Back To School 2012

Jaxon is on the flag football team and is loving it. He grew 9" last year and gained 25 lbs. No wonder he was passing out and having problems due to fast growth.

I felt better knowing Sophia had her big brother Kade to help her get to school and do the whole bus thing. They are too cute. Kade's in 5th grade...can't believe it.

After a week and a half of loving school, loving the bus, loving her teacher and saying she "wasn't doing weekends anymore because school is so fun", Sophia refused to get on the bus or go to school for about four days. Let's just say it was dramatic...there was a lot of yelling tears. She's a stubborn little thing.

After a week of this nonsense, I came up with the idea that she could bring the puppy to the bus stop. She totally went for it and has been fine ever since.

 

Last Day of School 2012

Originally this year Sophia was just going to do preschool at home, but after a few months, I could tell she was totally bored and needed some kids her own age to play with. Luckily Soph's little buddy asked if we wanted to carpool with them, his teacher happened to have an opening. I'm glad we took up on it because Soph (for once in her life) went willingly and loved every second of it.

Sophia was so excited to graduate from preschool, I on the other hand cried like a baby. Seriously, sitting at her graduation I over heard some moms next to me saying how excited they are that their kid would be moving on to all day kindergarten. I spoke up and said I was "totally sad"...followed by teary eyes and then got so embarrassed. So I sat there biting my lip and trying not to lose it. After the ceremony we went out front to take pictures with her teacher and it hit me that we wouldn't be seeing her wonderful sweet teacher any more. As soon as I turned and walked away I totally lost it. Yeah, so crazy...I was kind of emotional for a few days. Sophia's my youngest...the last one. It seems like just yesterday we were rushing to Vegas to pick her up. Our little 'Bundle of Joy'.

As for the boys, they were looking forward to sleeping in, but loved school and knew they'd miss seeing their friends every day. American Leadership Academy was a great school for them as far as friends and standards/morals go, but as for the quality of teachers and academics...not so much. The teachers were all nice and they bought quality curriculum, they just need to have higher standards for hiring teachers. I know some of them were pulled right out of the PTO to teach 7th graders. Or after only teaching a few years were made vice principal. Eeek! I don't say this to bash them, I actually like the administration and teachers, but I am always asked what I think of ALA from friends looking for a school for their kids and I have to be honest. We  gave them three years to get their crap together and it just never happened.  I really regret not pulling them out sooner. Beautiful new building, across from the new Gilbert temple and all that hype, but rather than putting all their money into four new locations, they should focus on the original school in Gilbert and get it up to par before they try growing fast. They also seemed to have no loyalty to their teachers or their parents. Time and time again I heard of teachers quiting due to being under paid and over worked. Kade had three teachers in a five month period. Sad. Seriously disappointed.


On a brighter note, this video is at Sophia's graduation with her class singing songs. She got SO shy as soon as she came in. I couldn't get her to smile or even sing for that matter. Poor girl was SO excited to perform all her songs and then just got too nervous. :)

Summer Happenings - Baseball Fashion & Puppy's

Movie day/play/diamand backs/library/camps/visit from texans/Utah trip

Unfortunately since I took a blog break all summer I rarely thought of taking pictures. I guess I just needed a break from my photographer/family historian job for a bit. I managed to get a few so are you ready for total randomness?

Just an ordinary day where Sophia tries to pull a Punky Brewster and then go out in public.

It's summer time here in Gilbert, Arizona and we are having a good time. I am enjoying the kids at home. As always, we made a list of fun things to do this summer. Last week we went to a Diamond Backs baseball game, actually, it was just Kimball, Kade and I. Soph got in a lot of trouble and Jaxon didn't want to go so I had him babysit her. I feel that sometimes the punishment has to be harsh in order for them to really get it, so even though we all really wanted her to go, I think it worked! She is being good to Cash finally and doing a lot better at telling the truth.

Kade on a date night with just Kimall and I. He LOVED having one on one time and being spoiled for a night. He had been wanting to go to a Diamond Backs game for a long time...it was a blast.

