2-Week Staycation

Chase has officially embarked on his last year as a student.  And actually, he won't be doing much "student-like" studying anymore.  His schedule has become more of  a real-life, non-student situation: 8am-5pm, a commute involved, no lunch breaks at home anymore, and no studying for tests!  He just started rotating with an ophthalmology/optometry office 20 miles away and will continue to be there for the next few months.  Last year he worked in the campus' eye institute a couple times a week, which involved an average of 3-5 patients a week.  The reason for the low number is because they are monitored and their work is checked over by a teaching physician, which takes up a lot of time.  So, now that he is helping out at this other particular office, he is seeing upwards to 30 patients per day!  This is satisfying to him.

Before Chase started this new and last year of school, he had two weeks off.  We stayed home and filled our schedule!  We wanted to take advantage of this time, which turned out to be a blast.

We started off spending some time with my uncle and aunt and their family who just recently moved to the state from New York.  They have a set of triplets who were turning 7, so we went to their fun pool party.  It was so great to see them since it had been a few years.  Sailor and Seryn made themselves right at home as they ran among all the big kids.  The picture below is taken of my girls and my little cousins.  This was not the whole attendance, the house was filled with young kids, friends, neighbors, relatives, etc.  My uncle and aunt were great hosts!

Later in the week, Chase and I dropped the kids off and went out to -the very much anticipated- "Star Trek" movie, which by the way, we enjoyed very much.  Previously, I had gotten a Groupon for the "Studio Movie Grill" which is a theater that includes a restaurant atmosphere.  You choose to either sit at an office chair type desk or a regular theater chair with a fold out desk.  Before the movie starts you are given a menu of food and drink and as you watch the show you are able to push a light on your chair that signals a waiter who comes in and takes your order.  These waiters are in and out bringing you stuff as you order.  It was a great experience!  So fun and different.  Chase and I would love to go again.

The next morning we went to a nearby splash pad and "Cabela's."  This is something we've done a few times in the past, because the kids love to get wet and look at all the many taxidermy.  Seryn found every stuffed animal in the store and had to give them all cuddles.....my sweet, sweet Ser.  At the splash pad, Chase took lots of video of us feeding some begging birds.  They would walk around our feet without hesitation.  I tried to get low and feed them from my palm, which spooked me out more then them because they'd quickly swoop down as food was released.  They never walked into my hands- "like Belle" Sailor would comment- but that's ok, I secretly hoped they wouldn't.

Next on the agenda was the PHX Zoo.  After driving to the library on 3 separate occasions, I finally was able to get the two zoo passes that we needed to get in without cost.  This was also a lot of fun and Chase had lots of the fun with the camera so I didn't get many photos there or much of our break really.  When we saw the first few animals Sailor said, "Mom, these are real!"  I am sure coming right after our trip from looking at taxidermy she was very impressed that they actually moved!

Being on the brink of summer, it was already hot at 9am but we did enjoy the few hours there with our bottled waters in hand.  The kids loved the petting zoo and play area best!

Once we got home I started cleaning out the house and prepared our floors to be cleaned!  This is one of my favorite things....newly cleaned carpets.  We rented a cleaner and went to work!

Tuesday was a temple trip for our little family.  The girls went to my cousins' house which is conveniently down the street from the temple.  They love going there and playing with my cousin's girls.  Chase and I were able to go in the temple and actually do work together. It was refreshing.  We went back and had an enjoyable visit with Jessica (my cousin)--I adore her and wish we saw them more often!

The next morning we spent a few hours out at the pool with friends-  this is always cheap, easy fun!  But once nap time rolled around the girls were pooped and Chase and I wanted to watch something on netflix.  At the time, some friends had recently brought up "Revenge" so we thought we'd try one episode.  Well, good and bad idea!  Netflix is evil this way: allowing us the opportunity to watch EVERY episode of a whole season........we've gotten into this trap before with "Prison Break,"  so when we both wanted to watch another episode we knew we were in for it.  Long story short we finished the first season and then the second in LESS than a week.....it was totally worth it.

