John, Desi, and Family

BASKETBALL AND LADY LUCK GYMNASTICS MEET

2012-01-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Busy weekend1 Jerrick had a double header basketball game and he loved it! He has really improved on his handling of the ball and he is fasssst! Very fun watching him play ball! Shandra had to be at the Lady luck meet at 7:30 am which is not ideal for Shandra cause she is not a morning person. I am very proud of her She placed on 2 events and got 9th on all around. Yea shandra!!!!

jERRICK'S SURPRISE PARTY!

2012-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Happy 11th Birthday Jerrick! He has been asking for a SURPRISE party for a few months, and I kept telling him it wasn't a surprise if he asked for it. Friday he got his wish! Thursday was his actual birthday and he was really bummed because just had brownies and a family dinner. His face was so sad all night and i almost gave in and told him, but held my tongue. Friday he was so surprised when he walked in to get John from the fine arts building and all his friends were there! They played alot of ball, tag, ate pizza and of course ate yummy ice cream cake.

New Years Eve

2012-01-20T23:57:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve in Chandler AZ...we all stayed awake.....well not grandpa!

Cardinals game 1-1-12.......fun for the whole family! such cute fans!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Shandra got an ipod touch from santa

Daesha's BRIGHT cleats from Santa. She also got softball camp paid for by Santa

Jerrick and his ps3 that he got from Santa. I don't think Santa realized he has a ps2, Wii.and dsxl.

Favorite football player

I wrapped a pair of shoes from Daesha's closet...it was great to see her face

Shan's loot! and below is Daesha making cake balls

December 2011

2011-12-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Daesha loves being the center of attention! loved the sparkling cold duck!

nice toes, ashley!

poor deer!

DAESHA DRESSED FOR HER BAND CONCERT. 2 OF FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN!

shan's christmas party Miss Simkins class

Jerrick's 5th grade class playing a game at the Christmas !It was hot potato game but person left with the chicken when the music stopped had to pick a bag of clothes from the big bag and had to wear them. sooo fun and great blackmail pictures for when I go sub in HIS CLASS

Shan's beam routine

2011-11-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Shan's routine was great too bad the camera person cut off her awesome windy dismount! Oops!

Aviation Nation

2011-11-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

For the past 6 years Jerrick has wanted to attend aviation nation at Nellis, but something always comes up or we are out of town...well this year John, Daesha and Jerrick went and they loved it! Shan and I stayed home cause I knew she would get bored and want to leave sooner than the others.

Judges Cup Meet

2011-11-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Shandra's teammate Chalee

getting ready to start beam routine!

getting her medals

here are some pictures from Shandra's Meet. I am always amazed that these little girls have the courage to compete! I am sure it is so stressful but they do great anyway! Shandra's scores were a 9.05 on beam, a 9.425 on vault, a 9.15 on floor, and an 8.350 on bars. Good Job Shaney! Keep up the good work!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

Daesha and Madison getting ready to be big stars in the Beta Haunted House. Daesha was disappointed cause she couldn't hit push or really scare anyone but it turned out cute.

Jerrick wanted to make his own costume so he is Jason from Friday the 13th and shan is a cute little ghost pirate! Daesha was way too cool to dress up this year so I just told everyone she dressed as an obnoxious teen!

Pumpkin carving is always a happy time! Love the mess!

California 2011

2011-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

they were thrilled to be there!

Jerrick eating a TURKEY leg and it grossed Daesha out!

We had a great time at Disneyland. California Adventures and the beach! The weather was perfect! I think Shan's favorite ride was splash mountain. It was fun seeing the picture of our whole family as we went over the edge. Daesha memorized where every camera was so she could get a pose in. She is such a ham! Jerrick loved the Indiana Jones ride even though I swear you could get whiplash from that ride. Daesha and Jerrick loved the screamin rollercoaster in CA Adventures and of course tower of terror was a favorite. Daesha again had some great poses on that ride! I should have bought a picture but I was so done with lines! I wanted the kids to go to Hollywood and see the stars, but the kids didn't think that was very cool so we just looked at a few and then went to the beach. They loved playing in the water even though it was very cold and when we got home had to take Shan and Daesha to DR for bronchitis.

Disney/Beach trip

2011-11-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

DaESHa'S 13th

2011-10-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Daesha and Madison after LIPSTICK game

Daesha's softball ice cream cake

Playing BABY DO YOU LOOVE ME?

Hayley, Matilda, Maddie, Ashley and in back Daesha and Madison

Sierra and Kasey decorated the walkway

WOW! She's a teenager! we had to pretty much celebrate the whole week! On her birthday she was treated like a queen and she acted like one too! Her friends in the neighborhood decorated the walkway with balloons and sidewalk chalk, then she was sung to on the bus and a few of her classes, and her school friends decorated her locker. At mutual that night they played softball in her honor. Friday we had her party! The started with a scavenger hunt, wich daesha's team lost cause they cheated, then played "baby, do you love me?" After dinner the girls decided to annoy the neighbors with ding dong ditching and just being crazy! Later they played the I NEVER game, LIPSTICK and STONES, and a game where they had to sing a song with a word they chose out of a can. It was harder than they thought it would be!

FoOtBaLl SeAsOn

2011-10-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

I finally let Jerrick try tackle football. He is a good little player and hasn't hurt anything yet. He is so small but fast so when he gets someone he just holds on to them and won't let go. In the last game the guy was dragging him down the field but he held on. Looking forward to basketball

First Day of School 2011

2011-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Daesha at bus stop. She really didn' want me there!

Jerrick 10

Daesha 12

Shandra 9

Daesha is in 7th grade, Jerrick is in 5th grade in Mrs. Lawrence's class. and Shandra is in 4th grade in Ms. Simkins class. They are growing soo fast.

