The Banzhaf Crew

Projects

2012-01-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions this year is to get my house projects completed and then STOP with home reno. I hate living in craziness. But, funds dont grow on trees and a fixer-upper home is a daily headache.
We are currently in the middle of landscaping drama with the drip system in the yard. It hasnt worked since we moved in. Of course, the inspector only turned on the sprinklers to see that they worked on the grass. Neglecting to test the irrigation system so, we were unaware that they werent working. AWESOME inspectors!! Did I ever mention that even after an inspection (by the same guy) we have had to replace nearly ALL the appliances that supposedly worked. **bitting my tounge so curse words dont fly out...yet another resolution**
Anyway, Hand watering cactus and other plants to keep them alive in the heat is getting old. Thus, we are fixing outside.
Here are a few projects that I finally got done. These are mainly for the moms, who havent seen our house since we moved in. Hope the rest of you dont mind.

Finally got coverings for the windows, a fan, and things hung

Painted Crew's room with stripes

Found a rug for the front room

made a baby gate out of fabric to keep Crew from going up the stairs. works well now, not sure it will last too long. PLUS, I still havent found anything for the top of the stairs. Any suggestions would be great. I cant drill anything and there is no where for tension set items with my banister.

Christmas is Over

2012-01-10T13:24:00.001-08:00

Sorry this post is so late. I cant seem to get much done these days.
Asher has constantly been reminding us that "Christmas is over". Everywhere we go, he notices that there is no longer decorations or music playing. I echo the sentiment with a sigh of relief and the crossing of my eyes...Christmas is over.

Christmas was wonderful. Its was all you could hope for. It just felt like there wasnt enough time to get anything done. Silent nights were hard to come by (yes, Crew still is waking during the night) and I had project after project I was trying to accomplish. Still, I enjoyed the holidays and I am ready to return to some form of normalcy before we have the "season of the birthdays" (all our birthdays are spread over the next fourth months).

We headed to Tucson again this year for the holiday. It was beautiful weather and we enjoyed hanging with grandparents,great grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. The kids were spoiled. They had every wish fufilled. My favorite silly gift of the season was a little snowman that sings when you open your fridge door. It cracked me up. My inlaws recieved one that sings in the bathroom. It scared me to death the first time I heard it. I walked into the bathroom, closed the door and heard "Whatcha doing?..."
I looked around to see who was there. Then it spoke again "on second thought, never mind". It is quite hillarious.

The party foul goes to me this year.
I was on the tail end of a cold, so I coughed all night. At my in-laws. Filled with people.Trying to sleep. All night I coughed. All day I coughed. Every second. Always. Horrible.

These pictures are AWFUL. My camera was in the wrong mode and I didnt change it when snapping these. You get the general idea.

Great Grandma and Dottie were a blast. Totally hillarious.

As for the New Year. I'll be honest, I hate New Years post marriage. It has nothing to do with Mike. I like having someone to kiss. But, I do the kiss around 10pm and call it a night. I just dont see the point. When I was single it was about party's, people and that big question "who will I be kissing in the new year"? With little kids in bed and trapped babysitting in your house, you are forced to turn on the TV. Which means, Im forced to watch Dick Clarks Rockin New Years Eve. Which lets be honest...is just plain MEAN. Torture even. I'd rather poke my eyes with sticks than watch preformances by Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber. YUCK. For the maybe the 3rd time in our marriage I decided to stay up with Mike till midnight. Everyone had cancelled on our attempts at a party due to illness which was spreading around. So, we had our own party. LAME. By 10 I was ready. By 11 I was over it, By 12 I was done. BLAH,BLAH, heres the ball drop. Woop-De-Doo!. Never again. Dick Clark should have been off the air decades ago...this is getting ridiculous and uncomfortable to watch now. I learned one thing: I miss NOTHING by going to bed early on New Years Eve.

Sorry, there are no pictures of Mike and I. You catch my drift right?

Christmas Wishes and Kisses

2011-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Follow the this link and watch a little video from us to you...
Family Video

Merry Christmas Family and Friends,
Our family is happy and doing well during this holiday season. This year has been exciting and and full of new experiences.
February brought a new little one to our family with the introduction of CREW ALEXANDER. He is a sweet baby with lots of bubbly personality. He is now 10 mths old and is crawling and climbing into everything. He loves his brothers and likes to be the center of attention (I cant imagine where is got that?). We are glad he almost never cries and is generally a pleasant guy. He has been dubbed "Cooky" by the kids.
Sunday's he disappears into the Young Women's organization as he is the adoptive baby for the girls to all love on.
March brought a move from East Mesa to our new home in North Peoria. We have really enjoyed our neighborhood and the amenities this area has to offer. We are just south of Lake Pleasant (abt 10 miles) and its a dream that one of these days Santa will bring a ski boat to our house for Christmas. For now, the kids are content with our own pool in the backyard, which has been a big improvement to the gravel of our Mesa rental.
Zachary and Tanner (6 years old) started 1st grade this fall. They love their teacher,a male native New Yorker and avid sports fanatic. He has given the boys an excitement for school that we really appreciate. Our only complaint is that we hear the phrase "What yous guys doin?" in a hard Brooklyn accent around the house more often than we'd like.:) Both boys are becoming great readers and they are quite the social directors.
Asher is 3 and also attending preschool at the same elementary as the twins. He loves school. Asher's interest in science has bloomed into a full obsession with the solar system. He loves to tell people about nebula's, comets, and planets. He can argue with the best of them for Pluto's downgrade from a planet to a star. He really thinks he is an expert. He has broken the picky eating curse in the family.He is the only person besides mommy that likes nuts in our family and asks at least once a week to go get Chili's bottomless chips and salsa...this kid loves to eat!
Mike is still happily working for Physiom Monitoring (Denver). He really likes the surgeons he works with and has increased in dr's who are asking for services. The neuromonitoring field is starting to spread as standard of care in many hospitals. We are encouraged in the stability of employment as the openings in various states are expanding nationally. Recently Mikes old company Impluse Monitoring was acquired by NuVasive and will also be expanding nationally. We are hoping down the road to see hospitals in southern Utah using this advancement in surgical procedures of the spine and brain. Its our desire to relocate to St. George Utah in the future. For now, we are enjoying our time in Arizona and have resigned to the heat with the promise of beautiful and warm winters. Mike is serving in the ward as the 10-11 year old primary teacher.
Eden is also busy with church assignments as the 16-18 year old Young Women's advisor (Laurels). She is also spearheading a new assignment for our ward called "The Oath and Covenant firesides". These are monthly speaking engagements covering topics for women 18-21 who are transitioning between high school and college. Its similar to missionary preparation and temple preparation all rolled into one. She has loved studying and preparing for these firesides and feels blessed to have a deepened love for the scriptures and gospel of Jesus Christ. Eden has overcome her aversion to Arizona and has made many friends in the community. She continues to teach Zumba on Friday mornings and would love to pick up more classes and work on losing her baby weight!

We are grateful for the reminders of the season of love, giving and service. We are especially grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem so long ago. We echo his message of peace, kindness and love. For in him we will truly find joy and rest. May you feel his message throughout this holiday season and into the new year.
We love and miss you all.

-Mike, Eden, Zach, Tanner, Asher & Crew
Banzhaf

Snow Way!

2011-12-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, we had snow here in Peoria. Ok, ok, so it wasnt brought here by mother nature. Our HOA brought it in for the neighborhood Christmas party. It was actually really cool. The boys loved riding down the hill on our sleds.

The poor, poor sleds. They have been neglected since the move from Hershey. Im glad they got some use. I always feel like objects that I own have feelings. Especailly when they arent used, played with or neglected. I am sure they cry and are lonely and just want their day in the sun. Maybe its the movie "Toy Story" that has done this to me. I dont know.
Anyway, the sleds sure had a thrill riding down a snowy hill in 60 degree weather. I can see them secretly smiling now.

It was a fun day as you can see. Or maybe you cant see. As soon as I was ready to snap a picture they turned around and I missed their faces. Believe me, the had fun!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Pin the hat on the turkey

Crew and aunt Mariangel love to play

Heres why the couches are only built for two at grandmas house.

Crew and Aunt Christy

I've been pretty lazy at our blog lately.
Thought I would post a few of our Thanksgiving pictures. We traveled to Utah again this year. It was perfect driving weather and there wasnt an inch of snow to be seen, so I had zero complaints about the drive. We had a great time with G'pa and G'ma and the many aunts, uncles and cousins that we were able to see. Thanks for squeezing us into your schedules. Crew was in "auntie heaven" as you can see...
The boys love coming to Utah. Its the only thing they talk about. Even now we occasionally hear someone say "Mom, Uncle _____put in a name___ is my best friend. I want to go see him". The name changes daily but my boys make it clear that they love all their uncles!!

Now we are just trying to get into the YULETIDE with some decor and lots of RAIN here in AZ. Its actually feeling festive with the need for coats and hats during the day. Believe it or not, we actually used our down blankets this week. Will wonders never cease?
I will admit that Arizona is growing on me. I dont love the extreme heat, but the winter is lovely.
I will enjoy it while we are here. You never know when things will change.
I true Thanksgiving fashion, I should mention some things I am thankful for this year.
First and foremost, Im thankful my family. Yes, at times I want slip quietly away from everyone and just disappear for a while. Then a sweet little voice will say "Mommy, I love you" and I remember why I wanted to be a wife and a mother. Is it weird that I actually like doing laundry and cleaning? maybe. But I find it bring an odd sort of fulfillment. I love my sweet children. I love my hunky husband too! He is my best friend and he puts up with all my shenanigan's. I adore him. He makes my life more than I had hoped for. He is truly a great man.

Im grateful for good health and great employment. Especially seeing the direction of health care and economy right now.

Im grateful for a God who knows me and loves me. For an elder brother Jesus Christ, that lay down his life for all mankind. Who bids me to follow him and find peace and happiness even amidst the chaos of the world. Im grateful that God didn't leave man to just spin in circles and wander without direction. He gave us the bible, the book of Mormon and living prophets. I love the gospel. The light it brings into my life. The anchor is gives me everyday. Im grateful to know where to look for answers and joy.

Well,I will try to get another post up with pictures of the Christmas decor and the kids latest adventure but, I've run outta time for today. Here is a glimpse of the tree. I will try to be better about posting.

Yeah Right!

2011-11-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

I tried to be creative with my day today. I wanted to take some fun pictures of the kids. No one was very cooperative. None of the self timer pictures turned out. I have the lamest camera in the world. Plus I have no editing software. Im too cheap to buy photoshop. So, here is what turned out. Not great but you can see I had good intentions.

Mommy Reminder

2011-11-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about some important decisions lately. There is so much I want to do in life. So much I want to be and experience. But, I realize there is a season for all these things.

I love being a mom and I feel a desire to be home with my boys while they are little. To be here and enjoy these precious fleeting moments. Sure, being a mom isnt all fun and smiles. There is pressure and disappointments. Sacrifices and personal pursuits in limbo. This is to be expected and isnt always welcome.

There was a time in life where I never thought I would have these moments. Motherhood seemed so unattainable. That too was a difficult time with its own challenges. My perspective has changed alot. Im grateful and sometimes need a jog to my memory.

I recently read this and found it re-kindled my earnest desire to be a good mother and go without some of the things that I imagine would define me like: a college degree, a paycheck, a career, nice clothes, unlimited ME time for workouts and play, unlimited couples time for Mike and I, dining out, toys ,etc.

Its always nice to have a reminder, especially from someone whom I feel is inspired. I hope it may be just the thing one of you may need to read on an especially rough day in mommyhood. Or, if you dont have kids, its still good advice when in any family relationship.

“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.

“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”

Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween has come and gone. Pheew!! Its always crazy trying to get everyone to decide what they want to be and get them dressed. The Wards Trunk or Treat was one batch of costumes. The trick or treating was another. Gesh! Too much candy. This year, some of last years costumes were recycled. Some of us just cant be creative , I guess (yes, Im talking mainly about me!) I went as a fat, old mother that has boys...oh wait, that is my everyday outfit. As you can see, we had a great time.

The neighborhood block party was a hit with the kids. So was Mikey's Burger King costume.

Good thing he had on a dress, it was HOT. 89 degrees was our daily high. It was too hot for Asher to wear his NASCAR outfit again on Halloween Eve so he opted for Luigi. Zach was both Superman and WolfMan, Tanner was Darth Vader and Superman. Crew was a cute little cow.
Hope you had a Happy Halloween.

Aunt Khyra and cousin Damon came to Trunk or Treat.

Look, its cow and chicken.

B is for Boy

2011-10-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

Arent they precious!?!

To Pennsylvania for some German Potato Salad

2011-10-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

All is well here in Arizona. The weather today is a too warm fall morning of 80 degrees. However, there is cold front on the way and I am looking forward to it.
We just seeded our lawn with winter grass so we are anticipating a lush soft blanket of rye to lay in shortly. If the weather helps us out. I was sad the the gorgeous purple mums I bought only 2 weeks ago finally withered and died in their pots this week.- The heat just kills them too quickly here. Mums are a link to the fall season for me, so I was disappointed.

I recently returned from a short jaunt to Pennsylvania for a Columbus Day getaway. Mike stayed home with the kids while I joined my brothers Noah and Hunter, and my parents to welcome Lincoln home from his mission. It was fun to see him and introduce him to Crew, who traveled with me.

Murphys Law was in effect prior to my flight. An online error (I dont think it was a user error) caused some problems for my flight and I ended up paying for another one way ticket home. After I had already purchased my roundtrip flight. ARGGG!
Then, the day before I was leaving, Mike gets word that a new surgeon wants him to come work the next day, a Friday. Mike hasnt worked a Friday in over a year. Because he never has, he didnt schedule the day off to watch the kids while I left!! So, after a freakout and some choice words, I managed to get the older boys to school and arrange a sitter for everybody (thanks to the good graces of my friend and neighbor). Zach and Tanner were going to head off to Tucson for the weekend, so Grandma and Grandpa Banzhaf drove 6 hours round trip to come and take them, instead of mtg Mike halfway in South Phoenix. It was the most stressed I have been in a long time.- Asher has maybe been babysat 1 time his whole life for under 2 hours. He was at a sitters from 8 am-8:30pm. I was flipping out inside worrying about how he was feeling. Then to hear that Mikes case was extended for more hours, I lost it.
So, not only did Mike end up working, but he worked until 8:30 that night. In his field, this almost NEVER happens. But, the one day I was getting on an airplane it did.

The good news is, Crew was a great traveler. He entertained our fellow passengers, sat quietly and played and slept right on cue. He was an angel to travel with.

Pennsylvania was warmer than expected and absolutely delightful. It refueled me. I needed to just see the green and hear the sounds of the Canadian geese honking in the sky. I felt like I had started to forget my life there.It was good to reconnect.We did some sightseeing and just hanging out together. It was perfect.

To be honest, it was hard to get on a plane and return to Arizona. But, I had for a minute a sense of closure that I never fully had before. A realization that my life there was a grand adventure but not my only adventure. That while in fact I had loved my life there, it wasnt without its negatives also. Nowhere in the world is perfect. Each place has its own pros and cons. I will always cherish my time in Pa, but I need to live in the now and move on. I do hope to someday convince my husband to move back to the east coast for a time, but I will be grateful for the moments Im having here. In a few years, I may feel the same way about Arizona.

