meesh

Happy Birthday Andy!

2009-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

20 years old!

December 12th was Andy's actual birthday...unfortunatly I was not around a computer that day...Andy marks the last of the birthdays for the year...we love you Andy...Greg and I can't believe that between the two of us 3 of our kids are not "teenagers" anymore...

Happy Birthday Karch and Natalie!

2009-12-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Its a big birthday for our kids Karch and Natalie...

One is now old enough to drive....eeekkk...

The other is old enough to be legal....double eeekkk...

To both we wish them a very happy birthday and lots of love...

16 years old today

21 years old today

And the season begins...

2009-11-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

So high school basketball officially started this week... Monday night was our player intro night...its a fun time of the year for my boys...but what this means for me is getting boys to practices every day and at different times since they are on different teams...Karch is now double sporting it...Club volleyball has begun...Kendall has started practicing with her club volleyball...for 3 months life is spent coming home from work and pretty much spending every evening driving kids around...I know others are in my same boat...so I will not complain...instead I am going to focus on not stressing out when I go a week(or two) without making a home cooked meal, the house is not clean, laundry piles up, and my to do list continually getting longer...

Birthday dinners and father son time...

2009-11-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Last Monday night we headed to Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Kenya's birthday...a treat for all of us... great time...good food...laughter...10 min. photo opp (which should have taken 10 sec. thank you boys)...

Two nights later I came home from work to a glorious site...it was my birthday, and I must admit I was having a woe me moment when I left for work that morning because Greg had no work that day and my kids had no school that day, yet I did, grrrrr...but I had big smiles as I arrived home that evening because the house had been cleaned, a cake had been made by Karch and decorated by Kendall, and Greg was standing at the stove making dinner...so wonderful...Kendall had even typed out a menu for dinner, funny girl...and to top it off Greg did ALL of the driving the kids to and from their practices that night...now I am just needing to figure out how to have these kind of birthday nights more than once a year...seriously the best gift...thank you my dear family...

Andy came to town for a short visit at the end of the week. Greg took work off and the two of them were able to play...thanks Andy for making your dad's week!

Happy Birthday Kenya!

2009-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

20 years old today...

Mmmm...no longer a teenager...hoping you have a wonderful day that brings you smiles...I know thinking of you today is making me smile...I love you honey, Happy Birthday...

An unexpected road trip

2009-11-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

When Greg and I arrived to my parents this past weekend and looked at all the boxes that were already packed and then looked at what still needed to be packed and then looked at all their furniture that was making the move and then saw what was in their storage needing to be moved we started getting concerned that it might not all fit into the rental truck...my mom assured us that their home teacher thought it would all fit, and besides they already rented the biggest truck available...

But even after puzzle piecing everything into the truck it became very apparent that there was not enough room...it was decided that another truck would need to be rented...seriously...so the next size down truck was rented and the rest of the stuff was packed very precisely into that truck...and if you can believe this there was still things left behind...so my niece and her family scored! But the question that needed to be solved was who was going to drive the extra truck up to Spokane...Kenya volunteered, my parents thought they could do it, Brady???? We found out that you needed to be 21 years to drive the trucks so Kenya and Brady were out...and there was NO WAY we were letting my parents drive the truck...no offense mom and dad but we expect you to live longer than your move/drive up north...Greg had his busiest week at work and so I became the driver of the second rental truck...

So as my kids and Greg headed south Sunday morning, the rest of us headed north...it was a two day trip with a sleepover in Bend, Oregon...yep...never thought I would ever go to Bend...but my very first trip to Spokane turned out to be great fun...even without makeup or clean clothes (I was so not prepared to travel for longer than 2 days) I made sure we stopped for some photo opps...and if anyone is thinking that Spokane, Washington seems to be in the middle of nowhere, I am here to tell you that you are right...it is :)...and it was sooooo cold...but the landscape was still pretty to look at...and at the end of the trip it was a treat to see my sister and the rest of my nephews and niece who I had not seen in two years...

My mom rode in my truck the whole way...it was great to be with her for the two days...I love this photo of my mom...there is something about it that makes me giggle...

Mt. Shasta after we passed by it...

Was laughing really hard when I saw this happening...Brady was so glad I had my camera...I am the BEST Aunt ever...

We drove next to the Columbia River on the Oregon side for over an hour...

I followed Alan the whole way...so when I saw him roll over a curb I was able to adjust and not do the same...

Saying goodbye to my family sans makeup and clean clothes :)...happy for the new beginnings for my parents...glad that they are near my sister and Alan and grandkids...will miss all of them...

Packing up and heading north

2009-11-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took a road trip to my parents home to help them with their move to Spokane, Washington...45 plus years living in California...so jealous that my sister gets them...can't believe they really made the move...we had a good time though saying goodbye and loading them up...a lot of lifting, silliness and some showing off of muscles(courtesy of my nephew Brady) kept the weekend full of activity...my brother in law Alan and nephew flew in town to drive the truck to Spokane with them...it was also great to see my nieces Noelle and Taylor and Noelle's kids...my sister Kim who died 10 years ago would be so proud of her daughters...there was only one problem...not everything fit into the rental truck...yep...
Some of my mom and dad's grandkids and great grandkids

A Wedding in Utah...

2009-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

This past Friday Kenya and I took a quick trip to Utah...why???...Kenya's cousin Kelli was getting married...this marks the first grandchild on the Smith side to be married...Kelli is Kenya's closest cousin in age...they were born 3 days apart...Kenya and Kelli despite not living near each other seemed to connect anytime they saw each other...so when we heard the news of her engagement Kenya said to me 'we are going, right mom, we HAVE to go'...of course, I felt the same way and told her I would see if I could work it out...so after using a companion pass we were committed to going...
But for me this marked the first Smith family event since my divorce 51/2 years ago...this was a family that for 14 years I was a part of and loved and still love...yet just like that once the divorce is final you find yourself not just losing a husband but you also find that in a way you have lost or should I say the boundaries have changed with this whole extended family that was very much a part of your life for so long...even so I was looking forward to it...and by the end of the day I was glad we made the effort to attend...
The wedding ceremony was beautiful...the bride and groom looked so happy...for me I can't help but smile when I see two people so in love and ready to make that most awesome and challenging committment...and this is why I love weddings because of the happiness it makes me feel...
It also was awesome to be able to spend the day with Kenya...my daughter is a funny girl, yep...
It was so great for Kenya and I to see her cousins...Tara and Carson looked sooo good...we have missed them...it also was fun to see the younger cousins and how cute they are and how big they are getting...
, We loved seeing everyone, it was especially good for Kenya to see her aunts, uncles and grandparents and the only thing that would have made it better is if Kenya's Uncle Mark and Aunt Tami had been there...

Chelsea and BYU Volleyball

2009-10-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

One of the things Kenya and I wanted to do was to watch our dear friend Chelsea play volleyball...we were lucky enough to discover as we were planning the quick trip to Utah that she had a home game on Friday night against the U of U...we left the wedding reception early to go watch her play...

It had been awhile since we had seen her play in person...we were sooooo proud of her...she rocked...unfortunately BYU ended up losing in 5 games...but I can confidently say it was NOT due to Chelsea :) she played sooo well and the whole time Kenya and I were so happy to see her succeeding on the court...you go girl!!!!

Hospitality Plus...

2009-10-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about marrying Greg is that my kids and I inherited a whole new extended family...and lucky for us we love them...whew...

