...one day at a time, enjoy it all

Mesquite League Champs.....2010

2010-10-10T10:49:00.001-07:00

Well they have done it again, Mesquite League Champions, 3rd year in a row! This year they went undefeated, CONGRATULATIONS TORNADOS!! The team is really incredible, a tremendously dedicated coaching staff and parents that are very supportive. What a great group to be a part of. Everyone has worked so hard this season and having a great time....now it's off to the play offs!!~

What a great game to end regular season play against the Commanches, both teams played well and had been looking forward to this game all season.

COMING HOME!!!!!!!!

2010-08-16T22:31:00.001-07:00

So very thankful at this time in our lives for unconditional love.

So very PROUD of Cam and can't wait to see him. He's coming home tomorrow!!!! YEAH......

What a tremendous example he has been for all of us.

Love those Suns !!

2010-04-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

4 months and counting!!!!..........

2010-04-15T17:57:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it, Cam is coming home soon!!
He is doing great, he loves his mission, I really can't imagine what it would be like to leave there. As I'm typing that really hit me. I feel like I've experienced it right along with him. I'm sure he's tired of all my questions :)
I am so lucky to have such a great young man in my life, I know the relationship between the two of us has grown so much and he is so far away. I guess it relates to the end of the quote " kids teach us what life's all about". The experiences that can only come through living them, the ones you typically wouldn't see yourself doing. Heaven knows that we've all had plenty of those in the past several months, just chalk it up to learning. Always so many new things to learn, I want to keep it up perhaps I'll just take better notes so it can start to get a bit easier. We have great things ahead like Jr. High, which of course just happens to start the day after Cam comes home!! Now how to do that.... Las Vegas airport August 10.....meet the teacher at Highland Jr. High....August 10.....!!!??? Keegan's a bit distraught by the ordeal but he will come to terms with it by August .............
I hope

Spring training

2010-04-01T10:28:00.001-07:00

We had a great afternoon at the ballpark yesterday, Cubs and the Angels. We had great seats & great company. The Cubs lost but hey 2 out of 3 's not bad~!

SPRING....

2010-03-22T11:32:00.001-07:00

2010-03-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Monday's aren't always my favorite day of the week, particularly after a week of vacation :)

We made it, they are sitting in class as we speak (Savannah was actually excited to see if Mrs. Stenson had re-arranged the seating assignments) and not to much chaos I guess this morning. I miss them.....I know I missed my running partners!!! (Now I'm actually going to have to create a new playlist!)

I always say it's a love/hate relationship with my sneakers. After the last couple of weeks I've come to realize just how much I love it and how having a few necessary things back in your life can make such a difference. Now let's just keep it moving forward...........

Science Camp!!!!

2010-03-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Can't believe they are on their way.. :)

I'm sure Keegan hasn't been the only one bouncing off the walls for several days, it reminded me of Christmas time. He has been looking forward to science camp all year and it's finally arrived. WOW. When he came home from school yesterday and Mrs. Cruz had told the class that it had snowed at Chapel Rock, I was a bit nervous, winter coat??? Oh, layers will be fine, lol and we laughed this morning because he thought he was going to have the biggest bag to load on the bus. They have a lot of fun activities planned it sounds like a very memorable experience, I can't wait to hear all about it.

2010-03-09T08:50:00.001-08:00

2010-03-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Girls, giggles, lots of hard work and a ton of fun! That would summarize the weekend in a nutshell. I know it was non-stop action, the girls worked hard in convention classes with great teachers at the Nuvo convention, yet they kept enough energy to compete well too. It was nice to enjoy the company of good friends and all of the dancers performed beautifully!! Nuvo is always such a great convention/competition, Ray is always so personable and makes it fun for everyone.

Keegan & Tony were at home anxiously awaiting game time... for two weeks in a row rain had caused the games to be cancelled. Now the games had been re-scheduled for sunday at 11:00 a.m. and it is again forecast to rain!

Which is exactly what it did. The game started, 45 minutes into play they called a 1/2 hr rain delay and then proceeded with play. It didn't end up raining much after that which was great! The teams could finally finish their games. Crazy weather....

