The Bibbey Family Blog

Go Devils!

2009-09-20T22:16:00.002-06:00

This year we managed to get ASU season tickets...something we will do as a family! It's been really nice to have something to do together and it's really fun! We go and tailgate each game with a bunch of friends of ours and it's been great!

Andon is getting the football fan routine...yelling "DEFENSE" and "GO DEVILS" anytime it's quiet! Avery just loves to be all cute and dressed up...she wants to be a cheerleader or a twirler so that suits her well :) So far we are 2-0 so hopefully we keep it up! The "real" teams are yet to come :)

We haven't taken the pictures off the camera yet so those are still to come :)

Upcoming Vacations and Events!

2009-09-20T22:06:00.004-06:00

October and November will be busy, busy months for us!

For AA's fall break, we will be heading to WY! We found a steal on tickets (only $10 more than our pass privileges) so we jumped on them and don't have to worry about not getting on the flight! We have not been back there since Avery and Andon were 13 months old....WAYYYYY too long!!! I am looking forward to taking a bit of a rest and enjoying some beautiful fall weather!

In November, Mark and I will be taking part in a 72 mile charity cycling event for Helping Hands in Africa. We have never participated in this one before but thanks to many who have supported me financially, I am well on my way to reaching my goal of $500! Mark is working on it, too! If you would like to support us, check it out at http://www.active.com/donate/HelpingHands09/JBibbey1 OR
http://www.active.com/donate/HelpingHands09/MBibbey
This event will be the first one where I am riding on my own bike (instead of tandem) so prayers for safety are appreciated! My goal? Simply to finish this one!!!

Then we finish that up and head out on a cruise to Cabo san Lucas! It's Mark's first cruise and I am really excited to see what he thinks of it! I love cruising :)

Then we get back and a few days later we head down to Tucson for our 3rd Tour de Tucson 109 mile ride! We will be heading down with Mark's cousin and her husband (who also ride tandem together) to enjoy a fun weekend :)

I think after all that travel, we will be staying here for the holidays :) I would like to try and get to Disneyland before Halloween (or during the Christmas decoration season) but I don't think that will happen with all that it going on....Mark will be thrilled! But, that just means a regular visit in 2010 in addition to a visit to Chicago! Boy, it's hard now that all 5 cousins are in school!

Soccer

2009-09-20T21:53:00.003-06:00

AA started soccer this year! This is the last year that they are able to be on the same team since next year they go to all boy and all girl teams if we stay with this league. Andon scored his first goal at the first game....a hole-in-one right from kick-off!!! Avery has shown that she can hustle and can play with the big boys! She is right in there all the time! Andon is doing great, too! Here is the team picture that was taken this weekend....next month we get official pictures taken :)

Kindergarten!

2009-09-20T21:45:00.003-06:00

Lots has happened since Disneyworld and I have been way behind on posting!

AA Started kindergarten! We have had some bumps in the road with some "rough" kiddos and some adjusting to all-day school but they are smart, smart, smart!!! I have finally adjusted to having them in all-day k and I am loving helping in the classroom! Friday is my morning to help and this coming week we have our first field trip....to the park next door to the school..Pizza Party!!!

Here are some pictures of their first day of school and meet the teacher....meet the teacher they are not wearing backpacks :)

2nd Half of Disneyworld trip

2009-07-10T23:22:00.002-06:00

Monday June 22-
This morning we swam at the mail pool while Mark went for a run and Uncle Mike golfed. There was a fun waterslide, a fountain sink, a hot tub, and bridge and kid pool. After swimming, we took showers and took a boat to Downtown Disney to have lunch at Planet Hollywood. Then we went back to Hollywood Studios and saw the High School Musical 3 parade, went on Toy Story and ssaw Fantasmic....it was a HOT day!!!

Tuesday June 23-
Today we went to the Animal Kingdom. We had a huge thumderstorm early this morning while we were still sleeping with lots of thunderstorms and lightening! The kids slept right through it all...shows how tired they were! First, we ate a big breakfast at the hotel and then went to the park to grab fast passes for the safari ride. WHile we waited for the time slot to come, we went over to Rifiki's vet center and met Jiminey Cricket for the first time! Then we went ont he safari ride where we saw lots of animals. Then we grabbed fast passes for the rapids where we had lots of fun getting wet! Then we had lunch at a nice buffet where we also were able to get reserved, priority seating for the Nemo show, which was AMAZING!!! We also made it over to the Lion King show. It rained the second half of the day so we didn't get to swim at all but it was still a great day! It was even better to be cooled off!

Wednesday June 24-
Today we went to Epcot and had breakfast with the princesses again! It was funny because the Cinderella from Cinderella's Castle breakfast was Sleeping Beauty at Epcot....very interesting that Mark noticed that! Then we went on Test Track which Avery loved...Andon was a littel scared, go figure! THen we became world travelers and visited the World Showcase! It was great because the kids were able to decorate some masks and get a tag and stamp from each country....kept them occupied! Then we went to the giant golf ball where we went to space! Then we came home for some dinner and swimming and the kids watched Nightmare Before Christmas...not sure how the Chicago Bibbey's liked it but Avery and Andon love it! Then the adults all sat outside and shared some wine!

Thursday June 25-
Lucca and Nathan's Birthday! Today we had a great breakfast at the Grand Floridian with Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter WInnie the Pooh and Tigger! Then we went to the Magic Kingdom and did a lot of rides! During a dance break during a parade, all the floats stopped, the characters came off the floats and they invited all the kids to go out and dance. Avery and I went out and Andon, who came out last minute, managed to hit his head on the float! Only Andon! He had a HUGE, purple bump above his eye and we immediately rushed him to a cool place and then to first aid. I was surprised that there wasn't Mickey stuff to make the kids smile but it looked like a school nurse's office! He had a moment with Daddy along with some ice cream....he was better quickly! Avery rode Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain 3 times! Andon went on the Haunted Mansion like a big kiddo and was only a little scared of the heads that jump up at you...this was a stretch for him! THen it started to rain and the cancelled the parade that Aunt Michele had sat saving us awesome seats...BUMMER! So we shopped, watched the fireworks and went swimming at 11:30pm! We had 2 tired kiddos!

Friday, June 26-
We dressed all the kids in their matching outfits, had some breakfast and hopped on the bus back to the airport. It was a great trip and I would not have done much different except go when it's cooler!

Week with Mickey

2009-06-28T21:30:00.003-06:00

Wed June 17-
Travel Day to Florida. The kids still didn't know what we were doing for their b-day and we were not going to tell them until their actual b-day so we went to bed without a hint! On the plane, we had a layover in Atlanta and when Andon asked if Atlanta was in CA and if Georgia was in CA, he was bummed that were were not going to Legoland...our little detective!

Thurs June 18- HAPPY BIRTHDAY A & A
Mark woke up early to make a store run for some bread and peanut butter and we wouldn't tell the kids until we were all together. So, because they were wearing their Mickey and Minnie shirts, I wouldn't let them get dressed until he returned. They weren't as surprised as we thought but were excited none the less! We hopped on the Magical Express from the airport to Port Orlean's Riverside and couldn't check in to our room yet because it was 9:00am. We then hopped right on over to the Magic Kingdom. Around 3:00 we were sitting on the Magic Carpets when it started to downpour....we ran off the ride and found cover! It didn't stop for the rest of the day so we pulled out the ponchos and bought some umbrellas (that I forgot to pack). The Chicago Bibbey's met us at the park for dinner and we caught the fireworks at the end. A & A both got $63 gift cards for the Disney birthday promotions...that was a big help!

Fri June 19-
Today we went to the Magic Kingdom again. We had breakfast at Cinderella's Castle and it was great going when the park was empty!!! Poor Nate had some left over altitude/motion sickness from flying and carried a baggie all day :( After breakfast we went on several rides and then it got so hot we went back to the hotel to swim and take naps. We went back to the park for some more rides, fireworks and of course, the magic carpet when it wasn't raining!

Sat June 20-
TOday we went to Hollywood Studios and started with an early breakfast with the Little Einsteins and Jojo and Goliath. THen we saw the Ariel show and the Beauty and the Beast Show and went on a backlot tour. Our favorite was the new Toy Story ride.....it was fantastic and thank goodness for Fast Passes!! Our new found fun is pin trading! The kids, all 5, really got into it! Can't wait to do it again the next time we go. We went on Star Tours, which was a little much for everyone except Avery...she loves the fast rides!!!

Sun June 21- FATHER'S Day
Today was up to the dad's! We slept in and had a rough start with Andon over some glow bracelets and while everyone else went to Epcot, Andon and I stayed behind to catch a bus a little later! We went on a boat ride where we saw a cool garden and saw some shows. Mark got us all ice cream but it was so hot that it melted right off the sticks! Then we went back to swim, shower and head over to have dinner with Mickey at the Contemporary. We saw Pluto, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, GOofy and of course, Mickey! We then snuck out onto a balcony up ont he club level to see the park at night...it was pretty but a little scary!

I will post the rest later....gott put 2 kids together!

Andonism..

2009-06-12T09:39:00.000-06:00

Andon: "I want you to get the spicy toothpaste from Target. You know the "Christ" one".

Mom: "Hmmm...I think you mean, Crest, honey. Christ is God's son, remember?"

Andon: "Oh ya...I still want you to get the Crest toothpaste though because I am almost 5 and can handle the spicy kind."

Disneyworld...14 days away!!!

2009-06-04T00:25:00.002-06:00

Well, the big trip is just 14 days away and I am really excited! We have things planned but not too planned and we are having meals with....
Cinderella and her friends in Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom
Jojo and Goliath and the Little Einstein's at Disney Studios
Mickey and his Friends at a hotel
Alice and Wonderland and Mary Poppins at another hotel
and then again with the Princesses in Epcot

I thought it would be fun to take a look at the pictures from past visits...these are backwards by time, as you can see :)

Visiting Grammy and Family

2009-06-03T23:57:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I know that I was the only one who took pictures but because it was a new camera, I now have not been able to get them off! So, pictures will be soon to come, I promise!

Last week the kids and I managed to FINALLY get back to see Grammy Stacy, Auntie Jelli, Papa Steve, Cousin Jamie, Cousin Josh and all the cousin kids! What a great time we had! We arrived into Sacramento on Memorial Day around 10:30am. This was definitely not the first time that I have flown on my own with the twins but this is the first time I rented a car with them on my own. We made it in our little Chevy Cobalt, which I would never recommend to anyone, and settled in just nicely with some yummy steaks, fruit salad and homemade beans! Does it get any better!

