May is crusin' by

I LOVE this month. Rykers birthday. Summer is almost here. Swimming and BBQ's begin...etc.

May 4th we took a little road trip with Nana and Pa to check out the new Gila Valley Temple. It was great. So beautiful inside and out. We were lame and all so hungry we didn't get our cameras and go back to the front of the Temple to take pictures so here we are by the church that is next to the temple =) Oh and early that day we found out we are having a little brother. Ryker couldn't be happier and he is looks healthy and well. I'm 21 weeks so just past the half way point!! Holy Cow.

The kids did so good, well Amelia was a typical busy 2 year old and I hope Ryker remembers the feelings he felt while in the Temple.

We are on to our 2nd session of swim lessons and the kids are loving it. Millie has to have goggles now and doesn't care if they squish her eyeballs. She sat like this while waiting for her turn again.

So now that summer time is almost here we are having to come up with more things to do to stay busy, so cooking with Nana is always fun.

Projects: Making Mothers Day cards for our Grandmas

I hope all you Moms had a great Mothers Day. I didn't get a picture with my mom....but I love her much!!

So Mothers Day night was game 4 for the Suns and they just swept the Spurs...I think Shaun wet his pants a little. Oh and do you love the jersey!!! So He watch the first part of the game at my parents house then we went over to his folks and he remembered he had an old Suns jersey in his old bedroom closet still.........from when he was 14!!!! Yes he put it on and enjoyed the Victory!

We, I mean the kids have been swimming at Nana and Pa house. I sit and watch them, the water is still a little cold for me but they are having so much fun.

We are playing play-dough everyday.

And of course building forts!! They are getting better at playing together and it is so fun to think back to when I played with my brother all the time!! But if any of you have some more fun summer ideas let us know.

Next Post will be Rykers 5th birthday. He has been waiting for this day for a really long time. I on the other hand have not!!! I want to freeze my children and keep them young (and in my control) forever =)

Getting the word Out!!!!!!

10 Reasons to Vote No on Prop. 100!

1. The Goldwater Institute estimates that this tax will facilitate the loss of 14,000 private jobs or more. Isn't it time we SAVE our own jobs and family budget?

2. In 2004 the State Budget was $6 Billion. Just 6-7 years later the State Budget is at about $10 Billion. In just 6 years State SPENDING has gone up 80%. Isn't time to force government to cut everything in proportion to the recession and balance their budget based on current revenue?

3. Arizona currently ranks 9th in the Nation for average overall Sales Tax which includes city and county taxes as well. If Proposition 100 passes we will jump up to as high as 3rd in the Nation for Sales Taxes.

4. Economic studies indicate that this Tax will only act to SLOW DOWN any recovery from this deep recession. It only makes sense that when you take capital from the private markets at any time, they will have less to spend on their business and employees.

5. Based on the Goldwater Institute, Arizona Schools (K-12) are currently receiving $9,500 per student per year in Tax Dollars. This is higher than just a few years ago and yet graduation and reading rates HAVE NOT GONE UP on average.

6. Every year MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS go back to the public to receive Budget Override money in Bond Elections which is in addition to the budgeted money from the State.

7. There are about 215 School Districts in Arizona. That number should be cut at least in half to eliminate administration and overhead by combining resources and funnel more money down to the classroom and teachers which is where we all want it.

8. There is currently 1 administrator, or assistant, or support person in various capacities for every 1 teacher in Arizona School Districts. There is no reason why that can't be gradually lowered to a ratio of 1/2 support person per 1 teacher to help eliminate overhead.

9. NO "TEMPORARY TAX" has ever remained temporary once politicians get there hands on it. Write this down, this Tax will not end in 3 years like it's supposed to. You can't say you weren't warned.

10. If Proposition 100 passes, the average family will pay up to $450 more every year just for this TAX. Does your family really need another Tax added to all the other Taxes you currently pay?

VOTE NO ON PROP. 100!

Please go vote May 18th. I just hope you look at the big picture and not just vote in the moment. We are all suffering, not just education.

Swim Lessons

Well 2 weeks ago we started swim lessons. Ryker was in the water swimming around as if he been doing it all winter. Amelia is doing great and such a good listener. The first few classes were a little rough for her but they were when is was windy and cold outside so going swimming wasn't that fun. Don't worry the pool they go to is heated so they weren't freezing. Millie is enjoying her licorice they get after each lesson.

