Friday, December 26, 2008

Merry Christmas

Wow! I can't believe it is already over. So much work, so little time and it's over. We had a great Christmas and would like to share a few of our highlights....
Can you say neighborhood watch? We were amazed at how well these night vision goggles really worked. We all had fun taking turns in the darkest place in the house, the bathroom, to try out the eye clops! Ethan did also get Indiana Jones Lego's to occupy his daytime hours!


I love this picture! I was really trying to get bella opening her first gift, but didn't realize Abbi had already opened hers. You can just see the excitement on her face. She finally got a camera, a real camera! I love it!



I think Madison was a little overwhelmed! She got the one thing she really wanted,but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Needless to say, Mike spent the remainder of Christmas day installing batteries, reading directions and eventually explaining to Madison how her DS works. What happened to the good old days of Atari?

Bella was all about fashion, and Dora! She was so excited about her new "puff vest" that she had to try it on. I have to admit, it even looks cute with her Dora P.J's!

Gabrielle had a great time playing with everyone Else's toys! Who can blame her though? I was even tempted to play with the cherry scented barbie!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a great New Year to come!




Monday, December 22, 2008

Eat more Beef!

I am officially boycotting Chick-fil-A! I know, many of you are already thinking, What did Sara do now? So we decided to have a night out with the kids and do sibling Christmas shopping and dinner at the only place in town with a play set, Chick-fil-A. Things were going exceptionally well and we were getting ready to pack the kids up and finish our errands. Out of the blue, a Chick-fil-A manager who we wont mention (BETTY!) heads to the play area with fire in her eyes and starts to reprimand Abbi and Madison. She proceeds to put my girls in a time out? What? Apparently they think five year olds are concerned with reading the fine print in the play area that says playing on top of the play equipment is dangerous! At this point I was a little confused, but wanted my kids to understand other forms of authority, like minimum wage night managers at a wanna be health fast food joint. I calmly explained that I had seen my girls on top of the play equipment and was going to handle the situation and would appreciate her speaking to me before she punished my children for something they didn't fully understand. This is where things got a little out of control. The managers name who we aren't mentioning (BETTY!) would not let me get a full sentence out. Every time I would try to explain my point of view she would cut me off with bull crap like, it's a safety issue! I UNDERSTAND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE! I only have so much patience, and honestly, my five children suck that right out of me, so there isn't much left for anyone else. After several attempts at being grown up about this, I reverted to middle school and began to yell at her and told her never to put my children or anyone else's children in time-out, it's unprofessional and insulting to parents on so many levels. As we headed out the door, I got her name, that we won't mention (BETTY!), and told her I would be reporting to higher management tomorrow. How infuriating! I brought these hoodlums into this world, and I think it's only fair that I get the satisfaction when disciplining them, not Chick-fil-A management! So there you have it. Another bridge burned in Castle Rock and an extra $20 in gas to drive to Highlands Ranch for a Big Mac and play set. Eat more Beef!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed


So I was asked to talk today to the Relief Society on a quote given by President David O. McKay, "Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed". For those of you that know me, you know that doing anything in front of an audience, especially speaking or playing a musical instrument, is the worst thing that could happen to me! So needless to say, I was completely out of my element when I stood before the Relief Society and Young Women who were invited to attend today as well. I really tried to avoid Marti when she kept calling me. Anytime anyone from church with higher authority persistently tries to reach me, I know nothing good can come of it! But for some reason at the ward Christmas party, my conscience got the better of me (which doesn't happen very often) and I approached Marti to ask "how can I help?" She quickly explained what she would like me to do, and with much hesitation I agreed. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard this quote was Clark. It seems his memory is a little more present through the holiday season, but this opportunity to speak today brought everything right to the surface like it was yesterday. I was so overcome with emotion, that what seemed to already be an impossible task, became almost unbearable. I stuttered through my quivering lip and tear soaked eyes to try to relay the message that was so fresh in my mind. I hate to say this, but I am thankful for the opportunity I was given today. I am thankful for Clark and for the memories that I hold of him in my heart. Even more so, am I thankful to a loving and forgiving Father in Heaven who sent his Son, the Redeemer and Savior of the World. I am thankful that today I could take time to pause and truly remember what this Christmas season is really about. To forget the hustle and bustle of traffic, ridiculously long checkout lines, and impatient shoppers and remember the sacrifice that was so selflessly given to me. I am thankful for the gift of my Eternal family and wait for the day when we all reunite in the presence of the Lord.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Where's my Mommy?

