Not a BA-Humbug!!

 I love Christmas and I love decorating my house for the season. Even though the decorating is done it this year it has felt different.  I must admit we have had a rough start this holiday season.   The economy is bad even though I love the gas prices. The weather never feels like Christmas in Arizona.  This year we don't have our stainless steel mantle to hang our stockings from-boy do we miss our little masterpiece.  To top it all Tony was laid off from work a couple weeks ago.  With all this going on I can honestly tell you I am not feeling it.  Not to sound like Scrooge-It is kind of nice not to get wrapped up in the stress of the season.  Most Christmas's its more stressful than joyful.  This year I am just so thankful to have a my wonderful family.  Tony and I have spent more time together the last couple weeks than I think we have in the last 6 years of our marriage.  It has been so nice.  His phone isn't ringing off the hook.  Ha Ha-he doesn't even have a phone.  He has been able to walk Paisley to the bus stop.  He even volunteered in her class.  So what if there is nothing under our tree.  We got each other and that is the best gift of all.  This Christmas count your blessings.  I love my family!

a fake tree and a few decorations

Happy Holidays!!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Our family has started a new tradition of going to the rim the day after Thanksgiving to get cut down our Christmas tree.  We had so much fun playing in the snow.  OK-maybe not so much fun it was cold, the kids got wet, Thane got sick and poor Kristin was stuck baby-sitting for like 2 hours.  We are bad to leave her alone with all the kids.  I am so sorry Kristin.  I promise a full night of baby-sitting whenever you want.  So this year I needed a skinny tree to fit in a large corner of my house.  Nik has an eye for picking our trees so I was in love when she spotted our tree.  Tall and skinny just like Paisley.  We were the first to pick our tree.  It is so hard to find a good tree so about 3 hours later the remainder of the trees were selected.  We loaded up the trailer and headed back to town.  One by one as we unloaded each individual tree I thought WOW!  They all picked out large and full trees.  Our tree was one of the last trees since we live in Queen Creek.  When my dad pulled out our tree my mom about peed her pants.  Here we have this stick with a few twigs.  It looked nothing like it looked in the forest.  The next morning we took a better look at and decided it looked too much like a Charlie Brown Xmas tree.  So we put up my tall and skinny fake tree.  I love my fake tree.  I feel awful we cut down a tree so if anyone knows of someone that likes sparse trees it is in our garage sitting in water waiting for a home.  If we don't have someone to claim it we will make a wreath and put the rest in our fire pit.  I know so cruel.  Here are a few photos from the day and of our tree.

  

NORTH DAKOTA

We had such a great time in North Dakota-it is sad to be back home dealing with reality.  You know when you look forward to something for so long that once it is over you are left feeling a little sad.  I go through this with everything  that brings happiness to our family-vacations, birthdays and any other kind of special event.  (Beware-for journal purposes this post will be very long)

OK-so on to our trip.  The first day was mostly travel.  We woke up around 4am at my mother-in-laws.  We had to be up before her and Nicole, but Tony's cellphone alarm woke the whole house. Mom-in-law was soon up blaring the radio reminded me of something my mom would do.  We checked in everything went smoothly.   I was a little nervous to fly.  Most flights I have taken are less than an hour so our flight to Denver was close to 2 hours.  We flew in a larger plane that seated the three of us on one side.  Paisley was really excited so we let her sit by the window on the way to Denver.  She loved it.  Her hair was full of static.  It was pretty funny.  Once we got into Denver we had to find our connecting flight.  We came in on gate B12 and had to go to B90.  Denver airport is no joke.  It is the biggest airport I have ever been in-seriously.  We had an hour and it took us a good 30 minutes to get to our gate.  The fun part is that they had those rolling walk-ways.  Paisley was funny she kept saying is this flight going to take us to Flagdale instead of saying Fargo.  Our flight to Fargo was in a 50 passenger Express Jet.  I was a little freaked out.  I can get a little claustrophobic.  The flight to Fargo was pretty-most of what we flew over was covered in snow.  The scary part was that it was very bumpy.  I thought we were going to die-most of the hour and half flight.  Paisley and Tony slept through most of it.
 

