They are Coming! They are Coming!

After several years of ups and downs, and my brother in law, Brett, being out of work for months, my sister, Lisa and her family are moving HERE, to Phoenix... THIS WEEKEND!

They have been trying to find a place to move, and were looking at St. George, Utah for awhile, but nothing panned out.  Housing was one scam after another (the FBI is investigating!) jobs were no where to be found.  Nothing was working out. So, they decided to look here.

They decided to look here, LAST weekend.  Yes,  A week ago. Everything is falling into place. So in the past week, Deb and I have been on a rampage of errands and phone calls.  We were able to find them a cute condo to move into, that they were approved for, in the same area for Keera to go to the same high school as Cody - So Keera wont be as intimidated going from a small Idaho high school to a huge Mesa High School.  Someone dropped out of Dobson Academy in 5th grade to change schools, so that left a place for Jace at the same school as my kids.  We had to get a special exception for Ali to get in there too, but that turned out to be no problem either (Dobson Academy likes to keep siblings together.) So all the kids have friendly faces at school!

Brett and Jace got into town last night with the truck full of their stuff.  Lisa and the girls will get in, today! I can't even begin to tell you how excited we all are!  Lisa, and Jordan will be here for a week and head back to Idaho.  Lisa has a job, and will continue to work until Brett finds one here.  Jordan will stay and finish her Senior year in Idaho.  That was, of course, a tough decision.  But, she is a good kid, can stay with family there, and bc she will be 18 in November, is editor if the yearbook (something she has worked hard for). They are allowing her to stay. Besides, it much easier to do that than, say, have her be an exchange student around the world.  (tee hee)

So this week will be very crazy... regular Widdison craziness, but helping them out too. But I LOVE IT!

Apollo

Introducing, Apollo. He is our newest addition to our animal kingdom. Not really planned. Sort of felt like we needed to do something... let me explain.

 

Some of the neighborhood kids have been running around with little kittens - adorable, cute kittens. Amazingly, I wasn't that sappy about it.  They said they were for sale for $1, so I started wondering if they were selling strays or something.  Then one night, at midnight, I could hear the teeniest meowing outside - that made me worried. (we have TONS of black widows out right now). So even with my paranoia of scorpions, I went out searching for the scared little kitty.  I couldn't find it after searching for about an hour. (I was very brave - really!)

So, the next day, when the neighborhood kids came around with the kittens again I asked more questions and they took me to the owner. Their cat had given birth to several kittens. They refuse to spay her, so she is constantly pregnant.  (the momma cat is Siamese - I love genetics bc obviously Apollo takes after his daddy).  She just sells them (keeps the owner is"business") and the conditions were really bad. I was really upset, but not sure how to handle it. If she doesn't sell them, I think she just lets them wander off and contribute to the stray population in the area. She was really callus.

We went home, furious actually.  We debated different options and decided that we had to try to save at least one.  I put a call out on facebook to see if anyone was interested in a cat.  No luck.  We decided to barter with her and offered her less than she was asking for our cat.  She took it, but insisted that if I tell others to tell them about the original asking price.  

Apollo, our white little cat, wasn't very white, so I gave him a bath, got pretty clawed in the process, but he smells better and looks better.  He is around 8 weeks old and has different colored eyes, one green, one blue. He is very cuddly, and very playful.  

As for his name... There are many reasons we chose Apollo.  We have dog with a Greek god name - so why not a cat.  Zach is very into Mythology, thanks to school and the Percy Jackson series.  After doing some research, I found out that among other things, Apollo was the god of Animal Welfare! - I figured it was pretty fitting!!

Poseidon, is super excited about this new little cat.  Nox, our other cat... does not share the same sentiment.  

The boys are very excited. They don't like his sharp claws. So we clipped his claws.  Should have done that before I dowsed him with water and Dawn soap! LOL

Welcome Apollo!!

First Day of School

The First Day of School was Wednesday, August 4!  Wahoo!  The kids met their teachers 

Monday night before, filled out some forms, found their desks and who was in their classes.  

 

Zach is in 4th grade now. His teacher is Ms. Newburgh. She is probably in her mid 30's, has 3 kids and really fun.  We are really liking her a lot! She is fun, but strict.  Zach was sad that his best friend, James, was not in his class, but his other really good friend, Zachary, was. Turns out... their are a total of  3 Zach's in his class this year!! That will make things interesting for sure.  He has some big projects during the year, including his first Science Fair project, which he is SO excited about.  And at the end of the year, the 4th grade goes on a SLEEPOVER field trip to the Phoenix Zoo! David and I are "discussing" which one of us will go with him.  Such a fun experience.

