Birthdays!!

We were certainly low-key this year, no fancy cakes, no parties. But thankfully my boys don't care!  When asked what they wanted for their birthday, both had small (AFFORDABLE!) requests that were easy to fulfill (except the Lego Titanic request from Taylor.  Anyone know of such a thing?)  Enjoy their birthday wishes as they blow out the candles below!

Pie Eating Champ!

The Sector had it's first Family Spring Fling, where they gave out awards for the year, and provided a BBQ picnic.  Can I just say those guys know how to roast a pig? And I mean WHOLE PIG!  Mark usually stays as far away from work functions as possible, but I talked him into going, and we had a blast.  There was musical chairs, jumping castles, water balloon fights, face painting, and of course, a Pie Eating Contest. I asked Mark if he wanted to participate, and he swore, "No Way."  That is, until a few of his old trainees talked him into it.

So here's to our Champ! We knew you could do it!  The winner got the awesome Gold (Plastic) Medal and a $75 gift card.  We used it to go out and get some Greek food on our last day date before kids were out of school for summer.

General Conference Weekend

We had our home teachers over and they had a cabin up on Mt. Graham.  They mentioned how you could always walk around Turkey Flat during General Conference and hear it on the radio on all the neighbors because everyone was listening to it.  So it gave me the idea that with the internet, we could listen to it up in the mountains as well instead of only sitting at home.  The kids were getting stir crazy, and since we only have internet anyway, we packed a picnic and headed up Mt. Lemmon.

Sure enough, if you are going to listen to Conference, one of the best ways is to do it "High on the Mountain Top"  :) Of course, even if it was 90 degrees in Tucson, don't forget your jacket like I did.  It was only 53 degrees up there!

This face looks like it belongs to a Norman Rockwell painting to me. 

So excited!

Growing up too fast!

What did I tell you about Food Dyes? See?

Yes, it was cold!

Trying to share

My boys!  I just noticed they all had camo hats!

The happy couple

The sun does crazy things to my eye color, I had to share!

Another week, another assignment I'm procrastinating on.

I woke up at 5:45, with the full intention of going back to bed when the kids got on the bus. I stayed up past midnight working on the Spanish I had forgot to do last month. Okay, so it was always in the back of my mind, like the BioPsych that is a few chapters behind, but I always figure I will be able to catch up....someday.  I explained my life as a firefighter. Every day I wake up, and conquer the fires that are going to rage out of control if I don't take care of them.  But I think it was Mr. Covey who said you can't get anything done if you're only putting out hot spots. If not, he should of said that.  What I really need to become is a Fire Preventer. Someone to go through and see what the problems will be before they become problems.  So, as I sit here typing about how I should be preventative, I am stalling on another paper.  But my mother says that I'm so busy telling all of facebook about my life, I forget that there are blog readers who don't use facebook....I have no idea who those people are, but I will try just the same.

Mark- Aceing Spanish 102, trying to tutor his wife, who is less than competent in Spanish.

Lexa- Currently procrastinating, but surviving none the less. Grades are still good (except Spanish), and I'm starting to feel like I have control over a bit of my life. I also toured Midwestern University and saw their Occupational Therapy program.  It would be a nice dream, but I don't see how I would ever want to spend 67,000 for tuition. That doesn't include the logistics of commuting or moving.  I will have to think seriously before heading down that road.

Katrina- Finished the Basketball season with an awesome steal. Track and Field next week!

Caroline-Finished Winter Volleyball.  We'll be taking a break till Fall. 

Mason- First Violin Review today, and we are starting to show progress on Twinkle Twinkle!

Taylor- Got to see a bobcat from the window Saturday, and thought it was so "cute" and wanted to go outside and see it.  Thankfully it only stayed for a short nap.

As a whole, my parents helped us move out some of the excess furniture we had accumulated since we didn't purge when we moved here. It's nice to be able to walk around my bedroom without wall to wall furniture.  The kids also performed in Vail Pride Day, a mini-county fair for our school district. It is so much fun seeing them grow up!

That's it for now, unless I can get photos to load. 

Eh, Blog Shmog

There are a lot of times that I forget why I am doing a blog. To keep everyone in the loop and keep a family history.  But a lot of the times, I'm just too busy to do either.  So I'm not saying I'm gonna be perfect at it, but I am going to try and do better.  So the 5 minute update:


Mark- Getting trained so he can do interviews at work next week.  One thing he's wanted to do and the training comes up very rarely, so another thing off his "bucket list"  It should be fun!

Lexa-19 credit hours and counting.  It can't be as bad as "19 Kids and Counting," but I have to do all the work myself, no letting hubby or older children sit in for classes for me. Though I do have a wonderful, handsome Spanish tutor ;) (Yes, I'm talking about my husband)  Good news, only 56 credits after this semester! Yes I know that's almost two years, but I have to have a goal!

Katrina-Basketball, and Track and Field, Honor roll again, and now we get to start the count down to High School (she'll be in 8th Grade next year), and the choice that is WHICH HIGH SCHOOL?  I got a pamphlet on the choices and I wouldn't know which one to choose either!

