A Day at the Dairy Farm

Riley's Kindergarten Class went on to the Superstition Dairy Farm. I was chosen to chaperone. Riley's preschool class had been there before, so we knew what to expect. It was funny because Riley was real excited for the feild trip. The last night when I was putting her to bed she couldn't wait. Then this morning we get into the car and we are driving to school and she asks if we are dropping off Julia first. I told her that we were all going to school and then we were taking a bus. Oh my she was more excited about the Bus than the actual feild trip.



First we went to feed the animals. We got to feed a donkey, goats and a horse. And we petted the bunnies, and chickens.




Then we got to drink some of the milk they make, Riley had butterscotch flavored milk. After they drank that we played on the tractor and in the hay maze where we found chicken eggs.







Then we took a hayrack ride around the dairy we saw a few newborn calfs there was one that was about a hour old and he tried to stand up and kept falling it was pretty cute.


After the farm we went to Freestone park. We ate lunch and played on the playground. I saw the bench were Greg proposed to me! Thought that was neat!

October 09

Well October has come and gone (fast). To start off with, we were blessed with many visitors. We had Leslie, Matt, Roman, Jenny, Ben and Maddie come stay at our house for a few days. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! Greg asked me yesterday when they were coming back. On Friday Night we had everyone over, there were 11 kids running around (except Roman he can't even walk yet) It was very noisy and chaotic and I Loved it. We went to the lake with them everyday! We hope they enjoyed it too and would love for them all to come back again next year. Then a few weeks later we got to spend 5 days with Mike and Allison. We always seem to enjoy there company!
Okay, I never wrote about this before, but it started last month not in October, but Little Morgan is in School. It it kinda sad that all my girls are old enough to be in school. She loves it. I really don't get to see her there, she goes to school when I'm at work. Greg drops her off at Jenny and Steve's and they take her and pick her up. Its Wed and Friday at a Baptist Church, and I love her Preschool, they do some really neat stuff. They had a Father's night on the 28th so Greg and Morgan went and they did some crafts and painted and ate Ice Cream. Greg had a great time with her.
Riley LOVES kindergarten. She has the same teacher Julia had in Kindergarten, Mrs. Salce. She is a really nice teacher and Riley is doing very well. She brings homework home every Monday and she is supposed to do one page a night, its done Monday night and she is asking for more! I hope she keeps up the good habits! Tonight she brought home her first book from school. She read the whole thing to me with out help! I'm very proud of her and glad she is so excited to learn. She is also playing soccer, her team is awesome! Riley plays very well and that's definitely one of my favorite parts of the week is to go to her games. She seems to have a nice cheering squad, Steve and Marcel have been to every game to support her, and she had many other family members come out to watch too.
Julia is doing so much better in 2nd grade than 1st. She likes her teacher and she just started to like reading. I'm SOOO happy she enjoys it. She reads every night before bed and she loves to read to her sisters. Julia has been busy with Brownies, they meet every other week and have a fun schedule this year. So get ready everyone, Girl Scout Cookies this year!! Julia fit in well this month will a jack o lantern smile. She has lost a total of 6 teeth, 3 within the last few weeks. Julia went to a Vet Clinic this month, she has started to become real passionate about animals (she always has been, but she is definitely expressing it more now). I have had many conversations with her about killing animals. I have a feeling that she will become a vegetarian pretty soon, except I don't think she could give up the bacon (Like her Aunt Jessie) She asks me all kinds of questions like if I would ever kill an animal, I told her I would if I was stranded on an island and needed food, she said she would die first.
Which brings me to the next story, Julia and Riley got bit by dogs a few weeks ago. They went to visit the new puppies next door to Jenny and Steve and the owners weren't home. The mom and another dog didn't like the girls coming over so they were protecting the puppies and started to attack the girls. Julia got bit once and Riley got bit 3 times. Poor girls I felt really bad, but in the middle of the attach Julia was trying to get away and stepped on one of the puppies. It was very sad. I felt bad for poor Jules, but she seems to have mad a full recovery!
We just separated the girls into there own rooms. Julia took over the toy room and Riley kept her room. Now we have to start the decoration process. Julia is going to have rainbow room(sorta, more like a colorful room) and Riley, well....not sure yet since she changes her mind all the time, but right now she is wanting a zebra room. We started on Julia's this last weekend, and its coming along, Greg is paneling the walls. I hope to post a picture when the wall are done, but we've got a long way to go on the decorations.
Halloween this year was fun. Now that they are older they are funny, even Morgan can keep up (for the most part) with them. We went to all four blocks in our neighborhood and they said Trick or Treat and Thank you to everyone, which is a big deal since the majority of kids that came to my door never said thank you. They got so much candy, when we got home they dumped there candy on the ground and started to dig in, we let them eat as much as they wanted and they took full advantage of it! Julia even received a King size Snickers bar because the guy thought it was the best costume of the night(which I was very happy about because she came up with the idea herself and we had to put it together, which is something I don't do very often). We have hundreds of kids in our neighborhood, every year I run out of candy, and we aren't even home much for the trick or treaters! When we were out the fire truck came by and they were passing out candy, It was pretty neat, they turned there lights on for the girls and everything. I was exhausted by the end, I have now Idea how they ran the whole time, even Morgan. Wait.. I know..it was all the sugar!Ok that's it for now, hopefully I'll write again sooner.

