Doster Dorks

Sarah Ellen Photography

2011-10-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

I don't like to mix my personal blog with my business blog, however, I want to get the word out and since some of my blog peeps don't have a Facebook account, I thought I would reach y'all this way. I have a few sessions left, so hurry and book now! p.s. mention you saw it on my blog and I'll give ya a 20% discount. WOW!

Jake

2011-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is Jake.

Everyone one say "Hi Jake".

Jake is my cousin, who is single, kind, amazing, and has a nice truck. My kids love Jake. I think they have replaced Stephen (Bubba) with him. They love to see him, and hang out with him. When they see his truck they go CRaZy!!

Jake also owns a horse. Theron. My kids love Theron. They love to pet him, and ride him. A few weeks ago he let them ride the horses in the field next to their house. My kids now want a horse. Maybe. Someday.

This picture makes me laugh! (Sidenote - this horse isn't Theron)

Future Rodeo Queen

Not quite sure about being up there alone.

Cousin Justin riding Theron....isn't he a beautiful horse?

I totally know that this was totally random. I think its because I have also been jonesin to ride Theron. Hmmm, me thinks I need to call Jake.

Cal-li-forn-ia Girls

2011-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

So believe it or not, I have NEVER been to the beach. Well, we went to the beach in Texas, but that was more rock, and you couldn't go anywhere without shoes on, so I don't count that. Anyways, yes, me in my lame - never been to the Grand Canyon nor the beach self - decided that it was time to cross one of those items off the bucket list. Luckily, Aaron had to (serious arm twisting) go to San Diego and take some classes for his job. So, being the supportive loving wife that I am, I decided to tag along. I mean heavens, I wouldn't want him to be alone during that long 10 hour drive over there.

We stayed in the Manchester-Grand Hyatt which, cha cha cha, was the life of luxury. It is right on Sea Port Village. I would sit in our 14th flour room and just watch the boats go in and out. One morning a ship pulled into the navel base on Coronado, filled with sailors standing around it....heavenly. Nothing like men in uniform..mmm...mmm...mmm.

When we first started planning the trip, I wasn't sure what I was going to do for the whole day while Aaron was in classes. I mean, I was stuck in a new town, with no transportation, thank heavens my Uncle Merrell had to attend the same classes, so his wife, my Aunt Blanche, and two of her kids, Natalie and Justin decided to join in on the fun. I tagged along with them. It was great!!

We went to Sea World for two of the 5 days. Justin, who is the same age as Elle, was so much fun to be around, even though his sister may say otherwise. His excitement to see and experience everything make me laugh, and really miss my kids.

We then spent one day at Imperial Beach....heavenly. All my friends said that they could spend a whole day at the beach and never get bored. I honestly thought they were nuts, I mean really, how long can you stare at the ocean?! Well, my friend, you can stare at the ocean for hours and hours. Probably the best nap I have had in a while, listening to the waves, smelling the clean air. It was heavenly, and I am jonesin' to go back!

We also cruised on over to the San Diego Temple, also a first for me, and then we made a trip over to Mission Beach. Once again, heavenly.

It was an amazing trip. It was nice to have some Sarah time without the little kiddos. I am SO thankful to my mother-in-law and to my amazing cousin Martha for watching my kids. Without their help, I would have been stuck home all week, and probably now living in a mental institution.

Popsicle, Fudgesicles Ooooone Dollar!!!

2011-08-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, I lied, this post isn't about the family reunions. I decided to go in chronological order on how things happened. So lets see, we evacuate, get back, and then celebrated the 4th of July!!! First of all, 4th of July Celebrations are my favorite, but small time 4th of July Celebrations are da BOMB! Nothing better than a Parade, Rodeo, Popsicle, Fudgesicles ooooone dollar, and Fireworks.

Friday night, they had a little community party. They provided hotdogs, chips, cookies, and drinks. They also had some activities for the kids to do. Ashlee did the watermelon eating contest for kids, and then Elle did the hula hoop contest. Both did amazing, and were so cute.

The parade was spectacular. No it wasn't all fancy smancy like the Rose Bowl Parade but it had the pride of being an American and living in a beautiful country, even though a good chunk of it is charred. I had made ahead of time some cute little bags for my kiddos so that they could catch candy and then put it in them, it was a hit. Abram loved just watching everything. We sat with my Aunt Blanche and her family, and I must say, the best part of the parade was when her brother-in-law came by on his high school reunion float and everyone pelted him with water balloons. Too much fun.

