Go Diamondbacks!

We took the kids to the Diamondbacks game today which was so fun. They hadn't been in quite a while. We happened upon some free tickets so off we went. We got there early so we could all get a Diamondbacks hat. (Just what I always wanted!!!) Great section, great seats, great view... only we lost 6-2 to the Dodgers! About the second inning Mark took the kids to the play area where they got to hit a few balls and appear on the giant screen for the whole park to see. Only, I missed it!

We left in the seventh inning, along with several thousand others. In the elevator another fan was so upset with Bob Melvin (coach) because he allowed the pitcher to throw to the best Dodgers hitter and he scored two home runs. He kept rambling on and on about how they should walk him. It was funny how upset he was and the whole elevator load of people sure knew about it.

It was also interesting how many Dodgers fans there were in the crowd. They were just about as loud as the Diamondbacks fans. It was all in good sporting fun how the different fans would banter back and forth. Good lesson for the kids about how to be good sports even when you are rooting for the other guy in unpopluar territory.
OK, notice the hair?? He did it himself and is totally obsessed with mohawks and wants one every day. I decided that one of the battles I would choose not to participate in today was that of how his hair would look. Good thing tomorrow is Sunday 'cause Sunday's is mom's day to do hair! (Good thing we got those free hats at the game...he wore it all night.)

Mom's Birthday Luncheon

My Mom's birthday is Monday so my sisters and I took her to lunch today to keep up with our tradition. We each get a lunch and gift from the others when it's our birthday. It' s such a fun tradition. Mom's is the last birthday of the year so we don't get together for our "sister/mom" lunches again until January when it's Chrissy's birthday. Then we start all over.

We love getting together and catching up on all the news...just the girls.

Here we are at Ruby Tuesday's. It's mom's favorite. She orders the "Carolina Salad" every time. She claims it is the best salad ever and that it's to die for! (Cindy apologizes for closing her eyes).

TWINS

Bet you didn't know I had twins! I do for three weeks every year, according to my "little mister". As soon as his birthday comes each year he says, "we're twins now, Little Miss". He loves being the same age as his sister almost as much as he loves Christmas! They are both six for a couple more weeks until Little Miss turns seven.

I can hardly believe it...all you Twilight Fans!

I am shocked! Stephenie is not going to finish Midnight Sun. Check our her website http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/. Some really mean person leaked a not completed manuscript and it is available on the internet. Mean People need to just GO AWAY NOW! So Sad.

Such a good deal!

Fresh and Easy Market has their Grill Packs on sale through 9/2/08 for $4.99 ea. Regular price is $9.99 ea. One Grill Pack consists of 4 mild Italian Pork Sausages (they're big), 4 beef patties, 4 seasoned chicken drumsticks and 4 seasoned chicken thighs.

I bought four packages so I could get my total to $20 so I could use my coupon for $5 off $20 purchase. The coupons are available in the paper and they come in the mail. So, for $15 buckaroos we get a steal of a deal! I seal all this meat up in my Food Saver and freeze for future use. As a side note, because the four packs come to $19.96 you will need to throw in one extra thing to get your total over $20 so you can use the coupon. I bought a container of marked down yummy looking tomatoes for $0.49.

Even without the coupon this is a great deal. This meat will come in handy for our McCain Family lunch party on Labor Day. Hooray.

Happy Birthday Little Mister

Our sweet boy turns 6 years old today. He is most certainly one of our miracles! He is such a great kid...and very handsome to boot! He is in the first grade and absolutely loves school. He is a whiz at reading and picks up new things really fast. His current interests are swimming, playing with his hot wheels collection, playing with his sister, riding his bike and scooter, etc. You know, all the boy stuff! He loves playing with his friends and cousins.

