Jones Family

Please hold....

2011-01-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am getting there. I have finally updated the background and blog title. I am working on getting all my pics together so I can do one big update. I feel like so much has happened and I have a ton to update so when I think about doing it, I get overwhelmed. I need to get this all done before my classes start kicking in for the Spring. More to come soon... hopefully!!

2010-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Jones Summer Fun 2010

2010-10-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

See above created slide show!

So instead of taking HOURS to download a ton of pictures... I just created a slide show of all the fun we had this summer! We had a fun filled summer... we took a trip to San Diego and the boys experienced Sea World for the first time and absolutely loved it! Then Brittney and Reid and their boys came in town for a week and stayed at grandmas. The boys asked me from the minute they woke up until sundown to go play with Cameron, Luke and Owen. While they were in town, my mom wanted family pictures before Shawn left for Peru on his mission. Then we had Koralyn's baby blessing which was such a great day.
Of course the summer ended with boys starting school. Yeah for mommy!!! Glen started Kindergarten at Franklin and Jaxon started preschool which left Koralyn and I at home alone for 2 days a week! YAHOO!! Grandma and Grandpa Bean and Aunt Linda and Uncle Ken came in from Idaho to visit and just soaked up the kids as much as possible. It was so great to see them!
Over Labor Day we went up to Pinetop and stayed in a cabin with Nana and all our Jones cousins. The boys had a blast enjoying the cool outdoors with their cousins and doing a little fishing while we were there.
And of course... Jaxon's first field trip to Krispy Kreme with his class. He LOVED it! And finally, I am proud to announce that Glen got all A's on his first report card which means free Krispy Kreme donuts for every A!! Yum! We had a great summer and can't believe it's almost time for Halloween! Hopefully now that I am caught up, I will be able to stay on top of it more!!!

cool new app

2010-08-04T22:23:00.001-07:00

thanks to the world of droid I can now post and archive on our family blog with my phone! don't be jealous sweetie!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.9

Mommy's little photo shoots!

2010-07-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

Cute as a Button and Spoiled Rotten!

Koralyn is growing up so fast... she is almost 2 months old already!

Where does the time go?

2010-07-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer for us so far. Here are a few pictures of the fun!

Glen Allen started guitar lessons and had his first recital which he did great at. Here he is jammin' out with his instructor Chad.

We have taken a few trips to the lake this summer. The boys absolutely love it. Here are a few pictures...

Glen David learned how to surf all by himself this summer. He is so proud of himself and was telling people for days that he surfed all by HIMSELF! :)

Here's Glen and Jaxon tubing with aunt Sadie and aunt Rachel.Like father like sons... the boys suiting up for a little skateboard session!
Here is another lake trip adventure with my side of the family. The boys were hesitant to do the air chair with uncle David but Glen quickly decided how fun it was and started all his air bending tricks he has learned from watching so many episodes of The Last Airbender. :)

For 4th of July we went to downtown Mesa for the fireworks show. It was awesome! That was on Saturday night. Then Sunday we had dinner at the Harrolds and went over to the church parking lot to watch the fireworks at AJ High. All in all... a good weekend!

We also did a BBQ the Monday after the 4th with my family and Uncle David and Aunt Ashley brought over their slip and slide for the boys to play on before we swam.

Pictures... Pictures... and more Pictures!

2010-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Koralyn's first photo shoot! She was such a little trooper to go through 2 hours of poses and changing clothes. She is about 2 weeks old in these pictures. We just LOVE our little princess!

New Pictures of Miss Koralyn!

2010-06-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of our little princess. She is such a joy to have in our family. The boys absolutely love her. Glen just wants to hold her all the time and he is very protective of her. He already talks about all the things he is going to teach her how to do. He is always concerned about where she is, if she is okay and if she is going everywhere we are. He has already tried to teach her how to play Nintendo! Jaxon loves holding her as well but it only lasts about a minute and then he is done. And of course Glen Allen is just beside himself about his little girl! He is such a proud daddy. He loves showing her off and just can't get enough of her. It is so cute, he actually gets into the whole bow and bracelet thing. On Sunday I got her dressed for church and Glen asked if I was going to put tights on her. Ha! I love seeing him so in love with her! My sister-in-law just took her newborn pictures today and I am so excited to get them back. I will make sure to post them as soon as I get them!

Memorial Day Fun!

2010-06-14T19:06:00.001-07:00

Although it had only been 5 days since Koralyn was born we had to get out of the house for a little break... what better place than swimming! The boys are growing up SO fast! Here are some pics of the swimming fun!

Glen Allen got stuck in the kitchen and then out by the BBQ while everyone was swimming! What a trooper!

Announcing... Miss Koralyn Kay!!

2010-05-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

We are tickled PINK to announce the arrival of Miss Koralyn Kay Jones! She finally joined our family on Thursday the 27th at 7:41 am, weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 20.5 inches long. We are so happy to finally have her in our family. She is such a joy and brings such a wonderful, peaceful feeling in our home. She is a great baby... just sleeps the day away. :)

We had so much support and help while in the hosptial and we are so grateful for that. Thanks to all of those who watched our boys and cleaned my house (Sarah, you are unbelieveable)! Not only did we have a lot of help, we had a ton of visitors in the hospital which was so nice... it made the stay bearable! :)

Here are a few pictures of her so far...

Day 1: She was not happy to be getting her first bath just minutes after delivering. Here is Aunt Rachel as well as Glen David holding her. Glen just LOVED her from the first minute... it took Jaxon a little bit longer to warm up to her but he loves her so much now.

Day 2: The pediatrician said she is doing great and doesn't even need to "sun tan" under the billy lights. The boys in their true form! :)

Day 3: Home again... Home again! On Friday, Glen Allen went to pick up the boys to bring them over to see her again and they stopped by the store to pick out an outfit for her. They were so excited to give them to her. She wore Glen's cherry outfit home from the hospital on Saturday.

She is doing great! The first night home we gave her a bath and she hated it! But she absolutely LOVES her nightly massages with lotion though. That's my girl! :) This is her with daddy right after her first bath and lotion rub down.

Day 4: She woke up to lots of loves and kisses from her brothers and enjoyed cuddling with her daddy! She already has daddy wrapped around her finger. He is SO in love with her! She is sporting the "kitty" outfit Jaxon picked out for her. He was so excited to see her wearing it. It's so cute to see the boys so involved in her.

We are all doing great and love having Koralyn home with us. More pictures to come...

Count your Many Blessings....

2010-04-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

I know... I know... it's been forever since I have posted. I have such good intentions and then it seems like I never take the time to update everything. I have a bunch of good pictures from Glen's birthday party, Easter, etc., and maybe eventually I will update them. For now, instead of seeing the cute pictures of my boys... it's reflection time. This last 2 months have been some of the most trying times in my life and I can't express how grateful I am for the gospel. I literally would be emotionally lost without it. It's amazing how Heavenly Father tries us and gives us challenges we never thought we would be able to handle but at the same time gives us His constant love and support to help us through them. He does this all while providing tender mercies to allow us to understand the lessons that He would have us learn in the process. I am also grateful for family and friends who are close enough to the Spirit to recognize when those they love and care about are in need... and who offer their unconditional love and support no matter what. I am grateful for the blessings I have in my life and for the gospel I have to get through it. It is amazing the blessings you have that you don't even think about until you are faced with difficult times in your life. Be grateful for what you have and never underestimate the power of the gospel... without it, life would be unbearable!

MARSHMALLOW PUFF WOMAN!

2010-02-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

Just an update... Koralyn is growing just fine, moving like crazy and my belly is getting HUGE! I had my monthly appointment yesterday and I walked out of there with mixed feelings of whether I wanted to break down in tears and go into starvation mode or punch my doctor in the face. I heard the standard comment I have received during both of my other pregnancies right about this time (starting my 3rd trimester), "It looks like your weight jumped a little bit this month, try to keep an eye on that." I was hoping to avoid that comment this pregnancy but I guess I'm not that lucky! Why can't I be one of those women who literally just looked like they swallowed a basketball instead of the blessed curse I get of looking like the marshmallow puff man?!?! I have really been trying to consciously think about the blessings in my life lately and although I look like the marshmallow puff man, I am just grateful to have the ability to have children and to know that Koralyn is healthy and strong.

Oh, just in case anyone is wondering... I already have the c-section planned and scheduled! May 27th at 7:30 am! YAHOO!!! I love knowing the exact date!

Harvest time!

2010-02-14T14:25:00.001-08:00

If you remember, a little less than a year ago we attempted to start our own little salsa garden. We planted our sad little tomato plants, peppers, jalapenos and herbs which we didn't know whether or not they would actually grow and produce anything. Now they are all HUGE and we have these....

Glen Allen made his first batch of salsa, which was very yummy...but we now have tomatoes coming out our ears. If anyone wants some, just come on over!

Fly away butterflies....

2010-02-14T14:14:00.001-08:00

For Christmas the boys got the coolest gift from Harmony and Chad's family (their aunt/uncle and cousins). They recieved a little jar that contained 5 tiny little caterpillars (unfortunately I didn't get a picture). Anyway, the concept is to watch the caterpillars grow, then cocoon, and then eventually turn into butterflies. Of the 5 caterpillars we were able to successfully see 4 of them cocoon and come out of their cocoons as butterflies. After we kept them in their butterfly habitat for a while to feed them and watch them grow, we let them go. It was a neat experience and the boys loved being able to see them grow and change so much through the whole process.

Here is Glen Allen trying to get them to come out of their butterfly habitat.

Both boys had the opportunity to hold one before they flew away.Isn't it beautiful? It's amazing how they go from ugly little caterpillars to this!

MONSTER JAM!

2010-02-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

The expressions on their faces say it all! The boys absolutely LOVE Monster Trucks and everytime Monster Jam is on TV, they are glued. For Christmas this year we bought tickets for Monster Jam which was the end of January. The boys were so excited and asked almost daily when it was time to go. Jaxon loved it when the Monster Trucks would crash and loose their tires and Glen thought Spanky Spangler was awesome! I am so glad we had the opportunity to take them... they will never forget it!

This is Spanky Spangler... he had this old Volkswagon with this trailer attached and he was going to attempt to jump a ramp.

Here's the jump off the ramp! The boys thought it was so awesome when the fireworks went off at the same time he hit the vans/cars on the other side!

Infamous Batman...
And who could forget the best Monster Truck of all time (according to the boys)... GRAVE DIGGER!!!!!!!!

Snowing in Mesa???

2010-02-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Nope... we could only dream! It didn't snow but we had snow brought to us. Glen Allen is the Young Mens President so he took his Young Men up to Flagstaff after the big snow storm to do some tubing. They were nice enough to bring a truck bed full of snow home for the boys to enjoy. They loved being able to make snowballs to throw at all the young men!

Friday Night Fun!

2010-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we wanted to find something fun for the boys to do that we haven't done before. It seems like we always do the same old thing and this time we tried to change it up a little bit. We found this great place called JumpStreet that has a kids section full of the inflatable slides/toys and then the rest of the place is full of trampolines all linked together. It's too bad I am pregnant or I would have been all over the place on those trampolines, they looked so fun! The boys loved it and still talk about the "jump place".

7 years of wedded bliss or 7 year itch? You decide!

2010-02-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

For our anniversary this year Glen and I decided to take a little get away to Vegas with some friends of ours, the Busby's. We had a great time in Vegas, as always! We went on a beautiful little hike, we ate a TON, walked a TON, came out on top ($30 off of $1 in the penny slots - yeah we are big gamblers), got no sleep, saw the Tournament of Kings for the first time and tried our hardest to win BIG on Let's Make a Deal!

Here we are at Red Rock! Alyssa is big on working out and hiking lately so we went out to Red Rock, right outside of Vegas, to hike around which was actually really beautiful.

Ooh.. how cute! The happy couple!! :)

My sexy husband... he still has it!

No laughing... you have to dress up to be on Let's Make a Deal! Wouldn't you pick us?? I thought so, but obviously Wayne Brady didn't think the same. We had a blast anyway! :)

Thanks to all who watched our boys for us... it was much needed!

New Years Tradition!

2010-02-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

As most of you know...my husband LIVES for sand dune season. Between our busy schedules and Glen's knee injury, we haven't been able to frequent the dunes as much as he would like, but that wasn't going to stop him from our traditional New Years Trip! For the past 2 years we have gone with several families and spent 4-5 days at the dunes between Christmas and New Years. This year was a success once again... no major injuries... no broken toys (at least for us)... and lots of late nights and fun memories! Glen David did EXCELLENT on his little quad! He rides like a champ and didn't want to get off of it from sun up to sun down. Jaxon was a little frustrated this year because he realized that his little quad just isn't cool anymore because it doesn't go fast like all the other kids. I think that quad has seen its last year for Jaxon... he is just getting too big and growing up too fast!

Flagstaff Fun!

2010-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned previously, my mother-in-law gave everyone a snow trip for Christmas this year. So the day after Christmas, we headed up to Flagstaff and it was beautiful! We tubed and sledded all day long until everyone was exhausted. Jaxon was a little bit more fond of the snow than Glen was but that was only after Glen was taken out by a sled because he crossed the path while someone was going down. After that, he was very hesitant to try it again. Jaxon on the other hand, LOVED it! He kept sliding down on his bum, making snow angels, and hopping on the sleds for a fast ride. As you can see, he was exhausted and found a quick little nap on his brothers shoulder in the car. What a nice brother, Glen David! We had a great time and made some great memories! Thank you Nana!

Update...Update!!!!

2010-02-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

Okay so once again it's been a while since I have updated my blog. I decided that I need to make it more of a priority since I am terrible at scrapbooking and the guilt of the fact that I haven't even started Jaxon's book is killing me. I know we are already into February (where does the time go??) but I am going to attempt to make a weekly post of all the "stuff" we did during the week, which means I need to get better at picture taking as well. I will get all caught up from Christmas on... ready for the ride?!?

CHRISTMAS 2009

For Christmas Eve we had my parents and my brother over for dinner. It was nice to have them over because it seems like we always go over there instead of having them to our house. We ate yummy steak kabobs, read the Luke 2 story and then they watched the boys open up their pajamas.

