~~The Tom Davis Family~~

Love This!!

2010-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there,
Ours boasts it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges are on the doors.
I should apologize, I guess,
For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with my children
And we played and laughed and read.
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other,
I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I'll be a mother.

Good Bye 00's!!

2010-01-01T08:41:00.001-08:00

So...I had an entire post written about why I am ready to see 00's leave. Then I decided it is time to focus on the future and what we are thankful for from the 00's.

Thankful for:

Our Family
Our Friends
For Zoe
For the Little Blonde Firecracker Zada that pushes Zoe more than anyone else on this earth. She wants nothing more than to be able to ride bikes with Zoe...one day baby...one day!
The doctors that saved little Zoe's life on October 21, 2004
The doctors that continue to help her lead the most normal life that she can
The therapists that come to our home each and everyweek to push her a little further
The wonderful company that Tom works for
We are mostly thankful for our second chances in life...with marriage, god, family...

What we are looking forward to:

Zoe walking, talking and feeding herself
Zada starting school
New friends
New memories
Being better with our finances
Lots of time together

25 Random Words

2009-12-08T11:40:00.001-08:00

Just because...i have nothing to write about that should be on a blog ;)

Rule: Type the first word that comes to mind when you read the list

1. Cell phone: Crackberry
2. Husband: HOT
3. Kids: Precious
4. Mother: Loving
5. Father: miss him
6. Work: kids
7. TV: DVR
8. Fruit: watermellon
9. Pizza: Pineapple
10. Future: Ready
11. Car: HHR
12. House: too big
13. School: thinking
14. Cousins: miss them
15. Computer: Husband
16. Holidays: Family
17. Church: Want to
18. Shopping: Target
19. Food: Healthy
20. Cartoons: YUCK!
21. Today: COLD
22. Bills: Hate
23. Bed: Queen
24. Closet: Clean
25. Bathroom: Plain

Pictures to come soon...

saturday...

2009-12-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

it is cold
the mountains are a deep purple
christmas music is playing
the tree is lit
kids are watching tv quietly
dinner will be done shortly
Tom is off doing a computer job
the bills are paid
i love today...

Zoe Update!

2009-12-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention yesterday...

Monday during Zoe's PT (physical therapy) here at the house...she went down two step into our family room by herself! We are talking about standing and doing it! Oh so proud! This girl is well on her way to walking. We have waited 5 long years and I feel blessed to watch her make this journey.

And being the spazzy mother that I am...I didn't take any pictures! *tear*

I have been thinking...

2009-12-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

...that when you remove the negative people from your life you are so much happier! This is not meant for the people that we have not been around because we can't seem to kick this sickness that has been looming over Candlewood Dr. for the past month! We have been thru 3 cans of lysol, 3 doctor appts to only be told it is "viral", 6 boxes of tissues, tons of soup & crackers, 15 gallons of OJ, unknown packages of cold meds...and I think we might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

Thanksgiving was different for us this year. With me doing childcare out of our home it seems that we never get a break away from everything. SO...we rented a camper and went with Tom's boss over to the Imperial Sand Dunes in Cali just past the Arizona border. The boys spent many hours on the quads and us girls mostly rode the sandrail. We had a good time until the winter storm decided to come a day early and cut the trip short. But it was nice to have the extra day to unpack and get things done before the work week started. Not to mention how nice a real shower and our bed felt! Also it had to better than last year when we spent the entire day cleaning carpets because SOMEONE (not mentioning my OCD husband's name) got on a kick of cleaning them.

Now the tree is up, the outside of the house is partly decorated, some shopping is done and we are ready for a very simple and quiet christmas season. We are cutting back on presents this year. I have been thinking about the 3 gift idea...like Jesus got. Does anyone else do that? We would do 3 gifts for each of the girls, one large gift for the both of them and then stockings. I think we have spoiled our girls every year and I do not want them to grow up and not know the true meaning of the season. I feel they are young enough now to not remember the mounds of presents that they opened in the last few years. Plus most of the toys just get pushed to the side and they go back to the old favorites after a week.

Zoe and Zada are both growing like weeds. Learning new things everyday. And keeping me VERY busy!

Tom is working like a work horse. I am so thankful that he loves his job or I know he would hate all these hours. We are talking 12-14 hour days ... 5 days a week.

Christmas cards are addressed, the letters will be printed tonight and they should hit the mail by thursday morning. I am only a few days behind and that isn't bad for taking 5 days of doing nothing for Thanksgiving.

We hope this Christmas season finds everyone happy and healthy!

ps...no pictures...maybe later this week! I need to get back to blogging weekly

Blog Slacker...

2009-11-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

There are no excuses so I won't even post any :)

A little rundown on the past 5 months!! OUCH!!

Zoe started school off going full days but it was WAY too much for her so we cut down to half days.
She had surgery on Aug. 12 to release her hip muscles and ham strings in hopes that she will be walking. She was casted from the top of her thighs to the tip of her cute toes. All clad in PINK of course! Her cast also had the bar in the middle to she could not move her legs.
Zoe turned 5 on Aug 31st! We didn't have a party because she was not in the spirt.
Zoe took 2.5 weeks off of school to recover from her surgery. She learned quickly how to get off of the couch and scoot herself around.
Sept the casts were removed and honestly I was sick to see the scars that were suppose to be 1" long ...they were 3.5" LONG!!! It was a huge shock but a small price to pay to help her lead as normal of a life as we can.
In Sept it was back to therapy as normal and slowly we got out Zoe back. She was scooting and not crawling until mid-October. Then she was off like a rocket. Up and down the stairs, jumping on the couch, escaping out the back door, playing in the dog food and water...our baby was back to normal.
4 short days after the casts came off we went to pick up her braces. Usually this takes 4-6 week but there was a cancellation so they called us! Her braces are light blue with butterflies all over them...very girly. They don't seem to bother her at all.
She is now cruising the furniture and will walk with assisstance. We are hoping to get her walker by the end of the year to give her some more independence. She tires very quickly but we knew it would take some building up to do.
Zoe is doing WONDERFUL in school. She is more involved and is getting use to structure. She gets so excited every morning when she gets in her "kid kart" to go out and wait on the bus. On the way home she usually sleep because she is totally wiped out.

Now on to Zada...

She is "Little Lacey" from sun up till sun down. NO JOKE!
Zada will be turning 4 on saturday (Nov 7th). She is super excited to have her party and her little friends come over!
She is learning so fast that Tom and I can barely keep up! She will say stuff and we are like "WHAT?!?!?"
Her new favorite saying is "Mommy you are the bestest mommy ever." Quoted straight from her.
She loves to play dress up and watch "WW" with her daddy. (WW means WWE)
She is very protective of Zoe and will let anyone know that.
She is starting to understand that Zoe is a special child. She will ask questions and we explain to her the best we can.
We are teaching her how to write her name. It is the last thing she needs to learn to test into school early next fall.

And us...Tom and Lacey

Tom is still working for an amazing company and putting in lots of hours. We are so blessed that he got this job when he did...right at the collapse of the economy.
I am trying to chase the kids, pack lunchs, clean house, cook dinner, shop and be the best wife and mom I can.
I am still babysitting and love it! Finally got a good group of kids and parents...NO DRAMA!
We enjoyed our 4th anniversary in August with Dinner out and a trip to Walmart. We left Zoe and Zada with Jaye and Lisa but at the time Zoe was still having a hardtime so it was best to make a quick date.
We have finally closed up the pool for the "winter" and hope to be back in it in April.

I will try to update more...but life is crazy busy right now.

Over Due Update...

2009-07-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

See this pretty little girl...

She takes up 80% of my attention and time 24/7. In four short days on July 20 she will venture to a new level...she is going to kindergarten! FULLDAY! I am super sad...I don't like letting go...i don't like the fact that I am not with her 24/7...but I understand for her to excel...to learn...to grow...she must do this. We met her teacher back in May and I feel that it was a great first impression for Tom and I. I know she will be in good hands. There are only 8 kids in her class and she was accepted for a grant to obtain her own teacher! We got in her "chair" that will be used for transportation prior to and after she is uncasted from hip surgery. It is bright red...so Zada picked her out a red backpack and lunchbox. Her clothing is all washed and hung up. Her shoes are wiped clean and in the shoe rack... It seems unreal that she is going to be by herself (away from us) all day long! She will go to school until Aug 11, have hip surgery on Aug 12, and have a date of Aug 24 for her to return to school. So I have been a total basketcase...and I will return when the shock has worn off.

Update...

2009-05-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ok...where do i start??

*the weather has been fantastic here in sunny AZ

*we are super blessed to have an in ground pool to survive another HOT summer!

*we met Zoe's teacher ... she starts school in July (BOO!!)

*we met with Zoe's Ortho Surgeon...decided to go ahead with her hip muscle and hamstring surgery (it will be some time in early August) I have struggled with this decision. There is a 75% chance that she will learn to walk with this surgery. I hope it will be worth the stuggle that we are about to embark on.

*Tom's job has been super busy...like 55-60 hour weeks

*Zada is growing up quickly...tonight she asked to learn how to write her name

*Zada lost my debit card somewhere in the house (BOO!!)

*Been taking tons of pictures but have not uploaded any yet...maybe I will do that tonight and then post some tomorrow...

Hope life is good for everyone out there in Blog Land!

Week in Review...

2009-05-02T14:26:00.001-07:00

*Took Zada to the Farmer's Market. She pointed at a Pineapple and said "oh mommy I don't like cactus". When i tried to explain to her that it was a pineapple she said "no mommy we have that cactus in yard like that" We do indeed have a cactus in our front yard that looks like a half buried pineapple.

*Picked up papers to register Zoe for school...it is a day I have never wanted to happen but it is time to get her freedom. (atleast that is what i keep telling myself)

*Enjoyed dinner on the grill almost every night.

*My husband endured an injury (closed fracture) on his right wrist while playing softball. He is still able to work but wow he is a big baby when he is hurt or sick!

*Started walking again...it feels so good.

*Went to the pork shop for pig ears and found some "Apple, Maple & Pecan Sausage Links". Zada and I had these this morning for breakfast with eggs and strawberries...SO YUMMY!

