Smile!

I went to the Phoenix Zoo with Zoe, Cheryl, Josh and Zach.... and THOUGHT I forgot my camera... which was sitting in my purse, in my car, the whole time.... arggg!

We had a great time.  And actually made it over the children's area with the petting zoo.  How have I missed that before?  Hopefully Cheryl will post some pictures on FB and then I'll see them too. :)

Great idea Cheryl... thanks!

Check Mate?

Hayden tried to teach Zoe how to play chess this morning.... yes, chess.

Here's something how it went...

H: Ok, this is a chess board.

Z: oh

H:  Do you want to be black or white?  Black or tan?

Z:  Black.  It's pretty.

H:  Ok.  This is the king and this is the queen.

Z:  Are they married?

H:  Um... sure.  And these are called pawns.  Can you say pawn?

Z:  Pawn.  Are they them kids?

H:  Sure... the pawns are the king's and queen's kids.  This is a horse....

Z:  Oh... a horsey.  So the kids can ride it?  I have a horsey.

H:  Whatever, Zoe... Do you want to play?

Z: ok

H:  This is called a bishop.

Jonathan:  Yeah, like some guy in church.

Z:  I go to church.

H:  Ok...Here's how you set them up...

Z: I want them here....no... here!

H:  They don't go there.... ugg... Zoe!  Jaime!  She's messing it up!

Jaime:  hahahaha.... really?  And I thought it was going so well.....

Merry Christmas!!

Seriously.... I don't know how some of you keep up with blogging.  I have had a Disneyland trip that could take up tons of space, yet no time or desire to blog about it.  Yet..... don't despair.... my "winter" break is here so I'll have time to catch up.

 In the mean time, here is our 2nd annual "going green" Christmas card. Merry Christmas!! I'm SOOO excited it's almost here!

Make a Smilebox greeting

uggg....

I have a varicose vein in my right leg... ugg.... it's ugly and it hurts.  I also have about a zillion spider veins all over my legs.  When did I get so old that these things are possible?

Black Friday

.... was fabulous!

I was one of the crazy people to get up at 4:15am to make it to a store only to stand in line because it wasn't open yet.... a line that reached around the building into an empty lot.  However, I was not one of the totally insane people who went out at midnight to some stores.  I do have my limits.

As posted on facebook, but since I'm proud, it's being posted again....  quote "at target by 4:50am, Cabela's at 6am, Kmart at 7:30, Big 5 at 9am, JoAnn's at 9:45, Arrowhead Mall at 10:30, Costco at 4:30pm, movie at 6:40, Krispy Kreme at 9:00, home at 9:30pm. Wow.... and still not done shopping!"

My mom beat me at it though... she and my dad were at Wal-Mart by 4:30am... then continued shopping after the movie until 11pm.

In attendance:  Aunt Carrol, Cousin Cheryl, Mom, and Jenn (my brother's girlfriend... might as well get her started on the insanity).  And of couse my dad for about half of it... what a trooper!

PS... I apologize for the crude language in the above picture... but, come on.... that's funny!

This One's for Love

Well, it's been forever... and I was called out on it!  Thanks Love....

Friday is Black Friday.  I don't know about some of you, but I'm ALLLL about shopping at the crack of dawn.  I figure it's called black Friday because the sky is black when I get up, and black when I get home.... I mean... we're seriously considering visiting Arrowhead Mall at midnight when it opens up on Thanksgiving evening....

I've signed up for the black Friday ads... I get a new one every few days for me to gawk at and plan over.  After reading them I've decided that my kids and relatives need all these great things at fabulous prices and... which store will I stand in line first at.... at 5am.... or sooner?

Well, probably none.  After really thinking about it, we don't really need any of that stuff.... I'm not standing in line at 1am at Best Buy, waiting for it to open at 5am for 1 of only 5 laptops for $197.... not this year anyway.  I will, possibly, spend the night at my parents to visit the mall at midnight... just to say I did it... and then, maybe, take a nap... and then, maybe, get up early again (with Starbucks in hand) and try some other people infested place for some more adventure.  Then, like always, I will spend my day at some mall, buying things I don't need at rediculously cheep prices, boosting our failing economy, and then top it off with some dinner and coffee and Bailey's with my mom, aunt, cousin, and 86 year old grandma.