Since we had gotten through a few 43 min episodes, we needed to get out of the house again, so we took the girls to "Dillion's," the same place we went to for our anniversary.  The kids loved it! 

....and then there's Sailor...and her sword she had to bring along....

Since moving here we have wanted to try out the "Wet N' Wild" just a few miles down from us, so we knew this had to be put on the agenda for this break.  We enjoyed it, but decided it would be EXTRA fun without the little ones.  The park has splash pads and a few little slides for Sailor's height, but other than that my kids didn't love it as mush as I thought.  They didn't even like the wave pool which I thought they'd have a party in.   We ended up buying season passes though because we knew we'd go a handful more times, especially for a couple date nights.


We swam a few more times- morning and night, tried  "Rita's Custard" out, and then the last day came around.  The Saturday before Chase had to start up his rotation, we let Sailor pick what she wanted to do with the family.  Of all things she said 'the mall.'   The girls love the mall because there's a playplace, a "Ring-Around-the-Rosy" carousel, the Disney Store, and a Puppy Store right within the same vicinity.  This is my girls' heaven!! We visited each of those locations, grabbed lunch at Chick-Fil-A where the girls enjoyed some good chicken and a balloon.  And to top it all off the girls got to share an ice cream cone. Did you know, you can trade your kid's meal toy for either a book, a different toy, or an ice cream cone at Chick-Fil-A? It's true, we didn't know until that trip.  We very rarely go out to eat together as a family so this was extra special.  We all enjoyed ourselves!  And then, to top it ALL the way off, Chase had a coupon for Jamba Juice, so we stopped by on the way home and enjoyed a little of that!  Nap time came, the girls were pooped, and Chase and I indulged in another episode....and another....and probably another. OK, THAT topped the day off great! :)  No, take that back....the pool that evening TRUMPS it all!  Complete Relaxation!  Now, reality hits and it's back to the grind!

Mother's Day

When I opened a card from my mother-in-law  Sunday morning I couldn't help but laugh and feel a little guilty.

It read:  "Here's something you can wear on Mother's Day....."
>>> next to that message was a pin that read the words, "IT'S NOT MY FREAKING PROBLEM!"

Guilty, because when I'm running on my last tank of patience, somedays I find myself wanting to shout this exact phrase, "IT'S NOT MY FREAKING PROBLEM!"

- Thank you, Ket, for the laugh. :)

Mother's Day has gotta be on my top 3 favorite holidays- if not 3, especially top 5.  This development is new this year.  Why??  Because 1) it is the ultimate reason to give up all motherly duties for one whole day, and not feel guilty about it- AT ALL, 2) it's always on a Sunday which means everyone is home, including my husband, 3) no matter how crazy the kids are, for some reason being a mother is the best job in the whole wide world. Even if the day is enveloped in whining and tears, the day is a constant reminder that I chose to obtain this job of "mommy"- and (at least for those whole, consecutive 24 hours) I feel so lucky! :)

My most adamant request on Mother's Day is to get a picture taken of my girls and I.  It usually ends up getting taken 2 minutes before we have to jump into to the car for church, so it's never a calm tender moment- especially for me. It's usually me forcibly asking the girls to "just look at daddy, for ONE picture" while I'm trying to maintain a forced smile.  The girls are usually doing everything BUT looking at daddy...but if there's one that is even SEMI- UNawkward we call it good and leave!

Another reason Mother's Day is one of my favorite holidays, is because I have a greater love and appreciation for my mom now that I have bore my own children.  So many times I've thought,

 "WOW, my mom made this look incredibly easy!"  I often wish I could go back in time and be a fly on a wall in our home so I could observe as she raised us.  I am the 2nd oldest so I watched my mom raise my younger siblings, but I didn't internalize it as much as I would now.......................where's a flux capacitor and a time traveling delorean when I need one!! :)

I've had so many great mothers in my life who I also recognize on this day: grandmothers, aunts,  church leaders, school teachers, friends, ward members, etc.  I have always been one to watch and observe; consequently, I find myself taking note of all the impressive qualities I see in people- especially mothers.  I often play this game in my head: "I want her...."---then I list a quality I admire in that person.

