The Hill From Hell

I went riding today. The first time since we've moved. 11 days. I was a little nervous about the new area and more traffic so I bought one of those mirror things that helps you see whats coming behind you, and drove around last night trying to figure out a route. I set off this morning looking fierce in my new tights and long sleeved jersey, hoping that would compensate for the nerd-factor of my "take a look" mirror thing. Off I go. All fine and dandy until I get to Tutt and South Carefree and begin the hill from hell. Literally wanted to die. Took it all the way up to Dublin. Thank goodness for the ever so brief downhill between Barns and Stetson Hills, but other than that. Up up up up. I got home and Damon says, "Wow, you got beat up." Thanks, I know. Slow goin' but I finished. (When I say slow goin', I usually average about 15-16 miles per hour, this one, 13.2. Ouch) I did it, and I am going to do it again on Saturday, or the AFA. I am sad that my legs won't move enough to go to Liz's dance class, but it is what it is... Now I have to hobble down the stairs and take care of my children.
















(This is my bike. Isn't she a beauty?)

New Ultimate Fave

So I have been so blessed with an abundant supply of Senior Portraits lately. They have come at such a great time with Damon not recieving (again!) his commission in September. Anyways, I photographed John, and now I have a new favorite senior photo. ( I love it when they let me get all artsy with em)

SO COOL. I had a vison, and I love when it comes out better than you hoped. Can you even believe his eyes still pop like that with being out of focus!??

This one is also really cool, but ya know me, Violin trumps piano.

Liam is learning manners

He is so sweet. After he farts, he says very sweetly, "Uh-Oh!", smiles, and runs away.

Isn't he polite?

Celebrating by blogging.

Our old house is E.M.P.T.Y. Clean. Done. WHOO HOO!! I am celebrating by eating P.F. changs takeout with my Mom who came all the way up from AZ to help, Blogging, and posting a fam photo and a photo of la casa nueva. Liam LOVES his halloween costume. BAT BOY!!!

Being Lazy

I know that I should be packing right now, but I am not. I am REALLY REALLY RRREEEAAAALLLLYYY burnt out on the whole concept. We get the keys tonight, then we move in. Saturday is THE BIG MOVE. Thank goodness my beloved Mother is coming Sunday to help me sort through all of our truly fantastic and ever mounting CRAP. Now I am going into the closet with a pillow for some primal scream therapy.

funny little things

(Zoey on the first day of Pre-school)
Zoey has had a few funny one-liners lately

At Costco, I told her to finish her pizza so she could be big and strong. She looked at me and in all seriousness said, "No Mom, I'm yittle and stwong!!"


She was watching the news with me and said, "Mom. Who is Bama and A Cain, and what are they wacing for??" Any tips on how to explain politics to a 4 year old? I told her a big white house and a limo with flags on it.


She went to Kalssical Kids today, where they learned about emotions in music, and had colored her angry page all in with a dark color. Interesting. Now when she has been angry with me, she hands me a freshly colored in black page and hands it to me and says, "Mom, I'm angwy at you!"

Zoey is loving 'wee-school', and has finally taken an interest in the alphabet. We work every day on learning and writing the letters, and she is doing very well. Although, when she is done, she is done. "Mom, I'm bored, I'm all done with yittle 'c'."
Liam is starting to talk!!! He can say Mom, Dad, Dot, Dog, ink (drink), thank you, (Tan ou), Grandma and grandpa (gama and gapa), more!!, Uh-oh! and no, (he shakes his head no and goes uh-uah). Maily its just the intonations that I can understand, but that's how they learn! Such a smart little guy! Within the last month he has quickly mastered the art of driving Zoey insane. He knows how to push her buttons. For example. He sees Zoey playing with something, and near by is her blanket. He puts a foot on her blanket and waits for her to notice. When she does she starts whining, and then he lays on it, laughing hysterically. He will be a great little brother.

Intervention Letter

As you know, my amazing Mom celebrated her 50th birthday a few weeks ago. Her brothers and sisters, Mom and Dad all had a 'party' for her. You see, my mother shares my affinity for all things fizzy. Especially Route 44 Diet Coke with strawberries from Sonic. We make daily runs after we hit the gym to rehydrate when I come to visit. So her birthday party with them was an intervention. (Totally a joke, but the letters were HILARIOUS!) I thought I would post my favorite one.

Dear Laraine,

First, Rainy, we want to you know that what we are about to say is done out of love and concern for your welfare, as well as your eternal salvation.

We thought that putting your addiction in a context that you might understand might help you realize the need for this intervention:

So here goes (compare Alma Chapter 39):

And now, our sister, we have somewhat more to say unto thee than what has been said by thy brothers. Have you not observed the steadiness of thy brothers, their faithfulness, and their diligence in keeping the Word of Wisdom? Behold, have they not set a good example for thee?

For thou didst not give so much heed as did thy brothers, among the people of the East Valley, the Tucsonites the Peoriaites and those living in the land of Snowflake. And this is not all, our sister. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto us, for thou didst forsake the family and did go over to the land of Sonic, among the borders of the town of Lehi, after that harlot, Diet Coke.

Yeah, she has stolen away the hearts of many with her pick-me-up caffeine boost and her most desirable and crunchy ice. But this was no excuse for thee, our sister. Know ye not, that this is an abomination, yeah, most abominable above all save it were the drinking of Red Bull.

And now, our sister, we would that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime. We would that you had learned this lesson in thy youth, but ye would not. We would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. But you cannot hide your crimes from your family, and except you seek treatment, they will stand as a testimony against you.

Behold, O our sister, how great iniquity ye brought upon the extended Flake family. For when the children of the family of Boone saw your conduct, they would not believe in the words of their fathers, and have chased the twin harlots Godiva and Ghirardelli. (Our cousins, the Boones, were not allowed to eat chocolate because of the caffeine in it. No joke.)Therefore, we command you, our sister, to repent and do good, lest you lead away the hearts of many to destruction. Refrain from your iniquities we pray, and seek treatment.

Love,

Jeff and Cheryl