These Are The Days

Not enough hours in the day!

2010-07-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

I feel like there's just not enough hours in the day!!

There's just way too many fun and educational things to do. I've been reading some

great books, growing herbs and anything else I can keep alive in this 110 degree weather.

The kids have been learning to cook dinners and yummy desserts, they love it!

My plan is for them to love it so much they'll want to cook dinner every night. :)

We've all been focusing on our goals...

Soph's improved greatly in her speach and social skills and ditched diapers for good,

Kade's improved in his reading, math, cooking and brotherly skills,

and Jaxon has been reading several (7) books from the library, things like

How to Write Your First Best Seller.

He's determined to publish his first book and is currently working on his second. He's on a strict schedule...boot camp style, so he can be found writing or illustrating 24/7.

We all take turns on the treadmill, Soph loves to do yoga and pilates...she's a natural!

The circus came to town and we had a blast with my bff Chantell and her kids, my only

complaint is that she's already back to work...again with the more time thing.

I just LOVE spending time with her, maybe when we're retired we can live next door to each other!

On a sidenote: this is what I want for my birthday (it's not until Halloween).

A copy of Johanne Vermeer's 17th century painting Girl With The Pearl Earring.

Now for a week in Utah and then a week to prepare before our school year starts, I'm so sad for summer break to end, but anxious for another year of home schooling!

Kade's Birthday Fun

2010-07-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great day celebrating Kade's 8th birthday.

We went swimming, had dinner at Red Lobster (Kade's favorite),

and then came back to the house for presents and cake.

The boys all ate crab legs and had fun figuring out how to eat them the proper way.

We kept it low key, no big friend party...just the boys and their bff Wyatt.

Kade got a new bike...exactly the same as Jaxon's (oops), but he thought it was perfect.

Kade enjoyed his gifts especially the crystal kit that he got from his Washburn Grandparents.

He even had a special video sent to him on Facebook from

his cousin Carly and little boy Gavin...so cute!

Soph whined all morning that "nobody sings happy birthday to me",

so I wrapped her a little dollar gift and she was over the moon about it.

I absolutely love being a mom.

I recently had a harsh reminder of how precious life is,

and how lucky I am for each and every day I get to spend with my husband and kids.

Last week my old high school buddy's young wife passed away.

She was hit while cycling in Draper, Utah (my hometown).

She left behind two sweet girls,
3 yrs and 3 months old.

It's so traggic.

I never met her, but her husband Luke is absolutley the best

and I know she must have been an amazing person.

Here's a link to the news clip.

Oops!

2010-07-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Let's just say...it's a long story involving

camping,

breakdowns,

tow trucks,

hotels,

hitch hiking,

~~ax murderes~~ drunk drivers,

rental cars,

the wrong gas,

high stress,

auto shops,

lots of money,

and a few tears.

All I can say is Kimball's the best!

In a perfect world...

2010-07-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

this is how our days would look... (click for larger view)

I downloaded the blank, typable planner from donnayoung.org. Over the last few years I've looked at a million different types, but this is the one I always go with. I'm still working on the actual lesson planning and record keeping part, I'd love to hear what works for you!!

I realize from experience this is just wishful thinking, but it's what we'll aim for. I become super crazy when kids constatly ask "What do I do now?" or, "I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing!" I'm posting them in every room and I'll just point. :)

I've spent a lot of time organizing and preparing so we can enjoy the journey as much as possible. I'm loving the UPS man lately, there's nothing more exciting than books in the mail! This week 3 different packages came for Kimball...how dare he get me all excited for nothing!

I've still got a lot to do, and a family reunion/vacation coming up soon so...gotta run!

BTW, it's been blazing hot here and the pool feels so AMAZING! We're having a fabulous summer...Kade's a goof ball!

It's happening again...

2010-07-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

It's happening again,

Kade's turning a year older

and there's nothing I can do about it.

He is so excited to be eight

he can hardly stand it!

In a few weeks we'll be

traveling to Utah

where he'll be baptized,

surrounded by his grandparents,

aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He's made his wishlist,

he's planned his birthday meal,

now it's just a matter of waiting...

Here before we know it!

2010-07-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Besides having endless car trouble last week...

I've been busy planning for the coming school year.

I'm excitied and anxious at the same time.

With a little experience under my belt,

I know we'll survive...

and thrive.