Summer 2011

2011-10-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

Daesha and gang at BYU softball camp

Haley's birthday party in Vegas

Hoover Dam

Jerrick at sports camp. He loved going every Tues and Thurs

future leafers of America group at Hoover Dam

John took the kids with him on a field trip to Dam. They had a blast!

Summer was a blast and very busy! It went way too fast! Daesha had a great time going to Girls camp and softball camp. She made a lot of great friends this summer. Shandra worked hard at gymnastics and is looking forward to competons in the fall. Jerrick enjoyed sports camp on every Tuesday and Thursday, he especially liked it since John was running the program.

Shan's birthday party 2011

2011-06-04T12:11:00.002-07:00

game time

sleeping on tramp

Jerrick lookin good!

The mustache gang without Jerrick and Eli

They all decided to get mustaches from the tickets that they won playing games! Adorable!!!

We were finally able to have Shandra's party! She decided she wanted to go skating and have a sleepover! It was a bit crazy but I think all the girls had fun! Most of the girls had to go to gymnastics the next morning so I was a little worried they would get hurt, but no serious injuries occurred! A few minor bumps and bruises and some tired feet but it all turned out good! I only had a few pictures turn out cause I forgot that I turned off the flash for the last gymnastics meet! oh Well we all had fun! John even had a good time but a sore back later haha! After skating we came home and the girls decided to sleep outside on the tramp, so of course Daesha and Jerrick had to try to scare them...I think the only one scared was Shadow (our big black dog)!

Shan's birthday party...finally

2011-06-04T12:11:00.001-07:00

6th GrAdE aWaRdS!!

2011-06-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

These are the Best in 6th Grade! They even got a cute blanket!

straight A's award (she was trying to hide behind the table but I managed to get her , even though it's a little blurry)

Daesha did awesome in 6th grade and is very excited to move on to 7th grade! At the academic awards she received an award for straight A every quarter, a reading award, and the one that is amazing is she received the best in 6th grade! WooHOO! Daesha was 1 of 8 who received the award! Keep Up the Good Work Daesha!

Flex It Banquet

2011-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

2010-1011 team with flex it cake! Good job Eva!

Shandra with Ernie and her awards! Ernie is a great coach!

Shandra's gymnastic team had a great year and they ended with a nice banquet! Shandra earned an academic award, 2 Ernie Awards for floor and bars, a state medal, and a most improved gymnast trophy! It was a great year for Shandra! We still have the Cedar City Summer games next weekend then a break for the summer!

Chautauqua 2011 Florence Nightingale

2011-06-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Wimer's 3rd Grade class

Shandra and her friend Sierra

Shandra chose Florence Nightingale as her Chautauqua. She really enjoyed learning about her and thought she was a great nurse and a great example to others!

Around The World 2011

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Jerrick's class getting ready to sing

He enjoys getting his picture taken! I was subbing in his class that day so I was able to get lots of pictures, but most of them had Jerricks eyes closed.

Jerrick setting up his display of Japan

Jerrick chose Japan as the Country that he wanted to do his report on, and I think he enjoyed learning about Japan. It was a stressful project for him because he isn't fond of writing, but I am sooo proud of him because he did it on his own at home. Thanks to Akiko and Joe he had lots of cool candy and stuff from Japan.

SOFTBALL

2011-05-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Maddy, Ashley, Madison and Daesha

At a Mexican food restaurant in Beaver! Best food ever! If you are in Beaver you have to eat there! It was so small and they were so nice to fit all of us! I think it is called Anna Cochina's !!!

back: Daesha, Halle, Sidnee, John, Kelley, Hannah

middle: Madison, Maddy, Amy, Lindsey, Ashley

Front: DaniElle

DAESHA IS HER NAME AND SOFTBALL IS HER GAME......SHE'S GOT A HOMERUN ON HER MIND AND OOOO SHE'S LOOKIN' FINE! Daesha loves softball and wishes that it would go all year long, but unfortunately the season is over! Her little leage team (the cardinals) only lost one game and that was a bummer game cause one of her teammates broke her leg. Daesha loves to pitch and she did an awesome job! She was also the pitcher on the Moapa traveling team and they played teams from Las Vegas and Utah. We went to Beaver this past weekend to a tournament and can I just say crazy weather! The first night the team lost both of their games and it was miserable cause it was brutally cold! I don't know how they even played! They won the next morning and came in 5th at the tournament! Daesha pitched in 4 out of 5 games and her arm is now really sore!

Daesha's Softball Season

2011-05-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

CaRtOoN ClAsSiC

2011-05-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

2nd Place on Bars

2nd place all around

Flex it Girls! Dani, Taylor and Shandra!!!

Best meet of Shandra's first year competing! She did great on everything! She got 1st on vault , 2nd on bars, 3rd on beam and 4th on floor and 2nd all around! Yay Shan!!!

May Day 2011

2011-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of Jerrick and Shandra's May day dances. Shandra performed a square dance routine with a boy! How horrible for her! It is so funny how they don't want to dance with the opposite sex in 3rd grade..I will remind her of that later! Jerrick did the Saturday Night Fever Dance and he had fun with that, put a wig on him and he comes out of his shell!

HaPpY HaLlOwEen!

2009-10-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

So now that my computer is fixed I thought I should start posting on my blog again. We had a fun halloween night that started around our neighborhood at 5:30 then we headed up to the fairgrounds for trunk or treating and games. This year Daesha was a pirate girl but she really didn't want to be anything. She thinks she's too big to do Halloween. Jerrick wanted to be a scary clown and I think he turned out pretty scary. Shandra was a vampiress again but this year she wore a black wig that totally added to the costume! Hope everyone had a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Last Day of Summer Vacation

2009-08-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

I figured I should post some of the pictures from this summer since school will start tomorrow. We had a great summer swimming, playing, and visiting family. Daesha and Shandra had 2 synchro competitions on the figure meet Daesha placed first and Shandra placed second, then in the routine meet their team won first place and Daesha placed 3rd in solos and Shandra and Kierra placed 3rd in duets. It has been a great summer and now it is back to school with Daesha in 5th grade, Jerrick in 3rd grade, and Shandra in 2nd grade. Jerrick is already planning his excuses to miss school. He started coughing and said , "Mom I might be sick tomorrow"!

