Mayberry's

Skinny Chad ....

2011-08-01T13:49:00.001-07:00

Chad is doing well in Mexico. He has lost about 60 lbs. WOW!! He is working very very hard, and loving the people.

CARLSBAD

2011-08-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

(July 16th-23rd)

This year Ken's neice Kandus was getting married in San Diego during our week vacation. Convenient !!! So - even though Kenna wasn't back from the Trek we took off on the 16th. The next day we had the rehersal dinner at the beach (way fun !! complete with smores) and then picked up Kenna from the airport that night. She flew in just in time for the wedding the next afternoon. It was a beautiful wedding at the Bay with the water behind them. Congratulations Kandus and Shaka -- we love you !!

We missed Chad so much !! Chad is "Mr. California" and everywhere we went people asked about him. We showed lots of pictures and people took some as they looked. Ken says that the good thing about NOT having Chad with us -- was well, the food budget !!! It was great. I wanted to surprise him with a family picture with us in his boardshorts. (He's been asking me to send him a pair of his -- but my opinion, call me crazy...... A missionary does NOT need a pair of boardshorts. So, I haven't sent him any and won't be sending him any. HAHA!) So before we left I went in to his room to get a couple pairs. He had 27, yes twenty-seven pairs of boardshorts. CRAZY!! It would have been great to have a picture of a bunch of people (just complete strangers) in his shorts, but we took a family one anyway. He loved it -- but once again asked, "HEY---- SEND ME SOME OF THOSE !!!"

When we checked out of our Condo we drove to Anaheim and finally took Kenna to Knottsberry Farm. She's been wanting to go forEVER. It was fun. But, Ken and I are getting too old to do those dang rides.

Kenna finally getting her

Knottsberry Farm trip

Typical family beach time--

we're ALL asleep !!

Fashion swimwear provided by Quicksilver...

and Chad !!

LOVE this picture of our sweet 'Lena

Chip, Nicole, and Ken

Grandma Virginia and 'Lena

At the reception

Kandus and Shaka

Daddy's Princess

TREK 2011

2011-08-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

(July 13-16)

Our Stake did a Pioneer Trek this year. Kenna went all decked out in her pioneer gear. Doesn't she look cute!! Physically it was not hard for her, and she really enjoyed it.

She was in the Rollins family

Lena turns 24 !!! (WHAT????)

2011-07-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

'Lena had her 24th birthday yesterday. I can't believe it !!

Her favorite way to celebrate -- her favorite fast food. Yum. (NOT!) She got new sunglasses, clothes, pjs, and new notebooks and pens to write in. The 24 candles in the cake, just about caused the smoke alarms to go off. : o )

Dinner of choice ....

cheeseburger, fries..... strawberry shake.

Burning down the house....

Chad's been out 6 months !!!

2011-04-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally here. Chad has been in the mission field for 6 months !!! He is having a great time and having lots of wonderful experiences. Our best guess is that he's lost about 25 lbs. and is developing that nice, dark Mexican tan! He says his Spanish is "coming along"..... He did a practice exercise with one of the Hermana Missionaries (Sister) and she told him, "Well, I don't really know what you said.... but the Spirit spoke - and it was strong." HA! We have truly been blessed while he has been gone. The Lord is taking care of us -- we have received some "breaks" the last few months - that have really helped us. We recognize that for the true Spirit that it is. We are blessed..... We miss him horribly but love Monday's when we get to hear from him. He's being a good boy and doing like his Mother asked him -- sending pictures with every e-mail. We usually get about 5-10 pictures each week. That's such a blessing. I can't imagine when parents had to wait for snail mail. Even when his e-mails sound a little down - I can see a picture of him - smiling, laughing, enjoying life. That really helps because those don't lie. He's doing well.

Chad's 20 !!!

2011-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD !!!!!

In honor of Chad's 20th Birthday, we had a Mexican feast. (No - not fish heads..... or avacoda pasta...... yum!!) But, chili rellenos and pork green chile. And, Mom -- to really tick Chad off - sent him this picture of her enjoying a Monster. And, Kenna ... pretending to enjoy a Monster. MMHH! It was good! It was my first one since Chad's left .... honest !! We miss him so much!!!

Chad's 1st Baptism ...