We rode the Tram into Phoenix. It was kind of fun until you remember it stops a zillion times and you could have just driven there and actually seen the first pitch. Oh well. :)

I'm really going to miss living in Arizona. I love having a professional baseball, basketball & football team. Games or so fun.

It was an incredible game. After like three or so over times, we got a home run. It was the hot guy with the tattoos is all I remember. :) They followed it up with a fabulous firework show with Star Wars music playing in the back ground. Kade. could. have. died.

Of course we logged a lot of hours in the pool. Sophia couldn't get enough, the boys had to be forced most times...I don't get it. I spent my summers at Super Sliders from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. every day that I could as a kid and loved every second of it.

Kade snuggled with Johnny Cash to no end. One day he even took a full on bath with him. It was disgusting...the water was totally merky and Kade came out smelling like a wet puppy, but they are soul mates. Lol. Cash also sleeps with Kade every night. They are both major snugglers so they're perfect for each other.

xo,

Hardest Working Guy I Know...

Happy Father's Day Kimball

The kids got up and made him a breakfast of rainbow pancakes, eggs, sausage and OJ.

I found this cake online...wish I could remember the blog. So sorry! It's just a angel food cake from the bakery cut into thirds horizontally, then I took softened frozen yorgurt and added two layers, then let it sit in the freezer for a few hours.

Last, Cool Whip for the topping and back in the freezer for about a half hour. I just made the banner w/ diamond shape scrap book paper (folded over a decorative string), and tied to skewer sticks. It was a good summer time treat.

We gave Kimball several shirts and some new NFL gear...he loves getting new clothes. :)

xoxo,
 

Drama Mama & Tween Talk

Don't let Little Mama's Sunday dress and smile fool you, she's all drama. She had ballet a few weeks back when we were moving. Between my trips back and forth I didn't have time to go back to the old house for her ballet clothes, so I thought she'd be fine in her cotton tank and shorts. Oh geez was I wrong! Seriously, she cried and cried about it. Who knew she was such a diva!?!? I've created a monster. :)

Then on this particular day, I pulled out her new ballet clothes thinking she'd be all smiles,

and she was until I told her she couldn't wear it with the straps in the front!! This having a daughter thing is kickin' my butt I tell ya! I've changed her nickname to 'Little Drama Mama'.

As for my tween, he had a blast throwing a surprise party for his best friend Thomas. Such a great group of kids...so sad Thomas has to move. :(

That brings us to Kade, he's about half way through his rehearsals for The Adventures of Pinocchio. It will be fun to see him on stage again, he absolutely loves doing plays. He's having a great time dancing, singing and making friends. Today he told me he should just get permanent make-up so he didn't have to bother with it every night. LOL. He has me laughing on a regular basis!

Other summer happenings: The boys and I are reading aloud The Hiding Place, hopefully it will be a good read. I'm also making a list of goals and things we can do to stay busy this summer.

What are you reading this summer?

xoxo,

Oscar Weekend

I don't have a lot of time to spare today so I'll make it quick. This weekend was colder than my liking but the rain stayed away long enough for us to have a successful school carnival. The highlight of said carnival was my sweet little Sophia braving many new things such as a pony ride.

You have to know, Sophia is very shy and cautious...OK, she's pretty much a scaredy cat! When she first saw it she was all smiles but said "too scary!", same went for the blow up slide and bounce house, but by the time we were done she had tried everything...and LOVED every minute of it! I was totally shocked.


Obviously, Sunday I watched the Oscars (while sending and receiving hundreds of texts from Chantell) sharing our thoughts on the red carpet fashions. Here's my take...

Favorite Gown & Overall Beauty:

First Place

Camila Alves w/ Matthew McConaughey

I can't even wrap my brain around how beautiful she looks in this gown. If anyone could tame Matthew McConaughey it's her!

Second Place

Melania Trump...nice look Donald!

I think she is also gorgeous in this gown and definitely my second pick for all around beauty,  the only flaw is her date. Could 'The Donald' be any more annoying?