Attack!!

Later that day my amazing cousin Martha and I headed on over to the rodeo to watch our cousins perform. Fun, Fun, Fun!! Only in a small town would they have such a fun rodeo like this one. First of all, the Boy Scouts, bless their hearts, were doing a fund raiser, and this sweet (annoying) one walked in front of the grandstands the WHOLE time screaming "Popsicle, Fudgesicles Ooooone dollar!!" I was fixin to give him $10 to sit down and shut up. Finally after his 20th pass, we all joined him in screaming "Ooooone Dollar". He got the hint and quit soon their after. While there we watched them do the Keg Race, which is basically musical chairs with a twist of rodeo. You sit on your chair at one end of the arena, with your horse in hand, when the buzzer screams you get on your horse, ride it to the other side of the arena, around a barrel, and then back to where the chairs are. While this is going on, one chair is removed so you have to fight to get one. TONS of laughs!! My cousin Ray came in 2nd, and it has motivated me to do it next year. I suggest you make plans to be there. It's going to be the 100th year of this rodeo, and it will be on Wednesday, July 4th. Be there or be square.

Later that night we went to the Fireworks show in Springerville, yes, I know what you are thinking, didn't ya'll just get done battling a fire? Yes, yes we did, however, you can't burn something that is already burned, silly. It was fun, next year, we are going to change our location, go early and totally tailgate. Be there or be square.

So that's how we celebrated. We had our fill of hotdogs, jalapeno hamburgers, chips, soda, cookies, brownies, otter-pops, it was spectacular. I really can't wait until next year!!

YUM YUM YUM!

UPDATE - For Jessica (who is pregnant, and I don't want to mess with a pregnant woman)

2011-08-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

How was your summer? Mine was filled with nothing less than excitement. Let me give you a quick breakdown followed by some pictures.....hold that, maybe I'll turn this little post into a few post, you know, to look like I blog all the time and such. Let me start with our most memorable event of the summer, the Wallow Fire. At first it was just this small little fire, several miles away, that would NEVER get close to our little town. WRONG. This little old fire grew to be the largest in Arizona history.

One of the smoke plumes

I have always seen the images on TV of other fires, where the sky is red, and very dark. I never thought I would in a million years experience it. I kept calling it horrifically beautiful. Seeing the red sun through the smoke and ash was beautiful, seeing the smoke plumes in the evening build up were breath taking, seeing the flames dance down the mountain a mile from your house seduced you, and wouldn't allow you to turn away.

This was the sun above my house.

When we started having community meetings about the fire, I just thought I would go to them because I had nothing else to do, little did I know I would soon start to crave going to the meetings, getting all the information I could, not because I was scared, but because this was a new adventure for me. I learned the lingo, and started to use it in my daily life, for instance, I was upset with the kids and told them they crossed my trigger line, they laughed, I laughed, it was a good reality check.

Air crane above my house.

EVACUATION
I really didn't think we would be asked to evacuate. I didn't. However, I thought I would start cleaning the house and gathering things, just in case. I gathered our important documents, put all the loose photos and film negatives into one place, you know, just in case. It wasn't until returning from one of the meetings, and I saw the flames, less than a mile from my house, that I got scared. I knew. We loaded up the van and the truck. Moments later, we were given the official evacuation notice, I cried. We left.

This is as we are leaving town. Looks almost like a tornado instead of smoke.

As we were leaving town, I snapped more pictures, and cried. I wasn't worried about my house, I was more worried about the change in scenery. I knew the view would never be the same, and I didn't know how long I would be away from my home. I hate not being able to plan my life, and this was NOT on my agenda for the summer.

Once of the most memorable moments of the evacuation, was when Elle and I were driving and she said her eyes hurt, it dawned on me, we had been living for the past week in a dark cloud. It was like walking around with sunglasses always on. It wasn't until we hit clear skies that our eyes needed some serious shading, and go figure, I left my sunglasses on the counter at home.

We ended up at my in-laws that live an hour away. It was hard for me. I felt displaced. I felt lost. I wanted to go home.

HOME SWEET HOME
Five days later, we got the notice we could go home. Aaron and I went over with the two younger ones to check it out. Aaron was more worried about our little plants, I was worried about the air quality. All seemed well, the plants were fine, and the air was no longer brown, but more white-ish, if that makes sense. We returned to the inlaws, packed up, and went home. Home sweet home.

