First Day of School 2008

Okay, so this post is a little bit late. But better late than never. Michelle started her second year of preschool and Mason started his first year of preschool this year! They both attend school four days a week for about 3 hours. It is wonderful! Michelle really seems to like going to school again and Mason really seems to be enjoying it as well. It is so cute because they get to ride the school bus together. Mason really didn't have any trouble getting on but I really think that watching Michelle go last year helped him a lot.

Michelle on the school bus.

Mason's backpack was stuffed on the first day of school. It was so heavy that it kept knocking him over. It was pretty funny.

Our beautiful Michelle.

So cute!

This picture is so Mason. He is fascinated with rocks, he is in another world right here too.

Mason on the school bus.

I hope that both Michelle and Mason enjoy this school year. They both seem to have really good teachers. I am excited for the two of them.

#10 has been completed!

#10 on my list of 101 things to accomplish has been completed!

On Friday night Lonnie and I had planned a long over due night out. We were originally going to get a couple's massage...but that didn't work out. Lonnie was scheduled to get off of work at 4:00 pm but being in the business that he is it hardly ever works out that he gets off on time and didn't get off until around 6:30. Since we already had a babysitter and a worker for Mason I decided that I would go and redeem part of my mother's day gift...a one hour Swedish massage. It was soooo relaxing and much needed. My children were really well behaved on Friday but I was dealing with the IRS. It was so annoying. I have been on the phone with these people for over 15 hours trying to straighten things out. (I wish I could bill for my time.) Let's just hope this time it works and they do what they need to so I don't have to waste any more time and they pay us the over $3500 they owe us. Anyways, it was really nice to relax and have some "me" time. Although I did feel guilty that I was relaxing and poor Lonnie was still at work. We will definitely be getting a couple's massage sooner than later!

The Handsome Dalton

This young lady I taught in Young Women's. If that doesn't make you feel old I don't what does. Anyhow...here are some pictures of her sweet baby boy! Hop on over to the photography blog to see more.

A Beautiful Family

I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful family the other day. Not much else needs to be said!

There are a few more posted on the photography blog.

Mmmm...so yummy!

Because of Lonnie's current work schedule we always eat "dinner" for lunch. So today for lunch I made something new and it was the first time that I have ever made soup from scratch. (My Grandma Shipe would be so proud!) It was awesome! Here is the recipe.

Potato Soup
1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
1/4 cup water
5 cups cubed potatoes
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 1/3 cups cubed carrots
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups skim milk
2 cubes chicken bouillon

Saute green onions in 1/4 cup water in a large skillet until tender. Add potatoes, celery, carrots, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups water. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, melt butter or margarine in a medium saucepan. Add flour, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add milk and bouillon. Cook and stir until mixture thickens. Add to vegetables. Enjoy!

** Anyone who knows me know that I did NOT put the celery in. However, I did put in a bag of frozen corn.**

We are a chosen generation

How many times have you heard this? I know that I've heard this all of my life and I never realized how true this statement is. Yesterday between Sunday School and Relief Society I had some really mixed emotions. I will first start off by saying how GRATEFUL I am for this gospel and to be a member of this church. I am grateful for a living Prophet and for the guidance that he receives on our behalf. I am grateful for our Bishop and his insight to this crazy world we live in. I am grateful for the privilege that I have to vote. (I have always been registered but I've never voted. You can bet that I will be voting this year.) I am grateful for the counsel to be prepared in all aspects of life, both spiritually and physically. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a mother. These beautiful choice spirits that are entering this wicked world are getting brighter and brighter. It is as if they already have the armor of God on and we just need to make sure that we keep it buffed and ready to go. I don't know about all of you parents out there but I feel that we have a tremendous obligation to these little guys. For me it seems that everything is getting really ugly really quick lately. Maybe everyone has seen this and I'm just now getting it. I truly believe that we are getting so close to the Second Coming. How wonderful and scary! I am overwhelmed with the amount of things that I need to do to make sure that me and my family are prepared. I am comforted to know that I am not alone and have many friends, family and ward family members that are so knowledgeable and willing to help.

Another Goal Down!

#24: Go out with Maria...and not talk business.

So this weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Super Saturday with Ms. Maria and her friend Cassie. We had a blast. We made cute little hair bows and some really awesome clocks. I haven't determined where I am going to hang it just yet but I think it turned out pretty good. It was so much fun to just hang out like the good old days. Her friend Cassie was one of her mission companions and it is so scary because she fits right in! Thanks for the invite Maria it was fun!

One down, 100 more to Go!!

#13: update website

So I have officially completed number 13 on my list of 101 things to do! I have been getting my website for free from my sister in law and it was great. However, I wasn't too satisfied with the various layout options. I had been looking for a while a different web hosting companies and photobiz just happened to have everything 50% off! You can't beat that. So without any further delay....my new website is up! Let me know what you think!

101 in 1001

Here we go!! Our goal as a family is to complete the following 101 items in the next 1001 days.

