Mecham Madness

2010-11-27T20:57:00.000-08:00

Emma is SIX!

Emma's

Birthday Traditions.....

1. A new outfit to wear to school.

2. Select her favorite dinner.

Would you believe it was KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese??? (Notice the huge grin?)

We even lit a candle in the mac & cheese...

3. The Birthday Poster

4. Getting her toes done.

(My personal favorite tradition)

She loved getting flowers painted on.

5. The Birthday Party

This year was "The Little Mermaid" playing at the Hale Theater.

We took 10 of Emma's friends to see the princesses at the theater.

The play was really cute - perfect for 5 and 6 year old girls.
Rachel & Emma
(Rachel & Aunt Gina drove down from Thatcher to come to Emma's party....Emma loves her "girl" cousins!)

But, the cutest thing was watching all the girls try to get the autographs of the cast members after the show....

Here they are with the PRINCE!

The Sea Witch

She was fabulous!

The bad princess - Wilamina

Arabell

The girls all loved the dog...

Sea Shell Cupcakes & Presents!

More Candles to Blow Out!

We Love You Emma!

2010-11-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

"B" is for Beau!

Beau had his THIRD birthday! We celebrated "B-eau style" with a "B" party!

The party was complete with Boys, Blue Cupcakes, Bears, Bubbles, Bouncing Balls....he LOVED it!

Of course he also loved riding the Bus to school on his Birthday too!

Can we have a B party without Brothers?

Beau is so much fun to have around.

He is ALWAYS happy!

2010-11-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

This year's Halloween theme was inspired by the kids summer Musical Theater

"Greaser's"

Emma loved her poodle skirt...

She even matched her Mom!

Most of the Greasers....

The celebration started with the annual

ROAST BEAST FEAST!

All the cousins got together at Aunt Kim's for the annual

Apple Bob!

We can't have a roast beast feast without the

Mummy Wrap

More Toliet Paper....

Uncle Matt!

Really the kids just love to be with their cousins and JUMP!

Beau's favorite thing to do is swing at Aunt Kim's...

Trick or Treating?

For Beau it was all about the treats!

He also loved driving the neighbor's golf cart!

Emma and 2 of her friends that live on our street....

What will we be next year??? Any ideas???

2010-10-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

Family Pictures Done!

I just had to post this one picture of Emma and I.

I can't believe my only daughter is going to be SIX this week!

CRAZY!

I love you Emma.

2010-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Is it Really OCTOBER????

Ok, I haven't blogged FOREVER....and you know when you don't blog OR write in a journal for SO SO LONG you don't even know where to begin?

Here in a nut shell is what we have been up to....

Soccer Games

Homework

Quilting My First Quilt!

Homework

Piano Lessons

Beau's 3rd Birthday

Canning

Homework

Reading

Sewing Halloween Costumes

Sewing Christmas Stockings

Homework

Student Council

Franklin FPO

Exercising

Violin

Scouts

Time Out for Women

and more Homework

That pretty much sums up the last 6 weeks. I do have pictures to go along with everything - maybe some day I will upload them off of my camera!

Here are some cute shots from our family photo shoot not too long ago...

I love these boys!

Have I mentioned how much we love this little guy???

2010-08-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's A Bird, It's A Plane....

It's A Flying Playhouse?????

It's true.....

About a year ago, I got this itch to purchase a NICE playhouse. You know, one that is made of wood, has nails and won't break when my kids climb on the roof???

Do you know how expensive some of these playhouses can be?

I had no idea.

My search led me to the SHOP class at Marcos De Niza High School!!!

Who Knew?

The shop class makes 14 playhouses a year and then sells them. They go through the whole "construction process" just like they would if they were building a REAL house.

Plus, it was only $400!

Now, $400 might sound like a lot of money, which it is, BUT, when you try to find a similar playhouse we were talking $1200+ and up!

Emma and I went down to the High School at the end of the last school year.

We picked out a house that she thought was perfect!

Problem?

I weighs 800+ pounds and doesn't fit through our gate.

My $400 bargain - not so much of a bargain when I had to pay to have it delivered and then pay to have a CRANE lift it over our fence and clear our house!

It was quite an exciting Saturday morning....

Needless to say, the playhouse LANDED safely!

Next time you see a picture of this....it will be painted and have curtains!

2010-08-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

FIVE to ONE

2010 - 2011 School Year

Overnight I went from FIVE children ALL at home to ONE!

Happy?

I should be jumping up and down for JOY!

Why am I SAD?

My 5th grader didn't want me to take his picture at the bus stop.

My 4th grader didn't want me to pick him up from school.

My 1st grader didn't want me to pack her lunch.

My preschooler could care less that I put him on the bus...and is crying today because he is not going to "cool".

I am sure I will get over this feeling very quickly.....

like next week when I have time to shower all by myself without being interuppted.

But today I am still sad over everyone growing up!

Why is it we can't wait for our kids to get bigger, and then are sad when they do?

Here are some fun pictures of our first week of school:

Emma is in the 1st Grade at Franklin Northeast

Mrs. Lewis is her teacher.

Emma picked out her outfit and backpack.

She loves that she can eat lunch at school and have several recesses.

She also loves riding the bus to school with her neighborhood friends.

Logan is in the 4th grade at Franklin Northeast.

Mrs. Karr is his teacher.

Logan is a little sad that "all his friends" are in another class - but he is quickly making new friends in his new class.

Joshua is in the 5th grade at the Mesa Academy.

He has 9 different classes and rotates from class to class. He has been SO happy all week. He told me today he can't wait for tomorrow so he can go back to school. (Really???)

No picture at the bus stop - but a picture in CAR on the way to the bus stop!

Everyone went to Beau's classroom before school started.

All the kids wanted to see where Beau would be going to school.

Beau is going to pre-school at EMECEC. Ms. Marli is his teacher.

Beau LOVES his brothers!

He especially wanted to ride on Joshua's back to his classroom.

The first day of school Beau's bus came to our house!

Do you think Beau was sad.......AT ALL?????

Even a LITTLE bit?????

So to make sure Beau arrived safely at school - Will and I followed the bus to school. I thought Beau would be so thrilled to see us waiting for him at the school when he got off the bus. I was wrong again.....

He proceeded to walk right by me & Will - gave us a little wave and continued to walk with the aid to his classroom!

We followed about 4 feet behind him.....

His backpack says it all......Beau is such a MONKEY!

2010-07-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Summertime Swimming
What's not to LOVE about swimming?

Joshua, Logan and Emma all swam this summer for the Fremont Flying Fish! Joshua & Logan competed in the 9-10 age group and Emma in the 6 and under.

The boys LOVE swim practice.

Emma LOVEd getting new bathing suits.

Logan LOVEd his pink goggles.

Joshua LOVEd Dad to time him.

They all LOVEd the meets.

They all LOVEd their ribbons.

They all LOVEd their swim teammates.

Mom, Beau & Will LOVE that it is over!

Here are some pictures of our Flying Fish!

Joshua loves the competition. He made it to the city semi-finals in backstroke, freestyle and the IM. He competed in the city finals in the Individual Medley and Freestyle. He tied for 5th in the freestyle race. Close competition - the winner swam a 14.21 and Joshua's time was 14.44. Very fun race to watch.

He took 6th in the IM - he was very excited to have his personal record beat on this race. 1.30 seconds.

Joshua's YELLOW goggles

How many pairs of goggles does it take to get through the summer????

The yellow pair was Joshua's THIRD pair of goggles - a pair that he worked very hard to pay for himself. They pretty much never left his sight after the big purchase.

Logan loved the social scene at swim team. He loved swimming with his friend Eli. He loved staying after practice and playing cards with Joshua and friends.

Logan has a great butterfly stroke. He is excited to be the oldest in his division next year!

Have I mentioned before that Logan's favorite color is PINK?

This was Emma's first year competing. First year learning all the strokes.

She did great!

