The Halliburton Family

Sundogs!!

2012-01-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend when we were in Prescott Valley, Stephanie managed to get some free tickets to the Sundogs game, an amateur hockey league team. Having never been to a hockey game, I had no idea what to expect! We all LOVED it! The girls were very into watching the game. We had seats right on the ice so we got to see a lot of action! The girls also loved seeing the mascot Bernie up close and personal! Hopefully we can go to many more hockey games because it was a really great time.

Lexi's delicious snowcone

Avery's tasty cotton candy

Trista, Lex and Avery with Bernie

And the best part was that they won at the last minute! :)

Toothless

2012-01-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Little Lexi Lou who happens to be a tad behind on losing teeth, finally lost a top tooth. She lost it on January 9th. Cody and I are finding it very hard to keep a straight face when talking to her because she looks so silly with her top tooth missing! We have now resorted to calling her Billy Bob. She loves having a missing tooth and shows everbody she can! Can't wait till she loses the other top one and has a huge gap in the front! :)

4 Years

2012-01-04T19:36:00.002-07:00

Time flies when you're having fun. So I started this blog 3 years ago to celebrate my being cancer free for 1 year. Yippee! Since then so much has happened and I am so grateful for this blog that I miraculously have been able to keep mostly updated since then even if it means blogging about 3 months at once! I wanted to keep this blog as somewhat of a scrapbook since I obviously don't do that anymore! I was looking back at the first year of my blog and was pretty amazed at all that has gone on since then. My girls are getting so old and really growing into fine little ladies. We have done so many fun and amazing things since then and I love, love,love looking at all the pictures even though some people refer to me as "Fuji". I read my first post about being cancer free and how positive and happy I sounded. Who knew I would have cancer again a couple of years later. I didn't even remember my cancer anniversary until it was over. In the past it has been a big deal for me with dinner, presents and celebration. This year has been a really hard year for me. I haven't felt especially well for most of the year due first to my inner ear problem (although I am learning to deal with the almost constant motion sickness and headaches), and second to having a second cancer. I guess I am super blessed and am definitely grateful for having 2 cancers that are relatively easy to cure and am considered cured from both. But now I find myself wondering, what's next? The year after my thyroid cancer I decided to become very active, eat right, work out all the time and take a lot of time for me. I think that I have spent much of this year feeling a little sorry for myself and constantly wondering what could possible happen next. At the turn of this new year and another year "cancer free", I am finding myself wanting to get back to where I was the year right after my thyroid cancer diagnosis. I am done feeling bad and thinking on the negative side of things. I am feeling very optimistic about the year to come and am hoping that a little mind over matter will do me some good! So what if I pass out in the grocery store! I really have to think of all the amazing things I am blessed with everyday. I AM cancer free. I have an amazing husband who works hard and loves hard. Two perfect little girls who love their parents more than life itself. Friends that would do anything and everything for us if we ever needed it, and tons of extended family who would do the same. I have a beautiful house that we love, a great job working with great people, my husband's business is successful, we have food on the table, water and electricity. I just really want to make the most of every single day from here on out. I think 16 months is long enough to feel crappy. Here's to a new year and a new start. A rebirth of sorts. Back to basics. Wish me luck. Happy 2012!!!

Back to Basics...

Christmas #2, 3, and 4

2012-01-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas Day was spent at our house as we do every year. There are only so many years when your children are small and Christmas means so much to them. I really make it a point to spend Christmas Day at home if at all possible! This year we had my parents, GG and Joe, and Marmmett and Toni. They arrived in shifts so the girls got to enjoy opening presents 3 times that day! Just what they needed, more stuff! :) We had a really great time with great people and great food. I may even be starting to actually enjoy Christmas a little...don't tell a soul!!

Santa!

Christmas morning

Ariel loved her presents

Alexis and her laptop

Avery and her DSi

Ariel eating Santa!

Cody ready to race

Me and some of my loot

The aftermath!

Presents from Marmmett's dad and his fiance

Presents from Marm and Toni

The zebra cape!

Books from Grandma Cheryl and Papa Bob

Fat Ariel in her Christmas jersey

Christmas was obviously a huge success once again!

Christmas Eve Festivities

2012-01-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

Cody and the girls went to Prescott Valley for the day on Christmas Eve since I had to work. After I got home from work, they got home and we let our family traditions begin! New jammies and slippers under the tree from Santa, cookies and milk for Santa, apples for the reindeer, and Christmas stories galore. It was so fun this year because Alexis read the stories to us and did awesome! I actually love that my littles are getting bigger because it makes for some really wonderful traditions and memories. :)

Baking Extravaganza 2011

2012-01-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Not too many pics of baking extravaganza this year, but rest assured, we did it good! We made more fudge between Marmmett and I to feed all of America, buckeyes, breads, cookies and cookies and more cookies, gingerbread men and women and many other delicious treats. The kids love baking at Marmmett's house because she lets them make a huge mess! As always a huge success.

Christmas #1

2012-01-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

This year I had to work on Christmas Eve which is when Cody's family does their Christmas. Cody's parents were nice enough to come to our house the weekend before Christmas and do their gifts with the kids. It was actually a good idea to break up the mass onslaught of gifts by a week or so! The girls got just what they asked for of course!

Zoo Lights 2011

2012-01-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

After pictures with Santa we met the Boyds for dinner and Zoo Lights. We haven't been to zoo lights in a few years so it was super fun for the kids even though everyone in the entire nation was there on that Friday night! The kids loved the lights, but were a little disappointed they couldn't see the animals. Guess we will have to go back soon in the day light!

Santa 2011

2012-01-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

We saw Santa again this year at Bass Pro Shops. It's always a fun place to go and the kids of course have to see Santa at some point each year for the obligatory photo op. :) Alexis is not too keen on Santa anymore as she says he looks creepy and not like the "real" Santa at all. Avery is a little shy and did not want to actually touch Santa, so they both stood by him and made their requests. Another Santa visit in the books!