Kenya and I stayed with Greg's brother and sister in law Jeff and Lisa while we were in Utah...it is so nice how accepting they have been on their end with the additions of my family to their extended family...we loved seeing them and on Saturday even got to meet their first grand baby Brooklyn...she is a doll and it was fun for me to see how natural they have filled the roll as grandparents...we also were able to stop by Greg's other sister Lisa for a very quick hello...our time was short with them but it was made up by staying up REALLY late both nights talking and catching up...Lisa, Jeff and Brooklyn

Enjoying being part of the Warnick clan.

Sister-in-laws, Lisa and Lisa...

Thanks Jeff and Lisa for the hospitality and the warmth we always feel when we are there with you!

Homecoming hoopla...

2009-10-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

While Kenya and I were in Utah celebrating Kelli's wedding, back home Dana Hills High School was celebrating Homecoming...I was a bit sad that I was missing out on the festivities...my boys committed to performing in the school's halftime show the leads up to the announcement of the school's homecoming queen...it is a bit of a mystery to me what spurs my boys to dance in front of a bleacher filled stadium since they keep their dance skills hidden from us at home when asked to show...but I can tell they have a lot of fun with it...maybe its because of the cute girls and they outnumber the boys by a lot...then again maybe its because their friends are doing it and both seem to be able to laugh at themselves and their friends pretty easily resulting in fun times...either way I am thankful for a good friend who took photos for me and Greg's account of the event so I could at least visualize the happenings...now if I could only get Sandon to show me his shimmy...word had it he was very good at this :)

Mckay came back for Dana's Homecoming game and Kendall was soooo excited to see him.

Sophomore class performing to an "alien" theme...can you see Karch...hint look in the middle of the second photo...

Sandon's class performing to a "sailor"theme...so sad I missed this...would have loved to have seen them in action :)...hint: first photo Sandon is 2nd row 4th boy from right...thanks Amy for the photos!!!!

The next day Karch and a group of his friends attended the Homecoming Dance...again I missed the photo opp beforehand but thanks to wonder hubby (this is what he was this past weekend filling the needs of my kids, which were many, while I was gone...) he was able to get some shots for me...

Encore!

2009-10-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I met Greg in Arizona. Greg had been in Arizona for the week working. I made the quick trip so that I could see Greg's son perform in his school's fall play. I was excited to make the trip. I had yet to see Steve act. I kept hearing what a good job he does in these plays.

Steve had one of the leads in the play "Nightmare High School". From the moment the curtain went up I was so impressed with his acting. He was confident, natural, his voice projects really well and he played his role very convincingly. The whole production was entertaining and fun. It was great to spend the time with Natalie, Andy and Steve. We miss them and are glad that things are going well for them.

Bravo Steve!

(sorry for the blur in some of the photos, no flash photography allowed...)

Ummm...I think Greg is going to want to strangle me after this post...

2009-10-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Good thing he loves me sooo much!

Greg's 5 minutes of fame.

The San Diego Tribune ran this photo and article on Greg...what a stud! :)

(love you honey :))

click to read article, if you are curious

A quick trip to Grandpa and Grandma's house.

2009-09-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

The storage unit...

So my mom and dad are moving...and not just to a different house or to another city...but actually moving out of state...yep...Spokane, Washington will be their new home...

They had decided that finishing their lives close to their daughters would be the most ideal...being able to watch their grand kids grow in person...the problem was that one of us lived in southern California and one in Spokane, Washington...and due to the high cost of living where I live (big bummer), it makes more sense for them to pack up their things and move near Stephanie...I understand, but still am jealous that my sister and her kids get them and we don't...

The moving date is October 31st.

With only one month to go, there is quite a bit of organization and packing that needs to be done...how do you pack up 40 plus years of stuff????...I have decided you don't...

So this last weekend Kendall and I drove up to Sacramento after work on Thursday for a couple of days of packing, sorting, cataloguing, and TRYING to toss...my super duper Aunt Shirley flew in from Connecticut to help as well...

We also got to celebrate my mom's birthday...76 years...(ummm mom you don't care that I just listed your age right? Well you shouldn't because you look fabulous!)

We "packed" much into the weekend. We spent the whole day Friday at their storage sorting, documenting and TRYING to toss...but realizing that tossing things even if you have not looked at these items in years is hard to do :)...Kendall had fun going through her grandpa and grandma's things, learning more about them (especially her grandpa) in one day then in the last 12 years of her life, Grandma even taught Kendall how to create some very cute bracelets...we had fun with Aunt Shirley, and Kendall was able to learn in person why Aunt Shirley needs to get her butt out to the west coast...of course that is so she can be around her wonderful niece more often. :)

A big hug to you mom and dad...we had such a fun time, thank you, which went way to fast...wishing we could be nearer to you this next month...we love you.

Grandpa making sure that I don't toss too much...

A trip to D.I...Kendall became an expert at creating some colorful bracelets, thanks Grandma!

Aunt Shirley got a special bracelet made just for her...

The Birthday Girl!

The Last of the bunch...

2009-09-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning Kendall began the ritual of improving her smile...two long years...she was pretty excited to get her braces on...I am wondering if she will be feeling the same way tonight when she tries to eat something...I am happy because she marks the last of the kids to get ortho treatment...Sandon is in the middle of his treatment...I and my wallet though will really be excited when there are no more monthly trips to the office for the adjustments to the braces and the withdrawals from my bank account...

Happy moments...

2009-09-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Elyse and Rob all smiles

Saturday Greg and I were able to see my dear friends daughter married in the Newport Beach Temple...it was truly a happy occasion...there is always something special about weddings...I could not help but look at April(mom of the bride) while sitting in the temple...which happened to be a mistake because instant tears formed immediately...I saw in her eyes contentment, satisfaction, joy...I am so happy for her...I then looked at Elyse's(the bride) face and saw happiness, hope, excitement and could not help but be thrilled for her...as I looked around this particular sealing room I was reminded of another Saturday about a year and a half ago where I was that bride in that very same sealing room and I too had felt that same happiness, hope and excitement...and as I held Greg's hand this past Saturday I still felt so happy and blessed for the marriage I have with Greg...and how grateful I am that he loves me regardless of my imperfections...I could see in Rob's eyes how much he adored Elyse...I could feel and see that April knew this as well...and then I felt more than anything that I hope that my own daughters get to experience that happy moment as well.

Enjoying a moment with the very beautiful mother of the bride...wait are we really old enough to be a mother of the bride...apparently April you are!

Photos courtesy of Shawna Johnson

1st Day of School

2009-09-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Loving that my kids will still humor me and let me take their photos on the first day of school...

Sophomore and Freshman year!!! Happy that the boys are at the same school again!

7th Grader...no problem...

Kendall and Skylar...looking good girls!

Labor Day Weekend and Us Time

2009-09-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

The holiday spirit shown along the freeway by Camp Pendleton...

Taking deep breaths and enjoying the long weekend...

This is exactly what Greg and I did, us time was minimal this summer...we went to San Diego's Mission Bay for a couple of days...went to my favorite temple...enjoyed a book by the pool...relaxed with some pretty awesome weather...reconnecting before the busy school year...came back and used our day off from work by getting house and garage in order...ending the weekend with one of our favorite barbecued meals...can't believe summer is over...but feeling ready for fall...

Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Dads and Girls...

2009-09-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

4am departure...

Last week Greg and Kendall were invited to go hiking/camping with some dad's and their daughters...Kendall was very excited to learn that Greg was taking 2 days off of work to take her...one of the first things she asked was if she got to wear one of those back packs that the boys wear when they go hiking...I was laughing as I said yes because I was not sure she understand that those packs can get pretty heavy especially if you are hiking for more than a couple of miles...but of course any opportunity to prove to herself ( and brothers) that she can do what they can do is a very exciting thing for my youngest daughter...:)

Their destination was somewhere by Shaver Lake about a 5 hour drive to the southeastern part of the High Sierras...