Christmas morning was eventful at the Jones house as always. The boys both got motorcyle bikes from Santa and several other goodies!

Christmas is usually about bouncing back and forth between my parents house and Glen's moms house as well as making other family parties as well. We first stopped for the infamous Grandpa Allen breakfast. Glen Allen says he will NEVER miss this Christmas tradition (which I am perfectly okay with because it's so yummy).

After eating breakfast we headed to my parents to do Christmas there with David and Ashley, Shawn and my parents. The boys got some GREAT gifts from grandma and grandpa and were so excited to show them the bikes that Santa brought.

Then we headed back to Glen's moms house for the Jones Christmas. Nana gave the family a snow trip to Flagstaff and suited all the grandkids up with gloves and hats to stay warm.
Then we took a much needed nap before hitting the extended Jones gift exchange and dinner. Once again, another crazy, busy Christmas but it was WONDERFUL as always.

Exciting News!

2009-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

As you all know... I had my ultrasound scheduled on Christmas Eve to see what #3 was. We decided to take the boys with us so they could experience the excitment as well. It didn't take Dr. Beck long to determine that indeed it's a GIRL!!! We are very excited! Glen Allen is nervous at the thought of a girl but at the same time his heart just melts and he already knows that she will have him wrapped around her little finger. The boys are happy to know that mom and dad finally believe them that it is a girl. When we walked out of the doctors office Glen said, "Mom, I already told you it was a girl." It was almost as if he was offended that I didn't believe him this whole time and that we had to get confirmation from the doctor. What a funny boy! Needless to say, it will be a change for the Jones house since all we know is blue, motorcycles, quads, balls, skateboards and fighting... but I am excited to have some more estrogen around here since I am so out numbered! Let the SHOPPING begin! :)

YES... we are still here!

2009-12-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, okay... after several "friendly reminders" or as I like to call it "guilt trips" from my mother about what a slacker I am on updating my blog, how everyone is wondering if we are okay, and hint about how my sister just updated her blog... here it goes! Grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and get comfortable because this is going to be a long one!

Yes we are still alive and as busy as always! Glen is working like crazy, going back to school to get his MBA in International Business and trying to keep up with all the young men in the ward as he was recently called as the YM's president. I am keeping busy with teaching 3 classes, barely surviving through the lovely 1st trimester and playing the "soccer mom" job of running Glen David all over the place. Glen David is in preschool and LOVES it. He asks everyday if it's a school day. He also just finished a Kid's Corale session where he would go to singing classes once a week. He just had his final Christmas performance where he was one of Santa's Elves. He did good (at holding up the wall in the back of the stage and playing with the Christmas lights that were used to decorate the stage) but I think he gets his nervousness from me! For his first performance, however, he did GREAT! Jaxon is just as busy as ever. He is our crazy man... he is very animated, loves to sing and dance and has a 16 year old girlfriend named Tiffany that he just adores! :) So there you have it... in a nutshell...we are doing good (and are excited to find out what #3 is on Christmas Eve!)

Here are some updates of pics from recent events that haven't made it on my blog... until NOW! :)

Pumpkin Carving/Painting

The boys wanted to do pumpkins but we figured it would be safer and cleaner to have them paint their own little pumpkins while Glen Allen carved the family pumpkin. I was the paint keeper/brush cleaner/camera person while the boys painted and Glen Allen meticulously carved our awesome pumpkin!

Halloween

This year for Halloween we went over to the Busby's to have a potluck and hand out candy. The boys loved it because they were able to trick-or-treat with their friends (and a supervised adult... thanks Dan!) while the parents stayed back and handed out the candy. Jaxon was the cutest Power Ranger (until he got mad at me and decided to pout because I told him he couldn't eat anymore candy) and Glen was a tough football player!

Jaxon's 3rd Birthday!

I know... I can't believe it, my baby is 3 already! On November 30th we celebrated Jaxon's 3rd birthday and it turned out GREAT! When I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday he said he wanted to play at the park and have a birthday hat.... how can you turn down such a "manageable" request? At least he didn't say he wanted to rent a sports car and drive to Disneyland for the week! Thank goodness he is still young! :) I was very nervous about the idea of having a party at the park, at night in what us Arizonan's call "winter", but it actually turned out better than I expected. All his friends came, we played, ate pizza, opened presents and enjoyed some yummy Funfetti cupcakes!

Believe it or not, that took him a LONG time to get his fingers right! :)

Glen couldn't stand the idea of missing out on a photo opportunity!

The infamous, requested birthday hat!
Glen was just as excited as Jaxon was to see what each present was!

YUM... funfetti... my FAVORITE!!!

Check out the MOVES!

This past weekend a friend of ours was celebrating his 7th birthday and all he wanted was a dance party. His dad works in a big warehouse and thought what better place to have dance party than a place with an awesomely huge dance floor! They hired a DJ and everything! Jaxon was of course struttin' his stuff and believe it or not, Glen David actually warmed up to the idea and showed off some moves we had never seen. Thank goodness Glen Allen didn't get out the camera when I was shakin' it... but Jaxon quickly put me in my place when the next day on the way to church Jaxon so innocently said to me... "Mom, you were dancing last night and it was awful!" It's pretty sad when a 3 year old tells you, you can't dance worth a can of beans!

... and to wrap things up... some randomness.

Here are a few random pictures taken of the the boys at home. Jaxon just looked so cute with his hat on, I couldn't resist snapping a few shots. The other pictures were taken tonight when the boys were outside playing a little frisbee!

How does something so small do so much damage?

2009-10-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know and some may not... after several months of trying and fertility meds.... we are proud to announce that #3 is on the way. We were not able to keep it quiet for long as my husband posted a comment on Facebook the day I got a + and Jaxon announced in nursery that his was going to be a big brother! Nothing is secret around here! :)

I am due the end of May which only makes me about 9 weeks along right now. We are exited for the new little one but for being so little... this baby sure keeps reminding me that I am pregnant. The lovely morning sickness (all day sickness) is well under way and I just want to sleep the next month away in hopes it will be over soon. :) Despite the yucky tummy... we are all very excited about our news!!

PRESCHOOL!

2009-09-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

My baby is growing up!!! I can't believe I have a child old enough to be in preschool! Glen LOVES it and asks everyday if it is a preschool day.... unfortunately it's only twice a week for 2 hours a day. The first day of school they were supposed to bring something for show and tell and he was so excited to wear his motorcycle shirt.... what a funny kid! Jaxon had an absolute melt down when we took Glen and dropped him off because he wanted to stay and play with the new kids too. I tried to distract him by telling him we would go get a treat but the waterfall of tears continued so we had to go home and take a nap. The second day of school, he learned that if he didn't cry we would go get a treat! Little does he know... when we drop Glen off, it's mommy and Jaxon time!

Family Fun at the lake!

2009-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had the chance to go out to the lake with Glen Allen's cousin Tyler, his wife Kristen and their family. We always talk about getting together and doing something and for some reason it never happens so I was way excited when a plan actually came together. We love Tyler and Kristen... they are so fun and make every activity, family party, get together, worth going! We of course headed out bright and early, before the sun was even up... which I HATE doing but it's the only way to get the good water and beat the unbearable heat that comes later on in the day. The boys were up and ready to go but in the 20 minute car ride this is what happened... Jaxon was out (with pop tart in hand)! The funny thing about this picture is that right after I took it (literally 5-10 seconds later) my husband turned up the music, Jaxon quickly popped his head up and yelled, "Now this is what I am talking about!" as he started jammin' out to the music. This kid is hilarious... he is my music lover and is always dancing every time he hears a song and is always telling my husband to turn up the music, even though it's already at a level beyond what I can handle.

Anyway, here are the kids (as you can see before the sun came up) so excited to be out on the lake! Cooper, Ella, Glen and Jaxon!

Here are pictures of my baby wakeboarding... what a STUD!

It was so hot that the kids kept asking when it was swimming time... my boys love just pulling over the side and having a chance to jump in a cool off. Yeah for swimming time!

As my husband will tell everyone... he hates that I don't typically try anything at the lake. I am sure it sounds like excuses but between getting burnt out when I was younger (because we went every weekend) and then being pregnant or having a newborn, I haven't done much at the lake since we have been married. He is always trying to get me to go ski or wakeboard and it just doesn't happen. Although he was glad I was actually trying something this trip... he was sad that it took Kristen convincing me, for me to actually go out. Believe it or not, I wakeboarded and tried the surfing for the first time! Go momma go!

The boys couldn't stop talking about surfing and wakeboarding but when it actually came time to step up and do it, they both had a fit! We couldn't do anything to get Glen out there but we finally convinced Jaxon although he was kicking and screaming the whole time!

After all the wakeboarding and surfing, we pulled out the air chair because Kristen and Tyler had never tried it before. They both did great and Kristen was the champ of the day! The air chair is not easy to get up on but she made it look like a piece of cake! Way to go Kristen (I didn't get any pictures of her because I was so excited she got up!) Here is Glen riding it like a pro!

We had a great day with the Jones family! Thanks Tyler and Kristen for a great trip to the lake, we will have to do it again soon!

The countdown is on...

2009-08-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

My hubby has been gone since Wednesday morning on a business trip to Orlando. I dread every time he leaves and I look forward to his return. It's amazing how different the feeling is in my home when he is gone. The stress levels are up, the responsibilities seem heavy, the Spirit he brings is missing and the love he demonstrates is gone! The boys have asked me numerous times where daddy is, when is he coming home, why did he leave, etc. The boys miss him and I miss him dearly! It's not the same when he is gone and I am so excited to pick him up in 4 1/2 hours and counting!

I LOVE coupons!

2009-08-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Two Stores + Two cranky kids + One frustated mom + Only $42 spent + $100 SAVED = THIS!!!!

Okay, so I know I am a little slow.... I have known about this whole coupon thing forever but I never really got into it for whatever reason. Not that I really have time for it ight now, but my mother-in-laws neighbor taught us the in's and out's of this whole coupon thing and slowly but surely I think I am getting the hang of it. I will admit, it starts to become addicting to see how much you can save and it's hard to spend money on regular priced items. Tomorrow morning I will hit the Kmart double coupon savings for all my non-food items (without kids)! Yipee!!

Idaho... Idaho!

2009-08-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned previously, we just got back from Idaho about a week ago and I hadn't downloaded my pictures... until NOW! Yeah! All of my dad's family lives in Idaho and they have a Smart reunion (my grandma's side) every 2 years in the most beautiful place located about 2 1/2 hours north of Boise, called McCall. It's a beautiful (but cold) lake surrounded by pine trees and gigantic houses. We haven't had the chance to make it for several years (I have been married for almost 7 years and Glen Allen has never been to Idaho to visit my family - that's how long it's been). But fortunately, we were able to make this year and I am so glad we did. It was wonderful to see family, spend time with everyone and get out of the terrible AZ heat and up into beautiful Idaho. The first day there we stayed in Nampa (which is just outside of Boise) because the reunion didn't start until the next day. While in Nampa, we drove around to let the boys experience what real farms are like.

We stopped by a Buffalo Ranch....

We attempted to pick peaches but there were none left on the trees so we only got to move them from the farm bucket into our own bucket to take home....

Went to a park and actually enjoyed the toys because they were not scorching hot like the ones in AZ in the summer!

We visited another farm to get other produce (and ride the wood train)....

We picked corn which was delicious. I think we ate it for just about every meal while we were in Idaho for the week.... ( Jaxon wasn't too happy because he was hungry and tired by this point - can you tell?)

Found a ladybug in the process of picking corn...

See what I mean??? He was so tired for a hard days work of farming, that he crashed in the car the minute we were done picking corn.

We blew bubbles in grandma's back yard...

We attempted to got tubing down the FREEZING Boise river only to find out that they practically wanted your first born child and all that you possessed in order to rent a stupid tube... so we (well some of us did, the smarter of the bunch stayed out of the limb numbing water) just waded in the river instead....

Then it was to Aunt Linda's for dinner! Linda and Ken spend all summer in Alaska fishing and had brought back hundreds of pounds of fish. Glen Allen was in heaven (the boys and I ate pizza)!

The next morning we got ready to head up to McCall and found out it was raining... it poured the ENTIRE drive up... and for the next 2 days. Talk about depressing! I was so excited to get out of the heat to enjoy the normal beautiful 70 degree McCall weather, but instead we experienced 30's and 40's with minimal winter clothes (we didn't plan for cold and rain). Although we still managed to have fun with the crappy weather! The reunion was located at the Ponderosa Campground there in McCall. Some family stayed in condo's while others stayed at the campground. Luckily we went the condo route, thanks to grandma and grandpa Bean. It worked out great. It was only about a mile away from the campground so we spent most of the days with family at the campground and then came back to the condo for naps and bed.

Of course you can't go to McCall (with me) unless you make the three traditional food stops... famous to McCall.... My Father's Place, Ice Cream Alley and The Pancake House!!

The very first day we got there... first stop of the day was a restaurant called My Father's Place. I forgot my camera when we went in to eat because I was so excited, but they are known for their burgers and shakes! YUM!

Then we also made sure to visit Ice Cream Alley two nights in a row at about 10 pm! So good, but not good on caloric intake (but who cares when you are on vacation right???)

Then last but not least was the GIGANTIC cinnamon rolls at the Pancake House. Glen Allen and my brother Shawn picked them up and brought them back to the condo for pure blissful indulgence! They are covered in a thick layer of butter and frosting... to die for!

Enough about the food....

Because of the crappy weather most the time, we didn't really get to do much, which was fine because it was nice to just catch up with family. I hadn't seen some of my cousins (and their kids) for over 10 years or so and if half of them or their children were to have ever passed me on the street, I wouldn't have even known we were related. It was great to get reacquainted.

The last day we were there, grandma and grandpa thought it would be fun to rent jet skis for the day! The boys were not too fond of them at first but Jaxon finally warmed up to them and Glen David was more content just jumping off the dock and swimming around.

Here are the boys walking back to camp in their wet suits that obviously don't fit!

When the weather somewhat cleared up we took a drive up to the look out spot which was beautiful! It overlooks the lake....

