Ten on Tuesday

1. Last Thursday I went to the doctors. The good news was that the scale was nice to me and I got my blood work checked. I have never had it checked before, so I am anxious to see how I am.
2. Bad news was I walked out to the car and it wouldn't start. Ugh. Of course when Vern had as usual a super busy day. Luckily my awesome Visiting Teacher was watching my kids. So I called my good friend, Jana, and she saved the day by picking me up from my car.
3. Mechanics. We called our mechanic and he said he would go look at the car after his son's field trip was done. When he got there, he realized that he had to drop the gas tank because the car was not getting any gas. So it needed to be towed.
4. Tow Trucks. My brother in law insisted that I call our insurance company and have them find a tow truck to tow the truck so they wouldn't damage the car. I did, and they found me a tow truck company. I was told that I had about 45 minutes before the tow truck would be there. I did not have a car so my father-in-law was going to take the keys over to the car. About 10 minutes later the driver, Angel (remember that name), called and said he would be there in 10 minutes. I called my father-in-law and asked him to get to my car which was about 15 minutes away. Less than 5 minutes later, Angel, called and said..."I am at the car...where are you with the keys." I told him the keys were on their way and would be there in 5 minutes. To which he replied..."You are not here so I am not waiting, I am taking another call" he hung up and wouldn't let me say anything. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Notice his name was Angel...not so true. So I called USAA back and they found me a good company that was wonderful...after my non angelic experience.
5. The car...so the fuel pump has to get replaced. A rock had gotten wedged in between the fuel lines and messed things up. Needless to say...that rock has caused a costly repair. Our mechanic can't get the part until tomorrow so in the meantime we are driving my father-in-laws sweet Cadillac.
6. Paying for the car...thanks to my brother-in-laws savvy salesmanship skills, they had Vern installing about 9 Direct TV units on Friday/Saturday and Monday. Now we can pay for the car. Sweet blessing. We would have enjoyed seeing Vern this weekend, but at least that bill is not looming over us.
7. On Saturday I was able to spend time with my Wolfley sister-in-laws for craft day. Always a fun time together, even though I had to leave for a bit for Elena's soccer game (since Vern was working).
8. On Sunday, my girls sang in Sacrament Mtg. They sang, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me". In spite of protest, they did a great job and Grandma Wolfley played the piano...since I slacked and didn't practice enough...in my defense there are 3 flats in the song.
9. My Garmin stopped working a few months back...so sad. But after looking around on line yesterday I got it to work, at least for now! Hope it hangs on because the new ones are PRICEY!
10. I cut our front yard this morning. The winter lawn came in pretty well. I love the greenness of it and the smell of fresh cute green grass. I am hoping after another week our backyard will soon be able to be cut.

Ten for Tuesday

A little catch up.
1. Halloween was lots of fun...and it included many activities. Friends parties, Ward Trunk of Treat, Preschool Party, School Party and Trick or Treating. The kids got a ton of candy (more than I ever got total in my young life of trick or treating). They are still working at it today. Best part was that I didn't use all of my candy so Christmas is already set.

Our Fabulous Five!

Benjamin the morning after our ward Trunk or Treat...Sugar Comatose
2. I started going to a boot camp once a week at a friends home. It is fun. I would go more, but her times are when I go running...and running is super important to me.
3.Speaking of running we had our first Ragnar Team meeting. It was fun to meet together again and get excited. So much fun that they all know what to expect and that makes them more excited. We had a new runner join us this year...Blaine Wiggins. We hope he enjoys it the way we all have! Only 3 1/2 months until Del Sol!
4. Vern is doing a great job on his weight loss. He is at 44 lbs. as of last Wednesday (11/2). It is so great to see him successful. He is wearing pants he hasn't worn in some time. If you see him just give a good thumbs up!
5. Staying on Vern he had a great hike with a rifle last week with his dad. They were drawn to go deer hunting last weekend in area 20C. They left Thursday morning with great plans to get a deer. The kids were hoping for another deer to come home, with its tongue hanging out. Well they hiked Thursday afternoon and saw nothing. On Friday morning when the hunt began they walked and walked, but saw NO Deer or signs of deer. With a giant windstorm on the way and a rain/snow storm approaching they came home early. Sad for them...glad for us to have Dad home. Here's hoping for a better area next year...since they saw nothing last year as well.
6. On Saturday, my three friends, Cynthia, Diena and Kelly and I ran in a mud run. It was super cold, but we had so much fun. The water events were by far the best, even crawling in the water/mud. The nice part was since there were over 2000 people involved there was no feel for the need to feel competitive so we enjoyed ourselves. We climbed 4 walls with ropes and climbed 4 walls with no ropes. We were a great team in Orange and cool socks!


