This year our tree was a little bit different. But it was still just as fun to decorate.

Note, the little leopard box at the bottom of the tree is the two cats christmas. They each got a little cat house. Ok... so it is a little overboard to give your pets presents, but there you are.













This was my christmas... We remodeled the downstairs bathroom. We had to after remodeling the kitchen. We just updated all the fixtures, tiled the walls up to the chair rail, added a granite countertop and repainted a more updated color. It was fun to work on a project with Jay. We do so well together if I don't say so myself.

God Bless us Everyone!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Today is Christmas Day 2006. I love Christmas. I love the season, the pleasures, the smiles, the joy in all. People you meet at the store, on the street, or even in your own neighborhood are saying hello and wishing you a happy holiday. What a different place the world would be if we could be like this all year long.

The Harpers have had a wonderful holiday. It is just the four of us, and for now we like it that way. The kids were well taken care of in the way of presents, but they also gave as many as they got. They are great boys. We watched a few home movies from Christmas's past -- ok, way past, like 16 years ago. It is amazing how time flies. And to look at it we are doing the same things on the holiday. We still like to spend time as a family. We still have a big dinner, and are too stuffed the rest of the day to do anything. We still watch movies all day long, and Jaron still has a house full of friends. :) Can't make for a better holiday.

But most of all, we still wish for all our friends and family the best holiday wishes we can muster. We miss our extended families during the holidays, but thanks to the internet and telephone, we can still be together to share the day.

Five days to go......

Have you ever noticed that the days just drag when Christmas is only a few days away? It isn't that we are ready for the holiday, shopping isn't done, Christmas cards aren't done, and the holiday meal isn't even planned.... But, I don't really want to be at work so the days just drag.

Jay and I got the tile job finished last night. Jaron had a meeting at church so we didn't even get started on the tile until 9:00 p.m. Between grouting and then the cleaning of the grout it was a really late night. I tried to do a little cleaning too so the house wasn't a complete shamble.... Still, Jarons first question this morning? "Why is the floor so dirty? I can feel sand under my feet." He is so much help!

We have a little news on Jace's car. The insurance adjuster is headed out today or tomorrow to look at it. It could be good news or bad... The good news: his car is only 3 years old, the body is still in perfect condition (with the exception of the wheel well), and it has retained it's value because of the Spec V engine. The bad news: the Spec V engine is worth a lot at salvage, it is disabled which is a really bad sign, and Jace is still a teenager.

Boy, do I need a holiday!

Talk about a weekend!

I love the weekend, but I would rather be at work than go through another like the last one. Being so close to Christmas you would think that our lives would be merry and divine for one whole month.... Oh, but not so....

I was in California for work last week. I didn't get home from CA until late Friday night. I don't recommend flying the same weekend that most college students get out and decide to head home for the holidays. Or maybe it was just those people leaving early for their holiday plans, so as to miss the rush.... Guess What! They didn't miss it. It is only a 1.2 hour flight from CA to AZ but I was very glad to get off that plane, and out of airports.

While I was in CA the dryer went out... No dryer... And the repair people can't show up until Monday. Good thing we have lots of clothes.

Saturday we were supposed to be working on the remodeling of the bathrooms. We had some of the fixtures out and all the stuff ready to tile. We had to get the toilet and sink out. Of course, that is the day the connector under the sink breaks so we can't turn off the hot water. It just spins and spins.... Time to call the plumber. Of course, he cant get there until Monday so no tiling over the weekend. And the real kicker!!!!!.....

>>>>> Anyone reading this from conception knows that Jace loves his car. It is his baby. Well, drumroll please, Jace had a little accident. Of course, the good news is he avoided a big accident (narrowly) but hit the curb with the side of his right front tire. Now his car is out of commission. I felt so bad for him, he loves that car. Our fear is that the damage underneath will cause them to decide to total it. We try to realize all is well, because.... Jace and his friends weren't hurt.

...... Saturday night was a friends Christmas party. None of us were much in the partying mood after Jace's near accident but we went. But Jay didn't end up feeling well and we left with him very ill. What a way to have a party.

..... Sunday we went to church. Monday Jay and I ended up staying home. We had the plumber and the appliance repair on the way, We had to have Jace's car towed to the body shop (after the third tow they got it to the right place) and we had to get the cat to the vet. One of our cats is sick. We think she has an infection.

By 10:00 Monday evening both bathrooms were tiled and ready for grout and I am now completely exhausted.....

...... Anyone for a trade?

I am Jaron!

Jaron had to write something for school. I liked it so much I thought you might too....

I am kind and honest to my friends and family.
I wonder what I will be like in the future.
I hear holiday music.
I see chrismas lights and trees.
I want everyone to be happy.
I am kind and honest to my friends and family.

I pretend I am a magic swordsmen.
I feel that some of my friends are not real friends.
I touch the Xbox 360 controller every day.
I worry that we may go into another world war soon.
I cry when people die for no reason.
I am kind and honest to my friends and family.

I understand school ,but I still don't want to go.
I say that everyone can be happy if they try.
I dream that I can make a difference in the world.
I try to do my best, but sometimes it is not good enough.
I hope that the world will someday be at peace.
I am kind and honest to my friends and family.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays!

Christmas time is truly here, and our house is constantly full of cheer. We sing and laugh, and dance around. Bells a tingle, such a pleasant sound. No bundling up, no wet sloshy snow, we just flit here and there, wherever we want to go. The boys are both angels, and the dog running merrily. The cats play in the tree, and Jay does the caroling. The house all aglow with a multitude of lights, and a santa mom punches who can't put up a fight. Christmas is here and we just love the season. When January comes maybe we will have gained back our reason....

This week has been hectic for me. Flying in and out of Sacramento, getting family back to their homes, Jay's brother visiting us during the week. But you know, we still got our christmas shopping done. The boys were hilarious buying for each other. They are so much into the same things that they couldn't really hide what they were getting for each other. We would go to one aisle, oops, there was Jace looking. They would come to a new aisle, there was Jaron and I looking. It happened all night long. They did the best they could though. I am always glad when the shopping is done so I can freting over the cost and start anticipating the holidays. We also did the shopping for Toys for Tots last night. Jaron had a hard time looking through the dolls and barbies. We chose a few of each and he had to get out of the whole aisle. You would think they would poison him or something. We ended up with a large number of boy items and a fair number of girl items. We won't see the childrens faces when they open a new toy, but it is very pleasing to know that someone will get to open it.

