Chic-Fil-A Santa and they were all more interested in getting pictures with them than Santa.

Ciel wanted nothing to do with pictures before the cows-so we pulled in a random girl to stand in for her. Haha...Quinn's friend Cassie came along too.

***********************************************

DAY 3 Get our Christmas Tree and Sleep Under The Tree...

We got the tree and everything else went downhill from there. We had thrown away our stand last year and forgot. So we got home and after an argument about the process of getting it in the house and where to put it...we realized we didn't even have a stand. Can you say anti-climactic? Then, the kids were WILD!!! They coudn't wait to decorate it. But we had to wait for lights. You'd think with 18 strings of lights that some of them would work. Well, it only covered 2/3 of the tree and the rest didn't work. So, TONIGHT they will sleep under the fully decorated LIT tree and I'll post those sweet pics and no one will ever know. Except you five readers that follow my blog. ;)

You saw us, now for the kids

2010-11-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that of all these cute costumes, people LOVED Mario!

I think collected about 10 lbs of candy in a 2 block radius. Not bad.

Halloween 2010

You saw my job...watch my Hub's job

2010-11-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Watch with caution-this video contains robotic expletives.

In summary to be an Architect llike Hub and design strip malls and the occasional home, be chained to your desk like a slave, staring at your computer monitor for 18 hours a day you must:

- Complete 6 years for schooling-designing like crazy, no budget, non-code compliant structures that can't be built because of gravity
- Intern for 3-4 years after to get all of your hours
- Pass 7 impossible exams
- Wait 6 months to take 7 exams that you already failed

We live such a glamorous life in our cardboard box!

2010-10-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Who are these characters? Any guesses?

The two bald guys at the party, sporting awesome heads of hair!

So fun seeing old friends!

Oh and here they are again!

My hair matched her outfit!

Alright, I'll give you a hint...we're the evil vampires who are trying to kill Bella and Edward, I think? I don't think I finished book 2 of the series and I'm pretty sure the other couple didn't read the series either.

This had to be the best Party I've ever been too. Apart from the house being one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot, the party was rockin', the music was loud, the decor was amazing and the costumes were hilarious. I couldn't fit the pool, fire pit, purple can lighting, giant pumpkins, cobwebs, hanging skeletons or dance floor in this picture.

Some of the best costumes of the night were, Border Patrol and the Mexican, Bee and Bee Keeper, Phantom, Warren Jeffs and his wives, Mad Hatter, Where's Waldo, plenty of prisoners, cops, sailors. Really loved the punk rockers and the 80's folks. But I think my favorite was the cute couples dressed up like the Twilight characters. Can you blame me...Halloween is not my favorite holiday. To. Much. Pressure!

Fall Fun!

2010-10-30T09:12:00.001-07:00

October begins our fall emersion from our summer cave. It's so nice to get out and enjoy beautiful weather and fall activities.

The pumpkin patches and farms are bountiful in the area. We try to hit up at least one or two every year.

Last week we went to Mother Nature's Farm right down the street from us.

Mother Nature's Farm was also the most recent culprit of Aug's latest asthma exacerbation. After a hay ride, a hay maze, a hay play thing and plenty of dust kicked up during our two hour stay Aug almost ended up in the ER the day after.

This time of year also comes with other fun ways we like to spend our time to-giving breathing treatments, measuring oxygen saturation and listening for wheezing upon exhale.

Luckily, both his Allergist and Pediatrician are aggressively treating his asthma this year.

This week was Aug and CC's Preschool Carnival too. And what a carnival it was! Very impressive as far as preschool carnival's go. So much to do, eat, win and stand around for (in 92 degree heat). The kids were all sugared up, cake walked out and and I was just plain exhausted when we finally made it home.

The fun didn't stop here. Next post is of our Adult Halloween party and of course, the Trunk-or-Treat!

Remembering Lindsay

2010-10-24T09:25:00.001-07:00

Because I knew you...I have been

changed for good.