Me jumping over the last wall!

Hurray! We Did It!
7. So glad that fall has arrived here. I love wearing my sweatshirts and slippers in the morning. The weather is perfect for running in the morning.
8. Our home is full during the day. I am grateful for great children that help me out.
9. Two weeks left of soccer and I am truly enjoy helping as an assistant coach for Elena's team. She doesn't seem to bother either. I love our league because such nice kids and parents participate. They are great supporters and the kids a good sports.
10. This month for our family thoughts before dinner the kids say what they are thankful for...it is fun to hear their responses. Especially the first day Benjamin said...TV without even thinking:) Gotta love their true thoughts.

Ten on Tuesday

10 small gifts we've received in the past 3 weeks
1. Getting Phantomed by friends for Halloween. So fun to watch the kids chose who they should give treats to the next week and watch them ding dong ditch. Nothing like Mr. Condon yet, but there was army crawling.
2. Visit to the Mesa Temple Visitor Center with the family and learning about Family Love.

3. Kids truly enjoying to play with their soccer teams. Meghan scored her first goal, Natalie is a great defender when not crowded by teammates (when does bunching stop) and Elena is glad she played this year and really enjoys her team mates (and assistant coach (mom)).

Natalie kicks the ball, Meghan before the game and all of our cleats after a rainy practice drying on our front porch ( a fun site to see)
4. Vern got an extra paycheck from work. No raise in 4 years, but this sure helps.
5. Corte Sierra Ward Primary Program. We had 4 kids in the program on Sunday the 23rd. They did great! So impressed with the great children and youth in our ward. We count our blessings for being able to be the same ward as them.
6. Benjamin fell asleep before the primary program. Vern and I got to watch the entire program without having to deal with a fidgety Benjamin. That was a sweet miracle.
7. I was called as YW 2nd Counselor over the Beehives in our new ward. I get to continue to work with great YW and great leaders. I do miss those that were called to the primary:(
8. Fun running friends. In 2 weeks, I am running with 3 friends - Cynthia, Kelly, and Diena in a Mud Run. Super excited to have a fun time with great friends. In February, Ragnar Del Sol 2012 is here. We had our first team meeting on Sunday. Glad to see everyone excited to run...and glad to welcome Blaine to the crazy group.
9. Grass seed and manure. It is time to reseed our lawns in AZ so we can have green grass in the spring. Our sweet neighbor reseeded his on Friday and gave us his extra stuff on Saturday morning. My green grass makes me happy. (memories of NY)
10. Pumpkins at a sweet deal. We carve pumpkins every year. It can get pricey with 5 pumpkins at $5 a pop or more. Last week in our Bountiful Baskets they had pumpkins for $3.25 and they are perfect! I love to save money and the kids did a great job carving and decorating!

Ten on Tuesday

A much calmer week. Yahoo!
1. I was at Costco last week with my boys and my two nieces (one is still in a car carrier). The cart looked full, even without food. An older gentleman walked by and said, "Looks like a cart full of love." That was such a joy to hear! I usually get..."You've got a handful." I now will view it as a cart full of love. So nice to hear.
2. In an effort to get Elena to play soccer I was encouraged by my friend, Melinda, to help coach her U12 team. It is so much fun! I truly enjoy it, even though I still have to manage my children on the sidelines. We had our first game on Saturday and our team scored many times before the other team...which is an old nemesis team to Elena. It felt good to do better than them. A little prideful I know, but so nice.
3. Meghan and Natalie both had their first soccer games on Saturday as well. They did well. It is good to see their improvements each year!
4. After soccer games we quickly ran home to catch General Conference. We truly enjoyed each of the sessions. Vern and I felt that they seemed up beat. I felt they talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and the need to study and read it well, along with the importance of prayer...we need to have a personal relationship with our Savior and Heavenly Father to help us in these days. We were super excited to hear about the Temple in Star Valley, WY. A second summer home for Wolfley's. Here is the link to find the different sessions of General Conference.
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng
5. We enjoyed a weekend together...rare, but really fun.
6. I was able to get the Halloween Decorations up on Saturday afternoon. I don't have a ton, but it fun to have them up...I almost forgot it was autumn. I love my little post that I made with my Wolfley sister in laws last week. Super cute.
7. Meghan was named Student of the Month at Corte Sierra Elementary School. We are so happy for her. She had hoped for this all week long. Natalie also got an award for showing good Citizenship this month...which was the Character Trait of the Month.

