Homecoming 2012

 

 

 



 

UTAH: Day 17

Lunch with my oldest and dearest friend, Amy.

Oh, how I love and miss her!!

Fantastic Week

It was a fantastic week at the Lewis house! 

On Tuesday, both sets of parents rolled into town for the festivities.  My parents drove a van down and brought my grandma's piano!!  Woo hoo!!!

I love, love, love it and am so happy it's mine!!!

Treyson qualified for Academic Night, but didn't want to participate in the ceremony.  It was Tuesday night.  I'm so proud of him for working so hard!

On Wednesday, my main man graduated from ASU with his Masters in Post Secondary and Higher Education.  It was a super day!

After graduation we went to have lunch at Firehouse Subs. 

The next couple of days were spent getting ready for Tate's big day. 

On Saturday we started the day out super early with Treyson's baseball game at 7:30 a.m.  He had another game at 1:30 p.m.  It was a big day for him.  Luckily, they won both games even though Treyson and Kevin had to leave the second game early for the baptism.

The baptism was wonderful!  I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and the blessings of the priesthood. 

 After the baptism we had a birthday party for Tate. It was so fun to have some good friends here to celebrate with us...the Richins, the Stecks, the Herreras, and our wonderful parents, and also Tate's friend, William Fife. It really was a great day!

April

It seems to be my mantra lately...

Where did ____________ (fill in the month) go?????

April is no different.  I'm reeling at the speed at which this month has flown by, and yet it has seemed really long, too.  That probably doesn't make any sense to anyone but me.

I'm going to try my hardest to re-cap this month.  I did post on the 3rd about mom and dad coming down, so I'll start from there.

The easiest way to describe my month is this way...with a photo of my calendar.

Maybe it doesn't look too bad to you, but it was incredibly busy.  Baseball is in full swing and there were days that I had 4 games to go to.  It was incredibly difficult to choose between watching Tanner play, or watching Ty, since their games were scheduled on the same days at the same time.  They were both so understanding and seemed to be ok whether I was there or not.  I hate having to choose.  It makes me sad.  Especially since I hate to miss ANYTHING!! 

My dear friend, Stephanie, came to sunny AZ with her family and some friends for their spring break.  It was so wonderful to spend an afternoon shopping, lunching, and catching up!  She is an amazing woman, wife, and mother, and I love her dearly!  I sure miss you, Steph!

{blurry cell phone photo--at least it sorta hides my hideous sunburned nose and sudden and extreme case of adult acne!!!}

Treyson made it into the elementary school's annual high jump competition again.  I didn't get any photos of him jumping (too many kids and parents to get a good view), but I did get some of him waiting to jump. 
(Try to ignore the fact that the boy in front of Treyson is scratching his butt....uuuggg...)

 (...and I have no idea why this boy is wearing a white glove on his hand.  Maybe trying to channel his inner Michael Jackson?  Wow.)

Easter snuck up on me this year.  Needless to say, I was grossly unprepared.  I did manage, however, to get some eggs boiled for our annual coloring...

Sadly, that was the extent of our Easter celebration.

On the 10th, Becca and her family came down because Rob had meetings in Phoenix.  We had such a fun time hanging out with them!  They were incredibly good sports to support the boys by watching their many, many baseball games.  Of course, I didn't take any pictures.  I don't know why.  I can't explain it.  Dang!  We love you guys!!  Thanks for coming down to visit!

On April 12th and 13th, I got to tend my very favorite redhead in the whole world!  She is such a sweetheart!

On the 16th, Tanner was recognized at a school assembly as a Golden Scholar.  I was so proud!!

The 17th provided me with some much needed "girl time".  Leslie, Sara, and I lunched and talked the afternoon away at Liberty Market in Gilbert.  It was great!  Thanks, girls!

Bevan, Donna, and Anna Bean (as Treyson calls her) came down for their annual the-winter-is-over-the-ski-resort-is-closed- trip to visit!  We had fun catching up and loving on that sweet Anna!

