Freckles

A conversation with Barik

B: Mom, sometimes my freckles get loose.
M: What do you mean?
B: Sometimes they get loose and then I can pick them off.
M: laughing
B: I'm serious, Mom

(I wonder how that happens? I could use a few "loose freckles")

Slide Rock

Living in Arizona, we have some pretty spectacular places near by to enjoy. Slide Rock is one of them. A beautiful 2 hour drive North on I-17 to Sedona brought us to Slide Rock.

The little boys enjoyed playing in the shallow water.







Andrew was a champ at cliff jumping. He even waited patiently for a little boy too scared to jump to get out of his way.

And having grown up running rivers, I didn't let the cold water temps get in my way of having a bit of fun myself.


As we were capturing the last memories on camera of all these great little buddies,
the rain started coming. Slowly at first, to allow us just enough time to get into our cars, and then it really came down. Thank goodness we left when we did.

Construction Zone Finished!

I FINALLY finished my painting project. Got the extension ladder put away. Got the 6 foot ladder put away. Got the paint trays put away. Washed out the paint brush. Reclaimed my kitchen.

This is the only photo for now...Proof that I really was "projecting".

(if you're interested in catching up on all that I have been so neglectful in posting, go all the way back to Krispy Kreme--in April. I like to keep events in chronological order.)

Under Construction

Wow! It's been SO long since I've been on here that my own computer didn't recognize me. I had to sign into my own blog. SAD!

I've spent ALL my spare time lately working on projects...I refinished the rest of the cabinets in the house and then started on a project that has been on my mind for 5 1/2 years. PAINTING!!! I've never cared for the color in the family room. But that family room has been pretty daunting to tackle. With its 2 story walls, a stair case, and upstairs hall way, maybe you can understand why I didn't start until now. But now that I've started, I can't stop!

But that's not all I've painted! I painted the toy room, the entry, the kitchen, and all the baseboard that touch those walls. I'm trying to maintain balance in my life...limiting my painting to nap time or for a few hours on Saturdays when Paul's around. But I'm SO close to being done. I'm ready to get the extention ladder back in the garage. I'm ready to get the paint tray put away. I'm ready to wash out my paint brush for the last time. I'm ready to throw away the roller that has been immersed in paint for nearly a month. I'm ready to reclaim that little spot on the counter where I keep all this stuff because, really, what's the point of putting it away when I'm just going to paint again tomorrow?

And so, please forgive me for not being on top of my blog. I promise to catch up. Soon. I hope!

Show Low, AZ

Paul and his softball team competed in a tournament in Show Low and Pine Top, AZ over Memorial Day weekend, so we decided to rent a cabin, escape the 105 temps in the valley and head for the High Country. We found this quaint 2 bedroom cabin surrounded by swaying pine trees. The evenings were actually chilly. Having just left the heat of the valley, I was used to keeping things cool as long as possible, so it took me until the last day there to realize I could turn on the heat in the morning. Heat...Who needs to turn that on in May? Well, if you're in the High Country, I guess one might need that:)



Our days were spent outside as much as possible! There was a park just down the hill from our cabin that was surrounded with some great forest for boys to explore.

We spent some time at the near-by lakes. The boys scared off the fish. And the ducks.

And while Paul's team didn't win the tournament, that meant more family time. And who can complain about that? Certainly not me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I sure got spoiled this year for my 34th birthday. I woke up to Andrew serving me breakfast in bed. He was bummed that Paul wasn't home, so the traditional birthday pancake breakfast would have to wait. But he was thoughtful and inventive and came up with a delightfully toasted bagel. One half with peanut butter. The other half with cinnamon and sugar. He threw some grapes on the plate and brought me a drink. Cooper, Andrew and I all enjoyed our breakfast in bed together.

Next, we all got ready, and headed over to the Wilson's where Jared graciously agreed to babysit all 4 of my boys, 2 of April's kids and 2 of his own kids. What a house full! Thanks, Jared for watching all the kiddos so we ladies could go shopping and out to lunch! Adrienne borrowed Paul's credit card to take me swim suit shopping. It's great shopping with Adrienne. She's so fashionable (does that word make me sound SUPER old?) and helped me pick out 2 super cute suits. And living in AZ, the more suits, the better!

My sweet out-of-state friends and family called during the day to remind me of their love and wish this old gal a happy birthday. I sure love you all!

After shopping, we rushed off to meet April and Darbie at Olive Garden for a delicious lunch! Olive Garden salad, bread sticks and Fettuccine Alfredo. Does it get any better than that? Why yes, it does! When you add a slice of Lemon Creme Cake to share with some of your besties, it does!
I picked up the kids from Jared, got the little ones down for naps and then Darbie took me to get a pedicure. I was in heaven! Especially with the foot massage! I had been on my feet quite a bit with all the projects I have been working on, not to mention all the running, and just plain old being a mom. I felt super pampered, and relaxed!
And THEN...Get this! Darbie brought us Fettuccine Alfredo w/ baked broccoli and garlic bread! My favorite meal twice in one day! And I didn't have to prepare either one of them! In fact, Darbie made so much food that it fed Paul and I for almost a week! The gift that kept on giving!

