Halloween

I live in the best neighborhood. There are bazillions of kid, of
all ages, and the majority of the homes are taking part in
National Beg for Candy Day. I walked a herd of tweens a square
four blocks, they came back with loads of wrapped goodness.

All is right in America as far as I can tell.

Class of 85 Reunion

6 Degrees of Shadow Mountain - Class of 85 Reunion A couple of months ago I got a friend request, on the book, from Janine Carrao. We had been friends that first bit of high school, I was tickled to have that blast from my past!

Shadow Mountain High School.....I went there for one semester.

I started my high school experience there.

As I looked out over the group at Aunt Chilada's,

a few faces may have looked familiar. But I did't know one of them.

I went to four high schools.This was the first class reunion.

It was what I though it would be. The band was great!!

Aunt Chilada's was a great place to have the get together.

Seeing Janine was really nice, I am looking forward to catching up!

Funny how bits and pieces of your life come back around.

I am glad I went, check it off my bucket list!

No more ...I have had enough

I find it almost amusing, that when I feel the most empowered that that is the moment that life slams into me like a brick wall. Why is it that when I start to make great personal progress, something happens that stops me cold and demands all the focus and sucks me under. I hear when others remind that no one can bring me down, that I can be strong and not let it effect me. But when it happens so regularly I am posed to assume that perhaps it is just me. I have never thought of myself as weak or soft. I have always taken care of everything that comes my way. But I totally feel spent, depleted, exhausted, unable to continue. I have never felt so alone, or so small and unimportant, inadequate. I want a parent to hold me and make it better, where do you find one of those when you don't have one of your own. I think I am ready for a good closet cry. This too will pass, I know, but I am afraid of what will hit me next.

Room for Improvement

Last week a friend pointed out that I may have some room for improvement as far as my attitude goes....OK. My friend rarely steers me wrong, so I have been studying.

I read "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory. And although I don't quite agree with all the Biblical points, it was wonderful. Brought me to a much needed place.

Next came "The 5 Love Languages". Wow, I learned alot there too. I learned about me, my kids and about how to fill the love tank!!! This is one I thing everyone should take the time too read!

Yesterday I finished "Gifts & Talents" by Carol Carter. Not as much as I was hoping from it. But as with all the others, some great notes for my journal.

Today I started "Life Coaching for Dummies" by Jeni Mumford. Only a fraction into this one so far. But this may be the one I have been looking for. I have been searching for something to help me feel at peace and in control of my life. To be able to feel like I know me. This has some great points.

I still have "The five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom, "Ask and It Is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks, "Wisdom of the Ages" by Wayne Dyer and "10-10-10" by Suzy Welch on my bed side table, ready to read.

I think I like this hobby of improving me! I needed some direction. I chose the right fork in the road and I am enjoying the journey. But now I feel as though I am making great strides toward finding "me". I recommend the books I have already finished. And would welcome any that my dear friends can suggest!

(I wonder if Nora misses me yet???)

The Castle

I grew up here in Phoenix, I love the Valley. I never knew how much I loved the mountains until I moved out of state, to South Texas, where there were NO mountains. How do you know where you are if you don't have these wonderful landmarks?

When I was a kid I would get up early to draw the McDowell Mountains with pastels. I have always enjoyed early mornings, but I totally fell in love with those mountains that summer.

To me, the boulders of 'Tom's Thumb' looked like a fairytale castle. I was a romantic, even back then, enough to know it was mine. And I didn't have to share it's secrets with anyone. I have always remembered my enchanted stories about my 'Castle on the Mountain'.

Now as I drive to work each morning, and the 101 pulls me east, I look beyond the hurry and have-to, and there, above it all, is my castle.

I was never good with pastels, or drawing for that matter. But I can tell you that the rocky McDowell Mountains hold secrets and beauty, and fairytales.

It's one of my favorite things; a 'Happy Place'!

(I can also tell you that my view of my Castle, from the east bound lanes of the 101, is made all the more wonderful because you are gazing over the Fortress of Solitude. But that is a whole other fantasy!)

Suitably Wicked!