Cleaning, washing sheets, vacuuming, dusting, and the reality of getting back to normal became part of my daily routine. It was nice to see our little town return to normal. It was nice to see cars on the street, people in the stores, and especially to see Sonic reopen.

It has been almost 2 months since the chaos. Some days it feels like yesterday, other days it seems like it was forever ago. This for sure will be a memory that will never be forgotten.

PREVIEW.......

So what do you do in the summer time besides getting evacuated? I know REUNIONS!!! I promise you Jessica, you will get the 411 on the reunions tomorrow.

Guess who is TWO?!

2011-05-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that two years ago I had this little guy!!!

May 20, 2009

I LOVE my little man! He is ALL boy. He loves balls, trucks, and especially beating up his older sisters. He melts my heart and annoys Aaron when he says "thank you mama." I know he is going to be a big ole trouble maker when he is older. *sigh*

Little Update

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

So it's spring and we have had a lot of fun things going on! The weather is nice, which makes for outdoor fun!! So here is a quick update.

Elle advanced in Girl Scouts. She loves going to Girl Scouts and having fun with her friends and learning new things. I'm so glad that she and Ashlee are able to participate.

The kiddos did the kids Pat's Run which was .42 miles. Not much, but they had so much fun! Tiffany ran the whole way, and the kids were excited that they go to walk around on the Sun Devil's football field.

I also did Pat's Run, but mine was 4.2 miles!! YIKES!! At home I would just hit a wall at 2.5 miles and couldn't run anymore. I tried everything, but it was like my body was giving my the middle finger at 2.5 miles so I was a tad worried about doing the run. I got up early that morning, had Aaron take me down, and then I waited and waited for our corral to leave. Literally an hour after the first racers left. UGH. So I set out, and I'll be damned if I didn't RUN, okay, JOG the whole 4.2 miles!! I was so HAPPY! My feet hated me, seriously hated me, hated me so much that my middle toe got a blister and was bleeding. There went my much anticipated pedicure *sigh*. None the less, I was happy with myself. I walked different for a few days, due to muscle pain, and swore I wouldn't ever do anything like that again, but, as much as I HATE running, I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment, so I have already signed up for 2 more runs over the summer. I must be nuts!!!

This was the moon on our way home from the valley the Sunday before Easter, so AMAZING!

And this is our Easter best. Such cute kiddos!!!

Ashlee participated in the 3rd grade program, and I happen to snap this at the end of the program, such a diva!! Man I love her!!

Hey Steve

2011-04-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today well, today in Japan is a very awesome person's birthday. Meet Steve:

Riding on a CH-53 "Sea Stallion" Navy aircraft flying out into the Pacific Ocean on a trip to the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan Aircraft Carrier and U.S.S Essex ships.

Steve is my best friend Tiffany's husband. He is currently stationed in Japan and is assisting in the relief effort after that horrific earthquake a month ago. I met Steve in 2002 when I was massively pregnant with Ashlee, and we were stationed at Fort Hood. My husband and he served together in our ward and I immediately fell in love with his go to attitude and his sense of humor. He understood my humor, I understood his, it was cool. At the end of my pregnancy, we were concerned of what we should do with Elle while I was at the hospital, Steve immediately offered their place and for Tiffany to babysit. He then invited us over for dinner so that we could get to know his family better, that's when I met Tiffany and the rest is history.

Steve has an amazing love and testimony of the gospel. He loves to serve and help those around him. Everyone is his friend. Steve is also my go-to guy when I have a question or when I am in need of advise on how to handle Aaron. I know that I can ask him anything, and he will always be there to give me the answer.

Thanks to Facebook, I have been able to keep tabs on what he has been doing in Japan. He posted this little note, and I hope he doesn't mind that I share it, it truly brought tears to my eyes, and increased my respect for him.

