THE MICHAELS

Christmas 2011

2012-01-10T22:22:00.001-08:00

decorating the Christmas tree.....

the family "granny" Christmas party was at our house this year....Santa (aka Uncle David) paid a surprise visit to the party;)

writting Christmas lists to Santa...

yes my girls visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops every year...

school Christmas concerts...

school Christmas parties... (the girls and I had fun making these snowmen cupcakes for Jaylee's preschool Christmas party)

making gingerbread houses with cousins Christmas eve...

traditional Christmas pajamas & milk and cookies on Christmas eve

Christmas day....

light at the end of the tunnel.....

2011-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Carrington College graduation (where I earned my associates of science degree)

DENTAL HYGIENE PINNING CEREMONY

my girls....MY INSPIRATION!!!

my Farr family

me and my bro Jay

my Michael family

me and some of my BFF's

Finally two years later and im officially graduated from Carrington College and Dental Hygiene School. I swear Ive aged 10+ years and gained 10+ lbs! I knew it was going to be hard going back to school and taking care of my family but I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was like having three full time jobs, school, family, and studying. I could not have made it without the support of my family and friends. My litte sister Rachelle literally raised Faith and Jaylee for the last two years. With out her this would have been nearly impossible. Thank you to my friends/neighbors/ward members who helped me out. Tiffany I want you to know how much your thoughtful letter in the mail, notes, and goodies at my door have meant to me! I swear yours and Heidi's treats have been the only home baked goodies my kids have had in the last two years! No joke. Heidi thank you soooo much for helping me out with giving Faith rides to school before the bus came along. I really had NO way of getting her to school half of the time, and for the goodies, and for the secret santa;) Also please tell Brandon how grateful I am to him and the other boys from the ward who came out and helped support me in our golf fundraiser! Alicia thank you so much for taking Faith to and from activity days. Its close to all the religion Faith has had in the last two years and im so grateful to you!I have grown so much. I can honestly say that I have changed for the better. Going back to school has been very liberating and rewarding. Something I definitely want my girls to take as an example and finish their education early on in life. I also was so privileged to share my journey with the best group of girls and guy! My classmates have been a great support system and I have made LIFE LONG friends! In the next few weeks I will be taking my national written exam and then flying to LA to take my national clinical exam. If all goes well the first time around I will be licensed within the next few months:)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

this year Jaylee was a bumble bee and Faith was a love bug......

the girls had fun trick or treating with all of their cousins.....

we had our traditional pumpkin bread bowls with potatoe soup.....

this year I tried making cake pops for the first time......

pumpkin festival 2011

2011-11-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

its seem like we always make it to the pumpkin festival every year.... this year the girls had fun getting their faces painted, riding the hay ride and other rides, goofy golfing, seeing "reindeer", eating corn on the cob, chilli, and hot dogs, pumkin pie and cookies, making candles, and riding the haunted train ride.

Jaylee is 5

2011-10-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Last month on Sept 27 Jaylee turned five. She was so excited to take cupcakes (that she helped me bake and decorate) to her preschool that day. Later on that evening we celebrated with a birthday dinner and pizza cookie at Oreganos and then cheese cake (thank you grandma Lydia)and presents at grandpa and grandma Michaels house with all of Jaylee's cousins. Happy Birthday to you baby Bird!

Labor Day weekend 2011

2011-09-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had fun sleeping at the homestead and swinging on the swings....

we had fun visiting cousins at the longhurst family reunion. I even played in a game of softball (that was a sight to see) lol......

we had fun going to the park in Show Low to help cousin Matthew celebrate his birthday. Jaylee was surprised when she got to open a few early birthday presents as well......

the kids had fun learning how to pan for gold with "papa" Mark....

