Yesterday's Suprise

Sorry I have not taken the time to Blog lately.  I've had the blogging slump.  Really its the every thing slump.  Getting the kiddos ready to go to school and out the door seems to be the most I can get done lately.  I've been slacking on my business. Just sort of in a slump all around.  I am so ready for Christmas break, I just can not wait. 
Soooo, Yesterday my friend Mandy picked up Mark and Alec.  She was going to two Christmas parties and she wanted to take the boys.  My husband and I loved the idea because it gave us some time with Blake.  So he got the boys ready and Mandy picked them up.  He was being so loving and attentive. He brought me a coffee from Starbucks while I was in bed.  He had gone to the store and bought cat litter and tp, and went to go get our basset hounds pills.  He did everything.  So I got ready and off to Bullhead we went.  When we got there we got gas and I thought we would go to Sam's club.  He said how about the Laughlin Mall..I said ok since we had not been there in forever..Its not really my favorite mall, but he offered so why not..So we cross the bridge and he keeps going straight, I'm thinking ok are we going to the mall the back way..He keeps driving and says we are going to Vegas..What?!...I didn't really want to go to Vegas because of the slump.  But figured why not..we never get away and we only had Blake.  So the whole time we are in Henderson I'm thinking we have to be back in K-town to get the boys by 6:30.
  We shopped and looked around and I spend my day looking at perfume and enjoying my time.  I guess I should have been suspicious because he was being so patient and taking his time.  Letting me look at everything I could ever want. We stopped at Railroad pass on our way back.  They have the best prime rib dinner there and its usually pretty cheap.Well they did raise the prices and it isn't the best deal anymore...but I really have not had prime rib dinner anywhere else that tastes as good!
We took the new bridge home.  Which is pretty neat.  Really cut down on our time.  It was sort of sad that it bypasses the hoover damn now.  You only get one small glimpse of it.  It wasn't scary like I thought would be.
Our trip home seemed to be taking FOREVER..I was getting really tired.  Brandon kept chatting with me and when he stopped for a bathroom break we only had 37 miles to get home.  Those 37 miles took so long and it seemed to be really dragging by.
Once into town I called Mandy and she said they were just getting ready to leave the "Party." She said for me to call her once we left home depot.  Brandon had to swing by there really quick. So once back in the car he called her to let her know we were headed home.  We got to the house and he got Blake out and I was getting a few bags from our trip and the garbage out.  I went to get the mail and the second I walked in the door I was greeted by this HUGE SURPRISE..and a bunch of friends and family! Brandon dragged me all the way to Vegas so they could throw me a surprise party for my 30th..which isn't until the 16th.  Suddenly everything started to come together..why they had to get me out of the house, why my husband was acting weird, my friends and how aloof they had been.  I was so touched, immediately I started crying and just could not believe that they had managed to keep a BIG secret from me.  I'm usually pretty nosy and snoopy and I didn't have the slightest clue.  It was great and I feel so loved and so grateful.

My kids were really with my Best friend Sarah! My friend Mandy was at my house with my other great friend Michelle doing some cleaning/decorating.  Hubby dragged me to Vegas to waste time.  His bathroom trips were really phone calls to my friends..I was sooo amazed! So shocked at how good all of my friend are..I don't have the pics yet..but I will try and post as soon as I do!

Halloween

Halloween was so much fun this year! We took the kids to our church for an hour.  They played and did all the activities while we volunteered.  It was a good time:) I bought Brandon a gigantic Blue crayon which he boycotted at the last minute. 

His title was your either Swat or your not! He wore Mark's Swat costume that he decided he didn't want to wear last minute.   Blake was supposed to be just a pumpkin, but at press time we decided he was a french pumpkin.  He had the look..Wearing the hat was very short lived though..So really he was more like  pumpkin ball.

I really could not tell you what I was.  Funky wig that didn't look like the package..dark make up, a few facial tattoos and a spider on my neck..a spider shirt..Maybe an alter ego, or lady of darkness..haha..I felt like a jerk though .Optimus prime sat next to me on my right..he was so quiet I didn't even know he was there.  He totally stepped into character. Although he was shooting from his hands like iron man.  It was cute though.  I had to call him optimus to get a response. 

