Lori and James Wright

Gizdich Ranch

2011-09-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today Kaelyn and I went apple picking in Watsonville with friends. It was a fun little trip, for some yummy apples and strawberries.

Kaelyn loved picking the apples up off of the ground, but I kept reminding her just to pick the ones on the trees. Here she is with here small bucket of goods.

Yummy freshed pressed Apple juice

Riding the tractor

We had a fun time at the ranch and can't wait to go back!

Elder Cameron Shaw Wright

2011-09-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

On August 24th we went with Cameron to the Oakland Temple. It was such a wonderful day! Being in the Temple with my boys was such a special experience and I loved every second of it. I know that I have said it before and I am going to say it again. I am so proud of my boys and for their willingness to serve missions. They are great examples to me.

On September 3rd some very dear friends of ours hosted an Open House for Cameron. The weather was perfect and the yard was beautiful! We enjoyed visiting with friends and family, who came to wish Cameron well on his Mission.

James and Samuel were able to take the time out of their busy schedules and make the long drive to Utah with Cameron. They left on Labor Day. Cameron's report date wasn't until the 7th. So they were able to visit with family in Layton and Riverton. And even made it to the Salt Lake Temple. As of this morning, Cameron is on his way to New Mexico. He called us from the airport. I loved getting that call. He is going to be a Great Missionary, I have no doubt. He has already had a great example in Samuel, his older brother whom he looks up to so much. I look forward to hearing from him in his weekly emails. I will try to be better at posting about his mission here, but I am a slacker so be patient with me.

Cameron's Mission Call

2011-06-25T11:01:00.001-07:00

This is pretty much how Cameron spent his days after submitting his Mission Papers. If he wasn't inside waiting for the mail to drop in his lap, he was outside stalking the Mailman. I was happy when he finally started his job and wasn't home to wait anymore.

So here is the story of how Cameron had to wait and why.

His papers were successfully submitted to Salt Lake on May 3. Normally calls are received in about 10 days. So we expected his call very soon. Each day that went by and there wasn't a call, Cameron became more and more discouraged. Friends of his began getting their calls and he was still waiting. We decided that his call was taking longer because we moved and Salt Lake didn't get our current address in time. After a few phone calls and e-mails to the Stake President and Executive Sec. and a trip to the post office, we found out that his call actually left Salt Lake on May 31st. and was sent to our old address but that it should be forwarded. We were then told that if it doesn't arrive by June 13th it will be resent. The 13th came and no call, so I called our contact and let him know. Apparently he was out of town and didn't get the messages I left, so on Sunday June 18th Cameron talked to the Stake Pres. at Stake Conference and he took care of it. The next morning Salt Lake was informed that Cameron hadn't received his call, so they resent it and he got it on Wednesday the 22nd almost 8 weeks later.

The wait is finally over and we are so excited that Cameron will be serving in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission. He enters the MTC on September 7th. We are so proud of his choice to serve a full time mission.

Samuel's Weekly E-Mail

2011-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

I love getting Samuel's weekly e-mail's, and since it has been forever since I have posted anything here I have decided to post Samuel's e-mail from this week. He is an amazing young man (I know, I am a little biased) I hope you enjoy this letter as much as I did.

During his talk at the end of the Conference, Elder Holland invited us all to reflect on the miracle that is General Conference, and it took me back. I remember dozens of Conferences spent at home, playing with Legos in front of the TV screen until my dad said it was "time to stop playing and listen to the prophet." I do not remember a single thing that President Hinckley said in any of those General Conferences, but I remember that when the Prophet of the Lord spoke, my family listened.

I remember receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and therefore going to the church with my father and later my brother to watch the Priesthood Sessions of Conference, and soon as they said the final Amen, running out to be first in line for ice-cream. I do not remember more than one or two of the talks delivered in sessions such as these, but I Do remember the brotherhood I felt with my fellow Priesthood bearers, ready to receive instruction by the Spirit.

Now I am older. I've experienced more. I've felt the Spirit in ways or to levels I never had thought of before. And I wait in anticipation for the Conference, preparing questions that want answered. I root through the Ensigns and Liahonas stacked in our apartment, searching out the Conference issues. I hang on to every word uttered by those men ordained of God inspired to chastise and build me up. I scribble notes of the modern scripture coming from the pulpit and any inspiration that the Spirit distils upon my soul.

General Conference really is a Miracle. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the duely ordained Speaker of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Earth. I know that the First Presidency and Quorem of the Twelve are just as qualified as were the Apostles of old to be witnesses of the Living Christ to a world hungry for the truths of Heaven. I know that this is not the church of men. Christ Himself directs this work and gave the Church His name, for by none other can we be saved.

This was my last Conference in the mission. I'll be finishing the mission the last week of July. Plenty of time to "make these things known unto the inhabitants of the Earth."

Later Days

Elder Wright

Cameron's Senior Year in a Slide Show!

2010-06-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Cameron (or as he was announced at graduation, Cameron Shaw Wright, esq.) had so many fun activities this year in and out of school. I decided to sum up his Senior Year in a slide show. We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Now that he is finished with school, he will be working until he leaves for BYU-I in January. Enjoy the slideshow.

Samuel's new friends

2010-03-11T14:04:00.001-08:00

In Samuel's e-mail this week he sent us pictures of some of the little critters he and his companion have found in their apartment. I would not like to find these guys in my house! I guess he is going to have several encounters with unwelcome guests while serving a mission in Paraguay.

He is really enjoying his mission. He and his companion, Elder Swink get along great with each other. They have a couple of investigators that they are working with, and they have a baptism scheduled on April 3 for 3 women. One of the women, the grandmother, told them that she had a dream where she is wearing all white while standing in water next to a man with long hair and a beard. The work is moving forward and he loves being a part of it. I love getting his e-mails and reading about what he is doing. He has grown so much spiritually since being on his mission. I am so proud of him.

Samuel's Birthday Surprise!

2010-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

It doesn't matter how many times I say it, I just can't believe my oldest is 20! Samuel had a birthday on Monday. I was sad that I didn't get to talk to him, but I went ahead and made his favorite meal for dinner: Enchilada's. In his e-mail to us this week, he said that his birthday was great! He got a phone call from the Mission Presidents wife wishing him a Happy Birthday and then he received his Christmas package that we sent in November along with two others from an Uncle and a friend. I was so happy that he finally got them. On Tuesday, he attended the Temple, and while there he met a couple from Livermore, who were in my ward when I was a youth. What a small world! We love our Missionary and are so very Proud of him!

Samuel's first baptism (Oct.)

Happy Birthday Kaelyn!

2010-01-31T19:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been a year already. Kaelyn was sick for her birthday, but she still enjoyed her cake! Kaelyn weighs 21lbs. 13.6oz. and is 30 1/2 in. long. She has been walking for two months now. Some things she enjoys are: Peek-a-boo, Patty-cake, being in her swing, facing forward in the carseat, playing with anything that Kendall has, and dancing to the ABC song!

We have totally enjoyed our little Kaelyn! She is so much fun! I am so happy to have her in our family, she makes us complete! Happy Birthday Kaelyn, We Love You!

Cameron's Musical Revue

2010-01-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight Cameron had his Musical Theatre Revue. He did a great job! He sang songs from Chicago, Shrek the Musical, and Spamalot. The video below is not easy to see but you can hear what an Awesome job he did. He looks so comfortable when he is on stage and has a lot of fun!

"The Song That Goes Like This" Spamalot

He roams the stage like a star, like he belongs there. It's fun to watch. Even if he weren't our son, we'd want to see him. Perhaps the most entertaining part of the show is watching how the other students look up to and are entertained by him.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

We had such a great 2009! A lot happened and I hardly blogged about any of it. So, this post is a re-cap of some of the things that happened in the Wright home:

We started the year off with the final addition to our family, Kaelyn. She has been such a joy! She started taking steps at 9mos., now at 11mos. she is walking and loving it, she is just trying to keep up with Kendall.

In April, Samuel came home from BYU and received his Mission Call to the Paraguay Asuncion Mission. He entered the MTC on July 22 and left the MTC on Sept. 21. And arrived in Paraguay on the 22nd of Sept. He loves being a missionary! It is so fun to read his weekly e-mails and hear about his experiences and to see how much he has grown spiritually. It was great to talk to him on Christmas Day. He is such a great example to all of us!

Cameron has been in a few plays this past year. He has been in Footloose, The Crucible, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He has become quite a good singer! He had solos in Footloose and Willy Wonka. Besides the plays, he is still playing Lacrosse, he is the VP of the Senior class and he was on the Homecoming Court. He stays very busy!

Shelby turned 12 in July. She has moved up to the Young Women program at Church. She celebrated her birthday at Girls Camp. She has maintained straight A's in school and enjoys being in the Band playing Flute. She marched in the Veterans Day Parade and the Holiday Parade in Nov and Dec. She has become such a beautiful young lady.