More family pics!

2012-01-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

This year we also had family pictures taken with my brother Matt and his family. We wanted to get updated pictures of my girls and their cousin on my side as well. They turned out really cute and we had a good time. Perhaps we can do it more than every 4 years!

Avery's Christmas Performance

2011-12-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Avery our little dancer had a Christmas performance this year. She got to dance on the big stage again with all her friends. They danced to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and it was super cute! I really hope she sticks with dancing for the long haul because she smiles so big the entire time she is dancing!

Avery and her friend Carson

Sisters :)

Nutcraker

2011-12-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

This year like any other we attended the Nutcracker at the Mesa Arts Center. This is like the 4th year we have gone and every time is is tons of fun! We went with my mom, Marmmett and Toni. This year Avery, my little ballerina, was just enthralled. She stared at the dancers, clapped her hands off and remembered all the character's names. Alexis got a little restless as she is my sporty girl with more energy, but they both enjoyed it. Then of course we finished it up with some Olive Garden! I went every year with my mom and loved the tradition, so I'm sure we will continue to attend every year with my girlies making Christmas memories!

Prescott Christmas

2011-12-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of December we went to Prescott just for a visit and to do some Christmas festivities. Well, as usual, when I decide to go back home, it becomes a frigid blizzard! The kids had fun playing in the snow though, and it was beautiful, but I really hate being cold!! Downtown Prescott has a lot of Christmas activities, but the cold and snow deterred us from most of those! We did make it to see the square after they had lit it up though. It really is beautiful. Alexis and I went with Stephanie, Trista and Jackie. The girls loved the lights and the icy sidewalks that became makeshift skating rinks! Avery spent most of the weekend at my brother Matt's house playing with Kodie and making Christmas cookies and playing in the snow! Probably be another 10 years before we see it again, but we had a ton of fun with the big girls in the cold drinking our hot coco!

I love my big baby girl!

Halliburton Family Photo Shoot

2011-11-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to get some updated pictures of the cousins. We did pics of all 3 girls together years ago, but not any recently. Well it turned into a big family photo shoot and it was wonderful! Cody's parents, sister Stephanie and her daughter Trista and our little family were all there. It is no secret that I LOVE pictures!! I love posed pictures of all of my beautiful family! It was fun to get a few big family shots when we have had these kids/grandkids around for almost 8years! These pics will be family keepsakes for years to come. Here's a sample of some of the photos.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-11-28T22:02:00.001-07:00

The tree is up! Everyone knows Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I really have no idea how my family talked me into putting the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, but somehow, it happened! Cody and the girls LOVE Christmas. It may be rubbing off on me a little bit, but not much! I like the actual thought of Christmas, I just really don't like the commercialism of it all. But regardless, we decorated the tree and the house while watching The Christmas Story like we do every year. We got a new tree this year, and it's beautiful and covered in Christmas Story, Denver Broncos and family ornaments. Shopping is almost done, cards are ordered. Now just to enjoy December and all of the traditions and festivities!

Ya, she didn't help much...

Giving Thanks 2011

2011-11-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

As usual, we had more than one Thanksgiving celebration this year! We went to my aunt Jean and uncle Rick's house on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to celebrate with our extended family. It was fun to be able to spend an afternoon with my parents, both sets of grandparents, aunt and uncle, brother, SIL, niece, and my beautiful babies. We had lots of good conversation, good food, baseball and football! On actual Thanksgiving day, I had to work so Marmmett and Cody worked on making the feast so it would be ready for when I got home from work. As luck would have it, I got off work early so we were able to eat at a reasonable hour and then have time to plan our black Friday shopping! :) GG and Joe were able to come for the feast as well, and it was delicious! Marm and Cody definitely outdid themselves as usual! So much to give thanks for this year for sure. My family is amazing, we have great jobs, smart, beautiful kids, our reasonably good health, wonderful friends, and so many more countless blessings. I hope to be able to spend more time this year reflecting on the things I am thankful for daily, instead of just once a year.

Avery, Kodie and Alexis

Alexis had every single person there play catch with her the entire time!

She LOVES softball

Best cousin friends

My parents and their grandkids

My stud husband posing for the camera

GG and Joe and their great grandkids

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Bob with their great grandkids

My turkeys on turkey day

The kids table feast

The head chef and the assistant

Wishbone!

Lexi won!

Avery turned hers into a gun

Here's to many many more years of thanks and friends and family!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love Halloween! It is seriously my favorite holiday and favorite time of the year! We had a ton of fun carving pumpkins, going to the festivities at the girl's schools, and of course Trick or Treating!

Lexi cleaning out the guts!

Miss Ree carving hers! (We were trying out the Halloween makeup!)

Psycho!

Hard at work!

The finished product!

Avery's school party :)

Lexi ready for the Literary parade at her school dressed as Bad Kitty

Bad Kitty and Mrs. Wheat

Ready for Trick or Treat!

Our candy handerouters!

Haha! Joey with the broom!

Counting the loot and being silly sallys

Happy Halloween!!

Boobie Walk 2011

2011-11-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

That time of year again! Boobie Walk 2011. This is our 4th year doing the Susan G. Komen race for the cure. We love walking for a great cause and getting to spend the day with many great friends and family. This year Alexis started to complain about mile 2 o we spent a long time explaining to her the importance of supporting a cause, one so near and dear to our hearts, considering her Grandma Jackie had breast cancer and I have had cancer twice. :( After that we really didn't get much complaining. It was nice to see her old enough to realize that things like this are so very important and that we as a family are so blessed. We look forward to many more cancer free years spent at the breast cancer walk for sure!

Cody showing off his cancer awareness tattoo for his mom and I

The annual Horton/Halliburton girls photo

The Halliburtons

Lexi and Trista rode their scooters most of the way

Jamba Juice at the finish line :)

Cody's parents and their grandkids

The end of another successful 5K :)

Fall Break

2011-11-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

Every year on fall break we try to get to the zoo at least once. We used to run to the zoo for the day all the time, but know that Alexis is in school all day Monday through Friday it is very difficult to get there! Our friends the Sweetnams got to come with us this time and the kids all had a blast! The weather was perfect and the animals were fabulous as always!