We spent the next 2 days waking up leisurely, playing outside, catching up on family chat and just being. Grammy took the kids shopping for their birthday (which is 2 weeks away) and they had a blast picking out toys and clothes. I really had to limit the spoiling because we had to carry on (ahhh, the joys of non-rev travel) and we barely, barely, barely crammed it all in! Grammy also decided to throw a little birhtday party (with 3 cakes!!!) for everyone which was really sweet. I was go thankful that my cousin Josh was able to be there!

The night that Grammy took us to dinner I started noticing that our fabulously sturdy piece of garbage rental car would make a weird grinding sound right around 45 mph. So, the next day I took it down to the Redding Airport Budget counter. The guy took it out for a test spin and of course could not hear the sound "that's like when you go off the side of the highway, you know the little marks on the side of the road to wake you up". No kidding because he took it up to 60 when I clearly told him it was when you are going 45ish. Anyways, after pleading my case that I didn't want to get stuck on the side of the road alone with my kids, he decided to give me a new car...a bright blue Versa, which was actually kinda fun to drive! After that it was smooth sailing home!

While we were there Kelly had her baby girl, Chole Sarai Kron. I knew she would go into labor while we were gone! She has a full head of hair and after a frustrating birth process which ended in a c-section, both mom and baby are healthy. Chloe is a "cutie peanut" as Avery and Andon call her! Welcome to parenthood....it's a wild journey but worth it!!!

Ok, so now I will get back to getting the pics off the computer to post from our visit!

All-Day K

2009-04-30T22:40:00.002-06:00

Well, it's official, Avery and Andon will more than likely be going to all day kindergarten next year. Arizona has been in an amazing budget cut debate that it was completely on hold. One by one districts have been announcing that they will be keeping free all day k and Mesa finally announced that they were keeping it, too. When we had decided that enrolling in Sirrine we completely had God's hand in it and we put all faith and trust in HIM in whether it was going to be full or half day.

I came to terms with that before it was decided, however, I am completely torn on how I feel about this now! From teacher side, I know that all day k has it's benefits. Half day when I can be home with them does too! I think I'm struggling the most because once they start full time school, they will be on that journey until they are 17! Playdates, lunch dates, early morning zoo trips when it's not busy on the weekdays all are coming to an end as we know them now. Sure those things can happen, but are the kids ready for that? Am I ready for that?

I can see myself crying my eyes out as I say goodbye to them and drop them off that first day of school....geesh, I'm crying my eyes out now just thinking about it! Yes, I will be able to attend church staff meetings, lunch meetings, Mark and I will be able to fully train for cycling races, help lots in the classroom, and hey, I just may have regular hair nail and massage appointments at mom's salon but really, I'm not sure why I'm struggling so much!

Ok, enough about that....

Ok, enough abouy that...

France pics 2

2009-04-21T15:24:00.005-06:00

In front of the roundabout iinto Bedoin...Mark climbed the mountain behind it! This is why people come here so climbing this is a big deal! The snowshoers that he met at the top said that Mark was the first cyclist of the season that they had seen at the top!

The boar sausage stand...

In front of the Gigondas Winery...

Sand carvings in the woods behind our house...this one is a camel!

Our "France Car" in front of the gite...

France Trip Last Month

2009-04-21T15:01:00.003-06:00

Last month, I can't believe it's already been a month, Mark and I were able to head back over to France. This was a totally different trip than the last two. We did not go to Paris but made our way to Bedoin, about 2 1/2 hours from the southern coast. We rented a gite, French for guest house, to a wonderful couple from the UK Sally-Anne and Christopher. It was much cheaper than a hotel and much more convenient. We rented some bikes, saw a pro cycling race The Paris-Nice, went to some local markets, visited some wineries(drank a little more wine that we are used to), saw a Roman theater, the Pope's Palace in Avignon and drove around all over the south of France....my favorite trip!!! Christoper is a writer so when Mark went out on a huge cycling climb to the top of a snow-covered mountain, I opted to stay at the gite and read one of his novels, Lonicera! It was a quick read but I really enjoyed it. We were able to sit first class on all the flights so we are now spoiled and will probably only visit int he down season because of that...I guess the kids won't get to go with us until they are 8 because that's the age that kids can sit first class on Delta!

I'm on stage at the Roman Theater...

A cute little bridge in the turnabout...

In front of the Palais de Papes..

Mark on top of Mount Ventoux...

Cycling near Flassan...

Time flies...

2009-04-20T23:39:00.003-06:00

Life has been busy here in AZ...I will catch up on blogs as soon as life slows down which may not happen until the kids go to kindergarten in August!

I need to post about:
France trip last month
Easter visit with Grandma and Grandpa
Upcoming events

We are all busy as can be. The kids only have 5 weeks left of school and then they will move on to kindergarten! THey will be going to the same school that I went to, Sirrine, and I am looking forward to helping in the classroom and utilizing all my education and passion for kindergarten! Avery is still reading up a storm! Andon is energetic and is getting close to stopping sucking his fingers. If you know Andon, you usually see him with them in his mouth! We get a movie pass from the dentist when that happens so we are hoping to catch Monsters vs Aliens before it leaves the theaters!

Everyone seems to be having babies! We are still content on that subject!

I have been busy planning our DisneyWorld trip in June with the Chicago Bibbeys. It will be a grand trip with lots happening! The kids still do not know! I love my new position at church. It's been an added change in schedules but we are adjusting.

Ok, so I will get back to posting more pics in the next week or so, I promise...does anyone even read this????????

It's almost MARCH?!?!? What???

2009-02-28T14:40:00.002-07:00

Seriously, where did February disappear to? I know, we have been so busy planning 2 vacations (France in a few weeks and Orlando in June), training for cycling races, flying airplanes, coordinating classrooms and MOPS meetings, figuring out what to do for kindergarten next year, getting pugs adopted, taxes (nice return this year, woo hoo), teaching Andon and Avery right from wrong (no easy task) and applying for The Amazing Race!!! That's not including our day to day stuff like cleaning and grocery shopping! SOOOO, if I have failed to stay in touch with you, now you know why!

We have been WAYYYY over-scheduled lately...not intentionallly, just lots happening. I think the kids are on crazy mode now that it's back in the 80's again. Some sort of weird, goofy shift occurs when the weather starts to warm up. I think we'll stay here though so hopefully the transition will happen fast!

I am loving my new position as N-2's Director at our church. We are finally getting used to the change in schedule. I have been working on establishing a new, strong steering team for our next MOPS year and we are well on our way! I will be stepping down this year, which will be hard after 4 years of leadership, but it's on to the next chapter of work, being an involved kindergarten mom, soccer games and more!

Mark is still flying people around the country and cycling around the valley. He helped get Focus Racing, a cycling team for the bike shop that he is attached to! It's still in the baby stages but they are official!

Andon is still as energetic as ever! He has started to calm down a little bit though as he learns self-control. He's doing very well in preschool and LVOVES going to school! Right now he is into riding the big bike (he's done with the Thomas bike) without training wheels and anything outside...although he only wants to wear pants and long sleeves for some reason!

Avery is a smarty pants! SHe is reading and writing anything and everything...the other day she read "Available" on a sign as we were driving to school! She has started with little readers at school and usually reads them once or twice and it ready to read it to the teacher. She loves to draw, sing, dance, read and write! Her next tap recital is next week and her teacher wishes she was 6 so she could move up to the next level because she's ready....doesn't she know that they grow up too fast as it is!?!?!

We drove up to The Natural Bridge last Friday and it's a good thing because as on Monday they closed the park due to funding. It's one of my favorite places to drive to and spend the day...maybe they'll reopen it in the future.

We still have our foster pug, Charlie, or as Mark calls him, "Old Man River". He's a good dog though so we don't mind him hanging around!

Well, that's enough rambling for now....hopefully I'll get on here more often!

Cracking Coconuts!

2009-01-26T20:24:00.003-07:00

In our producce co-op basket this week there was a coconut....what do we do with a coconut??? Well we dug out the cookbook and found some info on getting the meat out. First we poked the eyes out with a screwdriver to get the juice out...not to be confused with coconut milk, which you have to make by cooking milk or water with the meat and straining it, who knew? The juice was really sweet and yummy but like the people on Survivor, I can get sick of it real quick! Then we put it in a baggie, wrapped it in a towel and hammered the heck out of it! It cracked open but we still couldn't get the meat loose. So, as instructed, we put it in the oven for 15 minutes and it loosened up...not without some prying though! The kids didn't like the meat but we chopped it up in the food processor and it's now sleeping peacefully in our freezer for future use in cookies, smoothies or pina coladas. Here is the one before picture we managed to snap before all the excitement began...

General Updates

2009-01-07T22:23:00.002-07:00

Well, I'm just going to type away...
Today was my first official day as the N-2's Director. While it has taken about a week to get the major parts learned, I still feel like I have a lot of little things to learn. I do feel like I am able to start being creative now and have started a new theme in the classrooms that I am so excited to develop...Planting the Seeds of Faith. My job is primarily overseeing curriculum and nurturing, growing and developing the teachers and volunteers. Lots of hospitality which I love to do! I'm teaching the teachers and that's also something I love to do! I think that once I get the general routine and feel comfortable with what I'm doing, I'll be able to really have a blast with things! I have some great ideas that I plan on developing!

Avery started Tap,Jazz and Acro Intermediate last night. She loves it and it gives Andon and I soome date time at the library right next door. Andon will be starting TIny Tots Tennis tomorrow. He has played it on the Nintendo Wii at mom's house and has wanted to play it ever since. It works out that class is the same length as Avery's, 8 weeks, and we'll see how he does. We bought him his first raquet and tennis balls and he is SOOO excited to use them!

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!! That's right, we are spending 8 days, 7 nights in Disney World with the Chicago Bibbeys. We arrive on Avery and Andon's 5th birthday and we will get a $75 gift card each for them to spend on goodies!!! They have the promotion where you get in free on your birthday in 2009 and since we purchased the 8 day park passes they get to choose one of the other options, the one of most value is the gift card worth the amount of a 1 day admission pass. Mark does not know his schedule yet and may only have a few days off but we'll do all we can to get him there as much as we can! DW has such a great promotion through June where you buy 4 nights you get 3 free...that includes tickets! We also don't have to get a rental car because we are staying at a Disney hotel we get free transportion! Because we are traveling with more than 8 people we get to do some Grand Gathering events...not quite sure what we can all do with that but it's supposed to be pretty cool.

