Late Thanksgiving Post

We had a laid back but yummy Thanksgiving this year. We went to my parents house and stuffed our faces. My mom made most of the food, I brought mashed potatoes and dessert and Shannie brought a green bean casserole. 

This was the "Not married- 20 and younger table"  Poor Sarah, she is a good sport!! 

I just love Amelia's cheesy smile, not the best shot but so cute!!!

Homemade Pazookies!!! We are not big pie eaters in my family so I made white chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. They are big, soft and cake like. So good with the big heap of ice cream on top.  (that is peppermint ice cream MY FAVORITE!!!!!)

They we went home and put our tree up.  We never had a star on top, I usually just put a big bow on but Ryker was so upset that we didn't have a star. So to Hoggly Loggly (as Ryker would say Hobby Lobby) the next day to find a star.

You can't beat $4.99 for a big glitter star!! 

Ryker had the honor of putting it on (we had to fix it when he wasn't looking)

Then Saturday night I really wanted to go to the Light Parade in Tempe so I hood-winked the Porters into join us. It was so much fun and next year Amanda and I want to make our own float for the parade! Who is with us??? =)

Delie-Willie, Ryker and Eden   Oh and we can't forget Lee

So we sort of found a spot on the wrong side of the road so we had to go stand behind other people. So the kids weaseled their way to the street and we left them to fend for themselves. Ok we really didn't leave them but, we were sad we couldn't sit with them.

After the parade they have a tree lighting and some lame bubble snow.  

So all in all we had a great Thanksgiving. Such an wonderful time of year and so much to be thankful for!!!!  

For the Love People!!!!!

Ok I really don't keep up with all the latest celebrity gossip, but I was on the Internet and on the side of some site it had a picture of Ashlee and her husband saying they had their baby. Well they wouldn't be true celebrities if they didn't give their baby a terrible name. Why do they think it is ok to name your children bizarro names. I mean get a dog and give it a funky name if your dying to use it but these poor kids have to live with it the rest of their lives!!! So she named her son:   Bronx Mowgli    I mean seriously all I can think about is that little man-cub from the Jungle Book wandering around in Bronx, NY wondering where is Baloo!!!!  Well I make a list of some of the brilliant names celebrities have come up with. Pick your favorite!!

Yes these are REAL NAMES of children in Hollywood:

Zowie Bowie

Seven Sirius

Coco

Calico

Fifi-Trixebelle

Peaches Honeyblossom

Little Pixie

Apple

Bluebell

Moxie Crimefighter

Pilot Inspektor

Banjo

Moon Unit

Diva Muffin

Ok you get the point and the list could go on. I'm sorry I have a real issue with this. I also don't like it when people give sweet, cute, adorable little girls BOYS names. Sorry if that offends some of you but that is my opinion take it or leave it!!!!  

10 years and 8 months Down the TOILET

Literally 10 years and 8 months when down the toilet. Some of you might have know that I have made it through 2 pregnancies, the flu a few times without throwing up. I remember the day I last threw up March 31st 1998. It was the morning of a George Strait Festival. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were performing as well, all my favorites. My parents got tickets and I was taking several friends with me. Well I don't get sick often and I wasn't going to let that stop me from going. So I grabbed my rain poncho (because it rain most of the time and it was outdoors) and headed to the concert. I felt sick but enjoyed every minute of it!! So Yesterday I had a stomach ache in the afternoon but nothing terrible. I went to a reception for my cousin and Shaun was already there because he was doing her wedding video. Well not until I got home at 9:00, my stomach was not feeling good. I had that "I just need to throw up" feeling but knew I wouldn't and it would pass.  I get in bed because I was light headed and really achy, right when Shaun got in bed as well we hear Milly coughing and making gross sounds. Yup she had thrown up all over. Shaun was amazing and dealt with her while I had to get back in bed. He did this 3 more times with her then decided he would just sleep in her room because he is nervous about her choking on her throw up. So finally around 1:30am it was my turn. My heart started racing and I knew my  almost 11 yr run was going to be history.  After throwing up several times I felt so good. What a great feeling =)   But my stomach ache did return and I tossed and turned the rest of the night. Yes I should be in bed right now but I'm not one who can lay down for hours. I have to get up and move around, even though I'm weak and still don't feel good, sitting in front of the computer is not hard. So there is my throw- up story for you. I feel so bad  because I was around alot of people yesterday including Shantay who was in the hospital because she had to get her appendix removed.  I hope I didn't pass this along to anyone!!! Have a great Sunday.

