Winter Visitors

Mom, Dad and Pierce came for a visit this weekend. Pierce, Ty, Lee and Trey all went snowboarding/skiing Sat. It snowed the whole day! Lee said he only got to do one run and spent the rest of the day on the bunny hill with Trey. Trey loved it!

Sunday Mom, Trey, Shani, Lee and I rode the Polar Express to the North Pole.

5 degrees is very cold. Not a good temp to wait for the Polar Express in your Jammies in.

Dad was very very very very very ill. It was just cold so he was hiding out under his hideous beanie.

It is always nice to have family come visit. It feels like the Holiday's.

"Each one... Reach one..."

My ever so lovely and talented sister came last Monday to take pictures of the Teen Parents I work with. She is magical and can make anyone look and feel beautiful. I wanted these girls ( and boys) to feel that.

If you want to see all of the pics check out chealambphotgraphy.blogspot.com or on Chea Lamb Facebook.

These girls have so many challenges with boyfriends, families, poverty, school and trying to be a good parent without any role models. They could use some help...

Chea is helping me round up some items these girls are in need of.

(Many people feel that my girls deserve what they get because of choices they made...but we have all made bad choices. Some just show on the outside more than others.)

Some items that they are in need of....

socks: any size up to 24 months

warmy blankets: (it is cold here!)

cribs

crib mattresses

warm clothes: boys sizes 18-24month

girls sizes 6 mo-5T (Many girls!!)

Baby books, toys, car seats, strollers really anything is a help!

"Shooooos"

Paige has a fettish with shoes! Not a bad one to have. Last night we were at Big 5 buying new basketball shoes for Ty and Trey. (Apparently the ones I got at the thrift store were not good enough.) Anyways while everyone was busy trying on shoes, Paige too was busy at work.

She had filled up a near by trash can with about 6 pairs of Nike High tops from the display. I am not sure what was going through her head but she was greatly dismayed when we put them back!! She has such a delightful scream that she has perfected. She usually gets what she wants when she uses it. So she tried it out in the store. I hate shopping with all of my kids and with Lee!

Waiting for Pie is Dumb!!

We went to Morgan Utah for Thanksgiving. From the time we arrived early Wednesday morning Trey was ready for pie. He was constantly starving for lack of nourishment. (Pie)

Thursday morning he asked for a piece, During dinner he asked for a piece. When he was told that we were waiting for another cousin he exclaimed that "Waiting for Pie was Dumb." I don't think that prim and proper Grandma Murphy knew what to say. Of course we did not continue to wait for the cousin and Trey was at last appeased. After reflecting on Thanksgiving Dinner I think I agree. The only thing I looked forward to is Pecan Pie.

Thanksgiving Trip was great. The best part was spending time with my Best Friend from High School. Man I love that girl. It is so great when you can find someone that time apart does not change your relationship. She arranged for our families to have a soccer match, feed llamas and goats, eat lunch and spend time catching up. Good times!

I have so many great memories of Dianne.

I am Thankful for Pecan Pie and my only friend (other than sisters) that has stood the test of time!!

"Fall" Thoughts...

I hate Fall...and today I began listening to Christmas Music on XM. I decided to put up Christmas Decorations tonight. Except I also hate Daylight Savings so I have been taking to going to bed about 8:00pm. I would go to bed at 7:00 but that would make me seem to lazy!

Anyways since I have decided Fall is over I will say that I think I am obsessed with Pumpkins.

I think about them all the time and want to have them.

I want gourds, white ones, antique ones, huge ones and all of the small ones, ornamental,foam, or ceramic... are all good.

Since I regularly deny myself things I really really want I did not purchase all of the pumpkins I wanted. Thus leaving me obsessed with them.

Next year I am planting my whole back acre in pumpkins and gourds. Maybe I will sell them.

I hate Fall!!

YES THAT IS A TOOTHBRUSH!!

