Hangin' Tough

Inspired by "Bully Monday"

2012-02-14T06:55:00.001-08:00

Part of Con's homework is to write a story about a snowman and what he would say if he could talk. This is what he wrote:
"I think my snowman [says] shut up. I also think it [says] your [hair]is ugly. I know he [says] your stuped. He also [says] what the beep are you [wearing]. you stink at football. My snowman is a bully."
I wonder if the focus on bullies in school is backfiring a bit.

Jimmy's Book!

2011-08-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Jimmy's book should be out in stores this month! That's what we were told by Hampton Press anyway :)

Summer Reminisce

2011-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Summer Vacation is over and school is now in session! I wish I had pictures of everything we did this summer. We got to play with friends we don't see very often. We went to the Tempe Aquarium, the Cerreta Chocolate Factory, and a cool Pet Store with Brea and her family. We also took a couple trips to Snowflake to visit family and celebrate the 24th of July Pioneer Days. We saw a couple movies in the theater as a family--Cars 2 and Mr. Popper's Penguins. The boys did some swimming with friends and family. We had friends over to play a lot--the boys made lots of forts. It was fun--low key and low stress :)

The Aquarium

Cerreta Chocolate Factory

2011-08-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Jimmy took the Boys to Flagstaff today to watch the Cardinals practice and get a few signatures. They had a blast! I stayed home and shopped- school supplies :)

Running

2011-07-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

I started running more often about a year ago and I really enjoy it. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but having great friends and a sister who loves to run helped me get started and stay motivated. I started running with a brace on my right knee (torn ACL) and then my left knee began to hurt so I wore a brace on that knee as well. But then a few months ago, a good friend of mine suggested I run without them to build up needed muscles. So I thought that made a lot of sense and I haven't worn a brace since.
My friend wanted to start training for a half marathon so I decided I'd try to keep up with her although I have no intention of running a half marathon! Well, we were suppose to run 9 miles a few weeks ago and then 10 and then 11 the weeks after, but we didn't get there. So last Sat. I decided I was going to try for 10. I chose the right day. It was a beautiful morning!! Nice cool weather! And I did it! I ran 10.27 miles in 1 hr and 43 min. I felt great! And the best thing about it is I didn't end up with a headache or feel like I was going to barf (which I have been lately). I really think its because I ate these Power Bar protein cookie ball things before, during, and after my run. I love those things! And I drank more water.
Funny what a difference nice cool weather makes. I've been dying this week! I ran 3.81 miles Tues and was so tired and this morning I ran 6.12 in an hour and one min. Its been sooo hot!!
I come back drenched! Like I just jumped into a pool with my clothes on, but I smell a lot worse-just ask my boys :)

It's Just A Question, Mom!

2011-07-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old has been the most inquisitive child, but he came up with the most bazaar question. We were in Wal-Mart and out of the blue, he asks, "Mom, if a mom dies when she's having a baby, what happens?" "What?!?" was my first response, so he explained that he wanted to know what happens to the baby since its inside the mommy's tummy. After my flustered reaction he says, "Its just a question, Mom." I'm not ready for these kinds of questions from my kids! Yeesh!

Update

2011-04-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

OK so Tara, since you are probably the only one who looks at my blog, this is for you. Sorry, I just don't get on the computer very often.

Last November, our family took a little trip to San Francisco. It was a lot of fun! We went down to the Pier 39 and others, ate a Bubba Gumps, toured Alcatraz, went to a Bears and Ducks football game, went to the aquarium, science museum, and Ghiradelli Square. We rode trolleys and thought we'd lose our lives riding one time in a taxi. What an experience! Jimmy was presenting one of his papers at a Communications convention. He did a great job! Too bad I don't have any pictures to show ya. Connor erased them ALL once we got home (total accident). So sad!

Since then, we've taken it easy....well, from the trips anyway. But now the boys keep us busy with Walker in Football and Connor in Little League. Walk practices twice a week and games on Sat. Con usually has two to three games a week. Walker and I have Scouts, so I drop Con off at his game (Jimmy meets me there) and then Walker and I head to the church. I really enjoy my new calling as the Wolves den leader! Those boys are so much fun!! Quite the change from YW. Not to say the girls weren't fun, they were. Its just different.

I'm just doing the mom thing--helping out in Con's class, trying to work on Fam. History, learning about Church History, trying to eat more healthy and exercising. I really like to run, but broke my little toe and its driving me nuts not to run! Oh and trying to fit in some crafts here and there. Just made an Easter Tree--my own design. Kinda fun and a little funky. Oh well.

Jimmy's fiishing up his last semester of course work!! He can't wait to be done. He will have one more year--just focused on dissertation. He's waiting for his book to be published--should be happening soon. He's amazing! I don't know how he can work so hard. He's still working F/T and school F/T plus teaching.

