Rhinestone Cowgirl

Just call me Red,

2012-01-31T12:45:00.000-08:00

So I have been having hair trouble for awhile, since we moved her. I got impatient and colored it with a box. Then had to have a dear relative fix it, (she will remain nameless because she is awesome and it is my fault) it then tuned purple, so we had to darken it. I always thought I wanted to be dark, everytime Chea colors her hair I think I want that color. Turns out not so cute on me! So I also have been trying to grow out my hair, so you can imagine the hideousness that has been me.
Finally broke down and went to get my hair colored. First I asked my cheerleaders if they had any suggestions. Got quite a few even an offer to put hair extensions in. So I called Mabel. She lives in Socorro but used to live in Magdalena forever. As it got nearer for me to go I started getting scared. First she could be a killer and no one would know what happened to me. Second, Mabel. What image does that conjure up? Yes its a vintage (old fashioned) name. So I had images of an older lady dying my hair with a tinge of blue and setting it in rollers. Not a bad style, I know several ladies who rock it, just not what I wanted at the time.
So I texted the girl who gave me the number and told her I was headed to Mabel's, and if I didn't show up to practice, I was dead. Get to Mabel's and she is 45-60. I know, a wide age range but after 30 we are all old. She does my hair, and keep in mind all I have ever had done are highlights with the foil. She starts to rub product into my hair, no foil. Apparently that is a way to do it when you are adding real color. I didn't know this and I am thinking, I could have got a box and done the same thing, Ahhhhhh. Well all goes well, as well as can be at this stage in the game. Now I am a red head. As I am leaving she takes my name down, she sees Tigner. I figure she probably knows Debbie and Buddy. No those names aren't familiar to her. She did do a lady's hair in Magdalena years ago, um what was her name.......Lucille Tigner.
Didn't ring a bell with me, but I figured she must be related. I leave with lots of thanks I love it. Text Becca and ask who is Lucille Tigner......wait for it.......She was Fletcher's stepgrandmother! Only here, can I get my hair done by the same lady that did Fletcher's stepgrandmother's hair!! So now I have red hair, but at least the cut is good. Becca did it last night. There is no good way to grow out a short hair cut, unless like Becca said I become a hermit for 4 months or so. Not the best way to make an impression in a town you just moved to and your husband loves and thinks is heaven. Yes I am vain, I want to look good, so short again and hopefully blonde again, soon!
Fletcher says he likes it red, but I distinctly remember him saying he hated red hair. Even when Macy was born and her hair was strawberry red. His own flesh and blood! And we all know where I rank after flesh and blood, exactly AFTER flesh and blood. Plus I heard him tell Cy, "SHHH do you want the wrath of her, yes you like it red"! Yep still got it. Be afraid, be very afraid!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

New Years we spent at Sara and Jason's and the two older kids went to a dance. They seemed to have fun, but you can never tell. Cy gave it a 7 on a scale of 1-10. Dakota gave it a 1, but she talked non-stop about what they did so maybe it was a little higher. Fletcher and I fell asleep with the little girls around 10 and woke up a little after 12. Thats how I like to spend New Years. The snow has started to melt and has made our road a big mud bogg. Atleast when it's frozen I could drive on it. We have borrowed Gramma Debbie's pickup with 4-wheel drive so I can get out. It really is a muddy mess!! I can drive in rain and dust storms like no other but this snow and mud is giving me a run for my money.
Exciting news, I am the new seminary teacher in Magdalena and it will be the first seminary here. I am so excited!! I know I will atleast have one student- Dakota. There are 6 or 8 on the roll but if we have 2 we will be lucky. I am really excited about doing this! But you know I am not a morning person and I like my sleep so it will be interesting. Fletcher will have to help out in the mornings with the girls, so I should probably set out their clothes the night before. Track starts in three weeks and Cy is going to this. I hope he enjoys it, he is looking foward to it and the conditioning and working out.

Hillbilly fun!

2011-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some pictures of Cy "sledding".

Also Macy still wears no clothes and here are some pictures.

Finally unpacked the living room and got the coat closet together. Slowly but surely the house is getting unpacked.

Back in the saddle

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

So here I am again. Lots has happened so let me explain, no there is too much let me sum it up. We are now in the land of entrapment--New Mexico. It has been a pretty rough run for those of us who resisted the move. Before I go on I want to apologize up front if I offend anyone, which I probably will because thats what I do. This blog is a journal of sorts so I am going to write and "keep it real", so don't read if you are easily offended. Ok disclaimer finished and its not even in small print.
So back to our first week here. Dakota came back from Jaafe's with lice, so we dealt with that and lots unpacking and trying to make the kids lives as normal as possible. Then it snowed and we were majorly lacking in the prepardness department for cold weather, let alone snow. The kids and I experienced our first snow day and late start school days. As I went through the little girls clothes I found we were set for summer and winter weather in AZ but I had no warm clothes for the girls. Josie loved the snow and played in the first snow fall, she reminded myself of me when we lived in Utah and I played in my first snowfall. She was prepared with her goggles. Macy preferred to look out the window at the snow and stay inside with just her diaper on. We still can't get her to keep clothes on, she still thinks we live in AZ.
We did cut a Christmas tree down and I must admit the tree looked alot smaller when we were outside in the wide open. But it is beautiful and wide.
I took Cy and Dakota to Az for their visit with Jaafe and while we were there it snowed alot back in NM. Fletcher and the girls missed the Arnett Christmas party because the roads were closed to come to AZ. When I drove home the next day I had to park my car in Magdalena because our forest road wasn't bladed. We were "snowed in" the next couple of days and I pretty much slept those days because thats what I do. Fletcher got our road bladed and we were free. It is pretty weird driving down our road all covered in snow and snow all around then you get off our road and its normal. Makes me feel like an ice road trucker.
Lots of new experiences to come I am sure.

Summer doings

2010-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

We had a busy couple weeks before school started. First we spent almost a week at the ranch, then we were off to Colorado for the Arnett reunion. Josie participated in the Old Timer's Rodeo in Magdalena again. She thinks she is so big. Cy helped Granddad gather cattle for a couple days and then we were off to Farmington to stay with Chan for a couple days before the reunion.

Cy, Trey and Reed doing something in the mud

Josie of course posing

Macy and Tana

Macy with a mouthful of dirt, she learned this from

Lucy.

The reunion was so much fun, it was good to get to visit with Dana and see her kids. And of course to see my favorite auntie Kathy. The kids had a ball playing in the lake. They must have stayed in the water for hours and hours. Even Cy couldn't stand it any longer and got in. The auction was a hit and so was the talent show. I think Jackson running in a circle doing donkey kicks was my favorite. I hated to come home.

Don't crap in your own backyard

2010-05-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was out filling up Josie's pool with water and when I was done I looked behind the pool and saw dog crap. I say how did a dang dog get in the yard, its all fenced. Some stupid dog got in and took a crap in my yard, Josie overhears this and tells me that it wasn't a dog it was her. What you pooped out here. Yeah she says, I was jumping on the trampoline and had to go so I just went out here. What!!!! I guess if boys can pee outside she figured why cant I go outside to. She is so precious

