Hayden's first Starbucks!

Hot Chocolate...YUM!

We shared Starbucks after a hard day shopping at Justice!

Santa!

Both of the girls decided to give Santa a try this year! And they both gave him, what seemed to be, a never ending list!

Taylor

Princess kitchen, Ariel salon, Ladybug Pillowpet, Justin Beiber doll, Barbie's

HaydenRainbow yarn, DS, pipe cleaners, (toy) horses, Unicorn Pillowpet, crayons, Moxie dolls

Media Award

During the 2nd quarter PRIDE assembly, Hayden was awarded with the Media Award. The library staff nominated her as one of the 1st grade recipients, as she's always prepared, quiet and helpful in the library and computer lab.

Happy Hour

There seems to be something going on, always, around here. I can't believe it took us, like EIGHT YEARS, of living in this sub-division to find the fun! This was a Friday afternoon impromptu Happy Hour down at the Moore's house. Kids riding bikes and playing Simon Says, parents in the driveway chillin'. 2 hours and then on to the evening. Perfect start to a weekend!

My birthday. 34 years!

My birthday was on a Sunday this year. Nice and low key! It started first thing in the morning with a visit from my friends Amy, Becky, Shannon and Lisa. Good lawdy were they there bearers of fine gifts! I got a killer purse from Charming Charlie! Some Bath & Body Works, a customized wine glass made by Shannon, a couple of bottles of wine and best of all....an hour sitting in my family room with great friends enjoying mimosas!

That evening, I went over to my parents house for dinner, while Conal and the girls stayed home. My aunt and cousin were in town and my mom made one of my favorite meals...roast! She gifted me a fun, new camera and my aunt dazzled me with some cute bangle bracelets! I cannot remember the last time I received so many gifts for my birthday!

On Monday evening, Bonnie had me over for another of my favorite meals...chili dogs! She gave me, what seems to be, a year supply of my 'signature scent' (Jessica Simpson, Fancy!) and we watched the season premiere of one of our favorite shows...Sing Off and topped the evening off with rootbeer floats!

I gotta say, 34 was kicked off on a lovely note! I'm definately a lucky girl to have such wonderful family and friends in my life!

Chandler Parade of Lights

After Tay's dance show, me, Memaw and Taylor beelined it to downtown Chandler to try and catch the parade of lights. Sanborn Dad's Club submitted a float, and Conal and the girls had been working on it. So Hayden was there, decked out in her jammies and Santa hat to ride the 'Polar Express'! We made it just in time! Time enough that we threw Tay on the float too!

Tay's Winter Dance Show

Taylor had her very first dance show on December 4th. In the weeks leading up to it, she swore she was not going to participate...just stand there. I decided to quit fighting it (she's VERY pig-headed!), and just "yes" her to death! She had no idea what to expect, what a dance show/recital even entailed. Her class spent 6 weeks learning a dance, but none of them knew it very well. Much to my delight (not surprise), she was the little girl, front and center; taking a bow before and after, Clueless...yet having a ball!

Now she's trying to convince me for tumbling classes and singing lessons. I think she's seeing stars in her future!

Pumpkin Pie Party

I attended my last pumpkin pie party at St. Tim's preschool! This year, the kids put on a little show. Off-key, quirky and adorable!

Fiesta del Sol, again!

For the 3rd year in a row, we attended the Fiesta del Sol at Tempe Diablo park. This year, we gathered a group of friends from our neighborhood and carpooled it to Tempe. Oh my gosh, we had so much fun! Gambling, drinking and 'auctioning'. My crazy sister and drunkski friend Chandler ran the bases, we danced for hours and then ended up with all the other college kids in Gilbert at Denny's at 1AM!*I forgot my camera this year, so John took pics with his iPhone. Considering we all look like zombies in these pics, we fired him at the end of the night, he's no longer allowed to be the group photographer ;)

Rockin R Ranch

FINALLY, I got to go on my first school field trip with Hayden! Last year, they didn't give us enough notice, and it was too hard to find help with Tay. This year, I'm sure being the room-mom has something to do with it, I was notified waaaay in advance. So, I had my very first bus experience with first graders. (Tammy and I went for a glass of wine after, if that gives ya any idea ;-))

Needless to say, I had a blast, and it was really nice to spend a couple of hours with Hayden! I've already got the next one on the calendar!

Trick or Treat, 20-10!