Just check out that smile on Jaron!

You think he is a little excited or what!

Weekend Needed: To rest from the weekend!

Do you ever feel like you went through a tornado, but you never saw it coming or leaving? Our weekend was so busy, fun, and exciting, even the boys couldn't seem to get up this morning. Family visiting is always exciting but with everything else planned it was just a whirlwind.

I do have to thank our families for joining us over the weekend. I know it meant a lot to Jaron. And it meant a lot to Jay and I.

Now it is back to the workweek. Jaron got his braces off last week and gets retainers this week. Jace has to get his cap and gown ordered for graduation at the end of the year. I have to spend one day in Sacramento CA for work and start my christmas shopping. Jay has work and taking care of all of us. I thought the whirlwind would be over now, but looks like it is just beginning.

Cold is relative!

I used to live in Utah. I remember some really cold winters. The single digits, frozen pipes, Jay gets pneumonia, the works.....

I moved to Arizona for the warmth. That was the big plus for me but I soon learned that it does get cold here in the winter. Especially at night. Well, this morning I got up and there is ice in the fountain. ICE! We knew it was cold last night because we still haven't turned the heat on in the house. Inside was even cold this morning. How come I didn't feel cold in 30 degrees in Utah but I am cold in Arizona....

Now all my plants are going to look frost nipped all winter long..... I hate that!

This picture is in Arizona. I knew it snowed in parts of Arizona. Flagstaff has a ski resort. But this is much further south than Flagstaff... Amazing, huh.

Cooking, Cleaning, and Christmas!

Thanksgiving is done, the cooking is over, the turkey is gone, and now the rush begins! As a family we had a great holiday last week but it seems like we worked harder than we usually do over the four days off. We got all the fall decorations down, and put up Christmas....

>>>> Christmas is a holiday we really decorate for. I don't know why, Jay and I just always have. As Jay complains about moving all the furniture around for only a month, he still loves having the tree up. We do it the day after Thanksgiving because he wants the tree up as long as possible. In Utah we had a real tree, I loved the fresh smell of it. In Arizona we don't have tree farms, so the tree is artificial. It is still 12 feet tall though, 3 feet shorter than the trees we had in Utah. :).... With decorating you end up cleaning. As we take down knicknacks, we end up finding dust. And in Arizona I truly mean DUST!!!! It is black, sooty, fine, and makes you cough/sneeze. (It is entertaining to watch Jay clean the house plants with a leaf blower though.)

Last night we put all the ornaments on the tree, our last act of decorating. We waited until Monday because Jace worked all weekend and he wanted to help. We like to do this job as a family. Our ornaments are souvenirs from all the many places we have traveled. It brings back memories of the fun we have had on vacation. We talk, remember, laugh, and sing. I love decorating for Christmas, even if we have to move all the furniture for only 30 days.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.... I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already. The boys are so excited because they get a few days off. We don't have family/friends in town so it is just the 4 of us. I think that is appropriate this year as Jace is a senior. We like to be together, the four of us are definiately a family.

I am Thankful for so much it is hard to put it into words. But in no specific order, here is my list:

1. I am thankful for my husband. He is funny, kind, talented, and handy. But most of all he doesn't think I am hard to live with. Now that really is a trick!

2. I am thankful for my sons. They are just plain great kids. They don't give me problems, they show me they love me every day, and they are interested in being successful. It makes me feel successful that they are. And they like to sleep out with me, exercise with me, and take the dog for a ride with me. (Especially if they can get something for them on the rides.)

3. I am thankful for my country. I am glad we have freedom, courage, strength, and nobleness in the USA. I am thankful for the people that make up this great country, now that is true courage whether you agree with my views or not. I am thankful for every person that serves in the military, in the community, in law enforcement, and emergency work.

4. I am thankful for my religion. Some people don't need to know where they came from, why we are here, and where we are going. But I do. I am thankful for the answers I receive in my beliefs. I am also thankful for the community it gives me.

5. I am thankful for my home. It isn't a 29 million dollar mansion but it is mine and it is comfortable. Jay takes care of it and I feel at home in it.

6. I am thankful for my job. I love where I work, the people I work with and the things that I do all day. I am thankful that it is fulfilling to me but also gives me the leaway to do the job my way.

7. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for the strength I have and the chance I get to do all the things physically I want to do. I have taken my health for granted for years. Now I take care of myself, and am very thankful that I can do what I do.

8. I am thankful for the seasons and environment. I love the fall colors, the spring flowers, the grass we can grow in the winter and the heat to play in during the summer. I like the variety available all over the world. I am thankful that the environment is self sustaining, and beautiful at the same time.

9. I am thankful for technology. If it wasn't for technology I wouldn't be able to talk to my friends all over the US every single day. I wouldn't be able to talk to my sons, no matter where they are. I wouldn't be able to work remotely, from wherever I am at the moment. And I definiately can't write as fast as I can type. Believe me you don't want to do my job on paper.

10. I am thankful for my friends. I don't know how I became so lucky to have the friends that I do. Through thick and thin, love and pain, they still lead me, guide me, let me lean on them and just plain love me.

11. I am thankful for my family. I have a big family, a complex family, and an entertaining family. We all have our quirks, our needs, and our own personality. I am thankful that through it all we can understand and care for each other. You always go back to family.

And I said I would never do it.....

I said I would never do it, I even made the comment that people who would are nuts! But I did it anyway. When you have a beautiful soon to be 18 year old, who is excited to do something, but you want to protect him, what do you do? You do it with him! :)

As everyone in the world knows, this weekend was a limited release of two new video game systems. Anyone that knows my kids also knows that they love all vidoe games. Jace came home from work Friday night and wanted to run by the local discount store to see if the lines are very long. He drove down the street and talked to a few people in line. There were only about 9 so far and the store had at least 33 machines to sell the next morning. To say he was stoked is an understatement. He comes home and asks if he can take a lawn chair and get in line.