I anticipate the new discoveries,

and bonding time.

Our hard work is certain to pay off,

because together we'll

grow leaps and bounds!

July 4th Weekend

2010-07-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by and

we are livin' it up to the fullest.

The temps are scorching,

popsicles are the drug of choice.

The kids are healthy and happy,

they're growing like weeds.

I feel so blessed to have great family

and friends in my life.

This weekend

I feel especially blessed

to live in this wonderful country...

land of the free,

home of the brave.

Oral Narrations

2010-06-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've blogged, I feel like I can't remember how.

As I've mentioned before, I love the Charlotte Mason homeschool method. Oral narration is the natural approach to finding out what your child retained from his readings. She encourages using only oral narration up until they are about 10 or 11 and then moving on to one written narration per week and slowly moving up to 3 or so. Click HERE for a quick example of my 7 year old Kade (2nd grade) narrating a chapter from The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame. This was actually done back in January or February I can't remember.

Good news, we've decided not only to keep homeschooling Kade next year but to also keep Jaxon home as well. Yes, he loved his school and he had a fabulous year, but all of his friends have moved or had to change schools and we have also moved, so rather than he change schools AGAIN we will homeschool. We are all SO excited about it, and feel it's going to be a lot easier now that we've got 1 1/2 years under our belt. It also helps that several families from our new ward (church) are also homeschoolers.

Summer life has been fun. We love our new house and we are enjoying the extra time together. As usual we are doing lots of swimming but also a lot of learning, reading and some gardening. I've planned a lot of field trips too, some of them are...the new Tempe Aquarium, the circus, boating, movies, library, science center, play, ranch and water park. We will be taking a trip to Utah in July for some family reunions.

I am taking an online photography workshop, trying to get into shape, planning the next school year and reading lots of great books. I finally finished The Red Tent and am now reading The Promise and The Goose Girl. Time is flying by at lightening speed...

Year End Teacher Gifts

2010-05-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea on another blog months ago, wish I could give them credit but I just have no idea which one it was. Of course I get one too. :)

Catching my breath!

2010-04-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

Well I've been kind of wishy washy in the blog department. I've decided to take a blogging break and focus on more important things for awhile...spend less time on the computer. Life is currently too crazy for me to be rambeling on, so this will be it for a while.

We have sold our home and are moving about 15 minutes south, close to a piece of land we are purchasing. We really want more room to run around and well...breathe! I think we'll build a single story (w/ a basement) to help save on our A/C bill each month. We are also using block that way Kimball and his guys can do as much work as possible. This won't happen for a few years. For now we'll just save up and try and keep riding out this bad economy. I have been looking at the mediterranian/southwestern styles. Sure I love classic designs but I may as well embrace the desert life. I like the picture of the house above but would definitely add a little splash of color here and there.

Sophia has 2 favorite songs right now. Soul Sister by Train and No One by Alecia Keys. She is too funny going around singing in her sweet little soft (and cracky) voice. She makes us play it over and over for her on the car stereo. She is hanging with her new bff Adi nonstop and loves church now. Yay! No more crying at nursery every week.

Jaxon sang in the school talent show last week. He is a hoot! I can't believe how brave he was. He used to be too afraid to sing in public even though he really enjoys singing. His friend at school heard him in music class and told him he had a good voice, that's all he needed to build his confidence. I have to say, he did REALLY good!! By far the best one at the talent show and that's not just a biast mom's opinion, many teachers told him the same thing at school. He belted it out like nobody's business!

Kade has been a good little helper and patient with me on the homeschool front. I'm sneaking in as much as possible, but it will be good to get back to our routine.

Life is good, a little uncertain and stressful, but still good. I have so many blessings that I can't understand how I fell into such a great life. I hope I'll keep sight of what's important and remember to cherish these days with my sweet little ones.

Grab a Kleenex...

2010-04-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

This You Tube video is a must see. I saw it on my friend Jill's blog. It's a moving and inspirational video of my old high school buddy Ryan. I wasn't prepared for the sobbfest that ensude...you've been warned!

I have so many great memories of hanging out with Ryan and the ol' gang every weekend. He is a super funny guy that always had me laughing. I'm so glad Jill led me to his message. Out here in Arizona I'm kind of 'out of the loop' and I admit, I really needed to hear it.

Prayers for Ryan and his cute little family!