It's been two years this weekend that our Lindsay passed away. I wanted to remember her here-she and her family have been on my mind the whole month. My mind still jumps from one thought to the next when I think about her. Is she really gone? What was I doing when I found out? How weird it is at family gatherings without her? What will it be like when we meet again? Remembering the way she was with my kids. The way this has changed the lives of her big sister and her little brothers. How does her Mom do it? It's no wonder that it's taken me two years to finally be able to talk about her without completely falling apart.

I wanted to put these pictures up of her because it embodies the type of person she is, happy, loving, cheerful and always surrounded by the ones she loves and that love her. I know that is where she is now-with those who love her. We miss you Linds, but we know that we will see you again.

Do you see what I see?

2010-10-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

One night last week I was working at my desk. It was dark, but I had a lamp at my desk so I didn't really notice my surroundings. My two little ones were playing on their DS' behind me. I could hear their games and their giggles. But when I turned around this is what I saw...or didn't see.

Complete darkness. At first I didn't see them because they were both smushed in the tent.

Awww...FLASH! Pay no attention to the mess, just the kids in the tent.

Playing together alone in the dark.

And totally unaware of their surroundings.

It's love/hate with these two I tell ya. They are best frenemies, but at least here it was nothin' but love.

It's Fall Y'all!

2010-10-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

We have to remind ourselves here in Phoenix that yes indeed it is Fall. Even though the temperatures are still pushing 100 we were able to enjoy the kid's Fall Break this past week.

What makes sleeping in late, not going to school, no homework and staying up late even better? Doing it with Grandma Jude! Since it's been awhile since we've had a visit from her the kids were ecstatic. They wouldn't even leave her alone to go to the bathroom..sliding things under the door and sticking their feet up on the door waiting for her to come out was the routine. Ciel would forget she was here and then walk into the room and say, "You're still here!" In in regular Grandma Jude fashion, we ate out every night, played a lot, and were really spoiled.

Is it possible to get a "normal" smile/pose out of my 5 year old?

The kids enjoying one last swim in October!

The night she left Auggy blessed her to be safe at the airport, on the plane ride home, driving back to her house and even while she was sleeping. It was so sweet. And, I'm running out of viable reasons that she actually had to leave. Hopefully we are going to see them again next month, or sooner (hint, hint).

Preschool

2010-10-07T16:38:00.001-07:00

This year I was lucky enough to get Aug and CC into a great Preschool. It's called "Color Outside The Lines". The teacher owns the house that she uses for the sole purpose of her preschool.

Today the kids brought home cute little 'About Me' Books. Love them-the kids and the books.

Here are two telling peices of information about my 3 and 5 year old. Too cute to keep to myself.

Here is Ciel's, my nice sweet girl...

Here is Auggy, my screen-addicted boy.

So sweet!

And here's a peek at the Halloween decor we've been wearing around.

What the Hail!?

2010-10-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week we were hovering at about 107-110! Today-HAIL. Really? Make up your mind Mother Nature. I was more than ready to welcome with open (sleeve-covered) arms the 80 degree weather we all live for after a long hot summer, but instead we were swimming for hours at the pool just one week ago..what the hail?

Now I've seen a few storms after living here in AZ for the past 7 years. I've even seen a microburst and monsoon or two. But today. TODAY!! I was driving home from a fun Republican Luncheon where I got to swoon over my favorite soon-to-be Republican Presidential candidate and pray that the rest of the congressional candidates in attendance take back the house in 28 more days-I digress. Anyway, I noticed the freeway to my house was backed way up. I was running late and decided to go past my freeway exit and take surface streets. I was on the phone with the MIL to assure her that I was due home shortly and that I had to take a small detour when I came upon police cars and signs taking us down to one lane. Further delays-perfect! Right after I hung up I noticed the next intersection was being directed by the police and that the lights were all out...what the hail?