Tanner's last Freshman baseball game was on the 24th.  I am not ashamed to say that after the game I sat in my car and shed a tear or two.  It has been such a fun team to watch.  Most of these boys have played together in 7th, 8th, and now 9th grade, and will probably not play together again for a while.  Next year, a few of these boys will move up to Varsity, while most of them will be playing J.V.  It will still be great, just never the same.

Top Row: Coach Gilbert, Adrian Montano, Justin Boubelik, Sonny Santibanez, Tyler Muzzy, Brendan Morris, Ryan Beaver, Tanner Lewis, Coach Peloquin
Bottom Row: Daylan Amey, Brandon Balli, Sam Eichinger, Max Cook, Jake Peloquin, Harrison Alteri, Evan Spitzer, Christopher (Boston) Rossini

This weekend is looking to be another busy one.  The baseball booster is having a huge garage sell to raise some needed funds for the team.  I also have a couple of baseball games and a bridal shower to attend.  However, next week holds a couple of very special events:
Kevin is graduating with his Masters Degree (wooooooo hoooooo!!!!!)
and
Tater Bug is getting baptized!!

Playing Catch (Up)

Wow!  I have no idea where February went!!!

I have so much catching up to do...where, oh where to start??

I guess I'll have to start where I left off...

Mom and dad were here until the 13th.  I love having them here, but I was so sick while they were here that I was not a very good host.  In fact, I was a horrible host!  Sorry, mom and dad!

On Valentine's day I finally decided to go to the doctor, after being sick for two and a half weeks.  It took me that long to decided that enough was enough.  The doc gave me a kenalog shot for my allergies, and a hefty load of antibiotics for my PNEUMONIA.  I layed in bed for the next two days just trying to feel better.  By the end of the 2nd day, and just one day short of 3 weeks, I was finally feeling better.  I wish I would have gone 2 weeks earlier!!

The 17th was our 17th wedding anniversary!  Seventeen years have flown by in the blink of an eye!  We didn't do anything fantastic...just went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse...but that's my kind of date!  It was a good time!  I sure love my guy!

I forgot to mention that Tanner made the Freshman baseball team!!  I am so proud of him and all of the hard work he has put in to constantly improve.  He will be a infield utility player, but will mostly play 3rd base...a compeltely new position for him.  I have no doubt that he will rock it! (How's that for a proud mom?)

Ty had baseball camp for a week at the Jr. High, followed by a week of try-outs.  He was told last Thursday that he made the 7th grade team.  Way to go Tyger!!!

Treyson and Tate both had their Little League evalutations a few weeks ago (I told you February was a blur!!!).  Treyson is on the Braves in the Minor division, coached by the one and only Kevin!!  Tate is on the IronPigs in the Rookie division, coached by Kimball Richins. 

Between high school games, junior high games, and little league games, I am on the move...and that is grossly under-exaggerated!!  I had a small melt down about a week ago, but it's out of my system now, and I think I can handle it from here on out.  The hardest thing about all of my boys participating in the same sport, during the same season is that I'm the kind of mom that doesn't want to miss ANYTHING my kiddos do.  Unfortunately, something's gonna have to give this season because unless cloning or time travel becomes readily available, I'm going to miss some stuff. 
That makes me sad.
Oh, and there were at least two East Valley Heat tournaments (Ty's club team) this month, but they're a blur, too. 

Kevin just finished his gigantic paper/project for school and that took a huge weight off of him.  One more class and he's FINITO, FINISHED, DONE!  WOOHOO!!  He's graduating on May 3rd and I can't wait!!

On the 25th we went to a surprise birthday party for our dear friend, Scott Harmon.  He wasn't feeling well at all, but he came anyway and it was fun to celebrate him!  He's such an amazing example of  having a positive attitude through health trials and being such a trooper through even the worst of days.  We just love him!

All in all it was just a crazy busy month.  March is gearing up to be worse.

I just keep taking deep breaths and reminding myself of how much I will miss this when my kids are grown.  Life is good!  I'm blessed!

It's The B.O.M!!