Once in Fargo we were anxiously greeted by Grandma & Grandpa LeMier, Aunt Margie, Aunt Carol and Aunt Julie.  (Tony's aunts-Paisley's great aunts).  It had been 5 years since we had last seen them.  They all looked great.  Especially Margie with her Hawaiian tan.  We waited a short time for mom and Nicole then we headed to Margie's.  I can't forget to mention the walk to the car was a little more than I had expected.  It was FREEZING!  I don't remember the temperature, but it made my eyes water.  We had light clothes on the plane so when we got to Margie's we pulled out the heavier stuff.  Fargo is a big city with a small town feel.  Buildings aren't crammed in like they are here.  Everything is spaced out.  The houses are cute and there is a lot of farm land.  Most houses have basements.  We stayed at Margie's and Paul's we got the whole basement to ourselves-very nice.  So our first 1/2 day we just spent time catching up.  For dinner the rest of the family came.  Tony's younger Uncle Wayne , his wife Chelle and their two kids Molly and Bobby.  Tony's uncle Ted, his wife Sue and their four kids-Alex, the twins and Danielle.  Tony's uncle Paul and his girlfriend Trina.  We had some yummy soup and an apple crisp grandma made. Day two we went to a few crafts stores.  Tony's mom has recently taken up quilting.  She is awesome at it so we had to find some Scandinavian fabric.  Uftda! The money she spent there.  I thought we were going to have to stage an intervention.  In her defense-the quilts she creates are priceless.  That night we had dinner with ALL the family and then we headed to a bar to watch Ted and Wayne play a wicked game of darts.  It was fun.  After the game Tony and I played.  I hope I didn't ruin Ted's because I was awful. Sorry Sue for having to be on my team.  

Friday was all about the reception.  We took it easy that day because we knew it was going to be a long fun night.  Margie was so kind to book us a room at the Raddison.  The Raddison is where the reception was being held.  Our room was beautiful-contemporary-just my style.  We lounged around in our room and headed down to the party.  The theme was Hawaiian (they got married in Hawaii the week before).  They decorated the tables so neat.  They had some tables with the vases filled fish and seashells.  The others were filled with drenched Hawaiian flowers.  B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!  Dinner was delicious as we ate we got to see the video of the ceremony in Hawaii and a slide show of the couple from childhood to adulthood.  After dinner came the dancing.  Ted-Tony's uncle was the DJ!  Let me just say.  PARTY TIME!  Paisley-well Paisley is a spaz to begin with, but put her on the dance floor and she is a complete maniac.  She had the best time.  She experienced her first dance with a boy (her cousin), she got to dance the electric slide, the Cha Cha, the chicken dance-she even managed to throw in her robot dance.  I loved watching her.  Do you know that little crazy girl even caught the bouquet.  Luckily she traded it to Auntie Nicole for a few seashell and chocolates.  Amber looked beautiful-she is tiny and tan-can't get any better than that.  Eric was very handsome of course.  We had a great time.  Paisley and I headed in a little earlier than the rest.  We were exhausted and went to sleep very happy.  We are so happy to be part of such a great time.

OK-This is turning out to be really long so I will make the remainder a the trip short and sweet.  Saturday we went to Great Grandma and Grandpa LeMier.  We watched a little college football and took a walk.  It was freezing so the walk didn't last long.  That night Nicole and I cooked dinner.  It was a disaster.  I was so embarrassed.  I have learned my lesson-don't cook anything that I am not an expert at for a large number of people.  The end:)  Sunday we drove out to Oakes where Glenn's farm is.  It is about a 2 hour drive from Fargo.  Very pretty drive.  Uncle Glenn's farm is amazing.  He has mini-horses, cow, elk, donkey and even a goat to keep out the coyotes.  Paisley got to see a 30 minute old baby calf.  She also got to drive in the tractor to feed the cows.  It was a fun time.  I especially liked taking the photos of the elk for my dad and Ty to see.  Monday we went Sheels the worlds largest Sporting Store.  It has a Ferris wheel and even wax molds of the former presidents it was a really neat store.  We also went to the mall (yes I know all malls are the same, but I have to see every one of them to believe it).  Lastly we went to the Hjemkomst Center it is a76-foot exact replica of a Viking ship.  It was so interesting to see and learn about this guy who followed his dream.  At the Hjemkomst Center they also had a Hopperstad Stave Church Replica.  It is an "all" wood church.  It was beautiful and very humbling at the same time.  I loved it.  That night we had our last dinner with the family.  Gooey Buns-a very yummy dinner that Paisley helped make. We got to eat leftover wedding cake and play "Catch-a-phrase" it was a blast.  After all the fun we had to say our goodbye to most of the family.  We really enjoyed spending time with all of them.  A little after everyone left we got to hang out with the twins (Amber and Ryan) at TGIF.  We laughed alot and played some games.  It was fun to spend some time with them they made Tony and I feel old they are so young (we miss those days).  Then came Tuesday-our day to leave.  It was the coldest day of the trip.  I have no idea what the temperature was, but it hurt it was so cold.  It was sad that we had to leave.  Even though we were excited to see our Arizona family we were sad to leave our North Dakota family.  We had the best time and really enjoyed spending time with each and everyone in the family.  Once we got in the airport Paisley was devastated.  She lost it on the plane.  She was already missing Margie.  