A little history...In September of 2002 Mark received a phone call from a wonderful case worker who explained that Little Miss had a little brother that had just been born and did we want him to come live with us. Of course we did...he didn't even need to ask me. Mr. said YES! They wanted to keep him with his sibling if at all possible. After a long, grueling and emotional September, October, November and December we started to think that maybe this wasn't going to happen. But it just had to. Little Miss needed her little brother and we wanted "our" son. To make a long story short, on December 23rd the stork brought our sweet boy right to our front door step. It was beyond exciting...if you can imagine that feeling! He was right at home from the moment they put him in my arms.

We kept this new babe a surprise from Big Mister's family. On Christmas Day we carried in our new bundle of joy...one of the greatest Christmas gifts ever! Everyone thought he was my nephew and didn't believe us for a while. It was just the previous Christmas that we had a brand new baby girl. It was so fun having two babies...Little Miss was just 15 months old when Little Mister came. As much fun as they were, it was very hard having a four month old and a 15 month old. My goal was to get them on the same napping schedule as quickly as possible. I was putting Little Mister down for morning nap then he'd wake up and Little Miss would go down, then she'd wake up and Little Mister would go down again...drove me nuts! I needed them to sleep at the same time! Little Mister had to get on one nap a day really fast. He did it and life was much better.

My mom was such a huge blessing at this time. She came over every Monday and Wednesday to help. We'd clean, do laundry, bathe the kids and then take a ride to McDonald's as they got older...we'd even get my grocery shopping done. I loved having her come and will never forget the time she spent making my life easier. At this same time Big Mr. was studying for the CPA exam, working full time, in the Bishopric and was on the homeowners board. We saw him on Friday nights...and that was about it. Seriously.

Little Mr. is a joy to have in our home. Of course, we can't imagine life without him. We prayed (begged) for these children and are so grateful to have them. We blessed Will at home because by the time his adoption was final he was an older baby. I don't remember a lot of the blessing but I do remember that Big Mr. blessed Little Mr. to have a special bond with his mother. I love that! I especially try to remember this when he is trying my patience. Seriously, I know that he was meant to come to our family. The things we were meant to go through to get him into our home are evidence enough that the Lord hears and answers our prayers and has a plan for each of His children.

Here's a look through the years... (he was such a cute little guy and he's going to love the little "nakey baby" picture when I pull it out for his dates....hee hee).

THROUGH THE YEARS.....




WE

LOVE

YOU

LITTLE MISTER

Happy Anniversary

To Brad and Kimberly....what is it, 18 years now! Wow. We hope you have a fantastic day. We love and miss you.

Happy Anniversary to you.
Happy Anniversary to you.
Happy Anniversary to Brad and Kim.
Happy Anniversary to you.

Little Mister celebrates his birthday

We celebrated Little Mister's birthday today because his birthday falls on Sunday this year. We took the kids to Makutu's Island and they had a blast. Makutu's Island is an indoor playground with tons of slides, climbing areas, games, a small theater, etc. With all the climbing and running around we did...we were ready to leave after three hours and way tired. Little Mister chose to eat at Cracker Barrel for his birthday lunch. We don't go there often but saw it on the way to Makutu's. He remembered the store inside the restaurant that sells all kinds of unique candies and fun kids toys and games. They also have good food:) We had a great day spending time together as a family. He was so tired that he fell asleep on the ride home.

We left at 9:00 a.m. and got home about 3:00 p.m. and rush, rush, rushed to get things ready for the Ward Friendship Dinner we were hosting at 6:00 p.m. Thank you to Sharron for taking our kids for a couple of hours. It helps so much to have them gone while we entertain. We had a great group of friends over with good food and plenty of laughs.

Here are some pictures of the kids at Makutu's today. Now off to wrap the birthday gifts!

That's Little Mister on the zip line

This is the entrance to the Theater

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN!
Little Mister didn't have an official "friend" birthday party this year. However, we had a few friends over on Friday evening that we were watching while their parents enjoyed an evening out. We decided we would use this time as a small celebration for Little Mister with his neighbors and a chance to have others help us eat the huge cake he wanted. He saw the Oreo Blizzard Cake at Dairy Queen...so that's what we got. We also made mini pizza's which the kids really enjoyed.

