Beautiful Winter Grass

This is my first year in Arizona that we have had beautiful, green grass all winter long!  Maintaining the grass here is like a secret that no one is willing to share, so I haven't ever had huge success stories with Arizona grass.  The sod we laid last fall had the winter grass already grown in, and the summer bermuda grass embedded that will come out in the summer when it gets to hot and the winter grass dies.  It was basically fool proof, so we couldn't mess it up too bad.  The bonus is that I found a fertilizer that has kept it green and beautiful all winter long - a backyard miracle!

Landscaping was one of the least fun things we have ever done.  And to think we paid thousands of dollars to put ourselves through that misery blows my mind!  But at least it's done and over with (and no more dirt!), and we don't have to worry about it anymore.  We don't have a huge yard - I am the first to admit that.  But that was part of the plan, since we like to do as little yard work as possible.  Also, the front grass is artificial turf, which was such a great purchase!  So low maintenance and beautiful all year long!  Here's how our yard is looking spring 2014...

February Girls' Weekend & Highlights

Back in February, I got to cash in a Christmas present that Brandon gave me - a girl's weekend in Las Vegas with Nicole.  I flew out Friday afternoon and came back Sunday night.  Our husbands treated us to a five-star hotel (Aria) and front row seats to the Michael Jackson "One" by Cirque du Soleil (Brandon bought the tickets and actually didn't know that they were front row seats, but we will give it to him anyway).  

The highlights were the simple things like 

- eating when/where/what we wanted, totally uninterrupted

- sleeping uninterrupted for 2 nights

- getting ready uninterrupted

- shopping without kids

- delicious food - Garrett's popcorn, pink berry, crepes, Maggiano's, etc.  

- catching up with Nicole

Brandon made me think that taking care of the kids all weekend was a piece of cake, although when I got home, I could tell he was exhausted.  Three cheers for Brandon on taking the kids to church all by himself!  The kids hardly missed me at all, but when I talked on FaceTime with Kendall, she was so ticked!!  She wouldn't even smile at me, she was so upset I was "stuck in the phone".

On the way there, I sat to a nice couple and they asked me if I was Mormon.  The wife wanted to tell me that she had just gone through the Gilbert Temple Open House, and she had lots of questions!  We chatted for an hour about all the different aspects of the temple and general Gospel questions.  Her tennis partner is a member, so I am hopeful that she will pick up where we left off.  However, I am kicking myself for not getting her contact info to send the missionaries.  Truthfully, that part didn't even cross my mind until 30 minutes after I got off the plane.  I had forgotten the most important part!  I am slowly learning how to share the gospel and hopefully will do better next time.  

Other February highlights:

- Kendall can roll her tounge and the big kids can't (now they can because they have been practicing)

- Trip to the Zoo with the Resch's and Wallbrecht's - friends from Chicago; Rachel kept calling Lucas, Lucifer, and it was cracking me up!

- Beautiful winter weather 70's and even 80's (we already brought out the sprinkler for under the tramp); this winter has been unseasonably warm, which makes me nervous for summer

- Taking Kendall to the pet store - so simple, but she was SO happy

- Pink Chick Fil-A ice cream Valentine's week

- Rachel was so thrilled with her class valentine's - cupid's arrows; however, I did learn that something more simple next year would be a better idea!

- Andrew's weekly playgroup swap kicked off, and he loves his new friends

- A bummer for the ENTIRE month was allergies for me!  It stays in my eyes, and I wear glasses and rub my eyes all month.  I even tried all the different meds, but it was relentless this year.  

ZOO - Owen, Lucas, Andrew, Rachel & Carter

Lots of laughs on this trip - for instance, we have no idea who the child is 2nd from the right, but he might as well join our picture!

Good friends while Rachel is at school

Pet Store - Kendall loved it!

Pink ice cream somehow tastes even better!

Cupid's Arrows, Class valentines

Ready for Valentine's Day at school!

Look at those big ole' front teeth coming in!

Outside fun!

My first try at chalkboard typography (I looked at someone's chalk art online, and then tried to do something similar).  It was really fun to do! 

Andrew, 3.5

I took some pictures of Andrew last month because I needed some updated ones.  What a handsome, little fella!

p.s.  I am so behind on life - just in general!  :)  I took on WAY too much in March, and I am certainly feeling the consequences.  I am hoping to get back to the blog asap.  

  

Spontaneous January Weekend

I doubt that "spontaneous" is a word anyone would use to describe me.  But Brandon had a 3-day weekend in January, and on Thursday on his way home from work he called and asked if I wanted to pack up and take the kids to California the next day.  I always get on his case that we never do fun things on 3-day weekends, so I was happy to jump at the opportunity.  I called my Uncle, who lives in San Diego and asked if we could stay at his house.  He was out of town, but said that we could stay there anyway - so awesome!