Meghan after her assembly
8. We got to clean through the boy's room for toys for our new nursery at church. New ward means we don't have any toys there. The boys did a good job choosing an entire bucket of toys to give away. I should have done this sooner.
9. The Phoenix International Raceway had a fan day today. I took Little Vern, Benjamin and their friend Cougar to go see race cars at a real race track. It was fun for them. SUPER LOUD, but they had fun. They liked the cars that had fire coming out the side. Benjamin spent most of the time with his hands over his ears and head in my lap. But when we left her said..."That was so cool." I suppose he saw something.

Little Vern, Benjamin and Cougar at PIR

Benjamin's position for keeping the loud noise out.

10. When we took Cougar home we got out just in time for a rain shower to come down hard. The boys had the best 10 minutes as the rain came down hard. It was awesome. Then after the downpour they played in the gutter and puddles. Three boys have never been wetter and happier.

Ten on Tuesday + one

What a week we've had! A good one.
1. Natalie started soccer on Wednesday night. We are hoping for a fun season and a chance for her to learn some good things.
2. Grandpa Sherwood arrived at our house on Thursday night for a 5 day visit. We had so much fun for those 5 days! After I dropped Dad off at the airport Benjamin yelled, "Hey, I was going to go with Grandpa Sherwood!" How we wish he could have stayed.

3. My mom went to visit her parents before coming to the baptism. Unfortunately, while there it was discovered that my 92 year old grandpa had to have surgery. So, my mom was unable to make it to the baptism as she stayed in CO and helped her parents. We missed her dearly, but we understand how important it is to help her parents. We wish the best for Granddad Jensen. We love you!
4. The boys, the kids I tend and I took Grandpa Sherwood on a hike to Thunderbird Park. It was a good hike. The kids (all 4 and under) did great. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes and it was about 92 degrees when we finished. We got to see the Phoenix LDS Temple Site.
5. Meghan had her first soccer practice on Friday night with Coach Dennis (her same coach from last year). She was so excited! We are glad to be playing with some of the same kids as last year! I am the team mom again. It should be fun!
6. Saturday was Natalie's baptism. IT was amazing! I can't say enough good things about the wonderful feeling there that day!

7. We had a fun Saturday afternoon with family over at the house. My dad and two sisters, Kim and Kari, started playing a vacation for 2020! You can't say that Sherwood's aren't planners.
8. One of our YM, Taylor Hill, had his eagle project. A Car Show Can Food Drive. The boys had fun there with their Dad.

9. The Relief Society Broadcast was wonderful! Each speaker said something important to help me with better myself.
10. We had a wonderful Sacrament Meeting on Sunday Morning. Our first speaker gave a wonderful talk about Hope. It is so important to have that ingredient in your life to help life move along. The Choir sang a beautiful arrangement. Then Bishop Schuyler gave a great talk. He challenged us to prepare ourselves for General Conference this upcoming weekend. We need to be prepared to receive inspiration for ourselves. Then he ended with a heart warming testimony. Little did we know it was his farewell talk.

11. At 2pm on Sunday our Stake was called to the Stake Center for a special meeting. We were not told what is was about. When we got there we learned that there was to be a huge ward redistricting to be done in our stake. We went from a stake with 9 units in it to 11 units. Our family was placed in a brand new ward, the Corte Sierra Ward. It is the same as our current Litchfield Park Ward, except everyone that lives inside Litchfield Park is still in our former ward. We are so sad to not be with those amazing members anymore. We will miss them something fierce. Bishop Schuyler and his counselors were released. Bishop Steve Holt was called to be our new Bishop of our new ward with Ryan Nelson and Blaine Wiggins as his counselors. We switch to a new building and now meet at 12 noon. We were told to assume our callings until further notice, so I may be in YW still or I may not...we shall see (I hope we stay). Here's to something new and exciting!