In the rest of this post I am going to record a little of this 'game playing.'  These are just several people/qualities that have been on my mind as of late:

***So it's written, the following people/qualities weren't frivolously written about- these people/qualities have truly impressed and inspired me to be a better person.*** 

"I want..."
...my mom's adaptability.  My mother makes EVERYTHING work out.  If she has to drive 40 miles to work at the family popcorn factory all day, make dinner for a family that night, butcher a cow right after her child's basketball game, she will still squeeze in time to tend your child.  She is Superwoman! I may have exaggerated a tad but it's not far from the truth!  Everything she does is for everyone else and things are never really convenient, but she adapts and gets everything done. "Self-less" is her middle name.

...my mother in law's sincerity.  Her concern for her family is pure.  She shows love with phone calls, emails, text messages, gifts, etc. She makes sure to deliver her sincere message of love to each of her children, their spouses, and her grandkids. 

...my Grandma K's self-less charity.  Her example has illustrated the definition of 'charity' to me.  She welcomes everyone and anyone with open arms without any passed judgement. 

...my Grandma S's thoughtfulness. She informs me on the hometown news & always keeping us in mind when thinking of what she can send to us to help us out in anyway.

...my friend Erin's confidence in her individuality.  I've always been impressed with this individuals' ability to stay true to herself. If she thinks its cool, well darn it, then it's way cool! I have always been weak in this area and am easily persuaded by outside forces, so I admire people with this outstanding quality such as hers!  This is a quality I desire my children to grow up obtaining-I think it can make all the difference in a person's life!  I've told Erin before that I think she is "so cool-" and I sounded pathetic and the message so empty but it's the simplest, best way to describe her..."COOL."---So, in short, I want to be cool. ;)

... my Aunt Lindsay's knowledge. She doesn't just study (spiritual or temporal matters), she searches, ponders, and prays about it. She is a smartie pants for good reason- she puts in the work and I wish I had that stamina!

...my friend Alyssa's talent of being a great friend. Alyssa is the first one to randomly text to watch my kids, or to invite us over, or compliment, or remember birthdays, etc. It's that simple. I want to be more conscientious of my friends.

 ...Susan's optimistic aura.  This particular woman is in my current ward. She is a mother to 5-6 kids, is so cute, fit, and HAPPY!  You'd never think she's ever had a bad day in her life.  I know as a mother though that isn't possible, even for her, so I am SO amazed at the light she radiates and the happiness and smiles she pulls out of people.  I wish I had that kind of power!

...my cousin Destry's ability to write in an eloquent way.  Destry is a couple years older than me so growing up I always admired her for a lot of reasons, but now I really enjoy reading her blog.  The way she can deliver a feeling, a thought, or an experience is crisp, to the point, and filled with enjoyable detail.

...Elaine's ability to invite the spirit wherever she is.  As I made my way through my teenaged years, Elaine was my Young Women's President (in my home ward/church) .  I specifically remember one instance when she gave me a ride home one day from a church activity and in their car played soothing, church music.  I don't know what song or who was singing, but I distinctively remember feeling a special feeling come over me.  I remember thinking, "wow, this is pleasant" and I knew it was the Holy Ghost.  This wasn't the only time I felt this way around Elaine.  She was so soft-spoken, kind, and tender, and obviously this has made an everlasting impression on me and my life.  Maybe it was a huge shift from the daily life: surrounded by less than wholesome influences from school or media to pure, love and spiritual presence. So now looking back, I hope to achieve that same feeling in my home, car, or present vicinity so that my children can feel that same shift.

...my friend Monica's talent of making friends.  She started off as my church visiting teacher (someone who comes over monthly to deliver a special message and visit), but she did more than just that, she became my friend.  Her texts, notes, emails, and sincere interest in me is inspiring to me. 

...my friend Anne's 'get it done' attitude.  I have recently been creating my children's scrapbooks for their first year of life and I've thought of Anne, who had her TWINS's books done a little after they were 1.  She takes her motherly duties seriously, in regards to keeping details, journals, and family history up to date.  My attitude is usually the procrastination type so I admire this about her.