By the next intersection the wind was blowing so hard I could feel it in my car. Soon signs were blowing across the street and it was almost instantaneously black skies and the rain was falling sideways. Oh, did I not mention the rain? Well, that's because one minute it was clear and the next it was raining-sideways!
As I came upon the next intersection at 5 mph since the visibility was next to nothing, there was a huge popping sound and one of the electric lines just blew. It was like a little firework that completely lit up a dark sky. It was nuts! I thought I was in hail for a minute or two. I called my MIL and told her how ugly things had turned and how I felt like I was seriously worried about getting struck by flying debris or any one of the 9 trees I'd seen fall in the past mile I had driven. After I cleared what I think was the eye of the storm, I saw the devastation driving the next mile or so. Mature trees completely uprooted and fallen in the street. At a few points both lanes of traffic were blocked and we had to drive on the curb or in the lanes of oncoming traffic to get by. I have never seen so much debris, palms and trees completely fallen and snapped in half. Seriously, what the...?

Tonight when I turned on the news there were actually power lines that had fallen on homes and all around them...and they were all right where I had been driving. The exact intersection. And instead of words or wisdom and a clever post relating storms and life I just wanted an excuse to say, "Oh my HAIL!"

Here's the proof gathered by the Aug Dog and now frozen in our freezer.

Some of them were the size of marbles.

The Aug Dog turns 5!

2010-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe he's five. He had the fattest little cheeks when he was little...the photo I took of him to Bali with us still sits by my desk and it just reminds me of the little peanut he used to be.

Last week we celebrated by singing, cake, presents, swimming and indulging him in sugar. He still wants his bowling party with the bowling alley cake I accidentally showed him and is eagerly awaiting that. He keeps asking when his "real" birthday is.

Five things about Auggy that make him special are:

1. He is a natural at music-loves to dance, sing and is actually doing pretty well with his mom-taught piano lessons.
2. August goes by Aug, Auggy, Auggie, Aug Dog, Augart, Augster, Mister Bizmess, and The Dog.
3. Auggy is the biggest eater of the three kids...isn't picky and likes most everything. He loves pizza and bean dip.
4. He is a SWIMMER...and always has been. He has swam the best of the three kids and is a natural. I think he could be happy with his Grandpa John living most of his life at Lake Powell.
5. Aug is persistent. He held most of the records on our Wii and loves any type of game on a screen. He also loves basketball, football, and table tennis.

I love this boy of mine and I am so grateful that he is a healthy, smart, sweet boy. Happy Birthday Auggy!

Sandstrom Family Reunion Park City, Utah

2010-10-04T11:04:00.001-07:00

We've done Park City a few times before, and it's always been a great time. For Mom and Dad's official homecoming we all decided to meet up over Labor Day. This time, most of the family was able to stay up for most of the week. There were so many things to do at the hotel alone, but we managed to make it a day or two down to Main Street for some food, shopping and the free trolley. At the resort they had a great work out room, human size checkers and chess, a game room, SIX hot tubs and a huge pool all set at the base of the Alpine Slide right against the mountains.

Some of the highlights of this trip were:

- The hot tubs for sure and searching out the hottest one we could for our 10:00 pm ritual every night

- Attending the testimony meeting for sacrament and my niece Crystal's testimony when she pointed out my parents and made them stand up in front of the whole congregation.

- Alpine sliding with the whole family-FUN!

- Spending time with my fresh-off-the-mission parents in a relaxing beautiful place

- Hubstar earning the "star" in his name for spending hours with the Dog playing table tennis

- Talking my sister and her daughters into staying with us in PC instead of heading out to Cali

- Talking my kids into a "short hike" on a day that it decided to hail on us

- Not taking the altitude into consideration when cooking my meat for dinner and not being able to eat it until the next night when it was finally done!

- The Photo Scavenger Hunt was a blast...my family is awesome for so enthusiastically participating. It was fun to do and we ended up with great photos and memories.

Finally, one of the funniest things heard all weekend the night we arrived was with my son and my nephew. Aug and Conner were going to sleep together in the queen bed-big time for Aug. Before bedtime Conner was kneeling to say his prayers. Aug knew this was familiar and said, "Oh yeah, who is going to say the blessing?" Conner smartly volunteered. After their prayer, Conner stayed on his knees to say his personal prayers. Auggy was totally confused by this. He asked Conner, "Again!?" Conner explained the best he could to a four year old why we say our personal prayers (thank you Conner-Tyler and I were waiting to tackle this one) and after he finished Auggy said, "Well, knock yourself out!" So cute!