Strange how when the toilet gets clogged no one did it! This morning we mysteriously woke up to a clogged and gross toilet. Since I am apparently the only one who knows how to use a plunger I plunged our problem. Paige seemed fascinated with this process and several minutes later I found her using the plunger and the toilet brush. Gross!!
The second time I went in the bathroom to tell her "No, No, Ca ca, Yucky" I saw what she had done...
You can only see two of the cars in the toilet... there were four, and Shani's toothbrush. (Shani's bathroom drawer is her favorite, many lip glosses, chap sticks, toothpaste, bows and other goodies.)
Shani told me later that she had even been brushing her teeth lately... with that toothbrush. I guess she is implying that brushing was an option and she recently had made it a habit. My kids are kind of sick! Nonetheless all items were retrieved. Time to start closing the lids!!

If I Can Not Do Great Things, I Can Do Small Things in a Great Way

My Dear Friend Passed away last Wednesday Night...
Ann Hale was one of the first people I met when we moved to Socorro NM 5 years ago.
We were like Mutt and Jeb. She is 6 feet 1 inch and I am 5 feet 5 inches. We started teaching Drug Prevention Classes in the Middle School and continued our work with youth for the next 5 years. Although Ann is 9 years my senior we found much in common. She grew up in Whiteriver Arizona, My best camping memories are of Whiteriver.
She loved the Arizona Wildcats as do I. She played basketball at MCC... I attended MCC.
So the similarities were a stretch. Nonetheless I enjoyed a co-dependent, enabling, close -distant tumultuous relationship with this powerful, and gentlewoman.
I attended her Memorial on Saturday and my eyes have still not recovered.
Lesson learned... I will pay more attention to relationships. I guess in the end that is all you have.
She will be missed.

Tweedle Bugs and Snow

This morning we woke up to this... Coldy, Coldy!

Here are a few pics of Halloween. Paige was a Tweedle Bug/Butterfly. Very Cute!

I am at a loss for words lately so just enjoy the pics.

FaLL FesTiVaL

When Lee is off of work I always feel like we have to do something. My idea of something is usually clean the house, rake the tumbleweeds out of the yard, clean out the garage or something like that. However this weekend it was my idea to ride the quads AND go to the Fall Festival and pick pumpkins. Riding was not that fun since Trey refuses to use his brakes and just runs into people and things. Shani is afraid to go up any hills and goes very slow.

Anyways back to the PumPKin PaTcH. Lee surprisingly just wanted to go to Safeway or the Kmart Parking lot but I insisted and we were off to Aztec.

When we finally got there I was much dismayed that we had to pay to get in!! You can't even just buy pumpkins!? They made you go on a HayRiDe to the PumPKin PaTch. Even though the pumpkins were about $15 each it was worth it. The kids and Lee had a great time picking the best pumpkin.

Another treat for Trey especially was the corn pit. He dirtied himself and played forever. Paige did not like that stuff on her clothes and much preferred the SpriTe BottLe and the chickens.

Ty shot corn at a target and ShAnI got her face painted. Lee said it felt like DisneyLand for PumpKins. Pretty close. But I thought it was fun. First time I liked spending money.

Come play with me...

Shane has never really liked dolls, babies, kids, anything that takes effort. But she loves Paige. She plays dress up with her, plays on the trampoline, teases her, and reads to her. I shouldn't be but I am always so surprised at how attached she is to Paige. Here are a couple of snapshots of them playing. I know in a couple of years when Shani is raging in her teen years I will long for these days!

Angel's Peak in the Morning

Seems like the most meaningful time I spend with Trey is in the morning when I am waiting for the bus with him. The other morning he looked across our yard to the mesa's and mountains and said how beautiful they were. He described the colors of the sky and the mountains etc. Then before he hopped on the bus he said I am going to draw that. When he came home from school he had this picture. He drew it. I am surprised that a kid with the attention span of a gnat could transfer what he saw to this.