Many of you may be able to relate to this picture? For the last week, the flu has been running rampant through our family and last night caught up with me! After spending much of the night barfing and most of today sleeping, I am now faced with the reality of what would be if there was no me! Dirty dishes, diapers on the counter (one of my favorites), and last nights dinner still on every plate strewn about the kitchen. Sadly, this is only proof of the wreckage that exists in my kitchen, the rest of my house is just as bad. After only 12 hours of no mom, it's safe to declare this a natural disaster! Where is my mommy?

Monday, November 24, 2008

Castle Rock's Historic Starlighting

Saturday, Nov. 22 was the 73rd Annual starlighting event in Castle Rock. Since this is our 3rd year living in Castle Rock, we figured it was time to be part of the community and join the crowds and chaos for some cheap thrills. A little chilly outside, but the kids had fun, and that's what it's all about!
(If you look real close, you can see the star over Abbi's shoulder)
Mom and Bella enjoying the festivities!
Both the 2nd grade crews at Renaissance set up a booth on 3rd street in downtown Castle Rock. It was their job to survey the public to find out how much our community knew about the annual starlighting event. They did a great job!
Abbigayle doing fieldwork for her school, R.E.M.S.

Saturday, November 1, 2008


Today was a special day for my sweet Abbigayle. She chose to be Baptized and confirmed by her dad and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so proud of her and feel so blessed that a loving Father in Heaven has given me the privilege of being her mom. I know she will always try to choose the right and be a great example to her little sisters. We love you Abbigayle!



Here is Abbigayle with Grandma and Grandpa Thompson and Great Grandma Blizard. Thank you so much for your travels and making the effort to be with Abbi on her special Day. We love you!





Abbigayle with Bishop Oviatt. He gave Abbi a beautiful portrait of the Savior that she will treasure forever and help her to always remember what a special day this was. Thank you Bishop!







Abbigayle with Sister Padilla, The Primary President. She gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost that we all learned from. Thank you Jackie!









Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!


We had a great Halloween 2008! It was a busy day full of school parades, church trunk or treat, not to be mistaken for the original trick or treat, which came after it was dark. Our doorbell rang pretty much non-stop from 7-9pm, but luckily we didn't run out of candy (just enough left for breakfast!). We are all coming down from the sugar high, but don't worry, there is enough candy to fill another 14 days with unlimited sugar buzzes. Don't you just love Halloween, once a year!


Ethan as "Scream". At least I think this is Ethan!


Abbigayle as the "eccentric geisha"

Madison as the "Tooth Fairy".
Isabella enjoying her preschool parade on Thursday. Meow!





Monday, October 27, 2008

Happy Birthday Mike!


It seems like we have done nothing but celebrate birthday's for the last 3 months. It's been fun, but I hate to say that I am partied out! Last, but not least, is my dear sweet husband who turned 34 on October 25th. By the looks of this picture, it's safe to say he is still a kid at heart!

Happy Birthday Mike! Remember, age is just a number!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

We're all in this together!

Happy Birthday Abbigayle! We had a great night with Abbi's friends from school and church who joined us to see the new High School Musical 3. We kicked the night off with sandwiches, chips soda and all the birthday cake you could get your hands on! Then we loaded everyone up to head to the movie theater to see the show. Instead of goodie bags this year, we opted for matching HSM3 t-shirts with the girls names on the back. They were a hit, not to mention it made it alot easier to keep track of 10 girls in the theater!


High School Musical 3 Rocks!

