My New "Patio"

We have this lovely mud hole on the side of our house and because we are in the back of our complex we have this private area that no one else has, and no one cares to do anything about because it is in the back. So I really wanted to do something about this wasted space. So I started building myself a patio. Then Chad came out and asked what I was doing and when I told him he started to laugh and I think he thought I was joking. When he realized I was serious he then took over the project, which was probably a good thing. We started some of it last Monday night, but of course we did not have time to finish, so I thought that during Luke's nap I would go out and finish up but after I called Chad about 20 times that morning at work asking what I should do next, he decided that he better take the day off and come home. I don't have very good patience at all when I get something on my mind I just have to get it done. So instead of training for his St. George Tri he was hauling patio pavers and working with me breathing over his shoulder, not to mention that Blake and Luke wanted to be involved.

Before

After

I think that it turned out really good. I told Blake we could get a little sandbox or something for him and Luke to play with. Blake's suggestion was to get a hammock, but it would take up the entire thing, so I am slowly talking him out of that one. But at least we now have a place to BBQ and hang and enjoy the summer nights. So thanks Chad it looks great and I love it! Thanks for dealing with me and my "I want it now" attitude! I hope there is still time to get some kind of a workout in.

Telos Timp Triathlon

This is priceless....Chad in spandex!!

Chad now has a new love and it's Triathlons. He has been training for these crazy things since about August of last year. He has been able to do these with his brothers. He first started doing these with Craig but soon they got Danny to join in the madness. Watch out Kevin and Casey you're next. This Tri was the second one that he has done and he loves them. This last one he did he placed really well, I think that he was 25 over all and 8th in his age division, and he even beat his time from the last one. Go Chad!! He has a big one coming up this next weekend in St. George and this time he will have to do the swim in open water something he has not done yet. Our friend Casey got them into Triathlons, he does them all the time and has taken 1st place in both that Chad has done. Chad has been so dedicated to working out and training he has even lost about 25lbs. But now I am starting to feel like I need to workout and get into shape, so my new goal is to train for a 5k. We will see, I am the type of person that likes to workout only when the weather is warm, and so far it's still cold...so maybe when we move to a warmer climate!

MOAB--Spring Break

For spring break we went to Moab. We met up with Chad's parents, Danny, Jessica, Craig, Kristi, Savannah, and Justin. Kevin, Stephanie, and Jackson were going to come but they thought getting sick would be more fun. (we missed you guys, and are glad you are feeling better)

We did a little camping, a little ATV-ing, and a little exploring. Chad went out with the guys Friday morning for a ride on a trail called Fins n' Things and Porcupine Rim, I'm sure these trails were not my style so I am very glad I didn't go. Later that day we were able to take Blake and do a little ATV trail called Chicken Corners, and that trail was definitely my style. (Thanks Cheryl for watching Luke)

Blake's favorite part of the trail was going through the water, he loves to get splashed! The next day we were able to take in some good eats at the Moab Diner. Good food, although I think some were disappointed with the "green chili burger" or "burger and soup" combo, but the chocolate ice cream was to die for and they even let Blake order just a cup of whipped cream for dessert!! My lunch came with a Snickers on the side, you can never go wrong with that!! We then headed up Castle Valley road and came to an edge of the Colorado River where Blake and Savannah could get a little playing in there way---with MUD!! They had a blast and were very entertaining for the rest of us to watch. We had so much fun and I can't wait to do more this summer.

Haircuts

I finally got brave and decided to give Luke a "real" haircut, not just one of these amature trims that I had been giving him, this time I meant business, so I pulled out the trimmer and took it all off! Blake's needed a little trimming up too so after Luke's long locks were blowing away in the wind, and the water in my eyes dried up, Blake got his turn in the hot seat too. Chad really needed one too but he was not about to let me touch him. He thinks that his hair is much to delicate to just take a whack at it with the trimmers. So I guess he will just have to settle for Great Clips.

Happy Birthday Blake!!

Yesterday was Blake's birthday. He was so excited for his birthday this year and everyday for the last couple of months he kept asking me if it was his birthday yet. He even starting asking in his prayers if his birthday could come earlier this year. But all along he kept telling me exactly what he thought his birthday should be. He had very specific ideas and expectations, it was starting to make me worried that I would not be able to meet the expectations. While I was decorating his cake he told me that maybe he should do it so I didn't mess it up, because only he knew what it should look like. So with a little team work we got it decorated and he thought it looked the "coolest". We had a little get together with family for cake and ice cream, he had a blast and got a lot of presents. Thanks to everyone for all the loot and for making his birthday so great!

Happy 8 Years!

Happy anniversary Chad! Can you believe it has been 8 years? Wow, who would have guessed that when we first met back in 1995 and I stuck my foot in my mouth....big surprise I know.....that we would have made it here. Thanks for hanging with me for probably the longest two years of your life --1998-2000. Then I decided that my life would not be the same without you. I love you and can't wait for more memories and good times!

Some of our highlights over the years:

2000- Finally landing the boy of my dreams! (…it only took me two years). Chad’s dream of going to a PGA tournament, and we even made money doing it.
2001- Going on our first cruise.
2002- Trip to Mexico City. I think this was the best vacation we ever went on. Remember the fresh pina coladas, the little taco shop, and the fresh squeezed orange juice from the street vendor?? Need I say Mariachi Band?
2003- Blake was born.
2004- Year of travel: San Diego, Phoenix, Lake Powell, LA, Seattle, Albuquerque, Dallas…and I am sure there was more.
2005-GRADUATION!!
2006- We bought our first house!! Surprising you Christmas morning….really making you think I was messing with you and then you getting teary eyed. I love to surprise you!
2007- Luke was born
2008- ....it's only April....let's see, I got my new car.....I'm sure summer will bring something exciting. (if winter ever leaves)

Best Friends

These little guys are best friends. It's funny how much Blake wants to play with Luke and how much Luke wants to get into everything Blake has or is doing at the moment. Even though there is a four year gap between them they find a lot to do together. I never thought that they would hang out like they do. Just this morning Luke was not very happy so I was putting him down for an early nap. Blake had only been awake for a half hour or so and broke into tears because he did not get to play with him long, and said that was all he wanted to do today.

I know that these moments are not going to last. Luke is already starting to cry wolf if Blake gets too close--- maybe it's because Blake is a bit "mother-ish"; and we all know that one mom is enough!