Better to Give or Receive?

Although it is fun to receive, I do try to teach my girls the value of giving. Last week Michael took the girls to Target (favorite store) to buy me a couple of gifts for my birthday. While they were browsing the store the girls would find items they would like to buy me. Each time they found something, Michael would ask hesitantly "are you sure she will like it?" Their answer, "she will love them." Although these were not gifts Michael would have bought me or items I would have picked out for myself; the girls wanted to give them to me. They were eager to come home and wrap their gifts. We celebrated my birthday in the usual way; eating cake and opening gifts.

That evening after the celebration was over and after I had put the girls to bed, I had a 'crystal in the air.' I looked at my gifts one more time and I realized just how thoughtful they were. Tara bought me a white shirt and black skirt. My two favorite colors together are black and white. I also love to wear skirts. Lily bought me a necklace, earrings and bracelet. Whenever I get dressed I will say something like "this outfit needs a necklace." The girls were right about the gifts...I love them.

My friend Lysa and her 3 daughters delivered me the beautiful bouquet of flowers. Michael bought me the book I have listed on my bookshelf, The Glass Castle. I have only read a few pages, but so far so good.

So I would have to say...it was better to receive.

Summer Fun

On Sunday I came across an ad in the paper for Toys R Us. They have backpacks and lunch boxes on sale. Is summer really coming to an end? I was relieved when I checked my calendar and saw we still had 6 weeks left of summer.

The girls and I made a list today of everything we still want to do before school starts. Afterwards, we talked about everything we have done thus far; like going to the movies, swim lessons, gymnastics, the mall, library, Arizona Science Center, birthday parties, swim parties and spending time with family.

The girls and I also took a 1400 mile, 10 day trip together to Utah. With only 1 flat tire, thank goodness we were at my brother's house and he got it fixed for me.

First stop...Nevada. We spent the night with a dear friend of mine from grade school. Thank you Janet, Trish and David for a fun evening of swimming and catching up.



Next stop...Utah. When we got to Granny and Grandpa's house; cousins Davy, Darci and Littlebit were already there. Grandpa set up a pool and the 3D shark for some water fun. We spent 3 nights with Granny and Grandpa before going to Lehi to stay with my brother David and his family in their new home.


Darci and Lily swimming. Davy tries out the new 3D Shark.



During our stay in Lehi we attended the Lehi Days Parade. The theme of the parade was "If I Could, I Would..." My favorite float was "If I Could, I Would Cure Cancer." The float was decorated as a lab and the children were wearing scrubs and working in the lab. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture.







We also celebrated Darci's birthday.

After 4 nights in Lehi we returned to Granny and Grandpa's for a couple of nights before heading home. However, the fun was not over...David followed me home. We were able to spend the 4th of July weekend with him and Nicole, Davy, Darci and Littlebit. We spent most of the weekend swimming.



When I was growing up my favorite memories are those spent with my cousins. I am still close to many of my cousins today and enjoy my time with them as adults as much as I did when we were kids. I am so grateful my girls have such wonderful cousins and I hope they are building friendships with them that will a last a lifetime.

Davy, Nicole, Tara, Elisabeth, Darci & Lily. We missed you Bekah :(

Sorry Toy R Us, we are not ready to buy school supplies. We are going to enjoy the second half of summer!

Sweet Pea & Cotton Blossom

Something I have always appreciated about Tara and Lily is they get dressed by themselves. Yes, I have to help them put on a shirt or zip a zipper, but they choose what they are going to wear. I have friends who tell me they still pick out the clothes their children are going to wear. I love to see my girls come out after getting dressed; they have such original creations, interesting color combinations and unique styles. They both love to accessorize with headbands, jewelry, purses and shoes. However; yesterday there was a new accessory. This one I smelled as I walked by the bathroom and was overpowered with the scent of Sweet Pea and Cotton Blossom. I could not help but smile while I was thinking to myself, "did they just turn 5 and 7 or 15 and 17?"

Tooth Fairy Visit

We have been keeping the Tooth Fairy busy this year. She visited our home again last night for the 4th time this year; however, this time her visit was for Lily. Lily lost her 1st tooth! Congratulations Sweetie!

Sweet and Sassy

Tara and Lily were invited to a birthday party today and what a fantastic time they had. The party was held at a girl salon/spa called Sweet and Sassy. It started with each of them picking out a glamorous dress, followed by hair, make-up and nails. They both picked out the "rock star" hair style. Once all the girls had their hair and make-up done they did a fashion show for the parents. Each girl modeling their dress and hairstyle on a runway. Tara enjoyed having her hair done and Lily beamed during the fashion show. They both looked beautiful; however, I must say I had a pit in my stomach wondering what it will be like when they are 16.

Last Day of School

Is it possible? Tara finished 1st Grade and Lily finished Preschool. The other night I asked Tara and Lily 10 questions about school.

Tara
1. What was your favorite part of school? Prize Box
2. How did you feel the first day of school? Nervous
3. How do you feel now? Great
4. What did you learn this year? Art; how to draw.
5. What makes Mrs. Brooksher a great teacher? She is nice
6. What was your favorite story this year? The Roly-Poly Spider
7. What was your favorite time of the day? 2:45pm (school release)
8. What was your favorite event this year? Halloween Party
9. What was your favorite field trip? Tolmachoff Farms
10. What was your favorite Field Day activity? Dunk, Dunk, Dump

Lily
1. What was your favorite part of school? Being Helper & Art
2. How did you feel the first day of school? Scared
3. How do you feel now? Sad it is over
4. What did you learn this year? Lots of things; caterpillars, butterflies.
5. What makes Ms. Sara a great teacher? Takes turns with the kids being helpers
6. What did you like about Ms. Shareece? She always helps with the fighting
7. What did you like about Ms. Barb? She is funny. A lot of times she laughs.
8. What was your favorite story this year? The Very Hungry Caterpillar
9. What was your favorite time of the day? Playground
10. What was your favorite event this year? Halloween Party

First Day of School (August 2008)


Last Day of School (May 2009)

Whiskey Row Marathon Weekend

The girls and I went to Prescott this weekend for the Whiskey Row Marathon. Our weekend started with a bang, literally. We had a tire blow out 5 miles north of Anthem. Michael came to our rescue. He put the spare tire on and we drove back to Anthem and got a new tire from Discount Tire. We ate some dinner and we were back on the road. All was well... just a 4 1/2 hour delay we were not planning.

Tara, Lily, Aunt Leslie, Isabel and I participated in the 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk. We were among the top 400 finishers earning a ribbon. The girls were excited about the ribbon.

Mary and Will participated in the 10k. Will (12 years old) finished the race in 1:03, which was a personal record for him. Way to go Will!! Mary finished in 1:10 and placed 143 out of 319 female racers. You are awesome Mary!!

Saturday evening was a surprise birthday celebration for Lily. She was most excited. Thank you everyone for making her day so special.

We had a great weekend!