Madison, Naomi, Sophie, Mckell, Abbigayle, Sophia, Elizabeth, Madisen, Megan.

The night wouldn't be complete without pictures with the cast!

Thanks for a great birthday night girls!



Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Miller Farms

Yesterday we took a long long ride to a faraway place where the dogs roam free and the corn pops up in rows! Seriously though, I don't think this place is even on the map. It's a little known farm appropriately called, Miller Farms. You pay a $10 admittance fee and leave with more fresh produce that your local grocery store can carry. The kids had so much fun getting their hands dirty picking corn, potatoes, carrots, onions, squash, and of course pumpkins! At first they were a little disappointed how dirty the food was when it came out of the ground! It was a great opportunity to teach them the process our food goes through before it makes it to the shelf in the grocery store, NOT! I just got a good laugh and made fun of them a little!
________________________________
Isabella's favorite part was picking pumpkins.
We learned quickly not to
touch the stems, PRICKLY!
Lesson #1- Only touch what is orange.

Gabrielle's favorite part was "picking" dirt!
Lesson#2-Only touch what is orange!

Classic Abbi! Lesson#3-Never leave home without a first aid kit
and insurance card!

Here is Madison taking a lap around the John Deer track.
Lesson#4- Enjoy the ride!






Sunday, October 12, 2008

Go Sweeties!

This is Madison's second season playing with the sweatband sweeties. She has so much fun playing soccer, she must get it from Mike. To this day I have yet to figure out "off sides"? Regardless of her mother's uneducated guesses on soccer terminology and strategies, it's fun for the whole family as we cheer her on. A couple saturday's ago we had some leftover supplies for cottoncandy from Madison's B-day party. We made about 35 batches before the game and Ethan and Abbigayle sold them for $0.25 a bag, it was a hit. I knew it was only a matter of time before our kids made us some money! If only we could figure out hotdogs and popcorn!


A chilli day for a soccer game, but Madison remains focused! The bitter cold is no match for the die hard sweatband sweeties!




Sunday, September 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Madison!


Yesterday we celebrated Madison's 6th birthday with family and friend's at Red Robin. She has been counting the days to her birthday for at least 3 months! She was so excited to open her presents that she only took two bites of her ice cream, that's my girl! I am so proud of Madison and all that she has become in just 6 short years.




Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Happy Birthday Gabrielle

Today our sweet Gabrielle celebrated her 1st Birthday! I can't believe she is already one. We had serious doubts that she would even live to see her 1st birthday with the way her sibling treated her! But, she is defying the odds and doing her best to keep up with everybody. Within two weeks she has perfected her walk to almost a run and has learned how to hit almost as well! Now I know why the youngest is always so tough, it's more a matter of survival, do or be done! Happy Birthday baby girl, we love you.

What a crowd!

Finally figured out the perk to Birthday's, The Cake!


There was never a short supply for help to open up gifts.


Gabrielle, loving her new Birthday present.

Friday, August 29, 2008

While Mike's away, the girls will play (or paint)!

The Paint fumes are getting to my head!
Props to Korie, our pregnant painter!




Allyson say's I have a bee in my bonet, but I think there might be a whole hive! I got this great idea to paint my 1800sf garage, why? I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time, until the electric paint sprayer I bought didn't work and the rental at home depot was gone. I had already started and therefore was committed to finishing the job, especially before Mike got home from Annapolis. That's when I called "the girls"! This is when you really know who your true friends are, when they come to help you with even the crappiest of jobs, like painting your garage! After 10 gallons of paint, some laghter and probably even a few tears, we finished the job.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Keep the Surprise Alive!