When I headed out of work on Thursday the sky looked wicked. The air was hot and heavy. I was so excited! Jessette was still at school, so I sent her a text and told her there was a big storm coming and to stay put for a while. I hurried home to be with my younger kids! When I got home we turned on the TV to check out the weather channel. We watched the storms progress from Gilbert to Mesa and Tempe, through Phoenix. The intensity was great, the storm cells where colored in yellow and reds, indicating heavy rain. The cloud cover was over the entire valley. When we could see the wind picking up outside we went out front to pull the trash and recycle cans into the garage. As Mark and I stood there watching the storms progression, we viewed the depth of the cloud clover, the awesome formations; the circling patterns, the bubbling, the building of the storm. Thrilling! The thunder sounded as though it rolled consistently from one end of town to the other. And then when I looked straight up, it seemed as though I was looking into a tunnel. As though the clouds went up for miles, and when the thunder cracked again it sounded like it was coming right out of that long tunnel above me. As the wind picked up, the temperature dropped considerately. The air was now cool. And then it started to sprinkle. We headed back inside. The storm cells shown on the TV were now past Glendale and looked to be right over us, but they there not only yellows and reds, but directly over our location was pink! Heavy, intense stuff! So I pointed this out to the kids, and we viewed the unleashing in our back yard! First the wind intensified. Next the sheets of rain came down. Pea sized hail turned to marble sized hail. Then the rain was coming down so hard we couldn’t see the house behind ours. The wind was so strong it looked like the rain was falling horizontally. We must have gotten about three inches of rain in about 10 minutes. It was wonderful! About a half hour after the heavy duty part of the storm had passed us, we all took a drive. It was still raining, but already the City was out moving the fallen trees from the streets. That impressed me! The sunset was bright yellow, it made everything look eerie and cool. Rain fell on and off all night.

As I went to work the next morning, the sky was scattered with huge cloudy patches; providing a wonderful sunrise. As I headed east I could see clouds creeping, like the fog in San Francisco, over the McDowell Mountains. It was awesome!

Need I tell you that I love monsoon season? Yep Yep Yep, I do!

The Family That Sings Together...

Can I once again just say how great my kids are! I love that they understand me and that they are as crazy as I am! They know All the words to the songs I love on the radio, even the old ones! They can belt them out at top volume! And when we all sing together, gosh darn it if somebody doesn't start dancing too. Yes mine would be the van thats totally rocking as we cruse down the street! We have the very best time together! I have the most wonderful kids, I am the luckiest Mom!!!

Staycation

We didn't get the opportunity to go away for a vacation this summer. And let me tell you, I really miss the beach! But it gave us a chance to play here in our own back yard! The kids spent time with their friends, we went new places and tried new things. I truly do like me kids! I think this has been a good start into things to do on a regular basis. New places, new things, close to home! I think we will all agree that the 2010 Staycation was a hit!

Chase Field

We took a tour of Chase Field on Thursday morning. It was cool! I has no idea it is as big as it is. You can fit 8 US Air Ways Centers (where the Suns play) inside Chase Field. Everything was neat! We are thinking of getting a group together and getting the pool for a game, I only need to find enough friends willing to chip in about $5000.00. We can do that!! I liked watching them prep the field for the game, lots of work to make it look great. The grass is changed out each season, its grown east of the valley, who knew! After the tour, we had lunch at 'Front Row' Fridays! It was a really great day! The only thing I did not like was the price of parking. I may need to research parking for our next down town event!http://mlb.mlb.com/ari/ballpark/ari_ballpark_tour.jsp

Tween Driving Practice

The Ladies are having some Driving time with Mario!

As long as the only "Behind The Wheel" they get is on my sofa, I think we all be just fine!!!

Band Practice???

Band practice at Our House! The Boys are great, their Talent is great. The music is beyond LOUD! They will eat anything you put in front of them, and if you are not quick, they will fend for themselves! They need a bigger space, and some sound proofing would be great. I do offer ear plugs! And I keep the Excedrin close by! Good Day!!!

Dessert Tradition!

We have instigated a new Family Tradition!

From now on when we go out to dinner, we will have 'DESSERT FIRST'!!!!

Who ever has room for dessert after dinner? If we start with it, we will all be delightful!

So Let Them Eat Cake!

The right Tattoo for me!

I love love love that when I empty my e-mail spam file it reads:

"Hooray, no spam here!"

Can I have that tattooed on my forehead please !!!!

Going into Battle

I took my kids to Spectrum Laser Tag in Mesa. The decor inside was delightful. The service was top notch!