Alexis, Mikey, Richie, William and Avery

Alexis feeding the giraffe

Avery feeding the giraffe

Avery and her future husband William :)

And yes, it was plenty warm enough to play in the water!

Alexis, Avery and Richie with the Komodo Dragon

Us with the orangatan

It just so happened that the morning before the zoo, Lexi lost her 2nd tooth!

Hopefully we make it to the zoo again before next fall break!!

Fall Softball

2011-11-05T21:14:00.001-07:00

Fall softball is in full swing again and we are loving every minute of it! Cody is the coach again, and Alexis is getting better and better! I love seeing how much she has improved in the one year she has been playing. Their team this season is called Cotton Candy (hence the light pink shirts!). Grandpa Roy, Grandma Jackie, Aunt Stephanie and Trista have been to a few games, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Cheryl came to one, Marmmett and Toni have come to some, and GG and Joe have come to every Thursday night game. It is really a blessing to have GG and Joe so close so that they are able to be a part of the special occasions and activities the girls are involved in, and a blessing to have loving family and friends that are able to come and support Alexis.

This season one of her BFFs Hanah is on her team and it has been awesome for them :)

Alexis' game on Joeys 89th Bday!

Labor Day Camping

2011-11-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

As usual, for Labor Day we went camping. This time we went to a campground in Pinetop. Normally we don't camp in campgrounds, and probably won't again, but it was a good time. Most of Cody's extended family went, as did our friends Marmmett and Toni. The usual camping fun was had by all with a little rain, a little racing, and lots of family time. The kids loved the campground because they got to ride their bikes all around the campground in countless circles. There was also a lake nearby that the kids loved to go to as well. I would have to say that our camp trailer is by far the best investment we have made. We have so many memories and good times already in that trailer, with many many more to come.

Avery riding her bike in her Barbie slippers :)

My girlies

Alexis, Avery and Trista

I think Ariel likes camping too.

Cousins skipping rocks

At the dirt track in Showlow getting ready to watch Papa Dud race his dwarf car

Dane and Avery

Backward sweatshirts to keep the dirt off their faces for the big cars!

#15 Papa Dudley

Avery and Great Grandpa Roy fishing

Alexis and Trista

Avery liked playing with the worms more than fishing!

Alexis reeled in the only fish!

It was a BIG one!

This was our last camping trip of the summer also. We are counting down to next camping season!

Someone's Old...

2011-11-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, my BFF Marmmett is slightly older than me, but we won't mention by how many years...Let's just say it was a BIG one this year! Anyway, we made a night of it and went to dinner with some friends and then went and danced the night away. We really had a great time. I am so grateful for Marmmett and her daughter Toni. It's crazy how someone can come into your life and it feels like you have known them forever. I met Marmmett during a very difficult time in her life and since then, we have been through many, many more difficult times and she is always here for me and my entire family. I know without a doubt Marmmett would drop ANYTHING for my family (she has), and vice versa. I am forever grateful for our friendship which has become more like family. Enough with the sappy stuff, I love my Marmie!

Finally!!!

2011-11-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

The day we thought would never come, finally came. September 16, 2011 Miss Alexis Dawn finally lost her first tooth. Little Miss is 7 and a half years old, and was probably the only 2nd grader who hadn't lost any teeth. This tooth took a very long time to come out and came with a lot of tears! Once it finally popped out, she decided that it didn't really hurt as bad as she thought it would have! A few weeks later, the second one popped out. Now she can't wait until her 2 top teeth pop out. Welcome awkward toothless stage! Congrats Lexi!

Cody's 32nd Bday

2011-11-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Cody Wayne has gotten old! Considering I have known him since I was 15 and he just turned 32, he's older than dirt! We had a very low key bday for him this year. Him and I went to Sushi Creek, then came home and celebrated with cake and ice cream at home. And lots and lots and lots of candles and smoke! Almost set off the fire alarm! Happy Birthday to the best husband and father ever! (Back on September 8th!)

My Beautiful 2nd Grader

2011-11-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is beautiful girl Lexi Lou's 2nd grade picture. I think she looks fabulous! So does she! :) I love this girl and she loves school and everybody in the whole world. And I can't believe just how very big she is getting each and every day. Next week I will be posting High School graduation pictures!

The baby's not a baby anymore...

2011-08-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

And so the time has come. My baby has started preschool. How does that happen? I know everyone always says how fast it goes when your kids are little, but seriously! This is fast! Avery is going to preschool at Miss Vickie's house. The same place Alexis went years ago! Avery was so excited to go to school after watching her sister go for the last 3 years! She only got a tad nervous when she figured out that I would be leaving her there and then coming back to get her! She got over that pretty quick though! She went right in and sat down ready to learn. She loves it so far and has made 5 new friends. Cody, Alexis and I all took her to her first day, and when I picked her up, I was all alone. She was so disappointed that her sister wasn't there to hear about her day! As soon as Alexis got home from school, Avery ran to the door and said, "Sissy! I had fun at school!!!". She showed her the shape spotter she had made and Alexis acted like it was the greatest piece of art she has ever seen! I love that they care for each other and support each other as much as they do already. I hope it continues throughout their lives.

My "school girl" as she makes me call her now

The proud sister

The sad mommy :(

Avery and Miss Vickie

Ready to learn

The magnificent shape sorter

Back to school also means back to dance class for Miss Avery. She LOVES dancing and pretty much sings and dances all day long. She has a new dance teacher this year which I am not very happy about, but she seemed to love it just the same.

We love our little school girl who used to be our little baby! Good luck this year Avery!

Alexis is in 2nd Grade!!!!