Want to come??

Jury Duty

I am going to try and recount my experience of my jury duty on Monday. It will, by no means, be completely accurate nor give you an exact picture of what it was really like.... but here goes.

I first got summoned for the first day of school. Ha! Luckily you can go in and choose your day if you'd like. I chose the last day on the calendar, which happened to come really quickly... last Monday. Have you ever had jury duty? And actually been part of a trail? I have not done the latter, but have had a few experiences with the former.

I actually looked forward to jury duty this time... it's a break in the routine of every day, I love to people watch, and I was looking forward to reading my books... the Fever series (excellent reads!)... I know, kind of sick that I thought it might be interesting.... but it always proves to be.

After riding the shuttle to the court and hoping desperately that no one would talk to me (sad... total introvert) I, along with many others, choraled ourselves to the jury assembly room. It's a room with bad furniture, obnoxious televisions, and uncomfortable seats that one must endure for goodness knows how long. I sat myself down and proceeded to read my books... yes... I brought two. Around 10ish I was called in with another 60 jurors... I was #56! We made the long walk, like grade school lines, down to the other end of the courthouse and up to the 9th floor where we waited for a very long time to enter the court room. This court room was staffed already with three lawyers, the bailiff with really long legs and 4" heals, a court interpreter, 2 defendants, and ... blah blah... else. The defendants were accused of allegedly kidnapping a woman at gunpoint and keeping her for a week in Avondale about 2 years ago. I didn't remember the case, so unfortunately I couldn’t' use it as an excuse!

The judge does many rounds of "let's hear your excuse as to why you can't or don't want to serve and participate in what is your civic duty"... of which the first one was, what reason would hinder you or cause a hardship if you were to serve. Ha! Easy, right? No, ... I started panicking thinking that I didn't have a good enough reason... I mean being a teacher and making lesson plans for an 8 day... yes 8 DAY ... trial would be torture, but not unbearable. Since I was 56, I had a lot of time to listen to other excuses, and OMG... were there some really lame ones.... my leg goes numb if I sit too long, I can't see far away (get glasses woman!), I have an appointment on Thursday, blah blah blah.... So, I figured I would go ahead and say.. .I'm a teacher and it would be difficult. And... oh wait... I'm a mom too. Good thing those kids come in handy sometimes! I can say that I watch my kids after school... which I do! So, it was almost my turn and I start gettin' the heebie jeebies. I HATE talking in front of people, now I had to do it in front of 70 people and give the my excuse. My heart was racing, thumping, and I was sweating. How lame am I? I managed to squeak it out...

Then the judge went for another 5 rounds or so.... do you know any police officers?, have you ever been a witness in a trial?, do you have a health issue that would keep you from serving?, can you rightly listen to both sides and not be biased?... etc. Then came more excuses. The best, however, came from a barely 18 year old girl... full time student... trying her darndest to get out of jury duty... who speaks up after being asked if being a witness to a trial.... she says...."Well, my roommate and I had a guy break into our apartment and start masturbating (OMG... at that moment I had to put my head down so I would scream) and started taking pictures of himself with my phone. {{slight pause and hesitation from judge}} Judge says: And were you a witness in a trial concerning this?... little girl says: Well, I can't really remember but I know I talked to a police officer about it.

There you have it folks... the best part of the day, besides my Starbucks and reading books.

BTW... no jury duty for me!

Trick or Treat?

Every Halloween since Zoe was born my mom has come over to pass out candy while Jonathan and I get to take the kids trick-or-treating.  Last year was the only exception because Hayden was with his mom so we drove over there so the kids could be together.  This year we were able to appreciate our own neighborhood and neighbors while trick-or-treating.  All I can say is... wow!  I LOVED my being in my own neiborhood.  The people were so nice, had awesome decorations like ginormous spiders the size of Hayden on their houses, full size candy bars and M&M bags.... and very nice kids.  Except for that loaded mini van that picked up high school kids who did NOT live our neighborhood.  Our side of the neighborhood had a BBQ at one of the houses with PB&J paninis and chili.... then another house on the other side had about 4 houses together where the kids got loads of candy. 

