112

It's starting to heat up here. It's been around 112 for the past few days. When it's this hot, there's nothing better than a swim. I took these pictures the other night when the sun was setting. They are a little dark...I'm eagerly waiting until my birthday to get Photoshop!

The kids and I are leaving for Utah on Wednesday. We are so excited to see our family and friends!

thursday

Alanis Morissette

Alanis is one of my all-time favorites. Her new CD came out today and I love it! Give it a listen...I think you'll enjoy it.

I really like this artwork on the cover

some scrapbook pages

These are a few of the pages I've been working on for the past little while. Sometimes I forget how much I love this little hobby. Taking pictures, recording stories of our lives and the fun, creative process. I just love it. Have I ever mentioned how much I love ribbon? Well I love ribbon, especially polka dot ribbon. I used some of my favorites and covered this piece of chipboard that I cut. I used some pop dots to give it dimension but you can't really tell because I was too lazy to take it out of the frame.

Last night, my cousin Jessica and her husband Von came by for dinner and a visit. They were in AZ for a baby blessing and they dropped by on their way home to Vegas. They are going to have their first baby in November.

Thanks Von and Jess for stopping by! We'll see you in Vernal in a couple of weeks! Don't forget to bring your bowling shoes :)

So you think you can Dance!!!!

Who doesn't love a good dance show? I love Dancing with the stars but this show is THE best dance show out there, IMO. Every year I'm blown away by these talented dancers. Last night, the show traveled to Salt Lake. I kept saying to myself, "It's about time!" There are so many great dancers in Utah. There was one girl that I really enjoyed watching and I hope she goes far in the competition. Her name is Kelli Baker. I can't believe how much control she has. Watch the girl point her toes...crazy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bugYUwzfNLM

The kids have been out of school for a week. The weather here has been so nice! It's going to get hot soon but we've enjoyed having a couple more weeks of nice weather. It's a full time job trying to keep the kids entertained. It won't be long until our trip to Utah, we're excited!

Project Compassion

I came across this story on CNN.com today and it really touched me. The founding artist Kaziah Hancock said she decided to create these portraits as a gift "from one American to another." Just wanted to share this story with you.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/05/23/project.compassion/index.html

Tuesday

Paige has had a fun week so far. The class celebrated her birthday yesterday (she has a July birthday) and she was chosen as Student of the Month.

She came home yesterday wearing this hat and it made my week! I was taking her picture and then she started making these faces saying she had to go pee...I almost peed my pants laughing with her.

Braden finished his basketball season on Saturday. He really enjoyed basketball this year. He loves Legos and this creation is his pride and joy. He wants to be a Lego builder and live in New York City. He told me a while ago, "Don't worry Mom. I'll send you a postcard from New York."

I've been scrapbooking again in the past week. I took a break and was sewing for a while. I like to go back and forth so I don't get burned out. I finished this page last night, my little girl is growing up...

Last night was the finals of Dancing with the Stars. I haven't talked about it here for a while but I'm still watching. They all did a great job. Kristi and Jason did awesome! Every year the dances get more and more complicated and competitive. They're both great, it's a toss up. I feel the same way about American Idol. Both Davids are great.

Have a great Tuesday!

Wednesday stuff

Happy Wednesday. I really need to be doing laundry but I'm not. I'll blog for a minute and then see how I feel.
Our sister-in-law Alisha took some pictures for us when she was down here in April. She did a great job and I appreciate her doing that for us. Thanks so much Alisha! It's hard to get Aaron to agree to a family picture (goes back to issues as a kid) so I'm happy he gave in.

6 more days of school...no more making 6 trips to the school in a day, hooray! It's time for yearbooks and class parties and no more tests for a while. I don't know who's more excited, me or the kids. (Give me until after Memorial Day and I'm sure I'll be ready to send them back)

It reminds me of being a kid and how exciting that last day of school was. Cleaning out your desk, signing yearbooks ('Stay cool this summer' or 'Have a rad summer') and then going outside on the playground to watch the boys breakdance...good times...

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

This is such a great holiday, to give us a chance to thank our Moms for all they do. I just wanted to wish my Mom a Happy Mother's Day. I love you and I'm so thankful for you!

Birthday wishes for Lexie and T-shirts by Martha

My niece Lexie is turning 10 today. Just wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday. These pictures were taken at our Hammond family reunion in 2005. This is Mike and Martha with all the Hammond grandkids. Heston and Aubree have been born since this picture so there are 18 grandkids now. Grandma enjoys the traditional grandkid picture with the matching t-shirts. It makes her so happy and it's one of those Hammond traditions.

The kids only have 12 days of school left, it's hard to believe the school year is almost over. I'm looking forward to the break of no homework and book reports (keeping school stuff organized and keeping the kids motivated can be challenging at times) but on the other hand, I have the task of keeping them entertained and busy during the summer in 105+ degree heat. On a positive note, there's always swimming...

Sunday

It's been a while since I've blogged...not that it's anything exciting but now that I've been doing it a while I feel like I need to keep it updated.

