Roosevelt Lake Camping Trip

This past weekend we decided to campout and have a lake day with some friends. When Brett got home from work on Friday we packed up the car and the boat and headed out. When we got to the lake it was super windy and Brett and I struggled trying to set up camp. We bought this new shade canopy and oh my word that thing was impossible to put up in the wind, but once the wind died down later that evening it was a cinch to put up. I'm so glad I decided to buy that thing a couple weeks ago because it turned out to be super big and a nice escape from the sun. Later that night our friends, the Williams and Sopelands, came down to our campsite and we had some yummy dinner and just hung out. They all went home afterwards, but were coming back in the morning to hang out all day Saturday. So, it was just us Flaherty's camping. Yup...it's confirmed...I still HATE camping! Let me rephrase that...I HATE tent camping. It's so uncomfortable (even with Brett being so sweet and trying to make me the best outdoors bed you can conjure up) and I woke up with the blaring sun in my face and a sore neck and back. I would really like to know who enjoys that?! I will stick to my bed from now on. I love, love, love the lake, but I love, love, love going home to my own bed at the end of the day. Anyways, Saturday turned out to be a blast with lots of wakeboarding, tubing, eating and just hanging out with friends. We had so much fun and can't wait to do it again...very, very soon:)

See Ya Later Baby Tooth

Last Thursday we went to the Flaherty's house for a little farewell party for Tanner and Heidi, who were leaving the next day for Iowa. We had a fun time hanging with the fam and playing in the pool. Earlier in the day Bradock told us his tooth felt loose and he decided to just keep wiggling that thing all day long...I can't stand wiggley teeth:( Bradock was trying so hard to eat his pizza that night, but was complaining that his tooth hurt. So, Brett being the good dentist that he is, told him he had the perfect solution. He grabbed a paper towel and with one yank out came the tooth. I think Bradock was more shocked than anything, but super excited that the tooth fairy would be "paying" him a visit that night. Normally, the kids don't ever come in our room to wake us up in the morning (they know and obey this rule really well) but I think Bradock was just too excited to wait for us to get up. He came running in the next morning to show us that the tooth fairy came and left him $1. I still can't believe that he is even old enough to be loosing teeth. I am beginning to understand the meaning "Time Flies" because my kids are just growing up so fast. I am, however, loving all the continuing "firsts" that we get to experience.

Father's Day 2012

Today is Father's Day, so for a little pre-celebration Brett, my mom, the kids and I went out to dinner to Fargo's and then saw Madagascar 3 last night. Then this morning the kids and I woke Brett up to his favorite, waffles and orange juice in bed. And lucky us, Brett and I got to speak in church again...SERIOUSLY!!! We just spoke on Mother's Day a few weeks ago, so I think I am now good for a very long time:) Bob, Tanner and Heidi surprised us by showing up at the church to hear us speak this morning, so they sat with my mom and the kids. We received some really nice compliments after speaking and now I'm just so glad that it's over. I was looking through some old photos and came across these of my dad and I. I seriously love how I look almost identical to him and I'm pretty sure he is the reason I have such a gum fetish:) I sure love that man and can't wait for him and my mom to move to Payson in September. I already hear people talking about him around town and all the amazing and wonderful things they have heard about him...no need to tell me...I know he is AMAZING!!!!

Major Cousin Slumber Party

Last Tuesday the kids and I headed back down to the valley to meet up with their cousins and use our awesome Pogo passes to go to the Arizona Musuem of Natural History. The kids had a blast looking at all the dinosaur bones and digging for gold. After the museum we swam in Grandma and Grandpa's pool and then all of my nieces and nephews (except for cute, little Addie who stayed behind) joined us on our ride home to Payson...yup that's right...me outnumbered by 7 crazy kiddos. We had the best 3 days ever!!! You can't come stay at our house and we not introduce you to our favorite hangout...kids soaked up the sun at Flowing Springs. Who knew that the Flaherty house came with its very own bronkin bull?! On the last morning of our slumber party, I took my nephew, Kasen, on a special "date". His bday was going to be in a couple days, so we wanted to have a little bday breakfast party. Well, we don't have a lot of options here in Payson, so Wally world it was. He got to pick out any toy he wanted, which bless his little heart he chose the $3 package of animals. I even tried to convince him to buy something else...nope that's all he wanted:) Then I told him I would take him to Bashas to pick out a doughnut for his bday. He chose the "Texas", which was the biggest chocolate sprinkled covered doughnut I have ever seen. He swore he could eat the whole thing, so we put him up to the challenge. Seriously, the doughnut was the size of a full dinner plate. He went at it with his hands behind his back...so awesome! We all had such a blast and I was surprisingly shocked at how well they all got along. Even if we didn't have any major storms or meltdowns, I praise any woman who has that many children...it's just pure crazy, happy chaos:)