2011-08-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Lexie Lou is officially a 2nd grader. She was so excited to start school this year as usual! Her teacher this year is Mrs. Wheat, and she seems fabulous so far! Alexis of course was dressed to impress as she does every day. SO not my kid! Taking her school clothes shopping is a major pain in the neck! All she wants is fancy dresses and fancy shoes, and fancy everything! I'm never in more than jeans, tee and flip flops. I have no idea where she got this from! Avery and I took her to her first day of school and of course it was 2000 degrees out! It was fun to see her see her friends again and play on the playground. It was actually kind of weird thinking that next year I will walk away from the school that first day leaving both my babies there. I don't think I am really looking forward to that...

Alexis Dawn, the 2nd grader

Sisters (and yes, that is pizza for breakfast!)

All my girls

The monkey!

Next year kindergarten for this one! :(

Lexie and BFF Paris

Lexie and Mrs. Wheat

Lined up ready to learn!

Good luck in 2nd grade Alexis!! We love you and are so proud of you!

Cousins!!

2011-08-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

So, it was my bright idea to have both my nieces come and stay at our house for a week. It works out very well that we have a niece exactly the same age as both of our daughters. So two 7 year olds and two 4 year olds shouldn't be that bad, right? Well, actually right! It wasn't nearly as bad as it sounded! Everyone got along, not many tears, and tons of fun was had by all! The girls went swimming a lot, to the bounze house, out to dinner and lunch, out to frozen yogurt and shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square. All in all it was actually a really fun week. My mom came to visit for most of the time as well and we hung out with GG and Joe and Marmmett and Toni too. I just may do it again next summer...

Pretty girls (including Ariel)

Goofs!

Playdoh time with Grandma Cheryl, GG and Joe

Alexis

Kodie

Trista

Avery

Alexis and kodie

4th of July 2011

2011-08-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Camping over the 4th of July also always entails fireworks in Payson. The weather is always beautiful, the location is beautiful, and the fireworks are beautiful. Little Miss Avery always covers her ears for loud noises, and the fireworks are no exception! She covered her ears and actually fell asleep on the blanket! How can someone sleep through the fireworks?! I wish I had a picture, but my camera died! The girls loved the fireworks though and especially the ice cream we had after!

Avery, Trista and Alexis by the lake

Avery and her "cane"

Alexis and her "cane"

Cartwheel!

Avery's cartwheel!

Avery's pose

Lexie's pose

Roy and Jackie and their granddaughters

My gorgeous girls

Happy 4th!

2011-08-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Camping over the 4th of July has become a tradition for us the past few years. This year it was soooo hot! Not as much rain as usual, so lots and lots of dust as you can see from all the pics of my dirty kiddos! We had a ton of fun though as usual! Quad riding, the creek, playing in the dirt, camping food...looking at these pics makes me want to go back right now!

Alexis, Avery and Trista

Creek time!

Being wet is NOT Ariels favorite thing!

Once thrown in though, she does know how to swim!

As usual, only Alexis will touch the crawdads!

Filthy family

Avery can't wait to be big enough to drive the quads herself

My princess tomboy Lexie Lou

Avery striking a pose

LOVE these girls!

2011-08-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

In June, we went to Cody's cousin Ryan and Lauren's wedding. Weddings when the entire family is there is always an opportunity for pics especially with Fuji's like Steph and I around! It was a beautiful wedding and fun was had by all!

The Halliburton clan

My fam :)

Cody and his mom and sister

The crazies we call our kiddos!

Halliburton girls

Cody and his sister and parents

All the 7 year old Halliburton girls

The 4 year old Halliburtons

Daddy and his girl

The Halliburton boys

More Halliburton girls!

Tiny Dancer

2011-06-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

On June 4th, Miss Avery had her very first dance recital. She did AMAZING! She shook her hips like crazy, knew all the steps, and smiled her little heart out. I was soo proud of her. I really think she may be a dancer for the long run. Her dad and I were trying to get her to sign up for softball this year and she said "Absolutely no. I go to dance". She is already talking about her next dance recital. Cody also had HIS very first dance recital as well. He did the daddy daughter dance with Avery and also the dads hip hop number. It was so funny and he did awesome as well. He may be a dancer for the long haul as well! The pics didn't turn out too good because they were moving so fast, so I can't wait to get the video to watch it back! After, everyone came back to our house for some lunch and Avery got to be the center of attention for a while. Congrats Avery and Cody on an awesome recital!

Avery and her dad in their costumes

Backstage with her friends

Yup, that's her on the right shakin those hips!

Daddy daughter dance

My star husband

Cody gettng down with his bad self!

My little ballerina

Her solo

The finale

Our dancers with their flowers

Avery with Marmmett and Toni

Avery with Grandma Jack and Papa Dud

Avery with Papa Bob and Grandma Cheryl

Avery and her fabulous parents

Avery, Alexis and Trista

Avery and GG and Joe

Avery and Auntie Steph

Memorial Day Camping 2011

2011-06-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we decided to trade in our old camp trailer for a newer one. When we bought our first one we didn't want to spend a crazy amount of money because we didn't know if the fun of camping or the trailer would wear off and we didn't want to waste that money. Well, turns out, we loved camping all the time and the trailer made it even better! Cody found a brand new trailer that had sooo much more room for us for the same payment of our old one and was and it was sooooo nice. SOLD. So for Memorial Day we took the trailer out on it's maiden voyage. We as usual had a blast. I think we were made to live in the woods with our kids and dog running wild. Maybe someday...

Our beautiful new trailer :)

Fire!

Avery's flaming marshmallow

Trista

Lexie Lou

That's my girl!

Avery on her trailer bunk bed

Ariel found a spot she likes too!

Cody pitching to the kids in the woods

Avery the little slugger

My softball star

Trista

Curly

2011-06-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Avery has a dance recital coming up and she has to have curly hair. We decided to use the sponge rollers over night to make the optimal curl. Alexis decided she wanted curly hair as well so I rolled them both up. I thought they looked so cute all rolled up like little old ladies, that I just had to take a picture! :) Love them!