At first Hayden wanted to be the Grim Reaper.... (long pause)... are you laughing because it mirrors his personality at times?  But then, Ronni got him this costume... which he said was a knight, but it looks like a King to me.  Hmmm... either way, he looks super cute. 

Jonathan took Hayden and Sky... who did NOT want Zoe trailing after them.... thus, we had separte parties - Hayden, Jonathan, Sky... and Me, Grandma, Zoe.

Grandpa passing out candy.... while Grandma and I got to take Zoe.

Tate and Zoe... future prom pose?

Hayden in his second costume... Boba Fett (Star Wars) ..

his idea was to go again for a second round.

Grandma (poodle skirt)... with Zoe (and Tate's arm)

Hayden's first costume (yes, I know it's out of order, but this new editing crap from Blogger is not my friend).

SO cute!

Zoe's Stash!

My Menagerie

According to Dictionary.com, there are three definitions for the word Menagerie:

1. a collection of wild or unusual animals, esp. for exhibition.

2. a place where they are kept or exhibited.

3. an unusual and varied group of people.

 
#3 is the reason for my new blog title.  Although, at times, #1 could just as well describe my family.

Planning....

A couple weeks ago we joined the YMCA. And I've actually worked out a couple times a week since. Shocking... I know. We debated between the Y and Lifetime... which, in all aspects of a gym, Lifetime is IT. However, the Y was cheaper... and with the deal we got, we couldn't pass it up.

Last Monday we went.... and before we left, I put on a pot of chili to be ready when we walked back in the door. Genious, I thought. And it worked. So I had the idea to do it every Monday. How easy would that be, to know that chili will be on Mondays after we visit the gym... something healthy and easy! However, Jonathan, somehow couldn't handle it.... because it was a PLAN. Which, is a four letter word in his mind.

Jonathan and I are so different from each other it's amazing things actually work out. He instantly tenses up when I ask about plans ... for the weekend, next week, TODAY.... and I feel like vomiting if there is no plan in place. My insides get all knotted up and I feel like I can't go on if I don't have something to plan or if something isn't planned. Plan plan plan.

So, for the most part I plan and just don't tell him about it. I plan what's for dinner each night... what I'm doing this weekend, next weekend, and next month on Tuesday night. Jonathan even has a hard time dealing with the kids' bedtimes... because they're PLANNED. I know, crazy. We have a calendar on the computer that I sneak things onto... and without him knowing it, things get planned. Who can function without plans? I even plan to plan....

And speaking of plans and the YMCA, he cannot commit to which nights he would like to go because it's a .... plan....

Well, there you have it... the lamest of all blogs by far. I have more planned, but as of now, that's it.

Hayden's Philosophy

Homework kills trees....

Trees provide oxygen....

People need oxygen to breath....

Thus, homework really does kill people every day....

Happy Birthday Zoe!

My baby is 4....

She asked me today if she was REALLY 4 or just a LITTLE 4.

"You are REALLY 4 today because it's your birthday!" I say....

"But..... I'm not bigger," she says with a confused look on her face while holding one hand above her head.

So, for the next 5 minutes Jonathan, Hayden, and I had to convince her somehow that she had grown overnight from 3 years to 4 years... and yes, she in fact is "bigger"!

Random side note.... Zoe chose the swine flu infested McDonald's for her birthday dinner. Yum?

Ready, Set.... GO!

*** Be sure to visit Kim's blog for pictures and her version. Sweeeet!

My BFF's, Kim and Leslie, and I ventured out to get some culture passes for the Children's Museum of Phoenix. There were 3 coming out at the Palo Verde branch... I was ready to get them all!

The first experience I had with getting culture passes was with Bre.... where we waited for about 30 minutes and came out empty handed. There is no organized way to wait, thus those who are fastest win, not first come first served. We did not know this at first.... we noticed people would get closer to the door the closer the time came for the library to open. Then, when it opened... it. was. insane! People ran like mad and grabbed any and all passes they could find. We were left with nothing, defeated, but educated.

