Brandon's Funeral !

Today, was an emotional and a very difficult day. It seams as though there are so many friends and family who are going through some type of a heartache. I know my friend Desiree has a close friend who has lost their 5 year old son, another dear friend Shaila who is flying back and forth to Utah to be with her Father who is ill, We are also dealing with my Brother in law who has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now trying to get strong enough for a 2nd surgery. Another sister in our ward who was pregnant had to deliver her baby knowing that her baby would live an hour or so. This baby will be laid to rest soon. On top of all of this. A very awesome family in our ward just lost their 2 years old son. He has drowned in a canal close to their home. Today was his funeral. I did not know this family very well but felt a special connection with her as I helped in planning the funeral luncheon with the sisters in my ward. No matter where you live you can always feel at home in a place where the spirit dwells. As we walked into see little 2yr old Brandon Todd Allen laying so peacefully in his white casket. You could not help to let out a sigh and shed a few tears. His Mother, Sherrill stood proud and tall as she GREETED each guest who walked into the room with a big smile and a huge hug. Her and I made eye contact and exchanged some very nice words. I explained to her how much the sisters in this ward love her and her family. It has shown in the outpouring phone calls that I received to help in anyway. She said through tears. " I know, I feel it"

I was so amazed at her strength and her courage to press forward. The Morning side ward is barely 3 years old (I believe) this are the beginning stages of the trials that will come to this ward. I'm sure there are some that I'mnot aware about.I know that we are off to a great start as far as supporting each other and being their for one another. I know that this is where my Father in Heaven wants me to be and I will be there to go and do what is asked of me. The service was beautiful and the music was comforting. Mike and I sat together and held hands and reflected on being so blessed to be alive. We know that we need to live it well.

On the way home today, I just let out tears the day was over, I was exhausted physically and emotionally that the tears just came. As we got closer to the house. Mike and I looked out at the canals that carry the waters to the farms and saw a Mother and a small child holding hands. The mother was pointing at the bottom of the canal. The picture was clear to me that this Mother was telling her child how unsafe it is to be around the canals at all times. Again, the tears came. I came home and waiting anxiously for my daughters to get home from school so that I could just hug them and let them know how much I love them. Yeah, they are older and know not to go near the canals but I know other accidents can happen to them as well.

Teach your Children Safety, go over it, over and over and over again. Until they roll their eyes at you and say OK MOM, I GET IT.

I'm so thankful for knowing the PLAN, I'm thankful for sisters and Mother who are thier to lift me up and encourage me as I go through my own trials. Even my sisters who live in other states. I feel thier support and love and thankful for their advice and encouragment. I'm thankful for the friends that I have met who are so fun to be around. They make me laugh and make me feel accepted. I appreciate you!

I hope Shaila, Desiree, and others find comfort in friends and family both near and far. And now, we must PRESS ON! and enjoy the journey NOW!

Prayers Needed !

Special Prayers Needed!

Friends and Family there is a family in my church ward " The Allen" family who had lost their 2 year old son this last Friday evening. He has fallen into a canal behind their home and drowned. The family is having a difficult time dealing with this loss as would any of us. The funeral for this little boy is Thursday at 10:00 am.
As the Compassionate Service Leader, in my ward I'm at a loss of words on how many people who have stepped up to help feed the family and extended family with the funeral luncheon. It is so amazing to be able to see the Morning Side Ward in action ready, willing, and able to step in and help. We have an amazing ward and amazing families in our ward. I have made over 30 calls today and everyone has offered to help more than they have signed up for.

Thanks to all the Sister who have offered their service.

Please keep this family in your prayers as they continue on the journey of life. !

Nanny Mcphee

I just watched this movie the other night with my Daughters. Nanny McPhee. It is an awesome movie. I know it has been out awhile, but I must have missed this one. If you haven't seen the movie go rent it.

I loved this quote. I think it is fitting for a Mother. What do you think?

Nanny McPhee: When you need me, but do not want me, then I will stay. When you want me, but do not need me, then I have to go.

Be thou and example ! (kinda long)

I just happen to be browsing around on the church website and read this announcement.

Annual Theme
A noticed dated July 1, 2008, announced the 2009 Mutual theme: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

This article was also attached to this announcement. I took a brief part of it to share. It is uplifting and a message to live by. I love our new Prophet. He warms my heart. It is felt how much he loves the youth of today.