Our Friends

A new favorite product

Many of you know that I have been on a painting frenzy. I had a beautiful gold framed mirror that I loved...except for the gold frame is sorely outdated. I was on a mad search for a product that would paint right over it with ease. I finally stumbled upon Sophisticated Finishes at Michael's. It's about $10 for a small bottle...but it goes a long way. I purchased the blackened bronze color. What a great product. I have painted the gold frame on the mirror, lamps, picture frames and more. They have all come out just great. This paints on with ease and you'd never know there was gold underneath. You can't even scratch this stuff off it adheres so well.

Oh My Aching Body

In a good way, that is. Yesterday morning I did a rather intense aerobic workout. Boy, did I need it in a bad way. I haven't taken an aerobics class in a long time! Today my body aches all over. My shoulders, thighs, even my back muscles. Hopefully I am limber enough to tackle another workout in the morning. We shall see! I am loving it....even with the pain!

In remembrance

Big Mister's Aunt Nereece Johnson was killed yesterday in an automobile accident in Monticello Utah. This is such sad news for his family, especially his mother as it was her older sister. The in-laws will be traveling to Utah today to be with their family.

Two women killed as car slams theirs in cop chase

The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Last Updated: 08/21/2008 12:10:00 AM MDT

Two Monticello women were killed Wednesday when their car was T-boned at an intersection by a car that passed through a red light and earlier drove a state trooper off the highway.
The trooper was looking for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier after authorities received complaints of a reckless driver traveling west on U.S. Highway 491, troopers said. The Cavalier was traveling in the eastbound lane and nearly collided with the trooper, forcing the cruiser off the road.
As the trooper tried to catch up to the Cavalier, the Cavalier's driver ran a red light at U.S. 191, colliding with a Ford Escape. The driver of the Escape, Alice Rogers, died at the scene. Her passenger, Nereece Johnson, died at a hospital. Rogers, 68, and Johnson, 83, were wearing safety belts, troopers said.
The driver of the Cavalier, 47, of Dove Creek, Colo., suffered minor injuries.
Troopers said mental illness appears to be a factor.

Paula Deen's Quick Crust ideas...

When I was at Sprouts today I couldn't resist Paula Deen's Holiday Baking Magazine. On one page she lists Quick Crust Ideas. If you don't have time to make a traditional pie crust from scratch, here are some ideas to get your pie in the oven in a hurry. Pair these with your favorite fillings. I thought these were great ideas so I thought I'd share. They may even taste better than regular crust on certain pies!

Bake @ 350 in 9 inch pie plate

Macaroon Crust
3 cups crumbled macaroons (about 9 cookies)
1/4 cup butter, melted
Cook for 10 minutes

Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup ground nut of choice
3 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
Cook for 6 - 8 minutes, or until lightly browned

Gingersnap Crust
1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Cook for 6 - 8 minutes, or until lightly browned

Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
Cook for 6 - 8 minutes, or until lightly browned

Peanut Butter Cookie Crust
2 cups peanut butter sandwich cookie crumbs (about 16 cookies)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
Cook for 6 - 8 minutes, or until lightly browned

A Favorite Quote

Just thinking about this today as we talked about this in Sunday School a couple of weeks ago....so I thought I'd share. My mom often repeated this quote when I was growing up.

Brigham Young once said that he who takes offense when no offense is intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense is intended is usually a fool.

I repeat this to myself often when found in situations where I could take offense but I usually can talk myself out of it when remembering this quote.

5 a.m. wake up call

At just before 5 a.m. this morning Little Mister called "Dad". (We wait...maybe he won't call again and we won't have to get up). And then again, "Dad". Big Mister usually gets up with the kids at night but since it was so close to him having to wake to get ready for work I went in to Little Mister's room. Do you know what he wanted, that little stinker!