What do you call a Hamburger that you try to buckle up in the car?? Well I don't know either, but here is how it looks! Oh and Optimus himself!! We had a great time.  Went trick or treating for a while afterwards.  We walked and walked and walked.  Alec Brushed his hand on a cactus, so we had to do an emergency prickly-pokey-dectomy...

Our friends included Sarah, Aaron, Rainbow Brite (Emma) Randy, his sister Amy who was also due on Halloween and gave birth yesterday!! Three of her kids, Randy's two boys (iron man 1 and 2) It was hard to keep track of everyone. All in all we had lots of fun!!

Camera bandit strikes again!

Yep there he is! Teasing us with just a brief glimpse of himself.  Encouraging the bad behavior of the littlest member of our family. Taking booty shots of his mom and littlest family member cruising by..When will the madness end.  I hope not any time soon:)

Baptism

Last Sunday my hubby and I got baptized! We had been talking about it for a bit and sort of put it on the back burner.  Then we had gone to church a few weeks ago and were inspired to be baptized.  One of our church members Tom was talking about a fellow co worker that had passed away unexpectedly.  He said that one of his worries was that he did not know if his friend had been saved.  He felt very guilty and said he would make sure that no one slipped through the cracks again and that he would make sure he knew more about his friends and their lives with God.  Brandon and I were both very touched by his story and decided it was time.  I was thinking about waiting until we had been in church for a year or so, but it all hit me there was no reason to wait.  My niece was in charge of taking photos so unfortunately I didn't get any on my camera.  We both were baptized on October 10, 2010.  The water was so icy that I could not breathe.  I am so happy we made that decision for us.  Sometimes I am shy to talk about it because I can't stand the fact that there are so many people out there making judgements on every one.  I need to have a good relationship with God and feel I am moving in the right direction.  Church has been great and some how I feel stronger.  Things just seem to be flowing in a good direction.  Its really nice.  On Friday our friend Dave was also baptized.  He is in his 50's and had never been baptized.  It was nice to get it done. We were ready for that step and so happy we all made the commitment. Its hard to make such a big commitment, but it will be so much better for us in the long run.

Happy Birthday

Well Blake turned one on September 20th! We had his first birthday a few weeks later on October 2nd.  I'm a little last posting since I always seem to have an issue with my computer not wanting to work or take my pictures.  So here they are, all the pictures you have been waiting for!  He had the best time.  He ran all over, really enjoyed his cake and carried around each and every toy!

Send Out Cards

Did I ever mention I had a business? No probably not.  Its a very neat business and up until the point I have let my insecurities get the best of me and have not told all the people I know about our wonderful little (Not for long) business.  I am huge on relationships and always have been.  About 5 years ago when Mark was just a little guy I got the opportunity to meet someone so wonderful words can not even describe him.  His name is Jordan Adler.  He has been in business for himself for years.  When he was introduced into this new venture he made sure that we knew about it. Jordan does not jump unless there is a great opportunity. He thinks everything out and he is just a super nice down to earth guy.
So we talked with him a few times and jumped in both feet first.  But I often tend to let my insecurities get in the way.  I was handed this incredible opportunity and I didn't do anything with it.  In fact I have done this several times. Its growing bigger and bigger and what have I done, with it?  Got shut down a few times and quit! I do this and then kick my self over and over.  I've got to quit doing this to my self.  I need to be confident.
So this last week was the convention.  I was really bummed that we didn't go. I have been mowing over all the pictures and checking out all the fun that was had by all. I decided to get on the weekly conference call and listen to what jordan had to say.  He told of how awesome it was and all the great announcements that SOC had made over the weekend.  Then something funny happened. He was talking about people that had aha moments while he was showing them the service.  He then mentioned the time that he had Brandon send me a card and that it brought tears to my eyes.  Brandon signed up immediately and we were hooked.  This was just the sign I needed.  I haven't been on a conference call in months and the night I am the TOP INCOME EARNER of the company mentions us! I'm very big on signs, and I think this is just the one to get me going!!
So yes, I have my very own business and I'm  proud to say so...and excited all over again:)

Isn't it funny...