lake Powell

Ok, I told Kerry that I would try and post more pictures, she said to start with powell, so here are few from our trip to Lake Powell. Amazing doesn't describe the trip, we all the best time. Allison brought her nice camera and the pictures that she took don't even do the lake justice. I feel that everyone should make sure they take a trip up to that lake. We didn't even wake board very much at all. we all just wanted to explore. We would find a channel in the lake and go through it. Some would go back a little ways, while others went over a mile. Some were deep over hundreds of feet while others would get us in 10 ft of water. We would take narrow channels and had a "team building experience" Allison and I would sit in the bow on each side and Michael and Todd would take the back corners while Greg drove. The water was so clear, we would let him know to stay to the right or watch out for the rock to the left. At one point I was able to touch the 100 ft canyon wall with my feet while Allison was on the other side touching the other canyon wall with her feet. Then it would open up to a nice little beach area. Like I said it was amazing and I really recommend going. Absolutely beautiful. We also got to see one of the seven wonders of the world. Rainbow Bridge, it was way cooler than I thought it was going to be. We had a great time camping with all 5 of us. This will be a trip I will never forget! Thanks Jenny, Steve, Mom, Dad, kerry, Christian, Jessie Kevin and Tamara for helping us out with the girls, Indy and camping gear. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures.

May!! the month we didn't get to rest.

