Memorial Day and Birth Day!

Mon., May 26th---  Today Emily invited all of us to go swimming at the Hassel's MOST AMAZING POOL!  Really, it is the coolest pool I have ever seen in someone's backyard.  It has a tunnel slide, rock wall, diving board, jacuzzi, and sooo much more!  I was really coveting their entire backyard.  We all ((Dad, Mom, Sam, Scott,Steve,Spencer Heywood families, Hubers, Trever and Mercedes and us) swam, ate Ned's Crazy sub (thanks Dad!) and had GREAT conversation.  It was such a fun time and a great day.  While we were sitting out there Mercedes got a text from Sydney and Paul..... they had their baby girl at 12:58am, Mon., May 26th!!!!  She was a whopping 10lbs. 2 ozs.  If you have ever seen Sydney you would realize this was a huge accomplishment.  She is soooo tiny!  I still can't believe her baby was that big.  She has lots of dark curly hair and they named her Morgan Grace (Morgan after Sydney's sister who passed away).  I can't wait to see her!!!!  Congrats Sydney and Paul!  After all the swimming (11am-4:45pm) we all went to Dairy Queen.  YUMMY!  Then, we went home and BBQ'd hot dogs.  What a GREAT Memorial Day!  I am so grateful to live in a country where I am free to do what I want-- and enjoy these freedoms wherever I want.  Thanks to all the troops and families that make and have made this possible!

*** Lauren turned 7 mos today.  It makes me so sad.  I can't believe that she is closer to 1 than the day she was born.  Where does the time go????  She rolls all over, gets on her hands and knees, crawls one or two steps then falls, gets herself to a sitting position and even pulled herself up on me when I was sitting on the floor with her.  She is such a cutie and I love her so much.  She talks so much--- babbling but, I bet it is a sign of things to come.  She is definatly the PRINCESS.  She loves to play with Hayden and Hayden loves to play with her.  I hope they are best friends and always play this well.  

Maggiano's mmmmmmm

Sat., May 24th---- I woke up sooo early today.  WHY?  The kids were all still asleep and here I go and wake up at 5:30AM.  Well, needless to say it got me going for the day.  I went to Walmart at 7:30AM and was home by 9:15AM.  Cleaned house, took a little nap, got ready, picked up Mary (dropped her off at the house), picked up the Foster's and then..................off to Maggiano's!  I think right now this is my favorite restaurant.  We met my sister and some of her friends there.  We all did the family style (*wink, wink*) and ordered-- zucchini (my absolute favorite), spinach dip, four cheese ravioli, braised beef cannelloni, chicken parmigana, gnocchi, salad and for dessert.. creme brule, and chocolate cake.  It was soooo good!  We always have such a good time with the Fosters!  You guys are great friends and I am so grateful to have you so close by.  Afterwards Brian, Brent and Michael were going to go see Indiana Jones.  Luckily, we called before they went... it was SOLD OUT!  The next available show was for Sunday, May 25th at 9:15am.  Sorry boys-- I guess you will have to plan a guys night out this week!

Kindersteps Graduation and Broadway Palm

Friday, May 23rd---This morning, Hayden had her Kindersteps graduation.  They sang some songs and then her teacher gave them each a graduation certificate.  Hayden did such a great job and we are so proud of her!  I can't believe that she is getting so big and will be in all day school!  Where does the time go?  After that they had cake and juice and her teacher made each kid a cute little book with their picture on it and things they learned over the last year.  Now, it is on to all day Kindergarten at the big school (CTA Freedom).  All day Kindergarten, lunch at school... Yikes!  I am not ready for her to grow up.  I know that Blake and Lauren will be sad to have her gone all day.  She is so good and loves to play- school, house, grocery store, restaurant with Blake and Lauren.  I know they will miss her-- me too.

After graduation- we went to Broadway Palm-- ( the kids show, Mulan).  It was really good and the kids had a great time with all their cousins.  After that we all went back to Grandma's!!!  I love that my kids have so many cousins and that they are all about the same age (13 kids- 8 and under).  I love to hang out with my mom, sister and sister in laws!  

Grub Club

Thur., May 22--- Tonight was grub club.  We went to Firebirds.  Erica, Donna, Stephanie Greer, Stephanie Foster, me, Afton Welker and Carol Davis all went.  We had such a great time!  Thanks girls for a great night out.  