Cub Scout Day Camp

2009-06-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Here is the dance... see how thrilled all the boys are!

Jerrick had a good time at his first Day Camp! On Thursday he was able to go swimming, fishing, and outdoor stuff. On Friday he and I went to the Stake Center for crafts, first aid, flag training and woodworking. He did really well on the box that he made even with my help! They also had an egg drop where the boys had to figure a way for an egg not to crack from a 40 ft drop. There were some very creative packages! Jerricks was in a small box inside a tp roll surronded by bubble wrap and plastic bags and his survived! Saturday he went to the ball fields for archery. bb guns and leather making and of course a game of soccer! Sat was also family day but Jerrick didn't want to go because the boys had to do a dance for everyone and as you can see in the picture above he wasn't very thrilled about the dance! We had to pack and clean anyway!

e
verry

last days of school

2009-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially done with the school year! I am posting pictures of water day and of Jerrick getting awards from 2nd grade and Shandra with Mrs. Tusler! Daesha wouldn't let me in her class to take pictures so I missed out on getting her with Mrs. Newman. The kids all did great on their report cards! Daesha and Shandra got straight A's and Jerrick got 3 A's and 2 B's, which is very impressive because he had to work hard to get his writing skills up to a B. He hates to write! Daesha, Jerrick, and Shandra all got Citizenship awards

because they are so sweet (at school)! It was a great school year and I can't believe next year will be Daesha's last in Elementary School! They are growing up way too fast!

Last Days of School

2009-06-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

end of year projects

2009-05-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Alittle blurry, but if you look closely you can see Daesha playing the glockenspiel(not sure about the spelling), but in english she is playing the xylaphone.

Making the dumplings for her buffet day treat! I was very happy she wanted to do it herself, instead of just having me cook them for her!

Display day! She kept the candy on her lap because she only wanted to give it to people she liked! I think she wanted to keep it for herself!

Music Day with her class! She was very embarassed that I came up and took a picture, but I couldn't see her during the program cause she hid behind her classmates.

Daesha in her lovely kimono!

Yeah! We are finished with our major school projects! Jerrick had a bug report on ants that he had to put together and present in front of his class! He did a good job considering that he really doesn't enjoy speaking in front of others! I should have taken pictures but I figured that would embarass him so maybe sometime when you are down here he could show you his poster and tell you all the interesting ant facts that he learned! Daesha's Japan report and displays were awesome! She got a perfect score!! Thanks sooo much Akiko for all the stuff you sent and the wonderful receipe! Daesha and John made the Mitarashi Dangos and they were very tasty! Everyone loved the kimono and of course all the candy was a big hit! Thank you to Grandma Brenda for sewing the flag!! It would have taken me days to even figure out how to load the bobbin! Above are some of the pictures of the activities for the 4th grade around the world program! On Wednesday was the music program and it was very cute listening to all the different music and to see the dancing. Thursday was display day, where the kids set up their country projects in the halls and everyone walked around and saw all the different countries, flags, and were asked questions about their countries. Friday was buffet day and all the 4th graders got to taste food from all over the world! Very fun, but glad it is over... only 3 1/2 days of school left....woohoo!!!

Shandra's 7th Birthday

2009-05-27T11:38:00.001-07:00

singing happy birthday to Shan, at least the cake was a cute little gymnast!

Jerrick trying to pin the ribbon on the gymnast

Shandra and Maizy playying Queen of the Beam

Wow! Hard to believe my baby turned 7 years old! Shandra requested a gymnastics party this year because she loves doing gymnastics, anyway I ordered a bunch of neat gymanstics jewelry, party supplies, stickers , games and pinata for her party on April 20th, and none of it showed up for her party on the 17th, so I was a bit stressed and had to send John to a party store in Vegas and they didn't have anything related to gymnastics. I had to put together decorations and made up a pin the ribbon on the gymnast poster really fast Friday night! Shandra had a great time at her party with her friends! They played a musical chair game but instead of chairs I had pictures on the floor of different gymnastic poses, and whoever was on the pose that I pulled out of a can was the one that was out, then came the queen of the beam, pin the ribbon on the gymnast, and the best part the pinata! It was fun to have all Shan's friends over and she even invited one boy, Elijah, for Jerrick! I don't know if Elijah had fun, but Jerrick was very happy! I think everyone had a good time and I am very grateful that Shan isn't like me and she didn't even care that her party supplies didn't show up. I had to admit that John was right that the party wasn't about everything matching, which was a very hard thing to do!!

Daddy/Daughter Derby Race

2009-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

May 12th was the Daddy/Daughter Derby race, and can I just say that John didn't learn a thing about procrastination for Jerrick's pinewood derby race! He was helping Daesha finish her car about 2 minutes after they should have been at the races! Daesha got an award for best detail and she had a good time so I guess that's all that should matter!

Backyard Camp-Out

2009-05-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday the kids decided they wanted to sleep in the backyard, so John drove his truck back there and they slept in the back of the truck. I was up all night worried about if they were cold, scared, or having a hard time, but of course they loved it and said they got a great nights sleep. Kids can sleep anywhere....I am so jealous. Needless to say Saturday I was very tired cause I slept on the couch with the window open and only went outside about 10 times. The dogs loved having the kids out there and that was the quietest night from them too!