WHEW....ok, so I rambled a little more than I was anticipating. I'm glad I did though, because the mothers/women in my life are so special to me and they really do influence me to be a better mother, wife, daughter, friend, sister, and even acquaintance. Now I can look back, read this, and evalute my life to see if I have obtained, or better yet, have taught my children the importance of these many attributes....wish me luck! ;)

Happy Mother's Day to all the many women (not exclusive to mothers)who have influenced me and are continuing to influence the person I am becoming today!  You are so important to a life!

  

Starting off May Right

In our household, 'Cindo de Mayo' usually translates to:
1) an excuse to overindulge on Mexican food
2) an excuse to break a pinata, &
3) an excuse to invite friends over

Sunday was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the company immensely.  There's not much that can beat a simple, low-maintenance gathering enjoyed in the summer at sunset--with a package of red vines. :)

Cheers to good, clean fun!

Can you tell what these are supposed to be?  ...........little Sombreros!

A couple weekends ago, our ward organized their annual "Father and Sons" camp out, and since Chase was feeling like a little camping trip he went up north.  Obviously, we don't have any sons, so we felt justified in making the decision to let Sailor go along!  Chase informed me the majority of our ward's men went and because I packed only pink-girly clothes it was tough to keep her hidden/looking like a boy. :)

I'm so glad they were able to spend such quality time together. Sailor came home telling me everything they did!  Sailor especially liked roasting marshmellows and watching a group of hangliders jump from a nearby cliff. Chase said she was always anxious to build a fire and continually tried to find sticks for it, and sleeping in a tent was beyond exciting for her.  And because those two were gone Seryn and I had some fun time back home.  Once they left, a few friends got together for a potluck dinner while our husbands were away.  And once we were done there I had to rush over to the local hospital to take some pictures of my friend in the delivery room!

Seryn and I had some fun visiting with friends late Friday evening.  We came home and even camped out in our living room.  I was very grateful for the time I spent with Seryn!  Even though she is just shy of two years old we bonded and I'm so grateful for her sweet spirit.  I feel like I was able to learn a lot about Seryn as I followed her around, talked to her, and played with her. 

Funny story: Before Chase left I made sure to show him Sailor's bag of clothes and kind of inform him what she should wear for bed, the following day, etc.  I told him twice so he wouldn't be overwhelmed with the job.  So, as they jump out of the car upon returning home, I was a little surprised to see she was wearing her zip-up footie long jammies.  Upon closer examination, her wardrobe was astounding!  She had her dirty day old clothes on UNDERNEATH her pjs.  And ON TOP of her pjs she wore her second pair of jeggings. Along with that, she had dirt in every crevice of her face and smelt heavily of dirty camp fire.  I KICK MYSELF FOR NOT TAKING A PICTURE.  Because the combination of it all was hilarious.  Dads are great!

The last piece of good news is:.....DRUMROLL.....

CHASE PASSED BOARDS!!!  Chase was walking on the clouds when saw his score.  He called to inform me, but tried to joke about failing it.  He didn't fool me for one bit, I could hear the excitement in his voice too well.  I am so proud of him for not only passing but passing well above the average.  What a relief.  The day he found out, Chavis was actually in town with us because he had an interview lined up with the college for the D.O. program.  It was very nice to have him with us for a couple days.  The girls were particularly grouchy and hard to deal days prior, but once we had a fun visitor their temperaments changed and they were excited to have an uncle in town.  Thank you, Chavis!
 
Then, there was Mother's Day....I will post an individual post for this special day.

If that isn't great news enough, Chase also finished his 3rd year of school and completed his very last final ever!  Once his 4th year starts up (in a week and a half), he will be rotating to 4 different optometry offices.  This year he is officially done with ALL school work and will only have to worry about 2 more (easier) sections of boards.  This also means he has his last 2-week break (ever) right now and we have it all planned out with family fun.  We are looking forward to this time together!

