The 4 Musketeers

These are the four most precious little people in my life.  I can't believe that this year they will be 10, 8, 7, and 5. Our babies are growing up and I'm so glad to be a part of it all.  I love you guys.

For those of you who are confused, Emily and her Webkinz are on the left, then Hannah my niece.  Next comes Landon (the kid with the chocolate face) and finally Mr. Noah, my sweet nephew. They continue the tradition of my nickname...to Hannah and Noah and their friends, I am Auntie Bean....... Apparently, I'll never grow out of my nickname. :-)

The Egg hunt

It's an odd tradition if you think about it.  Boil eggs and then dip them in colored vinegar water and then hide them so you can find them again..... where did this tradition begin?  It's a question I'll have to research later.  Regardless of it's origins, it is, of course, a fun tradition.  So, off we went.  We hid over 120 eggs and the 4 kids went to town.  Of course, I think the daddies and grandpa's had more fun hiding them.  You'll notice Duane hid one on the kickboard in the pool.  Emily dove in to get it!  Great fun.

My beautiful blessings!

Here are Em and Landon, in their Easter outfits.  Emily looked so grown up with her curled hair and matching purse and shoes (sigh....could I be more proud?), and Landon was too cute in his California shorts and flip flops and "Ryan hat" (any High School Musical fans?) I loved this picture.....

Easter Sunday!

HE is Risen!  Happy Easter everyone!  This year began with an early morning Easter basket hunt.  The Easter bunny brought Webkinz to my kids.  We've resisted the trend up until this point, but now we have joined in.  The kids were super excited.  We went to church early since Duane had to play and I had to sing, and had a wonderful day.  My friend Heather and her husband Tom came to check out our church, and we saw all of our friends at church.  After church, we had a small handful of our favorite people- all of our family, minus uncle Steve, came over for a BBQ and a day in the pool.  It was a wonderful day for us!  I hope it was for you too.

Sea World

We took the kids to Sea World last week- something we do several times throughout the year.  As always, we had a great time.  This time we started our day with the Elmo 4-D show, which Emily opted out of after the first 3 minutes.  She informed me that it was "too intense" for her and her baby doll.  So, we left and waited for the brave boys to finish the show.  We ended the day with a ride on the "Shipwreck Rapids,"  which I DON'T recommend at 5pm.  Too cold, soaking wet- even down to the undies.  It was a LONG drive home, and not only because we had taken the 8 West almost to Julian (oops- where was that 15 on ramp?), but because we were still wet.  So next time, we'll bring a change of clothes and directions.  If any of you are even planning on going, let us know.  We get in free for the rest of 2008!

Don't mess with me :-)

My husband, great man that he is, thought it would be funny to read and EDIT my blogs.  So first he points out all of my typos, which I probably deserve since I am an English teacher.  Then, he points out the fact that I am wearing either my Rancho shirt, or another red shirt in the last few blogs.  He didn't call it the "red shirt Chronicles," but with the mood he's in, I'm sure the mockery will continue.  So, I decided to fight fire with fire.  I mean, if you looked like this in a picture, would you be giving someone grief?  I know I wouldn't.  So, enjoy the picture and I'd like you all to know, I'm wearing a black shirt. Not red!  So there.....  

P.S.  I love you babe! :-)

Dynamic Duo

My friend Heather and I were inseperable in high school.  we were together as such as possible and had a million inside jokes.  She has lived in Arizona for 9 years, but has recently moved back to California and lives only 30 minutes away.  What are the odds?  We've had a couple of chances to hang out and although we haven't taken any real picts to speak of, I had to put the one Landon took at soccer practice on the blog.  Here's to many more memories Heather.   And remember ...."Bzzzzzz, just kiddin Mare."

Grandma's 82nd birthday

Have you ever had one of those defining moments in life?  Well, I had one a couple of weekends ago at my Grandma's 82nd birthday party.  For those of you who do not know, my grandma has Alzheimers.  It is increasingly hard to watch someone you love forget everything that is important to them.  It is hard to see Grandma, who 5 years ago was swimming (in her swim cap of course) in Lake Havasu, Grandma who took me school shopping and came with Grandpa to every cheerleading event, choir concert, candle party, and has been such a crucial part of my life, not really know who I am.  And as my cousin Maggie and I each took part in a reading of 50 years of memories that Grandpa wrote for Grandma (15 pages!), my life's troubles were put into perspective.  Life involves it's ups and downs and it is how we deal with those ups and downs defines how much of life we really live.  I think it was therapeutic for Grandpa to remember the GOOD times they have shared over the past 50 years and although it was painful to watch him watch HER face to see a glimmer of recognition, it was touching to see the "in sickness and in health," "For better for worse" part of marriage be lived out! It reminded me that life isn't about paying bills, having a perfectly clean house, making lots of money, or about all of the stress and craziness that we put into our daily lives.  Nope, it is about living life and loving God.  It is about putting the needs of others first and sharing our lives with family and friends.  Life is about love. So although the night held mixed emotions for me, I felt I was given a gift of a refocused view of what is important.  I miss my Grandma and wish my kids would know her as I do, but God gave me some of the best times with my grandparents and for those I am grateful. Even though Grandma has forgotten, I will remember the special relationship we have always had and hold them close to my heart. So, here are some picts.  