Ryker's class is first. He is a great swimmer Ms. Celeste is trying to work on his breathing with him. Instead of turning his head to the side he pops up and starts doggy paddling. He is getting it though, he just needs to keep practicing.

Amelia love Ms Celeste, she sits patiently on the step waiting her turn. She loves to tell everyone how she does "kick, kick. kicks" "bubbles" and "reach"

So on to a funny moment I had to share. So as you know Ryker is very routine oriented. Every night this is our routine: 7:00 brush Millies teeth, get a drink, say family prayers, sing I am a Child of God (Millies request), tuck her in and say good night. Then Ryker can play quietly or Shaun and him play a game or something, 7:45 help Ryker clean his room, brush teeth and floss, get a drink, read scriptures, Ryker is in bed by 8:00. I'll admit Shaun get the kids ready for bed usually but being the nice wife I am, he was watching a sports game and really into it so I started Ryker on the bedtime routine....cleaned room, brushed teeth then I walked out of the bathroom went into his room and said "ok lets read scriptures" then heard this huge kur-plunk on the ground and Ryker starting to cry out of control. I ran the hall to see what happened and he was freaking out and straight up throwing a tantrum because we didn't floss his teeth yet!!! Are you kidding me.......what kid has to remind his mom to floss and second who freaks out because they didn't floss!!! He is so Shauns child, not mine =) So I had to take a picture because I couldn't believe it. Oh how I love my OCD boys.

ps check out my craft blog to see my cute fabric quiet book I made.

Alot of Testosterone

This past weekend Shaun and Ryker went on the wards Fathers and Sons campout. Friday morning Ryk woke up ready to go....he wore his backpack that he packed himself the night before, all day till dad got home early from work and they loaded up to go.

Here they are all set up.

We borrowed my parents tent and in the bag was a hammock, so they put it to use.

Ryker had to much fun in it.

That evening they went on a snipe hunt, hit a pinata (sp?), and cooked smores on the fire.

They the next morning Ryker was following some big boys around and they went on a hike.

Ryker and Shaun had the best time.......Millers and I went over to my mom-in-law with Missy and learned how to cook bread......typical women right??

Shaun has been dying to take Ryker to sporting events and we tried awhile back and it was a little much for him so Shaun thought the DBacks would be perfect.....and it was. They were in the left field front row.

Popcorn of course.

Ryker got to meet Baxter the Bobcat.

I guess they have this huge area with all these fun stuff for kids. A mini baseball field, slides, rides etc.. then it has a place where the parents can stay there and watch the kids but still see the game. Shaun was in here from the 4th Inning till it was over....I was impressed Ryker sat through 3 inning. =)

This told you how fast your pitch was.

Shaun takes Ryker out at least once a month and spends some quality time with him.....he is going to start taking Amelia out too, but not as many things you can do with a wild 2 year old.

Here is a sneak peek at my Color Fabric Book I'm making.....Easy project but very time consuming...I'm almost done and can't wait to show ya.

Another busy crazy week

Well summer is getting closer and closer....... time to bust of the blow up pool and grab the popsicles. This equals hours of fun.

This weather is marvelous....we have been going to the park to enjoy it while we can. I didn't get Ryker signed up for T-Ball (oops) so dad has been taking him and trying to teach him. Ryker is a great hitter.

Our little firecracker!!! I think it is the piggy-tails that make her that way.

My highschool friend came into town from Utah so we had to get together and talk about the good old days =) Dionne reminded me that I introduced her to Jack-in-the-Box egg rolls in Highschool....I haven't had one in probably 10 years so I'm thinking I need to have one again. I love Dionne....she is my crazy political friend just like me!!!

Tiffany, Dionne, Julie, Me

Saturday I went to the Glenn Beck seminar....It was AMAZING!!!! I don't care if you all think I'm a right-wing radical....he speaks common sense and if you don't agree, I would LOVE to talk to you about it. I don't jump down people throats but many are still waking up and need help seeing the truth.

