Will, Leslie, McKenna, Calvin & Sophia

Friday, January 2, 2015

2014 Re-cap

So as I was thinking about what all happened in 2014 it was actually a lot.  

Sophia started dance she got her first electric pink Barbie car.  She cracks us up continually.  She's started preschool at home knows how to write her name, her alphabet, numbers and can add.  She is a funny, pretty, smart and loving little doll!!! She's so excited to go to school and to get married and be a momma she wants 3 girls.  Lol she constantly wants to play.  She loves Lucy our dog and carries her or holds her constantly.  She loves movies and especially sweets.  She is very concerned with her appearance and weight not sure why but she asks if she is fat too often we always tell her she is beautiful and perfect.  Too much tv??  Anyways she is a kind hearted little girl with a lot of spunk.  She's pretty creative and thoughtful.  She made me a bracelet for Christmas and then put it in a ceramic jewelry box but couldn't find it and was almost in tears after everyone opened gifts she came and hugged me and said I wanted to give you the best present ever but I can't find it mom and I'm really really sorry.  Oh it broke my heart to see her so sad about it.  She didn't make anyone else anything or worry about them a gift but wow she was sad.  Talk about about heart melting.  She dances and sings for me all the time.  Adorable miracle baby girl oh how I love her!!! 

Calvin got the priesthood, went the Gilbert Temple for the first time, was in the Deacon's presidency, honor roll and got braces this year.  Calvin is totally into special effects and is quite talented.  He is very crafty.  He is an excellent singer and dancer.  Is super skinny and loves to exercise and eat healthy.  He also loves to cook.  This boy melts my heart almost daily.  He is sweet, kind, charming and handsome with manners all wrapped in one.  He is liked by all.  He has a tender heart.  He likes to annoy his sisters but then other times he is the best sweetest brother ever.  Adia is his bff and cousin.  They love the same stuff!  Rocks, special effects, music and dancing.  He is doing football again this year.  He is the best son I could have ever hoped for!  

McKenna got her permit, turned 16, got her dream car 02 VW Beetle Bug but it was a pos so we got her an 06 Hyundai Accent both are gray, participated in the Gilbert Temple cultural celebration, she went on her first date and Homecoming with Conner Scoresby, honor roll, started CAVIT dental assistant program, laurel presidency, got her braces taken off and went on Trek. Oh this girl is amazing!  Sweet, funny, gorgeous inside and out, smart and so righteous.  Her faith is unshakeable!  She's a natural born leader.  She is a go getter and works hard for her grades.  She will help anyone with anything except the dishes and cleaning her room.  Lol  She is such a good girl!  An angel sent from heaven above.  She loves food and will bake anytime she can.  She loves to eat.  She loves music and usually has earbuds in jamming out.  She still plays the piano but not as often.  She is still a very highly sought after babysitter because the kids loves her and she cleans.  :-). She's great with kids.  She's a decent driver and just needs more hours behind the wheel.  She's a true and loyal friend to everyone. She loves to talk and we love listening.  Love this girl and everything about her!  She is a great example and amazingly strong in the gospel.  Couldn't have asked for better seriously.  

Me well I turned 40!  I had a fall broke my hand and knocked myself out got to take an ambulance ride to the hospital luckily my neck, back, shoulder and feet were only sprained and not broken as thought,  survived girls camp, got to participate in the Gilbert Temple cultural celebration it was amazingly spiritual, started real estate school, hope to get my license by Feb,  got called to be the Primary President, presided over my first primary program, went on an awesome trip with Will to Florida, got a white gold 18th anniversary ring, got new front teeth and a new car.  My gorgeous Buick Enclave started to die so I got a beautiful new dark metallic gray 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited.  I love it.  I feel so very very blessed.  We have a beautiful home with my parents, mother in law and brother in law within a mile.  Our 3 children are amazing!  Seriously!!!  We are overall healthy.  I love to sing, to shop, to get good deals, to paint, to be crafty, to organize, to see movies, to four wheel, to go boating etc.  I love being a stay at home mom who helps hubby wih real estate.  My kids are my life it's awesome to be with them so much more than I ever was when I worked full time outside of the home.  I'm busier than I ever expected and my days start early and end late but I wouldn't have it any other way!  I'm soaking it all up and enjoying every single minute as best as I can because the days turn into years faster than I ever realized.    