Almost 9 months old

Why is it that the 2nd child just grows up so fast. I remember with Ryker I couldn't wait till he did something new, but now I'm like slow down small child you are growing way to fast.

Amelia has finally figured out crawling. Yes both my kids crawled at 9 months which is fine by me.  She still doesn't go fast but she has been rolling around for week so now she can move around a little better. Also this girl likes to eat. Ryker was hard to feed and didn't like much but Amelia will eat it even if she doesn't like the food, she just  wants to eat.

Once again these puffy checks are to die for, right now my little chipmunk has them stuffed with bananas.

She sits at the table with us now and wants to eat what we are eating.  A smile full with some bananas in it.

I couldn't get her to look at me but this is her in action.

She doesn't do as good on the tile, I think she just likes the soft carpet.   Oh I love my dollie so much, uni-brow and all =)

Ryker was Tagged

My friend Alissa tagged Ryker and I have to post 7 Random facts about my little man.

1. Ryker LOVES the outdoors. So this is not so random but we loves being outside. We have either gone for bike rides or to the park EVERYDAY for the past few weeks because the weather is wonderful. He is in heaven =)

2. Ryker is very, I like to say Ridged. I might have made up this word but he is borderline OCD (maybe he really is)

3.  Ryker has a fetish with my hair. I lay down with him, at least once a day whether is be just resting in the afternoon or when I'm tucking him at night but he lays and twirls my hair. I'll admit is is therapeutic to me as well.

4. Ryker is very obsessed with animals. Shaun and I don't like animals at all so poor kid will never have a real pet.  He pretends he is a tiger, turtle, cat, shark etc. all the time.  Totally cracks us up. He even prays for random animals when he says prayers.

5. Ryker loves salsa. He has liked it from a young age. My mom makes salsa all the time so their is ALWAYS homemade salsa at my parents. It is pretty much a fixture on the kitchen table so since he is over their so much he would eat it with the rest of us. 

6. Ryker is such a good boy when I take him places. He wasn't always like this but I don't mind taking him places anymore because is just loves to be out so he is a much better listener.

7. I know most of you see the scowling crazy boy he is but deep down he is such a sweet and loving boy.  He always tells me he loves me and Amelia and is very concerned about us.  He is going to be the best big brother to Amelia and protect her form all those creepy boys.  He sure is something else but I sure do love my Rykster!!!!!! 

Fun at the Zoo

I had a Preschool Field Trip on Thursday and we went to the Zoo. I couldn't have asked for better weather.  My mom came to help me with my kiddos, thank you mom!!

Ryker telling me about the Rhinos.

I have been to the Zoo many times in the past few years and never have I seen the Tiger come out from the back wall.  This was Rykers FAVORITE animal.

After about 2 hours, the other moms start to head out. A few of us stayed a little longer. Ryker didn't want to leave ever but Milly needed a nap.

Look at those 2 monkeys.  I told that to Ryker and he didn't think I was funny =)

I love this time of year!!! I think we will go back for Zoo Lights at the end of November when it starts. Shaun and I went years ago, before kids and thought it was lame but I bet Ryker would enjoy it and we can leave Milly at a Grandparents house so she doesn't spoil our fun. If anyone else wants to go let me know =)

24 years old... are you kidding me!!

Happy Day Abeos!!!!!  Growing up I always thought we got a day off of school for Abes Birthday. He was born 24 yrs ago Nov 11th 1984. At the time we were living in San Diego so he is the only one of us not a AZ native, he is a California boy.  Oh Abe what can I say, you are the best big little brother a sister could have. We were the best of buds growing up, (except for the 2 years I couldn't stand you) I think I was a pre-teen and you were annoying!!! =)  But you would play house or school with me then we would turn into the ninja turtles and be fighting off the evil Shredder. I'm glad we stayed close even through Highschool when I was a cool Senior and you but a dorky freshman.  I ALWAYS knew I could count on you for ANYTHING!!!!  I hope you had a great day and I can only hope Amelia and Ryker will be as close as we were.