My sis-in-law Alisha was here last weekend for a photography workshop. It was fun to have her stay and get to visit. She took some much needed family pictures for us, she did such a great job. I'll post some when I get them back. Thanks again Alisha for doing that for us! :)

My parents got here Wednesday night and stayed a few days. They were enjoying the nice weather and the kids. In Vernal, there's not a lot of shopping or restaurants and so when they come here, there's so much to choose from.

We had fun and I ate way too much...

Monday

We had a nice 3 day weekend. The kids had no school Friday and Aaron took the day off. It was cloudy on Saturday, perfect weather to take some pictures outside. The kids and I headed to Freestone Park in Gilbert. We made a deal that if they let me take some pictures, I would let them play at the park and take them to Sonic for a drink afterwards. They were patient with me:)

Braden made his 1st shot of the season at his basketball game on Saturday. He got the rebound, dribbled down and made a jump shot from the corner. A kid stole the ball from him early in the game so that fired him up.

We had 4 kids move from our ward this week. We have a fairly small ward (25 or so) so when we lose people, it's always hard. 2 of Paige's girl friends moved and now she's the only one in her Primary class. Speaking of Primary, I held a Primary Board meeting at my house last night. I prepared a teaching workshop and the only people that showed up were my counselors :( It's discouraging at times...

Anyway, enjoy some pictures and have a good Monday

weekend

These pictures sum up our weekend...Braden's basketball game, enjoying each other and the awesome weather before the heat sets in.

Wednesday

This is what Paige said last night as we were watching DWTS, "Mom, we need to get matching t-shirts that have Luke Skywalker and Cheryl on them and they say 'We love dancing with the stars and these are our favorite dancers." Cheryl Burke is her favorite girl dancer and as I mentioned before, she thinks Derek Hough looks like Luke Skywalker. She's funny, our little Paigey...
Here's a few pictures from Braden's 1st Pinewood Derby. His car won the ribbon for the most colorful and I would have to agree with that. He's enjoying Scouts and playing Basketball this spring. The pictures I took of his game on Sat. didn't turn out :( so I'll try again this week.Between ear infections, colds and teething, Heston has had a hard time the last couple of months. He was only saying a few words, very needy and unhappy. He's finally healthy and a much happier kid. He's talking more and his attention span has improved. He loves his cars and trucks...nothing makes me happier than stepping on a Matchbox car in my barefeet :) He hops in his wagon and Paige will pull him around, he's spoiled I tell ya.

Enjoy your day!

soap box Friday

Dancing with the Stars this week...what did you think? Steve Gutenberg was eliminated this week. I was cracking up watching his partner Anna. Was it just me or did she look like she was being tortured every time he opened his mouth? Speaking of opening their mouths, this is really starting to get on my nerves. Between DWTS and American Idol, I really wish these people would take the constructive criticism and walk off the stage. I catch myself shouting at the TV while I'm watching, "The judges aren't voting for you, the public is. We vote for your singing (or dancing), not how well you argue with the judges." Between holding up their fingers with numbers (yes we know which number to call, it's right underneath you) and talking far too much...it drives me crazy. I'll step off my soapbox and keep watching :)

Kristy Yamaguchi and Mark are so dang good, no one can touch them. It's almost boring because they are that good. I've said it before but I have to say it again, Julianne and Derek are the best choreographers on that show, hands down. Being a great dancer is one thing but being a good choreographer is another. They work with their partners strengths and are always creative.

We are staying busy with spring activities, school stuff and enjoying this nice spring weather before the heat sets in. 'The calm before the storm' I always say...

Conference activity

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1920&Itemid=405

Just wanted to share a cute little General Conference activity packet that you can put together for your kids and they can complete while watching Conference. This website, Sugardoodle. net, has been a lifesaver to me in my calling and for FHE.

Enjoy!

our weekend

We had a fun Easter weekend. Aaron hasn't had to travel in a month, it has been so nice to have him home!

Our neighbors Martel and Ardie Adams put on a neighborhood BBQ and Rodeo every year at their house. They have a corral and a huge backyard right in the middle of Chandler, it's really cool. The kids look forward to it every year.

Paige wore her favorite purple horse shirt and her new hat. I swear she would wear that shirt everyday if I let her...

Last night

Last night, the girls performed on DWTS. All I can say is that I really want a girl to win this year. They did really well last night. Here's my 2 cents:

Pricilla Presley- I was not expecting too much from her but she was elegant and did a great job.
Marlee- she was so inspirational...great job!
Shannon- She's good. Lucky for her, she has Derek for a partner. I'm telling you...he and Julianne can choreograph like no one else on that show.
Marissa- The Broadway Hairspray girl- she was happy and having so much fun.
Monica- Poor Monica. That girl can play some serious tennis but bless her heart, she can't dance. I feel bad, maybe she can get better...

My pick for this year is...

Kristy Yamguchi. And since Sabrina and Mark got shafted last year, I would like to see him win, too.That's all for now!

Paige has a crush on Derek Hough. She says he looks like Luke Skywalker...I always had a thing for Han Solo but that's just me :)