When 'Olivia' Just Won't Do.

2010-09-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Little Diva...with an interest in the afterlife.

I'm bragging in no particular order

2010-08-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

1) About my awesome deal today at Gymboree.

Three girls skirts for $16! First of all I went in armed with a 20% off coupon and knowing that they are taking an additional 20% off everything right now too-so you know there was a deal to be had. We only found one long skirt for little Q and realized it was still $20, so I asked if they had any other styles. The woman said they did but that they weren't from this season-SAY NO MORE! We walked out.

Or, maybe we waited while she pulled them from the back. All three were from three different lines but were all marked $28.75 :(. However, when I sheepishly asked if they were priced as marked I was surprised to hear her say they were all under $10! So, with the additional 20% and my coupon for one item at a 20% discount I bought all three for $16.

2) About the cutest two cutest preschoolers ever. The girl even dressed herself and wouldn't take suggestions from Mom.

Preschool crowns worn proudly all week...until they broke.

(Is three way too much bragging?) Who cares.

3) About my rubbing shoulders with Govenor Brewer, Senator Kyl, Senator McCain, Mr. Schwiechert, Mr. Ben Quayle, and the list literally went on...for 2 hours. Anyhow, for the 2 of you not on facebook, last night I attended another Republican Fundraiser at the Biltmore. I dragged Carrie along with me to give her a little culture. I knew that was a bad idea when she started questioning which hand you shake with...ha, ha, love you Carebear!

The part worth bragging about here wasn't the fact that I saw our Ex-VP Dan Quayle and others whose names I've already dropped. Or that I had to give Senator Kyl's security detail a geography lesson on the Capitol of Arizona (who says my degree doesn't come in handy?) But, that I handled with dignity and grace a very embarrassing moment.

After a long night of standing, smiling, applauding and feigning interest, I looked down at my achey feet and noticed that I had two different black heels on. One with an open toe and the other without. My bright flashy toenail polish made it a little more obvious too. I was completely mortified and replaying the night and counting the times my mismatched shoes would've been spotted. After losing count and my balance from hiding one foot behind the other, I gave up and just went to sit down with feet safely tucked behind the table and out of site.

There are no pictures of the shoe mishap, only ones from before the event with one happy, ignorant, unknowingly mismatched girl and her friend (who didn't even notice).

Aren't you jealous?

This is what I do for a living.

2010-08-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

People ask me how the market is and if I do short sales. Of course short sales are a very big part of my business, perhaps the biggest part. This video is perfect for anyone wondering what my job in this market is really like.

Enjoy-cuz you know I do!

Is it Halloween already?

2010-08-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Once again CC is dressing up like Charlie Chaplin or the more famous villain of the German kind.

She really only does this when she has a runny nose and that sensitive skin under her nose starts to get sore-poor girl. And she insists on wearing this everywhere. I'm sure she had people very confused today.

To make matters worse, we currently have 'Camp Rock' Band-Aids that make the resemblance to you know who even more similar.

Now that the temperature is bearable I can post about this-

2010-08-12T16:50:00.001-07:00

We have been living about 25 minutes away with the in-laws for the last week because of our AC woes. This morning was the soonest we could schedule the new install once we decided on the type of unit, price, company, etc. So, our first day of school was very untraditional.

The morning started by meeting at Carrie's (since I'd left the house early for a class) and getting ready there before racing to the house to get some last minute things and a snack. We were getting Q all packed up outside since it was cooler out there than inside the house. As we were doing this the bus was on it's way down the street and so Hub started snapping pics. These were the best of...

Too bad, he didn't get the cute new matching pink $3 sandals or a picture of Q with her Mom where she wasn't oblivious or off balance falling backwards (cuz that's what counts). Oh well, he did get a picture of my first born going off to 2nd grade on her first day and that's really IS what counts.

My sweet little babe!

I wasn't joking...