Reindeer Games??

So I feel a little like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. My friend Trish "tagged" me. I normally don't engage in blogging games, (Never been asked). So I am going to give it a try...
8 TV shows I love to watch
1. The Closer (She reminds me of my friend in Florida, I love the Southern Woman thing!)

2. Fringe (My new fav.)

3. American Idol

4. Big Brother

5. The Office

6. Backyardigans

7. Columbo (Re-runs when they are on.)

8. Wizards of Waverly Place (I tell my kids I love that show but have only seen one episode it was funny.)

8 things that happened Yesterday

1. Freaked out because Shane and Trey missed the bus...(Throws my whole day off)

2. Bought myself "expensive" make up. (Thanks to my niece Jessica for the inspiration)

3. Taught 4 classes

4. Took Trey to Soccer

5. Went to Target for Halloween Costume for Trey (blue Power Ranger)

6. Made chicken enchiladas for dinner. Made them so hot no one but Lee could eat them.

7. Had a "Heart to Heart" with Ty

8. Put together a cabinet for all of the video games and DVD's

8 Favorite Places to Eat

1. Elmers (Place across the street from my HS in Chandler)

2. Olive Garden

3. Any Sushi Place

4. Joe's Crab Shack

5. Taco Bell (Because of the Mt. Dew)

6. Red Dragon in Tucson

7. Anything I don't cook

8. Eegee's

( I think this game should be 5 instead of 8 of everything!)

8 Things I look forward to
1. Wearing wigs (when I am bald)

2. Being just a mom

3.Having A maid

4. The Spring ( I hate Fall and perhaps winter too!)

5. Being old and crazy and torturing my kids

6. Loosing 20 lbs

7. Having a productive Garden

8.Sleeping through the night

8 things on my Wish List

1. House on the Beach

2. Debt Free

3. PhD.

4. Lived by my family

5. I had a Pecan Orchard

6. Shani's eyes would pop out of her head next time she rolls them

7. Lee would find his destiny, purpose or legacy Whatever makes him so restless

8. I would excersize

8 people I want to Tag (this is hard I don't really have friends mostly family so here goes)

1. Shani

2. Chea

3. Heidi

4. Wendy

5. Brittney

6. Sara

7. Frances

8. Kim

The Happiest Place on Earth

So Sept 26th weekend Lee had this great idea to take the kids to Disney Land.. "before the economy crashes". Strange rationale I know but nonetheless the seed was planted and we went. Left Thursday night for Arizona... Picked up Pierce and left for California Friday morning.

We went to Santa Monica Beach Friday afternoon and then Disneyland Saturday morning.

Paige absolutely hated Disney except for the parade at 7:30 pm that night. So you can imagine how much fun I had fighting her all day. She threw a pacifier, sippy cup, and bottle into oblivion or the Disney lake. She pulled out her ponytail hair and all, destroyed her ribbon and shot her rubberband somewhere. She ate a bag of Cotton Candy, 7 fruit roll-ups, a Mt. Dew and then spit them on her very cute outfit. By 11:30 she looked like a very angry, disgusting elf. She proceeded to wriggle out of the stroller, my arms, Lees arms all the while screaming. Nothing would console her.

Trey loved every ride and wanted to go again. He probably had the most fun of all until... the parade when he was on overload. He needed a Mickey Balloon, Sword, Cotton Candy and a Churro stick simultaneously. He did not get them and began to cry and rub off his face painting which sent him into hysterics. Good ending for the day!

As for the other kids.. not really sure if they like Disney Land. They spent the day together standing in the "Big Kid" rides.

Later that night at the hotel everyone decided to sit in the hot tub. Apparently so did 12 other "special needs" adults with continence problems. I did not venture the tub but Lee was sure he smelled "diarrhea" in the hot tub. Imagine his horror when Trey emerged from under the water with his cheeks full of that bacteria ridden brew.