  

Blake's Accident

Tues., May 20th--- I was making dinner and Blake climbed on to the island counter.  I turned around to check on dinner and then turned back around to him just as he was falling to the floor.  He fell straight back off the island counter and the first thing that hit the floor was his head.  I started screaming hysterically (for any of you that know me you know that I do not handle these kinds of things well).  I was not calm, cool and collected.  I can't and did not show a brave face.  I pick up Blake and I am crying -- out of control, screaming call 911.  Well, Blake stops crying and he is saying... I am ok.  I think it is pretty sad when your 3 year old (the one who got hurt) is the calm one.  I think he thought that I must have gotten hurt as well and that I must have been hurt worse than him.  So, Brian comes running in as well as Chase and Hayden.  Luckily, Brian is the voice of reason and he looks Blake over and then goes to the trusty home doctor... Google.  He prints out all these things about what we need to look for and that even if we went to the doctor there was nothing they could do -- just watch him for the next 36 hours.  36 HOURS???  So, for the next 36 hours I have to be worried that my sweet little boy is going to die?  (Like I said I don't handle these things well).  Anyways, it is now 5 days later and he is fine-- not even a goose-egg!  Still, when I replay that in my mind I still feel like I want to throw up!

Swimming Lessons

Blake started swimming lessons on Mon., May 19th.  He really liked it until he had to get his face wet.  Then, he just cried and he cried just thinking about getting his face wet.  (What is it with my kids getting their faces wet?)  So, he has cried everyday of swimming lessons but, each day gets a little better.  He is so funny because he will sit there and cry but when Traci tells him it is his turn he goes right to her and does it.... then starts crying again.  Hopefully next week will be better and he won't cry anymore.  Chloe, Grant (Stephanie's sisters little boy), and Carter Rogers are in his class.  They are so cute!

Josh's Farewell

On Sun., May 18th Josh Figueroa had his mission farewell.  He did such a great job on his talk!  We are so excited and proud of him.  After that we went back to the Fig's for dinner.  The food was so yummy and we had such a great time.  Josh leaves on the 28th for Kingston, Jamaica!!!  This mission sounds so exotic however, they do have an extremely high crime rate.  Linda is worried about this (I would be too) but, I know that he will be protected and that Heavenly Father will watch out for him.  Josh is so awesome and we can't wait to hear all his stories!

Ede Patterson's Birthday!

On Sat. May 17th we went to Ede's first birthday party.  It was at the Patterson's and was so much fun!  They played games with the kids and had a pinata.  The food was fantastic and the kids (and grownups) had such a great time.  They had a cake made that looked just like the ones on Food Network!  It was pink and green and so yummy!  There were lots of people there and it was good to catch up with friends that we don't get to see to often.  

Julz's Birthday Lunch

On Tuesday we went to Olive Garden for Julz's Birthday lunch!  Her birthday was on Sunday (11th).  Grandma Mag, Mom, Me, Blake, Lauren, Julz, Ella, Sheri, Beau, and Emily  all went.  We had a great time and the food was sooo good!  Happy Birthday Julz-- enjoy the last year of your 20's!!!!!!

The weather was GREAT today!  I took the kids to the park and we met the Foster's there.  We had a great time!  I don't think we will get anymore days like that--summer is officially here!

Blake's 3 Year Od Doctor Visit

Blake went to the doctor on Monday (12th) for his 3 year old well visit.  He weighted 31 lbs and was tall.  He was in the 30% for his weight and the 80% for height.  He did not have to have any shots this time!!!  Yeah!!!  I had been telling his doctor that he had fevers the week before but did not act really sick.  He took 2 naps and was lethargic but no throwing up or saying his throat or ears hurt.  Well, she is looking at his cheeks saying.. when did those start.  Honestly, I had just noticed it that morning and kind of thought he was having fevers again.  She said let's watch it- he may have Fifths Disease--- Fifths WHAT???  Then she said watch for this lacelike rash on his arms and legs and literallly in her office it started to appear.  So ... Blake has Fifths Disease (which sounds terrible) but really isn't.  It is just a virus and goes away on its own.  I think he must have gotten it at Father's and Sons.  After that we went to Circle K for Icees and a treat!!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was very relaxing.  Lauren took a 3 hour nap (and that NEVER happens)-- one hour of it was on my shoulder.  I even got a little nap in there!  I reopened the clothes I picked out the night before and a card and some treats.  The kids all gave me their presents-- Chase gave me a coupon book, Hayden made me a cute flower with a poem, Blake made me a cute picture.  It was a great Mother's Day!  I am so grateful to be a mom and I love my kids so much!!!!!  Some days are hard but, I have to say, I really have good kids and that makes my job easier.  They are so special and I really enjoy that I get to spend each day with them.  I LOVE you soooo much-- Chase, Hayden, Blake and Lauren!