Speaking of, I think he's finally home! Gotta go! Miss ya!

Vegas Trip

2010-05-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Last month, we took a trip to Vegas (first time)-Jimmy was presenting one of his papers at the NCA convention. We took the boys to the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus and had a great time there. We were worried that Connor wouldn't make the trip-he would NOT get on the plane (first time flying). I finally had to con him into getting on the plane. Once we were on they closed the door and as we passed the fight attendant Con said "Don't leave yet. We're not going-I just have to tell my dad that we're not going." Once we reached our seats, we just had to hold him down and cover up his mouth when he screamed. Luckily once the plane started to move, he calmed down and actually enjoyed the flight! Aunt Karen came along to help with the boys and gave Jimmy and I a night out alone which was very nice.
As for Vegas-I don't think we'll be going back any time soon! Yuck!

2010-05-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Last Month, Walker's school hosted a Mother/Son Sports Night dance. We both had a blast! It was fun to see Walker let loose and dance- He can almost dance as good as his mom.

A Little Garden

2009-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I finally planted some seeds for a little garden in the back yard. I sure hope they grow. The poor boys though. I went to get some dirt and maure yesterday. We had to put it all in the back of the car. We rolled down the windows to ventilate, but it still stunk pretty bad. I'm surprised the boys didn't throw-up. They were pretty good sports about it though. Connor kept calling it soil until Dad came home. Of course after I spread it all out in my garden, it smelled really bad. Connor ran into the house for a while, then comes out and says, "Mom that's poop! It really is poop!"

Questions, questions, questions

2009-06-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

So Connor is in the ask-questions-to-annoy-your-parents phase of life. He drives us crazy with all his questions. He usually gets going at dinner time, but these questions can pop up any time of the day. "Why is dinner hot?" "Why doesn't Walker have school?" "Who's winning? Why is the yellow team winning?" "Why do we have to eat breakfast?" "Why do we have to take showers?" "How old are you?"

This past Sunday we were getting ready to go to church and gathering for prayer and I mentioned it was Fast Sunday and that Dad would say the prayer and Connor says "Does he have to say it fast?" Then at church, after the Sacrament prayer, Connor leans over and whispers, "Why did he say the prayer fast? Because it's Fast Sunday and not Slow Sunday?"

Fall Break!

2008-10-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Walker had two days off this week for Fall Break. So to keep things exciting we went to Michaels and Walker picked out a craft to do. He wanted it to look just like the box showed. We tried to get Con involved- I think he put one sticker on then it was off to play ball.

Marcia Brady & ....Michael Jackson?

2008-10-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

OK, if you are not a Brady Bunch or Michael Jackson fan (and if you're not, you should be!) you may not have heard that Maureen McCormick (Marcia) just came out with a book about her time on the Brady Bunch.

One of the more interesting disclosures in the book is that Marcia had a relationship with the Great One himself.

Now, if you are familiar with Brady Bunch history, you will know that Marcia had crushes on both Davy Jones and Desi Arnaz Jr. So the question is:

Why were we deprived of a Brady Bunch episode centering on Marcia & Michael? I mean how great would that have been - MJ coming over, meeting Mr. & Mrs. Brady, having some of Alice's cooking, perhaps even double dating with Sam and Alice going bowling? Greg getting MJ's take on Johnny Bravo? Or better yet, Micheal choreographing moves for "Sunshine Day"?

On a related note, Sherwood Schwartz and the other writers have to be the some of the most ingenious showbiz has ever seen. The other night, we were watching an episode where Bobby find a wallet in a vacant lot with $1,100 dollars in it. When the owner finally comes to the Brady home to retrieve his wallet, we are told his name is "Mr. Stoner" That is absolutely priceless!

Our Basketball Champ!

2008-10-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Connor loves basketball! So we put him in a basketball class. He loves it. Here is a video Walker took of Connor before his class began.

June 12, 2009

2008-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

It looks like this is the official date for the "A-Team" movie to be released. I will be extermely disappointed if Hollywood screws this one up, especially after the way they butchered "The Dukes of Hazzard".

The original casting was so perfect, it will be hard to find the right people who can bring out the A-Team the way George Peppard, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz, Melinda Culea, and Mr. T did.

If the A-Team isn't the greatest TV show of all time, it's certainly in the discussion!

Go Sox!

2008-09-30T08:15:00.001-07:00

Can't believe the baseball playoffs are here already. The Red Sox are defending champs and they have a tough matchup with the Angels, but I think they can get by them and then should easily get back to the World Series!

Go Sox!!

Go D-Backs!