Kendall loves being a big brother to Kaelyn. At first when we brought her home from the Hospital, he wasn't too sure about her. He wanted her to go away! But now, he is so cute with her, and her face lights up when she sees him. These two little ones are definitely keeping me young!

In June we put our house up for sale. It was very sad, but necessary. In Sept. we accepted an offer and closed on Oct. 16th. We were very fortunate to find a place to rent in the same area so that the kids could finish school and we could stay in our Ward. The house we are in now is a lot smaller than what we are used to but it works for us. Kendall still asks if we are going to get our big house back when we are done with the little one:)

James is now employed once again! He is working in the renewable energy industry and is just as busy as can be. We are so grateful for the work he has and that 2009 was a great year for our family. We have truly been blessed and look forward to what 2010 has in store for us!

Cute Story

2009-11-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

We have been making a recording to send to Samuel. At dinner or just hanging out we set up the recorder to record our conversations and talk to Samuel. Last night at dinner we had it on and asked Kendall if he wanted to say anything to Samuel. He was a little confused, we told him to just talk. Anyway, the phone rang and James was talking for a minute and then hung up. Kendall started crying and said he wanted to talk to Samuel. He thought that it was Samuel on the phone. I started to cry when I saw how broken hearted he was that he couldn't talk to his big brother. I am really looking forward to Christmas so that we all can talk to Samuel on the phone!

The Crucible

2009-10-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Cameron was in the play "The Crucible" at Branham. He played the role of John Proctor. He had a very intense part to play. He wasn't very nice either! He cheated on his wife and he had a very bad temper. He got to push girls around and grab their hair. I was not proud of his character, but I was very proud of Cameron for his performance. He is another great actor in our family! In the end he is repentant. He shows a broken heart and a contrite spirit. His final scene was incredible, many were brought to tears by his confession. Cameron did an Awesome job!

Here he is with his good friend Dustin, who played the Reverend.And this is Michaela, she played his wife.

Gotta love Grandpa Cortez, he has always been so supportive of our kids and their many activities. Cameron's next performance will be in December. He is going to be Charlie in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." He is staying very busy with school, plays, church activities and lacrosse. Keep up the good work Cameron, we are proud of you!

Homecoming 2009

2009-09-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

My son the Homecoming King Nominee! Cameron was excited to be on the Homecoming Court. He acted like it was an embarrassing thing to be nominated but I could tell he was happy about it. After all this was something that Samuel had never been before. At the game Friday night, the King and Queen candidates were escorted by a parent of their choice, during halftime. I was the lucky one that he chose. The kids were each given a box with a rose in it. They were told to wait until everyone had their box and the announcer would have them open them all together. The ones with the white rose were the King and Queen of Branham High 2009.

This is the medal that the Homecoming King candidates were given. The picture is very blurry, but you can see that it says King. The other words are: homecoming candidate. He wore it proudly.
Saturday night was the dance. The kids met at our house for pictures and then they went to BJ's for dinner and then off to the dance.He had fun all week participating in the Homecoming activities. We are proud of Cameron for the fun and positive attitude he had all week leading up to the announcing of King and Queen. He never felt like he was going to win, and he was totally okay with that, but he was happy to be the runner up.

We Are In Trouble Now!!

2009-09-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Kaelyn only started crawling last month just before she was 7 months. That wasn't good enough for her. She wants to keep up with the rest of us.

So now, she is pulling herself up anywhere and everywhere she can! She will be walking by Christmas for sure, maybe sooner. Samuel was an early walker, I guess she wants to be like her big brother:)If you ask me, she is growing way to fast! Why do they have to grow up so fast? I want to keep my baby, a baby, just a little bit longer :(

Samuel is off to Paraguay!!!

2009-09-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today Samuel is on his way to Paraguay. I am super excited but the mother in me is nervous. I can't help but to worry about him getting there safely. I just got interrupted while writing this post . Samuel just called from the Salt Lake airport! Of course, I started crying, but I composed myself pretty quickly! He sounds great, he is anxious to get there! There are 19 of them flying to Paraguay together. I guess I can stop worrying now. He said that the pay phones weren't being cooperative, but there was a Ward Mission Leader there so he let Samuel use his phone to call home (thanks Bro. Smith). He has a lay over in Texas and from there he flies to
Argentina and then to Paraguay. He said that he will call back when he gets to Texas:)
These are just a few of the pictures Samuel has sent home so far. I am hoping that he sends pictures often so that i can post them. Study time

Taking a pic of himself in the mirror

Elders Ison, Batistich, Wright and Lau

I am so happy that I got to talk to Samuel today:) I thought this might be an emotional day for me with him actually leaving the country today. It really helped to be able to hear his voice. I am so Proud of him. He is going to be a great missionary! I look forward to getting his emails and hearing about the missionary work and how his Spanish is improving, and how his Love of the Gospel is helping to bring others unto Christ.

Kaelyn's Stats

2009-08-31T13:02:00.001-07:00

At Kaelyn's 6 month check up in July, she had only gained about 4oz. since her 4 mo. check up. So her doctor had us start adding formula to her cereal and supplementing my breast milk with formula. Her weight in July was only 13lbs. 12 oz. She went from being in the 52% for weight down to 14% for weight. Now a month later, I am happy to report that she has gained 3lbs. We had a weight check appointment with her doctor today. Her weight is now 16lbs.2.8oz.

Kaelyn is such a happy baby! She is sleeping thru the night finally, and I think it is because she isn't starving anymore! She has learned how to crawl, which is driving Kendall crazy, because now he has to keep his little legos up off of the floor, or in his room.

We love our little Kaelyn, and are so happy that she is healthy.

Catching Up

2009-08-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since my last post, so for now here is a slide show of some of the events that have taken place since then. Cameron went to Mormon Prom, Kendall turned 4, we had a Cortez Family Reunion and Samuel left on a Mission. Sorry for not giving any details on any of them but it has taken me forever to put the slide show together and now I am very tired and I just want to go to sleep. I will try to be better at keeping up to date on my blogging.

4 Months Already?

2009-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Kaelyn is 4 months old today. She is getting such a fun personality! She loves all of her siblings so much, her face just lights up when they come and talk to her or play with her. She can sit and stare at Kendall for hours, he loves to make her laugh. I think that Cameron has made her smile the biggest so far. In fact, in this picture she is looking at Cameron.

At 4 months Kaelyn is 13lbs 8.6oz. and is 25in. Next to Shelby, Kaelyn is my smallest baby at this age. She is only in the 52% range for her weight, my boy's were always in the 90-95% range. I like having a little petite baby.

Kaelyn is a great napper, she takes 2 long naps and then cat naps in her swing or bouncer in the early evening. She had been sleeping through the night at 3 mo. but recently started waking up in the middle of the night, it is driving me crazy. I don't do well with interrupted sleep!

Kendall loves to stick his tongue out at Kaelyn to see if she will stick her tongue out also. Poor thing can't! She was born with a short frenulum, or in other words, she is tongue tied! She is having it clipped as soon as Kaiser gets back to me to schedule it. In the mean time Kendall will keep trying to get her to stick it out.

We have totally enjoyed these first 4 months with Kaelyn and look forward to watching her grow! Although, I do wish that she wouldn't grow so fast! I love to sit and cuddle with her, she is my last baby and I want to hold on to her a little bit longer. They grow way to fast for me.

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission!!

2009-05-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's official! Samuel's call came yesterday and he was so excited! He had been waiting for the mail every day since getting home from BYU! He waited until we were all together to open it.

Before watching the video be sure to turn off the music below.
If you can't hear the video, because of the crying baby, he has been called to the Paraguay Asuncion Mission. He enters the MTC on July 22. This is the same mission that his cousin returned from last year.

We are so happy and excited for him! I am also happy that he will be speaking Spanish. Where has the time gone? These next couple of months are going to fly by getting him ready to go and then the next two years will probably feel like forever for me. I am so proud of Samuel and the Man that he has become!

Happy 17th Birthday Cameron!!

2009-04-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

I don't think that Cameron would ever forgive me if i didn't do a birthday post for him! I can't believe that another year has gone by! He is such a great Son! There is never a dull moment at our house with him around! He is always trying to make us laugh! Tonight he is performing in "Footloose" at the high school. He plays the part of the Preacher. He is excited for this play. It has kept him very busy. I will be glad when it is over so that we can have him home more. He has also been busy playing lacrosse! His team is #1 in Northern California.

Over the spring break, Cameron was the lucky one who got to go under the house to run a gas line for our new gas fireplace. It was such a dirty job. He never complained about doing it, but he was a little nervous about it. I think that he is happy to have Samuel come home so that he can share in the odd jobs around the house.

Cameron has had a great year! He is driving, and loves the freedom he has with that. I love that I don't have to get up for Seminary. He is dating and enjoying that very much. He is looking forward to the Mormon Prom next month! He loves having a baby sister! He is so cute with Kaelyn, he is going to be a great daddy someday! He is also great with Kendall, the two of them love to quote lines from movies with each other.