"Alive and well"

2010-03-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a long day as we awaited any kind of word from Chile. Around 10:30 p.m my father in law Dave (living in UT) called and informed us that on the news they had announced that all of the missionaries had reported and were accounted for.
It was still so surreal for me, so much to take in, yet the only type of confirmation that we were going to have at this time. YEAH !!!! That was great news, but there's just that reserved, can't wait to hear from HIM feeling. What a helpless feeling I had, so far away. I think that's the only way to describe it, as a parent your instinct wants to take over and I couldn't. Wondering if without electricity what today would bring email or not and it was a FABULOUS monday!!
He sent email " I'm alive and well" he stated :) my heart was beating so fast when I saw his name on the address bar I couldn't get it open fast enough.
He said he actually heard the quake coming before it hit, it was that loud & it sounded like a semi truck coming through, he doesn't think he'll ever be able to forget it. They are blessed they have water but on day 3 without electricity and confined to their home which is right in Santiago.
I feel so very blessed that he is safe and alive.

Earthquake .....................

2010-02-27T08:00:00.001-08:00

8.8 Quake Rocks Chile, Tsunami Alert Issued

We pray and wait, Santiago was hit at 3:34 a.m. by the earthquake. When I read it on my homepage my heart sank to my toes, I had to re-read it. So now I had processed it I had to read on to realize that the city was built to withstand such conditions. It still didn't calm me at all or change the fact that we don't know when we will communicate with Cam. So we wait and pray. I'm sure he is fine and as busy as ever, just the way he would like it. I have been listening to CNN no electricity etc but we are faithful, he was in the right place and doing all the right things. No reports of any American injuries :)

pray

oh why not....

2010-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

She tried it on and we laughed and she put it back, as we were walking out of the store we decided it was a perfect fit.

OLYMPICS, catching the bug

2010-02-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

So much fun to skate and those fabulous ice skaters make it look so much easier than it really is!! But we always have so much fun anyway and always leave thinking, now why don't we come here more often????

Time is moving right along....

2010-02-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

wOw! I don't think I'm ready for this yet....... But I don't think I get a choice! LOL.

I have been thinking about this for a couple of days and then Keegan handed me this paperwork this morning. I am such a mess I guess when it comes to these kind of milestones. It's great and wonderful, but my little boy is growing up. Now I'm tearing up and can't type, sigh..

Well it's going to be a fabulous ride these next few years, I can only imagine. I was asking Shaun if he could believe Austin was going to be 12, on the 3rd-Happy Birthday, (BTW!) & we joked about it. I thought I was overwhelmed thinking about food storage now Jr. High. Really! How fun and think of the excitement :)

weekend...

2010-02-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Savannah & Abby had a great time at competition this past weekend, they performed very well and it was fun to watch them back at it after a break from competing.

2010-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

A visit from a dear friend Tina and her husband Justin Haley. It was so great to see them, they live in Alaska now and I have not seen her for many years so it was great to catch up.

2010-01-05T10:15:00.001-08:00

Kindness abounds

2010-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Our family was truly blessed this holiday season, beyond a measure that I can put into words. There are many special people in the world and we have a few in our lives that have made a big impact on our little family.
The Polar Express is a favorite at our house and I didn't have a chance to watch it this year but I know; I do hear the bell ring even louder this year than ever before.

We had a knock at the door about 12 days before Christmas, not a mystery really but when we answered no one was there, just a small wooden manger with a note attached. The excitement was started from there every night we received a note with a new piece of the nativity and the anticipation was so much fun. It truly kept all of us going ,throughout the week each evening we would all ask, " have you checked the front door?" Did they come yet? It was something to look forward to and it was great.

On the last day Jared and Heidi Phelps knocked on the door and gave us the last piece and revealed themselves, how surprised we all were! It was so fun for everyone. Thanks so much to them for doing something so kind and thoughtful.

Savannah's birthday

2009-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Pleasantly surprised! She had found a purse she really wanted at Heidi's boutique several weeks prior and I picked it up for her birthday. I love those kind of surprises they are the best!

2009-11-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Savannah & I went to a boutique at Heidi's home. It was so fun to meet a bunch of new people and mingle a bit, not to mention do a bit of shopping, we both found a few things we liked. Rock, Paper, Sugar is officially off the ground as you can see now we'll see what become of it from here :) time will tell.
2010 can only rock from here, because 2009 just keeps well...let's not discuss it.
I just returned from an IMAX field trip with the 3rd grade and it was a blast! We were actually able to watch 2 movies, one in 3D and the other on Greece! Afterward we had lunch at Freestone park and the weather is fabulous. I'm thankful to be a mother today and have a healthy beautiful daughter and a healing yet healthy terriffic son.

no off season......