I know we live in Arizona but it is November. Even in Arizona it gets cold at night. It is about 70 when he leaves but soon to be 50. I can't let him go sit in front of a store in the middle of the night alone, even at soon to be 18. So I get my coat and go with him. But I take my coat, and a 6 foot been bag chair.... And my 85 pound dog. :)

I still got cold about 2:00 a.m. I went home grabbed socks, slippers, and a sleeping bag and headed straight back. After a biological break at 5:00 Jaron went back with us to wait out the rest of the morning. That morning at 8:00 a.m. Jace was the proud owner of a new system.

The funny thing was I had a great time. The people in line were having a party, everyone was so excited for the new arrivals. We laughed, we slept, we just hung out but most of all, Jace and I spent time together. Jaron joined us in the morning, just to support his brother. It really was fun. Today all of us are dead tired but it was worth it. That is a memory I will hold for a long time.

It's a love/hate relationship!

This is MY dog with Jaron. I say he is my dog because although he is the family dog, he is especially attached to me and I to him. Anyway, Jay has a love/hate relationship with my dog.... Case in point:

I walked upstairs to look for any stray dirty clothes to put in the wash. In my bedroom the dog has a bed. It is next to my side of our bed. As I was searching I found my husbands shorts and tshirt on the dogs bed.... "hum," says I..... How did Jay's clothes get on the dogs bed? After all he takes off his clothes on his side of the bed. I usually find his clothes on the floor next to his side of the bed... "Hum," says I again.

I call Jay. The conversation goes like this.... "You didn't by any chance throw your clothes at the dog last night when you were going to bed?" says I. Jay answers, "Of couse not, as I was taking my clothes off last night, I slipped. In the process of catching myself my clothes were flung across the room and landed on the dogs bed." "Was he in the bed at the time?" says I. "I recall he was in the bed when they started toward him, but he wasn't by the time they landed." Jay replies. "How did they get rolled into a complete ball?" says I. "The ceiling fan", says Jay. NOW, THAT'S A TRICK!

Don't get me wrong... When the dog needs someone to play with, wrestle with, or chase, Jay is the first one he turns to. When the dog cut himself, Jay was the first one to take care of him. And most of all, when he doesn't think I am looking, he is giving him tons of loves....

But, there isn't anyone in the house Jay would rather tease more than the dog.

You've got Mail!

Instant Messenger has become my life. I am sitting at a machine with two version of messenging.... One is internal to employees the other is general web messenging. I have favorites, groups, and people set up on both buddy lists. But right now, no one is available! How sad, I feel alone. Isn't it weird how attached we get to something that wasn't around only a few years ago.

I live in a different state than most of my friends and family. Instant messenging has given me a way to stay in contact with both every single day. When it is down or when everyone is off, I go through withdrawls. When I am off work for a day, or out sick, I still log onto IM... I still want to chat. I think I need to develop a support group for Instant Messenger Addicts!

So right now... I am on two version of Instant Messenger, but no one can chat... I am so sad!

And heres the news!!!!

Its Monday again and in Arizona it looks like we have a brown fog going on. I don't know what the deal is but the smog out my window is ugly. Maybe it has to do with race weekend that just got over. NASCAR was in town Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on Sunday so were the Cardinals NFL team. Maybe that has something to do with it. I know Jay and I didn't go anywhere near downtown or the west side all weekend. We weren't interested in a 45 minute wait on the freeways.

Jace is on the final countdown to turning 18. We went to church on Sunday and his name is on the ward calendar for his birthday. 18 years old!@! I can't believe it. I look at him and still don't see an 18 year old. But he is making 18 year old decisions. He has waited all year to turn 18 so he could apply for a job at a couple gaming places. They only hire employees 18 year or older. But he works now and the company he works for is accommodating to his schedule. As a Student Council representative he has to be available for the club! So his decision is this.... stay at the job he has because he has seniority and flexibility, or change to the job that he wants where he might not have the same! Sounds like an adult decision to me! Can I cry now?

Sometimes I can't believe how bright Jaron is. He doesn't appear to even be paying attention and just picks up things. He reads all the time and remembers everything he reads. And he is growing up so fast. We got to raid Jace's closet this weekend trying to find Jaron dress pants for church. Jaron put his on and the waist is too tight, and they are about 3 inches too short. He lives in sweats and shorts so I didn't know he was growing so fast.

Jay and I started a diet a few weeks ago. I am determined not to be so heavy and arthritic when I get older that I can't take care of myself. And Jay is doing it with me to be supportive. It sure makes it easier for me. I don't think I would be doing so well if he wasn't. He doesn't need to lose weight, but he will eat what I eat so I have company. I sure love him for that!

Holidays

Tomorrow is Veterans day. The kids are of school today to celebrate the holiday. Jay is off today to celebrate the holiday as well. Of course, I am at work! It is an interesting phenomenon what happens to the time it takes to get to work when you don't have to get everyone else off. I was ready for work in under one hour, even though I got up and cooked myself a hot breakfast. I never have a hot breakfast, my kids never have a hot breakfast! We are usually all running around in a frenzy trying to find things, do things, get things... And then we all crash out the door. It was so peaceful this morning. Everyone else was still in bed but me and the dog. It was so quiet, serene, and uncluttered. Amazing! Then to drive into work only took 20 minutes. That is a record. No slow downs, no aggravated drivers, just peaceful contemplation while I drive into work. Why can't every day be a holiday!

As for this holiday, nothing can replace, or reimburse those who fight for freedom. It doesn't matter where they fight, here or abroad. No holiday, parade, party, gift, or twenty-one gun salute evens out the scale. Thank you seems so small a gesture. But Thank you all the same...

No more political Ad's.... (Repeat)

Ahhhh,,, The peace and serenity of it all. I am so glad the election is over. I don't know about everywhere but the campaigning was just ugly here in Arizona.... So and so filed for bankrupsy, joe doe paid his taxes late last year, I mean really, do we need to know all this stuff! Does it have anything to do with what decisions they will make when they are faced with the laws of the land. It was downright ugly with an ad every 6 minutes on television. Then, of course, they started leaving phone messages on your answering machines. We had our answering machine fill up with recorded messages from candidates... I am so glad it is over, and I can have some peace.