We are so proud of Cameron and are very happy to have him in our family! Happy Birthday Cameron, We Love You!

Finally Some Pictures

2009-03-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry this has taken me so long to post, but I have been going a little crazy with a colicky baby! Sure she looks sweet in the photos, but wow does she have a set of lungs on her! I have to admit that it is so nice having older kids who can hold her for me while I fix dinner or take a shower! I don't mean to sound so negative, I just haven't had a lot of sleep.

Kaelyn is now 5 weeks and is kind of getting a little easier. She is sleeping a little longer at night now but she goes to bed later than I would like. I guess I shouldn't complain. She is sleeping 4 to 5 hour stretches. During the day it is a little different. She cat naps, sometimes she surprises me and takes a 1 1/2 hr. nap.

Kendall is getting use to sharing me with her. He had a hard time in the beginning, but he is very sweet with Kaelyn. He loves to kiss her and to hold her.

I don't think that Kaelyn looks exactly like any of the others, but I have seen a little bit of a resemblance of them in her. I am so glad that we were able to have Samuel come home for the weekend when she was born. He was able to meet his new little sister and celebrate his 19th birthday. It is hard to believe that he will be going on his mission sometime this summer. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Where does the time go? I love my kids so much and I am thankful for each one of them. They each add so much to our family with their individual spirits.

Keep checking back, I might get back to posting on a regular basis.

Overdue Post

2009-02-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

I know that most of you have heard by now that we welcomed Kaelyn Mary Wright to our family on January 28 at 3:36pm. She weighed in at 7lbs. 15oz. and is 20in. I was so excited to actually go into labor on my own this time. We went to the Hospital at 4:30 Wed. morning. So she ended up being my shortest labor. I am just so happy to have her finally here with us!

We are still trying to figure out who she looks like. Her hair is dark like Shelby's. I think i see a little bit of Shelby but i also think she has her own special look! I will post pictures soon, i am just trying to hurry and write this while she is napping and Kendall is at preschool, then i can go and nap! Check back later for pics.

Final Pregnant Photo

2009-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is probably the last pregnant photo of me that I will post! It may not be the most flattering but hey I was like 34 weeks. I am now 37 weeks and I am feeling ready to be done. I have to admit, this pregancy for the most part has been pretty easy. I never had morning sickness, I was able to play volleyball up until November, I still made it to the gym for cycling, eliptical and weight training. But now I am ready to meet our new little girl! I am hoping to go into labor on my own this time. I have never done that before so I don't know if it is even possible, but it would be nice. I am also hoping for an easier labor than I had with Kendall (it could happen). But with my track record I don't know if it will.

Family Fun Fiesta!

2008-12-29T11:41:00.001-08:00

Cameron's Musical Revue

2008-12-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Cameron has been asking me everyday about doing this post. On Thursday, Dec. 18th Cameron had his first Musical Revue. He was in several musical numbers. He performed "Take me as I am" from Jekyll & Hyde, "Do you hear the people sing" & "Drink with me" both from Les Miserables. He was in other numbers as part of the ensemble. I thought that he did a great job! And he had a lot of fun with it. We did video tape his songs, but I was sitting to far away and my little point and shoot camera didn't do the best job recording, plus it was too dark. So, next time I will try to sit closer and get a better recording of him. Good Job Cameron, We are Proud of You!

Still Catching Up!

2008-12-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

On Friday Dec, 5th we had our Ward Christmas Dinner. It turned out very nice. I am very happy to have it behind me now! I had so many people to help me put it all together. We had a very yummy menu planned; Holiday Salad, that was just awesome, Roast Beef, that shredded & fell apart perfectly, Mashed Potatoes, without any lumps, Cooked Carrots, that were nice and tender, and freshly baked Rolls. For dessert we served Spice Cake & Ice Cream.

We had a Wonderful program put on by our Primary Kids. The kids started the program by first singing, and then they acted out the Nativity with Narrators and more singing with the audience. They did such a great job! Shelby was supposed to be an inn keeper, but the day before the activity her friend called and said she wouldn't be able to play the part of Mary and thought that Shelby should do it in her place. So, Shelby stepped up and did a great job as Mary!

I was so happy with the whole evening. We have such a great Ward Family! So many people helped to make this a Great Christmas Dinner & Program! I can't thank them enough!
The same night of the activity, Cameron had his first indoor league Lacrosse game. James went to that and took videos of Cameron. For those of you who don't know much about lacrosse, it is a very fast paced game and very physical. I am glad that they wear helmets and pads. Even with all of his pads on Cameron still comes home with bruises! Anyway, here is a short video of Cameron taking a shot at the Goal, he is #7 in Black.

Even though his shot didn't go in, his team still won the game! Way to go Cameron! Ok, I think I am all caught up now! Phew! I am tired!

Catching Up!

2008-12-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Things have been very busy around here, so I am very behind on keeping up this blog.

It was great to have Samuel home for Thanksgiving, even if his visit was a short one. He flew home on Tuesday before Thanksgiving and flew back Sunday afternoon. The kids loved having Samuel home, and I didn't mind it too much either! This year we spent Thanksgiving with James' side of the family. The kids and I went down to Hollister to be with family close by, while James spent Thanksgiving in Idaho with Aunts, Uncles and cousins at a Wright Family reunion.

It was nice to relax, enjoy a great meal, and spend time with Family! James came home the following day and we set up the tree and decorated the house for Christmas. Cameron was determined to do all of the decorating while Samuel was home! It is nice having older kids, I was able to just sit back and supervise while they did most of the decorating themselves. The house looks great!!

On Saturday night James got a phone call from his Best Friend of many years who happened to be in town for the Holiday. So James and Tom were together again if only for a short visit. They had a lot of fun reminiscing! They have been friends since they were 4 or 5. They went to church, school and on many road trips together and Tom was James' Best Man at our wedding. It is fun to see these two together, they are like a couple of little boy's who love to goof off! Thanks for the visit Tom! It was great seeing you!

October has Come and Gone...

2008-11-06T16:37:00.001-08:00

This month has flown by. Our first activity for the month was Cameron's school play. He played a Butler in the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" He did a great job! I went and saw him on opening night and then James went and saw him on closing night. According to Cameron he was better closing night because he wasn't as nervous by then. He enjoys the Musical Theater class at school and will have a musical revue coming up soon. My brother and his wife had a weekend away together so we got to have the girls stay with us! Kendall loved it. He loves his cousins! In fact one day when we were driving out to Livermore to see family Kendall was saying how much he Loves Madalen & Carmen. I asked him if he loves Mommy? He said "No, just Madalen and Carmen!" I think that has since changed, He loves me again and tells Cameron and Shelby that I am His mommy and that the baby is His baby sister! We will see how and if his love changes again when the baby comes.

Shelby finished playing Fall Volleyball with the USYVL. She had a great time and is looking forward to trying out for the team at school in the Spring. Our annual ward Chili/Pie Cook-off this year was a lot of fun! This year it included all 3 wards in our building and had games for the kids, a costume parade, and Trunk or Treat. We had a huge turn out and a lot of Yummy Chili and Delicious Pie. I even brought home a prize for the "Best use of Beans". I thought that was pretty funny because, I didn't even enter my Chili. The reason being: I didn't make it! It was left over Chili from Armadillo Willy's Restaurant that I had frozen from the Stake Scout Camp out. All I did was add a can of Stagg's Chili to it. Oh well, no since arguing with the Judges!The day before Halloween Kendall's preschool had a party! The kids weren't allowed to wear their costumes to school, so they all got their faces painted as one of their activities and then went trick or treating to some of the classrooms. As soon as Kendall got home, he couldn't wait to get the paint off of his face! He is not a Fan of Face Paint! He didn't like how it got hard on his face and started to hurt.Every year on Halloween, downtown Willow Glen has trick or treating on the Avenue for kids. I like how they break it up into age groups. Preschoolers go from 10 to 12 and then school age kids are from 3 to 5. Usually it is very crowded. This year because of the threat of rain a lot of people skipped it. The weather actually turned out to be very nice. My mom brought Madalen and Carmen out this year to go with me and Kendall. They had a lot of fun and got way too much candy. The best thing handed out was at Jamba Juice. They gave out little kid sized cups of Mango-a-go-go and Caribbean Passion. Yummy!! Shelby dressed up like a cat this year. I thought she looked very cute! They had a costume contest at school. Halloween night she went trick or treating with a friend from school. She came home with way too much candy also!
Cameron dressed up twice, once for school and again for a Halloween Party! I didn't get a picture of him in his school costume. He struggled with what he should be this year. He really wanted to win the school contest. Last year, he and his friend were missionaries and weren't allowed first place. This year, at the last minute he put on a trenchcoat and sandals and went as a Flasher! I made him wear shorts and a t-shirt underneath. He took second place this year. For the party, he wore this: I don't know who or what he is!This is not my costume! I just thought that I would throw in the newest pregnancy photo of me. I am now 6 months pregnant. This pregnancy is going by so fast it seems. I think it is because of how busy our lives are. November and December will probably be just as busy. Hopefully it will slow down a little while Samuel is home at Thanksgiving. We don't get to have him home for long before he has to head back to Provo.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today Kendall's preschool went on a field trip to the Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch in South San Jose. At first we were scheduled to go to Half Moon Bay to a Pumpkin Patch, luckily his teacher decided to change it to a pumpkin patch closer to home. We liked this idea alot better. We carpooled with our good friends Anne & Olivia. The kids were so excited when they saw all of the Pumpkins!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Jared!!