Third Place

Sandra Bullock

One thing I loved about last night was that no one asked about J.J. nor did Sandra speak of him! Dirt Bag with a capital D!! I thought she looked super fab, the only down was that she looked tired...maybe a smoky eye or just some eyeliner would have helped. I say this while wearing the same lounge pants I wore last night to the Oscars... so what do I know? :)

Favorite Winners

Christian Bale: The Fighter

This movie was fabulous!! I was blown away in the first 20 seconds of his acting. I've always liked him as an actor but he really nailed this role...I'm still blown away by his abilities. I was BEYOND happy he won.

Colin Firth: The King's Speech

I was also happy Colin Firth won for Best Actor. Not only did he do a fabulous job in The King's Speech, I love all his movies and thought it was time for him to win.

Biggest Upset (for me)

Amy Adams

I thought she should have won for Best Supporting actress however, the good news is the woman that won played the mom in The Fighter (so that eased the blow for me), I think Amy looked a little bummed that she didn't win though. Don't get me wrong, Melissa Leo was amazing too, but I was a little surprised she beat out Amy...maybe after seeing it a second time, I'll feel differently. I'm also sure Amy would have given a more classy acceptance speech...dropping the 'F Bomb'...really?

Least Favorite Gown

Kate Blanchett

While I love Kate Blanchett, and thought her hair and make-up were gorgeous (as usual)...I didn't care for this gown. It has pretty eliments to it, but I thought the circle thing was too distracting. The dress was artistic and interesting, but I'd rather have seen her in something more classic.

Favorite Film

The Social Network

My top three favorite movies this year were: The Social Network, The Fighter & The King's Speech (in that order). I was a little disappointed The Social Network didn't win Best Film. I thought it was fast paced, smart and relevant. I liked The King's Speech, and thought it was a great story of friendship and perceverance, but it was a little slow at times. I do love that it sheds light on those who are struggling with studdering and hopefully will help others be more compassionate toward them. As for The Fighter, it was totally insperational, I just wish they could have done it without using the language, but then again, it's a true story about a drug addict.

The Hosts:



James Franco and Anne Hathaway

 I'm not a huge Anne Hathaway fan so going into it I thought I'd be annoyed with her hosting abbilities...not the case! Poor girl had to work overtime to make up for her dry co host James Franco. I thought I'd enjoy him, but instead, found him boring (not to mention he himself looked totally bored)! In this photo he's actually smiling, but for the most part his head was tilted back and to the side like he was half asleep. I was bummed I didn't get the chance to see his film 127 Hours, but now I doubt I will.  At least Anne looked fabulous in all her costume changes...she sure knows how to work a gown.

OK, enough of this nonsense...time to get back to reality and things that really matter, like laundry and Miss Sophia. :) Have a fabulous week!!

xoxo,

Weekend Happenings...

First of all, thanks to everyone who's participating in the adoption linky party for Sophia. This weekend she had a birthday sleepover and loved every minute of it. She got a couple new purses, a cell phone and her very own camera...

so basically she's a mini me!!

This adorable shirt is from paperlili, cutest stuff ever.

Soph continues to pull it (and the adorable flame pants) out of the hamper and wear them day after day.

I guess I'll have to sneak a wash in while she's sleeping tonight.

Sophia also got a beautiful quilt from her aunt Amie

and this adorable embroidered animal print blanket from Megan Freeman...so sweet!

It's official...I'm a taxi driver! Who knew I'd spend the majority of my thirties in my Yukon, carting kids around to ortho & doctor appointments, sports and school. I guess it's a 'no brainer' but really until you're the one doing it, you can't fathom what it's like {insert cursing myself for getting rid of my XM radio}. Love the kids, and being a mom, but the amount of time in the car feels like such a waste of time...I can't help but think of all the great books I could be reading or the amount of calories I'm not burning.

So yesterday at church, Jaxon fainted while passing the sacrament. I think he liked it a little too much...all the attention; waking up with a doctor, dentist, a vet and fire fighter at his aide.

