Ten on Tuesday -

 

May was been a busy month for us with the end of school stuff.

Enjoy the pictures!

1.  Madi at the Spring Sing - each December and May the school does a choir concert which all of the classes participate.  Here she is at her last one for Elementary School!  Can't believe that she will be in Jr. High next year!



 

 2.  Maya - she has LOVED 2nd grade and her teacher - Mr. MacLay.  We have heard so much about him and everything that he does - so fun to have her enjoying school so much!

 

 

3.  Max - he is ready to be a 5th grader.  Is still the tallest in his class and he now wears bigger shoes than me.  I think I will still be taller for in for at least 2 years - but not much past then!



 4.  Our Stake did a 5k that I was involved with and we are so glad to have it done.  Max and Maya did the 5k and Madi ran 1.6 miles.  It's nice to have it done.

 5.  On Sunday - Max and Maya decided that they were going to update a few of the church hymns.  Madi was in with the Bishop for her Birthday Interview and they found the song "Rock of Ages"  Let me just say it was a version that would not be appreciate for Sacrament Meeting but I love it at home!

 6.  Last day of school!  Madi had a swim party all day, Max and Maya ready for the year end parties too!  It has been a great year!

 7.  We have peaches!!!  We have a peach tree in our backyard and most years we don't get more than a hand full but this year we have gotten bags and bags of peaches this year!  We have given lots away and still have tons.  They are nice a juicy!

 8.  Summer means swimming in our house - We went the first day that it was open and had a great time!  Love the summer schedule!

 9.  On Memorial Day - Madi left for girls camp.  She was so excited about going!  Hope she had a great time and loved it just like I did!  Can't wait to hear all about it!

 10.  Today - first day of swim team - Max with the 9 and 10 yr olds.  He loves swim team and the best part is that he is with Matt!

 

11.  Maya - she is swimming with the 7 - 8 year olds!  She likes being the oldest in the group!  I spend lots of time on the bleachers during the summer but I really enjoy being there watching them!

Ten on Tuesday - Success!!!

In the movie Three Stooges - whenever they did something that worked, they would all shake hands and say "Success, success. success".  We have had some success this week!

 

 1.  Maya got 7 inches cut off of her hair.  She loves the new length and thinks that it is the best thing to get your hair washed at Great Clips.

 2,  Madi just had 2 inched cut off but still looks lovely as ever!

 3.  We have a leak in our water pipe that goes over to the flowers and of course the leak is under the sidewalk.  Maya loved helping Bryant clean out the mud and get all dirty when they were trying to find it!

 4.  I am now officially old or so the lady at Costco Optical said.  I have progressive lens - what is progressive lens - well the top is normal, the middle for medium distances and the bottom is for up close.  Progressive is a nice way of saying trifocials!!!

 5.  We plated a garden in March during spring break (see old post) and the plants have been going gang busters!!!  These plants are zucchini, mint and watermelon.

 6.  The zucchini are huge!  The one is longer than my hand.  My kids think that we should sell them.  But if anyone wants some, come on over!

 7.  Next planter was strawberries and peas.  After a worried few weeks, look at the lower picture!!

 8.  WE HAVE PEA PODS!!!!!  And Bryant and I tried one and it was delicious!!

 9.  In our last planter we have romaine lettuce, a tomato plant and carrots.

10.  We have picked the lettuce for dinner and it is delicious!  Can't wait for the fall when we plant more thing!

11. Random Fact - I am the biggest sucker for gummy bears.  Not just any Gummy Bears but the good ones!!

Some on Saturday

1.  This weekend with our ward's father and son campout.  Bryant and Max always go up early on Friday and go fishing at the same spot.  This year they caught 24 fish. 

2.  In February - Max had an overnighter with the Webelos - he had a very hard time and cried a lot of the time at night.  He made it through the night but for his arrow of light, he has to have another over night which was going to be Father's and Sons.  Well, I talked to Bryant last night and then Bryant had me talk to Max and he lost it.  He got himself so worked up that he thought he was going to be sick, so they drove home Friday night late.  It does not count for a campout but more importantly, I need to figure out a way to toughen him up on campouts.  I am really worried for his scouting days if this does not get better.  Any suggestions?

 3.  The first Friday in April when I was working, the kids had it off and so Bryant took them fishing at his favorite spot. They caught 26 fish but two of them died (they caught and release) so they came home.  Bryant showed them how to gut a fish, get rid of the scales and bones and then they fried it.  They actually thought that it was not too bad.

4.  In March - Madi got braces.  She will wear them for almost 2 years.  At first she could not wait for them, but now she knows that they are not all fun and games.

5.  Speaking of Madi, On Wednesday, we went to YW's for Girls Camp Info.  I had to fill out forms and then leave her as they planned their songs, skits etc.  It was a lot harder for me than I would have imagined it would be.  I cried as I drove home (2 minutes) realizing that my time as the main influence in her life is over and that I hoped we had done a good job in teaching her.  I know that I will still have some influence but not nearly as much as I used to.  It was hard.