*Had a girls night with Lisa (SIL) on wednesday night...watched Bride Wars...it was good!

It hasn't been a very eventful week...but wanted to update the blog quickly.
Tomorrow I will post 7 more budget dinners.

Budget Cooking (week 1)

2009-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

With the economy the way it is I thought I would share our budget cooking. We still eat good and sometimes even have leftovers. I am only posting our Dinner Menu. But we do budget cooking all 3 meals everyday. Most of these are for 4 servings (2 adults and 2 small children)

(this is not necessarily what we will be eating this week but just 7 days worth of budget dinners)

Pork Roast, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots and Rolls ($9.93)

Roast 6.05/Potatoes $1.17/Onion .52/Carrots 1.00/Rolls 1.19

Chicken Fajitas and Refried Beans ($7.53)

Chicken 2.03/Peppers 3 for 1.00/Onion .43/Fajita Seasoning .50/Tortillas 1.79

Sour Cream 1.00/ 1lb. Beans .78

Grilled Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Peas ($3.61)

Chicken(3 Breasts) 2.73/Corn 4 for 1.00/Peas(frozen) .88

Steak, Baked Potatoes, Salad ($8.36)

Flat Iron Steak 4.02/Lawry's Marinade .60/Potatoes(3) .93/Bag Salad 1.00

Ranch .43/ Cheese 1.00/ Tomato .38

Chicken Quesadillas and Spanish Rice ($7.09)

Chicken (2 breasts) 2.14/Cheese 1.00/ Tortillas 1.79/Rice 1.00/ Tomatoes (canned) .78

Onion .38

Pork Chops, Green Beans, Butter and Herb Pasta ($3.81)

Chops(3) 1.93/ Green Beans (Frozen) .88/ Knorrs Butter and Herb Pasta 1.00

Sloppy Joes, Homemade Fries, Pasta Salad ($7.02)

Buns .88/ Burger 1.78/ Potatoes(4) 1.17/ Seasonings <1.00/pasta>

TOTAL OF: 47.35

We make out our menus based on what is on sale at our local Fry's (Division of Kroger). I also try to match up coupons with what is on sale. We also buy most of our fruit and veggies at the "Ranch Market" due to they are about 1/4 of the cost of grocery stores. My biggest thing is: When meat is on sale...STOCK UP! That is the most expensive part of cooking! When Fry's had hamburger on sale for .88/lb I bought 45 lbs. Chicken is the same way...they will have it for .88/lb and we will buy 30-40lbs. On those weeks I don't buy much of anything else except what we need. This helps balance out the budget. You don't see many fruits on here because that isn't something we work into the menu because we eat them all day long! Also alot of our breakfast "budget" is cereal, fruit, bread and oatmeal...all of which on inexpensive. Our grocery budget is $70 for week for our family. Most weeks I only spend $50-55. I hope this helps everyone out there who reads my blog :)

Zoe update...

2009-04-13T10:37:00.001-07:00

Zoe is out of surgery and of course pulled thru like a trooper! We will update more later...

Thank you for all the kind words and prayers!

Easter weekend...

2009-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am going to be honest...sometimes I question God's way of testing people. Just yesterday Zada and I boarded the Light Rail for Phoenix for an afternoon of fun that included Disney On Ice! She loved it! I loved it! It was worth the $50 spent on JUNK! It was worth the $2.50 round trip ticket for the rail! It was worth the $60 for tickets! Her face was just a huge smile from the time we boarded the rail and the driver let her blow the horn. Here are a few pics... or maybe not. It seems as if the Sprint Wireless card doesn't have enough signal to load pics. :( I will post them once I am back home.

And now...I sit in the hospital with Zoe on Easter Day waiting on her pending surgery tomorrow. We came in for a high fever (104) and were admitted. They feel it is in her best interest to have tubes in her ears, removal of both her tonsils and adnoids, and going to top it off with clipping her tounge. She has been tounge tied since birth and they feel that is part of the reason she doesn't want to eat because...well it is hard for her. But despite spending the holiday in "The Clink" as we call it :) It has been a pretty good holiday. The Easter Bunny came in this morning and brought her a basket full of goodies. Child Life (a volunteer group) brought her in a Cow Beanie Baby and a new blanket. Her doctors are all great and answer all of our questions...like always :). We are not sure on the time of her surgery tomorrow quite yet but when we know I will update this post. I know it is just a small surgery but with everything she has already been thru in her short 4 1/2 years...I hate thinking about putting her under again...but it must be done to make her better.

It is 5:45 our time, her tests are all ran, she is sleeping very sound, Tom is laying on the "couch" watching cartoons and I am awaiting the arrival of our Easter Dinner. Zada is with Jaye and Lisa which of course means she is being spoiled ROTTEN!! With Mackenzie there it seems to be a good distraction and hopefully she won't notice we are gone until we get back home! HA! She was very excited that the Easter Bunny came to our house and to TT Wee's! She must have been extra good this year to get 2 baskets!

I will update more later...

2nd part of house...

2009-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well here is the second part of the house...I have not taken pictures of the master bedroom/bath but those will come. Tom has been working on computers and I have been sorting out all of the girls winter clothing so it is not really camera ready ;)

playroom...futon...kinda dark...sorry :)

playroom

Mercedes room...

what used to be Mercedes bed...it will now become Tom's office

the girls' bathroom...about ready for a redo...so sick of the FISH!

The girls' room...we have tried their own rooms and with a 4 bedroom house i would love to use the space that we have...but they REFUSE!!

Zoe's bed

Zada's bed

a view of the pool from the 2nd floor...

and then on a side note...i was typing this and Zada was sitting beside me in her pj's.

She looked up at me and this is how our convo went:

Zada: Mommy you are my bestest friend.

Me: Oh really and why is that.

Zada: Because you make me cookies and cup cakes and hotdogs and puffs and you are taking me to see cind-a-lela (Cinderella).

Me: I love you Zada

Zada: I love you too mommy. Can you buy me something when we go see cind-a-lela?

Me: Well what do you want to buy?

Zada: Rootbeer, popcorn, hotdog, candy, chips, and you a snack.

Me: Well we are going to Paradise Bakery before we go are you sure you are going to be that hungry? and what about buying a shirt or something?

Zada: Oh Momma I will share of the food with cind-a-lela and I don't need a shirt cause daddy says we have too much clothes...

and then she was off to play...

Our house...

2009-04-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our house...some have been asking about it so here it is for all little eyes to see:

The whole house...and my pretty orange (VERY DIRTY) car!

Up-close of the front door

Picture wall in play/2nd living room

"LOVE" wall in play/2nd living room

Wall dedicated to Tom's dad...the flag was surprise on Tom's 30th birthday! His brother pretty much ROCKS!! (and more toys and books)

Front window of play/2nd living room

Kitchen...I LOVE IT!

Dining area

Entertainment area...

the beloved's DVD and PS3 game collection...sliding glass door to back patio and pool

1st picture of Tom's TV room furniture

2nd of Tom's TV room furniture

...and tomorrow i will post the upstairs...

Tom's Party

2009-03-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

We had Tom's 30th birthday party this weekend. It was a great time! We did an 80's theme. Only a handful of people dressed up for the party but it was still fun. Here are a few pictures...cause the birthday boy doesn't remember much :)

TT Wee and Cupcake ;)

The Band "Lestra" played mostly 80's rock for us!

Joe & Teresa (2 of the greatest neighbor's ever!!)

Zada...she should have been an 80's child! She totally pulled off the outfit!

Liz, TT Wee & Me...as you can tell it was crazy fun!! TT Wee looked like a white Tina Turner!

TT Wee & Jaye (aka: Tina Turner & Vanilla Ice)

Mackenzie dancing the night away...love this girl! Her and Zada will be BF for life!

Tom's boss and co-worker decided to mess with him...it was way too funny!!

Tom the princess with his little doggie!

Tom & Ken...notice the sign above our bed. I thought it was too funny that it made it in the picture!

and this was the end to my weekend...s'mores and southern sweet tea

The Big 30!!

2009-03-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Tom's 30th birthday! We went to get couple massages and then out to dinner at our favorite steak house/saloon. After dinner I told him that we had to hurry home because Lisa needed to get home and get to bed. When we walked in he saw something that he was not expecting...a shelf that his brother had built in memory of his dad! It had a few pictures of his dad, a grave marker, a dogtag, and most importantly...it had his dad's service memorial flag in a cherry case! Seriously it brings tears to your eyes just to look at the display. Andy (Tom's dad) was a huge part of Tom's life. I would have to say that was the first time that Tom really felt pain and showed it. Andy served in Vietnam and was proudly honored at his funeral for his service. The flag of course went to the oldest son...Jaye knew that Tom had always wanted the flag. We decided that his 30th birthday would be the best day to pass it on...and it was! This flag has caused drama just like it does in most families but it is finally put in it's place where we can show it PROUD!

Now let me see if I can think of 30 reason why my husband is such a great guy :)...

1.He loves me to no end
2.He is the best father I could ask for my daughters
3.He is a hard worker
4.He is fun to be around
5.He can grill up some steaks like no other
6.He is handy and can fix almost anything
7.He keeps his promises
8.He is my best friend
9.He loves to act goofy
10.His love for NASCAR
11.His patience
12.His faithfulness
13.His ability to keep fighting for our daughter for what she needs
14.His love for animals
15.His computer abilities (no repair bills for me!)
16.He understands that i have to get a pedi to feel good
17.The way he plays with the kids
18.The way he puts everyone else before himself
19.The fact that he lets me stay home to raise our girls!
20.His love for his family
21.The respect he gives elders
22.The way he makes french toast ;)
23.The fact that he works fulltime plus is starting up a business
24.His love for softball
25.HE IS NOT A SLOB!
26.His personality
27.His craftiness
28.He never complains when I go shopping
29.His willingness to keep the girls while I go shopping
30.well....he is HOT!

Swimming in March!!

2009-03-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video of Zada swimming when Nana came to stay with us for a few days while Papaw went back to Indiana. She sure misses her Papaw...if you couldn't already tell from the video!

The weather here in central Arizona is one of the best things about the area. How many other places are you in the pool in mid-March :).

Random...

