Spring Training 2014: Arizona Bound!!

So this was probably one of the most FUN vacations I have ever took. It was laid back and relaxing, but it was also fun and I got to see and do lots of stuff! The kids loved it, too. In fact, this was the first vacation that they asked 'Why do we have to go home?' 

They are usually ready to be home by the end.

We talked about this one for awhile, when I had heard from a friend about her and her husbands quick weekend trip to Arizona for Spring Training. When I talked to Dustin about it, he was all over that. We always LOVED going to the Angels games in Anaheim, and we really miss it. So, this was going to be awesome...

I think the BEST part was the SUN!! 

Oh, I had a bad winter this year. I was really down and feeling just BLAH....all the time. Lots of stress with hockey this year, and I also was having some weird heart thing (story for later) 

Needless to say, my body was CRAVING the vitamin D.

I always thought that the whole 'Sunshine Therapy' thing was a bit of a crock...I mean come on! How can that possibly make a difference. After this year, and after this trip, I am a FULL believer. I felt better after 6 days in the Arizona sunshine than I had ALL winter. 

I am currently stocking up on Vitamin D pills and this winter I will have to suck it up in the cold and get out in the SUN!!

But, Arizona was SUPER FUN!!

Plane delay included.

We even got to see my Mom and Dad. They had booked a trip down to visit my Aunt Sandra and Uncle Gary. They have a place in Apache Junction. So we went over there to visit, swim in their pool and pick the delicious oranges from the tree in the back yard!!

And Dustin took Mom and Dad and the two older kids to a Cubbie game on one of the nights. I thought we would go to 1 game...my husband said

 'If we are down here, I'm going to as many as I can!' Oh, boy....

But that's not all we did.

I wanted to SEE some stuff! I mean, what's the point of going somewhere new if you can't SEE new things?! So we hit the zoo...typical right?

I really like zoos...Dustin doesn't really care for them because it involves a lot of walking and just looking. But the kids like them too, so he sucks it up. What I like about zoos in different cities and areas, is you see some of the native wildlife and nature. So walking around the Phoenix Zoo we seen lots of different kinds of Cacti (which were in bloom because it was SPRING!), little lizards and little fluffy bunnies! Much to Gracie's delight.

This was Dustin's favorite part...this giant turtle! It was huge. Its quite a ways from the fence so its hard to really show the size compared to Cooper, but I would bet it was close to the size of a small car...Crazy!

But we did make it to a couple of games. And spring training games are awesome! The stadiums are a lot smaller and you tend to be a lot closer and you don't feel like you are going to get lost walking around. We sat on the grass along the outfield fence each time, which, at first I was skeptical...that can't be great, can it?!

But it worked great, especially with the kids. we stretched out our sheet and basked in the sunshine and enjoyed the Great American Past time, and the kids switched from watching the game, to playing cards. They could also get up and walk around a bit, especially near the end of the game when the crowds dwindled. Most relaxing time at a ball park yet!

So, Dustin and the big kids went to a Cubs game, and then we kit 2 Angels games. One against Milwaukee, and one against Cleveland. So much fun!

Brody even got a ball from the Bull pen...

The kids favorite part was the pool, and we went swimming every day. Little Cooper man was kind of a wuss, but by the end of the trip he swimming and splashing with the best of them!

 Seriously one of the best vacations ever!

I love taking my kids to new places and I am so grateful I have the opportunity and the means to do it. I am also grateful for their Dad. He also loves taking them places and he works hard so we can do these kind of things together.

 He also helps me out a lot on these vacations so it doesn't feel crazy and overwhelming for the mother in this family. I get to enjoy and relax and have fun too!

I love my little family...

A little reminder...

Today I was again reminded of who I am...of who I can become...and what I am really working towards. I was reminded that my Heavenly Father KNOWS me, and loves me, and knows exactly what I need...even if I can't quite see it.

I was just called to be the Second Councilor in the Young Women's Presidency. I have been the Mia Maid advisor for the last 3 years and I have enjoyed it. I have really learned a lot about myself and the girls and, since they have changed the Youth Cirriculum, a lot about the Gospel. 