\

For Pete Sakes, pull your shirt down in the back. I didn't get you a present yet and I know what I'm getting you a longer shirt!!!  Hey Abe you should be a plumber   hahahahahah, oh I'm so funny.

No but really You are the best uncle!! I love how you and Shannie love to play with my kids. Thanks for all the help and giving me a break every once in awhile!!

Heres to looking at the next 4 years

Well Hello new President. I really don't have much to say, whats done is done. I'm still upset that John McCain sold out his own party and didn't fight like he should have. He could have called out Obama on lots of things but was silent. The so called Maverick lost the fire he had in him and because of that we have a President who we know nothing about. Ok I guess I had a little to say but I will stop their.

On the flip side Prop 102 won!!!!!! Not only here and in Flordia but in California. I'll admit I was worried about that state but luckily their are still MORE people than not, who believe Marriage is for a MAN and WOMAN!!!  

Best of all 3.

Once again this post is for Sarah!! For starters the 2 pictures of you wouldn't open so I'm mad I couldn't post them as well.

So I have been dying to see this movie but we have just been busy and I could never find the time to go. Finally I knew my only chance was to go after our Stakes adult conference Saturday night. Shaun need to keep editing so I wasn't ditching him on a Saturday night. But I BEGGED my sister Sarah to go. Shaun and I got out of our meeting at 9:00 (thank you Abe and Shannie for babysitting) changed my clothes and headed off to Harkins to meet Sarah there. I was the first to buy a ticket to the 10:00pm showing. Which means empty theater right. Sarah and I had the whole place to ourselves, it was great. By now we were laughing so hard and goofing around Sarah who had never seen any of the other Highschool Musicals thought I was crazy to be so excited but man alive it was AMAZING!!! I had bought the soundtrack 2 weeks before and was ready to sing along.  It was the best out of all 3 by far!!! Oh please Disney make a HSM: College Years!!!!

I know I am brave for putting this picture on but I was so excited. 

Ryan, Sharpay, Troy, Gabriella, Chad, Taylor and Me

Just hanging out and laughing with my friends after the show, great job guys.

Yes I know most of you think I'm lame and need to get a life but #1 I will always be a kid at heart (especially around my family) and #2  go ahead and make fun of me but I'm glad that the HSMs are GOOD CLEAN movies. I could have gone to Saw 5 or something nasty, raunchy and filthy. But I choose to go and have fun, sing and laugh!!!!!  Thanks again Sister Sue for going with me, I know I made you a huge fan now!!

New Yory City- the longest post ever

Welcome to New York!! So we woke up Monday morning and drove 9 hours to New York. The trip wasn't bad because it is pretty everywhere you look.  I felt like a kid again, laughing with my siblings, being silly, getting annoyed at them and being the bossy older sister. it was great!! We arrived in New York at like 9:00pm and mind you it was a monday night and still look at the traffic getting in!!! It took an hour just to get through the Holland Tunnel and to Jasons apartment.  Classic New York!

So we get to Jasons apartment which I'm a fool because I didn't take any pictures. It was very nice and it was the whole 3rd floor of a building and the square footage was bigger than my house. So a pretty decent apartment for New York.  He is the lead singer in a group called the Scissor Sisters. They are huge everywhere but the US. Their song was number one in the UK and all over for like 40 weeks.  So they are in the works of putting out a new CD and had written several songs. They wanted to try them out so they get a feel for them and pick the ones to put on the new CD, so they held 2 private shows one monday night and one Tuesday night.  Since their were so many of us and some one had to be with my kids. Shaun, Adelle, Sarah and I went the first night. So we get to our hotel, get ready and walk to the club.

The pictures didn't come out very good of them performing, oh well.

Adelle, Sarah. Me and Shaun. Yes my sister are under age so they had a huge black X on their hands so the bartender didn't serve them any "adult beverages"  it was a smoke-free club, so that was nice!!!

Shaun and I after a night of partying. Shaun stuck out like a sore thumb =) With his green polo shirt and all.

Our Hotel.

The next day was our only full day to get out and see the sights.

I LOVE the movie Grease and wanted to see the play so bad. Oh well maybe next time!!!

Shaun, Ryker and my brother Abe went to see Wall Street and were the Twin Towers use to be.