Faith goes to 3rd grade

2011-09-06T20:15:00.001-07:00

Last month Faith started 3rd grade. To see the summer end was bitter sweet. SWEET in the fact that Faith is a little tornado and while I was at school Faith found creative and crafty ways to keep her and Jaylee entertained. So the start of a new school year means a cleaner house for me:) BITTER in the fact that Faith HATES to wake up in the morning! Yes my child stays up too late but honestly it doesnt matter what time I put her to bed, mornings are a nightmare at our house! Faith is definitely one of my life challenges. But then I find little videos like these on my camera and I swear my heart could explode, I love this little girl so much! Faith has a little friend named Anna Graceman (you may have heard of her she is a contestant on Americas Got Talent right now, so be sure to vote for her)who has inspired my little Faith to want to be a "superstar"! LOL! You might find it hard to believe but I cant even get Faith to take a picture for me so to find her little videos is to die for funny! For those of you who know Faith im sure you would agree... these videos are SOoo her:)lol!

Jaylee's first day of preschool

2011-09-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

Last month Jaylee started her first day of her second and last year of preschool. All summer Jaylee could hardly wait to get back to school! She loves it! One of the highlights of my life at the moment is picking her up from school. She is all grins and cant wait to show me what art project she did that day, what snack they had, and what she learned. Every thursday her class has show and tell and I love to let Jaylee pick out what she wants to show and tell. I love to see what she will come up with;) I would give anything to be a fly on the wall why she is presenting her show and tell. Her personality is so timid I wonder what she is like when Im not around. About the pictures....Jaylee loves to have her pictures taken she is such a little poser:)

California 2011

2011-08-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

In July I had a week off between semesters at school so we enjoyed an 8 day stay at the place we love the most, Capri By the Sea in San Diego. The kids had fun spending time with their cousins on the beach. This year Jaylee loved to play in the sand and Faith got really good at boogie boarding.

2011 Dance Recital

2011-07-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

Last month the girls had their dance recital. They worked hard all year in dance.They are both turning out to be good little dancers. I am always so spoud of them come recital day, it makes all those hours of sitting around waitng at practices and rehersals worth it:)

Jaylee completes her 4th year of ISR swim lessons

2011-07-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

If you havent heard of ISR before its the best investment I have ever made! Check them out HERE

our tomato garden

2011-06-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago Jaylee came home from school with this little tomato plant and had learned about gardening that day. When we built our home six years ago I had this area set aside with curbing around it for a garden. Well six years later I finally have my garden. I cant take all the credit though....it helps that we own a landscaping company and I had one of our workers purchase and plant all my tomato plants equip with a drip system to each plant:) So a few months later and here we are celebrating our tomatoes. Now if I can just figure out how to keep the birds from enjoying them as well? Maybe a scare crow? The girls and I fight over these things, we LOVE tomatoes at our house! Put me in a tomato patch with a salt shaker and Id think Id died and gone to heaven. There is nothing better than a home grown tomato, store bought just doesnt compare....

Easter 2011

2011-06-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

The girls had fun celebrating Easter with all their cousins. There was decorating Easter eggs, an Easter egg hunt and lots of candy! The girls helped me make these yummie little bunnies to give to all their cousins.

Faiths Baptism Day

2011-04-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Faith was baptised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was able to share her special day with her cousin Sophie who was also baptised that day. Faith was baptised by her grandpa Ron and comfirmed by her great grandpa Merl. We are so blessed to have grandpas!

oh BOY......

2011-03-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know its late in the year but for journaling purposes this is Faiths second grade school picture. Her two front teeth have since now grown in:)

so today I find this little letter titled LOVE NOTE... oh my Faithy, dont you know that boys are NOTHING but trouble;)

Faith is Eight

2011-03-12T21:02:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Faith had her eighth birthday party. She was very excited because this was the first time I let her invite friends from school. They had fun eating pizza, pop corn, ice cream cones, and cupcakes and bouncing in the bouncer. Monday night was Faiths acutal birthday. She chose Mattas for her birthday dinner then we went to grandma and grandpa Michaels for her favorite and mine...cherry cheesecake! Happy Birthday Faith!

