The Charons

David started his second year this past Monday. David is excited to get into the lab and start working! We walked around Midwestern on Sunday and each time we do, we fall more in love with the school. We are so grateful we landed here, we are so grateful for our home, our family, our ward and our friends. Wouldn't be the same without all of those things. Amazed at all the blessings you can see when you stop and take count. I am grateful that despite the fact that my voice is shot, my body is feeling better. I am grateful I don't get sick very often. Here is a look at my good-lookin' guy and his new BFF, 'Dex'.

Today's post is all about the 'blah'. It's how I feel, so therefore it's what I post. (That sounded philosophical for someone on large amounts of flu medication:) David started school yesterday and now the count-down until the year is over begins! The kids are both adjusting and Maddy starts pre-school today. I feel a little left out, well, no I don't actually. My plate is full today with Enrichment tonight (Or whatever it's called now) and being in the PTA presidency. My next post is going to be a really good one, just to let you know. I am going to post about my Darling Grandmother, and her amazing Rolls/Cinnamon Rolls. :) 'til then! Barb

The first day of school seemed to go by in a blur! We got up, dressed, beds made, lunches packed, then out the door we went. This year was a little bitter-sweet for me, last year Riley still was home for half of the day, but this year, he goes from 8:30-3:30 just like Keagan. They look so cute in their back to school clothes (thanks Mom!) Miss them already!

For as long as we have had kids in school, we have done a "back to school fondue" the kids love it!

The best day consisted of us going to our annual D-backs game, every Summer (so far) we have managed to get to a Diamondbacks game. We left extra early, and got down there before the gates opened. We had no idea what a great idea this was until we got inside and saw the players warming up. We went down to the lower level and stood 20 feet from the pitchers warming up. As batting practice was going on balls were going right by us. JJ Putz was nice enough to throw one over to Riley, and another manager brought over two others for the girls! Awesome right! It gets better, JJ came by and signed the balls and took a picture with us. Not my best look, but it was still a LOT of fun! Now to the worst part: After we returned home we scrambled to get the kids in bed, we thought we had locked up the house, then we all headed to bed. The next morning I went out to the garage to head out Grocery Shopping. I noticed the garage door was already up, which is unusual. I went back inside and called for David. When he came out he immediately noticed all the things that were missing. His Gary Fisher bike was hanging on hooks, GONE. His nice air compressor, GONE. Mitre Saw, GONE. Router, GONE. Skill saw, GONE. And it goes on. Instantly the feeling of panic came over the both of us. We felt sick. Still do actually. The scariest part of all was realizing the door from the garage to the house was unlocked as well. We feel very blessed for the safety of our family being as that we were HOME when this all happened. I still get nervous at night, I hope that will go away soon. It is really disturbing knowing that someone was in my personal space taking things that we have worked hard for. Makes me question the good of mankind. I know we will get past this, but for now, every time we go into the garage and see the empty shelves that feeling of anger comes back.

I know what you are thinking. I do, you are thinking, "Barb, that is NOT how you spell Maddy's name" I know. I KNOW! I am talking about our dear friend Maddi Stone. We have a family near us that completely ROCK, No really, they are totally awesome. They are the Stone's. As in Regan, Janet, Courtney, Maddi, Jarom and Mikki. We can't live a day without talking to at least one of them :) It's true. Maddi (the 21 year old) took a few hours of her busy life to teach my children how to "side-breathe" while swimming, and they loved it! They love her! So grateful for all you Stone's! (I really need a texting plan though, if we are going to remain friends :) ha ha!

This year I am VERY, VERY involved in our school's PTSA. This past week I tore down last years "Branching out" theme to make room for our new theme, "Catch the Wave". Thanks to my buddy Shannon for helping with this monster of a bulletin board! I think it turned out, considering we had limited resources :)

When my brother Matt was in town a few weeks back he let us use his room key so we could take a swim at the famous Biltmore swimming pools. It was marvelous! They kids rode the water slide until they were completely worn out. While we were down in Scottsdale we took advantage of our location and stopped into Sprinkles. All the best days end with Sprinkles cupcakes. :)

Here in AZ we are known for our late Summer Monsoon storms. These pictures will show you just how amazing these storms make a sunset. All these pictures are taken within 10 minutes of each other.

A little while back my brother Matt came into town, and in true Matt fashion we made a stop at Last Chance (Nordstrom store). I came upon these beauties, and the whole family has been wearing them ever since. Best $1.97 I have ever spent! :) Dang! I love my family :) I am even going to venture out and use the word "radical" :)

Today was the first day of school. These two little darlings were SO excited! This is a shot we got before leaving. There will be more to come about this spectacular day, including the absolutely NOTHING Maddy and I did, all. day. long!! :)

Here's a sneak preview of our last vacation for the season. We had a blast in Cali!

Before:
After:

I did inventory on my life a few days ago and counted up the hours wasted on Facebook. So, in lue of that I started a 22 day "Facebook fast" I am attempting (so far so good) to go 22 days without taking on gander at the social media site. I am 4 days into the 22 and I have to say, it's a little like taking sugar out of your diet. I am a tad bit cranky, in need of some serious chocolate, but on the flip side... I have SO much time with my kids, to create and become something better than a "witty status" :) Well, witty for me, I guess. Wish me luck! Barb

Every member of this house has benefited from little Keagan's creative mind. She is so amazingly creative when it comes to building things, this mg-shift wagon being no exception! Keagan, we love your brilliant little mind!