Did I mention how excited Kendall was to go??? She was so excited that when I woke her up at 3:45am to get ready to leave at 4am she literally popped right up...mmm...(Kendall it would be awesome if you did this during the school year, thank you very much :) )

The group before the hiking/camping began...ummm...do you think that because Kendall is only one of 2 people who already has her pack on that this means she is excited...yep!

It was fun to hear Greg and Kendall talk about the trip...they had so much fun...I did not hear any complaints except that Greg wanted to catch more fish than he did (I believe he only caught 2 but they only ate 1)...the scenery was beautiful, Kendall became good at "casting", they enjoyed the companionship of everyone there and each other, water was cold, funny stories shared, new friendships, being silly, Kendall said that food tasted extra good when she was camping...

A big thanks to Glen and Tess for inviting Greg and Kendall...they had so much fun...in fact I already heard talk about next year...a big thank you with hugs and kisses to Greg for taking the time and making it possible for giving Kendall a taste of what her brothers experience when they go on their camping trips and for loving her like your own...and Kendall a high five to you because you never complained to me about the pack, or the hike, or the dirt...instead I believe you embraced it...what a stud. :)

The Start of Something New...

2009-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I dropped McKay off to college. Both McKay and I have been looking forward to this time...I have been very excited for him to begin this new journey of his life...so it came as a surprise when tears sprung from my eyes when I woke him up Saturday morning...

What is up with that? The thought of sleep filled nights, not being privy to all of his choices and doings only brings me smiles...But as Saturday progressed and as the trip was made to Long Beach, and a dorm room put together, I found the moment to be bittersweet...I watched him Saturday embrace his new environment, his new friends and roommate and his new school...and I realized he looked really happy...and that made me very happy...but I also knew that his smile, his sense of humor, his stubbornness, and his presence would also leave a hole at home...

For the record...Long Beach States Men's Volleyball team ROCKS...why?...we had stuffed the suburban full of ALL things McKay would need for his dorm and college life...an email was sent out from the coach for all players to be at the dorms to help unload and carry all the things of the new freshman recruits...I was seriously sceptical if any would show...to my surprise MANY showed and the unloading happened in ONE trip...yep...how awesome is that??? A BIG thank you to McKay's teammates! I was so impressed!

Smart boys, using a small flat bed to drive car full to dorm which in turn made the trip into the dorm room short...

I could tell right off that dorm life is going to be a change but I believe a lot of fun...McKay is in a suite of 4 rooms, each room has 2 boys, 7 of those boys are on the volleyball team...4 freshman, I think 2 sophomores and a transfer...the eighth boy plays in the school band(trombone player, I think?)...the rooms are tiny and there is NO air conditioning (it was so hot!)...but whether they got lucky or there was an athlete connection they are located RIGHT by the laundry room and dining hall, score!...

Cooling off in front of the fan...

Dorm mates and Teammates...

McKay's home for the next 9 months...

When I left Saturday night McKay and new teammates were dressing up in different attire to go support the Women's volleyball team at their first home match...mmm...no comment, haha...

The boy in the orange shorts is McKay's new roommate, all of them are the 4 new freshmen additions to the Long Beach State volleyball team and all very tall...this was their outfits for the women's volleyball match, missing from photo is McKay's superman cape...yep.

Last night we decided as a family to bring McKay his last home cooked meal in awhile...his siblings also wanted to see where their brother was going to be residing this next year...when I told McKay this I told him we would NOT make a habit of this, just dropping by, or would we????...ha...regardless, he seemed very happy with the dinner and treats...

In front of McKay's dorm, bringing him his treats...

So my dear son...here's to starting something new...to new friendships...to new memories...we love you much and wish you the best of everything...and when you are feeling the need to come back to your roots, the bed might have been claimed by another :), the door though will always be open...GO BEACH!!! :)

Saying goodbye for now...

Birthday Girl!!!

2009-08-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

Happy 12th Birthday Kendall!!!

It has been awhile since I have seen somebody soooo excited for their birthday to arrive...in our household Kendall has been keeping track or I should say counting off the days until she is twelve since January...it started out to be a weekly reminder to us how many weeks left until her bday...the last couple of months we have been getting a daily reminder...this last week...an hourly :)... in fact she had it down to minutes the last couple of days knowing that she was born at 2:24 in the morning...
Yesterday I came downstairs to this at our kitchen table...

Haha Kendall...thanks for ALWAYS making us smile...hoping your day is everything you were expecting it to be...hoping you liked your birthday song that Greg and I sung to you after waking you up at 2:24am this morning :)(we thought it very appropriate considering)...I know you can't wait for your first Sunday in Young Women...can't believe your old enough for YW's...
Love you lots.

Summer Saturday Afternoons

2009-08-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

Relishing in the end of summer...loving Saturday afternoons after cleaning house, grocery shopping, etc...grabbing a book and a chair and heading to the beach...enjoying my last Saturdays without scheduled games/back to school commitments...being able to take deep breaths...relaxing in perfect weather while enjoying the view.

Happy Birthday Steve!!!

2009-08-12T12:34:00.001-07:00

Hoping your 17th birthday is AWESOME...

Wishing we were there to spend it with you...

We love you...

Enjoy!!!!

Skipping for a couple of days because...

2009-08-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

My boys went on a kayaking trip to the Channel Islands National Park...

They went with the 14 yrs and up (teachers&priests) boys from church. We are lucky to have leaders at church that are adventurous and always planning different campouts for the boys. I was thrilled that all of mine wanted to go. And YES I am ALWAYS excited for them and whatever adventure is in store for them...but I am also guilty of having a little extra skip to my walk with the thought of a quieter house, not having to worry about organizing kids schedule while i am at work, not having to feed all and knowing the house was going to stay a lot cleaner (no offense boys) for a couple of days.

Kendall celebrated the news that the boys were going to be gone for a couple of nights with some dancing moves and stating that the 'G & G's' were going to party...I asked her who were the 'G & G's' and she looked at me and said Greg and girls...(duh)

And though there was a slight glitch in the skipping, (Kenya had to go to urgent care with a very painful stomach ache that resulted in having a cyst... that ended up bursting a day later while getting an ultrasound...which was cool for the technician who said it was first time she ever witnessed a live burst...but not so cool for Kenya who was actually experiencing the pain...but then the bursting seemed to eventually solve the pain issue...) the 'G & G's' really did have a nice weekend...

As for the boys...they ended up on Santa Cruz Island, kayaking with sea lions, hiking to gorgeous views, enjoying being boys...and when asked if the trip was fun I was told that it was "sick"(grandma this means it was REALLY cool)...and usually when the boys come home from trips it is just a given that not all stories are shared...they apply the saying what happens in__stays in__to their campouts...but I did send my point and shoot camera with them this time with one request...will you bring back a photo of all 3 of you in it...and because my boys always do what I ask:), they came back with exactly one shot of the 3 of them...but thanks boys for the other shots because it was fun to have images to go with the stories that you were willing to share...

Thanks Sandon for the photos!!!

Orange County Fair '09

2009-08-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Basically Kenya ROCKS as a big sister...

So the Fair has been in town for the past month...last year on a whim Kenya asked if she could take Karch, Sandon and Kendall to the OC Fair...they went and had a blast and came back with a photo booth pic to commemorate the visit...so when the Fair came back to town this year it was decided that it would be fun to do it again...

So yesterday I left money in an envelope on the fridge with the explicit directions to have fun, eat lots of fried food, keep track of each other and go on the craziest ride ever...oh, and to bring me back a '09 photo booth pic...

I believe mission was accomplished...I received this text from Kenya's phone on my way home from work...