On the drive home we stopped by the Snake river for a little lunch break while being completely entertained by the white water rafters making their way down the river.

Sunday night (I know a little sac-religious) we took advantage of the "legal in Idaho" fireworks and then settled into bed to catch an early flight out in the morning to come back home, which back fired on us. My aunt works for the airlines so we flew standby and after getting everyone up at 4:30 to try to make the 7:00 flight home, none of us made it on the flight because it was too full. So we headed back to grandma's for a morning nap and then tried again for the 2:00 flight. Everyone made it except for my dad, who ended up fliying home the next morning! Oh the joys of standby!

I would have loved to take a lot more pictures but my battery was dying and I forgot the charger. :(

Anyway, we had a blast... it was fun to get away, see family and be reminded again about how much I would LOVE to live in Idaho... if I could ever convince my husband!

New Callings!

2009-08-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention the latest news and big changes in terms of callings! Glen Allen was originally the Elders Quorum 1st counselor and I was the Home Family and Personal Enrichment Leader. A few weeks ago there were major changes in the boundaries of our stake so the bishop decided to change just about everything around. Glen Allen (are you ready for this??) is the new Young Mens PRESIDENT! Yup... my crazy husband is now the "leader" for all the young men in the ward. I gave the bishop a hard time when he called him and asked if he really knew what he was getting himself into. But in all seriousness, Glen Allen will do GREAT! He has already grown to love all those he works with and presides over. As for mine... I was afraid it would be nursery (when the counselor over the primary called me to set up a new calling visit) but luckily, I was called to the Activity Day leader (10-11 year old girls). I am really excited about the calling, although I will miss my HFPE calling. Change is never easy but it always makes for some fun and exciting times! Here's to our new callings!

Are you ready for this???

2009-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it... I am ready to update!! I know it's been forever but here it goes... here is a recap of the events for the summer!

1st: Lake Trip!

The boys are just like their father so they LOVE the lake! Here are a few pictures from our first lake trip of the season.

Surprisingly, they were both very happy even though it was VERY early in the morning!

2nd: Jones 1st Official Family Reunion

For Father's Day weekend, we headed to Woods Canyon Lake for the 1st official Jones Family Reunion. The weather was beautiful except for the one night it poured the entire night! Luckily we stayed relatively dry for tenting it! We did a little relaxing, visiting, game playing, baseball and fishing.

We got there the day before the rest of the family to stake out a spot, which was nice to just spend some quality time together!
The hammocks were a big hit! We had three of them set up and I don't think there was much time the whole weekend when they were vacant!

Aunt Rachel, Jaxon, Kaydance and Price all snuggling together.

My little goofball!

Mommy and Jaxon at the lake while the boys were fishing... gotta love the camping look! :)

Glen was a little hesitant at first but he finally decided the worms weren't that bad...

The boys did a little fishing but unfortunately, they were not successful! There was only one catch of the trip... yeah Clayton!!

Baseball, baseball, baseball! We played a lot of baseball over the weekend. Glen is quite the hitter! Jaxon tried outfielding (with the make shift girly glove) but didn't have much luck... but he had fun trying!

3rd: Mommy and Jaxon

I have the hardest time getting Jaxon to smile for the camera. Usually the only way I can get him to smile is if we pose together or if I catch him off guard. Here is one just playing around....

4th: 4th of July

For the 4th of July this year we headed down to Cochise. Nana and Grandpa Allen have a house in Cochise that they are upgrading and they needed Glen Allen's construction/framing expertise so we decided to make a trip out of it. We enjoyed the infamous Benson donuts, helped Nana and Grandpa with the house, played a much needed game of hand and foot, played at the park, and ended the weekend with enjoying the Benson 4th of July parade. I love the feel of a small town... there was so much community support and seemed like everyone in the town was there at the parade. The boys loved watching the fire trucks, motorcycles and all the people go by. Plus it didn't hurt that they collected a TON of candy from everyone in the parade throwing it at the audience!

The boys all wanted to match daddy by wearing their "Team Jones" shirts we all got at the reunion.

The LDS float was the hit of the parade because they came through with a huge water truck and cooled off the crowd! It actually felt pretty good!

5th: WICKED!

My family (all the adults) went to Wicked at Gammage this year. It was AMAZING! I had seen it on Broadway in NYC but it was much better here in the valley! What a great night!

6th: Learning to Ride a Bike!

For whatever reason, we have procrastinated on teaching Glen to ride a two wheel bike. We finally took the training wheels off his bike and he rode it like a CHAMP! He never fell and rode it like it was old news! He did great! Jaxon wanted to join in on the fun so he tried as well and wasn't as successful! :)

Last but not least: Apache Lake!

Glen Allen hadn't ever been to Apache Lake so we decided to follow a group of our friends up there to spend the day. It was a great day full of wakeboarding, and major tube wars (which I must admit, I am now known as "the best tube driver ever")... and of course some major jammin' and dancin' to the tunes!! Right as we were headed off the lake, this HUGE wall of rain came in. What an experience... it's not easy getting a boat ramped in a down pour with major wind!

Well, there you have it! There is our summer so far in a nut shell! We just got back from a week in Idaho and I will update those pictures soon.

Old and Moldy! That's what I am!

2009-07-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Yup... I am the big 2-9!!!! Almost 30 I know! Saturday was the big day and it was great! My wonderful husband is so good to me... he bought me a new camera, which was a big surprise because he kept down playing the fact that he couldn't think of anything to get me for the entire week leading up to my birthday (am I really that difficult to shop for??). For breakfast my mom treated me and the little boys to Joe's Farm Grill for my free birthday breakfast while Glen Allen was working at the church farm in Coolidge. Breakfast was yummy... thanks MOM! I did a little shopping before lunch, took a good nap, got my free dozen doughnuts at Krispie Kreme (yes, free dozen on your birthday) and then we had a ward swim party that night. After the swim party, Colter watched the boys so Glen Allen and I could go out for dinner. To my surprise, when we walked into Outback, the hostess blind folded me and I knew something was up! Glen Allen had invited some of our friends to meet us for dinner. When I got to the table they had asked the waitress to embarrass me so the Outback staff made a huge hat for me to wear that looked ridiculous. Good thing I didn't bring my camera, although I think Glen Allen has a picture of me on his phone still. Note to self... get a hold of the phone and erase the picture. :) Anyway, it was a blast and my stomach still hurts from the combination of laughing so hard I almost peed my pants and eating myself sick! Thanks Harrold's and Busby's for celebrating it with me... you are great company and are always fun to hang with! After dinner Glen Allen and I went to the movies just because we had a babysitter to take advantage of, although there was nothing good playing. We ended up seeing I Love You Beth Cooper and it was terrible... I don't recommend it. All in all, it was a great day! Thanks for all the birthday wishes... I really appreciate it. Thanks babe for a great day, you make me feel so special!

I know, I know... it's been forever!

2009-07-13T22:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I am embarrassed... it's been over a month since I have posted anything. I have a ton of new pictures to add from the last month but unfortunately, our home computer is out of commission right now where all the pics are. As soon as I get the computer back, I will update all the latest "stuff" going on with the Jones'. Until then... I hope you are all having a GREAT summer!

Food for thought...

2009-06-05T13:40:00.001-07:00

Although I have had experiences like this in the past, I had a very much needed conversation today at the gym, with a friend, that was definitely an answer to prayers and a testimony builder on the importance of trials in our lives and the blessings we recieve from our trials. This woman proceeded to share some of her daughters experiences with me and the struggles and trials her daughter has faced and how she continues to hold her head high, learn from those trials and embrace the lessons learned. My heart just sunk at the things I was hearing and I found myself thinking, "I don't know how anyone could go through so much and still keep going." I also found myself thinking, "You big baby... what is your problem? You complain and whine over such trival things in life, look at what others go through and still manage to stay strong." As any of you know, who really know me... I am not good with handling stress, seeing the sunshine through the clouds, realizing that things happen for a reason and realizing that I can't control the outcome of everything. I am grateful for those around me who are a constant support and lifeline in guiding me and keeping me sane. I am also grateful for the lessons learned through other individuals trials and struggles in life and I am so grateful for the little things in life that I take for granted. Although I still have my struggles, I know that I am EXTREMELY blessed and unfortunately sometimes I have a hard time seeing and remembering those little blessings. I know that we are not given anything that we can not handle. I rarely see this lady at the gym and I have never even really had a real conversation with her before... there is no doubt in my mind that the conversation, comments, thoughts and feelings shared today were a direct answer to prayers and I am grateful for those who take the time to be an instrument in teaching me the lessons I need to learn.
Maybe my thoughts today will be a tool or an answer to prayers for one of you but if not, at least it is a way for me to really think and contemplate on the experience I had this morning. Thanks for being my listening post... :)

Projects... projects... and more projects!

2009-05-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather to have a "project weekend" at our house. Glen Allen came home from the gym on Friday morning and had been inspired by his buddies garden and decided he wanted to plant a salsa garden. So Friday we began project #1 (planting our salsa garden) by digging out the entire planter so we could paint the inside to protect the house from water damage. After digging and painting we decided to give the paint time to dry so we headed over to pick up a bunk bed for the boys from a sweet lady named Diane, who gave us the bed for free, which began project #2 (redecorating the boys bedroom). After picking up the bed, we headed over to the nursery to pick out our plants and herbs for the garden. By the time we got home, we were all exhausted so we took a nap before heading out for the evening to BBQ, swim and play games until late into the night with our good friends. Thanks for a fun night, Kash and Tiffany!

Saturday morning came bright and early as Glen Allen and I headed back outside to finish the garden. Unfortunately after digging all the dirt out, now we had to dig it all back in to begin planting. So after about an hour of straight shoveling, we had finally conquered the fill in, just in time for the boys to wake up to plant everything. They thought it was so fun to put the plant in and then push the dirt around it. As small as it is... we are very excited about our garden accomplishment. It only took us 6 1/2 years of marriage to get a garden but it's done and now (if we can just keep everything alive) we are going to be able to make some killer salsa! The big garden is to come but we are starting off small (and cheap)!

Glen Allen and Glen David planting...check out Glen David's green shovel... he was so excited to play in the dirt!

More gardening....

Our herbs.....

Our peppers, jalepenos, etc....

Our sad little tomatoes....

After finishing the garden it was on to project #2... the BIG Kahuna! Before Glen David was potty trained we told him that if he would get potty trained we would get him a "motorcycle room". Well, the potty training happened and was successful (about 2 years ago) and we just barely got around to starting the room. Better late than never, huh? So we cleared out the room and began the tedious painting. Can I just tell you how much I hate the prep work??? I was so sick and tired of blue tape! But after about 6 hours, two boys with no naps, several movies for entertainment while mommy and daddy worked, sore backs and paint everywhere, we finally did it! The top is a grayish/silver color, the bottom is black and the middle is, yes you guessed it... Kawasaki GREEN! The pictures don't do it justice but it looks awesome! We then put together the bunk bed, put on the new bedding and hung a few motorcycle pictures and called it a day! We still have more decorating to do but at least the walls are done and the bed is up and luckily we finished it just in time for the boys to go to bed and Glen Allen and I to collapse (after getting a call at 9:30 to substitute Sunbeams in the morning). YIKES!

The blasted BLUE TAPE!

Painting in progress...

The end results! As I mentioned the pictures don't do it justice, but I am pretty proud of it so far... we aren't done but the bank account can't handle anymore right now. :(

The new (to us) bunk bed!

Jaxon is still trying to get comfortable with going up and down the stairs on the bunk bed to get up to Glen's bed.

Sunday was a nice day of rest, except for having church at 8 a.m. and having to substitute Sunbeams and give an hour lesson on being grateful for ears. How can someone talk for an HOUR about EARS to 4 year olds???? It was another project in and of itself... and I am a teacher by profession for crying out loud!

Anyway, then this morning while Glen Allen went riding, I did at a little catching up in school and then began project #3... deep cleaning of the entire house! It's now 2:45, the garden is planted, the room is done, the Sunbeams have been taught about their ears, my house is spotless and all the boys are now taking a nap... yes, all the boys... daddy included!

I NEED a PEDI! :)

Jam packed Saturday!

2009-05-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a very busy, but very fun family day for us! The morning started bright and early for Glen Allen and Colter (Glen's brother). While the rest of us slept, the boys headed out for a short morning ride. After riding, they came back, picked us up and we headed over to the Skate park so the boys could get in a skate session while mommy went on a Dunkin' Donut run! While the other boys were still skating, I ran Glen to his Primary activity day, headed back to get the boys, we drove through the car wash to clean off the dirtbikes in the back of the truck and then we were off to pick up Glen from his activity day. We managed to clean two pools (side jobs) in the hustle and bustle of the day and then headed to Nana's for a good swim! After swimming, it was nap time! As you can see, the boys all crashed while I managed to squeeze in some time to jump online to teach and then it was off to a BBQ at the Harrolds. We didn't get home until about 10:30! Talk about a long day! It made it VERY difficult to be up and ready for church at 8 a.m.

Colter rippin' it up on the trail!

Jaxon and I in the car while we were waiting for Glen Allen and Colter to clean the bikes.

Crash time when we got home from swimming. None of them even made it to their rooms, they all zonked out in front of the TV. Jaxon wasn't out yet but it didn't take long!

Las Vegas - Supercross Finals!

2009-05-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Those of you who really know my husband, know that he lives for motocross! Whether it's doing it, reading it, watching it, or whatever, he is hooked! Each year he tries to make it to Vegas for the Supercross Finals which is typically a "guys trip" but this year none of the guys could go, which meant I was the lucky one! It's was wonderful... a nice little trip with my honey with NO KIDS in our favorite J.W. Marriott Resort! Yippee! Friday night we just walked around the strip, doing the usual touristy things (sorry no gambling... it just wasn't in the budget) and staying up until all hours of the night!

