No school supplies for you!

Yesterday, I met Mom and Walt in Prescott Valley to drop off Kody and Lolo so they could go to Phoenix for the week. While we had lunch at Rusty's (yum yum) Mom and I were discussing her new project for the kids. She asked if I had told the kids about it yet and I told her no. So during lunch we did. Mom has devised a point system for the kids for the month of July. They will earn points by doing some basic things at home, brushing teeth and hair, cleaning their room, no pouting, getting along with others, helping others, listening to thier parents, taking the garbage out, etc. The clincher in this, is that they can not be told by a parent to do them. In order to get the points they have to just do these things and not pout or whine. In August we will all get together at Mom's, she will then trade the points out for RR $$. Mom has always bought the kids school supplies and then divies them up, well this year she will hold an auction when we get together. Then the kids will be able to use thier RR $$ to purchase thier supplies. Some will get more, others will get less depending on thier actions and what they accomplish.

As we discussed these things and how it would work, I watched Lolo's face. She started with an O for a mouth, much like my Sunbeams scared face, then it transformed into dejection.

I asked, "What's a matter Lolo?"
She just shrugged her shoulders.
Then the light came on! "You thinking you will not be getting any school supplies this year?"
"YEP!" she replied.

Chino All-Stars

Tonight was the last night for the Chino Valley All Stars. For the last 3 years, and at least 3 years in Phoenix, Danny has coached a boys baseball team, even though none of our kids play. This year since he was the winningest coach he got to coach the All Star team. They have been playing all week for the area championships.

They lost their first game on Tuesday night to Verde Valley, then on Wed. and Thurs, they had 2 incredible wins! They pulled both nights out in the final innings. Last night's game was the most amazing win, I got there after work in the 4th inning the score was 1-6, with Williams winning. Since it was raining I decided to take the kids and run an errand and get something to eat. When we returned to the field it was the 7th inning and the score was 2-7, still Williams. I ate in the car thinking it would be over soon, by the time I was done and walked over to the field the score was 4-7, we had 2 outs and bases loaded, the batter walked, so we then it wat 5-7.

Colby came up to bat and hit a nice one and scored 2 to tie it up. Then Bradley got up and with 2 strikes on him, hit a line drive down the 3rd base line. The third baseman missed it and the winning run came in. It was amazing! Tonight though, the boys just weren't all there and ended up losing 13-0. They held on tight and didn't get really bummed until the 6th inning when we ran out of pitchers and once again playing Verde Valley they were able to run the score from 5-0 to 13-0.

They boys played great and ended up in 3rd place for our region! I love Danny, and know he truley loves baseball, these boys really enjoy playing for him and the boys from the other Jr team asked if he was coaching next year, because they all want to play on his regular team. Danny had to tell them that he thought it was his last year. He has such a big heart and loves to coach, however as our kids have gotten bigger and do more activities, it gets harder for him to take the time out for other people's kids.

I have to admit that I am not always supportive of Danny doing this. Especially since we have moved to Chino, all of these kids have parents who show up to the games and practices, they all give thier opinion but don't want to coach themselves. In Phx at least the majority of the team did not have supportive parents and I feel it was noble that he coached the group he did. It was very similar to the Keanu Reeves movie about coaching the ghetto team. But, like I said the kids here have the parents that are perfectly capable of stepping up, they all have opinions and think their kids is the next big thing. Besides our children need him too.

However, when I look at he boys and know they respect Danny and have enjoyed the season, it is a little bittersweet. Danny truley is a great coach and has even had a boy from his Phx team look him up and call to say how grateful he was. It's fun to hear all the boys call him Coach, even when the season is over and they run into him around town.

So, tonight I took some pics to remember his last year of coaching, at least for now. Maybe Sammy will be our baseball player, or I know that when our kids are moved out, Danny will most likely go back and coach again. For now, he might learn a little more about girls' softball and take on Lolo's team next year.

Thanks, Danny for being a good example to your kids about community participation and helping others!

I really miss my kids!

