18 Years!!!

December 29th 1990.... That was the day. We lived in Everett, Washington. It was a small wedding. Good thing. That day we had a HUGE snowstorm. I have video of the roads iced over. We were not sure everyone would be able to make it....

18 years later. We have experienced a lot and shared more memories than I can remember. We have also been blessed with 7 children. Life is good.

Frank and I went to the Salt Cellar( a great recommendation!!) for dinner. If you like seafood.... it was awesome!!!! It is in Scottsdale, look it up!!! I had lobster and Frank had bay scallops in a shrimp cream sauce over a bed of jasmine rice. we had the BEST clam chowder and a shrimp appetizer that was to die for. I'm telling you...Great food!!!

Then we went to the movies. I can not remember the last time I did dinner and movies in one night. We had a great time. We saw The Day the Earth Stood Still. It was OK. I suggest rent it if you really want to see it!

I never regret getting married. i am thankful to have Frank in my life and am glad he picked me. Thanks Frank... Looking forward to 18 more.

Christmas 2008

Another wonderful Christmas. This year we scaled back. I am happy about the change. My kids were still very lucky. They received many wonderful gifts this year. Kyler's favorite was the Star Wars Legos and his bakugan arena. Kelsey's I would say was her Baby go Bye Bye. Brenlie got a stroller for her new baby. That was a hit along with her "new food" for her kitchen. The girls got a baby teacup poodle(a little early) and a chi straightener. Bryce a keepers jersey movies and a new video game. Keigan video games and clothes. I would say they are all still pretty happy!!!

We ate two very good meals. Christmas Eve at my DADS and Christmas day at my MOMS.I am lucky enough to have 2 sets of parents that are great cooks and great bakers. We ate good food and shared lots of laughs.

It was also nice to all be together as a family. Both Frank and my brothers work a lot, so it was nice to have all of us together!!!!

I am happy the holidays are almost over. I am NOT looking forward to taking everything down. I am sure it will easily be a 2 day project!!!!

Desert Ridge boys and girls come in 1st PLace!!!!

DRHS GIRLS SOCCER!!!!!

Thursday and Friday this last weekend DRHS hosted a soccer tournament. This year the proceeds went to Coach Hopp. He is currently fighting cancer. We all miss having him around and hope he feels better soon.

Both the girls and the boys did great. We both came in 1st place in this tournament. Overall there were 9 teams for the boys and 8 for the girls that came to play. Some as far away as Safford and Page Arizona.

Brie'el played well. We have an awesome coach for the girls.






Kelsey was so cute. She went to most of the games and wanted to have her picture taken also!!!! She is their best cheerleader






!!!!

Marching Band Banquet

Keigan had his marching band banquet tonight. They served dinner from Texas Roadhouse. I had chicken and Keigan had pulled pork. YUM!!!! It was nice to spend some time with Keigan's friends in the band. Keigan was the baritone section leader this year so he received a pen with his name embossed on it. Keigan is looking forward to his senior year in band next year. Good job Keigan!!!!

What did you say?

Brenlie is saying a lot of new words these days. A lot of times complete sentences. This is great. She has also mastered a fabulous Temper Tantrum. So being able to let us know what she wants has been helpful.

Brenlie says two words really well. The first one I have to laugh about. COKA... First I thought it was cookie. Then I realized it was a drink. COKA. OF course she would like a drink of my diet coke. A perfect drink for my 18 month!!!

Second. You have to roll your tongue when you say this one BLA BLA. This one a little tougher. BLA BLA.. Her index finger usually gives me a clue. "Banana?" She gives me a great big smile. YES!!!!

Kyler in Pretty Princess Heels?

This is too funny. My story starts this morning. Mom we have crazy hair day. Really? Don't worry I will take care of it. We were running a bit late and honestly I forgot about it all. He comes home and his hair is...well..a bit frizzy!!! I guess he rubbed and rubbed and rubbed until..well it all got frizzy. (This portion of the story will make more sense in a minute.)

Kyler comes downstairs in Belle Princess High Heels. He is walking around quite well I must add. He gets a snack and is buzzing around the kitchen. I scan quickly for a camera. I find my trusty phone.I think fast. "Kyler let me take a picture of your crazy hair" wink wink. He figures out very fast my true intentions to get a picture of him in high heels. That is why it is blurry.

