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!!!!

The Pledge of Allegiance

Tomorrow is the "4th of July"! I love all things patriotic! There is nothing so beautiful as the American flag flying in the breeze. Nothing so heart warming than to see the ball players singing the words to the National Anthem. Nothing more amazing than to be on campus at an elementary school as the children say the Pledge of Allegiance. How long has it been since you put your hand over your heart and pledged your allegiance to the greatest country on the earth? Think of the words. Of what they mean to you. Of what they say about you, for you! It is Wonderful! As we celebrate tomorrow, I hope we remember what we are celebrating, and all those that have given so much to ensure we have the opportunity to do so! I am grateful and proud to belong in the "Land Of The Free". Happy 4th!!!

Players

I watched a movie tonight called "Play the Game". It was a darling sort of "OMSH I can't believe I'm sitting through this cheesy stuff"chick flick! But my delightful friend who suggested the flick was right! Good movie!! It teaches that dating and romance are a game. You have to know the rules. You either are the player and think you know what you are doing, but end up alone and lonely, caused by your own stupidity. Or you play the game and win in the end. I know some players. They don't think they are players. But they sure are! I'm not sure that I would ever watch it again. But I can tell you that I would rather be honest than play the role of the over confident, ego righteous, still alone because he isn't honest player.

Enough said!!