May Day Dance

2009-05-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

GrOoVy

She's thrilled! their teacher told them to act cocky.. not too hard for 4th graders!

He's actually smiling!

My Hawaiian guy

Can you find Shandra?

She hated holding hands with the boys! I will remind her in a few years!!!

getting ready to go onstage! My cute little Giraffe

Jerrick was in the groovy spirit! Daesha not so much!

Curled Hair! A miracle! Thank you Ashley!!!!

So last night was the annual May Day Dance and I had a great time watching all the kids perform. Shan's first grade class were animals and performed to "I Like to Move It, Move It!" Shan was a cute giraffe!!! Jerrick was next and the second graders performed to "Hawaiian Roller Coaster" I had the cutest board shorts for Jerrick to wear but he didn't want to wear shorts with flowers on them! Oh well he still looked cute and even though he hates performing he did a great job! Daesha and the fourth graders were the finale of the evening they performed to "Staying Alive" Daesha hated her very green shirt and told me it was atrocious, but I think she looked cute and I had other funky outfits I wanted to get but knowing her conservative attitude I spared her! enjoy the pictures!!!

My little Scout

2009-05-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Jerrick and John had their first pine wood derby race in April! Jerrick got an award for best paint job which I find hilarious because they were finishing the painting as we were driving to the competition. Nothing like waiting till the last minute even though I bought the car March 1st! I told Jerrick this was a lesson in procrastinating, but it was a wasted lesson ! Daesha's actitivity Day girls are having a race on May 12th and so far her and John haven't started on her car. I'm sure they will start on the 10th! Jerrick really loves going to scouts each week and he had to talk his dad into going on the father/son campout last Friday! They had a great time but they slept in the back of John's truck instead of a tent and I thought that was kinda cheating but they had a great time even though they had to get up early and get back for baseball games.

Shan's Gymnastic pictures

2009-04-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

SpRinG BrEaK, FaIR, & EaSteR EgGs

2009-04-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Daesha and Sierra on the Kamikazi!

The Super Tilt where we were able to make John sick ffrom all the spinning! Whoo!!

Coloring eggs

Jerrick showing his egg decorating skills

Daesha always the clown!!

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt in the rain! The only day it rains we have a party planned!

Shan riding the mechanical bull! Ride 'em cowgirl!

Jerrick on the mechanical bull. No problem after riding a crazy sheep!

Getting ready for mutton busting!!

Wow! What a busy weekend! It started at the fair on Thursday. The kids enjoyed the rides, candy, treats, games, and they even enjoyed getting Dad sick on the Super Tilt. I thought everyone would crash when we got home , but of course they still had endless energy. Friday we went back to the fair and looked around at the animals, booths, and watched Jerrick do his Mutton Busting! Saturday we had a neighborhood Easter party in the rain. The kids were soaked, but it was very fun! Hope everyone had a happy Easter!!!!

February and March Happenings

2009-04-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am finally posting new pictures of the kids! February and March just kinda flew by for me. Daesha and Jerrick finished the basketball season and now they have started to play softball/baseball. Shandra still enjoys gymnastics and she will start going 2 day s a week starting next week. At school the kids had reading week and they were able to do lots of fun activities. One day the girls dressed up as characters in a book. Shandra was Cindy Lou Who and Daesha was Medussa. They looked pretty cool! Jerrick doesn't participate in the crazy stuff! The kids all got good grades on their report cards and they were so excited for spring break to start!

Jerrick's 8th Birthday Party!

2009-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dodge ball, what a fun game! I was worried they would hurt each other but they made it without any cuts, bruises, or broken bones!

Shandra put on some pretty silver make-up for Jerricks party! The picture doesn't do her lovely silver eyes justice!

Wow! My little boy is getting so big! I can't believe how fast he is growing up!We had a transformer party for him on Monday and I think he had a good time. We started the party with free play until lunch, then ate and boy can boys eat a lot! Jerrick doesn't eat a lot so I was very surprised by how much some of them put away! After we got the presents out of the way and then had a war game of dodge ball with autobots against the deceptecons. I was very glead that John took charge of this game because it got a little wild for me, but the boys had fun! Then we played a game where each of the boys had a transformer pinned on their shirts and a bottle of silly string. If your transformer got hit by silly string you were out. It was fun but we went through a ton of silly string! After we had ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and then played some football until the boys went home. It is so funny how different boys and girls are because this was a very simple party , but they all had fun (hopefully). Jerrick will be baptized on February 7th at 4pm at the Stake Center so anyone who wants to come is welcome!

Happy 8th Birthday Jerrick!

2009-01-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

Daesha and Jerrick and their "midget" snowman!

The kids thought it would be funny to have their faces pushed into their pie! I don't get it!

John opening his birthday presents

Daesha spanking John 40 times

Making gingerbread houses

Yeah! We made it through one Christmas without anybody getting sick! Thanks to everyone for the gifts, cards, and phone calls. We had a great Christmas at home playing games and playing with the new toys. Later that evening we celebrated John's 40th birthday, with pie and the kids made him go through the spanking before he was able to open his presents! The next day we traveled to the freezing tundra of SLC Utah. It snowed and was so very cold! I don't know how all my family survives the winter up there! The kids had a great time with grandparents, aunts, and cousins, but I think they really enjoyed the snow! I think they loved it because I wouldn't go out with them and they had more freedom to get down and dirty! We also went to a Jazz game while we were there and we were seated like 2 rows from the top of the stadium! It was a hike to get there and it was very crowded. The kids and John enjoyed the game. I told John next time I am making all of them go to the Phantom or Les Mis for a little culture, but I honestley doubt that will happen! Now school is back in session and my life has gotten crazy with meetings, practices, gymnastics, and piano! I don't think that the kids enjoy having to to homework again, but maybe I will be able to get the house organized now that we have a routine again. I am starting to get ready for Jerrick's birthday party on the 19th as he wants a transformer themed party and I am not so good at thinking up quick ideas for boy parties. John says to just let the boys have fun and make it simple, butif you know me that isn't going to happen! I guess we will see how it turns out after. Jerrick is going to be baptized on Feb 7th at 4 pm for all those who want to come to see him be baptised. He is funny because he would prefer to not be the center of attention and maybe he will be okay because on the stake schedule there are 10 boys being baptised that day. I wish everyone a wonderful New Year!!!!