Little Mister: Mom, um mom (rubbing his eyes), when it's morning will you make waffles and then make tater tots for dinner.

Mom: As I chuckled, "Are you hungry?"

Little Mister: Uh Huh

Mom: Well, you go back to sleep and I'll make you waffles for breakfast. We'll have to see about the tater tots because I don't have any. We'd have to go buy some at the store.

Little Mister: Can you buy some when I'm at school?

Mom: We'll see. But I know I can make you waffles for sure. That's a great idea. Now you go back to sleep and don't get up before 6:30.

Little Mister: OK

A few hours later at 6:08 a.m.

He comes in mom's room. Fully dressed, bed made and ready for the day. He sat on my bed and watched a few minutes of the Olympics before we woke his sister up. He just can't sleep in!

Jessica's Wedding

Jessica planned a beautiful day. It was hot but no one really noticed. We did make-up on Jessica and Brianna at 10:30, a.m., Sealing at 1:00, Ring Ceremony at 3:30 with dinner following. After dinner we heard a couple of "speeches" from the best man and maid of honor. Then we watched a slide show of Jessica and Spencer through the years. The receiving line was at 6:00 p.m with yummy, yummy cake. Every kind was delicious. I especially enjoyed the Jordan Almonds, one of my weaknesses. The day ended with the bouquet and garter throw, dancing and sending the bride and groom off on their honeymoon under a stream of bubbles.

Here's a slide show of Jessica's Wedding. These are just some of the snapshots I took. Enjoy!

The Olympics - 2008

Our Family loves the Olympics. It has been so fun for us to share the Olympics and what they are all about with our kids. We especially love the swimming and gymnastics. When Will watches the swimmers he tells us what each style of swimming is and how he can do it "just like them". Keep believing, Will. Keep believing! Gracie loves the girls gymnastics and now wants to take a gymnastics class. We'll have so see what we can do about that.

GO USA!

Well, I finished THE BOOK

I loved Breaking Dawn, of course. I did have a little bit of disappointment, however. I won't go into it on my blog as I don't want to be a spoiler for any one else. Now I can have my life back. I'd love to talk about it with anyone that has read it....

Air Mattress Sledding

The following video is of the kids sledding down our stairs on an air mattress. They had hours of fun playing with this mattress. Our out of town guests recently left so we had three air mattresses that they played with and had loads of fun. The kids watched a movie on them, built forts and went sledding. Oh, to be a kid again! (It was especially fun for mom to have them entertained while I was reading "Breaking Dawn").

Sorry that this is sideways. I have tried to fix it but have not figured it out yet! I'm learning.

Something I always want to remember

We were at my niece Jessica's wedding yesterday. We were having family pictures with all of the extended family. Little Miss was having such a fun time with all her cousins and loved the bride and her dress. As we were coming down some steps Little Miss said to us "Why didn't you invite me to your wedding?" We got a good laugh out of that one.

By the way.....

With all the other posts today about back to school, etc. I forgot to say that I started BREAKING DAWN today. Woo Hoo! LOVE IT so far. I'm sure I will have to force myself to put it down to go to sleep tonight.

Back to School

Most would agree that it's hard to believe school is back in session. The summer went by so quickly. We had a fun summer but I think the kids were ready for school again. They love it and that makes me happy. Gracie said, "Second Grade is way funner than First Grade". I hope she always thinks that as the grades get harder. She also loves her teacher, Mrs. Alexander, and says she is really nice. Will loves being in First Grade and especially feels more grown up now that he gets to play on the bigger play ground.

