San Diego Girl's Trip

"You know you've got the greatest friends when the only time 

they make you cry is when you're laughing too hard."

I am so completely blessed to have good friends surrounding me.  Somehow, I have been drawn to some really incredible ladies in my life who influence for the good and teach me how to be a better mom, wife and person. 

So, 2 of those incredible ladies (Randi Graham and Andrea Fullmer) and I decided we needed a girls' weekend getaway to one of my favorite places...

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

We started planning our trip about 2 months ago, and finally made our schedules work enough that we could actually go.  It just so happened that we went the first week of school, but we knew the kids were in good hands with the Dads being at home in charge.  A special thanks to our awesome husbands who rearranged schedules so we could go.  You're the best!

We packed our bags and headed to the airport.  Here we are in front of our airline sign.  Long Beach, here we come.  We decided to fly into Long Beach because it was WAY cheaper than flying into San Diego.  We rented a car, and after a quick debate of whether or not we should take an impromptu trip to DisneyLand, we decided not to, we were off on our car trip to San Diego.  Watch out San Diego, here we come!

First stop on our was to visit the San Diego LDS Temple.  We were so bummed that it was closed that week for cleaning, but we had fun walking the grounds and taking pictures of this beautiful house of our Lord.

Later that night, after we had settled in to our condo, we decided to drive into Old Town and eat at one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego:  Fred's Mexican Cuisine.  And, like always, it did not disappoint.  YUMMY!  Side note:  Don't lean on Fred; he might fall over.  Not saying that is what happened but it came mighty close!

On our second day in Fabulous San Diego, have I mentioned how much I love this city?, we decided to be adventurous and signed up for Bike/Kayak adventure with Hike, Bike, Kayak.  We started out our day driving into La Jolla where we found the shop and were quickly outfitted with our bikes and helmets.  From here, we loaded up in a van and were dropped off at the top of Mt. Soledad.  We were given some quick safety instructions and then began to zip down the thrilling 3.5 mile descent. Then we toured some of San Diego's most prestigious and quaint neighborhoods, including La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach. On the return, we stopped to take in the fun at La Jolla's own seal rookery (the Children's Pool) although I wouldn't let my children swim there.

After our "thrilling" bike ride, we had about 45 minutes to grab some lunch before we headed out into the ocean to kayak into the sea caves.  Can I just say, we are buff women.  Especially Randi who navigated her kayak all by herself - she rocks!  The kayak started off really fun but after stopping so many times to be "educated" about the sea life, and then not even being able to continue onto the sea caves because it was busy, I was done.... Seasick to be exact.  I was so thrilled to be finally going back to land.  I think next time I would rent the kayak and do my own tour, oh and take dramamine.  All in all we had a great time being adventurous.

And what vacation would be complete without a trip to Target?  This one was especially awesome because it was 2 levels and even had an escalator for your cart.  How cool is that?  We had to get a picture of Randi coming down with a cart.  

Our last full day was spent bumming the beaches of Coronado.  I love the white sand and we had a great time soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach while reading books.  One of my favorite things we did here was to rent a surrey and biked around the beach.  We laughed so hard as we tried to maneuver this contraption through the busy sidewalks all while ringing our bike bell to tell people we were coming through.  By the time we were done with our hour long ride our legs hurt and we had laughed so hard our stomachs hurt.  Here is a picture of what we rode:

We had a fabulous time in San Deigo.  We were so sad when our quick weekend trip came to an end and we had to pack up and head home.  Even though it was a quick trip, we enjoyed laughing, talking, sleeping in, relaxing and letting loose.  Sometimes a mom just needs to be a kid again.  Thanks Ladies for such a fun trip.  Can't wait to do it again... Soon!

First Day of School Pics

It's that time of year again!  That's right - Back to School.  Although with year round school, I feel like we just got out of school.  Well, technically we did... three weeks ago!  I can't believe they already have to go back.  The three weeks have flown by and I still have so much stuff I still want to do with them.  But, alas, to school they must go.  Here are their "first day" pics.  Oh, by the way, even Alex is going to school now. I can't believe all my kids are now in school.  