Our crazy December

2008-12-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Shandra's Christmas program. Can you see her?

Shandra on the bars at gymnastics. She loves to do a flip off the bars
Jerrick at his piano recital. He played a duet with Ben
Daesha at her piano recital. She hated the dress I bought her. She said she looked like an old lady. It was hilarious! She wore the dress anyway!
Daesha and Jerrick getting ready for their piano rectial

Wow! I have been so busy with birthdays, Christmas programs, Christmas shopping, gymnastics program, piano recitals, and parties! First, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes and presents and money. I hope I thanked everyone already but sometimes I think that my life is so crazy that I miss a few people. Anyway Thanks to everyone!!! I am attaching pictures of the kids at their various functions. Shandra had a first grade Christmas program, and of course it was the cutest! First graders are so fun to watch because some of them enjoy performing while others you can tell hate it, but they do it anyway. Very Cute! Daesha and Jerrick had their piano recital on Sunday the 14th. I was very proud of them. Daesha played 4 Christmas songs and she really enjoys the piano and I actually was surprised that Jerrick played Jolly old St Nickolas, because he hates performing and having all the attention on him. He did a great job. Shandra had her Christmas performance at gymnastics on Monday and it was cute. At the end of class she was able to show her skills to John. I go to class every week so I already know what she can do. That girl has no fear when it comes to gymnastics and she can barely take a step without adding a cartwheel or round off in between. I think everyone at home gets sick of her constantly doing gymnastics in the front room. Oh well! John and I were able to go to St. George on the 12 and spend the night without the kids it was a good night and we actually got a lot of shopping done for Christmas! The most exciting thing for the kids is that school was cancelled today because of the horrible weather in Las Vegas. It didn't snow here , but we had a lot of rain and mud! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and we will see everone in SLC the day after Christmas!!!

Brag Time!!

2008-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

Jerrick getting his Citizenship Award

Daesh loves her picture taken! Can you tell?

Shan and all the first graders on the straight A honor roll

Daesha with her reflections award

So I am going to brag about my children! We have had a busy couple of weeks. Last Friday Daesha won 3rd place in music for her piano song for refelections. This was pretty good because she basically finished writing the notes and then I recorded her playing the song. She titled it "Wow, I am so lucky". Then on Monday I went to the school because they were announcing the Honor Roll and Citizenship awards for the first trimester. Daesha and Shandra were on the straight A honor roll and Jerrick made it on the A-B honor roll. Daesha and Jerrick also received citizenship awards for their classes. Yeah! I am proud of them!!!

Life with a 3 year old!

2008-11-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

The past week has been a learning experience for pur family! Shandra has learned she has to share and not be the baby and she actually did very well! Yeah Shandra! Her patience is a little shorter than Jerrick and Daesha's but it has been a good week for her! Jerrick has had fun with another boy in the house, but otherwise he is just doing the same as any other day. He doesn't let anything bother him! Daesha wants to hold and cuddle Kaysen but he won't have any of that so she basically does her own thing also! Kaysen has had to learn to share and go to bed and basically survive in our chaotic world but he has done very well, considering we are constantly running here and there. He has had a few play dates with neighbors and has enjoyed himself and wants to play with Bella, Eli , and Joe everyday! I have had to relearn that germs and dirt don't kill anybody and especially not little boys who don't wash their hands and then touch me. I have also learned that crust on bread is a bad thing. Chocolate milk from the bunny(Nestle) isn't as good as chocolate milk from the store, everything that a three year old says has some truth to it but isn't necessarily all true. For example, Uncle John didn't yell at Kaysen and push him down , but told him to lay down and put him on the bed. Anyway we had a very fun couple of weeks and I'm sure everyone will miss Kaysen when he is gone.

Halloween

2008-11-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

the kids were very excited for Halloween this year because they were able to celebrate 2 days. On Thurday they had a Halloween parade and party in their classes at school. Jer and Shan both participated ,but poor Daesha was sick and throwing up so she had to miss the class parties. She was able to participate in all the Halloween activities on Friday because it was only a 24 hour bug. The kids all wanted to dress scary and not cutesy so Daesh dressed as a scary pirate, Jerrick was the grim reaper, and Shan was a vampiress. I thought they all looked cute!

HaPpY BiRtHDaY DaEsHA BoO

2008-10-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

SoDaesha is finally into the double digits! I can't believe I have had this wonderful daughter for 10 years! Where did the time go? She had her birthday party on the 10th so that she could have a sleepover with her friends and it was a blast. This years theme was "Movie Night" so when the girls first arrived they went on a video scavenger hunt around the neighborhood and of course Daesh'a team had to win. After dinner the girls were split into 3 groups and they had a topic that they had to make a movei about. One groups topic was rockstar, another was mystery, and the last group had the cheerleader theme. I gave them an hour to practice, but I have to say most of the time was spent putting makeup on and coloring their hair with colored hairspray. After we watched each groups skits they earned a "daesha emmy" for best act, scariest movie, and most spirit ect.. We had a yummy ice cream cake from dairy queen and then opened presents. To end the night we watched movies downstairs with a projector and a big screen against the basement wall. The girls were supposed to sleep downstairs but they scared themselves with all the talk of bloody mary that they ended up sleeping in the living room. I think everyone had a great time and ended the next morning with grandma Brenda cooking sausage, pancakes and eggs for everyone! I think that Daesha had a great time and I am so happy that I am able to have these fun & crazy parties to share with her and her friends.