"Were having soo much funn thank you momma"

Last night as they came walking through the door with smiles, laughter, tummy aches, (lame) plush toy:), stories of the craziest ride and photo booth pics for their mom I knew that plans were already being made for the OC Fair '10...

Apparently this ride called 'Speed' was the craziest ride...

Not to sure what this is or what Kenya is doing???? ha!
Kenya thanks for providing another reason in why you are best at being a big sister!

Photos taken by Kenya, Karch, Sandon & Kendall

A last dinner (at least for now)

2009-08-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to fewer people in the house...it has been a whirlwind of a summer with Greg's kids and out of town guests...yesterday Andy and Natalie (plus a couple of friends) left to head back to Arizona (Steve left a few days ago;school started for him this week)...We love having a full house...we especially love it when the house is filled with all of our kids...so knowing the summer was coming to an end and Greg's kids were going to soon be heading back to their home in Arizona we forced I mean we gathered all together for a 'last' dinner all together...we also took the opportunity to celebrate Steve's upcoming birthday...we ended up at the Irvine Spectrum for some dinner at Wahoo's and back to school shopping for some...I also took the opportunity to pull the camera out for some pics which is ALWAYS greeted with lots of enthusiasm especially by Greg, Andy, McKay and Karch...

The best kind of out of town guests...

2009-07-29T16:19:00.001-07:00

is family...

Greg's brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Lisa and two of their boys, Travis and Dane came to town this past weekend...and along with all of Greg's kids and my kids we packed in much...still so grateful how well my kids get along with all of the Warnick clan...we have had a full house for most of the month...with the addition of Jeff and Lisa's crew there was very little down time...in fact when they visit there is always lots of fun and LOTS of food...in fact I think Lisa states it best by calling our time together a "carbfest"...we love that they make it part of their summer plans each year to come and we are already looking forward to next summer...

South Swell

2009-07-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

A kid at the candy store....

To Greg's delight there was a south swell that created the biggest waves since he has moved here...for some reason big waves to Greg makes Greg forget his real age and instead he believes he is 20 years old again...he loves the ocean and is a pretty good body surfer and according to my boys he can "shred" it...so there is NO hesitation whatsoever when a swell is visiting our coastline...Greg is there...whether it is smart to be in the water or not...and yes I believe he was able to enjoy the thrill of catching the 'big ones'...but maybe, just maybe in doing so, he might have been reminded that he actually is not still living in a 20 year old body...:)
Greg about to go under this wave...
Strong currents, powerful waves and Greg's head...
Greg doing one of his spinning moves...when I showed Greg this photo his comment was...'where are the photos of me in a big wave'...ummm...I might have been distracted with taking photos of the kids...:)

the "calm" before the "storm"

Lots of beach time...

2009-07-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things about working through the summer is not being able to spend all your days at the beach...

So now when I do go to the beach I never take it for granted...I have to say it was great for me to spend time at the beach...It's extra fun being there with family...I love the beach and I miss it when I am at work...especially since my office has a view of the ocean...torture...

Beach time notes:

huge waves, crazy currents, body surfing, frisbee, being saved by life guards, ignoring life guards, eating, sunburns for some, sand, exhaustion from fighting currents,sea water upchuck, sun, salt creek, 3 arch bay, reading, relaxing, catching on camera son giving a "hello" hug to friend in bikini, watching boys being boys, diet cokes, subway, hava chips, peanuts, 12 peeps packed in one car...

On my Top Ten Favorite Things to Do List...

beach+frisbee+tennis ball+ocean+boys= cheap entertainment

Ummm...is it just me...but as the mom of the boy in this picture I can't help but think what a big difference it is to hug friends at school versus hugging friends at the beach...what do you think???

Looking at this photo, by the end of the day/weekend...I could not have stated it any better...

Chili Burgers and Baseball...

2009-07-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

We decided to squeeze in an Angel baseball game in between all the beach trips...

Notes:

Tommy's burgers on the way up to game(our wallet thanked us)...kids fighting in the car...angel baseball hats...great right field seats...sitting in the very hot sun...becoming drenched in sweat...standing up after 3 innings and realizing that the sweat you feel on back of pants looks like you had an accident...turning and showing kids your predicament and they immediately exclaim loudly "eewwhhh"(thankyouverymuch)...angels getting their butts kicked by the twins...having fun together.

Jenny, Danny & two very cute boys

2009-07-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Its fun living in a place where people want to come for vacation...

Its especially fun when family come to play...Greg's sister and brother-in-law, Jenny and Danny and their adorable boys were in town a couple of weeks ago...we like to pretend that they come to Southern California to see us...but in reality we know that they would be here regardless:)...But its especially fun for me because it allows me to get to know Greg's family better...we look forward to their next visit!!!

Zach: cute boy #1

Lucas: cute boy #2

A week in Atlanta...

2009-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

There was more than gold in Atlanta...

Though most of the week was spent attending daily volleyball matches, Greg and I did manage somewhat to venture beyond the arena to see and taste the city...

One of the best parts about being away from the daily grind and responsibilities of home was reconnecting and enjoying being together...

One night we ate at "The Canoe"...duck, rabbit, cod...fare was different atmosphere wonderful...

Two nights later we ate at a place called "Fat Matts"...bbq ribs, chicken, homegrown band...fare excellent atmosphere southern...

Going behind the scenes at a CNN tour...

Being the ultimate fans...

Celebrating and ending the week watching fireworks over Centennial Park...

GOLD in Atlanta!!!!!

2009-07-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

McKay's club volleyball team took the gold medal in Atlanta on Saturday the 4th of July!!!

What a week!!!! McKay, Greg and I spent last week in Atlanta... McKay played volleyball while Greg and I cheered McKay and his team on at the USA Junior Olympics Boys Championship....

Going into the tournament we were wishing, hoping, dreaming for the Gold...but the reality of watching them win the GOLD is simply the best...

I am not sure who had the harder job...McKay who actually had to play 4 days of volleyball under great expectations with a new setter that had only been with the team for a week (the old setter sustained an injury that took him out of the tournament) or the parents who sat on the sidelines and had to endure some matches that were CRAZY close that caused a huge amount of stress to all of us :)...

On day 2 all 3 matches went to tie breakers...one more missed block, dig, serve or pass and we were going to be anything but National Champions...this was the day that was the make or break day...and fortunately for us it turned out to be the day that made our team come together and play like winners...it was after this day that we did not lose another game or match again...

Here are some photos and highlights from the Gold Medal match:

Let the games begin....

Its all about court 1 on that final day...
Game face on... A spectator view...

A packed crowd...standing room only...

Let the celebration begin...

The 2009 Junior Olympic Champions

Summer Monday Nights...

2009-06-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Means Family Home Evening at the beach...

Many years ago, together with the Goodsells and a couple other families, we started going to San Onofre on Monday nights for our family time...surfing, eating, smores, volleyball, watching sunset, portable fire pit, relaxing...it has become a standard for us during summer...it forces us to take time to celebrate the summer nights and appreciate how wonderful it is to live so close to the ocean...all are welcome, it is nice to be with friends and family...and spending time at the beach is one of my favorite things to do...

This past Monday was our first summer night at SanO...looovvvveee the summer....

Graduation!!!

2009-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last week was a crazy last week of school...

But all ended well with a celebration of McKay graduating from high school...and let me just say McKay graduating from high school was like as if the heavens had opened from above and angels singing 'hallelujah' poured down upon us...okay, actually it really was just ME singing 'hallelujah'... Not that McKay was ever in jeopardy of not graduating...but I can't lie...it is such a relief to have it over...and maybe it's the thought of no more attendance messages from the high school office that might be putting a jig in my step today...regardless a big CONGRATS to McKay! (and me.)