Isn't it funny that no matter how many wrongs or injustices that another person may cause us that we feel compassion towards them?  I guess this is all about forgiveness and moving on. Years ago Brandon had an ex girl friend, yada, yada, yada..Fast forward 13 years later and her sister has breast cancer.  Tested in February and the Dr said she didn't have cancer.  Now jump forward to September and she was misdiagnosed. She now has a aggressive cancer that they are dealing with.  My husbands first reaction was to pray for her.  My reaction was to cry for her.  She is someone's daughter,girlfriend, mother, sister and MOTHER..Yes I know I repeated that one, but it hit me hard. She has kids, she is only 34 or 35 and she is really sick.  Now she never cared for me because I was the new girlfriend of her sister's ex boyfriend. I get it .  Family loyalty..I would do the same thing. Later, I became his wife and time has moved on with all of us..There aren't hard feelings anymore. At least for me.  My heart aches for her and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.  Hoping that she is going to be ok and that she is going to beat this. I'm praying for her full recovery..Thinking at one time that I didn't like her because she treated me wrongfully.  But none of that matters right now. I guess in life when we think we have it bad there is alway someone out there who has it worse.  I'm praying for you girl, even if you don't know it or care.  I am and I hope you get a 100% recovery..
*funny what happens when you become a grown up, you change*

anxiety anyone?

I'm not sure why, but some times I get major anxiety.  This never used to be a problem for me but lately I've been getting really uptight.  Back in April when I had my MRI, I was causing myself some major anxiety.  I even created some of my own symptoms from worrying about things so much. After I got an all clear from the doc, I started to feel much better. 

Now lately I've been feeling uneasy again.  I don't feel stressed out, but I know that I am always concerned that there is something wrong with me. 

I worry that some thing will happen to me and that my hubby will be left with out me. That my babies will grow up with out their mom. I get this tightness in my chest and I get pains. So naturally I start worrying that there is something wrong with my heart.  I haven't been going to the gym as much and I'm sure that is part of the problem.  Really my worries seem so less than some people I know out there.  I know that there are people out there that are way worse off than I am.  I am so grateful that I have a loving husband, darling little boys who light up my life,  a great family and supportive friends.  So what's my deal..why can't I shake this?? Maybe its human nature, I don't know but I need it to go away soon. It feels like its making me crazy! I really want to avoid meds if at all possible.  Going to the doc right now just isn't feasable either.  I had insurance that I was paying 200.00 per month for JUST me.  But even after the fact I was still getting bills. So I decided to cancel it. Maybe thats why I'm uneasy..I don't like the way that our bodies can take control and give us all these symptoms and scare us so much. 

I know that God has a plan for all of us and if its my time its my time, but I can't help but pray for more time with my kids, and hubby.  I really hope this passes soon.  Worrying because you are worried is so hard on anyone. I just want to feel good and normal and not be worried all of the time. 

I never used to be a worry wart, but I guess I never had as much to live for as I do now..

Blessed

I just have to say how blessed we are this year with Mark's teacher.  She is simply amazing.  So caring, and really interested in her students.  We got very lucky this year!

Random thoughts

Its amazing to me how looking for one shoe can just about destroy our whole day! (I was reminded by a fellow blogger of this)

When you have kids you are almost certain to find the most unusual things in the most unusual places. Like the toilet paper roller in the living room toothbrush in the toy box..  what are your findings?

Now that my kids are starting to go to school I feel like I am in school all over again. I must be positive and keep telling them how fun and educational school is. I truly believe this, but some times feel over whelmed.

Most people need 6-7 hours of sleep every night.  I'm one of those that needs around 9 to function.

Some days I wonder how those who have full time jobs, relationships, children, hobbies, and school do it.  I feel most days that I am barely making it and I am a stay at home mom!

Fall is my favorite time of year.  From September through January is my favorite time of year. I used to enjoy decorating for all of these holidays too.  But its difficult because nothing is my own any more.  My OCD comes out when I am trying to decorate and sometimes I just want to do it with out any help. Remember I have 6 extra sets of hands wanting to help me! I know they wouldn't be children though if they were not excited.  Getting excited is the best part.

