Who Stole the Candy from the Candy Jar?

Thanksgiving

I know I'm a little late posting Thanksgiving...sorry! Life has been a little crazier than usual lately. We found out a month ago that Jimmy's job was being cut back to part-time. We have been so blessed these last 3 1/2 years. Jimmy's been able to work remotely from home for a company in Jacksonville, Florida. We have truly enjoyed having him home with us all the time, especially when Ries joined our family. The two of them have such a special bond that the other children didn't get to experience when they were babies. And I have definitely been spoiled. Able to run errands, help at the school, run the older kids around all while leaving Ries home (usually in bed) with Jimmy.


Even though this came as a shock and we were scared as to what that meant financially for our family, it made us stop and remember what we value most in life. Which #1 is our wonderful beautiful children! Aren't they cute...yeah, I know I'm bias...but REALLY they're so dang cute! We're trying to enjoy them more, show them more love and truly appreciate how unique they each are (which isn't always easy).



But we are so thankful for so many things! We're thankful for our wonderful families who love us and support us. We're thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We're thankful for Jim's new job (even though he's now gone all day)!

(the list could go on and on and on and on but I think everyone would stop reading)

And we're thankful for so many of YOU our Great Friends who would do anything for us!
We Love you all!


Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are now enjoying the Christmas Season!

Happy Halloween

I'm seeing double!! This adorable elephant costume was made by Jim's mom for TJ when he was Ries' age.

"Ries 2008"

"TJ 2000"

We had a fun filled halloween! The kids of course had great parties at school, I got to go to Josie's class and help out.  This year they were an elephant, a witch and a ninja - Watch out!!



The Wayas' hosted a block party with delicious food and fun games.



 

And then the big group went trick or treating!  We are so grateful that we live on a wonderful cul-de-sac with lots of great friends!

 

Arizona State Fair

It has been years since I've been to the state fair. I've never taken my kids, just seemed a little too scary and dirty. But this year Josie danced at the fair.



She did a really good job.  She did a tap number to "Pump Up the Jam".  She's really improved these last couple years and absolutely loves loves loves to dance!  We're constantly asking her to PLEASE take her tap shoes off. With so much tile flooring, it gets very loud.

Her cousins, Kami, Mallory and Paighton also danced. So we had a great time together after the performances enjoying the fair.

Going on rides...


eating very fattening fair food...

being so dang cute!

learning to milk a cow...

and petting the animals! Ries absolutely loved the animals. He squeeled and laughed with every one!

We had such a great day and can honestly say...We can't wait for next year!

A Hiking We Will Go!

Yesterday, we took the kids to Superstition Mountain hiking and had a great time!  Although it did get a little hot, it's always great to take time to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful desert we live in.  
We're still cool and ready to go. 
Josie only fell down three times, T.J. fell down once and Jimmy felt like he was going to fall down a lot.  (I guess Ries has grown a lot since last time he was in that backpack.)

Josie can't resist the opportunity to pose, even when she's tired and sweaty.
T.J. was excited that he can count this towards an achievement for scouts.
Is it over yet? We're now hot, tired and hungry. But it always seems like a great accomplishment when we're done. Hopefully next time it won't be 90 degrees!

Happy Birthday Josie!

Boy do they grow up so fast!!  Just the other day she was tiny and sweet.  See....



Now she's 6......going on 16!!! Yikes!!!!!

Josie is such a fun girl, full of energy and SPUNK!

She loves..........
to shop
to do her hair
to wear lip gloss
to sing and dance
loves loves art
to play with her friends
to chase boys
to create stories
to swim
her cousins
to be the mother of her brothers
her FAMILY!!!!

We had a FUN Luau birthday party for her with all her friends!

They made grass skirts and played fun games.

They swam, ate and of course opened presents!

 

  
 
 

What a great memorable day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO JO!!!  We Love You!!!