I have been sick. I have a head cold. I don't know if I got it in Utah or just on the plane rides back and forth but it is miserable. The only good thing is that I didn't have to go to work for two days. I could work from home instead. You see, we call the office the Petree dish. The company I work for is building new offices. So me and 8 other individuals are currently in a conference room where a number of desks have been lined up around the walls. Needless to say, if you are sick you stay home! We don't want everyone to get it. So I was home, and loving it.

Jace was just elected to the Student Council of Highland High School. The High School held elections on the same day as the regular election. He was elected as the representative from the LAN club. I didn't even know he was nominated. He didn't say anything. When I asked him what he thought about it, he said " I don't know, I don't know what I have to do!" He is so funny.

Swords and all.

The Wandering Warrior

My boys have a thing for Japan as you would imagine. Jaron wanted to be a Wandering Warrior for Halloween. Now, a wandering warrior is from one of his video games. As best I can tell it is a japanese samari that doesn't like to stay in one place. We did our best on a costume, you be the judge... I really wanted to paint a thin oriental mustache and beard but Jaron didn't want to. He wouldn't wear the hat either. I don't think he was into the costume scene this year.

Edward II

And Edward Elric is born

Sewing for Halloween!

I like to sew. I have been sewing for so long I just don't even think about it anymore. But I only sew costumes, and household items. I hate sewing clothes. Clothes are hard because you have to be a tailor. That takes too much time. Costumes are easy because you are only going to be wearing them once, and you haven't got a pattern you have to match.

Jace's costume was different this year. He is going to school for Halloween as Edward Elrich from the Japanese Anime Comic "Full Metal Alchemist". The costume was fun to make because it is all just black clothes with the exception of a bolero jacket and a hooded cloak. Jace helped me make it and we both think it turned out kind of cool. The funny thing is... Sewing is fun, but spending time with Jace working on it was my favorite part. I like to see the pride in his face to know that he helped sew most of it and he painted the emblem on the back.

I know he will wear this one more than once but that is just because he is proud of it. He accomplished something making this costume. He learned to sew too.

We are finally done!!

The suspense is over... It is done.. Finished... Completed...

Electronics, Smasheronics!!!! Dinner Parties.

Ok, I have tried for 4 days to get a picture of our kitchen out on this blog. I took a picture with our great digital camera, then I took a picture with our semi-great digital camera. But I can't seem to get either to attach to the computer now... It is my main computer that has my picture folder... I just burn it too disk after a time but leave the pictures there as well. I can see the camera attach, even explore it using windows explorer but no pictures show up. I do see the pictures when I view the card in the camera.... I haven't tried troubleshooting it yet.... Don't want to !!! It is just supposed to work.... It should be like Magic.... Don't want to think about it, don't want to work at it....

But needless to say, no pictures.... yet!!!!

We had a friend of Jay's over to dinner last night... It was nice dinner, very relaxing but Jay and I got on the conversation of what kind of dinner parties do we throw. A lot of you have been to our house so you know how we are. We invite people over and they are immediately family. We don't usually change who we are by someone being in our home. I don't usually do up myself into a petticoat and pearls. We don't have soft music, soft lights, or formal dinnerware... We don't wear cutt off's, eat off of paper plates, or play hard rock either.. We are kind of in between....

Dinner at our house usually goes like this.. We have linen napkins, and lite candles. We are still cooking when you get there but soft music is playing. We hang out in the kitchen, but eat around the table. After dinner, guests don't do dishes but the boys and I do. We watch a ballgame or a movie after dinner.... Just a quiet dinner at home, with everyone part of the family. May not fall into the Better Homes and Gardens dinner party but I like it.

Friday's are the bomb!!!!!

I love Friday's. If Friday night could last for three days it would be the best. This friday is especially wonderful because the kitchen is done. We are finished.... And we love it. I will post a picture as soon as I can get Jay to take one.

The boys are a little disappointed in Friday this week because their Fall Break is now over. They have been out of school all week but it doesn't mean they are looking forward to heading back to the classroom. I don't mind them heading back to class but I can't believe that October is almost over. Where has all the time gone? It is cool here, and beautiful but I really wish I had more time. I am not ready.....

Tile, Tile and More Tile.....

Sorry I haven't added anything for so long.... We have been playing happy construction family for the last week. As I mentioned before we are remodeling the kitchen. The thing about remodeling is it reminds me of the old sketch from the Three Stooges. You know the one. The one where they are trying to put wall paper up on the walls of an apartment.... Anyway... here is how it goes. We bought new counters so we needed a new sink. The current faucet wouldn't work with the sink so we had to get a new faucet. The current disposal wouldn't work with the new sink either so we had to get a new disposal.... Then we added undercabinet lighting and tile to the backsplash. Jaron accidentally distressed the wrong side of the island so now we have to tile the island too. After three trips to the home improvement store for additional tile it is finally done today. However, we also got new appliances.... And the fridge doesn't fit. We had to pay someone to come in and shave the cabinet over the fridge.... Then of course, now all the plugs have to be changed because the stainless outlet covers look funny with white plugs inside. It is just an ongoing process..... And to think, the bathrooms are next!!!!!!

Jay was teasing me today that I should be pleased that he is anal retentive and handy.... So here I am telling the world. I am very blessed to be married to a man that can do all this work around the house himself, and more importantly, does it! I am also very blessed that he is so meticulous that it is done right... It spoils me some because when he does it, it is done right. No picture will fall from our wall, no curtains are unlevel with the floor. When a contractor is hired, they just don't compare. It kind of makes the clothes in the closet sorted by style, color and on matching hangers worth it!

Oh, my Dad was in town this weekend. He and Euneice came and visited us on Friday. They were in town for a baptism on her side of the family. It was nice to see family in our space. We actually like company.

Mondays!

Mondays are always a pleasure but especially brutal after a wonderful vacation weekend. I went to Utah this last weekend. Traveling alone is interesting because I miss Jay and the boys from the moment I walk into the airport. Going to Utah is exciting because I am going to visit friends and family. But I am still leaving my home and family behind. It is a quandary....