Im actually starting to feel like we have a place in the community, in ward, and in our home. Day by Day, project by project, Im learning to love my home and recognize my smallest blessings. My kids will reflect the attitude I have about where we live, and I need to give them a non judgemental base to start building on. Its not fair to poison them with my negativity. My husband needs my gratitude and assurance that I am happy with the blessings he works hard to provide. Im learning to be patient with myself and with others. I will make friends...but they need to get to know me, and I them. The Lord is with me, wherever I go. He will help me to find peace in any location. It seems so logical to KNOW these things, but LIVING them is more difficult at times.

Anyway- Here are some pictures from Pa. My parents threw an October fest party with German sausages, German hot potato salad, apple spiced red cabbage, and all the trimmings. They had over 70 people. It was amazing. What was my favorite part? (besides the pot. salad!?!)- My moms cold apple drink she served. It is just apple juice and ginger ale mixed(dont forget to serve it COLD with pebble ice too!). Oh my goodness...it was so good.

Beautiful Fall night sky from my parents porch.
Crew sitting on my lap in New Hope, PA
New Hope, Pa is a MUST see place. So quaint. Tons of shopping. Close to Philly. Loved it!

Washington Crossing. This is the area where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve 1776. Changing the course of the revolutionary war.
Just taking a walk with Noah, Hunter and Crew around the neighborhood.

My Mothers Festive Home...Love being there.

Some were eating here on the patio. More in other places around the house and yard.

I didnt have my camera until the end of the party so I am not doing the food spread justice. And I didnt take any pictures of all the seating and lights that were all over the yard. Or the darling pumpkin centerpieces on each of the tables. Sorry...I get talking instead of photographing.

I was at the end of the buffet line. As you can see there were 3 types of meat.

Frankferters,Weisswurst, and one other that I cant remember.

Empty trays and delicious memories were all that was left in the end. YUM!

Monkey Business

2011-09-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Some cute pictures of Crew playing. Such a lovie. He had just bumped his eye on the floor hence the red mark over the eye.

And some picture of my projects. I finally got a BURST of color in my all brown front room. My lamps arent all painted yet and Im still looking for the right shades, but you get the idea.The pictures have a few smudges from my camera on it. Sorry. My portrait walll is next on my list of to do's.

You can also see how my millons of niches are getting filled with books etc..this is a neverending project. I am constantly looking for items to make them look more grown up instead of college dorm. Its starting to shape up. I've got some vinyl signs in the works that will be added.

10 Years and Counting!

2011-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

The 27th marked TEN years of Marriage for us!
I cant believe it sometimes. I still remember our wedding like it was yesterday.
I thought I would jot down a few things I love about my husband.

Mike is very patient with me. He has shown me love when I definately didnt deserve it. If you know anything about my pregancies and how I turn into Medusa then you will agree. Mike is VERY patient.

Mike loves his family. He will do what it takes to make sure we are taken care of, even if it means alot of personal sacrifice.

Mike is kind to everyone. He is good to strangers and helps even when he doesnt have to. He says hello and interacts with complete strangers. He offers to carry things, load and unload trucks (even with a bad back) or help those who cant help themselves. I love that about him.

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Mike is a hard worker. He doesnt have to go into an office these days. He works when the surgeons work which is very random. However, when he is home, he can be found holding a baby, playing a game with a child, climbing in our trees, weeding, cleaning the pool, sweeping up the piles of dirt the kids bring home from the playground. Scrubbing a toilet, fixing a hole, building a project, uploading his cases, etc. He is always working lately. Maybe it has to do with buying this house. Constant projects to complete. He never complains and just gets to work.I love that about him.

Mike makes great pancakes. I dont know if its because I dont like pancakes, or because I dont read the instructions correctly, but I make awful pancakes. Mikes are perfect and the kids will only eat his creations. Not mine.

Mike is always trying to be better. I admire this quality so much. He is always trying to get better. Working on his weaknesses, Reminding me that we should always be doing more to be more like Christ. He wants to be a better person day by day.

Mike is Mike...even with quirks,insecurities,strengths,opinions, habits, and love of Metallica, I married HIM. I have NEVER regretted binding myself to him. I love claiming him as my husband. He is such an amazing man. Im glag he chose me and I chose him. I cant imagine life without him.

“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”
― John Greenleaf Whittier

I love what I recently read in the Ensign magazine. Im paraphrasing but, it said that the temple is a place you get married. Having a celestial marriage is something you create after you are married. Im glad I get to build that with you Mike. Its been peaks and valleys and that is how God planned life. Working in unison to get through trials gives us a connection we might not have any other way. We also have long spans of peace and happiness and I am grateful for that too.
I love you babe. Thank you for 10 Amazing years, 4 children, and Happiness that I dont deserve but cherish. The journey continues...

We've been crazy

2011-09-22T08:40:00.001-07:00

Things have been crazy around here. I have been sick for almost 3 weeks. Crew and Asher have also been ill.
At 6 months (and 20 lbs), Crew is getting 6 teeth. 4 have broken through and 2 more are just barely showing white through the gums. As follows with teething, he has been unable to sleep and fusses all night long from the pain. Add a cold to that pain and no one sleeps. Mike and I have been taking turns trying to run the night shift. And just when you think your off duty for the night, Asher will come crawl in bed with you complaining of his cold and cough all night long next to you. *Sigh*** I miss sleep, my old friend.
I was released from scouts and given the new assignment of Laurel advisor. Girls 16-18. Its been fun and VERY busy. I have meetings 2 Sundays a month. Every Wednesday night is spent at an activity and Im also in charge of a new thing that is ward specific. Its called "The Oath and the Covenant". Its a series of firesides that we plan and present over the school year following a similar formula to the mission prep program.-Our ward feels that they are not preparing the girls 18-21 like they do the boys to get to the temple. Its a very time consuming and mentally involved job. I plan the cirriculum and present at a monthly fireside with dinner and two to three speakers. Its been successful thus far. Im excited for our November lesson which revolves around "Symbolism: The Lords language." I've been reading about it on and off for 2 months. (Its one of those lessons my mom and dad would totally rock at teaching)

Arizona is still HOT. No autumn breezes, no falling leaves, no jackets or sweaters. Just sun. I realize that while others are dealing with severe flooding and unusual early cold fronts, they are thinking I should be grateful. While Im glad we arent dealing with tragedy, I wish it were cooler. I need fall. Its my favorite time of year. Our pool is getting colder as the evenings are getting into the mid 80's at night. We will lament the loss of the pool fun for the winter. Here are a few shots of the "FALL SWIMMING". Our cousin Taj came to stay for the weekend and we enjoyed playing with him in the pool day and night.
You can see my poor jasmine vine against the wall. It has totally died. We will need to get something different planted there soon.

Another fun thing we did was spend the weekend with Grandpa and Grandma Banzhaf.
We loved their visit. They are just in Tucson but 3 hours in a car still feels like an eternity away sometimes. Thanks for coming! Sorry this picture has nutty lighting issues.

Im in the middle of tons of craft projects. I have 4 large furniture pieces to update and paint. Plus I'm trying to hang a portrait wall that sounds easier than it is. The neverending birthday parties from friends at school has started and babies are due for immunizations that I dont feel necessary at this age. Mikes work it picking up, people decide to get that last surgery at the end of the year when they have met their deductable. Its starting to get crazy for him jumping from hospital to hospital.
All in all, we are just going about life one day at a time. Mike just bought me a ticket to go to PA for a few days to get some "autumn time". Im thrilled! PLUS my brother Lincoln gets home from his mission the day before, so he will get to see my little Crew for the first time. It should be fun!

Everywhere I go, the People want to know...

2011-09-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

"Hey Zach, how come your eyes get all scrunchy when you smile?"

I have NO idea where he gets it?

Lunch Lady's Liver

2011-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

My boys love to read. For some strange reason they love strange, erie, or creepy books (could have to do with parents whos favorite holiday is Halloween?!?). These books we found at the library were such a fun little read and the kids loved them. There are a few of them. They are not dark,just fun and light. Thought I would share if you have a kid who loves to read. ENJOY!

Financial Advisors

2011-08-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

So I have been having heart failure this month over money. Between my astronomical Engery Bills (AC in AZ heat!!! and my house lingers in the 82-84 degree range) and the endless unbudgeted repairs that just dont stop, I feel like I am bleeding money.
Our Double Ovens went out this week. My temp sensors in both and control panel went out. This is a easy 500 dollar repair. Then to add insult to injury our van started making a weird sound .We thought it was the brakes. Come to find out its more than that and will be around 400 dollars to fix. When will it end?

I know things can always be worse and I am grateful that we are solid in a great job and have food on the table however; I wonder how people live the way they do with all these unplanned issues. Does everyone have a credit card they live on? Is that just a MUST HAVE these days?

Mike and I have worked hard to not have credit card debt. We have done a great job of it and pay our cards in full every month. As a result we dont have debt but we are always paying out in full. How do you pay for un-budgeted expenses and still save? How do you go through life without a credit card that has a balance?
I'm worried we will spend all our savings and not replenish them with all the necessities. Lets be real here. Im not eating out every week, buying designer clothes, or decorating from high end retailers. I drive a modest car (I'll say..a MINI VAN sheesh!), buy ground beef instead of steaks and scrimp and cut coupons for deals every week. When 20% of your weekly budget is to buy diapers and baby cereal you know your stretching every dollar. I literally havent set foot inside a mall in over a year. MACYS,The Buckle, Loft, Express, The Gap. Nope, Nada. Im at Target, Kohls, Marshalls and the Outlets. And Im ok with that. Still, I feel like I sacrifice all my wants for my needs and still have nothing to spend on un budgeted needs when emergencys occur.-

We have one income. Its a good one. Im blessed to stay at home while my boys are little (although Im ready to get them to the next stage so I can get back to school).
Im just always curious how others my age are affording Caribbean cruises, girls trip overnighters, weekends in Vegas, designer jeans at 150 per pair, personal trainers, handbags that cost more than my monthly food budget, decorations and furniture from trendy stores....Im just wondering, how do you do it?

Is there a secret no interest credit card somewhere? Is there a money tree I havent heard of that I can plant? Is going into debt worth the stuff you can buy?

I need some financial guru's to give me advice.

Maybe Im just sad because I realized that my 10 year anniversary is in 4 weeks and I just spent the money on my van and oven. Now we get to say "happy anniversary" like we always have, talking about the BIG thing we will do for each other the next year that never happens.
I realize its life. I just dont always want to be waiting to do something for US and then realize we are too old and tired to do anything. LIFE and LEISURE feel so separated somehow. They feel like they are not intertwined without major sacrifice.
What have you done to be able to afford both Life and Leisure? Any tips?

First Day of School and More

2011-08-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

The summer is getting closer to an end at least seasonally. The heat just NEVER ends here in AZ. Murmuring about my constant state of sweat and climbing temps is my everyday struggle. I just cant be happy when its 115 outside. Im not made for hot weather. I've decided that I should live in the Alps. The desert is definitely not for me. Hopefully in a few years I will look fondly on my time here as I sip hot chocolate by a fire during a blizzard and say "Remember when we lived in the desert and had a pool in our backyard. That was nice wasnt it?".

August is of course, school time. All the boys are attending the same elementary. Asher started preschool there as well as the twins. Its weird to just have Crew and I home together in the morning. It will be nice when it cools off to start jogging with the baby in the morning. Right now Im using my free mornings to teach Zumba at our clubhouse. Its fun and the class gets bigger and bigger every week. Now if I can just lose this stubborn baby weight. I am needing to lose at least 20 lbs still. Scary...
Z&T are in the same 1st grade class. I didnt want them in the same class, but so far so good. The teacher is a guy from Brooklyn NY. Really nice and a has a stellar reputation. Especially for working with boys. He is a mans man and loves sports. I am hoping he can deal with the twins occasional teasing and attitude. Time will tell.

Crew is...well...an angel. He is such a good baby. He is fun and playful and learning new tricks everyday. We all adore him. He is 6 mths now and so fun and busy. He is a big boy and already ourgrown his 9 mth old clothes.

Good morning boys!

I love my feet!

I'll get you!

Ashers first day of preschool. He loves it!
Can these two ever just give me a normal smile?
Frist day of school and Tanners already holding himself. GESH! Typical.

We also have a new visitor to our house. He is about 8 inches long, but its hard to tell by the photo. He sits in the shade of the tree. I have seen him at least 3 times now. YUCK. Seriously, cant I just get a robin or rabbits? Something cute?

Father and Sons

2011-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence Budington Kelland

My Beautiful little boy

2011-08-11T13:22:00.001-07:00

I shall cherish every moment. For they only last but a brief whisper in time. Then they are gone. Grown. Away.- I cling to this little baby. He is so precious. I feel overwhelmed at my gratitude for him. I feel overwhelmed at my fears for him. I feel hope in my dreams for him. Its amazing how God gave women such a desire to be with these little precious angels. To love them. To groom them. To mold them. To bring them home to him. Such a gift. Just a moment to hang on to.
My memories are filled with warm thoughts and delicious smells of my sons. I am breathing in each moment right now with this bubbly boy before it fleets. Wrapping my mind around each touch. Each sound. Each feeling. Just for a moment. He is growing too fast.

Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.

~Pierce Harris

Video of our trip and reunion shots

2011-08-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of our Utah trip and all the reunions we attended.It was fun to see many of you.I didnt get everyones permission to post these. Hope you dont mind. I compiled some of these photos from facebook posts as well. There is a gem from Mike for your pleasure at 3:37. -Enjoy! Cant wait to see you again. Much Love!

Idaho...Heaven on Earth? Maybe close.

2011-07-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

This statement may shock some of you, especially if you know me well.

Im not much of a camper.

Conversely, I can say that I am a CABINPRENEUR.Defined by me as: a person who enjoys the idea of roughing it but does the business of "camping" in a cabin. Thats got EDEN written all over it.With exception of the functioning and frequently used outhouse, I really enjoy the outdoors in a cabin (I used the more modern convenience of indoor plumbing myself).

I loved revisiting the family cabin in the mountains just outside of SunValley Idaho. It was such a refreshing vacation from our mundane activities in the stifling Arizona weather.

The weather was perfect. The water a Redfish lake was a bit too chilly, but it is a glacier fed lake so that was to be expected. The second time we went to the lake the wind had died down and the high was 78. It was a lovely day at the lake. We really enjoyed our cabin adventure. Much to Zachary's dismay we did not see a bear at the cabin (mom was relieved though). I love the dark starry nights in the woods. I was so happy when it got cool at night. So different from sweating all night in your sleep here in AZ.

After a lunch stop at my favorite little burger joint, Paces DairyAnn (in Bountiful)for a "countryboy" with cheese, and grape rainbow, we drove to Logan to meet up with the inlaws for Mikes first taste of Maddox chicken in a decade. It must have been finger-lickin-good the way he snarfed it down with gusto. YUM! I also caught a glimpse of the Brigham City temple under construction. (My only concern is that the roof may not be tall enough for all the big hair and bangs that will be coming in from that area. Hee hee hee)

Then onto Twin Falls. Shoshone falls is very high with water this year and we let the kiddos get out and stretch to an amazing view of the falls and new temple. Both were amazing. I really like Twin Falls. I can see myself living up there someday.