Wedding Weekend

Chase, the girls, & I were able to fly home for an eventful wedding weekend.  We sure would have loved to stay longer, but regardless of the length of time, trips like these really help me appreciate life, family, & love.  We left around noon on a Thursday and got back about the same time on the following Monday.  The girls weren't ready to leave!  As we were jumping into the car to head to the airport to head back to our AZ apartment, Sailor's response was "No, I want to stay, Mom.  We didn't stay for a long time."

 I know that feeling, Sailor.

The girls did board the plane and luckily they did just as good as they did when we first headed over.  I am grateful for easy plane rides like these--and for the very back row and for a non-full flight. :)

We took advantage of our time there and really miss all the family as we were leaving.

Sailor & Seryn were patient and calm on the flight over.  Hooray for that.  And hooray for useful technological devices that help this become a reality (the girls watching a "Leap Frog" episode on the tablet).

 

 

It was not only a treat to be staying at the in-laws' house, but also to have Chase's grandma stay with us as well.  Grandma Jackson spent some great time with the girls and became quick friends with Sailor.

The wedding was gorgeous.  Unfortunately, it decided to rain for a good portion of the day, but this did make for some BEAUTIFUL photos.  The deep black color of the men's suits, the gray from the temple, and the beautiful tulips made we wish I was able to get loads more pictures. 

Sailor with great Grandma Jackson.

 

Ser and grandma!

The Groom and nieces! 



After the sealing ceremony and pictures, we all headed over to "Chuck-a-Rama" for some old-fashion buffet food where we got to mingle with acquaintances, family members, and old college friends.

We all went back to the house to relax and nap for a few hours, but then it was back in our fancy dresses and the girls needed their hair tended to.  The girls enjoyed Grandma doing that for them.

And, Sailor spent some time playing with cousin August, or just creeping him out. haha

The reception that evening was enjoyable. But, after 20 mins or so I could tell it was going to be a long night with the kids.  By then they had had it- they were tired and acting out. ----but the night wasn't about us...

Kirsten was beautiful in her white dress, Chantz looked happy to be standing next to his new wife, & the room was filled with so many loved ones who came to support them.  Congrats to them! We are so happy for the big decision they made to wed!

Chavis & Kara Family.   It's always a good time playing games, visiting, or making sweets in the kitchen :).  I really wish we were able to visit them more often!

The wedding took place on a Friday and then Saturday came.....Saturday was AMAZING.  Our 5th year anniversary was the week prior and like I posted before, I surprised Chase with that news.  He had forgotten and I kind of counted on that happening.

Well, Chase certainly made up for that. :)   This time he and his parents were in cahoots and surprised me with a over-night getaway at the "Anniversary Inn."  Chase and I were on our way in town running a couple errands when he drove up to the inn.  At this point I knew I was being surprised with something, but I didn't realize where we were until we got to the front entrance and below my feet was the welcome mat that told where we were.  I just laughed!  I had no idea.  Chase even secretly grabbed me a change of clothes, my toothbrush, etc, and hid it in the car.  We checked in and walked to the surprise themed room!

To Preface: Ever since I was young, I've had this weird obsessed fascination with Hawaii.  Why?? I don't know, and I have yet to visit there.  And because Chase knows this, he was so sweet to think of me when he choose the room....

Chase's parents had the girls for the night, which made this our first night away from our kids.  I didn't know how to react at first, but once we got settled in I knew I wouldn't have a problem leaving them for future getaways. Heck, when I go to Hawaii for reals I think maybe, just maybe, I'll be fine with the idea of leaving the girlies at their grandparent's house. :)

Once we spent our time together, we were anxious to get back and spend the rest of the weekend with everyone else since we were only in town for another day.  Grandma took the girls to a fun park where we fed ducks and dodged a monstrous pooch as he ran circles around us almost running into Seryn a couple times.  We played on the toys, swung on the swings, and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather.

I need to shout out to my in-laws for being the greatest hosts.   Thank you, thank you, thank you for all!!  The girls just love visiting their grandparents, and I don't blame them.grandma & grandpa spend such quality time and cherish each minute that their grandchildren are in town.  We love you.