McKay's graduating class had approx. 700 students in it...a big thank you to Kenya and Andy who sat for an extra hour than the rest of us saving us seats...it was very crowded but we were able to see all and enjoy the ceremony...

I threw a family party for him after graduation...it was fun to have his dad and Debbie and their household and his Uncle Clark and cousins...(though we did miss all family that do not live near)...we had a couple of hours of food and fun before he left for Grad Nite...

The "Smith" boys

mckay with his cousin Jordan and sis Kenya
backyard funkendall and cute half sis Emme
a blurry mckay and cute half bro Jax
(isn't Mckay also cute when he actually smiles for the camera)

I am excited for McKay and what the next 4 years at Long Beach State has in store for him...

McKay, my dear son, a high five for a job well done, a big good luck for the future and a huge I love you from mom.

And those who are wondering where was Greg??? ...at the worst possible time work meeting in Texas...yep, big bummer...he was very missed by ME!

HS VB pics

2009-06-11T15:58:00.001-07:00

These photos are for you grandma and grandpa...wish you were closer...

Love you.

McKay '09

Karch '09

photos by: Xiphias

Banquet at the beach

2009-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

My favorite high school sports banquet is volleyball.

Why? Because the coach always has it at the beach...unlike football and basketball which holds theirs in banquet halls..

Monday night was this years vb banquet...food,fun and awards...it would be McKay's last and Karch's first...

The last few months have been filled with MANY volleyball matches...the high school season ended a few weeks ago...(club started right away and we still have 3 more weeks of that season)

It was a fun night...everyone in the fam came to support McKay and Karch...

McKay had a great season and was honored with quite a few awards...

But what was probably the coolest was that both McKay and Karch walked away with MVP honors from their respective teams...it was a good moment for the brothers. Way to go boys.

Battle of the Bands...

2009-06-09T16:19:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I grabbed Sandon and Kendall from school during lunch and we made the trip to the high school...

Last week the school was holding their annual 'Battle of the Bands'...this is when students can tryout with their respected bands and if selected they get to play during lunch one of the days. McKay's group were picked to play during lunch Friday.

The three of us had a great time with video and camera in hand watching McKay and friends perform...they did a great job and we were very impressed. We also spotted Karch with friends watching the show...

Congrats Kendall!

2009-05-30T19:31:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Kendall came home with a huge smile on her face...

She thought it looked like it would be fun to be in student council next year...

So she decided to run for 7th grade Representative...

She ended up winning...

Good job honey! We are very excited for you!

awhhhyeah!!!

Double Fist Pump

2009-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

While coming home from Sandon and Kendall school's Open House last night I commented to Sandon how I have noticed that his friends voices have or are starting to get lower...I then told him how his voice is getting lower too...this is how the rest of the conversation went...

Sandon: Yea...but it is cracking alot too...though not as much as one of my friends who's voice cracks all the time (smiling as he says this)...
Me: ( I smile back at him)
Sandon: But you know how I can tell my voice is different?
Me: How?
Sandon: Yesterday when Amy called for you, instead of calling me Kendall she called me Karch. (this was immediatly followed with a double fist pump in the air)

Thanks for the laughter Sandon. :)

One for the ages...

2009-05-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

We lost last night...

McKay's high school volleyball team played in a second round CIF match...

Our opponent??? Loyola High School of LA, who has the distinct title of being the #1 high school volleyball team in the nation...the papers that morning predicted that Dana Hills High would lose the match to Loyola in 3 straight games...in other words, we were going to be a non issue for their quest as CIF champions. Well they did get one thing right...Loyola did win the match...but other than that...they discovered that they were going to have to play tough and maybe have a little luck to get that win.
As for us, the whole family (minus Greg who was in Texas for work:(), we decided that we wanted to be at the match...for us we knew regardless of the outcome, that it would either be McKay's final high school match or a stunning upset...we did not want to miss it...and we were soooo glad that we did not.

Final score: Loyola 3, Dana Hills 2, game scores went like this, 23-25 (us), 25-18 (them), 25-19(them), 29-31 (us), 23-21 (them)...as you can see the last two games in particular were soooo close and long...in the 5th game of a match, the winner is first to 15 but you need to win by 2...

Los Angeles skyline as we saw it last night

Some of the highlights that I will remember:

*Driving to Los Angeles with Kenya, Karch, Sandon, Kendall and Katie (McKay's girlfriend)
*Stopping for some Fat Burger in LA

*Our first look at Loyola's beautiful campus...the buildings were reminiscent of east coast schools...(Loyola is an all boys private hs)...we thought it was very cool, especially in the middle of LA

*Winning the first game and seeing the shock of the opposing team fans faces

*Watching Kendall cheer without any inhibitions whatsoever...this is a must see for all :).

*Watching McKay and team playing with heart and not giving up ever...

*Watching Kenya and Katie join Kendall in an awesome display of school spirit...

*Hearing the boys joining in with others in support for the team...

*After a win by Dana Hills seeing many cell phones from Dana fans up in the air taking photos of the scoreboard...wishing I had a photo of that!

*The celebration that took place by all of us after the extra long 4th game to send the match into a 5th deciding game.

*Standing the whole time for the final 12 points that were scored in the 5th game sometimes holding our breath and other times chanting 'go dolphins go'...

*Watching after the loss as the two teams shook hands, and when the opposing players came to McKay instead of a handshake there was a grip and a hug exchanged...

*Had a 'mommy' moment as I watched my son lose with grace and give respect back to Loyola.

*Driving home with all, including McKay and finding contentment from knowing we just experienced the best that comes from high school sports and we experienced it all together...

cute, crazy, cheering girls

game 5: sooo close!

proud of their brother, he had 23 kills

It is hard to put into words or give justice to the feelings that were in the gymnasium last night, but I will give it a try...attitude, loud cheers, rowdy cheers, good old fashion exchanges with the opposing team fans of 'take that', happiness, laughter, chants, high fives, disappointments, the best in school spirit...of course a win would have made the night the very best...but I am still so glad I was part of the fun and the memory that will be remembered for awhile.

***more photos and highlights of both Karch and McKay's high school season I will post after their banquet.

Prom 2009

2009-05-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Prom..

Mckay and his girlfriend Katie looked super cute.
Kenya and I met them in Laguna for a photo opp. We thought Katie looked great and we liked the extra effort that went into her hair. The "hair" bow was awesome. This is McKay's last hs dance. Four more weeks of high school for him!

(Not that we are counting or anything...)

Hanging the soccer shoes up...

2009-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last game played: May 2, 2009

Positions: Goalie, Forward

Years played: 7

Goals allowed (when playing goalie)this season: 0

Kendall has decided to not play soccer anymore... (unless her coach can talk her into playing next fall)...will miss watching her play...but look forward to still seeing her play basketball and volleyball...

Congrats Steve!

2009-05-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

2009-2010

Senior Class President

Agua Fria High School

in Arizona

Good job Steve. I was excited for you when your dad told me the news. :)

Family Time

2009-04-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Getting family together all at the same time is just not that easy.

We are at the stage where even sitting down for dinner with all of us at the same time rarely happens. What usually happens is I cook dinner for whomever is home and then I leave it sitting out for those that come home after so they can still eat but have to be okay with heating it up. Yet some of my favorite moments is when everyone is together.

When Greg and I married we agreed to try to make family time with ALL our kids a priority. We recognize that this time in our kids lives is going by quickly. As it stands we hate missing any moments. We also knew this would be an extra challenge with his kids living in Arizona and my kids crazy schedules.