2009-11-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

What a great series, we have a very happy young man at our house right now. There are a lot of talented athletes in the world today, that work very hard, kudos to them all!!

sports & fevers

2009-10-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend we've had, well minus the fever I should say. It started at about 4:50 a.m. on Saturday morning for Keegan to get over to the field for the playoff game for weigh in. There was great anticipation for the game and it was evident in the first quarter to say the least, but everyone worked out the jitters and we had a fabulous game winning 38-6!!!

Now we will play a Gilbert team that is actually in our league that we didn't play during the regular season and will prove to be quite a match up as they are 6 -1 & and from the sounds of it ready for the game as well.

In the meantime, sweet little Savannah had been rudely awakened with a terrible headache at 4:30 a.m. & couldn't go back to sleep. I was a bit worried, it's been going around, it's that time of year, but I felt so bad because she was so excited for a day full of activities. Bring on a little Motrin and off she went to lay on the couch. She was feeling up to the game, so off we went to cheer on the Tornados!!

Needless to say that was the only event we made it to that day, after the game the on came the fever. Savannah & I stayed home the rest of the day hoping for a bit of recovery time for her. Which did work a little it was short lived. Keegan & Tony were off to Big League Dreams to play baseball with the Blaze club ball team, which originally we thought weren't going to have tournaments until football was over. It's all good though, he made it, he's only been to one practice with the team and he was put in to pitch. Let's just say it's better not to anticipate some things...

He did a great job, I was very proud. The Blaze won both of their games on Saturday, battled hard on Sunday and ended up taking 2nd place in the tournament!! Way to go guys!!

2009-10-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, Cam is doing well he is now a Zone leader in the Tupahue stake in Rancagua! So, indeed for all the rain, there are flowers!!
As ironically as it seems when I seem to be trying my best to prioritize, I stop for a kind gesture and get delayed and miss my favorite football player run a terrific play into the end zone. I explain to Savannah that it's all good, we have the rest of the game to watch (not knowing what we had missed) that gentleman may not get many more days in his life that we were trying to help.
I was a bit miffed when we got to the game & realized what had happened & even later into the day. Partially because I had missed the entire game the week prior due to other committments. (That game had 7 overtimes) It wasn't until I was explaining it to a friend that she put it into perspective for me when she said, "well that's why he was able to get the touchdown" because you were doing the right thing" .
It reminds me of the conference talks this past weekend. Such great insight by so many wonderful people. It is valuable knowledge to know that we just keep doing what we know is right, not for any other justification, yet for something so wonderful to transpire out of our good works is magnificent.

2009-10-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Keegan & Austin, lovin' every minute of it.

Mesquite League Champs!

2009-10-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Way to go boys, the Tornados have done it again.
They have completed the season 6-0 and were given medals on Saturday for Mesquite League Champs!
Now the real fun begins... single elimination playoffs start on Saturday and they are ready.

2009-08-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
Savannah had such a great time, and she has really worked so hard this year and it shows. Way to go Savannah, I love you....

2009-08-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Usually we are the ones taking the photos so we finally had one taken with the girls.

2009-08-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Savannah's dance group had nationals in California and a great time was had by all!

2009-08-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Keegan had a great time playing all-stars this season.

Oh I love this boy, can't believe he's 11! ..... It's so fun to watch him play, he really loves it.

a little catching up....

2009-08-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, life just keeps on spinning, but I must say, I am feeling better as I reflect back on the past year that is for certain. I only say that because it's busy just going through the motions any more not to mention if you have even one extra cirricular activity in place.
I have also learned a lot in the past several weeks about relationships and the way we handle them. Life is a balance for each and every one of us. We can not change many of the circumstances that life deals us, but we can control how we react to them, I can choose to be understanding and know that their is a reason for everything. I have read literature over new medications and pondered the very thought of why do they even produce such drugs when it seems the side effects are or seem to be far worse than the current condition??
Oh, its all relative I suppose because the last thing that any of us want to be is a burden to anyone usually, which is what I was informed I had been for the past year! So there you have it in a nut shell......
So, hence my title, one day at a time (I'm clinging to it, that & a box of kleenex these past couple days) because I know in heart we're going to be fine. We will get through this trial and be all the better for it. I am ready on one had to have the medication already if that's what it takes for me to be in tip top fighting shape again. Be on with it and move onward this to will pass, I can see the rainbow but the best part is I have hope and I've decided it's Happy, Optimistic, Powerful, Everything!

