Trying to be young again

We got together with Clayton's family and went to the park, well Clayton decided he would try some old tricks on the bars. (Lets just say when your 32 your body just doesn't move like it did at the age of 10!) Nice try anyways babe, thanks for the good laugh!

Christmas Caroling!

The neighborhood kids wanted to go Christmas caroling, so we started out with hot chocolate, and donuts, then hit the streets! It was so fun -- 16 kids and 9 adults knocking on peoples doors that we don't know and singing our hearts out! It was so cute - the kids would start singing a song and half way through the song they couldn't remember the words, so they would just starting singing something else. :)

I love to live in a neighborhood where there are kids EVERYWHERE - and the parents are all friends. So much fun! (I didn't get any good pictures)

I hate being snuffy!

McKenzie woke up today and said "my nose is snuffy and I don't like it!" I tried to explain to her that it was "Stuffy", and she argue and said "no mom its snuffy, like on big bird!" Her favorite movie right now is Follow That Bird. She is such a fun kid.

Family Pictures!

I got our family pictures back, and can I just say "LOVE THEM!" I am just excited that Clayton and I are finally in a picture with our kids. (I just have been way to chicken for 8 years!) Here's a sneak peek!

We're still alive.....

Wow I have a lot to catch up on! The most recent and exciting is that we got family pictures taken!! Me and Clayton in the picture too! (the first time EVER) They turned out sooo cute, I highly recommend this photographer AMY FRAUGHTON - she is good. I haven't gotten the disc of pictures but I took a few with my own camera after we were done with the shoot. As you can see mine have extras in all the backgrounds, legs, cars, and unknown people, but Amy is amazing with her editing!

Makayla was so fun that day, she was way too cute!!

My most favorite boys had birthdays! Cody turned 6 and Clayton turned the big **32** . We had fun celebrating. Cody picked Chuck E. Cheese's and Clayton and David (Clayton's twin) picked Texas Roadhouse.

Thanksgiving was nice and relaxing. We stayed in town and had it with my side of the family. We ate, laughed, and ate some more! We then pulled an all nighter and hit the Black Friday sales, lets just stay I couldn't hang - 6:30 a.m. I thought I was gonna fall asleep walking through the stores.

The count down is on for Christmas! The kids are so excited. I talked Clayton into letting us wake up somewhere other than our house on Christmas morning. That was his # 1 rule for Christmas, is that the kids have to be at their own house. This year we are going to Snowflake to his parents house, hopefully we will have a WHITE Christmas! Can't wait!

I skipped a few events but I won't bore everyone. (Clayton's boys only camping trip, Chandler light parade, family bowling night)

Hope everyone is loving the cooler weather and enjoying the Holiday Season. This is the best time of year to create great memories for the kids.

After a lot of thought.......

After a lot of thought and being made fun of for blogging so much, I'm gonna give it a rest! I have finally realized how much time I can sit and look at blogs and just get nothing done, I am going to call it quits for awhile. I am not addicted to drugs or alcohol but I have become addicted to blogging, so for now I am just gonna quit cold turkey!! I will periodically check in and give quick updates, but not nearly as often as in the past. I have enjoyed staying in touch with old friends and family but I just have to stop for my family's sake!! I also just realized that we just aren't as exciting as we seem. So for now, adios!

DAD for President!

My sister and I were talking about voting, and Callie asked "What is voting?" I said "you get to pick who you want to be the next President of the United States." Callie said, "Vote for DAD!" I wish it was that easy, he's a better choice than the other two! TOO CUTE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!

My dad's birthday would be today (Oct. 31), he would have been a big 55!! We love and miss him every day. We know he is still around and with us, he is in a better and peaceful place, and we know we will see him again.

Freestone Park

Freestone Park (in Gilbert) has become our FAVORITE park! There is so much to do there, you could spend all day playing, and that is what we did!! We went ice blocking, rode on the train, rode on carousel, bought icees, watched the ducks (forgot the bread), we just had a blast together!

I love these kids!! They love to be goofy with me and don't get embarrassed! I love Clayton for loving the kids as much as I do! He is an awesome dad.

Too cute, not to share!

Makayla has a BEST BUD (Carter) that lives across the street from us, they play so good together. The both of them beg to play with each other. Well, when it's time for Makayla to go down for nap, Carter never wants to leave, so they have been taking naps together. They are so cute!

Funny girls

I was changing Makayla's diaper and McKenzie walked in and said "that stinks -- like an air freshener." Makayla replied, "no like doggy!" I was cracking up.

