Big Time Transformation

When we moved into our house, the only thing that I wasn't too keen about was the plentiful green carpet. But....I'll have to admit that it hid a multitude of spills and dirt. So thanks for the good times, but good bye green carpet! I hadn't anticipated the huge amount of work it would be getting ready and organizing after the carpet was installed. It took them 2 days to put it in, and we just had to laugh at the chaos. Then of course we just couldn't put things back....we had to organize and chuck. This took a lot of time but it was so worth it. We love the change and house seems so much lighter. Having all this occur 2 weeks before Christmas was kind of bad timing.....but we managed to get our tree up on the 15th so I think we are doing ok.

Loving Every Minute of HALLOWEEN!!!

As always, Halloween was hugely anticipated. Brooke decided on the Sunday before Halloween that she wanted to be Little Bo Peep and have our dog Cooper as her sheep. So I looked all around for a costume to buy and just couldn't find a cute one. So, I bought a pattern and started to sew. I haven't sewn for a while so this was great fun. I was able to get it finished for her Halloween party which was a tight schedule. Dev rediscovered the bat costume I made for him 2 years ago, well that worked out perfect. Channy had sparkely eyelashes and glittery makeup for her Diva.....she was in heaven. Melissa costume brought me back in time. It was so nice to get her bangs to stick straight up and put blue eyeshadow on to complete the 80s look. The kids had a great night trick or treating with cousins.

Devon turns FIVE

Devon was so excited to have all his buds, and one buddet, to his party. Everyone was involved in the preparations. Brooke drew and awesome alien for pin the eyeball on the alien. Blake was so excited to make the rockets. I was amazed at how high they flew in the park. Blake had us all watch October Skies the night before so we would be prepared for the launch. Out of all the kids, I think Blake was the most excited at the launch. The party was a huge success, but having nine 4 & 5 yr olds for 2 hours is a lot of work. I checked out for and hour afterwards for a well deserved nap!

Back to School

We starting school on Aug. 9....Can you believe it, it seems so soon. The kids were all ready to start though. Each are in a different school so that is a bit challenging for us. Dev. got into the early learners program for kids that missed the kindergarden cut off. He goes 5 days a week for 2.5 hrs and likes it sometime, and sometimes asks why we have to go to school. Channy got the greatest teacher and loves 3rd grade. Brooke started 7th grade and has been adjusting to the homework load at the Jr. high. She couldn't quite understand why she had to take social when she didn't want to be a social studies teacher. Melissa took a huge leap and is doing great at the high school. (9th grade is high school here). It is a massive school, but she is enjoying her teachers and the social life. She does yoga for her zero hour at 6:55am each morning.....good way to start the day. Now she is adjusting to braces. Luckily they will only be on for 10mo to 1yr. So...we are again a very busy family.

COUSIN PARTY WEEKEND

This past weekend we had our cousins come over for 2 days. Devon was so excited to have his first cousin sleep over. The kids exhausted themselves swimming for about 4hrs on Sat afternoon. Then it was playstation and dressups. I was amazed that we were ready ON TIME for 8am church. We did beautiful hair creations and all of the girls looked like princesses.

PROMOTION TIME

GROWING UP

The last week of school has arrived and what a fun and busy one it was. Devon enjoyed a fun last day at preschool - well a water field trip. He loved doing water angels.
Brooke had 6th grade promotion this week, so we were able to have some fun fancying up her hair. So next year she is off to Jr. high....CAN'T BELIEVE IT. The following day we attending the 8th grade promotion for Melissa at the Jr High. Her choir got to sing the national anthem, which she loves to do. It was so much fun for them to have these big event....but a bit teary for me. How do they grow up so fast? Enough of the sadness.....we are ready for a FUN SUMMER. Its girls camp, EFY, Musical theatre, swim team and swim lessons for my group.

FATHERS AND SONS CAMPOUT

Father and Sons campout

Devon was so excited to "have fun in the woods" with his dad. They enjoyed sleeping in a tent, cooking over a campfire, and even got to fish. This was the first year that Blake has been able to go to this annual event. Devon is looking forward to going next year!

Arizon Spring

We have had a very busy spring. Devon started it off great by getting his cast off. He was so excited to finally be able to swim. The kids are crazy....the pool is freezing and they just hop right in. We had a great Easter with the siblings that are here in Arizona. Lots of yummy food and fun company. Only six more weeks of school - can you even believe it!

It was such a treat having so many family memebers come for Chantelle's baptism. She felt like a princess in her new dress. All of Blake's siblings were there and my mom also was able to come. Grandpa and Grandma Bullock came for Channy's baptism as well as the blessing of our new nephew Ben.

Broken Arm

Devon, the dare-devil, decided to stand on top of the Little Tykes car to enable him to look over a wall. Well, lets just say the mission failed as he fell into the rocks below. He was a pretty sad little boy. He broke his arm just above the elbow and is now sporting a very lovely blue cast. The cast doesn't seem to bother him much, but his stellar soccer carreer has been put on hold for 5 weeks. He will just have to watch Brooke and Chantelle play soccer for most of the season.

January and Febuary Adventures

Thanks you everyone who came and made Chantelle's baptism so nice. It was great to have so many family members here. We loved having grandmas and grandpa visit. My mom and I slaved away for a few days and were able to finish valences for the diningroom and kitchen. Horray....they turned out great!

Home Improvements.....Horray!

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We were so excited to finally get our colors picked and get started on our huge project. Devon was so excited each day for his "painter friends" to come over. He would follow them EVERYWHERE! Even out of the house for their smoke breaks - yikes! After a week of chaos, we are getting our house back together. I haven't finished all the rooms, but here is a peek at what feels like a new house.

Free Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

Here are just some of the fun experiences we had with family in Denver. Thanks everyone for coming!

The day after Christmas we were off to meet Blake's parents and Lisa and Michelle's families at Salida Co. The plan was to ski for 2 days. We poor Az. folk were able to borrow ski clothes and gear and we so excited for snow. The big girls skied with their cousin Josh and Allison all day. What freedom...they loved it. Channy and Cassie skied with Blake and I and they were very confident going down the hill. It freaked me out watching the girls go up by themselves on the chairlift.....there was no safety bar! Dev got to ski for the last 90 min of the day and that was enough for him. The storm came early so we left early and missed the second ski day. After a very long and slippery drive, gramma's house was a welcome sight. Devon asked, "is this the North Pole"? As you can see, there was lots of outdoor fun in Denver. (picture taken from Bullock's front porch)

Snow fun