Well, it's 10:45 and I need to get to bed....

What do I want to be when I grow up?

2009-01-07T22:21:00.002-07:00

Tonight at dinner I asked Avery and Andon what they wanted to be or do when they grow up and Avery jumped right in saying:
I want to fly to outer space
I want to milk a cow
I want to pet a sheep (which they have done already...check!)

Christmas Eve, Day, Trains

2008-12-30T12:53:00.003-07:00

Christmas was a nice and relaxing time for us this year. Mark had to work on Christmas Day and Eve so we e-mailed Santa and asked him to come a day late....he obliged! On our Christmas Eve, mom, Dave, Andy and the kids and I all just literally hung out and munched goodies all day. Christmas morning brought a fun time, bright and early. We opened presents and enjoyed time as a family once again...this time with Mark. Mom got Rock Band 2 and Mario Kart for her Wii and we had fun with that. Andon and mark played with the train a lot and we got some really cute pictures of them doing so...especially Andon. The pictures of the kids all dressed up was on the real Christmas Eve before we headed out to church. The kids did really well as they sat in the "grown up" room together. Hope everyone else had a Merry Christmas!

Weight Loss...Almost 1 year Later

2008-12-30T12:03:00.007-07:00

Well, I write this 28 lbs lighter and at least 27 inches smaller! I started the year with my first boot camp, did Hot Mommy Boot Camp this summer and have completed the rest on my own cycling, changing my diet and staying motivated! I have lost 6.3% body fat, most of which was after my boot camps were over and I am now in my size 6's again! I even bought a size 4 pair of jeans for the first time since I can remember! I feel great and have included some before pics and recent pics...I can really notice the change in my face. It's funny how few pictures there are of me before I lost weight...I guess that I was subconsciously avoiding the evidence! I am really proud of myself and although I am still battling those last 4 or 5 lbs (which I am trying to shed before February...the last ones are the hardest though), I am still extremely happy! It took a year but it should stay off!!! Now watch, we'll get pregnant again and the journey will begin once again!

First two are me around my heaviest...

The next pic is a cycling shot from September...

One in October...

Taken end of November...

This blows me away...
BEFORE
AFTER

Merry Christ-Mas!

2008-12-24T20:36:00.003-07:00

The gap that we could never reach across was bridged when God Himself came down, in the flesh of Jesus Christ, to forever carry our burdens of sin. A gift that is readily given to all who shall receive it...let us celebrate the birth of that gift. May He be remembered this Christ-mas and may blessings of joy be received!
Love,
January

Blogger Backgrounds

2008-12-18T22:40:00.002-07:00

Ahhhh HAAA! I think I fixed the blogging problem! I hated (as did Kelly and I'm sure a few others) the way my last blog read. I love the idea but just couldn't figure out why it was so hard to read. I finally made it much more legible by changing my template through blogger first...what do you think????

Do we, or do we not??? and January's New Job

2008-12-18T09:00:00.004-07:00

Warning....this is about as deep as January gets on the blog.....

So Mark and I have been talking....do we have more kids or do we not? We both have mixed feelings...The kids will be going to kindergarten next year and that leaves the question do I go back to teaching? The answer to that is no mostly because my cert expires on my birthday this year but also because I just don't want to be committed full time to a job where I will not be able to help in their classroom and be part of their education...I mean that IS my forte! But, I'll feel guilty staying home if the kids are in school (half day or full day will depend on the school we enroll them in and that's a completely different discussion) and what do I do with my time? Clean? Run errands? Become the room parent? Volunteer more?

I go through stages where I think we really would love to be blessed with another baby...probably another set of twins...but is that just because I loved being pregnant (other than the 1st trimester)? Because my good friend, Kelly, is 17 weeks along with her first little girl? I don't know. But then I go through stages where I like being able to do more "stuff" with the kids being older...babies really do keep you from doing a lot of things (all worth it, of course). What about cycling? When will we find time to do that? Plus I just worked SOOO hard at losing 28 lbs and getting below my pre-pregnancy weight! Ok, so really that's not a concern...I did it once and I can do it again! I'm just enjoying wearing size 6's!!! Then there are the issues that we are having with Andon...he's a VERY strong-willed child. Will he outgrow that? Will it get worse if a baby comes? By the way, both kids have already picked names for our new babies....Avery wants to name our baby girl Sarah and Andon wants to name our baby boy Malachai (we'll work on that one with him).

We are planning a big DisneyWorld trip in June with the Chicago Bibbey's so I would like to wait until after that (Disney is just not as fun when you are pregnant) but sometime's I just wish that God would give us a surprise pregnancy so we didn't have to decide the timing. It's His perfect timing anyways, right?
*********************************************

As mentioned above, I have been contemplating going back to work when the kids go to kindergarten. Our Children's Director at church has always said, "Before you go back to teaching, come talk to me because I want to hire you in Children's Ministry." Well, she contacted me two weeks ago and said that a mid week position opened up, effective ASAP, and she thought of me . We began to talk about the different needs right now and as it turns out, they are looking to make some changes..."all the people are on the right bus, just not in the right seat". The offer was made to come on as the N-2's Director as of January 1 and while it isn't the timeline we had anticipated, we decided that it was something to consider. A lot can be done from home, the kids can come with me when I need to go to "work" at church and the pay will help supplement our income allowing Mark to release a little stress about finances! The tough part is it's a weekend commitment for all 4 services (2 Sat night and 3 on Sun morning)...something that will take some adjusting for us all! I am also still the MOPS Coordinator, which was my first commitment, so that will be an additional balancing act! We will also have to stop fostering dogs once Charlie, our current foster, gets adopted because we just can't get them to events on weekends nor have patience to try and teach old dogs new tricks (like peeing outside)! Well, after much prayer and discussions with Mark, I accepted the position so I will be the new N-2's Director effective January 1...not full time, just a 15 hour part-time salary gig.

Please pray with me during this adjustment period...I feel that it's the right decision but everyone will need to be flexible as we get a routine set!

Well, that's enough from me this morning....

Holiday Parties

2008-12-18T08:49:00.003-07:00

Is it just me or does it seem like there are many more Christmas parties to attend this year than usual? Usually we have just one or two but this year it was 6! Yes we had a lot of fun at them, getting to spend time without kids with friends, but I'm just exhausted! It's 1 week before Christmas and we still have 2 more to go!

I am having my first annual Girls Night Cookie and Ornament Exchange here tomorrow night and am really surprised that we will have 30-40 people, kids, friends, moms and grandmas, attending this close to Christmas. I was thinking that with it being the Friday before Christmas and kids being out of school that we would have a lot of people who couldn't come and that we would start small for our first one....not so much, only 4 people can't come and most are bringing 1 or 2 guests! Don't get me wrong, the more the merrier and I'm really excited and glad that it was a good date, it's just not what I expected! I'll post some pics....this is a tradition that I am looking forward to keeping up until Avery starts her own!

Grandma and Grandpa Visit for Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T21:15:00.003-07:00

We had a nice visit with Mark's mom and dad who drove all the way out from WY! THey stayed for just shy of a week and the kids really enjyed having Grandma and Grandpa around! We went to the ASU game the day after Thanksgiving and then to the Tempe Parade of Lights. Here are some of our favorite pictures...

Southwest Airlines Kid Christmas Party

2008-12-06T21:05:00.002-07:00

Today was our first time attending the SWA Kid Christmas Party! We had a lot of fun and it was just like going to a carnival! There were rides, Santa, live singing and dancing, food, a car show, there were helicopters and planes...really fun! Here are some of our favorite pics...

4th file, 4th picture...

2008-12-03T15:01:00.003-07:00

Per request by my Auntie Jellie....here's my picture from my 4th file, 4th picture...I know it's of Andon's head injury (no stitches, by the way just an ugly bruise and red mark of course, the day before we were scheduled to take their 4 year pictures)!!! This was posted back in June too titled, "No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" because guess what Andon was doing??? Yep, jumping on the bed! He hit his head on a crate that Avery had in her room where she put her books she reads before she falls asleep. That crate is long gone by now!

If you are reading this then you really need to do the same....4th file, 4th picture!

Family Pictures

2008-11-19T22:46:00.004-07:00

We had some pictures taken for the church directory...we got some cute pictures but I'm not thrilled with the ones of Avery and Andon so we are off to get their way-to-late 4 year pictures tomorrow...I'll post them as soon as I get them!

Halloween and Yet another cyclists

2008-11-19T22:39:00.004-07:00

~As promised here's a pictures of all 5 cousins, AKA, the Wiz Kids, at Halloween...

~Well, we knew it wouldn't be long but a few days after, Avery became a non-training wheel cyclist! She is getting so much more confident now!

Another cyclist in the house...

2008-11-08T15:11:00.004-07:00

Timeline...

October 30- We head to Chicago for Halloween and Andon is in awe of his cousin Nathan's ability to ride his bike without training wheels...too bad Andon has ZERO balance on his bike with training wheels.

November 4- Mark takes Andon and Avery's training wheels and pedals off so they can use their feet to learn how to balance. They head down to the greenbelt by our house and get some momentum going down the hills.

November 7- We head outside and start rolling down the driveway without pedals or training wheels. They do great!

November 8- We head over to the greenbelt, put the pedals back on and help them down the hill...the kids both need help as they start to go down the hill and then are able to balance on their own on the flats. On the way home, ANDON STARTS RIDING ALL ON HIS OWN! Avery still weeble-wobbles and is about 85% there! Unbelieveable! Grandma and Grandpas watch out...he can't wait to show you so be ready!!!!

I started to lose it ....he doesn't need me anymore for one more thing...balling my eyes out for about 10 minutes. I'm better now and realize that this will be happening more and more now! I love these kiddos!!!! They grow us so fast!

Halloween...Trunk or Treating

2008-11-05T19:26:00.003-07:00

Well, our Dorothy and Green Lollipop Munchkin had a lot of fun Trunk or Treating at preschool last Wednesday. They had a little program for us and then we dressed them in our costume and went to each of the parents' trunks and the kids had a blast! Out of 5 girls, there were 3 Dorothys!!! As soon as Andon made it out to the driveway he dropped his lollipop....go figure! So it shattered into a thousand pieces (luckily in saran wrap) and Mark made him a paper one that he refused to carry on Halloween night...so everyone thought he was the screcrow! Yes, we did manage to get to Chicago for Halloween night but Michele has all the photos on her camera since we left ours at home! As soon as I get them I'll post them :) ENJOY!

