It's not enough to do one's best. One must do what is necessary. - Sir Winston Churchill

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Dance, dance & more dance!

It's that time of year again! Zoë had a dance recital to show off the cute dances they learned for Halloween & Christmas. 'Thriller' as their Halloween dance (sorry - no pics from that one....none of them turned out right) and 'It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Chrismas' was their Christmas dance (pics are below).

The Christmas dance was so cute and a little bit complicated. They tapped like mad and did some fun stuff with their canes. Jolynn does such a great job with these girls! Thanks for everything Jolynn! As soon as I figure our Flip out, I'll post a video of her dances. Does anyone out there have a Flip that can help me? I also need to learn how to burn DVD's.....



I just love this picture. The kids are smiling right & Jax is sitting still. Our little 'photo shoot' only lasted 6-7 minutes and I was able to get some really cute pictures. Not a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Well, I think we're offically ready for Christmas. We still have some baking & delivering to do, but overall I think we're good to go! I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited to have the next 2 weeks off of work to spend with my kids.

Even better? The house is spotless and will stay that way! Brad worked way too hard on it....I know. I'm spoiled!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Thanksgiving with the Campbell's

We spent Thanksgiving with the Campbell's this year. Southern UT is beautiful this time of year and the weather was really nice. Even nicer? Almost all of us were there - we missed Ronnie & Sherry and their family and a couple of Ricky's kids, but everyone else made it. It was so nice. There was Grandpa & Grandma Campbell, Ricky & Robin (with 3 of their little kids), (Little) Ricky & Michelle, Jason, Robert & Tonya (with their 3 kiddos), Spencer & Shiree, Lisa & Shane (with their 4 kids), Brad & I (with Zoë & T-Bone) and Jeff & Lenzi (with JJ).

We spent the day jumping on the tramp, playing badmitton, eating & just hanging out together. I think hanging out was my most favorite part. I love my family and wish we could get together more often. I love them all so much. Thanks for a great day Campbell clan!
Grandpa Campbell did underground meat - YUM! There was pork, beef & ribs. It was all delicious and finger lickin'! Ricky & Brad helped dig out the cover to the pit.

Brad - posing with his 'catch'!

Time to sample! I love this picture - all of their mouths are full!
The 'grown-up' table - cute decorations are courtesy of Robin. Left to right - Spencer, Kailey, Jeff, Dad, Mom, Tonya, Robert, Michelle, Little Ricky, Jason, Brad, Robin, Ricky, Brad, Lenzi, Trevor & Trenton....how did they sneak into the picture?
The 'cool' table - Kolbey, Kailey, Macie, Shiree & Spencer. Shiree & Spencer got married this past Saturday, December 5th. Shiree made a beautiful bride and Spencer didn't look bad either! (Just kidding! You both looked great!)
I guess Trevor had fun. He slept almost all the way home - he fell asleep as we were driving into the gorge and he didn't wake up until Apex. He was very excited that he slept all the way home - the woke up and said, "We're already home? That was a quick trip!" No - that was a quiet trip!
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving - we sure did!

Christmas play

Zoë played Clara in 'The Nutcracker' in her school play. The Drama Club, Dance Club & Honor Choir all participated in the program which was the play & ONLY the play. It was the best Christmas program they have done so far for two reasons: 1 - All of the kids were prepared & polished 2 - The program lasted a total of 25 minutes! It was wonderful and all of the kids did an AWESOME job!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween 2009

Design the jack-o-lantern.......
Carve it.........

Pumpkin boogers!!!!! (I love Trevor's face!!!)
No comment......
Scary!!
Megan (Vampiress) & Zoë (Dr. J - Medical Examiner)
Trevor (A-Rod) & Livvy (Vampiress)
The Johnson, Johnson, Johnson & Deborski clan
Our cutie pies!
We're on our way now!
Jax (the Bumblebee) & Shadow (another mini schnauzer across the street)
We had fun trick-or-treating, then we were off to dinner at Chapala with the Johnson clan! Candy & dinner, our Halloween tradition. I likey!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

17 years & counting

17 years....half of my life....half of Brad's life....

17 years ago today was the beginning of our journey together in this life.....the day we began 'dating'....do kids even do that anymore?

After today we will have spent more time together in this life than alone. I can't express how that makes me feel - words don't often fail me. (Stop laughing.) I can't imagine ever being without Brad in this life time. Just thinking of that makes me sick inside.

I have comfort knowing that we will always be together, for time and all eternity. It calms me to know that my kids are bound to us as well.

Poor guy - he should have run while he had the chance!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Slacker

Yes - I'm a slacker. I can only post this one picture right now since I'm at lunch doing this.