so May is probably the busiest month of the year I think. Aleast that's my excuse for not blogging anything!! Good grief. Here was our Month recap.
Mom had a bday! Then Greg and I had our Anniversary, we went to Applebee's for dinner with Julia, Riley, Morgan and Laney (it was very romantic let me tell ya) then we took the kids over to mom and dads and went to watch Wolverine (which by the way I thought was a good movie). Our weeks are always very busy with gymnastics, dance, basketball practice, soccer practices, and play dates. We had recitals for gymnastics which the Julia and Morgan were in along with Kenna, Camden and Logan. It was very cute. Julia has her back handspring now so everyone got to see it. Morgan was cute with her I Love Spot routine. She sure like the performing.
Riley's soccer this year was awesome! She became a much better goalie this year and her whole team played so well together. I always looked forward to watching Riley play soccer. Greg got to help out coaching this season which I know he enjoyed. He actually coached the last game of the season last weekend. He thought it was very stressful but really enjoyed it too. I'm sure he will help out again next season. The team has decided to stay together again and play together for a third season.
Julia had her second season with basketball. She did great. they didn't have enough girls to play so they played against boys all season. her team was all girls and they definitely kept up pretty well with the boys. I was happy that I got to be the assistant coach this season. I really enjoyed helping out, I even coached a game!!
Morgan had her first gymnastic class without mom! Camden was in it and Aunt Kerry coached it, but Morgan everyday (actually she still asks every day if she has nastics today, so I know she likes it.
The boat broke last month too, a few times. We replaced the starter and it worked fine, then the next trip out I was left dead in the water, no wakeboarding for us on a hot hot day. So Greg decided to just change everything. We replaced the fly wheel, the starter, the relay and the ignition switch. Luckily that stuff was very inexpensive. The boat has been working great ever since.
My car also broke down last month. We were on our way to preschool, school and work and it started shaking and died. I pushed it out of the way into a ditch by the olive mill. Christian the rescue to pick up Riley and Julia to take them to school. Then Michelle to the rescue to pick up me and take me to work and watch Morgan for a while. Greg and Christian towed the car back to the house and we worked on it for a while. It was my IDPM. we took it to the dealership and they charged a million dollars to get it fixed and then didn't even replace it right. So we had to take it back again for the third time for them to fix it. There was a bunch of other drama added to that whole story too. Greg and I are banned from any Power dealerships.
By the way if any of you are trying to loan modify your house make sure you get EVERYTHING in writing and you read all of it. Trust me, another long sad story.
We had a great Memorial weekend, we went boating (of course) and had a great time. Hung out on the docks at Tamara's boat and the girls made a new friend named JoAnna. Went to mom's house and went swimming on Memorial day. Last weekend we went out boating twice, super fun great times, the girls surfed with us and then Julia tried on her own, that girl is getting so good and confident behind the boat.
We went to Steve's 60th bday Party (Father in law). Had a great time. It was an astrology thing. They set up a couple telescopes and we got to see the ring around Saturn and its moons, double double stars, nebulas, and the moon obviously. Greg and Julia had the time of there life, they both really enjoy that stuff.
Now that it is June I thought our weeks would slow down and they kinda have. We still have a busy schedule with I think every weekend booked (don't tell greg or hell get angry) Right now we have one of Julia's friends over, she spent the night. Not sure how much sleep they really got, but they seem to be having a great time. And this weekend is Julia's first slumber party. Yikes she's getting too old.

A very Nice Weekend

Well, with the girls in all there activities we had a very nice, busy weekend. we started off the weekend with a soccer game and a basketball game. the girls games were at the same time. since I had to coach Julia's basketball it made it easy to decide. I went to basketball game and greg went to the soccer game. Of course it happened to be Riley's best soccer game ever!!! Hopefully she will do just as well this weekend when I go watch. And Julia did great at her basketball game too. After that Julia, Jenny and I went to a place called Orange Patch (I've heard of this place for years and always see the neat stuff Jenny and Jessie find there) I finally got to see what all the fuss is about. Its a really neat place that I sure could spend lots of money at. Then on our way home we saw signs that said trains, so we followed them. there was a house set up with tons of train sets all throughout there backyard and house. It was really cool, we tried to get Greg to bring Morgan over to look but couldn't convice him. then it was time to celebrate Jenny's bday! Logan and Jenny have the same birthday so it worked out real well to go out for Jenny's on Sat. We went to the Landmark. We've been there before, but we had a good time and the salad bar or should I say room is very yummy. After that we drove home and taught the girls slugbug, although Julia is still having trouble figuring out what a slug bug looks like, those PT cruisers are tricky. Once we got back to Jessie and Kevins we checked in on Indy and Har Lee (Kevins dog) they seemed to get along very well. We changed clothes and headed out on a bike ride/dog walk/heely's/park.