Natalie was Baptised Sept. 24

The Family with Natalie

Natalie with her Parents
On September 24, 2011 Natalie was baptised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Litchfield Park Ward. It was an amazing Baptism. Many thanks to those that attended. The Spirit was so very strong at the service. Sis. Becky Johnson gave an amazing talk to the Natalie and her good friend, Kendyl Holt. Natalie was baptised by her father, Vern Wolfley III and her grandfathers were her witness. Her father then confirmed her a member of the church and gave her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Her grandfathers and Uncle Scott, Uncle Bryant, Uncle Daniel and Bishop Schuyler stood in the circle. It was a beautiful Baptismal Service and I can't thank those that attended enough, because you brought it such a wonderful Spirit.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Natalie turned 8 on September 15th. She was so excited. Even more excited to get her own set of scriptures with her name on it. She has arrived in the world. Natalie is so fun in our family. She is our creative one that brings new light on old things (just as our recycling box). She has a wonderful joy about life and wants to make people happy. We love her so much!


2.My brother-in-law, Aaron was deployed to Afghanistan on September 16th. We hope for a quick and safe return at the end of March. If you have any extra room in your prayers add him and his sweet wife Chelsea and 7month old son, Sam. He is with the Marines. ( sorry I don't know his title:(

3. Vern had a wonderful first weigh in. 13 lbs lost in one week! We are so proud of him! It sure is good encouragement to continue.
4. Last time I said our TV was getting out of focus...now we can't get TV shows...just DVD's and Netflix. Our VCR died and I am afraid the dishwasher might be dying since it won't drain water and it spilled out the bottom. On the positive note, Elena and Natalie excitedly did the dishes Sunday night. What a treat! SO I think that is 3 appliances...it should be done.
5. We watched a great demo about the LDS church doing a Media Blitz in the Phoenix Area in church on Sunday about the website Mormon.org. It was wonderful. So I came home after church and with Elena watched another 20 profiles of church members. Check out the site http://mormon.org/
6. Morning runs are getting nicer every morning. The only drawback is the house is hotter than outdoors.
7. This morning I spent the morning on our small front yard, mowing, edging and weeding my front flower bed. We just got attacked by ants on our edge of the grass. The grass that sends out shooters attacked my front flower bed. It has been too hot to weed and secretly I kept hoping the heat would kill them...nope. Looks like it is my job to take care of it. I hope it looks well.
8. I am so excited because Natalie is getting baptised this Saturday at our Church Bldg in Litchfield Park at 11am. All are invited. She is super excited as well.

9. With Natalie's Baptism brings my parents for a short visit to our home. We are super excited. Benjamin and Little Vern keep talking about their sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa. If only my parents knew what is in store for them. Games and ice cream are in the plans for a fun weekend.

My kids with my parents last October
10. We have a special stake meeting this coming Sunday. Will hopefully post about it next week. Here's hoping nothing happens to our ward.