2011-01-09T19:13:00.001-08:00

Chad did his first baptism on December 29, 2010. He had not taught the woman, but his companion really wanted him to have the experience. (Isn't that the most unselfish thing....) So - Chad enjoyed being a part of this woman's special experience. We really enjoyed talking to him on Christmas, but it opens up the wound of him being gone. He is doing really well. He is struggling with the Spanish -- of course. But - he loves the investigators and really enjoys the area he is in: Puerto Morelos. WE MISS HIM !!!

The PRINCESS is 16 ..... !!

2011-01-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Kenna turned 16 last month. She worked really hard to get her Young Womanhood Recognition so that she could drive. So - on her birthday, she got her license. She had a "Sweet 16" party that ended up being 35, yes 35 teenagers in our home. It was alot of fun. But - very very loud!!

She got a car for Christmas -- so that really freeze up ..... MY world !! Hallelujah!! : o)

Chad's VISA is here !!!

2010-12-04T11:47:00.001-08:00

Chad got his VISA this week. WOW! We are so grateful. Many elders have been delayed a month or more, and some have been temporarily sent somewhere else. So - this is GREAT NEWS !! And, he got to get out of the prison, (oops that's his words not mine --) the MTC two days in a row to see the Mexican Consulate. So - he will probably be leaving on the 13th. THAT'S IN 8 DAYS !!! The super great news -- we will be talking to him in 8 days !! I'm trying to prepare myself so that don't just weep the whole time. It reminds me of when the kids were little and we would be away. Ken would have to call and talk to them, because I couldn't do it. UGH! He's so excited !!! So - I'm excited for him !!!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

Ken & Mc Kenna started our Thanksgiving with a 5K "Turkey Trot" for the Bentz' little girl. She has leukemia. Ken had already run his normal 5 miles. WHAT A TURKEY !!! (What's a few more miles right????)

We had a wonderful day at my sister Diana's. It was a VERY QUIET THANKSGIVING !!! So strange. But peaceful and nice. Bryce and Laura literally JUST had their baby, Zachary Paul Thurber. He came from the hospital to Thanksgiving dinner. It's "CHAD DAY" so I wasn't sure if we were going to get an e-mail. But - we did. While we were at Diana's. It was a treat to hear from him on the holiday. He began his day with a devotional from Elder Holland. His family was there and their grandkids even sang a primary song for the missionaries. This is the 5th apostle he has seen, and he thought they were going to see another last night. We survived our first holiday without Chad....... whew!! It was very strange for Kenna. 'Lena went with her Dad too, so Kenna was an only child. Like I said STRANGE !!!!

Is that Kenna with a FOOTBALL????

Pam & Zach

Madison & Uncle Ken

Anthem Tree Lighting

2010-11-21T15:11:00.001-08:00

Every year the Outlets at Anthem have a beautiful tree. This year's tree is 101 feet. They have a big party to light it. This year we went because Jacob Bentz's band, Divide and Conquer, played. Jacob is Taylor Bentz's brother (Kenna's friend) and Bishop Betz's son (Chad's great buddy -- and one of the reasons he's on a mission).

Their band was AWESOME !!! And, it was lots of fun.

HALLOWEEN !!

2010-11-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

I got this picture with a text: "Guess who I look like?" on Saturday night. Kenna was having a hard time figuring out what to be. Well -- she sure LOOKS LIKE CHAD !!! She sent him this pictue in an e-mail and today his e-mail said, "Those are my favorite boardies !! Can you send them to me." NOT!

'Lena carved her own pumpking this year (with a little help from Dad...) She loved taking out the "GUNK". That surprised me.

Life goes on ...

2010-10-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

It took 9 days to hear from Chad. I was NOT worried -- but I am just so used to atleast getting a text from him. It's funny how weird I've been. Chad has been so independent (from a very young age), and it's strange now for me to be so worried about the "little" things again. Is he making friends??? Is he lonely??? Is he sleeping at night??? Is he being a good boy??? HAH! I just really needed to hear from him and hear the "phrase" that I have wanted to hear. "The Spirit is so strong here." And, that's what he said. WHEW! He is working on his Spanish. It's coming. He says that his companion is really good at it -- so he gets to feel "like crap" every day. (In good Chad terms....)

