"E"

 A few weeks ago our granddaughter "E" came to church with us. She is at the stage where so mimics other people. This day was no different. During the opening song my good friend was leading the music. "E" watched my friend real close and started waving. "E" thought my friend was waving at her so she waved back. Next she decided she would wavy her hand all around just like my friend. It was the cutest thing. Last week we were at Target and "E" found a toy piano that played the ABC song and the Doe, Ray, Me song. She walked up and down the isles playing the piano, singing and leading the music. 

SURPRISE!!!

 Once again I threw my husband Dan and surprise birthday party. It was so nice to see family and friends again. We really haven't had a party like that since before COVID. 

It started out with having a chill day. Dan was suppose to go to to Tucson for work but wasn't feeling good. So I had to play it cool. We watched TV and whenever he went to the bathroom I hurried and cleaned. Then out of the blue he decided he was going to take some items to our storage unit and told Ella to leave her phone home since she was going with him. Before they left Dan mentioned he wanted to make Carne Asadas tacos for lunch and was going to the store on his way home from the storage unit. I was panicking and going crazy. I kept texting Lea and Chayanne and freaking out on them. Luckily Dan and Ella came home without going to the store however, they took the leaf out from our dining table. Again they came straight home. 

Next I had Nathaniel come and take Dan to the hair salon so Nathaniel could get a hair cut. I had scheduled this appointment days before this party. Nathaniel and Ari were suppose to be here early so Dan and Nathaniel could make it to the hair appointment. Well, they got to the house about 15 minutes before the appointment. All Nathaniel needed was a trim and that wouldn't take long. As soon as they left we started decorating and setting the food up. People were coming and Dan wasn't home yet. Once again I was freaking out. 

When people came they rang our door bell, which was a bad idea because Dan got a notification every time someone was at the door and was able to see who was ringing the door bell. I didn't think about this until Chayanne's husband mentioned it. 

I couldn't have gotten everything done without the help of many hands. It turned out to be a nice party celebrating Dan. He knew something was up every time the door bell rang and when Nathaniel wanted to go to Walmart, which he never wants to go to. I didn't take pictures but I did get a video sent to me. 

I'm so grateful to celebrate another year with Dan. He is the best husband for me and the best dad for our kids.  

First Day of School

Here is the famous back to school photo. Elijah is a freshman (9th grade). He is also the only one left in school. 

 

8th grade

9th grade and way taller then me

Where has this summer gone!

Tomorrow is the start of a new school year. Last night I reset my alarms. Not only does my son need to get back on a school schedule so do I. He is the only one left in school and feel like getting back on track will be rough for the both of us for the next few weeks. It was much easier when I had a house full of kids. 

Our summer break started at the end of May. Elijah spent most of the summer with friends, sleep overs and basketball camp . He got a bike and has hardly been home. July brought a camping trip for the young boys in our church and a week at NAU for a church camp. 

Ella spent a week in California visiting her great aunt in Long Beach. She flew there and back on her own and loved it! She also got to spend a week at NAU for a church camp and went to girls camp with our church. In between CA and church camps she has been working.

Nathaniel also stayed busy with work. He is a landscaper and works with a family friend. He works super early in the morning to beat the heat. He is working on starting his own landscaping business. 

Dan worked all summer and I held down the fort. 

Here's to another successful school year!

I'M BAACCKK!!!!

 Wow! It has been forever since I posted on this blog. I actually forgot about this blog until last night. While Nathaniel was over for dinner with his girlfriend Ari, Dan was going through pictures on his phone that was connected to our tv. I don't remember who mentioned it but we spent about 5 minutes trying to remember the name of this blog. Nathaniel mentioned we should try searching his name or another child's name. We found this and it was great to read all the posts and see the photos. Some of these photos got lost and it was great to find them.

Lealynn and Chayanne have their own homes since they're married. I see Lea and our granddaughter "E" at least twice a week since she lives close by. I don't get to see Chay as often because she lives a little farther away however we call each other weekly and we text almost daily. So when I found this blog and I had to share it with them. I use to get so much crap for always posting on my blog, however, last night they were grateful I documented almost everything.

I definitely have a lot to write about but in due time. I could write for days but I will do it gradually. Our family has experienced good and bad events which like most families do. So stay tune as I slowly update you on what our family has been up to all these years.

But first, I should at least update you on how our family has grown. 

- Lealynn is 25 and has been married for 2 years. They have a daughter "E" that is 1 1/2 yrs old. "E" is such a blessing to our family. It has been so fun watching her grow.

- Chayanne will be 23 in a few weeks. She is married. They have 2 "fur" sons, Pippin and Gimli who are awesome cats.

- Nathaniel is 18 and has a girlfriend Ari.

- Isabella is 17 and keeps busy with friends and work.

-Elijah is 14 and starts his freshmen year in a few days. Be ready for the famous first day of school photo. 

Bilbo and Lumi are still with us as well. They are now 7 years old! We also have another little dog Penelope and 7 chickens.