Will had a heart attack which wa so super scary but it didn't do any damage thankfully, he became the broker of Tempus Real Estate company, got a significant raise from Fun Factory, took lots of trips for work out east, got to go sea fishing and caught several large fish including sharks, got a deer hunting, went on an elk hunt, Got fit and buffed up winning a bicep challenge at work by increasing his guns by 2 inches, is the financial clerk at church, witnessed a tornado while in Tennessee visiting his sisters, went on a great trip to Florida with me, got a new camo platinum ring for our 18th anniversary, got some new guns and ammo, got new front teeth and lots of crowns and a bridge, and he got a new truck.  Still has his white 2003 Dodge Ram quad can 4x4 Laramie but got a 2015 Toyota Tacoma Trd pro 4x4 black truck.  He loves his tech stuff and devices, loves his music, loves his hunting, loves his truck, loves taking naps, loves action movies, works a lot, Calvin is his best buddy, loves his long showers.  He is funny, quick witted, mostly silent, deep thinker, loves his kids, plays with his lil princess and adores his young lady, cleans his shotguns regularly and can't stop downing the soda pop.  Lol. He found out that he is not really type 1 diabetic after 30 plus years of being treated so needless to say it's taking a long time trying to kick start his pancreas to work again so he is still taking injections.  Poor guy.  He doesn't complain never has never will.  

Our family took our first cruise with Aunt Brandy, Kyah, Adia, Grammy and Pops.  It was a carnival cruise Miracle was the name of the ship.  We drove to Long Beach, ca and then cruised for 7 days to Mexican Riveria.  It was Our kids first time on a beach!  We had a blast other than a cold that ended up running its coarse through everyone.   Our house got new carpet and painted on the exterior this year.  We got health and dental insurance in Oct!  Wahoo!  We've had many mile stones this year and overall it was fantastic!!  We are so thankful for our freedoms and blessings!!!  The gospel is true and we are so thankful for it in our lives!  Love love our family and friends.  Looking forward to 2015!!!! 

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Will and I got new vehicles for Christmas!!    2015 Toyota's I got a Highlander Limited in dark metallic gray and Will got a Tacoma 4x4 pro in black.  We got grandma Carole Wright's employee pricing from Big Two Toyota in Chandler.  Wahoo!!  We love them!!! 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Christmas work party dinner 12/12/14


We got dressed up and went to "The Landmark" in Mesa for the work Christmas dinner party.  The food was great!  Cheesecake is the best ever there seriously better than Cheesecake Factory.  

Came home and took a couple of selfies! Lol. 19 Christmas's with this guy!  The years fly!  



Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Calgone take me away!!!

2 solid days of kids fighting, not listening, back talking, melt downs, dog barking for no reason, a messy house, husband out of town, supposed to be at real estate school, trying to get ready for company, interruptions all day and I'm seriously about to lose it.  It's actually been a few weeks of solid crazy I'm starting to feel the pressure but proudly I've stayed calm.  Primary president duties.  I don't know if I can take anymore today.  I'm going to carry on folding the laundry maybe I can zone everything out for about 30 mins.  Geesh 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Been awhile....

It's been a long while since I've posted!  Wow!!  I'm terrible.  Anyways lots has happened in the past two years.  Lol. Facebook and Instagram have taken more of my time than my blog and now I realize I need to change that.  My blog is printable and really more of a journal to me.  McKenna is driving now and is on her second car!  Not her fault but her first which was her dream car a VW beetle bug didn't run very well so we sold it and got her a Hyundai Accent.  She went on her first date recently and also to her first formal dance with long time buff Conner Scoresby.  Pictured above.  Neither have their license only permits so Jenna and I got to tag along!  Hee Hee McKenna gets her braces off in a couple of weeks and is in the dental assistant program with CAVIT.  She's a straight A student and a wonderful young lady!  Time flies by!!!  
Calvin is 12 now and got braces last month.  Lucy our dog is pretty much a Calvin and Will lover.  She's definitely Calvin's dog though.  He is an "A & B" student and a wonderful deacon who loves to pass the sacrament!  He is a great big brother to Sophia!  He is so sweet upbeat and cheerful love this handsome boy!!! 

Sophia is now 4 getting close to 5 and loves going to dance class where she does tap and ballet.  She loves her battery operated car and loves to go fast!  She is a doll and we are so blessed to have these three amazing children!!!! 

Will aka muscle man because he works out so much is a busy guy.  He works a lot as the Broker of a busy real estate office along with his own real estate deals and working in Mesa daily.  He is out hunting which is his favorite hobby.  Church keeps him busy as the financial clerk.  He is an amazing daddy and we are very blessed to have him!  

