Castles & Coasters

On a Saturday when Reed was busy working,  we decided to go to the coveted theme park, Castles and Coasters.  I was warned that it might be located in the ghetto,  so I felt right at home! ! ;) 

We were told that it was a good time, by pogo discount friends of ours. 
And geez, oh geez, it was! ! 

It has been super intimidating to get back in the swing of things with my little babe, who wants to nurse all the time; without my mam friend. .....

But we did it,  the crowds weren't too big and the rides were just right and we truly enjoyed the park.   No one wanted to leave when we needed to! !

We are hoping to go back soon! !  Because in the 4 hours that we were there, we couldn't ride all of the rides...

I was so impressed with my kids,  what daredevils! ! ;)

Daddy

Everyone loves Daddy!
We are so thankful that we were able to spend the Holiday with Reed,  for the most part.   The kids adore him so much!  We are grateful for the times that we spend with each other!

Bayden and Aurora aren't showing their enthusiasm in this picture;  but yes, they really do love their "daddy-o"!

Life update

It has been with my kiddos!  I am so happy to say that my life is starting to get back in order.  

Sariya has her own room now and Bayden is in his brother's room.   We officially made the change! 

I am still nursing her,  I am thankful that I am able too.   She is still trying to adjust to the bottle,  but still refuses the pacifier.   She just turned 7 months old. 

It feels so good to get a little space from my babe,  so I can rest a little better and not wake up to every little 'whimper ' that she makes.

The past couple nights she slept 6-7 hours straight.   Wow,  I finally felt like going walking or exercise in the morning.

Levi decided to take the initiative and build his pinewood derby car.  We are all pretty proud of his courage and determination to build it.  He called brother Graham and asked if he could come over and get it done.   So on a Saturday,  he took his buddy Cooper and they went and got them done.  We will have to take him a gift or something!!  The derby wasn't until the end of next month,  but Levi wants it done asap (with or without his father's help). 

Kalaya was awarded an honor student award,  she is doing so well in school.   We are so proud of her!   She is extremely helpful with our Sariya and always looking for ways to craft or crochet!  I am trying to think of things for her to learn/do!!  Because she loves it!

Aurora is enjoying life and playing teetherball with her older siblings.   She is our firecracker personality, she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it! 

Here is some pictures from Pinewood Derby, Levi did such a great job with his car!  Nana, Papa and cousin Mason were able to join us!

Happy New Year

Apparently we aren't 'party animals' over here!

We celebrated New Years sleeping!  Well except for Bayden and I! He is a night owl, and is still sleeping in this morning!

Our Family's New Years Resolutions:

Reed: Probably to work harder (I haven't asked him yet- but he usually thinks that he is lazy; which is not the case)

Sara: I am Always striving to do better and enjoy the moments with my children.

Levi: "Become better at homework".

Kalaya:  "Get better at writing things, especially spelling hard words".

Aurora: "I want a bike like Bayden's, but blue".  (Sounds like someone needs a deeper understanding of goal setting. ;)

Bayden: "get better at talking", the kids all say for him.  Apparently he has 4th Child syndrome :/ His needs are always met by his siblings, so he doesn't have a strong need for talking.  ;)

Sariya: I am hoping that she just survives the chaos of this house! Jk

We are grateful for our eventful year! Much has been done! Our house of construction is almost finished and I am so grateful for all the equity that we have in our home.  Our family is well and healthy!
Life is good!

Our Massive Shop

So Reed has long awaited to build his own storage facility, because "anyone who is anyone has a huge garage/shed/barn at their home".   Reed has been dreaming of this day! Throughout our marriage, we have come to realize that we accumulate allot of things; that need to be stored at our home.  Whether it's lawn mower, quads, cars, trucks, airplanes and even extra bumpers- there is no bias on in choosing what is stored on our property.  Because let's face it, Reed and I are lovers; we love and see the value in anything.  Reed has especially needed something for our side business.  He is our dismantling pro, so he has long deserved a shop of his own for the past couple of years.

We have tried to space the purchasing process out, to stay within our budget.  We also tried to figure out ways to get the 'biggest bang for our buck'.  For example, I posted a month ago about Reed attempting to lay the concrete foundation/pad for this building.

Once Reed was able to find time in his busy work schedule to start the building process, and wow he has really 'busted it out'.  Uncle Sam came over for a day and helped, as well!  We made sure that they were well fed with snacks, chips and drinks. 

But boy, oh boy, it was fun watching those 'ballerinas' up there, balancing themselves on those high areas! Ha! ;)

He got the rest of the sides up pretty quick, between work.  He laughed one time about how often he was getting visitors.  Apparently the neighbors were all interested in the progress,  that they 'occasionally disrupted his work'.  But I know secretly that he enjoys his friendships around here. 