Then to SunValley and the cabin. Mike and havent been back since our honeymoon almost 10 years ago.Its been way too long. Here are some random shots. For some reason I didnt get my camera out when everyone got there on Friday. Sorry Jake, Mariangel, Justin & Kristy. We really did love spending time with all of you.

It was wonderful. Hope it wont be another 10 years till we get up there again.

4 Mth Stats

2011-07-09T13:04:00.001-07:00

Crew had his 4 month apt. last week. He will be 5 mths on the 23rd so we are a little behind.
He is doing well and getting ready to eat baby food!
Height : 26.25 inches long

Weight: 16.3 lbs

He is a happy little guy. He discovered his hands and can be seen sucking a finger or thumb at any moment. He is finally sleeping through the night. At four months old, its about time. He does have moments throughout his week where he will wake up and cry for a little bit. Then he figures it out and goes back to sleep. I tried to do every sleep method that invovled no crying but the reality is...
CRYING IT OUT WORKS.
It is hard to know if they are old enough, ready to stop eating all night, etc. So, I always have a hard time with it. Mike is the tough one who can deal with it better than I can.
We did the gradual extinction method for a week. Thats basically where you go in while they are crying to soothe then put them back without talking, then if they continue to cry you add 5 minutes onto the waiting and then go in and soothe. This goes on and on adding 5 min each time. The idea is that crying is kept to a minimum. This didnt work. He just wanted to eat everytime someone picked him up. That is how he soothed. Finally with EXTINCTION it worked. After 1 night of and hour plus crying he stopped waking up all night. We would just peek in occasionally and make sure he was alright, but we didnt talk to him, pick him up or feed him.

Its been so nice to finally get to sleep again.

We really have enjoyed this little man. Love you Crew!

Im so glad he is mine. Can I just freeze time? I love this age

Great Quotes from this week

2011-06-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

At Stake Confrence:
"There are always lots of rumors that fly when stake confrence arrives. We do nothing to dispell them becuase speculation is great for attendence".
----------------------------------------------
Another Stake Confrence Quote:
-Phoenix Arizona Mission Pres. Beck-
"There is no growing in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growing zone".
------------------------------------------------------------------
During an FHE lesson on the new temple being built here in our area we asked the kids the following. "Do you know what we do at the temple?"

Zach: "We get married there to our sweethearts."
Tanner: "We talk to Jesus there"
Asher: "We see the Christmas lights!!! WOOHOO!"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I made the boys watch Sound of Music. They were getting distracted during Do Re Mi. Ya know, when they are having a picnic and singing up on the moutain top. I tried to get them back into it by saying "Watch this, I love this part. Its such a cool part." Zach says in really sarcastic voice. "Why?...Do they all fall off the mountain?"

Um, ok. Maybe I shouldnt push these musicals at them. Last time I watched Seven brides for Seven brothers Zach asked "Are they going to get crushed by the avalanche?" When I said "no, but close" he disappointedly said "Darn it".

The Heat is on

2011-06-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Arizona is HOT! I really hate summers here.
However,this summer is alot nicer with a pool in my own backyard. And a yard full of green grass makes up for the desert that surrounds us. Things are good. Babies are growing up. Enjoy some photos from this past week.

Asher is learning to swim. Hes not great at remembering to kick but getting better.

Having a baby sleeping while everyone else is swimming is wonderful. The baby monitor sits on the pool deck, letting me (and the neighbors) know if he is awake or not.

This is a typical day at our house.

Tanner loves this little guy.

Happy Chubby 4 mth old!!! Can you believe it? Wasnt he just in my belly?

Crew is looking like a mix between Asher and Zach. Look at the faces (not the hair) in these photos. Here is Crew...

Heres what Asher looked like as a baby. (6 mths)

My hibiscus are going crazy!

Z-man

Ashers grin cracks me up!

Tanner

Doctrinal Campfires/ Setting up Personal Campsites.

2011-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is more of a personal post. Just thoughts I wanted to jot down.

I have been thinking about this all week. The imagery comes from about a talk I heard along time ago.

Recently, I have watched several people struggling around me trying to find their spiritual footing. Its so hard to watch. Being an imperfect person, I find myself holding back any advice or help I may want to offer. After all, I dont claim to be the poster child for the LDS church, or a role model of an exceptional life. Trials and hardships come to all people. Its a universal surity. I have had my problems and issues. Who am I to offer anything? Nevertheless, I hurt for people, and know what being "lost" can feel like.

It helps to have a view of peace and hope through it all. I am grateful for the examples of my parents and others who showed me what a happy life consisted of. I'm grateful that I have a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ to give me direction. I know he died for all of us. I know he lives. I know he will return again.- This peace and hope brings sunshine even during the storms of life.

But how do you share that with someone struggling? How do you tell that person that their good and bad choices will effect generations?

Sometimes I watch people who all know these things. Yet, they choose to live like they dont. This is particularly hard to watch. Especially when they have a family and spouse that heavily rely on their guidance and example.

Fortunately, Elder Holland gave a talk in Confrence of 2003. Titled "A prayer for the Children".( He was addressing parents in this talk but it goes for spouses/couples without children too!)

I highlighted part of the talk, the imagery that kept coming to my mind all week. The imagery of the campsite. A campfire blazing in the center- The warmeth of the fire being the peace and direction that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. This talk really impacted me when I heard it all those years ago.

"In this I speak carefully and lovingly to any of the adults of the Church, parents or otherwise, who may be given to cynicism or skepticism, who in matters of whole-souled devotion always seem to hang back a little, who at the Church’s doctrinal campsite always like to pitch their tents out on the periphery of religious faith. To all such—whom we do love and wish were more comfortable camping nearer to us—I say, please be aware that the full price to be paid for such a stance does not always come due in your lifetime. No, sadly, some elements of this can be a kind of profligate national debt, with payments coming out of your children’s and grandchildren’s pockets in far more expensive ways than you ever intended it to be.

Parents simply cannot flirt with skepticism or cynicism, then be surprised when their children expand that flirtation into full-blown romance. If in matters of faith and belief children are at risk of being swept downstream by this intellectual current or that cultural rapid, we as their parents must be more certain than ever to hold to anchored, unmistakable moorings clearly recognizable to those of our own household. It won’t help anyone if we go over the edge with them, explaining through the roar of the falls all the way down that we really did know the Church was true and that the keys of the priesthood really were lodged there but we just didn’t want to stifle anyone’s freedom to think otherwise. No, we can hardly expect the children to get to shore safely if the parents don’t seem to know where to anchor their own boat. Isaiah once used a variation on such imagery when he said of unbelievers, “[Their] tacklings are loosed; they could not … strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail.” 6

Nephi-like, might we ask ourselves what our children know? From us? Personally? Do our children know that we love the scriptures? Do they see us reading them and marking them and clinging to them in daily life? Have our children ever unexpectedly opened a closed door and found us on our knees in prayer? Have they heard us not only pray with them but also pray for them out of nothing more than sheer parental love? Do our children know we believe in fasting as something more than an obligatory first-Sunday-of-the-month hardship? Do they know that we have fasted for them and for their future on days about which they knew nothing? Do they know we love being in the temple, not least because it provides a bond to them that neither death nor the legions of hell can break? Do they know we love and sustain local and general leaders, imperfect as they are, for their willingness to accept callings they did not seek in order to preserve a standard of righteousness they did not create? Do those children know that we love God with all our heart and that we long to see the face—and fall at the feet—of His Only Begotten Son?"

I want to be better. More like my mother. She never is afraid to be who she is. Church things are such a part of her that its in her conversation, her actions, her constant thoughts. She oozes happiness and light.

Sometimes I feel embarrassed to have my faith encroach into secular things. Im not sure why. It sometimes just feels awkward to chime in with something "churchy". But afterall, isnt that part of who I am?

Maybe I dont want to seem like a fanatical, stringent woman. I dont want to seem like Im some blind follower with nothing to do but sing hymns and can peaches.

(Neither of which are part of my salvation by the way. Although singing hymns are like saying prayers and canning peaches may save me financially or physically someday.)

Im afraid for my children some days. Im afraid that Im not showing them who I am and what I believe all the time. I dont want them to pitch their tents far from the campfires of the gospel. I want them to be camping within the reach of the warmth of the embers and flames.

I need to LIVE my Religion a little more. And be a better "example of the believers".

Maybe that is all that is asked of me to help others in their times of trial.

Living the gospel is more than just being a member of the church. I hope to be better at teaching my children to live the gospel. Then they will have direction during their trials. And I will have comfort that they will live in a world full of evils, and not have to taste of every hardship.

Better get to putting some more wood on my own personal fire, and helping my children to learn to light theirs...

A Grand Ole Birthday and Old Tucson too!

2011-05-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun weekend driving down to Grandpa Banzhaf's in Tucson. It was Great Gran's 82nd Birthday party. We had a fun time swimming, eating BBQ and having cake.
We are so glad that Great Gran let us celebrate with her. The boys were so excited to have a sleepover at Grandpas. In the morning, we drove down to "Arizona's Hollywood", Old Tucson. It has been the setting for many famous western movies and TV series. Mike went there when he was a kid and had fond memories of it. It was my first time, which is really strange since my mother is from Tucson, we visited the area alot as kids but I dont remember going there. Some joker burned the place down a few years ago, so they rebuilt. Some of the rides arent what they use to be but the kids had a great time. Even in 100 degree weather. They especially liked the shootout where a guy fell dead off a roof, one slid down a pully from a rooftop, one got ground up in the bone cruncher, and there was lots of explosions and gunshots.
The ultimate little boy extravaganza.Cowboys and Bad Guys.

Tanner told us all how great gran was "so, so old". Then he counted from 82-100 and said "When your 100, your done".

Birthday Girl

Crew and Granny

Isnt this such a cute picture of great gran with the boys.

As usual, Zachary (Mr. Bossypants) had to drive. Tanner was the passenger. I hope as teenagers Zachary will be a better driver. I suspect that Tanner may be the more responsible of our drivers someday.

Cowboys in the Wild West shootout. Isnt it funny how Tanner is holding on to the actors leg. I bet that guy was thinking "Dang boy, your really close to my gun!". Gesh!

This guy got shot and killed in the reinactment of "The Quick and the Dead".

Stagecoach ride anyone?

My Horse Theif.

Grandpa got pulled on stage to dance with the Can-Can girls. Totally hilarious. I dont know the words they were singing but the song was something about the saddle getting glued to the cowboys rear end. Sorry about it being so red. It was pitch dark in the audience and the stage lights were red and orange. My camera wasnt doing very well.

Asher on the Merry Go Round
Hungery Little Man
Trains. All Aboard!
I asked for sad faces at the jail. This is what I got.

May 2011

2011-05-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

May has turned out to be one of the busiest months in a long time. We got a few things done.

We have been finishing or attempting to finish projects around the house. Here are a few. Pics of the Bathrooms will be coming shortly, we need to still hang a few things.

My version of the popular Subway art thats going on. I needed something to fill this space. So I whipped this out.

I stuck it in my hall as you exit the laundry room. Some of the words that are smaller read: Mt. Timpanogos, "our hopes and dreams", Go Utes, eternity, Cherry Coke, pajama master (my nickname). Just random stuff about our family.

I finished covering my dinning room chairs. The kids have plastic over them as well as the fabric. Its the smartest thing I've done with our eating arrangments. I just wipe off the chairs when we are done. Makes life so much easier.
Still trying to organize and decorate this area. Its so hard. Still looking for the right TV console to set the TV on. And I think I may hit the flea market for some cool books. Its a work in progress.

found some new fun pillows for my family room. Going for colors in Dusty Rose, Blue,Cream and green. The Brown pillow picks up all the colors.

Organized my little kitchen office/computer desk area.
Of course, more kitchen vinyl. Still waiting to find the perfect kitchen curtains.

We blessed Crew and had a fun get together with family.My parents ,my sister, two of my brothers, my cousin and her family (from Tucson) and my aunt and uncle (from Tucson) all came and had a great dinner and enjoyed some dinner theater by my brother, Taylor (giggle,giggle).

These boys are only 7 weeks apart. Crew and his cousin Carter
Temps were in the 70's this week. So nice for real pajamas. I dont know why, but I love my babies in their jammies. So darling.
My sister Ariel came into town from St. George, Utah. We love and miss her already!

Zachary and Tanner graduated from Kindergarten. They were so cute singing in the program. Now, its onto summer vacation and temps that will keep us sweating for the next 4-6 months. I wish I had a summer home in Switzerland. Or Alaska.

We also got to hike around Lake Pleasant for the first time this month. It was only mid 70's that day, so we didnt bring our suits. The water was cold, but rocky beach was too enticing for little hands that wanted to throw rocks. A little horse play never killed anyone. Or did it? It was a fun time for all.

How do I explain this?

2011-05-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Another funny conversation:

Zach: Daddy, what is a nit-wit ?
Mike: Its a person who isnt very smart. Kinda dumb.
Zach: So if your a nit-wit you work at Burger King, right?

Things I dont understand

2011-05-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is again. The complaining.
I was asked to be the Scout Master, which is something Im not thrilled about.
I'll be honest, (since this is MY blog) I personally dont think the church should ask you to be involved in scouts as a "calling". Nationally, its a volunteer postition. You have to really love scouting to want to be involved becuase its so tedious and time consuming. I think its a great program for young men, but I dont think I should be guilted into saying YES to scouting becuase Im a member of my church. Yes I see the correlation of strong ethics and values with faith. I think its a great program for boys. However; I (a woman ) dont want ANYTHING to do with scouts personally. Frankly, I feel like I said yes only to not appear difficult. After all, Im new and its the first assignment I've been given. I am dreading it...

And since Im murmmering--
Whats with people thinking I need to know everything about them by their bumper sticker, tweets, and facebook status. I get it, Bin Laden was killed...big news. Your choice of breakfast cereal and what episode of The Office you are gonna watch tonight...not news. I dont care.

Why do women think fake nails make them look prettier? I swear, I've seen more ladies with fake nails in the past month than I have in my lifetime. When I see long fake nails on women I think of :

1. This creepy scene in the movie "Something Wicked This way Comes" where the scary guy makes his own hand bleed with his long nails.
2. Nicodemus, the Rat from the Secret of Nimh movie.
3. Old ladies with long straggly hair, sitting in opium smoke filled rooms holding thier pipes.

And this:

I dont understand why they charge so much for a container that is suppose to hold spegetti. Have you ever gone to buy a pasta keeper? Gesh, its like highway robbery.

I dont understand how people can eat hummus. Not only is the texture nasty looking but it smells like surfboard wax. - And why, why, why does Costco insist on giving it to old people at tasting carts? And why,why, why do I always end up standing behind the man who ate too much hummus and has horrible GAS and a seasame seed from the cracker stuck in his tooth?

I dont understand why I am totally addicted to watching HOARDERS. When all I do is scream at the TV and gag while watching it.

Why do they have these stupid dolls for boys?My boys want one and I think they are sending a bad message. About pirates. And dolls. And, ok I just dont like them.

I dont understand this at all. Was this a joke? They didnt really think they looked good right?

Ok, enough. Im just getting it all out there. :)

Candy is Dandy, but Liquor is Quicker

2011-05-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

The kids and I were watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The original version with Gene Wilder, not the lousy version with Johnny Depp. In my opinion Ompa Lompas just arent the same in the newer version.There outfits are so much cooler in the first movie.Plus, the music in the original is just so "classic" and full of wisdom.:)

"Who do you blame when your kid is a brat
Pampered and spoiled like a Siamese cat?
Blaming the kids is a lion of shame
You know exactly who's to blame:
The mother and the father! "

Anyway, I listened to the following conversation and laughed my head off.

