"Mama's Workshop"

My husband calls it a "Girl's Trip", I refer to it as a "Mama's Workshop!"  Every mama needs to attend one.  It's time spent reflecting on the past summer, conversing with other mamas, sharing ideas of what you need to do and what you need to change to make your kid's lives happier.  Okay the real reason for the trip?  Sometimes a mama just needs to get away to shop, eat, and sleep uninterrupted.  And the best reason of all?  To make her kids miss her... a lot!  It worked like a charm.  This year's "Mama Workshop" took place at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs again.  A lot of fun mamas attended.  I thought after the trip I'd be rested after all my R&R, I was wrong.  I came home more tired and  more sleep deprived than before I left.  Those mama's kept me up all night laughing and talking in the jacuzzi every evening.  We woke up so exhausted, we even went to breakfast in our Pajamas.  I didn't fit in one nap, with all the shopping, pedicures, movies and restaurants we hit.  It was a great workshop, I learned a lot.  At the end of the weekend I couldn't wait to get back to my kids, husband and my own bed so I could FINALLY get some sleep!

 

"Following in Mom's Footsteps"

The San Marcos high school's Pep Squad has a fundraiser every year. They provide an opportunity for young girls to be a cheerleader for a night. They get to go to the high school and learn cheers taught by the cheerleaders. Michele and I signed up the girls to participate. We dropped the girls off two hours before the games and they spent time all together learning the stuff they were to perform that night. They also got to have a pizza party with the cheerleaders. The best part was seeing the girls cheer during the football games. They cheered for the last half of Junior Varsity and the first half of Varsity. I must say I was very surprised at how comfortable Madison was on the track. She was smiling and dancing like a pro. Payton was also having the time of her life. Their favorite part of cheering was when the Knight's made a touchdown and they had to run to the goal posts with all the other cheerleaders to encourage an extra point. Maybe one day these little cheerleaders will follow in their mother's footsteps after all!

" NO DOUBT It Was a Good Night!"

One of our summer hi-lights was attending the No Doubt concert.  I felt like a college student again watching them on stage listening to that mix of  ska and pop.  I haven't seen them perform since an out-door free concert at San Diego State University in the 90's .  (And Gwen and I have not hung out since Payton and her son Kingston shared oreos at the La quinta Resort.) Not much has changed!  That Gwen can still make any young (or old) girl feel empowered.  Another reason I felt young again was our concert seats, we sat in the nose bleed section on the grass with all of the other starving students who couldn't afford chairs with backs.  But, you couldn't beat the price of $10.00 a pop.  Our lawn seats didn't get much use, we pretty much danced the whole time.  Those young kids couldn't keep up with us!

"If the Shoe Fits..."

Sunday morning before church I got an urgent text from Rob, "Bring my new, brown, leather slip-on shoe with you to church.  There is only one in the closet."  Apparently, while Rob was getting ready for church he wasn't paying too close attention to what he was doing.  And sweet Payton can sure be distracting.  He went to church with two different shoes on.  He didn't notice

 until he was in the middle of his first meeting.  What

 was so funny was, the shoes didn't even look alike.  One

 was black and had laces, the other was a brown and a slip-on.  He said he was fully engaged in a conversation with Payton and didn't notice what he did.  Poor Rob, he will never hear the end of it.  He had to conduct all his meetings (Bishopric, Ward Council) that morning  with mismatched shoes.  Payton loves the attention her daddy gives to her.   This just proves, when Payton talks Daddy sure does listen!

"A Dog-Day Afternoon!"

(Back Summer Post)

Monday is my cleaning day.  Everything gets cleaned... even the dog!  So, we multi-tasked today, the kids kept cool in the heat while giving Colby a much needed bath.  The pup was patient and a very good sport  during his "Rinse, Lather and Repeat!"  But don't worry, he paid them back at the end.  I love when doggies "shake" dry all on their own with no towels needed.  At least this was one great way to keep cool this summer.

"First Grandchild on a Mission"

Elder Michael Adam Melendez left for his Mission to St. Louis, Missouri. We are so proud of him, he is the first grandchild to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is setting such a good example for the rest of the grand kids to follow. We were so grateful to be at his Mission Farewell and to be able to hear him speak in his ward for the last time for two years. He gave a beautiful talk about eternal families. He was so eloquent and presented his message so clearly. Little Daniel was the youth speaker so we got a double dose of the Melendez brothers. R.J. was so impressed and said he'd love to be able to get up in front of a congregation and give a talk without even looking at the paper. I am glad the kids were able to hear their cousins testify of the truth. We were also able to go to the New Port Temple and witness Michael take out his own endowment. He could not wipe the smile off his face he was so happy. Elder Melendez is read for his mission. He is going to be such a hardworking, humble, great missionary. We are really going to miss him but, can't wait to read his letters!