2008-10-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we went out to Livermore to help celebrate my nephew's 1st birthday!! We always love to get together with the cousins. It was especially fun to share our news with my family. I hadn't told anyone in my family except for my Dad, I told him a month ago. I finally told my Mom the day before getting together with everyone. Everyone was quite surprised! This baby will be the 25th Grandchild on my side of the family and the 24th grandchild on James' side. Kendall loves playing with his cousins, but most of all, he loves Madalen. In fact once when we were driving out to Livermore to see family, Kendall said "I Love Madalen and Carmen" So I asked "Do you love Mommy and Daddy?" K: "No, I just love Madalen and Carmen!"

Jared loved his cake! Cameron asked if for his birthday next year, he could sit on the table and dig in with his fingers and toes like Jared got too!!

One highlight of the night was when the kids asked grandpa if they could sit in his car and pretend to drive. Now, my Dad Loves Loves Loves his BMW! I don't even think he has let anyone else drive it besides him, but he did let the the kids (who wanted to) sit and pretend!!! Shelby loved it! Thanks Grandpa for the fun!!

The Wait Is Finally Over...

2008-09-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Since the other kids started back to school a few weeks ago, Kendall has been anxiously waiting for pre-school to start. It finally started today!! We are so excited!! He is going to school at one of the elementary schools in our district that has an Integrated Co-op Preschool. There are only 7 in the class 2 of which are special needs. I am really looking forward to this opportunity he has. Pre-school is held twice a week, and on Friday we are going on our first Field Trip. Kendall is so happy to be back in pre-school with Olivia, they greeted each other with a hug, I just didn't get my camera out quick enough to snap a picture.

Now that I have more free time on my hands (for a little while at least), what should I do with my time? Nap? Nah, I think I will be doing a lot of shopping, since it has been 11 yrs since I've had a Baby Girl. Shelby's old baby clothes might need to be traded in for some newer ones. We'll see, I am sure that I have a lot more to do before February, like clean out Samuel's room and make room for a crib.

Big News at the Wright House...

2008-08-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to announce that I am pregnant and expect a baby girl to join our family on February 1st. We have prayed for this great blessing and are so very thankful that this event is now on the way. The kids are excited, though Kendall still is a bit confused about it all. When he can feel kicking then he'll understand.

We saw her today in the ultrasound. She was kicking and it looked like she was sucking her thumb.

Stay tuned and I'll post pictures of me as I grow through the pregnancy(maybe).

First Day of School & Off to BYU...

2008-08-25T09:59:00.001-07:00

Like I said in an earlier post, This has been a crazy month for us!! Today was Cameron & Shelby's first day back to school. Cameron as a Junior at Branham and Shelby as a 6th grader at Price Middle School. I can't believe she is in middle school!! I think that she was more excited than nervous about starting school this year. Cameron wasn't nervous or excited about school starting. I think he is just feeling a little lonely not having Samuel at the same school this year.

As for Samuel, he and James left this morning for Utah. I am an emotional wreck. I started crying last week in anticipation for this day, and at church yesterday when the Bishop recognized him for his Duty to God Award I started crying again. When I hugged him goodbye this morning the tears just flowed yet again. I am going to be terrible when he leaves on his mission.

Even though I cry I am very excited for Samuel. I know that he is going to have a great time at BYU!! He is my first born, I can't help feeling over emotional about him leaving home. We love you Samuel, Have a Great Time at BYU!!!

Happy Birthday James!!!

2008-08-22T08:15:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of James that I found, that I thought were really cute.
This first one is taken in Poughkeepsie, New York, with his Mom. I think he is about 1yr old. I love this one, I couldn't find a date anywhere on it, my guess is that he is 2.

This last one is of course on his Baptism day with his Dad.
James is 43 today, I have to say that he has grown into a Wonderful Man!! And I am so happy that he is mine. I look forward to many more Birthday's to Celebrate with him. Happy Birthday James, I Love You!!

Wright Family Reunion

2008-08-18T17:58:00.001-07:00

This slide show took 3 tries to put together I am a little tired of slide.com I tried another web site and didn't have any success with it either. I finally got this one to post. Anyway, these pictures go along with my earlier post.

The Crazy Month of August...

2008-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

And it isn't even over yet!! We have been so busy this month. It started with James & me taking Cameron and a friend to EFY in Fresno and then the two of us traveling on down to So. Cal for our belated anniversary trip. We left Samuel home and in charge of Shelby & Kendall. (It is so nice to have an 18 yr. old who is responsible enough to leave the younger ones home with for a whole week!!) We made no plans, we just made them up as we went. It was Great!! Wicked was still playing so we saw that on Tuesday night. It was Awesome!! I loved it!! James had just seen it in London with Samuel, but he enjoyed it enough to see it again with me! We spent our days at the Beach, me relaxing, while James was skim boarding. We saw that our favorite play ever was in concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday night so we knew we couldn't miss that. So I would have to say that the highlight of our week was seeing Les Miserables in Concert. We got home late Saturday afternoon, just in time to clean house, do laundry and welcome James' side of the family for the Wright Family Reunion!! We drove out to Vacaville on Sunday after church to visit with James' brother's and sisters' families, on Monday we had them at our house for swimming and BBQ. Tuesday, I think I got to relax a little. Wednesday we drove out to the outlet's where I met up with family and brought back some to stay at our house. Thursday we woke up to a T-P'd house, we cleaned it up before heading off to San Francisco. We started at the Exploritorium and went on to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. Friday we went up to the Temple to do baptisms and sealings. The kids 12 and up did about 80 family names and then the adults did the sealings. We were able to get a room at the inter-stake center for the little ones to hang out and play while we were in the Temple. After the Temple we had lunch at a nearby park and then drove to Boomers for some miniature golf, go-carts, laser tag, bumper boats & arcade games. Saturday we went to Santa Cruz. We have a very generous friend who was able to give us some passes to the Boardwalk, so while some headed off to the Boardwalk others stayed and enjoyed the Beach. The day ended with a BBQ and Talent show at our house. Kendall missed out on the BBQ, he fell asleep on the drive home from Santa Cruz and slept until 6:15 Sunday morning. He was so worn out from all of the activities of the week. We had such a great time with all of our family and we were so happy to have them in our home. It was also nice to be able to have most of them join us at church on Sunday, before having to catch an airplane or jump in the car for a long drive back to Utah, for Samuel's Ordination to become an Elder. It was a great week. Now maybe I can help Samuel get ready for BYU and try not to get emotional. I doubt it but I will try!!

Happy Birthday Shelby!!!

2008-07-29T09:15:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that Shelby is turning 11 today. It has been so much fun having a little girl in our family. She isn't so little any more, she is growing into such a beautiful young lady. When I found out that I was pregnant with a girl I was so excited! Don't get me wrong, I love my boy's, but I wanted a little girl so badly. She was so much fun to dress up! She was also my easiest pregnancy. I was never sick with her and my labor and delivery were shorter and easier by far compared to the boy's. We love our Shelby and are so happy to have her in our family. We will be having her birthday party this afternoon, so I will post pictures of that later. Happy Birthday Shelby, we love you!!!

Plumbing Woes!!!

2008-07-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, a week ago I called the Plumber. We had been hearing water running that sounded like it was coming from the refrigerator. When he went under the house we found a nice flood going on. He was able to do a temporary fix for the night and then came back Saturday morning to start the clean-up process. He found one big leak that was caused by the refrigerator water line that was apparently hooked up wrong, and it caused several other smaller leaks. The old galvanized pipes were a mess, and only getting worse. We decided to go ahead and have the house re-piped with copper. We knew we would have to eventually, we just hadn't planned on doing it this soon. After the crawl space was all dried out the Plumbers came back on Monday to start our re-pipe. A couple of years ago we had remodeled the bathroom's upstairs and the plumber we hired said he would change out our pipes to copper then. Well. when our plumbers on Monday started getting into their work they found that the previous guy didn't do everything we apparently paid him for. So, long story short we had plumbers here thru Friday evening. We had water at night in the downstairs bathroom & one working shower, but during the day nothing. Thank goodness we live across the street from the park with Restrooms. Kendall thought it was fun to go Pee at the Park. Lesson to all, if you hear water running check it out before it is too late and you have a flood. I guess these are the joys of home ownership, especially in an older home.

Happy Belated 4TH of July!!

