A Birthday Bash

We had a big party for the little man. It's so funny how he had no idea that it's all about him! We were joined by Grandma Susan, Aunt Jane, Uncle Aaron and thier crew, and Reed's college cousins Shelly and Katie and their friends.

There was plenty to eat and lots of streamers and balloons. I must be feeling like I need some summer, because the menu was "Arizona Orr Burgers", hot dogs, pasta salad, and fresh fruit. And it was freezing outside (thankfully it didn't snow as was forecasted).

He loved his new toys (and sipper cup!) and seemed to enjoy the party. As always, I wish I could have spent more time on the cake - but oh well!

Thanks to all that attended and the warm wishes of those that couldn't!

A True Winner

Today my sister Darla completely amazed me. She ran a marathon - 26.2 miles!

I caught up with her husband Jim, and his sister at the 16 mile mark. Darla looked like she was just out for a jog. She said she was doing great and seemed completely unfazed by the whole thing. She was so cute how each time we caught up with her she would tell Jim "I just have to run to the church" or "to the park". She would picture in her head her daily runs at home in California - the 10 mile runs, 3 mile runs, etc. It kept her going.

At the 20 mile mark, she said she was "starting to feel it". Well I would certainly hope so after running 20 miles! Up until the race today, the longest run she had done was 21 miles.

23 mile mark - she said the same thing, and was walking. After the race she told us that at that time she had decided to walk the remainder of the race. Jim told her to "get her pace", and after we walked away, we noticed she was running again. She said that he inspired her to finish strong.

She made unbelievable time her last 3 miles, compared to the rest of the race. Her goal was to make it in 6 hours, and she beat that time by about 15 minutes! She made a strong finish and left us spectators wondering how she did it and so very proud of her.
I found myself in tears many times thinking of the miracle that has occurred. It was almost 13 years ago that she nearly lost her life in a car accident with her family. She shattered her hip, broke her neck, and sustained severe head trauma. Spent 6 weeks in a coma, and for all practical purposes, she shouldn't be with us today. She is truly a miracle as well as an inspiration to make the most of what you've been blessed with.
I can't say that I would ever join her - but I'll cheer her on anytime! I love you Darla!!!!

A Visit to Paradise

We just returned last night from a trip to Phoenix. We left when it was snowing, and about 35 degrees. We arrived to 75 degree Phoenix weather - it was awesome!!! It hit in the high 90's a day or two, and I soaked up, and LOVED every degree!

The reason for the trip was to attend the baby blessing of little Kate. She is so small and just as cute as cute can be. It was fun spending time with family and friends during our trip.

We had cake with Blake, his birthday was the day of the blessing.

The one thing that brought us back was the fact that Jeff didn't come, and we missed him so much. Bella shed many a tear during the trip, she missed him so much.

While visiting the Beeson's, we fell in love with their "splash pad". While the Beeson kids hesitated to get in with their swimsuits on, because it was "too cold", Bella went in fully dressed. She was in heaven!

On the way home (an 11 1/2 hour trip because I was by myself), I believe Reed and Sofie wished they were elsewhere. They each fell asleep like this, at the same time I might add, and I managed to wiggle their blankets down so they wouldn't get sweaty!

There are benefits to traveling with two adults. One would be, in my case, that one of us would have a brain. I was shocked when I opened the back of the van to unload, and realized that on my last stop, 200 miles south, I left my stroller in the parking lot! Each stop I made, I would put Reed in the stroller, so that I didn't have to wrestle him in the bathroom. Luckily there was nothing in it, but I am now officially in the market for a single stroller. I still can't believe I did that.

All in all the kids were great in the car - and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Spot Speck the Puppy

My cute niece Bridgette is doing a class project and needs your help!

They have just read the story "Flat Stanley" (a personal favorite of mine). If you haven't read the book - it's about a little boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board, that falls off of his wall in the middle of the night (he doesn't get hurt). His parents take advantage of the situation and mail him in an envelope to visit his friend in another state. He returns to his family with wonderful information about the places he visited and the things that he did.


Bridgette's class has "flattened" their favorite stuffed animals and sent them around the U.S. "Spot Speck The Puppy" is visiting me! Please mail a picture postcard from your state, telling of an "adventure" that Spot Speck has had with you.