2010-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's HOT! 97 degrres to be exact. This was about 10 minutes ago. It is the middle of August in Arizona.

This is how hot it gets INSIDE without AC.

Funny thing is that we HAVE a brand new AC. See, there she is!

And these pretty vehicles have been parked outside of my house since 7:30 this morning.

Leaving me hopeful for a sweatless afternoon.

I'm going to assume that since I just heard this, "Where's the closest Home Depot around here?" that we will not stop sweating for a few more hours.

It's getting hot in here...

2010-08-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's been between 86 and 96 degrees IN MY HOUSE.

I'll check back in when the air temperature and my attitude in my house is once again bearable.

LOST-The Vacation

2010-08-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

This was taken about 45 minutes before we all split up in a panic looking for the Dog. We decided to go with the cousins on Hub's side of the family to the Discovery Museum at the Gateway in SLC. We took a short break to eat at the food court and it was right after that, that the Dog disappeared.

And we were having such a good time.

We found him at the security office after about 15 minutes of running up and down the mall not to mention running through the list of all the alleged creepers that I'd seen that day who could've swiped him. He was upset when we found him, I was upset when we found him-but it wasn't anything that an Oreo cookie from the security office couldn't cure. It's amazing how quickly they get over things like that. Just re-telling the story puts my stomach in knots.

Luckily we had way too many other distractions to let one little episode get us down. Like multiple battery operated cars and Harley's to ride.

Old friends to catch up with...

And new friends to make...(future SBFFAA's) and more swimming of course!

Plus after we lost CC twice, who would even remember that we lost the Dog???

Because I loved spending time with Hub's family too...

2010-07-31T09:37:00.001-07:00

Here is the fun collage of Tyler's Family at the Kimball Reunion in Bear Lake.

We had a great time! Everyone was able to come and play, chill, eat and lose my daughter-ok, so maybe I just lost her, and maybe she hadn't walked all the way at the other end of the Lake just to the other beach, and maybe she was just a little upset and disoriented. She was fine and she still knows we all love her despite the fact that I let her walk off twice during this vacation. I will undoubtedly never hear the end of this from Hub's family-that's just how they roll.

Here is Hub with his siblings...Hub is the baby of them all and was picked on relentlessly by older looking male brother. He was 'told on' by older sister to the left and loved and dressed up like a girl by older sister to the right. Thank goodness we all grow up.

Snow cones, horseback riding, and Temple Square

2010-07-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Utah was first met with some warm muggy weather, but soon went back to the moderate perfect weather I remember. And all was well. We went swimming with our friends and cousins quite a bit even though my kids were pretty "swimmed" out. They were complaining before we left that they were sick of swimming. But add some cooler weather, new faces and new pools and they were just fine.

The Kearns Pool was really fun. Karen invited us over there and we brought KJ and Jake along with us.

Huge dive platforms like the Cottonwood Heights complex and then a big kids water area and another medium sized pool that was a little deeper. It had a big bucket that would tip over and splash the people below...not sure that it looked fun, but the kids liked it.

Hub had mentioned to Q that his Aunt had horses. From that point on (everyday) I was asked when she could go ride horses. Q finally got her chance to ride and "steer" the horse around Aunt Penny's field. She was able to ride two of them and even the younger two rode for a bit with Dad close by.

We stayed with my brother Michael and his family for a few days too. What a nice home and place for kids. The neighborhood was great which was a very good thing when CC decided to run after her older cousins and get lost for a few minutes. Some nice teenagers at the park found her and brought her home...whew!

My brother and his wife bought a snow cone machine...in memory of Linds. A very fun way to keep her in our memory and to make new ones when we break it out at Lake Powell or in the backyard. Of course the kids love the limitless supply of juicy flavoring and the cool treat on a warm summer day. We had Rory and Karen's kids this same day and my cousin Summer came down with her four kids too...GREAT FUN!

My sis and I took the kids to Temple Square. I thought it would be fun for them to see the final destination of all those Saints who left Nauvoo and for them to see the 'castle' temple. We walked around for about 5 minutes before they were bored and after a small incident (that involved blood) in the North Visitor's Center. We made it out alive and it was time to set them free. Immediately they were climbing walls and picking the flowers from the beautifully manicured gardens.