6.  I am back to my pre tax season schedule - only working 3 days a week and loving having 2 off.  I love it even more during the summer when I only work about 10 hours a week.  That makes life so much better!!!

Five on Friday - so tired!

1.  Tax season is almost done!  I have worked more this year than other years and it is not a good thing.  I am so ready for it to be done.

2.  Our garden is coming along great!  We have eaten strawberries and some lettuce.  Our peas are looking great and are getting bigger every day!

3.  I should not be amazed but I am at how much better our kids work when they are doing it for someone else, than at home.  I am sure I did the same thing to my parents too.

4.  Bryant applied for a position at work that would give him the nights AND weekends off and he didn't get it.  Darn it!  He is going to keep looking to see if there is something that he can do at work so that he can be off on Sundays and go to Church!

5.  Loved, Loved, Loved General conference this past weekend. 

ps = hopefully on Tuesday, I will still be alive and be able to post some pictures

Ten on Tuesday - Our Garden with Photos

1. One of our goals this year was to plant a garden,  in our home we have a place already with the sprinklers and pipes set up for a garden and after 10 years in our home, we really wanted to do it.  We had planted a garden once before but it was not very successful at all!

2.  Bryant spent quite a bit of time prepping the area. He borrowed Kim and Scott's rototiller and made the ground great.  He added sand and our compost.  Last week, during spring break he and the kids planted lettuce, strawberries, mint, peas, watermelon, carrots and squash.

 3.  On sunday we had our first sign of success - the top picture is the lettuce coming out!  We were so excited that something grew!!

 4.  The second picture is the peas starting to poke their way up through the soil

 5. The third picture gives you a better idea of how the lettuce looks, it is the green rows!

 6.  The fourth picture is a side shot of our garden.  We didn't want to start off too big and get discouraged so we started with 3 beds and we will see from there!

7.  The picture of Madi is because she is great but also because starting next week - she is doing the couch to 5k traning program.  I am doing it with her and it is going to be a lot of fun for the two of us to spend that time together 3 days a week with no one else!  she is really excited.

8.  Shot of another pea popping up!  Hopefully there will be more!

9.  Max and his ipod touch - Max got an ipod touch from the Orthodontist late last year for completing his braces, wearing their shirt and brushing his teeth.  He loves it and uses it as much as I let him.  Saturday morning he came to my room and told me that he could not plug in his touch to charge.  I looked and it looked like some of the pins were bent.  Well, I made an appointment with the Apple store to come in later that day.  I was hoping that it was covered under the warranty.  He and I talked about it and he knew that he might have to pay some money to get it fixed.  Well, we got to the store, they looked at it and said that it was his fault since he was probably jamming the charger in and it would cost XX amount of dollars to get it fixed.  I asked him if he was willing to pay for it and he said yes.  Well, they don't really fix it but give you a new one.  I had given the salesperson all of our info on her ipad and then there was a problem.  She said that she would be right back.  She came back in a few minutes and told me that since they were having a software problem on her Ipad that it would be FREE!!!!!  I could not believe it!  Max was way excited and was so happy to have his ipod back!  Thanks Apple for making a boys day!

10.  Random Fact - I am learning to like to eat more and more veggies!  Last night I ate fresh green beans and loved them!!  I  think I better stop before something happens!

10 on Tuesday

1.  I am sitting outside right now watching Maya ride her bike.

2  The weather is amazing!  It has been great.  Friday and Saturday were a little crazy with sun, rain , hail and window.  But yesterday and today it is beautiful.

3.  I love March in AZ.  The weather is truly great and it is the best time to be outside!

4.  My bike - I must say that when I saw that Bryant got me a tandem bike for Christmas, I will alittle worried that it would not be used a lot.  But now, my kids love riding on it with me.  I love it when they are with me  We talk, laugh and joke and it is a great way for them to spend time with me without them realizing that they are trapped.

5.  My recovery from the marathon.  I was worried that I would be sore for quite a long time.  On Monday - I went for a walk and that basically made all of the difference in the world.  Wednesday and Saturday I went for bike rides and my legs feel great.  I have not run yet again, but hopefully soon.  I actually miss it!

6.  Next Year - so Bryant has decided that he wants to run the half marathon - so we signed up.  It is Satuday March 1st and anyone who wants to come and run it with us are welcome.  The more the merrier!

7,  Spring Break - The kids are on spring break right now and they have had a great first two days.  Yesterday since both Bryant and I worked, they spent the day at the Halls - where they played and played.  It was great that they had such a good time and it made me feel less gulty about not being there for them

8.  Today - they planted the garden with Bryant, tried to go bowling (but there were leagues starting so they could not) tried to do laser tag (but it does not start until 4:30pm) brought me lunch at work and chilled.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

9.  I am teaching an indexing class at church and Sunday it seemed to go really well - it was to the 1 & 17 yr olds and it is easier since they know how to use a computer.  We will have to see what happens when we get the adults in there

10.  Random fact - I wish that I had told Karen that I could run the ragnar in Cape Cod - It is weird not having anything to train for - but the next weekend we are doing something fun as a family so it still would not work but it would have been a ton of fun!