I guess word got around that I love surprises, NOT! Last night Mike did his darndest to keep the secret about my surprise 30th, but he is such a sucky liar that I knew something was up. We were suppose to go to a 4:55pm showing of the Mummy, but somebody got the time wrong and it really started at 4:20pm. Since my kids don't even get off the bus from shcool until 4:30pm that caused a slight problem. This is where Mike started getting funny. I suggested we go to the outlet malls and then see a later showing, but he acted like he just wanted to go home. I was like, seriously, we have a babysitter, we can find something to do! So we headed to the mall where suddenly he was interested in every store? We were there for a couple of hours and by this time I was starving and ready to eat at Hacienda where we had planned to have dinner. He said he needed to go to the bathroom, again, and then we would leave. So I take a seat on the bench outside the restrooms where I was approached by a very persuasive homeless man. He kindly asked to see my wedding ring and if I would take it off for him. Right, like i'm gonna fall for that one! I had a great conversation with him about where he was from, how long he had smoked for and even where to get a good beer! Meanwhile, Mike is pretending to pee (for what seemed like forever) in the bathroom in an attempt to keep the surprise alive! Finally Mike reappears and I was like, let's jet. So we head out of the mall where he decides that the 10 min. drive to the resturant is too long to go without a drink, so we have to stop at the gas station for coke and nuts? By this time I was starting to lose my patients. So we FINALLY head to Hacienda and there is only a five min. wait, which never happens. I head off to the ladies room and when I come out Mike says "Allyson just called and thinks Bella broke her leg on the trampoline, we have to go". Really? So we speed home because apparently Allyson is just frantic! I wasn't too suspicious until we turned down our street to get to Allyson's house and Mike stops dead in the road and turns around. So I am thinking, they all parked in front of my house, but then I started feeling guilty in case Bella really was hurt. After the road detour we finally get to Brett and Allyson's house where I am prepared both for a surpise or an injury! But luckily (I think!) I was welcomed with a big SURPISE! As much as I don't care for these kinds of things, it really was a fun night with friends, food and games. Thanks to everyone who put such an effort into making my BIG 30 a birthday to remember!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Chassé (sa·shay)


Today was Bella's first dance class, watch out Clara and the Nutcracker! She did a combination of ballet, tap and tumbling. She learned how to stand in first position, skip and of course chassé. She said her favorite part was making a pizza (you would have to see that one to understand!). So far so good for our new ballerina, keep up the good work!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Memoir of a 3 year old, Act I


Mom: Bella, time for bed.

Bella: I'm not tired.

Mom: too bad, get in bed.

Bella: (action) crawl into mom and dads bed!

Mom: Ethan, turn out the hall light please.

Ethan: (action) turns light off.

Mom: Good night Ethan, Love you.

Ethan: Love you.

Bella: Turn on the light.

Mom: NO! It's time for bed.

Bella: Turn on the light, i'm hot.

Mom and Dad: Huh?

Bella: I'm hot, turn the light on.

Mom: Take your blanket off.

Bella: NO! I'm hot, turn the light on.

Dad: How come your are hot with the light off?

Bella: Cause I can't see the fan.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Back to School, already?


Where did the summer go? Today was the first day back to school for Ethan and Abbigayle. Madison however got to experince her first day in Kindergarten! She was so excited to finally go to school with Ethan and Abbigayle. She was a little nervous when we got to school, but once she found her preschool friend Leah, she couldnt have cared less if I was there or not! After I dropped the kiddos off at school, they had a little pow wow for parents at the java guru across the street. It's a great way to get to know the new parents as well as catch up with some of the familiar ones. It's funny to listen to the first time kindergarten parents who get all teary eyed and emotional when they leave their kids for the first time.For me however, I booked the first babysitter I could find for Isabella and Gabrielle and went to lunch with a friend. You get over it pretty fast! I think Bella adjusted fairly well to the change today as well. Before I knew it she had her own little posse of Renaissance siblings to kick it with, you go girl!
The first day back to school went well for everyone,
with the exception of Madison missing her bus ride home! But hey, a few glitches are always expected, right? I am sure we will work out the kinks in the 170 days left of school. Let the fun begin!














Tuesday, July 8, 2008

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What a great 4th of July! A much needed and well deserved break from work and responsibility. We had a pretty busy day watching parades, swimming at the burgess pool, a carnival of sorts in town and of course, fireworks! It was so nice to spend the day with my family to celebrate our freedom and take pride in being and American.