Crazy kid. Sometimes I wish they could stay this cute forever.

TA DA!!!

I love the holidays. But it also brings on "a little stress". I always feel like everything has to be perfect. I want the house decorated inside and out. I have to buy and wrap presents for my family of 9!!! Then we have friends and family.I like Christmas pictures and a family letter. I want them mailed before Christmas. We have holiday parties for friends and family. Then we have soccer parties. Let's not forget band concerts for elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Every year at this time we also have a saxophone recital as well. Am I forgetting anything? Probably!!!! Like high school soccer,club soccer, and tournament soccer for Bryce.

I'm thinking a great amount of this can be eliminated. But every year it is the same grind. But I think I like it. About this time of year (Before New Years) I reflect my year and wonder what my family is about. And I know!!! Lots of things. I enjoy what my kids do and I Like things just right!!




We have 3 trees this year. Our main tree has 20 years of collected ornaments. I would love to do a themed tree. You know the kind...Red and gold balls only. White lights, and matching wrapping paper. OK I am just kidding!!!I am years away from that stuff. I am pretty sure the princess wrapping paper will be around for awhile!!!



This is decorated with Sponge bob ornaments!!!



I am not sure how many boxes of decorations I have but I must say Chritmastime is the best!!!



This silver tree is so funny. Frank brought it home last year . He bought it on clearance. It reminded him of his Grandma. I thought it was hideous. But... I let it go. Then I cam back from Vegas and it was put up in my family room. Witha few ornaments I'm thinking it is growing on me. What do you think?

Marley Wombat Wiles

Can I have a puppy? I hear these words all the time. We are bad dog owners. I do not like the shedding. Frank is allergic so the dog can not be inside much. We were all convinced Frank should get a shot!!! How hard would that be? For his loving family?

Then I remembered how poodles do not shed. And they are one of the smartest dogs out there....Hmmmmm. I wonder if Frank will go for that?

Well he did. We had to bring him along to test the puppy allergies. Guess what? He is not allergic to this mini dog we own. I have to add it is less than 2 lbs. His father was only 4 lbs.

This is an early Christmas present to Brie'el and Kilean. They are realizing how much work a puppy is. But they are enjoying every minute of it.(Ok maybe not the early bathroom breaks in the morning) Cuz remember a small dog has a small bladder!!!!

I hope that Christmas morning they will remember our agreement.....This is your Christmas present!!!!

Jack Sparrow?

Kilean and her friends were bored. And this is what they did. They often times draw on themselves..... but this time they were creative.




Funny stuff Kilean!!!!

The medal!!!

I forgot to post the medal!!!




A few more Vegas shots!!!! I love the Neon. This was Freemont Street. They do a light show every night. It was fun to watch!!!








New York New York.... Brie'el's favorite.

Pretty good!!!

We played on this... Turf. What a treat. The girls did so well. They won their first 3 games and tied the 4th. They advanced to the championships and came in 2nd. For us this is totally great. We have never done this well in Las Vegas. This is the last game til February since they are now playing high school ball!!!! I know they were disappointed with the last game,but they played their hearts out and that's all that matters!!!



Brie'el's biggest fan!!!



I did not bring my camera this weekend. So all these pictures are taken with my cell phone.

We stayed at the Golden Nugget. Downtown Vegas. The swimming pool was awesome. It had a water slide. The water slide was in the middle of a huge aquarium. Kyler was very concerned why they would put the two together. What if they got into the other tank? Are they dangerous. Do they eat people? I love Kyler!!!





The pool was heated but it was a little chilly outside. Kyler was just fine with out a suit this time!!






Sami and Brie'el had a Twilight marathon. They both brought their books and read quite a bit. I enjoyed the peace and quiet!!!


Brenlie was given a warm bath.....


Which allowed to her to do this....



Kyler enjoyed some peace and quiet and played his DS. I watched ELF. I love that movie. Brie'el went to the strip with some of her friends from the team Everyone had fun. I got some extra rest.



Both kids were great in the car and we had an exciting well packed weekend!!!

Good job Arsenal!!!