Precious young women, and you mothers, Young Women leaders, and advisers, may I leave with you a code of conduct to guide your footsteps safely through mortality and to the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father. I have divided my code of conduct into four parts:
• You have a heritage; honor it.
• You will meet temptation; withstand it.
• You know the truth; live it.
• You possess a testimony; share it.
First, you have a heritage; honor it. There come thundering to our ears the words from Mount Sinai: “Honour thy father and thy mother.” 2
My, how your parents love you, how they pray for you. Honor them.
How do you honor your parents? I like the words of William Shakespeare: “They do not love that do not show their love.” 3 There are countless ways in which you can show true love to your mothers and your fathers. You can obey them and follow their teachings, for they will never lead you astray. You can treat them with respect. They have sacrificed much and continue to sacrifice in your behalf.
Be honest with your mother and your father. One reflection of such honesty with parents is to communicate with them. Avoid the silent treatment. The clock ticks more loudly, its hands move more slowly when the night is dark, the hour is late, and a precious daughter has not yet come home. If you are detained, make a telephone call: “Mom, Dad, we’re OK. Just stopped for something to eat. Don’t worry; we’re fine. Be home soon.”
A number of years ago, while attending a youth gathering at the Clarkston, Utah, cemetery, where each of the group viewed the memorial which marks the grave of Martin Harris, one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, I noticed another marker—a small stone in which was inscribed a name and this poignant verse: “A light from our household is gone; a voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts that never can be filled.”
Don’t wait until that light from your household is gone; don’t wait until that voice you know is stilled before you say, “I love you, Mother; I love you, Father.” Now is the time to think and the time to thank. I trust you will do both. You have a heritage; honor it.
Next in our code of conduct: You will meet temptation; withstand it.
The Prophet Joseph Smith faced temptation. Can you imagine the ridicule, the scorn, the mocking that must have been heaped upon him as he declared that he had seen a vision? I suppose it became almost unbearable for the boy. He no doubt knew that it would be easier to retract his statements concerning the vision and just get on with a normal life. He did not, however, give in. These are his words: “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. … I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.” 4 Joseph Smith taught courage by example. He faced temptation and withstood it.
Many of you are familiar with the play Camelot. I’d like to share with you one of my favorite lines from this production. As the difficulties among King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and Queen Guinevere deepen, King Arthur cautions, “We must not let our passions destroy our dreams.” This plea I would leave with you tonight. Do not let your passions destroy your dreams. Withstand temptation.
Remember the words from the Book of Mormon: “Wickedness never was happiness.” 5
Essential to your success and happiness is the advice “Choose your friends with caution.” We tend to become like those whom we admire, and they are usually our friends. We should associate with those who, like us, are planning not for temporary convenience, shallow goals, or narrow ambition—but rather with those who value the things that matter most, even eternal objectives.
Maintain an eternal perspective. Let there be a temple marriage in your future. There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy. Be alert; do not permit temptation to rob you of this blessing.
Make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not, “What will others think?” but rather, “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.” 6
The tenor of our times is permissiveness. All around us we see the idols of the movie screen, the heroes of the athletic field—those whom many young people long to emulate—as disregarding the laws of God and rationalizing away sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don’t you believe it! There is a time of reckoning—even a balancing of the ledger. Every Cinderella has her midnight—it’s called Judgment Day, even the Big Exam of Life. Are you prepared? Are you pleased with your own performance?
Help can come to you from many sources. One is your patriarchal blessing. Such a blessing contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities. Read your blessing frequently. Study it carefully. Be guided by its cautions. Live to merit its promises.
Now, if any has stumbled in her journey, there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” 7 “And I will remember [them] no more.” 8 You will meet temptation; it is my prayer that you will withstand it.
Next in our code of conduct: You know the truth; live it.
After Joseph Smith’s vision in the Sacred Grove, he received no additional communication for three years. Can you imagine how you would feel if you had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, if Christ had spoken to you, and then you had no additional word or communication for three years? Would you begin to doubt? Would you wonder or question why? The Prophet Joseph Smith did not wonder; he did not question; he did not doubt the Lord. He had received the truth, and he lived it.
My dear young friends, you have been reserved to come forth at this particular time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Speaking of the gospel and of testimony, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “[The] thing which we call testimony … is as real and powerful as any force on the earth. … It is found in young and old. … It brings with it the assurance that life is purposeful, that some things are of far greater importance than others, that we are on an eternal journey, that we are answerable unto God.” 9
You have been taught the truths of the gospel by your parents and by your teachers in the Church. You will continue to find truth in the scriptures, in the teachings of the prophets, and through the inspiration which comes to you as you bend your knees and seek the help of God.
Remember, faith and doubt cannot exist in the mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith. Strive always to retain that childlike faith which can move mountains and bring heaven closer to heart and home.
When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. It will help to determine how you spend your time and with whom you choose to associate. It will affect the way you treat your family, how you interact with others. It will bring love, peace, and joy into your life. It should help you determine to be modest in your dress and in your speech. In the past year or so we have noticed a dramatic change in the way some of our young women are dressing. Styles in clothing change; fads come and go; but if the dress styles are immodest, it is important that our young women avoid them. When you dress modestly, you show respect for your Heavenly Father and for yourself. At this time, when dress fashions are styled after the skimpy clothing some of the current movie and music idols are wearing, it may be difficult to find modest apparel in clothing stores. However, it is possible, and it is important. The Apostle Paul declared: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 10 You know the truth; live it.
Finally, you possess a testimony; share it. Never underestimate the far-reaching influence of your testimony. You can strengthen one another; you have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others of your age.
To illustrate, may I share with you an experience which took place several years ago when Sister Monson had been hospitalized because of a fall. She asked me to go to the supermarket and purchase a few items. This was something I had not done before. I had a shopping list which included potatoes. I promptly found a grocery cart and placed a number of potatoes in it. I knew nothing of the plastic bags in which purchases are normally placed. As I moved the cart along, the potatoes fell out and onto the floor, exiting through two rather small openings in the back of the cart. A dutiful clerk hurried to my aid and called out, “Let me help you!” I tried to explain to her that my cart was defective. It was only then that I was told that all the carts had those two holes in the back and that they were meant for the legs of children.
Next the clerk took my list and helped me find each item. Then she said, “You are Bishop Monson, aren’t you?”
I answered that many years earlier I had indeed been a bishop. She continued: “At that time I lived on Gale Street in your ward and was not a member of the Church. You made certain the girls who were members contacted me each week and took me with them to Mutual and other activities. They were fine young women whose friendship and kindness touched my heart. I want to let you know that the fellowshipping you arranged for me led to my being baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. What a blessing this has been in my life,” she said, “and I thank you for your kindness.”
You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life.
May each of us emulate the Prophet Joseph’s great example. He taught the truth; he lived the truth; he shared the truth. You possess a testimony; share it.

