Christmas Morning 2015

Wow what a busy Christmas day! It started out at 3:30am, when our Kalaya decided to get up. Apparently, She went to bed too early The night before and couldn't sleep any longer. So Asked her to quietly turn on a movie and lay low, until we get up around 7am.

 But eventually other kiddos started waking up around 430, and making a few noises. Then suddenly I woke up to the noises of a little baby at this time.  Supposedly Aurora thought that Sariya should join the party.  Argh, sigh... (Reed and I stayed up pretty late watching shows and "doing What parents do Christmas Eve Evenings"). So I wasn't too thrilled about this! Anyhow I went and hung out with Sariya who was a little fussy for a while, from teething.  

I was praying to get her to go back to sleep, that way I could possibly go back to sleep myself! Because, as most of you know - one potential 'downfall' of being a mom is, that you have adapted superhero hearing- almost to a fault in these situations. 

Finally, she went back to bed in her crib and I got another hour of sleep before theKnocks  started to come.

At 7am was the first night and I told them that I needed more time.  Then 7:15,  & 7:30.  Finally I rolled over and woke up Reed and informed him that I didn't have the "Christmas spirit this morning" ! :/

Anyhow, we got dressed and started opening presents, after we are reminded the kids about the greatest gift that we received a Long time ago in Bethlehem.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Reed I purposely don't spoil our kids on Christmas, because we want them to understand that's 'not what it's about'! Christmas to us is about gratitude and love, so hopefully they understand this concept when they get older - because the Lord knows we are not perfect parents! 

They made a fun game out of it and opened up their gifts at the same time!  It was a variety of; toys, clothes, scooters, dartboards, etc.   stockings had yummy healthy snacks, panties underwear, watches, jewelry, toothbrushes.

Reed received a flashlight, a green Grinch shirt.  And a few "dollar store" items from the kids;Handy tool, false farmers teeth, and a toy gun.         (Perfect amount for him).  

I was surprised to receive a FitBit watch  and a "lock-pick" for my minivan!

The kids help each other setup and unwrap each other's gifts! Then out off they went tested them all out inside and outside. 

Then 9 AM rolls around and it was time to talk to Elder Nelson! Yay! So we decided to make little signs that said "we love you Elder" and get on the Google chat call with the other family! 

I wish I got lots of pictures of this! But here is one from mom. The phone call session began as the elder was wearing a tropical shirt. We all were a bit confused and dumbfounded as we contemplated the location of which this elder stood.   Was he still in North Carolina, or Did he somehow    venture off The beaten path and find himself in Hawaii or Jamaica. We were unsure

But then he quickly informed us that it was all a joke, he is still where he needs to be! We all got a good kick out of his sense of humor!

We asked him how his families were doing, his adventures, the normal routines of every day. Also, What he is learning new about the Scriptures.  Then he asked this question, that none of us really had an answer for. It was an intense moment, but shortly lived.. Thanj goodness.. Lol, jk! 😂😅😂😂

It was so great chatting with him, and seen my other family members on the line and their kiddos. I'm so grateful for today's technology and the opportunity to have him bear his testimony to all of us! ❤️🙌🏼

We love you Elder and can't believe that we will see you in July!💪🏻👍🏼

Dunes to the Trip

We enjoyed a trip to Glamis.

We Got the trailer, quads, dirt bikes ready.  Last minute trip to the grocery store and a few extra jackets .🎉

Excused the kids from school and finally left early Friday morning, to kick off our Christmas Break! 🎄🎄

We drove a couple hours seamlessly....

But all of a sudden...

Out of the blue...

😳😳😳😒😒

Reed looked in the rear view mirror and saw something black fly off.  He instantly commented, "I think the tread flew off a tire.  I just looked at that this morning and thought that I needed to switch those soon."  As he pulled the vehicle off the next exit.

Sure enough, he was correct. 

-A tire was tread less-

*Good thing we have 'some man' named Reed Awesomeness in these situations*

The tire was quickly switched, then a phone call was made to replace all of them at a facility 20 minutes away. 

Bam, off we went!

It was a great tire shop in Quartsite,AZ that got us in and out.  Which is really great for anyone with kids'!!!

............

Once the tire was repaired, it was an hour more to go! 

We finally arrived and we're excited to start the party with a family from our church ward! 🎉🙌🏼

Once we arrived, we went out on the utv's and enjoyed the scenery!

I am not going to lie, It was a little scary at first!!!! 

I had to remind myself to "push the gas Peddle" through the fear!  Geez that was especially tricky at the first "bowl" that I came to, which are known to be very unforgiving.   I almost rolled it,  but luckily I quickly recovered!

😅😀. I was shaking nervously after that and - from then on decided to Follow my friend,  not her ambitions/experienced Husband! 😉

We were so grateful for the Lunt family and their generosity in sharing their toys and letting a few of our spare children (mostly Aurora) catch a ride with them!