Then Saturday morning we headed over to the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Glen had never been before and we really enjoyed it. They have several dolphins and then the tigers, lions, etc. that are really close! After that, we headed to Sam Boyd Stadium for the BIG EVENT! The whole afternoon was set aside for the pits...which if you are not familiar with SuperCross, the pits is where all the riders are out signing autographs, the sponsors are all out showing off their products and there are a lot of half dressed girls (hence the reason it is usually a guys trip)! Just kidding! Anyway, well as you know Vegas is not the coldest place in the world, especially in May! It was hotter than *!^# but Glen Allen was in Motocross Wonderland so it was worth it! That night was the big event and of course Bubba Stewart took the win! All in all... it was a fun night... until we had to deal with the traffic. I am not the most patient person when it comes to traffic and it took us at least an hour to get out of the parking lot! URGH! On top of a late night the night before, a lot of sun and a hungry tummy, I was not a happy camper but we finally made it through the mess and found an IHOP at midnight! YUM!

Sunday morning we strolled the strip a little bit more and then hit up the infamous breakfast buffet at the Paris! We never go to Vegas without hitting the breakfast buffet. It's worth the drive! Then we headed home to sit in traffic again (well over an hour) to get across the Hoover Dam. It was a fun, much needed trip!

The dolphins, tigers and lion at the Mirage!

Glen and I taking a ride... giddy up!

At the M&M factory... at least I felt skinny next to him!

My husband with the half dressed Monster chicks! The story behind the poster... Glen and Trevor (a friend of ours from the ward) seem to have had some friendly banter throughout the whole season on who would win. Trevor was going for Chad Reed and of course we are Stewart fans. Trevor was so jealous that we were able to go to the Finals so Glen thought it would be nice to rub it in and get some pictures with all the chicks at the pits. He took 3 different shots, with 3 different groups of girls holding this sign and then he blew up the pictures and gave them to Trevor when we got home! Trevor LOVED them! :)

Riders at the pits putting on a little show!

We didn't get any pictures at the actual race (I'm not quite sure why) but it was a great trip!

April at a Glance!

2009-05-04T18:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I average a post once a month... I guess that's better than nothing right?!? I feel like I never have time to do anything on this stupid computer unless it's grading papers or doing school. I am literally on this thing 6-7 hours a day and I am sure my poor boys are going to grow up hating computers because mommy was always on it. Anyway, I am way behind on posting what the Jones' have been up to but here is April in fast forward:

April 10th... Glen Allen's Birthday! The BIG 2-9!!! Yeah, I know... he's getting old but he is still as handsome as ever! We hit up Dave and Busters for lunch and then went out on the town (without the kids) that night for Texas Roadhouse (sorry, no saddle riding, he was being a party pooper)!

April 11th - The annual Allen Easter party! Yummy breakfast, the traditional egg toss (the winner got a 3 night stay in Cali - no we didn't win) and the kids Easter egg hunt which had to be moved downstairs in my in-laws basement because of the rain. Glen David was devistated that he couldn't do the egg toss with the big kids so Glen Allen did his own little egg toss with Glen David and he was not happy when it finally broke.

April 12 - Easter! The Easter bunny found his way to our house and left the boys a little basket with goodies inside and for some reason had a hard time carrying all his candy because he left a trail throughout the house for the boys to find! Good times!

April 18th - Monthly Mud Bog! Oh yeah, you can just call us Redneck!! Out at the motocross track they just started a once a month mud bog and sand drag where everyone comes out to watch idiots get their jeeps/trucks/quads/whatever, stuck in over 4 feet of solid mud, and also to watch all the guys with expensive sand rails drag to see whose is faster! My husband LOVES this (of course the boys do too)! There is a guy in our ward who has an old beater truck that my husband was able to ride in and become a true Chickin' Pickin' Jones BOY! Giddy up! Next time I will be getting a pedi while the boys hang with the Hillbillies!

April 21st - We found new renters! YAHOOO!!! Heavenly Father definitely answers prayers!!!

April 24-25th - Grandma and Grandpa's Ward Campout! We headed up to Reynolds Creek to get out of the heat and enjoy a little camping. The boys loved it... making S'mores, playing in the fire, playing kickball, catching bugs with daddy and just getting dirty!

All in all... a busy, eventful month for the Jones'!! Now my goal for this month is to stay on top of updating... we will see if I can really do it!

Rental House!

2009-04-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

HELP!! I am in desperate need of renters in my house out in Queen Creek. The renters just gave notice that they are leaving by April 31st. If you know of anyone who is looking to rent, please have them contact me. It's located at approximately Ironwood and Ocotillo, it's a 3 bedroom 2 bath and it was a model home so it's very nice inside! It's close to all the new shopping centers out in Queen Creek and of course there is a brand new Filiberto's (which breaks my husbands heart) just down the street... a definite selling point in my book! :)

Conference Saturday...

2009-04-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... Conference is on Saturday too but this year we decided to take advantage of our DVR (to tape Conference), the beautiful weather, and some quality family time. The morning began with some delicious Dunkin Donuts at the skate park (we had to work off the calories from the donuts... well at least the boys did.... I just sat there consuming calories while taking pictures as usual). Jaxon found a new trick on the scooter which consisted of riding down on his bum with both legs up as he said, "Weeeeeee" all the way down the hill. After skating we decided to head over to Tempe Town Lakes to see a wakeboarding competition Glen Allen had heard about. It wasn't what we were expecting but it turned out to be a great idea. When we got there we saw that the Tempe Music Festival was going on as well. We didn't know that the music festival and the wakeboard thing were together so we decided to park in Lot 59 at ASU and trek over to the lake just for the wakeboarding competition. When we got there, we noticed the place was gated off, but there was no place to buy tickets, which we thought was strange (read below for futher explanation). We found a way in and after watching the wakeboarding for a while we decided to see what the deal was with the music festival and this is when we realized it was all part of the same event. At the music festival we walked around to all the different little booths set up, enjoyed some pizza, and free treats (Dr. Pepper, Mentos, Protein bars, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, etc. ) It felt like an afternoon trip to Costco for "sample time"! :) After getting our snacks we headed back over to watch some more wakeboarding and then called it a day because the boys were exhausted and Glen Allen had to get back for the Priesthood session.

*** On a side note, on the drive home, Glen Allen checked to see how much it was to get into the Music Festival and it was $45 a person (kids were free). Oops!! We got in for FREE!!!

Anyway, the boys of course crashed on the car ride home, but after a quick nap (which obviously wasn't long enough, which I discovered as the night progressed), we dropped Glen Allen off for Priesthood and then the boys and I did the traditional "moms and kids night out" with Grandma and Aunt Lyn. We hit Olive Garden for the "yummy breadsticks and noodles with the creamy white sauce" as Glen David calls it. Then over to the mall for a little shopping which actually turned into a nightmare with both boys. The trip ended about as quickly as it began after I had to make a fool of myself by chasing Glen David around the toy area 3 times as he yelled "I don't want to go home!". After about ripping his arm off, I caught him and drug him to the car crying the whole way. Needless to say, my patience were GONE (which tends to happen quite a bit lately with a 4 year old and a 2 year old).

Although the night didn't end as happily as it had begun... overall it was a really fun day!

The Skate Park adventure! "Weeeeee"!

The boys "giving loves" to each other in the car.

The Wakeboarding Competition

This was towards the end of the afternoon... can you tell by the tears?

Yummm.... Pizza!

.... and Ben & Jerry's!

The boys doing a bean bag toss to win a packet of Mentos!

Playing "swords" with the beads they were given at the music festival... don't quite know how you play swords with beads but they managed to try!

Playing with the footballs they won by spinning the Dr. Pepper wheel.

Mesa Temple Easter Pageant

2009-04-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Every year the Mesa Temple does an Easter Pageant. We didn't go last year because we didn't want to fight the boys for the full hour but we thought they were old enough to attempt it again this year. On our way to the temple, Glen Allen got a call from Rachel that she had been in a car accident so I jumped in the truck with Sarah so Glen Allen could help Rachel, and together we managed all 5 kids, husbandless! Our friends the Hockenjos' were already there saving us seats, which was nice because we were able to get a great spot on the grass. Before the pageant started, we enjoyed a pizza picnic, a little game of football/wrestling to get all the jitters out and then the show began. Glen Allen was able to join us half way through the pageant (Rachel is okay) and the boys did great. They loved watching the soldiers and Jesus!

The hot mama's... Dori, myself and Sarah!

Some of the kids with one of the actresses in the play (sorry about the picture quality on these, I am not sure what happened... I must have had the camera on the wrong setting).

Pizza face - JAXON.

Glen quietly and reverently enjoying the show!

The SK8 Park!

2009-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing my husband has a younger brother that keeps him young at heart! Skating was one of Glen's many passions in high school and now Colter has taken up skateboarding which gives Glen Allen an excuse to be young again. They have been frequenting the skate parks lately and now my boys have caught the "BUG". Although they are still too young for real skateboards, they both have scooters and LOVE taking them to the skate park with the big boys! I don't know how I get roped into going but I guess I still have to play mom (and who else would take the pictures?) :)

The boys rode around outside the skate park for a while before we attempted the real deal!

Glen Allen and Colter doing "tight" tricks!

I let the boys go into the actual skate park and Glen David did great (except he didn't quite understand the fact that he had full reign on the park... he didn't understand the idea of taking turns with other skaters).

Jaxon had a blast until the Parks and Rec lady broke his little heart and said that he couldn't be in there with a 3 wheeler. After seeing these big crocodile tears, she gave in and let him stay in to ride.

All three boys checkin' things out!

FHE with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-04-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we called Grandma and Grandpa to see if we could treat them to ice cream for Family Home Evening. Sure enough... they took our offer! We met them at the mall for a little Dairy Queen ice cream. YUM!! Jaxon was a mess and Glen has finally figured out the trick to eating a Dilly Bar without getting it everywhere! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for joining us!

Where did this kid come from?

2009-04-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Jaxon is definitely my free spirited, crazy boy! Isn't he a character?!?

The bike is too small and the helmet is too big (and on backwards so he can't even see)... what's a boy to do?

Arizona Hiking...

2009-04-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Arizona only gets two seasons... hotter than *$## and manageable. Well we decided to take advantage of one of the "manageable" days to enjoy a little desert walk/stroll. We rarely take Bandit out with us because I don't have the patience to deal with him majority of the time but we decided to give it a shot. :) He and the boys loved it! Bandit only jumped out of the back of the truck once and luckily we were only going about 5-10 mph (with his leash attached to him). What a lovely dog! The walk didn't last long but it was fun to get away from home for the morning.

Bandits adventures...

The boys were more interested in playing in the dirt than walking.

Both boys found sticks and thought it was cool to walk around with them hitting things and they went.

Catch up!

2009-04-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... I do one of these catch up posts every once in a while because I am so dang busy with teaching and the 100 other things going on that my blog unfortunately takes a back seat. Over the next few days I hope to have everything up to date since the Jones' have been very busy lately!! More fun to come...

The good, the bad and the UGLY!

2009-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

The good new is... I'm not sick (yet)! The bad news is.... all 3 (yes, you read it right) of my boys are! The UGLY thing is... mommy after no shower and cleaning up after 3 sicklys all day while still trying to make time to teach! Ahh, the joys of motherhood! I'm done, anyone wanna take over?!?!

Leave it to the Jones'

2009-03-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, my mother-in-law offered to watch all the grandkids so all the parents could have a nice little night out. It was much needed after the crazy week with the wedding so we gladly accepted the offer. THANKS Nana, Rachel and Colter!!! We are not the most creative when it comes to date nights and we usually do the typical dinner (usually Outback) and a movie so we tried to think of something outside of the box this time. We headed over to Ah-So for a little teppanyaki dinner and show. As you know, if you have ever done teppanyaki, not only do you get great food but you get a little show as the cook makes your food right in front of you while adding in some tricks for a few oohs and ahhs. Usually there is room for 8 people at each table but we only had one other couple at our table that night. As the show and meal progressed, the lady sitting at our table asked the cook what the clear liquid was he was using for the cooking. He quickly answered that is was Vodka as he gave a little half grin. I don't know about you, but for me it's a little hard to understand the Japanese sense of humor so I wasn't sure if he was serious or not, however, if I would have thought more I would have realized that it was indeed an alcoholic liquid or it wouldn't have made the cool little flames out of the onion volcano a few minutes earlier. Regardless, he turned to Glen after we shyly giggled at his Vodka response (not knowing if he was serious or not) and told him to open he mouth. Glen gave him a confused look and didn't do anything. Once again, we didn't know if he was serious or not and then the guy said it again, "Open". So without further ado, Glen opened his mouth not really thinking he was seriously going to do anything. Well, sure enough... without any hesitation, he was quickly choking and coughing while his throat burned from a straight shot of Vodka to the back of the throat!! Lesson learned... the clear stuff in the bottle is indeed Vodka and the confusing Japanese humor really isn't humor afterall! Would anyone care to join us for another shot (no pun intended) at teppanyaki where the Vodka is actually cooked off before it is served???

Congratulations David and Ashley!

2009-03-08T20:06:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it... my little brother is now a married man! We are so excited for David and Ashley and we are so glad to have Ashley in the family. Here are a few shots from the day...

The boys waiting outside the temple after uncle Shawn spoiled them with Krispie Kreme during the sealing. Thanks uncle Shawn for taking on the task of entertaining all 4 boys!

Random pictures while we waited for David and Ashley to come out.

The happy new couple!

Family pictures... both of my boys were complete wrecks, all day, when it came to pictures. Jaxon would not look at the camera, even when we bribed him.

Mom and Dad with David and Ashley.

These are some of the pictures from the reception... they looked so handsome in their little shirts and ties.

The boys with grandma and grandpa and then the boys with David and Ashley.

The boys were getting cranky by the end of the night so I had to bribe them with M&M's. Check out Jaxon's face... he was so tired!

It was a long day, especially for the little ones.... but it was well worth it. We are so happy for David and Ashley!

4 Crazy boys!

2009-03-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my brother David got married so we were able to have my sister Brittney and my brother-in-law Reid in town for the week. They have two little boys, Cameron and Luke, that are the same age as Glen and Jaxon and they have such a great time together. We did lunch, play time at the mall and lots of jumping on Grandma's trampoline.

Lunch at Gecko Grill with grandma. That is not an easy task with 4 little boys!

After lunch we hit the mall for play time so they would be exhausted for their afternoon naps.