Life is going on. I got a terrible Strep Infection a couple days after Chad left that really "took me down". And then I gave it to Kenna. She was SO sick (104 degree temp - ugh), but she recovered so much quicker than I. Could it be age??? I am still struggling. I think the stress of the last few months has caught up to me. And, teaching a bunch of 9 year olds every day, all day, doesn't help. I'm constantly surrounded by germs.

We are trying to get into a routine. The house is empty and quiet. But - I'm really enjoing McKenna and her crazy "social" life. (15 and 1/2 year old girl ya know????) Thursdays are my new favorite day. Chad days. FUN !!!

Chad's gone .....

2010-10-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh -- this is HARD !!! Whoever says, "We just dropped them off and it was great...." they are LYING! It is so hard to imagine going two years with this pit in my stomach. Even Kenna misses him -- and they hate each other, right????

Brian, Ken, and Chad flew out to Salt Lake yesterday morning at 7:30. There were several of his friends there to say goodbye. Everyone tried to keep the mood light, but it was difficult to keep smiling. Ok, so I didn't. What a big baby I've turned out to be. Haji serenaded us with his rendition of "His bags are packed -- he's ready to go...." Just made me cry harder.

I kept thinking all day, "What time is it -- where is he?" And then at 12:00 our time (1:00 Utah time) I knew he was getting close to the curb ..... and the phone rang. Kenneth. It was done. Oh man.

So, now I'm left wondering every minute what he's doing. I recognize how silly that is. I haven't done that in a VERY long time. Chad is so independent. I keep thinking to myself, "Just imagine he's in San Diego for a couple of weeks, or Oklahoma again." That would get me through this first couple of weeks right?????

I did come to a realization though. The night before Chad left, I couldn't sleep (of course) and I just kept thinking, "I just want this 2 years to be over." Then I had an overwhelming feeling . . . and I came to an understand of a more importnt thing. I absolutely COULD NOT want this time to pass speedily by me. I COULD NOT wish this time away. A time that I have with Mc Kenna. When Chad gets home, Kenna will be almost 18. If I wish this time away -- I will be wasting the time I have with her.

Chad's Farewell

2010-10-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

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Chad had his farewell yesterday. It was a great day! He gave the most amazing talk on Missionary Work. He has a gift, that's for sure. We're sure that he will have an amazing effect on the people of Mexico. The simpleness of his spirituality, and his down-to-earth nature will touch people everywhere. He had the audience laughing throughout the talk ..... and his Dad and grandma Virginia in tears. Aunt Sherle and cousin Cori sang the most beautiful song EVER !! Thank you so much!

The party afterwards was HUGE! We figure we had about 70 people in and out throughout the afternoon. People sure love that boy! And, we do too!

It's hard to believe that he will be "on his way" in just TWO days. Kenneth is going to fly up with him. So is Brian, his friend. Then Ken and Brian will turn around and come right back home. I decided that was a bit much for me and opted for the "Goodbye at the airport". I hope I don't regret that -- but I think it's what Chad wants too.

Last San Diego trip

2010-10-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

Well -- we only thought that July would be Chad's last San Diego trip .....

There was a change of plans, and Kenneth got home from Missouri on Friday night, October 2nd. Saturday morning we drove to San Diego for the Charger vs. Cardinal game. Brian, Chad's friend came (Chad forced him to wear the Charger shirt.) and we had a GREAT time! Saturday was a beach day, and it was warm and sunny. Sunday was all about the football! Dad, sporting his Cardinal Red, was a bit disappointed when the Chargers beat up on the Cardinals pretty bad. Was it 42-10??? Something like that????

Chad's Invite

2010-09-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

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Temple Trip

2010-09-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day in the temple Saturday. Wow! It is a really special thing to see your children in the temple with you. I DO NOT take that for granted. I kept looking over at him and Kenneth sitting together and thought, "He looks like he belongs here." I know that he is overwhelmed, but I also know that he felt the spirit and that his testimony will grow as he returns and returns and returns. He's hoping to go back atleast a couple times before he leaves for the MTC.

He got ribbed for the facial hair all day long. (Imagine that???) We went to pick up garments before we went to the temple. She was a sweet lady that met him with, "Are you getting married today?" No -- "Oh, are you going on a mission .....?" Yes --- She proceeded to tell him so many wonderful things, in the most sweet quiet voice. Among them - "Make sure you do everything your mission president asks of you ...." And then in closing, after she had been with him for about an hour, "Don't do anything stupid."