Mother's Day Weekend Begins and Always Wear Waterproof Mascara

I wake up Saturday morning by 6am- as usual.  UGH!  Why can't I sleep in?????? All the kids are still asleep but not me- O well.  I have always been a morning person but once, just once it would be nice to wake up and see the clock say.... 7am!  I begin the Saturday ritual of scrubbing down the house.  I actually don't mind cleaning it is the thought of cleaning I don't like.  While I'm doing it and the feeling after are quite enjoyable.  Just thinking about doing it is not so fun.  But, I guess what made it a little less enjoyable today was that I held Lauren the entire time.  My arms are so sore!  Not to mention that I almost ran over the vacuum cord 10 times and I would have been really upset if my vacuum would have been broken.  So.... finally a clean, scrubbed house.  What better feeling is there than that..... oh yes, I have a babysitter tonight!  Mary Heywood (our cousin) is babysitting and can I just say that I LOVE HER!  And, so do my kids.  Every time I tell the kids she is coming to babysit they get soooo excited and say maybe she will bring her little lamb.  lol!  (BTW... Mary really has a little lamb).  Brian and I leave (with Lauren of course) and head to Black Angus with my parents, Scott, Julz, Steven, Elizabeth, Sheri, Michael, Spencer and Emily.  We had so much fun and laughed a lot!!!!  Thanks family for a great night out.  After that Brian and I (and Lauren of course) went to Target to do a little Mother's Day shopping!!!!  I got two pair of shorts and a shirt.  I would have gotten WAY more... why not it's Mother's Day but, we had only 15 mins before it closed.  I got so irritated every 5 mins when the intercom voice gave us the countdown to closing every 5 mins!!!!!!!  Target is closing is 15 mins please go to the nearest checkout and purchase your items...... Target is closing in 10 mins please go the nearest checkout and purchase your items..... Target is closing in 5 mins............ (you get the idea).  After that we go to Dairy Queen and I get a rootbeer freeze.  So all in all my Mother's Day weekend has started off great!!!!!!  Clean house, good kids, dinner and date night,  loving husband (who takes me shopping at Target for my own Mother's Day gifts-- LOL)-- Love you BRIAN!!!  I really am quite practical I really don't like gettting flowers too much - kind of a waste of money.  I would rather have a shirt or a big cup of dippin dots- (which I know does not last longer than flowers but I enjoy so much more!)  

***Funny story.......... earlier in the day Brian and I were talking to Chase in the kitchen about a video game he has.  (WE don't let him play M video games but, he has one-- I don't really know why is it rated M but, it is).  So, Brian said he could play it but, I was still asking Chase how he felt when he played it (kind of teasing him because really it is not a bad game).  Chase is such a good boy and always want to do what's right so I actually think that when he plays the M game (even though we said this one was ok) he feels guilty about it.  Anyways, I was asking Chase how he felt when he played it and Brian says to me... stop, you are going to make him go to therapy or (he looks over to his right side and says ..... or end up like that one.  I look over and see Hayden, sitting on the floor holding this LARGE Spongebob stuffed animal, talking to it and moving its arms up and down.  .... HYSTERICAL LAUGHING (here)..... I don't know why but, this was hysterical to me!  Just the way he said it and then seeing Hayden.  I told this story at dinner to my family and they were laughing so hard too so I guess it was funny to others.  (NOTE TO SELF.... when going out to dinner with the family.... wear waterproof mascara!)

The Temple and Home Depot

On Thursday night Josh went through the temple.  So many people were there to go with him.  It was so good to see all the family and I'm sure Linda and Josh love knowing how many people love and support him!  After that we went to Mi Amigos for dinner.  YUMMY!  Then, I get a call from Brian telling me that he took the kids to dinner and then Home Depot and locked the keys in the car.  I am at the Mi Amigos on Gilbert and Southern so he tells me to finish my dinner and then come.  Two hours later I arrive at Home Depot!  (I had to go home, get the extra key and then back to Home Depot).  What a sport you are Brian!!!!  Two hours with 3 kids in the Home Depot parking lot????? I think I would have just walked  home- or called a taxi!  