Ten for Tuesday - on Wednesday

1. About 3 weeks ago our ice maker died. That is a true tragedy in our home...especially in August. We like cold water. Finally, I called Sears out to look at it. It had broken about 4 years ago and the repair man fixed it for $45. Good deal for the amount of ice we use. So when the repair man said it was broken and it would cost $365 I wanted to cry. I told him no thanks we won't replace it. It still cost the fee to show up, much less than the $365. He then told me we could go to an appliance store and get a new one for $90. I thought...sweet, I have a handy husband for a reason. Then that night the ice maker started working again and has continued for a week. So all is well in our freezer.
2. Meghan turned 6 years old on September 8th! She was so excited. We love Meghan in our home. She brings a happiness to the home and has an ability to plan sweet and fun with the girls and can then switch and play with the boys in a heartbeat. I guess that is what happens when you are in the middle. She got her new Barbie and a trip to Baskins and Robbins for her birthday ice cream. They even had her Bubble Gum ice cream. (ugh, but I remember always ordering it at Riccio's)
3. Little Vern was treated by his good friend Cougar to go and see a Pirate Puppet Show with his preschool class. Little Vern loved it. He is searching for maps everywhere now and wants to find treasure. I am so grateful for good friends that help my kids get out and about.
4. Vern (my husband) went to Medi Fast also on Thursday ( i should have done 3 for Thursday). He is determined to drop his weight. I am glad to see him do this. It can only benefit his health and our family. It seems to be a great program. Pray for Vern that he sticks with it. On Day 5 he is doing well (and that was after a 2 day liquid diet).
5. September 9-10 was our wards Daddy Daughter Camp out at Sparks Campground outside Payson, AZ. It is the number one event for my girls. This year Vern had a final scheduled for the same night:( So once again, our good friends saved our children. Elena and Natalie went with the Holt family on the outing. They had so much fun. They got up there in the daylight, played all night long, played in the morning and then hiked Fossil Springs. It is a good long hike and they survived. I am jealous because I have never done that hike yet and I would love to go there. Hopefully in October.

6. While the girls were away Meghan had her birthday party on Friday the 9th. It was a Barbie theme. The girls were so giggly that half the time I couldn't understand them. Gotta love 6 year old girls. I even attempted a Barbie cake...through lots of phone calls for advice. The only casualty came when we lit the candles and part of the Barbie's hair burned. Opps. Good thing it came from the Dollar Store.

7. Saturday was a nice day. Vern's brother, Aaron, is being deployed to Afghanistan on Friday so the entire family was in town for one last get together before he returns in March 2012. We went and did sealings at the AZ Mesa Temple. It was super nice, but I missed Vern because he was still at work. That night we had a great dinner at Anna's house. Yummy. Good times with lots of little Wolfley's around.
8. Weather...this past weekend and two days were wonderful. It didn't get over 100 and it even rained some. We are all ready for the summer heat to go far away. I can't say it enough...I love it when it is overcast! I think because that is what I grew up with in Victor.
9. I love being a mom. It is wonderful...and it is offering me chances to learn new things...and how to deal with things.
10. The big day came yesterday the 13th. Barbie goes to Charm School movie came out. Meghan spent her birthday money so she could get this movie the day it came out. They watched it yesterday and loved it...like they do for all Barbie movies.
Life is good.

Ten for Tuesday

Tuesday comes faster each week.
1. Last Wednesday I began tending 2 brothers age 3 1/2 and 18months. It is MWF. It has gone well so far. Grateful because it will help out financially.
2. Elena is beginning violin at her school, so we got her a violin...it should come tomorrow and I hope it is good. I put a lot of trust in peoples reviews online. Lets hope she practices well. I am excited because she has lessons at school and it is only $50 a semester. That fits my budget.
3. We got to attend two baptisms of 8 year olds from Natalie's primary class. It was fun to go with Natalie and see her get excited for her baptism in 3 weeks!
4. Elena has had birthday money burning a whole in her pocket...so I told her we would go on Labor Day. I don't know which side she gets it from (not mine) but we spent 2 hours in 2 stores yesterday and she got 2 things. Ugh. I don't like shopping very much...especially when it costs more than what I could get it for at GW. Elena just couldn't leave a store without buying something.
5. We had a yummy and fun Sherwood dinner at my sister, Kim's, home on Sunday evening. It is always fun to spend time with Kim, Kari and Scott. We missed Bryant and Tanna.
6. Meghan and Elena slept over at their cousins on Saturday night. I thought Sacrament Mtg. would be easier with only 3 kids. I realized it isn't them...it is my fantastic boys. Love them, but I would love them to learn how to sit quietly.
7. Vern is getting ready for his first finals this week. Hope they go well. I am glad that it isn't me.
8. Thanks to our friends, the Leavitts, I got my Living Room back. Last fall, Vern received an air hockey table from a co-worker. It went right in front of my hutch in my Living room. It was used at first, but for the past 4 months it has been a piling spot. Glad to have it go to a home that will use it more.
9. At church on Sunday I received a new visiting teaching route with a new companion and new sisters to visit. I loved visiting my sisters and I will miss those visits each month. I will miss my companion, Heidi. She was awesome and always got us out there. I am excited to get to know my new sisters and companion better. Gotta love change.
10. College Football began last weekend. I don't know why, but I love watching college football. I think I follow it more than Vern does. It was fun to sit down on Saturday with my kids and start them on the Fall Saturday tradition. The only problem was our TV. It is a 30 year old big screen TV. The resolution is starting to not be great at all. When they showed the whole field for the football play I couldn't tell who had the ball. I guess it is time to look for a new TV. Any ideas?