The Results...

2010-03-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!

Way to go Jaxon.

You are such a fabulous son...we're so proud of you!

Don't Be A Sucker...

2010-03-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Vote For Jaxon!

Today Jaxon is running for Biz Town Mayor at school.

It's part of the Junior Achievment program.

He wrote a hilarious and smart speech...

entirely on his own.

He's sporting his 'power suit' as Kade calls it.

We assembled these cute ~~bribes~~ handouts

for the voters.

The chances are slim.

His running mate is a sixth grader...

so are 60 of the 72 voters!

No matter how it turns out,

I'm super proud of him.

My A.I. Predictions

2010-03-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

It was the summer of 2002

It was hot...

very hot...

115 degrees hot.

I was pregnant with a 10 pounder!!

American Idol - Season 1

saved me.

It gave me something to do,

something to look forward to

and most of all helped me

forget about my swollen feet for 60 minutes.

I can't say I've been a loyal viewer every season,

but I'm on board this year.

Is anyone else watching?

If so, what are you predicting

and who is your favorite past winner?

My favorite Idol is hands down Carrie Underwood.

{nipple chaffing}...hiking with a 7 year old!

2010-03-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

things one hears when hiking with kade...

the famous "freedom" cry learned from uncle jeff

taunts that he's a fierce competitor...

a warrior

a champion.

ear piercing shouts "i'm the king of the world!"

snack inquiries

and

my personal favorite...

endless talk of nipple chaffing

gets me laughing every.single.time.

The Silver Lining

2010-03-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

The rain has been crazy this spring, (not the kind of crazy you're thinking of but for AZ standards it's a lot). I'm not complaining...I love it! We went on our 2nd hike and toughed it out in the rain, but had to cancel today's hike...it was just a little too wet. Instead, Kade and I are going on a date to see Diary Of A Wimpy Kid. We had another picnic scheduled for tonight, but it too will have to wait. It's so nice to get a dose of cooler weather before summer hits.

The other day just the boys and I went hiking. It was invasion of the senior citizens. Seriously, there were like 40 of them at the top. They use walking poles and go really slow and take lots of breaks. Being in the midst of that many elderly is like getting a GIANT hug from your favorite grandma. They were so dang cute...discussing fiber and such. Kade referred to them as 'cheek pinchers', he and Jax had me laughing my guts out! I love that my boys are old enough to do fun things with, I'd rather hang out with them than anyone.

Spring break has been fabulous. Having Jaxon around 24/7 has been so fun. The boys are bonding like the good old days and I am cherishing every second of it. They had their first flag football games of the season. Kade's team got creamed and he couldn't have cared less, Jaxon's team lost by one point and he was devastated. It's funny how different their personalities are and yet they get along so good.

I've been listening to The Secret a lot lately. I'm totally convinced our mind is a powerful thing. We can either choose to think positive and feel good, or think negative and slip into a funk...needless to say, I've decided to snap out of my 3 year funk!

We are very excited about our new property. For a few years we will be down sizing, then we'll build on it.

I'm anxious to move even though it's to a smaller home...sometimes less is more.

Dancing With The Stars is back, Celebrity Apprentice is back, the sun is rising earlier...life is good!

Book Review & A Hike

2010-03-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we took the boys on a 3.2 mile hike at Usery Park.

It was a gorgeous day, we had a fabulous time.

The desert landscape was breath taking,

I couldn't help but stop often to ~~catch my breath~~ take it all in.

I almost broke my neck a few times trying to hike and take pictures at the same time.

Jaxon was the navigator,

Kimball was of course the jester,

I was the 'friendly hiker'

and Kade was quite the trooper; he did awesome!

Looks like I've found another hobby...

can't wait to go again.

Arizona is the place to be for spring break!

I finished reading Anna Karenina.

I'm still not sure what I thought of it...

I liked it and couldn't put it down

and yet got so annoyed with it at times

I had to.

I'm not convinced it's the "best love story of all time" (as many call it),

but I am convinced if I ever thought of cheating

I won't now!

It was a little agonizing to read,

kind of made me want to pull my hair out.

I love a good romance novel but this felt like a Kevin Costner movie...

about ~~400 pages~~ an hour too long!

I'd love to hear what you thought of the book. Anyone?

I'm now reading Uncle Tom's Cabin,

a classic I've been putting off because I knew it would be a downer.