I was going to say that Holidays are fun around here. But, every weekend is like a Holiday...so maybe it's that life is just plain fun around here?!

We went down to the Houses for white chili, or is it green chili? I don't know...but we went down there and enjoyed some awesome chili in the driveway! The dads took the kids trick-or-treating while the moms drank wine and handed out candy. I've heard a rumor that next year the mom's have to take the kids T-O-T'ing...I'll have to hurt my ankle or something ;-)

Tatum and Taylor

Chandler

Hayden and Austin

Bentley, the class pet.

Hayden got to bring Bentley, the class pet home for a weekend. Bentley was a decent houseguest. He didn't make too many messes, kept his caloric intake to a minimum and slept in Hayden's room. She's a good caretaker...I see a future working with animals, for her. Just not sure if that's in a vet's office or in the circus! ;-)

School Bullies

Seriously! This is driving me out of my effing mind! So, I was ranting on Facebook, but decided to stop my own personal tantrum and vent it out here!

Remember the two little snotty brats that bullied Hayden last year? Well, they're at it again! And no...it hasn't gone away, but it subsided a bit. Unfortunately it's back. And with a vengeance.

A couple of school moms posted on my rant that "it doesn't get better". Great! Honestly, I never expected it to get better...but I would have never , in my wildest thoughts, we'd be dealing with snotty, bratty bullies this bad in the first grade (or Kindergarten last year for that matter).

The one-sided banter used to consist of..."if you don't_______, then we won't be your friend today". They used to dole out bracelets to the 'chosen few' that were allowed to be their friends each day. That was in Kindergarten.

It's now advanced to taking her things. Hair clips, treats given to her by teachers, jewelry, etc. They tell her that if she doesn't give them _________, then they will go tell the teacher a 'story' on her. So she gives it up. They tell her she's "stupid", "weird", her "clothes and ugly" and that if she tries to play with their friends they will tell on her.

Hayden is fearful. She loathes recess...when in reality, it's most kids favorite subject! She sits by herself often, wishing the time away. I know, I've driven by (to scope things out during lunch recess) and seen her doing so.

It breaks my heart and makes me sad. I've always known she would not have a large group of friends. But She's got a great heart and a lot to give...and sadly, most kids don't even know that about her. They just thinks she's weird and stupid and are annoyed by her.

I'm not sure how to help her combat this. Part of me wants me to let her at them...and the other part wants to help structure some sort of tolerance program at the school. I have a friend in CA who teaches 3rd grade and had a student 2 years ago with Autism. In 2nd grade, he did a presentation with the help of her and her parents to the entire school on Autism Awareness. She said their school bullying dropped in multitudes once they educated their students on children who are not 'typical' and struggle with so many different things.

I'm digressing! The fact that so many of the kids she's around thinks she's weird and are annoyed by her is starting to really weigh on me. I know she's different. I know she doesn't relate to her peers like they do with one another. But for the love of all that's good and holy, would it hurt to try and include her? Not snap at her? Accept her for who she is, whether you understand her or not?

We are all protective of our kids. I've always been a realist and accepted my childrens short-coming, mis-behaviors and strangeties...but the fact that the type of behavior allowed by some of these parents is acceptable (yes, I witnessed one of the girls' parents laughing and thinking her tantrum to all the kids at her birthday party was funny) makes me ill.

Okay...this may not even make sense, as I'm 100mph. I'll proofread later!

"My Moment'"

I was having a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago. We were talking about the joys, the heartaches and the stresses of motherhood, (extended) family and our lives as wives. At the end of a statement we both said "And if I had to do it all over again, I would".

Shortly after that, I was having a conversation with another friend and we were talking about the best moments in our married lives. I mentioned that I probably couldn't nail down the exact best moment over the last ten years, but I could come pretty close. At the time, I was thinking my best moment is not just a moment, but moments. Moments spent with Conal and the girls. It's a day at home, where we're all kind of doing our own thing, and then draw together in the afternoon. We make dinner and end with a movie. The house is clean and it feels 'warm' and cozy. Those are my best moments.

She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language, no joke!

