Skater Dude!

After much anticipation and a very long wait, Collin finally started his skateboarding lessons today! He got his skateboard and helmet for Christmas last year and has been on a waiting list for lessons ever since. It was harder work than he anticipated, but we were NOT disappointed. The instructors were GREAT with the kids.

Even I was getting excited and was tempted to try it myself, but I decided for Collins sake to wait and try it when we got home so that I won't embarrass him. I will have Chad take a video when I do get out there to try so that you can all have a good laugh. In the meantime, here is a quick clip of Collin skateboarding for the first time.

The funny thing about the instructors is that before the class they are skating and really just tearing it up, but they are NOT wearing helmets. When the lessons start they all put on helmets to be a good example to our kids...As soon as the lessons are over, you better believe that all the helmets come off - too funny!

A Good Laugh

When we were on our recent trip to Heber, my father-in-law and the boys started playing with Dylans glasses. Dylan wears a VERY strong prescription that, when held just right, will make your eyes look huge. Keep in mind that we were doing this at a restarant (yes, a public place). Here is what Dylan looked like...


But wait, it gets better, because then Collin tried his luck too...

Don't worry, I saved the best for last. My father-in-law will probably kill me for this, but it was just so funny that I have to share. We laughed and laughed because my father-in-law looked so hillarious. I love that he is willing to truly relax and have a good time with his grandchildren. My boys will never forget him and I appreciate him more than he knows.

For those of you who are wondering, I did NOT join in on the fun, but I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It still makes me laugh every time I see the photos.

Tid Bits

It is always great to get cancelled from work unexpectedly. I was rushing around this afternoon to prepare a nice dinner for Chad and the kids when the phone rang. I was sure they were calling to ask me to come in early, but instead I was aked if I wanted to be cancelled. Not only did I get to make dinner for the family, but I got to eat it with them too. What a nice surprise.

I would just like to give a shout out to my neighbors, Rich and Nora, they are the best neighbors anyone could ask for and it just doesn't seem like a weekend with out spening time with them. They are great with my kids, layed back, they love my cooking, and they are just so much fun. I called them on Sunday (my one day off this weekend) and asked if we could come hang out and swim. Nora and I were hanging out chatting while watching the boys swim and the next thing I know Rich has made us each a Tequila Sunrise. We spent the next 2 hours swimming, sipping our drinks, doing crazy jumps into the pool, playing football in the pool, and snacking. What A great way to spend a day off.

ROUGH'N IT!

Okay, so maybe not roughing it...but we did stay in a cabin in Heber, AZ this weekend and it was so much fun! We definitely hope to make a return trip with in the next year.

Our weekend started out by meeting up with Chad's parents in Payson, and then driving to the cabin. While we were getting unpacked I warmed up the homemade mannacotti that I had made that morning, made a salad and garlic bread, and poured some wine. We had a fabulous dinner and a nice relaxing evening. On our second day we went to check out some sights recommended by Erin B. We went to Black Canyon Lake and let the kids wade in the water. Here is a picture I took of the actual lake. There was really no one else there - it was great! From there we headed to a fire tower that I don't remember the name of and we all climbed to the top to see the sights. It was truly beautiful. The end of the night was probably the best. We had dinner at Casa Ramos (also recommended by Erin B.) We were NOT disappointed. We finished off each evening by soaking in the hot tub. It was especially nice the last night because it was cool and rainy.

I finished off the trip this morning with a special horseback riding adventure with my boys. We got up early and were riding by 8:15am while Chad and his parents were packing up the cars so that we could head home at 9:30. It was a perfect way to end this trip. This was the first time the boys rode horses and only the second for me. (I was definitely more scared than they were:)

11 Years and Still Going Strong

After 11 years of marriage, I feel as though I am finally qualified to share some of the things I have learned over the years...

1 - God must be at the center of your marriage. (where else would we find the patience to deal with our significant other)

2 - Marriage takes work, which includes sacrifice and compromise from both partners.

3 - When you find the right person you WILL know. There won't been any doubts (even after 11 years)

4 - Communication is key!

5 - Laughter is a must. (even in the most stressful times, it is important to laugh together)

6 - It is important to be united (or at least pretend to be) on everything when it comes to your kids.

7 - Spending time ALONE together is a must. This one is sometimes hard when you have kids, but it is vital to a relationship.