Pied Piper

2009-05-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be able to attend a workshop with the Pied Piper Photographer, it was fabulous!! Lindsay has incredible talent and gave tremendous insight on many aspects of photography. Check out the site and the catch-up contests, a girl just has to pass along great information doesn't she??!

small victories

2009-05-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

I did it :) I actually created my first photoshop something, ended up being a blog header...... YEAH. It's so rough, but I'll take it, and be oh so happy.

time.......

2009-05-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

where have i been??? I know it's been a LONG time when I can't remember my password!

road trip

2009-03-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

Well as much as I dislike the drive to Utah, we are loading up and going to take a break for a few days. I'm excited to see everyone and more excited that we don't really have an agenda. We have penciled in the squeeky cheese and Fredrico's and we are going to take flowers to the cemetaries. Everyone has told us about the snow so Keegan & Savannah think that we are going to be playing in it.We are going to head over to the property and see how far we can get, definitely taking a lunch, my hiking boots and camera! It will be nice to see Christa & the boys now they are in Utah and catch up with a few friends.

2009-02-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

buy me some COLD water and kettle corn..... at the ole' ball game

What a great time at opening day, I think Keegan & Austin really had a good time at the game. I know they were truly surprised :)

PLAY BALLLLLL.....

2009-02-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

Keegan has no idea that we are going to the ball game this afternoon! Dodgers @ the Cubs

2009-02-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

The second grade field trip to "Mr. Slim Good Body"

was a great day! We went downtown Phoenix to the Orpheum Theater which is 100 years old and has been beautifully restored. There were 1,300 student assembled for the presentation of the human body, Mr. Good Body was dressed in a suit that looked like an x-ray showing the inside of a body. The girls weren't too amused with that whole thing, actually Savannah wouldn't even stand next to him for the picture. lol

After the presentation which we also got to see Mrs. Naumann do the worm for everyone on stage, we had lunch at the park & played for a minute or two.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE my new camera?

I'm still trying to figure it all out & excited to get some of the features mastered so I can get better shots, but I love the action it catches .

perspective

2009-02-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I was more of a fly by the seat of my pants type gal, but try as I may, I'm just not. I'm a thinker, I analyze everything to death. Sometimes, it just is what it is. It's easy to get complacent with each new stage in life and in my analyzing quest I seek opinions. That's sometimes just what I need, a different perspective. This fun adventure is full of surprises and I have yet to find all of the instruction manuals. So I will continue to seek balance and refresh my perspective at EVERY possible opportunity.

2009-02-02T18:55:00.001-08:00

Happy New everyone! 2009

2009-01-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

We are off to a great start! Sounds good anyway :)
There have been many wonderful events in 2008 and I'm sure that we will have a multitude of many more in the year to come. We have so very much to be thankful for it's hard not be optimistic even in the times of uncertainty in which we have been enduring.
I am so very thankful for my family & friends, I paused as I sat at church today, reflecting on how nice it was to see my friend Karen & her family and how at home I felt surrounded by our friends. With each challenge we are given we grow stronger and learn a bit more about ourselves and those around us.
Through the last several weeks there have been many acts of kindness that have been shown by so many people. I am so thankful for all of the prayers and listening ears that have helped my family we truly appreciate everyone for all of it.
I remember a statement " we can not help someone else without helping ourselves as well". It is not always easy to be on the receiving end of good works, but a very wise man told me that it is just as important to learn to receive.
I hope we all have a HEALTHY and happy New Year ahead and I know I'm going to try to remember the little things.... one day at a time.

Chile

2008-12-31T05:03:00.001-08:00

Cam writes each week to keep us up to date and seems to be doing very well. He sounds great and like he is enjoying himself and learning so much. He sent some pictures and it looks beautiful very green with trees and mountains, I'm sure after living in the desert that is a nice change as well. As soon as I figure out how to scan these photos I can post a few as well.

2008-12-31T04:59:00.001-08:00

Savannah's baptism

2008-12-31T04:28:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS SAVANNAH
On December 13th Savannah was baptised with her good friend Madeline Wood.
It was a very special day and even more so that they were able to share it.

