And now for a shamless plug..

A few months ago I was wondering "what will I ever do to fill my time now that my kids are in school?" Well, it didn't take me long to fill my days.

A few things..

I started selling these adorable aprons.. mom and child aprons, matching pot holds and towels available too! These are only a few of the selection. To see the complete selection visit here. It's been a fun business venture that I get to do with my great friend.

(if you see one you that must have I'd be happy to help you)

And my main job, my kinda hush hush secret job that I thing everyone found out about... Cupcakes! I bake and decorate for a little store called Poppy's. I've been at this one for quite sometime but thought I'd add a little plug in for them as well!


But that's not all...

I'm also helping out with this great new art gallery owned by our great friends.

Trotter Gallery

For all you locals, the gallery is formally known as Decor Unique. I've become their computer nerd which is kinda funny considering my computer background. (or lack of)

Everyone always told me that my days would fill fast and they weren't kidding! Its great to be busy and using my brain in a whole different way! So bottom line... I found plenty to do fill my days and sometimes nights!

BYU choked..

but their fans were sure cute!

Megan, Ashley, Emily and cousin Halle

and just think.. we spent all morning making these shirts and the Cougs didn't show up to play!
At least we got the cute shirts!

Autumn

autumn: n- the season between summer and winter; fall

In Arizona autumn is defined by a few things; more than 3 days under 100*, a "cool" scent in the air in the mornings, the smell of cows drifting in the air and... football!

Yesterday was Shayne's first game of the official season. He's playing 1st string QB. He loves football. He eats up everything and anything football.

This is the first time that Shayne has had to play against his friends. He's been on the same team with all the same guys for years. Now they are against each other. Todd didn't quite know what to do with himself not being the coach. He paced up and down that field the whole game! Ok, lets be honest, he was still coaching from the sideline and Shayne's coach and Todd are now on first name basis...already, but in a good way!
This time his team came ahead on top. 21-13 final

and no game would be complete without Shayne's official cheering section

hot and sweaty..

and a little grumpy..

but lovin every minute of it..

Ask and ye shall recieve

Mr Monsoon,

Thank you! You sure made our family night an exciting night! We loved the light show and really enjoyed the rain. I'm sorry if I was a little pushy the other day trying to get you to come and all, but you didn't need to send a micro-burst to knock down our little tree!

Nevertheless, we still enjoyed your presence. Please come back often, but leave my other trees alone!

Dear Monsoon,

Why, why, why have you avoided us this year? Why have you not come to give us the excitement that we enjoy every summer? I am SO tired of all this freakin HEAT! I need some rain! I even have a small confession to make.. I am living in my swimsuit so much that I have worn holes in the rear end of every suit I own! My laundry has even quadrupled because of multiply showers each day and if I have to do another load of pool towels I'm going to scream! I need some excitement in my life that only you can provide. The only thing that makes living in the heat hole worth it is the awesome light show that you provide!

So please, please, please come to visit soon. I miss you dearly.

Love,

Mendy

Relief Society Therapy

I recently was released from young women's after serving for 2 1/2 years with great friends and fabulous young women. Before then, I was in primary for a few years. I haven't been to RS for probably 5 years or more. Sunday toward the end of sunday school my felt my palms going a bit sweaty. As I made my way down the hall I could feel all the pressure building. I was feeling like an outsider. Was I going to be required to use a blanket in order to fit in? I didn't want a blanket! Women tend to sit in the same place by the same women. Would I be cramping someones style by taking their chair? I made eye contact with a neighbor and off I went to the chair. Thankfully they let me sit by them! Thanks ladies! One of my greatest friends was teaching the lesson that day so I was so excited to hear her teach. We had chatted about the topic and I had even read the talk she was teaching from. Then boom... pressure again. Do I comment on the lesson? and if I do, I'd better think though my comment really well because there are some stellar women in there that really know their stuff! I couldn't do it. Since when do I have trouble speaking? I'm usually the one that has something to say about everything! I really wanted to come through for my friend, she kept looking at me, but I had nothin! She did awesome even if I didn't come through for her! Why did I over think going to RS? It really wasn't that big of a deal! I saw plenty of smiling faces and got to chat with old friends. I didn't even have to use a blanket! So.. with one Sunday under my belt I'm thinking that next Sunday I won't feel so much like a sore thumb. I'll probably sit on the same side, in the same chair, next to the same friend... without the blanket!

Chapter 3

Today we began a new chapter in our lives.

The home alone chapter.. the all the kids in school chapter.

This morning I sent Shayne off to be fed to the wolves of Jr High.

Most of last night I layed awake raking my brain asking have we taught him enough? Have we gave him the confidence to make the right choices and to resist the temptation that will surround him? I think we have. He's a pretty easy going kid that tends to make good choices but I found myself second guessing myself. This morning I walked him to the corner where he continued on to the bus stop the next block up. He said "see ya mom love you" I stood in shock walking him walk away. Then the tears started to flow. Where did all those years go? He walked away from me to be greeted by many friends where they stood and waited. I couldn't make myself walk away until he was loaded onto the bus. Off on his next adventure in life... Jr High.

Megan was all smiles with a little bit of fear this morning as we walked to the 5th grade line.

She was welcomed by a friend and all her fear melted away.

She was ready. My beautiful 5th grade little girl!

Ashley was the first one up this morning with a big grin on her face!
3rd grade was going to be no big deal for her!

She was so excited to get going. I hope that lasts all year but I'm not going to hold my breath!

She left full of confidence ready to conquer the grade!

Emily was so excited she didn't fall asleep until almost midnight!

She was up ready to go a 6 am with a big smile on her face.

I on the other hand, was struck with the realization that my baby.. is no longer a baby!

She got to her line having a bit of nervous energy. She walked away with a huge smile and a wave. Why'd she have to go get all grown up on me?

So alone I am.

Time to figure out what I'm going to do with myself!

For the last 12 years I've done pretty much nothing but kids.. now....

So today I guess this is the first day of the new chapter in my life.

The ME chapter.

(now if I only knew what to write in this chapter!)