I don't know if Disney is really the Happiest Place on Earth... but we had fun. Next time I feel the need to blow some money I think I will rent a beach house.

Confessions of a Not so Molly

Okay... I have to confess that I love to read other people's blogs and dream about maybe cooking some of their recipes, canning some beautiful peaches tomatoes or "meat", reading some of the uplifting books or just the Twilight series, making some of the cute crafts, decorating my house, sewing something, anything domestic.

But I must admit ..

- I made Top Ramen Chicken flavor for dinner last night, some of my children chose to have it dry and crunched up in a ziplock baggie with the flavoring on it

- the book I am currently working on is "Hand Hand Fingers Thumb" I especially like the "dum ditty, dum ditty, dum dum dum" part. I have never read any of the Work and the Glory, any Twilight books, and I don't read the Ensign cover to cover every month

-Shani stuck some pretzels in peanut butter and called it a Halloween craft (check out her blog for pictures)

- We usually eat our delicious dinner about 8:00 or 9:00 depending on whether Ty had a game, Scouts, Soccer or dance was that night

-I paid my mom and my sister to can chicken for me and am still willing to pay more for someone to can anything else for me.

-I need my sisters to help me decorate my house and I am too cheap to buy anything new

-I take my baby to a babysitter every day so I can teach Teen moms and dads how to be good parents. (What a hypocrite)

Please tell me the things people blog about aren't true or they are greatly exaggerated!

Hit the Morning Running!!!

(Kim thanks for the rotating tip but now I can't delete the off kilter one.)

Trey likes to make me wait for the bus outside or at the door with him in the mornings. Normally we are at the door because I am practically naked! Or not presentable. He always makes a run for the bus like the driver is going to take off with out him. Yesterday we waited in the garage. When the bus arrived he went out into the middle of the carport and began backing up while keeping his eye on the open bus door and stairs. The bus driver seemed to be anticipating something. Recently my irrational side has flared up and I had a confrontation with Trey's teacher at PT Conferences over minor things. Anyways my first thought was oh my he is so afraid to get on the bus. Someone must be being mean to him... perhaps I should have a talk with all of the children on the bus and the bus driver RIGHT NOW and put a stop to this. (Never mind that I am in my robe only.) Trey continues to keep his eye on the open door and back up. Then he stops abruptly and bolts. Before I know it he is on the bus and the doors close. Apparently he needed a running start to jump on the bus and the Garage was too close to attain full speed when he hit those stairs. So alas my lecture for the bus driver and other children will have to wait for my next flare up of irrational behaviors.

To"Facebook" or not to "Facebook"

I spent the weekend at Chea's (again). I had a training in Scottsdale so I brought all of my kids for a fun visit. Anyways while sitting at Chea's table "Facebook" came up and Chea took great delight in telling me that both Ty and Shani had a Facebook. Even though I had specifically told Ty a few months ago to get rid of it. He said he did and just started a new one. (He found the loop hole!) Anyways Chea said that she felt it was a good way for kids to network and she has one so she can check up on her kids. I have many (Negative!) feelings about this. Shani definitely can not have one, I don't think it is age appropriate and it puts you on the radar of things, conversations and people. However, Ty????? I need input. So if you have thoughts please feel free to help me out.

"Where's Grampie?"

I was driving down the road today and looking at my troll hands with little age spots. (I am starting to get arthritis and it is painful!) Anyways I was reminded of Grampie and the little nubs he had. I sure miss that guy. The picture above is when he came to visit me in Florida. I am so grateful for the memories I have of driving him around to his old mission sites and hearing his stories. I think it is lucky that he lived so long after Grammie passed. He was such a huge part of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives. So many many memories of that man.