Cannon, is in 1st grade and has Mrs. Walker - Zach had her for 1st grade also.  We couldn't be happier. She is the funnest teacher.  She is a bit older, ALWAYS happy, and always dancing around to music in her head.  You can't help but be happy around her! I have signed up to be the PTO liason for their class too.  His best friend, Daniel isn't in his class this year either, but one of his other good friends is. There is only 1 Cannon in his class this year!

Elliot is NOT liking that his brothers are in school with out him.  He keeps telling me that HE is going to school and I am staying home.  Its so hard being 3.

David's birthday

I'm so behind on my blogging again. Ahg! I last left off At Elliot's birthday... Which brings me to David's Birthday... The big 33 at the end of July.  The kids had fun watching him open his cards and presents.  My friend Chrystina had recently gone to Cancun, and I had her buy a new bracelet that he wanted.  I had given him one a LONG time ago, but it wasn't good quality, and changed funky colors.  So he got a silver one from Mexico this year.  He really likes it... (sorry no close up pics tho...)

(David had fun putting on his bracelet for the first time)

Happy Birthday David! We love you!

Paying a Debt

So now - 2 of my kids have their own pillow pets.  Zach had expressed concern that, although he wanted one, he didn't want for his birthday (because he didn't want to be embarrassed in front of his friends) So, he decided that he would work for it instead. (it wouldn't really be fair for him to get one just because, when the others had to wait for their birthday's)

So we set up a plan for him to be able to work and earn some money - and to be fair - Cannon could do the same thing. (its been going on for a few weeks) Its been working out pretty good actually.  Zach decided he wanted to save up all the money and then pay us back at once, plus save up more money for other fun things. 

So after Elliot opened his Pillow Pet, Cannon noticed that Zach didn't have one.  I told Cannon that Zach wanted to buy one him self and not get one for his birthday.  So Cannon said that he wanted to buy it for him - because Cannon had some money from his own birthday and work.

David and I were shocked!  We questioned Cannon to make sure that is how he wanted to spend his money and explained that I had Zach's pillow pet upstairs.  (Zach didn't know anything about this, mind you)

Cannon was positive that he wanted Zach to have his Polar Bear Pillow Pet right away and he wanted to buy it for him for a present.  How could I resist?  Really?  It was so selfless. He didn't think at all about himself - only about the happiness of his big brother. So we agreed.

Cannon and I went upstairs and got the Polar Bear, and he handed it to Zach - who was confused and shocked. Cannon practically jumped on Zach to hug him, he was so happy to do this for him. He told Zach that he is his "bestest big brother". He didn't understand at first that his debt had been paid by his little brother.

I love my kids. Such good boys!  Here is a picture of Cannon and Zach with the Polar Bear. Can you see how happy Cannon is in this picture?  It feels so good to help someone else!

Elliot Turns 3

So Friday, July 16, my "baby" turned 3.  I know, he's not really a baby anymore, but since he's my youngest, and last... well, you know... he's my baby.  (they are all my "babies" actually)

He was so cute in the morning.  At some point in the the night, he had crawled in bed with David and I.  So when I woke up and saw his cute little sleeping face, I was happy to kiss him awake and whisper "Happy Birthday, Elliot".  His sleepy little eyes opened and he smiled and  he asked, "Its my birthday!! I get presents?"  

So we went downstairs, gathered his brothers, camera and presents!  He had big eyes, a bigger smile and loved opening up the cards, seeing the pictures on the cards and surprises inside.  David read the cards to him.  Elliot giggled and squealed.  Birthdays with little kids are so fun.

We got him a pillow pet - a penguin because he LOVES a show called "3-2-1 Penguins" especially a character named "Kevin" (He says "Kebin"). He and David sing the theme song together and giggle. He was so excited.  The box, as you will see, is in a Stampin' Up! box - which he automatically said as he unwrapped it, "Mommy's work!" it was cute.