She swam in the first heat for every race (they place them by their time) and swam in all the A Relay's except for breastroke. She got disqualified!! She flutter kicked when she should be dolphin kicking. Who knew? She took the DQ paper they gave her, folded it up, and then ate it! Then she proceeded to skip over to us to show us her PINK ribbon! (Her participation ribbon!)

Emma loved swimming with her friend Tessa...

Swimming Again?

Beau's expression says it all!

Joshua begged and begged to sign up for the APRA Classic Swim Meet.

Many competitive teams from all over Arizona competed.

The meet cost $18 - so he earned the money to pay for the meet.

He finished the season with a BANG!

Highlight of the Day?

3 Medals

First Place in the 50 yard Freestyle

Second Place in the 25 yard Backstroke

Third Place in the IM- Individual Medley

Can't Wait for next year!

2010-07-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Schools Musical Theater

Presents....

"Tonight's the Night"

June 2010

Definitely one of the highlights of our summer....

The boys sang and sang and sang - songs from Grease, Annie, Oklahoma, & Micheal Jackson

We had lots of family come and support the boys...

Yummy Dinner with cousins...

Anxiously awaiting the doors to open...

Beau & Grandpa

Beau and Grandma

The boys after the show....(I forgot to take pictures DURING the show!!!)

Logan had quite the moves on stage....

We can't wait for next year.

Emma is so excited to join the boys for 2011!

2010-07-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

"Little Will"

not so Little Anymore!

7 months

Will has figured out how to scoot backwards. He giggles as he moves - like he can't believe he is mobile. Too cute.

Will likes to sit up and check out the action around the house...

(he also spit up a lot today too)

This is Will scooting backwards on the tile.

Beau thought Will scooting was hilarious...

These two are pretty cute together.

Beau goes around yelling "William" right in his face.

Who can resist this cute boy?

He is such a pain. I took this right after I confiscated the Karo Syrup from him.

Good thing he is makes me laugh.

Beau then decided he should lay on the tile like Will. Too bad this only lasted for 5 seconds.

Beau post in the works...

2010-07-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Goodbye TV???

We didn't know if we could do it.
We didn't know if we really wanted to do it.
But, we did it anyway.

NO TELEVISION IN OUR HOME!

One Year Later...Results?

Books, books and more books read. (Fablehaven series, Percy Jackson series, Storm Testament series, Geronimo Stilton books, 39 Clues, geography books, Dr. Seuss books)

Swimming, swimming and more swimming.

Forts built, much art work & crafts (Emma), dancing around the house (especially Beau)

Talking, singing, (sometimes yelling :-)

Piano practicing, violin practicing and attempted guitar practicing...

Money saved by not having cable....

Chores around the house (my favorite) and lots of time together!

Here is a picture of the boys gathered around the "transistor" radio listening to the Sun's game! (Uncle Brian was kind enough to let them come over several times to watch it live....)

Logan even seems to prefer the radio to the television!

We do love to watch movies together - but I have to say we really haven't missed the TV very much. Ok, maybe ESPN sportscenter a little....

2010-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Boys will be Boys...

Oh Yes They Will...

If you look closely, you can see all FOUR boys.....

Our house is full of wrestling, loud noises, sports, eating lots and lots of food, cracking jokes, trivia, boxing, sports, laughing, swimming, legos and did I mention loud noises and sports?????

2010-07-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Let's Go Cruisin'

Dance Recital 2010

Emma LOVES Ms. Jennifer. Who doesn't?

Here are some pictures of the big annual dance recital.

The back of this costume is too cute....

We support each other in ALL events.....

Logan was extremely excited for the show!

I keep reminding him how MANY thousand Saturday games Emma has sat through - one dance recital is nothing....

Grandma Janet came to see our little sailor lady!

You did a great job Emma! Can't wait for next year!

2010-07-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm NOT Doing It, And You Can't Make Me"

Really?...

So, at the end of the school year there is a Poetry Writing and Recitation contest at Franklin Northeast school.

All three kids entered the contests....

So, we practice at home....

The night before the judging....this is what I hear...

"I'm Not Doing it, and you can't make me."

Technically correct.

However, we signed up and we are going to do our best. Right?

Logan had this cute poem called "Mr. Nobody". Logan has the best facial expressions and voice inflection. But, he really didn't want to do anything extra. End of the school year - I get it. But, I knew he could do a great job.

Logan is often called "A Gamer" by Ben and Joshua.

He likes to goof around at practice, be silly when others are serious.....

But when it comes to game time - you guessed it - he's a gamer.

Results?

Logan got his first medal from Franklin NE for his "Mr. Nobody" recitation.

Joshua earned medals for both reciting poetry and writing poetry.

Both boys at Arts and Letters Night May 2010

Joshua's Art Work in Mrs. Huliee's 4th Grade Class

Logan with Mrs. Witt - 3rd Grade Teacher

Emma with her Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Bornoski

Two Days before school ended.....

WE FINISHED READING THE BOOK OF MORMON!

We try to read the whole thing every school year. It was crunch time....BUT we did it!

Even Beau was excited!

We can't wait to start again....

2010-07-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

So I have been missing in action in the blogging world.....but I am determined to get catch up the past three months THIS WEEK!

GILA VALLEY TEMPLE TRIP

take two......

Two times taking the kids out of school.......

Two times driving through the "tunnel"......

Two times listening to country music......

Two children ended up making it all the way to the temple.....

Two times the effort.....

ALL WORTH IT!

My Expedition has 215,000 miles on it....need I say more? I was determined to take Joshua & Logan to see the inside of the Gila Valley Temple. We tried with the whole family - not successful. I took Joshua & Logan the following week and had a fabulous time. We listened to country music and talked the whole way up there. We loved the tour and had such a neat experience in the Celestial Room. Logan told me when he walked into the hallway that he felt so different than in the Celestial Room. We loved eating cookies afterwards, visiting with cousins in Thatcher, eating at the Tastee Freeze and listening to Willie scream the whole way home.

Logan shared his testimony about "feeling the Holy Ghost in the temple."

Totally worth the effort.

Joshua in Front of the Temple

Logan in Front of the Temple

2010-04-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Joshua's Happy Happenings....

Joshua has had some fun happenings in his life this month of April....here are some of the highlights that have made him "HAPPY"!

1. His favorite 4th grade teacher Mrs. Huliee is back from maternity leave!

2. Joshua is officially done with practicing Clair de Lune.....a beautiful song on the piano. He has been practicing this song for about 8 months. He was asked to play this piece for some entertainment at the Sunland Springs Clubhouse. I am really proud of him for playing/learning this song - it is way too hard for me to play. Grandpa Ed came to listen to him play and was impressed with his "dynamics" on the piano. Grandma Janet has been a fabulous and inspiring teacher for Joshua!

3. We met the Mayor of Mesa!

Every 4th grader at Franklin entered a writing contest sponsored by the United Way - the topic was "Why getting involved in your community is important." Joshua won 2nd place and Mayor Scott Smith gave him his award.

This is a picture of Joshua "waiting" to get his award.....actually all he could think about was hurrying up the process so that he could get to the REAL EXCITEMENT of the day.......his FOOTBALL GAME!

The cheering section......

(Ben is Logan's football coach - and of course they had a game.....so it was just the 4 of us cheering him on!)

4. Joshua found out he got accepted in the Academy for Advanced Studies. He will start 5th grade there next year and stay until high school. Logan has informed him he will HAVE to make new friends - and Joshua let him know that EVERYBODY will have to make new friends. He will learn spanish and mandarin languages next year as well as continue with his violin....and there is a BUS for transportation! We will have children at 3 different schools next year..... (more about Beau's school next post....)

5. The most exciting news of the week for Joshua was playing in his Viking's football game. He was able to get there by half time and catch a few passes (as well as drop a few too....)

We love having Wendi and Brian live so close. They literally live right across the street from the football fields - so we have been lucky to have them at both Logan's and Joshua's games. Last Saturday I was racing to get to the field and saw this cute little jogging mom pushing her baby in a stroller......WHO KNEW it was Wendi????

Here is a picture of the next 3 generations of football players???