That Thursday night before leaving, I had to go to a baby shower and work a few hours before I even started packing or putting our stuff together (laundry, huge messes, yikes!).  Then Friday morning, I had to finish up work (so I wouldn't have to do any over the weekend), and volunteer in Rachel's class.  Work made it nearly impossible for me to get out the door with such short notice, but Brandon came home after working a half day on Friday and helped me get things packed up.

I am not going to lie, it was so hard to get away with less than a day's notice.  I am too high-strung and a total control freak.  I was stressed that we didn't have the whole thing planned out with a schedule, coupons/discounts, etc.  But once we got there, I cooled off a bit and really enjoyed myself.

On Saturday we took the kids to Legoland and had a fun-filled day.  Andrew met most of the height requirements, but most of the big rides required an adult to ride with the child, and we had Kendall with us, so it was a bit tricky.  Andrew didn't mind going on the kiddie rides with Kendall and I because he hates roller coasters.  But he still reminds me about when we went to Legoland and "Mom, where is Legoland? Let's go again!"  Rachel loved riding the big rides with daddy and meeting new friends in the lines. We met one little 6 year old boy while waiting for a 3D movie.  The kids wanted to sit by each other, so we all sat in the same area.  Not 3 minutes into the show and Rachel and her new friend were holding hands.  We are working on high fives instead of holding hands.  Our outgoing, friendly & affectionate Rachel is going to keep us on our toes that is for sure!

On Sunday, we visited the San Diego Temple / Castle and headed over to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site - which was outstanding and super fun for the kids.  Then we went to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas and VG's donuts (both fantastic recommendations from Lorraine), and it was seriously the.best.day.ever.  We are a beach family.  I played with my camera, and could have taken a bajillion more pictures, and enjoyed just sitting and watched the kids play.  Kendall was enjoying eating the sand and just being left alone to play.  Andrew was rolling around in the sand (seriously covered) and chasing birds.  Rachel was finding all sorts of collections, and she was the only one brave enough to play in the water with dad.

Real Life Moments

1.  Facebook status from Brandon this last weekend:
"As I was driving down the freeway today with the kids, Rachel calmly says "Dad, there's a cat in the car." As I turn my head around to see what she is talking about (because there couldn't possibly be a real cat in our car) an adult black cat jumps on the front seat. I nearly pooped my pants. Rachel begged me to keep it, but, fortunately it ran away when we opened the door. I am still a little spooked and will be checking for cats for the next several weeks."  Funny, and also true.  The cat must have snuck in our garage and then found a comfy spot in the car since we often leave the side doors open.  Brandon continued to Home Depot, snuck the kids out of the car leaving the cat inside the car and quickly got what he needed, then snuck all 3 kids back in the car and returned home before letting the cat out.  

2.  I may be the last person to get a smartphone, but I just upgraded and got my very first smartphone - iPhone 5c.  I was always too cheap to pay for the data, but they gave me a deal that I couldn't refuse!

3.  Gilbert temple open house - we got the "picture" to prove we were there, but the behind the scenes was a complete disaster.  Brandon and I were meeting there after work and I got my panties in a twist about a number of things, so I was grumpy.  Then feeding the three kids took longer than I wanted and so we were late (which I know drives Brandon crazy).  When we finally arrived after just eating dinner, Andrew kept complaining how hungry he was while we were standing in line.  When it was time to tour the temple, Andrew threw the largest fit about having to wearing the booties on his shoes and outright refused to wear them, so Brandon carried him (all 43 pounds of him up 3 large flights of stairs have you).  I certainly couldn't complain about carrying Kendall, although my back was killing so I can only imagine Brandon's was too.  The temple was GORGEOUS - breathtakingly beautiful, but the tour couldn't end fast enough in my mind.  It was not the picture perfect moment for our family, but that's ok!

4.  Took Rachel and Andrew to the dentist, and out of the blue, Andrew threw the largest fit and made quite a scene.  Last time, he didn't make a peep (he's in this horrible tantrum throwing phase right now).  Then I found out that Rachel needs a lot of work done on her baby teeth and unfortunately, I did not add her to our dental insurance this year.  Ouch!  I had a good cry because it was my mistake (perhaps it's that time of the month too), and shortly thereafter (still blotchy, red faced and red-eyed), the door knocked and Rachel ran to answer letting whoever was on the other side know that we were indeed home.  I looked through the peep hole and it was the missionaries, so I reluctantly answered thinking they might need something.  Apparently, they felt inspired to stop at our home and bear their testimonies.  I haven't ever spoken to this set of missionaries and they haven't been to our home before, so I can't know if they knew who's door they were knocking on.  Nothing they said stood out in particular, but I think it was Heavenly Father's way to extend an assurance to me that it would be ok and that He was aware of me.  Thanks to the Elders for stopping by and for asking me if I was experiencing allergies.  Why, yes, I guess I am.  