Sweet Shop Cottage Fair

2011-06-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Alexis had her last cottage fair of 1st grade. She learned so much this year and loved her teacher as usual. It was so much fun watching her show us all that she had learned about the food groups and her science project. She is so sad to leave 1st grade and her teacher Mrs. Mendoza, but I'm sure she will love 2nd grade just as much!

Softball Closing Ceremonies 2011

2011-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Softball season with the Orange Crush and Coach Cody is officially over. The girls did great and Coach Cody had a blast. Alexis finally got her trophy and Cody got his Coaches plaque. Can't wait for next season!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-06-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day this was was fabulous as usual! My girls let me sleep in, made me breakfast in bed, got me a beautiful gold heart necklace and homemade cards. Then I took the girl responsible for making me a mother in the first place to get a pedicure with me. She loved it! I take Avery with me all the time to get pedis while Alexis is at school, so this was a special treat for her! We got matching toes. :) Then...dinner. A few weeks ago they built a new Taco Bell right down the street from our house. Not a huge fan of Taco Bell, but oh well right? Well, Avery had watched the thing be built since we drive by it every single day. She wanted to go there so bad, but the chance just never came. So a few days before Mother's Day, Miss Ree got so excited and told me and Cody that she had a great idea. She wanted to take mommy to the new Taco Bell for dinner on Mothers Day. She was sooooo excited, who was I to crush her dreams? So, we had dinner at Taco Bell. And it was wonderful (even though it was Taco Bell). I love my babies and am so glad that I get the opportunity to be their mother.

My flowers from my honey and my cards

My card from Avery (love the 4 year old writing)

My card from Lexie

Me and Lexie off to get pedis

Our matching toes

Gourmet dinner at Taco Bell :)

Visit with Mark

2011-06-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mark lives far away. We only get to see Uncle Mark about every 2 years. My girls LOVE Uncle Mark. He is so much fun for them to play with. He came out for my mom's graduation and was able to stay with us for a few days after. He taught Alexis to play her guitar while he was here. The girls decided to make a band with Uncle Mark. They called their band "Kids Rock". They jammed in the kitchen for a very long time and had a blast with Uncle Mark. Hopefully Uncle Mark will come visit again sooner than 2 years from now!

Mom's NAU Graduation :)

2011-06-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

On May 14 (my birthday), my mama got her Masters in Early Childhood Education from NAU. She loves school and has been going FOREVER! So this was an amazing accomplishment for her. It was a fun filled weekend spent in Flagstaff with tons of family and friends (including my little bro Mark who we haven't seen in 2 years!). Lots of pics to follow since we had to take pics of all the fabulous people who attended to support my mom!

Me and my brothers :)

My brothers and dad

My grandparents with their great granddaughters

My fam at the graduation waiting for the graduate

Alexis and her uncle Matt causing trouble as always

Me and my niece Kodie Brooke

The graduate with my girls

Me, my girls and my mom

My mom and her friends Karla and Meg

My mom and her granddaughters

My mom and brother Matt's family

My mom and all her kids!

My parents with their kids and grand kids

My mom and her Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Norman

Mom and her cousins Dottie and Jackie

Mom and Dad

Mom, and her mom and Joey

My mom and her childhood friend and her daughter

My parents and my dad's parents

Congratulations mom on your wonderful accomplishment! We are all so proud of you and all you have achieved!

Cancer

2011-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Cancer. My least favorite word I think. So 3 years ago when I had Thyroid cancer I thought it was horrible. I got surgery and did pretty well without that cancerous thyroid. Every year I celebrated being cancer free. Happy and cancer free. I always said that I got my cancer young so I would never get it again. Cancer should only happen to people once right? Wrong. 30 years old, and cancer again. This time it was Dermatofibrosarcoma Protrubrans, or DFSP. Just a little bump on my left shoulder blade that looked suspicious. One in a million they tell me. Well isn't that nice. I always knew I was one in a million! So again, under the knife. Twice actually. Now I have a lovely 3.5 inch scar on my left shoulder. They tell me that they got it all, but there is awaly a chance it could come back. Great. Now I have to follow up at the dermatologist office every 3 month, the endocrinologist office every year, etc. I'm really freaking tired of going to doctors. How many people do you know that have had 2 different kinds of cancer by 30 years old?! Probably none, except me. Guess I'm just the lucky one right? I am of course extremely grateful that both of these cancers were found and treated in a timely manner. But still, pissed that I have even had to deal with this cancer s*%! TWICE. Let's hope the second time is for sure the last, and I pray for many more cancer free years to celebrate.

My favorite girls

2011-04-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love these 4 girls? I love, love, love that I have 2 perfect nieces to go with my 2 perfect daughters. Cody's parents have 3 grandaughters, my parents have 3 granddaughters. Cody's parents have two 7 year olds and a 4 year old, and my parents have a 7 year old and two 4 year olds. It really could not have worked out any better. Alexis and Trista a closer than any cousins I have ever seen. I am starting to see the same thing in Avery and Kodie. I love that both of my girls have a best friend in their cousins, and I love that I have these 2 nieces to love with the other half of my heart.

(Alexis is a week older than Trista and Avery is 3 months older than Kodie. Could never tell by the sizes though! :))

Movies in my eyes

2011-04-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

The other night I was putting Avey to bed. She seemed super excited to be going to bed. I asked her why she was so excited. She said she couldn't wait to see the "movies in her eyes". It took me a minute to get it, but I thought it was the cutest thing she has ever said. She has dreams and remembers them! She calls them movies. I asked her what they were about. She named off a ton of fun stuff, and names of people. She said her movies are always happy movies. I love that my little girls have pleasant things to dream of and are excited to experience these sweet "movies".

Easter 2011

2011-04-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

This year was the first Easter I have ever had to work! :( So sad. But Cody did a great job having the kids hunt eggs and going to his family Easter party at a park. The kids loved what the bunny brought them, and had a blast with all their cousins and extended family. Hopefully next year I won't have to work!