With that said, we have been super happy because we have been seeing Natalie, Andy and Steve almost every month. It has been awesome. But even when they are here it still has been a challenge to coordinate my kids schedule. It seems like someone is always missing from a dinner or a movie or whatever excursion has been decided on to take due to a game, work, school function or a previous committed too social event.

It does happen though...we have moments. And I LOVE those moments. And usually I try to capture those moments by taking pictures. The kids love it so much when I pull my camera out. Okay not really...maybe just Kendall...but kudos to them for being good sports. (I did give them all a break in the month of March. See I'm thoughtful like that.)

This past weekend we had a moment when everyone was around at the same time. Natalie, her boyfriend Nick, Andy and Steve came for a quick visit. Greg went to Arizona Friday to watch Steve in his final play of his junior year and then drove back with them. Sandon became an official Teacher on Sunday. That Sunday afternoon after work for one and church for the rest we were all together. And of course the camera came out. Thanks guys for letting me capture the moment. Love to all of you.

*****For the record, there is another side to having everyone together, especially for a Sunday dinner. There is a huge amount of food that is consumed. This past Sunday, just for dinner for example...10 pounds of mashed potatoes and 4 marinated flank steaks cut into strips was not quite enough for those who like seconds and thirds...

Happy Birthday Sandon!

2009-04-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sandon turned 14 years old today...

What? Seriously...my kids are getting older so quickly. Whats up with that?

Sandon was my trickiest birthing experience. He was my only c-section, make that emergency c-section. Certain things happened the few weeks leading up to his birth that at the time seemed confusing. We were living in a different country. I had planned to have Sandon in Madrid, Spain. But unexpected job changes and easy re-location back to the states that should have been complicated all fell into place. We did not think much of it until the day Sandon was born. I was where I needed to be to birth him... at the right place and the right time, with an English speaking doctor who could communicate with me. If I had been any where else Sandon and I might not be here today...

And I would have never known what a great guy Sandon is turning out to be...the easiest going boy...who loves steak...tells us how great we are looking almost everyday...he can make all of us laugh with his funny personality...who is addicted to XBOX live (grrr)...a natural athlete...smart...loves staying up late...is learning to work the system...:)

We would have also missed out on good friends dropping off birthday cake to him...thanks Tess and Cassie!

Cassie and Tess and their version of a birthday cake! Yum!

Love you Sandon. :)

Spring Break

2009-04-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Last week was spring break...

I love spring break...I love no schedules...I love not driving to early morning seminary...I love not having to rush home from work to take a kid to a practice or game...

What made this spring break even more fun for me was that I had Friday off to spend with the kids...the last two years I had to work the whole week...Kendall and I with one of her best buddies Krista and her mom and aunt went to see Hannah Montana the movie...very cute...for some reason the boys turned us down when we invited them to come...:)

The day before Easter presented us with a very unusual Saturday...only one kid had a game...and it was in the morning hours...yep awesome...with a Saturday afternoon without a set schedule Kendall and I decided to be creative and make some Easter cake pops that I had seen on Bakerella's website...we learned a lot and discovered that it is much harder than one might think...but we had a lot of fun trying...It turns out that Kendall can be very creative when trying to solve a challenge...now I just need some of her energy...please.

The object was to make some chicks and Easter eggs...

We decided to make the chicks first...

We were feeling pretty good with ourselves after making the chick pops...we thought we were experts...so we started making the Easter egg pops...

Mmmm...I could not get them to look like Easter eggs and our cake pops were having trouble staying on the stick...Kendall decided that maybe using two sticks would be better...and she definitely ended up with the most awesome cake pop...

I did not have as much patience as Kendall did so I started making "cake balls" instead of "cake pops"...

In the mean time Greg was enjoying his book and watching the Masters...

That is until Kendall discovered that if you dip a strawberry into the melted candies it tastes pretty darn good...of course Greg had to come check it out too...:)

In the end, after creating a mess, we had fun trying something new...they turned out tasty and rich and it was fun doing something different with Kendall...it was a good way to spend an afternoon with no set schedule...thanks Kendall for helping end spring break on a high note!

March Wrap Up...

2009-03-31T13:47:00.001-07:00

This post is for the record.

March madness???...karch's braces off...high school volleyball began...tourneys every weekend...spring soccer started...spring break for greg's kids...greg enjoying a week off of work to spend with kids...full house...cuw luncheon...eagle board of review...steve's school musical...YM activities; snowboarding, camp outs, bb ym vs. leaders...sandon talk in church...anniversary...practices...games...taxes...

The beginning of Fridays at home or wherever I choose...

Mckay with his awesome leaders at his Eagle Board of review.

A Perfect Day

2009-03-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

A 1st Anniversary!

One year ago today Greg and I were married.

I have had perfect moments in my life but never a whole perfect day...exactly one year ago I had that perfect day.

To be honest I had previously imagined celebrating a 21st wedding anniversary in 2009 not a 1st wedding anniversary. But things don't always work out the way you think they will. And when they don't you find yourself in a position to have something you never expected you would get, something or someone really wonderful. Basically it comes down to choices.

But back to that perfect day...the one thing that first comes to mind was how happy we felt the whole day...it was a feeling that surpassed any other feeling. The second memory was walking out of the temple and being surrounded by our children, family and friends. We felt so loved.

We wanted to keep our sealing/marriage simple. We really did not feel the need to go big. We had been there done that. Our daughters can have that privilege far down the road. But a wedding would not be a wedding without a great bouquet and some fun shoes.

I wanted a simple short dress. I did not want to spend a lot of money. I was thrilled when I found one that felt right. I then found some very impractical shoes that I loved. But it was when I was handed my bouquet as we exited out of the temple that I actually felt like a bride.

I also remembered that every time I looked at either Greg's kids or my own I felt a strong feeling of love for all of them. Greg and I continue to say how lucky we feel that all of our children get along.

I will always be grateful for the choices that we made, to put us in a place, which gave us the opportunity to have that perfect day.

As Greg and I celebrate being 1 year old in this marriage, I am amazed at the strength that I feel from Greg. I feel the joy of knowing that he loves me despite all of my quirks. I marvel at how you can really love children a lot that you did not create biologically. I feel a great sense of peace watching my own children adapt to a new "father like" figure in the home.

But I really want Greg to know is how much I love him. Happy Anniversary!

Happy Patty's Day

2009-03-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it is already the 17th of March.

Today's notes:
Thought about getting green bagels for breakfast...did not happen.
At least 4 kids made it out the door in green. Mom did not.
Drove Karch to seminary 6:10am. (one of my favorite times to be with my kids)
Get all that have school out of house by 8am.
Drove middle school carpool.
Greg taking off work.
Work day for Michelle.
Andy in town for spring break. (Natalie & Steve arrive late Wed.)
Minimum day for McKay & Karch.
McKay asked to sign him out even earlier from school so he could spend it at beach.
Orchestrating pick ups and drop offs for kids from work. Answering texts from kids from work. (their preferred way of communicating)
Kenya no work or school, can pick up Karch from school. yeah!
Greg & Andy spend day hitting pure record stores looking for records. (Heaven for Andy)
Karch volleyball practice at 4-6.
After work making "Marlboro Man's" favorite sandwich and homemade onion rings from "Pioneer Woman" for dinner. Not very Irish but fills everyone up.
Homework Karch, Sandon and Kendall. ( for some reason McKay never has homework)
Smiling that Kendall does not have any practices today.
Thinking I should have a green dessert for St. Patricks day...key word is thinking.
Sandon's YM activity was cancelled.
McKay volleyball practice at 6-9.
Karch YM 7pm: leaders versus teachers & priests in basketball...there are already complaints from ym that it will be unfair without McKay
Kenya Lakers game: court side tickets with good friend Gina from Gina's father. Very fun.
Watch last nights 24 episode.
Try and do a load of laundry, clean up after dinner, finish cleaning laundry room (started 2 weeks ago), a walk, etc...the key word here is try.
Realize you are half way through your work week. Just 2 more days until Friday. Friday being the best day ever with not having to go into work.