It looks like it worked!

Playing Catch up!

2009-03-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the last week and a half and I am finally able to find time to post all about it. Last weekend, we headed to Flagstaff so Glen could work and so the boys and I could get a little break from home. It was a quick trip but it was nice to get out of the heat and play in the last bit of snow we will probably see this season.

The boys were excited to get to the snow! Jaxon attempted to put on his own jacket without much luck! :)

All bundled up (well as much bundling up as you can do for Arizona) and ready to GO!

Check out the gloves... they are women's mediums... we couldn't find any kids gloves or women's smalls. Gotta love Wal-mart!

There wasn't much snow and we couldn't find a very big hill but we managed to find something big enough to all get a quick ride!

Sunday thoughts!

2009-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today in Relief Society, we recieved our March message from the R.S. Presidency. Honestly, I very rarely take the time to read through the whole thing but I am so glad I did this morning. I know that motherhood and womanhood is hard and it's easy to get wrapped up in the things that don't matter, wallowing in self pity and comparing ourselves to everyone around us (I am very guilty of this), but I found these thoughts very helpful and uplifting... I hope you will too!

President Uchtdorf said, "In our world of change, challenges, and checklists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by emotions of suffering and sorrow... to me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities - they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are... this can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and unhappiness."

It continues... Elder Gerald Lund writes..." One of Satans' most effective whispering campaigns goes something like this, 'Look at all the times when you fall short of what God expects of you. Therefore, you must be failing.' This can be very effective because he is always right in that argument. We are not perfect. There are numerous areas of our life where we know we could and should be doing better... therefore, it is not an uncommon thing for members, especially some of our sisters, to always be comparing themselves 'upward'; that is, they find someone in the family or the ward or the neighborhood who always seems to do things better than they, or who does more than they are doing, or whose children seem better behaved or who... The list is almost endless! And the end result is a constant, nagging feeling of failure, of inadequacy."

Have a wonderful week and focus on the blessings you have!

Girls Night Out!

2009-02-20T21:39:00.001-08:00

As any mom can attest to, every once in a while there is nothing better than a good girls night out. I am so grateful for a husband that encourages me to take a break when needed and is supportive of my late night girls night out. Last night was one of those nights! I have the best girlfriend in the world who is my girls night out partner in crime...Sarah! She is just amazing and she doesn't even realize it. It's such a breath of fresh air to hang out with her. Between laughing, crying, confiding in each other and just being able to relate to one other about the joys and struggles of motherhood, there is never a dull moment! Last night we started off by pampering ourselves as we enjoyed a much needed pedi, then it was over to Sweet Tomatoes for salad and a yummy brownie sundae and then to a chick flick (of course)! Thanks Sarah for a great night and for your wonderful motherly advice... I actually tried it out today and it's amazing the difference it made! Let's do it again soon!

Power Ranger Training Camp!

2009-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

So for some reason, Glen David is still on this Power Ranger kick and I am about done with it. He would not stop talking about how he wanted a Power Ranger birthday party this year, needless to say, I had to plan a Power Ranger party. Well, I was at a loss for what to do but thanks to the internet and my little friend we like to call "Google", I was able to find a very creative mom who thank goodness documented all her amazing ideas for a Power Ranger party. The party theme was a Power Ranger Training Camp. By the time the kids left, they would all be official Power Rangers. When they got to the party they had to make walkie-talkies so they could all communicate with each other and then the training began. There were 5 activities they had to complete in order to become official Power Rangers. 1st was CAREFUL (they had to cross a bridge that was over an alligator infested pond), the 2nd was TEAMWORK (they had to seperate the different colors of blocks from a pile of mega blocks into laundry baskets), the 3rd was SAVE THE GOOD GUYS (they had to find little army guys who were buried in a sand storm (sandbox) and fix them with band-aids), the 4th was STRENGTH (they had to see who could throw a ball the furthest) and finally the 5th one was an OBSTACLE COURSE (they had to run to the scooter, ride across the sidewalk, climb up on the trampoline and jump three times and then run through a maze of cups to the finish line where they all received a medal for becoming Official Power Rangers!) Oh what fun! After they all became Power Rangers, they got to decorate their cupcakes, then we did presents and the rest of the time they just played until their parents picked them up. It was a fun time but I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off the entire 2 hours! The kids loved it and more importantly, Glen David loved it!

Here is the alligator infested pond where Glen Allen and Broden both successfully made it!

The kids fixing all the good guys who were buried in the sandstorm.

All the fixed army guys! Good work kids! (with a few of the walkie-talkies in the mix)

Getting ready for the STRENGTH test!

Glen David making it through the maze of cups to the finish line to become an official power ranger!

Cupcakes, cupcakes... who loves cupcakes?!? ME!! (my camera batteries ran out while I was trying to take a picture of the candle and the singing... crap!)

I'm glad that is over, for AT LEAST another year! YEAH!

Boys will be BOYS!

2009-02-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

Glen Allen and his little brother Colter decided to take advantage of the rainstorm we had last week and hit the slopes. Sunrise got 57 inches of new snow... how can one pass that up? They can't, especially my husband! They had a great time, the snow was perfect, it wasn't too crowded and there were no big injuries!

Ahh... the POWDER!!

Exhausted but still happy!

Happy 4th Birthday GLEN DAVID!

2009-02-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it... my little stinker is 4 years old! Where does the time go? Glen David turned 4 yesterday and he is so excited to be another year older. He keeps talking about all the things he is going to do when he grows up and I just want to tell him over and over again to enjoy being young... but he doesn't understand. For his birthday, we decided to spend the day together as a family. Glen Allen had an appointment for work so we ventured over to Glendale for his appointment and spent some time over there. For lunch we went to Swensen's (oh the childhood memories!) and Glen loved it because of the Mr. San Fransisco Ice Cream he got for his birthday. He was so excited to eat all the ice cream so he could finally have his bubble gum! After lunch and Glen Allen's appointment, we headed back over to our side of town. For dinner we went to Filly's which was Glen David's choice (he is so much like his dad) with Grandma and uncle Shawn. At dinner he got to open one of his presents which was the Leapster. He loves it and won't put it down. After dinner, Grandma continued to spoil him by treating him to ice cream from Water and Ice and told him he could pick out 4 things of candy since he was 4 years old! Thanks Grandma... we already had more candy at home than we know what to do with! :) After dinner and ice cream with grandma we headed over to Chuck E. Cheese for a little game action! This was the hit of the night. All day Glen and Jaxon both kept asking when we were going to go to Chuck E. Cheese. After games we headed over to the mall to buy him a hat (just like daddy's) and a shirt (since he out grows his clothes in no time at all). After all that excitement, we called it a day and decided to wait for more birthday action on Saturday at his Power Ranger Birthday Party! Oh, I can hardly wait! :)

My handsome 4 year old (I am getting old... how in the world do I have a 4 year old?)

Making funny faces at Swenson's as we were waiting for lunch!

Aren't they handsome??

Mommy and Jaxon!

Mr. San Fransisco! YUM!

The much anticipated GUM BALLS!

Game time!!!

I am so grateful for Glen David and the blessing he is in our family! He is so kind hearted and is such a smart, loving little boy! We love you! Happy Birthday Glen!

Going on a treasure hunt, "X" marks the spot!

2009-02-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Some of my Glen's co-workers introduced him to the world of geocaching (geo-cashing) a few months ago and ever since, he has wanted to show the boys and I what it is all about. On Saturday we had some time to just spend as a family so we decided to take the boys on a "treasure hunt"! They LOVED the idea... especially Glen David. If you are not familar with geocaching, people from all over the world have placed small objects and log in books all over the world (like a treasure hunt). You find the locations online, download them onto a GPS and between the clues given by the person who placed the "treasure" and the GPS you are able to find these locations where objects/log in books are found. You sign your name and then leave it there for the next lucky person to find! Here are our findings on Saturday!

The boys looking for the treasure!

The clue was "peppered piping"... it was a pepper shaker located in a metal drainage pipe. Inside the pepper shaker was a log in book of all the names of the people who have found it and the dates they signed the log in book and a little matchbox car.

Glen Allen signing the log in book.

This one was another geocache we found in a medicine pill bottle.

London's Run

2009-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

I did it! I survived the 10K run this past weekend and I felt like I did GREAT! As I mentioned in a previous post the 10K run was called London's Run (http://www.londonsrun.org/) which benefits those who suffer with or have already lost their battle with cancer. In 2006 this event began to support the enormous medical bills for the Solomon family who lost their adorable daughter London at the age of 6. This event has continued each year to support another family who is loosing/or has lost a family member to cancer. This year the proceeds went to the Merkley family who lost their 18 year son to cancer in November. The race was incredible! They began the morning with a few comments from London's mother and Lorin Merkley's father, followed by a prayer and then the races started. The feeling was wonderful... everyone was happy, there was excitement in the air and everyone knew that what we were doing was for a good cause. The race itself went really well. I felt good, my heels were cooperating and I felt like I could have run all day. One thing that I was not expecting throughout the race was the emotions I felt. About every 1/4 of a mile there was a poster along the side of the trail with a picture of one of the cancer patients (London, Lorin, etc.) with encouraging words like, "You can do it! Don't give up! Hang in there! You're doing great!" etc. It was heartbreaking. It was hard enough to keep my breathing down while running but throwing in the need to fight back the tears every 1/4 mile was really tough. It almost got to the point where I couldn't even look at them anymore. As hard as it was to see the pictures, they were definitely helpful. As I saw each one, I would think to myself... if they can go through that, I can survive this 6 mile run... or... I know they are cheering for me right now on the other side. I'm not kidding, I am tearing up right now as I type. It was such a wonderful feeling and between the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, the constant picture reminders, it gave me time to think about what is important in life. I really struggle with that. As my husband can attest to, I am just a huge ball of stress 99.9% of the time, worrying about everything and anything I can whether I have control over it or not. Moments like the run really help me stop and think about what is important in life. Although I continue to struggle with that on a hourly basis (don't ask me about today) I need moments like that every once in a while to give me a huge reality check. I am so glad I was able to run for such a great cause. Like I said, I felt GREAT and I was proud of myself and the ability I had to finish the race as well as I did. I am also thankful that my family came to support me! Of course my husband and my boys were there and my parents came out to fight the cold in the morning before I took off and waited there until I finished. It was so comforting to hear my friends and family members cheering for me as I neared the finish line even though I wasn't able to immediately spot them in the crowd of people. I can't help but relate it to what it's going to be like when it's our turn to go and our friends and family members on the other side are waiting and cheering for us. Wow... I didn't mean to get all spiritual and sappy in this post but it really was an unforgettable day! Thanks for the support and words of encouragement! Who's joining me for next year?!?!

Nearing the finish line!

Right after the race!

My friend and training partner, Amanda Strebeck.

Amanda and Preston Strebeck and me!

Dreadful!

2009-01-29T14:47:00.001-08:00

Is it bad that my boys are down for a nap which is supposed to be my time to do school and I would rather do anything than be teacher right now? Right after I put the boys down I headed to my normal place (the dreaded office) to work and I haven't even come close to logging into either class and the boys have been asleep for at least 45 minutes. I just don't want to do it... so I decided to check my emails, catch up on everyone's blog life and now that I am done with that, I still don't want to work. I wish I could come up with some more excuses to put it off but I have already worked out, my house is already cleaned, the laundry is done and I already know what we are having for dinner. What is a girl to do? I guess I better just give up and log in to my classes to get it over with.

Training, training and more training!

2009-01-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

Only 2 more days to go until my 10K run! I know, to some of you it may sound like a small feat but to me, it's a big deal. A year ago I wouldn't have been able to run to the corner of my street without passing out from exhaustion! I have been training for the London's Run (a fundraising event for a little girl named London who died of Luekemia) for the past month or so and it's almost here! Last Saturday, my friend Amanda and I, mapped out a 6.2 mile run and tried it. Surprisingly it went really well (except for a potty break and mud). About a half a mile into it I thought there was no way I was going to be able to do it but then I calmed down, figured out my breathing and I was fine! It was awesome! Believe it or not, I actually caught a small glimpse of the running addiction... but probably not big enough of a glimpse to become one of these crazy marathon runners. Although, never say never, because I said I would never do a tri-athlon and it happened! Anyway, the day before we ran, it had rained so unfortunately we had to deal with mud which slowed us down more than I would have liked, but I am glad we did it. I feel more confident now since I know I will at least be able to complete the run without dying. Hopefully my feet will cooperate with me... I think I have bone spurs in my heels but I am too chicken to go get them checked out. :) Now I just need to figure out something else to train for.... any suggestions? My mom wants me to do the women's tri-athlon in Vegas in May but I am fighting it big time... been there, done that, no thank you! Maybe I will just do the Body for Life training so I can be big and buff now! :)

What a WEEKEND!

2009-01-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend Glen Allen and I celebrated 6 years of wedded bliss! For Christmas, my brother-in-law gave us a gift certificate for one of our favorite restaurants in Scottsdale called White Chocolate Grill, a free night at a Scottsdale Marriott and free babysitting. Talk about a GREAT present! So we decided to cash it all in for our anniversary which was Saturday. We left on Friday night and headed over to ritzy town (aka Scottsdale). We enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert, that was to die for, at White Chocolate Grill and then decided to stroll around Desert Ridge Marketplace to walk off all that food we ate. After a little window shopping, we made it over to our beautiful resort for a night of no kids and pure luxury! Saturday morning we took advantage of sleeping in and lounging around for the morning and then hit up Coco's for breakfast (if you haven't ever tried their Cinnamon Roll French Toast, you are missing out!). After breakfast we headed over to Chase Field for the SuperCross pits. Glen Allen always complains how the SuperCross race in Phoenix is always on the weekend of our anniversary so he never gets to go, so I thought, heck why not? If I got a break from my kids and an overnighter at a hotel, we could do the SuperCross the night of our anniversary. He was in PARADISE! Motorcycles everywhere! The pits were not that exciting because we didn't really get to see anyone. The pits opened at 12:30 and closed around 6:00 which meant the riders were not out signing autographs until about 3 or 3:30. So basically all we saw was big huge fancy trailers, lots of fans and lots of expensive bikes. After the pits, we decided to go see a movie since we had about 3 1/2 hours to kill before the races started. We went to see BedTime Stories with Adam Sandler which was a really good, wholesome movie. I recommend it! After the movie, we flew back over to the SuperCross race. I don't typically get into the races when Glen Allen watches them on TV, but I must admit, I really did have a good time and by the end, I was actually screaming and standing in anticipation as the final lap of the 450's was happening and Bubba Stewart and Chad Reed were neck and neck! The only crappy thing about the race was our seats. Don't get me wrong, we had good seats but we were right above the steps where everyone walks in and out to the concessions and I swear I have never seen so much skin and cleavage in my life! I don't know what is it about SuperCross but it sure brings out the need for some very inappropriate clothing choices. Half the time I couldn't remember if we were really at SuperCross or at a Club with the lack of clothing around us! But enough about that... all in all we had a GREAT TIME and it will definitely be an anniversary to remember! I love you babe! Thanks for a great 6 years!