2011 National Dental Hygiene Board Review

2011-02-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last weekend our class went to Long Beach for the national dental hygiene board review. Three straight days of 8+ hours of review but it was phenomenal! And I was there with friends which made it even more exciting! I acutally flew again for the first time in 6 years and lived to tell about it. Now if I can only do it again when I have to fly to LA in Dec for the actual board exams. FYI... I need patients at school, my grade depends on it. So, if you would like me to clean your teeth email me at princessaleia@hotmail.com and I will clean them for FREE!

me trying to force a smile on my face.....scared to death to take off...

you know youre a red neck when.....the only luggage you own is an ice chest...seriously who does that?

this is what a national board review looks like.... over 200 frazzled dental hygiene students

they put this slide up on the over head... I thought is was too funny

they convinced me I had to get on a plane again...

what is a trip without souvenirs...I brought back these T shirts for me, Rachelle, Faith & Jaylee.

fashion shows and hair bows

2011-02-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to Show Low to visit my sister and her family. My sisters and I had fun attempting to be crafty and making hair bows. My girls and their cousin Shanay decided that they would put on a fashion show for us. Faith and Shanay had a ball dressing Jaylee up.... these are just a few of their crazy outfits! Can you say scandalous;) We all had a good laugh! Never a dull moment when we all get together! Until next time.....

Jaylee gets invited to her first birthday party

2011-01-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Jaylee finally got to go to her very first birthday party! Jaylee was so excited she carried around her invitation for a solid week straight! Every time Faith gets invited to a birthday party it brakes Jaylee's little heart. Its hard trying to explain to a little four year old why she cant go to the birthday party when she goes every where with her big sister. Then of course Faith always comes home with party favors which makes it even worse...anyhow, I was SO nervous dropping her off at her school mates house but she survived and I survived and she had a blast!

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-29T10:19:00.001-08:00

yes Faith did get an overhead projector for Christmas... she REALLY wanted this because she loves to play school

Jaylee was so excited that Santa brought her a dancing Mickey

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve its tradition to open Christmas pj's

Faith & cousin Sophie

Granny party 2010

2010-12-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

its tradition in our family to sing "Oh Hang up the Babys Stocking" on their first Christmas....

group family pictures are always a delight;)

Faith & Jaylee's 2010 Christmas card

2010-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Longhurst family Christmas party 2010

2010-12-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

great-grandma Longhurst

talent show

mile long line of cousins waiting to open presents

only 6 more days until Christmas day!

2010-12-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

Jaylee came home from preschool with this pic...I thought it was too cute

Faiths school Christmas concert

2010-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

our neighborhood christmas party

2010-12-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Faith made it three rounds and into the final hula hoop competition

fun decorating & eating cookies

fun making gingerbread houses

fun riding the train

fun sitting on santa's lap

Cody & Rachelle had fun playing tackle football

Faith & Jaylee had fun playing with their cousins Chance & Aydnn on the playground

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

grandma Joy came to stay with us for the week of Thanksgiving...

eating yummy indian fry bread at the scout dinner

Jaylee had fun doing grandma Joys hair

grandma Joy helped us put up our Christmas decorations

Thanksgiving day we ate at grandpa & grandma Michael's then headed to Show Low to eat some more and....

to spend some time with.....

my sisters family. We had fun staying up late playing & watching movies, having an all day photoshoot in Greer, black friday at Walmart (at 12:00am will NEVER do that again), and playing in the snow

Where's Ronaldo?

2010-11-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

hunting on his birthday...Happy Hunting, oh I mean Happy Birthday Ronaldo;)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

there was BAKING....

there was DECORATING PUMPKINS....
there was the CHURCH TRUNK OR TREAT....

there was the QUEEN CREEK TRUNK OR TREAT...

there was FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTIES...

and LOTS & LOTS OF COUSINS & CANDY...

Phoenix Zoo

2010-10-26T22:27:00.001-07:00

who knew a wolf could be so tall?

Last weekend we went to the Phoenix Zoo. It was Jaylee's first time visiting the zoo. This trip was inspired by a nightmare that Jaylee had the night before where she woke up sceaming because a monkey had bitten her. The girls had fun riding the camel and checking out all the animals. However, I remember why I havnt been to the zoo in over four years.... lets just say its not my favorite place.