I thought that getting up early would be tough, as I have not been up early in 6 years.  All of my children have been sleepers.  But I must admit I am really enjoying the change. There is just something about the morning air, the sun rays so fresh and alive, and the fact that I get a little more done.
I've always been a night owl and know how much I will dislike myself if I stay up late.  Sometimes I just can't help it.  There is always so much to do, and sometimes I like a good veg when every one is asleep.  I'm never alone and at night I am.  I can't even go to the bathroom alone. If for some reason I close the bedroom door there is a sensor that goes off in the little ones heads and immediately they are at the door.

I don't know what changes in people as they age, but some lose their patience and love for children. I try my hardest to be a good mom.  If I say that some one is getting a spanking when we get out side they are..I mean it. But the dirty looks I get some times are crazy. I find most people love kids and children, but there are a few that forget..or say their children never did those things.  Don't know what has changed..I mean my kids get things taken away.  The get spanked sometimes and there are days we take trips to the store and they don't get anything.I guess I don't care though my children make me happy and thats all that counts.

I was NEVER a coffee drinker until I had my first Starbucks.  Now there isn't a day that goes by that I don't have some sort of coffee.  For years we didn't even own a coffee pot. We had filters and that was about it.

I have 6 cats and 3 dogs.  Don't really know when this happened but my love for animals took over. I have put strays in my garage before and driven all over to try and find the owners.  I get embarrassed by the fact that I have so many. I love them all.  People all react differently to this. I kind of feel like the creepy cat lady..But I had 3...and my dad saved a momma cat from the pound..who had 5 kittens. They were all about to be put down. So, I adopted 3 of theirs.  They kept 2 and found the momma home. Basically my parents would do anything for me, so to help them out I took 3 of the babies home.  What kind of a world do we live in where a momma and her 1-2 week old babies are put to sleep? 

I'm working on being more punctual. Being late is one of my WORST qualities.  I am proud to say that we have not been to school late at all. I don't want my children to learn that bad habit. The frustrating part is that I ALWAYS plan, and have good intentions..but something always comes up.  Someone comes over, something takes longer than is was supposed to. It never fails.  But I am trying!! I don't want to be the late mom that shows up all flushed because she was late and embarrassed her children. Punctuality is a big  HUGE thing in someones personality and I am striving to be better! Then there are days where I am on time and I'm TOO early..so I end up driving around a few extra minutes because I just didn't plan it right..Geez, how does this happen??

I like to cook..Can't say that there are days where we don't eat the same things over and over.  Luckily I have a patient hubby who doesn't mind.  I think some days we can not find the kids in the house because its so messy.  But he doesn't get mad..He lets me do things how I need too.  He helps me out.  Maybe he understands..Maybe he doesn't.

Going to school was one of the best times of my life. I often look around at kids that are aching to get out of school and it makes me sad.  I don't know if they realize how much they will miss it. I have dreams about being there and not knowing my schedule or being able to remember my locker combination. I think back and ask my self if I remember being 16 or 17..Or what it was like when I was 22 or 23. Its so strange to be approaching 30..Its a big milestone. I know it will be great though. Getting older had definitely brought me things that I would not have had at 16 or 17.  I had my first baby at 23! Amazing..Life was empty until I had kids! Then there are my friends who don't have children and I get sort of envious of that freedom they have to do anything.. Then I remember that having children is so short lived. They grow up way to fast!!

I often ask myself why I am not one of those GO TO people..Meaning, you know how there are people out there that others seem to flock too.  They are sought after and everyone wants their friendship..I just am not one of those people.  I have friends, but good friends are far and few between. I have the "friends" that I only hear from when they want something, are going through a break up, think I can help or just aren't there..I have a few older friends. But I'm not really Top on anyone's list and its hurtful..because I am a good friend. I'm loyal, understanding and super laid back.  I just don't know what vibe it is that those GO TO people put out there, but apparently I need to pick some up at the health food store!