This is Zoë & Jenette McCurdy (Sam from I-Carly). Brad pointed her out to me when we were walking through Downtown Disney a couple of weeks ago. Zoë talked to her for a few minutes and she was very nice. Zoë's most prized part memory of the conversation? Jenette complimented her on having a great name and beautiful blue eyes.

I'm just glad she was a very nice person who made my little girls day!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Piggies & Paws

My friend, Suzanne McGlothlin, is having a 'Piggies & Paws' party on Saturday, September 26th. These are adorable pictures that would be perfect for Christmas! The details of the party is below - please come if you can!




Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tis the season!

Tis the baseball season that is! T-Bone is in the midst of Winter ball! His season started the same week of school, but we have been beyond busy so I haven't blogged about it until now.

Trevor's team is the Lancing Lugnuts. They're undefeated so far. Trevor started out the season with a bang - he hit a cycle (single, double, triple & a home run) in his very first game and got the first game ball of the season. His position is first base - we call him little Tex since he's #25 just like Mark Texiera. Trev is such a talented little boy and we love going out to watch him play - 6 hours per week, 3 games per week. We've already racked up over 20 hours at the baseball fields this season. Good times!





Brad has wanted a flag pole in the front yard forever. Don't ask me why I've been hesitant about it - it turned out so good. He put a spotlight on it so it is beautiful at night. I wish we would have had it done prior to 9-11.

Zoë got really emotional on 9-11. She asked me what kind of people died that day and I was honest with her. I told her we lost Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and friends. We didn't know any of the people who died personally, but I told her that didn't matter. We cried together. She was a little upset that I didn't let her watch the special that was done a couple of weeks after it happened (the one that Robert Dinero hosted), but I told her that we would watch it together in a couple of years. I remember some of the details from that special and it makes me sick to remember how desperate some of the people were to get out of that building. I'm crying again as I type this. Tears are rolling down my cheeks - I can't imagine living through that.


Watch this You Tube video posted on LDS.org. You'll cry right along with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E&feature=player_embedded

Anyhow, back to the here & now. This is what else we've been up to:

* Brad is busy coaching baseball with Greg, Adam & Dave (3 games per week!) He is also playing in a coed softball league with Leslie, Greg, Heather, Melissa, Tony, Adam, Lisa, Ray, Sarah, Brooke, Kathy & Wayne. He is busy planning a Priests & Laurels trip to Salt Lake City which will happen sometime in late October. He is very excited about it - he did it a few years ago when he was the YM President, but it was only for the Priests. He is still serving in our Bishopric and loves serving the youth in the ward. Brad renovated our shed this past summer - it's now an art studio/craft room and we all LOVE it.

* I am busy with work & still keeping busy as a member of the Primary Presidency. Cubs keeps me on my toes and the Primary Program still isn't written - oh well! It will come along soon enough. The softball games Brad & I play are on Friday nights and are double headers. It can be a little tough at times, but it's always fun. I started going to the gym regularly and I've enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I also started taking Zumba classes with Heather & Melissa - talk about a butt kicker! Besides that I've been helping out more on the PTA (I'm on the board this year) and spending a lot more time up at the school. When I'm not doing that I'm either being a homework nazi, chef, laundry maiden, personal secretary or taxi cab driver. I have absolutely no complaints!

* Zoë is staying plenty busy - piano on Tuesdays, dance on Wednesdays, Activity Days every other Wednesday & Drama Club on Thursday. She wanted to play softball this fall, but when would she do that? When she's not busy with her stuff she is supporting Trevor on the diamond. Zoë loves the 4th grade and has decided to run for Student Council in a couple of weeks. She already wrote her speech and has been practicing it regularly. Some of Zoë's favorite things (currently) are: Taylor Swift, exercising, spending time in the art studio, reading, You Tube (thanks Lisa!), cooking and babysitting (which is her going next door and reading books to the little kids so Karla can help the big kids with homework).

* Trevor has been playing baseball, what else?! He loves 2nd grade and really likes his teacher. He is a die hard Yankee fan and records every single game - it's taken over the DVR. He still doesn't like homework, but he's ok with doing it as long as Brad and I each help him with a part of it. I think he gets bored with me when I help him with all of it - that and I'm just not as much fun as Dad is. He's getting better and better at reading every day. Some of Trevor's current likes are: playing outside rough and tumble games with big boys, eye black, food, food, FOOD, playing catch with himself ALL THE TIME, pitching against the couch (or over the couch - next time you come to my house check out the wall behind the couch....he missed once), playing catch outside with anyone who will play with him, and did I mention food?