So, when the time came for us to try again... I was ready. Kim and I stayed out in front of the library, while Leslie took the kids to the park next door. "Game face" lady came over and asked if we were getting culture passes, and if it's whoever is here first gets them. Um... no... not in my experience. Be ready lady. Game Face lady glared at us until the doors opened.... And, like before... the closer the time came to open, the closer people got to the door. I was right there, in the front. It was comical... the doors opened in slow motion... literally! Once I could fit through, I snuck through, got rammed by a stroller (have a bruise on my heel!)... and grabbed ALL 3 passes... one for me, for Kim, and for Leslie. Ha!

Game Face lady was still asking for directions on where they were and how the process works if she was there first, but didn't get them. Then.... she TATTLED on us. To the branch manager! OMG.... Kim was about to give Game Face lady her pass, but then, she came over to Kim and I (Leslie had already taken the kids and started wandering the library) and started chewing us out in the library... saying how RUDE we were, and what kind of example we were for our children, and so on.... Really? I told her sorry, it happened to me to. The she says... so that's how you pay it forward? ... seriously?

Ok, so then... both Kim and I are furious! Kim decided to keep her pass.... of course. Then, Purple Lady, aka the branch manager, comes over and says (all smiley) she'd like to speak with us when we are done checking out. Kim and I gave each other the "look". What? So, after we check out, Purple Lady comes over. Now, keep in mind that Game Face lady and her husband and son are still in the library at the desk staring at us... evil stare... Purple Lady says... please follow me. I think we were both in shock and actually followed her. I mean, who would actually say "ok" and follow her after being tattled on for something so stupid! Tattled! But, we followed her... not to a desk... not to a remote location... but to her actual office. It's like we were called into the Principal's office. Then she asks us to sit down. Now, at this point I'm furious. I can't believe Game Face lady is so bent out of shape about it... I wasn't the first time.... and that she actually complained about us. Then, we were gettin' spanked by the branch manager in her office!

OMG.... At first I didn't want to sit down, out of defiance. I know, way to show her, huh? Then, out of my mouth comes the dumbest words... "Are we in trouble, or something?" Ha ha... Purple Lady smirks slightly and probably realizes I'm not an intelligent life form and this sort of thing happens often to me. But, anyway. She goes on to say that in all the time the libraries have had the culture passes, not once has there been any complaints... until today. Well... people must not have something up their backside like Game Face lady. Who really complains, anyway? She asks us to explain what happened, which Kim does very nicely. I chime in with things like... How unprofessional it is that the library doesn't' have some kind of process to give out the passes, and that lack of lines or any organization fosters competition for the passes.... I mean, those tickets to the children's museum are $9 bucks each! I'm totally getting the passes! She asks us if we pushed and shoved. NO! I didn't even touch anyone. Did we have a stroller that we jammed people out of the way with, she asks. What? NO! However, I was rammed in the ankle with one and still have a bruise.

We made it out of there, and guess who is STILL in the library? Game Face lady. Yep. Kim and I hurry out of there, with our passes of course, and Leslie has the car pulled around with all the kids buckled in like it's the getaway car. ha ha.... While we are buckling Jude up, Game Face lady walks by and is still talking to us.... "How do you feel about taking this away from my kid? How rude are you? You should be ashamed of your self.... blah blah blah".... Kim was awesome, and responds back with... "Keep talking lady, because you're making it so much better."

Hee hee... .Now, don't judge. You weren't there... and my fingers are tired.... and there's probably lots I left out.... But it was classic.

And, in case you're wondering.... we had an awesome time at the museum the next day. For free.

Photos to come... They're on Kim's facebook page....

Williams!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted something. I'm really getting out of the habit... as I say in all my latest blogs. Let's see if I can get things going again...

We had the pleasure of visiting Williams with some friends of ours... Sarah and Kevin, and their daughters Jacey and Jaelyn. The weather was actually a little chilly! - but of course a nice change from the heat... which is actually not as hot now.

On the way up there we were greeted by an Officer Willis who promptly gave Jonathan a speeding ticket for going 12 miles over. Hmmmm..... But the rest of the trip was much more enjoyable.

