Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Nostalgia.

Ok, it's clean the garage day and for me that usually means I get allergic to the dust and end up sitting in a pile of old "stuff". Well, today was not too far off from that but I did go through boxes of old notes and stuff from junior high/high school/college...I read them ALL, laughed out loud and got rid of most of them (I kept a few that I could not part with...mostly from people who are dead or from Mike, Kate or my parents) Needless to say, I'm nostalgic...if you could see me now: pretty much covered in dust with all my young women medallions around my neck, surrounded by notes from old friends...I'm a mess. I also dug up a few pictures that made me squeal. I miss these days, even though they weren't really all that long ago...thought I'd share them with you. Hope you all dig through old stuff once in a while :)

The end is in sight...

Today is a good day. Mike presented his final development project with his group, "D5 Development"(which stands for "disfunctional five" he says!) They gave an hour long presentation at the Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale this morning and I was able to go watch (thanks to my life-saver friend Hailey who kept my kids...) It was mostly interesting. I really liked watching Mike "perform" for the crowd. He really does have a talent speaking in front of people. And I truly have to say that I am awe struck at the things that come out of his mouth...its like a different language to me and I just cannot believe he understands it all. The most impressive part of the presentation was the last forty minutes when they had to answer questions from the board members...they handled it very well. Anyways, I'm just a proud wife and thought I'd share the news that he is officially less stressed today because it is over! Now comes the question, "what next?" but I guess we'll cross that bridge soon enough. Congratulations Mike...we love you.

she's saying her name!

Father & Son

Payton went on his first campout with his dad last weekend. He froze at night, but other than that, he had a great time. He was thrilled to pack his backpack and all their snacks (who knew a boy could get so excited about jerky & gatorade)! The came home the next morning, and I can remember feeling the way he felt, like after a sleep over or something, just worn out. I hadn't seen that "state" in my own kids, but I sure saw it in my Payt. It was funny. Needless to say, he had to have a little rest :)

Ok, so I like this blogging world...indulge me!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

here goes nothing...

Take me out to the ballgame...

Since Mike had a mutual activity he could not miss, I got to take my Payton to the Diamondbacks game. Just me and my boy. We had a fun time together. As you can see, Payton loves to watch, though he wonders where Gonzo is. We had peanuts and starbursts, Payt got his face painted and a new hat. We even got a cute pink hat for Sissy. It was a good date night for us.

Two Wheeler Man

Payton is proud to announce he can officially ride a two-wheeler. He didn't show any interest in it even though his other (girl) friends were riding without training wheels...but Monday night he came in and said he knew how to ride a two wheeler, and lo and behold, he did! After shoes and a helmet and a little help from dad in the cul-de-sac, oh...and don't forget a little blood on his toe and knee...he is unstoppable. He is so excited about it! Good Job Payt-Payt!

No kidding...

No kidding, this is what I found when I went to get Sydney out of bed the other morning. She is quite a character. Her big thing lately is sleeping with her babies. She loves them and she wants to sleep with ALL of them! And she knows them all by name. She has to have Hannah, Sarah, Gracie, Abby...and occasionally a bear or dog and now Ariel (Ah)! I think she might need a bigger bed! She is the best sleeper around though, for that I will be forever grateful! She goes to bed no problem every nap/night...she is just a dream. Wish her brother could be a little more like that :)We struggle in that department lately! Anyways, just thought I would share this funny pic of a funny little girl who will be 2 in June. Just ask her...

Easter Celebrations.

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. It's a little strange to not have family around but we have wonderful friends that welcomed us in and took care of us! We had a few egg hunts and the kids thought that was just a ball. And the easter bunny brought some fun toys, including an Ariel (Ah) doll that Sydney is in love with. We were able to take friends to the Easter pageant at the temple. It is always incredible. I had to do sharing time on Sunday and in preparation truly felt the spirit of Easter. I taught about the beautiful blessing it is that our Savior came to the world to the will of His Father. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is truly a blessing in my life. I challenged the primary children to answer the question "What can I do for Jesus?" to show Him your gratitude for His sacrifice. I love having the opportunity to share my testimony with the children in our ward. And how blessed I am to have such a beautiful family. I miss my brothers, sisters, and parents in Utah and Idaho...love you guys. But we are happy and smiling here in the sunshine. Hope you all had a blessed holiday.

Our pretty flower and crazy swimmer...

Fun with Aunt Kate...

We had my sister Kate here for a few days over Conference weekend. We had a good time and it is so nice for me to have her here, she really is the best friend a girl could have and I miss not being able to spend time with her. The kids loved being with her too...and are still talking about Kate going on an airplane back to Utah. We went to the zoo, Oregano's, Val Vista Lakes, shopping, etc. It was a nice break for me.