Okay this is where I'll admit that I'm a bad parent. Julia doesn't know how to ride a bike yet, so we taught her this weekend. In our defense we have no sidewalks in our neighborhoood and people are crazy drivers for the street. So, I knew that she was able to ride, she just had to learn for herself that she knew how. she did great. She offically knows how to ride a bike now!!
We stayed and played cards that night over there (which I won both games!!) the next morning we decided to go to the lake since it was supposed to be 90. We got a new tube from Tige thats a UFO, really cool. So we head out to the lake. We blew up the UFo tube which all of us were really excited about and only went about 100 yards and the boat broke. the starter blew. So we had to get towed back in. Sad.
This parts wasn't the nice part of the weekend. As we get swung into the dock greg jumps off to catch the boat and slips on the dock (again). He didn't quite get there intime and took a chunk of fiberglass out of the nose of the boat. His shoulder is still hurting him today too. Its pretty windy so Greg stays to hold the boat and I go up and get the truck. There are lots of people around and no one is helping and its just us Farmers. I came up with the trailer and did the most awesome backing up manuver of my whole driving career. (you can even ask greg) Then greg tries to pull the boat in and slips into the water (poor guy) We finally get everthing set and head home.

We called Mike the boat guy on our way home and he said our chances were 50/50 on whether it would be expensive. so once we are home Greg opens up the boat. Sure enough it wasn't good. so we back in the boat in the garage and start working away looking for the parts. Our cool neighbors come over to help. they are all car guys and one even owned a tige a couple years ago. they pulled out the part that was needed and saved us aleast 1500 bucks!!! that was soooo nice. And one of his buddies owns a fiberglass shop and said he would repair it for free!!!

then we hurried up and put the boat together to leave for Logans bday party at the lake. The kids had a great time. they played on the play ground and ate pizza and cake. we also got to play in the sprinklers. that was a blast. Camden asked if I would go with him so I couldn't say no, so even I played in the sprinklers!! We got home and packed up Greg and went to bed early.

That was our Very Nice weekend.

I'm trying to win a blower!!!

So my titles are still all goofy!! But I'm trying to win a Green Lawn mower, actually I would like the blower. but I get extra credit for posting it on my blog.

So here it is!!!




http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2009/04/10/black-decker-cordless-lawnmower-and-sweeper-2-great-green-giveaways/

The Newest Member

We adopted a DoG!! His name is Indy. He is 3 months old and is a mastiff. Greg and I have been talking about dogs for a while but never thought we would be ready to have one. Now that the girls are older and can have more repsonsibility we decided it was a good time. We both like big dogs, but wanted one that was pretty mello. I found a boy and a girl mastiff up for adoption on petfinder.com. They were the only baby mastiffs in AZ and the rescue just happened to be in Queen Creek, what are the odds. We did our homework and researched Mastiffs. They are great family dogs. They also have many other great qualities about them too. We have had Indy for over a week now and the whole family just loves him. I keep thinking that he is tricking us because he's been so easy and wonderful. I know the days will come where something gets chewed up and ruined. We definetly have to change our lifestyle around a little now that we have him, but its def. worth it. Julia is so wonderful with animals, she has been so helpful and even offers to clean up the yard!! (Not sure how long thats gonna last) The other two are just as good with him. Even Poker is Okay with INdy, She doesn't want to play with him just yet, but I know soon that day will come.
I think most everylittle kid needs a dog growing up, and finally after getting asked billions of times for one we adopted a doggie, and a great one at that!

Julia's Basketball Season

I apologize, basketball has been over for 2 weeks and I never posted anything on Julia's basketball season. Her team name was the Firecrakers. There were 8 girls on the team. Julia was one of the youngest because it was first and second graders. she started off as one of the most inexperienced players on the team. Over the 8 weeks of one practice and one game a week, she improved Sooooo much. It was very fun to watch those games. Once she caught on she became aggressive. We try and practice, but with all the other activities we have its hard to find time, but we do our best with the practicing. Julia did decide she wanted to play another season so in a few weeks we will start it all over again.