Last off, my adorable kids!!! They are my life.......they DRIVE me crazy but when they are being nuts-o I just remind myself......they have our personalities so I can't really get upset =) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

We just took pictures with the whole Sellards gang.....and we were by water and guess who fell in while playing on rocks....yes Ryker. He was drenched from the waist down. Typical right.

Hope to see you there!!!!

The East Valley TEA Party presents:

TAX DAY T.E.A. Party With Sheriff Joe!

On Tax Day Thursday April 15, 2010
At Freestone Park in Gilbert, AZ

From 11AM – 1PM

Freestone Park,1045 E Juniper Rd, Gilbert
(At the corner of Lindsey and Juniper Roads-between Guadalupe and Elliot Rd)

Wrapping up the Past Week

What a busy and WONDERFUL week we had. Last Tuesday we went to the Easter Pageant with the Porters!! Holy Cow we owe them big time. They went 3 hours early and got 3 row seats for us!!! Thank you Porters!!!

Well we did buy them all DQ to say thank you for the awesome seats.

Ok so sometimes I wish I weren't so "manly" and "controling" but since I know what I want and do all the research, I sold our CR-V and bought our new van....yup a VAN. But guess what that means I'm just headed to that crazy time in life when I'm hauling kids everywhere and I'm so excited =) Bye- Bye CR-V......we had a GREAT 4 years together. You were very good to us.

Here is the new Beaut....we look forward to several years together!!

So you will notice we didn't take this crazy girl to the Pageant with us......for one, it started way past her bed time and second......she is the busiest 2 year old I know, just ask both our families, she is a pint size Tornado!!!!

Friday we went to the Mesa Southwest Museum with my preschool class. The kids had a good time. Ryker loved the T-Rex of course.

All the kids had a blast panning for gold. It was a great day.

Conference weekend and Easter Morning!!!! Ryker had to wait in bed with me for an hour before he checked out what the Easter Bunny brought him. We don't dare wake the Tornado up in the morning......we let her sleep as long as she can.

Amelia could care less about toys or games.....at 8:00am she wanted TREATS!! I let her eat like 2 or 3 than we moved on to some real breakfast.

He was so excited finding all the eggs around the house.

Ryker is just like his daddy and could care less about candy....he wants toys. He didn't eat his first piece of candy till late that afternoon and it was one starburst. Crazy Boy. But don't get me wrong HE LOVES cookies.

After the morning session of conference we went over to Nana and Pas for a breakfast brunch. Yum yum.....then Missy and I hide eggs all over the backyard for the munchkins. I hide one on the turtles back and it stayed on as he walked through the rocks.....Ryker finally spotted it.

Amelia doesn't understand the concept of Egg Hunting....she would find an egg, stop, open it and want to eat the candy right away....ok so I bet that is how I use to egg hunt......but we tried telling her to gather as many as she could, than eat the candy. Nope...she did it her way.

We watch the afternoon session then raced off to Grannie Annie and Bompa Jess' house, as we do every conference. We had a pot luck dinner, played a little baseball (well tried to teach the little kids how), then we gather in a circle to share our favorite thought or talk from conference.

Amelia was a mess by the time we left.....but she had so much fun running around with all the great-grandkids.

Ryker was in snail heaven....... he loves little bugs and insects and they found dozens of snails in my Bompa's garden.

Bompa Jess finding snails with the little ones. Bompa Jess turned 84 this year and I think he is still in better shape than me =)

Thanks to all the Family and Friends who make life so much fun!!!

Happy Easter!!

Wedding Bells are Ringing

In this picture, Ryker is driving his future bride to the temple to get married. Lately they have been into "pretending" they are getting married......possibly because every other weekend his dad is gone filming wedding videos so weddings are talked about alot in our home, or maybe it is the fact he plays with girls all the time. Well I was listening to the conversation before he started driving to the temple and it went like this:

Eden: Ok lets go Ryker (as she went to get on the scooter and drive)

Ryker: No no Eden, when Blake and Sarah got married, Blake drove HER to the temple so I need to drive

Eden: OK

What the gentleman =) They crack me up....so I came back ten minutes later to ask how the reception was and they were no longer at the reception, they were in jail because bad guys came and captured them. Oh to be 5 again =)

PS Yes I'm ok with my son playing "wedding" because hey at least they are going to the Temple =)