Ten on Tuesday - My Marathon

 

 

1.  This post actually has pictures and maybe even a video!!!  Don't die of shock!

 

 

 

2.  This picture is me on Sunday - it had been 24 hours since my marathon and I was standing up!  I have never been as sore as I was on Sunday but it was all worth it.  These are the posters that the kids and Taci made for me while they were waiting at the finish line.

 3.  All three kids ran with me the last tenth of a mile down the shot and across the finish line.  It was amazing having them there and it reminded me of when Kris did it with my dad 30 years ago!  Hopefully they will always remember it - I know that I will.

 

4.  Another shot of us running - I was so happy to see the finish line and to have Bryant and the kids as well as Kim, Scott and Taci cheering me on at the end.  

5.  The Video is of me at mile 20.  I was still feeling pretty good - just getting hot.  I was so glad to see them .  It got my spirits up so that I could keep on going!

 

6.  So - how did I end up running a marathon.  Well about a year ago at work, three of us were talking about it and we decided - sure lets sign up to run the Phoenix Marathon (it is actually in Mesa but who cares).  It was on a Saturday and it was the first year for it.  So we did.  

 

7.  Fast forward to August - when I started training for a half marathon in November - the running began and my weeks of 3 short runs and one longer one each saturday began.  I started off with 4 miles on Saturdays and got to the high of 15 - I was supposed to reach 18 but that week I was sick and only ran 15.  I ran every week from August until March 2, 2013/

 

8.  I have learned so much - first - that I can do hard things.  That I can set a goal which is far above anything that I ever could have imagined and accomplish it.  That the way to run a marathon is to put one foot in front of the other.  There is no other way.  That you don't have to be the fastest person out there to finish - anyone can run - you just have to start and do it.

 

9.  The race was amazing.  The course was great.  I have never attended another race so organized with so much Swag and stuff for the runners.  It was amazing.  I ran the first half at what I wanted my pace to be.  Kim and Tara ran with me for the next 2 miles.  It was so great to have their company and that helped keep me motivated.  Then at Mile 20 - where the video is from - I saw Bryant and the kids.  I can't tell you what that did to me.  There were people cheering all along.  You bonded with the runners on the course and the volunteers were amazing.

 

10.  Mile 22 - at mile 22 I  got the sharpest piercing pain in my left knee.  I have never had any issues with my left knee and for a minute I was frustrated but then I thought that I was grateftul that it was at mile 22 and not before that.  I had to walk.  It hurt to walk but it hurt worse to run.  Bryant called from the finish line to see how I was doing.  I told him about my knee but that I was keeping on going.  Alittle after mile 25 I noticed a handsome guy walking up the hill to me, it was Bryant - he came out to help me finish the race.  It was what I needed to run through the pain and finish the marathon. 

 

11. Looking back - it all seems surreal and almost like it didn't happen.  I can walk up and down stairs today without any problem (could not say that yesterday) all of my soreness is gone and just the memory of it stays with me but one that will stay with me forever.  Like what Kris said there is no ragnar mentality here - Eat, Sleep but NO REPEAT!!  I have no desire to ever do another one but next year bryant and I are either going to do the 10k or the half and Kim and tara are going to do the 10k.  Come and join us and have a blast!!!

10 on Tuesday - Maybe a little more.... or not!

1.  I have found that if I am going to post on my blog - it works best if I do it on my ipad but I can't figure out how to add pictures from it.  So it's either a more posts with no pictures or a lot fewer posts with pictures.

2.  Today - The kids have extra early out this week for parent teacher conferences - so we pulled them out at lunch time and told them they had dentist appointments but when we were really taking them fishing!  We had so much fun except for the wind.  We went to Dead Horse Ranch in Cottonwood AZ.  We have been camping there several times with Kim and Kindy and one time with Karen and EVERY TIME WE GO IT IS WINDY!!!!!   Maybe we will learn one of these times.

3.  Valentines Day - I had to work all day because of Tax season but when I got home from work - I had to take bryant's car to Costco to get new tires (side note - it was hilarious how many men were buying only one thing - Flowers!), After Costco - I got home and Bryant had a surprise for me - he wanted to take me to the temple for Valentines Day - It was the best way to spend the night with him.  Much better than an overpriced meal and he got me tulips - my favorite.

4.  Webeloree - Max had his first overnighter for scouts on the 15th and 16th - it was hard to leave him when I left - he was crying and then had a rough time during the night - thanks to Andy Hall who helped him so much!!  I was way excited to see him on Saturday the 16th when he finaly got home late in the afternoon!  It made me realize that I am not ready for him or his sisters to be growing up!!!