Tanner: I wish I had a chocolate factory. With trees made of candy.
Zach: You would be so fat. Like the lunch lady at school.
Tanner: She isnt fat Zach. She just has big pants
Zach: Tanner, she has big pants becuase she is so fat. AND her name is Mrs. Largie.
Just FYI: Her name is Mrs. Margie.

Asher Turns 3

2011-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am getting really bad at remembering to take pictures. ( I forgot to take pictures easter morning?!? Lugging around a newborn might have something to do with that!)Here are a few shots of Ashers Birthday. Grandpa Banzhaf and Grandma Lori came up to celebrate with us. I picked up one of those "death by chocolate" fudge cakes at Costco and then just added some polkadots and candles to it.
Asher loves Disney anything. Especially Toy Story and Mickey Mouse. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he said " I go to Disneyland with Zach and Nanner".
I wish we could have gone to Disney. I LOVE Disneyland. Its just not in the budget this year. He did get some fun presents and alot of love from the family.
Asher is one of the sweetest kids I know. He is very cuddly and gives lots of kisses all the time. His Daddy is his best friend. They love to go on long bike rides together. Happy Birthday Asher.

Going for a birthday ride in the convertable

Grandma Lori and the boys

Big Baby

2011-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Crew is getting huge. I just love how my little guys plump after they get a few weeks under their belt. We havent had him into the dr yet to confirm our suspicions on weight, but the rolls have arrived. Just love this little guy!

Baby Acne has arrived. Darn it.

Milk mouth

Deep thoughts

Isnt that a kick in the ...

2011-04-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

You will never believe what we found.

Our front room is 22 ft high. Its hard to reach anything. Even with a ladder. Mike was trying to see the dust layer up on one of the window ledges. Guess what he saw:

If you don't know what it is, ask a man. I cant stop laughing. And dry heaving.

Spring is Bustin out all over

2011-04-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of April happenings thus far.

Growing and growing

Trimming and planting around the yard Swimming in the pool

Happy that the pool is cool on April 1st. It was nearly 100 degrees
New dishwasher. Washing dishes was a joke in the other one

Painting the chocolate walls Natural Linen. Brightening the mood and feel of the whole house!

My first scorpion in the house. I freaked!

Making Lemonade

2011-03-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Of course, this is a follow up to the post I left earlier about our new house.

This weekend we were given some lemons that were grown by our uncle who lives here in AZ. He grows amazing lemons! We are also going to try and grow them. We still need some tutoring on the subject. However, after recieving the lemons a message was sent to me loud and clear. Something like this popped into my mind as I sliced into the first one:

"Eden, ... I'm giving you a lemon.

I grew it, I watered it, I allowed others be responsible for getting it to you. It has passed through this years hard frost and crazy heat. I waited until just the right moment to ripen it so it could be picked for you.- Stop complaining about the lemon!

Everyone has lemons. Here are yours . And here is the lesson...you must learn to make lemonade and enjoy it! Add the sugar, add the water ( spiritual water, this is the most important ingredient! ) and get squeezing those lemons.

I cannot do that work for you. I have done everything else. You must choose to squeeze. This will not only provide you with delicious refreshment when your finished, but will strengthen your muscles.

Stop complaining! You have lemons when many do not. I am still ripening their lemons for picking at different times. Remember, I am the gardener here.

Be happy, and you shall have the "fruits" of your labor. The sweetness can only be had with the sour. Learn to work with both. This will help refine you and strengthen your character. You can make this house a home. You can make lemonade from these lemons! "

Ok- so yes I know, Im a brat. I am grateful that we have a home when many are losing theirs. A lovely home albeit an abused one. I need to see the home now as we first saw it, full of potential. We have been working hard on the house and done a ton so far. We have had tons of help from family (thanks Jake and Soni and Fred!) and our neighbors.

And yes, I did in fact make some wonderful lemonade.

Srubbing the grout. 800 sq ft of it.

proof that it happened.

What the baby is doing when Im cleaning. Little Burrito

Look at the size of that big lemon.

One Month Old

2011-03-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Crew is One month old today.

Even though he is sick, we have still been getting smiles.

I know they say new babys smiles are reflexive. But he smiles when I smile, when I sing or talk very sweetly. He really does Smile.

We love him. He is a doll.

How's That?

2011-03-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

First off, let me say that this post is a rant. I will blame it on post partum blues but really, I am just in a really difficult place in life right now. So this is where I will vent.

1. I moved with a two week old baby. Sounds easy right? Wrong. Couldn't lift a finger to carry my own belongings or have a free second to help unload, unpack or organize the house. Every second is spent nursing, changing or holding a baby. And if it the brief second that he has a nap, my other 3 boys need attention. They are constantly asking me to do something for them. So, here I sit amidst the mess of boxes and scratched furniture unable to do much.

2. I have NO clothes to wear. Not that I have anywhere to go. I know not a single person. Church is calling me, but I dont have a single non maternity item to wear to church. Im stuck inside all day because I am totally embarrassed to be seen in public. Im not exaggerating here people.
The fact of the matter is, I threw away half my wardrobe before I left PA. Tons of it was clothing that I had in high school, or college stuff that was trashed. So, I did the clean out before we moved across the country and here I sit, looming triple digit weather in sight, and not a single pair of shorts to wear. Even if I hadnt just had a baby.
Furthermore, my hair hasnt been colored so Im half blonde and looking disgusting. So, I sit in the dark of this homes overly chocolate colored walls and feel sad all day. Sounds great right?

3. I have spent 200 dollars this month on Dr's visits and nebulizer medications for Tanner and Asher who both have Bronchitis and chronic coughing. Its been fun to be giving my money to doctors who need it so badly.

4. Asher who was doing well at using the bathroom, has regressed with the new baby and move. He now refuses to tell anyone he needs to go. So, back to diapers for him, since I cant function with this new baby suckling me to death all day. He will be three the end of April and I am feeling like a failure as a mother.

5. My new house is a diamond in the rough. Let me emphasise the word ROUGH! We moved in, knowing there was a little work and found out that there was LOTS of work. The house is filthy. I dont think the prior owners ever cleaned the grout in the tile, the carpets, dusted a fan or cleaned out a cabinet, cut the grass, pulled a weed, or trimmed a hedge. Its awful. Not to mention the hidden treats of finding out that the dishwasher isnt working properly, the pool is dirty and struggling, the doors dont shut right, the toilets dont flush properly, the showers are strange, the house smells funny, some of the lights dont work, etc... I could list a thousand things. Cant they allow a person who is buying a house to sleep in it just 1 night before closing? Then you would know some of this stuff. And I would have ran like hell from this house. Although, given the market, I would have found the same thing in nearly all of the short sales.These people stopped doing basic maintenance when they got an offer on the home.
Im just disappointed cuz I had very little money for repairs and now I have none. The house had no blinds so we had to spend a couple thousand dollars just to get blinds ordered. (is it strange that I wouldn't want the neighbors to see me nursing my baby in my room, or showering in my bathroom or watching TV in my garments? :)
So, that leaves ZERO for a new couch (which we need), ZERO for the new clothes I really do need so that I can live outside my home, ZERO for the new toilets we need, ZERO for the new dryer I need, since mine stopped the other night right after we moved in. ZERO for the lawnmower we have to buy. And ZERO for the few other things that HAVE to be done. (yes, I know the difference between needs and wants).

6. Kindergarten here is a joke. We moved here because the schools were ranked so high. Teachers are ranked as some of the best in the state. What we didnt know is that to enroll in all day kindergarten here you must pay for it. YEP, thats at the cost of 350 a month for me!
No wonder the teachers want to teach in this district, they make good money. It feels like economic segregation in the public schools. Not to mention educational blackmail.- they will give you a "good" public education if you pay, otherwise you get 2.5 hours of free school ( yes that is what they call "half day") that you are required by the state to attend. Even though its totally inconvenient (8-10:45) and makes the parent do alot of teaching at home anyway with homework supplements and handouts. There are 3 classes of full day kids only 1 of the half day. They dont get to do anything together based on their schedules. The office explained to me that it was "cheaper than daycare". WHAT? I thought they were getting an educational foundation started, not babysitting. DUMB!!!

Im thinking of writing a letter to the neighborhood:
--

Dear new neighbor,
We just moved in from Pennsylvania. Lucky you! We have four boys who love to scream and throw things around our backyard. If you find one of our balls please throw it back into the jungle that is supposed to be lovely landscaped bushes and trees. We will get to those as soon as the hundreds of scorpions migrate south.The prior owners liked the crickets chirping them to sleep at night, so they discontinued pest control over a year ago. At least you wont have many flies in your yard this summer, the black widows in our yard will keep them at bay.
We are Mormon, and you may think that means we dont believe in electricity so, we will take advantage of your ignorance and tell you that is why our clothes are drying on a line in the backyard ( really its because our dryer broke).We will be using the pool as our bathtub, since we cant afford a new water heater for this mistreated home. We cant afford the cooling bills that are sure to be sizable this summer since the prior owners took all the ceiling fans and screens off the windows. Plus 3700 sq ft is alot to cool in 115 degrees. You are sure to see us rotating our children through the van throughout the night to use the AC when the nights are particularly hot in the next few months. Please ignore the fat woman in white, running from the house to the garage on those nights.
We will also let you assume that we are "plain people" and dont buy our clothes at commerical stores. This should explain why mother of our family looks the way she does. Yes, she feels that good inside too!
All this should explain why our 6 year olds dont know your 6 year olds...we cant afford kindergarten so they have been thrown into the half day program at the elementary. As you know, this limits their social interactions with your "privileged" children. Therefore, we wont be invited to any of the social gatherings that would give us the opportunity to meet you in person.

Please know this letter is not to discourage you from leaving donations such as used clothing, food or other items on our porch. Clearly, we are in need of your sympathy and charity. Warmest Wishes.
Sincerely, the B Family -

Hows That?

Ok, enough of my complaining. I have no friends here, so this blog is as good as it gets for just talking to someone about my frustrations. Hopefully, you wont judge me to harshly. We all have issues. Everyones boo boo hurts. I do realize Im blessed with the things that matter most.

And oh how they put up with me during this time!!!!

I just wish money grew on trees. Publisher Clearing House can knock on my door anytime now with the gigantic check. Maybe some philanthropist named me heir to their fortune (or even just a couple thousand to fix this house up). Or, maybe a quarter stuck in a machine would ring in the jackpot for us. Darn reality!!

Welcome litte one!

2011-02-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce the birth of our newest son!
CREW ALEXANDER BANZHAF

Born: 2/23/11
Time: 10:41 am
Weight: 6lbs 10 oz
Length: 19 inches

Birth Story:
I was scheduled for induction for Wednesday morning the 23rd at 9am. My mother in law had already been here for a week waiting for a baby we thought would be early. My mom was arriving that afternoon from Philly, so I begged for the dr to get me going so no one would miss it.
To be honest, I was scared to death. I have heard horror stories of inductions that took hours and all ended in C-sections because the body wasn't really ready to have the baby yet. So, that night I was hoping the go into labor on my own in the few hours I had left before check in.
About 3 am the morning of my induction, Zachary came in to my room running fever and asking for help. I sat up in bed when he startled me and I heard and felt a "pop". Sounded like my elbow or ankle joint cracking. But I felt it in my lower abs. Before I even stood up, I said to Mike "Did you hear that? I think my water just broke". He was still asleep and unresponsive. I stood carefully and hurried to the bathroom. Sure enough, it had. I was so happy!!- I took a shower, put on some makeup, put on clothes and went back to lay down with Mike. At this point, I had no contractions, so I wasnt in a huge hurry to get out the door. Besides, by this point, Zach had been up and put back to bed, and Asher had come in due to Zacharys noise and wanted to sleep with us. Everyone was up and trying to get back to bed. About 4:30, we left the kids with Grandma Babbel, who luckily was already here at the house sleeping. We checked in a little before 5 am. The staff was thinking I showed up early for my induction but I was happy to prove that my water had in fact broken on its own.

Once I checked in, they got my IV in and I was hooked up to see if I was contracting. I was dilated to 3cm and was 65%-70 effaced on arrival. I didnt feel any contractions, but the nurse told me I was having them about 5-7 min apart. This is always my problem (and blessing), I dont feel the contractions until its too late (Im sure you remember the Asher birth story). Since no pit drip was needed it was a waiting game.
They also informed me that they would not be checking me again unless I asked. If I was feeling a change in pressure then they would check. Otherwise, they like to touch you as little as possible down there.- I was cool with that.-

Since I had delivered Asher natural, my goal was to be med free. However, I was so anxious I couldnt sleep, so I had some Staydol put in my IV.(I had done research about pain options if needed but hadnt planned on using any as I had read that it doenst take pain away but makes you feel drunk and "takes the edge off") I must admit, it was lovely for sleeping. They were right, it made me loopy. I cant imagine using it during anytime you needed to be focused, like during pushing. It felt warm and made me sleepy, which was perfect since I wasnt in pain. I was out from 6-8 am and got some rest.
Mike left to help get kids to school and eat breakfast around 8. He returned about 9:30. At which time we thought we would go to a walk to get things going. After attempting to stand up and go for a walk. I noticed that my right leg was shaking so badly I couldnt stand on it. Gravity must have been helping when I stood becuase once I sat back down on the side of the bed, I started hard, heavy contractions. After about 30 min of sitting on the bedside, since I couldnt bear laying down, they decided to check me. I was a 9 and -2.
At this point I experienced something I hadnt with my other deliveries. My legs were shaking uncontrollably. I was trying to stop them and focus but they were making my whole body violently shake. Then I was having hot sweats, and cold sweats back and forth!?! It was awful.- Then I made the best decision ever...I asked for a spinal. (Yeah, I know already at a 9 I should have just done it natural. But I seriously had no control with the shaking. It had taken over the show!) The spinal was like magic. The CRNA walks right in, takes a couple mins to give me the shot. I turn over and my legs stopped shaking. I waited for a couple contractions to pass (there was literally NO pain) and I pushed. Crew was out.
From the time I checked in to delivery was 5.5 hrs!!!
My opinion about the SPINAL:
I felt everything, but no pain. I LOVED the spinal. I would highly recommend it. I liked that I progressed fast without the epidural possibly slowing me down. Then at a 9 when you are in the height of the pain, I got just enough to relieve and refocus me. I hated epidurals because you may have no ability to push, possible slowed progress, a catheter, hot spots, etc.
Not with the spinal...LOVED IT! I was up walking around less than 2 hours later. It was great!

Anyway as for his name. We had several in mind. My friend has a little boy named Crew and I really thought it was cute (thanks Holly). But, I felt it may get to trendy and backed off it for a while. Then I had second thoughts and kept it on the list. We know its not everyones cup of tea. But, in the end, you get to name your own kids, right?! Plus, maybe its been destiny all along...we started this blog in 2007 called the Banzhaf Crew. Now we have a Crew Banzhaf.
Alexander means " Defender of Man". I was obsessed with Alexander the Great as a kid. I did probably 10 different projects and papers on him and his empire during my school years. Plus its a family name on Mike's moms side.