2009-03-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

*Zoe started back to therapy!

*Mercedes finished a full week of Girl Scout camp...she loved it!

*Got our pool light fixed

*Missing my sister-in-law/best friend...she will be home soon

*Preparing for Tom's 30th!

*Been planting flowers

*About to turn on the A/C

*Kids have been playing outside from the time they wake up...until bedtime.

*Got the sprinkler out for the kids!

*Took pictures and got them printed of the girls.

Been alot going on...picture post to come later :)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy st. patty's day! We will once again enjoy a day filled with sunshine, fun, laughter and great food! We hope that everyone has a great day.

We will leave you with a few pictures of the girls!

Zada is her pretty new outfit that TT Wee got her for St. Patty's Day...she accented it with shiny red shoes and a pink cup...:)

Mercedes about to leave on her first day of Girl Scout camp

Zoe playing in the park last week at a birthday party!

Our treat for the day...

Update

2009-02-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

Hmm...I guess this will be list style again...sorry!

*cleaned out the garage...i can now park in it! :)
*Tom is working TONS of hours and got a promotion at his "daytime" job
*Tom's computer business is starting to pick up
*Zada is almost completely potty trained...it is the #2 that is giving us a problem (sorry TMI)
*Garage sale this weekend :)
*Getting new living room furniture
*Bought a deep freeze so I only have to go "BIG TIME" grocery shopping once a month
*Zoe got approved for her therapy and respite care!!
*Tom is on a small break from softball but it will start up again soon
*We have been going to the gym again. (it feels so good)
*The weather has been so nice here...about time to put the long pants away until November!
*David Stremme is back in NASCAR!! <3 hometown boys!
*My momma turns 50 this week! (we got her a new computer!)
*We didn't send out a christmas letter or picture this year...with the death of Tom's dad I just didn't find the time...we are making up by sending out Easter pictures and an update letter!
*I have started taking Zada to the public library...it makes her feel big and she loves to get new books!
*We continue to have dinner with Jaye and Lisa every night and it seems to save all of us $$$
*Zoe now has all of her shots to start school :(

I think that is about all for now...pictures will come soon!

Lots of love until next time :)

It is late...

2009-01-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

on a Friday night. Usually I would be standing in Lisa's kitchen talking about everyday life or what we were going to do with the kids tomorrow but she is back home for Jaye's appointment. They have only lived out here for 5 months but now i hate when she isn't here. We spend lots of time together...cooking, laughing, crying, talking, planning...while the guys work on the computer business they are starting. I miss her...I know it sounds corny but it has became our way of life. When we go to the store...we go together...when we go to the library...we go together...you could say we are like 2 peas in a pod.

So...on a happier note:

The other day I kept bringing Zoe inside from the back patio because I knew she was tired. Well every time i brought her in she would booty bump the door back open and go outside and lay down on the patio. Finally I gave up chasing her. After about 5 minutes I didn't hear her so i went outside and this is what i found...

YEP! She was sound asleep in front of the pool gate. I don't know if this was her peaceful stance at saying "let's get in the pool or I will stay here" (Cause the girl loves the water!) or if she really enjoys sleeping in the warm sunshine. It was too cute and totally made my day.

Now on to the other little blonde in the house...

Zada...what can we say?? she is Zada. Tonight she was up about 2 hours past her bedtime so she was edgy but I wanted her to stay up in hopes that she will sleep in until at least 8am tomorrow. I told her "Zada it is time for bed cause you are driving me nuts." And her response to me was "Mommy get off my nuts!" Tom and I could not help but laugh. It is amazing what will come out of the mouth of our cute little 3 year old. With all that said here is a cute picture of her...

Now to the "biggest of the little blondes" in the house...

Mercedes has been doing good in school, doing tons of homework, reading every night for at least 40 minutes, helping out and being the good kid that she is. She loves entertaining the little ones in her room for "after school parties". I make them treats, she sings for them and they play games. She had some dental work done this week and was a total trooper. They sedated her but she was still conscious but doesn't remember anything. She kept asking the dentist if he was the one that welded her mouth shut...it was too funny (and no she has never had her mouth welded!). And now here is a cute everyday picture that shows the real "Sades"...

Another Beautiful Day...

2009-01-09T21:36:00.001-08:00

WOW...so why did we move our family 1800 miles away from everything we have ever known?

*Today it was 72 degrees and sunny outside. The girls were outside most of the morning/afternoon (Zoe in only a diaper and t-shirt).

*MUCH LESS drama

*We are 1800 miles closer to Hawaii :)

*Have you seen the stars from Arizona soil? STUNNING!

*Day trips into the mountains that only cost you gas because you pack a lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet.

*A fresh start for us and our little growing family.

I honestly don't think that anything could make me move back to 0 degree winter weather and snow! We have been a bit spoiled and I plan to keep on getting spoiled. It is nice for Tom to work and not have to put on 4 layers of clothing to walk out the door. Now you are lucky to see him with long sleeves on! He plays softball all winter...couldn't do that in Indiana. So for real...now does anyone see why we left hell for heaven??

Goodbye 2008!

2009-01-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2008...it is the best way to say how i feel about this past year as i sit here and think about what i am going to put in the post. It was not the greatest year. We lost too many people. We had too much bad news. Some good things came out of the year. But i would have to say that the bad out weighed the good. A very good friend of mine contacted me again after many years of not talking, we had more family join us in sunny Arizona, we had many good times together as a family...lots of learning and living.

Bad things in 2008...

lost Ali

lost Tom's dad, uncle, aunt & cousin

sucky economy

work is slow

flu bug that hung out at our house for 2 months

just to name a few

We hope that this coming year is full of happiness and health. We are trying hard to fight off any flu bug that might want to join our family...no happening so keep out! We hope to pay off lots of bills and start working towards renewing our wedding vows in a year or two. I want to walk down the isle to the man of my dreams since I was not able to when we got married.

Tomorrow all of the christmas decor will come down and be boxed away until next year. We will start our spring cleaning and prepare for a wonderful year ahead. Honestly i don't know how it can be any worse than 2008 and i hope that it isn't.

Happy New Year!

The Davis Family

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T16:54:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from our crazy home to yours! Santa will be filling our tree in about 6 hours and the girls can hardly contain themselves. This year has been full of sadness and joy equally. The loss of Tom's father and my diagonosis came just a little to close to the holidays for my liking. I know that everything happens for a reason and that everyone has a plan. Tom's dad fought a hard fight and I will do the same . I can't wait to see the joy in the girls' eyes as they open the presents that Santa brought to them. Tom and I are having a very low key holiday. We will be purchasing something but nothing out of this world...it will be a new oak dining set.

I love this view of our tree from the masterbed room entrance in our home...just yummy!

Hope this holiday season finds everyone healthy and happy.

Til' next year...

Life...

2008-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Where do we begin...? I guess we will do the last 2 months in list form!

*Zada will be 3 tomorrow! How can my baby be that big already :(
*Jaye & Lisa finally found a house that they love. They have been jumping thru hoops and will hopfully have a closing date soon.
*Tom is working his tail off and the computer business is starting to take off.
*Lisa and I are opening a daycare...so fun!
*Halloween was awesome! Our new neighborhood is very close knit so you weren't worried about the candy (yes we still checked it) and the kids could just have a good time. One neighbor even put up a jump house for all the kids to play in. Zada was a lil scarecrow, Zoe was a bat witch, and Mercedes was Hannah Montana.
*Our new house rocks! It is about 1,000SF bigger than our last house and has an in ground pool with a waterfall! LOVE IT!!
*Mercedes seems to be adjusting well to life in Arizona. It was a tough ordeal for all of us but it seems to be the right choice.
*Tom is playing softball and that is a great weekly activity to take to kids to.
*It has been 3 months since Ali went...it seems like just yesterday...
*Dad (Grandpa Gary) will be here in 19 days to cooks us on delish Thanksgiving Dinner!! Can't wait to spend time with him! I love Lisa so much for sharing the most important man in her life with me.
*I cut all of Zoe's hair off...short...really short. She looks super cute and it was worth her daddy not talking to me for about 6 hours :). He was asleep when i cut it ... oops!

On a little heavier note...Tom & Jaye's father is not doing well. It has been a crazy wild goose chase getting him back to where he needs to be. It seems that the hospital kicked him about and sent him to a nursing home...across state lines...without the families consent. The poor man doesn't want to be anywhere but home and he isn't capable of that yet. Tom, Jaye, Lisa, and their kids will be making another trip back home to see if we can MEDVAC him to Phoenix. He really needs to be where we can take care of him. He needs different doctors, different nurses, he needs the care that he deserves! I hope that everyone keeps Tom & his family in your prayers.

I will update pictures later :)

Whirlwind called life...

2008-09-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

WOW...these past weeks have been nothing but relaxing. Tom's went back home to help his brother and family move out here to Arizona. The trip was totally uneventful (thank god!). Eight days is a long time to have daddy away from his girls but we all survived and enjoy the little bittersweet moments a little more. It has been totally crazy with 4 more people living with us and two more dogs but i know it will totally be worth it in the end. Jaye and Lisa have put in a few offers and one of them seems to be going in their favor. I know they can not wait to get their house and get settled. All of us need to get back into routine and i know that will all be done by the holidays so we can just relax and enjoy eachother.

Just wanted to update on us...not much time...will update more later with pictures.

Alison Frances Kline 1981-2008

2008-08-11T19:33:00.001-07:00

Alison was one of the strongest women i ever knew. Her husband is one of the strongest men i never got to know. He is a soldier, a husband, a lover, a son, a friend...and more than anything a fighter. Alison went home to be with her maker at 7:00pm EST on August 5, 2008. She is no longer is pain. Her downward spiral went quick. It has taken me some time to process all of this...that is why there are unanswered e-mails, unreturned phone calls...i just needed time. She was so young, she never got the chance to be a mother (and she would have been THE BEST MOMMY!), she never got to enjoy the new house that her and Tom bought. She went surrounded by family and friends. There was more love in that room than many could ever imagine. I tried to go home for the service but it wasn't possible...it still hurts. I will be donating blood and making a yearly donation to the American Cancer Society in her name. Check out her site if you would like to ready about her journey...it should be and inspiration to everyone who reads it. http://www.mrsladystaroftheseabreezes.blogspot.com/

My New Car!!