The beautiful roses that my husband brought home accompanied by some of my favorite CD's to replace the ones stolen a while back.

Outside of Coco's... I know... bad lighting!

The stroll down the train tracks to get to Chase Field.

Glen Allen suiting up for the MotoCross mechanical bike.

Ride baby, RIDE!

The upclose on the Jumbotron of the skinny 30 second SuperCross girls swaying their hips back and forth... lovely! We were honored to see this everytime a race started. :)

....and their off!

Some of the races...

Me and my baby having a great time!

My Worst NIGHTMARE!

2009-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

So Sunday was the first day of Sunbeams for Glen David (I know, he is huge and looks like he is 5 but he missed the cut off by a month so he just started Sunbeams this year). Well, on Saturday they had a "Meet Your Teacher" Primary activity day and Glen was in heaven. He loved it and was so excited for Primary. He couldn't stop talking about how he gets to go with the big kids now (which caused some confusion because he thought he was older and was wondering why we didn't have a birthday party yet). I finally explained to him that it's not his birthday yet but that after Christmas you move up to the next class at church and now he is able to be in with the big kids in sharing time.

Well, everything went well on Sunday (so I thought). On the drive home he was excited to show us what he had made in class. I started asking him questions like, "Did you have fun in Primary today?" his response was "Yeah!" Then I asked, "Do you like your new teacher?" And to my horror his response was, "No, I liked my other teacher better, my new teacher is fat!" My jaw just about dropped to the floor and I looked over at my husband to see if I had heard Glen right. Sure enough... he had said exactly what I thought I heard. After trying to regain my patience, I tried to calmly explain that we don't talk about things like that, we don't call people fat because it makes them sad. I don't know that he really understood, he just knew Glen Allen and I were not happy with his choice of words.

A little while after the shocking comment, we got an invitation to dinner at his new teachers house. They were having several families over for dinner and wanted us to come. So later on that evening, we went over to their house and another lady from the ward (not his teacher) said, "Did you hear what Glen said in class today?" I thought she was going to tell me something cute or funny he said because I didn't even think about the fact that he would have made that comment in the actual class to his teachers face! Well sure enough, this lady continues to tell me how Glen David told his new teacher that he liked his old teacher better because, "you are fat". At that moment I just wanted to curl up in a ball and hide! I was so embarrassed and especially to hear it from some other lady in the ward... which meant my son was the talk of the day!

I immediately took Glen David over to apologize to his teacher. She just chuckled and asked how I had found out about it. I guess she had told her whole family about it (her husband and 5 kids) and threatened them not to say a word to us when we came over for dinner because she didn't want Glen to get in trouble and not want to come back to her class again. I continued to apologize up and down and finally was just at a loss for words. She was nice about it and just laughed and assured me that she has heard worse from her lovely little Sunbeams!

I have always heard of the embarrassing stories of kids saying the darnest things but I hadn't really experienced it yet. I guess Sunday it was my turn! I'm done with that "first", as a mom, and will gladly let someone else experience it now... any takers!?!?

SAND and more SAND!

2009-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Last night we just got back from spending an entire week at the dunes! I never thought I would be able to survive an entire week but I did and I actually had a great time. My husband is now convinced that the dunes is the newest family tradition for New Years! We rolled out on Monday and after a fun, exhausting week, we made it back safely on Friday night. There were several families from the ward who do this every year and they invited us to join them and we are so glad we did. It was nice to get to know them better as well as the ability to make some new friends! We couldn't have asked for a better week!

We camped at Ogilby (which I was hesitant of at first) but it turned out great! The weather was perfect, the company was a blast, the boys did great, there were tons of other kids around for the boys to play with, there were no injuries and no broken toys! All in all, a VERY successful dune trip! Glen David did awesome on his quad! The little boys made a track in the middle of camp and Glen David just rode his little heart out every day. From the minute he woke up in the morning until the sun went down, all he wanted to do was RIDE! He would ride until he ran out of gas, then he couldn't wait for Glen Allen to fill up the quad again so he could jump back on! Jaxon was also loving it! We brought his little quad so he could join in the fun. He wanted to race with all the other big boys but he didn't stand a chance! The boys also loved the rhino... we took several trips as a family in the rhino which was so fun for a change. Usually the boys and I just have to sit around camp but this time we were able to really enjoy the dunes together. We took a trip one day over to Gordon's Well with the whole rest of the group (approximately 16 or so people), made a stop at Duner's Diner for lunch, hit up vendor row to buy our 2009 New Years shirts and then headed back to camp. That same night our little family loaded back up in the rhino to head over the drags where we raced up and down the drags as everyone watched! That was crazy! Then another day, we took a trip with the whole group over to Paton Hill where Glen Allen, Glen David and I hiked all the way to the top and then the boys rolled down the hill! What a work out!!! I definitely burned a lot of calories on that huge hike!

The nights were also a total blast! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard and stayed up so late! It's amazing the stories that come out around a campfire of adults at 2:00 in the morning! I think there was only one night the entire week that I was in bed before midnight! Although I was flat out exhausted, it was so nice to have some adult time and to get to know some other couples in the ward a little bit better.

On New Years Eve Glen Allen shot off his fair share of fireworks until the Rangers started to head our way... after that we just enjoyed watching all the other camps light off fireworks, Sobe bombs and create huge bonfires out of Christmas trees! What a crazy place!!

My little speed racers!

What a STUD!

Here are all the boys racing the little quads around the circle in the middle of camp... and Jaxon trying to keep up!

HELMET HEAD! Check out the crazy hair!

Daddy and Jaxon relaxing in the trailer.

Mommy and Jaxon riding the quad!

Glen Allen's typical spot on the sand at least once during a dune trip... everyone asks for his help since he is the handy man! Luckily it wasn't any of our toys!

Jaxon enjoying a nice little treat after a long ride in the rhino!

Lunch time!

Cool dudes in the rhino! Check out the goggles that engulf his face! He hates wearing them. Everytime we got on the rhino he said, "no goggles mommy, they owey!"

Fresh Air and Gunshots!

2009-01-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

Each year, between Christmas and New Years, the Jones side of the family has a reunion since everyone is usually in town for the holidays. For the first few years of being married, Glen Allen and I couldn't make it to much of the fun because he worked for UPS and his hours were HORRIBLE!! But these past few years we have been able to enjoy the family more! On Saturday, it is tradition to go out and do a bonfire and bring out the guns for a little shooting. The boys had a great time playing around in the dirt, climbing the trees and shooting the guns. Jaxon was very interested in the idea of the guns and watching the big boys shoot but when it came time for him to try it, he was not too happy! Glen David loved it and of course Glen Allen was in heaven!

Gotta love the ear protection!! :)

Don't you think they are a little young to be shooting?!? Yikes!

Watch out... mama's got the gun! Check me out.... I may look tough, but I couldn't hit a single thing!

Playing in the dirt!

My little tree climber... I was suprised at how high he was able to get all on his own! He is ALL boy!

The reunion ended on Sunday evening with a temple light scavenger hunt and then back to Grandma's house for soup and treats! We had a great time and it was nice to see all the Jones cousins!

Christmas at the Jones'

2009-01-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or did it feel like the Christmas season was extremely long this year? I swear Costco had out Christmas decorations before Halloween! But then again, it felt like Christmas was just dream and passed by. This year Glen Allen and I decided to tackle Black Friday and believe it or not we were VERY successful! One early morning, 4 hours and two stores and the Christmas shopping was just about done! Along with our Black Friday success came a laptop that both of us needed, which means Christmas came for both of us the day after Thanksgiving. As most of you know, my husband LOVES the thrill of trying to find out what he is getting for Christmas before Christmas day and he usually can't wait for the big day but I think it was a little bit of a let down that we knew and had already been using our Christmas gift for about a month by the time Christmas actually rolled around. Regardless, we still had a great Christmas! The boys were so excited for Santa to come! Glen David has really grasped the idea of Santa and gifts and he asked me at least 2 or 3 times every day for about a month, "When is Santa coming?". He couldn't wait for his Power Ranger costume!

This year we started the festivities on Christmas Eve by spending time with my side of the family. My sister and her family were in town from Texas so we spend a lot of time with them during the week they were here. Then Christmas day was as busy as it is every year. It started bright and early! Glen Allen woke up the boys and we did the Christmas presents from Santa and mom and dad at home and then loaded up and headed to my parents for a while. Then over to my in-laws for presents and Grandpa Allen's traditional Christmas morning breakfast. YUM! Then back to my parents to spend time and play games and then out to Grandma Jones' for the Jones family dinner and presents. We left our house at 8:00 in the morning and didn't get home until 8:00 pm that night. Needless to say, by the end of the day we were exhausted! Although it is sometimes hectic, it's nice to have so much family so close! It allows us to spend time with all sides of the family on Christmas day! Here are a few pictures of the morning...

Glen Allen waking up the boys in their NEW Christmas PJ's!

Jaxon's new scooter! VAROOM!!!

The infamous, much waited for POWER RANGER COSTUME! Da da!!!!

He wore his costume the ENTIRE day!

The train set from Grandma and Grandpa Bean.

Jaxon's race track!

Play Date and Christmas Goodies!

2008-12-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

Today the boys and I went over to do a play date with our good friends Melissa, Emma and Paige to celebrate Christmas. We got into the Christmas spirit with a gift exchange (the boys were so excited to give their gifts to the girls... By the way... do you know how hard it is to shop for little girls when you only have boys? Geez!) by making and decorating sugar cookies, making a gingerbread train and watching Christmas movies. It was a bit overwhelming with 4 little ones all wanting to be part of the "action", but it was fun, nonetheless. :)

Gifts the boys got from Emma and Paige... they love them!

The finished sugar cookies.... yum!

The gingerbread train (I ended up doing it all because the boys wanted to eat all the candy instead of decorate and then they got distracted and wanted to play instead).

Snuggling up for Christmas movies! As we left the house, Emma (who is Glen's age), tried to give Glen a kiss and he ran like crazy. I guess he doesn't take after his father, in his younger years, that much afterall! :) Don't you love that my son is holding the babydoll? Lovely!

Jaxon just being cute...

Donuts with Dad

2008-12-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Glen Allen asked me to pick up some bisquit dough while I was at the store because he wanted to make donuts with the boys... I had never made donuts like that before so I excited to try it out. Sunday morning the boys pulled their chairs up to the counter to help dad make the donuts. They thought it was fun to make a hole in the dough and then cover them when they were done. I didn't get pictures of the process but the end result is what it's all about, right?!? We did cinnamon sugar ones and powdered sugar ones...they were YUMMY!

(Jaxon looks grumpy in this picture, although he really did want to make the donuts.)

Messy but delicious!!

Saturday Desert Trip

2008-12-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided to go with some friends, the Hockenjos' and the Harrolds, up the road (literally 10 minutes from our house) to enjoy the great outdoors. We piled in all the toys we could and rode all day! Between the three families there are 7 boys and 1 little girl (who can hold her own with the best of the boys) so needless to say, all day was ride after ride after ride, and the kids didn't like the idea of taking turns. Glen did a great job riding his little quad. He was still a little hesitant when we got there but by the end of the day he was doing great! Towards the end of the day, Josh wanted to prove his manliness by seeing what his truck could do. He piled all the kids in the back for a little joy ride... they were having fun until he was going so steep that they kept sliding from the front of the bed to the tailgate. All in all, it was a great day... especially when Glen Allen and I were able to take a ride and enjoy the beautiful Arizona sunset together (with no kids!) YEAH!

Trampoline and Grumpy Pants!

2008-12-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

The other day the boys and I were outside enjoying the beautiful winter weather (that really isn't wintery at all here in Arizona) and Glen David wanted me to take pictures of him playing soccer on the trampoline. He is a funny kid... he likes to have his picture taken as long as he gets to do what he wants in the picture instead of me telling him to stand a certain way or smile or whatever I am wanting him to do (hence the muscle shot). The boys love the trampoline but Jaxon won't have it if Glen is jumping too high. The trampoline fun usually ends in Jaxon screaming, me yelling at Glen to stop jumping so high and then getting so frustrated that Glen isn't minding me and Jaxon is crying that I either make them both get off or I pull Jaxon off. Here are some pictures of the fun!

P.S. Don't you love the crazy hair?!? That is what happens when they need haircuts and the gel has disappeared from the attempt to actually do their hair earlier on in the day!

Happy Birthday Jaxon!

2008-12-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my baby just turned 2!! He is such a sweet and stinkery little boy... but he is ALL BOY! His birthday was on Sunday so we had a little birthday celebration with family. He couldn't wait for his cupcakes. He got to pick out the cake and the sprinkles at the store (with a little coaxing from mom for the Funfetti cake mix) and he was so exicted to eat them. When we got to Nana's house we realized we didn't bring candles and we couldn't find any at Nana's so we had to redneck it and use matches for candles. It's a good thing he doesn't know the difference. :) After the cupcakes was the fun part! He had a hard time figuring out the presents at first but quickly got the hang of it once he realized there was a present waiting inside! Grandma and Grandpa got him a movie and lots of candy, Nana got him a truck and a remote control dump truck, Great Grandma and Grandpa Bean got him a giant AquaDoodle wall mat, and aunt Brittney and Uncle Reid sent him the cute shirt he has on in the pictures... that says "My Aunt Rocks". Thank you everyone! As most of you know... this little boy LOVES motorcycles. We got him this motorcycle that does wheelies and makes a bunch of noise and he absolutely loves it. He won't put it down. If he could have his way, he would sleep with the thing! He is actually sitting by me right now as I type this playing with the thing. What a funny kid! He is such a joy to have and constantly makes us laugh.