Bravo,  bravo,  job well done!  

Christmas 2014

Gifts were purchased a month before and were stored at my husband's father in law's home.  (Yes this is supposed to be confusing; so certain little people are confused;)

Any who: it was Reed's idea to throw an outdoor present feast with our 12 foot Christmas tree, all bundled up, a warm fire that keeps us all toasty, enjoying each other in the crisp early morning hours.  Sounds Dreamy right... That's what Reed thought too...

Truth is, it wasn't quite that!;)

The presents were placed under the tree, yes a mound that they would have to share, or determine 'what went to who'.  Or just because I am lazy to wrap....: p

So when Christmas rolled around, I snuck off to my parents and wrap a few items and brought them home. I am so impressed by how much wrapping supplies my mother had.  She had a good 'stash' from my childhood years.

So that morning it was awfully cold, so Reed went back on his idea.  Brrr, it's getting Arizona frosty outside!  And apparently our family is getting less tolerant.

The kiddos woke up at about 7, so I told them to turn on a movie.

Them I rolled in around 7:45; then Reed was begged by children at about 8. 

The kiddos liked the stockings, mostly necessity like socks and underwear and a few chapsticks, bracelets, ctr rings and a wind up 'music box' with the house FHE favorite, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam.

Gifts were:
Levi-flying hot wheels remote car & wimpy kid series books
Kalaya-lots of crafts& princess books
Aurora-olaf pillow & books
Bayden- radio flyer trike & learning pad (hopefully he stays off of my phone)
Sariya- walker and baby bouncer

Then it can time for presents.  I am so thankful that our kids were excited and didn't complain, at all about them.  I am grateful for their attitude!

*growing up, it seemed like their was always at least one sister that complained about what see received for Christmas.  So I am hoping that our children can have gratitude, always!*

Later that morning we got to visit with some Missionaries.

I got to see John on Skype, he looked fabulous.  He is on a hard mission in Paris, teaching mostly Africans there (who would have thought) but being spoiled by going on the Eifle tower Christmas Eve and watching the movie Frozen!

Dan, is working hard also, he is learning more about his people.  Telling us about how his companion got allot more gifts than him. Ha!

After the two online chats and a quick gift exchange (family board game and a professional steam press for men *we are lucky*) with them and a few slices of my mother's famous corn bread and honey butter; then off we went.

The Jarman Christmas party was at Nana and Papa's house again this year. It sure was fun! Nana did a great job planning it and delegating when needed.

Food and desserts, games and a gift auction at the end.  The kids really enjoyed running around. She spoiled us with gift card's and gifts.

The highlight of the evening was the gingerbread house contest. Our little family did such a great job creating their house. I just sat back and watched it all.  Reed has a real talent with his steady hands and guiding the children at focusing their skills and abilities.

What I learned: I am really bad at auctions, I always don't get something. So note to self: buy the first item ;) Ha!

I am so grateful for the time that I spent with my family, I love them and am so proud of the individuals that they are becoming!

Annual Tree Hunt

Well hello all!

We did our fabulous tree hunt up North. Reed was able to break away from work and take us to the Jarman family cabin/house. 

We had the pleasure of having Nana join our tradition. She was a great help in the wilderness, where I usually ditch Reed and go back to the car with the kiddos- but not this time, thanks to her.

We drove up on Saturday right after Reed got back from the Grand Canyon, business trip. 

We had a joyous comfy drive; so thankful for hubbies driving skills! I even got to enjoy the DVD player and Monsters Ink. 

We made a quick stop at my little brother Isaac's in law's home.  His wife Hannah spoke highly of me and my new foot zone skill's; so we swung by and hung out for a couple hours and gave Lori a zone.

Then, we continued on to the Infamous Pinedale cabin/house; it was fun enjoying the chilly weather and the warm fireplaces there.

We then went into town to enjoy a Mexican Treat at a fun local restaurant, in Showlow.  It really was a loud, easy going environment for a family.  Nana Jarman truly spoiled us this trip.

The following day Nana made some Scooby pancakes; like she always does, were a real treat.  And enjoyed each others company over puzzles and games.

Around lunch time we decided to head back to the valley and find a tree on our way.  We got a Subway sandwich, which daddy allowed us to eat in the car; rare occasion.

We drove deep into the woods; and drove further on an abandoned road.  Then got all of the babes out.  They all were such good sports trekking around the hills.  Nana was a big help, because I usually turn around and don't actually watch Reed 'cut the tree down', like I experienced this time!

So like usual, Reed always feels inspired to go where no man has gone before; to pick the ultimate tree.

It was fun watching it get cut and carried out by Reed.  Literally this tree didn't touch the ground.  T

he kiddos and I were so impressed.

The weather was perfect and wasn't to frosty!  It was a great time spending with my lovely family!

Xoxo