Time Out For Women 2010

2010-10-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday most of us women from the Longhurst family were able to go to Time Out For Women. The last time I went was three years ago so it was great to go and get re-energized:) There is something about listening to other women tell of their own trials and life experiances that seem to make mine a little easier knowing that we are all going through this crazy life together.

pumpkin festival

2010-10-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

last weekend we went to the pumpkin festival at Schnepf Farms where we had fun on the hay ride and haunted train ride. The girls rode all the little kiddy rides, got their faces painted, pet the animals at the petting zoo, and roasted marshmellows. Jaylee got chosen out of the croud to come to the front of the audience for the pig races. Her pig won the race so she was awarded with a pig nose:) We enjoyed yummy chili, grilled corn on the cob, and homemade pumpkin pie. The weather was great and im so excited to feel fall in the air:)

Jaylee turns four

2010-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Jaylee turned four on September 27th. Jaylee had fun celebrating her birthday with ALL of her cousins. They went swimming, had a pinata, Jaylees favorite cake (cheesecake), and of course presents:) Happy Birthday J-Bird!

Natasha Bedingfield

2010-09-26T23:50:00.001-07:00

My little sister won tickets to see Natasha Bedingfield Unplugged at the Hotel Indigo in Scottsdale. Rachelle wasnt able to go but my friend from school and I sure had a fun time meeting Natasha and listening to her perform for only 25 of us total that had won tickets.

Phoenix Oral Cancer Walk

2010-09-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday our hygiene program participated in the Phoenix Oral Cancer walk. It was a HOT day but a neat experiance. I just love all these gals and guy;)

MY 15 MIN. OF FAME!

2010-09-15T17:48:00.001-07:00

Ok so maybe like 3 min and seven seconds of fame;) So yes these are my teeth on the news chanel 10 Morning Show:) For those that dont know I am in dental hygiene school right now and as of July we started our clinicals and are open to the public for discounted prices on dental services. For the remaining of the month we are "giving back to the community" by offering FREE dental services to children between the ages of 3 and 17. For those of you who dont have dental insurance and are in need of an exam from a dentist, full mouth x-rays and a teeth cleaning it's only $35.00. That is a smoking deal!! We also offer other services at discounts as well. Keep in mind the we are practising students:)

Faith

2010-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

My little Faith baby... given her name so that I would never forget the difficult time in my life when she was born. Seven years later she is still reminding me to keep the Faith.

Jaylee's 1st day of preschool

2010-09-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

I just dropped Jaylee off for her first day of preschool. I completely expected her to cry but to my surprise she didnt even shed one tear:)

Faiths first day of 2nd grade

2010-08-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

I also had to document the infamous picture of the missing two front teeth (no...it really is two not four);)

Jaylee finishes her 3rd year of ISR swim lessons...

2010-07-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

Jaylee's instructor sent me this cute picture of Jaylee swimming under water:) If you havent heard of ISR check them out HERE

San Diego & July 4th 2010

2010-07-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

Usually we spend the 4th of July in the mountains but this year we headed to the beach. I decided to take advantage of my four day weekend break from school. We stayed at the amazing Paradise Point and enjoyed Sea Worlds 4th of July fireworks display. This trip ended up being BITTER SWEET;)because the short trip was a terrible tease. I cant wait to go back again.

unfortunately it was cloudy most of the time we were there so we spent a lot of time in the pool....

all Jaylee wanted to do was play in the sand.....

Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike taking pictures of my girls? As you can see from the picture of them in the pool, Faith is into making funny faces for the camera and Jaylee always gives me her "say cheese" smile. So I had to work hard for a few decent shots of my beach beauties:)

I feel like a fish out of water 24/7

2010-06-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

like im just flopping around, struggling for air, out of my element.... wondering when ill be able to swim again??

splash pad

2010-06-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Faith & Jaylee had fun with their cousins at the splash pad. We are looking forward to all the water fun now that the weather is warm!

but when you think Tim McGraw....

2010-06-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the Tim McGraw concert. Lady Antebellum opened for him and they rocked too. Thanks for inviting me Bailey:)

2010 dance recital

2010-05-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

sitting through all those dance practices finally pays off when I get to watch my girls perform:)

Im 31

2010-05-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had two birthday cakes this year! My sister had this cute cake made for me. I dont think I have ever had a cake that had my name on it so I was very excited. Also at her house she has this really cool tradition where they turn all the lights off, light the candles and sing happy birthday. She did this for me this year and it was neat.A traditon that I will be adopting:) I felt very special on my birthday thanks to everybody!