My older kids were addicted to the Lunt's little RZR 170, especially after Reed broke our "craigslist special quad", by riding her too hard up the hill. Seriously- it was hard to watch! 😳😭 She got him to the top, then 'gave up the ghost'! 

Did I already mention that The weather was perfect!!?  Well it was and we enjoyed some S'mores once the sun went down! We also feasted on a hearty breakfast, sandwiches and Burgers for dinner! 

The funniest part there for me was the 'GlamisShopping Center'! It is literally an outdoor mall on -> dirt.  Crazy, weird ;)

At the mall, we had to stop!!! (Sarcasm)  We had get some Bedazzled shirts (couldn't pass this up) for the ladies and a cap and toy car for the boys.   However, apparently Bayden didn't love his car that much (that he eventually abandoned it on the Sand hill that we stopped to climb).

😢😁

It was fun to see the crazy kids and Reed on his dirt bike.  He is really a skilled/experienced driver, like Levi is already becoming!

A quick shout out before I sign off!

Our Trailer was a champ! 👍🏼👊🏼 Even though there was a few 'hiccups' at the beginning, she finished strong! 

Overall; The kids did such a great job helping each other and enjoying the trip!

Xoxo

Road trippin' to Saint Cheesy'

There was an awful plane crash that happened right outside of Saint George last weekend. It was a sad tale about a couple that was enjoying a flight, but suddenly ended fatally.  Reed got the phone call after it happened, informing him of what had went down. 

After the call, he asked me if I wanted to go visit my sister on Saturday.  A quick trip to get the remains and store it at Papa's yard in Phoenix, to do an investigation.

I was Grateful to find a couple babysitters and Nana, to help for 24 hours. I didn't want to take any baby's because it was mostly driving, and that didn't sound fun at the time! 

So at 1am Saturday we took off.  It was a chilly night,  but we only had to get to the yard to get Reed's custom 'Rig'!  I realized then, that even though I was in snow suit that I am a 'wuss'.  Yup, an "Arizona cold weather wuss"!

Anyhow Reed did most of the traveling, which was nice. He only asked me to drive once, because he is used to going alone anyways!

He dropped me off at my sisters at 8am! Julia is such a good sport and great host for visitors! We quickly made up for lost time, and were gabbing up a storm! After her regular house duties, she took me out to get soda and we helped prepare a few things for her ward Christmas party that evening! 🎄🎄

I am always impressed by her willingness to help those around her neighborhood!

❤️

She has a heart of Gold! 

Check out these cute snowman 

After he finished up his job he showed up at the house and took a quick snooze! 

Reed and I said our goodbyes, then escaped to a long awaited bite 

to eat at Cracker Barrel!

I was sad to come to town on such circumstances,  but was grateful for the opportunity to see my hard working sister!

Love you juju!

XoxO

Aurora Christmas Choir

This little Aurora had a Christmas Concert on Thursday that we enjoyed. 

Daddy was working late, but made it last minute. 🙌🏼❤️ Which made her night! :)

She sang Beautifully and used a lot of hand gestures, we are so proud!

Afterwards we spoiled her and took her to Inn 'n Out, to eat (her request)!

 

Zoo Field Trip- Kalaya's Version

Last week- 

I had the opportunity to go to the Phoenix zoo. Kalaya and I had a great time, with her class! I am so grateful that we live this close and that she's able to see all the animals!  

 I was able to speak to the teacher, who raved about her! She basically said that she is a smarty pants that is usually always setting the 'grading curve' for her class.  To the point where, she sets it too high for the class.  Which in turn gives the others kiddos bad grades,  so Mrs. Tommf has to always adjust.. 

Haha,  you go my Kalaya girl and do your thing!  

  Our Kalaya is such a peach and I hope she knows how much we love -> the daughter of God, that she is! 

Her cute friend Taylor is with her in a few pictures! 

It's funny to me how much she loves to hold hands and is so sensitive.  So we ended up, just holding hands for most of the day!   

"She is a Lover, not a fighter" and we love her for that!  

Quick Retreated

Well, Reed and I made a fast getaway! Headed up to Sedona and Antelope canyon! 

We took off Friday night (a couple weeks ago) & had Emma be in charge of the house.

We arrived at the Sedona Hotel in the evening & enjoyed Subway on our travels.  

Since around our Anniversary it seemed crazy time to take off, I purchased a Groupon for the Antelope Canyon Tour, by Blue Feathers.

Nov. 13th was the last day we could use it, so it was nice to have the extra pressure! ;)

I always love the funny characters that we meet up in Sedona!  They are a funny crowd, from all walks of life (that is for sure!)

Our Tour guide was a German Man that has lived here most of his life, with the Indians. Which makes him a great asset to the community, because he is well informed on Sedona's history.  Apparently he works for 9 months out of the year-pulling 80 hour weeks.  Then travels and vacations the other months. 

In the Antelope canyon our Indian Guide was hilarious!  He was a self proclaimed photographer that would take your camera phone and yell at people to move out of the way, or else they will get "shot".

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