2008-07-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

Since I was just called to be the activities chairperson in our ward my first activity was to do the food for the annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. I don't know what I was stressing out for. I had so many people help me and the whole thing I think was a huge success. We planned food for 350 people and I think we ended up with close to that amount. After the breakfast, we went down to San Juan Bautista for a family BBQ & swim. We always have a good time when we are with our extended family for Holidays. We did miss Samuel & James and can't wait until Tuesday when they get home!!! After a lot of yummy food, swimming, and being with cousins, we went to Hollister and stayed overnight with my Sis-in-law's family. Kendall had a lot of fun with the poppers and sparklers and even stayed awake to enjoy the firework show at the Middle School in town. We had a great 4th of July!! We love our family and are so happy that we got to spend the Holiday with so many of them!!The Scout Troop performed the flag ceremony before the Breakfast, Cameron played his Trumpet as part of the ceremony. I wish I got pictures or video of it but I was busy in the kitchen and Shelby had my camera so this is what she got!Kendall and Jacob are a year apart, so they get along great with each other and they had so much fun exploring together.Cameron supervising Kendall with the Sparklers.

Staying awake for the very last of the fireworks was tough but Kendall made it.

Happy Birthday Kendall!!

2008-06-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Three years ago Kendall joined our family kicking and screaming!! I remember that day so vividly. He just didn't want to come out. He was my most difficult and longest labor. I thought Samuel's was bad after 24hrs of labor and then an emergency C-section. That was nothing!! Kendall was just stubborn. After about 36 hrs and what seemed like forever of pushing he was finally here. We love our little Kendall and are so happy to have him in our Family!!
Saturday evening I took Kendall to get his Birthday pictures taken. He was looking forward to it, until we got there. He didn't want to do anything the photographer wanted him to do. He wanted to do his own thing. Well the session went better than I had thought, the photographer got some really cute shots of him. We celebrated Kendall's birthday with my brother Ron's family and my mom. As you can see in this picture James was able to Skpe in and join the party. Kendall loves his cousins and was so happy that Madalen and Carmen were able to come. Thanks guys for celebrating with us!!
Happy Birthday Kendall, We Love You I love this picture of Kendall with Carmen and Madalen. Just ignore Cameron, He is always being goofy, and he wonders why we don't have any good pictures of him.

20 Years Ago Today!!!

2008-06-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to believe that James & I have been married for 20 yrs. This is a big one! So to celebrate we are thousands of miles apart. James left yesterday on a 3+ week business trip. I am sad that we aren't together but I am happy that he is getting paid to travel. Hopefully he will rack up the frequent flyer miles and we can go on a Cruise to the Caribbean again.

I looked thru our wedding pictures to scan the best photos of us to post. It is so funny to see how much we have changed. I had huge hair, but it was the 80's!

At our reception James & I had planned on being very nice with the cake, so after James gave me cake first(very nicely) it was my turn to give him a bite(nicely). Well, I have 6 brothers who were all egging me on so I took the cake and smeared it on his face. In this picture, James is reaching to get some more cake to smash on me. When we were done it was in my hair and on my dress.

It has been a great 20 yrs. with James. We have had some great times together and I look forward to a whole lot more. He is a great Father to our children, it is fun to see him and the boy's quote lines from their favorite movies or tv shows. Our kids got his crazy sense of humor, and out going personality and I am so glad that they did!! It is never a dull moment at our house with each of them trying to out do the other and to make James laugh. James is a great Husband. He puts up with my moods, my nagging and my endless bugging him to help me with computer stuff. I am so thankful that I have him and that we can be together forever, so what's 3 weeks, I can handle being a part that long when I know that he is mine for Eternity! I still miss you James, Come Home Soon!

Samuel's Graduation Party!

2008-06-16T19:00:00.001-07:00

Samuel is officially a High School Graduate. He Graduated on Thursday June 12th. I was very happy that the whole ceremony only lasted 1hr and 15 min. It was perfect. We had a party planned to begin at 7pm, with food from our favorite restaurant and a climbing wall. The food was to be picked up at 6:30 and the climbing wall was to arrive at our house at 6:30 also. We let Cameron stay home with Kendall to greet the climbing wall people. James was able to escape the crowds in time to pick up the food. The party was great! We had tons of food and everyone loved the climbing wall!! Even Kendall got to try it out. They had a special harness for little ones. Besides the people at our party, we had several neighbors come over and try out the wall!! I have been told that what you do for one child you have to do the same for the next, I don't think Cameron will complain if we keep the tradition of a climbing wall at Graduation Parties. In fact I don't mind that tradition, I had a so much fun climbing also, but for some reason no one took a picture of me while I did it, Oh well. Shelby didn't let a broken arm stop her from climbing. We had a great time and we're so happy with all of the friends and family that came to show their support to Samuel! We are so proud of his accomplishments!! I am so excited to have him go to BYU in the fall, We will miss him, but he is going to have so much fun!!
Good Luck Samuel, We Love You!!

Shelby's Week in Review!!

2008-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

On Monday June 9th with just 45 min. left in the school day I got a phone call from the school Secretary telling me that Shelby had fallen and hurt her arm. I took her to Kaiser for X-rays, her pediatrician said it looked broken but wanted her to be seen in Orthopedics the next morning. So she had her nurse splint it and we went home. Sure enough it was a buckled fracture in her right arm, she chose a red cast. The bummer of breaking your arm if you are a 5th grader at Bagby is missing out on the swimming at the end of year pool party. She still had fun doing karaoke, the limbo, and hula hoop contest. Well Shelby did it again, she made the Principal's Honor Roll. We are so proud of her! Here she is with her BFF and fellow Honor Roll recipient Sydney! A few weeks ago I received a letter from the School District office letting us know that Shelby was named District Student of the Month for Bagby Elementary along with 5 other students from the other schools in the District. So, on Tues. 10th James & I told Shelby we were taking her out for a surprise to celebrate her making the Honor Roll the night before. Her first thought was that we were taking her to see KungFu Panda. When we drove up to the School District Office she asked where we were. James told her we were sending her to a Boarding School and had to sign her up. She was a little nervous. When she saw her teacher she wondered what she was doing there. Well to make this short, she was very happy and relieved when her name was read as District Student of the Month for Bagby!! Way to go Shelby!!

Ms. Landsberg (teacher) & Mrs. Kimpel (principal)

It is hard to believe that Shelby will be in middle school this Fall. Although she will miss the teachers at Bagby she is excited to move up to Price Middle School. She has a lot of friends and loves making new friends, so I think she will be just fine, it's me I'm worried about.

Samuel's Final Performance!!

2008-06-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

I know I have posted a lot about Samuel & his performances but I just can't help it! He has had so much fun performing and since this is his last performance in High School and he did such an Awesome job I just had to post this song. He is singing "Stars" from Les Mis. His other numbers were great also. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!!

Preschool Graduation!!

2008-05-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well today was Kendall's Graduation from Preschool. It was the cutest little graduation program. It was only about 30 min. long with a party afterwards. It would be great if Samuel's graduation in two weeks would be short and sweet but I kind of doubt it. Oh well, anyway back to Kendall. He acted pretty much how I expected. He wouldn't sing when it was the kids turn to sing. In fact he walked away from all of the other kids, sat down and stared at them while they danced to the YMCA. He has had so much fun going to preschool. I can already hear him now asking me if preschool is today. It is going to be a long Summer. This is the cute diploma they made for each of the kids. They all looked so cute with their caps on and their cords draped around their neck. They even got a Lei at the party to wear. I can't believe how fast they grow, today it's preschool & soon it will be High School. I wish I could just hold on to these preschool years a little longer.

Another Actor In The Family?

2008-05-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Shelby's School held a VarietyShow last Friday night and so Shelby wanted to do a skit. She saw this skit done on a t.v. show for kids and changed it a little to make it her own. She did a great job. There is no way when I was her age that I would have done anything like this before. My kids got there fearlessness from James. I am too much of a chicken to perform in front of a crowd.

THE OUT CROWD: PART ONE

2008-05-23T15:49:00.001-07:00

For those who don't want to wait for the DVD here is the movie Samuel was in(Cameron makes an appearance) It is a cute movie and it is posted in 3 parts. I will post the other 2 another day. This first one is about 35min. long.

Eagle Scout & Lacrosse

2008-05-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy, but fun weekend this past week. Samuel had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Friday night and Cameron's Lacrosse team made it to the finals which were on Saturday. First the Court of Honor: It was great to have family and friends come and spend the evening with us to celebrate his accomplishments in scouting. The only bummer was that James had been in Oregon on business and his flight was delayed, so he got there just in time for refreshments, and to take Samuel & Cameron to see Speed Racer. For Samuel's Eagle project he made benches up at Camp Ritchie for the repelling rock.
On Saturday I went to Cameron's Lacrosse game. His team did great in the season and made it to the playoffs. The game was a very tough match. It was a close game the entire time but it ended sadly for Cameron's team in overtime 10 to 9. Cameron was a little upset, they had beat this team in their regular season so to lose to them in the playoffs was upsetting to them. The team blames the Refs. Cameron is the one in the long blue socks. I have been wanting to cut Kendall's hair for a while now. So for FHE last night James cut Kendall's hair. We asked him if he wanted to look like Cameron and Samuel with their short hair. He thought his hair was fine. He didn't want it cut. He likes it now that it is done.
He definitely looks like Cameron. Sorry Samuel!