2010-01-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

So no I'm not moving to NM like I thought. Here is why.....
Re: Your Move to New Mexico‏
From:
Jaafe Kellis (jaafek@swbell.net)
Sent:
Thu 1/28/10 11:23 AM
To:
cowboyrose1@hotmail.com
Cc:
cmurphye3@hotmail.com; colbyandwendy@hotmail.com; bullrider7018@yahoo.com
Heidi, not sure what your motive is behind sending this e-mail to your family. Whatever works for you. Again, the only people who suffer from your antics are our kids! The letter you handed me was quite assumptive. It is odd you think it is okay to leave your kids and then tell me how to raise them. So, one more time, let me know what your thoughts are because I intend to talk to the kids this weekend. Thanks, Jaafe From: Heidi Tigner Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:17:51 -0700To: chan; ; Fletcher; jaafeSubject: FW: Your Move to New Mexico Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:27:07 -0800From: jaafek@swbell.netSubject: Your Move to New MexicoTo: cowboyrose1@hotmail.com Heidi, I have read the letter you handed me on Saturday, January 23rd. I have a couple of responses and a couple questions in regards to your letter. First, I'm curious why you are leaving in March? This is right in the middle of the kids school semester. It seems like poor planning and will only impact the kids negatively because they will have to change schools in the middle of their semester. Would you consider leaving in May after their school year ends? Just to clarify, Megan and I both support the kids to continue going to church. However, we do not attend the Mormon church. We will arrange for the kids to go to church, so long as they choose to go, with friends or family. This will also apply to seminary in 9th-12th grade. If the kids choose to go, we completely support them but they will not be forced. We will need to go back to court before you leave so I kindly suggest you get a court request. I have spoke to our lawyer and I will be seeking child support. I am really hoping you cooperate and go to court. Otherwise, I will be forced to ask that your rights to parenting be waived because you are leaving by your choice. I'm not positive what your motive is but it is best we just go through the court to formalize everything. Also I do not believe it is my responsibility to be financially obligated to get the kids to or from New Mexico. Whatever times are agreed on that the kids should come to New Mexico, we will see this is your obligation. I will not be able to meet you halfway either. Again, this is a choice you are making. We cannot adjust our family life everytime you decide to adjust yours. Finally, I think we all should sit down with the kids and explain to them what is going to happen together. Megan and I will tell them ourselves if you prefer though. I want you to know I will be explaining you have chose this change. We will in no way speak poorly about you or your situation, but we believe they need to know the truth. I do have to say I am very surprised you are leaving your children. I trust you have thought about how your voluntary move to New Mexico will impact our 12 and 14 year old children now and when they are grown. I still believe, as I have already told you, the kids would benefit the most if you and I were both here. Please let me know your thoughts asap. I intend to talk to the kids this weekend. Thanks, Jaafe

January is full of birthdays

2010-01-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a busy day. Cy was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. Yes he is a deacon now. I can't believe it. We had a mass birthday party for Cy, Josie and Macy that evening at Wendy's. They are all within a week, literally. Macy is the 10th, Cy is the 14th and Jo is the 17th. Josie has been planning her party since the beginning of January. She wanted to have it at Beau's and wanted Wendy to make the cake. And the party was to be a Princess Aurora party. ( side note: this is the only Disney princess I know that has three names- Briar Rose, Princess Aurora and Sleeping Beauty) Anyways, Josie kept asking all week is it on- meaning her birthday, so Sunday morning I was able to tell her it's your birthday today, aand she said-"It's on?" Yes Jo its on. We did have it at Wendy's but I made the cake, looking back I should've had Wendy do it, she is much more creative. Josie loved her party, I think the club house in the backyard had a lot to do with it and the fact that she got tap tap shoes and entertained us for awhile with her dancing. She takes after her mom that way.

by the way

2010-01-13T17:44:00.001-08:00

the cowboyrose blog address has changed to www.neversaywhoainahorserace.blogspot.com

Wishing you loads of cheer this new year...

2010-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

So for those of you who didn't get a Christmas card, its allright. I didn't do them I did Happy New Year cards. Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Dresses

2010-01-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Grammie made these beautiful dresses for the girls for Christmas. The fabric I picked out for Dakota didn't turn out so well. So we'll try again for Easter.

Snow, no not here, in NM

2010-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

After Christmas we went to the ranch. Josie was sure that it was going to snow there, and luckily the next day it did snow. Not as much as she would have liked but enough for her to make a snowball and taste the snow with her tongue.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Monday we put up the tree and decorated it. Since then Josie has redocorated the tree several times. But only half way up the tree, just to where she can reach, so the top half is still the same.

Xanadu

2009-12-05T09:37:00.001-08:00

Remember the movie Xanadu, anyways Josie has been watching it for the past week, non stop. Well this is her version of the cowgirl dance. She likes the skate girl. I myself am a fan of the movie also, have an extra hour and half watch this for sure.

Cowboy Rose

2009-11-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

So I'm starting a new blog it will be Cowboy Rose, yes I know many of you have waited along time for this. Unfortunately there are no purses. I do however know an excellent blacksmith, metalsmith, John Smith, wait no. So here are just a few things to start off with until I get my new blog page up and running. Someone has to run and you all know it is not gonna be me.
Well here it is CowboyRose http://www.metalandironhomestuff.blogspot.com/

Christmas Tree $55

Wreath $30
Notice: the Welcome sign does NOT come with this

Shipping

2009-11-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

We went to the ranch at the beginning of Nov. They were shipping cattle, so the kids got to help. Mom came with me and we all had a ball. Mom got to ride and was in heaven and I got a new purse(mom made it for me)

Dakota decided to just watch this day

Now, where did Carrie go?

Three generations of Cowboys

Mom getting back to her roots

Josie posing for me

Miss Macy

Really??

2009-10-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

When you can't tell your wife when your coming home from NM....really?
You don't wear a tie to a wedding, but you wear your UofA hat...really
Your neighbor wants you to let her live with you...really?
Your students email you at 11PM and want you to buy them lunch tomorrow...really?
You pick your toes till they bleed....really?
feel free to add this list

Family pics

2009-10-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

wait that's not a family picture

Introducing....Macy

2009-10-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

You may thing Macy is grumpy in these pictures, but that is just her.
The rest of the pictures are from the homecoming parade on Friday

Pictures from NM

2009-10-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

Macy and her daddy

Josie howling like a wolf, she thought she was so funny.
Cy and Dakota, only Dakota was hiding, naughty girl.

Top of the Mountain

Old Mother Hubbard

2009-10-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

I opened the cupboard to get Josie some cereal and this is what I found. She said her baby was sleeping. I guess this is what you do when you have no room, the whole house becomes your room.

Let me 'splain, No there is too much let me sum up

2009-10-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

As a few of you may have noticed I've taken a sabbatical on the blogging stuff. Lots of reasons, I won't bore you but as the title says "let me sum up" Obviously we had a baby, beautiful Macy Kay Macy was a crier that rivaled Cy, and Fletcher was working out of town. So needless to say the months that followed are blacked out. So, moving on to May. We went to Cali to visit Uncle Bugs, thats what Josie calls Boggs Next went to NM and Josie competed in her first rodeo and won a buckle, Fletcher was so excited he almost peed his pants. Not really but he was excited
Of course the Arnett reunion to UT.
the Busby reunion to Cyclone Lake and all the fun that follows that.
Finally we are back from NM we were able to stay for a full week. It is so nice to stay in a house where everyone has their own room and we don't bump into each other on the way to the bathroom or kitchen. Wendy and Brit came and we made the trip to Alb. thrift stores with all of our kids. So much fun you should try it sometime.
Then they rode horses and played in the wilderness that is the ranch.
Macy is now crawling and has quite the temper, must be a redhead thing.
Wendy also took family pictures except Fletcher couldn't make it, even though we were in NM. I will post those lovely pics as soon as Wendy finds time to send me them.

HSM3 and a pregnant woman

2008-11-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took Dakota and Josie to see HSM3 with Tana and Taryn. Tana has seen this movie 10 times, yes it is that good. If you loved Hairspray and the other 2 HSM then you will love this one also. Anyways as a pregnant woman my hormones are on the fritz and I am extra emotional, how emotional I didn't realize until yesterday. I balled my eyes out, no exaggeration. I was sobbing when Gabriella left and Troy was so confused. I couldn't believe it, I just couldn't stop myself. And I know it wasn't that sad, come on its a teenage love story. So here is my warning, you know like the one you'll find on your medicine bottle,: If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant or nursing contact your doctor before seeing this movie.

I'm a pwincess

2008-11-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

So here area a couple pics of Jo for Halloween. She kept dancing around in her costume so it was hard to get a good pic. She was a pwincess, she is so obsessed with Cinderella and Bawbie. We went with Brit and Josie kept running to catch up with Avery, saying "wait for me Avery". Frances and I got seperated from the crowd and just went to Brit's house and handed out candy with her mom. Brit got some Halloween pencils from Chea and thought that they would be a great treat. Luckily her mom bought some candy too. Anyways when teenagers would come up I would give them a pencil and they looked at me like are you kidding. Brit's mom had pity on them and gave them a handful of candy.