Later we went for a bike ride McKenzie and Makayla were in the pull behind trailer. They were fighting and Makayla says, "mom, put Kezie in trash can!" (that came from my 2 year old!) :) I about died laughing!

Tagged.......

Third file, eighth picture......







This was Christmas 2005 we did a surprise grandkids picture for my parents. We all used our individual family pictures for our Christmas cards that year, so the surprise was blown when my Aunt Jenny told my mom, "I got Christmas cards from the kids and they are all dressed the same and the background is the same." So my mom caught on to what was going on, I guess its the thought that counts!! We need to do an update picture, we have all added more kids since then!! There are 15 grandkids and they all live within 10 minutes or less from each other, it is sooo fun...

This picture makes me laugh, first McKenzie is so dang cute and look at her finger, she's throwing the bird!! :)

I tag Cindy J., Mrs. Fish, Lou J., and Becki W. :)

Just practicing!

We found last years Halloween face paint and we thought we would practice.

***Notice Makayla has it only on her lips!! She thought she was so brave!! :) ***

Quirks tag

I have to tell 6 quirks (odd habits) about myself. I like to think I'm not an odd person, so lets see if I can come up with 6!

* I can't be at home with my hair down. I feel like I can't function properly without my hair in a ponytail. I seriously can't make dinner, clean, or change diaper with my hair on my shoulders. I can do it if at someone else's house, but if I'm at home, my hair is always up.

* I am in my PJ's more than I am in my regular clothes. The minute I get home from anywhere I put my PJ's back on. I am a better mom when I am dressed comfortably. I feel like I'm not as up tight when I'm dressed comfy. When in my "around-town clothes" I'm always worried about kids touching me with dirty hands, and I can't relax, I'm to worried about wrinkling my clothes. I am always saying "can we go home, so I can get in my jammies." -- in other words when home I look homeless with hair up and grubby clothes. :)

* After coming home from being out and about I have to instantly wash my hands. I feel dirty, after going anywhere. -- o.k. typing this out makes my realize I am very strange.

* I absolutely love mowing the lawn. My neighbors could not figure out why I am always the one doing the yard work while Clayton watches. (he helps with the trimming of plants) I have had to explain to everyone that I do it by choice not abuse. I find it very relaxing.

* My family room (off limits room) has to have vacuum lines in the carpet at all times. I feel like my house is dirty if that room doesn't have vacuum lines, and you better NOT walk in there right after I vacuum it. - I come off the handle - and have to re-vacuum. (My poor kids)

* I don't know if this is a quirk or just laziness. I hate to cook, my husband and kids have come use to eating cold cereal for dinner. (at least 2 x week) I hate - hate - everything that comes along with cooking, the time it takes to make, the dirty dishes, the mess it makes around the table, the smell it leaves in the house. We are known for eating out frequently. Don't get me wrong I cook every once in a while. :)

Wow I could totally keep going, I guess I have lots of odd habits / behaviors.

I tag:

Kris Ann

Emily S.

Sheree M.

Robin

Elli

And anyone else that wants to do it.

Fun with FaMiLy!!

We went to Clayton's sisters ward today for their baby's blessing. A few random pictures.

Lesson learned!

I walked in the house after a day of shopping with my mom to see this!

I asked McKenzie what happened and she said "I tried to ride my bike with my eyes closed, and I ran into the house." OUCH!! I asked her is she will ever ride her bike with her eyes closed again, and she said "no, it hurt!" :)

Week of fun with the kids

The kids Fall Break from school is quickly coming to an end. They return to school on Tuesday the 14th. We had a really good time together, Clayton had 4 days off work and we loved having him all to ourselves. We got a lot of stuff done around the house that had been hanging over our heads. (shed, winter grass, and like always, cleaning) I would love if he could just retire right now and never have to work again, I could get use to having him home all day.

The kids just enjoyed being able to stay up late, not have to curl hair everyday and just being able to ride bikes and play all day. So relaxing!

Super Fun Weekend!!

We had so much fun in Thatcher for my 10 year High School Reunion. The kids had fun to see where I grew up. They had a parade, football game, picnic at park and 2 nights of adult only parties! We had a blast. It was so fun to see everyone all grown up. We were able to stay at my bestest friend ever house. Thank you Becky for letting us stay with you.

(McKenzie and Elly)
Waiting for parade to start!



At football game, dressed in Thatcher Eagle colors!

At family picnic at the park. Cool train ride!

Class of 1998!! We had an awesome turnout!!

My VERY handsome date!