2008-06-22T20:50:00.001-07:00

This is what we bought!! Not a good picture it is one off of the website. But it is late and dark out so i am not going to run out and take pictures...we will do that later and put them up. The gas in our truck was killing me! I drive 80 miles round trip everyday...that translates to about $160.00 a week in gas. I just could not do it anymore. So we opted to get something a little more reasonable as far as the payment goes and on gas mileage. Our payment dropped like $150 a month and gas for the past 2 weeks has been about $75.00. MUCHO savings going on! The insurance is the same price as we were paying on the truck also. I love the new car...the girls love it cause we get to drive with all the windows down in the morning on the way to work.

Until next time...

Happy Father's Day! ....a day late!

2008-06-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ok...so i really do have one of the most loving hubby's on earth. He puts me and the girls before himself...i could never ask for anything more. A few of the things that have made me love him more over the last 5 years

his love for his family and mine

his true dedication to our marriage

his love for our children

his silliness

late nights at home playing playstation

he learned how to cook!!...and is super good at it!!

his patients with the girls and i

his understanding of my stressful job

how he worries about me...

he encourages me to get pedicures...cause he knows how much i love them

he will buy flowers for no reason

his kisses on my forehead

that is just a few...i could go on and on but some are not to be shared on the internet!!

I love you and i hope that you had a great father day yesterday!!!

Little Miss Diva...

2008-06-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Wow...Zada is growing faster than my mind can function right now. She is turning into a total DIVA! Here are a few pictures "In the amazing life of Zada"

i have a huge update and i will do it one day this week...off of here to enjoy the day!

THE PAST WEEK

2008-05-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

WOW THIS PAST WEEK HAS BEEN TOTALLY NUTS!

FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONGRATS TO MY BOSS AND HIS FAMILY FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THEIR BABY GIRL! BOTH MOMMY AND BABY ARE AT HOME AND DOING GREAT! SHE IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BABY AND I AM NOT JUST SAYING THAT CAUSE HE IS MY BOSS. HE IS ONE PERSON THAT I DON'T HAVE TO HIDE MY FEELINGS OR OPINIONS FROM. HE IS GLOWING AND BEEN IN A GREAT MOOD!

TOM GOT A CALL ON FRIDAY MORNING THAT HIS UNCLE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AND WASN'T EXPECTED TO MAKE IT. SO WHAT DO WE DO...WE BOOK THE NEXT FLIGHT OUT OF PHOENIX GOING TO CHICAGO, RESERVE A RENTAL CAR, TOM COMES HOME TO PACK, AND A FEW HOURS LATER HE IS OFF TO CHICAGO TO BE WITH HIS FAMILY FOR 8 DAYS. WHICH AS ALL OF YOU KNOW MEANS..."SINGLE MOM FOR 8 DAYS"...GLAD IT IS ALMOST OVER. UNCLE ARLON PASSED AWAY JUST AS TOM WAS BOARDING THE PLANE...HE WAS HOPING TO MAKE IT THERE BEFORE THAT HAPPENED. UNCLE ARLON WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON TO ALL OF US BUT HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART FOR HOW MUCH HE LOVES ZOE. SHE NEVER GOT UNDER HIS SKIN...AND IF YOU KNOW TOM'S FAMILY THAT IS QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT. HE WAS WORRIED SICK ABOUT HER WHEN SHE IN FOR SURGERY, HE WOULD HOLD HER FOR HOURS ON END WHILE SHE RUBBED THE FACE OF HIS WATCH, HE ALWAYS MADE SURE TO GIVE HER KISSES...I WISH SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN OLDER AND MORE UNDERSTANDING OF HIS LOVE FOR HER. UNCLE ARLON FOUGHT A LONG HARD BATTLE WITH CANCER. HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN. IT IS SAD THAT IT TOOK HIS DEATH FOR HIS CHILDREN TO SHOW THEIR FACES (THE GALL OF THEM MAKES ME SICK). THEY HAVE NOT SEEN HIM OR SPOKE TO HIM IN OVER 20 YEARS. WHILE TOM HAS BEEN HOME HE HELPED CLEAN OUT UNCLE ARLON'S APARTMENT AND PACK WHAT HE WANTED TO BRING HOME (INCLUDING ARLON'S WATCH FOR ZOE). I KNOW IT ISN'T ENOUGH TIME FOR TOM TO SPEND WITH HIS FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GRIEVEING BUT ATLEAST HE UNDERSTANDS HIS DUTIES AT HOME ALSO. I WISH THE GIRLS AND I COULD HAVE ALSO WENT HOME BUT IT WOULD HAVE COST CLOSE TO $2400 PLUS A BIGGER RENTAL CAR. HE KNOWS THAT WE LOVE HIM AND HE WOULD UNDERSTAND. HE WOULDN'T WANT US TO PUT BILLS ON THE BACK BURNER TO COME BACK HOME. WHEN WE GO HOME WE WILL BE GOING DOWN TO HIS SITE TO TALK TO HIM...I NEED TO FOR CLOSURE.

WORK HAS BEEN TOTALLY CRAZY...WE ARE STARTING TO HIT BUSY SEASON! WHEN THE TEMPS GET OVER 100 OR IT RAINS...OUR COMPANY IS NONSTOP! BUT OF COURSE NONE OF US ARE COMPLAINING BECAUSE THAT JUST MEANS MORE MONEY FOR ALL WHO ARE INVOLVED.

WELL I CAN'T WAIT FOR 11:20 SATURDAY...I GET TO BE IN THE ARMS OF THE ONE I LOVE THE MOST...

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Beautiful Weekend

2008-05-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a whirlwind the past 5 days came and went. It wasn't all craziness but i didn't want to see the weekend end either. My birthday was thursday...all i have to say is i have some of the best friends, family members, and kids in the world! When Zada saw me that morning she said "happy happy birthday" (if your kids watch sprout you know where that comes from!), Zoe gave me an extra long hug when i dropped her off at my moms (this never happens!), my sister in law surprised me with a bouquet of red roses, my boss was gone most of the day and only came in for about an hour right before i left to bring me my birthday gift ($100 to the Keg Steakhouse!! he must really love me!), my good friend Mari got me 2...that is right 2!! dozen roses and a tres leches cake (yummy!), one of my drivers got me another cake (yes i did share all of this...well at least the cakes), and my husband got me a dozen long stem roses with lilies (my fav!)...and he got me tickets to Kenny Chesney for May 31!! Of course we can't forget my mom...she gave me a gift card,, flowers and ordered in LOBSTER FROM MAINE!! It was the best lobster i have ever had...and chowder...and steamers...i was in heaven!

Mothers day was very low key in our house this year...it wasn't a good day for me. My dad whom i lost 7 years ago in June would have been 59 on Sunday. I was totally a daddy's girl...here are a few of my most vivid memories of him...

*He would take me to his poker parties for me to make money from his buddies
*He always had time to help me with my homework
*He was always there for me when i got my heart broke
*He (almost) always came to my defense when i was in trouble
*He would take me and my brother to the race track
*I never missed a softball game that he was in
*I was with him when he had his first heart attack
*I always went with him to the golf course
*He married my mom on a cold winter night in front of my aunt's fireplace
*He always made sure that us kids never did without
*He bought me a new trapper keeper every year (when they were instyle)
*His best friend gave me the only nickname i ever had
*He always bought me pink roses for Valentines day
*He told me that i never had to learn to drive a manual...that rule still stands
*He couldn't wait to be a grandpa...he never lived to meet the grandbabies
*He wasn't my biological father but he was the best daddy i could have ever asked for
*I still smell my dad's cologne when i am having a rough time...and when i had both
of the girls

I would trade may things in this world to bring my daddy back...it was my true lesson in life that you must take care of yourself. Not just for yourself but for those people that love you and will grieve year after year because of your loss.

And to end this...a few pictures from the weekend:

weekend...

2008-04-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Has it really came and gone already...??? This weekend was great. The weather here in Arizona is perfect this time of year. Sunday it got a little warm but we are not going to complain...we will leave that for June-October when it is 115+ out here. The girls have been enjoying going outside everyday at Nana's house and splashing a little bit in the pool already!

Saturday was date night and it was great. We could not have been blessed anymore in finding a good weekend babysitter. Brandy is AWESOME!! She picks up all the toys before we get home, she never calls when the girls get fussy, she is great!! We went to the movies and watched "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" it was very funny but NOT a movie for little ones! Then we went to Native NewYorker for wings and sliders...YUMMO!! Then headed out to do a little shopping and i came home with this beauty...i must be loved :)

Then sunday was mostly spent inside with the air on and the blinds closed. It was a great day to shower early in the afternoon and just hang out with the ones that you love. I also made my love meatloaf and corn on the cob. Produce is in season here in Arizona. Fresh fruit and veggies for the next 7 months!

Until next time...

ahh...it is friday!

2008-04-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

One of the great advantages to living so close to Mexico...bottled coke! This was a great treat on this hot friday afternoon here at work.

Hope everyone has a safe weekend...will update sunday or monday

Date Day...

2008-04-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

With work being totally nuts once again i decided that it was time for a Daddy and Mommy Date Day. We just went to Phoenix but had a great time. We didn't have anything planned just went with the day. We started the day at IHOP, then went to the Phoenix Science Center and saw the "Titanic" artifacts display and the IMAX movie "Titanica". You weren't suppose to take pictures in the artifact display but with my extra quiet camera i was able to get a few shots of some artifacts that were displayed close to the ground...

The last picture is a man made iceberg which was really cool. Alot of the kids in the display were melting their handprints into it.

We then went on a walk around down town but a Dbacks game was about to start was the streets were very busy with families headed to the ball park so we decided to hit up the HardRock cafe for a snack. The nachos there are awesome.

We then went shopping at Tempe Marketplace, Mesa Riverview and had dinner at Logan's Roadhouse before heading home for the night.

The weather here in the Valley has been PERFECT! It has been in the mid to high 80's during the day and dropping into the 50's at night.

