Happy "32" Shiloh

My wonderful and supportive husband who is in his "old" 30's just celebrated a birthday. I love to tease him about being so much older than me (3 years- hehe) and the fact that he's in his 30's, but sadly my time is approaching to let go of my carefree 20's. If you were unaware of how old he is and just looked at the presents he received you would believe he was much much younger. Take note: Season 1 of The Muppet Show and PlayStation2 with games (see pictures below.) We were able to go to "The Asylum" up in Jarome for lunch thanks to Grandma and Grandpa watching the kids. I am glad that Shiloh is in my life and can put a smile on my face in any type of situation- have a wonderful year babe!

Emma's First day of Kindergarten

This is one excited girl- and one proud brother! The Hello Kitty backpack and matching lunch box were a must for this year. We did get there on time, despite the fact that Emma is a "pokey little puppy." She went right in and played with a couple of friends she has already made along with the "two boys from church." (Riley and Alec) When she came home she told us how much fun she had and is excited to go back. I was sad to see my little girl so grown up and acting all big, but I was more excited for her to learn and progress and make friends. I was surprised I handled it as well as I did- no tears just a chest ache. She did get moved on the second day of school because "all the boys were talking to me." So the talking has begun. Good Luck Emma!

PSEUDONYMS

Saw this on a friends blog and laughed: Have Fun! (I highlighted my fav's)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet name; current car) Calipurr Odyssey
2. GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Moose Track Oreo
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of last name) JHOG
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Kangaroo
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Ann American
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Hogju
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Purple Sprite
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Jack Ray
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)Flower Snickers
10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) S Elizabeth
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 6th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Tank Tacoma
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Summer Pansy
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now+“ie”) Apple Shortie
14. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Cereal Pine
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The walking rain tour
16. YOUR CELEBRITY COUPLE NAME: (half of your name, half your significant other's name, mixed together in whichever order sounds best.) Shijul

Softball Tournament

After Ryans big birthday party I went to my church league softball tournament. We were playing the other LDS team for 3rd place, whoever won was going to have to play the best team twice to win. It was an awesome and fun game! We lost 10 to 11, but we gave it our all, and I even slid into 2nd and got a cool skinned up knee that I am really quite proud of. My Dad brought Emma and Sean to the game and the three of them cheered me on. I wasn't a great asset to the team this year, and probably won't be asked to play next year - - but it was a ton of fun! Here is a picture of the trophy we won!

On Saturday my Dad, Shiloh, Emma, Sean, Ryan, and I went to the Atlanta Braves and Diamondback game in Phoenix. We made it to the 7th inning, when the kids started getting fussy and we were loosing 9 to 3 and so we left early. It's so nice to have children who get excited about watching sporting events with their mom and dad. Go D-backs!

Ryan's First Birthday

Ryan knew it was his special day. Grandpa and Grandma Conder are in town visiting and the excitement in the air was very noticeable. He woke up and we had donuts and opened presents. Emma and Sean helped him open the gifts and we played for a good solid hour before Shiloh had to go to work. Later in the day we had a birthday party for him- Olympic style since today is the opening ceremony for the 2008 summer Olympics. We had the Riggs and the Gordons over for some games (throw straw for javelin, plate for discus, cycling, basketball, etc.) they each received a gold medal for winning or participating. Then we ate some cake, as you can see in the picture Ryan loved his little cake and so did River (eating off the floor.) Then he opened a couple more presents and we let all the kids open the one and it was hilarious to watch! I believe Ryan had a wonderful birthday and I can not believe that a year has already flown by. He walks when it's convenient and babbles all the time, and has such a fun personality. He can make friends of complete strangers in seconds, and turn a grumpy person happy with just one giggle. Happy Birthday Ryan!

My cute kids!

I just love my kids- and want to show all my relatives who never get to see my kids how great they are! That really sounds stuck up, and I know that I shouldn't have pride- but sometimes I can't get enough of my family. I think this is why I am going to have such a hard time with Emma being in school all day- but I am also excited that she is growing up and getting to be so independent. Hope you enjoy my pictures!

This is Sean and his friend Parker!

How many time do I need to say get out of the dishwasher?

A brother/sister moment!

Emma and Sean in a "rocket"

This one is for you, Michelle, the outfit has been adorable!

Girls Weekend

CJ Rigg, Julie Reese (her sister and sister in law), and I went to Phoenix last weekend for an all girl retreat! Between the five of us we have 16 kids and we needed a break to relax, have girly time, and just let loose. We started the evening watching the Mummy going to dinner and then attending the Breaking Dawn party at Changing Hands Bookstore. The party was great- it had a band, food, trivia, contests, and a totally excited crowd. The News was there for when they opened the books and I had my copy in hand by 10 after 12. By 1 we were back at the resort chilling in the jacuzzi, eating junk food, splashing the mirrors, giggling, and reading. We all fell asleep between 4 and 5, but we all were up by 8 (silly internal clocks!) CJ and I went to Village Inn and enjoyed some pie, which we would never do with our kids around cuz we got to keep up the image. We then read some, checked out and cruised Phoenix, ending up eating a huge lunch around 2 then drove 2 hours back to Cottonwood. Besides being a bit tired it was a wonderful weekend. Can't wait until our next getaway- we're hoping for Vegas!!

American Heritage Academy

I've had a lot of comments about Emma's school start date. Let me explain; she is attending AHA, and the Kindergarten starts a week earlier. They call it Kindergarten camp and it's only for half a day and much more relaxed than school. Emma considered this her first day of school rather than when the entire K-12 first day next Monday! So that is why our clock was counting down to today! I just took her there and she is on cloud 9, I can't wait to pick her up in a few hours! When I went and picked her up she talked nonstop about school for a solid hour and this is the paper she brought home. She then talked to a bunch of family on the phone for another couple hours- I am so happy she is this excited about school. What a huge sucess!