I find it amazing that he can know so much about the temptations that the youth face. Even though this article was spoken/written I believe in 2005. It is still powerfull. Just wanted to share!

My Dad

This is my Father, Allan Gordon Davidson. I felt the need to Blog about him this month. Maybe because I feel I have been thinking about him because this is the month that be passed away. My Dad passed away October 18th 2004. I can not believe that it has been 4 years now. It feels like yesterday. I wanted those who never had the opportunity to know him that he was an awesome MAN.

THE ROCKING CHAIR My Dad loved this rocking chair, I can remember him sitting in this rocking chair when I was a very young girl. He sat in this rocking chair on Christmas mornings as he sat and watched us open all of our presents. He rocked anxiously waiting in this chair for his daughters to come home from their evening dates, He rocked in this chair on Family Home Evening Nights, I can remember him angeling the rocking chair out of site of my Mom who was giving the family a lesson. He would make these faces at here tyring to get us all to laugh at him. My Mom, used to get so mad at him. He rocked in this chair when he worried about finances. I could see his mind just spinning. He rocked in this chair when he would watch his favorite TV show M.A.S.H. He would also rock his grand babies as he would sit and visit with the family.

Whenever friends of family would come over to visit he would walk to his rocking chair and just lean on it. Maybe it was is support to help him stand or maybe it was just because the Chair and him were inseparable now. As I was going through my pictures of him I realized how many pictures in all the different houses that we lived involved the ROCKING CHAIR. It was a huge part of who he is.