Last night while we were at dinner we got some great news! Tom's brother and sister-in-law finally got an offer on their house in Indiana!! This is one step closer to having our favorite family members closer to us. We hope that all goes well and they will soon be on their way to "the valley of the sun"!

Today has been a very laid back day. All of us got up this morning and went grocery shopping. Then we have been catching up on some cleaning, watching some of our favorite shows, laying around and tonight we will be grilling out for a simple dinner with hardly any clean-up...my favorite for a sunday evening.

until next time...

Where have we been....????

2008-04-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE...AND GOING NON FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON A BIG PROJECT FOR WORK AND THAT TOOK UP MOST OF MY SPARE TIME (EVEN THAT NOT SO SPARE FAMILY TIME). WE HAD A GREAT EASTER WEEKEND. IT WAS JUST THE FOUR OF US AND WE DIDN'T DO ALOT...JUST RELAXED AND HUNTED EASTER EGGS. THEN CAME TOM'S BIRTHDAY PARTY...WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! I HOPE THAT EVERYONE WHO CAME HAD A GREAT TIME AND ENJOYED THEMSELVES. I KNOW I SURE DID :) WE ALSO GO A NEW MEMBER TO OUR FAMILY! SHE IS A 9 WEEK OLD SHIH TUZ...HER NAME IS "LILY". SNOWBALL SEEMS TO BE COMING ALONG PRETTY WELL WITH HER. SHE IS MY MOTHERS DAY PRESENT BUT I COULDN'T WAIT TIL MAY WHEN I SAW HER! BELOW ARE A FEW PICTURES OF THE PAST MONTH:

LIFE...

2008-03-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

I AM SITTING HERE IN THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT MY BOSS ALSO OWNS COVERING FOR THE MANAGER THAT IS IN CALI. SOMETIMES THE QUIETNESS OF THIS SHOP IS RELAXING...ALL I HEAR IS THE RADIO PLAYING "WATCHING AIRPLANES", THE AIR TOOLS IN THE SHOP, AND THE MECHANICS MOVING AROUND. AT THE TOWING COMPANY IT IS NON-STOP...NEVER A QUIET MOMENT DURING THE DAY SHIFT. THAT IS GOOD FOR MANY REASONS...HUSTLE AND BUSTLE MEAN MONEY, IT MEANS THAT MY DISPATCHERS ARE NOT SITTING AROUND DOING NOTHING, IT MEANS PRODUCTION.

THE WEATHER HERE IS BEAUTIFUL...80 TODAY AND SUNNY. THE GIRLS PLAYED OUTSIDE MOST OF THE DAY YESTERDAY...UNTIL LITTLE MISS ZADA DECIDED TO SPILL HER YOGURT DRINK ON THE PATIO AND PLAY IN IT! EWWW! BUT IT WAS ALMOST DINNER TIME AND BATH TIME ANYWAYS. ZOE LOVES TO MAKE HER WAY OUTSIDE WITH ZADA AND JUST SIT IN THE SUN.

SATURDAY WE WENT OUT TO DINNER WITH FRIENDS...GREAT TIMES! I GUESS I DRANK A LITTLE MORE THAN I THOUGHT. I WAS DRUNK DIALING AND DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY WHEN MY SISTER IN LAW CALLED TO TELL ME THAT SHE LOVED ME TOO...I WAS LIKE WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT...THEN SHE TOLD ME! I WAS SO EMBARRSSED. I WASN'T SICK THE NEXT DAY SO THAT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT I HAD A GREAT TIME WITH NO BACKLASHING!

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE FAMILY TO COME TO TOWN...WHAT IS IT...25 DAYS!! WOO HOO!!

LOVE...UNTIL NEXT TIME :)

March 3, 2008

2008-03-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

First i would like to ask...where did Jan. and Feb. go?? The weather here has been absoultly beautiful! 75-80 during the day and dipping down around 50 at night! My MIL Betty went home yesterday to the nice cold weather of Chicago...i don't think she was ready to go back but due to a sudden death in the family it didn't leave her much choice. The 2 weeks went fine and i know the girls loved being spoiled! We didn't go do alot but the time relaxing was well welcomed by all.

The hustle and bustle at work i do believe will never come to an end. I am starting to delegate more work to free up some of my time. It seems to be working well! (Thanks Mari...love ya!) I still have plenty to keep me busy for my 10 hours a day but now i can concentrate and do the job the way i want to do it.

The girls are growing fast...I KNOW I NEED TO POST PICTURES! This coming weekend we are suppose to go get easter pictures taken but i am not so sure on that now... Last friday Zada fell and busted out one of her front teeth! We are getting a cap put on it but they have to wait till the "stump" of the tooth comes out further so there is something to attach the cap to.

Yesterday i want to the spa and got my toes and nails done. It was so nice to sit in the pedicure massage chair for almost an hour! Of course it was no fun for Tom since he was home with both of the girls but i was dying for some time away. Sometime to gather my thoughts, relax, sometime to VEG...LOVED IT. And my toes are super cute! My nails...well they look the same as always...but good :D.
Tomorrow I am going in to get 3 teeth cut out! OUCH! But i have been putting it off and now that i have dental ins. there is no reason to put it off...atleast that is what the hubby says :(. Oh well that is part of life. Today we started a diet at work...i am starving i am not going to lie at all...but i know it will be worth it in the end. Ever tried fat free pringles?? Pretty tasty i must say!

WORK...

2008-02-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

AS I SIT HERE TYPING THIS I AM LISTENING TO MY IPOD AND MY DISPATCHERS HUSTLING...

ON THE WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING I WAS TALKING TO ZADA ABOUT FRENCH FRIES (DON'T ASK)...I PULLED INTO JACK IN THE BOX TO PICK HER UP A BREAKFAST KIDS MEAL THAT CONTAINED BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST STICKS AND HASHBROWNS...A FEW OF HER FAVS. I HANDED IT TO HER IN THE BACK SEAT, SHE SMILED HER BIG SMILE AND SAID "THANK YOU MOMMA I LOVE YOU" I WAS TOTALLY OVERCOME! SHE IS A GREAT 2 YEAR OLDS...IT IS ALWAYS PLEASE, THANK YOU, EXCUSE ME...JUST A GREAT MANNERED KID. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I AM ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR MY KIDS THE WAY THAT I DO. I CAN GIVE THEM SOMETHING AT THE DROP OF A HAT AND NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. I WISH THAT EVERYONE IN THE WORLD WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE THEIR FAMILIES THIS WELL. I AM NOT SAYING I AM RICH...I AM NOT SAYING THAT WE DON'T EVER STRUGGLE...I AM VERY COMFY IN THE SITUATION THAT WE ARE IN.

WORK HAS BEEN VERY BUSY...EVEN REQUIRING ME TO TAKE WORK HOME OR STAY A LITTLE LATE. BUT I KNOW IN THE END WHEN ALL OF THESE LITTLE PROJECTS ARE OVER WE WILL BE SMOOTH SAILING...THAT IS UNTIL THE BOSS FINDS SOMETHING ELSE TO KEEP ALL OF US BUSY.

WE WENT ON A BIKE RIDE LAST NIGHT AND THAT WAS "MUY BUENO". LOVE THESE ARIZONA SRING NIGHTS!! 75...ON THE BIKE WITH THE LOVE OF MY LIFE...THE BABIES AT HOME WITH MAWMAW IN BED...NOT A CARE IN SIGHT...LOVE IT

WE ARE STILL ALIVE...I PROMISE

2008-02-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

WE ARE STILL HERE!! THINGS HAVE BEEN CRAZY BUSY! WE JUST MOVED INTO A HOUSE THAT SITS ON NEARLY 2 ACRES...THIS WILL BE THE LAST MOVE UNTIL WE FINALLY BUY A HOUSE. WORK HAS BEEN TOTALLY CRAZY WITH A PURCHASE OF NEW LAND, TRAINING NEW EMPLOYEES, PLUS KEEPING UP ON THE DAY TO DAY EVENTS. TOM IS WORKING HARD ON GETTING US ALL SETTLED IN AND STARTING UP HIS OWN BUSINESS...THIS BOY IS DETERMINED TO BE SELF EMPLOYEED! WHICH HAS LOTS OF BONUSES...LIKE HE WILL GET TO TAKE THE GIRLS TO ALL OF THEIR DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS (I HATE THEM).
FAMILY WILL BE COMING INTO TOWN THIS WEEKEND. IT SHOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO KICK BACK AND RELAX. THE WEATHER HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL AND I HOPE TO ENJOY OUR NEW PATIO AS MUCH AS I CAN BEFORE THE HEAT HITS 100. OUR NEW PLACE REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF HOME...IT IS OUT IN THE COUNTRY, SURROUNDED BY FIELDS...I LOVE IT.

WELL I WILL UPDATE MORE LATER ON...TOOTLES.

~~Our Christmas~~

2007-12-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas. Our was wonderful! We did not get out of our PJ's except to take showers and put on clean ones.

The girls got tons of toys and clothes. I totally spoiled Tom...even surprised him with a PS3! I hope i get best wife of the year award :). He got me a new I-pod, my mothers ring, another ring, a new watch, perfume and clothes. We all made out very well this year but the best part was just the 4 of us being home together and with nothing to do but cuddle and play all day.

Here are some pictures...N'Joy!

GRAND CANYON

2007-11-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

SO WE WENT TO THE GRAND CANYON FINALLY!! GRANDPA GARY WAS HERE AND WE ALL DECIDED THAT IT WOULD BE FUN TO TAKE THE GIRLS UP THERE FOR SOME FRESH AIR...WELL I WASNT THINKING "ICE COLD FRESH AIR". IT WAS ONLY ABOUT 42 DEGREES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY WHERE AS DOWN IN THE VALLEY IT IS STILL ABOUT 75 DURING THE DAY! THE GIRLS WERE SUCH TROOPERS EVEN WITH THE COLD WEATHER. THE BIGGEST PART OF OUR TRIP WAS THAT ZOE STARTED HOLDING HER OWN SIPPY CUP WHILE SITTING UP!! THIS WAS A HUGE FEAT IN THE LIFE OF ZOE!! ZADA OF COURSE STUCK NEXT TO GRANDPA GARY AND DADDY THE WHOLE TIME. SHE WOULD SIT IN HER STROLLER RIGHT AT THE EDGE...UMM...NOT ME! IT HAS BEEN SO GOOD HAVE GARY HERE. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS HE IS IN CALIFORNIA BUT WHEN HE COMES BACK WE GET TO SPEND A FEW MORE DAYS AND THEN IT IS BACK TO INDIANA FOR HIM :(. WE WILL TRUELY MISS HIM. THE GIRLS HAVE BEEN SO SPOILED SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE BUT I WAS EXPECTING THAT.