Ready for 4th Grade

 Ready for 6th Grade

Alex and his buddies in Kindergarten 

Already hard at work at his desk

A few Projects

I LOVE browsing the aisles of my local Ross or TJ Maxx/Homegoods store and am constantly finding items I would love to purchase and put in my home.  The bad thing about this obsession is that my house is filled with decorating items.  Not to mention my warehouse of Home Staging accessories.  I really need to stop buying.  However, when I was walking through Ross, I came across this awesome screen: 

I had a blank corner in my family room and knew this is just I needed.  I brought it home, set it up, and stood back.  Hmmm, the white was so stark but I loved having the screen there.  I decided I was going to change out the fabric but knew I didn't want to spend very much. Fabric can be very expensive because I looked while I was out and about (see above).  So, one day while browsing my local Thriftown with my sister Ali, I came up with what I think is a brilliant idea.... I purchased an old dust ruffle for $3 and decided to use the fabric on that to cover my new screen.  It fit PERFECTLY (Thanks Mom, for all your help and your great idea to take out the seams so it would actually work).  The hard part was cutting the white fabric away from the screen - it was glued on tight.  But, after all the work, it turned out great!

The finished product!  It turned out so rich looking.  That dust ruffle was definitely a sweet find.  Now it hides all my exercise/gaming equipment and the huge sound system.  I love it!

Project #2

I purchased a popcorn machine for Aaron for Christmas and didn't want to purchase the cheesy popcorn stands to put it on.  So, again I was on a quest for the perfect table to put the popcorn machine on.  I searched all the normal stores:  Ross, Target, local furniture stores, etc.  I wasn't willing to spend $100 for a table for the popcorn machine.  So, I started scouring the local DI.  Still nothing.  So, when me and my mom went to Las Vegas for a home staging convention, we checked out the local DI.  Guess what we found?  This cute table with the perfect dimensions:

We hauled it home, cleaned it up, took it apart and spray painted it black with a covering of Oil Rubbed Bronze.  Here she is all cleaned up and looking brand new:

And here she is in position with the popcorn machine:  I love how it all matches!

Projects #3 and 4:

Also while on my shopping trip to Thriftown, I found these two lovely items:

A stair climber basket:

And a metal floor vase that was broken.  The top lip was no longer attached to the base. Don't you just love the brass! 

Both items were purchased for $2 each.  SCORE!  I came home and used Gorilla Glue on the vase and again brought out the Oil Rubbed Bronze.  I think they turned out great and for $2 a piece it can't be beat!  I love it when things turn out!

Character Matters

Today we went to the school to attend Abbi's 3rd grade class production of "Character Matters."  They all did such a great job!  Here is a synopsis of the play:

Led by Rapunzel, a Handsome Prince, and a (recovering) Wicked Witch, the council offers help in                                    character building to famous folk creatures. In this fun show, the Big Bad Wolf learns the Golden Rule, Cinderella gets help in managing her anger at her bullying stepsisters, and Jack and the Giant discover that their differences are cool. Will Humpty Dumpty take responsibility for his fall? Can Baby Bear forgive Goldilocks (and will Goldilocks apologize, or just take the porridge and run)?

It was a lot of fun to watch and I am so proud of Abbi.  She did a great job!  But, in true Abbi fashion, she refused to get her picture taken. So, here are a few of what we were able to get.

A Day in My Life

The other night I went to bed thoroughly exhausted and thought to myself, "I have been running nonstop today but got nothing done."  Which led me to this post.  I run and run and run all day, running my staging business, running the household, running the kids everywhere they need to be, and run the back-end of the real estate business.  I am busy all day yet feel like nothing ever gets done.  I have lots of projects that are half done but nothing finished, which leaves me with the feeling of getting nothing accomplished.  So, I decided, for one full day, to write down everything I did that - no matter how mundane.  It made me realize all the little, run-of-the-mill things I do everyday.  Here is how my day went:

7:00 am:  Wake up, and roll out of bed

7:15-8:00:  Pilates workout - only 135 calories burned - Crap!  Feels like I should have burned more.

