If I was a rich girl...

First Day of School.

First day of 2nd grade (CRAZY!!) I missed taking her this year because of work. I was so sad because I have always been there. This year its a new school and I wanted to be there and comfort her. Tony was able to go-it was his first time. She is going to school with Max and Ben so Nik and Shelby were there too. She got a new bike for her birthday so they all got to ride their bikes. Paisley's bike is a little big and we made the mistake of putting her in a skirt. Luckily she had some little stretch shorts on underneath. Shelby hiked up her skirt after she fell about 3 times. I can already tell this is going to be a fun year. Nik is so active with the school so she will help me get involved in the school function. She looked so cute. She loved her first day and is already fitting in great. Can't wait for soccer and t-ball!

family...

while in san diego matt took our family photo. it has been a while, but these two photos are priceless. I LOVE MY FAMILY!! "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all!"

C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A!!

What more can I say about this magical place?? A week in CA is the absolute best. Whatever worry or stress I may be going through disappears when I am here. It has been a couple of years since we have all gone as a family. The 6 year olds (Paisley, Lucy, Ben, Soren and Thane) are older and easier. So this year was really enjoyable. We had one cloudy day and the rest was perfect. Each time we go we eat so good. Every family creates a meal. This year we celebrated Father's Day. It was so nice. We took Paisley to Sea World. It was fun. A little pricey for my liking, but Shamu was so neat. We went twice with our tickets. It is so nice to just relax and spend time with family. We laugh, we cry, we eat and we have fun what more can you ask for. Not sure we will go again next year, but I hope. A break from reality is the best. This year Ty took all the pictures. He really captured some great moments. I love this place.

Dear San Diego,

Thanks for the escape. The weather was fantastic. The company was wonderful. We love you. Can't wait for the next time.

xoxo,

Teele family

I know I stole that from Nie Nie! I just love her.

Summer Days!

(Photo by Uncle Matt)

This summer Paisley has done so much. She was in swim lessons with Aunt Nikkii. She now knows how to do the chicken-star-rocket, butterfly, dolphin, freestyle, breaststroke, and she made me say this the frog stroke. A stroke she made up on her own. She read 20 books. She went to the movies every Wednesday. She went to the zoo. She went to Sunsplash, Big Surf and Basha pool. She had numerous sleepovers. She got to go to football camp in Showlow for the day and practice with the football players. She had a week in San Diego. She had a photo session with Uncle Matt. She met new friends and TP'd her first house. Seriously could she be any more spoiled. Thank you for everyone who contributed to the greatest summer ever.

DAD!

I don't think you read these. I don't think you have the time. You are such a busy person you make president look lazy. I am so blessed to call you may dad. Paisley is so lucky you are her grandpa. We love you so much. Happy late birthday. I know you were driving home from paradise on you actual birthday, but I hope during all the hard work you were able to enjoy yourself. Fish a little, nap a little, eat a little. Thank you for all you have done the last few months with helping our family. You deserve more than we could ever give. We love you! Happy (1 month late) Birthday.

TYLO!

I know I am late. Way late!! I am glad I don't have the pressure Nik has on the Birthday posts. Happy belated birthday. You are an awesome brother. My favorite memory of you is seeing you across campus at Mountain View and you would throw a piece sign to me. I swear I was the coolest girl at the school. I have always been so proud to call you my brother. I just think you are so great. You kick butt at everything you do. You married the PERFECT girl and have the cutest dang kids. You deserve everything you have because you have worked so hard for it. I love you brother. Happy (2 months late) Birthday!!

Catch up!

So much has happened this summer. I haven't had the chance to blog. The biggest news is that Tony was laid off again in June. It has been rough. We continue to manage thanks to our wonderful families. Its a tough economy especially the job market. I am so greatful to have a job that is doing well and is not effected by the mess going on in the world. As a result we are moving closer into town. The next few months we are going to stay with Tony's mom who is also struggling. We will help each other. We have enrolled Paisley into school with her cousins Max and Ben. Nikkii has taken Paisley as if she was her own. She might even let me go to Parent/Teacher conference. I am so thankful for my sisters who have stepped up and helped with Paisley. Paisley had the best summer E-V-E-R!! Thanks to them. OK so I will be posting a few things that made us happy over the last couple months:)

Precious Paisley!!