The blue cupcakes with sprinkles and matches! :)

Trying to figure out what the heck to do with this package in front of him.

Wow, a Monster Truck!

And the coveted MOTORCYCLE!

Knot Too Shabby Home Decor

2008-12-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

My friend Amanda and I have started our own home decor business called Knot Too Shabby. We specialize in wood decor such as frames, picture boards, magnet boards, etc. I am in the process of getting our website up and running so you can view our entire inventory and make purchases but for now... here is a little taste of what we have to offer. We also do custom orders if you don't find something that tickles your fancy! Here is a sample of a few of our creations...

These are our 2x2 foot scrapbook picture boards. You can custom order the paper color scheme, paint color and vinyl lettering of your choice.... $50.

These are our 8x10 plexi-glass picture frames. Available in red, black, cream and sage. $22

These are our 5x7 plexi-glass picture frames. Available in red, black, cream and sage. $16

These are the hanging 8x10 plexi-glass picture frames. Available in red, black, cream and sage. $20

These are our 3 5x7 plexi-glass picture frames with custom vinyl lettering. Available in red, black, cream and sage. $24

These are our 3 5x7 knob metal boards. Available in red, black, cream and sage. Includes ribbon color of your choice and magnets. $26

If you are interested in custom orders, please feel free to contact me. We will also be having a few boutiques before Christmas for those of you who live here in the valley. Dates, locations and times to be announced!

Playing Catch up... Dune Season!

2008-12-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, my husband lives and breaths for riding, so of course his favorite time of the year is DUNE SEASON! This was the first (and maybe the last unless we can get some other families to come with us) family dune trip of the season. Glen Allen had a great time, the boys loved the sand and I wish I would have had something to ride. The boys just wanted to ride all the time but Glen Davids quad wasn't working right and we didn't have anything else to ride. So the boys and I just hung out, played in the sand, watched movies and took some good naps, while Glen Allen rode. All in all a successful trip with no long lasting injuries, just a big goose egg on the ol' noggin... see below!

Glen Allen suiting up!

My cute boys

Jaxon showing off his battle wound from taking a header right to the corner of the step on the trailer. OUCH!

Daddy and Jaxon cuddling to keep warm.

Mommy and the boys making faces at the camera to entertain ourselves (the boys thought this was so funny to make a face, take a picture and then laugh at themselves when they saw the picture).

Being silly!

Get your Christmas Shopping done TOMORROW at the Jack Barnes Boutique!

2008-11-14T14:49:00.001-08:00

So as if I am not already busy enough... my friend Amanda and I decided to put some of our skills to use! We have just recently started our own homemade wood decor company called Knot Too Shabby and have been very successful in a few boutiques already this season! Tomorrow (11/15) we will have our products in the Jack Barnes Boutique located in Queen Creek. Come check it out and get your holiday shopping done in one day! We sell a variety of picture frames, scrapbooking boards, magnet boards, holiday decor, etc.

The boutique information is as follows:

The Barnes Boutique offering candles, jewelry, holiday decorations, ornaments, cards, health & beauty items, fashion accessories, scrapbooking, baby & kids items and SO MUCH MORE. Saturday, November 15th from 8:30am - 1:00pm. Come early and get a jump on your holiday shopping or buy something fun for you. $3 for Early Bird Best Selection shopping (8:30am - 9:00am) and $2 from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Held at Jack Barnes Elementary School 20750 S. 214th St. off Queen Creek Road between Ellsworth and Crismon. Event is sponsored by the Jack Barnes PTO. Hope to see you there!!

If you can't make it tomorrow, I will be posting more information later on upcoming boutiques and the opportunity to order from our website (which is still under construction). I hope to see you all there tomorrow!

The BEAST!

2008-11-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does anyone have one of those days where nobody does anything right, your patience are non-existent, you want to bite the head off of anyone who comes within 15 feet of you, and you feel like the worst wife and mom ever? Well, today is one of those days! I am not quite sure what happened... maybe my college kids started me off on a bad note, I don't know, but I am the biggest grouch in the world today. After exchanging some "words" with my class today for being slackers, I finished up the lecture and headed over to pick up the boys. The minute I got there the kid drama started with the talking back, tantrums, whinning, etc. Then I met Glen at his mom's house and headed over to the MVD to deal with car registration crap (which by the way, I found out I need emissions done on my car that has 5 month old expired tags... how lovely!) while fighting the boys who were running around the MVD like they were at Disneyland. At that point, the patience were gone! Then I had to meet a student of mine to pick up her speech and on my way over I broke down and lost it on the phone with my husband. He insisted on meeting me to take the boys so I could have a break. I was so mad (a combination of frustration, pride and embarrassment) at the fact that I was to the point where he thought I needed "me" time. Needless to say, he took the boys, I stopped to grab a bite to eat (which could have been part of my problem... because I was hungry) and then I came home to work. I feel like I am attached to this computer all day long going from class to class to post, check emails, put out fires, and grade. My husband finally came home, put the boys down to sleep and here I sit... typing away, wallowing in pity and shame that I am such a mess today. Plus I figure if I hide out in the office, I won't bite my husbands head off again for no good reason. I am so grateful for such a wonderful, understanding husband who knew I needed "me" time and didn't let me talk him out of it and who forgives me for being such a cranky wife! I LOVE YOU babe! Hopefully tomorrow I will wake up on the right side of the bed.

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

I actually did it! I successfully completed my first tri-athlon without drowning, crashing or passing out and I made it in less than 24 hours! :) For anyone out there who has ever considered attempting a tri-athlon... if I can do it, YOU can do it!! It was such a crazy, exciting, exhausting morning, but well worth it! The morning started bright and early at 4:30 am with a piece of toast with peanut butter (I guess it's good carbs and protein) as we headed down to Coolidge with my tri partner Alyssa and our husbands. Luckily we left all the kiddo's with grandma's/nana's so they weren't a distraction. The race started at 7:30 and it was called a serpentine swim (one person at a time in 10 second intervals) needless to say, we didn't actually start until about 9:00 because of all the faster tri-athletes in front of us. I was so nervous about the swim but after all was said and done, I would do the swim three times over if Ididn't have to bike or run! I felt good about my swim and even better when I passed about 7 or 8 other people. YEAH! The swim was 400 meters. Then we transitioned onto the bikes and let me just tell you, padded riding shorts and a gel seat... no, it doesn't help! The bike was much more difficult than I imagined. I tried to stay positive as I got a great view of the lovely Coolidge farm scenery for the 10.7 mile loop. About 3/4 of the way through the ride, the volunteer who was directing the bikers and stopping traffic yelled, "great job, you are half way there!". I just about jumped off my bike, punched her in the face and then crawled up in a ball on the floor crying. My hands were numb, my toes were numb and my "sitting area" felt like someone had hit me with a hammer over and over again. Of course, I survived the bike and then it was off to the run. At the transition point, I was so thirsty that I guzzled an entire water bottle (note to self - BIG mistake)! I immediately got a cramp in my side which of course started off the run on a good note. The run was probably the most difficult part of the entire race because I was so exhausted. All through the training process I was not real concerned about the run since I had done the 3 miles several times without a problem but I obviously didn't take into consideration that the run would be the last part. I was just jell-o legs by the time the run came and it didn't help that it started off in desert terrain full of washes, rocks, sand, hills, etc. With a mix of running and fast walking, I finally completed the whole race. Although I was flat out exhausted, it was such a great feeling to cross the finish line. I feel silly admitting it, but I found myself tearing up as I got to the end. It was an emotional, draining, tiring process but it was such a big accomplishment for me! It was also amazing to have so much support along the way with family and friends cheering us on. My mom and aunt Lyn competed as well and did GREAT! Although I gave them grief throughout the whole training process about the crazy idea they had to actually do a tri-athlon, I am so glad they convinced me to do it! My mom and aunt want to do another one in May in Vegas.... anyone want to join us?!?! :) Whose up to the challenge?

Alyssa and I getting our stuff ready!

The lovely swim... it's the cap sexy?

Coming in at the end of the bike, getting ready to transition.

This is about 50 yards from the finish line... we are dying!

YEAH!!! The FINISH LINE!

My mom, aunt Lyn, Alyssa and I.

Training buddies!

New Do!

2008-11-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

With the seasons changing and the fall approaching, I thought what better thing to do than go darker! My friend Amanda did it and I love it! It's much better than the skunk look I had going on. What do you think? By the way, don't judge my picture skills, this is as good as it gets when I took my own picture! CHEESE!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well, better late than never huh? For Halloween we headed over to my mother-in-law's ward party. The boys had a great time playing all the little games...fishing, tractor ride, cake walk, etc., that the ward put together. After the sugar rush from cookies, cupcakes, and cotton candy, we headed over to my parents house to do the actual door to door trick-or-treating. The boys loved it and Jaxon was all about running from house to house looking for the next piece of candy. By the time the boys were done (or actually mom and dad were done) we took the boys over to my mother-in-laws where they had a Halloween sleep over so Glen Allen and I could go to the big kids Halloween Party! I don't typically dress up for Halloween but after much planning and shopping around we decided on some costumes. Glen Allen was the mummy and I was the vampiress! (pictures to come - I have to track them down from my sister-in-law). Our partying didn't last long because by the time we got there at 10:00 I was cranky from having nothing to eat all day and I was so worried about getting enough sleep for the big day ahead of me with the tri-athlon. On the way home, we hit up Wendy's (not smart at 10:30 at night on the night before a race) but unfortunately, there are not many options at that hour!

Who doesn't love Grandma's and PJ's?

2008-10-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Aren't Grandmas the GREATEST!?! Just the other day my mom called and said she found a killer sale at Children's Place. Check out the new PJ's! The boys LOVE them (it doesn't look like it by their faces, but they were just mad at me for getting in front of the TV and interrupting Wow Wow Wubbzy)! Thanks Grandma!

Mom, is it Halloween Day?

2008-10-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Glen Allen went out of town on a hunting trip with the boys (no-they didn't have any luck) and Glen David wanted to go. Of course that was not going to happen so he thought he would give Glen David something else to think about and be excited about instead of hunting.... the ward "truck-or-treat" party! Lucky me... I spent about 4-5 days of constant questioning, "Mom is today Halloween Day?" "Mom when are we going to Halloween?" "Mom, when is the party?" Finally the day came and he was SO excited to be a "motorcycle dude". Glen wore his motorcycle gear (basically an excuse to at least get some use out of the stinkin' expensive riding gear he had to have) and Jaxon was SUPERMAN! My mom came over and helped me get the boys ready and was my saving grace at the ward party. She handed out candy while I took the boys around. The boys LOVED it! By about 3 cars into the ordeal, they knew exactly what to say in order to fill their buckets!
Now that the ward truck-or-treat is over, the questioning starts over with, "Mom, when is it real Halloween and not church Halloween?" Don't you just love the 3 year old questioning age???

It's Official!

2008-10-14T18:13:00.001-07:00

So as some of you may remember, about a year ago there was talk of me doing a 5K in Utah with my mom, sister, aunt and cousins. Well, that didn't happen. Then my aunt Lyn was still on this kick of doing something along the same lines and has convinced us (I have been a little slow to accept it and jump on the bandwagon) to complete a triathlon. There is nothing triathlon about me! Running... how about a "leisurely stroll"? Biking... does it have a motor? Swimming... how about drowning! Anyway, after fighting the urge and occasionally acting like I was really training, I thought what the heck... why not?!? I don't have to win and as long as I can at least crawl over the finish line within 24 hours of starting the race, I should be okay. Well, my mom just called and it's official... I am now registered! The good news is at this point, I can actually run the full 5K without stopping (or passing out), I can at least finish all 400 meters of the swim only guzzling about half a gallon of water (which is an accomplishment) and although I have endured blisters in places I never thought possible... me and cycle class have developed a love/hate relationship thanks to the greatest invention in the world... PADDED BIKING SHORTS! Who would have thought?? The triathlon is on November 1st... only 18 more days until D-DAY! Anyone want to join the "Heather circus" with me? It should be quite comical to say the least! Any words of advice? I need all the help I can get! I will make sure to update you on the results if I make it back alive.

Gilbert High School 10 - year reunion!

2008-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Glen's 10 year high school reunion. Friday night he went to the reunion over at Superstition Springs Golf Course into the wee hours of the night... he had a blast and was glad he went. I ended up not going because it was $100 a person (plus the cost of a babysitter if I had gone) and I didn't know anyone so I figured I would save us the money. Plus, Glen and Katie (one of Glen's partners in crime throughout high school - we love you Katie!) decided to put together a picnic the next day for the families to come, so I figured I would meet a few people there. We had the party/picnic over at my in-laws house and it turned out great! Everyone brought their own food and we got out the cotton candy machine and the popcorn machine for the little kids! I am sure several of those kids didn't take a nap because of the incredible sugar rush. I swear, one little boy had about 5-6 things of cotton candy! Yikes! Katie also brought their golf cart and a little train ride thing for the kids. They loved it! Then one of Glen's friends brought his wheel invention (for lack of a better term) and it was awesome. He found a metal electrical wheel in the bottom of a retention basin and decided to make a ride out of it. He made sure that everyone had a chance (both old and young) to experience it and let me just tell you, I am glad I ate lunch after riding on it or I would have lost my lunch! It was nice to meet some of my husbands friends and their families. The weather was beautiful, the company was good, the kids had fun so all in all, it was a success.

Playing Catch up!

2008-10-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

So I have been a little overwhelmed lately and unfortunately the number of blog posts suffer. Now that I have a break from one class and a break from coaching this week (thank goodness for fall break) I have some time to catch up! Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks...

The always adorable Jaxon getting in his morning ride!