I love my husband more today than I did when we met almost 13 years ago. We are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary this Saturday and I am so grateful to have him in my life. He truly does complete me. He brings out the best in me and he sometimes knows just what I need before I even know myself. We have laughed together and cried together. Fortunately we rarely fight. I stood by him when he was moving us all over to start his career as a youth minister, he stood by me when I we were finally settled and I went back to school to become a nurse, and we stood by each other when they thought our son might have cancer and even though he didn't we supported each other every time he had to have a major surgery. I wish I could tell Chad more often just how much I love and appreciate the person he is and all that he does for me. I AM SO GLAD THAT WE ARE STILL GOING STRONG!

Day Life

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it has been to be on a day schedule for the past 4 days and I still have 2 more to go! I feel like I have energy and I can think clear enough to help my kids with their homework. Yesterday I even baked several dozen cookies for work, played scrabble with my husband, and put the finishing touches on my 4th of July scrapbook! It is amazing how much more productive I am when I am not busy being a vampire.

Breaking Dawn

Ok, for all of my friends that are wondering...I finally came home this morning and started reading Breaking Dawn even though I worked all night and was already in the middle of another good book. I JUST CAN'T STAND IT ANY LONGER! My mom read our copy first and loved it. I wish I didn't have to work tonight so that I could sit up and read, read, read. I am sure I will finish it this weekend.

United Blood Services Photo Shoot

So here is the latest on my little photo shoot for United Blood Services. I went to do it today and was told that I am on the home page for UBS Montana. Here is a copy of that picture...I didn't even know. Crazy!

I will keep you all posted when they send me the latest photos. My little guy, Collin, was photographed with me today. If they decide to use the photos of me in my scrubs I will be in a L&D room. Cool.

Tag....I guess I'm it!

I was wondering when it would come, and it finally has. I have been tagged so here goes -

The Five

10 Years Ago...

1. I was getting ready to celebrate my 1st wedding anniversary

2. I was 7 months pregnant with my first son Dylan

3. I was living in Sioux City, IA over 1000 miles away from any family members
4. I was trying to figure out how to finish nursing school while working, having a baby and a husband.

5. Work was just a job that paid the bills - not my passion.

5 Things on Todays "to do" List...

1. Clean, clean, and clean some more

2. Spend time with my kids

3. Laundry

4. Buy school supplies

5. Spend time with my husband, Chad, without falling asleep (sorry honey:()

5 Snacks I Enjoy...

1. Chili cheese fritos

2. Gummi Bears (especially the ones from work)

3. Jujyfruits

4. Chips and dips (salsa, french onion, guacamole, etc.)

5. apples

5 Things I Would do if I Were a Millionaire...

1. Give money to the church

2. Pay off all debt

3. Take care of my family and friends

4. Get a bigger house, but not too big and definitely not 2 story

5. Hire a house cleaner

5 Places I have lived...

1. Albuquerque, NM (at home with my parents)

2. Albuquerque, NM (in an apt. with my husband)

3. Sioux City, IA

4. Chandler, AZ (before we bought a house)

5. Gilbert, AZ

So now that I have done the deed, I am tagging Tarah, Tiffany, Kim B, Brittany, and Chad.

Football Time!!

My boys just returned from their annual trip to Flagstaff for Cardinals Traning Camp! They made it a 2 day event this year which started with a 5:30 am drive to Flagstaff on Friday Morning.

Then, it was off to watch the team practice. The boys had a blast. They got tons of autographs on photos, jerseys, collectable figures, balls, and hats. Collin even got Kurt Warner to give him one of his practice gloves that he was wearing! Those of you who know my little Collin know that he is NOT shy...

when he got bored with practice he wandered down to where the kickers and punters were practicing. While he was down there he got Neil Rackers to play some catch with him. These are the types of experiences that I hope my kids will always remember. I mean really, how many 7 year olds get to toss a football around with a pro football player??

My husband is the greatest. He is always seeking out cool experiences for the boys. After a long day of driving and hanging out with the Cardinals it was off to check in to a hotel and then a boys night out of dinner and a movie. Taco bell and Hellboy. I definitely didn't miss out there. I have so many great pictures from their adventure that it was hard to choose, but here are a couple of good ones.