It's amazing how you think you would love to have your kids gone for a while, that we think we will love it when they grow up and move out. I have experienced this the last 2 weeks. Danielle is gone during the week, while she is involved in the Upward Bound program through high school. She spends the whole week (nights included) at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University taking classes and getting prepared for her sophomore year of high school. Kody was gone all last week at Camp Geronimo with the Boy Scouts. My children at home have been cut in half.
It's funny how when you are young, you have a picture of what your life would be, I always planned on going to college, having a career, and freedom to do whatever I wanted. I even fantasized about moving to Cali, getting an apt right off the beach, and living with one of my cousins who live there. I would go to school, find a job, and live on the beach! That would've been the life. I can remember sitting in YW class on Sunday and listening to a few of the girls say they wanted to be mothers when they grew up, I always thought that was silly. There is more in life than being a mommy, you can be so many things! A mommy was just an afterthought as far as I was concerned. I want to write and become an author, I can do that and be a mommy, I just didn't understand ONLY being a mommy. The funny part is that is the majority of my adulthood has been spent, being only a mommy, and it's been great! I have 3 older children I can talk with and laugh and cry with. I have a beautiful new one that has a great personality. I still want to write and do these things, but I don't mind that I don't do them now, I love that my life has been centered around these spirits that I get to take care of and lead.(hopefully in the right direction)
Being without them is hard. I hated dropping Danielle off this week. The first Sunday was fun and exciting, but after being without her for one week and then only having her home a day and a half, due to Saturday activities, I didn't want her to leave. I know this program will help her get great scholarships and be prepared to continue getting good grades, but I feel so selfish right now. Kody got home on Saturday and spent the weekend at home, but immediately was making plans with friends to hang out all day Monday. Then he spent the night and is gone even longer. I have loved my time with Lolo and Sammy, but they are both still so young. I love that I can talk with Danielle and Kody about grown up things, that they are at a point where they want to learn and soak up the gospel to use in thier life. That I can ask questions about who thier friends are they don't get upset, they want my input (a little) that we can discuss thier day and I know they are becoming little people getting ready to face the world.
Lolo trys so hard to be like them, but she is only 9 and her life is so different than middle and high school. She is beautiful and trying to get the attention she misses from being the baby. It seems that attempting to give her one on one this last week has only added to her orneriness and fits. I know she struggles with Sammy and having to take care of her self more. That she can't always get help when she demands it. Sammy is so cute, but it is so hard to start over and relearn everything after having these older children. I can't just sit and talk to him and have him answer. I have loved taking both of them to the pool and lunch at the school(Lolo's favorite), I have enjoyed taking Lolo to the orthodontist, and being able to talk to her about what is going on. I just didn't expect to miss the older 2 so much! They get so rowdy and obnoxious that I sometimes wish they had something like this to get rid of them, now I would love to have them being goofy. They seem to be growing up so fast, it won't be long and all three older kids will be out in the world as adults, I hope we can have the relationship that my family has. This time is just not long enough to enjoy these kids and keep them.
I guess I owe those girls in YW an apology, for thinking they were crazy! I now understand what it means to be a mommy! This is the life! Even having to work part time in a field I never saw for myself is rewarding, because I know that it is to help them get what they need to be successful in life! I just don't know if I can survive the whole summer with Danielle gone! I will never tell her this, I want her to do it and be successful, she is so strong I know she be something great. Some day I will look at all 4 of these muffins and say "I did that!"

Happy Father's Day, Dan!

What makes you a father? Just because you have kids, does not make you a father. Lets ponder this. Is it having a good job, working hard to provide for your family? Yes that is part of it. The other part I believe is putting up with your kids and letting them know you love them no matter what.

Like when you're trying to solve all the problems in the world and your son does something goofy in your pic! (With out you knowing) Lets ask the experts. "The atrobutes of a good father are being able to get or go along with their kids, like a screwdriver that has been wrapped for the second time. Another thing is always agreeing with their kids. A good father is being able to wreastle with his boys and not fully injur them. I think it is great to see boys grow up to be like their fathers and want to be around them more and strive to be like them."~Kody

" My daddy is amazing because, he married my mommy, he always puts up with me screaming, he loves me alot, he always gives me loves, he is really funny, he cares about me, he always has fun with me, and he loves everyone in our family."~Lolo