First Week Of School

2008-08-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

waiting at the bus stop
Jerrick is one of Mrs Bowler's Stars

I tried to get them all on the steps, but they wouldn't turn around

The kids made it through their first week of the 08-09 school year without any major problems or stressors! Daesha is in 4th grade and her teacher is Mrs. Newman. Daesh is really excited about this year and she absolutely loves her teacher plus she has a lot of friends in her class which makes it soo much better. She missed Friday to go to a Cardinals game with John and as far as I can tell they are having a good time ! They were supposed to be home Saturday, then they decided Sunday, but the called today and said they are coming home on Monday. Jerrick is happy about his class because he practically knows everyone in there. HIs 2nd grade teacher is Mrs. Bowler and as far as I can tell he likes her. Jerrick is not much of of talker so when I ask how school was he just says okay! I know he has fun playing with Luke and Mason and sometimes chasing Shandra on the play ground. Shandra is in Mrs Tusler's 1st grade class and Mrs Tusler was so cute because she put Shan in the same desk that Daesha had in 1st grade. I was very surprised that she could remember where Daesha sat 3 years ago because I sure didn't. Shandra has loved 1st grade! I thought she would be as tired as Jerrick was but she still has a ton of energy and talks nonstop when she gets home. I never have to wonder about her thought or her day because she tells it all! On the 1st day Shan's class went around the school looking for clues from the gingerbreadman. Mrs Tusler put clues up showing where the office, nurses room, lunch room, ect were. While they were walking around she kept saying " I think I saw the gingerbread man" so all the kids believed her and when they went back to the class there were gingerbread cookies from the gingerbreadman. Shan came home and she kept talking about the gingerbread man and how he was a small fast man and that she was kinda freaked out so she did not eat a cookie. I thought she was being funny but after she kept talking about it I realized she thought the gingerbread man was real and she was afraid of him. I then explained that Mrs Tusler was the gingerbread man and then she was fine with the whole thing! Shandra is continuing her gymnastics and she loves it! Jerrick and Daesha are both signed up for soccer so we will be busy again with practices and games. Jer and Daesha are still in piano and I was going to wait to give Shandra time to adjust to a full day of school before I signed her up for piano, but I'm thinking she might start piano sooner if she is as good as she was last week!

Our camping trip

2008-08-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

John and Jerrick
Jerrick holding Daesha's pet fish

Breanna and Shandra in the river

It was so nice to get away for a few days in the nice cool mountains and go camping. My definition of camping is very different from John's because he says we weren't camping because we stayed in a nice home in the mountains with a nice shower and a very soft warm bed to sleep in at night. I figure since we were out in nature we were camping! We went with our neighbors the Hardings and the Olige's and had a great time! As soon as we got there the kids were in the river getting their clothes wet. Shandra went through 2 outfits the first day so it was good that there was a washer and dryer available or she would have been out of clothes! The 2nd day we went on a 4 hour four wheeler trip up the mountains. I drove my own with Shandra on the back and we had a blast although I ate tons of dust and had lots of bugs hit me in the face! That night I dreamt that I opened my eye and there was a fly in it. It was impossible because I had glasses on but the bugs hitting my face obviously freaked me out or I wouldn't have dreamt about them. The next morning everyone went fishing well everyone but me and Shandra. Daesha was the only one who caught 2 fish and she was so cute because she did not understand that they die when you take them out , she asked me if she could keep them as pets and I thought she was kidding, but when John explained that they were dead she had a real breakdown. It tore her up that they were dead, so she did not get a picture with her fish, but Jerrick is holding one of the fish she caught in a picture. We played phase 10 on the last night we were there and John actually won! Surprise Surprise! He never wins! We finished the game really late so it was hard to get up and get packed the next morning! When we traveled home we were so tired but it was a lot of fun and when we got back to Logandale it was so hot! Now we are getting ready for school which starts next Monday. I went up to the school and fed the teachers lunch today and boy is it busy up there! I talked to all my children's teachers and am excited for a great year with them. I had to cook a roast in the crock pot all night for the french dips and John and the kids were so sad because they wanted to eat the food themselves, but I had to take it to the school. John said he dreamt of food because it smelled so good! As you all know I am not a cook so it is very rare that it smells like food in our house.

stormed out synchro meet

2008-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had to add this lovely picture of John and Cutie Pie!!

Saturday was the big day for the Moapa Mermaids synchro team! We were supposed to check in at 9:30 for warmups and team practice, but when we got there there was lightning strikes and so the competition did not start for another 2 hours. When it finally started they decided to have the teams go first instead of the soloists in case of more bad weather. Anyway the girls did okay for not being able to warm up or practice together! The mermaids got 3rd place! Daesha was not able to perform her solo and I think I was more bummed than she was. I just couldn't stand that we paraciticed so hard for 2 weeks for no reason, especially since the lightning was not over our area but over the mountains. I think they cut us because there was a swim meet next and they did not want the synchro to go over into the meet! Oh well Daesha will perform her solo at a parent meet on Saturday the 9th of August.

2008-07-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post Jerrick on swim team his swim coach says he is a good little swimmer,but Jerrick still doesn't want to compete in the swim meets. I told him it was okay to just enjoy learning how to swim and not worry about the competition!

2008-07-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here is Daesha competing at her figure meet. She was awesome! I also have to clarify that I didn't actualy catch on fire on the 4th, Deanna, Daesha and Mom thought my shirt was on fire but it really wasn't. So all is fine with me I am just not allowed near anymore fireworks!!

