"Who Says Blogging Is a Waste of Time?"

I was caught putting away dishes while blogging (please disregard the p.j.s and not done hair). What can I say, I love to "Multi-task"! See everyone, blogging is not a waste of time if you spend just as much time doing something for the house! This is the way I journal, but I enjoy it so much sometimes I feel a little guilty. This makes me feel better!

"Who Saw Indiana Jones This Weekend?"

Yes, we took part in making Indiana Jones a box office smash earning $126M in it's opening weekend. We have been looking forward to this movie for a long time. It was a great way to spend a Memorial Day. Usually we go to the beach and go to a B-B-Q but, the weather has been so bad lately. We went with a few other families and had a blast. We hit the earliest movie and thanks to Matt and Uale for saving about 25 seats, we beat the holiday crowds. The best part was Uncle Chad dressing up like Indiana Jones, everyone had to take a picture with his "Indie Hat"! The movie was action packed and Harrison Ford was as good as ever (all us ladies have a crush on him). Yesterday, we had movie night and watched "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" to prepare the kids for the new movie. I am glad the kids enjoyed it as much as we did when we were younger.

"Bread from heaven"

At our dinner stop at Tommy's Burgers during our Road Trip to Utah Payton kept playing with her food, not eating it. She was fascinated with her bun from her hot dog. She kept putting it up in the air and letting it go to land back into her hands. After a few more times of this, I asked her why she was doing this. She said, "Momma, don't you think this bun looks like the bread from Heaven?" "What", I was so confused (Rob almost choked on his food, he couldn't suppress his laughter). I had her explain more, "Don't you remember in that movie when Heavenly Father threw down the bread to the people." I finally got it...MANNA! The kids had been watching the Living Scripture DVD titled: "Bread From Heaven" last Sunday. Now I understood why she kept dropping the hot dog bun from the air! When we got home from the trip, we pulled out the DVD case. Sure enough, the bread on the cover looked exactly the same as the Tommy's Bun (Payton has such a good eye for detail). I am glad at least she is getting something from those overpriced but, loved Living Scriptures DVDs. But, I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a Tommy's Hot Dog Bun the same way again!

"You are Out!"

"YOU ARE OUT!" That was a phrase I had been hearing R.J. use a lot lately, not in the home but on the field! He just finished his first season with the Junior Umpire League. It has been a great experience for him. He has learned a lot, especially to trust his instincts, stand by his calls and to not to be intimidated by the Adult coaches. (which was really hard) He was able to really learn and memorize the rule book too. He was even complimented a few times after the game by impressed coaches saying that,"He really knew his stuff!" This was also a great paying job for a 11 year old boy. He made 15 dollars a game and sometimes even umpired 2 games in one Saturday. He is saving to buy a Wii all by himself and has been very diligent paying his tithing. I sure get a kick out of watching him and hearing him make calls. He gets very serious and uses a "Deep Manly" voice and uses very large gestures when the runner is safe or the ball is foul! He even uses that cute little broom to dust off home plate. I also have to admit he looks adorable in his umpiring uniform. Hey, if he never makes it to the majors playing ball, maybe he could still have a career in Professional Baseball as a Ump. I'd still go watch his games!

"Moving out a Sister!"

I just had a "Sister's Weekend" with our mom included of course! I love them. We spend time shopping, eating, laughing and most importantly BONDING. I have three sisters and we are all so different but, also really alike. My mom says she loves to watch us together because we always try to "Out Do" each other with the humor!

This weekend we spent our time together moving our baby sister, Marie into her very first apartment. She moved to very cute neighborhood in Long Beach (walking distance to the Beach and Queen Mary). It's her first time living on her own. We are all very protective over her and still treat her like the baby sister. We had a great time decorating, unpacking and organizing her house and kitchen. It was done very quickly so, we even had time to do some boutique shopping on Main Street and have some lunch. We can't wait to have a "Sister's Slumber Party" and really take advantage of the Long Beach attractions! Thanks to my honey for planning a fun weekend for the kids and for encouraging me to still "Play" with my sisters!

I love you ReRe, and are so proud of all your accomplishments! You are the best Aunt to my kids and they can't wait to have a sleep-over at the "Casa Maria"!!!! How's next weekend sound?!

"It's a Star Sighting If You Are Under the Age of 21!"

If you aren't under the age of 21 you may not know who Ryan Sheckler is. Just ask your son or daughter. I am not under that age but, I do have an 11 year old son who loves skate boarding. Ryan Sheckler is a Professional Skate Boarder (right up there with Tony Hawk). He became the youngest professional skateboarder to win gold in the X Games. Ryan is also a two-time World Cup of Skateboarding’s National Street Champion. He also stars in his own Reality Show on Mtv called, "The Life of Ryan". (still don't know who he is? Just act excited for us!) With that being said, we sighted him! On our way to Utah, stopped at a 7-11 store in San Juan Capistrano to pick up some snacks for the drive. Rob noticed this sweet, custom, fully loaded Escalade and said, I bet that's Ryan Sheckler's car (he lives in San Clemente). While we were paying for our treats, he walked in. Of course, like any good blogger I had my camera pulled from my purse and ready for action. He was really sweet and signed an autograph for R.J. and took pictures with the kids. He even took a picture with me (see his confused look on his face, I don't think he's used to having pictures taken with his fan's Moms!) I just wished I wasn't wearing traveling clothes! Ugh!!! R.J. was so excited and is looking forward to sharing Ryan's signature and picture with his friends at school.

This star sighting made me feel old, even though I acted like star-struck teenager! But that's okay, I still got a picture with a really cute, young Professional Skate Boarder who makes more money in year than I will make in a life time!