"What makes a good Dad is one who wants the best for his kids. He's willing to give up time to help his kids be happy and to sacrifice his time in order to make sure his kids get the most out of life. My dad does this not only with us but also with other kids who don't have the blessings we do. He's always willing to coach and do anything to make sure that other kids understand what it's like to have someone that cares about them in their life. My dad loves me and I know it. Yes, it's a little hard when he's busy with work or coaching but he always comes home and shares things with us. I can count on him when I really need him. He truly is an awesome Dad."~Danielle

Danny really is an amazing person, I am so grateful that I able to be a part of his life and share in the raising of our kids. A good dad takes the time to show what he is doing and try to teach his kids how to do it. He helps in the fantasy of pretend and plays just like his kids do. He understands that even though he is real tired when he gets home from work, his kids and wife have missed him and still takes a few minutes to play and help around the house.

I believe it is important for him to hold the priesthood and show how to honor it, a good dad not only teaches right from wrong but puts forth a good example of it also. I love that Danny is always willing to give a blessing or share his testimony. He teaches his kids tolerance of others and to try to be kind! He takes the time to play and show his kids he loves them. I love that he wants to go to church and has a love for the Savior and his Father in Heaven.

Most importantly a good dad takes your hand and helps lead you in a good direction, he protects you and keeps you on the straight and narrow. Never let go of your dad's hand and he will keep you out of danger! I love you Dan and thank you for being the dad I always wanted!

Welcome to our ool, notice there is P in it, let's keep it that way!

I think the "P" needs to stand for poop! I took Lolo and Sammy to the Chino Pool yesterday and some child felt the need to take a doodoo in it! We then sit for 45 minutes while the poor staff has to clean it out, Sammy falls asleep and I get some sunbathing in. When we get home Lolo says, "I think someone poops in the pool every time we are there!" I think back to last year and I think she's right! Last summer I was only working 2 days a week, so we spent 3 days at the pool, and I think at least once a week we had to take a "break" because some child had to go. As a parent I would be appalled if that were my child, of course you never really know which muffin dropped his raisins, but I definately take it as a learning experience. "It's no fun we have to get out of the pool, so they can shock it is it? Thats why you always need to get out if you feel a number 2 moment is about to happen!" Would that be so hard? Talk to your kids about cleanliness and consideration for others! They raised prices this year, so I paid $5 for Lolo and I to get in (Sammy is free), this is what I paid last year for all of us to get in. While I support the raise in price in order to keep our community pool open, it's no fun to sit and watch the poor lifegaurds have to be on poop patrol and waste 45-60 minutes of our swim time! I don't remember this happening at any time when I was in Phoenix, I'm sure it did, but I just don't remember happening as much!
Come on people, just because we live in Chino does not mean we have to live up to the reputation we have in the Tri city area. Do you really want to keep being the butt of every podunk joke there is? I don't. I try to change the image that is Chino, by showing that some of us know how to be real people. Please teach your kids that a "cement pond" is not really a pond and doing your doody is not appropriate!

Two a days and some great feelings!

Today was a great Primary day, from sharing time to class time. In Sunbeams we learned to be thankful for our feelings. These were the faces we were supposed to draw on the board one at a time, then ask the kids to tell us what each feeling was and try to make that face. It was hysterical! In class we had 2 of our normal kids and the little girl who is here for the summer, Thier faces were so funny, I had to pull out my phone to take these pics!

Here is the suprised face! We always bring snacks so Wyatt is surprised to get a cheeto, don't the girls faces look just like the surprised face above? (The one with the O for the mouth). They had so much fun talking about this face and making it over and over again!

Here we get 1 mad face, from Sami and 2 surprised faces from Wyatt and Audrey. These kids are so much fun to teach. Audrey will just randomly change the subject. If you ask her a question about the lesson, she will respond with, "I can talk with my mouth closed!" Then she will hold her mouth shut and make noises. Wyatt usually reponds with a dog bark or growl. Sami has only been here 3 weeks, but she already blends right in. It takes her a little while to get going, but once she is comfortable with us, she talks and has a great time along with the other two!

