Sunday Sunday

Another weekend come and gone and a great one at that. It was General Conference weekend -- one of my favorites of the year. We have to start making our own GC memories in Idaho. For the past 9 years we have gone to or had our dear friends the Hales over for dinner on Sat eve. The men go to Priesthood and we catch up on life. It is amazing at one time their was only one kid and at last count their were 7 running around at our last gathering.

So on Sat we went to dinner before Priesthood with Darin and Natalia at Carrabbas and then sent the boys on thier way to the Priesthood session. One of my favorite talks of the weekend was by Dallin H. Oaks about testimonies. I realized we need to help Alex develop his own testimony as it is only a couple of months before he gets baptized.

My friend Jenny sent this link to me and it was a great way to end my Sunday. It is a slide show entitled Reflections of Christ made by a photographer in Mesa. This gentleman, Mark Mabry, recreated the story of Christ’s life with photography, and he took all of the photos in Arizona, in places that best resembled the areas of the Holy Land where Christ’s ministry took place. This video/slideshow (link below) has most of the photos, though not all of them. It is It is on display at the Mesa AZ Visitor's Center. It is simply beautiful. Enjoy

http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/blog.cfm?postID=31

Life's good

Well the big move took place and we are in our new home. It is good to finally be here and not go back and forth everyday painting and moving stuff. Well we still have lots of stuff in the garage that needs to come in and be put away but hopefully it will get done this weekend. We spent last weekend at Grandpa and Grandma Wood's for Easter. It was a much needed break from "house stuff" and the kids needed some TLC. We colored Easter eggs, played UNO and basketball and ate lots of good food. Thanks for the great time!

This week is Spring Break althought the only thing that appears springy is my tree in front yard with its yellow blossoms. It has rained everyday and even a little sleet yesterday. Needless to say, Alex's baseball practices have been chilly. We have been trying to do something somewhat fun each day. Monday we made cookies - which doesn't happen often. I eat way to many so I avoid it altogether. Tues we had some friends over and went to the YMCA. Wednesday to kids went to a friend's house and I finally painted the red stripes in the boys room and today we are headed to see the Dr. Suess movie. Who knows what tomorrow holds. Any ideas?

No pictures with this post. My computer is down so I am on a temporary one till the part comes in. Hence the delay in my blogging. Can't wait to get back on track.

Sizzle Sizzle Boom

Yes, I know it has been awhile. I apologize to my regular readers, Aunt Marilyn and Scott! Life has picked up and when I have a moment to blog, I am brain dead.

We have been busy getting the other house ready for the big move. All we are doing is painting, but when you have a two year old apprentice it takes way longer than it should! Hopefully we will finish up this weekend. The blinds come next week and then it is moving day. Can't wait!

Two weekends ago Cris' mission companion and family came to visit from N. Idaho. They hadn't seen each other in over 12 years but kept in touch. It was good to finally meet Matt as Cris often talks of the fun times they had together. Their boys are the same age as our boys and are sports nuts as well. The boys only took breaks from playing basketball for a quick bite to eat and drink and then the game was back on.

This past weekend we went to the Idaho State Boys Basketball Tournament. My Alma Mater the, Burley Bobcats (Zach calls them the Burley Bobblecats), were defending their first place title from last year. They were victorious once again ending the past two seasons 53 and 1. They even had a slam dunk during the game. Who said white men can't jump! The boys were in heaven attending lots of games with Grandpa and Grandma. It looked as though half the town of Burley was there to support. Gotta love small town sportsmanship! In prepartion for the game I was teaching the boys the fight song. When I said the phrase, For it's High High High Sizzle Sizzle Boom, Cris gave me the strangest look. I guess I never realized how silly it was. So it is now a popular phrase in our home. The boys learned most of the song and were able to keep up with the band.

Here are some pics of the kids. Cris took the boys to the Globetrotters Game a couple of weeks ago. I told Syd we needed to fix her hair for church and it appears she didn't need my help. I just saw ten years into the future.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! We hope you have a fabulous day with your loved ones.

Zach has been busy making Valentine's for his class. We melted crayons into heart shapes and then glued them to his card that read, You color my World! Cheesy? Yes, but he was happy. He is so funny. He just ran in and told me the months of the year. He loves to learn and is starting to read a few words.

We got the best Valentine present. We signed papers today on our new home and get the keys tomorrow. YEAH! It is nice to have a place to call home. Now the fun begins with painting and moving. The weather has been so nice lately and we have been spending time outside riding scooters. Syd was feeling a little left out so Dad came home with the cutest princess scooter ever. Syd was so excited and thought for sure she could put it together faster than dad. She loves it and rides it around the kitchen.

Alex's reaction to the recent trade of Shawn Marion to Miami Heat. He calmed down and got rather excited once he heard Shaq is coming Phoenix. Go Suns!

The week of the unexpected.

Last week was the week of the unexpected at our house.

First, Alex jumped/fell (depends on who you ask) off of our bed and somehow has a minor fracture in one of the small bones on top of his foot. So he spent the next couple of days crawling around the house and lounging with his foot propped up being iced. By the end of Tues he was ready to go back to school. However, no school on Wed (unexpected) as it snowed and snowed- and we thought we were moving to a place were it hardly snowed. Not this winter. In January we had over 11 inches of snow compared to the 1 inch in Jan 07. We have been searching the stores for a snow shovel and have ended up borrowing from our neighbors as snow shovels disappear as quick as they come in.

Another unexpected, at least for me, was the passing of Pres. Hinckley. While I know he was 97 and his health was declining I had it in my mind that he would always be here with us. I will miss his humor and his encouraging remarks. I am greatful for his many years of service and his work of bringing so many temples to the earth. One of my favorite quotes from him is "Try a little harder to be a little better." I will truly miss him, but greatful he is reunited with his wife and others who went before him.

My latest craft project turned out to be a success (unexpected). I often concieve of great projects in my mind and not always do they turn out the way I would like. Especially, sewing projects. Syd's carseat cover was falling apart so I made a new one and it fit. She loves it and sat in her chair for an hour not wanting to get out. Maybe this will make her want to get in the car a bit easier!

Superbowl Sunday! We were cheering for the Giants and low and behold the underdog won (unexpected)! Zach was really rooting for the Giants even though he was wearing his Tom Brady jersey. We watched the game with some friends from college and had a great time!

So far this week is normal and I am thankful.

Syd's Birthday Bash

Here are some photos compliments of cousin Steph from the birthday party. Syd had so much fun and her excitement over every card and gift was priceless!