.... However, the trip to Utah was wonderful. The fall leaves are just starting to change, and it is colder than I thought. Of course, everyone there will tell you it is only cold to me. We went to a football game in the rain. And I mean it rained.... We wore coats, hoodies, poncho's, blankets, and still got soaked through. The boys were playing in mud, sliding 2 yards with each play. It could have been fun if they were winning and if it wasn't the last home game for the seniors. It can be a sad passage for someone who has loved the game, the school, the time of his life. We meet these times of our lives with anticipation of the future but also fond sadness at the farewell.

Saturday we made 158 quarts of tomato juice. Did I mention I hate tomatoes? I loved the activity, the time spent, but mostly the family and friends. If you have to do something big, there is nothing better than doing with those you love.

While I was gone Jay worked on the house... Did I mention we are remodeling the kitchen? The problem with a remodel is that as you get something replaced, something else doesn't fit. A case in point. We replaced the countertops and kitchen sink, but then the faucett doesn't fit (it is brand new). We replace the faucett and the disposal also has the wrong connections.... It just goes on from there. When you start to see the new beautiful kitchen, then the rest of the house looks shabby and needs updating... it is a vicious cycle of which Home Improvement Centers are making millions from....

Fall

Today is October 5th, I am sure we would all agree it is officially fall. However, here in Arizona you really cant tell. It is definiately cooling down. We can go outside in the morning and be cool. But their isn't any oak trees with flaming leaves, or maples all aglow. The air isn't brisk, and the wind doesn't blow the leaves around. I really miss the fall in Utah.

Don't get me wrong, Arizona does have fall, it just don't happen until early December and only lasts for about 2 weeks. The leaves are green, they go brown and fall all in the course of a few days.

But when I start missing it I remind myself.... I no longer own a snow shovel, gallashas, or gloves. I like my thanksgiving on the patio, by the pool. And I love the football games on Christmas day in the park with Green grass....

After Japan.....

Coming home from vacation always has such a dismal feeling. We have been home a week and still I don't feel caught up on everything. The boys are still working on getting their school work made up as well. We had such a great time in Japan, I think it has made it even harder.

.... I left off in Kyoto. Kyoto was our favorite part of Japan. It is the oldest city we stayed in and was spared bombing because of the significance of the buildings. The Golden Palace was beautiful. The Nijo Castle we visited twice because it was so amazing. There is really no describing the environment, you just have to go experience it to understand. Kyoto also made a great base to travel from. The train station was a mini-city in itself. We took the train to Osaka to get Jaron's passport. Osaka was the hottest city while we were there. I don't know if it was just the day we were there, the humidity or what but it was hot. Osaka was also pretty much leveled during World War II so a lot of the buildings are new. Visiting the Consulate was interested. It is a working government agency in another country. You have all the security to go through, then the bureacratic red tape. It was relatively easy to get a new passport though. Jaron was a cute kid. He felt bad about losing his passport but they thought he was so sweet and cute.

Our last visit was to Miyajima Island and Hiroshima. Miyajima Island I could have stayed on for two days straight. It was breathtaking. This island is considered sacred, to the point the babies can't be born on the island. It is a small community, caters to tourists but on the pacific inlet. Needless to say, we couldn't keep Jaron out of the water. Or me for that matter. We played with the crabs, watched the tide go out, and walked along the water. Breathtaking is the only way to describe it. Hiroshima is a solemn place. The memorials and museums for the bombing do a great job of describing both sides of the tragedy. Seeing the shell of the building is like going back in time. You can't help yourself but be silent. All prayers are for peace as you walk through any of Hiroshima.

After hiroshima all that was left was to fly home. The flight home is much shorter than flying out but customs in the US is also harder. All the security measure were a pain. I lost more coming back than going out. By the time we reached Utah I didn't have toothpaste, hairspray, lotion left. But I still had sunscreen. They all seemed to miss that. hee hee hee

The boys and I did love stopping in Utah. It was fun to watch Brooks play football Saturday night. I miss my friends so to visit with Anita, Rick, Sharron and the kids made this the best vacation I have ever had. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Lights, Camera, Action....

The infamous picture.... These young girls kept following Jaron trying to get his attention. When he finally noticed, we asked them to take a picture with him. Needless to say, I think he was in heaven.....


Jace sliding through the nostril of Buddha. This hole is the size of the nostril of the 30 foot buddha within the temple. The theory is if you can fit through the nostril of buddha you will be guaranteed a place in Paradise. Jace and Jaron got through without a problem of course.


Tohdai-Ji Temple in Nara. This is the largest Wooden structure in Japan. Home to the largest statue of Buddha I have ever seen.



The Golden Palace. This Buddhist Temple is truly breathtaking.




The boys at Nijo Castle....

One of the gardens at Nijo Castle.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures.....

Nijo Castle in Kyoto. This is a castle of an ancient shogun. It was so huge, and amazingly fortified. It was something to see.



My beautiful little pack mule. Jaron was actually carrying all four of our packs all evening. That has to be 50 pounds of stuff!

On one of what locals called our "days at leisure" we took the train to Takayama. It is a quaint little town nestled in the crook of a mountain. Now this is where you visit if you want to see how it really is to live here. Not a lot of tourist activity.

Now this is my kind of homestead. Look at all the rice growing.


Drying rice after it has been cut.















Jace and I at Mt. Fuji. And it rained, and rained, and rained. It wasn't bad though, we expected lots of rain and only had two days.

Tokyo to Kyoto

In Tokyo we visited the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and the city itself. It was so fun to see the amazement in the boys faces and their eyes shining as they took it all in.

On Sunday we had a tour scheduled for Mt Fuji. Sunday morning we woke up to a very cloudy sky and some rain. We were also checking out of Tokyo and moving onto Kyoto by train after the tour up Mt. Fuji. This was the funniest day. The tour was great fun but it was so cloudy you couldn't see a thing. By the time we got part of the way up the mountain we were in the mists. I am sure it is a beautiful tour when their isn't rain. You had to see it to believe it. It was so humid and so wet. But the drive to the mountain was amazingly beautiful. Our only regret was that we couldn't stop to take pictures of the tiered rice farms and countryside. We decided someday we will have to come back to actually see Mt. Fuji and take those pictures, rain or not!