Thank you to everyone in North Dakota for being so welcoming.  Margie-thank you for EVERYTHING!  You took such great care of us-We cannot express how much fun we had.  Paisley loves you so much.  She continues to talk about you daily.  Thank you to my mom for helping us get ready and be prepared for the cold.  We love you.  Thank you grandma Teele for taking us everywhere the day before and letting us sleep in your comfortable bed.  We had a blast.  Love you all.

Happy Birthday Emily!!

This girl and I have been BFF's since the 6th grade.  She use to do my school work so we could play during class time.  That is great friend if you ask me.  Well this special lady is turning the big 3-0 today.  She is probably laying on the beach in Jamaica as we speak.  We have so many memories, so many funny stories-I am so happy to be her friend.  I love you lots Emily.  I hope you have the best birthday ever!

6

It was six years ago today that we got married. It has been fun. It has gone by fast. Yes it has been a rough week, but the most important thing in the end is that we still have each other. I love you and can't wait til we celebrate 56. XxOooXXXxoxO-Nacho Libre

DAY-MON!

This is one of my favorite photos of my brothers. Damon will probably hate me for posting this, but just shows how hard he has worked.


A great dad!

We are back from ND. So much to blog about, but not today because it is my oldest brothers birthday. So many great things to say about this guy. He is so funny, so skinny and so motivational. We both share a love for music and I love the times when we play songs for each other off of our ipods. Damon you are an awesome brother. I am so happy you are back home and thank you for all of your help on my quest to be just like you.. MOTIVATED AND THIN!! We love you! Happy Birthday!

Emma-Emma-Emma!

This little knockout is having a birthday today! She is 9 years old and the second daughter to my brother Damon and his wife Colleen. Emma is a great girl to be around and she can say the funniest things. Paisley adores Emma and they both share a love of hats. We are so happy they are back in Arizona. Happy Birthday Emma we love you and really hope you get a Skateland party!!

Cashy!

Today Cash Wheeler turns 1! He is such a cutie. You have to see him smile it melts my heart. Seriously!! This little guy has a mouth full of teeth and cheeks that you just want to chew on. He is adorable and we are so happy he is in our family. I am sad I am missing his birthday. Hopefully his mom and dad will wait until we get home to have a party. HINT HINT! I am hoping to get him the best gift ever so he will like me more. Maybe even give me a kiss. Happy 1st Birthday Cash! We love you!

North Dakota

We are anxiously getting ready to head to North Dakota for Tony's cousins wedding.  Both Paisley and I will get to meet some of Tony's family for the first time. We are very excited.  We have been looking at the forecast and it is going to be very COLD!  As an Arizona native cold for me is 50 degrees-Tony doesn't think I have experienced "real" cold. We can't wait to bundle up and hopefully get a photo to put in our Christmas cards .  Yippy!  Hoping to see fall colors.   This will be Paisley's first flight.  I should have lots to blog about when I get back. (The photo I took from Fargo website of a Lindenwood Fall tree-Hope to see lots of those.) 

Marlee

One of my favorite little niece's turns 1 today. I love this little girl.  She is a feisty little thing.  She pulls her sister's hair, never lets us put her down, climbs up the stairs after we say not to, then falls down the stairs, wrestles her sisters, eats dog food, throws food, and has us all wrapped around her little finger.  I wuv her very much!  Her face is irresistible.  How cool is she her birthday is on Halloween.  Happy Birthday Mars!!  The Teele's love you!

Our Award Winning 1st Grader!!

We got a call from Mrs. G. the other night saying that Paisley has made Principle's Honor Roll.  I think it's just short of the Honor Roll.  (She got A's in everything, but writing) We are so proud of her.  Shelby was kind enough to take me to the ceremony since my car wasn't working.  Paisley was very excited.  Once she got home we had a little celebration for all of her hard work.  We are working hard to make Honor Roll for next time around.  Way to go Paisley!!!

Don't you just love little Chloey's face.  Also you can tell in the last photo of Paisley that she has been licking her lips a little too much.  Ouch!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Happy Birthday!  This very special lady turns 60 today.  She is such a wonderful mother and grandmother.  Here is a few things you should know about my mom.

-She is Martha Stewart, Mrs. Clean and Betty Crocker wrapped into one little tiny package.

-She has 13 grandchildren and one on its way.

-She has the cutest skirt collection in town and always lets us borrow them whenever we like.

-She was Homecoming Queen at Tempe High School.

-She was a cheerleader and still does a mean spread eagle.

-She can make anyone laugh.

-She is the kindest person I know.

-She is generous.