William and Gracie requested Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast on their first day of school. They also had bacon and a nice cold glass of milk to wash it all down.
Breakfast done, lunches made, water bottles full, paperwork filled out and off to school we go.
Will chose a new backpack with wheels.
Of course, Gracie chose a Hannah Montana backpack. There are three of the same backpack in her class so the teacher requested they write their names on them in an inconspicuous place.
With Daddy on their first day - a tradition. Check out the bags and bags of school supplies...will it ever end!
Will with his "wheels".
Our after the first day of school Ice Cream tradition. A nice and refreshing treat to look forward to. Will wanted to go again on the second day of school, too. But we went swimming instead so he was satisfied.
Will chose Cotton Candy Ice Cream with oreos and chocolate chips mixed in.
Gracie chose mint ice cream with sprinkles and white chocolate chips mixed in.

Just too cute!

I recently purchased some $1 magnifying glasses. I have noticed that I am experiencing difficulties when trying to read tiny print. Oh no! Little Mister found my glasses and looked so darn cute I just had to snap a picture to share.

Meet the Teacher

I totally forgot to take a picture of Little Miss on meet the teacher night. I hope she'll forgive me!

The Summer's Over

Close the barbecue.
Close the sun.
Close the home-run games we won.
Close the picnic.
Close the pool.
Close the summer.
Open school.


At least here in this great sunny state we can keep the pool and barbecue open a bit longer....even though school is open, it's still pretty darn hot! I know I am not the only one that is excited for school to begin. I really enjoyed the month of June with swim lessons and tons of swimming, leisure time with the kids, getting summer projects done and a few short day trips. However, once the 4th of July was over I was ready for school to begin again. The last few weeks, however, have whizzed by as we have been shopping and preparing for the new school year.

I remember how excited I was when I was school aged to get a new outfit, new shoes and a fresh haircut...all in preparation for the new school year. It was so fun to set everything out the night before. I remember that I couldn't wait to be with my friends again everyday. We had such fun times together.

We have continued the tradition of new clothes and laying things out the night before, and we have added some new traditions. On the first day of school we always have an extra special breakfast then Big Mister and I will go to school with the kids on their first day. I like to take a picture of the kids by their classroom at the beginning of the year. Then I always take a picture in the same spot on the last day of the school year so they can see how much they have grown. We also take the kids for ice cream right after they are picked up from school on the first day...just a fun tradition that they'll always remember.

This is one of my favorite songs to sing to the kids right now: (Sung to: "You are my Sunshine")

The Summer's over - no more vacation,
But I (we) have had a lot of fun!
And I am happy, and I'm excited
'Cause now at last the school year has begun!

And now for the most dreaded part of Back to School....HOMEWORK! The homework, the papers, the spelling words, the projects...oh my! This poem sums it up for me.

Homework! Oh, homework!
You’re last on my list,
I simply can’t see
why you even exist,
if you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!

But we do it anyway and I do really know how important it is....doesn't mean I have to like it, right!

Remember....only one word answers!

1. Where is your cell phone? - Purse
2. Your significant other? - Mark
3. Your hair? - blonde
4. Your mother? -angel
5. Your father? - Heaven
6. Your favorite thing? - peace
7. Your dream last night? - WHAT??
8.Your favorite drink? – smoothie
9. Your dream/goal? – eternity
10. Room you're in? – office
11. Your hobby? - makeup
12. Your fear? – Obama
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? - traveling
14. Where were you last night? -- Walgreen's
15. What you're not? - perfect
16. Muffins? - carrot
17. One of your wish list items? - Hawaii
18. Where you grew up? - Gilbert
19. The last thing you did? - bedtime
20. What are you wearing? - jammies
21. Last person you talked to? - Mark
22. Your pets? - NONE!!!!!!!
23. Your computer? - lifeline
24. Your life? - fullfilling
25. Your mood? - content
26. Missing someone? - yes
27. Your car? – RAM
28. Something you're not wearing? - jewelry
29. Favorite store? – clothes
30. Your summer? – relaxing
31. Love someone? - YES
32. Your favorite color? - red
33. When is the last time you laughed? - today
34. Last time you cried? - church