Go Mustangs!

The high school that I teach at, Rancho Verde, went to the CIF Basketball Championships at Arrowhead Pond....and WON!   Duane and the kids and I went and had a great time.  We sat with a bunch of teachers and administrators from our district and I got a great picture with a couple of my friends and I, Teresa and Kristy, wearing our Rancho shirts that my friend Laurie made for us. Even the foam finger made the trip. Rancho Verde won the Division 2A CIF title and we were there to be a part of Rancho history!  Go MUSTANGS!

Friends AND Family!

It is so fun to have a sister and brother-in-law who are more than just family, but great friends.  It is so much fun to share experiences with people you love...vacations, children, puppies, houses, dinners, and now...an 80's party.  It was fun to hang out with you guys.  We love you!

White jeans should be outlawed!

Attention Damon:  the 80's called and want their white jeans back.  And you made fun of Diane's overalls???????? Seriously, great party and great get-ups.  We had a blast!

My friends!

These are my good friends, Susan, Kelly, Dana, and of course, my sister, Diane.  We started a mom's group a few years ago and have grown so much closer over the last few years.  We're down one member (we miss you, Lisa), but I am so thankful for these girls and the support they give to me. Whether we are trying to have a bible study over the yelling of our 10 kids, swimming and playing horrible pool volleyball, shopping, eating, or finding questionable items in hotel rooms, these girls are some of my closest friends.  They pray for me and with me, make me laugh, and support me.  I love you girls. And Susan and Di- loved the beads!

WOW!

This is a look that should NEVER be repeated.  We had a roomful of people laughing at how nasty Jeff (my brother-in-law), who is actually an attractive guy, looked!

The Sheets girls

I'm sure my mom and dad would be so proud of these pictures.  I think these are outfits that only a mother could love.

Dana's 80's party

SO, my good friend Dana had an 80's birthday party for her.....25th birthday.  And although I don't remember the 80's as well as some of the other party-goers, I remember bad fashion, Michael Jackson, BIG HAIR (compliments of AquaNet), flourescent clothes, and for me, braces. Here was our attempt at reliving the fashion part of the 80's.

A proud little man!

Grandpa showed Landon what all of the pins meant on his uniform.  Landon had so much pride as he shared them with me. I think it was one of the coolest days ever for Landon.  Wearing Grandpa's "real uniform" was very special to him- thanks dad.  The only bummer is he is now asking when he'll be old enough to shoot a "real gun!" I'm sure that question brings back memories for my parents.....YIKES! I can't believe I am discussing gun safety with my 4 year old!

Sheriff McDonald

Here is Landon arresting Emily- I'm sure its something every little brother dreams of doing.  Unfortunately, Emily didn't seem bothered by the allegations of cruelty.  She smiled the whole time.  Again, you'll notice how serious he is. 

Little Man Landon

So, if anyone tells you that 4 year old boys don't "play dress up," they are SO WRONG!  This was what greeted me at my parents house last Tuesday when I went to pick up Landon.  He was taking his job as Sheriff so seriously.  He did not falter from his character for a moment.  I was interrogated after being cuffed and led to the questioning chair.  Luckily, I was set free and exonerated for my crimes.  WHEW!

My new favorite picture

Here is a picture of the kids getting ready to go and play in the snow.  It is my new favorite picture.  They are So precious!!

The Arrowhead crew- minus 2!

So, here is the Arrowhead crew, minus Steve and Sheri who were off shopping.  As you can see, we had quite the group.  2 Grandpas, 2 Grandmas, 1 mommy, 1 daddy, 1 aunt, 1 uncle, a girl, a boy, and 4 dogs!  We had so much fun.

A trip to Arrowhead

A few years ago, Duane's parents found this cute little place in Arowhead called "Saddleback Inn."  It is a nice, cozy place where we can all go, bring the dogs, walk to the village, and just...be together.  For Duane's birthday (Yep, he's FINALLY 35!), we took a trip to stay at "our cabin"....The Raven. There was still plenty of snow and the kids were able to play in it, throw it at us, make snow angels, and even do some sledding.  The sledding pictures are in Duane's camera, so those will come later, but here are a few picts to document our fun.  Ok, so Duane hates the last picture, and I can't really disagree with him.  We look, um, well, like we've had too much cake.  In reality, we are actually much smaller.  Really, I mean it!