UNTIL NEXT TIME....

THANKSGIVING

2007-11-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE HOLIDAYS...ONE FOR THE FACT THAT THERE ARE NO GIFTS (THERE ARE A FEW THIS YEAR AT OUR HOUSE BUT THAT IS FOR AN EARLY CHRISTMAS) AND TWO THAT IT IS A WHOLE DAY ABOUT DOING NOTHING BUT EATING, LAUGHING AND MAKING MEMORIES WITH THOSE THAT YOU LOVE. THIS YEAR WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE A HOUSE GUEST AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER! MY WONDERFUL SISTER IN LAW WILLINGLY GAVE UP HER DAD FOR 10 DAYS!! (TOM SAYS THIS IS THE MOST HE HAS EVER SPENT ON CHEESECAKE...GARY IS THE CHEESECAKE KING...IT IS OUT OF THE OVEN AND COOLING AS I TYPE THIS!)

WE PLAN TO HAVE A VERY BUSY WEEKEND SINCE WE HAVE 4 DAYS OFF AND A HOUSEGUEST THAT IS UP FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING. HE WOULD NEVER ASK US TO TAKE HIM PLACES OR DO THINGS FOR HIM...AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHY WE ARE GOING TO DO IT. THIS MAN WOULD GIVE A STRANGER HIS LOST DOLLAR IF THEY NEEDED IT MORE THAN HIM...HE HAS BEEN THRU ALOT OF STRESS IN THE PAST YEAR AND WE ARE JUST HOPING TO GIVE HIM A LITTLE BREAK AND SPOIL HIM TONS!

THE GIRLS ARE LOVING IT! AND SNOWBALL TOO!

WELL HERE ARE 5 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR:

1-MY FAMILY
2-MY HEALTH
3-MY JOB
4-TOM'S LOVE
5-WONDERFUL DOCTORS FOR MY LITTLE PRINCESS

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR??

HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!! GOOBLE GOOBLE!!

September 12, 2007

2007-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knew me as a child knows why this picture is posted...i was always falling asleep at the dinner table. But this time with Zada it was a tad different...she was only having a snack and she had just woke up from a 3 hour nap! Can anyone say growth spurt! This child is eating us out of house and home.

Tom started a new job and it really seems to be working out well for all of us! He is still working long hours but it is early in the day...he beats us home! It is a nice change of pace. He has even been showing off his cooking skills the past few weeks and that i really appreciate. It is hard to work a full day, drive home, make dinner, bathtime and then off to bed you go with no quality time.

My job is still very busy and now that contract renewals are up it gets even more hectic for me and the boss. Good thing he is a good guy and understand when people get tired, hot and moody once in a while.

Also wanted to send a congrats out to the Bauman family who will be adding another addition to them in early March...they are uber cute...all 4 of them! Let's just all pray for a healthy baby and ask for a babygirl for those two boys to look after :).

until next time....

i can't believe she is three...

2007-09-02T18:06:00.001-07:00

SO IT IS OFFICIAL...MISS PRINCESS BOO BOO IS 3! SHE TURNED 3 ON FRIDAY THEN HAD HER PARTY ON SATURDAY. WE ALWAYS KEEP HER PARTIES SMALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE HATES A LOT OF NOISE...UNLESS IT IS HER MAKING IT! OF COURSE ALMOST EVERY PRESENT WAS SOMETHING THAT MAKES NOISE...THOSE ARE HER FAVORITE!

IT IS VERY CRAZY TO LOOK BACK ON HER 3 SHORT YEARS AND THINK ABOUT ALL THAT SHE HAS BEEN THRU. SHE IS SUCH A LITTLE SOLDIER! I KNOW SHE WAS PUT INTO OUR LIVES TO MAKE US THE STRONG HUSBAND AND WIFE THAT WE ARE TODAY AND BECAUSE GOD KNEW THAT WE WOULD NEVER TURN OUR BACKS ON HER.

SHE WILL STILL FACE A LIFETIME OF CHALLENGES AND I HOPE SHE FIGHTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY JUST AS SHE HAS BEEN DOING. SHE IS GETTING CLOSER TO WALKING...THEY SAID SHE NEVER WOULD. I KNOW THAT EVERYTHING THEY SAY SHE "WON'T DO" ... SHE WILL DO. SHE IS VERY DETERMINED AND THAT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT HER. I THINK ZADA WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH ZOE ALONG THE BEATEN PATH ALSO. SHE PUSHES ZOE TO DO THINGS AND IT WORKS!

ZADA IS GROWING FAST ... AND SHE ALSO GOT A PRESENT YESTERDAY! UNCLE STEVE AND AUNT SUZANNE GOT HER JELLY'Z. AND IF YOU WERE A GIRL BORN IN THE EARLY 80'S YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT...THE JELLY SHOES! AND HERS ARE THE UBER COOL JELLY'Z BRAND! SHE HAD TO HAVE THEM ON RIGHT AWAY...SHE IS A SHOES GIRL LIKE MOMMY!

NOW WE ARE GOING TO RELAX THESE NEXT TWO DAYS...THE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AGAIN...BUT ONLY FOR 4 DAYS! WOOO HOOO!

HOPE ALL IS WELL FOR ALL OF OUR LOVED ONES...

PS...AND WE MADE IT TO OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

The Hubsters New Toy

2007-08-26T19:48:00.001-07:00

WELL HE HAS FINALLY GOT WHAT HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR...THE MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN PUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO OTHER "FAMILY" RESPONSIBILITIES. HE WORKS HARD AND ALWAYS PUTS US FIRST BUT IT WAS HIS TURN TO GET SOMETHING THAT HE HAS ALWAYS DREAMED OF. HIS BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY WILL SOON BE MOVING OUT HERE SO THIS WILL BE SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN DO TOGETHER.

WELL OFF ON A RIDE THEN TO BED... I WILL UPDATE TOMORROW ABOUT THE HAPPENINGS AT OUR HOME.

my weekend so far...

2007-08-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

This is my new uber very cute phone! My hubby loves me tons! We were having lots of problems with our "old outdated" phones...like they would turn off when ever they wanted...they would eat numbers and messages...they were just horrible! So he decided it was time to "update" the phones and off to sprint we went. We also decided to add Tom's brother to our phone plan and send him a phone. We could in all reality cut our phone plan down to 500 minutes since 50% of our minutes are spent talking to his brother.

Now we are awaiting the arrival of Elizabeth and Miss Mackenzie! It is going to be wonderful having them as house guest for the next 3 weeks. I was very worried that Miss Mackenzie would be atleast a year old before we got to see her but now i dont have to worry about that!

Well another hour and a half to make it thru at work...sunday's are so slow...but it is totally worth getting a 3 day weekend next weekend!

Til' next time....

Sunday August 10, 2007

2007-08-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

ok...wow the unpacking is almost done! We might get to sit down for a meal as a family and enjoy an evening that we aren't putting together new furniture or hanging ceiling fans or unpacking yet another box...! I am starting to see light at the end of this tunnel called "moving". I still want to get somethings to hang on the walls...our room is very bare! The girls love roaming the entire house...Zada enjoys it mostly in the middle of the night cause then her daddy finds her and lets her get in bed with us! But i guess that is part of being a daddy's girl.

Well it is time to get dinner started. Tom should be on his way home shortly and i want dinner done and cleaned up by 7pm...so i better get on the ball.

The Girlies...

2007-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Our New Home...

2007-08-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Moved In

2007-08-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally moved in! We got the rest of our belongings out of the old house yesterday. Now it is just unpacking the little bit of things that are in the garage of the new house. The girls love the bigger house but are not coping well with having their own rooms. I keep finding Zada in different areas of the house when we wake up in the morning. This is her first "big girl" bed and the first time of her having her own room. So...maybe she is just lonely sleeping.

Snowball also loves the doggy dog...well she doesn't like going out of it but she loves to run in thru it.

I will post pictures as soon as my wonderful hubby buys a new camera cord that we seem to have lost....

on the move...

2007-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

ok so i have been totally busy! i am such a bad blogger! for the past few weeks work has been crazy...we painted the entire office...which doesn't seem like alot until you know what a zoo our office usually is between drivers, ins. reps, yard workers, mad customers, and the office staff. But we got it done all in time for the boss to come back from vacation...hope he likes it! then we got this crazy idea to move...yeah in the middle of summer in arizona!!! we are totally crazy! so i have been packing...while zada feels it is nessacary to unpack everything! this child is not up for any type of change. but at the new house we will have a fenced in back yard, the girls have their own rooms and a bathroom to share...we have a master suite (!yeah!) and my fav part...a dishwasher! We took the girls down there yesterday to see "what they thought"....zoe didn't want to leave the sliding glass door and well zada...i think she picked out her room...she went to it and then kept dragging me in there. Very Cute! We needed a bigger house and we can't beat the deal on this one! i am totally excited...as is Tom since he will have a garage. well back to packing...i will post pictures and all the good stuff after we move...

oh and on top of all of this i have to plan a party for a special almost 3 year old princess...

117 on the 4th

2007-07-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

can you believe that it is going to be 117 on the 4th of july!

we will be enjoying the fireworks show at Tempe Town Lake.

that will be after a big rack of baby back ribs grilled up by my hottie hubby!

then maybe a midnight swim when we finally get home.

dinner at 7pm

fireworks at 9:15pm

can't wait!

hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th!

(i will take lots of pictures of the girls so i can post some new ones!)

lazy sunday update...

