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!

Hello October...

Some exciting things to come this month.  Can't wait!