8:00-8:30:  Breakfast, check the kids' homework, sign planners, do Abbi's hair, make sure everyone's teeth are brushed, steal a quick moment to check Facebook and various blogs, and get the kids off to school.  At which time I get Alex in the tub.

8:35-9:35:  While Alex is playing in the tub, I hang a new towel bar that was needed in the bathroom because one of my children (Alex) thought the last one was a jungle gym and broke it.  I wash Alex and get him out of the tub, fold the Levi's that have been in the dryer for days, and throw in a load of towels.

9:45:  Holy crap!  My house looks like a bomb went off!

9:46-12:00:  House cleaning begins.  I empty then refill the dishwasher and get it started, I clean off various piles around the kitchen and put the piles away, I wipe down all counters and the table, I vacuum the kitchen floor, the family room, and the front room which allows me to see all the dirty marks on the floor, so, out comes the mop.  I mop the kitchen floor, the bathroom/laundry room, and all entryways to the house.  I clean Alex's room which looks like a bomb went off and throw away a bag full of garbage from his room.  I change out the laundry- put the towels in the dryer and start a new load of darks.  Whew!

12:00:  Realize my Visiting Teachers are coming any minute and I have not showered.

12:02-12:10:  Quick shower just in time to hear the door bell ring.  Alex tells them I'll be down in a minute.

12:15-1:15:  Visit with Visiting Teachers - all the while thinking, I have no makeup on.

1:15-2:00:  Finish putting on my makeup and get my hair done while watching "The Young and the Restless."  (I know, it is one of guilty pleasures - I DVR it everyday!)

2:00-2:35 - The kids get home from school.  I start to work on the wood projects again (I started them the day before) and re-schedule Abbi's piano lessons for Monday.

2:45- Remember the laundry.  Fold towels, put the darks in the dryer and start a load of levis.  (Yes, another one)

2:55 - resume work on said projects, then remember to call my mom for her birthday!  Left a message.  Called to find out if Aaron's flight time was still on.  I gave him an introductory flight lesson for his birthday.  It had to be re-scheduled.  Called Aaron with the info for him to re-schedule.

3:00:  Mom called back, talked to her while I cleaned out the popcorn machine.  Popcorn sounds good but the machine was a mess.  Popped fresh popcorn.

3:30-5:15:  Finished up the wood projects, Finally!  

5:25:  Take Adam to guitar lessons.

5:30 - Came home to clean up the mess of the wood projects.  Wipe down counters again.

5:55-6:25:  Went to pick up Adam from guitar.  He was running late, so I had to wait.  Enjoyed a moment of peace.

6:30:  Came home and met Aaron at home.  Decided to go to dinner with the boys since Abbi was camping with the neighbors.

6:35-8:45:  Dinner at Su Casa with the family and a quick trip to Sam's for fruit and salt for the water softener.

8:50:  Drop off the boys to make it to a 9:00 appointment at Massage Envy with Aaron.

9:00-10:05:  Enjoyed(?) a massage.  My masseuse was really getting into the knots on back.  It hurt, but my back was hurting so bad and I knew the knots needed to be worked out.  Feels much better now.

10:30:  Return home, check on kids in their beds, brush teeth, pull out contacts and fall into bed.  Almost into a restful sleep, when I realized the laundry hadn't been changed.... Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

So, there you have it!  A look into my life of being a stay-at-home mom.  There are still bills to be paid and checks to be deposited but that will have to wait for another day.

Here are the craft projects I was able to get done:

