Saying goodbye

Well, it's a bittersweet time...   Reed's parents have moved on to Mesa.  So that means - that the home that he grew up in Tempe, is looking for new owners. 

Sometimes kiddos don't understand what that means, so we went back one last time to reminisce before it sells.

->Here is Reed next to the address.  We went inside to take a last look at the quick remodeling that was done, before it sells.

We talked about the many times that the kiddos jumped on the couch, pulled it out and watched a movie.  The many hot summers that the pool saved -> this stir crazy, sometimes pregnant momma and kids!! 

Reed spoke of the different remodels throughout the years,  Switching rooms and his siblings.  It is crazy how empty it is now. 

Reed told us of the many tree's that had "come and gone" out in the pasture. The fun Easter activities out there! 

He then told us about the zip lines that they created over the property & the near death experiences that go with such things. Oh what fun times in the irrigation and horse stalls.

As we left and drove around the neighborhood, he pointed out the homes of a few of his friends and where Some Scouting activities happened. It was a good neighborhood. 

**As you look thru the picture above, you will notice something and miss something.**

  You will notice that it is a lovely home to spend a childhood- want to grow up in.  But you will miss Nana & Papa.  They no longer live here, so this is no longer home to Reed. 

Because home is where Nana and Papa are!  

❤️ We are so grateful for their hard work giving Reed strong Roots and a good childhood!❤️

Xoxo

Family

We had a good time visiting my family on Sunday.  Well at least some of them! ❤️🤗. But I am trying to document it more. Sam, John, Emma, Isaac & Hannah were there - along with my parents!

We had a yummy chicken pot pie, played a few games then went to their fabulous parks (which makes Val Vista Lakes a sought after neighborhood).

The kiddos were having the time of their lives, watching some of the adults boys messing around on the playground toys.  "Just testing out the limits" & were joking about the what 'if's".

What if it snap because of my weight, would Aurora fly off the seat?  Also have you seen that YouTube video where there was a overweight guy and a small guy,  that snapped one off?? I haven't seen it but, Apparently that small guy flew!

We then proceeded to talk about Isaac and his previous work experience.  Ha, Isaac always is good for a laugh!  He told us about his first job when he moved here, that Reed hooked him up with - while Reed was the maintenance supervisor up in Scottsdale.  

The 🍞 Sandwich shop can remain nameless.  But apparently Isaac upped the owners sandwich sell's, because he was the well known delivery boy.  He had a sweet abused/old trusty scooter, with a custom basket to place deliveries in.  Isaac then proceeded to tell us about his largest tip ($150) & smallest order largest tip ($50 on a $7 sandwich). 

He bragged about how some of their customers would call and want a Wheelie down the road, in front of the dealership. These dealership employes would then all make a bet with each other, whether or not he would do it. And as you know Isaac, he usually never steps away from a dare! So that he did & made another huge tip. 

He then talked about his 'wannabe mafia boss and his wife', taking money out of the register and blaming him. His Boss was a hot mess and still kind of is one! Lol!  

Isaac knew that area like the back of his hand, he said! And his boss Jon relied on that! 

My favorite part was when Isaac told this:

Apparently, there were even a few times when Jon was in tears because there were a few motorcycle accidents around the complex.  So nervous consistent customers were blowing up the phones, praying that it wasn't the Delievery boy Isaac!  When he returned from a Delievery and oblivious to what was going on, he took his head seat off and was immediately greeted by Jon explaining the story and expressing gratitude that it wasn't him.  But then quickly changing the subject with his East Coast accent "Well, get going- you have 10 more deliveries."  

Oh, the fun wreck less life of a Delievery boy! 

RV stylin'

Camping-

We went to try the new/old trailer out and what a surprise....   We found out that the heater worked and generator worked without a hitch!  Yay,  for a Tuscan Craigslist special!  Daddy was so proud of himself, for finding such a good deal on such short notice!  He had a last minute work trip, so he thought he finagle a deal with a poor 'Tuscan AZ Victim'. And that he did!  The poor succor was trying to sell it for 6k, but Reed walked away with only 5k missing.  He was so proud!

We got this gem back into the valley, the following day.  Then it quickly became Reed's project!  *Because, let's be honest - he always has to have one of those!* 

Isn't she she pretty, we call her Betsy! 

She quickly became a favorite with the kids,! They always wanted the back open, so they could run through the toy trailer and up and down the ramp!

I just want to make sure that we had a few things that I believe are priorities! Such as heating and a toilet.  

So generator, fridge, water tank were slightly checked before our travel!

So Friday came and dad was in town, so off we went! 

There weren't too many places super close, since it is officially winter for most of the other states. We did go a little past Payson, right around Bear flats.  There was one other crazy camper, like us there. And a bazillion hunters, with their no-shave November faces! 

Daddy found us a good spot and Kalaya quickly informed me that she left her suitcase at home.  Whoops :(

Since it's 'all about food' while you go camping, I tried to make sure we had a good supply!  Ditch oven pizza, quesadillas, Ziploc omelettes, Dutch oven Apple dumplings, sandwiches and chips. Mostly cooked everything outside, except a few times. Those are the moments where I remembered how much I enjoyed modern conveniences !  All the kids were great sports, lots of Uno was played!!!

Dad was still officially on-call for work, so he had to travel up the mountain a few times. So one time we went up with them, to get phone reception. 

*it was a steep climb, but the kids did really good! You will notice how most of them are on Reed or poor Levi, in some of these pictures! *

I am grateful for these boys stamina! I had a hard time myself, just carrying three jackets and Levi's hat. Ha, lol! 

The electric razors came in handy, except when the batteries became dead!

The first night was pretty breezy, we felt bad for our neighbors because they had to tarp up part of their pop up. Then we reminisced, about the times that we were young and dumb with our "broken zippered' pop up (with young and nursing babes) .. 

**It was overall a great learning experience to prepare us for our next trip.  The shopping list is long and the whole bottom plumbing needs to be restored. **

But again Reed loves projects so, meeting our plumbing needs should be right up his alley! 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to these lovely Ladies in our lives!

We are so grateful for their love and kindness, towards us and our 'offspring'! ;)

💝Two very unique women💝

But one thing they have in common, is that they were converts to the church!

So grateful for their Strong 💪examples on how to live the gospel! 

We love you both! ➶

Prayer

Forgive me Lord if this picture is sacrilegious.
But I am so going to miss this SIGHT  when these babies grow up!

Lol,  I can get them to do anything for In n Out food.  HA! Xoxo

Easter 2015

We had a busy Easter at our home! We had 2 parties at our house.   I am glad because it made nap time so convenient for my babies!  ;)

Kalaya and i had been preparing for a while, so we had good decorations - thanks to her!  We had a nice spread and both sides of families contributed so much!  

Sack races,  tug of war, crafts, egg hunts, outdoor fire and lots of yummy food! 

I am so grateful that we have such wonderful families to share the Holiday with! (As always,  i wish i got more pictures,  but oh well;) 

Xo

Easter Pageant

The Easter Pageant always seems like it comes at a stressful time of the year.   I usually think to myself,  'oh crapppo,  it's almost over, we almost missed it".  This year was no exception!

It is usually showing for 1 to 2 weeks.  Except Monday and Sundays.  Also, a practice and a Spanish night are in the as well.  Reed was in and out of town so we didn't go until the second to last night.   So we invited my parents last second. 

The night was a packed house,  it was busy.  At the end we just watched all the people,  because geez there were large crowds!

I aam so grateful for the presentation that our church puts on in Mesa,  it is great to see the miracle of Easter.  I am so grateful for our Savior!  Xoxo