Highlights:

• The kids were able to free their inner pyros and dabble in some fire, while roasting marshmallows and literally puking from too much.
• We were super close to the fire in Williams, which was right across the highway. We even saw one of the water helicopters getting water from a nearby lake.
• The kids got to hold and shoot dangerous weapons... and had much fun doing so.
• Jonathan and Kevin blew up a printer with Tannerite.... then Sarah and I got to join the clean up crew.
• The Bear Tounge!
• The Pottery Hike we went on, where we found broken Indian pottery and arrowheads. Jonathan found an arrowhead still in awesome condition.
• We got a flat tire on the way out of town... luckily we were still at the cabin.
• And of course... having a great time with friends!

Make Up Adventures with Zoe

Revelation

I realized why I haven't been blogging... besides the fact that I'm exhausted with school having started.... It's because my life is not that interesting. Ha! Now some of you... my 3 readers... may have already known this and out of the goodness of your hearts, or some other reason, you have never mentioned to me this fact, and you're only reading my blog out of pitty's sake. Perhaps it's the feeling I have daily, that my life is like that movie Groundhog Day... which many of you maybe relate to as well....

This week was a little different.... half of us were sick! Usually I'm pretty good at figuring out if Zoe is sick... she was sick so often when she was younger... bronchitis, pneumonia, croup, asthma... blah blah blah... and I thought she just had a cold this time... even though her eyes were red and goopy! Ugg... luckily Jonathan had the sense to bring her to the doctor... albeit after he took her to McDonald's to play... and we ended up using the Minute Clinic instead of her doctor since they couldn't get us in. Strep and pink eye. Eeewww....

I was working that day, so it was my turn the following, but instead of just Zoe, it was Jonathan too... who had strep, pink eye, and a sinus infection. OMG... thankfully Hayden and I are not sick yet....

Although now Jonathan and Zoe are both coughing and Zoe sounds raspy.... What now?

The Piano

I finally, FINALLY, talked Jonathan into taking my grandma's piano.... his arguement was that Zoe needed to learn Spanish more than how to play the piano (which on one level he might be correct). I was bound and determined to get that piano and he said yes last night!!!

I told my mom, whom I thought would be excited, and she says.... Costco has a keyboard for $400. Hmmm....

Friends

So I thought I would actually post something, even though I'm not really feeling it... but ... here it goes.

Last night I had my traditional birthday extraveganza with my BFF's... my soulmates... my sisiters.... At Oregano's. This is something we look forward to year round since we go for each of our birthdays. It consists of the same thing everytime.... Oregano's Favorite salad, pizza - half pepperoni, half veggie, and baked ziti. Delish! Plus, their famous pizza cookie... which, BTW, we found out last night they actually give away for free for birthdays! WHAT?? We've been going there for years and NEVER knew this. I'm thinkin' they owe us some pizza cookies... birthday or not.... And, of course, the best is the conversation.... that may get us a few stares and possibly even get us mocked by a teenage boy.

This year especially we are all busy with life, kids, husbands, cleaning, etc... and the opportunity to see each other is limited. The time we get to spend together is precious and invaluable. Thank you Kim and Leslie for being true friends, for encouraging me to be myself, for entrusting me with your friendship, and for being there. I LOVE YOU!!

Happy Birthday Daisy....

I'm rejoicing over health for my family, and the strength to make it through the trials of life. We miss you and love you Daisy.

What happened to Jaime??

Well.... I have no energy or desire to blog lately. Maybe it's work, no time, facebook?... who knows.... I have some good ones though....

Like last night where we ended up at one of Jonathan's student's houses watching remote control cars and rednecks....

Or today where we ventured to another one of his student's who was doing Indian (India) dances....

But, they'll have to wait. I'm vegging....

One of those days...

So it's 7:25 and I'm BEAT.... exhausted... worn out.... The second week of school.

Tonight Zoe had dance class. My mom was off this week as she and my dad are working on my brother's house... with him... to get it ready for Nate to move in. She thought she'd come and watch Zoe dance. How cool! Usually she'd be working and this is a once in a long time chance that she'd be able to go.

So, she met us at the house, we got dressed - which by the way, is not as simple as it sounds when you're trying to shove two pudgy feet into really tight tights and a tight leotard while sweating - then headed over to the "studio." We get there in time, Zoe sees her friends, then suddenly decides she doesn't want to go. What?? She usually is the one who doesn't look back twice at me and marches in.