Christmas programs

2008-12-31T04:17:00.000-08:00

The second grade classes performed a "Penguin Christmas" this year. It was about the penguins wanting to take over Christmas but realizing they were not quite up to the task. It was so fun and filled our house fill music all the while they were practicing.

Christmas Spectacular

2008-12-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

Emma, Savannah & Taylor taking it all in.

DCII was able to participate in a Christmas program this year at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. It was a production that included acting and dancing of all varieties. The Kommotion Kids were in a Halloween dance and were dressed in scary costumes for their dance. They all had a great time and performed well. There were 3 shows and we had a bit of down time as well. Between shows on saturday we dashed over to see Santa at the Santan Village and actually spent most of our time waiting in line. ... Oh but it was worth the wait.

Makenzie, Savannah, Santa & Chelsea

Savannah & Makenzie having a few laughs after a late dinner friday night.

THIS IS HALLOWEEN!!!

Piano recital

2008-12-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

We really did it, butterflies and all!!! Savannah chose "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" and my selection was " Have a holly jolly Christmas", which I actually never dreamed I would really end up playing in front of anyone except Tony, my children and my dog! ( So when I mention butterflies they were more the size of dragonflies)
I was so proud of Savannah, she was such a great example at her first recital and her performance was awesome. We both had certain parts of our music that were a bit tricky but we didn't stop we just kept on going, probably too nervous to do anything else.
The sincerity that comes from a child is priceless, I wish that we could bottle it up and keep it forever. As adults we can certainly be our worst critics and as we discussed our performances she was so objective and my sweet optimist which can't help but make anyone smile! I love you Savannah.

2008-12-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe my baby is really 8! Happy Birthday Savannah~
She brings such a sweet perspective into our lives, we have been truly blessed.

THANKSGIVING...
Mike & Robin were such great hosts & we had a wonderful day, thanks so much!!

Playing Blink after dinner

Savannah had a great time playing with Brazen at Mike & Robin's on Thanksgiving.

...and we have progress! It is really nice to see the green, but it would probably do better if we could "baby" it a bit. Well I guess water would be considered more of a necessity wouldn't it? It seems that some of the plants are doing much better than others and I know water could definitely be the source. We get busy and it seems to be forgotten until we look and the plants are drooping. A work in progress, but it's fun.

On November 18th, Keegan & I ran the Gilbert Days Fun Run. It was a mile run & it was fun to do together. We both had different plans for the race but didn't realize it until we were warming up. Keegan asked me "how are we going to find each other when we're done?" I told him that I thought we were going to run it together and he wanted to complete it for time. I must say he did a great job, he finished in 8 minutes and a few seconds! He actually likes it too, hopefully soon we will be able to log in more miles together.

Keegan created this reindeer "Buddy" for a scout project. This picture was actually one of the first with our new camera and I'm so excited we finally got it!! Now I just need to figure it all out, I will actually be able to capture the pitch from the pitcher instead of the shutter closing as the runner gets to first base & the kicks and turns in motion, YEAH :)

Savannah's party

2008-11-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

This year for her birthday Savannah wanted to go bowling. So we invited a few people to come along & we went to eat and do a bit of bowling.
I had this grand idea in my planning stage of bowling shirts, sounded easy enough to get a few t-shirts and print something on them and it would work as the easy version of league bowling shirts from back in the day.
White shirts were too plain, tie dye sounded much more fun and would have been actually, but I had one problem, I was running out of time. In the midst of creating the had to have "birthday banner" and my bowling shirts we had regular life moving along like the fall festival at the school, last football game of the season and first performance of the year which as we all know can be an adventure in itself. (as well as extra practice for everyone) The "easy" version of tie dying ended up to be tea stain, which I really liked anyhow, the problem was in the iron on transfers, 5 to a package keep in mind. The process seemed to flow quite well, stain the shirts and dry thoroughly so the transfer could be applied in color.
An entire package and a 1/2 of the transfers did not work! They only transfered to a couple of sections of the shirt, just enough that it had to be re-done, believe me I reached a point when I tried to iron on over the top of one and it didn't turn out so well.
So I'm trying to keep it all together and not burst into hysteria at any given moment and keep reminding myself if this were going to be all that easy it wouldn't be as worth it I am certain! So back to work I went to pick up & stain a few more shirts and hope all would end up ok.
It did or got to the point of no return, I don't know which happened first. We all had a great time and I took many pictures of the kids in their fabulous bowling shirts!

