Spotlight #1

First off I have to say that I used to be anti-blog. When I first heard about them I basically thought- "Hmm.. a forum for people to show off how great they are (or their kids) but actually no one really cares that much. Think I'll pass." But obviously since, I've caught the spirit of blogs. I love how you can learn so much from other people. Like the things they're doing, trying, decorating, cooking, mothering tips, etc. But my next posts don't have a lot to offer others so they feel more like my initial blog impressions. Sorry about that. I promise I do not think my kids are perfect. Some people complain about how everyone tries to look so perfect in blogs. But why post about whiny negative things? I do that plenty out loud so I don't need to record it permanently for posterity.

Anyway, onto our amazing 11-yr old. Emma! She's growing up and I'm trying real hard to accept that. I have to say I do enjoy "big-girl" conversation. Emma's a great helper with things around the house. Also this year in 6th grade her teacher is really trying prepare them for Jr. High. She's really been good about keeping on top of homework, flute practicing, reading, finding current events, and just getting things done without reminders. She also has a little job babysitting for one my good friends while she teaches piano once a week, plus tennis, and activity days.
All the kids in her class had to do this at the beginning of the year. I thought her self-portrait was so cute. So this is about her in her own words. (The part you can't read at the bottom says "What bugs me most about school is math tests")
She loves to draw and has gotten to be a good little artist.
So that's my girl. She's doing a great job in life and I'm so grateful to have her. She's saving her money to pay half for her mommy/daughter "12 yr old trip" next year. Totally different from Amy's 11-yr old trip idea :). We're trying to figure out where we're going to go. Any great ideas?

P.S. I don't mind if you whine on your blog I'm just stating why I try not to on mine and why I think people's blogs in general appear to be trying to paint a perfect picture.

Imblogitably

It's a noun, it's a verb, and I'm not so hot at any of it lately.

To blog: the act of getting off ones butt (and then getting back on it) and writing whats going on in your life but in an interesting way that also hopefully others can relate to.

blog: the online journal with photos that's giving me mild anxiety.

I thought I had a little inspiration yesterday while I was in the shower and listening to Sadie at the table cry over her homework (name and shape-tracing) {this is taking 100 years!}. But I can't remember what now so I'm resorting to rambling.

I've been a little more introspective lately than usual for me. It's like I feel a transition happening in my life (I think it's the no more babies and you're oldest is beginning to fit into adult sized clothes transition) and my mind is taking a little pause to reassess.

In the next little while I'm planning on spotlighting each kid in all their awesome-ness now that we're a little further into the school year.

Dana has his 4th St.George marathon, 6th total marathon coming up in a couple weeks. We're praying for some nice cool temps so he can qualify for Boston this year. I wouldn't mind taking a little trip! Anyone want to come with??

"Donkey-Kick Back Flip"

Well you've seen it here first folks! A new gymnastics move invented by Sadie :)
Followed by a lot of giggling.
She showed me her skills after her new gymnastics class today.
Today was her 4th class and she's still loving it. Especially since her bff (well one of them) is in there with her.
Actually we kinda wrecked the private lesson Megan was getting once a week. And if you're impressed by Sadie's moves you should see Megan. She is awesome!
So maybe donkey-kicks will eventually turn into a move that was invented awhile back :)
I love watching the kids gain new skills and the confidence that comes as a result. I'm so thankful for my opportunity to be a mother and for these sweet kids Heavenly Father blessed us with.

In Remembrance

The Friday before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 the kids were supposed to wear red, white, and blue to school and they had a special assembly. They also put flags all around the school. I love that our school is so patriotic. None of the kids remember the terrible morning seared in most of our minds forever.
When the world trade center was attacked our little family was living in a 1-bedroom apt in Brea. Emma was 1 and I was pregnant with Eli. Dana and I held Emma close and I was grateful to have Eli safe inside. I wondered what their world would be like. I feel grateful that even though, as my sister Miranda pointed out, we have been at war their entire lives, they haven't been affected by it. We've all had a safe 10 years, free from terror.
The past few days as 9/11 specials have come on tv, we've tried to relate to the kids what happened that day and why it's so important. We want them to revere those that died and their families, hear the stories of the heroes and know that most people are good. And especially to appreciate our freedoms and our great country.
May God continue to bless America.

Goin' Broke With Groupon

This weekend we went to our second waterpark hotel for the summer. It was super FUN. We floated down the lazy river, lounged in the wave pool and "woooooo"ed down water slides. Sadly, I forgot the stinkin camera :( But we bought the "Living Social" deal last Spring with a few friends from the ward and we all went together which made it even more fun.

The other hotel was out in Tucson where we met up with some of our dear friends that moved out there a couple years ago and I did snap a few pictures.
The kids got to reunite with their old buddies :)
And we got to explore the vastness of the hotel.

Here's the view from our room at night (movie screen playing "Ratatouille")
View in the morning
We even got room service as an option for part of that deal!
I don't know how you feel about it but I get a little miffed when I have "firsts" with my kids. Like: all of us having room service for the very first time except I'm 36 and you're 4! Anyway, they were both one-nighters and a lot of fun. We still have a 2-night stay on the Queen Mary hotel for a belated anniversary celebration to use by December 25th. Not that I'm complaining...

Besides trying new restaurants, here are a few other things we've done on Groupon- batting cages, Bounce U, kid cooking classes (still need to use), and don't forget that awesome Nordstrom Rack deal! I gave Amy and myself facials for our birthday and we just used them (the very day they expired:). I LOVE a great deal but am going to have to take a little hiatus from them and be a better budgeter.

P.S. If anyone ever tells you that any temperature above 100 deg is all the same they've never lived here. I think we're finally out of the 115 range. Seriously who would've thought you could be grateful for 105? We're getting there:) The countdown is on for Fall!

Anyone else having Groupon adventures out there? What's been your favorite?

Happy long weekend!