"Slimy Paige Nibus"

For a while now Payton has been asking for a pet. R.J. takes care of Colby (the dog) and Madison takes care of Misty (the cat), she told me she feels left out. So, she took matters into her own hands. She became the proud owner of Slimy Paige Nibus, a snail that she found in the front yard. (She named him all by herself) She has been taking great care of her snail, she's actually obsessed. She'll take him outside for some sunshine and a little "walk". Which according to her leads to a game of chase, Slimy chases her finger around. If Slimy is really lucky he'll get a small cup of water poured on him to keep him from drying out. We are constantly washing her hands and telling her to keep Slimy in his cage when they are in the house. I just can't believe this snail has lasted so long. I keep thinking, he can't make it through another night eating just grass, what do snails eat anyways? So, while I was at Women's Conference, Rob had enough of Payton lovingly torturing poor slimy. He upgraded her pet to a fish! She named him Pond. So, Slimy had a happy ending after all, he was let go back to the front yard. But, she says Slimy comes to visit her every morning and she pets her. I am just grateful that snails look alike!

"On the Road Again!"

"On the Road again, I just can't wait to get back on the road again..." We'll actually I can, we headed to Utah (I know what you are thinking, Again?!) This time the whole family is going and we are DRIVING!!! But needles to say, we are excited to be celebrating Mother's Day with Grandma and Grandpa Hazen and the rest of the Utah gang.

Here are a few things that were
"Needed" for our Road Trip

"Guitar Hero and Karaoke"
The two request from Utah
that we were to bring with us!

"G.P.S."
So, we can tell Payton exactly to the minute,
"How much longer it will take to get to Utah!"

"Hot Tamales"
They help me to drive.

"Tommy's Burgers"
Eating their loaded chili cheese burgers and fries
then driving all together 10 hours in a cramped car.
(I strongly suggest against this!)

"Sonic"
Rob needs his Cherry-Limeades
to help him stay awake.
(they don't have Sonic in San Diego)

"Cheap Hotel Room in Mesquite"
For when Cherry Limeades aren't working any longer!

We did make it to Utah waaaaayyyy behind schedule. Our estimated time of arrival was to be 9:30 PM Thursday night, but we ended up driving into the drive way at 11:30 Friday Morning. At least we made it, that's all that matters. Better late than never!

"Open House"

"Open House" means one thing in our house...School is just about over! We are so excited. We can say goodbye to homework and the scheduled life for a little while.
The kids love giving us the tour of their classes and to show us all their hard work they have accomplished through the year. I was very impressed with R.J.'s squeaky clean desk, he's had issues in the past with his desk (he takes after me in that department, my third grade teacher once turned over my desk onto the floor because I couldn't find a book. I'm not too worried, I turned out to be a clean freak!) We also enjoyed watching the SEES News which featured an interview with R.J. after he was elected Pres. of the school. In Madison's class we participated in the game, "Are you smarter than a 5th/4th Grade Combo Class?" I already know the answer to that question so I left the answer giving to Rob (I don't need proof!) One of my favorite parts of the night was looking at all their beautiful art work. Picasso eat your heart out.
I can't believe in a short time one child will just be starting and one will be finishing elementary school. I will soon be touring my baby Payton's class room! Oh my gosh, all three kids in school!!!! What ever am I going to do with myself? Hey, does Middle School have any kind of Open House? Or are they too old for that, once again..."R.J. stop growing!"

"Making Memories"

It's so good to be home. I am so tired but, I can't complain and say I need a vacation from my vacation (my hubby would have no sympathy after being a single father to the kids for 7 days!) I must add that he did a fantastic job, the kids are alive and happy! My friend even commented that my girl's hair looked perfect on Sunday. Thanks to Madison, she even curled Payton's hair with a curling iron! When I got picked up from the airport the car was filled with "I Missed Mommy" signs. I am so glad that they missed me.

This weekend was a whirl wind of Fun! It started off with Wedding Shopping with Lauren and Jeni. She picked out an absolutely beautiful dress that makes her look stunning. My favorite part was going to "Dressed in White" to pick out her Temple dress and to the Distribution Center to get all her necessary Temple items and Packet. Jeni and I were a mess when the sweet lady working there measured her and explained all the things she would need. I can't believe our Lauren is going through the Temple and getting married. It was an experience I can't wait to do with my own daughters. I was so grateful to be a part of this memorable day. We also got to take Heather to breakfast for her birthday and have an impromptu blog party! After the weekend, I stayed with Heather and Brad and spent some much needed quality time with them, my nieces and nephews, Mom-in-law, Anne and Jason!

Then by Tuesday my Women's Conference girls stole me away for some more fun, shopping and definitely more eating! This was our fourth year going together. And like always we never get enough sleep, we stay up too late laughing and talking into the wee hours of the morning. We also eat too many Mint-Brownies, 3 in a day is not too good for the waist line. The Conference once again did not disappoint. I came home feeling refreshed, re-energized, inspired, uplifted and ready to be the best mom and wife I can be! I especially felt empowered to be a women, wife and mother after listening to Sheri Dew speak. And I felt so lucky to see and hear in person our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson. He always knows what to say to touch my heart and spirit in a loving, humorous way. I was laughing and crying all at the same time.

The hi-light of the trip was Blogapalooza! I love that a computer has brought a bunch of talented, incredible, funny women together. Blogging has strengthened old friendships and formed new ones. Thanks to all you girls who organized it!!! (Celia, Paige, Jessica & Denae, also Laurie for the Directory) It was perfect.

A week is a long time to be away from your family, I actually got homesick and looked forward to returning to my sweeties! But don't get me wrong, I already got my calendar marked for April 30-May 1, 2009. I am counting the days till next Women's Conference and Blogapalooza! I can't wait to make some new memories!