Balcony People

I recently ran across a book that was given to me as a teenager. One that really made sense and helped define friendships that will last a lifetime. It's called 'Balcony People'. Balcony people sit in the balcony of your life. They are up... watching and cheering for you...and they pull you up to where they are. They are excited for your accomplishments and are happy for you when you are happy. Basement people can unknowingly suck the joy out of you...or be a constant source of negative information. Many basement people are completely unaware of the bitterness they may exude at times.

Are you a balcony person or a basement person? No...none of us are perfect, but let's challenge ourselves to be the best balcony people we can be.

Thanks to all of you hangin' in my balcony!!

"In my friend...I find a second self!" -Isabel Norton

Until next time...

Happy Birthday Mom!

Little Jeni....I think we have called her that since she has been with my brother Jared. To give you an idea of how long that is, she and my brother are just turning 30 and they have been together since the 8th grade. She coordinated a great gathering for my moms birthday this weekend with great appetizers and a wonderful dinner. But the best part was just all of us being together, watching my mom enjoy her grandchildren (I don't think I saw her in the kitchen once) and of course the usual....cracking up. We missed Uncle Hucky, Jordan and Drew and Coleen and Munchie. Uncle Rich is a brave man. He's actually just one of the kids (he just eats more :). He had a great time riding bikes to the park with all the kiddo's. Thanks Uncle Rich!
We had to get a picture documenting that my mom was in fact relaxing for a moment. She did, however, hide Easter eggs in the back yard for all the kids. Yes, I did say Easter eggs! I know it sounds crazy, but I think as soon as my nephew Jonah got there, the hunt was on! They are getting their game faces ready for the real deal. One can never be too prepared...
I absolutely love watching my brother Jared with his daughter Jillian. She is such a character (and we didn't expect anything less from a child born into this family). Here she is topping off daddy's tea cup. She loved how animated he was while she was serving him. It was VERY hot.
Cheers to you mom! We hope that you enjoyed your day. While we were missing a few, it was truly enjoyable. We pray that this year is filled with good health and happiness!
Until next time...



Check out previous post.

Grammy's Visit

It had been way too long since we had seen "Grammy". Unfortunately both boys were under the weather and not quite themselves while Rich's mom and Randy were visiting, but we had a great time at the Living Desert on Saturday.Here they are at Gecko Gulch...taking a break from playing hard.
Thanks Grammy and Grampy for making the trip out here. We hope that you will come again soon! We love you both :)
Until next time....

Haircuts are emotional....for moms!

So, each morning as I spray "No More Tangles" in Bryce's hair, he tells me he wants his hair short like Brennen's. I have been avoiding the issue because I LOVE his hair long. This morning when he was crying, I figured...it has been awhile since we have seen his forehead or ears. FINE!! A friend of mine referred us to this woman, so for her sake I was really trying to keep it together. This was not a good moment for me however. I think even Bryce was concerned he had made a mistake. I put on a really happy face and assured him he looked great...after all, that's all the kid cares about these days! Take a look at the amount of hair on the floor.

Here's my boy... lots of forehead and lots of ears. Okay, so it's not so bad. But every time I look at him right now, I have to take a second glance. Wonder what daddy is going to say? I already prepared him. He loved Bryce's long hair too.
Wow...they actually look like brothers! Pretty handsome don't ya think? Well, on the bright side, tomorrow morning will be a breeze as far as hair combing. Oh, and he can stop hogging my conditioner :)
Until next time....

I know you'll miss the high school musical tunes, but it was time!!

It's Party Time!