5.  Saturday - this Saturday is the day that I have been waiting a year for.  The Phoenix Marathon!!!!  I have been training for the past 26 weeks and can't wait for it to be over!  I am tired of spending 3 hours or so each Saturday running, and running and running.  I have 6 hours to complete the race and sure hope that I do it.  This is a once in a lifetime event for me.  Next year, Bryant said that he would run the 10k with me!!  That training will be much better because I will have someone to train with!

6.  Work is terribly crazy right now - Tax season is in full swing and I have less than 2 months left.  Here's hoping that I can make it!

7.  My goals for the year - I have done well with the marathon, reading the scriptures.  We had a FHE on the garden we want to plant and why we need one.  Hopefully it will move past that this coming 2 weeks.

8.  My parents - the more I talk with my parents - the more grateful I am for them.  They are being full time care givers to my grandparents who are 93 and 94.  They are unable to spend alone time or date night since one of them has to be with my grandparents at all times.  I hope that I will be able to serve as well as they have done.  They are truly amazing!

9.  My brothers and sisters - the more I am around other people,  the more I realize what a truly unique family I have.  There are nine kids, all nine are married in the temple, all nine and spouses have degrees, all nine and families are active in the church and we truly like being with each other.  There are some that I don't talk to as often as others but I love being with my family!

10 - Random fact - the thing that I am looking most forward to about finishing my marathon is that I will have time on Saturdays again to deep clean my kids closets and rooms - they have suffered due to my running!

11 - IT SNOWED IN MESA AZ!!!! - Okay it was more like sleet and rain but Bryant and the kids had a snowball fight and there were white everywhere - Wednesday - February 20th  It was awesome and so much fun.  We took the best pictures and those I will post to show my kids in the snow!

13 things for 13 years

1.  Today Bryant and I celebrate our 13th anniversary.  Time has flown by and it seems like I have always been married -here are 12 more things about our marriage years.

2.  I met Bryant two other times before I really remember meeting him.  He and his roommates brought lemon bars to our house - and after that I remembered him.

3.  I said "I love you first"  it was the first guy that i have ever said it to and it was so scary - luckily he said it right back and the rest is history.

4.  For the first 4 years our of marriage - he worked the night shift so I was home alone 4 nights a week.  When he switched to a diferent assignment - it took a little adjusting having him home every night.

5,  He knows that my favorite flowers are tulips and always gets them for me for our anniversary.

6.  He is a better cook than I am and it took me a while for me to get used to him talk about how good a cook is Grandma Ethel was.  It was hard especially when I made something that she used to make.  I don't cook those things any more.

7.  For our 9th anniversary we celebrated it in Hawaii - loved every minute of it.

8  For our first - I was pregnant with Madi - kinda of crazy but lots of fun.

9.  We have lived 3 places our married lives - tempe, gilbert and mesa

10.  We have traveled a ton - he married into a family that likes to travel.  We have gone to WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, WY, UT, AZ, CO,NM, TN, NY,HI and some of those places many times.

11.  He still melts my heart when he calls my Kari and holds my hand.

12.  I still drive him crazy with the way that I park.  It is never where hewould.  or I hardly ever go the way that he would.

13.  Most of all, we still love each other and are crazy about each other after 13 years and we can't wait for more!!

Ten on Tuesday!

1.  It has been one week since Bryant has started working days and I am LOVING IT!!!!  It has been an adjustment with some things.  No more cereal for dinner or nachos every night either, but it is nice for another adult to be with me.  It has been 2 1/2 years since he has been home at nights and the kids are loving it too!

2.  FHE - Last night, we need to do some grocery shopping so we decided to make an FHE out of it and talk about budgets and grocery shoppping.  We gave the kids 4$ to spend on their dinner.  It was so much fun watching them decide what to get.  It wasn't the most healthy dinner but they did not go hungry.  I will post the pictures of what people got.

3.  Running - my marathon is in less than 5 weeks and I am getting really tired of doing long runs and HAVE to go running.  Last week - I didn't run once - I went for three 5 mile bike rides, a couple of 45 minute walks and due to the rain - no long run on Saturday.  It was nice to do something different!

4.  I have been struggling with some things the last little while and I am so grateful to people (who didn't even know they helped) who said things or made comments at the right time.  I have come truly realize that Heavenly Father does know exactly what we need and sends people to help.

5.  I love my tandem bike - I didn;t know how much I would enjoy it but I totally do.  The best thing is that I take one of the kids out with me and we get to exercise and talk.  It is great because they can't get away from me!

6.  This week - we have something everynight this week and I sure hope that this does not continue!  I prefer it when we have nothing at night because then we play games as a family!

7.  Maya - she has been doing a little sleep walking lately and it is crazy to see where she ends up.  Last week she made it all the way downstairs and into the office and on the chair and slept on the chair for a while.

8.  Max decided that he was going to run for Student Council historian.  It is the only office that the 4th graders can run for.  There were about 28 other 4th Graders running for it.  He came up with his poster all by himself and also his speech that he gave to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders.  He didn't win but he got to be class representative which is what he wanted all along!

9.  Madi ran for President of Student Council - it was between her and a boy Unfortanutely the boy won, but she did a great job with her poster, speech and she is class room rep too!