The rest of the trip we were in Kyoto Japan. It was nice to have a home base and a city that dates back to 1100 AD is a great place to do it. Kyoto used to be the capital city of Japan for many dynasties so their are many castles, shrines, and temples to visit. Right outside our hotel door was a Shinto shrine that was amazingly large. I can't even begin to describe this city. The pictures that follow will have to do it for me....

Kyoto was also where our trip took an interesting turn of events. Jaron had his passport, rail pass, and a little money stolen off the tour bus on one of our tours. He was so disappointed. If this is going to happen anywhere, Japan is the only place. First stop the police station... Second Stop.... The United States Consulate in Osaka Japan.... Third stop, get a new picture taken at a local camera shop... Fourth Stop, United States Consulate.... Wait many hours, last stop, United States Consulate to pick up Jaron's new temporary passport. It didn't turn out to be as big a deal as we expected, just cost a lot of extra money. The rail pass ended up costing us the most as it couldn't be replaced. From that point on in the tour, we were paying cash for Jaron's tickets. Jaron is still sad he lost his original passport because he lost his entrance stamp into the country. He is so funny.

More Tokyo....

Jace on a Ferry in Tokyo Bay. We only spent 2 days in Tokyo but it was a great place to start the trip. With the mixture of the old and the new we were able to tour and vacation at the same time. If you want to see Tokyo's Rodeo Drive just go to the Ginza District. If you want to feel like you stepped back in time, go to the Imperial Palace Gardens. The kids loved it.





A crowded Buddhist Temple.












The boys learning at a Shinto Shrine.















In the Gardens of the Imperial palace in Tokyo. It was beautiful. All the Japanese gardens are amazing. It is green, peaceful... and humid. I love how the train the trees and cut in the shapes. It really is breathtaking.

Tokyo

Jaron had to take a picture of McDonalds in Tokyo.

Flying with teenagers....

On the way to Japan the boys and I had to fly from Phoenix to Atlanta on the red eye. The boys were so excited they didn't understand the meaning of the red eye. We didn't go to the airport until 9:00 p.m. and our plane took off at 11:55 p.m. Of course, the boys are too excited to sleep much so they played their PSP's, read books, chatted. Jaron did fall asleep for a few hours when it was almost time to land. We landed at 5:30 a.m. Atlanta time after only 3.5 hours in the air. We didn't take off for Narita Airport in Tokyo Japan until 10:00 Atlanta time. The boys ate breakfast and made them a nice little bed on the floor of the airport. Jaron by this time is really starting to feel the affects of no sleep but they were both too cold to sleep. Mom relented and bought them each a little blanket at the airport. Then they were able to sleep.

When we boarded the plane in Atlanta the boys were mesmerized. This is the first time they have flown on a 747 jumbo jet. They loved the little personal movie screens at each seat as well as the slightly larger leg room. We had a 13.30 hour flight to Narita, flying from Atlanta, up and over Alaska, down into Japan. It was a long flight. Jaces PSP battery died before the day was over but we did have 6 movies to watch on the way over on the personal movie players. And Jaron was able to sleep. I was a bed for Jaron all the way there, meaning he was laying on my lap. For those who haven't seen him lately, Jaron has just surpassed me in height in the last month. He is as big as I am so being his pillow wasn't very comfortable for me. Therefore I didn't get much sleep and of course, finished two books I had brought with me on the way.

We arrived in Japan at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15th. It only took us 30 minutes to get through customs. We then boarded an airport shuttle to the hotel. Narita airport was about a 2 hour drive from the hotel, by the time the shuttle stopped at all the other hotels first, but it was a nice drive. I loved all the little farms with slopped roofs and rice fields all around. This is when you know you are in a different country. Jaron loved all the billboards with the anime characters he and Jace were familiar with. All the traffic signs and billboards are in Japanese so we can only guess what they were staying.

When we arrived at the hotel, Jay was waiting for us out front by the bell hops. It was so good to see him and that he waited for us in front was sweet. We unpacked our luggage then took a stroll around Tokyo. School was getting out so we passed a lot of students in uniforms and restaurants. Of course, we also past a 7'11, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Circle K as well. Even with the menus in Japanese, seeing these familiar places makes you immediately more relaxed. We had dinner at a restaurant the served Japanese fare. We couldn't read the menu, and the staff didn't speak english so we had to order by picture. We found that most Japanese can't speak english but can read it. The food was excellent but being full made us realize we were tired. We went back to the hotel so the boys and I could crash. And Crash I did......

Home Sweet Home

We are finally back from Japan and there is something to be said about being home. We had an exceptional time in Japan. It was beautiful, educational, interesting, exotic, and just downright fun. Anyone with the opportunity to visit this country should do it. Just the longevity of the culture and architecture is a testiment to the people. It was amazing but....

..... home is still home. I will post on the blog what we did as well as pictures over the next few days but I did want post that we were home. Now we just need a vacation from our vacation! :)

And away we go.....

The boys and I leave today to meet Jay is Japan. It is 11:33 pm Wednesday night there right now (7:33am PST). It is always interesting when Jay leaves for a business trip. The boys and I do all the things we normally do but I still miss Jay.

Jay and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary last month. 19 years - wow.... He is often reminding me that since we dated for 4 years before we married that I have been with him longer than I was on my own. It is interesting that we still have so much fun together. When you truly find you better half, life has a lot more meaning and joy.

As we get ready to hit the skies, I ask of you all.... wish me luck. 19 hours in the air with an overactive 13 year old. Here we go!

And the winner is:

September 11th, Flying, and Staying Home

Yesterday was September 11th, 2006. Of course, it was also the 5 year anniversary of the tragedy. I did my best to not think about it yesterday, as best I could with all the media coverage.... I remember where I was, what I did, how I felt... But my husband was in the air yesterday for 16 hours. He was on a plane headed to Osaka Japan. I really tried not to think about what happened to the passengers on the planes.