Next weeks post......

Happy Happenings of Mr. Beau Geddes......

Stay Tuned....

2010-04-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Favorite Easter Tradition

Easter Pageant

One of our favorite Easter traditions is taking our family to the Easter Pageant. We really aren't that big on Easter egg hunts or the Easter Bunny...

(ok let's be honest- Mom isn't really into any of this - I don't like all the sugar, the money spend on candy I will just throw away - the kids probably would be really into it!)

But, we do love taking dinner to the Temple grounds and watching the pageant. This year, Joshua, Emma, Will and I went early to get dinner and save seats. Along the way, we ran into a "Roman Soldier"!

We also got a picture with some of the shephards....

All the kids actually paid attention and seemed to enjoy it! Emma especially loved the angels and the dancers - one of her dance teachers was one of the 10 virgins.

Beau loved pointed out "GEE-THUS"! He also loved going around kissing everyone in the family - I thinking he was feeling the love of the temple grounds.

Emma wanted to know if it was "naughty" of Jesus to leave his parents when we was 12 years old.....Joshua wanted to see when we could all try out to be in the pageant....(maybe one year)....and Logan was just trying to figure out how the angels didn't blow over in the wind, and how Jesus was floating in the air at the end. And Will was quite content to snuggle under his baby blanket. It was a great night for the whole family!

Happy Easter 2010!

2010-04-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 9th Birthday

Logan Ashby Mecham!!!!

His birthday started with a new outfit to wear to school and cracked wheat pancakes!

(Logan is very particular about his wardrobe - so he was MOST excited to have something new to wear!)

We met Logan for lunch....Port A Subs & "Spicy" Drinks!

The only thing better than spicy drinks -

is lunch with DAD!!!!

We had Logan's favorite dinner on his birthday.....Chicken Fettuccini with broccoli! We even had brownies and ice cream.

Logan thanked me that night for making his birthday "the best ever!" I think it also helped that he had many many phone calls from cousins and grandparents - in fact, everytime the phone rang he ran for it because "It's probably for me" said Logan.

EVEN THOUGH the actual birthday DAY was a huge

success....we still had to continue the party at USA Gymnastics......

Here are some fun pictures with cousins and friends:

It was quite the CREW.....

Logan's FAVORITE Primary teacher just happens to be a gym coach! Paris was kind enough to lead Logan's birthday party.....he doesn't normally run parties!

So thank you Coach Paris!

The party started with "stretching" and "rules"

Paris "showing off" for the crowd -

which by the way - he is AMAZING!

Then he let them all "loose" to have some FUN!

Mason loved swinging into the pit!

Taylor loved swinging into the pit!

Emma loved jumping into the pit!

Beau loved the rings!

Joshua loved the rings!

Matt trying the bars....

Ben trying to be an "American Gladiator!"

"Funny" Uncle Matt

helping all the cousins on the bars....

Taylor & Mason

Jack & Emma

Even Will enjoyed the festivities!

After much play time - it was cake time!

A yummy DQ ice cream cake!

Then it was a quick change for everyone and OFF to Grandma Janet's wedding reception!

Thanks to everyone for making Logan's 9th birthday terrific!

We LOVE Logan and are so glad he is in our family!

2010-03-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Our SUPER Saturday!

This past Saturday was fun filled....AND I just happened to have my camera with me the WHOLE day!

It started with

CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP!

Our terrific Cub Committee Chair planned a day camp for our Ward cub scouts...

It started with MUFFINS!

Can you have any scout activity without a flag ceremony?

They earned their culture & language belt loop...

Sister Wach is the BEST!

Our Webelos are READY for the OUTDOORS! Thanks to Torren Wilhelmsen who taught them the skills for Readyman & Outdoorsman Activity pins.

They built a "Cross Over Bridge" for the Cub Scouts to use when they earn their arrow of light and "cross over" to the 11-year old scout program...

Our awesome Cub Master designed the bridge AND taught the boys everything they needed to earn their ENGINEER activity pin!

Two Amazing Webelos!

Joshua & Shay Allison

The boys helped build an outdoor fire for LUNCH! Thanks to Brother & Sister Bates for all their work!

The boys helped prepare the lunch for all the cub scouts and leaders....

It was actually DELICIOUS!

The boys earned their Whittling Chip....this was Logan's most anticipated activity! Working with KNIVES!

What to WHITTLE????

Of Course! An "A" for Aztecs!

The wolves did a little soccer "dribbling"....

The Webelos also built a small engine - thanks to Brother Waldron!

Can you tell we LOVE scouts?

After day camp it was on to the LAST basketball game with the Mighty Aztecs!

After the game, we had trophies, awards and cupcakes! It was a fun season!

Then the AMAZING RACE started!

Guess who was Team Aztecs?

(do we see a recurring Aztec theme?)

Who puts on an amazing date for a bunch of couples and sits on the sidelines and watches?

It would have to be an AMAZING person!

(and of course her very supportive husband!)

Many of you know Tiffany Watkins....she is simply amazing in so many ways!

Tiffany planned and put on an AMAZING night! We had so much fun running, driving, bowling, scootering, eating and even KICKING a football!

Here are some HIGHLIGHTS of our AMAZING night!

Two very fun people.....Denise & Cherie!

The Crawford's - TEAM FLASH!

David being SO speedy!

Liz & Mark....we were neck and neck with them the whole night! So SO FUn!

We had a stop at BORDERS.....

We had a stop at Wendy's for some YUMMY dollar items!

Can you tell how thrilled Ben is to be eating a dollar hamburger?

We had a race to Krispy Creme donuts! Mark is quite the CRAZY driver! :-)

Cute Ladies....Natalie, Tiffany & Lisa

Natalie was excited to eat off the dollar menu!

Can you believe she is almost 8 months pregnant here???

Team Green!

Our AMAZING officials!

Thanks to Jared & Marcy, Kristin & Nate and Tiffany & Ty!

We could have never participated if it weren't for my good friend Diedre!

Will was in great hands!

Thanks Diedre!

The WHOLE gang!

Thanks for an AMAZING night!

We are going to do it again....this time we will watch on the sidelines...anyone else in?

2010-02-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Big Ball!

February 20th, 2010

So my mom did get married this past weekend to her prince! Here are some pictures from the wedding and the luncheon afterwards.

The Happy Couple

(I think my mom looks especially good in this picture!)

Angela & I

Classic Picture of Kim & I

(thanks to Chad for capturing all these photos...)

Uncle Greg & Aunt Jane at the Milne's Home

Girl Cousins

More girl cousins...

The luncheon was delicious...

So fun to see Barb, Ted, Larry & Jeanne!!!

Fun Sisters Shot....

One more picture of the happy couple

Congratulations Mom & Kent!

I hope you are having a great time on your honeymoon, but I also hope you hurry home!

2010-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

"She's Found Her Prince..."

So the conversation in the backseat of my car goes like this......

Taylor: (Emma's cousin...one of her BFF's) "Grandma is getting MARRIED!"

Emma: "I know - to Kent!"

Taylor: "No, to her PRINCE!"

Emma: "She is marrying him because she loves him!"

Taylor: "Yea, but we are too little....we can't even go to the BALL!"

Emma: "Maybe when we get really bigger....like SIX....we can go to the ball!"

Tomorrow is the BALL!

We are so excited that you found your prince Grandma!

2010-02-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Blessing Day

William Edward Mecham

This past Sunday was little Will's blessing. Ben gave a beautiful blessing - actually I was wrestling with Beau on my lap - but, I loved what I did hear. I remember Will being blessed with a keen intellect and blessed with all the good things that this life has to offer if he lives righteously. I can't imagine him not living righteously....he has been the most perfect little baby thus far! He was awake and alert for his whole blessing AND for all of Sacrament Meeting. It just seemed he was taking everything in. We had a lot of family and friends attend his blessing....at 8AM in the morning!

Here is a picture of the whole gang....

(missing from the picture was Grandpa Paul & Uncle Chad who had to leave early)

We had a yummy breakfast afterwards at Will's home. Here are some of the highlights....