-She is beautiful.

-She is the worlds greatest mother, woman, Relief Society President, Young Woman President, Laurel Advisor, neighbor, friend and most of all grandmother.

We love you mom!  Happy Birthday!!

California Dreamin...

The first weekend of October my sisters and sister-in-laws surprised my mom for her 60th with a trip.  It was a huge surprise that we had been planning for close to a year.  I mean she is 60 how wonderful is that.  So we had to celebrate and celebrate BIG!!   We planned a short weekend in San Diego one of her favorite places.  There were so many wonderful things that happened, but since I am not the best at writing I am going share some of the highlights of the trip.   

• Calling my mom at 2:30am the morning of and telling her she has an hour to get ready.  Pack a bag and don't ask any questions.
• Kristin being so kind to drive us on no sleep-then calling it quits outside of Maricopa.
• No Kids-even though mom was so sad they weren't with us.  Seriously she talked about it the whole drive there.  I think she forgot she had daughters.
• I slept in the car most of the way there, but I know the rest of the ladies got some good talking in.
• Once in San Diego just the happiness we felt.  The weather was wonderful, the beaches were quiet.
• Shopping-more than once and so nice without chasing after children. Hmm Chloey!
• Eating pretty much when and whatever we wanted.
• Walking on the board walk.
• Laughing-it was great to hear stories about my brothers from Kristin and Colleen they had us running to the bathroom more than once.
• A $25 shopping contest to see who could find the best shirt or outfit.  Then we had to model it in a fashion show.  Colleen walked away with an entire outfit.  Nikkii flashed all of us.  Kristin and Shelby dressed up in my moms clothes. And of course ME WALKING AWAY AS THE WINNER:)
• Dinner at MiMi's Cafe after getting drenched in the rain trying to get into Cheesecake Factory.  
• Colleens nap on the beach.
• Bachelor party at the house above ours.  They tried to get us to party with him.  I think Colleen's quoted "No little bearded man-we will not be joining you tonight!"
• Mom teaching us a trick to do with the flat iron that will give us the volume in our hair that we always want.
• Kristin making us laugh harder than I have ever laughed in my life.
• Late night talks with my roommate Colleen.
  
• Niks hole in her G's-I don't recommend her stretching method.
• The best part of the trip is that we grew stronger as a family and as sisters.

It was F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!  Thank you to our husbands for taking care of the kids.  We needed the break and so appreciate all you do for us.  I missed both Paisley and Tony so much.  When I got home they had flowers and balloons for me along with a few dozen pictures Paisley had created for me.  I am so loved.  Thanks to my sisters and my mom.  I love you all so much.  Can't wait for the next trip.  There is so much I know I am missing.  If you want to read more keep on eye on my sisters blogs. Here or Here or Here!

fall intercession...

One of the many great things about living in QC is the schools have a year-round schedule.  Just last week Paisley returned to school after 2 weeks off.  Yes 2 weeks!!  A few things she loved during her break was sleeping in, playing with her cousins,  sleepovers @ Shelby's, getting to wear make-up, playing in the water playground @ San Tan Mall and writing letters.  Here are a few photos from her break.

Reunion

A few weekends ago we had the chance to get away for the day for a family reunion.  Our cousin's (mom's side) the Hunsaker's have a cabin a little outside of Payson.  My mom and dad rented a 15 seat passenger van and we ALL loaded up.  All 16 of us.  Yes-it was crowded.  Luckily for me I get car sick and got to sit closer to the front.  The drive there was horrid, but worth it once we got there.  There were games, cool weather and tons of good food.  Worthy enough to blow my diet.  This has been a tradition for as long as I can remember.  Getting together with family, eating, laughing and reminiscing.  My Grandma Lively isn't around anymore, but I get to see her through the rest of the family.  Especially in Uncle Alec and Tawny.  They loved her so much.  She is definitely missed.  This year we had a pinata.  Paisley was up to bat and knocked the body off leaving only a head.  I think she has a future in softball if she chooses to skip beauty school;)  There was also the famous money toss.  Uncle Alec would throw handfuls of loose change into the air and all the kids scatter to pick it up.   I know for a fact that I never collected as much money as Paisley had in her hands.  It was a great day. We loaded up and got to drive back in the rain with a dozen of sleeping kids.  It was a beautiful thing.  I can't wait til next year.  Maybe without the passenger van.

Blast from the past...

I happened to be blog stalking (Yes-I need a life) I found someone who posted this.  I had to try. It was so much fun.  I think I look better in some of these pictures than I do now.  Maybe it was because I could thin my face out.  Try it here . 

This guy would be my boyfriend.  He is a hottie!

Here is Paisley all grown up.  Scary!