Even Ariel got a present from the Easter Bunny!

Hunting in the backyard

Pretty girls all done hunting the eggs the bunny hid!

Cody and his mom

The girls and their gma and cousin Trista

Cousin Easter egg hunt

Avery flying her kite

Alexis flying her kite

Trista, Alexis and Avery

The girls and their grandparents on Easter

The Easter Bunny 2011

2011-04-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

We were at the mall the Friday before Easter and Avery saw the bunny. She was dying to see him and sit on his lap. So, we got in line. Alexis looks at me and says, "Mom? Do you think I should sit on him?". I said, "Of course, why?". She said, "Well, don't you think I am too old?". And so it begins. I never thought that at 7 she would be too old to sit on the Easter bunny! Ii explained to her that if she did not sit on his lap, he would not bring her a basket. She hopped right up on to his lap then, but still thought she was too oldl. Ugh. I hate my children growing up!

Coloring Easter Eggs

2011-04-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Every year we color Easter eggs before Easter. I love traditions like these and think that they are something my girls will always remember. Traditions and family are what memories are made of. This year Alexis invited her friend Paris over to color eggs. The girls had so much fun making all the different colors and drawing on the eggs. I'm sure the Easter bunny will love them!

60

2011-04-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

My dad turned 60 on April 5th. We had a party for him at his sister's house to celebrate the old man. :) I remember thinking how very old my parents were when they were in their 30s. To me they were ancient! Well, 30s isn't looking so old to me anymore now that I am the one in my 30s! But seriously my dad looks great for being 60! Not a gray hair on his head and not even balding a little bit! Family is very important to us so it was a lot of fun to be able to celebrate this occasion with most of our family there. Happy Birthday Old Man!

The Birthday Boy Bob

The Birthday Boys beautiful granddaughters

GG and Joe (my mom's parents)

Bob and Jean (my dad's parents)

Papa and his girls :)

The girls and their grandparents

Only missing Mark!

The gang! (but I think Kodie got cut off!)

Lexie Lou is 7!!!

2011-04-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

March 22 Alexis turned 7. Something about her turning 7 really made me sad! 7 is soooo old, and therefore that makes me old! I just really remember when she was born and I first became a mom. Now she is 7 and smart as can be, athletic, funny, and the most lovable kid you'll ever meet. She loves being in school, loves her friends, loves softball, her dog, and her family. We had a party for her a tour house with a bounce house in the back. She had friends from school and neighbors and lots of cousins come to party. As always, a great time. Happy 7th Birthday Lexie Lou!

Alexis and GG, her favorite person in the world!

Applebees for dinner, they sang and brought her a smoothie :)

Cousin sleepover, Trista, Teeghan, Kodie, Maddie, Avery and Alexis

The monkeys, Kodie and Avery

She asked for money so she got a ton of cards and plenty of money to buy the Nintendo DSI she wanted! :)

SOFTBALL!!!

2011-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Alexis decided to keep playing softball this season, which made her dad and I VERY happy! We both love softball, and Alexis is very good at it. This season, Cody is the head coach of her team, so they are having a lot of fun, and we spend a lot of time at practice and games! Avery loves to watch her sister play. Avery has become kind of the team mascot! Her team is called Orange Crush and she plays with Queen Creek Heat. We are looking forward to hopefully many more years spent at the ball field with our girlies!

(I made that banner!)

Coach Cody doing a dance at the opening ceremonies :)

Home Run!! Go Lexis Lou!!

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break this year we just stayed around the house. It was nice to not have to do anything at all! Trista came and stayed with us for the week, and we did a lot of swimming, eating, and playing outside. Cody even took them to the Bounze House one day too, but no pics of that! :)

Mineral Market Cottage Fair

2011-04-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Lexie had her cottage fair at school about the Mineral Market. We got to go to her classroom and see all of her work for the quarter and things that she had posted on the school walls. She is always so proud of her work and loves when we come to her school to see the things she has worked so hard on. And, Miss Avery loves to go to her sister's school and meet her friends and play on the playground!

Miss Avery is 4!

2011-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

My little Avery turned 4 on January 29th. She is the greatest kid. She is totally goofy, super smart, but sassy, and loves her family! She had a Tangled party which was super cute, and all her friends and family came to celebrate. She loved being the center of attention and getting all the toys and clothes she asked for. Now she is such a big girl and tells everyone that she is NOT a baby anymore! I love that little girl! Happy 4th Birthday Avery Marie!

Snow Day!

2011-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

One weekend when we went to Prescott, they still had some snow. So, Cody and his parents took the kids up to the mountains to experience snow! It seems that whenever we go to P-town, the snow is melted, so this was literally the first time my kids have gotten to play in the snow. They LOVED it! Even my animal kid Ariel loved it! Maybe we will have to visit the snow more often!

Slacker

2011-01-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it. I have been a blog slacker. I just posted about the last 4 months in one afternoon! :) I swear I will totally try to do better this year! I have a new laptop so I can sit on the couch and blog frequently! So, until then, enjoy the last 4 months! :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

New Years Eve! For the last few years since GG and Joe have lived by us we have spent the evening at their house. We pretty much ate the entire Chen's Chinese food stock, played games, baked cookies, had ice cream sundaes, watched the festivities on TV, and toasted the new year. This year my mom, Cody's parents and Trista joined us. And the only pics I got were of these cute girls!

2011!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

WARNING! Lots of pics to follow! What can I say people?! It's Christmas! We, as always, had a great Christmas. The kids of course got everything they wanted and more as they are spoiled little brats by lots and lots of people! I had to work on Christmas Eve and the kids and Cody went to P town for festivities up there. I also had to work on Christmas Day, but ended up getting off early! So the Hortons and Cody's parents came over and we opened some gifts from them that night. Then we were hungry, and can I tell you that there is absolutely no place open for dinner on Christmas! We ended up driving 25 miles to Dennys! Haha! Nice. But that place was packed! It was fun times. Then when we got home from our gourmet dinner, Santa had brought some surprises for the kiddos. They had jammies and slippers under the tree! Then we set out cookies, milk and carrots for Santa and the reindeer and went to bed! The next day, Santa had come and brought the kids everything and more. As always a successful Christmas, even if I AM known as the Grinch!