Wedding Time

Payson might be a small town and a little country (okay A LOT country), but man do Paysonites know how to party. We had so much fun attending our friends Tawni and Justen's wedding last weekend. There are a few rules that they strictly follow here: Jeans and cowboy boots are required and you must have a beer in hand prior to the wedding even starting. We were off the hook with this one, since they know we don't drink, but Brett definitely represented by wearing his cowboy boots. However, my friends are planning on taking me "real" boot shopping very soon, so I can fit right in. In fact the bride said she would take me the day of the wedding, so I was all ready for that night...to funny!)The wedding was short and simple...do you take this woman...do you take this man...I DO and done:) Then it was party time all night long. We danced so much I thought I was going to die. Brett and I seriously have no idea how to country dance, but that certainly didn't stop people from asking us. Homer became my dancing buddy and Brett had quite a few ladies teach him a thing or two. We still aren't very good together, but we are learning:) Brett is such a charmer when it comes to the youngins...they just love him. I kind of know why:)

Another Dentist in the Fam

Last Friday we got to go down to the valley for a super exciting event...Tanner's Dental School graduation and party! We are so proud of him and so excited that he kept up the great "Flaherty" reputation:) Him and Heidi will be moving to Davenport, Iowa to start his dental career, but we hope to see them back in AZ in a couple of years.

I Might have been born in Texas, but I am NOT a Texas Girl

This just had to be documented because this was probably one of the funniest texts I have ever received. So, my brother just moved to Texas, which is hilarious because my dad grew up there and I was born there, but that is about all the Texan we have in us. So, the first text I get from, Justin, upon arriving is as follows: So, my brother totally thought this lady was referring to her cowgirl boot wearin "spurs", when in actuality she was referring to the Texas Spurs who apparently were in the playoffs (who knew)?!!!! I totally thought the same thing when I read it at first and then just died laughing when I realized how far off both my brother and I were. So, I let him know that when it comes to cowboy accessories or basketball my brother still might not quite fit in:) That's why I love him so much...two peas in a pod:)

Summertime is the Best!

Seriously, I just love the lazy days of summer. The kids and I have had so much fun spending our time jumping on the wet trampoline (a good ol childhood favorite), watching movies, working in our fun school activity books, reading stories and just being silly and crazy. Cookie Monsters! Bradock and Raylee have taken to Brett's love of oreos and I love how different these two eat them. Bradock eats the whole thing and usually tries to shove the whole cookie in his mouth at once. Raylee meticulously take the cookie apart, licks the frosting off first then slowly eats each cookie. After eating oreos I found Raylee in the family room with her "tv tray" eating a cup of jello...she is one funny girl. This pic just makes me laugh. I looked inside of Raylee's purse the other day to find it filled to the brim with lip gloss and nail polish...I wonder where in the world she gets this from? I too have a lip gloss bag inside my purse...a girl can never have to much lip gloss") Everyday the kids and I have storytime or what I like to call quiet time, which usually ends in a nap (my mom would do the same with me, Sarah and Justin everday). One of the kids' favorite books is "Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born", which I got as a gift at my baby shower for Bradock. I love this sweet little story about being adopted, which is why I think it's one of my kids' favorites too.

Summer Hangout

I have said this before, but I am seriously in heaven hanging out in the sun, reading a good book and watching my kids play. I really don't care where I am as long as there is water...well I guess not any old water, but a reasonably decent scenic view. It could be the beach, lake, river...I am totally game. Last year we found this little spot called Flowing Springs just a few minutes outside of Payson and it has definitely become a favorite. I love that my kids are entertained by the mud, rocks, trails and water for hours. I am pretty sure this will be a weekly occurence...if not more.

