The "Joy" of Gardening?

I did not inherit my mom's green thumb, but gardening has become enjoyable, rewarding and something I can do with my kids. My husband's creativity and hard work has made our garden a relaxing place with a fish pond, a fountain, and a beautiful arbor. I like to sneak out in the morning and late afternoon and enjoy the peace and quiet that can only be found there.

Unfortunately, the birds and insects have also found my utopia. As I am not a natural gardener, I have learned by trial and error what to do to get rid of these pests. Some of these remedies worked (squishing the caterpillars), and most did not (banana peels in the soil). The result has been fat and happy birds and insects and not much left for the humans. I've given up on the artichokes for this year, but am determined to save the tomatoes, strawberries and grapes. I have placed a net over the entire garden and yet the birds keep getting in. I took my dilemma to my facebook friends and got a wide range of response. The most notable of these was using a 40 caliber. Instead I decided to put bright shiny objects all over the garden to scare them away. If that doesn't work, I'm buying an owl and a bb gun. Here is a look at my "Sanford and Son" display in my backyard. Cross your fingers it works, cuz I'm not a very experienced with a gun.

Wait? You don't have a toilet on your dining table?

I do have a toilet on my dining table, a "royal flush" to be exact. It is Coleton's final project for sculpture. It's a play on words; quite creative I think. He got an "A". It's so cool in fact, I think it might become a trend. Pretty soon everyone will want a toilet on their dining table.

Laundry Room Makeover

After sixteen years, my washer and dryer decided to retire. Even though my laundry room is purple, I chose a Tango Red pair. So, instead of repainting the room I decided to incorporate the red. I think my husband thought I was crazy because who makes over their laundry room? I made a bulletin board, and curtains, and found a cute sign from Hobby Lobby. The project cost just over $30.00 and I love it!
Before
After
Grandma's Helper

Valiant B Article of Faith Party

Sam is a primary teacher. Last year he was William's teacher. He promised his kids if they memorized their Articles of Faith (there are 13) he would throw them a pizza party. It was a lot of fun. The kids are so sweet and get along very well. We played Minute to Win it games, ate pizza, and had a blast!

Pinewood Derby

Daddy helped each of the kids make their own car for the Pinewood Derby. They were all very unique and they had fun designing, cutting, sanding, painting and decorating their cars.
Sage's was a Dragonfly, Abby's was called Thunderbolt, Will's was Skullrider.

Famous Arizonan

4th graders in Arizona have the opportunity to study a famous Arizonan. William's first choice was Pat Tillman, but he got Frank Luke, Jr., The Arizona Balloon Buster. Luke AFB is named after him. This project was not an easy one because the books about Luke are no longer in circulation, and he only lived 21 years. The kids (and moms) learned a lot from this project, but we were all thankful when it was over.
The final part of the project is a wax figure museum with a five minute speech as your character. William was amazing and stood at attention through all the speeches. We are so proud of him.


Since it was a rather large and time consuming project, we were thrilled when William was awarded the Principal Award for his Famous Arizonan project! Luckily, we've got a year off before Abby will be in 4th grade.

It's Great 2b Eight!

Our sweet Abigail Celeste chose to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. It was a rainy day, which actually is an appropriate symbol for baptism. One of the songs she chose says,

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

She asked her sister, Jasmyne, to play the piano, and her grandpa Jim and brother Cole spoke. When Cole ended his talk with his testimony, there wasn't a dry eye. Jasmyne and Cole also sang a duet. Her daddy baptized and confirmed her and gave her a beautiful blessing. We're so thankful for all the family and friends that joined her to celebrate this special day. We're proud of her for her decision. She has not stopped smiling all day and you can just feel and see the spirit around her. We love you Abigail!

Happy Valentine's Day

As usual, Ms. Becky spoiled the kids rotten for Valentine's Day. She is so crafty and so much fun! This is Sage and her BFF Embrie. In addition to Valentine's Day, today is the day to enroll these cuties in Kindergarten!

As for me and my Valentine...we've been together for 22 years. He told Abby yesterday "Valentine's day is for lovers, so you don't celebrate it when you get married." He was joking of course. Even if he wasn't, I'm not the kind of girl waiting for chocolate and roses on Valentine's day. He knows I'll kill him if he spends an exorbitant amount on roses that will be 1/4 the price next week ;) I think it would be more appropriate to say Valentine's Day is for kids...the spiderman/little pony valentines, decorating sugar cookies, and a box full of chocolate See's candy from the grandparents! Whatever your Valentine's Day brings, I hope it's happy! XOXO

Happy Birthday Abby

Abby chose a few of her BFF's to celebrate her 8th birthday. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. First, we had pedicures. Jasmyne washed the girls feet while I painted.


Then, we went to the mall for a little shopping at Claire's. Abby also wanted all her friends to be there when she got her ears pierced. The girls helped her pick some beautiful amethyst earrings. She told me she had butterflies as we were walking in, but she got right up in the chair.

The first ear went well. However, the next hour and a half was not pleasant. Let's just say Abby still has one earring. We quickly left the mall to finish up the party. Despite the episode at the mall, the girls had a great time. One of the dad's did thank me because his daughter never wants to get her ears pierced now. As favors we made matching bows for the girls and gave them each $5 to spend at Claire's, and candy flavored lip gloss.
Happy Birthday Miss Abigail! We love you!

It's Great 2b 8!

Our beautiful Abby turned eight today! To say she is excited is such an understatement! She was hyper the entire day. The chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast probably didn't help much. Her only request for a gift was to have her ears pierced. More on that later. She also requested steak, red potatoes and broccoli for dinner and ice cream cake for dessert. The whole family was there to help her celebrate, including Pablo and Logan. After we were done eating cake she lead us in reading Jonah from her new scriptures.

Eight fantastic facts about Abby:1)She's ALWAYS smiling.
2)She is a great friend...and everyone's her BFF.
3)She loves her little sister, Sage, so much. They are best buds.
4)She has a contagious giggle.
5)She adores her daddy and helps him whenever she can.
6)She is a great student...a little "chatty." Her favorite subject is math.
7)She is really thoughtful. She leaves notes all around the house for all of us.
8)She is waaaaay excited to be baptized.