So far it's gripping but definitely sad.

Intervention?

2010-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

At some point I should probably intervene,

but it is spring break

and you're only a kid once.

They'll eventually need food,

and water,

and sleep.

Spring Break Baby!!

2010-03-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up for spring break around here. We don't have any big plans, just playing outside, reading lots of great books and being lazy. We'll most likely make more trips to the zoo and definitely do some park hopping. I'd also like to go on a few hikes. The weather isn't cooperating so far, hopefully by next week we'll have sunny skies. For now, it's rain and clouds. I'm not complaining though, it's been rather nice having a rainy March. However, we also have football and swim starting so some warmer temps would be good.

Kade is so excited for Jaxon to be home and luckily our spring break is 2 weeks long. He's been a little lonely homeschooling by himself. I'm not sure what we'll do next year. Either Jax will have to home school OR Kade will go back to school. Kade is doing very well with his school work. He finished reading Farmer Boy and is now reading Charlotte's Web. Together we finished The Wind In The Willows and are now reading Understood Betsy. He's still listening to The Merry Adventure's Of Robin Hood on CD during quiet time. As for math, he's doing awesome and is ready for Saxon's Level 3 (I actually should have purchased it rather than level 2, he's rather bored). He's a natural at grammar, though he claims to hate it.

We went to Jaxon's school last week and saw him perform in his play. He was quite silly but did great. He loved having all eyes on him...how he's my child I do.not.know. :)

The great books I've currently got my nose in are Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and The Bible In 90 Days (though it's looking more like 180 days). I am also determined to set aside some time to learn how to use my new camera.

What are you all planning for spring break? I'd love to hear.

Fun Friday's

2010-03-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

Why they love Friday's...

games

picnics

library books

46 to be exact

Lord Of The Rings

popcorn

and staying up way too late!

Daughters...

2010-02-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

Soph had her first trip to the hair salon...

she's hooked!

She loved the big red chairs.

The animal cape.

Gazed in the glorious mirrors admiring her cuteness.

Sat perfectly still; not so much as a peep,

other than whispering endless reminders

of a 'green' lollipop.

*****

The other night I was busy cooking dinner.

I turned around and Little Miss Soph

had taken it upon herself to fold

a basket of dish towels.

Her folding puts the boys to shame.

The girls got skillz!

Daughters...

every mother needs one.

thinking out loud...kinda, sorta

2010-02-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

i'm learning...

to worry less and breathe more.

i find...

blogging therapeutic.

i discovered...

my fifth grader held hands with a girl.

i'm ok...

because it's shakespeare.

i'd worry...

if he liked it, & since he does (i practice breathing).

i've surrenedered...

to my battle with Soph.

i don't care...

if she wants to sleep in the hall.

i preferred...

to sleep in the hall as a child (funny huh)?

i'm finished...

with beth's book.

i'm saying...

so long insecurity.

i'm loving...

my new roxy flip flops.

i'm clinging...

to my comfy hoodies.

i have...

mixed feelings about the weather changing.

i'm annoyed...

with the olympics.

i'd rather...

we spend billions feeding the hungry.

i no longer...

feel guilty sneaking out for a run.

i don't just...

want 'me time' i need it.

Hop on over to Blessed Moon for a fun way to meet other bloggers.

spring cleaning...dave ramsey style

2010-02-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: As always I'm speaking to myself here...a pep talk if you will.

i conquered the garage

the 'junk drawers'

a kitchen cabinet

made a few trips to goodwill

caught up on the laundry

devoured books from my 'current read' shelf

saw dear john with a friend

i'll likely see it again-and again-and again

played in the rain

paid bills

now for the budget!

Let us not forget our finances in the process of purging, simplifying...spring cleaning. Our goals are always lofty, we claim to be Dave Ramsey's biggest fan and yet in time, we digress. This economy bites (I'll just say it). I'm frustrated that our debts seem to be at a stand still or even climbing at times, but that's all the more reason we need to 'clean house'.

Keeping track of everything that comes in and everything that goes out, not turning a blind eye to what we may not want to see. We can't fix what we don't acknowledge, so even though it can be painful when we finally decide to 'check in' and be proactive with our money, just remember...by making a few changes, we lighten our load and sleep more sound.

If you've been hiding under the covers for the past few years, and this all sounds too scary...