"We Felt the Labor this Labor Day!"

This Labor Day was our ward's First Annual Labor Day 5K, "Run and Not Be Weary, Walk and Not Be Faint."  Our sweet Young Women put it on with the help of the great and very organized Jamie Pyatt.  Let's just say, I "labored" during this run.  I have not really worked out all summer and thought this was the perfect time to get my booty moving again.  The girls decided to catch up on their beauty sleep, so it was up to me and the boys (Rob & R.J.) to represent the Hazens.  I thought we'd run as a family but, all I saw of R.J. was the back of his head!  Rob and I kept up a reasonable, moderate, respectable pace and pretty much ran the whole way.  I am glad my sister Michele was right beside me too making me laugh and pushing me on.  I am acting like it was a marathon but, I was proud of myself.  The next day I was so sore, but felt really good.  I think I want to do more of these!  Right after the 5k, we raced to San Clemente for a baseball tournament for R.J.  The Trojans played a double header.  R.J. pitched a great game.  I enjoy watching him play because he loves the game so much.  I am always looking for that smile that comes when he strikes someone out that he tries to hide it behind the glove.  He makes baseball fun for me!  Sore muscles and all it was a great holiday.  

(Trojan's Labor Day Tournament)

"And So It Begins!"

We have been dreading this day in our house for the past two weeks... the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year.  It has been nice enjoying the simple freedoms from a usually busy, hectic schedule.  Back to the grind of everyday, back to alarm clocks and full calendars. Back to homework and practices. And finally back to blogging my family's history (I hope I can catch up!)

 (Middle School Orientation Day)

This school year was a hard one for ME to think about.  Madison is joining R.J. in Middle School.  She is in 6th grade and he's in 7th.  It was so much fun taking the older kids to orientation to pick up their schedules and text books and getting their new I.D. cards.  I'd like to think I am too young for 2 kids in Middle School, but it's simply not true.  I am getting old and my kids are really making me feel it!  My only saving grace is my baby Payton who is still in elementary and will be in 2nd grade.  (Wait, I feel old again.)  R.J. looks like he should be going into high school, he grew too much this summer.  And Madison has done a metamorphosis in three short months.  She has turned into a lovely young lady with the attitude to match.  Not necessarily "That" kind of attitude, but a more mature one.  She has informed me that she will no longer be wearing the "Big Bows" in her hair anymore.  Only tied ribbons and flowers are allowed.  My heart broke a little at this statement.  My girls are "known" for their hair at school, at least I still got Payton!  We made a compromise and agreed to only wear bows on Sunday.  Her style and taste has grown too.  I am getting used to the "Skinny" jean look. It is fun to see the different styles my kids are liking.  I took each one of them shopping alone to have one on one time with them.  They loved the attention and all my focus was purely on them!

(The First Day of School Outfits)

(The First Day of the 2009-2010 School Year)

The first morning of school the kids awoke to our traditional "Back to School Breakfast" of German pancakes, oven baked brown sugar bacon and potatoes.  They each received a "Father's Blessing" to help guide and comfort them through this new school year.  I also read them my favorite book, "The Kissing Hand" and sent them all to school with hearts drawn on the middle of their palms.   It was nice to know that even though they are in middle school R.J. and Maddie still need and want me with them.  I was allowed to accompany them their first morning and allotted only 5 pictures and instructed to, "Take them quickly so you won't embarrass us in front of our friends."  I happily followed the rules.  With Payton, I am allowed as many pictures as I want!  Poor Payton is all alone this year at school, but out of all my kids she's the one who can handle it.  She may be tiny but she has a lot of spunk!  After dropping off all the kids at school, the mothers all met for breakfast to cry and commiserate together.  Okay, some did the "Happy Dance" as well!  I think this is going to be a great year for the kids, I just hope I can keep up with them.

 

(The very unhappy, sad Mothers)

"Lauren's Baby Shower"

Our sweet Lauren is going to be a mommy! She is going to have her first baby boy in December. The girls and I made the 7 hour drive to be with Lauren. We were going to be hosts of her baby shower. It is so exciting to be with her at this time. Being able to see her cute belly full with her baby was awesome. She looked adorable and very happy. For her gift we gave her a Photo Album made by Jillene Rios. Jillene really personalized it for us to give to Lauren. We wrote a special note to her and Carter that Jillene included in the album. We just enjoyed our time we got to spend with the Groseclose family. It was also good to see all the friends we have missed since we have moved. I know Lauren is going to be a fabulous mom and am looking forward to watching her raise her cute baby boy!