After a morning at the doctor's office, lab and pharmacy, I'm pretty certain it will be the asthema (that we thought he'd outgrown). Fingers crossed it's something minor. 

Now I'm off to throw in another load of this

and then head to swim lessons.

Happy Monday!!!

xoxo,

our 'bundle of joy' turns four {adoption linky party}

that's right it's true.

she's four

and there's nothing i can do about it.

motherhood is a tricky thing.

we love them with all our heart,

care for them with all our might

knowing - that one day,

 they will spread their wings and fly.

*******

my prayer for sophia is...

she'll know how wanted she was,

the joy she brought

and oh how much she's loved!!!

happy birthday

 to my one and only sweet baby girl...

sophia isabella

Help me spread the message and miracle of adoption by joining the linky party (open for 7 days), or leaving a comment. As Sophia said to me when I got home from Blissdom, "Girls need moms!"...melted my heart.

Winter Woes & Little Things

Kade's had a rough week...a really rough week. Monday started off at a 10 and by Tuesday he'd gone to a 1, maaayyybbbee 2.

He was SO excited to get his expander off and braces on....

he thought it'd be glorious.

All the attention,

the instant 'i'm a big kid' factor....

not.so.

Instead he had a LONG appointment and a LOT of pain.

This kid's mouth is so jacked up it requires all kinds of gear.

My favorite Kade quote this week was when he climbed into the car

after his appointment and threw 'said gear' into the car saying...

"Now I've gotta do all this crap!!!"

To make matters worse, he hates school.

Notsomuch hates school but he loves to homeschool.

For those of you that missed it,

as of 2011 the boys are back at their old school.

What's that? I never told you? Well, that's because I'm totally embarrassed that my tween

gets my panties in such a bunch that I refuse to teach him any longer. 

It's all I can do to mother this strong willed child.

Love him to death but paybacks are a (you know what)! :)

Anyhow, it wasn't easy for me to make the decision of sending Kade back too because,

1. He wants to homeschool

and 

2. I want him to homeschool

but after him going it alone last year,

I know how lonely he gets.

It was rough on him especially when we would dropoff/pickup Jaxon

and Kade would see his bff or "only the best aide in the whole entire

WORLD!"

So I sent him back,

against his will.

He's sad about it and I'm sad about it...

so I'm just praying I made the right decision

because I'm well aware this bouncing back and forth

is no good.

Being a parent seems to be kicking my butt this week.

Jaxon tested up 2 levels in math to Algebra.

How that happened I'll never know,

he's super smart but math's never been his best subject.

Anyway, his homework's a beast and he's struggling,

 yet the teacher insists he stay at that level.

Thanks to Big Papa for tutoring him

every.night.

So even with the tears this week,

and the power struggles (with every kid),

I'm reading this

and learning to find joy and happiness in the little things like

family scripture study and

Miss Sophia learning to tie her own robe....

saving me from doing it fifty-seven times a day.

Feel free to give me  a tongue lashing some advice

on how to parent because frankly, I'm not feeling so hot about it!!

Twenty-Ten...A Year In Pictures

Twenty-Ten was a big year for us,

we moved, we traveled, we home schooled, we read a lot of great books together, 

went on many fun hikes and made great memories with family and friends.

We experienced growth...both physical and spiritual.

Sophia was potty trained, learned to write her name, ABC'S, numbers and peddle her bike. She saw the ocean for the first time and survived being away from mom and dad for a whole week.

Kade was baptized, became a scout, a better swimmer and a great reader.

 He played flag football, learned to ride his bike and discovered he loves to hike and cook, Kade excelled in

his studies and completed his second year of home schooling.

Jaxon had a big year too; he turned twelve and became a deacon, read a ton of books on

'how to become an author', worked hard on his math skills, he played flag football, got braces,

was elected mayor at school and along with Kade,  acted in his first play 

The Best Christmas Pagent Ever.

I'm so grateful for all that we've learned and accomplished this year,

I'm off to write down my goals and resolutions for

2011