Tonight, though she started whining and wouldn't let me go. I tried pushing her... which by the way doesn't work with a cranky 3 year old. I tried bribing her... we can make brownies... We sat out for a little while my mom looked tired... (and maybe a little annoyed at her angle grandchild).... The other parents just smiled because even though they might be thinking odd thoughts about me and her, they have no doubt encountered the same situation at one time... which probably included bribing. I tried threatening... well, we'll just have to go home. She agreed to that one. Drat! She tried crawling through a sign and got stuck... Then, she decided she'd go in, so I brought her to the door and she whined and refused. So then I took her ballet shoes off and she whined and said she wanted to go in, so I took her, then she whined and refused... again! A mom had her little girl come to get her and she still refused... So, eventually we left, suddenly and without goodbyes... sorry ballet moms!

We got home and at dinner she scribbled on the table... with her fork... spit, drooled, said NO, etc.... OMG.... one of those days..... and thank goodness she's in bed now!

And Jonathan got to rest on the couch during ballet... and is now out shopping with Hayden so he could spend some birthday money.... hmmm.....

....saved....

Zoe and I had a conversation that went a little like this tonight...

"Is God waaayyyy up high in the sky?" asked Zoe.

"Well, He's in heaven."

"Do we have to yell, 'Hey God!'"

Hee hee... "Well, you can just talk to him if he's in your heart. If you believe in Him and love Him. Then you won't have to yell because He will be with you all the time."

"I want him in my heart."

:) "Ok. Let's pray.... Dear God, thank you for loving me. Please come into my heart and help me to do the right thing. Thank you for forgiving me when I do something bad. Thank you for always being with me. Amen."

Ahhh.... I had tears....

But then I started to wonder.... is she too young to understand?

Sunday Funnies

Some funny sayings I want to remember...

While waiting in the car at Lowe's last Friday, Zoe looked at a woman standing out front and said, "Look at that freakin' lady, Mom. What she doin'?".... Ok, so I want to know who freakin' taught her to say freakin'??

Saturday morning, the first after our first week of school, I was hoping and praying that Zoe would sleep in. She's off her schedule, not taking naps, cranky at night, has to be drug out of bed in the morning.... And yet, by my bedside at 6:15am is her.... saying to me, "Are you kiddin' me, Mom. You're still in bed?"

Hmmm.....

going green...

Hmmm... .for lack of a better post, and because I don't seem to be in to blogging lately, I'm posting this.... probably needs editing. I wrote it a week ago and never went back to check it out....


We are starting a new year... we as in me, my husband, my fellow teachers, my students... etc.


This is a first for many of us... not enough money for.... (fill in the blank). We were downsized in staff, upsized in students, and our list of responsibilities was added to.


Also....this year we are "going green".. .that's what they tell us. They tell us this because there is not enough money to fund everything we want to copy or print or do or make or get. And there are some teachers out there wondering what they are going to do since there wasn't enough green to pay them.


I don't usually stress about school... it's not my life... just my job. I will do it as best as I can, but when I get home at night I have my own family to worry about and take care of, without the added weight of worrying about my job. This may be one of the first years I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Not only will we be doing things differently, more things are added... and new report cards... and new grading systems... and new checklists... and blah blah blah. What will be taken away since I had 5 things added to my plate? And on my salary it's a cheap paper plate, soon to break with so much on it.... watchout....

Really?

Where has the time gone?

Hayden is about to embark on a new journey into 5th grade. He amazes us with his knowledge and sense of humor, and his eternal pessimism.... Perhaps this will be the year that will brighten his day and tickle his fancy... whatever that is. :)

Zoe will be 4... in a few months.. .and is still at Miss Cynthia's. Some of her BFF's... Brody and Amanda... will be embarking on their own journey of preschool. Zoe will join them next year. This year she gets to hang out with some new friends... Molly and Lucy... amidst some old friends as well.

They are both growing up so fast... as all kids do... and I find myself trying to take more pictures to help me remember, and when there is no camera, to hold those memories near and fold them up and put them in my pocket for later enjoyment.

Alwedy!

"I'm alwedy, Mom! This will help my hair dwy!"

Highlights

I went in for my annual womanly visit... no details needed...

And as my legs were in the stirrups, my doctor says...

"I notice your hair is lighter."