2008-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

We got tickets from Jimmy's employer to the D-backs game last night. We had a lot of fun! The best part was seeing all of us having a good time together. That's what family is all about!

Proud Moment?

2008-09-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I think the only people who will appreciate this post are my brothers Frank and Ben. Apparently, we forgot to donate some of my old wresting figures to DI, and the boys came across them recently. Apparently, Walker's teacher has a book about professional wrestlers, so in the past week he has been asking me a lot of wrestling questions. Some of the wrestlers he mentioned are below: Sting, Bret Hart, and Scott Steiner.

It's been kind of funny for me, (not so much for Kirsten) that he has been asking about all these old-school wrestlers that I grew up watching. We'll have to see where it goes from here..I did show a wrestling clip in class the other day, and told the class if we had time during the semester, I would give them my "professional wrestling is real" lecture! Maybe Walker can come to class that day!

Great Weekend!

2008-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

I had been looking forward to the USC-Ohio State game quite a while. Saturday was the game and it didn't disappoint, USC blew Ohio State out 35-3. It was a fun three hours!

Our New Niece!

2008-09-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day, we went and visited Terra and Jesse and their new baby girl Kate. She was the sweetest baby! We had fun eating, visiting and playing the Wii.

PDA's

2008-09-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Public Display of Affection, not the technological device. In class yesterday, two students were getting quite friendly with one another. They were holding hands under the table, and the girl was rubbing the guy's face with her hand, all while I am up there talking. I shot them a look, but I don't think they stopped, we started watching Star Wars so I was too involved with that to keep my eye on them any longer. One of my professors warned me that this goes on quite a lot, but being naive, I thought it wouldn't in my class.

If it keeps up, I may be forced to making an example of them by showing the clip from the Muppets Family Christmas. All the Muppets have arrived at Fozzy Bear's mom's house and the turkey invited by the Swedish chef, shows up and tries to steal Gonzo's girlfriend, Camilla the chicken. In this particular scene, he says "Why don't we go out to the barn for some friendly scrathin and sqaukin?" and then telling folks in class to apply that to their lives.

Getting Old

2008-09-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so in class today I showed a clip from Hoosiers, the picket fence play at the end, perhaps one of the greatest sports movie moments ever. So after the clip, I asked how many people had seen Hoosiers or were at least familiar with it, and a whole 2 people out fo 28 raised their hand!

On the bright side, I showed an Office Episode that was well received!

The Best Time of Year

2008-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday couldn't get here fast enough - the start of college football is just about the greatest time of year! USC is looking good this year, they went on the road to Virginia and blew them out 52-7. Now it's a week off before the big showdown with Ohio State.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALKER!

2008-08-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

How time flies! Can't believe you're another year older. Seems like only yesterday you were born. I couldn't have asked for a better kid. You have such a kind heart. You are always trying to make others feel better. Like the other night when I spilled my glass of water at dinner-you could tell I was frustrated. You jumped right up and said "Here, I will clean it up for you Mom." You try so hard to be a good example to Connor and Dad and I are so proud of how well you are doing this year in school so far. You are such the comedian-you bring so much joy into our home with your jokes, laughs, and love. Dad and I hope you have the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!! We love you so much! Lots of Love, Mom

Good Friends=Good Fun!

2008-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last week-end we got together with Derek and Vicki's family for swimming, food and fun!! It was great!! Adrienne and Nicole were so good to entertain Walker and Connor. Thanks so much guys!!!

Great 80's Videos

2008-08-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

I have no idea how to put videos on here, so the old-fashioned way will have to work. Here are some great 80's videos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxUGR8vc8NE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM2-cRCssBY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nJbijlby1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3DsfGffOdM

Just a small sample of evidence why, without question, the 80's produced the greatest music ever!

Home Sweet Home Cont.

2008-08-15T14:05:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pics. "Before" pictures are on the right and "after" pictures are on the left.

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-15T13:51:00.001-07:00

Well, we are finally in our new house and are loving it!! It took us a week to get it repainted and moved in. Many thanks to all who helped us out: Brea and Spencer, Ben, and especially Stephen and TJ who took us into their home again for a week and watched our children, helped paint, etc. Don't know how we could have managed without all your help!! What a blessing good friends and family are!!! So here are some before and after shots of the place.

7 Things I Would NEVER Say

2008-07-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

OK here it goes:

1. Ricks College wasn't worth it.

2. Black and white movies are boring.

3. I love scary movies.

4. Law and Order is my all-time favorite tv show.

5. I hate camping.

6. I wish I never got married.

7. I want a dog!!!

7 Things I Would Never Say

2008-07-23T11:50:00.001-07:00

Ok, I don't know the proper tagging protocol, so I will leave that to Kirsten, but I am sitting here taking a defensive driving class online, so I need something to do to pass the time:

1. Michael Jackson is guilty

2. You should join the union

3. The local newcasters are intelligent

4. I hope modern groups keep remaking 80's songs (FYI - We were watching TV last night and JC Penny had a commerical that was a remake of the Breakfast Club, with some ridiculous heavy metal version of "Don't You Forget About Me" - Time for a boycott)

5. Education isn't important

6. Gordon Ramsey sure is mean

7. The Office isn't very funny

Blessings-that's what they are!