Baby Merrick

2008-10-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

We got to watch Merrick yesterday. Josie had fun with him and was nice to him. She fed him the bottle and told him no, no baby when he tried grabbing her with his hands. She brought him all his toys and watched Blue's Clue's with him. He began cooing during the show and she told him "shhh baby". When Dakota came home and was holding him Josie threw a fit and tried pulling his legs saying "my baby". She wanted him back on the floor where she could see him and rub his head. I can't believe what a good baby he is. Of course Cy tried to eat him up, being the baby lover he is.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

This year I bought the foam pumpkins instead of real ones. The kids had fun carving them nonetheless. It was less messy but the kids said it was a little harder to carve. I think I like the foam ones better.
Josie being the movie watcher she is loves the Barbie movies- Rapunzel and The Nutcracker. At the beginning Barbie and Kelly are together before Barbie tells her the story. So now Josie calls me Barbie. And she is finally getting potty trained. She will go pee but calls it poop. The deciding factor I guess was that she gets to empty the toilet. She hasn't pooped in it but hopefully before she turns 3.

My political stand

2008-10-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonite as we were eating, Fletcher got some ice cubes and Josie said " Dad I want some rocks" Took a minute to realize what she wanted. Now at the risk of sounding political let me just say this. I really want to watch the debates, mainly to watch Palin, I really like her. But I guess I have too much red hot blood from my dad, I get to worked up at the opposite side and want to yell at the tv and tell the other guy that he's cheating you can't walk a batter. Wait I had a flash back to little league days. What I meant is you can't make up lies and say it like its the truth. Thats all I'm gonna say about that.

A change of scenery

2008-09-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

So I guess the general consenses is that your all tired of looking at my pics. Well here is a recap of what has been going on. The kids are on fall break so we went to NM. The kids had a blast as they always do. Cy's highlight was when he "totaled" Fletcher's blue pickup. They were in the horse pasture, which is really a whole lotta empty land. Anyways he hit a post, apparantly the only one for miles and scrapped up the side of the truck. They had to pry open the door with a crow bar. Fletcher was surprisingly calm, he kept saying its my fault I let him drive. Cy after seeing he wasn't in BIG trouble, came bounding into the house saying "Mom I totaled dad's truck, he was proud as can be.

Josie is really into Barbie and Toy Story. Only she calls it towboy, boody, and buzz. Dakota found a Woody costume at a thrift store in NM and Josie had to dress up in it and she said she was Jessie and she does her yodelling. It is pretty funny.

It's a Baaaby

2008-08-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I went back to the doctor on Friday and they did an ultrasound. They are pretty sure it's a girl. You can see her little fist in the pics and her face. They arn't Chea Lamb Photography good but you get the basic idea. She kept trying to hide from the camera, which is so not like me or Josie. When we showed Jo the pictures she kept one and said my baby. Then I asked her where the baby was and she pointed to her stomach and pushed it out. "my baby" then she wanted me to say hi to her belly. She is a crack up. Won't she be surprised when the real baby comes.

It's official

2008-08-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

So I finally went to the doctor today. For the last couple weeks I've had nightmares that I'm not really pregnant and the doctor tells me that I'm just fat. Well I heard a heartbeat and they scheduled an ultrasound to find a more exact due date. Thats about all thats going on. The kids are doing well in school, the bus comes 10 min. earlier, you'd think that wouldn't make a difference but we hussle every morning to make the bus. Cy has taken up the sax. I think he really likes it. He couldn't wait for the first lesson.

School starts

2008-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday school started for Cy and Dakota. They both have great teachers this year. And Dakota switches classes ( I can't believe she is in middle school) Dakota was a little nervous but she got on the bus and didn't want me to take her. I'm so proud. Of course Fletcher was chicken and stayed in the bedroom until they left, he wouldn't have made Dakota go to school if he saw her crying. I didn't take any pic before school because I didn't think of it. When I talked to Wendy she reminded me so I have after the first day of school pics.

Also on another note we got back from camping Sunday, of course everyone had a great time. Fletcher found a trailer for us to use so no tent. Which turned out to be a good thing since there was a bear up there, they caught it the first night. They had a bear trap and everything. I didn't go look at the bear personally but I saw pics. Look at Wendy's blog if you wanna see pics of the bears.
As Kim pointed out I have no shame which can be seen in one of the following pics.

Yes it is true

2008-07-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Obviously some of you thought I was joking but no I am looking for a trailer or tent to use. Oh yeah, and I really am pregnant. I will answer some of the questions right now. Yes I was pregnant at Fancy's shower, no I didn't post just so I could get comments, but if thats all it took I should have lied and said I was pregnant a long time ago. I am 12 weeks along, I havn't been to the dr yet, but this little bugger should be due around mid to late January.

List of things to do today

2008-07-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

So since it is Monday and I need to get ready for camping and for school here is my list of things to do

1)Call Wendy and get blueberry scone recipe. check
2)Find out what I need to bring for dinner Thursday nite. check
3)Make a list of snacks. check
4)Find a trailer or tent to camp in.
5)Post on my blog that I am pregnant. check
6)Do laundry. check
7)Take a nap, thats where I am headed.

Journal Entry

2008-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

We got back from NM finally. We took the long way home. We left Monday morning and went to Flagstaff, still 6 hours, but because of the time difference I thought we made good time and made it in 5 hours. We stayed with Wendy for just one day because Cy and Dakota had to go see Jaafe. But we had a great time. Josie screamed while she played with Beau, and Cy wrestled with Blue and Reed and Dakota of course went shopping. Jackie is doing great and she loves her job, she says they just ruffle clothes, not fold them. And she stand around looking pretty, which she says she is really good at.

NM was fun. They branded for three days. Cy really got into it. He helped them gather them in the morning and in the afternoon he was in charge of the implant shooter and the castration thing and the dehorning irons. I am sure those arn't the correct words for the items but they work for me. He really got into shouting "Heifer or Steer". He really took to it and was so proud when he burned his chaps with an iron and got tree scratches on them. Dakota helped the first day and then helped Carrie with "blocks" the next. Of course Josie can just play by herself anywhere. We had quite the trip to Alb. We had three, yes three flat tires on the trailer. Fletcher gets so upset by that although he should be used to it. I brought quite alot into this marriage, including the Arnett car trouble.

Our next big adventure is camping. I can't wait. Cy and Dakota area with Jaafe until Thursday and I hope he lets them come home early morning so we can go up camping early. But knowing him he'll keep them till the late afternoon just to make a point. Hopefully I havn't bored you with all this writing and no pics, but there it it.

Let's play salon

2008-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dakota and Josie were playing "salon"
Josie had on joker style lipstick and she painted her toes, not her toenails but her toes and half her foot. I took a couple of pics then Dakota took over and took the rest. There is one picture of Dakota when she was 2 and got into Grammie's makeup. Girls will be girls

2008-06-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Girls camp was last week. It was so fun, I think I have the best calling in the ward working with the girls. We were lucky and got the same spot across from the lodge. (no up and down the hill) We go to Camp Zion on Mt Lemmon. It was Dakota's first year and I like to think she had a great time. I don't think she was to shocked or embarressed by her mother. She told the other girls that this was how her mother always acted and that Fletcher wasn't annoyed by it but it frusterated him. I wonder if that is true? I took the girls on a scenic route (we got momentarialy lost) on the way home. I figure why ruin a good thing, as last year I got us lost also.
When we got home it was so hot. It is already 112. It seems like it doesn't get that hot until July and August. Maybe that is why Fletcher is staying in NM, I think in his mind we already live in NM and he will just come and visit until it cools down or we actually do live there. Everyone needs a dream. We sure do miss him and those of you who REALLY know me, know that is odd. But we do and can't wait for him to come home even for a "visit".

Some random things I learned from the Cibola trip

2008-05-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

I now know why my dad always has to have some sort of animal and grow something in his backyard. Example: blue house- the whole backyard in corn, or colored cotton. Baby calves in the back yard.
green house- horses and goats and pigs, I know he wanted to plant something in the front.
Where he is now- bunnies and sapling trees.Mesquite and fig trees and tomatos

That canal was really long.

Blythe is no hotter than Phoenix

I understand why my dad is so intent on living on the river. You know a nice little trailer with a "dock" in the back.

Chea is a very big cry baby, but she takes some pictures that could win a contest.