New Kids on the Block and Canyon lake

2008-10-27T14:22:00.003-06:00

Yes, that's right....I went with Kelly and Shelly to the New Kids concert. Make fun all you want but it was such a fun night! We went out to dinner and then were brought right back to the 80's for an awesome concert! Here are some pics...

A few days later Mark and I took the kids up to Canyon Lake for a picnic. It didn't go as planned and we ended up opening the back of the 4-Runner and eating at a little pull out but it was a nice family day with beautiful weather!!!!

On Wednesday we head up to Chicago for Halloween...all the cousins are Wizard of Oz characters and I can't wait to see them all together!!! We will have pictures galore, I'm sure....

Weight Loss Update!!!

2008-10-19T14:02:00.002-06:00

Well, I just wanted to report that I am officially down 26 lbs and at least 24 inches (knee, thigh, waist, abdomen, and diaphragm only)!!!! My pre-pregnancy weight goal is only 1 lb away, however, I always said that once I reach goal I will readjust if needed. Well, I would like to get down about 6-11 lbs more and then I'll officially be in maintenance phase....I am so proud of myself!!!! Cycling, watching calories, Arbonne 7-day Cleanse and Alternate Day Eating are what did it for me! I'll have Mark take some pictures to post and I'll try and dig up some pre-weight loss before photos, too.

Cochise Classic

2008-10-18T12:35:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, Mark and I drove down to Mexico...well 1 mile away from Mexico...and participated in the Cochise Classic 92 mile race, well, er, ride. We were aiming to get me Platinum status which cuts off at 5hrs 15 minutes for women (4 hrs 15 mins for men) and we needed to maintain an average speed of 17.2 mph which really is a piece of cake in normal conditions. On Friday, the night before the ride, we survived pouring rain with predictions of thunderstorms, rain and high winds...not good news to maintain that average speed. Great, huh! SO we spent some time praying for no rain. He listened because we woke up to black skies but no rain. The wind was picking up very slightly....we were hearing news that the longer distance groups had "torrential downpours"....great, right?

When we pushed off at 6:30am, the temp was beautiful...not cold at all...and no rain, still! As we approached the climb up to Bisbee, we were getting a bit nervous because of the BLACK, rain-filled clouds, yet till no rain. We made it to the top in really no problem...then came the best part of riding tandem.....54 MPH on the way down!!!! It was amazing and still, no rain! We cruised along and turned the corner where the wind was picking up...never fun on a bike, especially a tandem. So we made it along that straight, no problem again...average speed and time WAY ahead of schedule. We made 1 3 minute stop to refill water and shove some food in at a rest stop.

Then we turned the corner to go south back to Douglas.....25 MPH winds RIGHT IN OUR FACES!!! We chugged along passing people left and right to try and keep our time and speed where it needed to be. Not so easy in the windy conditions! I have never heard Mark grunt and get so frustrated that it actually was scaring me.....I can't see the stats and he wasn't telling me what was going on so I didn't know if he was frustrated with me, the wind, a sore bum or what. Well, we turned the last few turns and really kicked it up....and finished with 7 minutes to spare for Platinum!!! It was a hard and awesome ride all at the same time!!!!

We stayed at the historic Gadsden Hotel that was built in 1904, I believe, back in the days of Wyatt Earp. It's said to be haunted, no ghosts that we saw, but it was a little creepy, loud and uncomfortable to stay overnight in. The picture is us on the marble staircase...really beautiful! The other pictures are on our way home in the mining town of Bisbee.

Our next race in the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the El Tour de Tucson, a 109 mile ride that we did last year. Our goal is to do it as fast as we possibly can...last year was 6 hrs and 18 minutes but we were 35 lbs heavier between the two of us and it was also my first big one on the tandem. Wish us luck!!!

It's raining, It's Pouring...wave!

2008-10-04T22:17:00.003-06:00

Tonight as we were driving home from church, it started to rain a little bit...

Andon: "Daddy, it's raining, put up the windshield!"

Mark: "What? How can we see if we put up the windshield? (He means the window shades)

Andon (now getting impatient): "Wave, Daddy, wave!!!"

Mark pushed the windshield wipers and Andon was content! I guess he's just like me and doesn't like the StarWars effect of having rain splattered on the windshield!

Swimming Anyone?

2008-10-03T14:33:00.005-06:00

Before

After

Our pool, after many chemicals and frustrations, had to be drained yesterday. It was horribly green and we decided that it had to be done! So the kids had some fun helping us capture the some great pics. It's being acid washed as we speak and I'll post pictures when it's all done!

UPDATE: The pool is done, the pool is clean and the pool is blue once again!!!! Swimming anyone????

Funny Farm

2008-09-26T11:02:00.003-06:00

Today as I was cleaning up the kitchen I overheard Avery and Andon (who had just made a huge mess in the kids corner but hey, they were playing together and not fighting...but we don't get lunch until it's picked up). They had pulled out some of their Little People, something they haven't played with in forever and of course, just the other day I was contemplating getting rid of them, they were playing with Noah's Ark and The Farm. Avery had just piled up all the animals in the ark, including the chicken, and they both made their way back into Andon's room...

Avery: "Can you watch the animals while I go potty?"

Andon: "Oh, ya...sure"

Avery (from the toilet now): "Make sure they don't run out into the street. They move pretty fast....especially the chicken, he's pretty fast!"

Andon: "They are getting pretty sleepy now, it must be naptime."

Avery: "We'd better go put them to bed now."
So out they both head to put all the aimals to bed on the farm....they are still asleep right now...SHHHH!

Squirmy Wormy

2008-09-24T22:44:00.004-06:00

It was apple week at preschool this week and on Monday Avery and Andon were able to have an experience with worms!!! Avery loved them and wanted to touch them more than once, in fact, and Andon had a lot to say about them but wouldn't touch them!

Tour de Tahoe

2008-09-11T23:58:00.003-06:00

Well, we did it! 72.3 miles around Lake Tahoe! It was beautiful and great! We started the morning early...5:00am and then headed over to the start line around 6:10am. It was very cold...in the 30s...but honestly, not too bad with a fleece, ear warmers and arm warmers on. I wish I would have worn 2 pairs of socks though!

We stopped twice, once at the first stop to drop off our warm clothes and then again for lunch. Since this was a ride, not a race, we felt ok doing that. The tops were very well stocked and we had potatoes for the first time on a ride! Cousins Subs had subs and much needed salty potato chips as I was cramping a little as we approached the stop. Then we began our 1000 foot climb up to Spooner Junction....then we nearly hit 50 MPH on the way down, going just as fast as the cars!

The picture was on the first climb near Emerald Bay and the next one that I will attach as soon as I get it off of e-mail was at the finish line :)

The next race was planned to be this weekend, the tri-relay with Kelly and Shelly, but we all dropped the ball with registration and will plan to do another one in the future. Countdown to the Cochise County Classic has begun...October 11th :) This will be my last chance for Platinum qualification before El Tour de Tucson in November.

Last day of soccer

2008-09-02T20:25:00.003-06:00

Last day of soccer was on Saturday. They had a little scrimmage and then received their medals....they were so proud and very cute, I might add! They are doing really well dribbling! We were going to have them join an actual soccer team this season bu it ends up that we were out of town or would have to miss half of the games so we are keeping it simple and just doing a dance class. Preschool keeps up busy enough :)

Fun at the Zoo

2008-09-02T20:20:00.002-06:00

We went to the zoo with my friend Morgan and her kiddos Noah and Kristian. Avery wanted her picture taken with the iguana...there ya go! I don't know what my new interest in reptiles shedding is but this one was pretty cool!

Random thoughts...

2008-08-30T00:11:00.002-06:00

I think I like Andon's hair longer like in his first day of school pictures....he looks too grown up in the new hamper picture.I guess we'll just trim up over the ears and around the sides.

I am so excited for Tahoe...we leave on Wed afternoon!!!! I can't wait to see Jenni and Steve and just spend time with my family! Oh, and the ike ride around the lake will be fun, too :)

Why is it that I am exhausted and ready for bed on nights that Mark is home and I stay up super late (like tonight) and can't get off the computer when he's gone?!?!

I'm down 23 lbs now....3 away from pre-pregnancy :) I feel awesome!

Tonight, at 9:15pm, I had a scary experience at the drive through teller. I needed some cash to pay the babysitter so I was going to do a quick drive through when a car pulls into the drive-thru teller lane, parks by the machine, turns off his lights and sits there. I quickly pushed cancel and drove off. I got stuck at the light right out front of the credit union and another care came in the opposite direction and stopped right next to the bank....I wasn't quite sure what to do because then the light turned green and the car on the street drove off slowly. Was I just paranoid or should I have called 9-1-1???? If I hear on the news tomorrow that the credit union was robbed then I know my answer!

I think Avery and Andon finally figured out what they want to be for Halloween this year....Avery has been stuck on Dorothy and Andon has teetered back and forth between the Green Witch and now the Green Lollipop Kid.....I am trying to talk him into the Scarecrow because I think it would be so cute and an easy costume!

Peek-a-boo....3 years later

2008-08-29T23:54:00.003-06:00

Andon climbed in the empty hamper today (yes empty for a change) so I had Avery hop in too....they look a lot different now years later!!!! Time FLIES!!!!!!!

Dance Recital

2008-08-29T23:47:00.004-06:00

Avery had her tap and ballet "recital last night...it was just too cute! She is really starting to dance, not just flop around. SHe knows all her positions and can go there on her own.

She simply ADORES her teacher, Miss Lindsey! She just told us she is 14 weeks pregnant and will only be teaching 1 more 6 week session before taking an 11 month break! So, we weren't going to have any outside school activities this semester but be HAD to sign her up for it! Of course we are going to miss the first class next week while we are in Tahoe but that's ok...it's worth it!

First Day of School

2008-08-28T15:51:00.004-06:00

They love preschool!!!! Music to my ears!

Avery Got her Hair Cut!!!

2008-08-21T17:15:00.004-06:00

Well, we finally did it...we cut Avery's hair....7.5 inches to be exact ! With her thin hair, we had so many tears when trying to brush out her hair each and every day and I was so frustrated! I have wanted to get this done for a long time but debated doing it before I was able to get them in for their color 4 year pictures (we had it scheduled and then Avery bonked her head and managed to have an enormous black and blue goose egg smack dab in the middle of her forehead).

I will also go back and post pictures from their first day of school...and she has long hair!