The greatest opportunity that came his way was when he accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptised a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. With his knew found knowledge he and my mom were able to pass that along to thier 7 daughters and 1 son. Today, that legacy lives on. We are all grown and married and will continue with our own level of understanding. My Dad a SIMPLE MAN give him a rocking chair and a cold diet Coke and he was set for the day. He was a simple man. Who had many struggles from childhood into manhood. A Child who had a lot to learn in life all on his own. Can you just imagine all that your child knows because of you. My Dad did not have that opportunity, Yes, he had parents that loved him but was left alone a lot. What he learned he learned himself. However, he managed and I'm proud to call him my Dad. I feel great knowing that I have someone on my side that is above me each day. I know he is with me I feel it often.

This Rocking Chair now resides with my littlest sister Nikki, Now she gets to rock in it and remember her favorite Hero.

Thank you Tara, I realy appreciate you tagging me. It took me a while to figure out how to uplaod this tag. So, Now I will answer these silly questions and forward this on to 7 random people..

So here ya Go !

Here are my 7 random/wierd facts about me.

1. I met my husband when I was 13 years old. We started out as friends and talked every night on the phone. We lived in 2 different cities and managed to stay friends up until our dating years. And, well the rest is history

1. I have 7 sisters and one brother. Colleen, Renee, Trisha, Sandy, Carla, Allison, Allan, Nikki. This is the birth order.

2. I love church music. I like to collect different LDS music.

3. I went with Mike to go and shoot his gun in a field. I thought it was cool. I want to do it again.

4. I'm a clean/ organizer freak. Sometimes I feel like " Mommy Dearest" (not really)

5. I like to re-arrange my kitchen drawers all the time. Mike hates it. He has to look in different drawers for a fork. He often says, Where is the fork drawer today dear?

6. I like to eat a bowl of frosted Minnie wheat's before bed. Has to be Kellogg's brand. Not Post, General Mills, or store brand...Huge difference let me tell you

7/ Last but not least. I like to play jokes on my girls, The other night I woke up Ashlee and told her time for school. It was 10:00 at night. She said, Mom, What the heck! So, I ran and jumped on her bed and gave her a kiss and let her go to sleep. In the morning she glared at me..LOL.. Love it.

OK ,so this is all I could think of. It is late and I'm tired. If you are reading this and your name is.

Carla, Allison, Nikki, Trisha, Amber Hansen, Shannon Grogan, Sarah Herdan .. IT IS NOW YOUR TURN.. So save the tag to your pictures and at it to your post. Get to it.. NOW

Lots of Luck

What did I do..?

I Colored my hair.

I look stunned, I just held the camera up and shot it. I think I'm shocked. (seriously,) I have been messing with my hair for years. I'm so sick of touching up my roots to match the bleached end. When I'm not even a blond. (Ha-Ha) So, called around to find a new stylest here in Queen Creek. I was not about to pay $100.00 bucks for an all over color when I can do that. So, I went down to Fry's but a box of color and did it myself. I don't know people? After I rinsed it out I went into a state of panic and covered it up in a towel hoping the color would fade instantly. So I continued to put on my makeup and finished getting dressed and then when I was all done. I looked in the mirror and hand to do a double look.

So, We will see in the next few days if I like it or not...

Well, at least my roots are not showing.

Scrapbooking at my house !

SCRAP, CRAFTS, SNACKS AND WOMEN,

(What more can you ask for?)

I would like to say we got allot done this night. However, we did NOT.
Well, Cory(wearing brown) got the most pages done. She scrap booked darling pictures of her boys. They are so cute. Tara, (wearing yellow)brought her book and we ooooh'd and awwwww'd over how stinken cute it is. How precious her three daughter are. Even though she feels like she has one who is a total monster. Layne (wearing purple) is not a scrap booker but has plenty of skills when it comes to crafting. Her and Tara made these cute frames to hang in thier daughter rooms. Layne has the cutest little girls. My sister Allison and Carla came over and they sat and blogged and facebooked all night right along with us. They brought thier kids along witht my kids made one huge party upstairs. I wish I would have taken more pictures but my battery went dead. And, I well, I played hostess all night and sat and talked away. I did manage to complete 1 two page layout of haylee's dance competition in St. George.





I just have to say that I'm so thankful that you can live anywhere and always find such wonderful friends in the church. Even though we are in the beginning stages of knowing each other. I feel as if our spirits have just picked up and continued on knowing each other. These are great women in the Morning Side Ward!

I Miss My Guy !