Morgan's tonsilless

A few pictures of little Morgan.
Mo got her tonsils out on Thursday! It went pretty well. we went in early Thursday morning and stayed in the hospital till Mid afternoon Friday. She had a few issues along the way but nothing major. And now she is trying to run around and play, and she isn't supposed to be doing too much.

Her voice is so high and cute. She sounds soooo sweet right now. She is eating very well. Her food preferences are Cereal, mac n cheese, yogurt, bananas and ice cream. Lucky little girl. I still feel bad for her though cuz her sister was eating a pop tart and she wanted one. She said her throat didn't hurt at all, and she didn't understand when I told her no, but then I offered her Boston cream pie yogurt and she was much better.
Her sisters have been very good to her (I knew they would) and have made sure she isn't over exerting herself. And Greg is back! Yay! He came back last night and should be here for awhile.

Riley

So last week Riley had to get tubes put back in her ears becuase of all the ear infections she has. Her appointment was early Friday morning so Jenny had the other two spend the night with her. I've never had a night with just Riley so I was very excited.
I met up with Jenny and the girls at Gymnastics (seems like we are always there) to pick up Riley. I asked Riley what she wanted to do together for the night? She wanted to watch a movie, so we went to the Hollywood Video and rented a couple movies and they gave us Free popcorn. We headed home after telling the other too bye which was very sad because Riley started crying because she was gonna miss her sisters. We get home and she wanted to watch it in my room. So we layed on the bed ate popcorn and had the fire going while we watched Madigascar 2. Which was a really cute movie. We had the best time together. They she got to sleep in my bed with me that night which doesn't ever happen, she loved that too.
The next morning (early) we left for the surgery center. Riley was in a really good mood and very talkative, like usual. She was dressed in her Pajamas and they let her bring Noni (blanket) and Glowie (her stuffed bear) with her. they call her name and take us back still with a smile on her face. they give her a cute little Looney tunes gown to put on and she is jabbering away. She was playing with a toy steering wheel and was driving to Africa. The nurses preped her (which really isn't much for tubes) and gave Glowie a hair cap and a mask and some booties. Finally it was her turn. She walked away with a smile on her face. She is a brave little kid. I went to the waiting area for 15 minutes and then finally they called me back and let me know everything went well. the minute I got there she wanted me to hold her and to leave. I carried her out to the car (she is getting really heavy) and we left to go meet the other two. Not even 5 minutes after we get in the car Riley asks if we can go to her Preschool Valentines party. so after we dropped Julia off at school. We stopped by for just a few minutes, yea right, we were there the whole time. You would have never even known anything was wrong. I figured she would be tired from waking up early and the anestia they gave her. Wrong. That girl was as hyper as could be. running around in circles all day. She did great. I wasn't worried that she wouldn't, but I figured there might be a little recovery time. Ha

Staying Hopeful

Well it finally happened. Greg got laid off from Fulton Homes. It was very sad and scary and upsetting and a relief. Fulton Homes filed Chapter 11 Bankrupcy last Tuesday and then on Thursday had another round of layoffs. Greg made it through so many different rounds in the last year and a half, but there weren't very many guys left. Luckly Greg has had a second job for the last year and a half (he's a thinker) so we were somewhat covered for the lay off. He is now in Vegas training and working to try and get a full time job with Quickpass. He is training this week and really enjoying it. We are staying hopeful that it will soon turn into a full time job for him.

Other news is Riley is getting tubes in her ears very soon. Yay! No more Earaches. This will be the second set for her.

Morgan might be getting her tonsils out too. That decision is up to me (and Greg), but Im really torn becuase they don't recommend doing that for children under 3. I went in and listened to her snore last night and she really works hard at breathing. So I'm really leaning towards the surgery. It is a bigger deal when they are younger, they will keep her over night and there are more risks involved. Its a real tough decision. I have to make up my mind soon though because of the insurance situation.