5.  Hard to explain this one, but basically there's one older lady in my ward who approached me about a local matter when we first moved in and we had differing opinions on the matter.  She made me feel terrible for having the opinion I did and was belittling me, so I let her know how she was making me feel - she immediately backed off, we both apologized, and it was the beginning of a very awkward relationship.  :(  I hated to start that way, but I was careful to not say anything negative about her to anyone and hoped that she would do the same and we could just move forward.  I did however say to Brandon when I got my Visiting Teaching assignments that I was grateful that this lady wasn't on my route.  When will I learn to never say these types of things out loud?  I just got reassigned to be her visiting teacher starting this month - I sincerely hope it goes ok!

Gilbert Temple - about 25 minutes away from us

Santa Picture

Nailed it.  This is not my favorite Santa - he's from Bass Pro Shop - but it's free to take your own picture with him, so it will do.  I think my only problem is that reindeer in the background … a little creepy, but it is Bass Pro Shop.  

Ward Party Santa & Mrs. Claus were pretty adorable

Christmas Photo Dump

It's the end of January and I'm still posting about Christmas.  Yowzers!

I have to prove to my children that we actually let them play in the snow at one time or another, so I always take lots of pictures to document it.  Rachel was happy to play in it, and Andrew was a little too cold.  Thank goodness for a white Christmas, because it's the only snow my kids get to see all year!  These are the same coats/hats from last year - we make them last since they only wear them one week out of the whole year.

Pretty much sums up Andrew's snow experience.

Kendall was thrilled whenever I let her go outside and let her explore in/around the snow.  It's so fun to experience the "firsts" with your own kids!

Found this gem of a picture at my mom's house - it's ME right around Kendall's age - she looks just like me when I was a baby!

THIS happened.  It really did.  We got together with the Worthen's and Packer's (friends from law school) with all 9 of our kids.  We chatted like it was yesterday and our kids played like they'd known each other forever.  Thank you to Brock and Nicole for sacrificing their clean house so that this party could happen.  Holy smokes, it was seriously so fun.

Paisley, Henry, Lily, Drew, Kate, Rachel, Ethan & Andrew

These are our little 5 & 6 year olds with all their electronics!  We are in trouble!

The Grandma sleepover was a big success as always!  Now there are 11 grandkids and they are such great friends.  I didn't grow up with very many cousins, and I really didn't understand how special cousins are!  So glad all these kids have each other.

Love this little niece of mine - Ellie

 COUSINS! Mason (6), Ellie (7 months), Miles (2), Brynn (4), Andrew (3), Kendall (1), Rachel Faye (5), Cole (11 months), Kennedy (6), Chase (3), Cannon (8)

The whole Hale family clan - 2013

What Chris & Brandon showed up wearing for the family picture just to tease their mom!

Aunt Rachel Gonzalez - love the Hale's "Rachel" tradition!  And their mint julep is pretty good too!

With the Parker family, we made gingerbread houses, visited Santa, saw the lights at Thanksgiving Point, went to Jump On It and saw Frozen.  And Kendall finally warmed up to Papa! 

Kendall was thrilled that Nana gave her piggy tails.  Yikes!

Christmas Eve we party hopped as usual between the Hale family Christmas dinner and then over to the Parker's for the annual "talent" show.  Rachel sang, "What does the fox say?" and mom and dad helped with the backup dancing, Andrew sang his potty word song that he made up, "We only say potty words in the bathroom."  So proud.  Brandon had video proof of his and Kyle's wedding crash.  And I did the limbo.  

Christmas Eve

Kendall, the shepherd

Christmas Jammies

Christmas Morning -
Santa brought Kendall a new car toy, Rachel a leap pad, and Andrew a new bike (although he may have been more thrilled about all the candy in his stocking).

We also got to talk to Elder Cade Parker on Skype and it was so fun to have everyone there talking with him!  He already ready had the "missionary accent" and mom had some hilarious questions/comments for him that we all made fun of her for.

 

Hailey, Cindy & Chad

Merry Christmas, Papa!  He got one of those motorized cars that the grandkids can drive, and it's a red Shelby Cobra!

Elder Parker via Skype!

Brandon found his Grandpa Hale's old basketball uniform and glasses.  When I told him I wanted a picture of him wearing it outside, he just walked right out into the snow barefoot!  Weirdo!  He also wore this "outfit" to my family's nerf gun war at an empty chuch cultural hall.  ha ha!

Our car was packed to the brim!  This is what bringing home an entire Christmas looks like.  Poor Andrew!

We also had a fun night away while Nancy & Val watched the kids, and we saw Catching Fire (so good!) and went out to dinner with my parents.  I didn't get a picture, but we always sneak in a play date with Morgan & Leslie & family and it's always fun to catch up with them.  It was a fun-filled and packed 10 day Christmas Vacation that was pretty uneventful and the kids even stayed healthy!  Wa hoo!