July Happenings

2008-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

So we had a great 4th of July! It was fun to have Mom, Dad, Kolton, and Tori down for a bbq and to enjoy the festivities at the fairgrounds! Daesha and Shandra enjoyed following Kolt and Tori around, and I am sure Kolton enjoyed having them hang winth him and his girlfriend! Ha!!! The kids, grandparents, and John started the morning early at the flag raising and breakfast! I went up later to enjoy the fun and games, candy drop and all the hot dog and poe eating contests! Later in the afternoon John and Jerrick went to the movies while Shan, Daesha, Grandma and I weent swimming to practice for the synchro competition the next morning. We had dinner at home and them went back up to the fairgrounds for more games and the fireworks! We came home and had a great firework show in our neighborhood, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for picking out the best fireworks! They were awesome and the kids and neighbors loved them. I started the fireworks at home, but was quickly demoted because I caught myself on fire and we had some scary minutes of chaos, but Grandpa and Mark saved the day all the rest of the fireworks went off without any problems. Needless to say I am not allowed near a lighter or fireworks next year! Saturday morning started bright and early after our late night! We had a synchro figure meet in Las Vegas at 8 am. Shandra was a grump and wouldn't wake up at all so she went in the car in her jammies and of course with all our begging and bribing she would not compete. Maybe next year! Daesha was # 90 in the competition and it was so hot and humid out that I was dying to leave, but Daesha had her turn and performed all her figures great! She won 1st place out of 12 in her division! We were very proud! She is now working on her routine with the group and she will also perform a solo to EVER EVER AFTER From Enchanted on July 26 th in Henderson. We will all be at the pool a lot for the next 2 weeks pracitcing! Fun Fun !

Salt Lake City Trip

2008-06-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting with all the family in SLC! We were able to do a lot of fun things, actually John and the kids were able to do a lot of fun things while I was laying in bed with the stomach flu. John, Daesha, Jerrick, Shandra, and grandma went to the coppermine( I forget the name) and they brought back some copper souvenirs . They all went to Lagoon on Friday and of course they had a great time. The kids took advantage of the fact that I wasn't there and went on some rides that I wouldn't have let them go on, but John thought they were fine on the rides. I almost had a heart attck when Shan told me some of the rides she went on, but they came home safe and healthy!

Last Day of School! Yeah!!!

2008-06-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

+ Last day at the bus stop!
Jerrick is very happy to get his picture taken with his teachers
Shandra and Mrs. Hardy

So it finally arrived. The much anticipated last day!!! Today Shan had a cute little kindergarten program to show what the kids learned throughout the year. The kids sang so good and were so cute! I can't believe how fast this year has gone. After the program we went back to the classroom and got report cards and a final picture with Mrs. Hardy. Then we went to Jerrick's class and his class gave me a big card and some very cute jewelry for helping out throuout the year. Then they had an award ceremony where Jerrick got awards for best citizenship, most improved reader, math facts to 11, and AB Honor roll. I thought it was cute, but the kids were just interested in the treats that they got with the awards. After we went to Daesha's class and her class gave me some bath stuff for being the room mom and Daesha got her straight A honor roll certificate and her report card, then we came home and the joy of summer break started! Jerrick, Mitchell , and Garrett were fighting with Daesha, Sierra, and Shandra until I told them all that I was going to send them back for summer school. I had to go back to the school for a volunteer luncheon and I got a gift certificate to Sugars, a first aid kit, a new planner from the outgoing pta, and from the school staff I got a gift card for the movies and some popcorn and candy. I got lots of stuff just for being a volunteer

Water Day

2008-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Jerrick playing fox across the river while a teacher is spraying them with water.
Shandra freezing by the big squirting ball!
Shandra thought the wade pool was the warmest place to hang out
Daesha and her friend Ashlie posing with their big sticks!

Here are a few pictures of the kids at water day. Jerrick and Shandra had their water day in the morning so the water was very cool and refreshing. Shan was actually freezing and I was very hot! Daesha had hers in the afternoon and she said the water was warm so she didn't get cold. They all had a blast and plenty of treats so it was a great day! Jerrick wonders why school can't be this fun every day!

End of the year stuff

2008-05-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

So Daesha and Jerrick are now finished with coach pitch and softball ! Daesha had a double header on Thursday and her team ended up winning the trophy! Way to GO Geckos!!!I think she had a good time and she says she wants to do it again next year. John says she has improved a ton! Jerrick also finished off his games and he enjoys all sports. Today we took Shadow up to the school for Jerrick's pet show and tell! We couldn't take cutie because there would have been great chaos if she was there! Shadow handled the children pretty well and he even let some of them ride him(Shandra). After we came home Daesha went to her room and went tosleep which is very odd, so I checked her and she had a temp of 101. She has been sleeping all afternoon and evening! Hopefully no one else will get sick because they only have 3 days of school next week . Daesha did her Chatauqua on Helen Keller on The 21st. She did a good job! I was a little nervous because we had just lost froggy the night before and John told all the kids in the morning. Can you say great example of bad timing! Anyway you would think Daesha lost her best friend the way she carried on! Hopefullywe will never lose Shadow or Cutie! Well 3 more days till summer break!! Yeah!!!

Memorial Day Pictures

2008-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

So we took a trip to Kingman Arizona and had a good time visiting with Toni, Frankey, Chick, and Roxy. We had a nice 3 hour stop in Laughlin to play and have a bite to eat. The kids and John took a walk along the river and then went shopping for some much needed toys(haha)! We had dinner at the buffet and Jamie and his wife joined us then headed down to Kingman. Sunday we put flowers on grandma's, JE's, and Dennis' graves, then went back to the house and hung out had pizza, watched a video and played a game of phase 10. Toni even got in on the action! On Monday we had to play the game again and it got a little tense because I was winning, so I was so nice and decided to let Frank win!!! Next time I will beat for sure!!!! We had a nice breakfast at Golden Corrall, so John was in heaven. While there I taught my children the great soon trick that you can only do at restaurants! They had so much fun with that! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Only 7 days left of school!!!