My life has been a bit crazy..that is for sure! You remember all of the late night or early morning conversations we had while driving up/back to New York for orienteering events about future assignments. Well I am here to tell you, that the Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he sent me to Japan. I am thoroughly convinced that 18 years ago when I was called to serve a mission in Japan, the Lord needed me then, but He also knew that he would need me in a capacity many years down the road. Who would have thought that I would be located in Sendai at the time of the earthquake! Normally most new Foreign Area Officers(FAO) do their immersion In Country Training (ICT) year in Tokyo. However, the leadership knew that when the year was up I would take over as LNO to the Northeaster JSDF army, they decided to just move me here and have me do the year training out of Sendai and then just move into the job. This was yet another action done through the ways of the Lord. At the time of the Earthquake and Tsunami, I actually was in Tokyo on a Ward Temple trip...you should have seen the Angel Moroni.....he sure got the shake of his life (ha, ha). I then spent the next 21 hours on the road trying to get back up to Sendai to check on Tiffany and the kids. They were all safe, and during the ride home I was told that my training year would get cut short and they needed me to start work immediately upon getting back up to Sendai. The previous LNO was about to PCS and he left after the earthquake happened. So I got put into the hot seat very quick and was the first U.S. military guy on the ground after the earthquake. I got to the house at 0100 in the morning...got a bit of sleep and then made sure Tiffany had enough food, water, etc. and then headed into work...many other small tender mercies of the Lord happened. Tiffany makes a four hour drive (one way) up to Misawa AFB to get medication for her and Jacob. It just so happened that she went a week before the earthquake and stocked up on three months' worth of groceries. The week prior, I just had our 200L tank filled full of Kerosene for our heaters, and the night before the earthquake we filled our bathtub up with fresh clean water for a bath. In Japan you wash yourself outside the tub and use the tub to soak, so the water does not get dirty. So when I got home from Tokyo at 0100 on Sunday morning, Tiffany had three months of groceries, 200L of fuel for the heaters, and a bathtub full of fresh water. Typically since space is at a premium, most Japanese go and shop for groceries every 4 or 5 days and keep on hand a stock of at most a week. So we now had a great opportunity to share our food and fuel with neighbors and church members.
Now who could argue that the Lord prepared me and my family to bear the burdens of having to go and start some of the most important work of my life. Some of this preparation started 18 years ago as a missionary and some much later. The work that I am doing as Chief Liaison between U.S. forces and Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF) for is incredibly important and I testify that the Lords hand is in this work everyday!! Tender mercies!! As I reflect upon the last several weeks, it has become unmistakably clear at the Lord's presence in the affairs of not only my life here but the Japanese. This has been an incredibly awesome experience and I am humbled to be a part of it.

I don't know when I will get to see this amazing person again, I can't believe it's already been a year since we got to visit them while they were in Maryland, but I can't wait to see him. Oh, and of course, this wouldn't be a post about Steve unless I post this picture:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!!!

Dandelions

2011-04-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

My yard is being invaded by dandelions, and you know what, I don't care. Yes, I know, I should care, but they are bright, yellow, and some much needed color after living in a brown landscape. They also bring a much loved memory. My Grandma Pete's yard was invaded with dandelions too. And when I would go to her house to visit, she would send me out to pick the flowers. I would get paid a penny for everyone I picked. I always assumed she needed the flowers for her flower shop business she had, but now after having kids, I think it was to get me out of the house so she could get stuff done. I have memories of my cousin Brian and me going into her enormous backyard and picking every one we could find. 50 cents was a lot of money to an 10 year old, well, it was a lot of money to me. So now, when ever I see these little burst of sunshine creeping into my yard, this memory creeps into my mind and brings me much happiness.

My Grandma & Grandpa Pete. My uncle Uncle Bruce is next to my Grandpa, Uncle Scott is on my Grandma's lap, my dad Paul is on the armchair, and my Aunt Wanda is in my Grandma's tummy.

MISS TIFFANY

This little monkey was meant for the outdoors. Everyday she wants to go on an adventure outside. So usually once or twice a week we go explore the beauty around us. Last week she wanted to go see a lake. So we loaded up and headed to Greer to look at the little lakes they have. She would have sat there for hours looking at the water. She wants to go fishing, so I guess we, ehm, the Easter Bunny will have to bring fishing poles to the Doster Dorks.

Dying to go back

2011-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

About this time last year, I was frantically working out the details to our trip to Washington DC. I am dying to go back. One of the places that I LOVED was Mount Vernon. I really didn't think I would, in fact, I almost cut it from our itinerary all together, but after some convincing from Tiffany and Steve, we went. This place ended up being my favorite part of the trip, and not because we got to see and old army buddy John there, but because it was beautiful and peaceful. It was a gorgeous day. The view of the Potomac river was breath taking, and it was just amazing!

the beautiful scene from the back yard


Ahh my favorite people! John, Aaron, Tiffany, Ashlee, and Elle.