Angela & Marc and their family brought this darling cake for Will.

You gotta love strawberries....this strawberry tree was almost too cute to eat....but we did eat it - plus the yummy dip in the pot!

Grandma Janet made delicious cinnamon rolls - yummy! Thanks to all Will's aunts and uncles for coming and supporting him! My kids especially loved having their cousins over. I guess a special spy station was built under the trampoline that morning?????

We love having this new spirit in our family. Will has been such a great baby. He loves to sleep, eat and be held. He seems to fit right into our crazy family.

Even Beau is getting used to his "beebee"!

Mecham Family 2010

2010-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

You Win Some....You Lose Some...

This post is for Joshua's scrapbook when he gets older.....

Joshua is one determined and driven child. If someone challenges him to do anything, he is always up for it - even if he loses! Anyways, this past month he has won some and lost some.....just a little glimpse into his life....

1. Personal Narrative at School.

Joshua has been having me help him with some of his poetry and writing at school. Writing is really not my best thing (obviously), and so some of Joshua's writing reflected his mother's help. :-) BUT, I got a phone call from his teacher this past week wanting to know if he had my permission to send Joshua's narrative on to the district contest. I guess they pick 2 fourth graders "personal narratives" to go on to district and his writing got chosen out of the fourth grade to send. Who knows how it will do at the district level, but he was so excited to get chosen at the school level.

2. Basketball...."The Mighty Aztecs"

You guessed it -- it is basketball season again and YES, the team name is the Aztecs, again! Ben is coaching a team of cute boys all from our stake. Half of the team is Logan's age (third grade) and the rest of the team is Joshua's age (fourth grade). They are playing in a fourth grade league - so they are experiencing challenging teams. The first game - you guessed it - they LOST. But, last Saturday was quite exciting with a big "W" - yes a win for the Aztecs! Joshua takes these games SO seriously - he is determined to find a way to win. We shall see how next week's game goes.....
3. Student Council Elections....

Fourth graders can only run for one student council position - HISTORIAN! So, of course Joshua wanted to run. This is his poster - he had fun burning the edges of the posterboard to look like an "old document" - he gave a speech to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders....a cute speech tying Abraham Lincoln into history and Franklin going down in history....anyways, thanks to help from Ben - it was a great speech. But, you guessed it! He didn't win. The girl that won "rapped" her speech. Joshua got in the car after the elections and said "he had a lot of time to work on his next campaign." I had to laugh - of course he would run again. A few days later he ran for room rep of his class - and this time he WON! He is pretty excited about this position because he gets to go to the younger classrooms and "explain the rules to them". Who knows if that is what he will do???

4. Running Club...

Joshua & Logan have been in a running club at school. They have been keeping track of all of their miles and then it finished with the kids running at the "Kids Rock" race the day before the Rock and Roll Marathon. This race was just a fun race - not timed "officially" - but of course Ben and Joshua had to time his run. Joshua is sure that he ran a 6:50 mile - he is determined to beat that time this year at the Turkey Trot.

Here is an action shot...

5. Pinewood Derby...

This is supposed to be a fun activity where boys get to work with their parents on building a car....well this is a most dreaded activity in our home. I don't have an idea how to build a car, we don't have the "correct" tools, and Ben has always hated pinewood derby. Well, last year, you guessed it - Joshua lost. He didn't just lose, he came in dead LAST in EVERY single race. So, this year I told him we would make a cool looking car and not really care about how fast it went. Well, Ben took the boys over to a friends home that has the "correct" tools and they came up with a plan for the car. Both Logan and Joshua were excited about their car's design. Well, the two nights before the race some major investigation on the internet happened....the boys sanded and tested and sanded and tested their wheels and axils (?) - they even propped the kitchen table up on an incline and ran the cars over and over again until they ran perfectly straight.

Well, the big race happened and boys boys did great! Joshua won for the the Webelos and got 3rd overall. Logan also got third in the Wolf den.

Here is a picture of the "iPod Racer"....

Here is a picture of Logan's skateboard...

The greatest WIN about this race was that Ben said afterwards, "It really was fun working with the boys on their cars...

(Who Knew?)

2010-01-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

Better Late Than Never...

CHRISTMAS 2009

Kids So Excited Christmas Morning...

Christmas Eve with the Mecham's...

We went to Aunt Dana and Uncle Vince's Home. We had a delicious dinner, played outside, had a talent show, acted out the nativity and of course opened presents!

Many many BOY cousins....

(looking very fine in their NEW pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa Mecham)

These pajamas are perfect for Beau and Joshua....they both LOVE football!

Emma LOVES her SILKY kitty cat pajamas from Grandma Vicci....

What cute GIRLS!!!!

The Christmas Nativity....

the manger and COWS are ready for the big event!

Mary & Joseph

Joined by the Shephards...

(and Beau biting the cow...)

The Whole Cast

(accompanied by Grandpa Ed)

Shephard Joshua and Shephard Daniel

Babies Will & Cole with Grandma & Grandpa Mecham

Grandma Vicci & Will

Beau's Favorite Part of Christmas Eve....

EATING THE PRESENTS!

You Can NEVER have enough pajamas!!!

These cute pajamas are from Grandma Janet....THANKS GRANDMA!

CHRISTMAS MORNING...

Santa DID come!

Beau LOVED his new bike!

Emma LOVED her new doll house!

Logan also got a bike along with Beau....

But DRESS UP is always Logan's favorite....

Joshua got his very own violin and violin lessons...

Will just enjoyed being held! Emma is always up for holding him!

We felt really blessed this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas 2009

2010-01-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Here's Lookin' at You Kid....

Can you tell who the best helper is????

"The Mecham Boys"

We just LOVE our new addition!

2009-12-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Look Who Arrived Just in Time for Christmas!

Yes, Baby Will arrived last Monday at 5:28am! Here are some pictures from his first photo shoot! This is a picture of Brian (the best labor and delivery nurse!), Lori, Will and Dr. Huish

This is Will and Dr. Huish - So glad the doctor arrived just in time for one more push to get Will out! The cord was wrapped around his neck TWICE - so we are thankful Dr. Huish was there to untangle the mess. (the cord was at least 3 feet long.....CRAZY)

The newest Ben Mecham posterity.....

WILLIAM EDWARD MECHAM

(Ben was a trooper - he slept on the fold out couch until about 5:15am and then hopped right up when I said I think I better get the nurse.....)

Love this baby's full lips....

Here are some new friends of Will.....

Cheri "The Cookie Lady"

Oh yeah, she is also my friend from the gym....

Then there is Jennifer....my friend and Emma's REALLY good friend...

And I am very sad that I didn't take pictures of Grandma Janet, Aunt Kim, Grandpa Paul, Vikki and LeElla all visiting the hospital.....

But, one good thing to note....Will passed all tests with flying colors....

He can hear! Yea! These sounds in his ears are probably nothing compared to what he has been hearing inside the womb for the past 9 months!

After 2 great days at the hospital....we are finally going home to brave the zoo....

Will is all strapped up ready to go.

Here is how everyone is adjusting at home...

This pretty much sums up how my oldest 2 feel about having William join our family...

Emma is by far the most helpful and excited about a REAL LIVE baby!

Logan loves to look and stare at the baby....

Joshua loves to hold Will....

(Thanks to Aunt Natalie for this cute chocolate brown outfit!)

Did I mention how much Emma loves to hold the baby????

AND then there is BEAU....he pretty much says,

"Don't forget who is the real baby around here!"

Notice he is strapped into his chair eating CHOCOLATE!

He is having quite the adjustment...today I was holding Beau to look at the baby while Ben was changing him. I was holding Beau's arms down so that he couldn't hit the baby (which he loves to do) - so then he was reaching out his legs to kick the baby.....happy times.

I forgot to mention how Will is adjusting to our family...

"What did I get myself into???"

All in all....Will is the best Christmas present a family could ever ask for! We are so grateful he is here safe and sound.....

