Get away without the kids!

Last Wednesday Jeff and I got to get away by OURSELVES to Destin, Florida. It was AWESOME! The weather was overcast and a little colder than I like, but not too bad. We had afternoon showers, but it only lasted for about one hour each time. We pretty much just layed around on our beach chairs all day long enjoying life by the beach that we miss so much.

We just loved having this time together. So grateful for my mother in law and Laurie who helped take care of the kids while we were gone. It was a much needed vacation for the both of us. We just wish it could have lasted longer.

Zoo Day

I have so much to catch up on. Don't have time to do it all, but I had to post these pictures right away. Regan's playgroup had their final play day today. We decided to go to the zoo to celebrate. It was a gorgeous day. Sunny and 73 degrees for the high. As we were walking, I caught Regan and her friend Ryleigh Rees holding hands. Here are the pics I got...

So cute, huh? And here is Regan with Ryleigh's sister Cara. Cutie faces! Love the big cheeks!

Regan is such a poser! Some of the girls hanging out. Regan has been so blessed to have such great friends. This playgroup has been such a great thing for her. We'll miss it a lot!

Updating at last!

Been super busy lately with end of the school year things, softball games, reunion planning, and planning for girls camp. Here's my update so I don't forget what has been going on. Two weeks ago, I had playgroup at my house. We were busy doing the usual stuff when it dawned on me that this would be the LAST time I ever do playgroup in my life. Next year Regan will have preschool and won't be a part of it. It's hard to believe that my baby is growing up so fast. Even harder to believe that she's my last and this stage of my life is done. I'm going to miss it. If you don't know...we're not a very athletic family. This is Brooke's 3rd year of playing softball. We usually go the whole season not seeing a whole lot of action coming from her. A few weeks ago, she told me that she wanted to be MVP sometime this season. I just fed her some nice positive lines about how if she practiced real hard, she could do it...hoping that I wasn't being too optimistic for her. Wouldn't you know, the next game she played in, she had her chance. Bases were loaded. There were two strike already and Brooke came up to bat. My stomach just turned as I watched her nervously. It was the end of the game, we were trying to catch up, and the team was depending on her. The girl ends up smacking the ball, got on first base and got a RBI. The coach, the team and I just looked with our jaws open then screamed and screamed. Brooke got MVP that night! Dreams really do come true! One of my best friends from Houston, Shelli Horman, came to visit me for a few days. I LOVED having her here. She is such a wonderful friend that is always positive and happy. Just love being around her. We had such a fun time together. Reminded me of the good ole days. We went to Beale Street, BB Kings....

Decided not to pay the $33 to go inside Graceland, but we went and saw it anyway! We got pedicures and went tanning. Made lots of SONIC runs. Stayed up late talking. Showed her all the best places to eat in town, and went to Collierville Fair on the Square. I really needed a visit! Thanks Shelli! THEN, lucky for me, I got to have my wonderful cousin Jason Clement come. He was in town for business with Nike, but had time to do dinner. He served his mission here, so we had to get him some famous Memphis BBQ. Then he came over to the house for a nice visit. We got to remember all the good times we had growing up fire extinguishing people, going to the airport and torturing people there, elevator jumping, watching videos in the desert and taking Communication classes together at ASU. It was SO good seeing him again. Wish I could see him more often. LOVE that guy! Thanks for taking time for me Jason! Love you!

Easter 2009

We had a great Easter this year. The refinery is having major problems right now and Jeff has been working every day very long hours. But luckily, he was able to come home late Saturday afternoon in time to dye eggs with the kids. They had fun and were so happy to see him.

Regan told us she needed to stretch after dying eggs. I guess it was super strenuous for a 4 year old.

Sunday morning Jeff and I got to sing with our ward choir at church. We got to sing more difficult songs than normal which was great. It actually sounded pretty decent for a ward choir. AMAZING. It really made the meeting beautiful. Right after church, Jeff had to go back to work. That makes 4 Easters in a row that he's had to work. What's up with that? Here are the kids in their Easter clothes. So cute!