More of Cameron!!

2008-04-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

This past week was a busy one for Cameron. We had a surprise party for him on his birthday with the young men and young women of our ward. He and Samuel had the premiere of the movie they were in at school. He had his final regular season game. He had his First Date! and he was ordained to the office of Priest at church.

1) First the party. He had no idea that we were planning on surprising him. The young men didn't know that we (the young women) were coming to crash their movie night at one of their leaders homes. We showed up with cake, ice cream, and soda. It turned out great! Cameron was very surprised!

2) Movie premiere. The Out Crowd movie had its premiere at Branham High School. The boys both had parts in the movie. If you want to see it you can check it out on youtube. Just do a search for THE OUT CROWD: PART ONE parts 2&3 will be on the side. Or you can wait and watch the DVD with us when we get it. (caution: contains language and suggestive themes, may not be suitable for young children) It isn't rated but Cameron gives it a PG-13 , although we let Shelby go and see it with her brothers.

3) Cameron loves lacrosse. He plays on a club team called the Chiefs. His final game of the season was on Saturday. His team made it to the playoffs. It has been a little frustrating for Cameron because most of his games have been on Sundays, and since he doesn't play in those games his coach hasn't given him a lot of playing time in the Saturday games. I am proud of him though for keeping Sunday a day of rest, and being an example to his family.

4) First Date. Saturday night was the Mormon Prom ( an alternative to High School Proms) Cameron asked a girl from our ward to go with him. He was very nervous. He was happy that she accepted. The dance was in Los Gatos at one of our church bldgs. Dinner was served, they had live entertainment from San Jose City Opera and then there was dancing. All that for just $5.00 a person, plus pictures. Cameron and Brenna had a great time and they looked so beautiful and handsome all dressed up. Samuel was the chauffeur for the evening.

5) Newest Priest in the ward. Sunday was a very special day for our family. Cameron was ordained a Priest. We had several family members come and share his special day with us. After church we had them all back to our house for a BBQ lunch. It was delicious! It was fun having family over, we love having our families live close by so that we can get together for such special occasions. And this was definitely a special occasion, We love you Cameron.

Random Pics of Cameron

2008-04-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Cameron!!

2008-04-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Cameron is 16 today! It doesn't seem possible to me, but it's true! We are so blessed to have Cameron in our family. I had Cameron 2 weeks early. My doctor thought that I was measuring too small for how far along I was so we had an ultrasound done. The results of the ultrasound showed that I was losing amniotic fluid, so they scheduled me to be induced. We went to the Hospital for a non-stress test everything seemed fine so we went back the next morning. I was hooked-up to Pitocin and then we waited. We waited what seemed like forever. My body just doesn't work right when it comes to the whole labor thing. I take forever to dilate. After having 24 hrs of labor and then a C-section with Samuel I was a little nervous that it was happening all over again with Cameron. Well, I guess I finally started to make some progress, the doctor came in and broke my water (which by the way I had plenty of) , I was given an epidural, I slept a little bit and then they woke me up and said it was time to start pushing. I think I only pushed for about 20 min. and he was out. Now for the reason that he is such a blessing to be with us, He was born with 2 knots in his cord. The doctor was a little surprised to see one, but two. He said that Cameron might not have made it if we waited those 2 weeks. I am so thankful for Cameron, and for an Ultrasound that was wrong. We love having Cameron in our family. He has such a fun sense of humor, he loves being close to cousins so that he can hang out with them. He looks up to his Dad. He loves being with friends. He loves to tease Shelby, play with Kendall and pick on Samuel. But most of all he loves his family very much, He is sensitive to their feelings. I am so proud of him. He adds so much joy and laughter and sometimes tears (happy ones) to our family. Happy Birthday Cameron!! We Love You!!

Biography Day

2008-04-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

This past week in Shelby's 5th grade class the students presented speeches on important historical figures before 1880. When Shelby got the assignment last month, I was surprised that she wanted to do her project on Joseph Smith. We found a book at the Beehive Bookstore that was an easy read for a fifth grader, in fact it is a great book that we have now added to our own family library. For the assignment the students had to write a speech and then present the speech dressed as their person. They had to have at least one prop. Shelby brought a Book of Mormon and we printed out pictures from our family trip to the Smith Family farm and Sacred Grove. The Church website had a picture of Carthage Jail w/a statue of Joseph and Hyrum that we also used. This was a fun project for Shelby to work on. She really liked reading her book and learning more about Joseph Smith. I am proud of her for choosing such a Great Historical Figure who did so much for us, like it says in the Doctrine & Covenants: "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of man that ever lived in it." (D&C 135:3)

Spring Break

2008-04-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

This week the kids have been home for Spring Break. Samuel spent the first part of the week skiing in Tahoe with a friend from school. While he was off having fun in the snow, Cameron, Shelby, Kendall and I went to Happy Hollow Park/Zoo and to the Children's Discovery Museum with our friends, the Earls. Cameron was a good sport going along with us to these places that are obviously geared to little kids. He never complained once! He even had fun going on the big slide in the crooked house with Olivia and Kendall, who were both a little nervous about going down alone at first. I took a lot of pictures of our exciting adventures and put them on a slide show, so if you feel up to it check it out.

Spring Break

2008-04-11T22:41:00.001-07:00

Gotta Love NapTime!!

2008-03-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came down stairs and this is how I found Kendall. I guess he got tired from walking the aisles at Costco. He thinks he is too big now to go in the cart. Anytime I take him shopping with me he tells me before we get there that he wants to walk. I guess this time I wore him out. I love that he still takes a nap. I am not yet ready to have him give up naptime.

Easter Already!!

2008-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Easter kind of snuck up on us this year. My kids don't even have Spring Break yet! It isn't until April! Oh well, we had a pretty laid back weekend anyway. I think Kendall is getting a little cheated. He didn't get the same big Easter egg hunt that his brothers and sister got as little kids. Instead, he got to hunt for eggs in the Living Room. Usually in the past we have had Easter egg hunts with the Cortez cousins, but it just seems that everyone is getting busier and busier these days, or maybe it is laziness on my part for not planning something with my brother's families. Oh well, we still had a good time watching Kendall get excited about finding an egg that was right in front of him on the floor or on the couch. Shelby had fun also, she got to find the ones that were actually hidden and not in plain sight. They both liked when they found the eggs that had money in them. On Saturday night we colored our eggs. I don't boil alot of eggs because Cameron and I are the only ones that eat them, I only boil enough so that the kids have about 4 or 5 each to color. (Samuel opted out of coloring this year) Maybe next year I will plan a big Cortez family Easter Egg Hunt, then again maybe not.

Trailer for Samuel's Movie

2008-03-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Samuel's Musical Theater teacher has directed a movie that her husband wrote. They filmed it at the school with several of the students acting in it. Samuel plays The Nerd. Cameron has a small part in it also. I saw the trailer yesterday and it looks pretty funny. So, check out the clip.
His next performances coming up are: Of Mice and Men which is next weekend Thursday the 20th thru Saturday 22, at the high school and coming up in May he plays the villain in Aida. I can't remember the characters name.

First Day of Preschool!!

2008-03-04T13:40:00.001-08:00

Today was Kendall's first day of Preschool! He has been looking forward to this for quite some time now. This preschool is at the High School and put on by the students in the child development class. Shelby went to this same preschool when she was 3.
Last night Kendall kept saying that he wants to paint when he goes to preschool, so luckily when we got there this morning they were painting turtles. You can't really tell that it is a turtle in the picture but it was cute.

Kendall had a lot of fun and what made it even more fun was his best friend Olivia was there too. In fact a good portion of the class is made up of friends from church. We are already looking forward to Thursday when he gets to go back. It is such a great preschool, he goes 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs each day. And I get my workout in while he is there. Not Bad!!

The Party!!

2008-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

So, we finally got around to having Samuel's party last night. We rescheduled it a few times because of Samuel's crazy schedule and school break. We figured we better hurry and have it or else we would just have to celebrate it at his graduation in June, and that just didn't seem right. A Teenage birthday party is a lot different than throwing one for a little kid. I didn't have to come up with games or party favors. I didn't even have to sit with them and make sure everyone was playing nicely with each other. All I had to do was welcome them into our home, provide the food, cut the cake, take some pictures and then wait for the party to end. Samuel came up with the entertainment. They played a game called Apples to Apples, sang some Karaoke and just hung out and talked with each other. It was midnight by the time the last guests left. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and got along well with each other. He invited kids from School, Church, and Temple Pageant. He also had two of his cousins here. It was fun to be able to have his friends over to celebrate with him. Next month we will be celebrating Cameron's 16th birthday, maybe I will put Samuel in charge of entertainment for that party.

