Today.

So about a week ago my friend Stephanie dropped off some army men figurines and army accessories that her boys didn't use anymore for Carson. When he opened the sack the look on his face was priceless! He was so excited. He's really into the army theme and doesn't have any of those toys. Needless to say he literally had spent hours in his play room using his imagination with that stuff. He loves it! Thanks Stephanie for thinking of us! I hope you enjoyed the cookies!

Today I made cookies with the boys...they helped the entire time! It's great Boston is getting older and enjoys doing the same things Carson is doing. We really have a lot of fun together. Then a friend called and invited me to lunch! A lunch date with out kids heck ya! It was really nice to go out and run to Applebee's. I enjoyed too many helpings of their soup and salad combos. I tried the potato & bacon soup with the Almond crusted salad, yum. Then I had the tomato basil soup with the Santa Fe salad, yum then I had more potato soup with a different kind of salad. I had to stop there. I would highly recommend the potato soup it was really good. I thought "soup and salad for lunch? Of course... this will be great I can go out with a friend enjoy the moment and eat healthy!" Well three servings might have been a little over the top, so much for small portions. Oh well, it was delicious and the company was even better. I've got to make that a regular activity. Yet, another great thing about Laveen...it has great people and good soup and salads :)

Our winter activities

OK...so the weather has been so perfect that I was trying to think of more activities to do outside that are convenient and inexpensive. Currently our list of outside activities includes playing in the back yard, going to the park, riding bikes or riding bikes to the park. I wanted to spice up our lives a little and expand our outdoor activities. (Every once in a great while we might go hiking with Brandon, but he can't really go during the week and it's no fun to take two little kids hiking with out someone else...if anyone ever wants to go hiking with me and the boys during the week give me a call) Anyhow I was reading some junk mail I got and I read that the Phoenix Zoo is rated as one of the top 5 zoo's in the country! Who knew? So as I looked into it a little more I realized a year pass was pretty cheap then I talked to my sisters and we realized that for $40/person we could split the cost of a years pass and go to the zoo as often as we wanted! So I signed us up... we went to the zoo 4 times in 10 days! It's great we pack a lunch and a stroller and head off. It seems to be about a 20 - 25 min drive and were there. Since we have a pass I feel like we don't have to stay there all day to get our monies worth...we go for a hour or two and head back home for naps! It's a great activity and a little exercise too! If anyone wants to go to the zoo call me we're usually always up for a trip.

And because of the weather I've realized a couple of things...

1. I'm don't believe in over scheduling my children...if they were enrolled in "everything" little outdoor excursions would be less doable

2. I'm grateful I have the ability to enjoy good health so I can enjoy the outdoors with my children.

3. I am thankful for free parks!

4. I am thankful to stay at home. Despite how busy times may get with helping Brandon with work, taking care of the house, meals, laundry, church etc I am coming to realize the importance of raising my children and fulfilling my role as a mother. I am blessed to have a husband that values motherhood and it's role and fulfills his responsibility in providing for our family. Staying at home is a blessing and an honor.

5. I am thankful for boys they make life fun.

6. I am thankful to live in Laveen. It's central to some many places, the library, the zoo, South Mountain Preserve, the science center, downtown museums, Tempe beach park, our families, and many other locations.

7. And because of these convenient activities I've filled up the gas tank in the van twice in the last 23 days!

Decisions, Decisions...

I was glad to see every ones comments regarding this years election. I can't stress enough how vitally important this election is. With the way the economy is right now it is imperative that changes are made. I'm not usually a "dooms day" type of person but I do believe there are changes that have to happen in order for jobs to be sustained, homes to be kept and money to purchase food. I am realizing the blessings of Prophets in advising the Saints since the restoration of the church to store food. It's comforting to be taught to be prepared in order to be preserved. I am most grateful for the blessing of living in America and having the freedom of speech. I urge each reader to be prepared to make an informed decision regarding this primary election...Arizona's primary is in just over a week. The purpose of the promised land aka America and the Constitution is clearly laid out in the Doctrine and Covenants. There is one candidate who has a record of voting constitutionally on every opportunity (and for anyone wondering... no it's not Mitt Romney)...the power of prayer is real. Search ALL the candidates, make a decision and ask the Lord if the decision is right. With faith and real intent the Lord will make know his answer. What a great time to use the power of prayer and receive an answer of who is right at this time to be the President of the most blessed nation. It really is a blessing to live in this land! I am thankful to be an American. That's all I've got to say about that.

Lets Talk Politics...

I think 2008 is a huge year for ALL Americans. This is a very important voting year. Not that the Presidential campaigns in the past haven't been important, I think depending on who wins the presidential election will determine a lot. "A lot" is a general statement I know, but for me the items on my list that pertain to my family are..

1. The strength of the economy(or lack of strength) The economy directly effects Brandon's paycheck (again, or lack of paycheck :) ). The economy over the next 3-4 years will make or break the typical American worker and the president has some control over it.

2. Health care --- This hits us first had as we are on our own for insurance and it is pricey!

3. The Constitution --- does Washington D.C. respect what was created with the hand of God by our forefathers? Or is it regarded as a "historical writing" but out of date?

4. The right to bear arms...there is talk among some candidates of the need to take this right away. I don't believe this is right.

5. Immigration. -- One day I might expound my thoughts on it.

6. Education. -- Carson starts school in August of this year. This has become an important topic in our home. Which President will have the most impact for good on the education of our children.