2008-11-23T14:05:00.001-08:00

Football

2008-11-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

What a great season! When we signed up for Pop Warner in the summer, we did so only knowing one of the players that had played with a certain coach. They told us that he was a great coach and they have requested the same one for a couple of years. Were we ever lucky, many of the boys knew each other and they all shared the same passion for football. It only added to the season to have such great coaches that they boys really respect. We couldn't have asked to start off any other way but what were the odds that it would happen!

parade

2008-11-21T07:03:00.001-08:00

Savannah with Andi Gooch
The Gilbert Days parade was a great time, we sat with a big group of people including the Gooch family, and Cook family that have done it for several years with many of their friends. It was nice to be a part of their tradition & we are so glad they invited us, thanks!

This seems like a classic parade picture. The best part is it's my life, these are our friends and sweet little Deacon waiving his flag is priceless.

There were many Army vehicles & tanks in the parade. They are interesting to look at but I have a different perspective as I look at them now. I am THANKFUL that we do not see them every day, but it tugs at my heart strings to think of the many people in the world that do, especially the children. (they are frightening and intimidating) Blessings, count them one by one.

2008-11-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

Savannah's friend Madeline was performing at the state fair so we went to cheer her on. She is a great dancer it was fun to watch them all perform. After the performance we all found the funnel cake & the girls went to check out the 16 foot alligator!

Halloween 08

2008-11-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Keaton was the "Fonz", he always has such a great attitude & he's so fun to be around.

Shannon put on the google eye glasses & could hardly see and Sydney couldn't stand her Gabriella wig any longer & she looked fabulous without it.

Olivia was the most darling "flapper".

Savannah's class participated in several activities during class time, they all seemed to have a great time.

Keegan's class ordered a sub sandwich and hung out for a while.

2008-11-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

We are all healthy and very active and today I am thankful for the ability to participate in activities we enjoy.
Life is moving at the speed of sound these days I can't get over it! Keegan will have his last game of football this weekend, an actual "bowl" game in Glendale. They have special jersey's for the boys and will each be announced, they are excited, it should be really fun.
Gilbert Days starts this weekend and Savannah & all the cute little girls will be dancing after the parade. It will be nice, I think we are going to pick up some Krispy Creme's & meet up with the other spectators :), she's not in the parade this year so we will get to relax.
I am a bit sad that I won't be able to go to Glendale and participate with Keegan & Tony in all of the activities. That is definitely one BIG perk to having only 2 kids, we do EVERYTHING together! I think it has just been this year that I have realized that I'm really lucky in that respect, I don't have multiple locations to be in at once....only 2 (most of the time).
I don't know how the incredible parents do it with 3, 4 & more, I can barely keep up with my 2! I know they are growing up so fast, Keegan is already 4 foot 9" & I love every inch of him so much.
It's crazy times, but we are together & lovin' it.

Cactus League West Division Champs!

2008-10-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Tornados pulled off a great WIN on saturday 19-15, making them the top in their league. The team we played against the Dynamites were also 7-1 so it was a nail bitter before it really began. The boys played so well, there was a lot of adrenaline and even more cheering. Way to go guys and we are all very thankful that Justin Ruiz will have a few days to cover from his injury and be back in action soon.

What a great group of young men & we have had outstanding coaches this year!

Thank you to everyone for their efforts.

5K

2008-10-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! I have not always enjoyed running but things change and we rise to the challenge if we allow ourselves room to grow. The commitment of actually submitting my paperwork & fees was a big step for me, I knew it was a done deal after that. I suppose it's like many things in life, what am I waiting for?? So, I signed up, made the call to get a running mate and finished my first 5K! Yaahoooooo, I was so excited I wanted to shout to the city of Chandler. I flip back & forth, its only 3 miles Lisa, not a marathon. BUT, then I put it in perspective for my humble life and think, it is really 3 miles!!! Now I'm hooked, its challenging and I really love it.
My family came to Chandler on saturday morning to cheer us on, it was awesome. The actual event is in support of the Chandler Crisis Fund, which was set up to help aid families experiencing traumatic events. I can't think of a better way to get started, perhaps we helped many families that day, I know it certainly made an impact on mine
Keegan & Savannah caught a bit of the excitement "bug" and can't wait for the Gilbert Days fun run.