I want this to be my back porch

I need to win the lottery, because I need to go visit again!

Dean Karnazes

2011-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Dean Karnazes ran through Round Valley. He is running across the US to promote Action for Kids Health my aunt Jennifer who is the nurse at the school, rallied us together to welcome and cheer him on through his journey (FYI - he is running 40-50 miles a day for 75 days .. YIKES). Regis and Kelly are helping his cause by following his journey. Dean's crew interviewed Elle, Jennifer, and a few others while they were here.

Just before he got to Round Valley

interviewing Jennifer

interviewing Elle

In front of their buses, love how Tiffany is digging for gold!

A minute of silence please....

2011-03-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

UGH do you see this:

Do you see the date? 2008...yes, I am now going on THREE years with out seeing my main man in concert!! In 2009 he was too good for Arizona, in 2010 he took a break (he did release a 3D Concert in movie theaters, but I'm not counting that) and finally, FINALLY he gets back to Arizona in 2011 and the stinkin' concert is on a SUNDAY!!

YOU ARE KILLING ME!!!

I have told myself I'm not going, I didn't even turn on the computer the day the tickets went on sale to the fan club members, and then, last night was his first show of his 2011 concert tour......and yes, I have rationalized over a bazillion times why it would be okay to go see him on May 1st. I have even had my tickets on Ticketmaster all ready to purchase, but instead I closed the window and left the computer (mostly because if I can't be in the first 5 rows, there isn't any point to going...I'm a Kenny snob)!

I'M DYING HERE!!!

So, unless I win a $1000 anytime soon so that I can afford to see him in another city, this year, I will have to sit out, cry, and miss my sweet Kenny. My only hope is that his tour bus somehow breaks down in my tiny little town.

Spring

2011-03-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, spring is around the corner. Can you feel it? I go out every morning to see if there are more green blades of grass, and to see if there are buds forming on my rose bushes. I have spring fever and CAN'T wait for it to arrive!!
Since we live in small town USA, everything is with in biking / walking distance. So we have taken advantage of the beautiful weather and have gone to the park on a few occasions. The park here is very nice, very clean, and very fun. The kiddos love the swings. It makes me want to purchase a swing set for them. Hmmmm maybe the Easter Bunny should bring one. Anyways, these are a few pictures I took on our last outing to the park. I can't wait until the grass is green, the weather is a little warmer so that we can have a picnic dinner there!

ALSO donate to March of Dimes {HERE}

and receive a discount on your photos session {HERE}

i heart faces

2011-02-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can't believe that my 3 year old (almost 4) ball of energy was this small! 2 pound 12 ounces is too small, no one should have to go through the craziness that comes with a NICU baby. The photo challenge this week on i heart faces is “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes…Anything But A Face!”

I love this picture with Tiffany and my mother's hand when Tiffany was only a few hours old!

and in case you are wondering, this is Miss Tiffany now:

(Picture taken by Angie's Photography)

Something New

2011-02-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would put the classes I took in high school and college to use. Why not? Check it out:

www.sarahellenphotos.com

If you are up in the White Mountains (especially during the spring and summer) I would LOVE to take your pictures!

You can also follow me on Facebook at

Dishes

2011-02-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

So after a VERY crazy day I decided to crash only to realize I hadn't done the dishes yet. Crap. So I started to get out of my warm bed to head into the kitchen pit of hell and get to work. Aaron, who was watching TV asked what I was doing. When I told him I needed to do the dishes, because waking up to a dirty kitchen ruins my day, he replied, and I quote "Hon, you have a crazy day. You made an amazing dinner for Elle's birthday plus had several other things going on. I will do the dishes, why don't you go to bed." I was thrilled and wasn't going to argue, so I went to bed with images of clean dishes dancing in my head.

This is what I woke up to:

Let me zoom in for you:

Apparently MY version of doing the dishes and AARON'S version are totally different. MY version would be to unload the dish washer, reload it with dirty dishes, add soap, and press start. AARON'S version is to unload the dishwasher.

So my bad day has begun, and so far AARON'S son not only busted the soy sauce bottle, and took the battery off my cell phone and now it's M.I.A but I get the joy and pleasure of doing the stinking dishes. So, I guess I better quit blogging and get a crackin.