Aunt Kathy's family was RICH:) Good call Larry:)

Some yellow windows never go out of style

Tina left her furniture in her house in Blythe

The pecking order of the brothers, oldest to youngest, is alive and well

Jeff really liked his recorder

Any old truck could possibly be their old truck

Why my dad likes my house here in Vally Farms

Why HB planted his backyard in corn

Apparantly nobody scraps in Blythe, did you see all the stuff you could scrap?

HB's old flame is still hot for him

My dad and his brothers are amazing men

And lastly, Aunt Candy has alot of pictures I've never seen before

Happy Birthday Channy

2008-05-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

On your way into Globe, coming from Salt River Canyon, there is a picture of an Indian painted on a block fence or something. Channy has loving told me time and time again that that is what I look like. Me, I think it looks more like Wendy, with the high cheekbones and big features. All of this is meant in a loving way. Well for her birthday I have found the perfect picture of her. Happy Birthday Channy

Happy Birthday Wendy

2008-05-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Wendy
Even though Wendy lives in Flagstaff, we still talk everyday at least 2 times. Sometimes we have stories and sometimes we just call to see if the other on has stories. Wendy usually calls early in the morning and leaves a nasty message about how I better not be taking a nap or laying on the couch and just not answering the phone.(This is one of my Arnett traits that shines thru) I really miss her living close by, mostly because she makes all my(her) ideas happen.
Happy Birthday!!! Your birthday check is in the mail, I hope it doesn't get lost. I forgot to send it certified mail:)

We are the Champions

2008-05-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Cy participated in "The Battle of the Books" last night. It was the district finals. For those of you who don't know what this is let me explain, no it is to much let me sum up. In December I think, they were given a list of books to read, like 10-15. Then at the battle they were asked questions about the books and the team with the most points won. Last night they had 10 rounds. Now those of you who know Cy know how competitive he is, yet also a good sport.
He could hardly sit down the whole time, one of the librarians had to constantly tell him to sit down, calm down ect. Before this Cy told me all he wanted to do was win so he could present the principal with the big trophy to put in the trophy case at school.
It was about an hour and a half, and yes he team came in first. He was so excited and proud. But of course, he went around to all the teams and shook their hands and told them "good job". Some of the kids looked at him like what do you want me to do?
So he now has a big trophy for home and was able to give the pricipal the big trophy for the trophy case. I am so proud of him! He would read every night one of the assigned books and also his own book- Warrior Cat is his current favorite.
I couldn't keep it all straight, like I told Wendy one time. She asked if I had read some book and told me the title and author and what it was about. I told her yeah I probably read it but it was by a different author.

Oh *#%$#@&$

2008-04-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

Josie is at that cute stage where she will repeat what you say. It's been fun teaching her to say " I love you, I'm two, I'm cute and so on" This morning Cy was running a little late and if he misses the bus it's the end of the world. So as he is eating breakfast I mention to him the time. He looks up at the clock and says, Oh crap! Which Josie immediately copies. "Oh crap!!" While it was funny at the same time I reiterated that we must watch what we say around her. I'd hate to have her repeat what a certain cousin said, " I kicked the hell outa that ball". Speaking of balls all of you baseball fans should check out chealambphotography to see a favorite Bulldog.

Shall we dance?

2008-04-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Our stake has dances on Wed night, and all the youth attend. So Wed was Dakota'a first dance. Wierd. We got there and hung out for a while, I was the leader there so no I wasn't stalking her. Although had I not been a leader I would have been lurking in the hallways of the church. A boy in our ward ( a young deacon) asked her to dance, she politely said " No thank you." A little while later the same boy asked her again and she said, " NO thank you." Finally the last song and yes he asked again. ( What a brave or silly boy) This time it was "NO THANK YOU", he continues to talk. " Come on you have nothing better to do" She just stared and then looked away, like if I can't see you, you must not be there. Just when I think we're safe, one of the priests ( has two broken legs and is in a wheelchair) teasingly asks her if she'll dance with him when he gets off his cast. I thought she would look away and say no thank you. Instead she says, Maybe!! Maybe??? I guess I have taught her well, my job is done.

Thief

2008-04-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening I decided to take a few casual photo's of Josie. Nothing to fancy just a few candid moments. They turned out wonderful as usual. I was getting ready to post them when I decided to check blogs. When lo and behold Chea had the pics already posted as her own, as if. I don't know how she did it but she got those pics and some I didn't know I took and claimed them as her own. Pretty soon they'll have CHEA LAMB PHOTOGRAPHY on them. Take a look. chealambphotography.blogspot.com

Stinky

2008-03-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

At first Josie would tell me stinky when she really was. I thought how cute, but we'll put off the potty training for a while. Now even when she's wet she tells me stinky. Okay, okay so I know I should start but really it takes so much effort. And on top of that I would probably have to take the sippy cup away or she would have to pee every half hour. So really I have to tackle two things. But then it would be really nice not to buy diapers anymore.
Speaking of Josie she has the the most high pitched scream, I mean it is ear-splitting. She mostly does it when she is excited, I am told it is comparable to the scream I had as a child. Which of course I don't remember, but my parents fondly remember.
She has started saying more words and tries at complete sentences, but I think she sounds chinese with a few english sounding words thrown in. According to KC she sounds Swedish. And with that he started speaking swedish to her and she replied back in her own language of what we will call Chinish. ( Chinese and Swedish)

Now if you can believe- Dakota is 12 and in young womens. I can't believe it, she is still Josie's age to me. Thankfully I'm in YW so I can keep an eye on her and I don't worry, remember I'm the mom who cries still when I drop her off for the first day of school. Another thing for her to keep tabs on me about. She went over the calander last night telling me everything that the Beehives were doing then let me know what we were doing. To top it off she read the whole camp directors binder. She read me the rules and everything, like I havn't been and didn't know the low down. She is definitly the adult in this relationship(:
She has been anticipating the camp theme ever since girls camp last year. So needless to say she was anxious to know and had ideas of her own. I don't know what I would do with out her, she lets me know of upcoming birthdays, mutual activities and when I have the lesson. I sure do love her.

Saturday Cy was hanging upside down and he said he heard a crack and then landed on his head. His neck was sore that day and on Sunday, We saw Papa that day and he told Cy he had some medicine that would make it all better. Now which one would that be? Of course it was tea tree oil, he rubbed it on his neck and Cy said this morning it was better.

Rock-a-Bye Baby

2008-02-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

Chan brought back a bunch of baby things and I have them on my kitchen floor. I havn't put them out in the storage yet. Josie is in love with the bouncer and swing. At first she just put her babies in them but last night I caught her in the swing. I asked if she was a baby, she said " pas and lank" that means pacifier and blankie. She thought it was so funny and she contined to swing for a while. This morning she wanted to put her tray on the high chair instead of eating at the table.

3 day weekend

2008-02-19T12:54:00.001-08:00

We went to NM this weekend. On the way over we went the long way (thru Tucson instead of Showlow) There was a winter advisory? It rained all thru Tucson, we were headed toward Benson, all of a sudden traffic slows way down. I'm thinking great we'll wait here forever and won't get to NM until 3 in the morning. We left at 5'oclock that afternoon. At the little hill you climb before you get to Benson is where we slowed. I see something that looks like a snow plow, so I call Wendy and ask her to check the internet. Next thing you know they are scrapping the road, thats the reason for the slow down. Now how many honestly knew it snowed in Benson, not me I mean its southern AZ. Wendy informed me that yes it does snow there, it is a high elevation. Thanks for the geograpy lesson. We had no trouble until T or C. it started snowing. Now its dark, about 12:30 and the snow is coming directly into my eyes. Thats what it looked like, if I looked at it it made me dizzy and I felt like the road was moving and I stood still.
So we made it, and the next morning Fletcher took us up the mountain so they could sled down. I of course got out of the truck for the obligatory 15 min. recorded some video then sat in the truck till they were done. What?? It was cold outside and I don't like getting wet, and the one that trumps them all I learned from my dad. I'll take the baby, Josie was cold and wanted to wait in the truck also.

2008-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Nothing to write just some shameless bragging. Isn't she cute, notice I said cute not sweet. Cy said she was born the year of the dragon (Chinese New Year stuff) maybe thats why she breathes fire.