When we went into the temple the sweet woman that met us there said, "Elder???? Mayberry?" Yes -- Then, "That facial hair is not destined for this world for long." She immediately wanted to take the words back -- she apologized and apologized saying, "Oh, I'm not supposed to say things like that." But - Chad took it in stride, laughed with the rest of us. I couldn't care less about the facial hair. I know that he will shave when it is time -- and he will shave every day after that. Yes - the time is quickly approaching.

I'm deeply appreciative for the MANY people that have helped Chad get to this point. Some of them were there with him in the temple. People are drawn to Chad -- they flock to him everywhere he goes. And, so many of them have touched his life in ways that us as parents could never. Thank you so much!

Kenneth leaves today back to Missouri. As the plan is right now -- Chad is going to fly out to pick him up in a month. Then they will spend a few days together and go to Chicago and a few other places. That will be the weekend before his farewell. Kenneth is going to fly to Utah with him, just the day he is supposed to report. (That's a bit much for me I think.....)

Dates confirmed

2010-08-31T21:11:00.001-07:00

Well ..... our baby boy is going through the temple. This next Saturday at 1:00. We had to do it over the Labor Day weekend because Kenneth is in Missouri working. He has been there since our vacation and still has over a month yet to work there. This was our chance for him to come home on a long weekend. We are very excited !!

Chad's farewell will be Sunday, October 10th. Sacrament Meeting begins at 10:00. The church is East on New River Road off the I-17 freeway. You go a long way and then the church is on the left. Or if you want to go the Carefree Hwy way -- go North on 7th Street. Continue on (again a long way). Church is on the right. We would love to see you there. (Hey -- maybe he'll shave .....)

Carlsbad 2010

2010-07-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our trip to California. It was a well deserved rest. The first 2 days we had my sister, Diana, and her kids Adam & Bryce, along with Bryce's family. That was wonderful!! We always love to have the little ones on the beach once again. Byrce & Laura had never come with us - so it was truly a treat to have them there. But when they left on Sunday - they took the sun with them. Chad's friend, Brian, came on Sunday -- and he brought clouds and cool weather. He stayed until Wednesday, but there was very little sun. We kept telling ourselves -- "Just enjoy the cool .... pretty soon you will be wining about the 110 degree weather." But - we really did miss the warm beach. It's so much harder to get into the cold water when it's also cool when you get out. We took a couple days off of the beach this year, but decided on Thursday that we were going to go out, clouds or not. We had a great day. Then Friday, our last day, the sun tried to come out a bit and it was a bit warmer.

There was some excitement on the beach this year -- for the first time in all these years of going. I was boarding in the ocean with the kids & Diana, and got caught in a huge wave that literally took my swimsuit bottoms right off. WOW! Thank goodness I was holding a boogie board. I held on to that thing as if my life depended on it. I kept thinking, "Please, don't let there be another wave come and crash me now." .... yuck! Ken saw me and brought me a towel and then a wave brought my suit back. Chad, Adam, and Kenna thought it was a horribly embarassing thing for them .... what ???? what about me???? What can I say??

I'm grateful that we have had the chance to go for the last 16 years. Our kids think of it as "home away from home" and it's all they want to do each summer. We are really fortunate and I am thankful ...

Here is McKenna & Kenneth. What a beautiful picture !!

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Only 3 more months to go .....

2010-07-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

Ugh!! One and half months down, 3 more to go. Things have calmed down for Chad. (Thank Goodness !!! Didn't think I could survive much more of that kind of excitement.) It has been the longest month of his life I think. I guess it is normal for his mission to have a 4 1/2 month wait. Everyone going there or there already that I hear from has had the same wait. Some things that I'm hearing about the mission ...

Cancun is actually in his mission and he could be sent there. HAH! His mom and dad are FOR SURE going to schedule a trip to pick him up in 2 years time. A little R&R at a resort ahead of time. : o) It is so hot and humid. And, they sleep in hammocks. FUN! Very primitive from what I understand. Some places don't even have running water. UGH! But, they say there is always a super Wallmart nearby. Isn't that amazing !? Aren't they everywhere??? His mission President is brand new (this month)and is Mexican. They say that most of the elders that are there never have an English companion. So - I guess he's going to be thrown into the language right away. (Hope he learns it....)

