Happy, Happy Birthday!

This is the nicest 11 year old boy you'll ever meet.We love you so much, Xander Man! You have such a warm spirit and kind heart. We love your laughter, your many talents, and the quiet, thoughtful acts you do for others daily. You're the best!
We have a standing lunch date-- Panda Express delivered to school by Momma!

We offered to have his party at a Diamondbacks game, or bowling, or to see a movie with friends. He insisted he just wanted to play kickball & catch with some friends, close to home. Simple & fun.

He requested Star Wars cupcakes from Fry's. When I went to pick them up, the icing was pink and purple!

What in the world?!?

Who has pink Star Wars cupcakes?

Alexander was a good sport about it didn't mind.

We love you, son!

My Muse!

Seriously excited about going to this concert! Muse is the perfect combination of my favorite types of music: Alternative, Classical, Metal & Techno, all rolled into gloriousness! Don't make fun. I had to make Sheri & I bling Muse tees! People were asking where we got them, ha! It was even better than I anticipated... I had no idea what range of talent Matthew Bellamy has! Not only does he have a spectacular voice, but he is the BEST lead guitarist, concert pianist & showman.
The British accent is just icing on the cake!
We got drinks @ Hard Rock cafe afterward {Mormon-legal, of course} and then packed in the lightrail to get back to the car.
I {heart} MUSE!!!

Sand and Sea

The Best Part

Did you like the beach? Yeah.
Did you enjoy Disneyland? Yeah.
What was your favorite part of our trip? Room service!
Each morning the hotel would set a table up in our room and bring us a feast.
Apparently that was the winner.

Disneyland Magic

The perfect day!

Toontown with Pluto

That scared the HECK out of me! Xander pulled the door handle and it was rigged to a loud noise & flashing lights.

The LONGEST line we stood in was @ Pixie Hollow to meet Tinkerbell. Courtney wanted to meet Tink instead of the princesses!

We had such a great time. Miss Courtney is tall enough for all the rides now, so we rode like crazy! Fastpass rocks!

New Move

So... Darren got a new job. And it's here.

We're trying not to be excited.

The kids aren't so sure about it.

Darren's new company brought us out and spoiled us rotten to try to change our minds.

Big changes.

We're looking at places to live. So far, Huntington Beach, Irvine & Newport Beach are the top contenders.

It will be fun being near the ocean again!

Very Happy Easters!

I love it when General Conference falls on Easter Sunday. Each conference seems so be more powerful each year. I am so blessed to know the Savior & His gospel!Searching

Yeah, baby!

Don't you hate it when the Easter grass gets stuck on your Peeps?

A few new games for the car ride to California!

The Hunt

Some friends invited us over for a fun luncheon & Easter egg hunt. Bless Alexander's heart... he helped the younger kids find eggs and only took a few for himself. He's always been so thoughtful.

Eggs to Dye For!

Michelangelos

Today in Alexander's class, I taught an art lesson about Michelangelo and his paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The kids were totally surprised when I told them to get under their desks and draw their masterpieces on a paper taped underneath it. It was a hoot, and gave them a new appreciation for art!

Opening Day

It's the beginning of a new Little League season--its busy, but we love it!

Alexander is on the White Sox... #5
Their uniforms this year look so sharp. Alexander plays shortstop, and his nickname is "The Vacuum" since he scoops everything up.

Why are my pictures posting vertical? Beats me!

Bling the Heat!

Y'all know I have a little love affair going with my Silhouette, right? Well, if its possible, I adore it even more. Here is my first attempt at the Silhouette rhinestones and heat transfer material. It couldn't be easier!
This heat transfer is FUZZY--seriously yummy!!!
Karen & I couldn't keep our hands off it:)
All you need is the rhinestone kit, a roll of heat transfer material, your Silhouette & an iron.

Oh my gosh. She is the definition of SASSITUDE!

Happy St. Patty's!

Green! Kool-aid, jell-o, spinach tortilla wraps, veggies

And of course, mint chocolate chip ice cream in green cones for dessert.

I used the leftovers for a beauty treatment. Cute.

The Crafter, The Baker, The Barbie Clothes Maker

Courtney had a school diorama due, based on a non-fiction book. Her book was about Abraham Lincoln, and her favorite part was when he was born in a log cabin.She filled out her report and then she & Darren built this great cabin out of Lincoln logs.
Her Barbies were looking a little glam for the humble Lincoln family, so I made some clothes for them.
{A sparkly dress just didn't seem right on Mrs. Lincoln, and we had to ditch the gold embellished jacket and purple pants on Mr. Lincoln}

Queen of Crochet

Grandma Roos is SO amazing at crocheting. When the kids were babies, they always had the most gorgeous blankets, sweaters or dresses. Look what she made for Courtney! I got some yarn, a pattern, and Mom went to work. Aren't they gorgeous!?! Courtney loves them.

The other day at school, I got swarmed by first grade girls, begging for Courtney's Grandma to make them a flower headband.

She has some serious mad skills. Love them!

The Dodgers Are Back in Town!

...and so are the Rooses! Darren's parents came down to enjoy their Grandkids, the weather, and a little spring training.

Go Dodgers!

With these guys on your team, how could you possibly not win?

Chillin' in the shade

All three of these boys LOVE this sport! So happy to have them here.

Freezing Flagstaff

The kids were so looking forward to playing in the Flagstaff snow again. The verdict: It was TOO cold! The kids spent their time swimming in the indoor pool and being DS zombies.
The exciting trip also included a full day visit to Urgent Care--Courtney was sick:(

Brrrrr!

Spoiled!

When Alexander was little, he called the store Old Navy "Old Lady." I think I qualify for that title now.

Out for breakfast, out for lunch, out for dinner & reflexology massage. I feel a little spoiled (by my friends)!

My family spoiled me to...it was Fast Sunday, so we chilled and then Darren made dinner!