10.  I have a new calling at church - I am the back up piano player for primary.  I love it and it is making me practice at home.  Mom and Dad - thanks for the piano lessons all those years ago!!

random fact - when I type my name fast it comes out Laro - so if you ever get something from me with Laro on it - know that I was in a hurry to type it!

10 on Tuesday - a little late

1.  Why does it mean that life keeps on getting crazier and crazier?  I can't believe that it is Wednesday already and that I missed yesterday.  I can only imagine as the time goes by, it is going to get busier and busier.

2.  Last Wednesday, I went to my chiropractor who I have been going to on a regular basis since April of 2009 for my hip and kne due to running, and thing are going so well that I don't have to go back for three months!!!  I guess the stretchs that I learned from my PT and also my insoles for my running shoes have made the difference!

3. Thursday was the beginning of our cold wave.  It was also the day that Max and I get to do webelos for church together.  As we left, it was sprinkling and the wind was starting to go.

4.  When I woke up on Friday it was 37 degrees and supposed to be 27 on Saturday.  So, I decided to do my long run on Friday instead, and I am so glad that I did!!!  The cold weather brought back a lot of memories from growing up in Rochester.  It made me miss it alittle!

5.  With the cold weather, we have had hot chocolate every day with mint creamer and whipped cream.  Yummy Yummy!!!

6.  Madi and Max are both running for Student Council Offices.  Madi is running for president and it is between her and one other person - it will be interesting to see how it goes.  Max is running for historian and there are a lot of kids running for that.  So - Friday we get to go and hear them give their speechs and when they get home they wil know.

7.  Max is becoming more of a boy - not that he is not already one - but on Monday he came home from school and I had to sign a paper that said he talked to be about him not being obedient.  Monday - during recess- he and some other boys were playing with some ice and he made a poor choice.  Needless to say, he has lost time on his IPod touch - he has learned his lesson (hopefully!!!)

8.  This has been the longest cold streak in AZ since 1960.  It is crazy that it was warmer in NY than in AZ.  Our orange trees, lemon tree, peach tree and other trees have  suffered, hopefully not too much!

9.  Bryant only has to work one more night and then he will be working days.  Since he won't be going to church on Sundays, I am looking for ways to make my home a place that is a refuge from the world outstide.  So if you have any thing that works for you, let me know!!

10.  Random Fact - One reason why I love the cold weather is that I get to wear my sweathers that rarely see the light of day for most of the year!!!  That is the one thing that I miss about living in AZ is all the cute sweaters, coats, scarfs and etc.

Ten on Tuesday

1.  This week has been a long one.  Bryant has worked every night since Thursday - which means I have not had a solid night of sleep since Wednesday - I was really feeling it today.

2.  I tried to add pictures today - but I was unable to - it didn't give me any place to select the pictures - so I am not quite sure what to do.  Any suggestions

3.  I read an article that from a blog last week that I totally needed.  It was title Drop of Awesomeness.  It talked about how we are awesome all the time but we have drops of awesomeness that we add to our bucket and the rest gets taken care of by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  It has helped reign me back in and helped me focus on trying to have at least one drop each day. 

4.  Marathon - I think the hardest thing about running in a marathon is the training.  I have been training since the end of August and I am tired of running but I still do it.  It is amazing to me how 9 miles this coming Saturday can seem so short.

5.  Keeping my room clean - It has been one week and I am still doing a better job than in times past.  I have even started clothes away after I wear them and not just dropping them on my favorite chair in our bedroom.

6.  Digital Picture Frame - I know that these were all of the rage a couple of years ago but I wanted one for Christmas this year so that I could have it with me at work.  I got all of our digital pictures on it which goes back before we had Maya - I LOVE looking at my kids in each stage of their lives.  I love the fact that we had fun when they were little/  I love the stages that they are all in right now.  It has helped me truly remember how much fun I have with my kids and how I want to keep having fun with them as they get older!

7.  One funny note - on Saturday - after I had run 13.5 miles in the morning, that night - Maya said to me "Mom, you didn't make your goal today!"  I was like - what goal?  She said you goal of doing some sort of activity outside today (ie exercise)  I reminded her of my run and she totally laughed.  I am glad that I have her to remind me of my goals and hopefully help keep me on track!

8.  Sunday night - a phoenix police officer got shot and was saved by his bullett proof vest, Bryant was working so he got to deal with everything that goes with that but I have come to realize that the older I get, the more affected I am by this and the more I pray every night and day that he comes home safely!

9.  Happier note - Madi and Max both have decided to run for Student Council offices and so far, their record has not changed from mine.  It is great hearing them come up with their speeches and trying to figure out what they are going to put on their one poster that will hang in the caferia.

10.  Random fact - I am not sure how many people actually read this but i'm trying to use it more like a journal-to help me remember stuff!