I am SOOOOO buying me Subway for lunch!

Monkey

2010-12-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

I love my little monkey. She makes me laugh. She has so much personality that it's bursting at the seams. She is going to be our little trouble maker, and the sad part, is that she is will probably sweet talk her way out of punishment with her adorableness. Darn her. I love being home with her and watching her grow up. I can't believe this kid barely fit into my arms, now is in the 110 percentile for her age. WOW. I love that she is totally into Christmas. She loves Santa, and gets excited at seeing him, Christmas lights, and the thought of opening gifts.
Monkey, I love you!!

Free Free Free

2010-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

So now that you have read that we have moved, my next plan is to make Christmas cards and send them out with our new address and phone number. Any who, I was browsing the blog community and stumbled upon Shutterfly's deal for bloggers.... 50 free Christmas photo cards! I am in love with Shutterfly, not only do I love ordering my photo prints from them, but I love getting those fun items for gifts such as their Photobooks. I am currently working on book of our DC trip from A-Z. It's fun! I have used them for invites and for Valentines cards. I am also excited for their Mugs, I can't wait to order a few of these bad boys! The sky it the limit when it comes to Shutterfly. I’m sure if you are like me you always look on the back of Christmas cards to see where they were printed, and 90% of them come from Shutterfly, why? Because they are AMAZING and reliable!!

Anywho, I thought I would pass this on because, if you are on a budget like we are this year, this is a great way to save a little cash flow.

For more info on this just click {HERE}

We moved!!

2010-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

WE MOVED!
We went from living in a city of 464,000 people to a town of 5,000. It's crazy. It's a change. There isn't a Wal-Mart nearby,(it's an hour away). We do have a McDonalds, Arbys, Sonic, Subway, Safeway, Bashas, and my favorite store Dollar General. That's about it.
So where did we move?

Here>

Let me zoom in for ya>

Maybe this is a better view. (the mountain in the background is where I took the previous pics)

We moved to Eagar. Aka: Roundvalley. Aka: Home of the Elks (I know, I know, there isn't suppose to be an "S" on the end of Elks, but that's how they do it here....small town style). But seriously, it is Elk country. Look what Tiff, Abram, and I saw walking down the road one day, not one, not two, but FOUR bad boys.

And this beauty is our new casa. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS HOUSE!! IT IS AMAZING!!! It is straight out of 1968, and it truly is Brady Bunch Chic. I am having so much fun decorating it, I will post those pics later.

A new thing for us city folk is snow. We woke up to a white Thanksgiving. It was really awesome. Tiffany couldn't wait to get her snow boots on and get outside to play in this magical stuff.
The other two said it was too cold, but after a while, they finally made their way out to play in it too. We got about 3 inches that day, and it was awesome. A perfect way to kick off the holiday season!!
So, yes, I am stupid, but I thought that those silly paper snowflakes you made as a kid were for decoration, I didn't realize that snowflakes really look like that!! I was so excited. My husband and kids always thought I was an idiot, but now they truly know I am one!

And I figured I couldn't post the other kids pics and not my little man's pic. He is so cute and funny. I can't believe he is already 18 months!! He has the most killer blue eyes, and a smile and laugh that just make me so happy! He also loves this silly dinosaur and carries it almost everywhere. SO that's a quick update. I have so much more to post, but I am in middle of potty training Tiffany, and cleaning the house, so I best get to crackin since Abram is finally down for a nap!

Washington D.C ....... part 1

2010-10-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so when you spend 11 days in Washington DC you take a gazillion pictures. So here are a few from our little trip.

Capitol / Supreme Court

Tomb of the Unknown

Arlington Cemetery / Eternal Flame / JFK Grave site

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

My uncle Bruce was killed when I was 8. He was a DPS officer in Northern Arizona. It was really neat to see his name and to get a few rubbings of it. Very special experience for me to have. One I will treasure forever.

Washington Memorial / Jefferson Memorial / World War II Memorial / Nations Capital

Lincoln Memorial
This was AMAZING. I have always wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial, and it was nothing less than breath taking. The size of the statue was amazing and the view down the National mall was breath taking.