You know, I have to say that I have been married for 20 years now. Mike and I are the best of friends and love being together. We also love our own space. I believe that is healthy and normal relationship. Before we had kids we would come home from work. Have a nice dinner together and talk about our day. We would than spend a little time together and then we would separate into other rooms and just do our own thing. Reading, computer, scrapbooking, etc. Just knowing that he was in the other room doing is own thing was comforting. There are times to this day that I could be working on a project ( deep cleaning the girls room's) and he would be watching a game on TV. I would not see him for hours. I can hear him and hear the sounds of his feet walking to the kitchen. I can even hear and imagine what he is doing. I would hear the sounds of him opening up the fridge or cabinet. I would hear him pop open a soda. All the many sounds than men make when they are home. ( LOL)

As of today Mike, has been in California for the last 5 days. Hi brother is very ill. I want him to be there for his brother however, I can not stand that he is gone. I feel like I don't know who I am with out him. Or maybe it is just that I feel more comforted knowing that he is in the other room. I can not be myself when he is not here. Is that normal. Did I forget who I am? OOOOH No. Who am I?

I feel selfish for feeling this way because his family needs him. I don't feel like I'm the same person, the girls don't feel like I'm the same Mom. I just feel a little depressed with him gone. I'm glad he is coming home tomorrow. The girls and I are going to make him a nice dinner and they are making decorations to welcome him home..

We are glad he is coming home. Do you feel this way when your husbands go out of town? Am I normal?

Ü Sisters Ü

Ashlee and Emalee
I took these pictures the other day. I saw them and just had to share. I have to say my girls actually love each other. I hear them at night talking in thier rooms as if they were best friends. Whoever said a girl needs her own room when they are close in age is wrong. Sharing a room helps them unite and become closer then ever. I always tell my girls that I grew up in a house with 8 sisters and 1 brother. We had a set of bunk beds on one side of the room and another set on the other. As sisters we shared everything. We talked, sang, laughed and sometimes fought ourselves to sleep. What a memory. I'm glad that my girls can be close and that they love being together..

Women's Conference

I think on this day I felt a new understanding of Relief Society and the sisters in my ward. After attending conference and hearing Sister Julie Beck talk about Relief Society. I realized that the Relief Society Sisters and what the Relief Society stands for comes 2nd to being my "Mother" This is a little story she told during that conference. If you would like to read the entire conference go to LDS.ORG and read it there. It was awesome.



Relief Society should be organized, aligned, and mobilized to strengthen families and help our homes to be sacred sanctuaries from the world. I learned this years ago when I was newly married. My parents, who had been my neighbors, announced that they would be moving to another part of the world. I had relied on my mother’s nurturing, wise, and encouraging example. Now she was going to be gone for a long time. This was before e-mail, fax machines, cell phones, and Web cameras, and mail delivery was notoriously slow. One day before she left, I sat weeping with her and asked, “Who will be my mother?” Mother thought carefully, and with the Spirit and power of revelation which comes to women of this kind, she said to me, “If I never come back, if you never see me again, if I’m never able to teach you another thing, you tie yourself to Relief Society. Relief Society will be your mother.”

Julie Beck
General Relief Society President

I can Remember being Blessed!

As I was sorting through old pictures on my computer and also pulling out disc of other pictures. I sat and pondered on past feelings. I felt inspired to share this special feeling. I can remember after being married 10 years how Mike and I wanted to be a family. Wanting a baby and not being able to have one is the worst feeling in the world. I can remember sitting in our little 2 bedroom home that we first bought in Moreno Valley. I would go to the bedroom that was empty and could imagine it being filled with baby things. Blankets and toys, diapers and clothes. I would often go and sit on the floor in this room and read my scriptures. I would read and pray, read and pray. all most every night. I would imagine a little child of ours. What color hair, what color eyes, who' s smile would she or he have. I thought It didn't matter this child would be blessed. I remember making promises with the Lord of all the things I would do if he would just make me a Mother. I knew when the opportunity came, I would love being a Mother, I would enjoy it more than any Mother in the world Because I longed for it for so long. 12 years to be exact.

One day during this time I heard the words to Elton John's Song " Blessed" It was "MY SONG" I knew it was ment for me. I searched for it and put it on my play list. If you listen to the words. You will love it to. Prayers were answered and THIS trial ended. It has been 10 years ago that I have been blessed. Im so glad I can reflect and remember to be thankful for answered prayers 10 years ago.

Hope you all had a Great Sunday !

