Happy 100

Well Sunday marked a huge day!  Scott's gramma turned 100.  Happy Birthday to an amazing woman!  In a news article she was quoted as saying that her family was her greatest accomplishment.  6 generations were on hand to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Garrison's big day is almost here!

So the time has finally arrived.  In only 2 short weeks Garrison will be Baptized.  he can't wait.  Thanks to our wonderful neighbor for the great pictures of him.  Truly catching the real Garrison.  We are blessed and grateful for all the people who want to share this special day with him. 

He is growing up so fast.  I can't believe that he is already 8 years old.  Not exactly a baby anymore (as he boldly tells me on a regular basis).  As all my children have gotten older none of them have lost their love to snuggle and Garrison is no different.  The larger he gets though the less lap there seems to be.

Catch up post

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have posted anything.  There really isn't any huge news to say.  

Well, summer has officially begun.  Everyone has successfully completed another year of school.  I now have a high school junior and freshman as well as a 7th grader and a 3rd grader.  I guess there are some exciting things to come in the Riordan house.  

Alexis auditioned and made it into Spotlight Drama at Mesa High.  It is the highest drama class to be in and they only take 16 kids.  Always knew she was a drama queen.  And about a week and a half ago she turned the big 16.  That's right ladies and gents, stay off the streets for Alexis is learning to drive.  She has also excited at the idea that she is now old enough to date.  That is if dad will actually let her.  

Beth is now a freshman cheerleader.  This is the girl who said that she would never wear a dress and make up.  She was the anti girl without being a tomboy.  Now she won't leave the house without her hair and make up done.  She is our little fashionista.  I can't believe I gave birth to a cheerleader.  How did that happen?

What is there to say about the boys.  They are just that BOYS!  They are both really enjoyed learning how to wrestle and follow in the family footsteps of high school wrestling.  Christian even took 3rd in his first tournament and he can't wait until he gets into school so he can actually be on the wrestling team.

Now they kids spend their time in the large pool we have.  It is really nice to have a cheap form of entertainment just outside the back door.  I am really loving the fact that it has made our home a center for the kids to bring their friends to come over.  

And then their is Garrison.  Just as crazy and outspoken as ever.  He is a character!  My favorite thing he has ever said to us was that no one would ever kidnap him because he has anger issues.  He swims like a fish and enjoys sitting on the bottom of the deep end of the pool.  I can't even make it to the deep end of the pool.  In a few short weeks he will be 8 years old and be baptized.  He is super excited for that day (and the fact he will finally be in scouts).

New Beginnings

So here we sit.  We are at the end of the first month of the new year!  Time sure does fly.

Many new things are on the horizon for us.  Scott and I had many discussions and have both decided to complete our education and are pursuing our BA.  Scott is only a few credits away and he is done.  I, on the other hand, am just beginning.  Well I guess that isn't entirely true.  I am a few credits shy of my AA so those credits will be transferred to my BA pursuit.

Tonight I officially posted my first assignment to my college class.  It makes me a little nervous.  I know I can do it but my nerves come from being out of school for so long and that I will be finishing my classwork in between working, driving kids to various functions, breaking up fights, making dinner, doing laundry.  Oh wait I forgot I am a mom and it comes with the territory.

Scott also had some amazing news tonight.  He has been working on the laptop all day and decided to try to find any information he could on his biological father's family.  For those of you who know Scott, you are all well aware that once he sets his mind to doing something there is no stopping him.  He is like a pitbull.  Once he grabs on he doesn't let go.

Anyways,  he found out some wonderful information.  He discovered that he has 4 aunts and 3 uncles from his father's side of the family.  He also found the phone number of a cousin he didn't know he had.  He spend over an hour talking to him and learning things about his family and father.  He then got a number for one of his aunts.  He then spent over 2 hours on the phone with her.  It was a crazy emotional day for him.  His family has grown for him in leaps and bounds.  He is excited at the prospect of meeting his aunt within the next few months and possibly having a family reunion in the very near future.

He also discovered during this family history work that many of his ancestors temple work has already been completed.  His biological grandparents have had all their work completed as well as being sealed to each other.  It is an amazing thing.  Just proves that there is a plan for us all.

He is at peace with the knowledge that even though  he has no memories of his grandparents he will see them again and that they have been given the wonderful gift of their temple work.

Christmas Card

Click on the Link to view or Christmas Card.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/SdkiD1BS5VkHT2Gs

Thankful

11/11/11- What a date!  On this day we, as a nation, say thank you to all the men and women in the armed forces (and their families who sacrifice hugs and kisses and contact with their loved ones).  We celebrate them with parades in towns and cities across the country.  How many of us wait until a day like today to give their gratitude and thanks?  We should be giving thanks 365 days a year.

This date also marks the end of Scott's and my first week at our new jobs.  Things are looking up!  It just makes me realize how grateful I am for the blessings in our lives.  I know I need to learn to count the blessings I have and not worry about what I don't have.

We are blessed with a beautiful family, healthy children and the freedom to express ourselves.  To have a voice in the world.  Everything else is just icing on the cake.  

Have you expressed your gratitude today or counted your blessings?

ASU Homecoming

So we (Scott and I) decided that we, as a family, needed some family time.  Scott has a friend who works for a local radio station and gave him 6 tickets to the ASU homecoming game.  Of course the tickets were in the nosebleed section but who really cares.  We had a great time.  

Christian was not exactly with us however.  He took the spare ticket that my dad and grandfather had in the loge section of the stadium.  He got all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn, soda and cookies.  But he had such a great time with my the grandfather and great grandfather that he asked if we can get season tickets.

Since we had a spare ticket we took an old friend of ours.  We have known Johnathen Lewis since he was about 2 years old.  He was an old neighbor.  He "struggled" at the game for his family are die hard U of A fans.  Despite this fact I think he had a good time too.

Behind us in the picture is the ASU alumni band.  We were in a sea of gold shirts!

Go Sundevils!!!!

Serious cheese going on here!

FEAR THE FORK!!!!