Vietnam Wall

Smithsonian Museum of American History

Michelle Obama's Inaugural ball gown / The ruby red slippers/ Kermit/ Julia Child's Kitchen

So there. A few pics from out trip. I have more to post such as Mount Vernon, the Washington DC Temple, and pics with our friends the Browne's that we went to visit and stayed with.

Moving

2010-10-13T00:19:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't blogged in for-ev-er. With my new found love of Facebook, I've gotten lazy. Not like I have a million followers, but still.

Any who, a quick update on us. We went on an amazing 11 day vacation to Washington, DC. LOVED IT! I would love to go back with out the kids and spend more time, but none the less, the kids were amazing and were the best behaved they have EVER been. It was nice. I see more big vacations in our future!

(Yes, I took this photo)

Abram turned one. My baby is one, I can't believe it. He has so much personality, and a permanent bruise on his forehead from his clumsiness.

Tiffany turned 3. Wow. I can't believe this little thing is this big!

(Tiffany and her cousin Abbigale)
(Yes I took this photo too)

Ashlee got baptized. That was neato spageto. She looked ever so beautiful in her white dress, and has seem to be rather well behaved since this event.

Aaron and I quit our jobs and have decided to take on the Obama plan of not working and having the government pay for everything. Just kidding. Actually, we are moving to the beautiful White Mountains, to a quaint little town called Eagar. It's beautiful. It actually has 4 seasons and we will wake up many a mornings with snow on the ground. I can't wait. Aaron is working for the Round Valley School District. Go Elks! He started last week and has been loving it. I, meanwhile, have been stuck in the valley playing single mom and packing up the house. Not cool. We have had kinda a rough time finding a home to rent, but finally, after we have looked and looked, cried, got frustrated, prayed, and fasted...... we finally have a home (fingers crossed) we have to formally tell them tomorrow we want to rent. Ahhhhhhh success. I just want you to know that I am calling the style of this house (FYI I haven't seen it yet, only the pics Aaron took) ehm, I am calling the style of this house Brady Bunch Chic. Yellow carpet. White sandstone brick walls. Smoke glass chandeliers. Jealous. Thoughts so.

So that's it in a nutshell. I hope to be better at updating this blog since we are moving away from our friends and family. Okay, off to packing. *Sigh*

p.s. I plan on doing a little more in depth blog on each of these events. Just let me get moved first!

Mesa Main Street

2010-03-21T00:24:00.001-07:00

On the 2nd Friday of every month down town Mesa has 2nd Friday. It's great, free, and tons of fun for the family. Here are some pictures that we took while crusin' main. We ate dinner at Mangos.....Yummy! Hope you enjoy.

2010-02-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that February is almost over! Where had the time gone? We have been very eventful this month, it was Elle, Aaron's and My birthdays. My brother Michael got hitched, and we are making vacation plans for our trip to Washington DC. Someday..*cross my fingers*..I will finally get a break!!

Goofy Golf with friends for Elle's birthday party!!

Laser Tag at the birthday party

Seriously?! Cutest little man in a tux!!

Beautiful girls!!

Click....take a pic

2010-01-19T01:10:00.001-08:00

So my sweet little Elle has found a love in running. She didn't get that from me, but none the less, it's something I will support. This pass weekend Elle and Ashlee ran in the PF Changs Rock and Roll Kids Marathon. Here are some pictures from that fun time.

They had so much fun that in March we are doing another kids run at the Phoenix Zoo.

Totally excited!!

Apparently a horse's number two is heart shaped...never knew that...then again, never looked.

Here are some pics from December. First is Ashlee and Tiffany chillin with the chickens at Grandma and Grandpa's compound.

THE CAST (dum dum dum) nice dramatic sound huh?

Mama's Boy

2010-01-12T09:45:00.001-08:00

When I found out a year ago that I was having a boy, everyone kept telling me that there is something special and different about having a son. I figured it was because you have to be totally alert when you change their diapers, other wise, you'd get wet. Nope. There is something truly different and magical about having a son. Now don't get me wrong, I love my girls. Each one is unique and brings something special and amazing to our family, but the little man, sheesh, it's hard to to put into words.
When I look into his eyes, my heart swells with love. I see the future prom dates, the future heart breaks, and the future missionary. And even thought a little part of me gets scared, a bigger part of me gets excited. I have already forewarned Aaron that little man is going to be able to get away with murder in my book, so be prepared. I truly understand the meaning of Mama's boy now, and I think it's awesome!!