Jr. High was a nightmare for me..I went from having friends in Elementary school, to not having any.  Not sure why..I dreaded being dropped off and remember standing at my locker to seem as though I was cleaning it out or something. Then, when I did find a group to hang out with I remember very clearly walking through the halls with them (and this girl that I was sort of friends with) this guy who was the boyfriend asking me why I was following them around like a lost puppy.  That hurt..then there was a friend who had issues..One day I was her best friend and then the next she was telling someone else that. She would say wait here, I'm going to go talk to someone.  I'd wait for her and she would Leave me there to just sit. Man..no wonder I'm funny about my friends. Thankfully by the end of 7th beginning of 8th I had a few friends..I was never in the popular group though.

So today I let you in on some of my life's happenings.  They aren't all sunshine and rainbows, but I feel they have made me who I am. They have defined me.

Camera bandit still at large..

Apparently the camera bandit likes to snap photos of his most prized possesions.  Any guesses as to what this is??? To be continued....I will give you a few days to ponder on this one..

A week ago

Sammy

A week ago today someone very special left my life. Sammy our beloved pet of around 9 years. Its odd how much you miss them. They become a member of your family and its strange not to see them.  You miss their quirks, and all the fun things about them. My house and yard seem so empty and lifeless with out him. He left us so suddenly. My heart aches thinking about him being gone.  I know time heals all and that one day we will be together again. But it still doesn't take away the hurt that I feel now that he is gone. He was so special in his own ways and this little reminder proves to me once again how fast time goes by. A week already.

Please pay no attention to the debris that are around him. My kiddos were helping me with him and with babying him for the week, the house went down hill in a bad way. We also have a little dog named scrappy who likes to get into the trash.  I guess I should blog about him one day too:)

location, location, location

I've lived in Kingman all 29 years of my life (almost 30)I have never had a desire to leave because its made me very happy. I enjoy the changes I've seen, although some not my favorite. But over all I feel its a decent little place to live. I've always thought as long as my parents were here I would stay. They are much older than most people my age parents. My mom 73 and my dad 66.
Things here have been good and there have been bad. I've always enjoyed how close we are to most everything. Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, San Diego, you know all the l decent hot spots.
Of course after High school everyone scattered across the united states and else where. Some if not most couldn't wait to get out. Some trickled back, some stayed close, and some are still running.
I've got a friend that moved because her hubby wanted to. She left her family, friends, everything. He gained back his mom and dad. So while she has no one he is thrilled to be around his parents. I think she has missed it here since the day she left.
Now I've got another set of friends touring Oregon. They think they'd like to move and it makes me sad. I don't want to lose a friend. I know I won't lose her, but having coffee together will have whole new meaning! I think she will regret leaving her family. He doesn't have any family here. She isn't sure she wants to raise her daughter here either. Which hurts to because we were both raised here and I think we turned out great! I think there are a lot worse places to be.I get so tired of people knocking Kingman. But then I do wonder some time if living else where would bring me more joy..
So I have a heavy heart tonight. I hope they change their mind. Some times I think of leaving too, but don't know that I could. Do you ever feel like moving, or have regrets of not? Or think you may in the future??

Camera bandit still at large!

exhibit A (taken by accomplice)

It has come to his mom's attention that the camera bandit has an accomplice. Camera Bandit has successfully been sneaking photos for a few years at best.

exhibit B (accomplice)

Very obviously not camera bandit, but his accomplice, perhaps leader...

Latest stolen photos

Camera bandit at it again this past weekend..in between our own photos..

dad's legs and dirty floor..

 Camera bandit has gotten to be quite good. Taking photos unbeknown to his father...

We aren't sure what the bandits are trying to tell us, but will continue to update as this story unfolds.

Pre-schooler in the house:)

First day of preschool!

Alec Started preschool this week! We decided it would be good for him since Mark is gone all day now and he has been acting out.  He goes two days a week from 9-12.  We did the same thing with Mark and he loved it.  Alec is so excited and his teacher Miss Cami called and said he did great! She was very proud of him.  So are we:)

Camera Bandit strikes again!