Those conversations have resonated so much with me lately. And the thought of doing it all over again, I think about all the time. I'm not sure I believe in destiny or fate, but I just can't imagine my life any other way, and think Conal was in the greater plan for me all along. Believe you me...we are not rolling down hills of green money and parenthood has been no walk in the park. But when realizing that some people relate happiness to monetary goodness, it centers my perspective. And through all of the hard times, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

My love for Conal grows stronger as time progresses. He can make me laugh and cry all at once. He's not affectionate, vulnerable or emotional, but he is tender and sensitive and soulful. He is an AMAZING father, a WONDERFUL friend and an INSPIRING team-mate. I catch myself telling people (when they ask how 'we're doing') that I could not do 'this' if it weren't for him. He is my rock, my compass, and half of my heart. It started beating with his ten years ago and has only picked up rhythm since.

Today, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I cannot help but think that the 'canned' vows we said in front of our family and friends still ring true:

"I promise to love and cherish you in good times and in bad. In sickness and in health, for better and for worse until death do we part".

Except if I were to stand in front of our family and friends I'd change them to a little something like this:

"Over the years that will span our life we are going to incur Paradise. Bliss. Euphoria. We will gain Heartache. Tragedy. Devastation. We are going to Fear and Doubt, we will Encourage and be Confident. And through all of those, we will walk side by side, hand in hand one step at a time. We might yell, and cry and curse. But we will also hug and weep and embrace. We will be the best we can be, and do the best we can do. Moving forth I could imagine nobody else by my side other than you".

Ten years ago, I was more caught up in the wedding than the marriage. My wedding celebration is a great memory, but my marriage is my eternal MOMENT. And if I had to do it all over again, without a doubt, I would.

We've been BOO'd! (twice!)

Cutest thing ever! Last night, the doorbell rang and some giggly little kiddos scampered off! I was cracking up at their giggles!

I opened the door and found this!:

Inside the bucket was this sign!:

And a letter!:

You've Been Boo'd

The air is cool the season Fall

Soon Halloween will come to all

The spooks are after things to do

In fact, a spook brought this this you

"BOO" is a shield from the witching hour

Just hang it up and watch its power

On your front door is where it works

It wards off spooks and scary jerks

The treats that came with crypted note

Are yours to keep, enjoy them both

The power comes when friends like you

Will copy this and make it two

Then others here among our friends

Will give warm fuzzies that do not end

We'll all have smiles upon our face

No one will know who "BOO'ed" whose place

Just two short days to work your spell

Or a big zap will strike your tail

And don't forget the nifty treat,

Like something cute or something sweet

Please join the fun, let's really hear it

And spread some "Boo's" and Halloween spirit.

Instructions:

Please keep it going by following these directions:

1. Enjoy your treat

2. Place the BOO sign on your front door or visible in a window

3. Within 2 days, make 2 copies of this note, make 2 treats and 2 BOO signs

4. Secretly deliver to 2 neighbors/friends who don't have a BOO sign

5. Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween

Mission Beach, Part I ... Beachin' It!

My parents treated all of us to an AMAZING vacation this Summer! From July 10th-17th, they rented a house on the beach in Mission Beach. Our home away from home was so incredible! It was about 6 houses up from the beach, and 2 alleys over from the boardwalk. We all (Coxes, Winnett's and us) had planned to lay low on vacation. We feel like we do Disneyland enough, and really didn't have a desire to go to Sea World with a Summer crowd, we just wanted to veg. And that is what we did...absolutely veg out! The house we stayed in was so large and accomodating, spreading out over two floors plus a rooftop patio with a view of the boardwalk, the ocean and a nightly unobstructed fireworks display over the bay provided by Sea World!

Not only were our digs super cool, but the location was too! We pulled the car out only twice, during the whole week. We literally sat on the beach day after day, walked to the boardwalk for rides, games and ice cream (<---nightly after the kids went to bed! shhhh!), walked to dinner at end of our block one night, rented bikes, went on walks and just played!

I cannot remember a time, since we've had kids, that I have been so relaxed! Conal and Bub got up almost every morning and went to play frisbee on the beach before it got crowded. They would set up our chairs and easy up and stake our claim for the day! I enjoyed a fantastic beach read..which I haven't done in years! The kids played in the ocean, dug in the sand, ate and ate and ate...Papa had to work a little bit, Memaw soaked up her grandkids, and we all got a kick out of watching Paisley's love/hate relationship with sand!

The memories are so vivid, but so hard to put into words. A few months later, and the four of us are still talking about our vacation. It was definately something we needed!

An early morning walk turned up a lot of shells, some crabs and a

sea lion!

Fun in the sun, sand and surf!

Jellyfish...We saw a lot of them!