{long pause}

I'm thinking... OMG... seriously...doctors bring this up? I didn't think it was...

"OH! Yes, I got highlights," I finally said with a strained smile as I touched my head.

This was a highlight of my visit yesterday. Ha ha....
LOLOLOL

Williams and Flagstaff

Only 2 weeks later, I finally am posting a blog about this. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I have no desire to blog because it's almost like work, and with work being so close, I'm boycotting any form of work. But, it also bugs me to get behind so I'm trying to catch up... slowly, but surely....

On a great suggestion by LESLIE, we decided to try a KOA camp in Williams. Now, we've never tried one before... it seems like it's for campers who don't really know how to camp. But, she said it was a great place, cute cabin, lake nearby, etc. Jonathan, who is a true camper, even said it sounded fun. We booked it, even bought a KOA discount card because we were sure it would be fabulous.

Well, we got packed, brought tons of food, toys, card games, kayaks, fire wood, makings for s'mores, etc. On the way up there we were telling the kids how great it would be. While almost there, Jonathan was reading the directions and starts laughing. What's so funny? He explains: We were supposed to bring our own sheets and towels!

Ok, now you are probably thinking what dimwits... of course you bring your own stuff when you are camping. Campers know this! Yes, we do... however, when we were paying about $100 a night for a cabin, we assumed it had sheets and towels! Great! So, we had to think of a plan. Could we buy stuff a walmart? We don't have extra money... maybe we could return it.... maybe we'll be fine... sleep in our warm clothes..... Hmmm..... just get to another hotel?

Hayden was refusing to go to a hotel.... he wanted to camp, darn it. Well, what he really wanted was to make s'mores, which really only needed a camp fire... which can be made when not camping. We were able to cancel our reservations, minus 10%... not bad. We headed to some hotel outside of Williams...can't remember the name. That afternoon we went to Kaibab Lake and did some kayaking... all of us at different times, even Zoe who somehow escaped on her own without a life jacket.... and whom we sent Hayden after by himself.

The Williams hotel was cute... we got a credit to eat at their restaurant, which included some jivin' live music. It had a skanky hot tub which we actually got in, and a continental breakfast. Here's our entertainment there:

The next day we stayed at the Ski Lift Lodge at the base of the Snow Bowl. Very cute and full of character and uncomfortable beds. It included free Sky Ride tickets though... woo hoo.... so the Hotel was $69 to stay, plus 2 free tickets, but the guy gave me 3... and zoe was free... Adult tickets are $12 each and Hayden would have been $7... what a deal! That was tons of fun... and gave us heart attacks with Zoe the Fearless next to us on the lift. Yikes! Hayden got to ride by himself... I guess that's what 10 year olds do.

The rest of the mini vaca included making s'mores... yes, we found a site and made a fire! Hayden claimed to be in charge and had a COW if any of us tried to go near the fire... especially Zoe. We were able to see Jolene and Jorden at Oregano's, made a scenic trip through Sedona, and made it home to our superbly soft beds.

Tons of fun... maybe next time we'll actually go camping!

Conclusions

I spent much of Saturday and part of Sunday with some very wonderful and dear friends at a Girls' Getaway on the other side of town. Amidst all the fun and enjoyment, I came to a few conclusions - some of which I already knew, but needed subtle reminders:

1. I shouldn't wear a bikini anymore.
2. I should work out more than I do.
3. Perhaps some sun wouldn't hurt me, and possibly improve my complexion.
4. I'd rather wear jeans than dress up.
5. ALL topics of conversation come up on a girls' getaway.
6. I have wonderful friends.
7. My husband is fabulous.
8. I am older than I once was.. .as are all my friends... and a night out includes being in bed by 10:30.

Until next year....

#10

The boy has reached the double digits! HOLY COW! Soon he'll be asking for things like a phone (oh wait, he has and we told him only if he can pay for it...), big Ipods, girls over, the car... uggg.... Don't Grow Up! I've decided that I may have to home school him come high school. According to Jonathan it's a scary place. He can get a job during the day, then when we get home we'll do his school work. Good plan, ya!

Hayden has grown into such a young man... great brother... super smart...very imaginative...wonderful kid! Here are few pics over the years... from 0 to 10!

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009