We took a tour on one of those big red busses. It was really fun driving around and seeing everything.

Amelia loved it. I think she is going to be a city girl. Ryker on the other hand got bored quick. He was not amused by the tall buildings. He just wants to run and play, New York is not for him.

We of course had to go to FAO Schwartz (the biggest toy store ever)

Yep the big keyboard from the movie Big.  Ryker was running up and down the thing,

 

A kids DREAM Store!!

So my wonderful Uncle Jason heard I really wanted to see a play.  Jason is like really good friends with Elton John (that is a whole story in its self) but Elton wrote the songs for the broadway play "Billy Elliot" so he got me 2 ticket to go see it that night. Shaun was not really up for it (what a fool) so Sarah came with me. Shaun and Adelle stayed at the hotel with the kids and the rest of my family went to Jason concert.  So we were in row 5, right in front of the stage. Sarah and I were all ready to see a broadway play then this lady comes out and says something on the set was broken and they had to cancel the play that night!!!!!! Are you kidding me. But we didn't let that get us down, Sarah and I made a night of it, since we were in Time Square we walked around checking everything out. Ate and the Hard Rock cafe. Adelle was so mad the whole time and keep texting us, "come and get me".  Well we decided to head back to the hotel and really wanted ice cream. we walked for blocks all around and never found a place. So we went back to the hotel, got Adelle and finally found a store that had frozen yogurt. Mind you this was at 11:30 pm I know some might call us stupid but New York is not as scary as everyone makes it out to be. W also had a plan if someone trying to mug us =)

Here we are with our ice cream. =)

Well there are the highlights. I'm sure no one every read all this -maybe Sarah. So this is for you, a few of our inside jokes that I will remember forever.!! Thank you Jason and Noni and Bompa for providing the amazing trip!!! I had more fun that you will ever know and it was fun times with my family. I thought I would be sick of everyone by the end but I wasn't. We made some memories that we will laugh about in years to come!!!  

*Narpy Pete

*"where'd ya get your whiskey, where'd ya get your gun"

*"Let me hold that boy"

*Ryker driving the little truck

*staying up till 2 in the morning and playing phase 10

*"come and get me, I'm in New York City and I'm watching your son spin around on a spinny chair"

*monorail surfing

*peanut butter M&Ms

*Sheetz gas station

*"tasty morsels"

*"She will share with you when she is done"  "No I won't"

*KP Duty

*dad yelling in the womens bathroom for Sarah to hurry up =)

ok I'm sick of typing, Sarah I know I'm forgetting many, you need to post on your blog!!!!

FHE- Family Halloween Evening

Monday night we had a little get together with the Drews and Porters. What better to way to spend FHE than a yummy dinner, silly games and family.

Captain Hook with some witches brew. SPOOOOKY

The dads carved pumpkins for the kiddos. Can you tell which pumpkin had a dentist carve it =)

The Peter Pan Crew

I have no idea how I lucked out and am friends with these 2 AMAZING decorators. 

Skeleton Lady, Chris as himself, the Scarecrow, The Wicked which, Wendy and Captain Hook

Dorthy and Peter Pan= True Love

The kids (and moms) wrapped our dad's up like mummies!!!

They also got to draw all over their faces.

Sorry Shaun I had to share this picture.

Shaun and Ryker drove home a few minutes before me and this is what I came home to. I guess Peter Pan and Captain Hook are putting their past behind them and are good friends now. =)

Thanks you again for such fun memories.  I use to HATE Halloween but now it is up their with Christmas and Easter =)

Another Girls Get Together

So our goal is to get together once a month but we will take every 2 months I guess. Megann came down from Idaho so we had to see her and her darling girls. Also Heather moved back to AZ, YEAH from Cali and we got to meet her new little one. He is so handsome!!! We missed Lindsay who was up working the night before helping deliver new babies to the world and Rhona who is flying over-head somewhere- we missed both of you.

Heather (Benson), Morgan (Tallie only 7 weeks only), Alissa, Meg, Nat (Cameron) and Me and Millie

 

The whole crew. Man we could repopulate a tiny country.  

Ryker played outside most of the time and loved every minute of it. 

Thank you Nat for letting us come and trash your house. One day when I have a bigger house and yard, you can all come trash it =)