Caroline-Her count down to Middle School is here, as 5th grade is coming to a close.  Actively involved in Choir and Volleyball.

Mason-Just started Violin lessons, and loving them. It's a bit of a drive, but so was Safford from Duncan, so I will keep it up, as long as he keeps practicing :) We are working on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and I am as proud as can be! He's finishing up 3rd Grade

Taylor-This kid is going to be our engineer or our stand up comedian.  He is so funny and everyone loves him, and he is a deep thinker.  Can't believe he is already finishing up 1st grade, the last 7 years have flown by!

Okay, that took 15 minutes, and in the mean time I was supposed to be leaving for volleyball practice and Katrina's game.  Ta Ta for Now!

Sun Oven Group Buy

For those who don't know, I signed up to become a distributor for Sun Ovens last year so we could get the lowest price available for them.  I am a firm believer in being prepared for anything, and the bargain shopper in me knows that group purchases were the way to go.  I received an email from Sun Oven letting me know that they are running a special for January, and it is the best one I have seen yet. So I am passing on our "Group Buy" discount code for anyone who has been thinking about purchasing one of these.  Below are the emails I received.  I am receiving absolutely no payment for this, I just want everyone to have a chance to purchase it for a good price!

Thank you for requesting a discount code for your group. Your discount code is “WYLDAZGSO".

This code will be valid January 10-31, 2012 for a $126.20 discount on the purchase of SUN OVEN with Dehydrating & Preparedness Accessory Package at www.sunoven.com. After January 10, 2012 this package will be sold on our web site for $364. Upon check out the discount code can be entered and the discount will be applied to their order.  The final discounted price for the SUN OVEN with the package and shipping will be $237.80.  The order will be shipped directly to their home the next business day.

If any member of your group already has a SUN OVEN and wants to obtain the Dehydrating & Preparedness Accessory Package without purchasing another  SUN OVEN They can obtain a $35 discount on the package by using the discount code “WYLDAZ". (The retail price of the package is $89 plus shipping.)

Group Buy Purchase.  Save $126

SUN OVEN^® with Dehydrating & Preparedness Accessory Package includes:

• One GLOBAL SUN OVEN^®  With a computer CD with recipes, videos and cooking tips.
• Three Sun Dry Dehydrating Racks With roll of parchment paper)
• Two Easy Stack Pots w/interchangeable enamel and a glass lids
• Multi-Fuel Water Pasteurizing Indicator (WAPI)
• Two Loaf Pans
• Free shipping within continental US

Sun Dry Dehydrating Racks

A simple, effective way to use a GLOBAL SUN OVEN® to dry and dehydrate with the power of the sun. Easily stackable wire racks allows up to 3 layers of drying includes 3 racks and a roll of parchment paper. Use the sun to naturally dry vegetables, fruits, meats, herbs, or fish. Can also be used to bake multiple levels of cookies and other baked goods.

Easy Stack Pots with interchangeable lids

Spill free cooking of multiple dishes. Set of two interconnecting enamelware pots which can be safely and easily stacked. Includes an interchangeable enamel pot lid and a glass lid for improved visibility and browning. Each 3 quart pot holds 3 pounds of poultry, or a 3 pound roast.

Multi-Fuel Water Pasteurization Indicator

A simple reusable thermometer which indicates when water has reached pasteurization temperature and is safe to drink. Can be used in a SUN OVEN® over a campfire, with charcoal, propane, or with any type of fuel you use for heating water.

Wilton Non-stick Even Heat Bread Pans 

Favorite size for homemade breads & cakes.
Constructed of heavy-gauge steel that provides an even-heating performance baking experts prefer for perfectly-browned baked goods.  The non-stick coating improves food release and cleaning. 9 1/4 in. x 5 1/4 in. x 2 3/4 in.

GLOBAL SUN OVEN^® 

With a computer CD with over 80 SUN OVEN recipes, cooking tips, FAQs, written & video operating instructions, a video on how the SUN OVEN works and emergency preparedness tips

Graham County Fair

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger?

Today has been especially hard for me, and I know its time to just buckle up and start thinking about all the great opportunities I have.  I push myself too hard, then wonder why I fail.

 I have had midterms and got a 77% on my math exam. Yesterday my biology exam time was up and I still had 10 blank, and quickly filled in what ever I thought was the right answer in 30 seconds or less. Thank goodness it was such a big room they didn't demand pencils down since it was chaos, everyone turning in their tests. Either way, I know the results are going to be less than stellar.  It's hard going from 4.0 student to struggling to get a C.   This semester I am reminded of all the learning difficulties I had growing up, and I have a renewed sense of what school is like for my kids with learning disabilities.  Reading comprehension is still difficult and understanding math is very frustrating. I average 3-5 hours of study per day, along with the 3 hours in class. I am grateful that I am heading back to school with a knowledge of my weaknesses, even though I have to fight through them.