Crew is tiny. So small and beuatiful. I was a little disappointed that he wasnt bigger being that I was huge and 39 plus weeks. But, he is a great little baby and nurses like a champ! He have a feeling he wont be little long. The boys are in love with him. We couldnt be happier. I came home after 24 hrs. I was done being in the hospital and wanted to sleep in my own bed. I have felt great. I honestly cant believe I just had a baby.- Life is great! God is good. Babies are miracles.

New parents get a steak and lobster dinner!
"Look at his tounge mommy!"

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

These are the only belly shots I have taken this whole pregnancy. Sorry to make you sick on your valentines. I just thought if I was going to document something, might as well make it fun and paint on some hearts.
I have gained so much weight in this pregnancy. YIKES! You can see, that despite already having a wide nose, my nose spreads when Im pregnant (seriously, when I asked, my OB confirmed that this does happen to people). YUCK!
Can you tell Im ready to pop. Any day now. Any day. My prediction: Friday Feb 18th.
We will see...

6 years old!

2011-02-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Today is Z & T's Birthday. I cant believe they are 6 years old! Its bitter sweet in many ways.
Since they are my oldest children, it seems like they have just always been there. Looking back, I realize how quick the time really has gone. They are growing up and maturing faster than I would like. They were such fun little babies. Having two was hard at times. I think I was just so grateful to have them at all, I tried to focus on the good moments instead of the bad.
I have to admit, I had alot of help. My mom and mother-in-law were so good to give me much needed advice and help. I love these little monsters!

Z & T are as different as day and night. I dont know how its possible to share the same genes and uterus and be so completely polar, but they are. Zach is my sweets, while Tanner is my salty. Zach loves Orange, Tanner loves Blue. Zach is completely dependant on others to have fun, Tanner can play by himself for hours. Z loves all things trendy, T just doesnt care about anything too much. Z is high strung, T is low maintainace. They are too funny.I think the amazing thing is, that is alot like Mike and I. Opposites attract and sometimes work better together than being a clone of yourself. They just fit together. They are best friends. They are my best friends. I dont know what I would do without them. They are my world.

We had a little friends party on Saturday for them at our park. Everyone seemed to have a great time. If it werent for this forgetful brain of mine these days, it may have been just perfect. The party foul was mine, I forgot to bring forks for the cake. It didnt seem to bother the kids. They just picked up thier cake with their hands. Opps!

Happy Birthday my sweethearts!
We love you always and forever

Guess What?...

2011-01-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

We are closing on our new home on FEB 17th! WOOHOO. We are really excited. We were told shortsales were a long tedious process and we were prepared for that. However, we put the offer in right before Christmas and we are closing before the end of Feb.
UNHEARD OF!!
The house is over an hour away from where we are now, so the boys will change schools in the middle of the year. This has concerned me as I remember the feeling well of moving alot as a child. I hated being the new kid. They are only in kindergarten and really like making new friends, so we will pray they adjust quickly and get use to the school that will be theirs for some time to come.
The house is in North Peoria. Just 10-15 miles south of Lake Pleasant. Its a fun family house. It does need some work, like new paint in the whole thing (its all green and brown inside for the most part) it needs sprucing up and cleaning and a fence around the pool. Im really excited to have my own pool, but even more excited that my community also has a waterpark with slides and several pools and kiddie areas. I'm really looking forward to unpacking the boxes that have been in storage for the past 9 months. Plus just having some personal space from the kids will be nice. The house we have been renting is under 2000/sq ft. This house will almost double our space, its 5 bed 3.5 bath 3700/sq ft. AH, I can use the bathroom without someone dying to use it on the other side of the door and rushing me( I am pregnant people!). Here are a few pictures of the house. I will post more after we moving in and start some of the remodeling projects. Now I just need my mom and the TEXAS/CANADA Staceys to come and decorate it!!!

Entry into the master bedroom (left) and master bath (rt)
Street shot. Im going to put new carriage lights outside. Oh, do I have plans!
Family room off kitchen.
Coming in front door.
Kitchen area

Private/ Updated

2011-01-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for sending me your email addresses. I will definately add you when this turns private. I have been solicited by family members to keep it open until my new little man arrives. Just in case great gradmas and grandpas forget how or dont know how to sign in to see pictures.
So...with that in mind, I will hold off for just a little longer before going private.

As far as updates on the baby go:
We have narrowed things down to three names. We each have our preferences but want to see what this little guy looks like before making any announcments. At my 35 week appt I was 50% effaced with no dialation. And he is TRANSVERSE...yuck. Hopefully that will change in the next couple weeks.
. Im tired of being pregnant but want to make sure he can pack on some lbs before arriving. He is measuring in the 50 percentile, so we are sure he wont be too big. Anytime around 38 weeks would be perfect. I would love a baby born on Valentines Day!
We toured the hospital we will deliver at. Its newer, but Im still a little nervous about it. I've heard good and bad reviews. If the tour was any indication of patient care, I will be really sad.
We arrived to a group of people waiting for the tour in the lobby just before 7 pm, the scheduled time. This alone was annoying because they only do 2 tours a month, and they are only at night. Thus, anyone with children had to get a baby sitter since it was bedtime and children under 12 werent allowed on the floor. Anyway- we wait for about 15 min, when a man with a wife who had been on bedrest for 3 months, gets up and goes to the intercom. He explains that they along with others are waiting for a 7pm tour and its been 15 min with no acknowledgment from staff. His wife is sitting in a wheel chair with cervical issues, and needs to get home ASAP. Could they hurry things along. The nurse says she will send someone and that is that.
7:30 rolls around and still, we have seen no one. Assuming they are very busy, I stand and gently remind them that we are all still waiting (most of us, some people were already mad and left). A postpartum nurse sticks her head out and tells us how busy they are and someone will be there shortly. After another 5-10 min a woman comes to greet us. She explains that she is just a surgical tech for the C-section team, but will give us a brief tour of the floor. As we walk we see very little action and hardly any people. The nurses stations are full of nurses sitting and talking, laughing and eating.-The tech tells us how things vary at this hosptial from feast to famine with deliveries. We ask about that evening and she tells us how they arent busy...REALLY?!?!
I pass the postpartum desk and see the nurses chatting. Wow...really working your butts off girls!
Seemed very laid back. No WIFi, the cafeteria closes at 6 and they dont like to take babies to the nursery at night, if they can help it. Rooming in is prefered.- Blah, Blah, Blah.
Im hoping my stay is better than I am imagining it will be. I should have toured the hospital first, then picked my doc based on the hospital.:)
Anyway--heres to counting down this pregnancy. Im ready to breath again.

Keeping our fingers Crossed!

2011-01-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

We made an offer on a short sale back in December. Its up to the bank now. Could be a while, but if all goes well, we may have a home in the next few months. I CANT WAIT!
Here is a picture of the thing Im looking forward to the most with this house.
Its backyard and pool!

Nesting

2011-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, Im almost to 34 weeks. I just had my three hour Gestational Diabetes test (which was not fun) last week. Luckily for me, I dont have it. However, I have gained so much weight with this baby that my doc wants me to cut sugar back anyway. Alot of that is because I went from being active and teaching at the gym, to not doing anything at all. I mean nothing. I hardly know anyone, I didnt join a gym since we are only renting this house and plan to move an hour away, and I was just sick for so long, I had no movtivation. Now, here I am HUGE, and still needing to get this baby to pack on the lbs before delivery. Im praying for a BIG baby.

Anyway, as I sit home with Asher, I have found that I am finding little projects to get done. Here is my latest creation for the new guy. Kinda fun. Hope it works with this AZ sun. Now I need to make lots of bibs. Anyone have a great pattern or link?

Here comes Santa Clause

2011-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from Christmas. As you can see Grandmas and Grandpa's, you spoiled these children yet again.

We spent Christmas Eve with my brothers Neal and Taylor and his family, and my sister in laws parents, our friends the Jatens.
Before dinner, Santa made an appearance and gave each child a gift they could open.

Christmas morning the children awoke to so many things, their heads almost exploded. We spent a few hours at home looking to see what Santa brought. Opening family gifts, and then we drove to Tucson for another fun time opening gifts at Grandpa Banzhaf's house with family. It was alot of fun.

The family tradition of running the trains on Christmas still continues. The boys love it!

Zachary, wearing his great grandpas conductor hat.

Im sure he was smiling in heaven when he saw that his great grandsons love the trains as much as he did.

Yes, Santa brought the boys Littlest Pet Shop. Who says animals arent gender nutral?

Then the piles started forming all over the house.

Notice my kindle...yes...it is all consuming. I love it!

The Shrek and Spongebob Chia Pets were hillarious.

The kids cant wait to grow them in the spring.

Phoenix Zoo

2011-01-13T13:39:00.001-08:00

Over the winter break, we decided to take advantage of the weather and do some outdoors exploring in Phoenix. We spent the whole day at the zoo. It was lovely weather and the animals were out and about. They had some great exhibits.
I may really HATE Arizona in the summer months. But, I'll admit...its heaven here in the Winter months. I miss seeing and playing in the snow, but I dont miss being trapped inside by it. We have had amazing temps here. I never thought I would say this, especially after only 7 mths of living here. I can see some of the appeal of living here. At least in the non-summer months.

Going Private

2011-01-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well, after three years, its time to finally go private. I have held off doing it for some time since its such a hassle for some people. But, Im starting to get weirded out by some of the stories Im hearing, plus all the loonies that just want to write strange messages to me on here.

Anyway I will be going private in 2 weeks (most likely by the 23rd). So, if you want to still keep up with us, email me your address. My comments are moderated, so I wont post anyone's information on my blog. Even if you are just a lurker friend and want to be included, it wont weird me out. Just let me know!

More posts to come. Just need to download pictures.- Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas from US!

2010-12-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

We were really lousy about sending out mass greeting cards this year. So, in lieu of a card, here are some Winter pictures I took of the boys.

We Wish you all love and joy this holiday season. We hope you think of the savior this time of year and reflect on all the many blessings he has given you throughout this past year.
Pregnancy brings a special feeling and close bond with Mary and her blessed little baby as I think of what she must have been feeling and going through. I am amazed at her strength and character. Whats more, I feel a special reverence for Joseph and his dedication and faith. What amazing people. We acknowledge the Savior, his birth, his mission, and his death. This time of year makes me want to recite the verse from Alma 29:
" Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and acome unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth

We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Hallelujah

2010-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine just sitting there eating lunch and seeing this.
Where the heck do I go to find out to join these things. This is totally something I would do!

28 Weeks

2010-12-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning. Stood in the shower for a long time. Trying to rid myself of the disgusting feeling of FAT. Seriously, I feel yucky. I know, I know, people say you are lovely and glowing when you are pregnant. That must be everyone but me. I just feel gross.

After drowning my skin in lotions and scents, I stood there looking at myself in the mirror.

In my kangaroo pouch garments. In the enormous parachute they call a bra. Staring at the face with triple chins and dry patches. Looking at the roots of my hair that need color so badly.

I wondered "what the heck happened to me"?

Im still in here somewhere.

Under the rolls and stretch marks. Still trying to breathe as my lungs creep into my esophagus. Sweating like a sinner in church all day and night, even in 50 degree weather.

Im still in here, right?

Then, after 5 minutes of just taking it all in, I decided to do something to see, if I was still me.

I put my ipod headphones on. Turned on some Enrique Inglesia ("Baby I like it") and tried to Zumba in my bathroom like I was teaching my class again. Half naked. With a huge gut. With dimpled thighs and back fat shaking.

It was scary to watch. Strangely, it made me feel better. I can still shake my jelly rolls. I can still laugh at myself. Im still in here...

SOMEWHERE

Thanksgiving

2010-12-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

How do you end a trip to Utah that starts with a Blizzard?
You end with Blizzard on the way home!
Thankgiving was interesting to say the least. We tried to beat the so called "Blizzard of 2010" by leaving Tuesday and driving through Las Vegas instead of going through the pass from Panguich. All because the news was reporting a huge Blizzard coming to Utah. We stayed the night in St. George for fear of getting stuck in the dark in treacherous weather. While watching TV in our room that night, we see that American Fork (and most of Utah co.) got no snow at all. I was glad we were safe, but disappointed that we added so much time to our already long journey.
Anyway, it was brutally cold with temps as low as 9 degrees.

On the way home the following Sunday, we awoke to yet, another storm. Not categorized as a Blizzard, but it produced way more snow. 5-6 inches lay on the ground when we got up to load the van Sunday morning. Mikey had white knuckles from driving through the HWY 20 canyon from Beaver to Kanab. It was not fun. Anyone who knows me well, knows Im the worst backseat driver in the world, so I was holding onto the OSH (Oh S*** Handle) next to my window for dear life. I was freaking out the whole way. The kids were oblivious as they watched movies and Asher slept. Had it been recorded (which Im sure, unfortunately for me, it was in heaven) it would be like watching the seen in A CHRISTMAS STORY where Ralphie is beating the tar out of the bully and profanity is running recklessly through his lips while onlookers gasp. The script for that seen was played by me in the front seat,with my feet on the dash, and gripping anything possible with every skid or turn.- Ok, I digress.
We made it home alive.

Hello Miss T. My best friend in the whole world

I love Turkey!

You should have seen the pie spread. YUMMY!

Dude, Im pregnant and not watching calories.

DELICIOUS!

Gobble Bingo

Family. Lots of smiles. Jimmy cracked corn and I dont care.Lemon cream pie.
Doggie farts. Turkey. Utah's strongest man. chocolate chip cookies. Damon grins.Black Friday finds. Harry Potter at midnight. Uncle "Angel". Christmas Carol Ghosts. Veggies in a cloud. 9 degrees. Hearts hot cocoa. chocolate covered gummie bears. Missing Girlfriend Harley. Eggnog. Provo parade. Beautiful Navajo baby. Great Grandparents. Memories. Pepsi Free. Remember Noah? Thankgiving point lights. live Reindeer. Hi Ho. U of U WINS!

I love doggies
So Thankful for the Wii. Entertaining kiddies young and old.

Proud to say Tanner is the best Mario Kart player around. Seriously

Student of the Month

2010-12-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Guess who was student of the month at school in November?
Tanner!
He is doing so great in school. He is one of the best readers in his Kindergarten class. He loves his teacher and friends. He is very kind to others. This kid just loves to learn. He comes home and tells us all about the cool things he does everyday. We are so proud of him! We love you Tan-Man.

Halloween 2010

2010-12-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Halloween was much anticipated this year. Zachary especially had a hard time choosing what he wanted to be. He was so excited to wear a costume that he wore three different ones, to three different events. Tanner on the other hand had no problem choosing. He knew he wanted to be Luigi, and no one was going to change his mind. I always enjoy halloween. Its such a fun time of year.

Happy Days

2010-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

***WARNING: Lots of pictures!***
There has been a long break in between posts. Some of these are delayed in the dates, but for record sake, I will post them anyway.

Fall Break finally arrived. Wasnt very fall-ish, here in Arizona. We still had temps in the 100's to high 90's. It truly is miserable here! To my relief, there is a light at the end of this hot, terrible tunnel. We are only 6 hours from Disneyland and the beach!
We packed up the kids and headed to Anaheim for a couple days. It was so nice to get a break from the heat wave. It was also nice to have my brother Neal, join us from Utah. Having three adults and three kids made the trip so much better. We had one set of eyes to watch each child, and no one had to wait for others to ride a ride, or sit alone.