We are getting ready to go to California at the end of the week. The Lord has blessed us with one more year together. We thought last year would be our last, but we've gotten a "bonus year" and we are truly grateful. Once we get back I have about a week before I have to start thinking about school again. And, Kenna will start her major volleyball training (she's had workouts all summer, but not like what's ahead...) Things will start to get hectic and I know that the time will pass so quickly. Like everything I'm sure we will be in a time crunch at the end. Before I can blink it will be September -- (August always seems to rush by) and then October.

Chad's Accident .....

2010-06-08T15:57:00.001-07:00

Well, Chad was in an accident on Saturday night. It was on our Carefree Hwy and he was going 65. (If I can believe that ???) It was a really bad one, totalled his car. But - he walked away literally without a scratch. He went through the raised median and into oncoming traffic. Carefree Hwy is always very busy -- but there was only one car coming that direction. It just happened to be a sheriff. (Isn't that Chad's luck ....) We are extremely grateful that he wasn't hurt - and that he didn't hurt anyone else. We are recognizing this for what it is -- there will be a lot of opposition the next few months to keep Chad from Mexico. I went to the impound lot today and tried to take a picture of the car (which was literally smashed in half), but it is a police lot and pictures were not allowed. Chad has one on his phone (not very good because it was dark at night), but I will post it when I get it.

MEXICO MERIDA MISSION !!!

2010-06-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Chad received his mission call today to the Mexico Merida Mission. He reports October 13, 2010. We are SO happy !! He will be speaking Spanish -- (Those two years of Spanish in High School will definately NOT be enough ....) Just by our first glance it looks like a beautiful place to be. It is on the Eastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, down by Guatemala and Honduras. It is near Cuba. It looks very Caribbean like -- not sure if it is. And, yes, there's a beach. OH NO !!! We are truly overwhelmed. A friend of ours (Sam) got his mission call last week and he is giong to Madagascar and leaving in ONE MONTH!! I was not hoping for it to be that close -- but 4 MONTHS !!!! I'm sure the time will go quickly and I will be whining that he is leaving way tooooo soon. It looks like he may get to Mexico just in time for Christmas. Oh my -- can't much think about that. No -- he didn't shave ........... (What can I expect????)

PAPERS ARE IN !!!

2010-05-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well -- the Stake President pushed the button and today could be the day that the First Presidency is considering Chad. We should hear in the next week or two. WOW! I'm so excited. What a wonderful time for Chad, and us.

VOLLEYBALL

2010-04-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kenna is playing with the FLUID VOLLEYBALL club this year. I can't believe it, but we only have 3 tournaments left this season. She has done so well. She's starting to get some vertical. Her hitting and serving always score points for her team, and we are SO proud of her!! Enjoy a couple pictures of her Anaheim California trip in March.

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Missionary Picture

2010-04-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday I came home and Chad was at the computer. He told me that he was getting ready to "push the button", finishing his part of his mission paperwork. I was surprised. I asked him if he took his picture (I've been trying to get him to shave and get the picture taken for weeks). He said, "Ya, Mom. Here come look." This is what he showed me.

Here is the "real" picture. A bit better.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T06:55:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas !! We were able to do our traditional brunch again this year. We love that ! Grandma came this year - and Chip, Nicole, and Brittany. It's always a lot of fun when you put Chad and those two cousins together. It makes for a relaxing Christmas. We get up (I gotta say, it's really wonderful when your kids let you sleep in the morning and you just casually wake up to Santa.), open presents, get ready for brunch. We go eat (a ton) and then have the rest of the day to play and rest. I make a ham and rolls later in the day for sandwiches and we always have all the Christmas Eve leftovers. The kids were wonderful -- no fighting. Love that !! Best gift of all. Then last night our Chargers had a game that they blew out !! What could be better. We ended the night with a fierce game of Mexican Train Dominoes. I won't tell who one . . . but the initials are M.O.M. : o )