He taught me to:

-love camping

-hate pigs feet

-look for green olives in green corn tamales

-how to pack a camper

-which peaches were ripe for the picking

-to love figs but wear long sleeves when in the tree

-it is okay to eat out on Sunday's if it is Picadilly's

-you must always have a dessert after dinner

-pray and read often

- jerky needs a lot of salt and to hang on the clothes line for at least 5 days

-it is best to map out your garage sale route at least one day in advance

-stick with whatever job you have

-Thirstbusters are a waste of money

-don't go to church without mints in your pocket

-dry clean your own clothes with a can with a plastic brush on it

-Matlock is good TV, so is People's Court

- keep a year supply

- help your family...

Those of you who knew this man Grampie what did you learn from him?

What are you 50?

Happy Birthday to my Best Friend for 37 years. Chea and I could not be more different. But for some reason we still understand eachother! What a beautiful thing. I can go weeks with out talking to her and then just pick up the phone and we are right back in Jr. High with many stories to tell and dramas to work through. Her photos, artistist ability, chaos, emotions on the edge (always!), never ending projects (people and things) and undying love for her family are to be admired by all. I am so glad that you are 39!!!!!
(I have a great picture of us when we were little but i have to figure out how to scan and then I will add.)

White "Lite-ing" Hawks Football Star

Today is Ty's first football game. He turned out to be quite a good player despite his lack of mass. (He only has height) But apparently speed can make up for quite a bit. Lee is in Houston so he will miss the debut of the starting: Cornerback, Safety, Kicker, Kick Return and Receiver.

Look at him I am so old!!

Chest Hair, Back Hair, Leg Hair...Hair No More

We had a lovely trip to Queen Creek this weekend and stayed with the Lamb's. Wayne likes to tease and was asking Trey if he had any chest hair. He replied "No but I have back hair." This prompted many more conversations about hair. Why does he have so much, Can he shave it, Why do girls not have hair, Why does Ty not have as much hair as he does etc. Anyways on the way home from soccer he was rambling and I was deep in thought so I was only half listening. I remember something about I am going to get rid of the hair, maybe shave...

This morning in the shower there were about 20 naked GI Joes and a razor. Still I did not think anything. Then when I was putting on Trey's socks I noticed how smooth his legs were (Up to his knee cap and then there was a line of fur)

I asked if he shaved. He replied very confidently "Yes!" and then went into great detail about what soap he used to lather up and how careful he was. I did not know what to say so I just said hmmm. He was late for the bus so he ran out and that was that. Hairy legs no more!

"Let me do it!"

Paige likes to drink out of anyone's cup. (She also want to hold it herself...Let me do it!)Apparently someone did not set their drink back far enough on the counter. The little elf with her eagle eye spied it on the edge of the counter. Very sneakliy she reached for it with her little fingers...Kapow, Splash, Scream, Crash...
You can guess the rest. As a side note why is Koolaide not clear? Why the red Dye?

The only thing in Life that matters is...

Monday we had a Family Home Evening Lesson about the way we treat others. Lee was explaining to the kids that the only thing that defines you as a person is how you treat others. If you treat people bad you are a bad person... It doesn't matter if you are rich or good at sports etc. Then we proceeded to the activity portion of FHE. Polishing our basketball skills or lack thereof. Lee was not pleased with our skills so many lessons, drills etc. ensued. Shani was furious and tried slacking, Ty told Lee that he was not going to try out for Basketball anyway so why are we doing this. Trey loved every moment. Ty and Shani's lack of enthusiasm kept us practicing (me included) for almost 3 hours. Later that night when Ty was in bed and frustrated he asked why if the only thing that matters in life is how you treat others why does dad say it is so important to be good at sports? Good question. So I concluded the two most important things in life are how you treat others and if you were competitive and competent in most sports. Words to live by!!!

Piggy Tails!!

Paige has managed to give herself a mullet. In order for her to relax or go to sleep she pulls out her pony tail and bow on top of her head and then pulls her hair. Thus the mullet. She can't reach the hair in the back only the front. Today we tried a new hair do that accentuates her elfish features but she sure looks cute!