AND my friend Amy, who makes the most AMAZING chocolate cake with chocolate chunks in the cake, with layers of chocolate frosting with more chocolate chunks in the frosting, with chocolate shavings on top (my mouth is watering again)...She brought me that cake!!!

How can a girl be more spoiled than that?

Well, Saturday night, as couples, we went out to dinner and Jesterz (a super clean, Mormon-owned comedy club).
Thanks to my amazing friends and sweet family for making me feel so loved and special! I love you all!

Barik's Kindergarten Promotion

I know we all feel this way...But seriously, where does time go?! One minute, my little boy is only influenced by me, Paul and his brothers. The next minute, he's away from me more hours per day than he's with me. Being taught and influenced by teachers are peers. He LOVED Ms. Kerkel, who in turn loved Barik as well. He's such a good student. She never had to worry about him (at least that's what she tells me, and I believe her).

We let him stretch his wings a little at a time...hoping we have taught him enough to help him soar, not fall. And then...He's already finished Kindergarten! And boy, did he take flight!

The Kindergartners participate in a weekly "Sing and Read" with Mrs. Winterstein (the Principal) where they learn fun songs by reading the words from the overhead projector. What a great way to reinforce those reading skills! One of the all time favorite songs they learn is called "Peanut butter".

Peanut Butter, we like Peanut butter!
Peanut Butter, that's what we like best!
Do you like it on your shirt? (asks Mrs. Winterstein)
Yes we like it on our shirt (replies the students)
On your shirt, on our shirt, ohhhhhhhhhhh
Peanut Butter, we like Peanut Butter!
Peanut Butter, that's what we like best!

Cooper's Pre-School Graduation

I hadn't planned on enrolling Cooper in Pre-School this past year. The teacher I had for Barik when he was 3-4 wasn't teaching anymore, so I just planned on having him stay home with me. But then Adrienne mentioned these two LDS gals that had taught Pre-School out of their home, and I thought I'd give it a try. Cooper is such a social little dude, so, Ready, Set, Go! Pre-School, got ready for Cooper-Kazi.

Cooper and I both loved his teachers, Miss Jesika and Miss Kim. They greeted us with an enthusiastic smile every morning and only had good things to say about our little Cooper-man every afternoon (which often surprised me).

So, saying good bye to these two ladies, who had not only taught and loved my little boy for the prior 9 months, but had also become good friends of mine, was filled with mixed emotions.

They put on a sports themed graduation party for their little super stars. It began with each student running through the "Finish Line" tape. Cooper needed a little encouragement from Miss Kim.

They performed the songs they had worked on all year (notice how much taller Cooper is than his little friends), took a bow, and then received their...megaphone and ring pop.

T-Ball

Another successful season of T-Ball has come to an end. Barik is hitting really well now. Paul taught him to take a step when he swings, and oh boy...you should see how far that ball flies!

The final game of the Spring season was held in the Surprise Stadium, where the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals have their spring training. The game is preceded by the singing (or in this case, trumpet playing) of the National Anthem. "Let's Play Ball!" is sounded through the loud speakers. And if that wasn't enough to get you excited, then surely seeing your team photo displayed on the jumbo tron will.

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

The Mother's Day weekend started with beautiful flowers (one red rose that Barik insisted on getting me, despite Paul trying to convince him that it wasn't my favorite flower) mixed in with some beautiful tulips, and chocolate. A great start! Then Sunday morning, my boys treated me to pancakes in bed. The boys LOVE to make mama breakfast in bed because that means they get to join me in bed for breakfast. This can get a little tricky trying to keep the syrup from flying all over the bed as each of the four anxious, loving, hungry boys want their turn at taking a bite. But this year, Paul was extra prepared...He had extras on HIS plate to give the boys. So I got to eat breakfast in bed, surrounded by my favorite boys, and not have to worry about spilling!

The BEST part of this Mother's day was having Paul around all day. No meetings for him to rush off to. He was home to help get the boys ready for church, and even made me lunch. That was wonderful! Off to church we go.

We got home from church, and the dishwasher needed to be unloaded. Now, for those of you who don't know this about Paul, he HATES to unload the dishwasher. He's the champ at cleaning up meals, washing pots and pans and loading the dishwasher. But when it comes to unloading the dishwasher, that's just not something he does. So, when I caught him UN-loading the dishwasher, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. And THEN he made dinner on top of all that! He MUST love me!

Thanks to all my favorite boys for making this day so special! It's because of all of you that I am able to celebrate motherhood.