Here we have 1 happy, which was Wyatt's favorite anyway, 1 sad, and 1 more surprised. (I told you that was the fave!) Part of the lesson included showing pictures from the book, one had 2 kids fighting over a toy. One was a girl and one was a boy, I called the boy Wyatt and the girl Audrey. I asked the kids what they should do in this situation. Audrey stated, "I don't have a shirt like that and my hair is not that color!" So Danny named another little girl in our Primary who actually looked like the one in the pic, then Wyatt said, "That doesn't look like me either!" These kids are so funny!

This is the girls mad face. Audrey says this is the face she makes when her sister hits her and grabs her arm real hard. (I know her sister and I don't think she is that mean) When we first made the mad face, I asked what would make them want to make this face. When they didn't really respond, I asked what if a kid cut in front of them in line to get on the slide, Audrey said "Yes, I would make this face and hit him! He should not get in front of me!" Later we did try to discuss other ways of handling anger, instead of hitting. Like talking with mom and dad, or if that doesn't work pray. Especially when you are scared, if you pray Heavenly Father will calm you down.

These are our happy faces. These last pics were taken while we had play time. In order to get the kids to listen to the lesson, we have to promise to let them have playtime with all of Sammy's toys at the ends of class! Wyatt was too busy at this time to show me any more faces, I think he might of even growled at me when I asked him a second time! Love that kid.

In Sharing Time Brytani gave a great example of prayer and how often we need to do it, to make our spirits strong. She always has the best ideas for Sharing Time and can hold the kid's attention well. She brought a pair of running shoes and some healthy food, she discussed ways to make your body strong. She talked about how she used to run cross country in high school and each practice she had to run 8 miles. When a big meet was coming up, her coach would ask them to do 2-a-days, of course none of the Jr Primary knew what that was. So Brytani explained that, that is when you do your work out twice. Not only did she have to run 8 miles during practice after school, but the coach asked them to run 4 mile in the morning before school.She told the kids how strong that made her body. So even though, we only need to go to church once a week or have FHEonce a week, you need to do 2-a-days with prayer. That is what will make your spirit stronger each day. Just as if you had a big meet coming up, 2-a-days with prayer will help you stay away from temptation and the things we should not do, it keeps our spirits strong.

So, remember to be thankful for your feelings and when you feel you can't control them, pray to Heavenly Father to help, and don't forget to run 2-a-days to keep strong.

Dust of your bikini and join us!

I know if you are on Facebook or myspace you already know about this, but I really do want to invite everyone out! This Saturday, 6/13/09 from 10-4 is the Grand Re-opening of Chino Valley Cycles at our new location. There will be food, kettlecorn, prizes, a pinstriper, a tattoo artist, lots of other bike shops from all over the state, and 96.7 The Wolf will be there to do live remotes and give us some jams. The only thing I will warn some of my friends is that there will also be a bikini bike wash. Now, I do not care for this and neither does Danny, but we not the owners, his dad is. The bike wash will be out front, Danny and I and the kids will be inside the shop entertaining people there. It can be avoided if you don't want to stare at chicks in bikinis. They will be dressed, I have been assured that there will be NO nudity. (If you call bikinis dressed, that is) We are very excited about the new shop and have been working hard to get in order and ready for this event. Please come and see the bikes and maybe buy a tshirt. We would love to see some of our friends and family. Danny puts in alot of time at the shop trying to make it better, and we are glad that in this economy the shop is still thriving.

So, dust off your bikini and come on down to wash a bike or two, you never know you might get some great tips!

381 Commercial Way, 10-4, this Saturday 6/13/09. (Commercial Way is past Mcdonald's on the West side of the hwy, just past the Catholic Church!)

Tomorrow is Kid's Club!!! Who is going? I will have all four of my kids, so I don't know if I can drive anyone else...but it's always fun! I think someone should see about Megan's kids, I will help keep an eye on them there. Especially since I will have the older kids to help. If you haven;'t gone yet, it is a blast! It's a program for toddlers and preschoolers, Persephone sings and plays the keyboard, while Dewper (a man in a Prairie Dog costume) dances around. Each month is a different theme and they do great give aways. Sammy loves it! He dances around and is not too scared of Dewper. It's starts at 10, by the Sears at the mall! Hope to see you there, any questions or ride arrangements give me a call!~They also do it at various Phoenix area malls if any of my friends in the Valley are reading this. Just ask at your mall!

Happy 15th Birthday Danielle!