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

December Happenings.....

Family Traditions...

First Presidency Christmas Devotional...

Put up Christmas Decorations...

Make Fudge for the Neighbors...

Christmas shop...

Address and MAIL the Christmas cards...

AND...

Go to the Temple Lights...

Go to the Christmas Orchestra concert...

Have a Piano Recital...

Partipate in the Ward Christmas Party...

and it is only December 12th!!!

What next?

Oh yeah....let's go have a baby!

Tomorrow is the big day - or should I say night? I taught my last rpm class this morning, finished up the weeks laundry, and typed up a schedule for the kids - I think we are OFFICIALLY READY!

Here are some pictures from this weeks events...

Joshua & Beau at the Temple

Joshua & Emma at the Temple Lights

Beau checking out "Je-th-us" in the Visitor's Center

Emma playing in her very FIRST piano recital! She played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas".

Logan playing "Away in a Manger" and "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" at the recital.

(You would never know that he threw up in the retention a few hours earlier...happy day.)

Joshua playing "You Raise Me Up" and "Winter Wonderland" at the concert. I have to say this was quite an accomplishment for everyone....HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS of practicing to get these songs memorized. But, he did it. I am very impressed - especially because I can't play either one of these songs - well I could if I practiced. :-)

Ben and his Dad - Ed was the hit of the program. He is SO SO TALENTED on the piano - thanks for being willing to share you talent!

Lori & Mom playing "Sleigh Ride" duet

Lori & Angela with girls at piano recital

Beau having fun at the Christmas party

Emma sitting on Santa's lap at the Ward Christmas party

Shephard Logan at the Ward Christmas Party Nativity

Wise Man Joshua in the Ward nativity

Happy December 2009!

Next posting....newest addition to the family....

2009-11-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009

"Sedona OR Bust!"

So, we started this great adventure with a delicious meal at Mimi's Cafe....Who Knew it could be so good? We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yummy bread, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie...AND....spaghetti, french toast, pancakes, waffles, chicken nuggets, french fries, chocolate milk, Sprite.......thanks Grandma Janet for a YUMMY meal that everyone LOVED!

Beau was so excited to have FOOD!

Can you guess who had pancakes, eggs, chicken and french fries?

Or who had waffles and syrup for Thanksgiving?

Beau also loved having his OWN Chocolate Milk!

So, when we finally made it to Sedona....the first item on the agenda was to hit the POOL! The heater on the pool was not on - so the kids had fun jumping into the cold pool and then the hot tub.

Everyone loved the hot tub!

Beau loved the pool too....

We had so much fun playing at the parks.....

Beau & Talon loved playing catch.....

The little boys loved swinging too....

Lots of card games and football games back at the hotel....

The "hot" spot was always Grandma Janet's room.....

Wrestling & Treats.....

We started Friday off with a fun family hike...

We found caves....

We crossed several little streams....

We saw beautiful scenery...

We climbed "BIG" rocks....

We fought all the "bad" guys...

And the "bears"....

Some of us got carried....

Some made it all the way to the end....

And some of us were WIPED out!

After playing at the park again and eating pizza.....we were off to see some pretty Christmas lights.....

Emma & Beau loved the lights too.

We even saw Santa....

(an extremely pathetic Santa....)

The next morning Ben & Joshua went on a "REAL" hike - Joshua said this was the best part of the whole trip. They went off the trail and hiked straight up a mountain.

This is a picture of the mountain....obviously they didn't get to the top....

"The Rock" from the hike.....

Then we hiked the "airport hike" - it was very windy at the top.

Even gimpy made it to the top....

Thanks to Grandma Janet for making this all possible.....such fun memories. My kids have talked non-stop about their great trip with their cousins. Thanks again Mom!

2009-11-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Joshua is 10!!!

We officially celebrated Joshua's birthday on Saturday.....his way! He started the day by getting up at 5AM before anyone else - WHY? Because he was so nervous about his FIRST 5K! He ran in the Run from the Sun race with Ben.

Joshua loves to try anything! He loved running in this race - he averaged around 8 minute miles. Next year, he is going to train for it!

This is Ben being his usual self.....

Joshua did tell me afterwards, "Dad really did push me..."

We then went to Joshua & Logan's soccer game....

Ben let Joshua play forward for at least 2 quarters.....he was all over the field. I saw him score at least 3 goals and assist on at least 2 other goals. You would have never known he had run a 5K a few hours earlier.

We then came home to "Welcome the Athletes" to the

2009 Birthday Olympics!

We had all the athletes "Check In" -

they gave us their "stats" and made t-shirts for the big event!

Then the "Opening Ceremonies" began.....

Our opening ceremony audience was SHOCKED and AWE-d by the amazing talent....

We introduced each athlete as they struck a pose on the platform....

Logan's Pose

Logan Stephan's Pose

Mason Knollmiller's Pose

Mason Crawford's Pose

Dallin's Pose

Let the Games Begin.....

First they had to stretch....

Joshua decided on every single one of these events.....

They did the long jump....

They did the "discus" throw....

They did a "shuttle run"...

They all ran the 1/2 mile....

They all died after the 1/2 mile....

They did a javalin throw and basketball....

All in all there were EIGHT events.....and as we waited for Coach Ben to tally all the events and scores......we opened presents and ate cake!

(Logan and Emma were so excited about the "trick" candles we put on Joshua's cake)

Another shot of the cake with all the athletes listed...

We couldn't have an olympic party without a "closing cermony" and awarding of trophies and medals....

More Awards....

Joshua had a great birthday! He kept thanking me for "such a great party" and couldn't believe what "great presents" he got.

We finished his great celebration with a yummy dinner at Costa Vida.....one of Joshua's favorite places and food...burritos!

We love having Joshua in our family - he is such a sweet boy with one of the biggest determined minds to do anything and everything. He is a great example to all of his siblings (and parents) and he really is fun to have around!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

2009-11-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

"I'm Finally FIVE!"

Happy Birthday Emma LuLu

I have never seen someone SO excited for her birthday! Emma wore a special birthday outfit to school from Grandma Janet. She was so excited to get her "purple crown" at school. After school, Emma and Mommy went to get our toes painted! A very special treat for Mommy too!

Emma even got her fingernails painted and had cute flowers painted on.

Here is an upside down view of the "finished products"!

The next day was the big

"Butterfly Birthday Bike Parade".

Emma had many many ideas for her birthday party. She especially wanted to have a bike parade (however, she wanted us to look for clues while on the bikes.....glad we didn't attempt that idea!)

Here is a picture of the bike parade of girl friends!

This is half way down the street - we had many different levels of bike riders! We rode to a park around the corner and made "butterfly" necklaces.

Then we biked back to the house!

We decorated butterflies.....

We ate butterfly sandwiches....

We decorated butterfly sugar cookies...

And of course had a butterfly cake!

Some of Emma's friends....believe it or not, about 10 of these girls live right in our neighborhood. Emma is lucky to have such great friends live so close.

After decorating cookies....had to take this picture of Beau - he sat in at least 3 girl's cookies. He thought he was so funny! I think Beau had just as much fun as anyone!

The day after the big party....Emma wore her new neclace - thanks Lexi - and her new hairbow - thanks Izzy!

We sure LOVE having Emma in our family! She is such a big help to Mom - especially with Beau. She does so well in school, loves her friends, is a great cleaner around the house and loves to be with her family. She loves to dance, play soccer, play the piano, play "school" and ride her bike.

Happy Birthday Miss Emma!

2009-11-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

"Calling all Cowboys & Cowgirls"

We had such a fun Halloween this year.....we started with the annual Jerome Street spaghetti dinner at the Waldron's.....(thanks Rolayne for planning!) and then went trick-o-treating around the neighborhood. Beau thought he died and went to heaven after the first house gave him a sucker!

Logan LOVES his cowboy boots. He has worn them everyday to school.