***this is for my own record...wanted to note a semi-typical day give or take a few soccer, bb, vb practices...

Braces off!

2009-03-02T15:14:00.001-08:00

One happy kid...

Before...

After...

Battle scar?

2009-03-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Kendall had her first soccer game of the spring season...

She took a souvenir of the game home with her...unfortunately it is on her face...

During the last quarter of the game she went to challenge the ball and her opponent kicked the heck out of the ball and it went directly into Kendall's face...it was one of those moments were everyone on the sideline became silent for a moment...because when the ball hammered Kendall it did so with a loud noise, her head went flying back and she dropped to the floor...

But to the surprise of everyone...after 5 seconds curled up on the ground, Kendall literally with silent tears popped up and played out the final 2 minutes of the game...

Her brothers would have been so proud...basically Kendall you rock...

If you look closely you can see the imprint from the soccer ball (it looks like a Y) and a few scratches...this morning (Monday) 2 days later, she is still wearing the mark from the ball...

Happy Birthday Greg & McKay!

2009-02-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Surprise!

Natalie and Andy made the trek from Arizona to surprise their dad for his birthday. It was the best present Greg could have received. A big thanks to them for making their dad's day. I also wish Greg a very Happy Birthday...you are definitely an integral part to our family and we feel very lucky to have you part of it...lots of love to you...

The Big 18!

A little bit scary to think that McKay is 18 years old today. ha. Seriously, time is passing by way to fast. Happy Birthday son...looking forward to the months ahead and watching you develop into the person you want to be...love you lots....

Whewwww!!! Two birthdays in one day...it could be a challenge...

here's to hoping they both know how special they are to all of us.

Reality Check

2009-02-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

Today was my second Friday home in a row...

Last Friday was the first day home from work in 2 1/2 years when my kids were at school. Due to the economy work told me that they can't pay me as much so they need to shorten my hours...hence I now work Monday through Thursday. When I am able to not stress about less income I am able to rejoice in being home again one day a week. Last Friday was surreal...today was just plain awesome.

So this morning I decided it was time to tackle the kitchen...with no one in the house I thought maybe it would be fun to blast some pump it up music (you know to make cleaning the kitchen more fun)...so I got on my kids i tunes...I saw a play list titled workout...perfect...I knew this meant some up beat music...as 'Just Dance' by Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis blasted I could not help but think...empty house...I then glanced over at the turned off TV and saw that it created the perfect mirror for me to watch myself bust out some moves...so I started moving to the music smiling and thinking as I was looking at my reflection, "aw yeah" I can still kind of dance...I also had the thought that maybe I could start working out and it would not be bad...

This all came to a screeching halt 15 SECONDS later...yep that's right, due to shortness of breath and breaking out in a sweat.

20 MINUTES later, after sitting at the kitchen table, I was finally able to start cleaning the kitchen...could not help but think of the phrase one step forward 10 steps back...

I kept the music blasting but this time I am busting out the moves in my head.

I believe that is what you call a reality check.

8 Seconds

2009-02-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

A night at the PBR!

Greg and I spent a night this last weekend with friends at the PBR (professional bull riding).
I just happen to have a good friend who knows everything there is to know about bull riding. In fact she was a closet PBR fan for awhile...it has just been in the past few years that she has come out of the closet...and since then those of us who never tuned into the PBR are now familiar with all things bull...well sort of...I know that the cowboy needs to stay on the bull for 8 seconds for his points to count...and ummm...okay, so maybe that is really the only thing I know for sure when it comes to scoring the bull ride...but what I do know is that the PBR puts on one heck of a show...they have fire, a very funny witty clown mc dancing extraordinaire named Flint, loud music that makes you want to rock, gorgeous bulls, some cute cowboys...definitely a little different then the only rodeo I went to in Manti, Utah when I was younger...

Amy...our PBR expert, coordinator of fun night, awesome friend

The night started with a blast of fire...
Having a good time with friends and bulls.
Flint
Fun group to be with...but looking lame in this photo.

Ouch. This was my thought watching the bull riders trying to stay on as the bull bucked the heck out of them.

Thanks Amy for sharing your love for bull riding with us...it was a great night. We look forward to doing it again next year! And next year we just might come a little more informed... because maybe we just might tune into some bull riding events on tv too...

A Sacrament Meeting note

2009-02-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

From Kendall

To Me and Greg

I especially like the 'awesomeness'.

Thanks Kendall.

Valentines/ Presidents weekend recap!

2009-02-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

I love a long weekend...

Highlights:

**Starting the weekend with a great dinner with hubby which was accompanied by roses and cupcakes.

**Getting pedicures.

**Gregs kids came to town. We love it when they come to stay.

**Kendall's basketball team won their FIRST game of the season by 2 points.

**Just hanging.

**Eating Baja Fish Tacos...a favorite.

**Watching Greg's reaction to random boys writing on his car windows. Or should I say boys reaction to Greg's reaction.

**Eating sushi...(okay the eating sushi not my favorite, but being with fam as they enjoyed their sushi is fun).

**Greg saying the closing prayer in sacrament meeting for me...he's awesome.

**Loving that it rained on my day off of work Monday, good excuse to stay at home.

**Ending the long weekend at Tommy's burgers.

Saying good bye to Natalie, Andy and Steve always hard, especially for Greg...the time flies when they are here...already looking forward to their next visit.

The Last of the Basketball Pics...

2009-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well at least for now...

Kendall is on an NJB all-net team...She has a great coach who just happens to be the high school girls varsity coach...he is determined to make Kendall a great player,in hopes that she will play in high school...It is yet to see which sport Kendall will end up playing, but in the meantime she seems to enjoy any team she is on...

This team is a work in progress...they have not won a game...but they seem to have a good time regardless...because of Kendall's height (5'4")the coach plays her the whole time...it is fun to watch her play...I especially love that she still looks at you when she is playing if she does something good or bad...and when she does look at you it is always with a smile...(I rarely get looks from the boys when they are playing their sports)...

Kendall has had a lot of amazing blocks(her defense is great) and when she does look to score she usually is successful(she is usually passing it to someone)...but I think one of her biggest gripes about her season is NOT that her team has not won a game...but that her brothers never come to watch her play...especially since she has been to many of their games...so this last Saturday her brothers came out to watch her...and as to be expected they had A LOT of advice to give her during the game, "acting" like they were bored during parts and smiled when she was being her spectacular self on the court...

Kendall's rip roaring fan club...

And maybe Kendall got a little ornery right after the game ( her team I believe ended with only 8 points)...and maybe she felt like her brothers were making fun( no way would they do this)...but all in all it was great to have them support their sister...

Thanks boys for coming...next weeks game is at 3pm...see you there?

More Basketball Pics...

2009-02-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

A typical Saturday is filled with at least a couple of basketball games...

Sandon's game was in the morning...his team, (how do I say this gently) has had trouble winning games...but not this past Saturday...oh yah...they won their second game this season...when Sandon takes a time out from gaming...it is fun to watch him play...he has a natural feel for the ball and sees the court very well...he plays with confidence and has a presence on the court...when he is in the game he definitely makes things happen...yes...***I am an expert on all things basketball, so I know these things...his team has been improving so maybe we will see another win before the season ends...

***What makes an expert of basketball??? I believe when you have attended HUNDREDS of basketball games, then you can call yourself an expert...even if you don't actually play yourself...yep...thats how I see it.

Winter Formal Pics...

