In loving memory

Her time brief

Her spirit bright

Still no words

It's just not right

Today we took Melissa to The Farm! It's a small (10 acre) little pecan grove that organically grows all the veggetables used in deliciously quaint recipes in the three restaurants on site. It's located just south of Southern and 32nd St. They even bring the food in picnic baskets and you eat outside in the fresh air on old fashioned picnic tables. Being that it was such a beautiful day today, we met Chad for lunch!

I'm waiting on Melissa to send me the pic of us together with the veggie gardens behind us!

We saw this guy picking carrots! So cool! Melissa took a picture with here handy dandy camera! Then we walked around pointing to all the different kinds of lettuce (wow...there's a lot!).

How cute is this basket-o-food! Love it!

Christmas Party with Melissa and Friends

On Friday (Dec. 16), my friend Melissa came into town to visit family and friends. We had a party in the evening where she invited lots of old friends to get together, eat great food and drink fantasticly yummy apple cider punch while sharing laughs and stories. We all had a really great time and of course they are all welcome at the McDonald's anytime...such a great group!

Melissa made the punch so pretty! Bravo!

Jen and Ryan were also able to make it! Yeah! Ryan gave us all great photography tips and Jen showed off her new car! By the way, I love the roominess of her car and the surround sound too!

Jen laughing at Ryan :)

Ryan with lots-o-popcorn in his mouth!

from left: Sussy, Paula, Kristi, Melissa, Pam, Ashley

Sussy and Ashley in the kitchen bein' goofy!

We did a gift exchange and had a blast! I ended up with this really cute belly dancing kit (symbals included). They all insisted I show them what I learned! Modestly, of course!

Beautiful Day!

When I walked outside this morning around 8am...there it was....fog!!!!! It was beautiful. What a beautiful day that God has given me. Because of the hectic-ness of the season and my uneasy tummy for the past week, each night I've been reminding myself of God's greatness for each day by saying, "the day is done, the day was a gift from God." I tend to go to bed thinking of the things I didn't get done or what I have yet to do. A nice relaxing bath and a simple prayer asking God to help me see the his loving and merciful gifts has really helped me! Then to walk outside and see such an awesome sight...I just wanted to praise and thank God for everything!

Thanksgiving at Lynn's parents

We all ate an early dinner at my parents house in Cave Creek. There was home-made bread to go around for all!

Angel and Scott
Mom and Dad
Kristel and the kids!
me and my man!
from left: Brendan(4yrs), Emily(4yrs), Ally (17 mo), Andreja (8yrs)

My niece and nephews played in the backyard till lunch was ready. They had a great time!

Because Lynn works with pre-school kids...

Although I'm not a fan of Halloween, I dressed up minimally this year...for the kids! On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the week of Halloween all the coaches dressed up and made the kids smile! On Monday I was an angel, on Tuesday the kids laughed at my kitty cat face (shown above), and then on Wednesday, I was a ladybug...antenna and wings included! Good clean fun!

Chad didn't know that I had painted my face so when he saw me he started laughing...he loves me sooo much!

Victory Day 2007

Every year, Aspire Kid Sports Center hosts a Victory Day for children ages 3-6yrs. It is a time to show off all the gymnastics skills and tricks they have learned in class. All the instructors attend making it an event geared towards making the children smile! Here are the pics from this years Victory Day (Dec. 1st)

Victory Day 2007