Fall break

2008-10-22T22:23:00.001-07:00

Garden

2008-10-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

So after years of thinking about it we have finally planted something! It is nice that in Arizona we can plant twice a year and we have planted several different varieties. (I hope at least one or two will make it)

Savannah really wanted to try the strawberry starts that we found, they are at the top on the right. (didn't make it)
The tomato plants are doing very well so far. In this box we have lettuce, radishes & red onions. In the second box we tried cilantro (also from a start that looked great, although now it's not so great) Keegan planted peas in here as well, that look fabulous so far, we have green sprouts !!! Yeah

2008-10-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Stevie had extra tickets for the tour show of "So you think you can dance" and offered them to us. It was so nice & we really appreciated it! Stevie and I along with 5 adorable young ladies set out for a night of fun & excitement. We had a great view and the show was sold out.

"Girls night" & we had so much fun!!

The girls were so excited they could hardly stand it.

Once we arrived in Glendale, Stevie put her GPS to the test and found a great place for dinner, Pizza Picasso or something to that effect. It worked out really nicely she gave them a call to find out wait times and was able to place our order which made it very nice! The food was delicious & we were literally a minute from the arena. Danielle Trontz, Makenzie Lockhart, Mia Lockhart, Emma Capranica & Savannah

Taking a break at intermission, actually ended up being a quest to find SYTYCD shorts, they were a hot item and of course all of the girls wanted them....MISSION ACCOMPLISHED :)

I was quite surprised the show ran as late as it did, 11:00 so we were all a little tired by then, but it was worth it!

Show

2008-10-10T06:42:00.001-07:00

Band concert

2008-10-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Nick, Keegan, Bryce & Clayton

Nick and Keegan after their first band concert, October 2nd.

2008-09-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS KEEGAN!
Yesterday we were told that he has been nominated as an academic all-star!
I am so excited for him, way to go young man.
It has proven to be quite challenging to get the mounds of homework completed before & after football practice. It's a new challenge and I'm proud of the effort he's putting forth.
We love you buddy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!

2008-09-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Wow another year younger, good for you. You don't look a day over 29!! We have had such an exciting year & I can only imagine what's in store for the year ahead. We have learned so much about each other and ourselves along the way, thanks Tony. You are patient & kind, a wonderful father and my best friend, thanks for putting up with me all these years!! love you

2008-09-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

FOOTBALL

2008-09-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

The football season has officially begun, and it was a great way to get started I might add! It was such fun to watch the boys as they gave it their all at their first game of the season. They have worked so hard to reach this point and it shows, GREAT job guys. The Tornados ROCK!! Game 1, win 7-6.
It is really captivating to watch each player as they master the skills they have worked on and equally as heartbreaking when they have errors. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that Keegan has demonstrated its great.

Cam's farewell

2008-09-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well we had a wonderful weekend with Cam! He is going to do such a great job in the mission field, he did a wonderful job on his talk and is very excited to go to Chile. It's all so new and everyone has so many questions, which I'm sure time will tell. It will all play out the way it is meant to be, patience.....
Cam was 3 years old when I met him for the first time and I couldn't help but reflect on those days over the weekend. He is so loving and thoughtful, it was really hard to say goodbye, even though we know it's the right place for him to be.

2008-09-04T16:41:00.001-07:00

Cam

2008-08-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cam will be reporting to the MTC on September 3, 2008 for his mission to Rancagua, Chile.

Wow, we are all so excited to see him this weekend, it fills me with so many emotions that are hard to put into words. What a great experience this will be for all of us, refreshing perspective to say the least. Thanks Cam, we love you.

JUST ADD LEAVES......

2008-08-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tony, Dalton & Keegan @ meet the teacher. Keegan

has Mr. Dautrieve this year and so far...so good.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Keegan leaving for 5th grade & Savannah for 2nd grade.

They are off for another fun filled year ahead!

There are many things associated with fall,

one of them is definitely football. Keegan is playing his first year of Pop Warner tackle football. It has been very enlightening for me, I didn't realize the intensity. Let's just say this will be our life until November. It's going to be so fun, Keegan is really excited. He has been extremely sore at times and lately he is covered with bruises and he just has that little fire inside. It shows in his eyes when he is telling me about practice and some of their drills.