2009-02-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics from Winter Formal...

I had told McKay that I did not think he would get asked to Winter Formal. (this is a girl ask guy dance) My reasoning is because dances have been no big deal to him and he has only been to one dance where HE asked a girl...but I was proven wrong...one of his friends asked him...

Personally, I think these school dances are way too much money for the little time the kids actually SPEND at the dance...but I do have fun snapping away at the pre photo op party...

Highlights for me are...trying to get at least one photo where McKay actually smiles...wondering if the dresses the girls wear will have any "malfunctions"...seeing how many photos I can take before I start annoying McKay...realizing that for the girls a dance IS all about the photos...watching the boys trying to figure out a "safe zone" where no camera is nearby, loving that McKay and Lindsay decided to do NO corsage/boutonniere exchange...

Home Repairs...

2009-01-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

This week our home has been getting a face lift.

The sides of the home have had some serious dry rot going on...this last summer my kids were throwing a ball in the backyard and it hit the house and literally left a hole. Due to years of moisture and an original backyard that had flooding problems the siding was no longer durable. Unfortunately like anything with owning a home, fixing it was necessary and having to pay for it is unavoidable.

This week we were finally able to fix it...at least a quarter of the siding had to be replaced. And again like anything with owning a home, usually when you go to fix something a domino effect happens. In this case, the house needed to be repainted...

I came home from work today to a new home...or at least it looked and felt like one...

We decided to go with a completely different color...I love it!!!!!

I love that it is motivating me to tackle some other unfinished projects inside the house...

Whooohoooo...next up...turning brown grass into green grass...Stewarts we need you!!!!!! :)

Just a thought...Maybe thats what I need...a face lift...and maybe that would motivate me to tackle the extra weight that needs to be lost...mmm...just a thought.

Lots of basketball...

2009-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

So how many basketball games have you attended in a life time?

My answer to this question is, A LOT!
I believe no exclamation is needed...

With that said...I have three kids playing basketball right now. December, January and February is filled with attending a lot of basketball games. Though I miss having Saturdays to catch up on things I want/need to do...it is fun to watch your kids play a sport...

For family history sake I had told the kids that I would be documenting their sports and activities...so far no resistance from the crew...here is the first of our current basketball players...

Karch made his high school Frosh Basketball team... he is really liking it...this past summer during summer league he was around the 12th man off the bench...we were not sure he would get any playing time during the high school season...he worked really hard after summer league and found himself part of the starting five when the season began...it has been fun watching him find success in something he loves...

Sandon and Kendall basketball pics coming soon...

Eagle Project # 1

2009-01-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Nothing like waiting until the last minute...

But yeah!!!!! One project down, two to go...

A great group to spend an early Saturday morning with...

Rain or shine...the project was on...

Mckay had his eagle project this last Saturday morning. He will be 18 years at the end of February so he was running out of time. Not that he did not have ample time to plan a project. All McKay had to do since March of '06 is his project...but hey...no complaints here because he ended up really doing it!

We might have bribed some with donuts...

He decided to repair some benches and a table at a local elementary school...he with a few of his friends with one great Tony Powell (thank you) pre cut the pieces on Friday after school...the actual repairing took place the next morning...a HUGE thank you to everyone who showed up to support Mckay...it was a good time while doing something worthwhile...even with weather conditions less than ideal...I will also go on the record and continue to state that we seriously have the BEST YM leaders in the world...yep thats right...love to them all!

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

A Small Taste or Tease...

2009-01-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

Depending on who you ask...

Corina, Kendall, McKenzie & Jenna...

Kendall was invited to her very first Young Women event...New Beginnings. She is turning twelve this year. The invite arrived last week and since then Kendall could not wait...she was VERY excited! I can't believe she will be in Young Womens...unfortunately for her though she will now have to wait until the end of August to actually BE a Beehive. There will be 4 new Beehives this year...McKenzie & Jenna have January birthdays...they entered YW this last week.
Patience...to bad that is not a YW value...Kendall will be very experienced with this word...

Atlanta Bound: Way to go Mckay!

2009-01-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Mckay's club volleyball team came in first place this past weekend!

Celebrating their first place finish!

This past weekend Mckay's club vb team (Riptides) qualified for the Junior Olympics. There were 76 teams in the 18 year old division. It was a 3 day tournament. They had to place in the top 10 to qualify to go to Atlanta to compete for the national title this summer. We love watching Mckay and his team play. He is part of a very talented squad. Six of the nine players on the team have already signed National Letter of Intents to play volleyball for Div. 1 schools. (Mckay has signed to play for Long Beach State: Go Beach!)

Warming up before a match...

Nice block !!!

Mckay's fan club...(mom and Greg not pictured)

This tournament officially ends the winter season for club volleyball. Next up on the schedule is high school volleyball. The club season will start back up in May after the high school season and ends when they go to Atlanta to compete for the junior national title...

Weather you like it or not...

2009-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my work this week...(and yes that is Catalina)

It is the second week in January and the t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops have come back out...(not that they ever really get put away)

One week ago at this time when taking Karch to seminary at 6am the temp was 49 degrees(okay I know not that cold but to us it was freezing)...this morning at 6am it was 69 degrees...seat heaters not required... last week at this time there was a layer of fog that wrapped itself around my work building...this week daily temp. highs in the 80's...cloudless sky...people beaching it...people smiling...almost feeling that desire to ACTUALLY do something with my weight, which usually happens when I know I can't hide beneath layers...forecasts shows more of the same all week...it almost makes you forget that we are in the middle of winter...wishing I could be outside enjoying it more...at least I have my view from work...grrr.

note: will make effort not to whine too much in this blog about working...because I AM grateful to have a job.

Christmas Memories 2008...

2009-01-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

What do you eat in bed in the middle of the night???

2009-01-09T13:09:00.001-08:00

William Sonoma peppermint bark??

Apparently this is what happens at the end of a holiday that you just worked 13 of the 15 days...love that it was also on the wall behind her bed...not sure any of the broken off bark made it IN her mouth...love that this is what greeted me Sunday morning when I went to wake her...love that her room all day smelled like peppermint...love that I was smart enough to get this shot for posterity...love that all day Greg and I would just start laughing at random times when thinking about it...

note: subject was not completely happy that I ran to grab my camera...in fact she was grumbling at me, not quite aware or understanding why ...but I am sure she is really happy now that I did...

love you honey

This one is for Kendall...

2009-01-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Because she is sooo excited that I have started a blog!

Yes...she is as tall as I am now...this photo was taken at her choir concert a couple of weeks ago...she informed me that my blog needed a little more something...like photos, or color. I reminded her this is MY blog...but maybe I can make it better...sometime...in the meantime...thank you Kendall for being excited to see YOUR photos on my blog and for not worrying when I post about the good and bad and ugly (by the way, Aunt Shirley just gave me the rights to her life, awesome)...thank you for the energy that you give me from the excitement that you have for most things...love that you like to stay in touch with family...love that you know more about what is going on with the extended family than anyone else in the household, love that you love sending family a thought of the day, everyday, love that you are self motivated, love your free spirit...

Now if I can just figure out how to bottle up some of that eleven year old energy that you have so you can share it with your mom...that would be awesome...love you Kendall!

2009 New Year's Resolution #10

2009-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Create a blog for me. (and possibly my mom, aunt shirley, sister and greg's family)

Record happenings, thoughts (random and not), funnies, and anything else that I feel like.

***note to self...still need to convince some members of the family that my blog will not invade their privacy...this will be a challenge I am sure...it is most likely that their privacy will be disturbed...will work to make privacy issues a non issue...will try to keep blog updated...a year from now would love to pat myself on the back with a year worth of "journal" entries...