Happy Birthday my love. Your daddy and I love you so so so much. We can't believe that you are 7 today. We enjoy you each and every day. You are such a special little girl. You are the only girl I know that plans her birthday party 8 months in advance. We love your letters and drawings. We are so proud of you. You are smart, beautiful and a ball of energy. You are loved by all. Happy Birthday our sweet little girl.

Beeezzzooo!

My favorite little sister. I know you have been waiting for this. I imagine it is 1130am and you are just rolling out of bed. You probably are eating little gems donuts and checking out your birthday blogs. Am I right? Like always I am probably am. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I can't believe that next year you will be 30. Isn't that nuts!! I hope this day is special for you. You deserve nothing but the best. You are such a fun person to be around even though sometimes I think you are crazy, you are a bit of a paranoid and most days you are on the verge of a panic attack (as Nik would say Panic Attackin). You are a great friend to all. You are also so generous with Stephen's $$! ( I think he would get a kick out it) You are Paisley's second mother even though I think Nik will disagree after this summer. I love that we have so much in common and that we are both a little on the Koo Koo side. You have the skinniest legs that I envy and you look great in any jean imaginable. You have little sweet Chloey and rotten little Marlee-they worship you even though you think they can't stand you. I am most of greatful that you are my sister and my friend. I can tell you ANYTHING. I am sorry for all the times I beat you up. Sorry for locking you outside the house or forcing you to kiss boys way before you are ready. Thanks for loving me and having me as your Maid of Honor twice. I love you so so so much! Happy Birthday Sister!

I love this little girl...

The past few weeks I have become obsessed with the Twilight Series. I'm a little late, but like Kristin said I am officially a "Twerd" (Twilight Nerd). Last night I found this on Paisley's bed. She apparently feels the same way about Edward as I do.

Nik!

AH! My sister Nikkii! Boy do I love you! You are my funniest, craziest, silliest sister. There is not a day when we are together that you don't make me laugh. Some of the things you ask are so off the wall it is hilarious. Its those moments I enjoy the most. Like when you asked me if I had my first period after Paisley was born. Or the many different ways you spell my name-none ever correct. I love that you steal coffee beans and sniff them all day. I love that you are such an awesome mom/teacher/volunteer. I love that you ran all the way from Prescott to Mesa-you are so inspirational. You are so creative and talented. You have taught all the kids in the family to read they all love Miss Nikkii. You have been through so much and remain as strong as ever. You work harder than anyone I know-well maybe you are neck and neck with dad. I love that you can translate for all of our garage sales. I love the pig tails you create and the magical word frames melt our hearts with. All I can say is you are the best. We love you so so so much! I look forward to spending some quality time with you in CA. When you aren't running marathons of course. Happy Birthday sister!!

Maxie...

Ok! I am the worst aunt ever. First because I am 3 days late and second because I have no recent pictures of Max so I had to steal them off of Nik's blog. Max is such a sweetie. He use to ask me if I was having a baby when I wasn't even pregnant-it wouldn't even break my heart because he was really excited for me. My favorite memory of Max was when he was 3 and I was pregnant with Paisley. I would have to get him off the bus-he was so small you wouldn't even know he was on it. He would run off the bus and would be so happy to see me. Now he is older and all I get is a "Hi Lindsey!" I am not cool anymore, but he still is that same sweet boy. He will always be. I love you Max the Moose! Happy Birthday! I promise to take photos in CA for next years birthday.

Chloey Jean...