Mugsy...the new foster

2008-08-16T01:21:00.003-06:00

Here's Mugsy...he's a great dog!!! He quietly barks at new people, especially men, for about the first 5 minutes and then he's your best bud! He loves to lay spread out on the floor quite often...it's so cute!!! He really is a beautiful pug!

Weight loss

2008-08-16T01:16:00.003-06:00

Well, I officially hit the 20 lb loss mark!!! I am only 6 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight...woo hoo! Just the last few weeks people have been commenting on the way I look...the hard work is paying off! My clothes don't fit anymore but that's ok...I'll take baggy shorts over pouring myself into clothes that used to fit anyday! My goal is to get back down to that pre-kid weight and then I will re-evaluate my goals...it would be really great to be there by our October race in Douglas, AZ :) I'll work on getting together before and after pictures...

Fall Cycling Schedule

2008-08-16T00:43:00.003-06:00

September 7th is an exciting date for us because Mark and I are riding around Lake Tahoe on our tandem bike! We'll head up on Wednesday late or Thursday early and then my Aunt Jenni and Uncle Steve are coming on Thursday, Friday Jamie and family are joining us and I am SOOOO excited! I have not met 2 of her 3 kids (what a horrible cousin I am) and it has just plain been too long!!! I can't wait to see the pictures from that trip....I seriously just got excited thinking about it! Here's the fall cycling schedule for us....

Sept 7- Tahoe, 75ish miles around the lake
Sept (after Tahoe)- Triathlon relay with Kelly and Shelly (I'm cycling, Kelly's running, Shelly's swimming)
Mid-October- Cochise Classic in Douglas, AZ- 95ish miles (goal is to achieve Platinum status)
Mid-November- Tour de Tucson- 109 miles (goal is to start and finish Platinum)

Preschool Open House

2008-08-16T00:29:00.002-06:00

Today was Avery and Andon's Open House for preschool! We are all very excited! Miss Molly's Christian Preschool is in it's first year and their teacher, Miss Molly, was one of our mentor moms at MOPS this year. There are 10 kids in their class with 2 teachers and it's out of her home. They go 2 days a week but they go for 3 hours (maybe a little more on Wednesdays if they join "The Lunch Bunch") but Mark and I will get some cycling rides in! 3 hours without children...what's a mom to do!?!?!

The kids and I headed over there this morning and on the way, Andon tells me, "Mommy, I don't want you to leave when we go to preschool...oh, I mean, I WANT you to leave." I just giggled and said, "Maybe Miss Molly will let me leave today!". First days don't come flawless, and ours was no exception...we had a leaky water bottle all over Avery's backpack, we forgot to comb Andon's hair and, in his usually weird way, Andon "forgot" to wear underwear!!! I could have knocked him upside the head for strategically not wearing underwear to school....for some reason he will only wear boxer briefs and when he's out of them, instead of telling me, he just doesn't wear them! He has like 10 pairs now so I'm not sure what the deal is! I think we'll be adding that as a responsibility chart subject!!!

Mark is in a bike race up in Utah tomorrow and he brought our camera so I do not have any pictures, but a girlfriend of mine took a few while she was taking pics of her son and I will post them as soon as I receive them from her :) I also will have their token first day of school picture to post and I will be borrowing my mom's camera for those!!!

Andon and God

2008-08-04T23:40:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday we were heading out to church and I reminded Avery and Andon to grab a quarter or two to give to God. On the way out, I hear...

ANDON: "Daddy, do we need money in Heaven?"

Mark: "No, Andon, we don't need money in Heaven actually...why?"

ANDON: "Then why do we give money to God?"

On the way we had a great conversation about where our "Gift to God" goes and he chimed in...

ANDON: "So we have crayons and paper to color in Sunday school."

AVERY: "And crafts and snacks."

They are so honest.....

They both start preschool on August 18th...I CAN'T WAIT!!!! :)

New dogs...

2008-08-04T23:32:00.002-06:00

Well, Preston (the tall one) has come and gone and Peaches (the darker one) is getting ready to be adopted this weekend after she gets spayed. Tomorrow we pick up Mugsy and then we have decided to stick with 1 pug at a time! Peaches just ripped her toenail last night and you'll see a picture of her relaxing ont he couch with her sock on....

Soccer and Slip n' Slide

2008-08-04T23:27:00.004-06:00

The kids started their first soccer class and the camera was acting up so I only got a few cute ones...sorry if they are blurry. They will probably be starting official soccer in September...uniforms and all!

We found a really fun clearance deal and the kids had a blast...that's all they want to do now!

Washington, DC

2008-08-04T23:20:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update on our trip to Washington, DC a few weeks ago. We had a busy time but a fun time and the kids all did great!!!

Thurston and Lovey have a home!

2008-06-29T17:04:00.002-06:00

Thurston and Lovey, our foster dogs, have a new home down in Tucson!!! They just left for the trek down there and I haven't even cried yet!!! They were, are, really great dogs and if we didn't have 2 of our own to love on, we would have probably adopted them!!! It will be weird to go to the bathroom alone now though although I must say I will enjoy the privacy again! I'll post when we get our newest foster, TBD!

1st Dentist Appointments

2008-06-29T16:59:00.002-06:00

Avery and Andon had their first dentist appointments on Thursday! They did so great!
Andon:
Did whatever was asked of him
Has to stop sucking his fingers as it's showing in his bite (but will get a present mailed to him if he stops care of the Dentist)
Had watermelon "tickle toothpaste"
Now is using a green Sponge Bob toothbrush

Avery:
Protested laying back in the chair but wore my sunglasses once she finally did
Has textbook teeth and bite (the dentist would have never guessed she ever sucked her fingers)
Also had watermelon "tickle toothpaste"
Now is using a purple Snow White toothbrush

Andon in the Hospital

2008-06-29T16:42:00.003-06:00

Andon was in the hospital last week for 3 nights. I was not liking his breathing when he went to bed on Thursday night, the day after his b-day and it seemed worse than when he had pneumonia. Of course, Mark was flying! I called the on-call nurse and she said to take him down to the ER. So my mom rushed over to stay with Avery and Andon and I headed down there. They gave him a breathing treatment in the ER and then we waited for about 45 minutes to see if it allowed him to breathe better. The dr decided to give him another one along with another 45 minute wait. Then they decided to give him some oxygen through his nose and the nurse commented that "his stats were coming back up". I asked what stats he was having difficulty with and it was his blood oxygen levels. They were not coming up on his own so they decided to admit him to the pediatric hospital. Mark was in Burbank and was able to be at the hospital by 10am, thank goodness!

So I spent the night with him in the hospital bed but neither of us were able to get any sleep because by that time it was 4am and his O2 monitor was beeping left and right! To make a long story short, we ended up staying in there through Sunday afternoon with 2 chest x-rays, breathing treatments every 4 hours, steroids every 12 hours. It was a long weekend and they still are not sure what caused it. They do not think it's asthma given his family history and the fact that he wheezes on the way in, not on the way out (which is a clear asthma sign). It may have been allergy induced or a cold-gone-bad...no pneumonia like I had originally thought.

Happy Birthday...We are 4!!!

2008-06-18T22:43:00.006-06:00

My favorite picture...."Please Stay Off the Stage"....Andon can't play the "What, I can't read yet" card for too much longer!!! Andon was so excited to get the zebra jeep and I was able to catch a quick shot of the zebras in the background!

We made it to Legoland for their birthday last week and we had so much fun!!! It was a perfect age for them and we will have to go back a few times before they get too old! The first thing that got it off to a good start was that our rental car was a PT Cruiser...the kids were in heaven! We got their late so we pretty much ate dinner and went to bed for an early wake-up for breakfast.

I think my favorite picture is of Andon standing on the stage while we were waiting for it to open that says, "Please stay off the stage"....typical!!! Avery's favorite ride was the Dragon Roller Coaster...she went twice...and Andon's was "the cars that we can drive by ourselves". They were little Lego cars that they got pretty good at driving! It was too chilly to play in the water, although we did get pretty wet on the pirate ride where there are cannons and squirt guns everywhere so that kept us cold!! We stayed at a hotel that had a family pool with a water play area so after we had a long day at Legoland, we were planning on heading back to the hotel to play in the splash pad and it was closed for treatment...that's the down part to going during the week. They promised us it would be open by 10am the next morning...the day we were leaving!

The next morning we woke up early and went to the beach and the kids were done after about 20 minutes. I can't blame them because it was FREEZING! So we went back to the hotel, washed off and headed straight for the pool and yippee, it was open! So we played for about an hour and the kids spent more time in the hot tub than playing!

All in all, we would go back and after seeing how close some of the other hotels are we might just stay at another hotel...although the one we stayed at was not too bad!

I can't believe the kids are 4...time goes by so fast!!! They are not feeling well today, their actual b-day, so we are hoping to have a better night than last night!

Our new twins??????

2008-06-02T22:13:00.003-06:00

Ha, ha...did I getcha? No we are not pregnant!

We are fostering a set of twin pugs, Thurston and Lovey (yep, The Milliionaire and his wife from Gilligan's Island). They are so sweet and get along great with Zowie and Amanda. I don't think that we'll keep them too long as they are just great dogs they will get adopted FAST!!! We just had Z and A groomed and it's so funny that Thurston looks just like Amanda! Can you tell who's who in the pictures??? You don't get any points for finding Zowie!

Hot Mommy Boot Camp

2008-05-31T12:02:00.003-06:00

Well, I start Hot Mommy Boot Camp on Monday! I am looking forward to finishing up my goal! So far I have lost 13 lbs, lots of inches, and am down to a healthy body fat % and BMI! I am finally feeling good about wearing a swimsuit and need to go shopping for a new one! I have about 14 more lbs to go to get back to my pre-twin weight but I would settle for 9 more lost! I went in to have my pre boot camp assessment and when she measured my waist she commented how small it was....woo hoo! Then she measured my arms and was explaining that they measure from "where the fat hangs the lowest" and she commented that I didn't have any fat on my arms...woo hoo!

Ok, well enough bragging on myself for now! My goal is 5 lbs in the next 6 weeks of boot camp and I'll report back :)

Tap Dancers

2008-05-27T23:57:00.004-06:00

Both of the kids have been enrolled in a Tap, Jazz and Acro class and last Monday they had their recital....and it was the most adorable thing EVER!!! Andon was actually right on with all the steps!!! Here are some pictures....we have it on video, too!

It's been a while!

2008-05-27T23:45:00.004-06:00

We have been letting Avery and Andon start playing some games on the computer! They love to explore http://www.noggin.com/. Playing on the computer has been our new found way to get them to stay in bed at night..."If you go in Avery's room or if you get up and play with Andon when he comes in your room, no computer tomorrow!".