He finally called this morning at 6:45 a.m. I was glad to hear from him as I expected him to call at 1:00 a.m. when he arrived at the hotel. He went to a baseball game. (hee hee hee). Since he was a day late he had missed the first day of meetings but they all had tickets to a baseball game that night. He wasn't going to miss the baseball game too. He said he loved it! The fans really get into their baseball in Japan.

World-Weary Travelers

Being the world travelers that we are, you think we would know better. Jay left for Japan Sunday morning. We just pittered around the house being as it was Sunday the roads weren't going to be crowded. Well, we pittered a little too long and by the time we got to the airport, Jay only had 20 minutes til his flight left. Due to new airport regulations, he had to check his luggage and get on the plane. Needless to say, he missed it... A bad thing you would think? Well, not so bad. After running from terminal to terminal to get it straightened out he was on another flight out that landed 10 minutes later than his original. Only problem, his original flight hasn't taken off --- Mechanical problems. His new flight was also grounded (weather delay in San Francisco). Jay did finally get to San Francisco but his compadre's from Valley Metro (who made the original flight) did not. They all went home. So here is Jay in San Francisco, alone, with 10 minutes to make his international flight.

He did make the gate for his international flight but the doors were shut and the plane was backing away from the gate. Of course, they wouldn't bring the plane back..... "The plane, the plane" even though he could see it. So here he sits in San Francisco and the next flight out to Osaka is this same flight on Monday morning. The bad news: he will miss his first full day of business in Osaka Japan. The good news: he gets to hang out in San Francisco over night at the airlines expense. Or is that bad news!

Jay got out of San Francisco at 12:00 p.m. pacific time. He was at the airport 3 hours early to make sure he didn't miss the flight. (hee hee hee) The boys, the dog, the cats, the fish, and I are holding the fort at home. Lots to do, but alas we don't feel like doing any of it.

Do you ever just need a great laugh?

I needed a great laugh today, a friend sent me this email. I have no idea who put it together but whoever you are, THANK YOU!

Just in case you were wondering...

Why God made Mothers

BRILLIANT answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions!

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers ?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you Your mother & not some other mom?
1. We're related
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goofball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic. They make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Time goes by.....

Time is an interesting thing.... It goes by so fast or so slow, depending on your frame of reference, or future endeavors. I can't believe it is September already, let alone the 7th of September already. Last week seemed to drag but then the long weekend went by too fast. Now I think I have only a week to get so much done. It is fascinating how that works.

With the holiday we had planned on going wakeboarding but no one felt like it when Labor Day rolled around. We decided to organize closets instead. I have two boys, only two.... but we gave to charity 4 large black trash bags full of clothes. It is amazing how fast time goes by, and how fast they grow. The boys are doing so well, growing up to be great young men. But I really want to convince them to slow down time. It they don't grow up so fast then maybe I won't grow older so fast.

Home is truly where the heart is!

Did I mention I hate planes? I love coming home on one though... Anytime I am coming home I love to be on a plane. Don't mind the elbows in my kidneys, the knees crushed by the passenger in front of me or the baggage around me. I am going home and that is all that matters. It could be much worse, I could be getting home on one of these....

I have actually flown in a hot aire balloon before. Jay took me up for one of our anniversaries. It is fun, not scary to the one afraid of heights (ME) because you have very little sense of movement. But you don't get where you are going very fast. I will take a plane anyday. Doesn't matter than I have to check my luggage now, or that they put you though two security screens (the first of which I was told to hold my dress down so the whoosh of air didn't cause a scandal), or that landing in Arizona in the summer is always bumpy because of the waves of heat rising off the ground. It is all good. I am home.

I travel to Sacramento California today for work. I have traveled for work many years now but I really don't get used to it. Packing... Waiting.... Lines.... Waiting.... Cramped quarters.... Waiting.... Scramble to get off.... Waiting... Driving to a new place... Getting lost.... Why would someone want to do this for fun!

I like to travel. I like to visit new places, see different things, experience culture that is foreign to me. I just don't like planes. Airlines are the bus system of the sky's. You aren't a customer, or even a passenger, you are a fare. I also hate to leave my family. Maybe I should look at it like I am getting the next 3 days to myself. I don't think, I just worry about the family. Maybe they should just all go with me?????

Dogs, Wakeboards, and School Pictures.

We all love our dogs, but only a 13 year old would think of finding one a date. Jaron and I were walking our dog a few blocks away the other night. A truck pulled into the driveway of the house in front of us. A man and his 3 year old son got out. The 3-year-old ran toward us insisting we were returning his dog. The man picked up his son and told him that their dog was in the house. The man started asking questions about the dog, which Jaron proceeded to answer. Being as both dogs were German Shepherds, and both were papered, Jaron decided they needed a date. Jaron went home to his dad that night after the walk and said, "Guess what Dad, I just got Gandolff 'hooked up'. " Out of the mouth of a teenager! I wonder if the dog wanted to be hooked up?

Which leads me to the next story. Saturday we were doing errands and planning on spending the afternoon in the pool. Jaron called the neighbor to see if "Amber" (his dog) could come over and entertain Gandolff. Now before you get the wrong idea, Jaron does have an alterior motive. If two dogs play they get lots of exercise, hence, he doesn't have to walk the dog. That afternoon we entertained Amber which was a fun experience. Gandolff is a water dog, he loves the pool. If we are in the pool he wants to be in the pool. Amber is not so sure about the water part but loves to play in the fountain (go figure!). As we were all in the pool, Gandolff was more interested in us than in Amber. She didn't like being ignored and followed him everywhere he went. You know, the come-here, come-here, come-here, NO, get-away, get-away, get-away game. Talk about entertaining. And as suspected! After 4 hours of this, both dogs were "dog tired!" lol

We took the boys wakeboarding this weekend. In Arizona you can't beat the heat so you hit the water, any water! We go to the nearest lake which happens to be a beautiful reservoir of stone cliffs filled with water. Perched precariously on the cliffs are barrel cactus, sequoia cactus, and sage. The boys have decided to take up wakeboarding. That are actually doing really good considering Jay and I can't teach them to do something we don't do ourselves. Both boys can now get up on the boards but staying up is a different story. We took our friends, Doug and Emily with us this weekend. Doug likes to hot dog on the wakeboard, and considering he just started the last time we went, he is quite good. Me, I just jump in when I get hot, or get pushed in if a male member of my family is within reach.

