Strike a pose

All the 5th grade is doing a Wax museum on Friday. Parker's class is doing President's and First Ladies. Parker was assigned John F. Kennedy. Originally he was pretty disappointed that he had him (He wanted Theodore Roosevelt) (And JFK is a Democrat afterall).
After a little light-hearted humor from Miranda and I (we came up with some pretty good poses) he accepted the idea and has written his report, selected his 3 poses and prepared his costume. The only thing left is to practice holding completely still for 15 minutes while everyone walks through the "museum" staring and talking about you.
Parker's first attempt to hold still was not very good. He busted up laughing everytime Miranda and I would come in pretending to view the wax figures. It took quite a few tries before he could hold his pose without smiling or laughing. (The bribe of a scoop of icecream for every 5 minutes he could freeze didn't hurt either).
Gus was even getting into the poses.
I finally had to join in the cause and help him with a pose that he is doing with the kid who is Nixon in his class. This is much harder than it looks and I give all the kids credit for holding still for so long. Parker is a bit nervous about being able to hold still for the entire time. I'm sure he'll do great.
Stay tuned for the big day!

Clev the Dragon

Some people have cats, others have dogs. Some even find snakes and lizards to be adorable and perfect pets. We've decided we're not lizard people. About a year and a half ago we bought a Bearded Dragon Lizard that Parker named Clev. He was so cute and tiny at the time we brought him home. He fit very comfortably on the log inside his cage.
But time has passed and Clev, is no longer tiny, (Still kind of cute though). We didn't hold him a ton, so he is rather skiddish when we try to pick him up.














He is a verocious eater and can down as many crickets as we put into his cage. I caught this amazing talent of his on video one day (I know, I'm crazy). Notice how big he is compared to the first image - that's the same log!


Today, we said goodbye to our reptillian friend. We decided it would be better for Clev if he had a home where he would be held a little more often. Some friends in our ward agreed to take him. They already have a couple leopard gekos so they are already used to the cricket feeding routine. Parker is happy because he can visit Clev every week when he goes to scouts (they are his Webelos leaders).
We'll miss Clev, but I won't miss the weekly stops at the pet store for crickets and finding loose crickets throughout the house. (thank goodness for the bug guy).

Heart Walk

This morning the kids and I were able to participate in an American Heart Association Heart Walk. My cousin, Nicole, is a nurse and they were trying to form a team at the hospital she works at. She was going to join their team but decided to put her own team together.
13 years ago my cousin, Stacie, (Nicole's sister) had a baby boy who was born with a heart defect. At only 10 weeks old, he passed away following a surgery to repair it. Stacie was super excited to put a team together in his honor and we were more than happy to be there for support. I've been registered since June, and never expected the weather to go from 90 to 55 degrees overnight. Waking up this morning, I had a moments hesitation when I looked at the wind and the thermometer outside. BUT we made a commitment and were ready to brave the cold!
Here is a before shot of our team. Stacie's friend made up some adorable T-shirts for our team to wear for the occasion.
We were off to a bit of a slow start with potty breaks and such, but we made it through the entire 3 miles with no complaining from anyone!
(seriously!) ( Well, I was thinking about complaining when I couldn't feel my ears and we were walking uphill with a head on 40mph wind)(ok, maybe it was only 20mph) Parker and Wyatt were setting their own pace because they were too busy chatting instead of keeping up with the group. Mom and Miranda stayed back a bit to keep an eye on them. The rest of the group was scattered throughout the walkers. Each setting their own pace.Dad and I were walking a pretty quick pace and was able to get ahead of everyone on our team. When we approached the finish we thought it would be fun if we all crossed it together...as a team. So, we walked back towards the rest of the team we had passed and told them our plan. (By the time we reached Parker and Wyatt we had nearly added another mile to our walk) We walked back toward the finish with Mom, Miranda, Parker and Wyatt and joined the rest of the team near the finish.
It was super fun to finish together as a team. With the finish sign in view, everyone quickened their pace and cheered as we crossed the finish line!


Following the race, Subway had provided sandwiched for all the participants and Parker and Wyatt still managed to have energy left for the jumpers.



It was so fun to get together for such a great cause. We had a blast despite the cold weather. Everyone's spirits were high and ready to do it again next year!!! Just hope it's a little warmer next year so I don't spend the rest of the day thawing out!

Hog Heaven

So, what do you do when your so tired your eyes burn and can't stay open, but you're waiting for your daughter to come home so can't go to bed yet?
Well, I think I'll post on my blog...
I've been meaning to post for a few days now, but haven't had the time/energy.

Ryan has always loved motorcycles. Growing up, he and his brothers almost always had one. Even when we were first married he owned a dirt bike (I don't think we could afford a full motorcycle). He's always dreamed of owning a Harley Davidson, but has never acted upon this urge.

A few years ago his brother, Eric, bought a simple, used Harley and has since updated to a Road King. He and his wife Lori have been known to take the bike on weekend road trips on a whim.
This, of course, has just fueled the fire for Ryan's desire to own one of his own.