Shan's 6th birthday

2008-05-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well our baby girl is growing up! She turned 6 on May 14th and we had her fun "beach party inthe desert" on the 17th. We started the day with Jerrick's final ball game at 10 am and boy was it already hot! Jerrick did good and he is an awesome little ball player! I am so happy that baseball is over though because I think it has to be the longest lasting sport, well except golf! We had Shan's party in Moapa at the community center and the splash pad at the park. We started off by playing in the water because it was so so hot and the water felt very good! After getting wet we had a nice lunch then played some games. We started off with the limbo and it was cute because all the kids are so little that they can bend pretty far and they all ended up winners. Next we had a ring toss on to an octopus and that was a little challenging for the kids, but with a little cheating thay managed to get some rings onto the tentacles. Then of course we had to have a pinata, which is a favorite for all especially since John throws out extra candy on the floor when the pinata is broken. Shandra was able to open her presents and she got a lot of fun toys from her friends, and finally we had a very cool ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. I love getting the cakes from them because they decorate the cakes so nice and Shan's had a cool beach scene on hers. Very Cute!! We ended the party by playing freeze tag in the water and sent everyone home exhausted! Then at 6 pm we wnet to Daesha's game and she was very proud of herself because she hit a homerun and hit in one girl and she scored too. It was a good day for all! Thanks to Mom and Dad for helping out and for carpooling all the kids home! Thanks to Kayla and Kaysen and Shasta for coming down to clebrate Shans day with her! I hope everyone had a blast!!!

May Day 08

2008-05-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

Every year Grant Bowler Elementary School holds a May Day Dance and every grade performs a dance for the audience. It is very cute and a fun tradition that has been going on for a lot of years! The night started with the 5th graders braiding and unbraiding the maypole and doing a tinickling dance.

The cute little kindergarteners were next with their parachute dance. Shaney was cute she was trying to hide behind a classmate while walking onto the dance floor. It was a windy night but none of the parachutes or kindergarteners were blown away! The 1st graders were next, they had animal hats and tails and danced to "I like to move it, move it!" Jerrick was totally not in his comfort zone, but he was cute! After the 2nd graders, Daesha and the 3rd grade class came on skipping with their partners and performing a square dance to "cotton-eyed-joe" ! It was funny because they all complained about having to dance and hold hands with a member of the opposite sex. I will be very happy to remind Daesha of this fact in a few years! The night ended with the 4th graders jiving to "Stayin Alive" !! It was fun for the whole family, but especially for me because I just had to sit and record and take pictures. John and Jerrick went on a father/son campout on Friday to Saturday and the girls and I watched movies and had a girly night with the neighbors. Saturday Daesha had a softball game at 6 and it lasted forever!!! I think softball has to be the most boring sport ever and very slow!!! This week starts teacher appreciation week at the school so I will be busy all week washing teachers cars, feeding them lunch, and helping with their classes! Tomorrow I officially take over my PTA duties, and I don't know what I got myself into, but hopefully it won't be too bad once I get the paperwork and list of duties. Shandra's 6th birthday is coming up quick! She is having a beach themed party on may 17th probably around 1 or 1:30 because Jerrick has a softball game at 10 am that day! If you can make it come have some splashin' fun with us!!!

2008-05-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

April News

2008-04-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hello! Well we are having a very busy April. Daesha is on the straight A honor roll and Jerrick is on the AB honor roll! Shandra is doing very well in Kindergarten. I can't believe this year is almost over! Daesha is doing well on her piano lessons and she is also playing softball. She enjoys it but puts a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect at everything, so if she gets out at baseball she is very upset. John and I try to tell her that she is doing great especially since she is the youngest girl on her team and it is her first year of actually playing when someone is pitching to her. She is getting ready to do her Chitagua in May and she has chosen Helen Keller, so I am busy looking for her costume now. If anyone has any 1920 clothes or shoes let me know. Daesha's teacher has adopted a baby girl and is out for the rest of the school year, so she has a substitute. All the kids are also getting ready for the May Day Dance on May 1st. Daesha's class does square dancing to cotton-eyed joe, and she has to have a boy partner so you can imagine the fun the third grade teachers are having with that! Daesha is especially proud of herself because this year at the fair she went on the kamakazi(which is the hammer like ride where you go around and hang upside down) I went with her and when we got off she said I didn't scream and I laughed because she probably screamed the loudest! Jerrick is working hard on his piano, he needs extra motivation to get practicing, but at least he enjoys going. He is a good little baseball player. I think he has a natural talent for all sports and he enjoys them. He did not want to ride the kiddie rides at the fair so he enjoyed the pirate ship, tornado, and super tilt. Of course he wanted to play the games and win silly little stuffed toys and prizes. He is doing well in school and in his reading. Shandra is having fun at kindergarten, She has made lots of new friends and her teacher thinks she is so sweet because she helps a little boy named Jonathan when he doesn't understand the directions. I think he reminds her of Jerrick and that is why she helps him. She is taking gymnastics and loving it. She is very limber and she follows the directions well, so she is usually the class leader because her teacher knows she is listining and will do what she is supposed to do. We will start Shandra in piano when she is in first grade so that she is reading a little better. She does pretty good sounding out words, and reading with help. So I am sure she will be ready to start piano in August. John is busy working! What's new huh? There is always something for him to do with the county plus he coaches Jerricks coach pitch team and helps Daesha's team and he is the President of our homeowners association. I am busy volunteering in classes on Monday Wednesday and Fridays, and starting in May I will be working more with the PTA teachers appreciation week and then as the treasurer of the PTA. So I keep pretty busy. That's about all for now! I will send more pictures of the May Day Dance!!!