Fiesta Birthday Celebration

 
 
 
When we got here Mom and Dad took us out to dinner to the fam's favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate mine and Chammy's birthdays. OLE!

White Water Rafting

This was probably the most fun I've had since the Harley ride through the redwoods. My cousin Cheri invited me on a rafting trip down the Payette river. I was honestly surprised how much fun this is! Her boyfriend knew the river well, and as our experienced guide, he helped me feel completely safe. He just told us when to paddle through the waves and when to relax and enjoy the ride. We talked about how this was kind of like life, right?! You just drift along for a while, then things speed up and you have to gear up and prepare for the rapids. The scenery was breathtaking! It was touching to spend time with Brentan and Cheri again, and I was so impressed by their men! I still see Brentan in my mind as 14, but she has really grown into an amazing woman and mom. This was one of those picture perfect days that I will always carry in my heart and mind.

 

Floatin' the Canal

What a treat! Good neighbor Hawkins let us float down their canal on inner tubes- I felt like one of the kids again!
 

Desert GymCats Dance Festival

Chambray's dance recital was tonight and she was fabulous! We always enjoy watching the amazing talent of these teams, and GymCats always puts on a great production!

Campin' Memorial Weekend

Last minute get out of town for Memorial Weekend turned out great! The kids had a blast playing in the dirt, hiking, sleeping in our tent, swinging in the hammock, trying to catch lizards, playing games, and spending time with daddy. They really needed and enjoyed this weekend. Skippin rocks, playing "PIT", and telling stories in the dark were some highlights. The first night was so windy, we ate our yummy bbq salmon dinner in the back of the truck and hoped our tent didn't blow away! Adventure always seems to follow our clan. Still, this place was perfect, one of our favs. Check out the sunsets! 

 
 
 
 

Easter in St George

The kids and I went to St. George to my sis' house for Easter. Thanks to her and her family, we had the best spring break we could imagine! We did everything from visiting, to riding horses, to hanging out with just the girls, to even decorating easter eggs like the pioneers did! Jason stayed with his mom and came and rode horses with us. Peanut came too! The kids also got to see all their cousins that they haven't seen forever. Josh's family shared their awesome family tradition of tying flowers around eggs and coloring them in water dyed from red root we dug up near the river. The eggs turned out so pretty, and the kids had a blast. Marissa really got into it, she said, "Mom, I am very crafty huh?" Oh, and the Easter Bunny did find us somehow at Ya Ya house!

Fearless Family Fun!

 
 
 
 
Yes!!!We did it. This trip to Cali last month was for Chambray's gymnastics competition. Her manager and coaches have been so good to us. They also had $20 tick. to Six Flags, right across the street from us! Chammy had a great meet, and we saw some of the most talented gymnast in the nation! Then off to 6 Flags! This was a girls trip, I didn't want to drive alone, so I made my sister come with me and my neice too! We had so much fun! It was all about facing and conquering our fears having fun in the moment! I have not gone on that many rollercoasters since I was a teenager! There was no lines, and a few times we even stayed on the ride without getting off! My fav...Scream and Superman! The girls wore my sis and I out, our voices were dead from screaming so much. Chammy did not want to go on any big coasters. Finally, at the end of the day, she finally got up the nerve to do the Viper! At the last minute she tried chikening out and started getting out of her seat, but I just said, "you'll be fine honey" and pulled the bar down over her head! I know, ruthless huh! Well, mom's gut told me to just trust the experience of it....as we began to go up the long slow steep incline..."chuga,chuga,chuga", went the coaster on the tracks...she said "Mom, I am so mad at you!" I said hold my hand sweetie, she said "don't touch me, leave me alone, I'll never forgive you, I hate this"....Then swish, we were going down the steep hill at record speed, turning, flipping, back and forth, upsidedown, and then up and down, I looked over at her before the 3 minute ride was over and her face had gone from a pale frown, to one of smiling laughter and excitment. I said, "Are you ok baby, what do you think?" At the screetching halt of the brakes and the quick whiplash movement of our bodies forward when the coaster stopped she looked over at me and said "I love it, can we do it again Mom?!" She went on Scream with us 4 times after that! The pure simplicity of facing fears that day taught us both so much. Later I said, I am so glad you liked the rides, cause I made a quick decision at that moment you were trying to escape, and risked alot! All of us girls talked about how LIFE is just like that Viper rollercoaster...the fear can be overcome, because you never know...it just might be FUN, fun enough to give us the strength to face it again!

Animas Family Unites!

Make a Smilebox postcard

When we realized that I had left the cartridges to Janson's pump at home, while in St. George Saturday we were able to get in touch with another family who has an 8 yr old on the same pump as Janson. She said she cried when Animas called saying that another mom needed help, she had been in this situation before and said she hoped that one day she could help someone else. Our only alternative was shots or to leave St. George and go home. Luckily, Cathy was available and was so kind to meet me and give me an extra cartridge so Janson could get insulin. She also said that her son Andrew knows no one else with diabetes his age and feels alone alot. Now, Andrew has another diabetes buddy! I love Animas and its family network!

The Bachelor Junkie in Me!

I have to admit I am a "Bachelor/Bachelorette" junkie! The other reality shows I can't do, but ever since Trista and Ryan, this one I admit I dig! Melissa was left holding a ring with empty promises, but Molly was given another chance!...Wow, what an interesting twist this season...I sometimes wonder how much of it was actually planned. Anyway, what do you think? I think Jason did show his emotional maturity, integrity and strength of character in his decision. Even though it looked bad to America and was hard, he said he was doing the honest thing. I admire that. I do feel bad for Melissa though, but she said she is taking the positive approach and is learning from the experience. Molly loves him and just had all her dreams come true at once! I know...she is "Cindersickenrella!" (HaaHaa) She sounded so happy on tonights episode and has a true appreciation for their relationship. She knows how much he must love her, considering what he did, and sacrificed, and what he risked just to be with her. Another ABC couple is formed...wish them the best!

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