Wow - sorry, this ended up being long, but it's been forever since I posted. I had to get it all down for my yearly publication!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I lied....

My book party is still going on! E-mail me (below) if you want candles!!!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Salt City candles, baby!!!

HUGE sale on Salt City candles! Primary line is 20% off and Country Fair scents are 50% off! Holders & diffusers are also discounted. E-mail your phone # or e-mail address to bradnles@embarqmail.com if you're interested and I'll contact you.

My book party ends on Saturday, August 22nd!!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Post #100

Dear Kids,

I'm sorry your Mom is such a loser and didn't do a post on Monday & Tuesday night, but there is a good reason - I promise! We have spent the last couple of days working hard on some surprises for you for when you get home. We're so glad you're having such a fun time with your cousins, Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles. We miss you tons and can't wait to talk to you tonight.

We love you,

Mom & Dad

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Childless - day 1

The kids are spending a few days of their summer break with my parents & sisters up north. I told them I would blog about them every day they're gone so they can go on and read it when (or if) they have a minute.

First of all I have to say that it is beyond weird that they are not here. Jax is very confused - his kids are gone! He keeps standing by their bedroom doors, like he's waiting for them to come out to play with him. He's almost sulking. As for Brad and I, we've been apart from the kids before, but usually they're the ones at home - not us. So kids, this is what we did today.....

Mom:

- drove kids to Mesquite to meet Grandpa (thanks for coming along to keep them company Kolbey!)
- moved the laundry along
- read news online
- did the dishes
- watched a movie with Dad
- went on a walk with Dad
- ate dinner with Dad
- helped Dad straighten up the house
- watched TV with Dad
- took a bath
- blogged about her lazy afternoon
- talked with Dad about plans for tomorrow afternoon/evening
- went to bed

Dad:

- went to church
- came home from church
- ate lunch (very late)
- watched a movie with Mom
- went on a walk with Mom
- ate dinner with Mom
- took out the garbage
- watched TV with Mom
- watched the Yankee highlights
- talked to Mom about plans tomorrow
- went to bed


Kids, you didn't miss much!

On the road today I had a little talk with the kids about how they need to behave this week. I told them that Grandpa Campbell would be driving them up to his house so they needed to be quiet and let him concentrate on the road. Zoë asked if he drove as crazy as Dave (our friend) does - I just laughed and said that he didn't drive that crazy. Then Trevor chimed in with this - "Does he drive as crazy as Dad thinks you do?" Really? He chooses to listen when Brad tells me I'm driving crazy, but chooses not to listen to me when I tell him NOT to throw my cell phone to me across the room? Priceless. I love that my kids make me laugh.

We called them to tell them good night - Zoë was her typical happy self and informed us that they were about to watch a movie and that Uncle Shane was making his famous Daddy popcorn - LUCKY! Trevor talked to Brad for a minute, then it was my turn. I told him "Hi", then told him to go into another room because the kids were too loud in the back ground. He said "OK - BYE!" and hung up on me!

How rude. I just laughed and thanked my lucky stars that he is happy right where he is.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

All about this kid

This the most handsome boy I know. He's got it all - those killer baby blues, the physique, the strut & the attitude. He's getting so big, but he's still my little man and he always will be, even when he towers over me.
Well, he decided it was time to take on some manly duties around the house. He did pretty good. Those curvy parts gave him a little trouble....

but not as much as that sidewalk that jumped right in front of him!
He got it on the way back. He did a pretty good job, at least as good as I've seen some 16 year old do.
T-Bone's class did flag ceremony a couple of Fridays ago. Trevor & Dawson got to help a 3rd grader carry the flag down the aisle. They were very proud of themselves.
Trevor finally received a phone call he's been waiting for - Coach Greg has called the first practice of the season & Trev is so excited! It's a good thing this is the last week of school - his mind is 100% pre-occupied with baseball. He's playing Wii baseball as I type this. He just can't get enough.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

No doubt

Zoe LOVES art. Her all time favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh. Just ask her about him, but only if you have at least 1/2 hour to listen to her go on, and on, and on about him. Brad bought her a huge art book for her birthday. It' the size of a college text book - 12x10, 2 inches thick, hard bound and 612 pages long. It covers art history from 'cave to contemporary' with over 2,500 pictures of different works of art. After purchasing it, Brad wondered if she would really 'appreciate' it at such a young age.

