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. :)

Lemonade for Sale!

We all know that it is getting hot AGAIN. If you are ever thirsty, take a drive down our street. Our kids and Layne are usually out front selling Lemonade. They are so cute. Sydney takes charge and gets everything ready. I love to look out the window and watch them. Every once in a while they get a cup, fill it up and drink the lemonade. I am beginning to wonder how much they really fill up the cup for those that make a purchase. When they run out, they clean up and count the money that they made - then divide by 3. Good math lesson! Here's to many more lemonade stands....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY L.J.!

We can't believe that you are 14 years old. My first born.... We are so proud of you for all that you do. You are doing great in 8th grade, you help around the house (most of the time), you are a great babysitter for your brother and sister and the kids in the neighbor, and most importantly, a WONDERFUL, caring son. Keep up the good work! High school is just around the corner. :) Thanks to Dean, Kelli, and Anthony too for sharing with the singing and cake eating. (I wanted to show your baby picture but since my computer crashed last year, I was not able to pull one up.) Here's to many, many more. Love, Dad and Mom.

P F CHANGS MARATHON - 2009

WE DID IT! Yesterday Becky and I ran our marathon that we have been training for. When John dropped us off at 6:30 am in the dark, we huddled together to stay warm until the race began. We went to the rest room a few times and got some coffee (not to drink but to hold and keep warm). We were surprised at how many people were there to run. It was crazy! Once we got into our corral, we stretched more and were very ready to go. We started on schedule (7:40 am) and it was cold, but by mile 2 we took off our long sleeves and continued on. It took us awhile to get used to all the people running around us since it is usually just us running. The people on the side lines were cheering us on and encouraging everyone. They were very nice. It was fun to listen to the bands as we went by and were surprised to see people BBQing in their front yards (even drinking beer). I felt great during the race but started getting tired about mile 22. Becky didn't get as tired. She is amazing. I really couldn't have done it without her. One of Becky's friends, Sally, even came out, made us a poster, and took pictures of us going by. Thanks Sally! Anyway my worst mile was mile 25. I needed water, we were both out, and there was NO WATER station. Let me tell you once I saw Rural Road, I knew that I was almost done and kept on going. It was great to see John and the kids right before the finish line, but it was even better to CROSS THE FINISH LINE. :) Our official time was 4:09:30. Thought that was pretty good for my first marathon. Becky was glad as well because she beat her time by 7:00 minutes (from her 1st marathon). Way to go Becky and thanks for an awesome run! Can't wait until next year. (We'll see...)