Brennen had a great day yesterday as he celebrated his 7th birthday. From the moment he woke up...it was on! His crown that is :) We start talking about the crown a couple weeks before the big day...what color will it be? what will it say? do you think my teacher this year will let me wear it at school? Whew...it all worked out! He was king of the day at school. When I brought him lunch, I noticed he was quite the crowd favorite. Although it could have been the huge bag of skittles and starbursts I brought for him to hand out! The gang's all here! We had a small but personable birthday party along with Brennen's friend Peyson. Siblings and the Phillips boys made it a huge success! This was the first time at the batting cages and the dads were able to set up a mini game with the kids. It was pretty comical. I have to say...they did much better than anticipated.
This was a quick shot of Rich helping Brycee learn how to stand and hold the bat. As soon as I snapped Bryce said "I can do it myself daddy". Rich stepped back and Bryce whacked it. Can't wait until he's old enough to play!
Good Stuff Pizza was next on the agenda. The kids enjoyed games and dinner before scarfing down one of Mrs. Phillips homemade cupcakes. Lord only knows how the woman has time to make cupcakes on a whim, along with pumpkin chocolate chip bread (at Brennen's request) all while teaching school in her home day care.

If you can't tell...Bryce likes the cupcakes!
Brennen's big present was a new bike. He was growing out of his old one that we had taken the training wheels off of. All he needs to do is practice using the hand breaks now, instead of the foot breaks. Should be interesting. Thankfully the Robertson's gave him a new helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Nanny and Bop came with Roller Blades too!
Thanks Ash...for putting this little party together with me. I think the boys had a great time last night, as well as the rest of the kids and parents! You rock girl!
Thanks for all the phone calls (love the singing voicemails), emails and comments. Brennen has enjoyed hearing from everyone!

Until next time...

P.S. If you haven't seen it, check out the slide show of my little Bug below!

Happy Birthday Brennen

The Years are going by so fast...and Brennen has turned into one amazing little boy. we are so blessed by him and his growing love for the Lord. He surprises us everyday with his desire to learn and know more about the Bible. He loves his little brother, his cousins and his friends. He's a thoughtful, loving and brave young man. He opens the door for me all the time (when it's not too heavy). He has just finished soccer and will soon start his first year of baseball. We are looking forward to the upcoming spelling bee he will participate in February 1st.
So...happy birthday our beautiful boy! Here's a little High School Musical for ya! We love you buddy...Mom and Dad!

Brennen is 7!

Bare with me

I know, I know...switched it again. Just trying to find a new template I like that still looks good with pictures.

Good times, good times.

So...apparently we could have asked our waiter or a perfect stranger to take this picture, but I decided to ask Brennen! Once he started, I felt bad taking the job away from him. So here is the first one. In his defense (of course) he is used to taking his portraits with a 2 mega pixel Pirates of the Caribbean digital camera :) I think it was the new equipment that threw his focus. Getting better. He just needs a step stool.
We'll take it!! Nice work son!
Annie and Christine and I had a great time at lunch today...catching up on kids, husbands, dogs (and the lack there of) :) We were planning on getting together with several more of us girls from high school, but between work and sick kids....well, you know the drill. So thanks ladies! Looking forward to the next gathering...where hopefully everyone can make it.

Until next time...

"Wii" stayed up!!

Happy 2008 to all of our family and friends! Josh, Ashley and the "3 P's" came over to help us ring in the new year. This was one rowdy group of kids last night...but not for long. We plugged in a movie and made some popcorn and pretty soon most of them were out like a light. Brennen and Peyson however, stayed up and rocked the Wii until MIDNIGHT! That was the latest either of them had stayed up. I'll spare you the picture of Rich and Josh sound asleep on the couch. It's pretty funny, but I think I would get busted :)
May you all be blessed in 2008!
Check out the previous post. Until next time...

Kilroy Eldorado's

We just got back from an awesome camping trip with a bunch of great people. We were missing a few, but look forward to everyone getting together at the same spot in March. Mark your calendars people! So...kind of a long story, but Kilroy Eldorado's is the name we have given this new spot. The weather was a bit chilly, but the fire, company and great riding made the cold worth it!













It's always a pleasure having the Weaver family with us...and this time was no different. We all huddled up in our trailer which worked out perfect for our two families. Can't wait to have them with us again!




Shaylin Weaver and Brennen always have so much fun together. It was a webkin world weekend (even with no computers)














Yeah...finally a girl ride! I usually either ride by myself, or eat Rich's dust. It was nice to head out with the women...although I ended up eating Rebecca's dust. She was a stud on a dirt bike.




Jess, Rebeca and Lori