Click here for Dave's 7 Baby Steps.

It all comes down to

{Discipline and Purpose}

the two words I chose last month to describe

my 2010 resolutions.

spring cleaning...

2010-02-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

it's that time of year again.

a-a-aaachooo!

excuse me.

yesterday my allergies showed unexpected.

they've crippled all my big plans.

plans of 'cleaning house'...

the garage.

the closets.

the cupboards.

the windows (ok i'd planned to hire that out).

i already needed more hours in the day.

a set back like this just plain bites.

i'm hanging onto hopes my claritin will kick in soon.

PRIORITIES: Speaking of 'cleaning house' (this time metaphorically), I've done some re-evaluating, straightening up my personal life a bit. First of all, I've taken a break (possibly permanent) from Facebook, devoted more time to personal reading, prayer and journaling.

RELATIONSHIPS: I've also done some 'cleaning house' in my relationships over the past few years and even more so recently. I've said "bye bye" to those who gossip, radiate drama and just plain bring me down. I have to tell you, it feels great, I don't miss them a bit! This may sound a little harsh but it's important to be selective about who we give our energy and time to. Life's too short, and our family deserves our best self.

We need to ask ourselves if the people we allow into our lives are helpful, positive and uplifting or are they burdensome, destructive and unsupportive? If they've proven to show a pattern of drama, distrust, and ill feelings toward you...see ya! They're toxic and will only clutter your brain and cause you undo stress.

Sure it's important to forgive them and not hold onto feelings of anger and hurt, but that doesn't mean you have to keep allowing them into your life, draining your energy and self worth.

So while you're doing your spring cleaning this year, don't just evaluate whether that old sweater has gotta go, or if it's finally time to donate those pre-baby jeans, ask yourself:

"Am I In Good Company?"

So Much More Than A Paycheck... (Repost)

2010-02-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

This is a repost from last February, (originally on my old homeschool blog). I decided since my allergies are kicking my butt this week, it would be a good idea to repost this for those of you who are new.

I'm on to another Dr. Laura book, this one is The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage. I also read The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands which I also recommend, oh and don't forget the movie Fireproof, that's great too.

In my opinion, this is another book that should be highlighted, and within reach at all times. It's like going to church, we keep learning the same stuff because we need that bonk on the head, that reminder to get us back on track.

I truly believe that men are simple creatures and they only need a few things to be happy. In fact at dinner the other night, Kimball said almost that exact thing to me and yet I so often forget and start with the whining, complaining, and acting pouty or I start taking him for granted and not giving him the praise he deserves.

I look back to a time when Kimball was getting our business going, working like a DOG in the 110 degree Arizona sun, six days a week, 12-15 hour days and yet I did more criticizing and complaining than you can imagine. Sure I was working equally as hard with the kids, house and book keeping, it was an extremely stressful time...but I wasn't showing him how much I appreciated all he was doing. That's the number one thing I believe men need is to be shown appreciation for their hard work, to know that they are your hero so when they walk out that front door every morning, they feel loved, supported, and needed. Of course on top of that they also need affection, a warm meal, and to know their kids are being well taken care of. It's pretty simple really.

Kimball and I have had our share of ups and downs (oh my have we), but I am SO grateful we continue to work out our differences and try to make the other one happy. I know when I'm doing the above mentioned things, Kimball is one happy man and in return he'll treat me like a QUEEN.

Here's the 3 main tips she gives:

1. Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath-no matter how contrary to that you might feel at any one moment.

2. Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.

3. Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sacrifice for.

They are all great points, but #3 stands out to me because I think it's so important to try and have the house picked up, look presentable, and hopefully have dinner on the table or close to it. I don't always succeed and I'm working on serving my man more meat (since we all know the way to a man's heart is through his stomach). I'm also noticing my actions more when he walks in the door. Do I instantly bombard him with whining or complaints? Or do I just glance over from my lap top and say "hey"?

I'm also working on not being a drama queen when it comes to problems or mistakes. This isn't always easy for me because I'm the worrying type, but if our spouses can't come to us without us acting like an over powering parent, then how will they ever feel safe to share? We should be the one person they can come to with anything.

BTW, I'm speaking to myself because I have a lot of room for improvement in this area. OK so I'm off to do more reading, get more advice and hopefully build a stronger marriage. Hope you'll read these books if you haven't already.