Happy Birthday my little love. Chloey has had my heart from the very first breath she took. This little girl is the sweetest little girl I have ever met. She is quiet, kind, mellow and very smart. Alot like me how could I not love her. JK! Like Nik said in her blog she has been through so much in her short 3 years. I feel very protective of her and there is nothing I wouldn't do for her. She doesn't speak much, but she expresses so much through her eyes. I am always wondering what she is thinking. I can't wait to see the changes she makes in this year with starting preschool. I am hoping she will say "Lindsey you are my favorite auntie!" by the end of the year. I know she can do it. Happy Birthday Chloey we love, love, love you...

need blogging motivation...

I work insane hours so im too sleepy to take pictures or type anything. paisley is out of school next week so hopefully a vacation will snap me out of this dry spell. in the mean time i have missed a few birthdays. The Wheeler twins, baby Liam and Sage-all of them are Damon and Colleen's children.

First baby Liam-I hardly know you, but already can tell we will have a special bond. After all my crazy red hair made you smile-or my silly face. I can't wait to bond with you in CA in a few weeks while your parents nap. I plan to steal and walk on the beach. It will be fun-I promise. Welcome to the family!

Twins- You boys crack me up. I think it has taken all five years for you to finally like me:) You are such big boys and every time I see you I see Damon. Its crazy. I love hearing about you two and the incredible bond you share as twins. I had so much fun playing kickball with you at your birthday party. We should play again soon. Sorry I am late on this post. We love you! Happy 6th Birthday!

Sage-Well how can I forget your birthday. You remind me every year how long I have been out of high school. I am not sure I like you getting older. You have turned into such a beautiful young lady. You are fun to have around-you are just one of the girls. You are so talented in everything you do. I love that you read and play music-I have always wanted to do that. You are so sweet and such a help to your family. I have never seen you complain once. You are the first grandchild-my first niece. We love you so much and can't wait to see you grow up and become even more beautiful. My goal is to teach you to drive stick. Your mom and dad taught me so its only fair I do the same. Happy 12th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Kristin!!

Happy Birthday Kristin! You are one of the greatest people I know. I know I would think the same thing even if you were not married to my brother. You have the greatest sense of humor and you are always making me laugh. You are so fun to be around. You also are like SUPERWOMAN! Seriously in one day you take care of your kids, run 100 miles, squeeze in an entire Stephanie Meyers book, make dinner, clean the house, plan a church activity and drive to CA without breaking a sweat. I admire you in all that you do. You are a great sister and a awesome friend. I hope this is a great birthday for you. After the last few months you deserve something spectacular. We love you, but I love you the most. Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary mom and dad! 40 years that is AMAZING! I cannot wait until Tony and I get there. I am sure dad will get you some chocolate, flowers and a funny card. You will probably get him some work clothes. I love the days when you two are lovey dovey. I am so lucky to have you as parents and I know all the kids agree that you are the best grandparents alive. We love you and appreciate all you do. I hope you have a super romantic date planned. Happy 40th-guess that means Nik is almost over the hill. OUCH....

growing up so fast!

I know-it has been forever since I have blogged. I have a crazy work schedule that keeps me busy and sleepy. Quick note Tony landed a great job at Hendel's as a GM. We are just so happy to have jobs in this rough economy.

We are also greatful for her.....

Who now looks like this. Yes! The little front teeth that I loved so much with the huge gaps will be filled by two large obnoxious teeth. She is not a little girl anymore. She even pulled it out herself. Where in the world does time go??

She is still priceless!

matt...

happy birthday matt! matt is my brother-in-law married to nikkii. matt is so creative. he takes the best pictures. he also creates videos that make me cry every time-even if there are complete strangers. he is stylish and can smoke me in interior design any day. he is so so so funny. the greatest and most important thing everyone should know about matt is that he serves our country as a hero in the air force. he has seen some awful stuff and remains so strong. matt- we don't get to see you very often, but we love you very much and hope you have great birthday.

ps-sorry such an old photo:)

B-E-N-N-Y

How perfect is it that this guys birthday is on FRIDAY the 13th! Benton Blonde is 6 tomorrow. Where should I begin with this boy. He is a riot. He says the funniest things that can make me laugh for weeks. There are so many things that we love about Ben. He is super smart-thanks to his mom a great teacher and 5 years of pre-school, he is obsessed with cars, he can take me anytime in wii tennis. The best part of this Ben is when the day is over and he is done being a busy man he turns into the the sweetest little boy-he melts my heart. WE love you BENNY! Happy 6th Birthday!!

