Back To School~A Bittersweet Day

Back to school day was wonderful and horrible all at the same time. On one hand I feel like it all came so quickly. Mentally, I was prepared.....emotionally, I was not. Garrett has Mrs. Doane and he is in 4th grade. He is in a combination 3rd/4th grade class. He was very happy to go back to school but scared of all the new work he will be doing in the 4th grade. He is going to run for Student Council this year.

Here is sweet Sarah. She looks darling in a new dress she picked out while shopping with Grandma. She's so pretty and modest. Sarah is in the 1st grade...I have a hard time saying that! I was ok when she was in Kindergarten, this year I've had a tough time with 1st grade. She has Ms. Kinner for her teacher, which she was thrilled to know. Her Kindergarten teacher let the cat out of the bag before Sarah left for Summer break, so Sarah bragged all Summer that she already knew who her teacher was.

Christopher......aka.....the baby, is in Kindergarten.....KINDERGARTEN. He has Mrs. Gonzalez, which is who Sarah had. She is amazing! Anyway, you know when women get together and say they'll go back to school or get a job when ALL their kids are in school and it seems soooooooo far away??? Where did the time go? I blinked and now they're ALL in school. I have two words for every Mom out there.....DON'T BLINK. Young Mommies.....please don't wish your kids' lives away. I know things can get tough when you feel like you have to do everything for them and it's frustrating when they keep you from the things you love and miss doing....but what do you love more than your kids? It's only for the briefest of moments. Be careful what you wish for. That little boy in the picture above is my BABY.


These are my sweet, precious children....some say I shouldn't call them babies but aren't they always our babies? First day of school was flawless. Every child was up, dressed, fed, hair combed, teeth brushed, beds made, prayers said and our positive reinforcement routine completed and each kid was walked to their classroom by their loving Mommy. I tried really hard not to embarrass them......especially Garrett :)

Here is the stylish and responsible, MacKenna! Gotta love MacKenna. She is my backup and my support.....most of the time. MacKenna is in 5th grade and has Mrs. Meeusen, who is a new teacher this year. I met her twice already and she is bubbly and fun and very structured. She is a perfect, perfect fit for MacKenna. MacKenna has decided she is going to run for Studen Council this year. She also wants to take piano, dance and cheer.


I am so proud of these kids and the way the have taken every move in stride. They have been such good sports and kept their chins up each time they have had to switch schools. I can't even begin to express my love for them. They are my everything. We have put them through alot and while I know they have been disappointed many times, they are still smiling and trying to make the best of every curve ball thrown their way. What a blessing these beautiful babies are in my life. Thank you Heavenly Father for trusting me with these precious gifts!!!

Round Two

After we came home from Makutu's Island, we had about two hours to prepare for round two. We quickly cleaned up the house and made a mad dash for Walmart, Safeway and Little Ceasars pizza. His family party started at 6:00 p.m. It was close, but we got it all done!



Garrett wanted a Wall*e cake

Garrett wanted a swim mask and swim fins-he got them

Garrett wanted a Mr. Potatoe head-he got that too!

We told Garrett he would NEVER get rock band because it was too expensive-well, guess what?

Here they all are putting it together

Garrett's Special Day

Garrett's 9th birthday was on Saturday, July 5th but since we were at the family reunion up in Taylor, we really didn't get a chance to do anything for him. We decided that on Wednesday, July 9th, the whole day would be all about Garrett. From 11 in the morning until 10 at night, it was truly all about Garrett. First stop..........Makutu's Island in Chandler. Garrett and his friend Matthew enjoyed a fun trip to a very crazy place!


Christopher on the zip line


One of the tree houses to play on and climb through

The famous "Banana" slide.....not for those who have just eaten!


We all had a really good time.....what a fun place!

Our Family Camping Trip to Cave Springs

This is our family camping trip to Cave Springs Campground near Sedona. We were so excited that this trip was actually accomplished. The family minus two of us made it there. How wonderful it was to spend this time together. We were all tired and filthy dirty but man, did we have fun!!! I'm thankful we pulled it off. **Be sure to take the time to check out all the slide shows I have published. We have some fun and amazing pictures that are worth the look**

Slide Rock *Rocks*

Grasshopper Point and More

Camping at Cave Springs

Garrett's Scout Trip to Mesa Fire Department

This is Garrett. Can you tell he's listening intently to what the firefighter is trying to teach him? That's my boy!

Some day he's gonna grow into those turnouts. Not too soon, though! Keep em' little. We had a nice time and we made a sweet display poster for the Pack Meeting. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the Pack mtg, since Garrett will be receiving his progress toward ranks. He's only two requirements away from his Wolf. Go Garrett!

To Know Your Family Is a Precious Gift

How many people can say that they had or have the opportunity to know their Great Grandparents? I was one of the fortunate ones. I have fond memories of my Great Grandparents. I am so thankful that my kids are afforded that same privilige. My kids have been able to spend quite a bit of time with some truly GREAT Grandparents! These two people are some of the most wonderful people you will ever know.

-Oeste Park-

This was a park outing to Oeste Park. This is a park that I used to go to as a small child, kid, juvenile delinquent, etc...kidding! But I do remember this was a park that we were not allowed to go to after dark. It's real nice now but still wouldn't go there after dark! LOL


This is MacKenna being a good big Cousin to Lexie. They were finishing their lunch and getting ready to go play.

This is Papa playing baseball with the kiddos!

This is me playing.....something.....(or trying anyway)with baby Austin.

Nana swinging with Austin

Isn't That Special?

Okay, I had to stick this one in just for the heck of it. I can just hear my Dad saying, "isn't that special?" This is Sarah and Lexie being goofballs and making a silly face for the camera during our park outing.

Not Often Enough

Well you know how there are family members you see way too often and there's a small part of you that wishes you didn't have to? Not these family members. This is my Dad's Sister, Auntie Cyndi and her youngest Daughter (my cousin) Ashley. These are the family members I wish I could see more of. Ashley is smart and amazingly talented! I think she gets it all from me...j/k although she does run track (like me) and she does play soccer (like me)! Anyway, during our brief weekend journey to California, we did get to spend some quality time with them. Thanks Ashley for being 16 and hanging out with your big and little cousins.....you were a trooper even though I'm sure you wanted to be elsewhere! We love you guys.