2007-05-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

One person I haven't talked about much would be my great friend Brandy that i love so much...This is a woman that has battled from the very low times of life to be one of the greatest people i have ever met. She picks me up when i am down...i can talk to her about anything without her judging me...she loves me unconditionally...and i love her more than she will ever know. She is one of those people that you would hand pick to be in your life because she is fun, hard working, and accepts you for who you are. The picture is about 2 months old and i wanted to do a post then but it totally skipped my mind. I LOVE YOU BRANDY!

now a little update of the family....

Zoe seems to be doing much better since surgery. For the first few days she was sleeping better but it seems like she just doesn't like to sleep. She is eating a little better and the bad behavior seems to have taken the back seat for now.

Zada is growing like a weed and learning lots of new things...and not all of them are good...but we will take the good with the bad. She is a Papaw's girl for sure! I have been trying to work with her on asking for things instead of pointing and screaming...but she is 18 months old and does what she wants!...so that is getting us no where at this point. We are going to try to start potty training and letting her discover the potty on her own so hopefully by the end of summer she will be out of diapers....then we will put Zoe in cloth diapers...i know it seems silly but i am pretty excited about it.

Tom is working tons...hoping that the company that he works for will soon be buying a heavy duty tow truck. Of course when he is off he enjoys to take over the TV for all the "manly" shows that me and the girls don't care for.

I have been working some overtime and enjoying that to some extent. Hopefully all the over time will come to an end now that we have hired a few new people at work to help cover the shifts. Besides that we have had some crazy people at the office here lately...a drunk that threw a beer bottle at the window, a young punk that spit on the window (guess he was too dumb to see there was glass there and it wasn't going to hit us), of course lots of mexican's that can't read or speak english and want to know why we don't hire a translator....ummm because prop #201 made english the language in the state of arizona...can you believe that!!! it is the US you dummies. And we finally figured it out at work...."Why does it take 6 mexicans to pick up a car from the police impound?"....one to drive there, one to speak spanish, one to translate, one to pay, one has the car titled in their name, and one has the drivers license to pick it up....sad but true.

now since i was tagged i have to list 10 things that make me happy...

1.my kids
2.my husband
3.my health
4.being able to take Zoe to the best Doctors in the state
5.driving home everyday with a mountain view
6.knowing my kids are safe everyday with my mom
7.my husband's bbq chicken (we had it last night...yummy!)
8.kisses from my babies
9.diet coke from sonic with real cherries in it
10.my great friends

these aren't in any order...except the first 3...

i love all of you...

Ahh...Friday...

2007-05-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Ahh...the weekend has finally came. This will not be a weekend of relaxation tho...the limbs from trimming the orange tree and the TALL weeds from out back all have to go to the dump. Plus all the other little things that have to be completed. Work has been totally hectic for the past few weeks...and honestly there is no reason for it...except one person that is a walking soap opera! But...anywho...

Tom, of course, has been working tons and taking care of lots of people in need! I have been working as usual and taking care of all the people that think it is MY fault that THEIR car go impounded! It is quite funny!

The girls are growing like weeds and learning new things each and everyday. Zada's newest thing is...when you tell her "No" she says "WHAT?" with her hand on her hip...Nana says she acts just like Me...i don't believe it. Zoe is doing much better...she has her moments but who doesn't. She is starting to eat better and try new things. Zada of course eats anything that you put in front of her (i am not complaining).

I will update again on sunday...i need to get back in the swing of things!

love to all of you!

Happy Birthday My Love...

2007-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so this post is a lil late...about a week...but atleast i finally got to it! Last Saturday was Tom's birthday and we decided to have lunch and cake with our little princesses then we went out with a group of friend for dinner and drinks. The girls stayed with Nana and Papaw, of course they were totally spoiled!

We went to Texas Roadhouse...and after them seating us about 45 minutes later than our "call ahead time"...and had a blast! Our GREAT friend Steve (watch for him in the World Series of Poker this year!!) surprised us all by buying dinner...which was a huge bill! He even got "his girls" (Zoe and Zada) some balloon art that was shaped into flowers. Dinner was wonderful and tons of fun.

We then headed to one dive bar...but once we got there we found out they didn't have a pool table and there were kids singing so we ditched it to go to a different bar. The Wild Hare was also a ton of fun...even tho i think we stayed a little too long! Us girls had a great time while the boys played pool.

I hope everyone had fun...and i hope we can all do it again...next year!

March 3, 2007

2007-03-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

Happy March! It is so nice to see that spring is right around the corner. My mom and the girls have been going on wagon rides almost everyday because the weather has been great! Zoe just got over a cold...then Zada got it...and now she is almost over it (thank God!). This is Tom's weekend to work so most of the weekend will be spent relaxing at home and cleaning. My little sister called me today to let me know she is going to get her nose pierced...i think it will be cute but i wouldn't do it. I have decided to post a few things that i am thankful for...got this idea from another blog that i read!

1. My health as good as it is.
2. Having a hard working husband.
3. Great doctors in AZ for Zoe.
4. The love that engulfs our home
5. Our jobs
6. Our great family and friends

Do you ever think about what you are grateful for?....

until next time....

Arizona Living...

2007-02-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about Arizona living is the fact that you can have fresh flowers inside and outside your house all year around! Of course these flowers are on the kitchen table but they were freshly cut at the florist.

Things around here have been a little busy...but nothing new about that. Zada is on the go nonstop and eating us out of house and home. We have noticed just here recently that she is starting to talk in her sleep...very cute! Zoe is growing like a weed! She seems to be standing up straighter which is a step towards walking! It also seems that she is trying to say more words...we think we have heard and few.

Tom is working his toosh off like always. We love his off weekends cause we just get to hang out and be lazy all week (which this past weekend was one of those...the main reason my blog is a day late!) We took a little time to ourselves with the help of my great friend Brandy who had the girls come over to play with her little boy. We just went to Golfland, rode gocarts, played games, had a pizza and just spent some "us" time. Of course i got in trouble cause i called to check on the girls after only 2 hours! They didn't want to leave Brandy's when we got there...but i promised them a trip to Walmart!

I have just been working my 8-4 shift and enjoying the beautiful evenings at home with the girls ( and Tom when he makes it home early). We are making our NASCAR plans with my parents and a ton of friends. Most of us are just going to tailgate but that is the funnest part!

Well not much more to update...hope everyone has a great week!

Feb. 18, 2007

2007-02-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

this is the first quiet sunday i have had in a long time. tom got called out to work, snowball is sleeping, and the girls are both naping in their room. the only noise i heard right now is the clicking of the keyboard and the breeze outside in the palm trees. the past few days have been beautiful. the end of winter in arizona is the best. it is 78, sunny and breezy today...can we all say PERFECT! we started to get the pool in running order cause in about 2 months we will be in the pool daily again. i am excited to see what zada will do this year since she loves water now...where as last year she hated it! a bath was the worst thing you could do to her...now she never wants to get out of the tub (even if you drain it!) this past week has been very busy in our house. monday...a woman hit tom (instead of hitting a small car she thought she wanted to take on his tow truck...MORON!). tuesday...tom passed his class A cdl test (go baby!) wednesday...tom worked late and i started getting sick. thursday...i was sick and tom had worked late all week so we are going on day 4 of the girls not seeing daddy. zoe went to bed upset and throwing a fit...zada refused to go to bed. daddy came home...she played about 2 minutes then was ready for bed. friday...daddy worked late again (we will be glad when the new guy gets trained!). us 3 girls went shopping. saturday...daddy worked all day, us girls cleaned and made daddy his favorite dinner (meatloaf, fried taters, greenbeans and chocolate chip cheese cake). today is the race...go david stremme! we are going to grill out and kick back today! hope everyone has a great week!

Feb. 12, 2007

2007-02-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

well...things around here are still completely crazy! with 2 full time jobs, a part time business starting up, 2 animals and 2 kids under the age of 3...there is never a minute without something to be done. Tom is going to get his Class A CDL...which means he gets a bigger truck...i will post pictures. Today was going good until my husband (who which remind you has the worst luck on earth!) called to let me know that his new tow truck just got hit by a woman "who was avoiding an accident". I am sorry but anyone with a little bit of sence would rather hit a car than a heavy duty tow truck that can haul a SEMI!! I guess she wasn't the brightest bulb in the bunch... To make it even better...lol...he had to tow the car to the woman's house! Idiots i am telling you...complete idiots!! Work for me has been very busy. But when it is busy it makes the days go by quicker. Tom has also been slowly starting up a computer company. "Double Z Computer Repair" Right now he is mostly getting his name out and working on computers on his days off. So...he is not getting much time to relax and unwind but he says it is all going to be worth it in the end...and i only trust him on that. The weather was starting to warm up then...someone thought that we needed another cold front! BLAH! It is only suppose to be in the 60's the rest of this week...guess the 80's were good while they lasted. I am ready for the warm weather...and to get the pool ready for swimming! Hope everyone has a great monday night...

The Zoo

2007-02-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we finally made it to the Phoenix Zoo. It is far smaller than most zoo's but that is due to the fact that they change out the animals due to the fact that some of them can not be outside in the extreme Arizona heat! We got to attend the first birthday party of the baby orangutan! She is getting big and learning lots from her mommy.

Some animals were not on display yet due to the cold weather we have had this year. But we still spend 6 hours walking around. The girls did great in the wagon all day and didn't fall asleep until we got in the truck. We found that Zoe loves POPCORN! Who would have known that the pickiest kid on earth would eat popcorn from the zoo! Zada got her first "big girl cup" (regular plastic cup with a straw). She did pretty good...only turned it upside down a few times. Tom and I had a little taste of home for lunch...they had a chicago hotdog stand!

I am thinking that we are going to have to buy a membership because it is only about 12 miles from the house...and open all year around! I love living in the sunny southwest!

Today the weather is beautiful also! We played outside for a few hours this morning and now the girls are laying down for a nap. It is Tom's weekend to work so most of the fun has to be homebound. I think this afternoon we might run to get some flowers for the planter and just enjoy the day at home.

Cold Weather...