Mail to:
Bridgette Garrison
Jackson Elementary School
32400 Camino San Dimas
Temecula, CA 92592
Attn: Ms. Fine's Class

All postcards must be mailed by the first week of May. Thanks for your help - I can't wait to hear about all the adventures he's having!

We're a bit parched

In search of water!

Anyone who's lived in the Phoenix valley knows that the tap water tastes terrible. Hence, I am now VERY spoiled about how my water tastes.

Our favorite place to fill our many water jugs was Water 'n Ice. It was only .20/gallon. We thought that was great, until we moved here.

Now we know that was a phenomenal price! We've tried the Culligan machine at Wal-mart - not that great. We did however find a terrific little water store not too far away - and then it went out of business. They charged .35/gallon, which we thought was a little steep - until now.

Every water store we have tried since then charges about .50/gallon. RiDiCULouS!! So any ideas would be great. We are willing to drive a little way - we have many 5 gallon jugs, so the drive is worth it because we don't have to do it that often.

Deep from the heart of Texas

My "lone" visitor this last weekend was my great friend Stacia. Her husband surprised both of us last week by flying her out here for a long weekend.

She arrived Thursday evening, and was able to stay until this afternoon. We had fun taking the kids to Gardner Village on Friday - luckily that was the warmest day of the weekend. We went on a "fabric hunt" and found the cutest quilt shops in town (thanks Susan and Jane for your ideas!).

On Saturday we were able to attend the afternoon session of General Conference (Thanks Aunt Carol for tickets!). It was great, and amazing how the only flowers I've seen around this city are on Temple Square. We saw Jason and Traci Barney at Conference - friends from our Gilbert ward.

It is always fun to "create" with Stacia. Her brain is absolutely unbelievable when it comes to sewing, and figuring out the smartest way to cut or sew something. We work very well together and I miss doing fun projects with her. She was a huge help to Dayna and I when we had our "Six Sisters" handbag business. She streamlined things, as well as was a workhorse.

It was a fun weekend - can't wait to do it again! Next time I want to go alone and leave MY kids at home!

Pork Chops and Applesauce

Bella came home from school last week asking what we were having for dinner. When I replied that I didn't know, she requested Pork Chops. I wasn't quite sure what precipitated the request until I found out that they studied China at school. She brought home chopsticks and was determined that the only food suitable to eat with them was pork chops. In fact she often referred to the chopsticks as "pork chops" the remainder of the day. It can be confusing I know.

By the way - we had chicken.

Tastes just like chicken

Reed will attach himself to a different toy every day. The other day it was this rubber chicken. He loved crawling around with it hanging out of his mouth. I'm just glad he didn't poke a hole in it!

How 'bout them Jayhawks?!

Way to go Jayhawks on the National Championship! Although I never attended the school - it's always good for Kansas to get a little recognition. You kind of get tired of Dorothy being the only celebrity from Kansas.

Gearing up for Cinco de Mayo

Bella learned about Mexico today at school. Apparently they painted pinatas or something. She came home and created this lovely, festive pinata this afternoon. Jeff says it's "octopus style". Trust me - it's full of Easter candy! She wanted to hang it tonight and had a bat and everything ready for it - but we ran out of time. Perhaps tomorrow . . .

Ka-BOOM!

One thing I will not miss, now that Reed is nearly 1, is opening the formula can. (Yes, not having to BUY the formula is a perk as well!)

It NEVER fails, every time I go to open the can - a huge explosion occurs. It always happens right after I wipe down my countertops, and I am left with a sticky powdery mess.

You would think that after living here for the entire time he has had formula, I would anticipate it. BUT NOOOO, I forget and every time it surprises me. I still can't get used to this high altitude when it comes to anything in the kitchen!

Life's Little Pleasures

So yesterday both Jeff and I took separate trips to the dentist to have our teeth cleaned. (Fabulous dentist by the way - I'm not biased or anything!)

Being the son of a dentist, Jeff has always been the poster child for oral hygiene. So last night as we went to bed, Jeff asked me "Do your teeth feel nice and clean?" (he always asks me this after getting them cleaned), I replied "yes". He said, "For your birthday you like to get a pedicure, for my birthday I just want to get my teeth cleaned!" He was dead serious too.

I can't say I will ever enjoy going to the dentist as much as my husband does. Definitely not a pampering treatment in my book!