Aaron's Birthday and our Harley Ride

When Aaron came home and told me about an upcoming Realtor Rally Harley ride, I said "That's great! Have a nice time and I'll see you when you get back."  See, I remember riding the Harley in Kauai for 4 LONG hours in the hot sun and the burn I got on my calf.  I wasn't about to do that again on an even longer ride down to St. George.  Then he told me it was on his birthday and that he really wanted me to go.  Ugh!  How do you say "no" to that?  I tried to discourage him from taking me, tried to come up with any excuse not to go, but to no avail.  I would have to go.  My mom agreed to take the kids and we "suited up" to take the long, scenic ride to St. George.  We left the Sandy realtor campus on Wednesday at 8:00 am.  It was a little exciting just seeing all the bikes.  There were close to 40 bikes that participated so we made a huge impact as we traveled the side streets with a police escort to I-15.  We traveled I-15 to Nephi where we made our first pit stop.  I thought my thighs were going to burn up and fall off.  It didn't help that I had done a bazzilion squats and lunges the day before.  Note to self:  Next year when we do this again.... do not work out the day before.)  We jumped off the bikes for a little rest before saddled up again and made our way to Scipio and Salina for lunch.  Throughout the day, we saw some of the prettiest sights Utah has to offer.  We rode through Bryce canyon and Hell's Corridor.  Absolutely gorgeous!  We made it to St. George around 7:00 that night where we were treated to a dutch oven dinner by the Washington County Realtor Association. 

The next morning we woke up and saddled up again to make our way back home.  We drove through Zions National Park.  Nothing is cooler than 40 bikes revving engines as we drove through the tunnel at Zions.  Pretty Cool!  We made it home, again driving the back roads, around 7:00 that night.  We were exhausted!  Although I didn't want to go originally, I am so glad I went.  Seeing what we saw, experiencing what we did, and spending that time with Aaron on the back of the bike was amazing!  Happy Birthday to my biker man, from you biker babe.  I love you!

Happy Birthday Abbi!

Happy Birthday Abigail!

For your birthday this year, you had quite the list of "wants."  All I can say is that you have expensive tastes.  On the top of your list was a new iPod.  You love music and I knew you would love having an ipod.  Here you are after opening your present and finding the iPod, speakers, headphones, and an iTunes gift card.  I don't think I have seen you happier.

 For your birthday, we organized a small party with your best friends, Hailey and Riley.  We went to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" and then went to dinner at your favorite place, Chick-fil-A.  You had a great time!

And like the Marshall family fashion, your birthday week ended with dinner at the Spaghetti factory with Grandma and Grandpa Marshall, and a steak BBQ with Grandma and Grandpa McGee with cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy.  Can we say spoiled?

Abbi,

I love being your mom.  You have such a sweet and fun personality!  You are such a beautiful girl and are getting so tall.  You can always brighten my day with your caring notes left by my bedside table or your great hugs.  You have such a kind heart!  I can't wait to see what is next!

Love,
Mom

Camping at Cherry Creek with our neighbors

We literally have the BEST neighbors/friends in the entire world.  We love spending time with them whether it be a backyard BBQ, a date night at Leatherbys, or playing games at the monthly game night.  This time we spent an entire weekend with them camping at Cherry Creek.  We all had so much fun riding 4-wheelers, playing games, and eating; the weekend went by too quickly.  The only downer to the entire weekend was the rain.  However, we simply all moved in to the back of our trailer and played card games until the wee hours of the morning.  (It's amazing what you can learn about people in such a close setting, but those secrets shall remain unsaid.)  

Alex trying out the motorcycle for the first time.  He preferred the "blueberry bomb" (the small, blue 4-wheeler)

Abbi is pretty fearless.  She feels pretty confident driving a 4-wheeler, especially since she passed the 4-wheeler test and got her "license"

Adam loved zooming up and down on the motorcycle.  He has begged us several times to get him one.

Alex on the Blueberry Bomb

The Aaron's

Abbi, Riley, Saydee, and Emalee at the pond

The lovebirds

"Take me for a ride, Daddy"

Alex's Preschool Graduation

Another milestone has come and gone.  Alex is an official preschool graduate!  He has had so much fun with Ms. Cindy at preschool.  They did so many cute and fun things!  I loved seeing him come through the door from preschool with a big smile on his face.  He always had so much fun and came home with the cutest worksheets and activities.  We will miss Ms. Cindy and preschool but now we move on to the "big" school.  Next stop, Kindergarten!

Random conversations with Alex

Last Sunday as I was getting Alex ready for church, he asks, "Mom, is today fast food day?"

Last night, I was tucking Alex into bed and our conversation went like this:

       Me: "Alex, you know what I could use?"

       Alex: "What?"

       Me:  "One of your great, big hugs; you give the best hugs."

       Alex:  (Big smile) "I think them in my head and they come out my arms."