They are almost ready to "let the games begin".

Living in Arizona it has been an adjustment in our seasons.

However, I have actually noticed this last couple years that there are

certain things that start to show the change in seasons be it ever so subtle.

The days are growing shorter and I wish this picture could capture how beautiful

the sunset was, even the kids on the practice field noticed that day.

FALL, just need a few leaves maybe we should head up north for a day...

Summers end...

2008-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed having Dalton visit. It was so nice to just hang out together and do a few things. We sure miss you Dalton! The BIG 16, I can't believe it!

It was so fun to see our cousins and so many family members this summer, we had a blast.

The kids @ AZ Mills.

Savannah loved showing Dalton how to play scum. He was crowned King and she enjoyed sharing the queen hat!

2008-08-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

unexpected.....

2008-08-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

There is something to be said for the unexpected events in our lives. The way they shape us and change each of our lives leaves me in wonder. What started as devastating news about a dear friend was put into perspective by my 10 year old. Tony & I were apologizing to Keegan that we had to load up in a frenzy and head to Utah for a long drive on his birthday. I felt truly sorry that this was how he would spend his great day, in the car for 12 hours. Yet to my surprise he told me it was ok, that it worked out great for him because he would get to see all of his cousins, aunts, uncles & grandparents! He was really excited and I couldn't blame him. It would be nice to see them all, yet the sadness I felt somehow overpowered the excitement for me. The news about John's illness was surreal for us and the weeks that had led to the trip had been filled with turbulent ups and downs. They say we are not given more than we can handle and I know Shelly has questioned that very sentiment.

The bonds that are strengthened from these events in our lives are strong. Mindy & Ryan picked up Keegan & Savannah and entertained them and cared for them for 4 days. (Just like Keegan said it was a great thing! ) We truly appreciate everything Mindy & Ryan were able to do for us during this difficult time. I know their lives were basically put on hold while we invaded their home. THANKS!!!

With time the sadness will ease, for that I am grateful. We have so much to be thankful for, each and everyday, its a gift.

4th of July 2008 @ Christopher Creek

2008-07-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

This year we went camping at Christopher Creek and it was beautiful. Every afternoon we had a sprinkling of rain, not enough to make a mess, just enough to be pleasant. The kids had a great time playing and just doing their own thing. We went with the Mazyck family and had such a great weekend with lots of giggling and a bit of hiking and swimming. We really enjoy spending time with all of them, they are such a fun family and such great examples to us. We enjoyed a terrific fireworks show in Heber and it was just so nice to get away and relax. Savannah has not been camping very often and she really doesn't like the bugs, "seriously, what is up with the daddy long leg that climbed up her leg! " YUUUUCK!

Braden is wrapping up his Webelo requirements so the guys took a nice little 3 mile hike, with Keegan just entering Webelo's it was nice they could share in some of that adventure together. Keegan really had a good time on the hike and from Zyck's pictures it was great, challenging and all. Even with the strict fire restrictions, not even target shooting (oh were the boys so bummed) we all had a wonderful 4th of July!

2008-06-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Savannah's dance recital

2008-06-15T15:52:00.001-07:00

2008-05-23T22:30:00.001-07:00

Keegan was the lucky one to present his state report first & he did a great job!

Savannah taking her doll Meagan for sharing time.

Keegan with Cade at the Father & Son's camping trip last weekend May 16, 08.

Savannah with her 1st grade
class for the last picture of the year 05/22/08.

I can't believe another school year has come to a close. The time is just slipping away far too fast! Keegan will be in 5th grade already and Savannah was so excited "mom, I really made it through 1st grade".

Cam received his mission call and he will be reporting for Rancagua, Chile on September 3rd. He is thrilled and it is going to be such a great experience for him.

I am so happy to have a spare minute to master a few points on this blog even if it is 11:29 pm and everyone has long since fallen asleep!

So many things keep us pulled in different directions and it is a challenge every day to choose; good, better & best, I just keep reminding myself of the insightful things that I learned at Women's conference, do the best that you can and don't procrastinate. The "things " can usually be made up, the time lost with someone can never be replaced. President Monson reminded us of this and also that everyday is a special occasion, don't wait.

Women's Conference

2008-05-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

We have been here @women's conference having a wonderful time. I'm going to try to update everything when we get home!! stay tuned.......

2008-04-10T21:49:00.000-07:00