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

2009-12-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

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Surfing in December

2009-12-22T08:14:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend Kenneth took Chad and I to San Diego for the Charger vs. Bengals game. (I know WOW right???!) It was so much fun. We had a wonderful time. Chad even paid for our "fancy meal" out. (OUCH !! Dropped a few on that one.) First lobster dinner that Chad paid for (Ken says .... many more to come.) The game was great. Chargers won! But, it was a nail biter -- very close. The stadium was CRAZY!! We are so spoiled here in Phoenix. The Cardinal stadium is amazing. It took us an hour and a half to get in to the stadium (seriously .... we were at the stadium, just couldn't get in.) And an hour and a half to get out. Serious traffic issues there. Chad, of course, had to go surfing. It was FREEZING !! When he got out he looked fine, but in a matter of seconds he turned lobster red. (Just the way he likes it - he says.) It was a wonderful time, especially having Chad for the weekend. We don't see him much --(he's 18 !)

Kenna's 15 !!!

2009-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Kenna turned 15 on December 15th. Isn't she pretty??!! I am freaking out a bit with the knowledge that she'll be driving in 6 months and dating in another year. And she's my BABY !! Oh well -- on to bigger and better things.

Carthage Slideshow

2009-12-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

I gave the lesson in Relief Society yesterday on the Martyrdom of Joseph & Hyrum Smith. I made the following slide show. I hope it touches your spirit.

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Thanksgiving !!

2009-11-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was really wonderful. We had a house full of family and friends. Diana and her family came over. We miss you Melanie and Michael!!!! Grandma Virginia and Chip came too. We love you all! Thanks for sharing our day with us. And, we're truly thankful for you in our lives !!!

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Ordination

2009-11-01T17:03:00.001-08:00

Chad was ordained an Elder today. It was really wonderful! Immediately after he had the opportunity to be in the circle for 6 setting aparts, including McKenna. That was pretty neat. It was a good day! (I know - - there's facial hair. I told you. : o )

Halloween

2009-11-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

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Sustained in Conference

2009-10-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

Well, Chad was sustained in Stake Conference this morning to become an Elder. He went for his interview with a member of the Stake Presidency a couple weeks ago, and President Smith, as Chad was leaving, said, "Well, I think you might think about shaving." So - he did. This morning, right before Conference. I'm sure he'll be scruffy by Wednesday, but he did shave for Conference. He was quite depressed because, in his words, "I LOOK 12!" I haven't seen his clean shaven face in so long, that it took me awhile to get used to him too. When he shook President Smith's hand this morning he smiled and said, "Well, you look a little different. I'm glad you shaved."

Yesterday Chad caught a glimpse of my pretty prickly legs and said, "Dang, Mom -- you need to shave." Later last night I text him this text . . . "I'll shave if you shave !!" HAH!

FURRY CHAD!!

2009-10-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

Chad has decided (much to my dismay) to not shave until he turns in his mission papers. UGH! When I ask why -- he just says, "Mom, because I can." The other day I had dropped my cell phone in the garage. He found it and brought it to school for me. He walked into my classroom, gave me the phone, kissed me, and quickly left. When he left, I looked at the kids. They all had their mouths dropped open. One of them said, "Man, Mrs. M. He's really big. And FURRY !!!"

Aleena's Beautiful Teeth

2009-10-04T17:25:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful 'Lena got her braces off!!! She has endured sooooo much! Not only has she had braces basically since 1997, but she went through a tremendously difficult surgery last summer. But, just look at this beautiful smile !!! She's gorgeous!

Before

After

BC Volleyball

2009-09-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Let's go Jaguars!!!

It's so strange for this time of year that we're not sitting in the stadiums around Phoenix at the Football games. But - we haven't missed a beat. Atleast now we get to sit in air-conditioned gyms. Kenna's volleyball season is up and screaming..... and I do mean screaming. (They are so LOUD !) Kenna is playing really well. She is a starter and plays all positions this year. That's really fun for her. She has improved so much in her passing that now she gets to play all the time and not be subbed out. Last Tuesday she was definately the MVP of the game. Not only did she win one of the games with her 8 point serving - she had 4 hits and 2 saves. WAY TO GO MAYBERRY !! We enjoy going to all the games - and we really enjoy her the most. She's so much fun !