Samuel's Party!

2008-03-01T14:29:00.001-08:00

Hannah Montana Mania!!

2008-02-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix preteens with Hannah Montana? A whole lot of Screaming!! Last night Shelby and I and our friends went to see the Hannah Montana concert/movie in 3-D. We thought we should get there early so that we could get good seats and be able to sit together. It was a good plan because the show ended up being sold out, lucky for us we bought our tickets in December on Fandango!! The girls were very excited for this show. There were several girls that came dressed like Hannah Montana, wig and all. We didn't seem to get the same memo that they did. Oh well, maybe next time.
The neat thing about the show was that we got behind the scenes footage of Miley Cyrus before her concert. And watching her make-up artists and hair people transform her into Hannah. She is a very talented young singer/actress. I don't know if any of you know her music or her Dad(Billy Ray Cyrus) but they have a duet that they sing called Ready Set Don't Go, I love the song and was hoping to see it performed in the show, but only a small part of it during the rehearsal was all we got. It is a song about a child growing up and the parent not quite ready to let go of them. I can relate to that song. Especially because my oldest will be leaving home in the Fall.
After the show we took the girls to a Great Chinese restaurant for dinner. We had a fun girl's (no boy's allowed) night out!!

Happy Birthday Samuel!!!

2008-02-01T08:53:00.001-08:00

I had to post this picture of Samuel in the tub with his Cousin and Cameron, it was just too cute. Plus it is the only picture on my computer of him at a young age I think he is 3.

I can't believe he is 18 now. It doesn't seem possible that he is old enough to Vote and in the Fall go off to BYU-Provo. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments. He worked very hard these past few weeks to get all of the necessary paper work filled out and turned in before his 18th birthday to earn the rank of Eagle in Scouting. We wanted to have a big party tonight for him and all of his friends but he is busy this weekend with the School Musical so we will be celebrating his birthday next weekend instead. I will post pictures then. Samuel is a wonderful Son and Brother. We are so thankful to have him in our famiily. When I think back about his childhood I just remember what a good little boy he always was and still is today. Sure he and Cameron had there moments when they were younger and still do today but for the most part they get along very well with each other. I think that Cameron really looks up to Samuel and is going to miss him when he goes away to school. It has been a Great 18 years so far and I look forward to seeing Samuel continue to grow in his Educational Goals and in the Gospel!! He is a good example to me and to our family. We Love You Samuel, Happy 18th!!!!

Winter Ball

2008-01-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

So, last night was the Winter Ball at the High School. Samuel and a friend decided that they wanted to make dinner for their dates at our house and then head to the dance. I asked him several times during the week if they wanted help, but he would just say everything is under control. Well Saturday morning, I asked again if there was anything I could do to help, I offered to cook, James offered to act as waiter, but Samuel said no. I asked if he knew what the menu was, He said no. Well James and I left to go to the Temple we said we'd be back in plenty of time for their dates. I am very proud of Samuel. He and Dan went to the store, bought a Salmon and came home to cook. He even got Cameron to clean up the house and do the dishes. When James and I got home the table was set for all of us to sit down and eat. We laughed a little bit then James got a table and set it up in the Living Room with Candles and put on some quiet music so that they could eat alone without younger siblings and parents bugging them. Well the meal turned out very nice, the boys did a great job making the Salmon. They even had French Bread and Mashed Potatoes to go along with it. The girls seemed very happy with everything. When Samuel got home last night I asked how it was. He said he had fun, but the dance was Different. This was his first time going to a School dance. I wonder if he will go to the Prom in the Spring. We will just have to wait and see.

Stormy Weather and Blackouts!

2008-01-07T14:51:00.001-08:00

Friday's Storm

2008-01-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Friday was quite an exciting day at our house! We had no plans to go anywhere, it was laundry day and the boys were finishing up scouting merit badges, so it was just a lazy Friday to get ready for school to start back this week. Well, for those of you who don't live in San Jose we had (I think) the worst wind and rain storm. Around 10:30am we lost power. I thought no big deal it will come back before dinner. I was wrong. We were without power until Saturday morning, just about 11am it came back on. Besides losing power we lost a big part of our fence in the back and a lot of branches from our trees in front. My kids are huge fans of technology and so when the power went out they had to find other forms of entertainment. So while we ate lunch we played a game that we got for Christmas. When it started to get dark we pulled out all of the flashlights and lit a bunch of candles. The boys were really good at keeping Kendall entertained in the dark. We played more games and ordered pizza for dinner. Shelby was lucky enough to go to a sleep over with her Achievement Day girls so she got to sleep in a house with heat. Anyway we all made it through the storm, we survived the cold, dark house and we were very thankful when the electricity was restored. I wasn't sure if the picturees I took would turn out since it was completely dark and I was going by flash and candle light. To my surprise they look fine, you can't even tell that the power was out.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

In the past it has been our tradition to go out for dinner to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Burro. But instead we threw together a party, at kind of the last minute. We had a great time with several friends and a lot of food and more chocolate to dip. At 9:00 we rang in the New Year with the East Coast. Which was perfect for the little kids. Shelby wondered why we were doing it early but she didn't complain, we still let her stay up and celebrate at midnight.

Looking back over the past year I have to say that we have been very blessed. We have been healthy, we have had no travel out of the country for James, The boys had great testimony building experiences participating in the Temple Pageant, We finished reading the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants as a family and we were able to have the entire Cortez family in our home for Thanksgiving. We also have been blessed with great friends!!

Karaoke Anyone?

2007-12-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this video of Samuel and Cameron singing karaoke on Christmas day. They were singing from the High School Musical game but then they switched to a different game. I didn't get any video of their first songs. I thought that they were hilarious doing That's Amore. They had a fun time and we enjoyed their performance!! I hope you enjoy the show!

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

2007-12-28T14:46:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve

2007-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

Since we spent Thanksgiving this year with the Cortez cousins we thought it would be nice to spend Christmas Eve with the Wright cousins. So, we went to James' sister Mary's house for a great Turkey dinner and an evening of just being together and hanging out. After dinner we introduced our traditional game of a White Elephant Gift exchange. It was a little bit different than playing with the Cortez brothers but it was still fun!! We then sang Christmas Hymns, and my Brother-in-law read the Christmas story out of the Bible. We even got a lesson on the symbolism of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, by James. He never ceases to amaze me at his knowledge of the Scriptures.

Chocolate Dipping at the Wrights

2007-12-25T18:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas Time

2007-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friends blog so I decided to copy her and write about my favorite things about Christmas time also. So here it goes!

1) Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift Bags, especially if I leave wrapping to the last minute. Gift bags are faster.
2) Real tree or artificial? Artificial, I don't like the mess of real but I do miss the smell.
3) When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving, but this yr. Dec. 1st.
4) When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5) Do you like eggnog? No!!
6) Favorite gift received as a child? I was probably 6 or 7 and I remember asking Santa for white Go-Go boots. I got them!!! Hey it was the 70's they were cool!!!!
7) Do you have a nativity scene? Several, I collect them!!
8) Hardest person to buy for? James
9) Easiest person to buy for? The kids
10) Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of ever getting anything I didn't like.
11) Mail or e-mail Christmas Cards? I am not very good at sending Christmas Cards but when I do I prefer mail.
12) Favorite Christmas movie? Comedy: Elf, Classic: It's a Wonderful Life.
13) When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually November
14) Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so!
15) Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Everything, especially James' homemade dipped chocolates.
16) Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored and they must blink!!
17) Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night
18) Travel for Christmas or stay home? Stay Home, but I would love to go back to Hawaii for Christmas again. We did that 3 years ago and it was Awesome!!
19) Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? Probably with some help.
20) Angel on the treetop or star? Angel. A few years ago I found an Angel Moroni at the church bookstore, so now he is on our tree every year.
21) Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? As a kid I remember opening one present on Christmas Eve, which was always a new pair of P.J's . Everything else was opened in the morning. So with my own children they get to open up one present on Christmas eve also, unless for some reason I didn't buy them new P.J's.
22) Most annoying thing about this time of year? The traffic, just getting to Valley Fair Mall is a nightmare, once you are there it is finding a parking space!!!
23) What I love most about Christmas? Getting together with family and friends, the music, the lights, and seeing my kids faces on Christmas Morning!!
24) Favorite Christmas Tradition? It has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember, to get together on Christmas Eve for a Great dinner, read the Christmas story out of the Bible while the little ones act out the nativity, and then have a visit from Santa, and then play a white elephant gift exchange game. In James' family he has kept up the tradition of Candy Making. He is Great at dipping Chocolates!!

Girl's Night Out!!!