Here are some photos of our day at Newport Beach. I was surprised that the water was still warm enough to get in an swim. Not that the water on the Pacific is every really WARM, but in October?!? It was very nice!

Next day was DISNEYLAND! Oh, I love that place. Even as an adult it makes me happy.

Because its not easy to hide my big belly anymore, I clearly wasn't allowed to ride any of the big roller coasters (Splash Mountain, Matterhorn, Space Mt, or Thundermountain). Since Asher isn't tall enough, he and I found other fun things to do in the kiddie sections. Mike, Neal and the twins had their run of all the fun "older kid" rides.
Zachary and Tanner both said their favorite rides were Pirates and Indiana Jones. I thought I.J. was pretty grown up for them. They are my thrill seekers, so it didn't surprise me. There is a funny story here about Zachary. Earlier in the day they went to get in line for Indiana Jones and he was told he was too short. He was only 1 inch shy of the height, and Tanner was just right. He was devastated. He cried non stop.And I didn't really know how to explain that Tanner could go, but he couldn't. I certainly didn't want to punish Tanner and not let him on. It was the one ride they had been dying to get on! Later in the day, Mike decided to be sneaky and get fast passes to get on, in hopes that they could walk right on and not get measured. As they approached the entrance again, they picked on Zach to be measured. It was dark inside and for some reason Zach measured up and was let on. Mike assumed there was some discrepancies in the sticks. Meanwhile, Neal was giggling. As they went to get into the jeeps, Zach was asked to be measured again!! Mike thought "DANG, we aren't getting on this thing". Once again, Zach approached the stick and measured up. Neal couldn't contain himself any longer. When they were out of ear shot Neal said that Zachary had been walking on his tiptoes the whole time. He figured out on his own that if he wanted to get on the ride, he would have to make himself taller. Outside the ride Zach was proud and whispered to Mike "Daddy, I was walking on my tiptoes so I could get on!"- What a sneak!

Tanner getting measured.

Zach being told he is too small. Sad boy!

I think the highlights of my day were seeing all the boys get pulled into the parade and dancing with Donald Duck and Chip and Dale. Seeing their excitement during each ride. Watching the FANTASMIC show, and hearing them ooh and awe over the fireworks. They were all really good. Especially Asher, who loved every ride and was patient in the lines. He LOVED the fireworks. He has talked about them endlessly since we've been home. He has been singing "Its a small world" everywhere we go. He got a round of applause in line at Walmart for his solo performance of it.
Great memories, Great times. Love these boys!

Even Flat Stanley Joined us!

Update

2010-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Before I was married, I dreamed about what my family would be like. How many kids would I have, what would they look like, where would we live, etc.

After 3 boys, I was still waiting to have a daughter. Im not sure why it mattered so much in my head. The prospect at sharing my love for music, dance, singing, piano, and other things of the dominantly female brain, were things I wanted to share with a child.
Inside, I knew that odds were not good for a girl. The cards just didnt seem to be in my favor. Still, I hoped.

I prepared myself for another boy.This is our last I thought,thinking that maybe that would change the outcome. I thought it would be news that would be more appreciated on the day of arrival than 4 months in advance. I wanted to wait and not find out the gender. Mike however, does not like to wait. He was determined to know. Today was the day. And as expected, we are having another boy.

To be honest, I had the same reaction with Asher. I was fine on the outside, but struggled to keep in the tears. Disappointment ruined my day.

Sure, I know I should be grateful for a healthy baby. Which I am.
I should be grateful to have any kids at all. Which I am.
I should have told Mike suck it up and deal with waiting, so I wouldnt be mad at him for demanding to know. Which I am.
I knew the odds favored a male. They did.
I should not have put all my hopes into this last baby to be a female. Unfortunately, I did.
I should be happy I got to see my baby on the screen. I am not. I wished I had waited.

I just feel like I have nothing to give boys. Sure, I can be a good mother. I just dont feel like I can share who I am with them very well. Guys just dont get that girly stuff. The dream of dance lessons and dresses, pony tails and wedding gowns, barbies and boyfriends....its gone.
I would be lying if I said I wasnt writing this with tears streaming. Tomorrow will be better.
Another boy will be loved just as much. But today, just for today, Im sad.

One liners

2010-09-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

The kids seem to love the movie IGOR these days. Its lines are heard coming from the mouths of my babes. Sometimes, they are just totally funny.

me: "Zach, where are you?"
Zach: "In the bathroom"
me: " Did you wash your hands?"
Zach: "I had a bat stuck in the belfry, if you know what I mean."
Me: (Laughing) " Do you know what that means?"
Zach: "Nope"

Potty humor. Straight from the movie. wonderful.

Labor Day

2010-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Labor Day was alot of fun. We played in the pool with aunts, uncles and cousins all day. It was lots of fun. If there is one thing Arizona is good for, its a great pool party

Mike and Asher

Ready...Aim... FIRE!

Water BattleShip

Lazy in the shade

The boys swim great. Even in the deep end.

Taylor

Mikey

Sedona

2010-09-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

We went camping in Sedona last weekend with my brother Cole and his family. It was beautiful down there. Its the only place in Arizona that I have actually thought had beauty (sorry people, I dont like the desert much). We camped right next to a river. In the morning all the men, little men included, went to fish.Since no one had licenses they didnt think to bring their poles. While we were packing the car, Zach threw his little fishing pole and Tanner's into the van. It turned out to be a great thing since the fish were active and didnt care that the marshmallows we used as bait were attached to a Lightning McQueen pole. It was quite humorous seeing grown men using it too. In the end they did end up catching three trout.

It rained for about 3 hours in the night. It was thunder and lightning like you cant believe. Luckily our tent is a huge waterproof blessing. Everyone slept through it but me. I was paranoid about one of the kids waking up and leaving the tent in the night.(Recently a two year old left his tent in the night camping in Sedona. His remains were found over a week later.It was all over the news. It scared me to death!) I tossed and turned and jumped up in my sleep all night to count heads. I know, thus is a paranoid mother.
We ended our adventure with a little drive up to Flagstaff to eat a picnic lunch. Great times. We love camping!

Nothing like a hot dog on the fire. AAHHH! The life.

Watching movies to settle down for the evening.
Goodmorning. ok, maybe not.
Goodmorning sunshine!
Where are we headed this morning Zach ?
One, two, three, four, five. Once I caught a fish alive.
We caught it using this awesome kiddy fishing pole.
They must not want some people using the front door. It may reflect poorly on their business
Cute family
Playing pretend in the forest
I got a stick and I know how to use it!

Kiddos

2010-08-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my darling guys. I cant get enough. I think they are too cute.

Frosting anyone?

This is a hat, not a shirt, duh!

Tan the Man
Off to school on "brown day"

In lieu of the "first day" photo.

Isnt he so cute?

Cute kindergarten brothers. Its no

wonder their teachers love them already!

School Days

2010-08-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

("RED DAY" on Monday this week)

Its offical! My babies have grown up.

Zach and Tanner started school last week. Kindergarten in our school district is full day. So from 7:40- 2:15 everyday, Im home with only, Asher. Can you believe that? I have never had just 1 child at home. Its very odd, but nice.

Tanner had strep throat on the first day of school so he couldnt go until the second day. And being the forgetful pregnant woman I am, I forgot to get a picture of him on his first day! Im a bad mom.

Zachary was so excited to go. He woke up at 6 am and wanted to eat and get dressed. I drove him to school and he gave me a hug and ran to meet new friends on the playground. When the bell rang he waved and that was that. He went to class without any fuss. I on the otherhand was teary thinking about this little boy growing up. Its another huge milestone in their lives. I was so proud.

Zach has loved school and his teacher. He and Tanner are in different classes and have each made their own set of friends and routines. Its fun to hear about Zach's class pet, Stu. A sonoran mud turtle that sometimes escapes his excersize tub. Zach loves to tell me about the fun things at school.

Tanner is also loving school and has been rewarded everyday for good behavior. He really likes his teacher and he is thriving. He does well with structure, so I knew school would be good for him. He is shy but seems to be reaching out to other kids with similar temperments. Its good for them to grow individually, and develop their own strengths without being bossed around by the other brother.

Zach on his first day

Things I've learned about Living in AZ

2010-08-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've been trying my hardest to not say my true feelings to the natives about how I view Arizona.
People ask me the same question all the time. "How do you like it here so far?" I choke out something polite. Something quick. Something surfaced and non committal.

As you may have guessed from prior posts. I don't like living in the desert. Honestly, I can say, I imagined living here much differently. Im not sure why. I knew there wouldn't be snow, but I thought it would be much more like the WEST that I grew up in. After all, I lived in St. George, Utah for 8 years. How much different could it be?
COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!!

Here are just some of the strange things that have become apparent about living here.
1) No butter or chocolate can be left out for more than a few minutes. Unless you want it melted everywhere.
2) There is no such things as DOWN COMFORTERS in use here. At least not for 10 months of the year. And even then...not much.
3) Children do not were footy fleece pjs here, unless it reaches 70 degrees. WHAT??
4) For some reason, they start selling fall clothing here in August, like everywhere in the country that will actually get a change of season in the fall. You need school clothes like short sleeve shirts until November here, but they dont sell anything but fall things starting in August.- Idiots.
5) Halloween costumes must not be too hot for your kids. It was 80 degrees on Halloween day last year. And who the heck trick or treats in flip flops? (oh, just about everyone here!)
6) Cactus come in all shapes and sizes. Never mistake a flowering plant for a simple flower. They usually have prickles.
7) Spiders, especially black widows, love to hide in patio furniture. Especially futons.
8) When you hear people saying they live in "____ RESORT" it is always a trailer park, not a five star condo complex. Everyone here lives in a resort :)
9) People wear sweaters here to church. They even bring blankets to class. They say the building is too cold. The thermostat is set at 78.
10) A bag of ice will melt in 15 minutes in the trunk of your car in 113 degree weather.

Seriously, I think I am being tested. I must have to go through living here to prepare me for a mission to some tropical place in the world someday. OR maybe Im being shown what hell will be like, so I will live life better. Whatever the reason. This is never how I imagined life in Arizona.
Im pregnant which makes everything seem worse. The heat makes me sick. I've been ill everyday for 6 weeks. Nothing seems to help. Hopefully, I can make a list in a few months of things I actually like about Arizona. In the meantime pray for me. ...NO seriously, pray for me.

EL FIN

2010-07-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Could be that all these emotions are the product of horomones. Normally, Im a very optimistic person. Lately, I cant seem to find anything to smile about.- But there is more than just one reason for mymood swings.

Turns out God wanted me to have something positive in all the change and hardship.

Baby Number 4 is on the way. Yup, thats right, we are preggo!

How someone who is told they will never have children without medical intervention conceives on their own is amazing. We were surprised, but glad.

This is the last baby for us. We arent even praying for a girl. Just for a sweet baby to join our family healthy and uneventful.

YIPPEE!

Baby is due February 2011.

Mesa

2010-07-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are sitting in Mesa, Arizona. Why?...well I ask myself this question daily.
As fortune would have it, we had to rent something instead of buying. The market had too many buyers and not enough properties. Its disappointing, but not much we could do. So, we stepped out of the market for now. Winter should prove to have more inventory.
So, in the meantime, we are an hour commute from Mikes work, and living in the third ring of hell, in my opinion. Its hot, there is nothing to do
(we have no pool, yuck), and there is nothing green for miles.
Am I happy here? Um, no.
Am I impressed? Absolutely not.
Why people live in the desert is beyond me. Im ready to move again.
If Im being honest, I think most of my disappointment is self induced. I think I thought there were so many better things in the west than the east. The grass seemed greener.
The reality is that things aren't. I feel a little cheated out of the beauty and experiences of the east coast. Now, I feel like Im back in the west, and everything is less than perceived.
The schools are worse, the housing market is just as bad just in a different way. The people are the same, just speak more Spanish. The weather is awful and there will be no snow to change it up....yup, just realizing more negatives than positives.-
Im hoping that silver lining is hiding until my attitude changes. Im praying I will find some normalcy and happiness here. For now, Im just sweating to death and miserable.

2010-07-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been more than stressful for me. I have broken down many times in tears. I never thought this move would be difficult. This situation has ripped the reigns from my hands more than once along the way and takes me for a ride I had not intended.

We just found out our back up plan is gone. So, with 1 week until we need to move and the first day of school looming on Aug 9th, Im panicking.

The thought of my children being homeless or living in a van down by the river, is more than depressing. I feel like Im spinning in all directions with no where to go.

Im trying to hang on as we once again scramble for somewhere to live.

I went to a stake fireside to hear Jenny Oaks Baker play her violin. It was magnificent and powerful. I have thought of it many times these past few days. I have thought of the song that moved me to uncontrollable tears. "Be still , my soul".

I have always enjoyed the song, but never felt its power until that night.I was reading the words along to the sweet melody she played and instantly felt power in the first lines.

"Be still, my soul: the lord is on thy side;

with patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God, to order and provided;

in ev'ry change he faithful will remain."

I dont know if I am fully utilizing the message. I do have faith, but sometimes its hard to bear thy cross patiently.

Granted, this is trivial compared to many trials. Im just feeling so unsure about what to do and where to go.

"Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last"

I pee-a on IKEA

2010-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

*This post is my own oppinion, and isnt targeting or judging anyone who shops at this place. Just my observations*
Went to Ikea this week. Everyone in Utah hyped it up and I felt a little silly for having never been to the "Mecca".
I seriously thought I had stepped into an Austin Powers movie when I got upstairs.
I walked around this huge showroom to see crazy ugly furniture and weird design. Really, this is what everyone talks about???
The bedroom displays were like visiting the Jetsons home, minus the robot maid, Rosie. All the cabinets and storage spaces were so small you couldn't really get anything stored in them unless you wanted to put 1 item in each of the 40 cubbies. I mean seriously, who's kidding who? Would you really want to buy a couch that looks like 1.5 people could fit on it? Or an in home wicker swing to hang in your family room? YUCK, YUCK, YUCK. The whole store just rubbed me wrong. I couldnt handle it.

I'll level with you. I think its a great place for people who are in college. Just starting out who need a desk to study on or a cheap chair for their space. Or maybe its a good place for the occasional lamp or accessory. As for the rest of the products...send them back to whence they came. Norway must house lots of smurfs or 70's paraphernalia enthusiasts. I was unimpressed.

The free babysitting was nice. Next time, maybe I'll drop the kids off for an hour and I'll leave the store. They loved IKEA.

Not really fun!

2010-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Update: First the bad news.

I flew to Phoenix last weekend. Spent all day that Saturday looking at homes.

We made an offer on Sunday. Visited the wards Sunday , which were brimming with lots of couples our age and tons of youth and kids (I was worried we would be in a geriatric convention if we bought in the wrong place) .