Long day over! Merry Christmas 2010!

Miscellaneous Christmas 2010

2011-01-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

We had the usual Christmas Festivities this year, but I am afraid I took less pictures! Yikes! What is happening to me? Anyway, we saw the Nutcracker...

Watched Avery's Christmas performance at dance class...

And OF COURSE, made Christmas goodies with the Hortons!

Family Pics 2010

2011-01-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Some folks call me Fuji. I can't really figure out why. :) Probably because I am huge on taking pictures. I feel that when all is said and done, all you have are memories and pictures. I love looking back at old pictures to see how my girls have grown and to remind me of past times. Every year before Christmas we get family pictures taken. Usually by my friend Micaela, but she had to go and have a baby on me this year so we had to make do! We did get some cute ones, but I can't wait for Micaela to be back in business next year! Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went to my brother Matt and SIL Karie's house for turkey dinner in Prescott Valley. They just bought a new house so it was fun to go and see it and spend time with family, even though it was FREEZING there! I only took 3 pictures, all of the girls with their cousin Kodie playing out in the frigid cold! Gotta love Turkey Day!

More Halloween Festivities

2011-01-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

Miss Avery LOVES dance class. She would go every single day if we let her! She is the best one in her class, and I am not just saying that because she is mine! :) For Halloween they all got to wear their costumes and put on a performance for the parents and siblings. It was super cute and my Avery did awesome!

Alexis' school has a Literature parade for Halloween where you get to dress up as a book character and put on a parade for the parents and siblings. Avery and I went to watch her parade around as Fancy Nancy and then we went to her class party after. We love her school and all the fun things they do there. And she was the cutest Fancy Nancy there was!

Halloween 2010

2011-01-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. I have said it before and I will say it again, it is my absoulute favorite holiday! :) I love everything about it. The weather, the costumes, the decorations, the candy, the going to strangers houses in the dark for candy, the whole neighborhood being outside having a great time. I don't think I really liked Halloween that much until I moved to this house almost 8 years ago. We were shocked at how into it the neighborhood got. Everyone is outside, decorated, handing out candy in costume. It is so much fun. I love all the traditions also, and we have many for this holiday!

Cody and the girls carving pumpkins

Cody's, Alexis', and mine and Avery's pumpkin

Ariel helped carve the pumpkins too!

Halloween cookies with the Hortons!

Me and the girls going trick or treating (Cody was hunting)

GG and Joe hand out candy at our house every year

My parents and Marmmett came :)

Pretty Belle and Fancy Nancy

Happy Halloween 2010

Zoo Time

2011-01-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Every year over fall break, we take the kids to the zoo. The weather is usually amazing, the kids need to get out and run around, and the animals are usually putting on a show. We as usual, had a great time at the zoo, but it was very toasty out this year!

I have taken a picture of Alexis in this shell every time we have gone to the zoo since she was 5 months old! Hopefully when she is 18 she will still let me take a pic of her in it! :)

Avery will never get in the shell for me, so this is what I get!

Love these gorgeous girls!

Boobie Walk 2010

2011-01-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

This was year 4 of the Breast Cancer walk for the Halliburtons! We love it and will continue to go every single year. We started going when a friend of mine from work, Michelle, who was a survivor invited us to go. Well, 3 years ago, when I had thyroid cancer, Cody's mom, Jackie had breast cancer. As you can see, we are both doing great, but love walking for a great cause. It is very close to my heart as my mother in law has had it, I am a woman, and I have 2 daughters. I feel that if we can do something as small as walking to helop find a cure then I am all for it!

SOFTBALL!!

2011-01-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

This year my little Lexie Lou decided that she wanted to play Softball. I was so happy! I love softball more than any of the other sports, but I wasn't so sure she would like playing a team sport, because she is a perfectionist! Well, she LOVED practices, and her dad was the assistant coach, so far, so good. Then, the first game came and she did not want to play! She was afraid that people would laugh at her if she messed up or didn't catch the ball. Seriously?! We convinced her to play, and she did not mess up at all. She hit the ball every time and fielded it like a champ! When the game was over she said, "I didn't know I was so good!". She loved every minute of the season, and did really well. She is so excited for spring ball to start up again so she can get back out on the field! Go #2!

The Marlins 2010

Grand Canyon Adventure

2011-01-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

In September, I hiked the Grand Canyon with 4 other women. It was the most amazing experience ever. The Grand Canyon is so amazing it is hard to even put into words what it is like deep down in it. Looking from the rims it is definitely an amazing sight, but once you go down in it and see all the different sites and sounds it is something you will never forget. We drove to the South Rim and then took a shuttle from the South to the North Rim and stayed the night in some awesome cabins. If anything, I suggest everyone spends the night or weekend in these cabins on the North Rim. They are amazing. The next morning at 5 am we started our trek down the Canyon. We hiked the entire day with heavy packs. It was brutal! We then stayed the next night in dorm like cabins at the bottom of the Canyon. It was called Phantom Ranch. That was QUITE the experience. The next morning we hiked to the top (mostly :)), and stayed the night in cute little cabins on the South Rim and drove home the next day. I must say, I got sooo sick on this trip, and was sick for a month after, but it was so worth it and an amazing experience I will never forget. I will however, NEVER do it again! But, I will for sure be driving my buddies next time and staying in all these awesome cabins! I took hundreds of pictures, and these don't do it any justice, but just thought I would post a few! Thanks girls for an awesome trip!

5 girl's stuff!

We arrived at the South Rim!

The cabins on the North Rim

Somewhere near the beginning!

Somewhere near the bottom!

Breathtaking views

The End!