What do you think? I think appreciation is an understatement. Adororation is more like it. Brad should no longer doubt whether or not she would like it.
She reads it every night before going to sleep, and obviously sometimes until she goes to sleep. She has already told us that when she grows up she wants to go to the New York Museum of Contemporary Art because that's where Van Gogh's original painting of 'Starry Night' is. Oh - Brad also got her a framed poster of 'Starry Night'. Her first 'real' picture to begin her own 'real' art collection. She was ecstatic.

Did I mention that our shed (well 2/3 of it) is now an art studio? (and a craft/sewing room) Zoë has spent at least an hour a day in there for the last 2 weeks. We love it and we can't wait to really put it to good use! I never took before pics, but I'll take some afters soon & post them.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Family Night

What did you do for Family Home Evening tonight?

We went & played baseball together. Trevor hit some balls while Zoë & I fielded them, then Zoë took her turn hitting. We all got a little exercise and had a few laughs.

I drank way too much cold water as soon as we got home. Now I want to puke. How does a shower and bed sound? Great! Too bad - I still have to help Brad paint the new shutters he made for the shed.

Life is so busy, but I love it. I don't want to think about how unhappy I would be if there wasn't always 'something'!!!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Missionary Work

Check out this article in the LDS Church News.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/57613/Labors-rewards-How-great-shall-be-your-joy.html

You are a great example to my family and to all of us kids. We love you!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Friendship bread

If you want a bag of starter for Amish friendship bread, leave a comment! I just baked two loaves and it is yummy!!! I have 3 bags all together.....

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Over load!!!!

We took a little trip to So Cal this weekend so Brad could cash in his Father's Day present - tickets to a Yankee game! I thinks this is the most pictures I have ever uploaded for a post - sorry! I don't want to leave any out when I go back and print out this year's events. Enjoy!

Huntington Beach - 2009
That's Zoë getting knocked over by a wave in the back ground....

Trevor was very proud of our sand castle!
A day at the beach is not complete unless we get buried, right?!


Zoë enjoyed searching for shells, or should I say pieces of shell.
Trevor loved the sand. Here's a sequence of shots....packing the sand..........flipping the bucket over just so.....
......tapping on the top to loosen the sand......
......pushing it down......
.....pushing it down some more.......
.....prep for the unveiling.....
......slowly pull the bucket up.......
.....ta da!!!!!
A perfect bucket shaped mound of sand!
Zoë had a similar approach to shell-searching (say that fast 5 times!).
First, she scoped out the sand for 'clues'.......
....then the investigation begins.....
.....new found treasure???
Looks like a keeper!
We had tickets to the day game on Saturday. There were almost as many Yankee fans as there were Angel fans. Brad asked the old lady in the parking booth, "Are you sure this isn't Yankee stadium?" She was not happy about that comment, but her reaction made us all laugh.
We're ready to go! We got to the game early so we could get a good place in line.
The kids were pretty impressed by a memorial in front of the stadium for an Angel player who was killed earlier this year in a car accident.
It got really hot standing in line. The kids did not complain very much, but their body language spoke volumes!!!
It was a REALLY hot day so there was not batting practice before the game, so a few players came out to sign autographs. We saw A.J. Burnett (he not only stayed out there the longest but he worked his way all the way down the length of the duggout).......
C.C. Sebathian......
and Joba Chamberlain. So cool to be this close!
We got some good pics of some other players before the game started, too. Here's Jeter & Damon....
& Cano.We're already pink and the game hasn't even started yet!
The boys - they were only in the shade for a few minutes before the sun was shining on all of our seats.
A-Rod warming up....
all of the in fielders before the game.
There was a pretty crappy call made at first base right at the beginning of the game. I got some shots of the argument that insued!
Still arguing......actually, this looks like three different conversations when you really look at it!
It was 'settled' when I took this picture, but there was still plenty to be said! Posada & Petitte are still sharing some thoughts with the home base umpire.
I got this shot of A-Rod, Jeter & Bix Tex chatting it up after Petitte was taken out of the game - the new pitcher was warming up.
The out field took some time to chat, too.
This is what happens when you have a VERY busy & eventful 36 hours. It was lights out for Trevor - we weren't even out of the stadium parking lot before he crashed!

All in all we had a great weekend. Now all we need is lots of sleep to recover!

P.S. The only thing I will say about the fights this weekend are this....LOVED the Bisbing knock out. I could watch that over and over again. It was by FAR the best knock out I have ever seen. It helps that I can't stand Bisbing - go Henderson!!!! Of course I can't forget GSP. He was hurt bad in the 4th round, but he continued and still dominated. What an awesome fighter. Only one more thing - poor Frank Mir. I HATE that Brock Lesner is such a great fighter because I can't stand him.

That is all! I'm off to bed.