Tanner and Cam made a Book of Mormon cake for Logan on his 16th birthday.  They did the whole thing themselves--other than mix and color the frosting--and I think they did a fantastic job!

Love these boys!

Thanksgiving 2011

Today started off like most Thanksgivings around here...with a rousing game of two hand touch football.  I think the boys had a fantastic time!!  They even talked Kevin into playing this year!  That is a miracle in itself!!

 Cute friends: A.J., Treyson, Patrick, Ty, and Jeffrey

We had our traditional dinner (if two years in a row makes it a tradition)...

A seafood boil!!!  Yummy to my tummy!!

It was so great to spend the day together just hanging out, watching football, and relaxing. 

I feel so blessed in my life and am thankful, every single day, for the wonderful family I get to spend my time with!!

Swiss Days 2011

{My Girls}

The Best Yet

The Mark Of A True Friend...

You know you have a true friend when you have a text conversation that goes like this:

Me:  Are u ready for a super random question?  I can bet you've never been asked what I'm going to ask you before...lol!!!  Text me back if you think you can handle my W.T. lame-0 question.  And NO I'm not drinking or on drugs...at least not the illegal kind. LOL!!!

Her: Oh I know I can handle it

Me: I'm not sure...:)   I was actually wondering if Chad has ever made a medical diagnosis from a cell phone photo...??  I should also say that it's nothing sketchy.  I just have a painful rash under my arm pits and have zero time to go to the doctor.  I am wondering what it is and if I'm going to live.  :)   I told you I was W.T.!!!  I'm sssooooooo lame.  And I have no shame, obviously.

Her:  Chad is reading this with me.  Forgive us for laughing.  Send a pic

Me:  OK, but you have to swear it won't end up on FB!!

Her;  Oh my gosh I would NEVER do that to you!  I only do that to random people.

So, I sent the photo, and got a diagnosis. 

And I no longer have any sort of pride.

However, my arm pits, and my heart,  will be forever thankful to two TRUE friends! 

Chad and Melis...you're the best!!  {smooooooch}

I hijacked this photo from Melissa's FB page...I'm really pushing the friendship thing now!!!

Fever

I have it.

It's true.

After an afternoon with two of my favorite people, a dark movie theater, and some 3-D glasses I have caught the

BEIBER FEVER.

I resisted it. 

Honest, I did!

My boys can't stand JB. 

AT ALL!

But, there's no use denying the inevitable...

I'm a fan.
I guess I should know by now to

NEVER SAY NEVER!!

It's Already March???

I can't believe February is gone, and it's already March 1st.

A lot has happened over the past two weeks, and I have been slacking. 

Actually, I've been sick-ing.

Cough.

Sneeze.

Headache.

Scratchy throat.

Itchy nose.

Watery eyes.

Lots and lots of gross mucus.

You get the picture...it's not a pretty one, and for that I apologize.

On the 23rd, mom and dad flew down to watch the boys while Kevin and I took a quick weekend get-away to San Diego.  We left early on the 24th, joined by our besties, Brian and Sara.

We had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.

Well, I laughed a lot. 

As usual.

And talked WAY too much.

As usual.

Hopefully the Steck's won't divorce us as friends.

Sara's birthday was the 24th.  She chose the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. 

Kevin tried to be King. 

 I set him straight.

We introduced the Steck's to the Broken Yolk.

All I have to say is

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK.

and

YUM!!

 After we ate, we headed up the road to see the San Diego LDS temple, and to do some shopping at the Carlsbad Outlets.

nice face, hu?

 We ate at the Coyote Cafe in Old Town

 and we toured the U.S.S. Midway--AWESOME!!

 We also walked around Seaport Village

You gotta love this photo...ha ha ha!!! 

Try to swallow this one:  A long time ago, when I used to do pageants, I won the award for

Miss Photogenic.

I know, I was shocked, too.

Aaannnnnyway...

We came home on Sunday night.  Sad to be home, but very happy to be home, too...

What's next....well, I dive head-first into baseball season.