For members of my family reading this, I am sorry to stay Jaron's school picture day was Friday. Jaron likes to play with his hair color, it goes from dark, to blonde, to pink, to two-tone. Well, for picture day he went back to his nature brown. He looks good as a brunette with his dark tan, and deep brown eyes. But getting back to the subject at hand, I am afraid you will have to keep the school pictures of Jaron you have from last year! He forgot to pay the money to the photographer (it was in his pocket) when his picture was taken. So alas, no pictures this year! hee hee hee

Local highway conditions are a JOY...

We live at in Arizona about three blocks from a freeway entrance. Getting to work in the mornings is usually a breeze. Jay and I carpool together, allowing for us to chat and laugh all the way to work. Coming home the other day, we saw the dreaded yellow cones.... Numerous yellow cones at the entrance to our offramp. Your blood pressure starts to rise, your breath becomes paniced..... I mean, I live on the other side of that offramp. There is no signs, no workers, no traffic on the offramp. How am I going to get home? I have to go to the next one, that is too far. I can't make it from there. What am I going to do?

We thought it was a fluke. Then the next morning, the on ramp to the freeway was also closed, same cones, same lack of activity, same blood pressure. hee hee hee...

Now there is a sign across the road just before the last exit prior to ours... Our offramp will be closed for a month! Nice of us to know, nice to tell us and every other traveler that takes our ramp. Now it takes us 10 extra minutes to get to and from work everyday. As Jaron would say, if we could apparate... we would be there already.

Jace's Poems - See if you can guess what the subject is?

3 Poems

I’m in a world all my own
Where fairy tale creatures live and breathe
Holy warriors, and ominous villains, even a few kooky friends
Long roads that eat their own tails, with fast cars rubbing their spines
Leagues of warriors eager to fight
Even some things that bump in the night
All of this I can choose from one spot
My own escape from the ordinary, and bland
With my controller in hand I prepare for it all
Sitting there with my head in the clouds.

I wait as eager as a child on Christmas morning
We go here, and there, and everywhere
Must find the perfect one
Four days its been since we started this hunt
And yet no luck
Too many miles or too high a price
And then one day all that changes
As I see the one that is all I need
Its my own Eleanor, you see
I can’t wait to see how she handles a race.

Got to get up, got to get going
Bags are heavy laden with goodies
Not too hot yet not to cold
We leave at sun up for the crack in the ground
Oh, the trails we will climb
My father and I love this sort of thing.
All the little animals making sweet songs
The ups, the downs, even the turn-arounds
In the most beautiful of National parksZion’s National Park.

Lights on the Bridge

I promise not to include so many posts in a week but I had to share this. Seeing as the reason we came here is the trains it is so exciting to see something completed. This is the Light Rail Bridge that goes over Tempe Town Lake in Tempe Arizona. Of course, you can't just build a bridge you have to make a statement. The lights are finished now and this is the first lighting of the bridge. It will be so cool when the bridge looks like this and the train is traveling over the bridge....

Greg, you will appreciate the lighting here, but I wish you were here to do the design!

Being a mom

There is very little in life that prepares you for being a mother. Being a mother of boys has been easy, until this year. My Dad always told me that kids become teenagers, going through all the teenage stuff, so that parents will let them leave the nest. If you kids weren't a pain in the teenage years you would never want them to become independent. My oldest son, with his pride and joy, goes to college next year. I am miserable about it. Do you think I can talk him into staying home.?

I think about him moving on, growing up, and being independent a lot. He has never been a "pain". He will make a great adult, he has all the skills to be an independent success. But mom doesn't want him to go.....

Boys in paradise!
Utah in the Fall!

Rainy days and Mondays - Are we in Seattle?

We really know we aren't in Seattle - rain here is preceeded by 50 mile per hour wind and a cloud of dust - beat that Seattle. But it is raining and it is Monday. Did I mention I hate Mondays? Monday means getting the kids ready for school, putting the house back together, cleaning the pool/patio of towels, and putting the boat away. That is always sad. But as Jay would say, it does mean Monday Night Football (FOOOBAUGHLLL) in the fall!

Today really isn't reminisent of the valley of the sun. Arizona is a white wash of rock, cactus, pools, and traffic. Everyone you ask who hasn't been here for long mentions how it is so bright. No color, no green. There really is green but compared to other areas of the world, it does look like you landed on a whitewashed landscape. August is the worst for Arizona. You have the heat in triple digits and the humidity. When the heat finally goes down to the high ninety's you see huge clouds, the sky is dark, the winds are high, dust is everywhere, and lightning is striking. It really is beautiful at times. It might not sound like it but beauty can be very dramatic. It is like God is trying the change the channel or something.

Since this is our first, I will mention a few things about us. We are not native to Arizona. We have only been here for a few years. We come from one of the most beautiful environment in the country _ UTAH. We are in Arizona for the trains!!! By that I mean, we moved here so my husband, Jay, can put together and operate the light rail system. That could eliminate one of the comments above (traffic). Jay and I have two boys. Jace is 17 and a senior. Jaron is 13 and in 8th grade. They are both keeping us hoping but the cutest young men there are... Ok, my best friends kids are also pretty darn cute too. So are my nieces and nephews. hee hee hee

When Jay received the offer to come here we packed up the kids, our dog (Prince Gandolff Von Paradyne Harper IV) Kujo for short, and came to Phoenix. I work as a project manager, and the kids work as students. Jace just got a job at the local pizza place after school. We live here, love here, learn here... When we want to do what we like, we travel, play games....



.... Sorry for the break... Jaron was out playing in the rain and the lightning just went off. You know the kind of lightning that looks like day, there is no break between the light and the thunder, and the pictures are shaken off the walls. Needless to say, Jaron is now inside.....


In the next few months we will be traveling a lot, trying to get our senior through the college entrance dance, and keep everyone informed. Catch you on the flip side.... Peace!