For Valentines Day I had a nice dish of crow pie

2008-02-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Fletcher is in NM & didn't know when he would be back, he was working as fast and hard as he can( his words not mine) He called me this morning and asked if I wanted the money or flowers, he couldn't believe he couldn't get any flowers delivered this late. Of course I wanted the cash. I told him it didn't matter anyways, I didn't get him anything either. Of course secretly I wanted something to show his adoring love for me, who doesn't. So we hung up and I was thinking thats typical.
A couple hours later my neighbor shows up with roses and a big balloon and perfume. Apparantly Fletcher had arranged all this on Sunday before he left to NM.
Of course I waited a couple hours before I called and told him thak you and I love you and all the appropriate mushy stuff. I was wrong and had a big ol' piece of humble pie.

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Dakota wanted to take a funny picture and post it, so here it is. She says it is a Valentine for Papa.

Which one?

2008-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

I've been toying with the idea of dying my hair dark. I've always wanted to, I did it once and I liked it so why not. Well according to someone who shall remain nameless, she thinks I can't pull it off. ( I think she just wants to be the only brownie) I think I could do it. No I won't be cutting my hair just coloring, so keep that in mind when looking at the pictures. Also as I was looking at the pictures myself, what is it that they say about the eyes being the window to the soul. Well in this case it is true, so if I look a little spooky or crazy don't worry, I am. So please weigh in and let me know your opinion. Don't worry my feeling wont be heard, I'm an Arnett we know I will just do what I want anyway.

To be irrational or not

2008-01-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

You might be irrational if.....

You argue with the sonic chic about who is right. Did you really order at happy hour or were you just a little early?

You decide not to eat anything more than lettuce, because if you eat you will gain weight, never mind that is why we eat. To live.

You wear a short brown hair wig to your New Beginning and you are a leader.

You get upset if your mentioned in this little ditty.

You drive yourself to the emergency room, knowing you'll probably get your appendix out, but tell your husband to stay home until your almost under.

You decide to move 3 days after you have surgery.

You want to dump a goat in your ex's yard, since you have been feeding it since HE bought it.

You go camping and wear a shower cap on your head because you think it makes your headache feel better.

You go and yell at the guy scraping the snow, about a do gooder neighbor that came and told you to move the car, and your daughter in law just had a surgery and your from the valley and the nerve of that guy. Only to find out he IS the do gooder neighbor come to help you shovel the car out.

You tell some one your on edge and about to blow, and they smile and say I like you like that.

Now that I think about it not all these things are irrational, are they? Maybe as a recovering irrationalist I've lost sight of what is and what is not irrational. But some of these things are just funny, I don't care who you are:)

Happy Birthday Cy and Josie

2008-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

On Monday we celebrated Cy and Josie's birthday. Well actually it was a sorry excuse for a party. But I havn't had to host a party for Cy for a couple years as Super Dad does that. He fell thru this year. We had cake and candles and a new DS game for Cy which he is very pleased with. Jo got whatever she wants. Kindof like everyday only different cuz it was her birthday. Cy is one of a kind. I love his thirst for knowledge he just wants to know how everything works and proceeds to tell you about it, and make up what he doesn't remember or understand. Josie what do I say, she is naughty and when I say that I don't just mean terrible two's. She is seriously naughty. She will spit at you when she doesn't want to listen to you, tell you go, scream loudly, try to scratch you BUT as I am told she is SO CUTE. She also has a sweet side, she will give you hugs and kisses when you come home and is so excited to see you. She loves her babies.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my two favorite January babies.

More of Chea's works of art

2007-12-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

The second installment

2007-12-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

So I am back with more. I have been kicking around the title. Bathroom reading for irrationalist. Or Bathroom reading: Thoughts of an irrationalist. I'm not sure that is even a word but what do I care.

So we begin-

How about you might irrational if....
You are involved in a rear end fender bender, ( you are the one who got hit) and you drive off before the other person can get out of the car.

You then stay home for a week because you don't want to run into the car that hit you.

You are trying to buy a boat, while your wife is pregnant, you are looking for a place to live, and a job for her.

You have an opportunity to make alot of money for doing one job, but you don't wanna commit, so you don't work for 3 months thinking that the job will go away and you won't have to talk to the guy in charge of the job.

You decide to take some pressure off your husband and use your blood money to live for the next year.

You resist the urge to add on to your home for fear that it means you are staying forever in that house.

You think there should be justice in this world and you are the one to make sure it happens.

You want to tie up a goat in your ex's front yard because he never came to get it and you've been feeding it for the past 6 months.

You decide your baby has cooked long enough and its time for her to come on out into the world, so you basically kick her outa you. Then she looks like an embryo for a month.

You decide to take the afore mentioned baby only a few days old to Texas to sign papers on a house, when the papers could be overnighted to you and you could stay home and rest.

You wear mad make-up to church and think nothing of it. (Picture Josie putting on your make-up)

You tell your sister you won't go to her wedding because you wanted her to marry someone else.

You yell at someone who speeds over a speed bump and chase after them.

You throw your brothers in the pool to teach them to swim.

You call housing because the maintance man who came to your house while you were out ate some of your oreo cookies. You know this because you placed them in such a way you would recognize if some were taken and there are miniscule crumbs on the counter and you are a better housekeeper than that.

You might be irrational if....

2007-11-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

So I've been thinking lately about writing a book, similar to you might be a redneck if... Only it would be you might be an irrational______ if. I need some help filling in the blank or even a better title. Let me give you a brief taste of some of the things I have learned.

You might be irrational if.....

You think it is okay to spray out your A/C vent thru the roof as long as you have a shower curtain on the ground.

You set your brothers trailer on fire and watch it burn while the firefighters are there.

Your sure your husband isn't having an affair even though he moved out months ago.

You call your childs teacher out to fight about them staying after school

You are sure someone is hiding behind your shower curtain everytime you come home.

You plant your whole backyard in corn, yes the whole backyard.

You think because you live in one state, that is why everything bad is happening to you, If you just lived in another state everything would be perfect.

You wonder why everyone else has a great life, except you. Nevermind you have a job, a healthy family, a place to live and all your body parts.

You yell at the other teams coach for intentionally walking your best hitter, telling him he cheated.

You scratch your face, because your mad at someone.

You cut your eyelashes on one eye, because you were mad at your parents.

The list goes on and on, so tell me what you think!!!

Pictures

2007-11-19T10:59:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos of the truck

Black Ice and Elk

2007-11-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

Traveling at night will prompt Papa to worry about black ice, and Fletcher to worry about elk. Or as Anthony and AJ say "Elk Elk Elk Elk" No need to worry anymore, Monday night we were headed home after spending the day with Wendy in Flagstaff. We wern't 10 minutes on the road when "Boom" we hit an elk. I thought we hit a car, until Fletcher said we just hit an elk. We were in the passing lane and he just jumped out at us and we plowed right into him. Everyone was fine except Fletcher. No don't worry he wasn't hurt physically, but his truck was mangled and his door couldn't open so he had to sit and wait for the DPS officer to come.
The funny thing is the 911 operator and the DPS officer were really concerned as to if the elk was deceased. I'm pretty sure he is dead, we have blood down the side of the car and the front and drivers side is munched up. So I called Wendy and asked her to pick us up, we would be staying another night. Her boys were excited in fact in Reeds prayers he was thankful that we would be living with them until our truck was fixed.
On our way home the next day,(in daylight) we passed by the "scene of the accident" and there was our buddy the elk still in the medium, I'm no hunter or expert but his "rack was pretty big, probably a 5x5" I have no idea what that means.

Now on to my new crusade. If Jeff can campaign for gluttonous praise then I will too. I need only 5 responses to start blogging again.

Happy Halloween...is over

2007-11-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

This year I was humbug. Halloween is usually my holiday, this year I just wasn't in to it. I was thinking why don't we just count the church trunk or treat good and forget trick or treating. Also do you think Halloween will gradually fade away, I mean its already been around for centuries. On the bright side the Halloween award goes to Anthony and Sara. I hope they post a picture on their blog. They were like a train wreck, you had to look but at the same time you felt like you shouldn't be looking. They are top notch in the Halloween Hall of Fame. I know you all will be missing me and my wittiness,but we are going to the mother land for the weekend. So I bid you farwell.

