MJ's 1st Halloween Party!!

Yesterday MJ had a Halloween party for a friend at school! I totally forgot to RSVP so in my style--he wasn't going to go. But he talked to the boy in school on Friday and got the ok to come anyway! There was a costume contest, and games and pizza. His best friend Michael from next door was invited as well, which made the party perfect for my boy! On the way home, Michael's dad invited MJ to go with them to a Haunted House. He was ecstatic! They got there and waited in line for an hour. Finally got in and to the first room where Michael was terrified, so they came home. I asked MJ if he was scared too, and he said that he was just a little bit--but that he wouldn't have wanted to continue if Michael wasn't there, so he was fine! All in all, he had a great day!!!

Barrett's Birthday Presents!!

Well, my little man scored for his birthday! He got this super cool basketball hoop from his uncle Bob. He loved it, he wants to be just like his big brothers in all that they do-but he's just a little short to be able to make a basket! Uncle Bob to the rescue for this one!!

Gramma Jo and Grampa gave him a "Bing Bing" xylophone piano. He loves it too, but not as much as Blakelynn does. She's very musical as well!

Mom and dad got him a cute outfit for his portraits and the neighbors got him a gift card to Toys R Us--but the winner of the gift giving favorite hall of fame came from Grams in Utah. She got him all of his Bob the Builder bedding for his new toddler bed!! Score Grams!!

Blakelynn as Minnie!!

Yesterday was Blakelynn's Preschool Halloween party! She is Minnie Mouse again this year. She is just so cute and a perfect little Minnie!

There are 11 kids in her class--most of the girls came as one of the princesses from Disney. There was a Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Wolverine, Angel, Minnie, Ariel, Cinderella (2), Snow White, Little Mermaid! Such cute little costumes this year!

Her preschool party for class number 2 is Tuesday, that should be a fun party too! Mommy can't be there because she has to help out in Grayson's class. But Lauren is going to pick her up and bring her home!

BUG IS 2!!

Wow, my baby boy is 2! I'm in shock! It doesn't even seem like that long ago we got him here! He is such a joyful little spirit! Always singing. His personality just shines on his face. He is so smart. He's potty training himself, and knows the ABC song from beginning to end! He is truly loved by all and an integral part of this family! LOVE YOU BUGGINS!!!

Brotherly Love!!

This is one of my favorite pictures from the past! It was pre "Super Nanny" days, and MJ was put into time out in his bedroom. During this one particular time out, DG crawled up to his door, and you can see MJ sticking his fingers out from under his door, and middle man meeting his fingers with his own! DG has adored his big brother his entire life, and this was just a sweet moment to catch!

1 Year Later!!!

Well, here we are a year later, and I thought I would catch up on some of the happenings!!

Well, my Kindergartener graduated and is officially an all day schooler! He is in 1st Grade and loves it. We spent this summer at my parents house in Utah, which was so nice for my kids to get to know their grandparents just a little better!

My baby girl is now in preschool--2 of them. She's so smart and so needing attention since both of her older brothers are gone all day. She loves school which is so like her brothers!

My baby will be 2 years old in a couple of weeks. That is the biggest shock! He no longer crawls--he full on runs! He is the sweetest, most angelic demon you will ever meet!!! The most talented mess maker as well!!

Life is good!!!

My Girls first field trip!!

Today My Girl's preschool went on a field trip to the local fire department! It was so cold and it was snowing! NOT COOL!!! She loved the fire house and even got to sit behind the wheel of the fire engine. She then headed back to school for snack and story time! Now that she's home--it's nap time!

She's normally in the afternoon class, so naps are a rarity. But today both classes met during the morning class time--so today there is definantly a need for a little shut eye! Hopefully B-man will join her!!

Christians!!

I do not understand Christians. I am one, although most of my life other "christian" religions have decided that my church isn't one, and with what Christianity and "Christians" have become, I'm glad that in their eyes, I'm not like them!

My church has the name of Jesus Christ in it's name and yet other churches who don't--hate us!

My church teaches us about the nature of Christ, loving, kind, gentle, meek, humble, understanding, accepting! Yet so called Christians don't act like that!

My God teaches us to love our fellow men, as we love ourselves or our family. Yet other good Christians spread hate, and intolerance.

My God teaches that we judge not, lest we be judged. However, you have good Christians that hate people based on their race, or their sexual preference.

Everyone in this day and age has an oppinion on what's moral, what's virtuous, what's godly! Yet the things that they espouse are anything but!

I've heard it said that the "Liberals" are trying to take God out of everyday life. To be rid of Jesus once and for all. I am not liberal, in fact, I'm very much a conservative. But must agree that if the above god is the "god" they are trying to be rid of, good riddance!

If you are going to profess to following Jesus--the least you can do is learn about him, and then act as he would! The world wouldn't need to be rid of anyone then!

HEAT!!

Wow, it's not even officially summer yet, and I am dying!! Hard to remember living in Phoenix in the summer without the greatest of air conditioners! I survived, but I do remember how awful the nights were! I would shoot a spray bottle toward the ceiling fan, and love the cold wetness that flitted down on me! That seems like ages ago! I've always lived in a deseret! Born in one, raised in one, worked summers at the amusement park in one! It is called a desert, but it never really felt like especially when we moved to Arizona, now that is a desert!

We lived in Phoenix for 3 1/2 years. I had a baby there! I had a home daycare business with 5 other children plus my two! They were happy years, struggling years, homesick years! But then, after we got pregnant with baby number three--we loaded up the family and moved to the windy city! We moved the first week of August which was hell for the movers (husband, brother in law, and father in law) and we got to Chicago and it was still hot! Hot is hot! But sadly, just as Chicago was getting to be bitterly cold, Phoenix was going into it's glory days! I lived the whole Phoenix summer, and moved just before the payback came!!

I do miss Arizona, I will miss Chicago, but all in all, I want to go home! I want to go live by my mommy. To have "Gram's" around while my children still think Grandma's are cool! It will be several more years from now I'm sure! My husband just got an amazing job and "future" opportunity, and after his last horrible year, he deserves it! I wouldn't dream of asking him to give it up, not with the smile that is one his face as he walks in the door. The excitment of knowing that just around the bend, something big is coming! He's like a little boy at Christmas. I would never take that away from him!

I would love to buy a home next door to my mom. When we get the settlement check from my husband we really do have to put it somewhere untouchable or his family will nickle and dime us to death! So I would like to buy a home by my mom, and spend either the summer there, or the school year there! But when my husband moved to Arizona without us in1998, we stayed home to sell the house, we were apart for 7 months, and I vowed I would never do it again!

So I guess this is home, and like it or not...it's HOT!!

Just for my use:
Genki Desu Yo
Wild N Crazy Ride
Arizona Life
Mustard & Catsup
Coyote Connection
A Day In The Life Of Blog
Cheffin' It
The Nykaza Family