Fevers and Beavers

Today Blake and Lauren are not feeling well.  Blake has had fevers (or what he calls Beavers) all day.  He has taken 2 naps today and he usually does not even take one.  Lauren has an ear infection and is on antibiotics for it.  She is irritable and is not sleeping well.  So, needless to say the house is a mess but, I am caught up on laundry-- Yeah!  I think I will even make pork chops tonight.  What's the occassion...... none just grateful I am not sick as well.... yet! 

Julz called me this morning to tell me that Kaden chipped his tooth.  He was swimming last night and hit it on the slide.  It was the front tooth (permanent) and it chipped all the way to the gum.  She got him into the dentist and they fixed it!  She said you can't even tell and that he was so brave at the dentist.  Way to go Kaden!!!!

School Breakfast

Today I took the kids to breakfast at Chase's school.  I try to do this once a month- sometimes more.  It is definatly NOT the best tasting or the most nutritious but, my kids LOVE it!  They think it is the most fun thing to do.  They love the french toast and Blake loves the pancake on a stick.  

I can't believe there are only 15 days of school left--- YEAH!  I can't wait for summer break!  We have a bunch of things going on until then so I am sure the time will fly by.  On Thursday, Josh is going through the temple and then his farewell is on the 18th.  He leaves for Jamaica on the 28th!  We are so proud of him and can't wait to join him at the temple on the 8th.  On Saturday we are taking my mom out to eat for Mother's Day with all my siblings.  

Other things happening this month.... Sydney's baby girl Morgan Grace is due on the 22nd, Broadway Palm- Mulan Junior on the 23rd and then the summer movies start on the 29th!  Look out summer.... here we come!

BEST Girls Night EVER!

The boys (Brian, Chase, and Blake) packed up and went to Father's and Son's!  They rode up with the Fosters.  So, that left me, Hayden and Lauren at home to ourselves.  First, we took Lauren to the doctor for her 6 month check up.  6 months already!!!!!  I still tell people I have a newborn.   (I think that makes me feel better every time I get on the scale and think ... but, you still have a newborn.  Whatever!)  She weighed 15 lbs 9ozs (35%) and was 26 inches long.  She got 3 pokes and the oral vaccine.  She did great.  She has another ear infection so back to antibiotics.  Anyway, after the doctor we went to San Tan Mall.  We went into Charlotte Russe and did a little shopping, then went and ate at Johnny Rockets.  We got Shirley Temples with extra cherries!!!  Then, we went to Build-A-Bear Workshop and Hayden got the pink bear with hearts on it and a fabulous pink dress, purse and shoes.  Then, we went to the movies and saw Horton Hears A Who and I told her she could pick whatever treats she wanted.  She picked a soda, MnM's  and popcorn!  (She ate about 3 bites of popcorn and maybe 10 MnM's -- O well.  Then, as we were coming out of the movies I noticed Claire's.  Hayden has been begging for her ears to be pierced so....... my little 5 year old girl got her ears pierced!  She was so brave.  She climbed right up on the chair and took it like a true girl.  No crying, nothing.  I was suprised!  She had quite an audience watching.  Afterwards she kept telling me that it hurt and she felt like she wanted to cry but didn't!  I told her she could pick whatever earrings she wanted and I should have known she would pick the biggest looking diamonds they had.  I eventually steered her towards the cute flowers that were pink and sparkly!  Mainly because I wanted something flat to her ear and that diamond stuck out about an inch!  When you are older sweetie!  After that we went to Gelato Freeze- our favorite! WATERMELON gelato is soooo YUMMY!  Lauren was so great throughout the whole thing.  (She slept for the entire movie.) Then we came home.  We didn't get back until 9pm.  This morning we got up and went to Sonic for breakfast and then went to a Boutique at Michelle Bradley's and picked up some SUPER CUTE stuff!  I love my girls so much and I am so glad that they are mine!  I hope we always have these fabulous girls nights forever!  I love my family so much!!!!!!  We missed the boys but it was so fun just us girls.  Thanks Brian for letting me have the BEST Girls Night EVER!  I am sure you had the BEST boys Night EVER!!!