The cute little baby that Kenna is holding is her Flour Baby from school. She's in Child Development this semester. They had to make a baby out of a 5 lb. sack of flour. Then they had to carry it everywhere with them (or less their class had a set up daycare station) for 4 days. Very very cute! She said that the hardest part was keeping it from the boys who wanted to play football with her. YIKES !! She was very protective. It was especially hard at the Volleyball games. After one game I asked her friend where Kenna's flour baby was and she said, "Oh, I think it's in her locker." It wasn't, the trainer was babysitting, but it was a funny answer.

Go CHARGERS !!!

2009-09-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Ken's brother, Chip, gave Ken and I Cardinal tickets. They were playing the San Diego Chargers and they're MY favorite team. So - he unselfishly gave us his club seats for the game. Chad, whose favorite team is also the Chargers, was so jealous. He tried hard to get us to include him in our plans. Actually I think the words were, "Come on, Dad, Mom and I need special time together!" But, Ken was not going for it. He looked into buying a ticket, but quickly gave up that idea when he realized how expensive they are. A couple of days before the game he came home from work with a grin on his face that went for miles. A friend of his had tickets and she was willing to give him one. The only catch was that he had to drive -- and sit with two cute girls for the whole game. HAH! How horrible! Ken and I had a great time. (Chargers won !!) But, for some reason . . . I think Chad had the best time of all. : o )

School starts . . .

2009-08-16T16:07:00.001-07:00

Well, school starts tomorrow. I can't believe how fast the summer goes. Each year seems to be shorter and shorter. I do feel rested though - and that is a good thing. Aleena finally got her braces off. YEAH! After a zillion years. Her smile is beautiful. She has the perfect teeth of the family that's for sure. Chad was made a supervisor at Quicksilver this past week. That is really super. It will be nice to have on a resume. He's working as many hours as he possibly can. He's all smiles today and teasing Kenna and I about having to get up and go to school tomorrow. The bum! HAH! Kenna made the Volleyball team this week. WHEW! They cut half the girls. So - our life is volleyball for the next few months. (What am I kidding -- our life is always volleyball.) There are 750 freshmen at Boulder Creek. UGH! That's incredible. And, way too many. I know our lives are heading for another turn in direction. It's exciting --- are we ready??? Here we go, ready or not.

20 years !!!

2009-07-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

Kenneth & I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this week. Where does the time go??? It's funny. It seems just like yesterday that we made that huge wonderful step towards making our family. Yet -- so many things have happened to us, memories that we've created ..... Of course that all takes time. We are so fortunate to have come through this past 20 years intact and still in love, still friends. We love to be together. No matter what it is - even doing nothing. One of our favorite things to do is drive . . . all alone (aka no teenagers giving each other a hard time !!) Sometimes we talk - often we don't. But, we just enjoy each other's company and the peace of being together. I love him! I'm so lucky. He treats me so well. We get along amazingly. It's not perfect -- but it is wonderful !!!

Beach : Then and Now

2009-07-05T23:42:00.001-07:00

It meant so much to me to have my Mom at the beach with us this year. One of my best memories of her is when we were in Galveston Bay in Texas. I was a teenager, I don't remember how old exactly. But, we were there together. It was my first time (I thought) at the beach and she and I went out and she taught me how to "jump" the waves. Later as I was talking to Diana she reminded me of this great picture (honestly the first time at the beach) in 1968. I was 3. By the way -- Mom was the same age as I am now. WOW !! Some things don't change . . . I'm still pretty cute & sassy . . . . and my Mom has great legs !!! :o)

1968

2009

Carlsbad California

2009-07-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

We just got back yesterday from our 8 day trip to Carlsbad California. This is the 15th year in a row that we have gone. Unbelievable!!! This year some of my family was able to come for a few days. My sisters Diana, Sherle, and Robin as well as my Mom came. (That was so fun !!) We were there for 2 and 1/2 days by ourselves before the chaos arrived. Diana had 4 of her kids, Sherle had her daughter and 2 of her grandkids, and Robin had her son. That made for a HUGE bunch. That's truly the way to do it. And -- it was so much fun to have babies on the beach again. (Wasn't it really just yesterday ?!!!) They were there for another 2 and 1/2 days. Then we had 2 more days alone to unwind before we came home. It's funny - yesterday morning (the 4th of July) we were outside eating breakfast and I was "chilly". I almost moved into the sun. Then I thought, "Are you crazy??? In a few hours it will be 40 degrees warmer." And it was -- we got to Blythe, got out of the truck, and was hit by a brick wall --- HEAT!!! Are we nuts to live here or what??? But - we got home to our beautiful, air conditioned house and we are truly grateful to be home. This will probably be our last year all together. (Chad will be on a mission next summer.) I know our lives will be heading into a new era so - I am relishing every memory and moment that I can.