Ten for Tuesday

My sisters do this each week, sharing 10 items from the past week, so I will follow suit.
1.Week 1 of Vern's masters program is done and things went smoothly at home. We are eating early, cleaning up and going to bed early..weird (won't happen when soccer starts next month). Although Vern just found out that he has a final next week. He thought it was a 6 week course...nope 3 weeks.
2. Benjamin built a swimming pool in his room. I heard him yell..."Mom, come see my pool!" I had no clue what he could have done. But he didn't fail me in making me surprised. He and his cousin had emptied both of his bookshelves completely and covered his floor with books...making a swimming pool.


3. Little Vern came in last Thursday morning from playing and said..."Mom, the tree is dead." I thought he meant that our neighbors tree was dead because no one lives there...nope...our beautifully green and orange blooming tree as of a week ago was dead. So, sad. We have no idea how it died so fast...couldn't be the ridiculous heat and 40+ humidity. So after 8 years of giving us great oranges it died. So very sad.

4. I got my haircut today! Yahoo. It was looking shaggy. I love how a new hair cut makes me feel lighter for a day. Hopefully I don't fall asleep before Vern gets home so he can see it styled.
5. My kids are loving school. Yahoo. Elena is getting her homework done and I am relearning math concepts. I am so excited that she is studying history now. This week she had to study about Samuel de Champlain.
6. Saturday morning I decided to help the girls keep a cleaner room by taking the toys out of their room. That then forced me to clean and rearrange the office which made me change out a desk in the family room. So after a long Saturday we got three rooms rearranged and clean. I just love to rearrange...I think it is a slight illness.
7. We got to go swimming at Ammon and Emilee Wolfley's pool on Saturday afternoon. All the Wolfley's minus Sarah and her family were there. It was fun. The family sure has grown in numbers (I won't comment on size). We ate super yummy carne asada and bean dip with chips. The Wolfleys sure know how to eat well.
8. I went to the 40th Birthday party of Mary Roestenberg on Saturday night (yes...it was a busy day). It was fun. Just a few couples and us went to Bucca di Beppo to celebrate. I have tended her two children from more than 5 years. She is a wonderful mother and friend. I wish her many more wonderful years.
9. I work with the young women in my ward (church congregation). This month has been Standards Month, where we discuss the standards we live by so that we can be better people. It has been a great month. We had an etiquette dinner, served the women in the ward, visited a family history center, played fun games, etc. This past Sunday 4 of the youth in our ward and another leader spoke during Sacrament Mtg. They gave amazing talks about different standards of the church...family, service, the atonement and recognizing truths in our lives. There was a wonderful spirit in church and it renewed my hope in the youth of these days. They are Triumphant Pure and Strong.
10. I am proud to report that I am sticking to our family menu well. It is a good feeling to know what I am preparing for dinner each day and not be freaking out at 4:30pm.

My Baby Turned 3 on August 21st!

Benjamin Sherwood Wolfley turned 3 on Sunday. We had a Batman Cake for him. Homemade and it looked okay. Benjamin like the Batman fruit snacks the best.
We are so glad Benjamin is in our family! He has the faces I have ever seen...he sure uses them well to try to get away with things. He is a smart kid that wants to do everything Little Vern does. In fact...the day before his birthday he said that he wanted to be 4, so he would be like Little Vern. We love Benjamin and we wouldn't trade him for the world.

Arizona State University Scrimage Day Aug. 20th

While mom is the away the others will play!
Vern took the kids to ASUs scrimmage day where you can watch the team play...go onto the field and meet the cheerleaders...meet Sparky(the mascot)...and run on the field.
The kids had so much fun. Luckily it ended before the temps were too high.
Vern took them on the Light Rail and they had so much fun!