10 goals for 2013

Since today is January 1st, I have been thinking a lot about what goals I want to accomplish in 2013.  So here they are:

1.  Complete a marathon - Right now I am set to do it on March 2nd - it can't come soon enough!

2.  Plant a garden - we have tried once years ago - and failed miserably - but this year we are ready to try better.

3,  Keep my room organized - it is the room in the house (besides my office) that gets cleaned the least.  I have bought some containers today that will hopefully help me do it.

4. Attend the temple more - I normally do a good job at the beginning of the year and then I taper from there - I need to not taper this year.

5.  Make my home a haven where the Spirit can be felt - With Bryant changing shifts and our time changing, Bryant won't be able to go to Church for the next year - so it is my goal to make our home more of a haven so he will feel the spirit when he is here.

6,  In connection with #5, make sure I have patience with my kids on Sundays. - this will help with have the spirit here.

7.  Use it up, wear it out or do without - as I am collecting our receipts for our taxes, I am amazed at the "things" that we have spent our money on.  There is no need for this, I need to do better!

8.  Have a home cooked meal every night (or almost every night) - I tend to get lazy when it comes to cooking dinner.  The one thing that will motivate me is that Bryant will now be home for every dinner - which means the nights of cold cereal are over. - darn it!

9.  Write in my journal - I have done better but I need to keep it up.  It is a great way for me to get rid of stress and things that bother me without me taking it out on those whom I love the most.

10.  Be a good listener and friend - I have people who I admire about the amazing way that they listen and encourage others - I need to be that way!

Hopefully when I look back 12 months from now I will be a better person than I am today.  I guess that it is really what it is all about - being a better person than you are today.

Random thought - I love Hot Chocolate - I am lately had it with York Peppermint pattie creamer in it - so yummy!!!

10 On Tuesday

1.  Last Wednesday was a great day.  After the dinner that night, we played games together as a family - my kids love it and so do I.  I love the time we spend together when everyone is happy!

2.  Thursday - was Webelos - all day it looked like rain and I was hoping that it would so we could cancel it but it held off.  Bryant came and did the handyman activity badge.  Most of it is about car stuff so the boys had lots of fun doing that!

3.  Thursday - Also was the Kids winter sing - they did a great job and Bryant was even able to attend.  It has been a few years since he could be there.  As we were leaving, it started to rain.

4.  Friday - it rained and rained and rained.  We thought that we were living in Seattle with all of the rain.

5.  Friday we also did the annual gingerbread houses making with the Rapiers and Wolfleys.  But this year we made the houses out of rice krispy treats.  Delicious to eat and the stuck together very well!  They seemed to be a hit.  As the kids have gotten older, their houses have become more creative.  We missed Tanna and Drew though.

6.  Saturday - I was supposed to run 9 miles on Saturday but only ended up doing 6.5.  It was super cold (for AZ - 40 degrees) and I was having a really hard time taking deep breaths.

7.  Saturday - it keep raining and raining and raining all day long.  It was awesome but Bryant was FREEZING at work, luckly I had the bed nice and warm when he got home (the heating pad helped too)

8.  Sunday - was a low key day with church and all of the good stuff that comes with that!

9.  Monday we had Family Home Evening and we are working on memorizing the articles of faith.  We all 3 kids working on their Faith In Gods, I thought it would be a great way to all do it together!

10.  Today was a great day - I got great news at work, am able to see Bryant tomorrow and it is one more week until Christmas and we had a mini piano rectial at our home with their piano teacher and their Christmas duets.

Random Fact - I know need to wear my glasses more than going without them.  My kids think that I am getting really old!!

10 on Tuesday

Today I have 3 guests contributors- Maya, Max and Madi

1.  Maya is so excited for tomorrow - they have been growing winter grass at school for science and she gets to bring hers home tomorrow.

2.  We are eating spaghetti for dinner tonight and my kids are putting the noodles on their faces like Po in Kung Fu Panda.

3.  Madi - she learned a funny dance for the winter sing that she will be performing on Thursday.

4.  Max - has jumped on the tramp a lot these past few days - he has been banned from electronic things due to a progress report that was sent home on Friday - hopefully he will do better before the Christmas break so that he can do the fun stuff that he likes.

5 Thursday was a crazy day.  We had 3 activities - First Max and I had Webelos.

6.  Then we had Bryant's work party.  It was at a Sergeant's house in Chanlder  He has horses, turtles, chickens, ducks, turkeys and 2 crazy dogs.  The kids all went horse back riding, played with the days and held baby turtles.  They also saw some scropions in a case that they thought it was so cool to look at them with a black light.

7.  After that party, we had our ward party.  It was at our Bishop's home and was a lot of fun.  They had delicious mexican food, hot chocolate and lots of fun things for the kids to do.  At the end of the night, we were partied out but happy!

8.  Each nght we have been doing an advent calendar.  It is a calendar of Scriptures of Christ.  I sent out an email to my family and they all sent back their favorite scriptures of Christ.  It has been a great thing to add to our Christmas Traditions.

9.  We have fnally hit cooler weather.  I actually had to turn the heat on Monday morning and this morning it was 37 degrees outside.  It is making it feel more like Christmas.

