Strike

Uncle Chalon and Hayden

Here is the party crew. The boys had so much fun. They had the bumpers up. I wish I could have bowled in their alley...I might have had a chance.

Jamie helping her Mom with her laces. Her Mom was so sweet to drive out from Ca, and then was leaving that (night) morning at 3:00AM. Yikes! That's how they do things in that house. I am still sleeping by the time they are half way done with their day.

This weekend we went bowling, to celebrate Dustin's 8th Birthday! It was so fun. Uncle Chalon helped Hayden bowl, and I am embarrassed to say, they did way better then me. Man I am horrible at bowling. Well, I did manage to knock a few pins down (ya so you don't want me on your team). But hey we had a great time. Ethan cleaned up, he has some skill. Wasn't their cake too cute.

The big FOUR

Hayden playing at dinner with his new toys. He was so excited, he's been asking for these toys since Christmas.

Hayden brought cupcakes for his friends at preschool.

Hayden turned four yesterday. We had been talking about it so much, that when the day finally came, he was over it. He just wanted his presents. We went to Chili's for dinner, just so they could sing to him. Overall it was a pretty quiet Birthday. It just felt weird and wrong to have a big party when my family wouldn't be there for it (and to appreciate all the work)? Last year my Mom came and brought my nieces and nephew, but this year it was just going to be us. So I decided less is more. All Hayden requested was cake and presents. So that's what he got. Next year I promise to go all out and have a huge bash!!

Third Grade

This is Ethan with his cousin, in the middle, and I have no idea who this other kid is?? He just wanted to be in the picture. I couldn't deny him:)

Ethan and Dustin posing for the camera. He is such a ham sometimes. Where did he get that from??

My Ethan started third grade today. (I can't believe I have a third grader. Geesh, how'd that happen??) He has been nervous all summer long, because it's a new school, and all that. But when we went to open house last week to meet his new teacher we found out that his two really good friends (from church and the neighborhood) are in his class as well as his cousin Dustin, and to top it off he has the teacher that I wanted, so to say the least we were thrilled. His Grandma took him school shopping and bought him all of his studly clothes. He has been wanting this hat forever, ever since he saw his cool older cousin, Noah, wearing one. He's declared that he is going to wear it everyday.
This morning as I was making his lunch he asked me not to write him a love note. I asked him why (trying to pretend not to be crushed) and he told me its embarrassing. Is he already supposed to be to cool for his Mommy?? And then when we got to his school, as soon as he saw his friends, he ditched me, I didn't even get a kiss good bye, not a even a wave. Oh well tomorrow I will have to remember to get my love'n in before we leave the house, because apparently that's okay, as long as there are no witnesses.

Jane Eyre

I am sure you have noticed that I like to read, a lot. I will read almost any fiction novel I can get my hands on, and almost always enjoy it. I read just because its what I like to do. Is there any thing else to do?? I can't come up with anything. So anyway, I haven't had a favorite book, until now. I have lots that I like and would recommend but none that I absolutely love whole heartily, until now. Maybe a month ago Shawn and I watched Maybe, Definitely (a good movie, BTW) and it mentions this book a few times, so then I was curious about the book. I was a little worried about starting it because I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but then I would have to finish it (because that's what I do? I have to finish it, or it hangs over my head, I do this with everything, I am a little obsessive that way...anyway, that's a whole other blog in itself). But I was wrong, I loved the book. I couldn't put it down. I didn't think a book from the 1800's could have romance and passion, but it did, and I loved the heroine. I now understand why the father in the movie had given it to the girl. I would highly recommend it to everyone. Now that I think that I've let go of my 1800's stereo typing I am going to start reading the Jane Austen books. Does anyone have a favorite Austen book, I know you do, I think I am the only that hasn't read her, yet.

Let Loose

Children's Museum

How can one day be so fun yet so insanely crazy??? I'll tell you: 6 kids in an insanely crowded museum. For our end of summer celebration we (myself and my gang, and my friend and her 3 kids) went to the Children's Museum that just recently opened in Phoenix. I think the kids had such a great time, I know I did. I was tickeled pink just watching the kids faces light up as they explored and were able to let loose and run around, they were so happy. They had something for each of the kids to enjoy (I had kind of a range of kids to please, 2- 8 yrs old). The younger ones loved the grocery store, and kitchen the best. The girls would have stayed in the grocery store all day if I hadn't litterally torn them away from it (JK, not really, it did take some fancy perssausion to get them to move on though!) Hayden loved making "pizza" and then serving it to me! The two older boys (Ethan and his friend) liked racing the cars on a track, and the ball room.
Over all I was really impressed, it was a little over priced, but yet still worth it. It was gorgeous, every corner of the museum was like a special treat to look at. My favorite room was the art room. They had several tables set up for crafts, and even a play house the kids were able to paint. There was litterally glue, and feathers, and paint flying all over the place, it was just screaming with creativity. Hayden was in craft heaven. I can't wait to go back and play some more... hopefully when it is not as crowded.

A surprise

I woke up the other morning to find a message on the floor. I am not sure if it was meant for me or the boys...but I am going to assume it was for me! So unexpected, I think he does love me still! Isn't he a sweet heart, I just had to brag a little.

As Promised

So as promised here is a picture of me in my prom dress! I know my cardigan takes away from the ensemble, but I felt like I could hide a little behind it, just in case no one else was dressed up. As it turned out I wasn't the only infatuated fan, Barnes and Noble was packed shoulder to shoulder. It was very exciting, I had a great time. We went to PF Chang's first for dessert and appetizers. YUM! I am already looking forward to the next crazed event...I am not sure what that may be, but I'll be ready! Just as a side note the book was entertaining, I stayed up all night reading it!

Obsessed much?

So its finally come. Gosh I thought this day would never come. I thought that this would be the longest summer ever. What am I talking about?? The release of Breaking Dawn, by Stephanie Meyer. I read this series in December, it feels like forever ago. When I finished the books I was so sad, because I wanted more. So I reread all the books, and I read the official website for the author like 50 million times, until I got so sick of it. Then I was over it. I still liked the books, but I found other books and kind of forgot about it. Until my sister called me on Monday and told me she finally read all the books, in one week mind you, and that she was so excited about the new book coming out. She totally got me all excited about it again. So here I am a few hours before the release, my hair is all done, make up done, and I am just waiting until I can go. I am to excited. I can't remember the last time I was so excited about something. I don't think my excitement is purely about the book (even though I am dying to find out how it all ends) but the whole package of having a girls night out. Barnes and Noble is staying open late to release the book at midnight, and I am wearing my prom dress...yikes (hopefully I can squeeze it on still) I better not be the only one there all dressed up. Well we'll see. I will try to take some pictures so I can share my humiliation with you all!! Stay tuned!