2007-10-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

I should be making the sample crafts for the "Super Saturday", but of course I now have all these other things that need to be done. Go thru my closet, catch up on my blog, maybe a little nap. Yesterday was the Primary Program, I was so proud of Dakota and Cy. Dakota knew all the songs and her part, she is such a sweet girl I can't believe she's almost 12. Cy was true to form. He said his part and then when he finished he smacked his head like he did something wrong. It was a source of amusement for all in the chapel. He did a great job singing also you could definitly hear him. Then there's Josie. She was fine until after the sacrament. Danny and Fancy took her out and she fought, I mean really kicking screaming scratching arching her back, for about 15 min then gave up and went to sleep. She is so charming.

Baa Baa black sheep

2007-10-26T16:29:00.001-07:00

Josie was chasing the goat around this afternoon, she is the only one who can get near it. She goes up and smacks it and pulls its tail. Now the goat is missing his friends the horses so he plays in the front yard and is bleating loudly. Josie goes right up to his face and tells it, "no,no,no,no Baaa. That must be her way of telling it to be quiet. Then the goat takes a poo, well alot of poo's. Josie thinks its funny and proceeds to pick up a nanny berry and squish it. Atleast she didn't eat it.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery

2007-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday I bought Cy a new pair of Sunday shoes. They were loafer style. Sunday afternoon he puts them on and walks out of his room and says, "I look like Papa".
I have to say he did. Whether he knew it or not, he only had one sock on, so he did look like Papa when he wouldn't wear socks. We finished getting ready and left for church. As he is walking up to the church he must have realized or saw that he still only had on one sock! He laughed and said how he looked like papa again. I thought he would want to go back home for a sock, but he thought it was hilarious and wanted to go tell all his buddies how he looked like Papa.

Tzagged

2007-10-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Okay if you were tired of looking at my jack o lanterns, like Wendy and Anthony you should have just said so. But being tagged gives me an excuse to update my blog. So

4 jobs I've had: Shoney's- When the fanny hits the seat, the water hits the table
Airport Gift Shop- thanks to Wayne, I met Eraina and Don
Dairy Queen- I gained 15 lbs in just 3 months
Bank of America- I never balanced & is that 2 zeros or 3
4 places I've lived
Chandler, before it was a shopping mecca
Mesa, before it was little Mexico but not before it was the hood
Queen Creek, before it was the "rich" place to live
Valley Farms, or Florence but not Coolidge
4 movies I love
Nacho Libre- It is my "duty"
Pride and Prejudice- The A&E version, thanks to Dana and Lindsay
and one looooong night in Utah
Chorus Line- fullfills my dream of performing on stage
Hairspray/Grease- need I say more
4 movies I'd love to see
I can't think of any that don't have a sad ending or are
unrealistic in the romantic sense or that are just plain wrong.
4 wierd things about me
I can't think of any that you all don't already know but here goes
I pick my toes until they bleed
I like the soft skin on my arm, especially when it's cold
I love to collect fabric but I don't like to sew
I like to eat the peanut first then the chocolate in peanut M&M's
4 places I'd rather be
The beach
A beach
An exquisite beach
How about the beach

Now Chan you need to update I tag you.
And Chea, Fancy pants gave you a perfect excuse to update your blog

Mr. Jack-o-lantern is very round and fat

2007-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that song? He has a yellow candle right beneath his hat. What about "What do you want to be on Halloween night? A witch or a goblin or a ghost? What do you want to be well don't tell me. Wait till Halloween and let me guess." I have the tape for those who are interested in a trip done memory lane. Like 20 years ago.
Anyways for FHE we carved pumpkins. We gutted them, and saved the seeds to cook. Josie couldn't wait and ate the guts, but spit out the seeds. The kids had alot of fun and want to do another one next week. They are from left to right- Cy, Josie and Dakota.

You are sixteen going on seventeen...

2007-10-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Josie is 1 1/2 going on 18. Today in the car I gave her Dakota's lip gloss to play with. She mostly sucks on it and smears it all over her lips. After I felt she had ingested enough I asked for it back. She said "no". Josie give it to me, "No dfjjfkdfj. Her mumbo jumbo. Then she pointed her finger at me and told me no again with what I assumed were some choice words. Again I told her to give it to me, now she just turned her head and ignored me. After a few more tries she just waved at me and said "Bye" I think that is her way of telling me to talk to the hand, cause she isn't listening.
Cy and Dakota started back to school after fall break. Yesterday Cy lamented the fact that they had to go back and kept saying I hate school. I told him to stop saying hate. So this morning when I went to wake him up, the first words from his mouth are, "I despise school." Trust him to have a way with words.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig, jig

2007-10-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

We are back from the motherland. We had a great time. The kids all got down at the reception on the dance floor. Cy and all his boy cousins were jumping around and sliding on the floor. And Dakota and Abby were getting their groove on too. Of course Josie was right in front of the wedding party while they were eating and treated them to her dancing, but only after she would check to make sure they were watching. She ran Fletcher ragged, pushing him all around where she wanted to go. She found a puppy outside and tried to feed it grass, she thinks everything eats hay.
Cy and Ty made a river that ran down the hill from the water tank and had a great time exploring. Dakota helped Gramma Debbie watch JoryAnn and Jaycey(cousins baby)
The kids had a great time. Josie found Fletcher's belt buckles and tried putting them on her belly. She knew where they were supposed to be, but couldn't figure out why hers wern't staying on. It was pretty funny.
Josie is definitly trying her boundaries. She points her finger at you and tell's you no. Everything is no. And she want's to go everywhere with her dad. Which is fine with me. When she would see a cow she would say moo and then tell it bye.
The kids are excited to go again in Nov. for shipping. This time they all will have their own horse to ride and can help gather them up and stuff. I really don't know what they do, but it sounds good.

I know, I know

2007-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

So even I'm getting sick of looking at the same post when I go to my blog. But I've gone so long I don't know where to start. So I'll just fill you in on Josie. She has learned to say Please, more like pees but you get the idea. She thinks if she says please she'll get whatever she wants. Which of course she does. She'll stand in front of the freezer and say pees, even though she has already had 4 popcicles. And she'll stand in front of the candy jar and say pees. You get the idea, if she knows she can't have it, she'll preface it with please and it works like a charm. She is definitly in the terrible two, alittle early. We were in a thrift store yesterday and I in a moment of stupidity let her play on a jeep. She played for 5-6 minutes, then I wanted to try on clothes. So I picked her up and she immediatly started screaming, kicking, thrashing. I put her in the cart and proceeded to the dressing room. All the while she is still screaming and kicking and generally raising he**. She flings herself back into the cart and starts kicking in there. This is all in the space of 2 minutes though it felt like eternity for me. But on the up side I found a desk just like the one Wendy found at a thrift store and I've been coveting it. So of course I had to get it. Nevermind I don't have any room for it. But it was destiny and it was only $25. So now I have a little less room in the kitchen, but I do have a lovely desk.

An Ordinary Man

2007-09-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

"An Ordinary Man, they say he's nothing more than just an ordinary man
He saves me from the crash by flashing me that knowing grin
And if my Father up in Heaven is anything like him than I would give the world
to be with him thru all eternity
And tell him thanks for sending me to just an ordinary man"

Lyrics from "An Ordinary Man"
Happy Birthday Dad
I love you

Pat a cake, pat a cake, bakers man

2007-09-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Josie decided to help me make cinnamon rolls. She mostly liked the butter and dough.

Say cheese

2007-09-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

These are the only photos I could find of Chea. She usually is behind the camera. She is the one that makes us all look beautiful and glamorous. It's a gift,but she thinks everyone sees like that. She made me wedding magazine perfect with me as the centerfold. My kids look like tv ads. She definitly sees the world thru a soft focus lens.Happy Birthday and a million diet coke with lime birthday wishes.

This little piggy..