A Few Days with Uncle Justin

My brother finally moved back from the DR, but sadly he only had a few days before he headed off to his next career-driven adventure, San Antonio, TX. We had a blast while it lasted and as much as we wanted him to stay we are excited to take a road-trip to visit him as soon as we can. So, the pic of my feet are my new pair of Alpargatas...aka the "Real" Toms. Before my brother came home, him and a bunch of friends from the DR took a little detour trip to Puerto Rico. He said it was amazing and is now on my "Must See" list. Anyways, he was trying to find us all something to bring back and he just happened to stumble across this little shop that sold these famous shoes that originated in Chile. The best part is that they only cost $13...and they are the originals. My brother sure knows the way to this girl's heart. Yesterday afternoon my mom, Justin, Mr. B, Ray, Chance, McKai and Meegan and her kids and Chelsee and I had a little swim party over at the Flaherty's. Seriously, their new pool is so fun. Anyways, after we had been swimming awhile I couldn't find Raylee and started looking for her. Low and behold she comes cruising back to the backyard with Grandma's mail in hand...it was so darn cute. After we had had enough sun and water I started packing things up. The kids instantly started begging not to go and I said we needed to get going so they could get a nap so they were all rested for the big cousin slumber party that night at Tanner and Heidi's. Of course, I get an instant "But MOM, we don't want a nap...we aren't tired!" Well, they weren't in the car 5 seconds and their heads were bobbing and they were sawing logs. A mother always knows best:)

Things That Make Me Smile

This is the most random collage of pics, but that's kind of how we roll and it's in the randomness that I find the most joy. 1.The other day I was doing stuff around the house while Mr. B and Ray watched a movie. As I was walking towards the kitchen I noticed our big ol' family room with all it's couches and space and was happily shocked to find my two little brown bears sitting side by side on the recliner. Out of all the seating in that room they chose to sit side-by-side...the simple little things to put a smile on a mother's face:) 2. Another smile pleaser is seeing my handsome man in a pink shirt...now that's what I call manly. 3. The other morning Brett tells me that our shower looks like we are 80 year olds. I just started laughing because, well, it is soooo true. I can't help that the shower came with the nice elderly handrails, but I can't deny how much I love my newly purchased shower stool. Now this ol' lady doesn't have to hop around trying to shave her legs. 4. Brett loves to watch UFC on tv and our kids have caught the bug. The other night I am in the kitchen cooking and I look over to see that Bradock and Raylee have taken off their shirts, have each picked one of the guys on tv to be and were duking it out in our living room...classic.

Memorial Day at Roosevelt Lake

For Memorial Day weekend the whole Flaherty crew had decided to spend it at Roosevelt Lake. We were going to camp out Friday night, but the weather decided to turn chilly and windy on us so we ended up having a big ol' slumber party at our house instead. Saturday morning we drove to Roosevelt and ended up having a nice, sunny day at the lake. I don't think there is anything more that I love to do than sit out in the sun, read a good book and enjoy time with fam/friends.

Preschool Parties, Performances and Graduations

Another school year has come and gone and we had our very first preschool graduate. Bradock is so excited to start kindergarten and can't wait to go to his new school (Payson Elementary School aka PES) and meet his new teacher. It was decided that Bradock will continue speech therapy in kindergarten...darn those consonant blends (ex. "b" for "br" so instead of saying broom he says boom. The sad part is when we have him repeat it over and over he gets so frustrated because he really thinks he is saying it exactly like it is supposed to be). Thank goodness for patient, dedicated teachers and therapists. He has made so much improvement this last year and has really started to come out of his shell. He is definitely a lot more social than before, but still a very reserved, passive kid. His preschool teacher and aides just kept telling me how much they were going to miss him and that he was just the sweetest boy:) Mr. B had a super fun preschool party and then a very big-to-do graduation with a little reception after the ceremony. He was so happy Grandma Debby came to see him graduate. Of course, his whole last year has been even better because of his best friend, Manny. Those two sure are a crack up and are hoping to be in the same kindergarten class. Mr. B and Ray on their last day of school. I sure love these two silly kiddos. I am not a crafty person...AT ALL. However, I have decided that I am really good at following directions that are spelled out step-by-step, so I got couragous and made 10 homemade teacher gifts. I died laughing at how many I had made, but between Bradock and Raylee and all their teachers, teacher aides, and therapists it came out to quite a few:) The little card said "Thanks for helping me become a "sharpie" and "smartie" this year. Thank you pinterest for such cute ideas. Oh this little girl. I just heaved a big sigh as I'm typing this. She is one spitfire little girl. She still loves her naps, but loves pretty nails even more. For her big performance they put her right up front, center stage. And do you know what she did the whole time she was supposed to be singing and dancing? She stood there like a lump on a log and then proceeded to "fake" yawn and rub her eyes. This coming from the girl who belts her little bible tunes all day, but the moment she is put on the spot or asked to do it...no way jose! I am just so glad she stepped up to the plate for her speaking part "Do not KILL" (they were reciting the 10 commandments for the big show:) She is too smart for her own good. She has already been writing and spelling her name and loves to sound out the letters to words. I just hope she puts all that stubborness and smartness to good use.