I went with the kids over to Jeff's parents house for a nice Easter dinner. It's such a blessing to have family close by. Especially on holidays when Jeff is working. Here are my boys. So handsome!

We had a short little Easter program at Jeff's parents and were reminded once again of the great blessing of our Savior's Atonement and Resurrection. I am so grateful for Him. It was a lovely Easter day.

The madness begins!

It's softball season again! Brooke and Jadyn have both signed up this year. Between the two of them, I feel like we live at the softball fields.

Luckily, Jadyn and Brooke both have great coaches that are fun and realize it's just a game. Last night was their first games. Jadyn was so nervous since it was her first time ever playing. She struck out the first time up to bat. But, after a great pep talk from me, she lost some nerves and made a hit the second time up to bat. I was so excited! I have been to many a baseball games never seeing any hits! Unfortunately, the girl that caught the ball had an amazing arm and got her out. In the end, they lost the game 6-2. BUT, she loved it! Brooke is in her 3rd year playing softball. She's now with the older girls ages 9-11. It's amazing how much bigger 11 year old girls are than 9 year olds. The girls on the team call her Little Brooke! This year is actually pretty exciting watching their games. They have the girls pitch, and are allowed to steal bases.

Brooke was up to bat twice. She was walked to first both times! Good eye Brooke! The first time up to bat, all the bases were loaded. SO with that one, she helped score a run! AND, she stole the 2nd and 3rd base both times. It was so much fun! Her team ended up losing 8-7. So disappointing. I thought for sure they had it. It was a great time though. Jeff has been working 18 hour days this week without a day off. Haven't seen much of him. We were all excited when he showed up in the middle of Brooke's game to join us. It was so nice being together.

Jadyn and I had fun goofing off at the game. It was a great night. In two years of watching games, we haven't seen a win yet. Here's hoping for this year! Wish us luck!

Spring Break Fun!

We had so much fun for spring break this year. Jeff couldn't get off work, so the kids and I decided to go off on our own. We had fun enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine. It was a beautiful week. Mid week, I decided to take the kids up to Nashville just to get away. It's such a fun city. We went to Opryland hotel...went miniature golfing.... jumped on beds at the hotel....(Shhh. Don't tell Jeff!)

Went to Opry Mills Mall and the Rainforest Cafe

Just had fun dinking around and not having a schedule. It was great!

Birthday Fun

March has been full of fun. On March 2nd- Brennan became a teenager! AGH! He turned the big 13! Wow! I know I'm way behind my friends and family on this, but I'm still freaking out that I'm old enough to have a teenager. Wasn't I just a young adult the other day? Time goes by way too fast! This was a year for a family party. We celebrated with the extended family here the day before. I took him for some shopping after school on his bday, then went to dinner. He had a great day. Two days later, I got to fly to Arizona for my 39th birthday. I really got to have an extended birthday. Five days of fun. This was an itinerary waiting for me when I got there. Just cracked me up. Wouldn't that have been fun to do? Especially the bungee jumping and eating at Krazy Sub every day!I really had the best time in Arizona. It was such a fun time. I got to be with some of my favorite people in the world. I got to go shopping, play games, be sung to by the local band seen below (who were fabulous!), see a movie, eat out at my favorite AZ spots, go hiking in the mountains, etc. It was the best! These are the fabulous women I got to be with in the day on my birthday. It was so much fun being with my mom, Elizabeth, Laura and Heather. We just laughed and laughed and had so much fun. Nothing beats that. I just love these women more than they could ever know! That night Todd and his family and my Grandma came over for quite the party. It was great! Loved being with them. One of the highlights of the trip was the time I got to spend with my best friend Elizabeth. She's still in the middle of getting chemo right now. She is going through so much physically and mentally with this huge trial in her life. I know it's terribly difficult for her. But, despite that, she's incredibly upbeat, positive and such an inspiration to so many people that surround her. I know she has been such an incredible source of strength and has touched so many peoples' lives. Elizabeth - I love you! You amaze me!

AND - I can't thank my sister, my mom, and all my family in Arizona for making this such a fabulous trip. It couldn't have been more perfect. I am SO blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people that make me feel loved and make me laugh! THANK YOU!