I loved the beginning, where the employee gives all the cleverly worded information and safety tips. And how half of the group knew it by heart as well as the employee did and shouted out all the answers! Cute cute cute! I loved that the theme and artwork where so great; willing you into this inter space battle!

Then you walked though the time warp and into the battle. I had no idea it was going to be so huge or so elaborate. Well thought out, well designed, poorly lit (but I suppose that is part of the point).

My 10 year old was apprehensive in the beginning (her siblings warned me she would become a mercenary once the battle ensured). My young fighting partner drug me along at a cautious yet bloodthirsty pace. I must admit that shooting all those four foot tall bad guys was very difficult for me. (I will say that it is because I am a mommy and had a tough time aiming a gun at them, and that it had nothing at all to do with my lack of warfare ability and talent). I loved to see them so excited and having so much fun! But it did bother me that they traveled in packs and did not mind standing right in front of me while they repeatedly took me out!

The length of our battle was short. Yet I was glad to no longer feel the need to be a martyr for my unknown cause.

I do wish that in the real battles in life when the bell rings, all side would like wise merge as one, to hang up their artillery, and huddle together to wait for the battle facts.

If you are looking to start a revolution, a political coop, or a fascist revolt....don't bother asking me to take part! There were 42 of us in the battle, I came in at number 41. The guy at the end was three years old! Yep...

Wonderful time had by all! I highly recommend it! http://www.stratumhq.com/

The Influence of Others

I am truly blessed to have so many incredible and positive influences in my life. Its amazing how people are put in our lives to fill a certain role or need; whether you are the giver or the recipient. I have great people in my life. They help me make choices, fix issues, set goals, learn lessons and live through each day. I don't know that we are always aware of what we do for others or that others are always aware of what they do for us. But the influence of others is wonderful! The inspiration, the creativity, the values, the life lessons we don't have to live through ourselves, but can't gain from. I wish I could publicly announce to the world, each of my beloved associates, to share their greatness and give them glory, but most of all to let them each see how wonderful they truly are. I am truly blessed to have so many incredible and positive influences in my life. And I am grateful!

Lake Trip

I have some of the most wonderful memories of mutual lake trips! I loved skiing! I remember all the great kids and leaders! Good times! My son went on his first ward youth lake trip yesterday! He had a wonderful time! All the kids, all the leaders! He is soooo sunburned and so sore! Good times!

Dead Battery

I knew it was on its way out, it gave me a couple of warning signs. I had someone to help me with this male level issue. But I procrastinated. I wanted to make sure the budget wouldn't be infringed upon. Now I sit here blogging rather than sitting at my desk working. I will wait until normal humans are awake, to go pick up the battery I bought online. Then I will figure out how to put it in my vehicle. Its Thursday, can I cry yet???????

Weekend Getaway!

Two of my dearest friends whisked me away for the weekend! We had such a great relaxing time. I forget how nice doing something 'out of the ordinary' can be. It’s the extra little things that are so wonderful! Finding the soda fountain that has your FAVORITE Sobe, having dessert before dinner, super wonderful leather chairs, huge windows with stormy views. Having the convention you are attending be right next to the Fire Fighters convention!!! (OMSH the most delightful group of gentlemen!) Having room service show up at 11:30 pm with armfuls of more exquisite down pillows!!! And the wonderful people I met. I do believe you learn from those around you, I so like the examples I had this weekend! A Lovely Weekend Getaway!

Going to the Dentist

I took tomorrow off, to spend with my kids. Actually, I took tomorrow off to take my kids to the dentist. I don't mind taking them, its something that has to be done regularly. No need to fear, the dentist is nice, we know his family. It will be great!!! BUT, my issue here is.... my kids don't have a problem going to the dentist. I DO. I put it off for so many years; money, time, money. Now my teeth, like the rest of me, are changing. I can no longer put it off. I look forward to going, but not in finding out just how much work I need to have done! :(

Love the Workout!

My daughter and I worked out together this afternoon. Nice to spend some one on one time with her, even though I had my earphones in the entire time! She pointed out all the good looking men; our likes are Totally different, thank heavens! She did the bike till it kicked her butt! I have to say my true passion is still the elliptical, not as therapeutic as a good morning hike, but it sure makes me feel good, and sore, and sweaty! I love it!!!!