Tuesday we were informed that the owners wouldn't take less than asking price. "WHAT? Seriously, you have no intention of negotiating?"- "NOPE, NONE!"
Come to find out that they are seriously underwater on the home and cannot take less. They dont want to shortsale, so they will just rent if they dont sell.-

Ok..newsflash sellers....If your home aint worth what you paid, why would you think I will pay more than its worth?????
So, we wasted our time with most of the properties since they were all shortsales, and all of them had offers already. Let me just tell you how many were actually for sale. I mean really for sale, not shortsales or forclosures.- The one we put the offer on.
There were 14 on our inital list. Isnt that crazy? Everyone is upside down in their homes. And despite what you hear in the media, the Arizona market is full of buyers and very competitive. The home owners may be upsidedown, but the minute they are ready to get rid of the property for a steal there are people lined up.
We arranged to see a shortsale that had been listed for less than 24 hrs. We even had our offer already made and we were going to sign it upon viewing the property. Mike was getting ready to drive to the property when we heard from our realtor that they had already accepted an offer. Its nuts..this house hadnt even been listed for more than 24 hrs!!!

I wont go into all the details of this nightmare we are having finding a home out here.

To top off my wonderful weekend of wasted time, I hear from the realtor that the market is not gaining anything new and has been depleted of nice homes. Its right before school is starting and everyone wants in a house. So...that was the cherry on top of the experience. She basically told me to sit tight until after school starts. The average market has a three month inventory. Arizona has less than 1 mth inventory. Its CHAOS here!

Mike hasnt seen the kids in 3 weeks. Tanner keeps asking me about Mike. He was in tears when he asked me " Is Daddy dead?". The next day he asked "Is daddy getting old?" (which in his mind means he is going to die) .Its awful everytime. Poor kid. He really misses his dad.

Im hanging in there. I miss having a husband. I miss going to the gym or having any time to myself. I miss being able to see my girlfriends for a girls night out. I miss Wendy's bread, Jana's wise words, Bridget's stories, and Jenny's laugher.- Its all a little hard right now. I wont try to sugar coat it, Im feeling some remorse about leaving. I do know that it will get better. Eventually, we will find a home and settle down. Its all just a little discouraging.

The good news: Our friend from Las Vegas has graciously offered her home in Queen Creek to us to rent. They are selling it and we are in need of a month to month situation with the shortsale market craziness. I cant tell you the weight that has been lifted, with her offer. It has been stressing Mike and I out for a long time now and its kept us apart, not being able to find something short term to rent. It was an answer to prayers! Im so thankful for her and her family!

Enough of my sob story: here are some photos of some things we have been doing to keep us sane here in Utah.

The boys love playing in the yard. And playing with their cousin Lex!

Swimming lessons with Miss Amy

Uncle Madison came to start school at BYU. He came to our swimming lesson too.

We get to give our baby cousin Makani loves whenever we want. She is so precious.

We also get to see Maleah and Chris (Makani's parents) too!

A Place to call HOME

2010-06-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

The kids and I are still here in American Fork. Mike is living in Phoenix with my brother Taylor. The house hunting is going forward, but I am disappointed to report that we do not have a home yet.
Every time I mention to someone that we are moving to Phoenix, I get the same response.
"Well, now is a great time to buy, there are some good deals down there". I bite my tongue. I have started to cringe inside every time I hear this. My nails claw into my thighs rather than offend the other person, who clearly has been informed of the same rhetoric as myself.
Here are the facts. Deal are great in Arizona...if you have lots of time to patiently wait around.
There are tons of foreclosed properties. Many of which have not been maintained in many months/years. Most have major repairs, and damage to fix. All have an AS-IS status. Here is a perfect example of a home we thought looked like a possibility:
Great home at one time, good school district, great curb appeal, but it has no cabinet doors, lighting fixtures,appliances, door knobs, or garage door motor. The pool has not been maintained, is drained and may have a problem with the pump once its filled (which you wont know until you fill it).The grass and brush are overgrown and the built in BBQ is missing from its bar.
YIPPEE! (I say this seething with sarcasm)
Short sales are in abundance, and can be great if you have 4-6 mths to wait. Most people make many offers hoping to have at least 1 approved.

I know I shouldn't be complaining. Im just feeling defeated right now. Patience isnt something I'm great at yet. I despise the thought of renting an apartment for months waiting on what might not be.Not to mention the boys starting kindergarten and living with neighbors above and below me, while I wrangle three boys. CPS may start getting called on me with all the noise they would undoubtedly hear.
Mike has already looked at homes and isnt that impressed. Im flying out next weekend to join him in the hunt. We'll see what happens. Wish us luck!

In the meantime,Z&T are loving the neighborhood life. They didnt have the opportunity to have lots of kids in a neighborhood situation in our townhouse in PA. They walk and play in the cul-de-sac all day and evening. They have met many new friends and they are learning new lessons in friendships and teamwork. They start swimming lessons Monday. They are both really excited to learn to swim better. Im excited to have someone teach them how to float. We are definitely going to have to drown proof them once we get to AZ. Have you ever heard of that? Apparently you can teach kids of any age (even Asher) to stay afloat if they fall into a pool. This will come in handy in AZ.
More to come.

Where did the Month of May go?

2010-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

May has been crazy! Here is an update.

We sold our home and it closed on the 27th. It was a huge blessing to get a buyer in this tough economy so we are grateful that there weren't many issues. We didnt think it would be that hard to leave, knowing we were moving closer to family. However, this proved to be underestimated drastically. I had three days of constant tears for one reason or another. Driving away, knowing I would not return was very hard. I console myself in believing that most of our friends will be leaving in next couple years also.

Mikes mom and brother Jake flew from Utah to help us drive west. Our sister-in-law Mari angel flew from Amsterdam to hop in a truck and keep her husband awake. I cant tell you how thankful I am.

So, after a day of loading two 26 ft Penske trucks, with the help of some ward members, my dad, and Mikes family, we said our goodbyes to our home. I hadnt thought about leaving so much until that day. The memories came flooding back of all our milestones that we had in that town home. Zach & Tanner were only 22 mths when we moved in. I can still see them sliding down the stairs and laughing, playing in their first real bedroom, and singing and playing with friends in the basement. Asher came home from the hospital to that home. Its the only one he has ever known.- Change is always a little bitter sweet.

My tears were both happy and sad.

Mikey drove directly to Phoenix with our things and stuck them in a storgage unit. My mother-in-law and I drove the north route with the kids to American Fork, where we will stay until we buy a house in Arizona. Just a word of advice. Dont take the nothern route unless you plan on paying lots of money in tolls. All the roads were toll roads until we were in IOWA.- It would have been nice to know this in advance.

The drive across the country was pretty uneventful. The second day we had strong winds through Nebraska that kept us white knuckled the whole time. We were glad that the tornado watches were north of us. The kids were good most of the time. The occasional brawl in the backseat happened when the twins got really bored. Asher asked to get out of his chair every few hours. For the most part, things went smoothly. We are just glad to be out of the car for a long time now.

I can now boast that in 4 weeks time, Mike and I have been to 16 states. We have done a ton of traveling.

Now its time for a rest and some relaxation...wait, is that possible when looking for a new home?

ARRRGG.

DisneyWorld and Clearwater Beach

2010-05-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Disney World in Orlando,FL. The drive wasn't much fun. Who wouldn't be ornery after being in a car for 17 hrs. It was worth all the monotony of the drive. We spent the evening at my uncle & aunts right by Cocoa Beach. We really enjoyed getting in the ocean after such a long drive.
We woke the next morning and drove over to Disney world for our long awaited day with Mickey and Friends. The boys were so excited.
We headed straight to Splash Mountain and the Thundermountain Railroad. The boys love roller coasters. Tanner went on Splash Mt twice, he loved it so much. I cant say enough about fast passes. They were so helpful in getting on the rides. My favorite rides were the old ones that they have remastered. Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Tiki Room were fantastic! Mickeys PhilharMagic was a 3D movie that was so neat. Asher loved it and asked to see it again when it was over.
We rode every ride we wanted to and enjoyed spending time with grandma and grandpa Chamberlain. Hunter, Taylor, Loa, Taj and Mia were all there as well. Taylor and his family had flown in from Gilbert,AZ to join us. It was such a fun day for all.
We ended the night with the light parade at Disney that was so fun. All the kids actually stayed awake for it and then crashed in the car on the drive back home.

sing with me :"Its a small,small world"

The boys loved seeing the princesses as much as Mia. The only problem is the BIG BOYS loved seeing them too. I love Taylor & Hunter in this pic.

Taj, Zach & Tanner loving on Belle.

Cinderella, we love you. Bibbity Bobbity BOO!

The gang at the Magic Kingdom

Tan-Man at Cinderella's Castle

We are family.

From Orlando we drove the 2 hours south west, to where I lived in my high school years. Saftey Harbor, Fl. It was fun to see our old house and the resturant I managed in high school. I missed the real greek salads that only we made with hidden Greek potatoe salad inside. YUM! It tasted just as good to me. The resturant has moved locations which makes it difficult for me to really reminisce.It will never be the same without our friend, the crazy Jehovahs Witness, Brian singing and screaming in the back while he cooks your food. And whats a great resturant without some live ducks clucking around the dinning room? I missed that part of the dinning experience. :)
We checked into our hotel and hit the beaches I frequented as a kid. Clearwater Beach. It was heavenly. Its one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. The water was clear enough that Mike was diving to the bottom to grab hermit crabs for the kids to play with. At one point we had a small pool filled with 5 crabs. We really enjoyed our days at the beach. Of course what would a trip be like without me getting sun burned. I got fried and paid for it for the next week.
All in all, we had an amazing but short time in Flordia. My appologies to the friends we didnt have time to see. We love you and hope you will forgive us for not dropping in. We are jealous that you have such beautiful beaches in your backyard. You can keep your humidity! Florida was a blast.

BEANTOWN

2010-04-25T10:41:00.001-07:00

Mike and I got to play in Boston this weekend for a couple days. It was alot of fun!It was the first time I have left the boys overnight and longer EVER. We enjoyed our time. I really love Boston. I think you really need more than a couple days to enjoy all it has to offer. Thanks to my parents who watched the boys for us. We really appreciated your willingness to watch them for us. We know they can be a handful.

Mike on the Beantown Trolley.

Hudson Bay Tour. This was really cool!

That sign says CODZILLA. Its a speed boat ride sure to thrill (especially when the water this time of year is 38 degrees). We didnt ride it!. We rode the big boat behind it.

Paul Revere's grave.

Granary Cemetary was my favorite part of Boston.

I got so emotional there that tears filled my eyes as we walked around. Three of things that Mike and I felt so impressed by were: 1) One person CAN make a difference. 2) The "Law of Sacrfice" is always required to acomplish the Lords work, and the "Principle of Compensation" will follow. ("The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude".- Joseph B. Wirthlin)

3) The Lord uses imperfect people to accomplish his will and strengthens that person and refines them during their mission.

Mother Gooses Grave. Yes, she was a real person.

Quincy Mass. Home of John Adams and John Q. Adams. Also the birthplace of John Hancock.

Saltbox home, birthplace of John Adams in Quincy, MA

Liberty Tree

My Favorite President, John Adams. This guy was amazing. Need a good read?-
Read John Adams by David McCullough.

Quicy Market at Night. So beautiful.

Best Cowder!! Blackstone Grill. Union street by Faneuil Hall. Loved it!!

The Fish and Chips were so-so.
CHEERS! Me snuggling up to Kelsey Grammer. ok cardboard but who cares. He knows my name, right?

Our Subway stop. Just so happened that the train we were waiting for Friday night was shot at with an unknown object prior to arriving at the station. They said it was either rocks, a bebe gun or a 22 pistol...oh how comforting! No one was injured, thank goodness.
Faneuil Hall
Love , Love, Love Boston. Hope to visit again someday.

HELMUT

2010-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the "mullet master", Zachary. Look at this kids hair right now.

I hesitate to cut it off because he is so studly. I love watching him ride his bike. All you can see is his blond mullet hanging out the back of his biking helmet. So funny! I love his straight blond doo.

As my Aunt Mary says "We're W.T. and we're proud"!

By the way, Zachary learned to ride his bike without training wheels. Can you believe this kid?

I know, hes not like a parrot singing Ave Maria or anything, but it amazed me! He told Mike the other day "Im ready to learn to ride without my training wheels". So, after a few minute's of instruction he took off on his own. We are so proud of him. Here is some video. There is a little crash at the end. Poor Tanner, he was ok, but geez!

Asher is TWO!!!

2010-04-21T11:50:00.001-07:00

These are my two year old pictures that we took yesterday! Im still cute, even though I didnt want to look at the camera.
I cant believe my baby is two years old. He is getting so big. He is already a giant for his age. I look like Im trying to cuddle a watermelon when I'm carrying him around.
Here are the stats:
Height : 39.5 inches (98th percentile)
Weight : 34.1 (94th percentile)
This boy is sure to be a big guy.His weight surprised me because at home our scale said he was heavier. But I was grateful in some ways, cuz maybe that means I'm a few pounds lighter too! So far, he will be our tallest son based on projection.
Asher is a sweetheart most of the time. Recently he has started to hit other kids when he playing. Im hoping this is just a stage. Usually he is really nice.
He loves to give "huggies" and kisses (especially loves to kiss Jenny P! On the lips no less). He has two things that he must watch everyday. Sometimes multiple times a day. Baby Doolittle ( all about animals) and Blues Clues.

Asher loves to eat string cheese, scrambled eggs, mac n cheese, broccoli, green beans, black beans, cold corn, yogurt, chips of any kind, Hershey kisses, pizza, lunch meat, fruit of any kind, lollipops and lemonade.

He has been dying to ride a bike like the kids. So, we got him a bike for his birthday and he is learning to ride it. In just a few days he is doing new stuff on it. He learns so quickly.

He can name at least 10 of the letters of the alphabet.

He is in a phase right now where he wont eat breakfast cereal. Only savory breakfast items like eggs, bacon, bagels with cream cheese.- Kinda weird but he doesn't like the sugary stuff. I dont blame him. I dont like sweet stuff for breakfast either.

He loves the moon and wants to see it as much as possible. He also loves the book GOODNIGHT MOON and can point out everything on the pages.

Asher loves to color. He calls it "Blue Cayon" when he wants crayons.

He loves to play with trains
He has a blankie he calls "BEE" and he must have BEE and a "pil-woo" (pillow) to sleep.
He loves to go outside and explore. He plays in dirt and flowerbeds with shovels for hours. When he is ready to go outside, he begs for his shoes.
He adores the twins and can say their names. He calls Tanner "Nanna".
He really loves grandmas, grandpas and aunts and uncles. For some reason he always asks for Neal. Which is strange since Neal hasnt lived close to us since January of this year. Neal must have left quite and impression on Asher.
We love this little monkey. We are so glad he is ours. What a precious boy he is.

Love you Asher! Happy Birthday

Is there anything cuter than a baby in white? I dont think so!
This tree has been in bloom every year on Ashers birthday
I love to play with trains!

Happy Birthday Lovie Boy!

Here's our Big News!!

2010-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

First, thanks for being patient while we worked out a few kinks with our news. We needed to make sure the right people would all be informed at the right time. As for our announcement:

Sorry to disappoint, but no, we are not pregnant.-

WE ARE MOVING WEST!

After 4.5 years of living far away from most of our family members, we are excited to say we are off to

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

We had hoped to relocate with our current employer. We have really loved this current company. It just wasn't in the cards with them right now. We thought they would transfer us to Albuquerque last year or this year, but NADA.

We decided to send out a couple resumes to test the waters in the western markets. Within 24 hours of sending our resume to them, a new company called Mike for an interview. They flew someone out to meet him here in PA and BAM...they offered him a job.

We were so surprised. It happened pretty fast but we are confident it will be a good move for us.