When we had our garage cabinets replaced last week we found this mask that Mark's friend Ralph had gotten for Mark when we found out we were having a boy...you know when you change them and they create a yellow rainbow?!?! Andon found it quite fun to play with until he covered his mouth, too, and it suctioned to his face! They start swimming lessons on Monday but just for 1 session because of travel. The pool has been chilly lately so we have not been swimming yet.

We will be heading off to Legoland in CA for the kids 4th birthday June 8th-10th. Can you believe that they are going to be 4 already?!??????????!!!! Time flies! We may head out to Chicago later in the month, too. Mark has a 9 day stretch off so we want to take advantage of it :) It will probably be in the 100's by then so it will be nice to get out of the heat!

Urgh...This was tough!!!

2008-05-07T21:09:00.004-06:00

We had a tough bike race!

Ok, Jenni, stop tapping the foot..here's the scoop!

Well we were very excited to have some time to head down to Tucson without the kids. Andy survived (and so did the kids) so that is not a part of the story but...

The morning of the race with a 6:30am start time, we arrived at the parking lot around 5:25 am. Lots of time, right. Not when you have a mechanical issue that you don't know how to fix! We found a nice parking spot up front and started putting the bike together (we don't have a bike rack for the 4 Runner yet and the tandem is too long to fit in the back so we have to take it apart). When Mark put on the rear wheel, one of the brake pads fell of. Unfortunately, this was the first time anything has happened with the brakes so we had no idea how to fix it. After about 20 minutes of Mark growing more and more frustrated and anxious, he finally was able to get it back in enough so the rear wheel was able to move. He rode it around, made some more adjustments, rode some more...***meanwhile, time is ticking by and people are lining up at the start line***...finally he gave it the ok and we hopped on, a little leary. We lined up almost at the end of the 1000 cyclists and Mark went off (while I stayed with the bike) to see if we could line up with the Platinum riders, which Mark has a pass for. We had been told that both tandem riders had to have a Platinum pass but he decided to try his luck at the gate and ask again if they did. The gal at the gate would have let us by, but honest Mark asked before trying and she went and clarified that indeed both had to have one. Urgh!

So we started aat the back where we were following the rules and we literally shot off like a shotgun! We were flying by everyone trying to get up to the front of the pack. The first half was full of hills, hills and more hills. We had a blast and were rockin'!!! When we turned off the hilly part, we went uphill on Ajo Highway into the flat part, we got stuck on the markers in the pavement that keep you from going off the road and lost a water bottle! Not good when you are on a time crunch with a goal of not stopping!!! When this flattened out, my thighs were on FIRE from so much climbing!!! I seriously thought that I was going to have to call someone to come out and get us! I pushed through it and we trucked on. As we got to about 10 miles from the finish, Mark cracked (in cycling terms, he "bonked"). It was the first time that I actually felt like I was carrying him! He coupld not push his feet over the pedals and was dehydrated from the loss of water bottle. This is so uncharacteristic of him!

Anyways, we made it to the end, 21 minutes longer than our goal time, but we are taking it as one more trainig event to prepare us for our next 3 rides....

Aug- Ride down in southern AZ again...this is our last chance for me to get Platinum qualification, 92 miles or so.
Sept- The Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe...I can not wait for this one!!!! This is more of a fun one rather than a competition....72 miles or so!
November- El Tour de Tucson, the 109 mile one that we did last year....this was tough but we'll be prepared!!!

Well, that's the scoop :) I'll work on a picture from it...Mark found some on the website but we have to order it :)

Off to the races

2008-04-25T22:02:00.002-06:00

Mark and I are in our second bike race on Sunday, the Tour of the Tucson Mountains. It's a 70 mile race on the tandem and I am really looking forward to it. I am entrusting my children to my brother, Andy, and let's just hope that they are still alive when we get home!

Water heater no more

2008-04-20T16:18:00.002-06:00

This week we had an interesting experience....our water heater exploded, yes, literally exploded on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it managed to soak through the walls, into the carpet and all through our garage cabinets! It gets better, Mark had just left for work about an hour an a half before and his parents were here! We heard a huge thud that went across the house and couldn't figure out where it came from...until for some reason I decided to check the water heater! Glad I did! So $5500 in estimated damages later, we are now in the process of getting it all fixed! Thank GOD for homeowners insurance!!! All in all the visit was focused on that but we did manage to get in a trip to the zoo and a couple dinners out.

Mark and I are in another cycling race down in Tucson next weekend. This will be my sht to get Platinum qualification before the 109 Tour de Tucson ride in November so 70 miles in 3:15 minutes are our goal....that means no stops! My brother, Andy, will be saying witht he kids since mom and Dave will be in Tahoe. This is a huge test of our trust in him....it's only about 30 hours so he'll be fine :)

Lots happening..

2008-04-07T11:59:00.003-06:00

Lately, we have been pretty busy and not in a good way, well some was good. Here's the rundown..
1. I hurt my toe again, this time I made it to the foot dr. We discovered that I have a permanently dislocated pinky toe and had my foot in a walking boot for a couple of weeks. I found out today that I am not going to have to have surery, WOOHOO, and instead I'll just put the boot on when and if I hurt it again. So I am out of the boot and can work out again!!! The good news is I managed to maintain my weight even with my limited mobility!
2. The same week that I hurt my toe, Andon came down with pneumonia! 103 fevers are not fun with your baby!!!
3. A few days later, Avery had the start of pneumonia...praises that we caught it before it got any further!
4. Mark had a cycling race on Saturday and came in 48th out of about 800!!! A major personal best for him and the qualification for Platinum status!!! Now that I have the clear to hit the gym again, we'll attempt to train for a 72 mile race the end of this month to try and attain Platinum status for me so we can start the Tour de Tucson in November at the front of the pack :)
5. We have been doing a fundraiser for MOPS that has consumed a lot of time these last 4 days! It has earned us a lot of money for our group so it was worth it!!!

Ok, so that's about it for now...

Let's go fly a kite...

2008-03-15T21:48:00.003-06:00

Today was a rather windy day so we decided to head outside and try flying kites! Now mind you, these were really cheap Target dollar section kites so they may as well call them disposable kites! They both had the chance to fly their kites with all the string out and then the wind started to die down...of course! We also had some fun with "Wish Makers"...aka dandelions....and I loved the one of Andon! Enjoy some pics...

Kissing...cute

2008-03-15T16:24:00.005-06:00

Last night, Andon, Avery and I were laying on Andon's bed just reading books before bed. After our last book I rolled over and Andon climbed on top of me and caressed my face. Ahh, how sweet, right?!? Well, then he proceeds to kiss me while moving his head side to side. I was a little weirded out so I pulled away (wiping my mouth, by the way). I told Andon, in a very motherly voice, that we just don't kiss our mommy like that....mommy likes smooches (not slobbery, wet kisses from her son). And this is classic, he responds with, "But Mommy, I was just kissing like the prince kisses his princess. You are my princess, Mommy!". So those Disney Princesses are getting some action based on that kiss....hehehe!

Back from Disneyland...

2008-03-11T14:49:00.004-06:00

Comparison....1st trip to Disneyland, recent trip to Disneyland...

Disneyland was a fun but fast trip last week....much needed though! The kids mised naps both days so we had to deal with a little bit of crabbiness from them but once we ate lunch, we all had a great time! The highlight was meeting Ariel and Snow White. The kids made it through their first Splash Mountain ride and Avery actually went on Space Mountain!!! When Space Mountain came to a stop, she was silent when I asker her how it was. Then she said,"That was COOL!". She wouldn't go again with Mark though! 'The new Nemo ride was great, too! Here are some pictures.

Update: Sorry that the pics did not attach last time....with the good camera it takes a little longer to upload so I think I got impatient...here's the second try :-)

updates...again

2008-03-03T21:33:00.002-07:00

We are heading over to Disneyland tomorrow afternoon for a quick trip for just 1 day! This kids are finally tall enough to go on the bigger rides at both parks and I can not wait to see how they do on Splash Mountain, my favorite!!! Ok, I know this is the 4th time that we have been to DIsneyland since the kids were 1 1/2, not to mention the trip to DisneyWorld last September, but it has been a different experience every time!!! I am speaking on kindergarten readiness tomorrow morning at my MOPS group and after lunch and a nap, we are off to the airport! This is the first time that I remember flying to Disneyland but if it's cheaper than gas, it's worth it!!! We are taking a shuttle from the airport and then it will be the first time that we have had time to go walk around Downtown Disney and have dinner there. We are usually so pressed for time! Since the park doesn't open until 10am, we can actually wake up at a decent hour, not rush for breakfast and get there when the gates open. We'll post pics when we get back!

Andon has had such bad allergies lately that he has not been sleeping well. He wakes up tired from not sleeping around 6:30 or 7am, wants to take a nap around 9:30am, then when we put him down for a nap (either around 10:30 or after lunch around 1pm) he doesn't want to take a nap, then fights going to bed and doesn't fall asleep until 10:30 or 11pm! Thus the cycle continues! Needless to say, he has been a crab the last few days....which results in Mark and I getting frustrated!!! Tonight was kind of a breakthrough where we both stayed in there rubbing his back and cuddling for like 20 minutes each. He almost fell asleep but as soon as I got up, he stirred and finally fell asleep on his own! Let's hope on our trip he sleeps ok!

Visit with Grandpa Don

2008-03-03T21:26:00.002-07:00

My dad came down for a visit last week and we had such a great time! Silly Putty and View Finders seemed to be the hot toy this week! Man to the kids adore their Grandpa Don! We went to the park, to the zoo, out to eat (a few times), and played at home lots! It was hard to see him go but that just means that we'll have to head out there to see him or bring him back here soon!

Start em' YOUNG!

2008-03-03T21:00:00.004-07:00

Avery and Andon participated in their first cycling race!!! Sure they had training wheels but that's not important! Mark was in a a 3 day race and on Sunday, they have a Kids Fun Ride and the were so cute they even got to wear official numbers on their backs! Mark even taught them to "Get on their race face"! There were 3 different starting spots...one was really short (like 100 feet), one was about 1/8 of a mile (the one they did) and one was a full mile. I wanted them to do the entire mile but we opted for the middle distance for their first one. They had the flag start and off they went......Avery was riding like a racer while Andon was taking it all in and enjoying the crowd cheering them on! So, don't tell Andon, but yes, he was beaten by a girl...not to mention his sister! Hehehe! They both got medals, got to stand on the podium and had such a blast! They can't wait to do it again!