It really didn't come as a big surprise to me when he started showing me photo's of Harleys on Craigs list and the Harley Davidson site. I'm sure just trying to get me used to the idea of him purchasing a bike. He finally zeroed in on one in Arizona that he quite liked. For a few weeks he debated back and forth about going to get it.
He finally broke down and decided to buy the bike. It's a Road King Classic 2004 (I think).
His brother, Eric, drove to AZ early last Saturday to pick it up. (Eric rode his Harley here from Cedar). Not 5 minutes after they arrived home, they took off on the first ride to Fremont Street, where there was some biker party going on. (not sure what they call those).
Since purchasing the bike, he has been super willing to run errands for me just for an excuse to ride it. He's been able to take it to work a couple times this week (thankfully he didn't have to go to court)
I have yet to ride with him because I don't have a helmet yet (NV law). He's already planning to go with Eric and Lori to Laughlin River Run next year. I've warned him that curly hair and helmets do not go together, so I'd have to straighten it to go anywhere. (he doesn't care for my hair to be straight).
He's like a kid in a candy shop and is seeming to really enjoy himself while riding it. But I'm having a hard time seeing myself as a biker babe riding on the back....

What was I thinking?????

Our Stake started a women volleyball program a few weeks ago. I always thought about going, but I either forgot about it, or was otherwise occupied. A friend finally convinced me to go, even though I was COMPLETELY exhausted, I agreed. (again...what was I thinking)
"It'll be great social time" said Ryan
Let me just say that I haven't played Volleyball in, well, um....over 20 years!
I was a but rusty. After a while I did finally get my serve down, and managed to send a few balls over the net (in the right direction). There were some ladies that were very serious about the game, so I don't think they appreciated my humor in the situation.
Was it fun?.... Sure
Will I do it again? Not sure....I'll take it week by week (I'll see if I'm walking tomorrow, or if my black eye swells)
On Tuesday's my body usually takes a beating with 1 1/2 hours at the gym after an hour walk/jog in the morning.
And last night I swam for an hour (2000 yds) at the gym while Miranda was at Broadway class.
Seriously, I'm just plain pooped!

Joy in the Journey

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to many words of wisdom, love, encouragement, hope and testimony from the leaders of our church. I'm so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know my life has been touched in more ways than I know because of the teachings of the Gospel. I strive everyday to do the things that I know will bring me closer to my eternal goals. I struggle, as many of us do, with the doubts that fill my mind and heart that I'm doing everything I can. But I know that if I just seek, I will gain the help needed to build my Testimony every day.
I'm thankful for my loving family who continue to amaze me with their strength in the truths. Ryan always has wonderful insights to the Book of Mormon that I never think of. He helps me to make an effort to apply them in my own life today.
Miranda is always there with words of wisdom, keeping our family on the right track.
Parker never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of the Gospel. (I think he'll teach Gospel Doctrine next)
I know that I'm not perfect, but I'm trying.
Every 6 months I get the boost I need to try harder. Listening to the testimonies of the speakers at Conference helps me to know "I CAN DO THIS"
I anxiously awaited to hear the counsel given by our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He encouraged us, he encouraged ME, to find JOY in the Journey. To not get so caught up in daily to do lists that we neglect the things that matter most and bring us joy. Wow, I really think he was speaking just to ME!
I feel completely uplifted and strengthened by the teachings from this Conference.
I can do this....We can do this.... I hope to be an greater example to my children of the happiness that can be found when we follow the teachings of the Gospel.
I am thankful for the knowledge that I am a daughter of God and that he knows me and hears my prayers.
I pray we can all find the peace known only through Him. We are divine and we each have a purpose. I know the Gospel to be true and I want everyone to know how happy I am to be a part of it.

Flying by....

Where has this week gone???
The kids were out of school today, so what to do on a 3 day weekend????
A. Go to Disneyland
B. Go to Cedar City
C. Go Camping
D. Stay Home and be productive

Well, I really would like to have done choice A, but, we decided to spend this weekend at home. The kids, in fact, were strongly requesting this option. However, yesterday we surprised them with a trip to Tuachan to see Les Meserables. We left at 3pm and arrived home around 12:30am. Both Parker and Miranda wanted to see it again before it ended in a couple weeks. Ryan actually likes this production, so why not. Especially when you have a 2 for 1 coupon (thanks mom).
This photo was taken with the stage as the background, but I guess it was too dark and the flash only liked my kids (well, who doesn't?)
So except for our little getaway, we're staying home.
Today Ryan and I were both super productive. Ryan cleaned the garage and casita. I cleaned the house (finally) and even filled 2 more bags and a box for DI!(they're gonna love me).
Tomorrow I plan to work on more cleaning/organizing while I watch Conference. It always seems like the Saturday sessions slip past me, so I'm excited to see them tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also National Card Making Day. I hope to get my cleaning finished early so I can make a bunch of cards, both for fun and for the RS card class coming up.
I'm also working on a second blog that I can use to post my crafty stuff. I'll link to it soon once it's ready. Natalie is working on a background for me so it'll be super cute! (love ya Nat!)
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend as much as me!