2008-07-22T23:22:00.001-07:00

So I thought that a blog might help me enjoy the little things in life more IF I would take the time to think about them and post them. So here it goes. Starting with the youngest joy of my life, little Con Con. He is three and the talkingest little thing- although he is not very little anymore. He wishes he were- he likes to pretend he's a baby (maybe that has to do with last-child syndrome). He likes to talk like a baby when praying and when he's tired and wants me to hold him (which is any time he gets in trouble. Speaking of trouble, he blames his tantrums and fussiness on being itchy. I'm not sure when it all started, but in the store he will ask if we can get some treat or bazaar food item and I'll say no no no no no and it escalates and ends with him saying "I'm just itchy!!" and kick his feet (which happens to be what itches I guess).
Backing up, Connor loves to ask questions and he will ask the same question over and over and the same question can last days (it drives me crazy sometimes)! For instance, last Sat. we went to some friends' house. This couple has two daughters who just entertained Walker and Connor the whole night-the boys loved it!! So when we get "home" Connor asks if he can call and talk to Nicole and we tell him no, but maybe we can see her again soon.
"When can I play with Nicole again-tomorrow?"
"No, not tomorrow-Maybe in a few weeks."
"Can we go and pick her up and bring her to our house?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because."
"When can I play with Nicole?"
"In a few weeks probably."
"Oh. In a few weeks can I play with Nicole??
"Yes!!"
(the next morning).
"Can we go to Nicole's house today?"
"No-it's Sunday-family time."
"Oh. In a couple weeks, THEN can we go over to Nicole's house?"
"You got it!" (this conversation starts up every few hours for the next two days beginning with "Can I call and talk to Nicole.").

Connor is so cute! Today we were playing transformers with Walker. We went into the closet and I suggested we come up with a plan in our secret hide-out to destroy the Decepticons. So Connor says, "I have a plan right here!" "What is it?" I ask. "STRAWBERRIES!"

That's Kinda Embarrassing Mom!

2008-07-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

So here is a list of some of the things I do that my boys find embarrassing:

1. Dancing in the living room to good 80's music.
2. Singing spontaneously.
3. Leaning my head on Jimmy's shoulder in the car.
4. Mumbling through gritted teeth words of pain after being stabbed in the foot with a stick.

The Value of NKOTB

2008-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

In case there was any doubt about the significance of NKOTB..I am in the process of writing up a research paper about NKOTB's reunion (reaseraching pop culture has its perks) anway, here are a few of the many posts that people put on the NKOTB Blog:

"I can proudly add the reunion of NKOTB as a wonderful blessing!"

"To live in a world where NKOTB is relevant again is so wonderfully surreal "

"Donnie I thank God you were born…the world wouldn’t be the same without you."

"I look at my life now, and can clearly see the impact NKOTB has had on me….my friends (17 years later and going strong), my education, ultimately my even my son! This group not only entertained me with their music, but allowed me to forge lifelong relationships that I still hold dear today."

"SEE, TO ME YOU GUYS BROUGHT SUNSHINE TO MY YOUNGER YEARS AND YOU WERE ALWAYS SO WELL GROUNDED AND HUMBLE, THATS ONE OF THE THINGS I MOST LOVED AND LOVE ABOUT YOU GUYS. I ALWAYS TELL THE YOUTH TODAY THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN SUCH A MUSIC GROUP LIKE YOU. YOU WERE A GREAT GIFT TO OUR GENERATION AND NOW WE GET TO RE-LIVE IT AGAIN IN A NEW TIME WHERE THERE IS SO MUCH BAD GOING ON IN THIS WORLD."

"Thank you (all 5 of you) for coming back into my life at a time when I needed you"

That's just the tip of the iceberg, the analysis I'm doing involved 2,740 blog postings and that is only on the first blog postings from each of the group members. Who can doubt their greatness?

Many Thanks!

2008-07-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to thank TJ for all her help setting up this blog. I love the header, layout, and absolutely love the name!!! It's perfect!! Now all I have to do is start taking pictures!! Oh wait-camera stuff's in storage. I can't wait to move into our house-that is if we can ever close on it!

Can you believe it?!

2008-07-13T15:47:00.001-07:00

T.J. made us start a blog so here goes nothing!