Joshua's favorite line...holding up his gun and "Gonna Make You Famous"

Emma was so excited to wear a pink sparkle cowboy hat and boots! She even wore it to dance class that morning! I am not sure if my kids will all agree next year on one theme to be - this might have been our last "family dress-up!" (Or I just might have to sew 7 costumes next year!)

HALLOWEEN AT THE GYM

This was Halloween at the gym - my Friday morning step class - yes I am 8 1/2 months pregnant wearing a pageant dress! Jennifer said she had this great costume that she was sure would fit! This is what she gave me 10 minutes before class was to start! Yes, "Miss Understood!" Oh well, we definitely got some good laughs!

2009-10-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

This Weeks Top 10:

Fall Break!!! It actually was SO NICE not to be running around to everyone's events and practices. We even cancelled scouts, all three soccer practices, Beau's therapy sessions and had a really fun week just being together! We went to a Red Mountain JV Football game together as a family on Thursday - we watched a couple friends play - my boys are obsessed with football. I think they will be heartbroken if they aren't playing one day JV Football. It was also so fun to have Ben home from work a couple of days to enjoy the break!
Emma's need to vent without getting in trouble....So, she says, "I am THINKING BAD WORDS!"
Family Pictures! Yes, we are trying to get everything done before baby #5 comes! As we are driving over to take pictures, Ben tells everyone that taking pictures is never fun, so we should just smile and get it over with. Then he bribed everyone with frozen yogurt and renting a movie if we all follow directions. Needless to say, we were done in record time and it was very "pain-less"!
Logan and Joshua's conversation in the car on the way over to a wedding reception: Logan says, "Josh, do you ever wonder who you might marry?" Joshua responds, "Yeah, sometimes. But, I will probably end up going to college in Maine or something and so I won't have even met her yet." College in Maine??????
Cancelling Cable! Yes, we finally made the big plunge. Well, Beau helped make the decision by putting the remote in a full cup of water and then clap. So, we made it for a whole week with basically no tv - even during fall break - and survived! So, we decided to make a "cable money jar" and put the $50 a month that we spent on cable to go towards a trip to Disneyland. It is amazing to see the kids creativity come alive as they build forts and play school instead of watching shows. It also has helped that the weather has been so nice.....
Outside, outside, outside! We swelter during the summer for the weather we are having now! I am so happy that my kids have been riding their bikes, playing at the park across the street, playing in the sandbox in the backyard and jumping on the trampoline. We even ate outside 2 times this week. So of course everyone but Mom jumped in the pool - I am the only non-member of the October club.
Play with cousins! Thank you to Natalie who hosted all the munchkins for a Rock Band party. Seriously, I have never seen Joshua so excited to go to anyone's home to play! It also was so fun to see all the little boys running around.....thanks for entertaining and supplying the donuts Natalie.
Blood work for Beau! Ok, this was very tramatic, but needs to be noted for this weeks accomplishments. Our pediatrian has ordered several tests for Beau -one being some blood work. So, I packed up all the kids and took them to the lab. The only one so happy to be in the waiting room was Beau! Logan was sick to his stomach the minute we pulled into the parking lot. Joshua was worried that we were late for the party at Natalie's and Emma wanted to be in the room with the nurse to draw the blood. Beau instantly turned UN-happy when they couldn't find any of his veins. It took three of us to hold him down and they finally got enough blood from the front of his hand.
Sewing! Yes, I love to sew. I am busy sewing Halloween costumes...hopefully they will be done BEFORE Halloween. I also need to learn some new chorography for the gym next Tuesday, so this will probably be the last blog entry for awhile.....
Training.....yes the boys continue to "work out" with Ben. This past week they "installed" a rope that hangs from the ceiling in the 3rd car garage. Ben has the boys climb the rope to "build their hand strength, their back muscles, and ??????" I walked out into the garage yesterday to find Joshua out there swinging back and forth on the rope. I asked him what he was doing and he told me to watch him swing across this "9000 foot drop" to see if he could make it to the other side. I had to laugh at his imagination. Needless to say, they were all begging for lotion to lather up their raw hands.

Who knows what awaits this next week????

Life is good...

2009-09-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

What MADNESS has the MECHAM clan been up to?

It's been a long spell with NO blogging....but, we have been busy doing many many things....

Here is everyone's top 3 list:

Beau Geddes:

1. He has officially turned "TWO". And he loves to tell you he's two! We had a fun family dinner for him on his birthday and ate cake and ice cream. We also had a fun swim at Mesquite pool with some cousins and friends! We sure love Beau!

2. Beau has been practicing his jump shot!

He still goes to speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy once a week. His favorite words this week are "Joshua, bus, sucker, QT, ball, football, MOM, pool, two, on, off, mine..."

And he is pretty happy all the time!

3. Beau is growing out of all his clothes.....He now is wearing Logan's old 4T clothes.

Emma Antonette

1. Emma just started up Dance with Ms. Jennifer again - Combo II. Jennifer is so great with Emma - she calls her "M&M's" and Emma has informed us that only Ms. Jennifer can call her that!

2. Soccer has begun again.....THE RED LADYBUGS! I love being able to coach her team again! She actually does a great job in the games - is very aggressive, but her favorite part about the team is the hairbows and red socks! Go Ladybugs!

3. She LOVES school! I just had her parent teacher conference today - she is doing fabulous in everything. But, her most important part of the day is coming home and reporting who got "their name on the list!"

Logan Ashby

1. Logan loves "game time" for soccer. He begs Coach Ben to let him wear a mohawk and spray paint his hair orange. Luckily, Coach Ben won't let him.....Go Orange Crush! Logan has scored in every game so far - he still has his "BIG BOOT"!

2. Logan is also doing great in school - Mrs. Witt said, "Logan just has a twinkle in his eye." Plus, he is one of the only kids with 100% on behavior/homework and seat work for the first 6 weeks....WHO KNEW????

3. Logan is still staying busy with SCOUTS and PIANO. He loved earning his gymnastics belt loop with Paris Bland. He also frequently has a great helper during piano practice time!

Joshua Benjamin

1. Joshua started playing the violin this school year. He BEGGED to be able to play in the school orchestra.

He also continues to do great at the piano too.....lots of practicing! (He also gets the same great helper!)

2. Joshua also loves soccer! He loves having his dad as the coach! He is also doing the running club at school - so he likes to get up and run a few miles before going to school. He is trying to get to 125 miles before the club ends.

(We are really working on applying deodorant......he doesn't seem to think he stinks!)

3. Joshua loves being in Webelos! He just HAD to sell Scout-o-Rama tickets - so he could earn a patch for his uniform. (I discouraged this highly, but of course he did it anyways and sold them for the whole pack.) He also loved earning his Gymnastics Belt loop!

Benjamin Jess

1. Had a birthday in JULY! We actually spent his birthday DAY at Knotts Berry Farm, but then we had a little surprise party for him at JesterZ - a great family, fun comedy club.

The comedians had Ben come to the stage and they built a "special scene" around him!

It was a great time!

2. Ben is also really busy with scouts - he was just made the scoutmaster and enjoys working with these 12 year old boys. He is taking them on a campout tomorrow.....

3. Ben is also the best coach around. I always have people calling wanting to know which sport he is coaching next and how they can get their boys (and girls) on his team. He really loves working with Joshua and Logan and their friends - and he is getting quite good at it. He just recently finished a 24 hour course of Intermediate Level Soccer coaching - he really likes soccer now....again....WHO KNEW?

Lori Christyne

1. Taxi Driver and Committee Member......

With 4 busy children, I feel like I am constantly in my car....with carpools for orchestra, classroom helpers, many therapy sessions, the gym, scouts, etc., etc. I am also loving being more involved in our community by serving on the HOA board and also on the Franklin PTO board this year. Time Out for Women is coming up soon - I have enjoyed helping get the "word" out for this great event and working with really fabulous women! Can't wait for the actual event on October 9th!

2. Piano Lessons, Scouts. and the Gym!

I just got switched to being a Webelos leader. I really enjoy working with Joshua and his friends. It is a lot of work, but I am learning a lot too.