He didn't want a birthday cake - he wanted birthday ice cream.  So that is what he got. (which personally - was kinda nice since we had cake a week ago!! tee hee)

Good-bye Speed Cameras

Recently, (July 15, I think) many of Arizona's speed camera's that dotted the metro's freeways came down. Yes, I know - many Arizonans, and tourists are celebrating - including me. The contract between the state and the company that ran the camera's ended and would not be renewed.  They were very controversial, from whether or not they were effective, whether not not they were bringing in any revenue, to how the tickets were being served.  Driving down the road, there would be a sign 300 feet before the camera warning you of it's activity.  People would slow down to BELOW the speed limit for fear of getting a ticket.  Ugh!  While on the news, - weekly, you'd hear that the radar would not trigger it to snap your picture and issue a ticket unless you are going 11 miles per hour OVER the speed limit (so 76 in a 65 mph zone). Driving at night, if the camera went off -  - making anyone nearby blindly driving down the freeway... not the greatest idea ever.  I always wondered if there was an accident because of the flash, whose fault would it have been... the original speeder, the camera, or the person who crashed because they were blinded because of the speeder who triggered the flash, or the city for installing  the camera??  Could be an interesting case, yes?

But that is not exactly what I'm posting about. 

Since the cameras have come down, unfortunately... I've seen increased speeding on the roads. I was hoping that would not be the case.  Most speed limits on the freeways I drive on the most are 65 mph.  I usually find I am driving at about 70 - even with the cameras up... My habits haven't changed.  Since the cameras have come down, I have had to move to the far right hand slow lane (unusual) so that people can zoom past me, easily going 80+ on the freeway.  Kinda scary.  I'm used to being a in a bigger vehicle, but since we are in a small Neon, I kinda feel like I'm no match for these bigger SUV's that are plowing down the road.

I love (please sense the sarcasm) that when the announcement was made that the cameras would come down, it was also announced the police would be paroling more... I remember laughing at that statement. "HOW - with all the cutbacks in the police force?"  I think it will just happen during the "rush" holiday seasons as usual. 

I would LOVE to see more officers on the road, patrolling, catching the things that happen that the cameras didn't, the road rage, incidents, tailgating, drunk driving, OH and the speeding, the crazy motorcyclist popping wheelies down the freeway...  

So goodbye speed cameras! Good riddance!

(PS-Red light camera's are still around)
  

Birthday Boy

Today, Cannon turns 6.  Hard to believe - but true.  Looking at him, watching him, listening to him, its obvious. But, its kinda hard to imagine in some ways.  Its just gone by pretty fast.

His best friend Daniel came over last night to spend the night! Phew - glad that's over. Don't get me wrong - Daniel is a great kid.  But - I just solidifies that I only have patience for my 3 kids (and not always then!) It was a night full of pizza, video games, running, screaming, laughter, jumping off the top bunk (grrr - I didn't like that new trick), some arguing, feelings getting hurt (boys bring their own drama too).  I sent the kids to bed around 10:30- and still heard Daniel and Cannon in their room talking quietly until about 11:30.  I figured as long as they we letting everyone else sleep - it would be ok.  They did well. - They just might need naps today - which might be fine with me! Tee hee!

So today, was a bit more chaotic... we turned on the sprinklers, filled the kiddie pool - that kept them happy, and wore off some hyper boy energy for a while.  They tried playing on the Wii - that just brought on fighting.  

So around 2 - some more friends come over.  Deb (no boys - they were at their dad's) our friend Bonnie, and my friend, Chrystina, and her 4 kids, Sabina, age 8, Trevor, 5 and Gabby and Penner - 2 year old twins. (our kids play really well together)  We had cake and ice cream and opened presents.  Nothing major.  The kids were all off playing and the grown ups visited for a bit.  Cannon said he had a blast.  He told me today he can't wait until he is 7 for his next birthday because today was so fun!

Here are some fun photos of him opening presents...

(He got a Hot Wheels track and cars, Star Wars Wii game, Money from Mema and Papa, and Oma and Opa, Lego Toy Story 3 Set.)

In the Last photo, is Cannon with his long awaited Pillow Pet.  Its a stuffed animal, but it flattens out as a pillow.  It is soft and snugly too.  You may have seen these on TV or heard their obnoxious ad. Cannon - my sweet, cuddly, Cannon, was hooked and has been begging.  I had NO plans on buying him one, until I asked him what he wanted for his birthday and a pillow pet was his answer.  When I asked if he didn't get that, what else did he want... He said, "he'd wait for Christmas or Easter" UGH!  It wasn't going to go away.  Plus, there was a killer whale - and he is a sucker for a killer whale.  So, we ordered them (we ordered ones for Zach and Cannon too - because they all want them)  I had him convinced he wasn't getting one because it "wouldn't get here in time for his birthday', or "we didn't have the money", or, ""he already has a pillow, and ENOUGH killer whales!"