2007-12-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

Last night Shelby and I Hit the Town!! We went to see my 5yr. old niece perform in the Nutcracker. The performance was up in Livermore and presented by the Bay Area Dance Company with children from Tiffany's Dance Academy. Carmen was a mouse. Shelby really enjoyed it and now thinks that it would also be fun to take dance classes and perform on stage. She was wanting to take Tap but after last night's performance she thinks Ballet looks like fun.

We had a great time! Thanks Carmen for inviting us, You were the cutest mouse I have ever seen!

All About Shelby

2007-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

This post is in honor of Shelby!! She made the Honor Roll and we are so proud of her for this accomplishment. She earned straight A's. I met with her teacher a couple of weeks ago at our Parent/Teacher Conf. and she only had good things to say about Shelby!! Shelby works very hard at her school work, and tries her best at everything. She loves writing stories and has a great imagination that shows in the stories she writes for fun.

Congratulations Shelby on making the Honor Roll!! You have worked hard and We are so proud of You!!
In 5th grade the students have the opportunity to go to Science Camp. This year Shelby had that chance. She had so much fun! Her cabin buddies were Betina and Tara. They left on Tues. Nov. 27 and returned on Friday the 30th. Shelby had so much fun. She went on hikes, learned about animals and nature, put on a skit and even held a snake!! Her favorite thing was the night hike. I don't think she was homesick at all the whole time! She was too busy having fun!

Our little girl is growing up! In just a short while she will be in the Young Women's program at church and spend a whole week away from us when she goes to Girl's Camp. We Love our Little Girl!! And we are so Thankful to have her in our Family!!!!

The Cortez Family Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Cindy, Marnie, Michelle, Robin, Cindy, Me, Katie and Lynn

Russ, Rod, Rob, Ryan, Dad, Ron, Rich, Wade, James(hiding) and Philip

Enjoying the Delicious food and Great conversation

Waiting for pictures

This was a great Thanksgiving! We had 45 people at our house this year. All 7 of my siblings and their families, my dad and his wife and her son, my mom and an old friend of the family. It was a little crazy and loud but it was great being together. The weather was perfect! We had tables set up outside. The cousins had a lot of fun playing across the street at the park. On Friday we had family pictures taken. That was amusing! It was fun trying to get the little ones smiling and happy all at once. I think it was nap time for most of them! I also think some of the adults could have used a nap. After pictures we had dinner(adults only) out to celebrate my Dad's 70th birthday!! I can't believe he is 70, he definitely doesn't look it!! I hope I age like him!! It was so great having everyone together!!

Samuel's High School Musical Revew 11/15/07

2007-11-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

Look Out Broadway Here Comes Samuel....

2007-11-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

Thursday night Samuel had a Musical Revue at his school. He performed 3 numbers. Two of them were duets. The third was a solo. I don't mean to brag, but wait, yes I do, he was awesome! He is so at ease when he performs, and has so much fun performing. I asked him once if he ever gets nervous, and he said not really. I am so proud of him! The songs he performed were: Fly Me to the Moon, from Delovely, You're Timeless to Me, from Hairspray and Mr. Cellophane, from Chicago. He and his friends were hilarious. If I ever get this video to upload you can see for yourselves why I'm so proud. So far I'm not having very much luck. If I don't get it to work tonight I will post it tomorrow when James is here to help me. Well I'm out of luck, no video tonight. Anyway, Samuel we are so proud of you!

Not Very Fond of Cats...

2007-11-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

But, this morning when I looked out of the kitchen window and saw a mouse, I was very thankful for the neighbors cat who was lurking in my yard ready to pounce. I really really don't like mice and i am glad that it was outside and not inside but still, it was too close. Kendall thought it was funny to see the cat throw the mouse in the air. He would laugh and say "it fall down." It kept him entertained for quite some time. Shelby on the other hand, thought it was gross to see the blood from the mouse, and then to have the cat leave the mouse. She will be happy to see when she gets home that the cat did come back for it. Hopefully it will leave the remains of the mouse in someone else's yard. I don't want to have to clean that one up! Anyway, today I am a little bit more fond of cats.

Beach photos

2007-11-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Shelby w/Cousin Randi

ME and Shelby in Hawaii

Christmas in Hawaii

Samuel in Hawaii

James and Cameron (Hawaii)

Me and James (Hawaii)

Cameron and Shelby

Kendall and Shelby in Santa Cruz

on the beach in Maui

Kendall w/Olivia E. in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

Kona

Maui

Snorkeling on Maui

We love the beach and these are some photos from the last 9 years. As you can see we really Love Hawaii.

20 Years Ago Today...

2007-11-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but 20 yrs. ago today, I met James. It was kind of a crazy weekend. I was home from Utah, to be in my friends wedding and supposed to fly back the next day. Well, James came to the reception and when I saw him I thought I really have to meet this guy. I didn't know at the time that he and his friend came to the reception hoping to find a date for Tom(James' best-friend), so that they could double on a date that night. James already had a date lined up. But when we met he told Tom that if he(Tom) didn't ask me out quick then he was going to ask me! James ended up standing his date up and we went out that night. He drove me to the airport the next day. A few weeks later when I came home for Thanksgiving, I decided to quit my job in Utah and stay home to see how things would work out with James. They worked out Great! Tonight we are celebrating with dinner at the Shadowbrook in Santa Cruz . I have a great Husband! I am looking forward to the next 20+ years with him.

I've been Tagged!

2007-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

I guess that's what i get for having a blog now.
Here are the rules for those who don't know.
A: Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves
B: At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names.

Here it goes:

#1 I am computer stupid! I know next to nothing about how to work a computer. You can tell by my blog. I am still learning the ropes. Luckily I have a husband who knows his way around the computer and helps me whenever I need it.

#2 I have a great Husband! He is the most patient person to put up with me. And while he was out of work he never seemed to lack in Faith. He always would remind me that we would be okay! He was right!

#3 I have great kids! I may be a little prejudiced, but they each have such a strong spirit whithin them. They make me laugh, and they even make me cry(the good- proud- of- your-kid-cry).

#4 I am way to sensitive! I cry at commercials. I even cry watching Disney Movies. My kids will ask "Mom are you crying?" It doesn't even have to be Disney. Spiderman III made me cry.

#5 I have too many favorite T.V. shows. The best one is 24 and that doesn't start again 'til January. Until than I have plenty of others to keep me entertained.

#6 I live for Thursday nights. Volleyball night!!! This has been my favorite sport since I can remember. I was taught how to play by my brothers. I have played at School, USVBA club, and adult city leagues including co-ed.

That was easier than I thought it would be. Now I tag: Thomalee A., Jami B., Cindy T.

Halloween

2007-11-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

I am still trying to figure this blogging thing out. I will try to post some pictures to go along with my rambling. This year i took Kendall trick-or-treating downtown Willow Glen. We went with some good friends of ours, the Earls and Tophams. Kendall loves his friend Olivia. Shelby went trick-or-treating with her good friend Sydney. Cameron went to a party in Morgan Hill. He dressed as a Mormon Missionary. He and his friend won second place at the school costume contest. Samuel went as a Sorcerer. Although Samuel didn't go trick-or-treating this year he did dress up for school and to hang out with friends at Burger King.

Here we go...

2007-11-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone else is doing this so why not me. I can't promise that i will be consistent but i will try my best. This is a great way to keep our friends and family posted on what's happening with our family. It seems to me that the kids our growing fast (way to fast). Samuel is a Senior and already applying to College. He has been very busy with School and having fun acting. He just finished doing Shakespeare at the High School. Now he is working on High School Musical. It is performed by the teachers and staff at Branham, and directed by the Drama class. As for Cameron, he is a Sophomore. It is hard to believe that will we have another driver in the family next year. He is just about finished with his Driver's Ed class at school. Then it is on to Driver's Training. Cameron is our Lacrosse player! But this season he had to sit on the sidelines, all games are on Sundays. Meanwhile he is trying out for Soccer at Branham. He will start Lacrosse again in January, when the games will be on Saturdays. Shelby is in 5th grade. She is finishing up her second season of Volleyball with the USYVL. Maybe i will finally get a volleyball player in my family. She is playing the flute with the school band. This is her 2nd year, and seems to enjoy it. I can't believe she will be in middle school next year. Kendall is 2, but tells people he is 4. He wants to go to school like his brothers and sister. So for now he goes with me to the gym and plays in the nursery there. Maybe in January i will enroll him in pre-school. Kendall keeps me going. He loves going to the park and thinks because we live across the street from a park it is his own personal park.
Wow this is long! i guess if anyone gets bored you could just stop reading and look at someone else's blog.
Anyway, after 9 months of unemployment James is now working. The company is Plan Ready and they are located in Morgan Hill. He is the Vice-President of Business Developement and Marketing. This company makes software to help companies and government agencies do emergency prepardeness planning and help risk management.
I have been staying busy chasing Kendall, Coaching Shelby's volleyball team, and driving kids around when Samuel or James weren't available. I also play drop-in volleyball on Thursday nights. I'm a counselor in ward young women.

There's more to come

2007-10-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'll post recent information and photos soon, but I just wanted to get something up and running quickly.