I also am loving teaching piano lessons. I have about 15 students now and love that they practice and seem to enjoy coming to lessons.

Yes, I am still teaching all my classes at the gym. This past month was all new chorography. That always seems to consume my time for about a week. Thank heavens that is over. I still am amazed that people continue to come to a fat pregnant lady's class!

3. Still Pregnant.......and canning fruit for when the baby comes! I am officially 7 months pregnant - only 10 weeks to go! I have been getting boxes of fruit from the Utah "fruit lady" and canning peaches, pears and tomatoes....

That pretty much sums up what madness has been occurring around here.

Happy September!

2009-08-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

First Day of School 2009

Franklin Northeast

Joshua 4th Grade

Mrs. Hulihee

Logan 3rd Grade

Mrs. Witt

Emma Kindergarden

Mrs. Bornowski

Yes, Emma started school this year! She was all signed up for another year of preschool when the school called and said they had an opening for her in the mornings. She absolutely LOVES it!

Logan & Joshua love their teachers too! Joshua has the spring relay team all planned out and is already starting to "Go for the Gold" in his class reading program. Logan came to the breakfast table having applied deodorant, slicked his hair and squirted massive amount of MY perfume. He cracks me up.

They all love school! I am so happy! Beau is home with mom ALL day long. He does have 3 hours a week of different kinds of therapy. He is loving his occupational therapy - it is pretty much one on one play time for Beau!Happy School Days!

2009-07-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Sweet Things Are Meant To Be Shared"

Mark Your Calendars Now.....
TIME OUT FOR WOMEN

"Sweet Assurances"

October 9th-10th, 2009

I am helping out again this year for Time Out for Women. The event is taking place this year on October 9th and 10th. The theme is the "Sweet Assurance" that the gospel brings in troubled times. The line up of music and speakers is amazing! There is a group discount still being offered through September 10th. See the attached link and let me know if you are interested in going!

http://ldsliving.com/e/tofw/tofw_phoenix_reg2.html

2009-07-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

What Would You Do for A Snickers Bar?

Joshua had the biggest grin for several hours after being presented his King Size Snickers Bar in Primary this past Sunday. He and Logan both memorized all 13 Articles of Faith and passed them off to the Primary President. They then got these books where they were asked to write in their own words what each Article of Faith meant. Joshua just finished his and was awarded his favorite candy bar by the Bishop in primary on Sunday. He had Joshua stand up and explain in his own words the first 3 articles of faith. Afterwards, Joshua told me he was so happy the bishop didn't ask him to explain all of them on the spot. He was sure he could get through #9 - but was worried about how to explain #10. Anyways, every bite of that Snickers bar was earned and savored! Logan is busy working on his booklet - we will get a picture of Logan with his favorite candy bar soon. I am thinking I need to get some candy bars around my home to motivate these kids to work......

2009-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

"D"

Discouraged, Disappointed........but also

DETERMINED!

Last night was the semi-final swim meet for both Joshua and Logan. They can pick their 3 favorite strokes to swim. Eight schools compete for the top 16 spots for each age group, each stroke. Logan and Joshua both made it in the top 16 for all three strokes. Last night Logan made the top 8 boys in all three of his strokes - freestyle, butterfly and the IM. He is little, but strong and fast.

Joshua made the top 8 boys in all three of his events - freestyle, butterfly and the IM. HOWEVER, he was Disqualified in the IM for not touching with two hands on his breaststroke. He did so good - 1.38 in the IM - #3 overall 9-10 age boys in the City of Mesa. But, the look on his face was a big "D". He was SO disappointed to see a D by his lane number. After he figured out what he was disqualified for - he came and told me "I am so sad I didn't touch with two hands. I don't even remember only touching with one hand. I will NOT ever make that mistake again."

So, yes, we are now DETERMINED to always touch with two hands! He already is geared up for the IM for next summer. Thursday is the FINALS - top 8 boys in everything - and then it is all over! (Boys are sad - Mom, Emma, and Beau are quite happy.)

Way to go Boys!

2009-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Swimming, Swimming and More Swimming!

July 2009

Is there anything else to do to keep cool in July but to swim???

Needless to say we have been swimming everyday, several times a day, at our home, at our swim classes, at the public pools (they have high diving boards and slides!) and then back at our home again.

Beau survived Survival Swim Lessons! And he actually can do it!

Emily, his teacher giving him instructions, "fall in, turn around, kick to the side and reach.

Beau saves Beau."

Beau reaching so big.....

Beau making it! Monkey Walking to the steps... The Divisional Swim Meet was on Wednesday, July 15th - both Joshua & Logan did great. Joshua made it to the semi-finals in Freestyle, the Individual Medley and he is the 1st alternate for the butterfly. (He is quick to tell everyone that the #8 spot was 18.43 and his was 18.45!)

Logan did great too - he is going on to compete in all three of his strokes, Freestyle, IM and Butterfly. Logan got up on the blocks for the butterfly and was a good 2 heads shorter than all the other boys. I thought to myself, "This isn't going to be pretty." But, surprise, surprise, Logan took 1st in Butterfly out of ALL the 8 and under boys! Next Tuesday is the semi-finals (where they take the top 8 boys in every stroke to compete in the FINALS on Thursday!)

The fan club is VERY excited that the swim season is coming to an end in one week!!!! Emma & Beau great troopers for 3 1/2 hours in the heat! The cooler - a MUST at the swim meets, and Mom writing down the times as fast as she can - so Joshua can analyize them later.... More hanging out together at the pool (can you tell Emma was taking many many pictures)

2009-07-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Surprise Surprise

What could it be???

Emma was the FIRST to look - she got a HUGE smile on her face and WOULD NOT tell - just continued to eat her pizza.....

YES......The rumor is TRUE

The Mechams are AGAIN seeing BLUE!!!!

Baby BOY Mecham is coming in December........2009!

2009-06-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

ARRRGH! Pirates of the Carribean...

Cub Scout Day Camp 2009

Heard Pueblo

Joshua & Logan went this past week to cub scout day camp - 3 fun filled days

(24 hours TOTAL) of things boys love to do. Run, swim, get dirty, play sports, yell, shoot bb guns and arrows - much much fun!

The camp is held at Heard Pueblo - actually a really pretty spot on the mountainside.

Archery Practice

Logan actually is pretty good with a bow and arrow - Santa gave him one for Christmas that he likes to use a lot on his sister.

They earned a ton of awards - one was their swimming belt loop and pin.

Logan, Grant, Dallin and JoshuaDen #28

Highlight of Den #28 was the huge water fight on the last day against Den #25 - I am pretty sure they spent all their den time making water balloons and plans of attack.More Scout Activities

The closing ceremonies in the amphitheater

Logan & GrantARRGH....they are already talking about next year's camp....

KNIGHTS AT THE ROUND TABLE!HAPPY SCOUTING!

2009-06-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Speed & Agility Camp 2009

Ages 7-12

Wednesday & Friday Nights

For those of you who don't know my husband, Ben, he has a couple HUGE loves in life. I'd like to think that his family and the gospel are number one. However, a very close second to these things would be exercise and nutrition. On his free time, you can catch him reading article after article about how to get bigger, stronger and/or faster.

Well, he is taking this passion to the little people. (Specifically our boys and their friends) Ben started a speed and agility camp this summer and the first session is just finishing up. He will be starting session #2 the week of July 8th and will run through the first week of August.

8 sessions for $25. If anyone is interested in joining or getting more information, you are welcome to comment on this blog and I will get more info to you.

Here are some highlights from the first session.....

I think these were called "Man Makers??"

I am sure they were making men out of these boys... :-)

What do we have to do???

Joshua loving all the pushups

This is a perfect picture of what my boys think of this camp -

Joshua LOVES it! Always asking for Ben to work them harder.

Logan NOT SO HAPPY - he thinks Dad is too mean.

2009-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day 2009

To the best dad any four kids could have....