The Camera Bandit was spotted again August 12, 2010.  He was seen making his little brother laugh in the back of the car and snapping a picture of him.  If you have any info, regarding this little bandit Please contact his mom and let her know he has her camera.  He is considered armed with camera and extremely dangerous! He will take bad pictures of you, sometimes himself, and incriminating ones to say the least. Keep your doors locked and your homes clean because he is very talented at snapping photos of extra clutter and dirty floors! More info on his where-a-bouts and his photo skills to follow...

*Update* First Grade

Mark said his first day at school was "The best day ever!"

First day of school 1st grade

Alright mom, enough with the dang camera! Mark was up early and ready to go.  Things were super smooth and easy for us. Although I'm not a morning person! I guess I will be now.  He posed long enough for me to shoot with him at his desk and then was off to recess. I love my boy and am super proud of him! Here is to a great school year! Dad had to be in BHC early today so he missed it but should be here tomorrow for day 2~ I also managed to make it out of the building before I cried my eyes out. A vast improvement from last year.

Sugar and spice

Alec decided that he wanted cinnamon toast.  He was looking for the sugar and decided that he didn't need any..that cinnamon would be sufficient.  I hope you can see the pure layer of cinnamon on this toast.

He did eat some of it too..Call him cinnamon from now on. He He!  I asked him later how his toast was and he said it was very sweet. I said you mean very nasty and he said Very nasty..ha ha! I love these little boys so much my heart aches.

Hide and go seek.

Some times I really like to get to Brandon.  Some times, I will be in the other room and hear Blake fussing.  As soon as he goes to Brandon, Brandon will pick him up to bring to me.  So in turn I will hide as fast as I can.  Now this hiding sport I have to be very good at.  If the dog notices where I have hidden he will linger in the area and give me away.  If the cats know where I am they walk around the house acting like they are not sure what is going on and give me a way by looking in the general area. I've done this for years with all three boys.  I sit and think of good hiding spots and plan it.  I have to be ready and fast.  Some times I only have minutes even seconds.
 I think the best I ever hid was when I hid in Mark and Alec's room in their cabinet.  It has one shelf inside and I took it out earlier in the day. No one even noticed.  I put the dog out side and shooed the cats away. I got in and just waited. I bet it took them a good 45 minutes to an hour to find me.  They searched the entire house. They checked out side and when they would get far enough away I would yell at them.  Our dog was running through the house looking for me.  I was laughing on the inside so hard.  Every time they would come in the bedroom I would hold my breath. It was a bit cramped but I did what I had to do.  Finally they gave up.  Sweet victory!  Its all about the fun:)

 

Rainbow skies...and summers end

I can't help but love a good rainbow.  They are so mystical and the kids are small enough that they are in awe of them.  We saw this one on our walk yesterday.

This little guy also paid us a visit.  He sat a top our truck when we came home from the caverns last weekend.  He let Brandon get very close.  Brandon was in back of his truck. So cute.

We took a walk to the park and got rained out.  Alec peddled fast and hard to get under cover.  I was trying to get the shot of his little legs peddling as fast as he could crying in the rain.  But he moved way to quick.  It didn't sprinkle a drop until we left the house.  It was super nice out though

Blake loves going for walks! He circled his brothers several times when I was walking around the house looking for my ring.  I have a bad habit of taking my rings off when I get in the house.  Even worse is never putting them in the same spot twice!

This guy starts school on Thursday...Sigh! He will be gone all day in someone else's care.  At least he is learning and I get him in the evenings:) He is so excited to learn.  I just love him! Alec will also be starting Pre-school.  We decided it would be great for him and will help with Mark being gone all day.


We also did vacation bible school.  Sunday though Thursday.  The boys had fun.  Alec had some separation anxiety but we got him to stay.  After the first night he was sitting in the back and he says "that wasn't vacation bible school, That was church." We have been going to church every Sunday since February.... Very proud!

Our weekend

This weekend we decided to go to the Grand Canyon Caverns. It was a nice little get away.

As we got closer the sky got darker and this cloud  creeped me out.  It looked like a funnel cloud.



So much water came down so fast. We sat in the car for 15 minutes at least waiting for the water to let up.

 And of course there were sunny skies when we got back to Kingman! We enjoyed ourselves and the boys had fun. It was nice to do something different for the day. See some nice scenery and just enjoy life.