Tonight I realized that I forgot to post this on Danielle' s birhtday. My little girl is 15. Here she is at 2 months old, with her great aunties! I was so excited when mom called to say that her and Aunt Shelley were going to drive up and that all the great-great aunties were coming too. Aunt Alice(Nanu), Aunt Jolane, Aunt Shelley and of course Aunt Shirley. We had a wonderful day, went to lunch at Murphy's then hit a few antique shops in downtown Prescott. Fifteen years seemed so far away then!

As she grew, she became so much fun! She loved to get dirty and do whatever Daddy did, fix bike tires, or hammer nails. She was such a little tomboy. I always told Danny that if we had a girl first, she would be all boy.

She liked to be goofy, always willing to put on a funny hat or these blow up reindeer antlers from seeing Santa at the mall. She is truely the oldest child. She knows what she wants and goes right after it, bossing everyone along the way.

She has always loved being a big sister. Here she is trying to help Lolo hold a chicken at Crow's Dairy. Lolo wanted one so bad, but could never get herself to actually hold it. Danielle stayed calm and kept trying everytime Lolo asked.

She taught Kody how to play dress up, and always included him in whatever she was doing. He was easy going and took her teaching,(bossing), in stride. Danielle loves to be the center of attention and has always tried to be a little adult.

She loves her family very much. Here she is with Grandma Janeen, probably at one of Grandma's church functions. Danielle has always had a deep love of church and God, she would gladly go with Grandma when she was little.

Always willing to strike a pose and take center stage. I can't believe that 15 years and 3 more kids have already passed. I can remember when it was just Danielle and I at home. Her and I reading books and watching Gullah Gullah Island together. How fast life goes when you only want it to slow down.

Danielle has always been able to hold her own with us adults, she has acquired her parents sense of humor and knows exactly how to use it. This pic shows her being pampered before Uncle Jason's wedding. She was the flower girl and loved having Me and Bethany spoil her! I could not believe how old she looked when she was done. She was 9 years old and too beautiful already!


She had a great time hanging out with all the older bridesmaids, while everyone got ready for the wedding. Once again 15 seemed too far away for me to worry about her growing older. Now with her first year of high school already done, and 6 months away from a driving permit, I wonder where did the time go. Am I really old enough to have a child almost ready to enter the world? I only have one more week with her this summer, as she prepares to stay at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for the Upward Bound program. This will help her get a jump on next years classes and a better chance at college and scholarships.

She plays just as hard as she studies. School is very important to her and so is her soccer. Danielle has always been a very active child, from playing Tball to Dancing. We used to go through a big sports schedule with her, Soccer in the fall, then tball in the spring to swim team in the summer. At age 8 she was the only girl on her flag football team. The boys do not intimidate her at all. After that season of football, she opted to try dancing, which she did for 5 years and even some musical theater. She then discovered soccer again and has been playing that nonstop for the last 3 years.

Danielle is fierce in everything she does. She has a strong testimony of the Gospel and deep love for our Savior. She knows that school and education are important and battles to get good grades. She also has inherited my school spirit and trys to stay involved in school. She just recently got her Patriartichal Blessing, which told us all exactly what we already knew! That she will be a success in her career, whatever that may be, that she will have a family and be able to juggle both. I have no doubt that whatever she trys, she will tackle head on! I love this young women, who is not a baby anymore, I look forward to what she may be when she grows up! I can't believe that I raised such a strong Young Woman, who knows what she wants and does what it takes to get it! The world better look out, because she used to have a dream of being the first woman president and I think she could do it! At age 15 she already has more sense than Hilary and Sarah! I love you my Daniellie and am so glad you are part of my life!

Butt-Crack Betty

Poor Lolo, we can never find pants that fit or stay on her. I know she will probably hate that I posted these pics, but I couldn't resist it. When we were at Willow Lake and the kids were sitting at the end of the dock, I thought it was the neatest looking picture. As Danny and Sammy and I drew closer I noticed that our dear friend Betty had a paid a visit today. I am always telling Lolo to pull up her pants, especially before she sits. Maybe someday they will make a pair of pants that will fit our beautiful little girl, but until then we will be visited over and over again by Butt-Crack Betty!