Thanks for the beautiful flowers Tiffany!!

So I usually dont post about myself very often but here goes...
I think I am doing much better today than I was a year ago. I know 30 is too young to have a midlife crisis so maybe that is the wrong word to descibe my little break down? Turning 30 last year was a milestone birthday for me. It was a long time coming but I took a serious look at my life and evaluated what all I had accomplished im my 20's and realized that while I had some great times there had also been alot of not so great times. On top of that I really didnt like the person I was becoming. So here I am a year older and MUCH wiser. After ALOT of self discoveries I think I am on a new road to living a much happier life. I have learned that my happiness depends entirely on myself and my additude and that I cant rely on others to fill in the blanks. I decided that my trials in life are just what I have needed to become a more patient person. I admit that I am extremely resentful and bitter and that I probably have no one else to blame for that but myself but I am desperatly trying to let go of my grudges. I am so grateful to those of you who have not judged but have loved us unconditionally. I am learning to lean more on others and I am so lucky to have people in my life that love me. I find that in my free time all I want to do is surround myself with the people that I love. So with that said, I am very hopeful for a wonderful future. You may be wondering why I am sporting the cute royal blue smurf scrubs in the picture? I was excepted into the dental hygiene program at Apollo and started in March. I am so excited and grateful to be there! If it seems like I have been MIA lately that is where I have been and will be until Dec of 2011, when I get my life back. lol.

Easter 2010

2010-04-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Faith & Jaylee had fun at Easter time this year with their cousins Shanay & Mathew and then Brody & Rigden.

forging my name already??

2010-03-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Good thing I decided to double check Faiths homework folder before sending it back to school in the morning...otherwise this post-it-note that Faith slipped in for her teacher might have found its way to the classroom. I just LOVE how Faith forged my signature;)

Faith is 7

2010-03-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Faith turned 7 on March 7th. She had fun celebrating her birthday at Amazing Jakes with her cousins.

after much coaxing my sisters persuaded me to ride some rides... even though rides terrify me I had a lot of fun too:)

then there were presents. Faith got a trampoline this year

and pedicures

Faith requested soup in bread bowls for her bithday dinner

and two different cakes. Happy Birthday Faith! Cant believe my baby is seven...im getting old

after a long day....

2010-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

wouldnt it be nice to just kick your boots up where ever you might be and have a nice nap:)

just the beggining...

2010-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought your kids were safe to play in the back yard;) My sister and her family just moved here from Show Low and we are SOOO excited and look forward to all the fun and mischief that can be expected from cousins:)

New Years Eve

2010-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

Faith & Jaylee had fun keeping their grandma and grandpa up all night:)

2009 Christmas Day

2010-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

opening presents Christmas morning

Jaylee loved her new bike from Santa

fun bowling Christmas night

Christmas Eve

2010-01-18T17:59:00.001-08:00

fun lighting the annual luminaries .

traditional Christmas PJ's

getting Santas cookies and milk ready

Gingerbread Houses

2010-01-18T17:57:00.001-08:00

Christmas Concerts

2010-01-18T17:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas parties

2010-01-18T17:41:00.001-08:00

Faith and Jaylee love to party with all of their cousins

Faiths class goes to the zoo

2010-01-08T11:59:00.001-08:00

Faiths 1st grade school picture

2009-12-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

cutest wedding party ever....

2009-11-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Faith & Jaylee loved being flower girls at their cousin Cody's wedding

Halloween 2009

2009-11-07T20:52:00.001-08:00

tuckered out..

2009-10-18T21:59:00.001-07:00

Jaylee turns THREE

2009-09-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

cutest wedding party ever

2009-09-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Faith was so excited to be one of the flower girls at her cousin Ragens wedding

story of my life......

2009-09-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

my mud MONSTERS

2009-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

at least Faith put their rainboots on them:)

I'm A 1st Grader Now!

2009-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Faith made it through her first day of all day school! She is so excited about playing on the big kids play ground now, visits to the school library, eating in the lunch room and all the other fun stuff BIG 1st graders get to do;)

Jaylee goes to the salon

2009-08-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

BEFORE...