2007-09-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

For activity day yesterday, we were going to make this cute little piggy banks out of little aquapod water bottles. Wendy said they were going to do it for theirs. Cute idea but no real instructions, like do you paint the pig with paint, how do you get things to stick ect. How hard could it be?
The girls seem to enjoy painting the water bottles, oh yeah first I made them drink the water and then they could paint. I guess I didn't take into account the drying time. Oh well. Next we tried to glue on pipe cleaner ears and tails, and googly eyes. Now glue is a tricky thing. If you have the right kind everything works out, the wrong kind and its a disaster. No I did not use hot glue,although it may have worked out better. I had a clear all purpose stick to everything glue, everything except painted plastic. By the end all the eyes and tails had fallen off and they were left with a bad preschool project. A pink painted water bottle. It's okay 'cause they had more popcorn and vacumned up the mess. It seems to be their favorite part the vacumning. Maybe next time we'll just vacumn the church.

Happy, Happy Birthday children dear.....

2007-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

A special Birthday wish for Fancy Pants. I hope you get that dog you always wanted. I'm sure Danny wouldn't deprive you of something you love, and you do ask for so little.

And another birthday shout out to my lovely brother, Pierce. You are almost elusive as the shadow (Casey), but then you did learn from the best. May all your birthday wishes come true,as long as they are a large bag of chips.

Good Times

2007-09-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely Labor Day weekend up in Flagstaff, with Wendy. Friday was full of Goodwill weigh by the pound, Savers, and Eric's. Cy and Reed spent their time watching tv and Dakota of course with the adults and Blue alternating between the boys and Josie and Beau.
Saturday Papa showed up around 9 am, which was unexpected but fortunate for us. We of course left him to watch tv(cable) and the youngins. We went to Target for what I don't know and I can't really remember what else we did. But I do remember a conversation that was had with Chea where I learned a new word. I was asking her when and if she was coming up. We wanted to go downtown but if she was coming we would wait for her. She said we should go and then when she came we could go again, because she didn't want to go to any woodcutter stores. OKaaaaaaay, any woodcutter stores? Because Wendy and I have a fetish for saws? What do you mean woodcutter stores. Wendy of coures offered an explanation,( Blue does speak a foriegn language). You mean granola or tree hugger store. Yeah those. Again, because Wendy and I are granola's? We would wait for her to come.

Now Sunday was a treat it should almost have its own blog. Chea decided that we should make a memory (all of us up there). First it was go downtown to the art show, then to an arboretum, then Sunset Crater the list goes on and on. We must make a memory. We, well technically her and Wendy agreed upon Walnut Canyon. Okay, we'll go. Now I was expecting to look down on a canyon eat some walnuts go to a gift shop and call it good. We loaded into three different cars and head to Walnut Canyon. We get there and you hike down the canyon, which incidentally there are no walnuts anywhere. And then you hike back up. I'm all for memory making and such, but hiking. Oh there are stairs you climb down, then up. Oh thats better as I didn't bring any other shoes but flops. We start down, not bad then I see people coming up and they look like they're breathing alittle heavy. We get half way down and my legs are shaking,now to my credit so are a few other peoples and I am carrying Josie.

After a few picture memories thanks to Chea, which I hope she will post on her blog. Hint Hint. We head back up. At this point I'm thinking why did we choose this memory. After some huffing and puffing and Chea running the last steps with Josie, yes Josie. We made it to the top. Good times, good memories. We all were alittle red in the face and I personally felt like a salt lick, but we headed home.

Yes I am almost done. The adults went to a sushi place for lunch. Now Dad hates Japanese food, but he was a good sport. I think he was hoping they had catfish. Of course Chea, Wayne, Chan and Lee all ordered sushi. Some flying spider stuff, some Las Vegas show girl stuff and various other dead, non cooked fish. Apparantly its good, me I can't get past the raw fish thing. Chea said just pretend its cooked.(She is a big fan). Well the thing is....... I already know its not and I can't pretend otherwise. I think the highlight of the meal, as there were many, but I will leave something for the others to post, was when Dad asked the waiter for some butter for his rice. Butter you say, yes butter. No we do not have any butter, maybe some oil or something but no butter.
I think I'll stop for now and go find my pics that Chea took of my beautiful kids and post them later. Something for you to look foward to.

Movin' on Up

2007-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

The good news is we don't have to add another room on for Josie (not that we were ever thinking about doing something so permenant at this house in AZ)

She now has her own 3 stories. I missed her checking out the downstairs, but got the camera out in time for her to check out the second floor. Its perfect for her. And its a good thing it was getting a little crowded inside.

On to other news, I'm sure you all know Papa is in the hospital. I know your thinking its something serious but as Papa assured me, it's not. They just wanna give him a colonoscopy so they can make a payment on their BMW. And yes he did tell the Dr that. So they are running tests to find out what his problem is, but we all know what that is. I'm afraid to put it in writing.

Now Mom just took a rough tumble last week and scraped up her face, literally. So in true Arnett fashion he had to show her up. So he fainted and how his blood pressure and heart rate dangerously low then it skyrocketed. They rushed him to the ER where he sat for along time then finally got a room. This afternoon when I talked to him he said they were still trying to figure out what was wrong, I told him don't worry I'm sure if they don't find something they'll make something up. He would be a perfect patient for Dr Cox on "Scrubs". Luckily we have our own "Dr.'s" AJ and Anthony. They pushed out ER Chea, however Chea does get all the useful info, while AJ and Anthony just check out the room and all the gadgets and spout off the info they have learned that has nothing to do with anything.

Rain, Rain, go away

2007-08-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Little miss Jo went out to feed with Fletcher this morning but found something better to do with the buckets and her time. She kept walking from puddle to puddle. Splashing water or scooping up water and dumping it out. It was still raining while she was doing this, but she was having a grand time.

Beauty is in the 'eye' of the beholder

2007-08-24T20:48:00.001-07:00

I now have the lashes I have always wanted. Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart and bought some fake lashes, I put them on this morning and LOVED them. And I got compliments from everyone, now normally you would say so Josie loved them. But I went to lunch with Chea, Chan, Fancy Pants, Sara, & Bert. They all agreed it is a good look for me. It's funny how make-up, shoes and purses make me feel like a million dollars. Not so much the make-up up until now. As a wise women once said, when the barn gets old it needs a fresh coat of paint everyday.
So watch out Jackie your not the only one with long lashes. The only problem is my eyes are sensitive, and so after a couple of hours I felt like scratching my eyes out. Oh the things I do for beauty.

Now I'm thinking of excercising, well running, well jogging, okay maybe walking. So I would appreciate everyone giving me their 10 cents (choice of music songs) that are good running excercising songs. You know the kind that make you want to jump around and dance.

Emma and no its not the Jane Austen movie

2007-08-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last night for mutual we took our girls to the visitor center to watch the new Joseph Smith movie. Where do I start? What an amazing movie, even though I knew how it was going to end.(Okay no more humor this is serious)

I was struck by how much sadness and heartache Emma had to endure. The faith she must have had. To know your husbands life was costantly in danger and you could lose him anytime and then to lose so many of your own children, while your husband could save others he couldn't save yours. (Yes I have seperation issues and death ones)

She was amazing. And then to watch him leave and know he was not coming back, I was sobbing in the theatre. I am grateful for the prophet and for the things he endured also, but I don't think he would be half the man were it not for the love and unwavering faith of his devoted wife, Emma.

A little shameless bragging

2007-08-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

So thanks to Chea I have some incredible pictures of my kids to post. Arn't they gorgeous and the kids arn't half bad either. And yes I know there are two of Dakota that are the same. I'm just getting the hang of this. I love all my children the same. Maybe on different days but still all the same.

As long as I have your attention let me tell you a few funny Josie tidbits. On Sunday I wore some black and white spotted sandals (yes the 1.49 Ross clearance) Josie pointed to my shoes and said" mooooo" refering to the shoes and not the wearer of the shoes. She has taken a liking to salad, with lots of dressing to dip the salad. Sort of like Blue with ketsup and fries. She was outside and found a weed that looked alot like spinach. She picked a few leaves and proceeded to chew them up. Not bad I guess, I just hope their not poison weeds. But I guess if the horses and goat are still alive they must be okay. I know what your thinking, they don't eat weeds. Well lets just say when Fletcher is gone they are very fond of grass and weeds as sometimes they are only fed once a day. But it's in the middle of the day so it's like being fed twice, and I know there are weeds and grass for them to eat if they get really hungry.
Wow that was like a run on thought, huh.