But when they asked me to do this, I was nervous. It's a little more responsibility and I will admit I was scared and a little upset. I was thinking of myself and how much work it would be and that I didn't think I was ready for that etc. etc. I know in my heart, that Heavenly Father calls people to where He needs them and where they need to be. But I was pretty sure I couldn't handle it. (When stuff like this comes up, this selfish beast inside me tries to get out, and it makes me want to hibernate in my house and not do ANYTHING!)

Also, being in charge if the Beehives and having Beehive Camp coming up right away, during a VERY busy week in my personal life, and not really knowing what to do or expect, I was feeling slightly stressed...and agitated...and a little overwhelmed.

So today (after I also had to teach the combined lesson in Young Women's...add another point to my stress level) we were set apart by the Bishopric. That's par for the course, right?! Well when it was my turn, Bishop Maxwell set me apart and gave me a really beautiful and very needed blessing to go along with it. He said that my Heavenly Father was aware of what I am going through in my life and was aware of my efforts. He also said that I would be blessed for serving and for being an example to my husband and my children and they would recognize my efforts and realize my Testimony of the Gospel...

It was honestly the best thing I could have heard all day. It was just what I needed to hear, and I felt so loved, and I knew He was watching over me and He will help me with this calling. I know it won't be simple, but I was reminded today that my Heavenly Father and my Savior are there for me, and they will help me and guide me through this calling, and with anything else that I may need. I am so grateful for this knowledge! It will be a grat way to start Beehive Camp this week!

Adventures of 2013

Umm...Picture overload!!

Its been a busy year...and this post is a little late, but I thought I'd give a little rundown of our happenings in 2013. Especially since I didn't send out a little letter with our Christmas cards!

 We loved our California trip! It was so fun to see Disneyland, and the beach and of course our many friends. I'm hoping we can make another trip sometime to see them all again!!

 Oh how I missed the beach!! 

 Gracie took clogging again, and they didn't have competitions, but did a recital at the end of the year. Here is the little 'Jailhouse Rock' Elvis impersonator!!

 All the kids played ball. Brody enjoyed coach pitch and is looking forward to baseball next year.

 Gracie played softball with the girls team..(slow pitch, no fast pitch teams around here!)

And Cooper loved T-ball this year. He was actually excited to play, 

which made my life alot easier, since I had to coach him!!

 Brody has really enjoyed Hockey this year and has really grown close to his hockey friends. 

His team won the Novice 'C' Division this year, 

losing the league title in a 5 game play off that was pretty close! They did so well!

We tore up our back yard with great intent of some grand renovations... 

so far they haven't happened..hoping 2014 brings them to pass!!

Dustin had fun tearing things up though!

 I'm still in Young Womens and really enjoying it. The girls keep me Young!! We went on this awesome hike in the summer just before camp. It was a Daddy/Daughter hike, which was alot of fun for both the Dad's and girls. They had a questionnaire to get to know each other better!!

Gracie participated in her first Track and Field. She did pretty good, 

but she is still pretty small compared to the other kids her age. 

But she tried hard at everything and didn't give up.. I told her that was the most important part!

Grampa Craig and Gramma Sherry celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this year. 

Jamie and Jody and the kids came down, and we had dinner as a family. 

We are so grateful for these two people in our lives and the example that they set for us!!

Cooper turned 5 and had a 'Spy' Birthday...he loved it...and so did the 10 other 5 year old boys! 

Talk about CRAZY!!

 Brody and Gracie had a pool party for their brithday...that was nice and easy on the Momma...

Jamie and Jody moved to Houston!! 

Sad, but we will have a nice getaway place now!!

As close to a beach as we have around here...Wally's is always fun in the summer!!

I completed my second triathlon. I was a little disappointed I didn't improved my time...but I finished!!

We went to Seattle and took in the sights...and a ball game!!

My Brody got baptized!! I can't believe he's 8!

His Dad baptized him and Uncle Steve baptized Ryder and Gage as well.

We are so proud of this little man!!

The boys are both playing hockey again this year. Brody is obsessed!! Cooper likes it alot more this year, and even though he's not totally into the game, he is improving each time!!

Its been a crazy busy year, but full of fun and laughter and love. I so enjoy my little family and all that I get to experience with them. I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!!

Happy New Year family and friends! 

We hope your 2014 is filled with many Adventures as well!!