Change of status

Well, so much for Zoe being a perfect dog. We had several activities this evening, Ken got home while everyone else was still out. He found Zoe in her kennel, curled up in the corner shaking really bad. She had a funny look on her face, so he went over to her and picked her up to comfort her...and she peed all over him! What the heck? So much for "perfect dog" status! Seriously, what was that about?!? *#@*^!! Then when I got home I saw her still in her kennel looking sheepish, so I went up to her and called for her to come out. She went to the door of her kennel, then squatted and peed again! If anyone knows what this is about, let me know! I need the dog whisperer. Better yet, I need the dog psychic to come tell me, in her British accent and riding pants, that my dog is unhappy with her current dog food and is over-stimulated. Do people really pay that lady to tell them what their dog is thinking? Worse yet, do they believe her?

"Carnival Ride"

Well ,this morning I'm listening to Carrie Underwood's new album. I'm not a big country fan, but Carrie's voice is amazing. I also like Faith Hill and Shania Twain (something about women with spunk, maybe?)

Last night we went to our son Adam's basketball game. He got some decent playing time, which is great! Their team won, they've got a winning team again, like last year. It's really fun to watch them play. I have to say that what Adam lacks in talent he makes up for in heart. He tries so hard!

Tonight is busy...I teach piano lessons, Jeremy has a swim meet at home, Adam and Austin have a choir concert, and Josh and Jeremy have their final softball games. All that in just 4 short hours! So I'd better get this day going...

Hersheypark, PA

Two weekends in a row, I got to go to Hersheypark with Josh and my best friend Rachel. (One weekend, Rachel's brother, JF, and two of his kids came, too.) Rachel forced me to ride this hideous ride called Farenheit. It has a very slow, 90 degree ride up a 150 foot hill, then an inverted, 97 degree drop! That means you go straight up and beyond straight down! People don't scream that much on this ride because it takes their breath away! Ok, so it wasn't that bad after all was said and done, but what a ride. If you are looking for a phenomenal family vacation, Hotel Hershey and Hersheypark can't be beat. Storm Runner is another great coaster that takes you from 0 to 72 mph in just 2 seconds, then shoots you quickly up a hill like Farenheit's. The good news for riders is that it's over very quickly, just 50 seconds of sheer terror.

Austin

Austin is our youngest child. He photographs well, doesn't he? Actually they all do. Do I sound like a proud mom? I am! Austin is in 6th grade and is in choir at school and goes to scouts. He LOVES video games and the things boys his age love. He is so fun to hang out with and is good company. He is really smart and has a great sense of humor. He is interested in so many things it's hard to keep up with him. He loves to try new things even if they scare him. Even though he's the youngest, he gets up before everyone else and gets his chores and practicing done. He plays piano and guess who his piano teacher is? Me! Austin is our last boy, we knew our family was complete when he came along...at 10 lbs 10 oz! Who in their right mind would have another after that?!

Adam

Adam is our third oldest, the middle child, as they call them. In his baby picture on the top right, he is only a few weeks old and that is not a small baby bouncer, he is a large baby! He was the biggest baby our doctor had ever delivered. (10 lbs 9 oz.). That is, until Austin came along 22 months later, which is the top left picture. Adam couldn't wait to get at his younger brother and they are still at each other to this day! In the bottom right picture, Adam wanted to take a bath-some things, like undressing first, should be obvious, but aren't always! The picture on the bottom left is his 7th grade photo from last year. This year he already looks so much more grown up and different! As you may be able to tell just from these pictures, Adam is fun to have around. He has a BIG voice and a great sense of humor. He lives to help others, and is doing really well in school this year. He's playing basketball and showing a level of responsibility that makes me so happy for him! We love our Adam...

Jeremy

Jeremy is 16 and has his driving permit...so be careful out there if you're driving in the greater Phoenix area. Actually he's a good driver, but it's still scary. Jeremy is a sophomore this year. Last year he was the first swim team captain for his brand new high school and went to the Arizona State championships at ASU. He lettered as a freshman, pretty cool. He was also the volleyball captain and won the coach's award for character. (Well, he IS a character, so that fits...) He is swimming again this year and is co-captain. He plays basketball and softball in a youth league and also does triathlons. Jeremy is fun to have around, and as a friend recently put it..."he adds to experiences rather than detracts from them". Jeremy jumps into life with both feet, so it will be fun to watch him as he continues to grow up.

Josh

Josh is our oldest son. He graduated from high school with honors and a scholastic diploma in May. He lettered in volleyball and was in the Jr. Air Force ROTC (hence the uniform). He took video production and had a great time in January at a convention at Disneyland, Ca. He plays basketball and softabll in a youth league. He also participates in triathlons. He works at Subway and Kona Grill and wants to become a commercial pilot. (No plans to enlist in the military.) He has earned his Eagle Scout award, too. Josh keeps himself pretty busy and has lofty goals, way to go Josh! We're really happy to have him in our little family! And as my friend Mendy pointed out, he is good at drawing. Not just kind of good, but freakishly good!

My girl

Zoe and I are the only girls in the house. She is a full-bread Lhasa apso. They are such a great breed! She doesn't bark, chew on things, sniff people in weird places, shed, or do most things dogs do. She smells really good (she's bathed weekly) and barely eats any food. $40 feeds her for almost a year!! She is perfection in a beautiful fur coat. Who couldn't love that face?

My first post ever!

This is a picture of me and my husband, Ken, taken a few years ago. I'm going to pretend we both still look like this. I'm new at blogging so however it turns out is how it stays!