NACHOOOOOOO!

Okay, I love that people think of us when they go out of town and bring us back neat little gifts and things, but this one I have to say is by far the best and worst one yet. Thank you Andy for giving Eric even more to be nerdy about. He loved the Nacho Libre mask that our good friend Andy Murrietta brought back from his recent trip to Mexico. Was it to make Eric happy or to annoy me? I don't know if I'm so grateful anymore. Who needs TV when you've got Eric.

We're working on the rest of the outfit. He's trying on his strechy pants as we speak.

Is that the most annoying thing you've ever seen or what? I give up.

Prom Night

Josh went to prom Yesterday and from the interrogations he's gotten (from mom) last night and this morning, I gather he had a ton of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. Four couples went together. They went quading in the morning, had lunch at the park and came home to change for the dance. They had dinner at the Bowman's home courtesy of sister Bowman, and were picked up in a stretch limo (something I've never done before) this was courtesy of the Seymour Family. They went to the dance mostly stood in line for pictures. I was disappointed to hear that they don't decorate for pictures anymore, they stood in front of a green screen so the background can be digitally put in later, that's no fun at all, and it was such a cute theme, One Night in Venice. They Danced, rode home in the Limo and got home about 1:00 am all safe and sound. I can't ask for anything more. Well, maybe some money back in my pocket, prom is soooo expensive. But, look at that smile, priceless... Mr GQ
Shantae and Josh at the Stradling's home. (I got permission to sneak over and take a picture)
The pinning of the boutonniere Putting on the wristlet (less pressure than a corsage)

I also thought his way of asking was very cute,

kind of rude, but very cute He bought a big dump truck and filled it with

Honey Buns and attached a little note that said:

I know, slightly inappropriate, all I can say is that I wasn't home and my husband was the one helping him. She answered with a jar full of mints, two different kinds and he was supposed to smell each one , if there were more spearmint it was a yes, if there were more wintergreen it was no, happy to say that it was a yes and our sinus' are free and clear.

I have to add that I'm grateful for good boys that make good choices and for Shantae and her family, that have taught her to be such a neat Young Lady. I'm glad everyone had a good time.

Happy Birthday Pelon

It's a few days late, but still heart felt. My little brother turned 35 on April 18th. So here are the top ten reasons I love my brother. 10. Tells the best stories about himself and his adventures.
9. He comes and does stuff for me for free (my kitchen still needs to get done)
8. He's a very talented carpenter
7. He loves his family and would do anything for any one of us
6. His house is the party house
5. He is master joke teller
4. He is weak and vulnerable to Jedi powers
3. He is generous and giving
2. He loves veggie tacos, BLT's and waffles
and the number one reason I love my brother is:
1. He's gorgeous and he knows it.

Eric's Field Trip

I guess it's been a busy week. I went with Eric on his field trip to the Arizona Museum for Youth. It was very interesting and the kids had a great time. We had a grumpy lady as our tour guide, but we had a good time anyway.They got to learn all about art and the different mediums

and create art of their own.
Got to love that cute little face.

Little Picasso

I know everyone always says that 'their' kids are talented, but I have to brag a little. Angela has become quite the artist, maybe she'll take after her momma yet, I'm trying hard. I need someone to take over the wedding business when I retire. She loves to color and create pictures. This one is called banana slip in the forest. And there's a story behind it too. The banana was in the forest and couldn't find his family, but he did find his family and spent the night as his friend's house.

This one is called Humpty Dumpty and he fell off the wall, she knows because she saw it on Blue's Clues, you know, reliable source of news now a days.
Girls are so fun!

Desert in Full Bloom

This cactus is in our neighborhood and is just sooo beautiful. I have never seen one bloom like this. It's amazing that something so poky and harsh can produce blooms like this.

It gives me hope that even though I may be very rough at times,

I may be able to have my kids be beautiful blooms like this.

I Love Girls Camp

As you know I'm the camp director for my ward. We went up to see the cabin a couple of weeks ago. It's in Strawberry, just past Camp Lomia. The Kilgore family in our ward is letting us use their cabin this summer. They have been very generous. Mayann, Tiffany and I went for a day trip to check it out. It was a fun day and I know I'm going to have a blast with all the leaders and girls going to camp. We had brunch at the Strawberry Lodge and it was DELICIOUS,

good home cooking.
I can't wait to go to camp!!!

The Garden Guy

Eric has been working on our garden. It's looking pretty good

and we actually have some veggies coming.

We have a few strawberry plants, that have had some fruit.

This lonely one is the biggest by far. They are very sweet and juicy.

I wonder who will get to eat it?

We were amazed at how fast the jalapenos grow. We also have cilantro and

tomatoes growing so hopefully we'll have some salsa soon.

The best ones are the squash. Each plant is just full of fruit or blooms.

Can't wait to grill some and drizzle it with EVOO.

The basil has been used regularly. It's great on so many things.

The garden is small, but doing good.

Eric has a green thumb (and other things as well).

Sugar n Spice and Everything Nice

Angela had her preschool recital yesterday. She did a great job reciting her poem "Sugar and Spice..." Miss Tiffany thought it was very appropriate since she has 5 brothers. All the kids did a great job with their cute poems and songs. What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice and everything nice

Tea parties, laces and baby doll faces

that's what little girls are made of

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of !"

Out in Lala Land, I mean Left Field

We went to see Eric's game on Tuesday and well, what can I say money well spent. He plays coach pitch for the Ironbirds and despite a little bout of ADD he's doing pretty good. He's doing much better with his hitting, throwing and catching; and we're working on outfielding. It's hard to hit those pitches from the coaches and want can I say it gets boring out there. Good thing the weather is so beautiful right now "Hey I can see through the glove"

Contemplating about life, or what he's getting for snack after the game The coach at this point is walking away seeing if he can help one of the other kids, this one is a lost cause.

Happy Birthday Eric

It's Eric's birthday today the big 41, I guess they're all big from now on. What can I say about Eric that everybody doesn't already know. He's a pretty wonderful guy. I would do 41 things we love about Eric, but blogger has a content limit, so we're down to the top ten reasons why Eric is so funny. Here it goes:

10. (Eric John said) He makes funny jokes up

9. (Ammon said) He's just goofy and does things sudden

8. (Kenyon said) I don't know, he's just funny

7. (Lala said) because he tickles me, again and again

6. (Josh said) because he can think quick on his feet

5. (Dallin said) because he thinks just like me

4. He makes me laugh even when I'm really mad

3. He makes his family and my family laugh, even about Mexican stuff

(he IS the secret Mexican, you know)

2. Even some of my friends think he's funny (don't encourage him please)

The # 1 reason why Eric is so funny:

Everybody keeps laughing at his dumb jokes (STOP IT!)

Now for the mushy stuff. Eric is truly one of a kind. He is good all the way to the core. He's a good husband, great father, worthy priesthood holder, compassionate friend and just plain a great person to know. He has dedicated his life to his family. We are who we are because of him. I have learned patience and understanding from him. I have learned that no matter how bad a situation or large a problem seems that we can overcome it with love, understanding and humor. I know I joke a lot about his sense of humor, but without it he wouldn't be Eric and the man I have grown to love everyday more and more. I Love you honey and am very proud of the man you have become. We have grown together all these years and I wouldn't give up a second of it for anything. Happy Birthday Eric. We love you.