AFTER...

I had a hair appt and decided I would take Jaylee along for a little advice from my stylist about her hair. Jaylees hair is complete oposite from Faiths, its thin and stringy and she refuses to keep hair things in. Im wishing now that I would have kept it long...it took almost three whole years for her to grow what little hair she did have:(

my kittens

2009-07-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

I was just THRILLED when Faith decided that she was going to make her and Jaylee look like "kittens" with a marker;) Luckily this stuff SCRUBBED off so Faith could say the prayer in primary just two days later...

Dance Recital

2009-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

The girls had their dance recital in June (it was Jaylee's first dance recital) and it was so fun to watch both of my little dance divas!

Rachelle

2009-07-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

My baby sister has been staying with us this summer. Four years ago she moved out of state and I hadn't seen her since then. She is so grown up. It has been a learning experience to have a teen in our house...myspace, all nighters, makeup & messes. Good times! She is such a great help with my girls and we all love having her here. Jaylee calles her "Sea Shell", too cute. Im sure you will be seeing more pics of Rachelle, she has more photoshoot ideas up her sleeve than I do {wink,wink}. Love ya sis!

Independence Day 2009

2009-07-07T11:40:00.001-07:00

I had a little fun with the fireworks...a tripod & SLOW shutter speed can produce some awesome images (SOOC)

There is nothing better than a small town 4th of July! The horse and float parade down main street, hometown football games and yummy fry bread, fresh kettle corn... sitting right under the booming fireworks and smelling the sulfur in the air...afternoon shower storms, 4 wheelers, crawdad fishing, cousins & family, cool mountain air & lots & lots of dirt:)

I finally got my camera back from the shop... whoot,whoot!

Fathers Day

2009-06-24T00:24:00.001-07:00

4 labs and one tea cup poodle later....I decided we should try our hand at another family pet. For some reason pets have never worked out for us. Its been about 7 yrs since we last had a dog and so far so good:) The timing was perfect...Ronnie was out of town hunting (so he wasn't here to tell me no) and he was coming home on Fathers Day and we could pass this cute little boxer pup off as his Fathers Day present {wink,wink}. Thanks to my girls for helping me pull it off...Ronnie is now in love with his new best friend:)

San Diego 09

2009-06-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

Its always sad when its time to leave the beach and come back home:( There is nothing better than pulling up to Capri and stepping out of the car after a long drive...the ocean breeze instantly hits your face and you can see and smell the ocean and hear the kids on the beach. Cant hardly wait till next year

Memorial Day weekend 2009

2009-05-31T23:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sure this is when Ronnie wished he had a son;) haha. Ronnie had to hold both girls while they relieved themselves at the top of salt river canyon road.

as soon as we hit the mountains Faith and Jaylee know that they get to help their dad drive

hey...its ok to be WT once in a while;)

yummy popcorn from Whiting gas station in St Johns after we left the cemetery from visiting and cleaning my dads and other loved ones graves

we had to sport our jackets and rain gear all weekend but we had a blast anyways!

Faith graduates from kindergarten

2009-05-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Faith and Miss Arnold

yes...Faith is still sporting her black eye

Ronnie and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary the same day as Faiths kindergarten graduation last week. WHOOT WHOOT! I have to admit that I have been counting down the days until the last day of school, looking forward to the summer break. However, it hit me during her graduation ceremony that my baby is growing up and for the next 12 years she will spend her days at school and minimal time with me:( I'M sure by the end of the summer I will be praying for school to start but for now I'm going to enjoy late night cartoons and mac & cheese with my kiddos for the next couple of months.

ISR swim lessons

2009-05-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Jaylee just finished her ISR swim lessons. I think everybody should consider this program...it is SO worth it! Check it out here

Faith gets a shiner

2009-05-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

the difference between day 1 and day 3

Faith got into a nasty fight with the tile in our house and lost;)

my sneaky baby...

2009-05-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I last found Jaylee swimming in the sink. I thought she had out grown the playing in the sink phase...wont be long before she cant fit in the sink anymore:(

Ronnie's elk horns

2009-05-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ronnie found all of these elk horns while he was turkey hunting last week. Last night Ronnie and I switched vehicles, he made me promise that I wouldn't forget to lock his truck because all of his horns were in there! I just have to laugh:)

Faiths music recital

2009-04-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

Faith graduated from her first year of Lets Play Music!