7. The War. Again, One day I might expound my thoughts on it.

These are just the beginning of several issues at stake. After reading/learning much about ALL the candidates I am asking for your opinions. Regardless of party affiliation, I would like to learn your thoughts/opinions and possibly choice of the candidates . I hope to make an educated vote and not a popular one.

Thank you for your input.

Today.

My door bell rang at 7:30 am and I was dead asleep. It startled me...i thought "what is going on, is there an emergency?" Then I realized it was Carson's ride to preschool. We all had overslept! Sorry again Shawna for not being ready. When Carson woke up I asked him if he wanted me to take him to preschool and he said no. I thought, what the hay, it's only preschool lets have a party! A family party that is...minus Brandon he needed to work :) After asking Carson what he wanted to do he said go for a bike ride! (What an easy party to throw!) So he rode his bike and I pushed Boston in the jogging stroller (which by the way, I bought at a garage sale when Carson was a baby for $5. One of my best buys, that thing has had many miles put on it, I love finding great deals!) for a good 3 mile jog. The weather was perfect and Carson was happy to be on his bike and I was happy for a little exercise! Then a friend called and asked if we wanted to join them for a picnic at the park...i thought let the party continue! We packed a lunch and headed off to the park for some play time. Once I got home I realized how nice it was to be out in beautiful weather and be with friends. I really had an enjoyable time as did the boys. I need to get with friends more often during the day. Boston went down for a nap I was able to help Brandon with some mailers for the business then it was off to visiting teaching...I'm done for the month, yea! I have a new person and enjoyed getting to know her she's really cool. Leftovers for dinner...no cooking, Yea! Boys asleep by 7:30! And I have had a few moments to think. One thing I have realized is the importance of friends. Friends who don't judge you for your imperfections but try to help you do better, friends to laugh with, friends to cry with and friends to talk with. A good friend is essential. I may not have a list a mile long of "best friends" but I am thankful for my good friends and I hope I can be a better, more loyal friend. Cherish your best friends. And to my friends: thank you for being a friend. (And to my sisters...check number 5 on the left)

Life is precious

Our families thoughts and prayers go out to the Mortimer family during this difficult time. We always enjoyed when Br. Mortimer spoke in our ward...he was one of those speakers that really hit home and was able to teach us to apply the principles of the gospel to our ever day lives. We pray for his wife and five young children as they have lost their dad.
This is one of those moments in life where you take a deep breath and easily recall the blessings poured out by our Heavenly Father. Especially the blessing of having family members still with you by your side. I am very thankful to have my spouse and children. They make my life complete and full of joy.
Life is precious and so is time. I hope that I spend my time wisely and teach my children to do the same. I think spending time as a family and with your spouse is so important because not only does it build strong relationships with children and a better foundation for a successful marriage but you never know when your time is up here on the earth. Ask Brandon what my favorite hobby is and he'll say "spending time together as a family." I absolutely love having the four of us together. That is joy.

This past week...

Monday: Started with cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, washing sheets, vacuuming...those sorts of things. While doing all this the boys had a fun time setting up the tents and tunnels they got from their Grandma for Christmas. They played in them for about 2 solid hours and even ate lunch in them. Needless to say I was able to get a lot done.

That night Brandon and I went to my sisters house for a very fun New Year's Eve. Thanks goes to Jennifer for the great party and to Uncle Nate and Aunt Alyssa for babysitting. Brandon and I didn't arrive home until after 2am so it made for a very long Tuesday.

Tuesday: Started with a pancake breakfast with the aunt and uncle. Then headed off for a family bike ride along the canal...it was very windy so we didn't get to far before we decided to pull off for our picnic at a park.

New Year's Day evening we had a family date visiting Westgate. The new outdoor shopping area next to the Cardinals stadium. They boys enjoyed watching a cool water show and just goofing around in general. It was free, fun and a great place for families. Although we did have to cover Carson's eyes when the "Naked Cowboy" showed up with his 24 hour camera crew. (he's some naked dude with a guitar from NYC... i only knew about him because i saw him on the news that morning.)

We topped the night off with ice cream at Johnny Rocket's!

Wednesday: I had a chiropractor appt in Mesa and Brandon had errands to run out there so the family all went together. We visited the Franklin Covey store and I was able to get some materials that will help me be better organized for the new year...as this was one of my resolutions! I'm excited to change things around and feel in control of my life by being more organized.

Thursday: Cousin Captin got to come over to spend the night with Carson and Boston while his mom and dad celebrated their anniversary. The boys played a lot, i did laundry again, practiced the piano and started a book and the D&C. I'd like to finish the D&C by end of Feb.

Friday: Because of all the parties due to the Holidays Carson wanted to have his own. So we quickly invited a few friends over plus his cousin was there and Carson planned the games...they were quite entertaining, had some pizza and an ice cream cake with snickerdoodle cookies! He was clear that he wanted a boys only party. They seemed to have a fun time and were very sugared up when they left! It was worth the effort watching Carson have the time of his life...he got to be the boss for the party!

Saturday: Headed off to the church for a primary activity to meet the new teachers. Then came home and got ready for a birthday party for one of Carson's friends. He always has fun at parties. Now I'm getting ready for church at 9am tomorrow. I'm very excited to be able to go early again!