"I love when dad reads to me at night...." Emma

"Dad is so SILLY!" Emma "Dad takes me to the track and helps me get faster.." Joshua

"Dad is so smart - he knows more than you Mom." Joshua

"Dad is the best coach - even when he's mean." Logan

"Dad keeps hiking even after we spy a rattlesnake!" Logan

"Can Dad be our coach for every sport?" Joshua

"Sometimes Dad is CRAZY!" Emma

"Dad started the January club...." Joshua & Logan

"Dad is the best diaper changer...." Mom

"Can Daddy be my prince? He likes princesses...." Emma

"I am on Dad's team - his team always wins....." Joshua

"I can't believe Dad pulled out that huge tree...." Logan

"I love that Dad swims with us in the ocean. Mom never does." Logan

"I love to play football, soccer and kickball with dad down in the retention...." Joshua"Dad helps me with my scouting stuff...." Logan"Can I call dad Coach Ben or do I have to call him Dad?" Logan"Dad always gets dressed up with us on Halloween." Emma"Dad goes on ALL the scary rides..." Joshua

"Dad always will bring ME along...." Beau"Daddy is great at holding babies..." Mommy

"Dad is fun to hang out with!" All the kiddos

"Can you believe I am going to be 10 years old this year, Dad?" Joshua

We Love You!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Marker, Strawberries or Bloood???

If your answer was blood - you would be correct. When I saw Beau I thought for sure he was eating a marker.....but no, he loves to stick his fingers up his nose....

this time a little TOO FAR!

2009-06-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Freemont Flying Fish!

First Freestyle Meet of 2009

It has officially begun again....SWIM TEAM! The boys are both loving swimming every morning with their friends Eli and Mason Crawford. This past week was their first freestyle meet. It was such nice weather - a huge bonus for the fans! The boys competed in both individual and relay races.

Joshua competed 9-10 boys - A heat and got 15.9 seconds - Ben times him as he races.

His relay team took first!

Logan was sick to his stomach before the meet - typical Logan styleHe competed 7-8 boys - A heat and took 3rd with 17.?? seconds.

He was neck in neck with the first 3 swimmers. It was fun to watch!

The Spectators - until 8:30pm!!!! Gotta love it!

Emma can't wait till it is her turn next year!

2009-06-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Projects 101

Some things do finally get done around here.....

So, Ben is great at coaching, cooking, landscaping, working hard and many other things....however, mechanical and woodworking items are NOT his forte.

Regarding mechanical - we are just waiting for my truck to die before I get a new one (almost 200,000 miles!!!!) keep on truckin'!

Regarding woodworking....I was really nervous when Ben suggested he make cut-outs in our dry wall to make more space in our loft. Luckily, our handy neighbor down the street helped Ben with this LONG project. It is finally done!!!

Logan loved hammering out the dry wall...did I mention how filthy this made the WHOLE house? Here is the project in one of the first phases....

A little closer to being done......

Finally done - not exactly filled with anything yet - but you get the idea!

I have been moving our office out of our spare bedroom so that Beau can finally be out of our closet and into his very OWN room! So, here is the loft converted into the office/play area....

And here is Beau's new room - not quite done - I am still going to paint vertical stripes - I will take a picture when it is REALLY done...

And just in time....baby #5 is coming.....will it live in Beau's blue room?

Or Emma's pink room?

Who Knows?

2009-06-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

My "Lovely Gentlemen"

A good friend of mine once complimented Joshua when he was quite young and told him he was being a "lovely gentleman" for holding open the door for her. Ever since that time, I have tried to help my boys realize their potential for being "lovely gentlemen"! Although, most of the time I complain of a house full of dirty, stinky boys, I have to cherish the times I catch glimpses of my lovely gentlemen.

Today was one of those days......Joshua takes Beau out of his car seat and carries him (he is a tank) for me all the way to the front of Costco to get a cart. Small thing I know - but my biceps were so thankful. Then he and Logan proceed to unload all my groceries from the cart into the car (without being asked - quite LOVELY) and then take all the groceries in the house without being asked (quite the GENTLEMEN). It doesn't seem like much, but when I don't have to ask or plead or beg for help I want to cry tears of gratitude.

Other noted Lovely Gentlemen comments: I had a terrible headache on Monday and was just done with the day and life.....I told all the kids they HAD to lay on their bed and not bother me. I even emailed Ben at work and told him I checked out for the day and possibly the next day too. Later on that afternoon, Logan came up to me and said, "Mom, are you feeling better?" I surprisingly was and said "yes - thanks for asking." He than said with a little smile, "I knew you would, I prayed for you in my bedroom." Oh the prayers of lovely little gentlemen.

I am also ever so grateful for our wise and inspired cub committee chair person who challenged the boys to read from the Book of Mormon each day for 5 minutes. My boys have not missed a day since that challenge was issued - maybe that is why

I am seeing Lovely Gentlemen emerge????

Beau on the other hand is a work in progress.....

2009-06-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

"I WANT IT ALL!"

Musical Theater 2009

This year both boys were in Gilbert Schools Musical Theater "I Want It All!" Joshua and Logan LOVED it! They went to Mesquite Jr. High for four hours every day for 2 weeks. At the end, we got to see them perform - yes, singing, dancing, speaking, laughing- so much fun!

Joshua with friends Mason, Skylar, and Grant

Grandpa Ed came to enjoy the show!

We ate at Joe's BBQ beforehand.....so delicious!

Logan and Taylor

Grandma Vicci also came to enjoy the show!

Beau is deciding if he should sing and dance too!

"HAIR" - one of the kids favorite numbers!

This was such a great experience for both boys. It has been so fun just hearing them sing, sing, sing around the house. It was also fun to see them practicing their "dance" moves - they both have asked if they can do it again next year! We sure hope so!

2009-06-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Go Bears & Packers!

Flag Football 2009

Football Season is finally over!!!! Some of us are sad, some are very happy!! The boys of course LOVED playing football. Although, I think they love any and every sport they play.

Joshua played in the 9-11 age group and played for the Green Bay Packers. He loves running "go" routes and rushing the quarterback. Joshua is in the top corner running the ball.

Logan played for the Bears! Ben coached the team and they ended up having a lot of success. Logan is so fun to watch. He had at least 2-3 catches every game and most of them were for touchdowns. He is a very gifted athlete and makes all the catches seem so easy. He was definitely the favorite for Jake (the quarterback) to throw to. Ben also had Logan play quarterback - but he definitely was much happier catching the ball and running. Coach Ben in the huddle!

Beau being a good sport watching 2 hours of football every Saturday!

2009-06-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

The "Happiest" Show on Earth

May 28th, 2009

Jeanne's Dance Studio Recital

Emma & Taylor Peel (Emma's cousin) danced in the "happiest" show on earth - yes, all Disney music. They performed in 2 dances....pink dresses were for "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party" and of course, they wore their best "party" dresses! They both loved their most EXCELLENT teacher "Ms. Jennifer". Emma told me this morning as I was brushing her hair, "I really miss dance with Ms. Jennifer". Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party Dress

Don't Forget the Mouse Ears!

Joshua & Logan even loved the recital!

(Emma has sat through a whole season of football games....yes, they were going whether they liked it or not! Surprisingly, they both loved it!)

Lilo & Stitch's "Rock-a-Hula"

A real "crowd pleaser" - especially when Taylor yelled and waved "Hi Daddy!" and then came off the stage! It was the hit of the show!

More Dancing......Emma's Ballet Demonstration with Ms. Robbin....Emma is our little "Dancing Queen"!

2009-05-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Craig's List Anyone?

Ok, so I am little behind the times.....I have never listed anything or bought anything on Craig's List. So, I didn't know how EASY this could be! I have this washer and dryer that needed to be sold, so I thought I would try my entrepreneurship skills and sell them on Craig's List. How do you price such items? How long will it take to sell them? Many questions going through my mind - so I priced them at $150 for the pair. Maybe I priced them too low? I had at LEAST 20 people within 20 minutes wanting to purchase them. Who knew?

I am most excited to have them leave my house..... Here is what is coming....

Many happy washing days ahead!!!