Me well I'm busier than I've ever been!  Lol. I'm a stay at home Mom and help Will with real estate, run kids all over Maricopa and am going to real estate school to become a licensed realtor.  I'm going with my dear friend Sandy Lines.  That makes it much better!  It's harder than I thought it would be for me.  I also am the Primary President and wow that's more than I ever anticipated but I love it and love the children and love my presidency and the teachers.  Our life is pretty blessed and we thank Heavenly Father daily for it!  We have our trials and struggles from time to time just like everyone else but I don't care to discuss that.  :-). 

This week we are looking forward to my sister and her girls arrival on Wed night then a wonderful thanksgiving at my Moms down the street.  Then Saturday we all my parents, sister and nieces and us are going on a 7 day cruise!  Super excited and blessed!  

Monday, September 10, 2012

The Best 3 Gifts Ever on Sept. 7, 2012

 Sophia 2.5yrs 


Calvin 10.5yrs

McKenna 14.5yrs
 2nd place t-shirt for tournament
I must say that these three beautiful wonderful children are the biggest joy in mine and Will's life!  They make us laugh, smile, cry, crazy and everything in between and we wouldn't have it any other way!  We love them so very much and feel so blessed to be their parents and have them in our lives!!!!  
what do you do when you feel old, fat, ugly and boring?

Dianne Hathcock Finch and Pamela Rush Spencer like this.




Stephanie Burt Payne Get a haircut or read the obits and get over it!!

Saturday at 2:30pm via mobile ·  · 1

Tiffany Thomas Nolan you are young beautiful and fun!

Saturday at 2:33pm via mobile ·  · 3

Brandy Gilliam Vega I'm texting you ;) I've got an idea!

Saturday at 2:34pm via mobile ·  · 1

Richie Davis I hang out with someone older, fatter and uglier!!!!

Saturday at 2:36pm via mobile ·  · 4

Leslie Bunker Why are you talking about me like that? Boo!! :-)

Saturday at 2:53pm via mobile · 
Pamela Rush Spencer You are Beautiful!! It could always be worse! I know from experience! :(
Saturday at 3:55pm via mobile · Like
  • Janine Richie There will always be someone taller, thinner, or younger than you, 

    but there will never be another you. Rejoice in who you are.

    Saturday at 5:00pm ·  · 1
  • Natalie Gold Malan I hope you're not talking about you, but if you are I know 

    plenty of people (including me) who admire and love you for many other reasons 

    than your outward appearance (though I have to say, I'm also pretty sure 

    everyone thinks you're gorgeous!). I'm not going to pretend I haven't felt the same 

    way many times. Just remember, if you give in to those beliefs, that's exactly 

    what you'll become, and we're better than that! So get up and do something nice 

    for someone else (and give yourself credit for all you're already doing for your 

    loved ones). It's the best way to feel good about yourself. ;)
    Saturday at 5:41pm ·  · 1
  • Kelly Palmer Lozano thank God for every minute... it's a privilege denied to many :-)
    Saturday at 7:51pm via mobile · Like
  • Ginger Nelson Wiltbank I don't know... maybe we join some kind of club so we 


    can all cry together? :) I feel the same way!


    Saturday at 7:59pm ·  · 1
  • Alison Rumel Maynes Look in the mirror & remember it was just a crazy thought & 

    not reality. :)
    Saturday at 10:38pm · Like


    Nancy Smith-garoutte Remember all the good things about you--which I know is over a 

    million :)
    Yesterday at 10:18am · Like



    Quesnel Atwood Have some Ice-Cream, it always helps me out!
    22 hours ago · Like

  •  I totally agree with Natalie! But when I feel that way, I treat myself to something-

    clothes, chocolate ice cream or whatever else, and then I change something 

    about myself like my hair or get a new hobby.

    You are such a great lady!

    18 hours ago via mobile ·  · 1
  • Wednesday, August 8, 2012

    First day of seminary and high school for McKenna and first day of 5th grade for Calvin....Sophie well she thought it was her first day of school but it was school at home with Mommy since she's only 2!!!  Her face says it all :o)  ha ha

    I sure love these three kiddos of ours!!!  They are so amazing, funny, cute and special in their own ways bringing us joy every single day!  Not sure how I got so blessed but I did.  Their Dad is pretty wonderful too and makes for a great Seminary teacher according to many youth including McKenna!  Loving it!!!!

    Thursday, July 26, 2012

    McKenna is Amazing!