11 Years

2010-09-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

August 7th was our 11th Anniversary. 11 years! Can you believe it? First I turn 30, now I've been married 11 years! I am officially old. Cody and I have been together since we were 15, so do the math. Half our lives. And, I really do still love him to death! We had a great Anniversary date while his parents watched our beauties. Looking forward to at least 100 more! :)

Avery the Ballerina

2010-09-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Finally Avery gets to do something herself instead of just watching her sister do everything! I started Alexis in dance class when she was 3 just to get her used to being with other kids and listening to a teacher. I never really thought preschool was that effective for 3 year olds, and wanted her to have fun, so dance it was. She did it for 2 years and wasn't really that into it so she decided to quit and try softball insead. That will start soon hopefully! Avery has been counting the days until it was her turn to go to dance class. She was soooo excited and got up very easily that day! She jumped right in the bath and grabbed her dance outfit and was ready to go!

She picked her all black outfit, again, mama's girl!

I think Alexis was just as excited as she was!

So, when we got there, Avery was the only kid in the class! So much for making friends! However, private dance lessons are way more expensive than what I am paying so I'm fine with it! The next 2 weeks there was one other girl, and this week there was 6 girls total. Now she is having even more fun! She loves Miss Angie who was Alexis' teacher too. Avery takes her dance class very seriously and pays attention very well, and is so loving every minute of dance class! Too bad it's only once a week!

1st Grade

2010-09-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

My little Alexis started 1st grade this year. Wow, time sure does fly! She LOVES school and is a great student. She is having a difficult time adjusting this year to having to sit at her desk most of the day and do work. Much less play and craft time than kindergarten! She loves her new teacher though, Mrs. Mendoza who she is going to have for the next 2 years. She looked so adorable on the first day and picked out her entire outfit. She never lets me pick her clothes anymore, she has definate ideas about what she does and doesn't like! She only has a few kids in her class from last year, none of which were her good friends, so she is having to make all new friends this year, but being the social butterfly she is, she is having no problem! Next thing I know she will be graduating High School. :(

First in line of course!

My favorite place in the whole world...

2010-09-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I have always lived in AZ, but my most favorite place in the entire world is the beach. I don't care what beach, or where, just the beach. The waves crashing on the beach, the kids playing in the sand and surf, the boardwalk, the relaxed atmosphere, there is nothing I don't like about it! We only went to the beach for one day during our vacation, but the next time I think we all agreed, we will definately spend way more time there!

The official family photo

My water baby! She has always loved the water!

My beach bum! Just like her mom!

We went to the boardwalk and had some ice cream and cotton candy too!

It's hard to get all of us in a self portrait!

The last night we always try to have a nice dinner near the beach. This was the view from our table. It was awesome. We were all so worn out by this time, but overlooking the ocean like that is so amazing and very well worth the exhaustion!

There is really nothing like the memories made on family vacations. I am so grateful that my parents always took us on a family vacation every year no matter what, and I will always strive to do the same with my family. These are the moments in life we cherish most.

Sea World 2010

2010-09-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Family vacay time again and this year we went to San Diego. We really wanted to take Avery to Sea World because she had never been and Alexis and her LOVE animals so we figured it would be a big hit. And it was! We had a great time, watched every show, and saw all the exhibits. The girls loved every minute of it!

Alexis didn't want to take a pic with Shamu but I made her! She is already getting to old for the characters?!

They could have stood here all day!

Avery loved holding these star fish, we could barely get her to leave!

This is the only thing Alexis remembers from being to Sea World before! It was all she wanted to do!

My fave!

The kids and husband wanted to sit in the soak zone, and this is the before pic! It's cold there at night when you are soaking wet!

Day 2 we played on the splash pad and came prepared in bathing suits!

Alexis didn't mind seeing Elmo though and Avery was in love! Elmo blew her a kiss during the show!

Me and the babes sitting in the spinning thing that goes up in the air

EVERY time I swear I will never go on the little bucket on the line ride. This time I'm serious! NEVER again!

Cody and Alexis waited for an hour and a half to go on this 3 minute ride. Super fun they said, but not worth the wait, even though they did get sopping wet!

Avery siad she is going to be "the pink girl" when she grows up. Meeting her was like meeting a movie star!

The day is always a success when you end it with 2 sleeping children! :)

4th of July 2010

2010-09-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July this year we went camping again to our favorite place Clint's Wells. The kids went up a couple days early with Grnadpa and Grandma since Cody and I had to work. And this is what they looked like when we got there! Holy moly! I almost had a heart attack! At least they were having fun and good thing I brought lots of soap!

Then we went to the amazing fireworks show again in Payson. My parents were able to drive up for the day to see the girls, so the girls had a lot of fun having all their grandparents there to watch the fireworks. The girls both really loved the fireworks this year as well. Avery held her hands on her ears the entire time again, but kept saying, "that one was cute!". I love the ages they are at right now! So cute all the time!

And of course, waiting for the fireworks to start can get quite boring, so we passed the time by making silly faces!

And Avery, who I must say is the cutest kid ever when sleeping, fell asleep the second we got in the car! Fun was definately had by all!

Father's Day 2010

2010-09-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, yet again I have fallen behind in my blogging, so prepare for a catch up fest! For Father's Day, I let the girls decide what they wanted to do with their dad. Well, they chose goofy golf. Fantastic! Only one thing. It is the middle of June and freaking hot! It was fun for about the first hole, then we all got VERY cranky! Then Cody picked of course, Red Lobster for dinner, so we went there and cooled off! Usually for holidays I try to sway the kids to what gift to get their dad so it is not something ridiculous. However, for Father's Day anything goes. Well of course they had to make him something, so they just painted on some wooden plaques for his office which turned out pretty cute. Then they picked out a couple shirts, and my all time favorite gifts! They picked out some trailer lights for our camp trailer! They picked out some light up cars, and light up pink flamingos! Haha! I loved it. They actually do look very nice on our trailer though! Anyway, we love our Cody and love to celebrate him on Father's Day!