Our Idea of School Picture Day !

Haylee and I decided that we were NOT going to buy school pictures anymore. Every time I order them we are disappointed with something about the pictures. Either the lighting or the pose is horrible. If your going to pay the money for that they are asking for they better be professional. So we decided that we would treat "School Picture Day" a little different. We got up early, got all fancy, with a new outfit, curly hair, lip gloss and went out side and did our own picture day before school started. This was allot of fun. She still had the excitement with all the other kids taking pictures at school but with out the cost. She was still able to take her pictures at school so that she can be in the year book and class picture except we just didn't buy them. This way we have perfect custom pictures. For those of you who don't know this. Haylee can not stand when I fix her hair. It is a battle that I can never win. She has a certain style that she likes to wear and it usually looks close to a plate of spegetti. I choose my morning battles with her. However, this day was fun for me. It has been along time since I was able to fix her the way I want her to look. SHE LET ME, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. Now, Emalee and Ashlee's school picture day came and went. They didn't tell me or show me any information about picture day. So who knows what they looked like that morning. Another reason why I don't buy school pictures. (darn them girls)

Haylee's 9 years old pictures 4th grade year.

Gotta Love these Cousins!

A Couple of Sunday's ago we all decided to go to church together in my Sister Carla's ward. Otis and Jason, my brother in laws sang a song in sacrament together so we went along for the support. We met at my sister Allison's before leaving for church and snapped a few pictures of the cousins before church. They all looked so cute and clean.







Family, one thing I try to impress on my girls is that Family is so important. You will always have your family to support you and be there when you need them. Here is just a few of the cousins. There are actually 18 couisns on my side alone. What a blessing it is to have each one of them in our lives.

Top, Ashlee, Briana, Emalee
Bottom, Braiden, Brooke, Ava, Haylee
They all make me happy !

My Toe and my Hubby

Time is moving to fast. Well, I havn't blogged in a while because I have a very sore toe that has been hurting me. I have been keeping it elevated to prevent the throbbing. Mike and I tried to move a desk and a credenza up a flight of stairs. Stupid me was wearing flip flops. I was trying to guide the desk up while Mike was pushing it. He pushed a little to fast and sure enough it went right up my toe and tore up my big toe toe nail. I looked down at my toe and it was standing straight up. I let go of the desk and screamed. I noticed mike holding this desk he was sweating and shaking saying " Help me" SO I had to ignore my toes and continue to help him. Once we got it to the top of the stairs and into the loft. I walked away crying.. This has got to be the worst feeling in the world. yikes. My poor hubby feels so bad. He has been doing everything and anything for me. It has been nice. Im realy milking this one. I have not had to cook dinner or do laundry. Al I have to do is make a face and he comes running. Im beginning to think it is worth the pain. He is a good guy. Hope your all having a great day !
ps. I think he knows Im milking it he is beginning to roll his eyes at me when I ask him for things. This is a fun game. !

WOW, What an adventure

Today Mike decided we were going to take a drive through the "Tonto Forest" Little did I know it was going to be an adventure that I would end up in tears. We started on this road called Apahce Trail and we drove and drove until we hit a dirt road that, sure enough Mike decided that we would take that dirt road. We drove through a switch back winding road that was not even enough room for one car. One side of my van was a wall of mountain and the other side was a complete drop down. YIKES, What the heck. I just put my trust in him I figured he wouldn't put me in any danger. yeahhhh right. theres more..

We finally drove for 15 miles on the dirt road and then, the gas light goes on. We are low on gas, I said nothing to him just looked at him like, " You have got to be kidding" Luckily, we were close to Apache lake that had a boat dock and he found the owner of the place who told him to drive down to the boat docks and he will give him some gas that he will have to poor into the tank. So we drove down the dirt road. There is nobody in sight at all, He parked me in the van beside a building and the guy told him to follwo him. Ok, so he leaves me sitting there, I start thinking horrible thoughts, What if he is chopping Mike up in peices, and Im sitting here waiting for him. So I start looking around and I dont hear or see anything or anyone. I started to cry, I was so afraid. " Why, would he put me through this" I waited and I waited what felt like forever. I was thinking I should call Allison, my sister and tell her to take care of my kids Im not ever coming home. What would my kids think? Am I going to die? Who will tell me girls I love them? So many thoughts. went through my head. Than I see and hear Mike coming with the gas can. I was relieved. I know I sooooooooooooooooooooo over reacted but this is just the stuff you see on the news. Couple exploring the Apache Desert get trapped and are found chopped to death...