True Religion...

2009-04-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

JEANS! Have you always wanted a pair of these rockin jeans but didn't want to spend a whoppin $300 bucks? My SIL Bailey has just started selling these jeans for $80.00. Check um out here

The Big Three Zero...

2009-04-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 30th birthday. I cant believe that I am 30...yikes...I sure don't feel 30! Anyway, it was a great day! I treated my self to a pedicure and celebrated that night at Outback. I am hooked on their blue cheese wedge salad, yum! Thanks Tiffany for the gorgeous, scrumptious cupcakes!

our Easter 2009

2009-04-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

a few attempts at trying to get a decent picture of my girls in their Easter church dresses before church (ignore Jaylees booboo on her chin).

the Easter bunny visited our house...

a photoshoot of my niece...click here to see more

Ronnie with a couple of our nieces

This Easter was really special because Ronnie's sister and her family were here from Utah. I was finally able to meet my four new nieces. Faith and Jaylee had fun playing with all of their cousins. We had fun going out to eat, a trip to the park, Easter egg hunts and slumber parties. Its already lonely around here without all the kids:(

what we've been up to...

2009-03-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ronnie and I got to go out on a date Friday night. My brothers friend let us take a picture in his quarter million dollar Ferrari Spider! Maybe next time he'll let us drive it;)

This weekend Faiths school held a fundraiser and Faith entered her M&M cake to sale at the auction. She was so excited for the spring round up and then she came down with the same stomach flu that Jaylee had all week:(

little miss Jaylee decided to paint herself with my waterproof mascara. It took three days and several baths later for this stuff to come off. Who knew waterproof mascara could dye the skin?

I guess i'm not the only one who lives vicariously through my children, Ronnie has decided to join me too;) Ronnie signed Fatih up for Jiu Jitsu. I'm not sure how long his little fantasy will last because he is already having to beg her to go to class and shes only been at it one month. Dancer by day...cage fighter by night;)
Faiths school celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday

Ronnie & his friend Jesse along with my grandpa and brother helped Chance with his pine wood derby car. Chances car ended up winning the entire derby!

spring break...

2009-03-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

I remember how much I loved spring break when I was in school, but I REALLY appreciate spring break now that Faith is in school. Fatih starting school this year has been more of an adjustment for me than her. An end of an era... no more spur of the moment out of towners during the week with Ronnie, routines, schedules, homework... It was so nice to loung in our PJs for half the day. We had a nice 5 day stay at my parents place up north where the girls enjoyed playing with their cousins. I had a great time hanging with my sister and visiting her beauty school where she gave me an awesome manicure. Of course Ronnie was in mountain heaven, sporting his camo and cowboy hat the entire time we were there and he found several huge elk sheds. Hurry up summer vacation!

Faith turns 6

2009-03-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

pinata fun...

pin the tale on the donkey...

yes...Faith did get a BB gun for her birthday (a present from her dad;)

the party gang...

Of course its hard to believe that my baby is six! Hope you had a Happy Birthday Faith!

this makes me smile...

2009-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Young love...my cute little cousin (from my New Years post) asked his girly friend to marry him. I was able to take their pictures for their wedding announcement. I am so proud of him and I know he has found himself a great gal!
more pics from their photosession here

my Valentine

2009-01-31T12:58:00.001-08:00

above: FRONT below: BACK

this year my lil' Valentine will be forgoing the Dora valentines and helping her mama with a little free advertising {wink, wink}.

weekend up north

2009-01-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

We decided to take advantage of Faith having the day off of school yesterday and we went up north for an extra long weekend. The girls had fun playing in the snow and of course I had a great time playing with my camera;)

Jaylee's first haircut

2009-01-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

I finally got sick of Jaylee sporting a nasty mullet. Aunt Bailey was kind enough to give Jaylee her first haircut.