2007-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I woke up to snow on the mountains that you can see from our back door! This has been the coldest winter in 3 decades! It has been nice to curl up on the couch with Tom and a blanket to watch football...but the rain has to end! Tom works outside all day long and this rain is NOT good for him or any other person out in it. The girls have just enough "winter clothing" to go from laundry day to laundry day...and i refuse to buy anymore since our "winter" only lasts about 2 months. Jan. and Feb.! The end of this week we are suppose to be back in the 70's (normal daytime temps for this time of the year). I can hardly wait. I want to take the girls on a wagon ride, i want to drive to work with the windows down, i want to leave the office door open for fresh air, i want to open the windows at home during the day, i want to shut off the furnace for the year...i know i want alot but it would only take one thing for that to all happen...NORMAL ARIZONA WEATHER!!
Tom is out taking care of an accident right now and it is pouring...i have him dry clothing out and the Bears game on waiting for him to get home. The girls and i haven't gotten out of pajamas all weekend except to shower and put on clean jammies! This weather sucks...i moved out here for nice weather and sunshine...so give it to me!! ok...enough ranting about the weather!
Now an update on the kiddos...
Zoe is growing like crazy! Her clinic called to start the botox process...i am totally excited about this! I think she is trying to talk...i hope she is! The only word we have been able to make out has been "DAD" and she says that plain as day! Zada...she is our handfull! She is eating us out of house and home...she will eat anything that won't eat her first! She is a total chatter box like me, constantly on the move, and always into stuff that she shouldn't be. She is the typical 1 year old that knows everything!

Hope all is well for everyone...cause it is here.

THE BEST SISTER IN LAW...

2007-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

OK...SO I HAVE THIS GREAT SISTER IN LAW. NO MATTER WHAT TIME OF DAY OR WHAT SHE IS DOING SHE ALWAYS HAS TIME TO LISTEN TO ME. WHEN I MARRIED INTO TOM'S FAMILY I MARRIED IN TO HER'S ALSO. HER DAD, HER BROTHERS, HER SISTER, NEICE, SOON TO BE SISTER IN LAW...THEY ARE ALL GREAT...OH AND NICOLE TOO! THEY ARE PEOPLE THAT KNOW ABOUT FAMILY VALUES...THEY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE TO GIVE A LITTLE TO HELP THOSE THAT YOU LOVE (AND WE AREN'T TALKING MONEY!). I ALMOST HATE GOING HOME TO VISIT ANYMORE CAUSE IT IS JUST HARDER TO COME HOME. WHEN WE AREN'T THERE WE KNOW THAT WE CAN'T SEE EACH OTHER EVERYDAY...BUT WHEN WE ARE THERE AND IT IS TIME TO COME IT IS A HARD THING TO ADJUST TO. ALOT OF PEOPLE TRIED TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO MAKE US HATE EACH OTHER...FOR THE FIRST YEAR THOSE PEOPLE GOT THEIR WAY AND WON THAT BATTLE...THEN WE TALKED AND LEARNED THAT IT WASN'T US THAT HATED EACH OTHER...SO THEREFORE WE WON THE WAR. I WAS HER MATRON OF HONOR...I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE BUT LIVING 1800 MILES AWAY IT WAS HARD. I HAD BIG SHOES TO FILL...AND I HOPE I DID JUST THAT FOR HER. NOW HER HUBBY...THAT IS A WHOLE NEW SUBJECT. HE IS THE BEST BROTHER I COULD EVER ASK FOR. YEAH WE FIGHT JUST LIKE A BROTHER AND SISTER BUT I KNOW I CAN TALK TO HIM ANY TIME THAT I NEED TO ALSO. BUT OF COURSE HE JUST MAKES ME FEEL BAD ABOUT MOVING HIS "BABY GIRLS" CLEAR ACROSS THE COUNTRY. NOW WE JUST NEED TO FINISH WORKING ON GETTING THEM OUT HERE WITH US. I WOULD BE IN HEAVEN! ANYWAYS THIS IS TO LET LISA KNOW THAT I LOVE HER TO DEATH AND TO THANK HER FOR EVERYTHING WHEN THE GOING WAS TOUGH AND I WAS READY TO GIVE UP!

2006-12-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! TOMORROW WE WILL LOAD UP THE FAMILY AND START THE 1776 MILE TRIP BACK TO TOM'S MOM'S HOUSE. I AM EXCITED TO SEE HOW THE GIRLS DO ON THE TRIP. THEY LOVE TO GO ON CAR RIDES BUT WE WILL SEE HOW MUCH THEY LOVE A JOURNEY IN THE TRUCK! SANTA CAME EARLY TO OUR HOUSE. WE HAD TO CALL HIM TO LET HIM KNOW THAT WE WOULD NOT BE HERE! WE OF COURSE DIDN'T WANT HIM TO FORGET! SO HE BROUGHT THE GIRLS DVD PLAYERS FOR THE TRUCK, DVD'S, TOYS AND TONS OF CLOTHING. THEY MUST HAVE BEEN REALLY GOOD THIS YEAR! DADDY GOT TOOLS, NEW BOOTS, SOME COMFY PANTS, TOOL BOX, CREEPER, AND A HAT. MOMMY GOT AN OPAL RING AND NECKLACE, NEW SHOES AND CLOTHING. I KNOW THE TRIP BACK HOME IS GOING TO BE COMPLETELY FULL OF VISITING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE!
THE WEATHER HERE HAS NOT BEEN AS GOOD AS LAST YEAR SO I THINK GOOD OLE MOTHER NATURE WAS TRYING TO PREPARE US FOR THE COLD WEATHER. ZADA HAS NEVER SEEN SNOW AND ZOE WON'T REMEMBER IT.
WE WELCOMED 9 NEW PUPPIES INTO OUR HOME ON MONDAY. NANA WILL BE DOG SITTING WHILE WE ARE GONE. SNOWBALL HAS BEEN GOOD SO FAR ABOUT THE GIRLS BEING AROUND (EVEN WHEN ZADA IS A LIL ROUGH WITH THE BABIES).

WE WILL UPDATE ABOUT OUR JOURNEY WHEN WE RETURN HOME TO THE SUNNY SOUTHWEST.

A friend from school....

2006-11-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

ok just to get you up to date...myspace has been the greatest thing for keeping up with people that i went to school with. Just about 2 months ago i found a friend on myspace that i have not seen since June 1999 (graduation day). I was totally saddened from what i read...she has cancer and it is bad...but she is fighting the battle. I don't know her husband but from what i read she COULD NOT ask for anyone better. She is still pretty as ever! I just read an update and it wasn't good news...i sit here in the house with only the noise from the tv and think about life. I think about the little things that i used to take for granted until i had a child that needed alot of medical attention along with alot of attention from Tom and I. I thank God everyday for mine and Tom's health so we have the power to fight on for Zoe...i know how my friend feels and i just wish i could hold her right now. We weren't close in school but coming from a small town it all hits home. I think of how lucky i am to be able to put my two little girls to bed everynight and then go to bed wore out but knowing it is from taking care of my family. It just isn't fair that some people don't lift a finger all day and they still go to bed wore out...i honestly wish everyone was as lucky as us with our health.

sorry i know that was alot of rambling but it was just my thoughts at the time....i have to work tomorrow so i need to finish making thanksgiving dishes and get my butt to bed!

~~until next time~~

Happy 1st Birthday Zada!

2006-11-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl turned one on November 7th! We celebrated with family and friends on saturday. She opened lots of cool presents, ate a big lunch, smashed lots of cake and got 3 baths all in one day! oh and a nap of course! We want to thank everyone that was here to help us celebrate this milestone!

2006-11-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

We went trick or treating in Gold Canyon and got a ton of candy and other goodies! It was very nice about...about 70 degrees when we started and 60 degrees when we loaded back in the truck for the beautiful ride home. This was of course Zada first Halloween and she loved dressing up. She made sure everyone saw her when they passed on the street. The picture isn't the greatest but how well of a picture can you really get with an 11 month old and a 2 year old...."Thank you Nana for getting us ready to go out and Thank you to Steve and Cheri for letting us come to their extra special neighborhood to trick or treat"

work...

2006-10-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

well today at work i did a little thinking...why don't people just suck it up and help others out that have alot to do? i work mostly with good people but there are a few that think they are wayyy too good to help others out. I usually have my work done by 10 or 11am...so then i do deposits, spreadsheets, invoices...what ever needs to be caught up on...i go look for stuff to do cause i respect the company i work for and if they are paying me to be here then i need to be doing something. i couldn't ask for a better company to work for...yeah i get the short end of the stick at times but that happens no matter where you work. one girl is always putting calls into voicemail so she can eat...what kinda crap is that!! ok enough venting about work....

My uncle John got to my parents house last night. I went over and visited for a few then of course i had my duties at home to take care of so i went home but home to spend a little time with him this evening after work. He has to leave back out Thursday morning to head back home with a new load of travel trailers. oh and....he brought me some homemade peach jelly!! i am excited...i think i will have toast for dinner!

hope everyone is having a great day!

My husband....

2006-10-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

ok...i have the greatest husband in the world! he has always put up with alot of crap from alot of people and still to this day won't turn his back on any of them. Last night we went to the drive in...they are open year around out here...and watched the Marine with John Cena. (great movie!) But it seems like everytime we go to the drive in to get away from work he ends up working!! Everytime we go someone asks us for a jumpstart!! And of course he is not going to tell them no so he does it for free each and everytime.

He is also wonderful to me and the girls. Of course he has made his mistakes...he is far from perfect in most eyes...but in mine he is perfect. I couldn't ask for a better life partner!

Anyways i guess i am done bragging on my hubby...sounds like the girls are starting to wake up from their nap and it will soon to be time to carve the pumpkins!!

The start...

2006-10-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

Thing are going crazy around here...but what is new about that in our house! The weather is starting to cool off, work is going crazy and the kids are growing like weeds. Another birthday party is being planned, a trip back to Indiana is in the works, christmas shopping must get started soon...and yet i decide to start a blog! After reading a girl from high school's blog the other day...and i read it from beginning to end in one day...i thought it would be a good idea to start this because everyone changes so much.

So far our lives are plugging along like every other american family with two small children. There is work, breakfast, lunch, dinner, doctor appointments, bath time, play time, bedtime, naptime...it is never ending...

I will try to update this regularly but with two little ones and a fulltime job i am not sure how often that will be!

Lots of Love to everyone!

~*~The Tom Davis Family~*~