On Our Way To Utah--The Hoover Dam

The kids thought it was fun to say Dam but not to really say Damn. The joke of that part of the trip was "What did the fish say when he came to a big wall?" Answer: Dam. Anyways it was fun to see the big bridge that was being built across the Hoover Dam. We had a wonderful time with our long lost friends of Albuquerque, the Laynes. It was so fun to see them and we picked up as if no time had passed. Of course we took the kids for a ride on the strip of Sin City. I sure forgot how not kid friendly it was. I was constantly calling the kids to my side of the car to avoid some scary sights on the other. Couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Homeless in Arizona

Please don't look at the date. This is so similar to my journal writing but I thought I would do better this way. Well lots has been happening and it has been so crazy. We are now living in Gilbert, Az. in a cute little apartment. Yes, you heard me right an apartment. We are waiting for some short home sales to get to the bank and be approved. We are enjoying the closeness of 5 people in a 2 bedroom place. I have been looking at houses for about 1 1/2 months and made some offers but nothing yet. It is so much fun. I hate moving!
Todd is settling into his job and is busy keeping us all sane. Oh yea, with the house up in the air there is something else up there too. He applied for school--CRNA Nurse anesthesist, well, we got a letter and it was up in the air. He was put on the waiting list for June 2010. It is a little crazy. So at any moment, the school can call up and ask him if he wants the spot. So just like our life, everything seems to be up in the air.
The kids are awesome. This week is the birthday week. Breyson, Aug 21(just like Pres. Monson's), Braylee, Aug 26, and Brindlee Aug 28. I know we are very thankful in the month of November. They are busy finding friends and playing with their cousins. They are also having to learn some lessons of not jumping, running or anything else that makes noise because we have some very special elderly folk that live beneath us. We took Pres. Monson's advise and we tried to do some service to this couple, hoping that they would stop tattling on us to the front office, instead we were "ridiculously noisy", lets not forget my kids are gone by 8:20 every morning and not home until 4:15. Pray for us will you. We need to GET OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!
Anyways life is full of interesting days that sometimes we wish we could erase but I guess they are there to keep us on our toes.

FAMILY HOME EVENING IS NOT ALL IN VAIN

Well yesterday, we had our little FHE. Sundays work better with our schedule. So it is very busy around 5pm. Todd is trying to go to work and we are gathering all the Chick a Dees to come and join us. Today we had it on Testimonies. I thought it was OK for the amount of time that I put in it. Everyone seemed to pay attention, answer questions, stay awake, no fighting and wow how exciting. We set some goals of bearing our testimonies in church for May or June. Braylee quickly set hers for June. Anyways after it was over, Breyson said, "that was a good one, Mom". Simple and to the point. What a great compliment I thought. Kids are full of surprises just like life.

JUST TODD AND I

So here we are. Don't we look cute. Let me tell you a story. I was looking through some pictures and noticed that there were pictures of me and the kids and Todd and the kids but very few of my honey and me. This is what we decided to do. We try to have one of the kids take our picture. It might not look the best but we still create memories as a couple. Talk about fun. This picture was a little crazy as we are leaving the Blue Bonnet Creamery. The camera had no more juice and we took it in the nick of time. What a gorgeous day it was. We had such a fun time hanging out.

BEAUTIFUL BLUE BONNETS

Have you ever seen Blue Bonnets, Texas State flower? They are absolutely beautiful. During this time of season, they grow wild on the side of the highway. It is amazing to see. Todd bought some seeds so we could bring a little Texas to Arizona. Yes, that is right, our house is almost sold. Contract pending, it saddens me at times and it brings joy to me at other times. It is a very difficult time to know we are leaving in about 100 days. Texas is the only state that has so much pride. It is crazy what the kids know about Texas like; the mockingbird is the state bird, the pecan tree is the state tree, Texas flag is the only flag that can hang at the same level as the American Flag and The State of Texas is the best State ever. So many facts and so much to be proud of. Texas has been good to us and I will always be a Texan at heart.

EXCITING NEW LOOK

Look at Braylee now. Short hair, can you believe it? This is what happens when you take her for a trim. In her mind, she knew all a long what she wanted. This is my child that knows what she wants and no one can talk her out of it. I was a little freaked. She looked so grown up so of course I had to put a bow in her hair to knock off some years. Braylee was so excited, she said she felt so new. It was like her birthday she said. I thought that was so cute. She is my baby and growing up too fast right in front of my eyes. I giggle with her and we have lots of conversations about everything. She loves to play, and she is so happy doing it. I find myself watching her from afar and I wish I could live like her--happy, free, happy, loving, happy, excited, happy, no care in the world...

This is Ava Houghton and Brindlee. Ava is our newest member of our family. She is my second niece. She belongs to Cinco and Ashley Houghton. She has a special spot in my heart. I was able to give her her first bath and be her nurse when she was born. It is amazing how Heavenly Father works his miraculous plan. It so happened that I was working that day at the same hospital Ava was born. It was my first day and boy was it memorable. Anyways it was an awesome time to be included at a very special time in their lives. I am indeed blessed. Ava comes on Saturday nights for a date night with me. She gives her parents a break and gives me and the kids somebody to kiss, hold and fall asleep with. As I look at this picture, all kinds of memories come pouring in. Brindlee was my first, she was so little and sweet. She has gotten bigger but not less sweet. She is growing up so fast. It thrills me to see how attached all of my kids are to this sweet little one. I am grateful to be a mother of 3 wonderful kids that love to show their love.