Hi my name is Heidi and I'm a rescuer

2007-08-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

I got another phone call from the school today. Dakota has extended school day, just another word for after school detention. She didn't finish filling out her word search. Of course she is crying and I talk to her teacher again. So I tell Dakota don't cry I'll come pick you up early.
I get to the school and her teacher just happens to be at the front desk. So I tell her I need Dakota, she'll be going home. Her teacher walks away and about five minutes later she returns, no Dakota. She informs me that Dakota will have extended day tomorrow then. (Don't threaten a crazy lady, she has nothing to lose) So I promptly tell her " Well I'll just pick her up tomorrow and every day after that." And me and my people will be waiting for you in the school yard after school. ( I didn't really say that but it did cross my mind.)
Teacher: I'll have to report that to the vice principal, I have to cover myself
Me: Tell whoever you have to - She doesn't know he and I already have a relationship, thanks to Cy. Another blog story.

The teacher comes back and says she left a message with him. Great, I look foward to talking to him. Finally Dakota comes down and tells me her teacher told her the same thing. She has all day school tomorrow. Don't worry Dakota Mommie Dearest will take care of everything. The thing that really gets me is I sit down every night to do homework with her. We sit at the table for what seems like all night, while she does homework and talks and talks.

Apparantly her teacher doesn't know that to the untrained eye I may appear to be a normal parent, but I am really insane, irrational and out for blood.
I'll let you know how it all works out tomorrow.

Cy's Photo Business

2007-08-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last year about this time Cy came to me and wanted a picture of Dakota. This is where I should have been concerned. Okay, but why do you need a pic of Dakota. He told me so I don't forget what she looks like. Sweet, but still suspicious. After school the two of them are fighting over two dollars. Dakota says that one of them is hers and Cy says they're his. So I ask Cy where he got the money. He says from Austin. He apparantly sold the picture of Dakota to Austin for 2 dollars. One dollar IS Dakota's.
So far nothing like this has happened this year. But the year is still young.

Double Duty

2007-08-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Okay so I think it gay to do two posts in one day, but I have to . Josie has found the joy of Lucky Charms, just the marshmellows. She brings you the box and wants you to pick out the marshmellows. So I have, and now there are just pieces of them at the bottom, or so I thought. I told her they were all gone and went back to the computer. A couple of seconds I hear the dumping of all the cereal and sure enough there is more whole marshmellows. Which she can now go thru at her leisure, Why didn't I think of that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-08-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

I thought about calling you early this morning to sing Happy Birthday to you but I woke up late and then had to hurry and get Cy and Dakota off to school. While we waited for the bus, Josie decided to go swimming in her little pool. She had on her long footed pj's. That didn't stop her. So then we had to go in and take a bath and by that time the early morning phone call was forgotten. Until I called Chan and she said we would bring you by cake later today and stay and watch you eat it. To make sure you ate it.

Here is my imitation of Dad:
So the kids school started this stamp sheet, if they don't get all yes stamps then they stay after school. Only the school says if they do they get released early, just a clever way to disguise detention. They also have an agenda and reading log to sign every day.

Dakota calls me yesterday afternoon from school crying saying she has to stay after. WHAT!!!! You do not make my little girl stay after. I ask her why. She says I forgot to sign the agenda. Mind you that is not the rule, the staying after is only for the stamp sheet. Let me talk to your teacher. Blah Blah. Yes I guess I forgot to sign her agenda, never mind I signed the stupid stamp sheet and her reading log. Okay, She will stay.

Then I place a phone call to....yes the asssssst. principal. I am calling to complain about the way you are handling the stamp sheet, stay after school, call it what you want but it is still after school detention. I am HOT!!! (and angry)
My girl who is very responsible and tender hearted has detention today because I forgot to sign her agenda. I don't think she should be punished for something I forgot to do. And it was her agenda not the stamp sheet. I was classic Dad, I told him if it happened again I would just pick her up from school and she would not have detention.

Of course the asss principle would look into this and they should only be held after school for the stamp sheet, this was the first he had heard about the agenda , Blah blah blah. You can guarantee it this happens again, you will hear from me.
So does this sound familiar? Clearly I was in the right. So I did one last irrational thing.... I signed everyday for this coming week on her agenda and then wrote that I see her agenda everyday. That one may come to bite me on the butt. Oh well

But I digress....Hope you have a Happy Birthday Mom and I love you. If I had Cheas talent with pics and Wendy's talent and fast internet connection I would post pics of you, but I don't so just imagine.

What does a midget use as a trampoline?

2007-07-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Her bed of course. Sunday morning I wake up to laughing and screaming instead of crying and screaming. I peek open my eyes, because I don't want Jo to know I'm awake. I see her jumping across her crib like the easter bunny. She is having the most delightful time. She thinks its her own trampoline. Now I have never seen a child use her crib as a tramp. That is usually saved for the bed. I guess when your as big as a peanut you use what you can. So there she was jumping back and forth in her crib and occasionally hanging on the sides and jumping. She is a crack up.

Today Chan and I were eating Panda Express and Chan bent down to the plate and ate some chow mein. She bit off the excess and it fell back down. Josie watching her like a hawk, proceeded to eat a mouth full of noodles also and then spit them back out. Then looked up and smiled like she was so proud of coping Chan. She is a funny little squat.

After much anticipation...comes the let down

2007-07-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have just returned home from the annual " Gramping" trip. For those who are not in the know this is camping up in the white mountains. Cy and Dakota started school today and I have 5 or so loads of laundry, dishes, and a house full of crap to sort thru. I remembered my blog and how important it is that I get to that first.

First last Saturday our AC went out. Not to worry we have a swamp cooler ( it must be older than the hills because it's cooler outside than in). Well needless to say we stayed at Chan's until dark and then came home. Sunday was just like being back in the blue house. Not getting dressed until it was time to go to church. After returning home and changing into what Fletcher called a moo moo? I decided to pack up and me and the kids would head to Wendy's in Flagstaff. As I was leaving Fletcher let me know that I was officially white trash. He said and I quote" You've got a swamp cooler and a moo moo." Did he forget that he wanted to marry me.

Then we came back Wednesday to get our camping stuff together. We were minus Josie as Fletcher wanted to take her back to the MotherLand when he went to get the trailer. We would meet up on Thursday at Hawley Lake.
We met up and the usual camping ensued. Wendy, Chan and Chea rented a caabin. Upon arriving at the cabins I tried to persuade Fletcher to stay the night in them. Wendy had an extra room (Fletcher values his privacy greatly, or he has healthy boundries I'm not sure which.) we could stay in it. Fletcher said he didn't pull a trailer 300 miles for nothing. Translation- We could stay in the cabin but he would be sleeping in the trailer. We all slept in the trailer.

Wendy gave us a window AC unit and brought it up to camping. As Fletcher and Josie would not be joining us at home until Tuesday or Wed., I was in charge of installing this. (I am at home now in Valley Farms)
Now I am really white trash. I have a window unit in my front window and it is being held up by an old metal filing cabinet and extra square metal tubing. I can be quite ingenius when the time calls for it. At least our house is cool.

Now, I take the kids to school. Cy wants to ride the bus, but I take him and Dakota anyways. Cy heads to the playground and wants me to find out what room he is in and come and tell him. No I say you come and find out then you can go play. Dakota meanwhile is holding back tears and holding on to me.
Cy finds his room number and shouts "Bye mom" as he is running to the playground. Dakota and I find her teacher and room number. I walk with her to the classroom and wait for the teacher and the other students. Tears begin to fall, and I have a knot in my stomach. She knows some of the kids but she is still nervous. I tell her teacher she'll be okay she is just tender hearted and needs alittle extra. Her teacher laughs and tells me as long as Mom and Dakota arn't crying she'll be okay. I tell her I quit crying with Dakota last year. And quickly left before she saw my tears. Does it ever get any better? Hopefully by her senior year she can go by herself and I can just follow her without her knowing it.

Now that this is done I think I'll go make a quilt or something equally important. My laundry and house can wait.

...But first a disclaimer

2007-07-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

The following stories are NOT fictional and depict real people. In fact you may find yourself in one of these stories. If so do not be alarmed, no animals were intentionally harmed and I will not be paying royalties for use of your name or your misfortunes.

It's coming......

2007-07-12T12:05:00.000-07:00