Our Sundays

Since we moved and are now in the Mogollan Ward we are back to early church time again (9am isn't too bad, but we were really liking our 11 time slot). The nice thing about going earlier is that we are done earlier too, so we have all afternoon to enjoy this great Payson weather. Brett and the kids had a little target practice with their bows...I just thought this was the cutest thing ever. What in the world has Brett created?! We also had fun jumping on the trampoline and then went for a little hike. I just love fun, lazy Sundays...life is good.

Soccer Stud

Bradock had his last soccer game of the season last week and I must say he did soooo much better this year...no tears, ran super fast/hard and actually kicked the ball several times. He is definitely not much of a contact sport kind of kid and so wasn't super aggressive about getting in the middle of the mad pack to get the ball. He is however, pretty fast and was usually at the head of the group racing down the field. I'm just glad that he had fun and enjoyed being out on the field. I am also so glad to be living in Payson and actually enjoy being outside in cool, nice weather watching his games...so much better than dying of heat down in the valley.

Best Saturday Ever

Yesterday we headed to Roosevelt Lake with our friends, the Youngs. We had so much fun soaking up the sun and water. We did a little wakeboarding, tubing and surfing. We feel so lucky that Grandpa Bob trusted us with his boat...because it sure is a fun one!

Later that night we met up with the Youngs and a few other friends at the Payson rodeo. Seriously, could it have been a better day?!! Lake by day...Rodeo by night. I may still be getting used to the small town life, but this chica has always loved a good rodeo. I even have a belt buckle I won back in 91' for being the first one to pull the ribbon of the calf. Brett and I can't wait for the NFR this year...now that's where the good bull riding is.

Grandma and Grandpa Flaherty's New Pool

Last weekend we went down to the valley to run some errands and spend some time with the fam. Brett's parents decided to start building a pool last fall and (lucky us) it was completed just a few weeks ago...just in time to enjoy for summer. The kids absolutely love it and the pool looks amazing. Grandpa Bob has the kids doing crazy jumps into the pool and our little beach babes are loving just soaking up the sun. It looks like Grandma and Grandpa's house just became even more exciting to visit!

Mother's Day

Last Sunday was Mother's Day and I had the hmmmm...should I say privilege...to speak in the Spanish Branch. The week before the Branch President and I had the following conversation: BP: "Just the person I was looking for. Can you and your husband speak in the branch for Mother's Day next Sunday?" Me: "Sure, Brett can." BP: "And you too." Me: "Oh, I don't speak spanish, so I don't think I can." BP: "That's ok. We have a translator for you." Darn it, looks like I was speaking. Actually, it really wasn't so bad. I was super nervous about how the whole translator thing would work, but it ended up being ok. Well, I guess I'm not exactly sure what he was telling the congregation, so I'm just hoping he made up a good talk for me:) The branch was so nice and had the nicest compliments afterward, so I guess it turned out alright afterall. After church I spent a very relaxing day with my fam. Brett and the kids got me a Spa gift package that includes an hour massage, body scrub, facial, manicure and pedicure...I'm super excited to use it. Bradock made me the cutest Mother's Day card and little plant with his picture on it at school. The little grass plant makes me laugh every time I look at it. I call it my little "Bradock Chia pet". Raylee girl made me a cute little coupon book. It was a great day and a wonderful reminder of how blessed I am to have such a sweet, little family.

"The Compound"

Well, we have had some exciting and crazy/busy weeks lately. Brett and I have been renting our house on Ryan Dr. for almost a year and just about every Sunday we take a drive around Payson to look at houses and property. With us living in Payson it has also been about a year since we drove up to Pinetop to visit my parents. I love my parents, but when I have mountains and cooler weather I prefer to spend my "free-time" down in the valley. Sarah and Chance have even frequented our house more often than going up to my parents...what can I say, there's no beating the hour and fifteen minute drive from Mesa. So as Brett and I started looking for a potential place to buy, my parents realized Payson would be a great place to move too. They would still get to enjoy the "mountain" living with the convenience of being near the valley. So, we started talking together and decided it would be fun to find a place with several acres and we could be neighbors. Well, we sure did luck out. Our good friend, Laci knew what we were kind of looking for and mentioned us to her mother-in-law, Becky, who is a realtor here in Payson. It was shortly after that she sent us an email with a picture and description of what sounded like the perfect piece of land. We fell in love at first sight and now refer to this little gem of ours as "THE COMPOUND". It is 5 acres of fairly flat, awesome forest land tucked back in the middle of Payson. Literally, it's like being in the middle of nowhere, yet we are a mile from the main intersection. To say we are in love is a complete understatement. The land came with a 3 bedroom home that we are now living in and that will be my parents future home. When Brett and I are ready we will then build our own "dream" home right next to theirs. The house has an awesome deck with an incredible view where we love to sit and watch the elk/deer, javelina, raccoon, squirrels, rabbits, etc. that pass by. I'm hoping that's all the wildlife I encounter out here:) Brett and I packed up our stuff and moved in the end of April/beginning of May and have just been getting things organized. We have loved having bbqs and visitors here at the compound. We have an open door policy, so anyone is welcome anytime. I still can't believe that this "city girl" lives in the forest, but I am really liking it and can see myself growing old here:)

JRE School Carnival

We had a fun family night at Bradock's school for the annual spring fling carnival. The kids loved all the bouncy houses and getting their faces painted. Of course, Bradock had even more fun when he saw that his best friend, Manny, was there. They are the funniest little boys and I'm so glad they have so much fun together.

School Dress Up

Apparently, Bradock's school decided to have school pics...again...and so I was surprised to find an envelope of these pics that we could order from. I would have picked out a much cuter outfit:) and since I think these pics are cheesy I just scanned one, so I have it saved.

Bradock also had crazy dress-up week at school. Monday was "Mis-matched Day" and Tuesday was "50s Day". Unfortunately, Mr. B missed the rest of the week because he was sick, but you know he would have rocked the "Athletic Day" and "Payson Longhorns Day".

My Boys' Birthdays

Brett and Bradock both celebrated some bdays...Bradock turned 5 and well, as the kids would say, "Dad is waaaay old"...at the ripe ol age of 32. It's really fun that their bdays are only 2 days apart, so lucky them we will always celebrate them together. We decided to head down to the valley, so we could party with family and friends. My mom just happened to be down there too and took Bradock on a little "date" night to his favorite place for dinner (McDonald's of course) and then to Toys R Us to pick out a toy. He came home with this ridiculously large Ironman helmet...he absolutely loves the Super Hero Squad and so I wasn't suprised that's what he picked...well maybe a little suprised by the size. Anyways, Brett, Bradock and I also decided to freshen up our looks with a little haircut and styling session with one of my besties and all time favorite stylist in the world, Rachel. Bradock decided to go for the "Uncle Justin" look and get the mild mohawk all the way down...he rocks it so well and I just love it...Brett not so much, but he's waaaaay old.

So, Friday night we had a bunch of friends and family over for the bday festivities. Bradock scored in presents (lots of super hero stuff) and we had a blast hanging out with everyone...we sure miss seeing them more often.

Bradock's actual birthday was on a Tuesday, so when the kids got home from school we had a fun lunch at McD's...doesn't take a lot to please the kiddos:)