Ryker's 5th Birthday!

My little man turned 5 last week and he has been so happy. He says he is faster now, quicker now, a better helper now...all because he is 5. The night before his birthday we went to Chuck E. Cheese with Nana and Pa and the Palmers. We took all the pictures with Pa's camera so I don't have any to show but we had a great time. Then on his real birthday, he had a few neighbor kids come over for an "Ocean Adventure" birthday. His cake looks lame but he wanted cookies instead, so I made sugar cookies, shaped as the #5.

We took our under water pictures.

Made this oh so cute whale craft

And went for a deep sea dive to find buried treasure.

Then when daddy got home we had homemade chicken nuggets, Rykers favorite. Then a big chocolate chip pazzokie for his cake, once again that is what he wanted. He loves cookies.

Ryker recieved so many fun gifts, but the one he was dying to get was the Gorilla Mountian playset.

I hope you had a great birthday Ryker. We love you so much!!!!

2 of my Favorite Peeps and my Ladybug

Ok I didn't think I would be emotional a week later doing this post but I'll blame the pregnancy on my tears. Last Monday I had to say good-bye to 2 of my FAVORITE people in the world and my cute little bug, Miss Briss. Abe (my big little brother) found a temp job in Colorado. They will stay there until Thanksgiving and then head up to Idaho where he will be going to school in Rexburg for 4 years. I know many families don't live by each other but it is going to be hard. I just love them and we are very close. Abe and I have always been the best of friends and Shantay is the best addition to the fam. Of course what can I say about my first niece, she is a doll and not being able to watch her grow during the first years of her life is one of the hardest parts. Abe and Shantay have been the BEST uncle and Aunt to my kids, they loved them as if they were their own....truley. My kids are wild and hard for some to love =) But I know this is what they need to be doing for their own little family. I guess I just need to find ways to make money so I can go visit them more often.

Shannie, Briss Briss and Abeos

The whole Fam-Damly

Cousins!!! My kids LOVE Bristol. They ask about her all the time.

We are all cry babies and took a pictures right before they drove off.

Off they go. I week before, Abe and my dad took some stuff they don't need right now to Rexburg and put it in a storage unit up there.

This is out of order but the night before was Sunday so we had a big BBQ dinner. The boys played a little soccer.

Ryker Bday was in a few days so Auntie SuSu made him a big Oreo cake....The cream stuff was so good.

Thank you Sarah!!

Well I love you guys and know you will do great. We will text and call often and Shantay you have to start a blog so I can see Briss Briss grow!!! Thank you for your great examples and being the bestest brother and sissy-in-law ever.

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)