ode to the plumber

We went camping this last week. The kids have developed a love for camping that I assure you they inherited from their dad, because frankly I like running water and the comforts of my own home. But I hiked up my big cowgirl pants with a big smile and we had a great time. Here is my Thomas bringing me flowers. I said, "Oh Thomas, you already know the way to a girls heart." He replied, "I only love you Mom." aaaawwwww He's pretty precious. (and knows it)

I just thought this picture was cool. I know...I need to get out more.

Thomas on our nature hike. He found two pine cones he was quite proud of. Then threw them over the edge, along with anything else he could toss. ( like a cell phone....don't worry, luckily it was his toy one.)

Mark in his complete element. I was only wondering....."Just how much life insurance do I have on him....hhhmmm" Oh I AM JUST KIDDING!

Our good friends, The Blackburns, met us up there. Here are all the kiddos pretending to fly. It's totally believable, because of my mad camera skills. (Thomas, lily, Daphne, Kate, and Lauren) 5/2011


Getting ready to hike down to the lake for the day.

We went to the fish hatchery which was very cool to see how they stock all the lakes, then stopped to fish and have a picnic at Christopher Creek nearby. That was very beautiful. Hard to realize its the same state as Ajo. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some people like cactus. We prefer the pines.

Mark, again in his happy place.

Kayley and Penny.

We lucked out because Smokey the bear was in town visiting. If you look at Thomas' shirt, you'll see just how much he loves Smokey. He later said, " I know that's not the real smokey. But I still like him."

I told Lauren to make a pirate face. She's a good lil' actress.

They look sweet, but right after this was taken they tried to push each other in the water.

Thomas displaying art work of his surroundings on his chalk board.
I think he likes Cars.

I just love this picture! It did not take long for this little one to find the water. oh' well. She loved throwing little rocks in and I loved reading my book. Win -win.

I have a secret. I am not a high maintenance gal. I don't need the latest updated furniture , house or even clothes. I don't have to wear a lot of makeup to feel pretty. I am not picky about where I live. But I have realized something about myself that could very well make my family, well possibly my husband, disown me. I AM A PRINCESS. Thats not my secret though. Lots of people already know this about me.

I don't like not having running water. I don't enjoy pooping in the woods like a bear, ( I know...T.M.I. but deal with it) I LIKE to feel organized and clean. Some may think my need for a clean home is obsessive compulsive, I just think I like to be tidy. DO you know what is NOT A TIDY situation, but apparently is enjoyable because so many people go???? CAMPING! Here's my secret, you may want to sit down, I DON"T like CAMPING! There I said it. Too late to take back now, my poor husband is in full on shock, I am sure. We even just bought a pop up camper, which I love, actually. I love the idea of it. I don't love feeling dirty, and disheveled and unorganized. I do sleep good though in a sleeping bag. Here is why I go camping though.......one little, two little, three little monkeys who really LOVE it! Seeing these pictures though, and the memories we created, I would gladly pack up and go back tomarrow. Well maybe in a month or so.

its a little outdated...TOMBSTONE!

Growing up Doc Holliday was my favorite! I even named my cat after him. (R.I.P Doc.) So of course I HAD to get a picture with him! Wyatt Earp and the boys got their feelings hurt, but Doc said "Now here's a lady with good taste." Before hitting Tombstone, we stopped in Tuscon to fish for awhile. It was a fun time feeding ducks, catching fish.....not so much.

Kayley trying to put Laurens shoe on while fishing.

Lauren, Abby, and Thomas after watching the Gun fight.

Thomas was a little scared to stand by these dudes. Just look at that brave face.

Doc did have some competition, because this guy was to DIE for...hahhahhaha. OK humor me, alright!

AJ and Thomas. Love these boys.

Tombstone was so much fun. Later Mark and I went out dancing, and I sang Karaoke. That was a blast. Thank you Mom and Dad for such a fun time. I will cherish those memories, and replay constantly in my mind the standing ovation I received after singing. (OK so that didn't happen, but a girl can dream right?)

Kayley is quite the cowgirl! I think she loves horses because of how much Lauren will play with them.

I never want to see you again

I know when you read that title it sounds so mean and ugly...but I mean every word of it! I am proud to report that I have lost 20 lbs with weight watchers since January!! YES that deserves 2 exclamations marks. And I am going to kiss the number on my scale that now reads "one hundred and eighty pounds" goodbye!! HHHmmmm I wrote the number out because I thought it'd make it look less daunty. That didn't work. It stinks to think I still weigh that much. Oh well, I am working on it...while workin it! HAHA.
I will not discredit my accomplishments thus far. Here's a brief recap- In October 2010 I weighed in at 208 lbs. Ok ok listen, I know weight is such a personal thing. Everybodys body is different. Some may look at that and think, "I'd love to weigh 208. And others may look at that and say "geeeze fatty" I look at it and say, "I am beautiful damnit. And I want to be healthy too." (This is what I tell myself whenever I step on the scale. Mostly because NO matter what that number is, I will not let it ruin my day) Plus sometimes crying is fun...sometimes not so much. I don't like to cry over my body. Whats the point, especially considering I have two daughters who are growing up in a world so consumed with body image, I refuse to let that matter in my home. Hopefully they will understand like I do, that we are daughters of God, so no matter what, we are beautiful. (Even if we do occassionally cuss)
I am feeling pretty good though. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. When I reach my goal weight I will post pictures....until then wait in pure anticipation!!! (oooh look at that 3 exclamation marks.)