HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow! How come Christmas comes and goes just like that? (Note: I am still listening to xmas music - even when I go running.) Hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

We wish everyone a safe and happy New Year. I can't believe it is almost 2010. Time really does fly when you are having fun. Talk to you in 2010. xoxoxo

Fall B r e a k - October 2009

During Fall break and after we finished another mini tax season (last time to file your tax return for 2008), we decided to take off for San Diego. It turned out that LJ got an invite to play in a flag football tourney in San Diego with some of his old teammates. The boys had a great time, and the weather was great. We had a break in between games and even managed to take all of the kids/team to the beach - where they went swimming (brrrr). They didn't win the tourney but we really enjoyed watching some football.

Pismo Beach, CA / Summer 2009

Pismo Beach was great again this year. We love to stay the week. The weather is cool, good food, lots of family and friends, and fun on the beach. This year we rented a huge three story house with my parents. The first level was the garage, second was our level which had a full kitchen, balcony, a living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom. The third level had a living room, two bedrooms both with a balcony, small kitchen, and 1 1/2 baths. There were separate entrances outside and stairs on the inside which had a door that could be closed off at night. The views were great and it was off the main drag so it was quiet. One day we took a trip to Morro Bay and had lunch and then ran into one of John's clients (from Bakersfield) - small world. The kids dug in the sand and boogie boarded - even though the water was cool. We also celebrated the twins' birthday. They are already 10. (I am feeling really, really old.) The worst part about the trip was having to leave and the nine hour drive home. :( Glad to be home safe and sound. I finally finished all of my laundry - took forever.





view from third level balcony

my kitchen

view from my balcony

kids in Morro Bay

Nana

second story living room

Happy Birthday Jack and Sydney! xoxoxo

Club Jamba - Volleyball Festival 2009 (Phoenix, AZ)

My niece, Emily, plays on a club volleyball team in Bakersfield, CA called Jamba. Emily is the setter for the team. She is an incredible player. She works so hard and can move around the court to set the ball so that the other girls can spike it. (I would hate to be on the other side of the court when the ball is coming down.) This summer their final tourney was held at the Phoenix Convention Center (Volleyball Festival). My parents and my brother and sister-in-law flew to Phoenix in June for the tourney. (Thank gosh that it wasn't too hot.) We had a great visit and got to watch some awesome volleyball for a week. (By the way, we FINALLY rode the light rail....remember when we couldn't get on.) There were about 100,000 people competing from all over the US. I have never seen so many tall girls. I felt so short. Even though Emily's team placed 6th overall, they played so well. It was also fun to watch all of the scouts from various colleges recruiting these very tall girls. Way to go Emily. Keep up the good work.

Summer Fun - UCYC

This summer Sydney went to camp with some friends and one teacher from her school. This was the first time that she was away from home - for a week to be exact. At first, I thought it was a great idea. Then she was gone for the week. It was really strange to only have two kids at home. We missed her. I only hoped that she was grown up to the point that she would be fine and that I would not have to drive to Prescott to pick her up in the middle of the night. She was so grown up! She did great. When we picked her up, we heard a day-by-day schedule of all of the events that she participated in. I was proud that she was able to do things by herself. (I like to think that I taught her well. LOL) She didn't seem to mind that she only washed her hair one time, but did take two showers. :) Oh well! All in all she had a great time. We couldn't wait for her to take a long, hot shower when we got home. She had so much fun and can't wait until next year.

Canyon Lake

We went with our friends, Bill and Barb, to Canyon Lake. We had a blast. We all went tubing, ate lunch, got a tan, and relaxed alot. I was very surprised that my kids attempted to tube. They got right on. At one point, LJ wiped out and got a nice "rope burn" on his forehead. He thought that his "wipeout" was cool. I almost had a heart attack! After a while on the water, we found a cove and let the kids jump in and swim. We were on the lake the entire day. Good thing that it didn't take us along time to get home...we were tired!

MDA Summer Camp VIP Day in Heber, Arizona

Since we were invited to attend the VIP summer camp for MDA, we decided to take a day trip to Heber, Arizona. It was a beautiful drive. We had never gone that far northeast. When we arrived, we watched some of the kids play soccer in the gym with a HUGE ball. It was great to see the smiles on their faces. Everyone was cheering them on. After the match, it was time for lunch. Because it was super windy, lunch was delayed due to the fact that they had to move all of the equipment and food indoors. At that point, our kids were starving and we decided to go to Subway. We then decided to drive on to Winslow, Arizona. Jack did a report on Winslow and kept begging us to take him there. It was quick, but we made it (more like a drive-by). All in all it was a fun day.

MDA Lockup

I am so proud of John. He volunteered to participate in the MDA Lock up this year. It was so funny. He had a "parole" officer that came and picked him up at our house (yes, I warned the neighbors). They tried to put plastic hand cuffs on him, but they wouldn't go around his wrists. Go figure. After the officer picked him up, she took him to the Brio Tuscan Grille at San Tan and was booked. They even took his picture behind bars. (Hope to download it from somewhere soon.) In order to post his bail, he was to call everyone he knows to get donations. They provided phones at the Grille. He was able to call his friends and clients for donations which came to a total of $1,100. AWESOME! With that total donation, he was able to send one child to MDA summer camp. Again awesome! After he had gone through his rolodex, he had to visit the "Judge" before they would let him go. He then had to call the parole officer to take him back home. He had so much fun. Are in interested in donating? Visit: http://www.mda.org/. Our family was invited to attend the VIP Summer Camp Day in June in Heber, Arizona. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED TO A WONDERFUL CAUSE. :)

"School's Out - Summer's In" / Last Day of School - Ashland Ranch Elementary

Jack and Sydney woke up early today to greet their last day of 4th grade. They were so excited to "NOT" have the bring their backpacks. They each had a party and were able to sign yearbooks. Since it was a 1/2 day, they came home by 1:00. As soon as they stepped through the front door, they let me know that they were bored. Yikes! I am in for a long, hot summer....I hope that everyone has a safe and cool summer!

South Valley Junior High - 8th Grade Graduation

I can't believe our oldest son just graduated from 8th grade. It seems like yesterday I was changing his diapers. It was exciting to go shopping for some dress pants, shirt and shoes (he didn't even complain). It was a great ceremony, and the weather was nice too. It was a nice change to see all of the 8th graders dressed up. I also can't believe how tall all of the girls are.

L.J. we are so proud of you and wish you luck going into high school. It is going to be so much fun, especially going to a brand new school (Campo Verde High School). You work very hard on your grades and it will pay off in the end. :) Here's to a great, relaxing summer. YOU DESERVE IT!!!

Getting Old(er)!

I know another year....but to me, just another day. I keep telling myself - it is just a number. It really is. I feel great! I was so spoiled. When I woke up, I took a nice, early morning run before work, I got clothes, an ice cream cake, flowers, house cleaned, dinner, and gift cards. I love my family. You guys are the best. Love, Your Old Mom/Wife/Daughter/Granddaughter. :)