10.  Random Fact - If I could have either a maid or a personal chef, today I would choose both!  I have been struggling in coming up with stuff to eat for dinner but then I need someone to come into my home and clean bathrooms, wash walls and everything else.

Bonus thing - Today at work was a great day!  I love to wrap boxes in christmas wrapping paper and I got to wrap 47 boxes to go out as gifts for some of our clients.  The  wrapping was neat and I loved the way that each box looked.  Too bad they won't last very long that way!  I just love taking an plain box and neatly covering it with beautiful paper!

10 On Tuesday

I am typing this from my Ipad - so sorry no pictures yet - hope to add them later.

1.  Last Night - we went to see the Temple Lights in Mesa - the best part of it was that Drew was singing with the Mesa High Choir - they did a great job.  The saddest part was that we didn't see Brock - last year we saw him at the Temple and it was AWESOME!!!!!  My kids were alittle sad not to see him again!

2.  Sunday - Kris has made a great suggestion for my kids on Sunday - to Index - well they started on Sunday and LOVED it.  They can't wait to do more.  It is a great way to pass the time, plus I am there to make sure that it gets done the right way.  Good time together.

3,  Sunday - We FaceTimed with Brett!  He was messaging us and I asked him if he wanted to FaceTime, and so me and the kids got to talk with him and Kris - we saw his guitar as well as his amazing dance!  It was so much fun

4.  Every day - I love  it when Brett gets home in the afternoon - the only reason why I know he is home is that he sends me messages.  We text back and forth and have had a great time.

5.  Wednesday - Last Wednesday Brett was sending messages to me and Bryant and so I FaceTimed (apple's Skype).  He was so excited to have someone "call" him that way.  His smile was so big that you could not see the whole thing!

6.  Work - We have hired a new office boy who does all the old jobs - it's Drew - it's fun to see him every day - even though I am sure he may get tired of it - it is a great job for some one in High School - not nights and weekends.

7.  Sunday was Maya's first time fasting and she did really good - she only go hungry about 30 minutes before it was time to go to church.  But as soon as we got in the door, she ran upstairs, said a prayer and dove into the fridge!  So exciting to see her start this next step of her life.

8.  Can't be a post without some sort of running - Saturday I was running my 10 mile run in my training schedule and at about mile 5 my knee started bothering me again.  I was not a happy camper - I started to get really frustrated.  As I walked/jogged the way home - I calmed myself down and realize that theywere things that I could do to help my knee keep working.  I also decded to fast for my knee/body - I really want to run this maraton and complete the goal.  I sure I will be able to.

9.  Friday - my favorite day of the week - Why - it is because I get to spend it all day with Bryant.  I love spending time with him.  I sure hope that it keeps on getting better and better.  We also finished our Christmas Shopping - until we saw this week's ads and some of our stuff is now on sale - so we will be going back to the store and getting the difference back.

10 - Random Fact - I LOVE the smell of Lemons.  We have been trimming our lemon tree and I love the way that it make everything smell so great!

10 on Tuesday - Thankfulness

No pictures this week - sorry but things were crazt
1.  Wednesday November 21 - I am thankful for our friends.  We have some great friends in our ward and on Wednesday night we got together to roast turkeys in a pit.  It gave the kids a chance to play together and for the adults to chat!  Loved every minute of it.

2.  Thurday - November 22nd - well it was Thanksgiving - so I am grateful that I was able to spend the whole day with my famiily.  The day started off with a turkey trot that Bryant did with us!  First time since he didn't help with the turkeys this year!  We then went to the Rostenbergs and enjoyed a great lunch/dinner with them.

3.  Friday - November 23rd - easy one - I am grateful that Madi was old enough to join in on the Black Friday Shopping.  We hit Taget at 3am, Old Navy, Home Depot (they had donuts), Michaels, JcPenny, Cabella and I think that's it  It was lots of fun to share the day with her!!

4,  Saturday - November 24th - I am grateful for great weather so that I could put up the decorations in the sunshine.  I love putting up the decorations, listening to Christmas music and all that goes along with it.

5.  Sunday - November 25th - I am grateful that Madi and Maya sang in the ward choir - they have the most amazing choir director (who happens to be our neighbor and their piano teacher who they love)

6.  Monday - November 26th - I am grateful that I chose to have a week of no TV, Computers, electronics stuff, etc.  The kids realized that we still have a trampoline, and that they could play together!

7,  Bryant found out that in January he will be switching shifts.  He is going to be working during the daytime so that we can have more time together as a family.  He is going to an area that he really does not want to go to but he is doing it for our family!

8.  Christmas Advent Calendar - I found this on Pinterest and decided to do it.  It is a scriputres advent and I asked our families to send me their favorite scripture about Christ.  It has been great getting them and I can't wait for December 1st.

9.  Running - I am in training for a marathon and it has been going great but Monday's run was cut short - my legs were just not in it!