While the pro racers (and Mark's Cousin's Husband, Kyle) were racing, we took Avery and Andon over to the bouncer where Avery had an experience with her first bully....a 6 year old girl! She walked right up to Avery and pushed her shoulder into Avery and said, "How old are you? I'm older than you...Ha, Ha, Ha!". Then she walked around in the bouncer, walked over to Avery and picked her up and threw her across the bouncer!!! I wanted to step in but I also wanted to see how Avery was going to react. Avery, in her shy little voice with strangers (not at home though), said, with a not so nice look on her face, "Stop it.". Then the girl did it again!!! I stepped in with this one...no parent around....and she gets out and steps on another kids leg and hops on her bike to leave! I was not a happy mom!

Busy, busy, busy...

2008-02-13T15:17:00.003-07:00

Well, I know it has been WAY too long since posting but we have been super busy so far in 2008!

In January, Mark and I started the year with a night in Vegas for my birthday! He had an overnight there so I tagged along (mom watched the kids) and while we stayed at Circus Circus, we had a 3 hour dinner at Maggiano's which is a new favorite of ours!

Then we made a last minute trip to Michigan to see my Grandpa Joe, who Mark has never met. He is up in the upper penninsula of Michigan with Dave's brother, Steve, so we flew to Chicago and drove up for about 6 hours....in the negative degree cold, I might add! The kids were so great the entire trip!!! Dave went with us. We stayed at a really cute ski lodge but unfortunately did not have time to ski...next time! We spent about a total of 8 hours with Joe, Steve and Liz and then headed back to Chicago to spend the night before an AM flight home the next day. THe kids were able to have their first experience with the Wii...totally fun...we may need one! Oddly enough, the Chicago Bibbey's were coming to stay with us for 11 days a few days after we were there...it was kinda wierd!

While the Chicago Bibbey's were here it was great...although crazy with 9 of us (5 kids 5 and under). I don't have any pictures from their visit yet because we had broken camera so Michele has them on her caamera. All the kids got along and the kids did great with the dogs, which was a fear of Lucca's. The first day they were here the girls went to Disney Princess on Ice which was fantastic!

Then the kids, Michele and I all rode bikes to a small park where Lucca and Andon collided resulting in a bloody nose for Lucca...of course we did not have any tissues or even napkins so Michele carried her home while I got to ride the razor scooter! All was ok!

They spent some time with Michele's friend from ASU, Sally and their family so it was nice to still have time for our family. We went to Organ Stop Pizza one night for dinner which was also fun. Mark and Mike went to the FBR Open and enjoyed some golf....Michele, the kids and I went to the new Tumbleweed Park in Chandler and brought a picnic lunch...what a great park! Then on Friday we spent the morning walking around ASU and shopping at the ASU bookstore. They loaded up on ASU garb and all the kids wore Sparky tatoos...too cute. We had some lunch and headed home. Then we all watched the Superbowl and munched way too much. The last full day they were here we went to Makutu's Island and we had some fun times climbing LOTS!

So, an update on me. I started boot camp at the gym on January 14th which mets MWF from 5:30am-6:30am.....a huge challenge in itself....and have been really counting my calories. I am just sick and tired of not being as healthy (and thin) as I know I should be. I never really ate bad, just realized how it all adds up fast! I have lost about 8 pounds and have really toned up. I only have 4 more classes to go and then it's on to another routine. I have been burning about 800 calories in each session so I love going. This week was the first week where I really wanted to go back to bed!!!

Mark has been sick this week and I think today is the start of Avery and I getting it too! His started with a headache and yep, that's what I have today! I hate being sick! Mark is also in a cycling race this weekend. It's a 3 day event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so he HAS to be better! I beleive this will get him qualified for Platinum status is he makes the time cut.

We are doing Tour of the Tucson Mountains the end of April on the tandem with the hopes of Platinum qualification for me. 70 miles in 3:10...training starts as soon as boot camp ends next Friday!!!

We did finally manage to get a REALLY nice digital camera base that fits all of Mark's lenses for his film base. Not too many excting one's here but a few....

Well, I think that get everyone a little bit caught up on what's happening here in the crazy AZ Bibbey house!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-31T21:16:00.001-07:00

We hope that you all had a fantastic Christmas! We are truly blessed for the family that we have. Mark's parents were able to join us for 6 days and Mark was off for all of them except for having to leave Christmas morning at 10am. We were very active...going to Zoo Lights, baking, church and just playing together! Love to you all and Happy New Year!

Bike Race Photos!

2007-12-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

We finally had the chance to order the photos from the race in November! Gotta love it! We are going to do 2 more in April and possibly one in Tahoe in June...around the lake!

Quick trip to Chicago

2007-12-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

This week the kids and I had set aside some time to visit the Stacy/Ritter/Littau clan in Redding but unfortunately, it didn't work out. So, we decided to take advantage of the light flying loads and head to Chicago to take the kids to play in their first snow with their cousins. it couldn't have been a better trip! They had a blast!!! We made a snowman, a polka dot tree with snowballs, and Andon loved "flying" down the slide and crashing at the bottom!

We were able to go with Mark to the airport when he went to work and then met him at his gate as he was being released from work...it couldn't have worked out better!!!

Mish Mosh Fun

2007-12-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

We have been doing great here! In fact tonight, we actually had a fantastic time out to dinner at our favorite pizza place, Nello's. We have not been having the best experiences going to eat...usually a tantrum or a fight over where we are going to all sit (yep, Mark and I are constantly fighting over where to sit...hehehe).

These pics are a little of what's been happening around here...
The kids had their first hot chocolate moustaches...as you can see they had a blast!

Last week we were so excited to deliver 97 shoeboxes filled with gifts and necessities for kids around the world through Operation Christmas Child. My MOPS group got it all together and the kids had so much fun putting them together!

Mark and the kids decorated our train table cover last week as well. Now both Mark and Andon's trains are set up around the Christmas tree. We are gradually getting ready for Christmas...our tree is up but we are going to be working on outdoor lights this week.

Avery is our little ballerina! She had her first "recital" today and I think she was a little shy because Andon and I were there. She'll be continuing lessons in January :-)

More updates to come...

Thanksgiving...Nutcraker...Cuddles

2007-11-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! Avery and Andon broke their first wishbone today and it shattered...leaving both of them with equal pieces, go figure!!!

Last night we took the kids to see The Nutcracker Ballet! Avery has been taking ballet so she was in awe and Andon seemed to enjoy it as well! They both were pretty scared by the cannon where the soldiers kill the Mouse King but other than that it was great!

Andon and Mark spent some time cuddling on the couch this morning. It's always so great to hear, "I love you" from your kiddos! Through all the frustrations of the "Terrible 3's" there is plenty for us to be thankful for!

caramel apples at dinner

2007-11-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight a dinner Mark, the kids and I were talking about what things the kids wanted to gift other kids with for Christmas from our Angel Tree at church. They are really understanding this year! Anyways, we were talking about what kind of bikes they wanted to get for them and as we are eating our last Halloween caramel apple from the Chicago Bibbey's and here's the conversation:

Mark: "Hey guys, if you could choose any toy in the world to give to another kiddo doesn't have any toys, what would it be?"

Avery: "Baby dolls and a Dora bike."

Andon: "Um Daddy, I would like to give caramel apples to all the kids who don't have any caramel apples. "

Yes, these apples are yummy..but maye not a necessity...especially for my waist!!!

It's off to Never, Neverland! Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T15:23:00.001-06:00

So Tinkerbell and Peter Pan had a really fun time last night...except for the fact that Andon lost his dagger! Avery had so much glitter in her hair that we had to wash it twice to get it all out!!! The pictures say it all...

Day at the Pumpkin Patch with MOPS

2007-11-01T15:16:00.000-06:00

Our MOPS group went to Mother Nature's Farm on October 30th. We had a lot of fun....putting stickers on their pumpkins, a hayride, farm animals, lunch and a bouncy house.

Terrible 2's??? No way, terrible 3's!!!!!

2007-10-23T23:08:00.000-06:00

For those of you who don't see us on a regular basis, you are unaware of the grey hairs that Mark and I have earned with these sweet, adorable twins...AKA Avery and Andon! Oh yes, they look sweet alright, but when there is no one else around but Mark or I, they turn into Mr. Hyde's!!! We are working very hard with Andon's temper tantrums and have been at our witts end!!! We are getting the, "No, I want MOMMY!!!" thing under control, for the most part but he is definitely getting his own opinion! Avery has been showing her little teenager attitude....ugh!!! That pout....I thought that was supposed to be cute...ya, not so much!!! Sure we definitely have our fabulous moments (like tonight..they were pretty great, for the most part) but there are other times where I seriously, want to give them to the mailman...just because he's the first person to come to the house!!!

That's what's going on at our home...terrible 3's!!!!!!

Pumpkin Patch #1

2007-10-23T23:04:00.000-06:00

We headed out to Schepf's Farm this weekend in celebration of Kelly's 31st b-day! The kids had fun in the dusty, busy farm but most of all, are obsessed with their pumpkins! They each got to choose a mini pumpkin and have taken it with them lately!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2007-10-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

Today was Mark's 31st birthday! We started the day off with Green Eggs and Ham for him along with breakfast in bed. Then he was generous enough to get the kids their first big kid bikes...they were so ready!!! They had a lot of fun riding around the neighborhood. I can't believe they are old enough to get their first bikes...time flies!!!

Go Devils

2007-10-14T22:19:00.000-06:00

The kids have now officially become ASU fans! You know when they start asking, "Mommy, are we going tailgating?".

DisneyWorld...last minute trip...

2007-10-05T21:29:00.000-06:00

The kids and I made it out to Orlando for a last minute trip to DisneyWorld last weekend!!! Unfortunately, mark had to fly but mom and Dave were out there for a convention all week and while we had originally planned NOT to go, we managed to figure out a day that would work. I had a MOPS training in the morning on Saturday and the kids and I left during lunch to make the last flight out for the day. The kids didn't even know where we were going until I knew we were for-sure on the flight...we got the last 3 seats! We made it in and got to the house around 11:00pm, went to the Magic Kingdom on Sunday and left on an 8:30 am flight on Monday.......free airfare IS the only reason I married Mark, you know ***wink***.