On our way home, Q asked me when we were going to the Temple?? I told her that is where we had just come from. She then said, "I didn't see the Square?" Never mind.

This innocent face is the reason there was almost an emergency stop on the elevators and an incident report.

Yep, those are both petunias from the flower garden.

When the Dog was reunited with his owner (Dad) he wouldn't leave his side. He sat by him, on him, with him and even got mad when Tyler ran to the store without him. He woke up and just kept saying, "Where's Dad? Where's Dad? Where's Dad?" When I told him that he was getting a few groceries and would be right back out, he said, "I hate Daddy". It was so crazy! Wow-this boy loves his Dad.

A visit to The Living Planet Aquarium

2010-07-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't even know that their was an aquarium in SLC, let alone a pretty nice one that was centered around the enjoyment of children.

A few years ago we went to the aquarium in Long Beach that houses a 3 story aquarium, outdoor pools for the seals, sharks and other sea life. It was really cool! I think the kids liked it, but I KNOW they loved this one.

It wasn't nearly as big as the other one, and didn't house as many marine animals, but it had a ton of fish, lots of different exhibits and plenty of slimy things to touch for the less faint of heart. I liked that it was geared more toward the kids by having things for them to stand on to get a better view, people walking around to answer questions and a lot of hands on displays. We were there for nearly three hours. They really liked the shark tanks with sharks that would swim out of nowhere right in front of you. It also had a great jelly fish area and the penguin feeding was unique and fun.

This was really much cooler in person.

There is a shark sitting incognito in this picture. Can you see it?

Those are burrowing snakes...sick! Quinn said they looked like artists clay-they did and it freaks me out just looking at this picture again.

These fish were actually huge and make me never want to swim in lakes again.

Auggy's 'pose' of the trip can be seen here. He will be in this same or similar pose for the rest of this trip.

It was a little pricey, but worth it and I would definitely recommend it.

It's been awhile...

2010-07-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Since I'd been to Utah to visit my siblings, Mike, Rory and Sherry.

Here they are doing what they do very well. That is:

1. Mike is at work; talking about drill bits, diamonds, and showing me all of the trade secrets so I can run off and start a synthetic diamond bit business of my own.

2. Rory trying to keep his eyes open for a picture. He says that his wedding photographer ruined him for life-lol!

3. Last but not least my sister...my only sister. Pretending that she likes me.

They all live in Utah while I (the rogue sister) resides/melts/roasts down here in hot AZ. Once in awhile they let me come bug them in Utah for awhile.

More to come about this little leave of absence later. At least until I'm able to put everything in a collage, photoshop it and write up a story that you will for sure be jealous of.

Make Pals...or Lake Powell for the rest of us

2010-06-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Top 16 Reasons I love Lake Powell!

Crazy Cliff Jumpers...even my 7 year old joins in the extreme fun! That is Tyler on the right jumping off like the Superman that he is.

Kaylee's perfect form.

Quinn's favorite things to do in the LP!

This huge cave is right across the way from where we dock the houseboat. If you look really hard in the middle picture you can see the canoe and kayak and the people who have climbed up to the top. This is where you could find the kids much of the time if they weren't out on the boat.

Don't try this at home...this picture makes me laugh out loud!

My daredevil child!

And, yes, I really was there!

We started a tie-dying tradition last year and did it again this year. It is really fun to see everyone's creativity show through and to leave our mark on the surrounding rocks.

My sibs-looking their best!

Another tradition on the Lake is the temporary Tattoo.

Here we are all sporting our "ink", some better than others.

The talented Mr. Roberts.

When CC wasn't snoozing she was having lots of fun.

The cutest kids on the dock!

We wrapped up another great week at Lake Powell this past week. Thanks to my Mom and Dad and my Brother Mike for taking over the Captain's seat while Dad is away. Lots of food, great company, and plenty of things for everyone to do and enjoy makes this trip our favorite of the year.