10.  Random Fact - I love hot chocolate but I found a way to make it better.  Add peppermint creamer to it.  It adds delicous peppermint taste plus makes it creamer!!

Ten on Tuesday

 1.  Monday November 19th - I am grateful for good running socks.  I have worn socks that werent so good and have gotten blisters and other things but I am so grateful for socks that make my feet more comfortable when I run!

 2.  Wednesday - November 14- I am grateful for my kids when they like to do their jobs!  Maya has started mowing the lawn and loves every minute of it!  I had to get a picture of her and being so proud with herself!  She is the best helper(when she wants to be) and I love it when she helps!

 3.  Saturday - November 17th - a no brainer - I am so grateful to Maya that she choose to be baptized a member of the church!  She has been dying for this day to come and I think that she loved every single minute of it.  After she got baptized she told me how she had been praticing repenting now that she could do it for real.  She is an amazing young girl and Bryant gave her a great blessing!!  So grateful for him too that he was able to baptize and confirm her a member of the church!

 4.  Sunday Nov 19 - I am grateful for a empty sink - this meant that the kids did the jobs which I am grateful for!  It also means that the mess from the party over the weekend has been cleaned up!

 5.  Tuesday - November 20th - i am grateful for clean counters.  It makes the house look so much better and I wish that it would happen more often!

 6.  Friday - November 16th - I am grateful that I took the time to be a fun mom!  We roasted marshmellow and had smores BEFORE dinner!!  It was so much fun with the kids and I am grateful that we did it.  It is a memory that the kids will have and one that I will keep for a long time!

 7.  Thursday - November 15th - I am grateful for Brett!!!  He is my hero.  I have learned so much from him.  I have learned that when you do hard things - it makes you a better person and you don't stop doing things because they are hard.  I am grateful to him for his laugh and his smile.  I got to text with him last week and loved every minute of it!  I am so grateful that he is in our family and that we are lucky enough to have him in our lives!!! 

 8.  With all of the family over this past weekend - we had lots of together time - the kids wanted even more for this picture!  SO lucky to have each of them in our famiily - all very different and I would not want it any other way!!

9.  Saturday was an amazing day - busy but amazing.  I am amazed that my baby is 8 and baptized.  It is a day that I will remember for a very long time.  I loved the spirit that was in the room when she got baptized and when she got confirmed a member of the church.  She is one special little girl who lights up the room when she walks into it!  I love Maya so much and could not imagine our family without her.

10. Random Fact - I realized that I am truly a shy person.  If I don't know you, I won't talk to you or go out of my way to introduce myself to you.  I need to get better at that.

10 on tuesday - Thankfulness

 These are out of order but I will do my best.

1.  Monday 12th - Veterans day - I cheated and took this off of Kris's blog because I couldn't take of picture of them - but I am so thankful for Jeff and his family and for the sacrafice that they make everyday on my little families behalf to protect this great country that we live in.  Heather deserves just as much thanks as Jeff does - I am also thankful for Dad, granddad and Wyatt (Kiresten too!) for their sacrafices

 2.  Tuesday - November 13th - I am thankful that my kids are starting to work better.  It is a long process to teach them how to work and they may trim the bushes a little too close but they are doing it and hopefully will continue to work through out their lives!

 3.  Sunday - November 11th - I am thankful that we had stake conference and got to listen to Elder Holland and President Eyring and that I got to make cinnamon muffins that morning.  I am so grateful for the words which I heard which have given me comfort and let me know what more I need to do as a parent with kids!

 4.  Thursday - November 8th - I am thankful that we LOVE to play games together as a family.  I love the fact that we sit around the table, talk, eat, and have fun together as a family with no TV, Computer - just music to help us rock out!!!

 5.  Wednesday - November 7th - I am thankful for Bryant!!!!  He probably could take up the entire month but on Wednesday I was especially thankful that he was fulfilling his calling in the YMs.  He makes the best wings and he made them for the YM and YW's and even though it takes a while - he did it because of his calling - thank you for fulfilling your priesthood responsibility!

 6.  Friday - November 9th - I am thankful for new stairs in our backyard.  The stairs that were there were pretty scary.  Not very sturdy since they were as old as our home.  I am grateful that Bryant did an amazing job on the stairs!!

 7.  Saturday - November 10th - above is before and below is after.  I am thankful for my body and that I was able to run a 1/2 marathon on Saturday.  One year ago, I could not even run a mile due to knee issues and I was really afraid that I was never going to be able to run again, but I can and I love it!   I enjoyed myself (went out a little to fast for the first half) but finished it in a better time than 2 years ago and now I am training for a marathon in March!

8.  I am so excited for this time of year because one of my most favorite ice cream flavors is availabe -Peppermint!!

9.  This week Maya gets baptized and I can't wait for Mom and Dad to come down to AZ for a quick trip from CO - we will miss those who won't be there - but we will be sure to eat some pie for you!

10.  Random thought - I have to brag on this one - yesterday Bryant ran 2 miles at a 8 minute pace!!!!  He is amazing!!!