Especially for our kids who will be starting kindergarten in the fall. They will get to start and put down some roots in more "long term" area. They also will get to know family better. They have only been able to see their cousins maybe once a year in the past. Now they will live within 10 hours of all them. Three of them will be in the same general area.

My brother Taylor lives in Gilbert with his family. And my brother Cole lives in Flagstaff with his family.

Mikes brother, Lee and his family are moving to Peoria, Az in July.

I have 3 aunts & uncles in the area (Phoenix and Tucson), and Mike has one in the Phoenix area.

Mikes Dad Steve, step mom and Grandmother are all in Tucson.

Its all working out just perfect. We are super excited and nervous!

We will miss many things about Pennsylvania. It has been such a great experience living here. I would never have changed our decision to live here. However, we always knew it was only a stepping stone on our journey. We have mixed emotions about the move, but find comfort in knowing our friends here will be with us in spirit, no matter where we are in the world.

Mike starts work on June 1st. I will be in Utah with my kids until we find a home. He will be working at two hospitals in the West/ North Phoenix area.

Right now we are looking in the Peoria & Surprise areas of Arizona. I have heard good things about the northern area closer to Lake Pleasant...we will have to look into those areas.

(any suggestions would be great if you know the area)

Our house is on the market here in Pa. Its not a pretty picture for home sales right now. What a nightmare. Please pray we can sell our home before our trucks come on the 22nd of May. We need all the prayers we can get in this economy!

Well, imagine me doing some sort of Zumba dance, riding a horse and swinging my lasso when you read this post. That will give you an idea about how excited I am!

WESTWARD HO!

Hint, Hint. Wink, Wink!

2010-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Im nearly ready to share our news...
There are some hints on our page. Listen and watch. You'll pick up on a few.

Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.

2010-04-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mike! 34 years old.
Tanner said in a really sad voice today "I dont want Daddy to get old. He will be yucky when he is old."-

My oh my, you are getting up there in age, my love. I remember when you were but a lad of 25. Tan, skinny, sideburns, long hair. AAHHH... sweet, sweet youth.

I feel so blessed to have you as my best friend and husband. Its fun to grow old together. We are no longer in our 20's which is strange since I see us through the kaleidoscope of our personalities, follies, and experiences. I rarely look at our actual reflections in the mirror. I forget sometimes that we are getting older.
I still see you in my mind as that young guy I married. Standing in a suit waiting to escort me to our wedding dance. I think I will forever see you that way.
Age is all about how you feel right? We still feel like we are in our 20's. Don't we?

I thought I would write down some traits, likes and dislikes that may help your kids to know you better when they get older. They may find them interesting. And who knows, since we are always evolving, you may actually like cheese by your next birthday.

Mike hates CHEESE of any kind. But especially ricotta!
Mike loves Metallica & Alice in Chains. Its almost sick how much he loves their music.
Mike loves fish. Salt water and Fresh water. South African Cyclides are his fav
I convinced Mike to try Greek food when we were dating. Its now a favorite.
Mike cant say the word "Theater" correctly, in my opinion. :)
When Mike was little he wanted to name a girl baby " MONDA".
Mikes dream job is a mail carrier or working at a salmon hatchery in Idaho.
Mike clogged as a kid. And still likes to rock step, shuffle step. Especially to Michael Jackson.
Mike is very tender towards people and their feelings. He has always been very sweet to others.
Mike has a strong testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mike loves COKE! He especially loves it when its on tap, rather than a bottle.
Chips Ahoy cookies are his sinful delight
Mike, is totally ahead of his time with fads. He has always loved any kind of Vampire movie (yes, pre Twilight days). His favorite series is BLADE. On our honeymoon we had to watch a Vampire movie. In the middle of the forest. In an old cabin. With no one close for miles.It was um...romantic?!?
The Outer banks and Mike are a match made in heaven. The beach brings out a total beach bum.
Mikes favorite show right now is Ghosthunters, which is totally dumb and FAKE!

Mike killed a roadrunner as a kid. Which is the state bird of Arizona. Which caused a visit from the police. On Thanksgiving day.

Mike is a great friend and very loyal. He has had the same best friends for decades

You can take the boy outta Utah, but you can never take the Utahan outta the boy!

You decided this year, that you are sick of Fuddruckers. That roller coasters make you sick. That babies are nice and then you give them back to their parents.That your back hates shoveling snow more than you love playing in it. You finally accepted that you wont be a cast member on Survivor, you can barely eat tomatoes and onions, let alone bugs. You learned that kids always have to pee the second they get into a car. That Pandora and its inhabitants are AMAZING. That you will be driving a mini van for a while and you can stop wishing for a fast sporty car. Last but not least, you discovered that you are capable of taking all three boys to dinner at a sit down restaurant by yourself.

Wow...you are evolving for sure!

I love you babe. Happy Birthday. We love getting old with you!

Spring in the Park

2010-04-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Spring in the Park has been a fun tradition the past few years. After a long winter, we really needed a day to get outside and play at Hershey Park. This year Asher was big enough to go on some of the rides all by himself. He was so excited about it. Zach and Tanner just wanted to go on the rollercoasters. Little dare devils already.
Its definately a sweet time at Hershey Park.

Old Man River

2010-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that we have hit 90 degrees two days in a row?
We broke a record set back in the 1920's with this crazy hot weather. We cant skip spring and dive right into the summer heat. I need the middle temps before the hot weather comes rushing in. Spring is my favorite part of Pennsylvania. Its like a postcard here in the spring. Everything is green, lively, reanimated.

It was so hot Monday, we decided to head to the Susquehanna River banks (this is the river Joseph Smith was baptised in, and the Aaronic priesthood was restored on its banks as well) for the breeze and some sightseeing.

If you have never been to Harrisburg PA (the capital of Pennsylvania) you arent missing much. To be honest, Im not sure I knew what the capital was until we moved here. I think I thought it was Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. They are much bigger and more metropolitan.
Harrisburg is an interesting city. Not much to look at. Industrial. Lots of trains. A little scary during the day, VERY scary during the night. They have lots of shootings and crime. There is a sort of "Meet me in St. Louis" feeling along the mansions of the riverbank. Its not bad for a stroll or run during the day.

Im a little embarrassed to admit that I have only visited the river once in the 3 1/2 years that we have lived here. Today was my second visit. The day was hot and the kids were restless. We all walked over the bridge from City Island to the "east shore" as they call it. This is where the hospital is that Asher was born at.
I remember looking out my postpartum room window down at the river immediately after he was born. I remember thinking how peaceful the river was. This was the first time I have been back to the hospital since his birth.
It was somewhat symbolic in a way. The first time I was at the hospital I was delivering him. Fresh, new, tiny little babe in my arms. This time we crossed the bridge and I looked at him, now almost two years old. Sweet, smart, walking, talking thriving, but changed. The metamorphosis of life...the bridges we all cross on our way to growing up. Baby, toddler, child, teen, adult, middle aged, senior.
Bridges we are all crossing, even now.- It was a hot gorgeous day and the words of the song "Old man River" came flooding to my mind
Ol' man river,
Dat ol' man river
He mus'know sumpin'
But don't say nuthin',
He jes'keeps rollin'
He keeps on rollin' along.

Another day on my way. One more bridge I've crossed.

Its nice to have a hand to hold when traveling. It means something when you look back and see your little ones crossing with you. Crossing together.

It feels like life is rolling along, and it should.

Easter

2010-04-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Easter was a fun weekend here in PA. The weather was incredible. We had highs in the 80's and the days were magnificent. We packed up Saturday afternoon and headed to Grandma & Grandpa Chamberlain's house in Nazareth. Madison and Hunter are still at home, and we enjoy getting to spend holidays with everyone who is still home. We colored eggs, played with our friends Daniel and Joy, and anticipated the arrival of the Easter Bunny.

Sunday we hunted for our baskets. We sang Easter songs and march around the living room to "Halleluja" while playing our chimes.We hunted easter eggs. Ate great food. Enjoying uplifting messages during the LDS general Conference and just ejoyed being with family.
Alas, I left my camera at home. So, I need to get some from my moms camera. I will update later.

Bubble Bath

2010-04-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

"There's too many kids in this tub.

There's too many elbows to scrub

I just washed a behind that I'm sure wasn't mine

There's too many kids in this tub."
-Shel Silverstein-

The boys are all getting too big to bathe together. When they were little it was so convenient to just stick everyone in. They have finally reached the point where they are too large to all fit in the tub. Here are some pictures of them in my whirlpool tub.

I never use the jets in my tub, but Zachary requested them to be turned on. Tanner and Asher screamed and cried, they had never been in the jets before. They didn't like the noise and the bubbles started growing and crawling up their necks. The whole thing just scared them to death.

Poor kids. Zach of course, loved it.

It sometimes makes me sad that these little ones are growing up so fast. I just love seeing them all together like this.

Why Mike never styles his hair

2010-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Mike,
I miss you. Its been a while. I've been waiting patiently for you to find me in my dark place under the sink. Why arent we friends anymore? Dont you value our mutual adoration? You promised you would take me out at least a few times a week. But no, we havent met in a while. Why? Why? Are you just going to throw me away? Really, I mean after all, I make you look good.
I found this picture on your cell phone and it explained it all. Its the hat isnt it. You've chosen a life with the hat. I hope you two will be happy together.

CHEATER!

- Your lonely hair gel-

Its hard to be so ridiculously good looking, isnt it!

Even without gel, your something to behold.Love you

Blogging with a purpose

2010-03-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

We all do it at one time or another. We all get sucked into the blogging trap of comparing,jealousy, sour grapes,curiosity or haughty feelings after visiting some blogs.
Its human nature at its worst. Does blogging really have to be that way?

You can enjoying blogging without feeling its all about self promotion and competition.

One way is by remembering that its only hand picked snapshots into their world. Only the edited life they want you to see. "Reality" isnt all real.

Photoshop exists for the purpose of enhancement. Talent can be practiced, learned and honed. Creativity comes to us all in our own way if attempted.

Life is bright and dark.

Some times you will only see the posts about the vacations, trips, new furniture, majestic new homes, perfect Barbie and Ken marriages, and beautiful babies.

But maybe thats all you want to see.

Most people are home more than they are in an exotic paradise. Some people are scared to leave their own town or state. Some never have new furniture and make do or re-do hand me downs and they call it a hobby. It makes them happy to recycle the old.

A home can be small and still feel more grand than a castle on a hill. Many people will not

have more than a small parcel of land to call their own. And that will be enough.

Most marriages are up and down. They have fights, pity parties, love, kid problems, mental problems, financial problems, romantic problems, spiritual problems.

Most beautiful babies have an ugly or awkward stage. Many grow into very plain adults. Their infancy was their peak in the good looks category.

But, you may never see a blog post about any of that.

Someone once told me that she didn't like blogs because they were a virtual pride promoter. While that may be true in some cases, I feel that blogging can serve a great purpose for journaling and record keeping. Especially if you create a hard copy for future reflection such as a blurb book or other tangible record.

This is where my friend enlightened my mind and my heart about the art of blogging. She is one amazing woman . I adore her and she doesn't even know it. As far as I can tell she and I are (to quote my Anne of Green Gables) very "kindred spirits". At moments, I look at her and think "Wow, what would it be like to be that talented"? She is an amazing person and I really enjoy listening to what she has to say and how she views the world.With that said, she taught me some really neat things about blogging and turning your online journal into more than just an online bragging place.
After a couple hours of instruction and ideas, she gave me a much needed mental priority check.
WHY DO I BLOG? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ALL THIS TIME SPENT ON A BLOG? IS IT FOR ME, OR OTHERS?

So, after some thought and reflection I have decided to make my blog a little more personal, a little more reflective about my thoughts and feelings. And a little more relevant.

Yes, I will still post the random things that happen in life. I will still record the things my kids said or the pictures that captured the moments. But, I wont be doing it for you.

I'll be doing it for them.

Its my kids that I am doing this for. For them to see who we were as a family. For them to see who I was and am as a person, other than mom. To see that I loved them, always. Even in the naughtiest, ugliest and craziest moments of life.

This blog will be for them.

Please don't feel like you cannot read it. After all, I'd make it private if I thought our life was secretive or elite. Privy to only those who love me the most, or make me the most pumpkin chocolate chip bread. :)

Read on, but know its with a more firm purpose and a little more direction that I will continue my blogging.

Catch Up

2010-03-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

I know...you are dying to know what I meant in my last post. Im sorry, but its all still a work in progress. I cant reveal it all yet. However, I can show you what we have been doing in the meantime.

I bought a 10 pack of HANES socks for the boys. In 1 week, after most of them had been washed only once, every pair had holes in them. I have only 3 pairs without holes in the heels! I thought HANES was suppose to be a good sock? They are all falling apart in the same place. Im boycotting HANES!

My front door for St. Patricks Day! WATCH FOR LEPRECHAUNS!

Zachary came upstairs purring like a cat the other day. I looked at him and saw this. Look at his arm. He also drew whiskers on his checks... GReat?!? An artist!

This past week spring arrived in full bloom. Weather was highs from 67 to 75 degrees. It was gorgeous! The kids were so excited to breath fresh air again and run at the park for hours.

I can tell you that we were suffering from some extreme cabin fever. I saw a huge change in the boys and obedience after getting outside for a few hours. They were so glad to not be stuck in the house anymore.

I love this picture. Its so Mikey. Kid in one hand, Coke in the other.

Zachary thinks he can slide down any pole. Even if its not suppose to be slid down.

Asher still signs More sometimes. Its funny cuz he can say "MORE". He loves to swing and hates to get out of this red one. Its his favorite.

Tanner loved getting out his new shorts ,shoes and shirts for spring. I thought he looked so grown up. Strangely, I think my brothers had these same outfits back in the 80's. Neon is back, I guess. I still see pictures of Mike in neon pink shirts and my brothers in black and white checkered Vans and think "wow, thats interesting". Now, Im reliving those days through my kids. Except no pink will be worn by anyone but me in our house. Silly I know, but Im weird that way. :)

Zachary is still our "bone collector". Since he was 18 mths old, he always has to carry a bucket, bag, or cup filled with things. His Thomas backpack has been worn non-stop for a couple weeks now. I cant get him to take it off unless he is sleeping or at church. Now that its spring, he has added a Mason jar to his objects. Its filled with dead or dying earthworms has has collected.

Sitting in the sunshine. AHHH, Spring I've missed you. Bring on the hayfever. Cant wait for more nice weather.

Updates Coming Soon!

2010-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I have abandoned the blog for a few weeks. Im in the middle of a few projects that should finish up here in the next week. Everyone is good. The boys are sick of Winter, and I am too!

There are some neat things happening in our house right now.

Keep checking for updates...all I can say is

CHANGE IS A COMIN'

Lots O' Love

2010-02-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

We love you...but we dont love the snow. See Asher's face for details.
Happy Valentines Day!
xoxoxoxo

Joyschool Valentines Party

2010-02-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

The boys love Joyschool. Here are a few pictures of the kids, eating their cookies that they frosted and decorated. Definately a fun little group of friends.

Nor'easter

2010-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

We had a huge snow storm on Friday night and Saturday morning. Here are some pictures. The Hershey area got about 18 inches, in 24 hours. South of us had alot more. We had a fun time playing in all the snow. Asher was drowning in it, so he didnt go out much. Here are some of the rest of us.