Faiths first art class

2009-01-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

Last week Faith started taking an art class from a lady in our ward who is an amazing artist. Faith was so proud of her pictures! I hope I didn't burst her bubble when I told her that she drew an awesome elephant...she was quick to inform me that "its a rhino not an elephant";)

New Years Eve

2009-01-04T21:03:00.001-08:00

WE STARTED THE NIGHT OFF WITH LOTS OF GOOD FOOD...

Ronnie & Skyler were really proud of their homemade pizza

the chocolate fountain

THEN THERE WAS FUN & GAMES...
guitar hero

I caught Ronnie & Jesse in the toy room rocking Faiths karaoke machine

Ronnie having fun with the noise makers (hey, it was late)

This picture and the one above is of my cousins little DOO-DAH! I had to add this cute pic in from her photosession that we did earlier that day. To see more cute pics from her shoot check out my photography blog here.

some of the couples ringing in the new year!

we ended the celebrations around 2:00am which was way too late for some of us;) HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Utah

2009-01-04T20:20:00.001-08:00

The day after Christmas Ronnie and Faith flew to Utah along with Ronnie's mom and dad. Despite my insane fear of flying I was just about to hop the plane too but Jaylee started throwing up Christmas day. What would be worth me getting on an airplane? My three nieces were finally able to come home from Haiti! Ronnie's sister has been trying to adopt their three girls for the last three years, their faith finally paid off! Heather and her husband are pretty amazing...they share their love with their 10 children. Ronnie and Faith also got to meet our new niece Gracie who was born in October. Ronnie was good about sending pictures from his phone to mine the entire 5 days they were gone. It really helped me feel like I was there too!

Christmas

2008-12-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

our 2008 Christmas card

Christmas PJ's

cookies for Santa

Thanks grandma Lydia for making the girls aprons!

Ronnie enjoying himself on Faiths karaoke machine

good times at the Longhurst family Christmas party

Christmas Sunday church dresses (infront of our cardboard fireplace, Santa has to come down the chimney right;)) We had a very Merry Christmas!

'TisThe Season...

2008-12-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Faith did a really great job dancing in her Christmas Dance concert {sigh} I just love living through my children;)

Faith lost her first tooth

we are thrilled (well I am) Jaylee started dance this week. To my surprise she did really good for a 2yr old;) My favorite part of the class was when she decided to take her cloths off! Yep! (remember my earlier post... Jaylee hates cloths) She must have worn her poor little self out because afterwards she fell asleep in the cart at the store

Faith singing O Christmas Tree at her kindergarten Christmas concert

fun at family Christmas parties

of course the kids had to visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops. DUH...Ronnie's favorite store in the whole world:)

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

This year we had Thanksgiving at our house(15 of us). It was a great day full of yummy food and family! We did miss Ronnie this year though, he was hunting:( The picture is of my cousins cute little girl,(too much turkey);)No pics of my kids though, WHOOPS:) Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

catching up...

2008-11-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

RONNIE TURNS THE BIG THREE ZERO

I had to share this picture. Ronnie sent this to my phone from his phone. This is how he kisses us goodnight when he is away hunting:)

Hard to believe my hubby is 30yrs old! Our nephew shares the same bday with Ronnie so we celebrated the night at Bounce U and had a great time. After Bounce U a bunch of us headed over to Oregano's so Ronnie could get his free birthday pizzookie! YUMO!

This year Faith had a part in the primary program. She did really good! After she was done speaking her part she walked straight down from the podium and back to the chapel to sit with us. After some convincing she finally went back up to join the rest of the primary and finish out the program.

Faith tried to make Jaylee look like a "clown" by drawing on her with a pen. Poor Jaylee had been running a fever that day too but apparently she didn't mind, however mom did:<

I was so happy to find both of the girls passed out at the same time all on their own! I actually got to watch a tad of TV that night!

Lately I have been finding my girls sound asleep. Jaylee has become quiet attached to her baby dolls these days.

{WINNER & another boutique}

2008-11-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to meet Andrea and her child/children? I had a great time at the shedinthestix boutique last weekend. I will be at Simonton Elementary School in QC this Saturday Nov 15 from 10:00-2:00 for their boutique/fall festival. I will be raffling off another free photosession...stop by for another chance to win!