    Last night McKenna got her Patriarchal Blessing and talk about amazing!  I know I'm her Momma and a bit partial but wow!  I knew she was an awesome girl but I had no idea just how awesome!!!!  I've seriously never heard, read or heard of a better blessing in all my life!  Neither has Will!  We are so honored and humbled to be her parents!

    It's obviously very spiritual and private so I won't share any of the details but we are in still in aw.  She has prepared for many months almost a year for this by fasting, praying and reading.  She's a great girl and we love her so much!  Very proud of you my pretty angel!!!

    Monday, June 11, 2012

    Girls Camp 2012 - Loved IT!!!

    Bishop asked me a few months ago to girls camp for 5 whole days and I immediately said yes selfishly thinking that it would be an opportunity of a life time to go with McKenna but as the date got closer and closer I started to not want to go.  I told myself that was normal because I'm a baby and like sleeping in my own bed every night and that Sophia would have a hard time without me but I had faith that Heavenly Father would help me because he wanted me to go right!  :o)

    Well I'm so happy to report that he did...my feet didn't hurt as much as I expected them to.  Our tent and air mattresses weren't very comfy the first night but when you are extremely tired anything somewhat soft feels good. I took Dr. Pepper so I wouldn't miss those but found that I didn't want them like I thought and went from drinking 3 cans per day to 1 or less per day.  We had to walk uphill for everything so that helped me exercise a bit.  :o)

    We had a nautical theme "S.O.S." standing for "Seeking our Savoir" and each ward in our Maricopa Stake was a "ship" we were the Friendship and our color was hot pink!  Bishop was a trooper with all the pink too!

    What an honor it was to go with my beautiful daughter to camp and see her in action!  She didn't realize many times that I was watching her from afar and seeing all of her acts and words of kindness!  I was so impressed with her and so humbled to be called her Mom!  Seriously I knew she was a good girl before but she is so much better than I gave her credit for....truly an amazing young lady!!!

    I grew to love all of the girls at camp pretty fast.  They were all very sweet and helpful.  We had a couple of little incidents as do all groups of girls but they were worked out quickly.

    We were so busy with so many things including: zip line, bee bee guns, archery, volleyball, basketball, tether ball, lots of fun crafts, survival training, gifts, yummy food & treats, heartfelt letters, silly skits, celebrity appearances and performances, dancing, singing, cheering, pink everything including new hair extensions, little sleep, no rain, few bugs, spiritual uplifting and tons of fun!

    I'll never forget my awesome week in the wilderness with a bunch of amazing girls, my awesome daughter, good friends Tiffany, Carrie, Sandy, Pam, Heidi and Bishop!  So glad I went what a testimony boost and spiritual blast in the woods!  Here's a few pictures...

     Our group picture on Thursday Maricopa 5th Ward
     Morning role call 
    Kelsey and McKenna  
     Ashley, McKenna, Kelsey and Bailey sweet girls 
     Bishop was break dancing with the other ward Bishops
     Introducing our amazing girls (yes I've gained weight) 
     Me, Sandy and Tiffany after dinner 
     McKenna in her messy tent (just like her room :o)
     Sandy, me, Tiffany and Bishop 
     Skit night Bishop was Taylor Swift lol 

     Bailey, McKenna and Denise they took great care of Denise who has type 1 diabetes and had a few scary blood sugars.
     Archery with long bows I wasn't very good with them and had a 45 lb bow that showed my whimpiness :o) 
     Bee Bee Guns were my favorite!!  Kenna is a great shot and I wasn't too bad myself!  We all loved it!!! 
     Bishops trying to do the YMCA dance I'd say they need to practice the letters!  ha ha 
     Skit night we had some celebrity guest judges Christina Aguilera, J Lo, and Cee Lo with precious the girls in between are Bailey, Autumn and Kaitlyn from our ward.   
     Bailey, Leader and McKenna reaching the top of Mt Lemon after their very steep 3 mile hike.  
     Leaders impromptu skit Tiffany, Pam and I trying :o)  
     Me writing the girls notes telling them how wonderful they are and how much our Father in Heaven loves them.
     Us getting ready for our skit....my least favorite :o) 
     Spiritual thoughts with Bishop in attendance wearing his pink headband and flower like a sport!  
     Some of the scenery so pretty 
     Role call each ward had to stand and do a loud cheer to determine the order of eating whoever was the loudest and best got to eat first.  (This is one of the pictures that determined my diet fate....dang gina!!!) 
     Our theme.  There was lots more decor that supported it everywhere the campsite.  
    A beautiful view of Tucson from our camp site :o)  
    Getting our pink hair put in!