The only real setback is right now when it is fall break, and the kids have time off of school, and I don't. They want to go on vacation and see everything, and instead they are home waiting for me and Mark. We did get to go to the Graham County Fair. One day though, and we are done with the crowds and noise! It was great seeing all the animals again though.  Someday soon we'll get our farm animals back!  That's all the happenings from Tucson. Until Thanksgiving break at least!

Brooke White Concert

I took the girls to Brooke White when she came to Safford. We lucked out and got front row tickets, so we had a great concert. Afterwards she came out to meet everyone, and took pictures with us.  Brooke is still as sweet as ever, even after Caroline almost tackled her to the ground with a bear hug! We caught the plate with her set list and had her sign that as well. The girls will never forget!

I suppose....

It's time for a quick update.  School has been back in full swing for all of us.  And I mean ALL of us!  Mark took the plunge and signed up full time for EAC online, working towards first his General Eds, then perhaps to a Bachelors of Arts in the Classics.  He has always loved Greek and Roman history, and he wants something as far away from Law Enforcement as a degree as possible he said!  I guess it's good to diversify!

I tried to bite off more than I could chew, and signed up for 19 credits.  Seven days later I was down to 12, mostly because the two classes I really needed were so hard for me they were taking 5-6 hours a day, and so I cut the fluff.  Which was disappointing because the Philosophy class and the psychology class were so interesting! Instead I have to struggle through College Algebra and Intro to Biology.  Too bad college can't only be what you are interested in right?

Katrina joined up with Volleyball, and won the game point their first game. She just got her report cards (I guess if you start in July you get your first report card by September?).  All A's and B's.  And every teacher at conference mentioned how she is aceing all her tests, the only reason she got any B's was because (like her mother) she isn't so good at doing her homework and turning it in. If anyone has the cure for those of us who like to skip homework because we can do well on the tests, please let me know, I would love to see my kids develop better habits than I had.

Caroline is in the choir, and is the top of her school, in 5th grade.  She is an avid reader, and the teacher has a hard time trying to tell the child to please stop reading and do your classwork. It's like its against their grain to tell them to STOP reading. She is actually an overachiever, always adding to the class discussions with insights, and has a very sweet and loving disposition that is a rare find among 5th graders.  (All that came from her teacher at Parent/Teacher conferences, although I agree!)

Mason is so happy go lucky, he just goes through life with a skip and a smile. He joined the choir (a surprise to me that he wanted to) and is LOVING cub scouts. He struggles right now with writing and reading, and we've been trying to think of new ways to help him in classes.

Taylor is the class clown and loves to make his teacher laugh.  He is starting to get a bit fidgety for classes, especially now he is there all day long. His teacher asked him if he was thinking about the problems on a test, and his super honesty just answered, "Nope, I'm Guessing!"  Then he kept circling, and circling and kept saying, "Still Guessing!"  "I'm Still Guessing!"  Yes, the teacher had to be careful not to laugh on that one. He is still a good reader, and is really doing good in class.

I'll post pictures and videos when I can remember how, it's been so long :) Until then!

Taylor's Kindergarten Graduation!

Oh My! Kindergarten Graduation already?  Growing up too fast!

Class of 2023! Ocotillo Ridge Elementary

Taylor getting his diploma from Mrs. Cori Brockman. Such a good teacher!

Mason's Baptism

Mason and Mark before the baptism.  I can't believe he's 8!

All the family that attended

My beautiful kids, being way too grown up!

Dance Recital

Caroline finished up her year in Musical Theater.  It was a good experience for her, but we are certainly not a "Dance" family as I am unwilling to go through the demands (and COST$) again. Her routine was "Snow White" and she is known as "Happy" 

All in all, a cute routine, but I was only able to film a little bit during dress rehearsal. The reason she wanted this particular class was that they said they would be singing along with dancing. It ended up being more like dance with two lines of singing. Here is the last half of her dance, if I get a full dance I will upload it.

Taylor's 6th Birthday

Happy Birthday Taylor! 6 Years Old!

Our Cars Fanatic! Fun game he got though, Mater Operation.

Mason's gift? Pokemon Cards (so he could trade them for the ones he wants)

Way too serious pose!  Happy 6th Birthday Taylor!

5 more weeks of school (Well, for me anyhow)

I have to keep that mantra up, it would be so easy to slack off and just take the lower grades right now!  I'm currently on the edge between A/B in every class.  Best grades I have ever gotten in my life! I guess when you finally want to do something versus have to do something??


From the last post, The Super Moon was, eh, Not Super.  Apparently you need a clear shot of the horizon to see the magnificent view.  We have a big mountain there, so it was pretty high in the sky before we could see it. 


For the kids Spring Break we finally got to take them to Colossal Cave.  We went with Ky and Lynaya and kids and it was just right for our age of kids. 

Mark at the "Big Bird Key Hole"

Taylor and his "Mario" cap.

Blurry Katrina

Can't remember the names of these formations but they are beautiful.

Last weekend we also did a "Tour of Duncan" and spent the weekend with Mark's Parents.  Mason's Highlight?  Driving Tractor with Grandpa.   Scared me to death! But that's because I'm a mother now, and not the kid, even though I did it with my grandpa and dad!