From Paisley:happy brthday BENNY you are SIX soom fo yor gocx are HLARES you are fun to play with ben i am xited to go booling are GOOFEgolfing. Im so XITED to go.

Winter visitors...

Last weekend we were able to spend a little time with Tony's dad and step-mom.  It had been a while since the last time we saw him.  I think Paisley was around 2.  It was also the first time she and I met his step-mom Sonya.  They live in beautiful Seattle so it was great to see them and catch up.  I think they miss the Arizona sunshine.  Tony's sisters Nikki and Beth along with Beth's family stayed the weekend with us.  We had a nice time.  His dad went to cooking school so I made Tony cook dinner.  I couldn't handle the pressure.  Everything turned out great and we can't wait for the next visit.  Hopefully we will be going to WA.  Below are a few photos.  

I love Lucy!

Happy Birthday Lucy!  Today Lucy turns 6-finally!  Paisley has been waiting for this day for a while.  Lucy is Paisley's best friend.  She is such a neat girl.  She is so girly and yet such a tomboy.  I wish I was that kind of little girl.  She can steal the boys hearts and kick their butts.  She can be a beautiful princess or a rugged outdoors girl.  Either way she is perfect in every way.  We love you Lucy.  Have a wonderful birthday!  

Cathy...

Yesterday was my aunt Cathy's birthday!  I didn't get a chance to post her birthday blog so here we go a day late.  I will just mention a few of the many things I love so much about my aunt. First and foremost she is my favorite aunt and I know I am her favorite niece after all we share the name Cathryn.  She is hilarious and has the best sense of humor.  My favorite memory is her trying to sell personal items at a garage sale we had.  She marks the items slightly below what she paid for them and walks away with no sales.  She is so beautiful, so kind and a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She is a very hard worker and cleans like a maniac.  I was lucky enough to live near her and she helped me with so many things.  I miss seeing her as ofter as I use to.  Paisley loves her just as much as I do and calls her Grandma Cathy.  Cathy the Teele family loves you dearly and hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

My Love...

Today is a very special day.  It is Tony's birthday.  I am so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man.  He is so loving, kind, funny, handsome and a great father.  In honor of his birthday I will share my top 10 favorite things about Tony..

In no particular order... (I've always wanted to say that)

1.  I love that he is so willing to help whenever I need anything.

2.  I can talk to him about anything and he doesn't judge.

3.  He works hard.

4.  He gets along with any and everyone.

5.  He is super smart. 

6.  He supports in anything I want to do.

7.  He loves my family and tolerates Shelby. 

8.  He has great legs.

9.  He sends Paisley off to school every morning w/a full belly.

10. He loves  me unconditionally.

I could go on and on...

We love you Tony.  Happy 37th Birthday!!

skating

a couple months ago a friend of mine had a birthday party at skateland.   she acutally rented out skateland.  isn't that so cool.  this is the skateland that i went to in elementary school where i first hoped about becoming a rythm skater in stark white skates. well that dream never became a reality, but i was able to relive some old memories.  it was a dress up party and both shelby and i had a blast.  i don't remember falling so much when i was younger.  i fell on my way to the bathroom and seriously injured my tail bone and almost wet my pants.  it hurt for a couple days, but the fun was worth it.

we are finally back...

Its been a long couple of months...

I am happy to say that we have made it through the tough times of unemployment.  

It is good to be back.  We are so lucky to have family that loves us and has helped us get back on our feet.  We love you so much.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Unfortunately... during the break I didn't take much photos so there is not alot to blog about.