Another new adventure

So I know Ive been trying to catch up on posts but this post is from this week.  It has been quite a week. The kids have seemed to adjust well to going to school - Jadie still gets grumpy and tired in the afternoons but who doesn't? I actually started my classes on Wednesday. I've  finally decided to buckle down and finish the couple last classes I have to take before I can apply for nursing. Why we waited till we had 5 kids I will never figure out - maybe just to make it more interesting. I was completely overwhelmed this week and have already started to second guess myself. The classes I have are Human anatomy and physiology and chemistry. They are self paced and online so its not that I have to be at class at a certain time - its just finding the time to do the school work. I promised myself that I was not going to let it interfere with family but on saturday I totally was the Mom I said I wouldn't be. I let myself get stressed out and took it out on the family. I talked to Alicia for a bit about how she went to school with kids and she told me some things that helped her. It basically comes down to putting your priorities in order and letting the little stuff go. Then school and everything else with work out. So Im just reading my scriptures first thing and saying lots of prayers. I do what I can while the kids are at school and Koston is asleep - or jared takes him if he is home - and then once the kids get home,  school gets put away until after they are asleep.  Jared has been a huge help and I know I couldn't do it without him.  The kids have stepped up to and started to be  more responsible. And if you come over and the house is upside down - now you know why. It will be an exciting semester to say the least !

At the Cabin

We try to get up to the cabin in Pinetop a couple times a year. We were able to spend 2 weeks there this summer. I went up with Laurel and Kahlil and our 5 kids (the ride up there could be a post in of itself with Jadie asking - actually yelling since she had headphones on- if we were there yet every 15 miniutes) - and Jared and Efu came up later that night. Afton and Matt were able to stop by for a night too. Efu and Laurel had to leave after the weekend -  Jared went home after a week or so to go back to work - but the kids and I stayed for another 5 days. I love being able to get away ! The pace of life is slower there and the cabin doesnt have a computer or internet - which means the kids actually have to play and spend time together!

We always stop in Globe to get out and stretch and get a snack

This was the first time Jinga came with us - we discovered that she has a weak stomach. She threw up twice. Luckily she was in the kennel.

We made it there no problem in pretty good time considering there was 6 kids and two adults. I even  drove the Sequoia with a bike rack and 4 bikes on it. Im sure we were a sight.






The girls at the playground at the clubhouse

Kahlil and Koston checking out the clubhouse area

Every Saturday there is an all you can eat pancake breakfast that costs $1 for kids and $2 for adults. You also get sausage and juice. Its awesome!

Lexi taking Jinga on a walk in the wagon

Getting ready to go on a ride. Koston only liked to ride for a little bit then wanted to get out and walk.

Mat was nice enough to give the kids a ride on their scooter

Laurel Efu and Kahlil hanging out on the porch swing. I told them this should be their Christmas card picture. I guess after spending 5 days with us we didnt scare them away cuz we are still friends

Afton and Jadie just chillin

Playing checkers. Kahlil wanted to wear the bike helmet outside all day long.

Racing bikes. There were only a couple of crashes into the ditches. No serious injuries

Playing ball in the neighbors yard before Dad had to leave

Lexi reading in the porch swing - my favorite place

Without electronics there the kids were forced to use their imagination - Lexi and Jadie made a fishing line out of hangers

Bailee got red streaks in her hair for the new school year

walking to the clubhouse - Bailee was up ahead of us

Air hockey tournaments

Playing peek  a  boo on the slide

Smile !

You cant swing without jumping off and seeing how high you can get!

Sliding down together

more fun on the playground

Mr. Cool

Even Bailee isnt too old to swing

Showing tricks

First attempt at kids picture

Second attempt - perfect



































Raden sliding down the stairs on a sleeping bag

Making forts in the family room

We had rain almost every afternoon

Koston trying to feel the rain

Koston trying to take Jinga on a walk

Decided to play tug of war instead

If you dont have someone to play Karate with then you Karate chop a tree !

We even attempted to play Tennis. We just closed all the gates and Koston was able to run around the whole court. We hit the ball back and forth and even made it over the net a couple times

Banana splits for dessert on Friday movie night

Grammie and Tata came up a day before we had to leave and Lexi asked Tata to pull out her tooth. She had been waiting forever - he gives money to pull out teeth

toothless grin

The kids and I were sad to go but we had a great time, made it home safe and cant wait to go back up for fall break! Maybe it will be cold enough to build a fire and make smores !

Raden turns 9!

We originally weren't going to have a friend birthday party for Raden this year but baseball season ended right on his birthday so we ended up inviting the team over, and a couple other friends and cousins to come swimming to celebrate it.

Having fun in the pool - the girls and I  stayed inside since it was a boy party

 We were going to get pizza at Radens request but the pizza place didnt open in time so we ended up getting eegees.

We got stuff to decorate the cupcakes as baseballs but couldnt find the frosting when it was time to decorate them so Jared had to run up to the dollar store and all they had was sprinkles . Pink and blue ones. They still tasted good

 We also had a family party with grandparents. Opening a present from Grammie and Tata

 Gotta love how how the game is on the  tv at the same time! Im sure it was on pause

So it may not have been the birthday that was originally planned but it turned out good anyway - Happy birthday Raden - we love you! 

More Random

Bailee had a graduation ceremony at the end go 6th grade! She had a great year and made some great friends! Congratulations Bailee - we are proud of you!

Jadie, Lexi and their friend Mackenzie starting off the summer by running in the sprinkler 

 Koston playing with Grandma!

More random pics

Raden geting awards at the end of 3rd grade - He liked wearing jeans with holes in them cuz it looked like a rock star

 Superbaby! Koston loves wearing Dad's hats!

 In Sierra Vista At Grammie - Beverly Gonzalez - and Tata's - Freddy Gonzalez - house with cousins. I think it was for Easter this past year - 2012

 This picture is sideways but Koston fell asleep while we went on a walk.

 Raden at bat - playing for the Expos in Marana little league- this was his first year playing baseball and not kids pitch -  went on to win the championship with this team. Super star!

 Nap time!

 Our community is awesome! We got "egged" around easter time - every family that got egged signed the wooden egg pole and did it to someone else.

 Cuddling with Daddy

 Making pancakes - wish I had gotten an "after picture" with batter all over Koston

 Helping to clean up Grandpas yard - the girls thought this old lawn mower was awesome!

 was waiting outside of the school for the kids to get out of student council and opened the sun roof for Koston and saw this tree overhead - love the yellow flowers!

 Raden pitching in his baseball game

 Good buds - please notice the handprints on the sliding glass door

 Eating lunch in the garage while "helping" daddy clean out the garage

 Another of Daddy's hats - too cute! Every now and then you can see his dimple in his right cheek

 What a character!

 Nothing better than playing in the dirt at a baseball game

 Jadie feeding cousin Bella

 Yum! Corn!