Wish me luck! 

Facebook Fairy

My friend, Juli, posted this message on Facebook this morning:

To which I responded:

When Tanner walked in the house from school, he says, "Mom, why is there a pack of Coke on the doorstep?"

"WHAT?", I responded. 

That's when I discovered this:

 To the Coke Fairy: I don't know who you are, but THANK YOU, from the bottom of my Coke filled glass!

Merry Christmas 2010 and Happy New Year 2011

Once again, Christmas has come and gone.  I don't know how it always seems to fly by, but it does.  And, once again, I'm completely disappointed in my photo taking.  The pictures I have are pathetic, and don't even begin to show the fun we had during Christmas break.  It's also pathetic that I spent a ton of time at my parent's house, but I don't have one photo of them.  I'm such a loser.  Mom and dad...thanks for letting us crash at your house, for keeping us warm, and for feeding my teenager (oh, and the rest of us, too!!).  You're the best!  x o x o x o o x x O X o X x.  (like Nacho...get it??)
I guess I'll start with the night before Christmas Eve.  We went to the Chinese Buffet.  I don't know for the life of me WHY my family loves this place, but they do.  And, if they're happy, I'm happy...even if the food is disgusting.   When we got home we watched a DVD Kevin had purchased called, "Another Testament: Reflections on Christ" by Mark Mabry.  He's a photographer, and basically depicted 3rd Nephi in photos.  It was incredible to watch how the photos came together.  I was fully engrossed in it.  When it was over I realized that Kevin, Ty, and myself, were the only ones still awake.  Apparently 9 p.m. is pushing it for the other three.

On Christmas Eve we ventured out to the Mesa Temple for the annual light display.  We were one of the few families there and were able to take our time and really take in the displays....you know, like 20 minutes-TOTAL.  My kids don't really care much about the lights, but they're great to humor me. 

 I apologize for the blurry pictures.  I can't figure out the settings on my camera.

When we got back from the temple lights, we made our favorite meal:  Pizza Pockets!!  They've become a Christmas Eve tradition.  Yum!  (sure wish I had a picture...)

After dinner was devoured and the mess cleaned up, we gathered in the front room for a story.  We read the book, "The Three Gifts".  It was wonderful.  It would have been even better if I hadn't been trying to keep my kids awake.  Man...most kids won't go to bed.  MINE won't stay awake past 9!!!  I'm not complaining, though.  Honest.

Kevin and I had planned to let the boys open their Nerf guns on Christmas eve so that we could have a war (very Christmas-like, I know).  We even purchased 500 bullets for quick re-loading, but everyone was dozing off, so we sent them to bed without opening a gift.  We didn't even read my dad's annual Christmas poem.  Pathetic.

At 4:50 the next morning I was awakened by the feeling that I was being watched.  When I opened my eyes, the beautiful eyes of my Tatey-Bug were about 3 inches from my face.  Treyson was right behind him, giggling with excitement.  I made them crawl in bed with us, since the rule is 7:00 a.m.  They were a tad bit early.  Kevin wasn't thrilled about them in our bed, especially since they are the two most wiggly kids on the planet.  At about 6:45, Tanner wandered in, followed by Ty a few minutes later.   Whenever there are 6 people on our bed, a wrestling match ensues.  We all piled on Kevin, and then on Tanner, and then Ty, and then, well...you get the picture.  After about 10 minutes of pile-ups we finally got off of the bed and headed down to see what Santa had left. 

Of course, we had to have a picture before the unwrapping began.  And we had to read Grandpa H's poem.  It did not disappoint...brilliant, as usual!

We opened the "family" gifts first, then each boy took turns opening their gifts.

 

 Treyson and Tate mostly asked for Legos...so, that's what they got...lots and lots of Legos!!  Tate was THRILLED.  Treyson, well...I'm not so sure.

 Does that smile look forced??

 Ty wanted a long board, and by golly, Santa came through!