When Mike got into the car he looked at me and said, Ok, Babe, we are ready to go home ! He knew with out me telling him that I needed to be reasured that we were safe and on our way home. The way home was pleasant, we laughed,talked and enjoyed the scenery. I guess because we have been through it once on the way up. We knew when it was going to end, we knew what to expect along the way.
Makes me think about lifes trials. We can handle things when we are assured that the Lord, husbands, family, friends, are on our side.. We know the outcome will be good, if we put our faith and trust in the people who loves us the most...

Thanks for the lesson learned my dear sweet GUY!

Monday

Moday, Monday, A day to get the house back in order from a house full of kids this weekend. I enjoyed having them all here but at times its hectic.
Just a thought, when you want to clean out your pantry for the next grocery shop trip. Invite the kids from the neighborhood or family over. Pull out a big huge bowl and add the left over chips,crackers,pretzels,nuts,chocolate morsales,and anything else you can find.Set it on the counter and you have just become the "Best Mom in the Neighborhood" It's the little things you do to make them love you.
Now, Im ready to grocery shop my pantry is clean and empty I'm ready to fill it up.. Need new menu ideas Got any?

The Arizona House

This is our Home! We now live in Queen Creek Arizona. I Promise this is our last destination, well until the girls are grown and on thier own. We met the New Home Coordinator when we got here. He gave us our keys and walked us through the house. It was all that we expected. Take a look at the rest !

Well. It didn't take long before Mike and I got tierd of looking at the white flat paint walls. We added some red and put up some decorations that first week.

Ok, I have to share. I used to love going to my sisters Trisha's, Allison's and Carla's home and looking up at the tops of thier cupboards to see all thier little decorations. I have always wanted to do have cupboards like this. So, I copied them all and made a creation. (Well, actually Carla helped me)

this is our Family room. Mike choose a very light taupe color for these walls. If you see the blinds you will notice that the walls are not white. It was fun decorating this room. Mike actually chose the locations of things. He is getting good at this. !

These are the only rooms that are painted and done. We have alot to do. Having flat wall paint is hard to keep clean I wouldn't suggest it to anyone. Hope you liked it !

1st Day Of School !

This is Haylee off to 4th grade ! I'm told the 4th grade is the hardest for kids. No more review its all new stuff. I know she will do her best. Haylee is my Hannah Montana, Camp Rock girl. She dances and twirls around the house. Every word that comes from her mouth is from a Hannah Montana movie. It's amazing how much she knows. We found a great dance studio for her to contiue her dance skills. Her goal is to own her own dance studio one day ! SHe keeps us laughing and busy

Ashle is off to 7th grade. She is excited to be in Junior High. Ashlee is my "Rocker" child. She loves peace signs, and lighting bults, high top shoes, skulls and bones, She has a way of making all that hard stuff look cute and femine. Ashlee is preparing to be on the 7th grade school softball team.

Emalee my big 8th grader, She is getting so beautiful. She loves pretty things and like to look and feel pretty. She is a fun girl who is making lots of friends. All she had to do is carry her Stephanie Myers ' Breaking Dawn" book to school and she had instant friends. Her and her new 5 best friends are planning to come over to make " I love Edward" tshirts to were to the movie when the movie "Twilight" comes out. She read a huge book in 2 days. They she cried just knowing it was over. I love her passion for things. She sets a good example to me.

Well, there they are. My girls. Ready to take on that 1day of school. I shed a few tears as I dropped them off. They walked with confidence to thier doors and didn't look back. I was excited to see them at the end of the day !

This is Ashlee, She graduated from the 6th grade at Mountain View Elementary.She was sooooo ready to be out of Elementary school and on to Junior High School. She did well on her grades. Ashlee, Is my writer,She loves to read and write. Her entire 6th grade class had to write essays on thier life in Elementary School. Her essay was chosen to read at the graduation along with a few other stories. She did a great job and she made her parents proud. She talked about how Elementary school helped her to be the person she is today. She named some of her best teachers, She also spoke about how she would look for others at school who sometimes would look as if they needed a friend and she would make a friend out of them. She also mentioned how she wants to be a social worker to be able to make all children in the world feel safe.
" Bless her little heart" I was proud of her.