Enjoy these pictures!! There's a bunch of them,

but it's so hard to choose.

Our beautiful sunset.

Grandma and the kids.

Girl cousins: Cori (holding Peanut), McKenna, Autumn, and 'Lena.

Boy Cousins: Jaron, Adam, Chad, and Michael

(friend Sam on far left).

The big HOLE the boys spent the whole day digging.

Sisters: Pam, Diana, Mom, Sherle, and Robin.

Uncle Ken & Ian 'Lena on her 22nd birthday!!

SURF'S UP !!!

Here are the rest of the pictures in a video. Just press the arrow. Turn up your volume for sound.

Summer Happy .....

2009-06-06T17:53:00.001-07:00

Yes - we're dreaming of the beach and wishing we were there .... right now. Thought I'd get my "fix" by changing the background of the blog. We will be there, soon. We leave in a few weeks. Not soon enough if you ask me. : o)

WOW! What a week.

2009-05-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it's taken me a whole week to recover from last week. I knew it was going to be busy and I hoped I would get through it somehow. Now that I'm on the other side of it -- I wonder what the big panic was all about. Isn't that how it usually is??

Our week started with Chad's Seminary Graduation, Sunday night the 17th. That was Ken's birthday and we also had a big Volleyball end of the season picnic. We were really proud of Chad for graduating seminary. He said that it was because of his exemplary attendance. (I realize that his attendance got much better the last two years when he didn't have to rely on me getting him there and he could drive himself. You'd think it would be the other way around. : 0)

Then Chad graduated on Monday, the 18th. Graduation was at the Cardinal stadium. It was HUGE !! But, it was very fun. Aunt Robin, Diana, and Sherle came. That was a hoot! And Grandma Virginia, Uncle Kirby & Chip were there also with Chip's girls. He was well represented and we hollered like a wild bunch.

Wednesday night was Mc Kenna's promotion. I took a half day off school so that I could take her to lunch (RIBS ---???) and to get her nails done. She did her own hair. It looked better than her friends that paid to have someone do theirs. She was really beautiful! I'm so proud of her. She's a straight A student -- and very busy with Volleyball.

Friday night, the 22nd, Aleena graduated at the stadium also. I was so nervous about her. It is such a big place. I was so afraid that she would get lost. But, she did GREAT !! They let Chad get her down to her room. They also gave him an armband so that he could go directly in to her at the end when it really got chaotic. Grandma Virginia was there --- AGAIN !! (Poor Mom - we really wore her out this week.) Aleena's Dad and stepmom, Analisa were there too. As well as her brother, Josh, and baby sister Natalia. She looked gorgeous! And, did so well.

Amidst all the family excitement, school got out on Thursday and I ended another year of teaching. WHEW !! And, we survived!!

Chad's Graduation

2009-05-28T22:44:00.001-07:00

Chad with friend, Chris.

Why does Mom look so happy????

Mom with sisters, Diana,

Robin, and Sherle.

Dad with Grandma Virginia

Aleena's Graduation

2009-05-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Mayberry family

Ehmann family

'Lena and her baby sister, Natalia.

What a great day.

And a beautiful girl!!

Kenna's 8th Grade Promotion

2009-05-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

Here is Mc Kenna at her Promotion dance. She is gorgeous. She is so tall. The boys call her "Daddy Longlegs & Godzilla". And, she likes it. That's what I love about her.

Promotion was wonderful! I can't believe that McKenna is 14 and now officially a High School Freshman!

McKenna won the Presidential Award for excellence in the area of Social Studies. That's kinda funny seeing how she "doesn't even like Social Studies." It was a huge surprise and a great honor.

Way to go Mc Kenna!!

I'm trying .......

2009-05-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am. I'm trying so hard to become technologically gifted. Hah! But, it's about time, don't you think. I've been wanting to create a blog for school - and I thought, "Hey, you don't even have one documenting YOUR life!!" So, here we go. Be patient ...... be kind ......