Start Date: September 15, 2008
End Date: September 27, 2011

Here they are in no particular order...
1. finish hermana Moffitt's on-line journal
2. buy a treadmill (completed 1/3/2009)
3. purchase a shootsac (completed 11/2008)
4. purchase a new lens
5. have six months of food storage on hand
6. open a savings account for all four children
7. read the Book of Mormon
8. read the scriptures daily for 90 days
9. shoot at 5 different locations
10. get a massage (completed 9/26/08)
11. pay off our credit card
12. make and send out Christmas cards
13. update website (completed 9/18/08)
14. help document/photograph National Adoption Day
15. get new birth certificates for all four children (c0mpleted 11/24/08)
16. get new SSN for all four children
17. do a free photo shoot for a foster family (completed 1/21/09)
18. go on a dream vacation for our 10th anniversary
19. lose weight
20. offer proof books with all wedding packages
21. be a second shooter with 2 new photographers
22. read with each child every day
23. do something special for Camie to thank her for all of her help
24. go out with Maria...and not talk business (completed 9/20/08)
25. boost up newborn/maternity portfolio
26. have FHE for 2 months straight
27. decorate Saige's bedroom
28. replace green couches
29. go on a date with my dad (Rae Lynn)
30. keep a daily journal with Lonnie
31. join PPA
32. create and implement Mason's daily schedule
33. make cookies with the children
34. start "black out" Sundays
35. have all children potty trained
36. go on a girls night with Michelle and Saige
37. go on bi-weekly dates for four months
38. take Mason to the library
39. take Michelle to the library
40. go to Sea World as a family
41. learn how to use the grill
42. take the children to the Phoenix Zoo
43. exercise three times a week for ninety days
44. update wardrobe
45. go to the Temple once a month for a year
46. participate in a bridal expo (completed 11/11/2008)
47. purchase back up camera
48. take each child out for photo shoot at least two times a year
49. work with the Special Olympics
50. organize garage for Lonnie
51. go play in the snow (completed 12/22/2008)
52. create wills for Lonnie and Rae Lynn
53. read the Relief Society lesson
54. learn to quilt
55. take Gay out for a night
56. start saving for our mission
57. do a photo shoot for Poiette
58. do a photo shoot for Camie
59. do a photo shoot for Eva
60. visit Valerie and Ross
61. go out one night with Candice
62. go camping as a family
63. take a cake decorating class
64. offer picture tiles to clients
65. buy the boys bunk beds
66. make Christmas advent calendars for children and Kyan
67. get Gage the surgery he needs (completed 1/21/09)
68. purchase gun for Lonnie (completed 12/28/2008)
69. go on a date with Rae Lynn's parents
70. go on a date with Lonnie's parents
71. take children to Temple
72. help Michelle learn her part for Primary program (completed 11/16/2008)
73. get a 72 hour kit prepared for every member of our family (completed 11/10/2008)
74. attend the zer0-60 workshop
75. start using coupons
76. learn to can meats
77. purchase new throw pillows for family room (completed 1/5/2009)
78. join the foster care review board
79. go on a monthly outing
80. book 20 weddings
81. have a daddy/son date
82. purchase a freezer for the garage
83. have a photo shoot of just Lonnie & I
84. send Kristen an awesome Christmas package (completed 11/10/2008)
85. volunteer in Michelle's classroom
86. volunteer in Mason's classroom
87. be diligent about visiting teaching
88. study the atonement
89. boost my senior portfolio
90. go to the homecoming football game (completed 10/24/08)
91. get Michelle in dance lessons...again (completed 1/21/09)
92. get all four children to swim
93. feed the missionaries (completed 12/10/2008)
94. get portable backdrop
95. take a class
96. go to the beach
97. talk to sister Murphy and get the goods (completed 11/2008)
98. go to dinner with girlfriends from high school
99. have a garage sale
100. find a new PCP for Lonnie and I
101. find a new dentist for Lonnie and I

Wish us luck! Feel free to join in on the fun as well!

Beautiful Emma!

Just a quick preview!

Happy Birthday Michelle!

I cannot believe that today is Michelle's 4th Birthday! Where has the time gone? We have been blessed for 3 wonderful years with such an amazing little spirit! For those of you who know my daughter know exactly what I am talking about. She is so sensitive towards the needs of others at such a tender age. She is my little helper and is always right by my side...sometimes a little too much! :) I love this little girl and long to be like her in so many ways. I think one of the things that I love the most about Michelle is when she prays. It is so cute and pure. She loves to talk with "her Heavenly Father".
Here are some things about Michelle that I want to remember at this her 4th Birthday!
- Michelle always takes her scriptures with her everywhere we go. She loves to read them in the car and they are a MUST for church!
- When Michelle wants your attention she will say H-E-L-L-O! I wonder where she got that one from?!?
- Michelle is such a big helper with her siblings! She is always wanting to help her baby Gage.
- In March we had the wonderful opportunity to take Michelle to the Temple to have her sealed to us for all time and eternity!!
- Michelle is the first one up! As soon as the sun comes up it's "good morning time". She usually will go into Saige's room to make sure that she knows it's good morning time. If Mom and Dad were smart the night before and remembered to lock Saige's door, Michelle will be in her room coloring pictures or she may even have found something in the food storage pantry upstairs!
- Lately Michelle has gotten her feelings hurt so many times over small things that happen daily. She is starting to exhibit more emotions. Yikes!
- Michelle loves to help Mommy do the laundry. Her favorite part is putting the clothes away.
- Michelle always prays for Aunt Kiki and to keep Daddy safe at work.
- Anytime Mommy is making a lot of food Michelle always asks "Is friends coming over?" I think that she enjoys this as much as Mommy and Daddy do.

I love you my dear Michelle and hope that you have a wonderful birthday!

Zoowalk 2008 for Autism Research!!

This year's Zoowalk for Autism Research will be held on
Saturday, October 18th.

Here are the details:
* 6:30 - 9:00 am - Registration at Phoenix Municipal Stadium
(Parking & Registration with bus service to the Zoo)
* 7:30 am - Walk Opens
* 9:00 am - Walk Ends
* Walkers can stay at the Zoo the ENTIRE DAY!
(Free admission with Zoowalk bracelet!)

Have a fun time strolling around the zoo with your family and friends, seeing lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, bears, tortoises, and more! The Zoowalk will cover 1.1 miles on an easy paved path with some shade and places to stop and view the animals. It is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons. (No bikes, roller blades, or skateboards are allowed.)

Need more information?? Check out www.zoowalk.com

Hope to see you there!