My boys relaxing on the hammock listening to Conference on a BEAUTIFUL fall morning!

Check out Bandit... isn't he HUGE?

Great Grandpa Jones

2008-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last week our family experienced a great loss. Glen Allen's grandpa Jones passed away. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. I really appreciated how he always made me feel so welcome in the family and he was constantly reminding me about what great ancestors I have. (He knew my grandpa Romney growing up, which was something special we used to talk about ... the "Romney temper" that he often dealt with). :) The funeral services went as well as can be expected and it was nice to see all the Jones aunts, uncles, and cousins again. With all the family in town grandma Jones took the opportunity to have family pictures taken at the temple. Here is one of Glen Allen and Jaxon as we are waiting for all the family to arrive (with Jaxon's infamous "big lips"). I am so lucky to have such handsome boys!! I will post the most recent family picture as soon as I get a hold of it.

Like Father, Like Son

2008-09-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was getting ready for the day and as I was blow drying my hair, Jaxon came into my room and headed straight for the closet. He quickly came out with one of Glen Allen's Motocross magazines, picked a spot on the floor and began flipping through the pages in awe. All he kept saying over and over again was, "cycle, brooom-brooom", "wow, mommy wook at, cycle"! This little boy just loves motorcycles! He can hear them miles away and everytime we are in the car and he hears one, he immediately yells out, "cycle, broom-brooom"! There is no mistaking my boys are just like their dad!

The Craziness Continues!

2008-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are barely able to keep your head above water? I think I am right there... although I am not complaining... I am glad I am at least able to keep my head above water than right below it! The semester is now in full swing and my days are feeling it! I am teaching one class at CGCC, one at NAU and one at UoP right now and on top of that, I am coaching Highland High School's Diving team? Strange I know but it really is fun! I am very grateful for the many opportunities that have come my way and for the chance I have to help keep us stay afloat is this lovely economy. I am also so grateful for the several answers to prayers and blessings our little family has received this summer. It has definitely been a summer I hope to never experience again, but I know that we have been extremely blessed and watched over. There is no other explanation! I am also so thankful for Glen Allen's hard work and positive outlook on life and ability to calm me down when I feel like the walls are caving in around us. I am grateful for my two little boys and their patience with me. As young as they are, they already realize when mommy is working and they hate it! Just the other day I was in the office doing school and Jaxon came in crying saying, "Mommy come out!" It just about broke my heart! For the most part, they are pretty good about putting up with me. Hopefully once things start to calm down a bit, I will get better at taking more pictures! Until then....

Home again, home again...

2008-09-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned earlier, Glen Allen was out of town on business for a few days last week. He got home last night and I decided to surprise him with a little overnight getaway for just the two of us. I cashed in a free night at the Marriott (thanks Rachel) and free babysitting (thanks again aunt Rachel) and surprised Glen Allen when he got off the plane. It was nice to spend the evening with just him after he had been gone. I needed the break for sure! Then today was a very nice day... I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who truly loves his boys! Glen Allen made it a point to turn off the TV all day (something we are not good at, especially on Sundays) and we had some great quality family time. We played games, drew pictures, read books and really just enjoyed one another... definitely a nice Sunday! Now onto another week in the day in the life of the Jones'! :)

Edward in Training!

2008-09-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Glen Allen has been out of town for the last 4 days and needless to say, I am at the end of my rope with my two little "angels". This morning I was having a few seconds of mommy time in the bathroom when Glen David comes bursting through the door screaming saying that Jaxon bit his eye. Lovely! Luckily I haven't had too many incidents with the whole biting stage with either of my boys but it seems that today got the best of Jaxon. He turned into my own little Edward! Here is the aftermath (about 4 hours later). That's gonna leave a mark! :)

Jaxon's Big Lips

2008-09-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

I swear I have to get this on video before he grows out of the stage but Jaxon does the cutest "big lips" when he gives kisses and when he dances. He does his little booty shake where nothing moves but his hips and then he does his big lips! I love it! A few nights ago he was doing it during the nightly prayer routine where everyone has to have a turn... at least he was kneeling down, closing his eyes and being reverent! How can you not love kids!?!

Sunday BEST!

2008-08-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here a just a few pictures of the boys before we headed off to church. They are getting so big, I can't even believe it. As much as I feel like it is about time for another little one I really enjoy the fact that both of my boys are past the baby stuff and are so fun! Glen is just too smart for his own britches and Jaxon has all of the sudden become such a little parrot. He repeats anything he hears, good or bad! :)

Back in the SaDdLe AGAIN!

2008-08-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

This week marks the beginning of another very busy semester for me. Although I enjoyed the summer months without much teaching, I am glad it's time for the semester to start (gotta love bills)! I am back teaching at CGCC again as well as NAU and the University of Phoenix which will keep me very busy! I also just started coaching the high school diving team (I know, totally random huh?) which is definitely a blast from the past, but it is so fun! Now I can torture the kids, just like my coaches used to do to me! :) So to say the least, between 3 schools, coaching, being mom and wife, and working out I am back in the saddle again! Yeehaw!

HOUSE!

2008-08-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well, my worst nightmares have come true. It looks like our potential buyers of the Queen Creek house have decided to bail which means we are getting the house back within the next week. At this point, I am at a loss for words and I don't know what more to do but curl up in a ball and cry. If anyone knows of anybody interested in either purchasing or renting a house, please send them my way. At this point we are desperate to get someone in there to at least rent it for the time being. Please pass the word along! Thanks!

Is it over YET?

2008-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of postings lately... I have been in a "funk" for most of the summer. I will be so happy when the summer is over, because this one has been the hardest, by far, since Glen Allen and I have been married. Between family problems, car problems, $$$ problems, no vacation, the crappy economy (which is a contributor to problem #3), the summer heat (which always puts me in a bad mood) and dealing with the lovely 3 year old attitude, it's been quite an interesting few months. I am sure all these little "trials" are for a reason, however, I really wish I would learn the lesson(s) soon so I can move on. Even though I have had a rough summer, I am very grateful for the blessings that I do have. Sometimes it takes some real pondering for me to realize what I am blessed with (since I am such a nego - a quality I need to work on) but I know I have been blessed and prayers have been answered. I am so grateful for such great support from friends and family (especially my husband and my mom)... they do a great job of keeping me sane when I am about to have a complete meltdown. Hopefully things will start being on the up and up soon! I will keep my fingers crossed!

OLD MAID!

2008-07-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well another year has come and gone... yesterday was my 28th birthday and although I am feeling really old, I am very grateful for where I am in life and for all the blessings I have. The birthday celebrations actually started the day before so I was pampered both days! Thursday I went to lunch at The Cheescake Factory with my mom, my sister and all the boys. We had a great time and endulged in some EXCELLENT food! (Thank you mom and Brittney for the necklace and the $$)! I love getting together with them even though we had all the munckins with us. That was a nice way to start off the celebrations.

Then yesterday continued the birthday celebrations. I have a wonderful husband who did everything in his power to make sure the day was a special one for me. I woke up to my yummy oatmeal breakfast made for me and then when I got home from the gym, Glen Allen had cleaned the whole house for me! Seriously, that is one of the best treats for a mom. For lunch, we went to Mimi's Cafe with all of my in-laws where I got some much needed spending cash and a certificate for a free night at a hotel with babysitting included. (Glen Allen didn't complain about that present!)

After relaxing and trying to digest the huge lunch, Glen Allen got a babysitter and took me out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Not only was a nice date night planned, but without me finding out, Glen Allen arranged a little surprise party for me. A bunch of our friends were waiting at the restuarant when we got there. (And yes, just in case anyone was wondering, I did ride the "birthday bull" at dinner. There are pictures but I don't think I need to embarrass myself anymore!) The night was full of great food, great gifts and great company until the wee hours of the morning! Thank you so much babe for the flowers, the spending money, the purse and especially for making my big day such a special one! (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my purse?) Thank you!!!

Independence Day!

2008-07-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July started bright and early for Glen Allen as he enjoyed 9 holes of golf in the hot Arizona heat while I took the boys to the ward pancake breakfast and parade. The kids were supposed to decorate their bikes of scooters for the parade but we didn't have enough time so we just took Glen's scooter for sure riding pleasure. When it came time for the parade, they lined all the kids up in a single file line for the parents viewing pleasure, but Glen didn't like the idea of being behind someone. He flew past everyone like he was riding for a gold medal! When it came time for the prizes for the best decorated bike, Glen was devistated! He didn't understand how he didn't win a prize when he "won the race"! Funny kid! After the breakfast, as if we were not already water logged enough from the night before, we went back to my mother-in-laws to swim with our friends the Harrolds. We love them! They are a blast to hang out with!

Later on that evening we went with our friends the Coopers and the Harrolds to Rawhide. (Thanks again Ryan and Tiffany!) We had never thought about doing anything besides sitting in my mother-in-laws backyard watching the fireworks from Rockin' R Ranch so we were excited to try something new. Rawhide was a blast! We went to the gun shows (which neither of the boys liked), panned for gold, went to the petting zoo and then got ready for the firework show. The fireworks were GREAT and the boys LOVED them! All in all, it was yet another great 4th of July, despite the HEAT!

All the kids on the Wagon!

Show me the MONEY!!

Ride 'em COWBOY! Yeehaw!!

This kid is so funny sometimes! He was constantly saying "milk" the whole night which means he wanted a drink. After the bottle was empty it immediately became the latest source of entertainment as we waited for the firework show to start.

Glen Allen always complains about how I don't have any pictures of me on the blog.... so honey... this one is for you! I love you!

Pre-4th of July Fun!

2008-07-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law Colter and my nephew Clayton share a birthday on July 3rd, so every year we get an extra long 4th of July celebration! The weekend started with a swimming party and BBQ at nana's awesome pool.

Glen and Clayton making trouble on the slide!

Baby pools are the greatest invention in the world!

HI MOM!!!

Jaxon and Weston chowing down on some good BBQ cookin'!

10 year reunion UPDATE!

2008-06-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

What a RELIEF!! My concerns and thoughts about my 10-year reunion seemed to be pretty accurate. My reunion initially was planned for a 3 day thing consisting of a Happy Hour on Friday night, a formal dinner on Saturday night (which was the $58 a person) and a family day at the park on Sunday. Well, it turns out that only a few people paid for the Saturday night thing so it was cancelled (go figure). Then a friend of mine went to the Happy Hour thing and said it was a waste. There were a few football players, a few of the snotty popular girls and then some of the kids that were in drama. She lasted about 2 hours until the alcohol started to set in for everyone and she couldn't stand the boring, meaningless conversations. It sounds like I made the right choice! YEAH!! Hopefully Glen's will turn out to be decent! We shall see...

New SUMMER Do's!

2008-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a cool summer buzz cut! Check out the new do's! Low maintenance and nice and cool!

My little FISH!

2008-06-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

The battle continues but looks promising!! Over a year ago I put Glen in year round indoor swimming lessons. My mother-in-law had just recently put in a pool so she insisted that all the grandkids learned how to swim at her expense (which was very nice of her). The lessons started off really good but slowly and surely it was becoming a real hassle and was not productive. The lessons were once a week for 30 minutes and the place was not close. So between gas, miles, scheduling the lessons between my school hours and nap time, Glen's declining interest, increased weekly fights to listen to the instructor, and the January week long Hawaii trip I had planned, I decided to take a break for the rest of the winter months. Instead of taking a month or two off, it ened up being 6 months because I procrastinated signing him up again. As soon as the pool season started again this year I realized that my efforts had been useless because Glen regressed a ton from where he was when we took a "break" from the lessons. He didn't even want to get near the water, let alone practice all the swimming and floating techniques he had learned. My mom told me about a lady in her ward who has been teacgin swimming lessons for over 16 years and guarantees after 8 lessons (2 weeks), she can throw the kids in the middle of the pool and they will be able to swim to the side all by themselves (plus it is right down the street from my moms house). SIGN ME UP! So this week was the first week of the lessons and the results are amazing! He can jump off the side and swim the whole length of the pool by himself and he is even brave enough to jump off the diving board and swim to the side all by himself. He loves it! After the 1st day he said, " I don't like inside swimming lessons, only outside swimming lessons with grandma's friend Ms. Shelly". I am so glad we found something that works! The only crappy thing is it's in the middle of the hottest part of the day and I have to sit outside and watch! It's stinkin' HOT!

Although Jaxon doesn't get to swim, he is entertained by their pet turtle "Scooter". He was a little hesitant at first but each day he will gets closer and closer!

Soaking up the SuMmEr SuN!

2008-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

There is nothing fun about Arizona from about April to October unless you enjoy 3rd degree burns from the seats in the car, or seat belt sweat marks, or sitting inside all day with every ceiling fan in the house turned to maximum speed while the AC blows constantly! The one advantage of the desert heat is the plentiful opportunities to catch some rays and swim until the cows come home! The boys and I also enjoy play dates during the summer months since I am now done teaching on campus. My friend Melissa and I try to get together once a week to let the kids play. This week we went over and the kids had a blast playing in the baby swimming pool and with other fun water toys. Ah, to be young again!

Unusual Father's Day

2008-06-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

This fathers day was a little out of the ordinary than the typical fathers day. Our family has been experiencing a rather large trial lately which had a direct affect on the events that typically surround fathers day. Without going into detail, we decided as a family that the day would be better enjoyed as a family rather than going to church. We woke up bright and early and went over for breakfast at my mother-in-laws house to enjoy some yummy muffins and cereal. Then as a family (including my mother-in-law, my brother-in-law Colter, my sister-in-law Connie and her family) we took a Sunday drive up to Woods Canyon Lake to have a picnic. It was so nice to get out of town for the day and to enjoy a little bit of cooler weather. We had our picnic and then the boys had a good time attempting to catch critters in the lake.

After spending a few hours enjoying the outdoors we headed back home to have dinner with my family. Instead of the usual Sunday dinner at my moms house, I decided to invite everyone over to my house for dinner. It was a little cramped for space but it was nice to have everyone over. I am very grateful for my father and the exmaple he is to me. I love him so much! I am also very blessed to have a wonderful husband. He is such a great father to our boys and there is no doubt how much he loves them and they love him!