So the joy on his face when he opened the box was awesome. I wish I had gotten his expression on camera.  It was great.  He has been carrying it around with him ever since.  

So, he has had a busy, and fun Birthday!  Thanks for all the love and birthday wishes!

To Infinity and Beyond

All of my boys (ok, I admit and me and David too) have been big Toy Story Fans.  How can you not be? Fun characters, great story line, exciting plot, funny "one liners" great moral.  So for the end of the story to come out... is bittersweet for me. Toy Story 3 came out on my birthday this year.  I really wanted to see it on my birthday - but not really into fighting the crowds.  So we waited a couple weeks. 

We went with Deb, Cody and Bryce. They are big fans too.  Deb had bought a Buzz Lightyear costume - after the first movie came out.  Cody was Buzz for Halloween as a toddler.  Bryce was too.  My other nephew Jace wore the costume for Halloween later.  So did Zach and Cannon.  For some weird reason - Elliot freaked out last year and wouldn't wear it.  (he went as an ornery 2 year old instead)  He is too big for it now. But he looks at it in my closet all the time and gets excited! (silly kid)  

We have several Buzz and Woody toys... even a Weezy too.  We watch the movies on a regular basis.  So, yes, Toy Story 3 was like saying goodbye to beloved characters that have been part of our family.  SO YES, I cried.

Luckily, with modern technology, and great marketing we don't really have to say goodbye.

Since my dear husband works at Wal-Mart and came home with one of the Display Signs - which is now housed in Elliot's room above his window.  David hung it up without Elliot  knowing  We made him close his eyes as he came into his room (it was actually clean that day) and when he saw it for the first time, his face lit up, and he SQUEALED! It was so cute.  He gave me and David and huge hug and said we "do good work".  Its actually quite big.  Its probably 5 feet long.  It makes Buzz, Woody and Jessy seem Life size.  Elliot has been asking me off and on for months, "Mom, I go DisneyLand, meet Buzz and Mickey?"  

 

Someday, little man, Someday!!

And It's Outta Here!!

We sold our van today.  David posted it on Craiglist last night... which was kinda news to me this morning.  The van wasn't really cleaned out and ready to go yet. (Iwould have worded it differently, and had the car ready to sell, but - oh well)  But, we weren't really ready for a lot of people to jump on our post on Craigslist either.  He posted it, of course, higher than we thought we'd get for it (about twice as much as we thought we'd sell if for - negotiating room, you see.) We  figured we'd sell it to the first person who gave us a decent offer.  We just wanted to be done with the blasted thing.  By morning, we had 6 people wanting more info.  David called the first person on the list - a family from Phoenix, who, then jumped in their car and came right over. (we of course scrambled to clean out the car (some crumbs and toys from the kiddos).  We went through our LONG list of everything we have fixed in it, he looked under the hood, was willing to take it.  He gave us more than we thought we'd have to settle for!! He paid for it and THEN drove it around the corner to put some gas in it - seeing it had some issues -  and still wanted it.  YAY!  So we are done with it.  They are a pretty cool family.  I hope they are able to figure it out.  With our luck - it will be some $2 fix because we took care of all the expensive junk!  Aye! Aye Aye!  It's ok!  We are done with the thorn in our side. 

 

We've been driving a '95 Plymouth Neon that our friends Jessica and Trevor gave us for several weeks now. Its small, but it seats 5, so it works for us. It was a rough start at first, but still ran 100 times better than our van. The AC was hot (we recharged it - now it even freezes David!) and it was slow to start up - but it started and ran.  We have since changed out the spark plugs (only 1 was firing) and we've changed out the fuel pump and fuel filter.  It runs great now! Luckily, all this stuff, David can do.  (too bad its 110 degrees outside) Its been pretty cool to see what "little" things do to improve the performance of this car. There are a few more things to do on it  (timing belt, possibly the water pump at the same time at the timing belt, new tires, 1 motor mount, replace the seals on the spark plugs, to name a few) but its' all stuff David can do a little at a time and they are are all regular basic maintenance things - not whole system failures like in the van.  The timing belt is next on the list.