 

 At first glance you might think that Tanner was saying, "YEEESSSSSS!", but don't be fooled.  This is the face of my teenager as he tells me that Santa bought a crappy air soft gun.  It's a good thing Santa has thick skin.  I'm not sure Tanner was happy with any of his gifts.

Oh, wait!  Santa DID come through!! He brought Tanner an amplifier for his guitar.  Whew!

We spent the rest of our day chillin'. 

Except for Tate. 

He worked on his Lego Rescue Ship

 all.

day.

 long.

He put on the last piece as the doorbell rang, announcing our dinner guests, and one of our favorite families in the whole world: The Stecks!

Thanks to Sara, we have a couple of pictures...

 We ate until we were sick. 

And then we ate some more.

Then, we sat on the puffy couch.

When the Stecks left, we packed our bags for Utah. 

Then we went to bed. 

I don't think my bed has ever felt sooooo good!!

The next morning, at 5 a.m., we headed for Utah!  I think I slept the entire 9 1/2 hours it took us to get there.  I was tired!! 

We went to my mom's, unpacked the car, changed our clothes, and hurried out the door to the annual Young Family Christmas Party.  It was great to see all of Kevin's extended family and be able to catch up.  We also got to meet our new nephew/cousin Chase (a.k.a. "Bubba") for the first time.  I'll be darned if he isn't just a hunk-a-hunk-a-burnin'-love!!  We instantly fell in love with him.  Sure wish I had a picture...

The 28th was the Lewis Family Christmas party.  We started the party with family pictures.  That was fun.  (hee hee hee)  Actually, it wasn't bad at all, and I'm excited to see how they turned out!  Here are a few that I snapped with my own camera:

 My nephew, Slater, wasn't happy at all about pictures. 

After pictures we went to Becca and Rob's house for dinner, games, and of course, the reenactment of the Nativity.

On the 30th...my birthday...my mom and I went to lunch and to do a little shopping.  We had big plans to go to Orem for dinner that night, but the weather had another idea.  A snowstorm blew in around 4 p.m., so we went to JCW's (a local burger place) for dinner.  It was actually really good.  I didn't feel slighted at all...especially since I remembered that I wouldn't have to re-live what happened the night before. We went to Los Hermanos with the Lewis side for dinner, and I had to stand on a chair while they sang Happy Birthday so I could have my free fried ice cream.  It wasn't worth it...or was it?  I am told that there are some camera phone photos/videos of the event taken by my in law's.  They better not end up on YouTube...you hearin' me??

New Year's Eve was a blast!  We went to Todd and Michelle's church and played dodge ball for, like, 3 hours!  Then we played wiffle ball.  Fun, fun, fun!!

I was feeling pretty good...Agile and strong.  I was hurling that ball like I used to in high school.

 Well, that is, until the next day.

It was then that I remembered that I turned 38 the day before, and that I hadn't worked out in over 9 months.

I couldn't hardly move.  It hurt to walk up the stairs.  I hurt in places that I didn't even know there was muscles. 

It's nearly a week later and my right knee and elbow still aren't working right.  Now THAT'S pathetic!

Anyway, when we finished at the church, everyone grabbed their own dinner and then we went to Becca and Rob's for games and appetizers.  I was ready for bed at 10:30...(that must be where my kids get it!!!) but we made it to ring in the new year. 

On New Year's Day I FINALLY got to meet my sweet, and beautiful, 5 week old niece, Anna.  I held her almost all day.  In fact, I didn't want to give her back to her momma.  She's a little doll and I'm so glad I got to spend some time holding her!!  And, again, I sure wish I had a picture.

Mom and dad hosted a delicious dinner that night, and then we went over to say our good-bye's to G & G Lewis.  It was wonderful to be able to see my brother, Bryan, and his wife, Rebecca, as well as my brother, Bevan, and his wife, Donna.  I have to admit, though, that it didn't feel quite right without Trisha, Jake, and girls.  I missed having them here this year!

All-in-all it was a wonderful holiday.  I can't think of anything better than quality time with the family we love.  Thank you, all, for your love and concern for us!  We are very, very blessed!