Here are some pics! The kids are VERY into Peter Pan (thanks Leslie) and are going to be Peter Pan and Tinkerbell for Halloween...actually, we had to talk Andon out of being Wendy....his future wife would never let that down!!! When we walked off Pirate's of the Carribean, there they both were, Peter Pan and Wendy.....talk about the right place at the right time! That was a special moment. Plus, Avery is in awe of Princess Belle so she was simply speechless when we met Cinderella, Prince Charming and Belle! In fact, Belle asked Avery if Andon was Avery's Beast...good thing she didn't ask me because sometimes, YES, he is!

All in all, it was a good, quick trip...all except for the fact that Daddy wasn't there. He is definitely Avery's prince lately though!

1st Day of "Preschool"

2007-09-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

Avery and Andon started preschool! Ok, so it's not preschool but on Monday's they go to an ABC & 123 class for 1 1/2 hrs for 12 weeks and on Wednesdays they go to a Math Mania class for 1 hr for 6 weeks. We call it preschool because it's time away from mommy and daddy....and time away from Avery and Andon! They are having fun so far :-) Here are some pictures from their first day, which was last week (but I just couldn't get the pictures off the camera until now)!

We are doing well here. Mark is based out of Phoenix now so he does not have to commute....woo hoo!!! He is on reserve (on call) all weekends but this month he was on 3, off 4! Next month that switches up to on 4 off 3 but at least he has the chance to be home if they don't need him!

I started up my MOPS group this month and we have a record 70 moms registered so far!!! It's truly a blessing to lead that many women...yet I still am a mom myself!!! We have had a few bumps in the road, but what ministry doesn't?!?!

Arbonne is also thriving...a huge prayer come true! It is so wonderful to share a passion of mine that will allow me to stay home with Avery and Andon just while teaching people about healthy products, how to save $$$ on them and teaching them how to teach others to do the same. Ok, so I know that sounds like a sales pitch...but seriously, it's that simple! I love, love, love the products so if you are reading this and haven't tried them...I have failed! Just kidding, I'm getting some products in your hands!

No more monkeys...

2007-08-25T22:02:00.000-06:00

Ok, so Andon and I have had a nice conversation that he is only allowed to be dangerous and have head injuries when daddy is home from now on!!!

Tonight I was supposed to go to a Pirate Party for a friend of our's b-day, but before that I had to run down to church and help with MOPS registration for a quick 20 minutes. While I am changing into my MOPS shirt, I hear the cry that every mom dreads! I ran back to Avery's room and Andon is laying on the floor and I can't see what in the world is wrong....because he's face down! Once I roll him over I see the obvious!!! Immediately Avery, the little reporter, says, "Andon was jumping on the bed." Of course Avery was too but that was not important at that point. We have also had some experience with them both jumping from Avery's dresser onto the bed...which they both denied doing tonight. He ended up hitting his head on Avery's book basket by her bed...that is now in the garbage can and we replaced it with a soft one!

I was really not sure if we needed to head to Urgent Care or not because there wasn't a laceration requiring stitches, however, the swelling and discoloration was really impressive...and not in a good way!!! We were ready to head down there but since he passed all the tests that I was trained to do on head injuries when I was lifeguarding, and was acting just like Andon, we ended up not going after much deliberation!

So literally, we experienced the song, "No More Monkeys Jumpin on the Bed". What a great night to read that book and teach a lesson....now there is no question why we say that!!! The pictures show the downsized version after about an hour of ice!

Visit to Chicago

2007-08-18T23:19:00.000-06:00

2 Weeks ago we went to Chicago to visit Mark's brother and their family for a week. We had a great visit!!! We went swimming in the backyard, to the park, to the zoo and were able to celebrate Aunt Michelle's birthday! We managed to survive the 200% humidity...much different than we are used to!

Here are some pictures from the trip.

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa

2007-07-22T16:13:00.000-06:00

Last week, Mark's parents came for a visit and endured the 115 degree heat! We had lots of fun playing inside, in the pool and spent a day at Amazing Jake's, an indoor mini-Disneyland. The kids had their first bowling experience and LOVED it!!!! My favorite part....the cute little bowling shoes...I really wanted to take them home with me!

We are hoping to get to Chicago in early August for at least a few days and are SO excited since we have not seen the Chicago Bibbey's in over a year!

Mark and I have been busy getting back into a cycling routine to train for the Tour de Tucson on the tandem. We are loving it! We can't wait for the weather to cool down so we don't have to get up at 4:30am! Thanks MOM for keeping the kids overnight once a week so we can get up early :-)

My first, I'm Going to THROW UP experience!!!

2007-06-25T12:06:00.000-06:00

No Jenni, this is not another trick PG announcement. The other day the kids and I were in the grocery store and Andon says, nice and loud of course, "Mommy, her tummy's big". He was referring to the checker and no, she wasn't pregnant! I was absolutely MORTIFIED and I felt like I was going to vomit right there and then! As her head was down and she was ringing up groceries, I shook my head and changed the subject very quickly and we focused on his water bottle that he was drinking. Then, as we were just about to leave he said it again!!! This time, the bagger looked at me to see how I would respond and again, I changed the subject. The checker already doesn't like me because I get so much for cheap through my Coupon $ense stuff so it made it even worse! I would have probably tipped her a $20 if she was our waitress or something because I felt so bad!

When we got back out to the car, we talked about how God makes us all different and loves us all the same. How do you explain to a 3 year old what you can and can't comment on and what does and doesn't hurt people's feelings!?!? I told him to whisper it in my ear next time just in case it will hurt someone's feelings! We'll see if that works!

Twins hugging...can you believe it???

2007-06-25T11:51:00.001-06:00

Here are Avery and Andon's color 3 year pictures :-) They actually had fun at this photo shoot!

Avery and Andon's 3rd Birthday Party!

2007-06-25T11:32:00.000-06:00

Avery and Andon had their 3rd birthay party at Bounce U, an indoor bounce place that is a lot of fun!!! There were about 30 people there, most of them under 5! Mark was the resident helper for all the little ones getting up on the climbing wall to go down the smaller slide. That's why there's a picture of his bum and legs! We bounced for a little over an hour and then moved into a party room where we had pizza, juice, cake and opened presents. Avery blew out the candles three times...as soon as they were lit! It was hysterical! Andon had a little anxiety which caused a little tummy ache and believe it or not, didn't really want to open presents! He was fine though:-)

Swimming with the fishies!

2007-06-04T11:49:00.001-06:00

Avery and Andon had their first day of swimming lessons today! They did pretty well and had fun. It was weird to be back at the pool that I first started lifeguarding at 15 years ago! Man how times have changed!

Here are also some pictures from a playdate that we had at the Museum for the Youth last week. It was a quick yet fun day :)

3 Years Old!!!

2007-05-25T12:41:00.000-06:00

Well, it's almost here....Avery and Andon are turning three!!! I can't believe it! No more little ones on the way....yet! We are having a birthday party at BounceU, an indoor bounce place, with a bunch of friends on their actual birthday. These pictures are their 3 year pictures but we are also having some color ones taken for our wall of twins because these were only in black and white through a fundraiser with our MOPS group at church. They turned out really well and you can actually save these (I think) to your computer from this site but I am also mailing some out to family so wath for those. Andon was a HUGE cheeseball and Avery wouldn't smile so I am amazed at how they turned out!

Mark is about to start his simulator sessions back in Dallas on Sunday. He'll be gone for 2 more weeks and then it's finally time to fly!!! We are so excited!

More of the family...

2007-05-18T17:50:00.000-06:00

Avery in her princess-ballerina-fairy outfit.

Andon looking way too grown up!

Zowie and Amanda's annual summer shaving!

My personal favorite...Andon in drag. The best part are the heels that don't match!!! What do you expect being 2 with a twin sister! My two little fairy-princess-ballerinas!!!

Dallas with Grandpa Don and Daddy

2007-05-17T10:08:00.000-06:00

Well the kids and I ventured out to Dallas last weekend to see Mark and my dad. It was my first time flying by myself with the kids and we all lived!!! It was actually pretty great except for the early am flights that we had! Avery and Andon were sure to let everyone know that they were flying on Daddy's airplane....a "seven-firty-seven"! Andon was even made the whole plane crack up when we landed in Dallas and he said, "WE MADE IT!" in a very dramatic kid voice!!!

Here are some pictures from the Dallas World Aquarium and a park. The kids really enjoyed Grandpa Don and we can't wait to see hima again! We did get a little sick of hotel food but it was all 50% off so it was kind of a trade-off! It's good to be home and praise God that Mark will be coming home next week for a couple of days!!! I am so excited! I have no idea how single or military moms do it...6 weeks is tough!

Hope to hear from you all soon!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

2007-04-28T23:50:00.000-06:00

Well, as promised, here are some photos from our recent trip to Disneyland! Avery was much more relaxed with the characters this time. We had so much fun with the Alyea family, our friends from church. Poor Avery was not feeling well most of our trip but we still had a great time even with the rain on the las day! They even went on the Matterhorn for the first time!!! Enjoy!

I Love Paris in the Springtime!

2007-04-23T11:59:00.000-06:00

Mark and I made it to Paris last week! We were able to sit first class on the way there...We actually had a menu to choose from for food and wine! We had no hotel when we arrived so we spent the first little bit walking around checking availability and rates. We finally found one for 1 night and then searched in another area for the next 2 nights. We went to Notre Dame and spent most of our time sitting at sidewalk cafes drinking coffee and eating baguettes with cheee and ham. We also took a sight seeing cruise along the river down to the Eiffel Tower. It was a very laid back trip! We missed the kids terribly so we came home a day early to get ready for Disneyland, which a post will be coming on soon! Here are some pictures of our time there...

another baby....Due, Dec 25th!

2007-03-30T15:48:00.000-06:00

Last week I watched my girlfriend's sons, Cohen and Gavin, so Leslie could go on a field trip with her daughter. Avery and Andon were so cute with Cohen, the baby. So I decided to ask them if they would like Mommy and Daddy to have another baby. Of course they said, "Yes!" with great excitement. Well, this was the conversation that I overheard over breakfast this morning...

Avery:"Would you like it if mommy and daddy had another baby?"

Andon:"Uh-huh."

Avery: "Well, you'll have to wait until Christmas and see if Santa will bring you one. Like dolls or shopping carts or kitchen or a car. Yep, we'll have to see."

If it were only that easy!!! Sometimes they really CAN be sweet :-)

The Little Gym

2007-03-30T11:55:00.000-06:00

We had a playdate at the Little Gym this week and the kids had a lot of fun! I included the picture of one of their friends, Renee, who will soon be the next member of our MOPS group...hehehe!