Dandelions in the Desert

Shutterfly my holiday, baby!

2010-12-08T13:41:00.001-08:00

Calling all bloggers!!! Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards just for doing what we do...ramble. And lord knows I can ramble for most anything, but this is seriously something worth my babbling energy :) Shutterfly rocks, I love ordering pics from them and sharing albums with friends. And every year I order our family calendar filled with our favorite photos! And seriously, these make me want to have a party...or at least get an invite in the mail! Our favorite Christmas cards always come from their site, and with this promotion I might even get cards out this year!

Whaddya think?

Festive?

Colorful?

Or, we'd be pretty cute in pale blue.

This one makes my heart sing a little...but I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!!!

TOO MANY CHOICES!! Do you think after I qualify for my free Christmas cards, someone else can decide which design, choose which pictures to use, put it all together, stuff the envelopes, stamp them, address them, and make me look oh so organized and festive in the process?? Oh, and I need my calendar this year too.

But seriously, this is a great promotion! I've been stressing about where to find the extra pennies this year to do Christmas cards and after the most pathetic yard sale in history, I figured we would do without AGAIN. But now I can totally send pics of my incredibly cute children to everyone we love. YEA!

2010-11-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight we said our final goodnight to Frasier Maupin. He was a member of this family before we were even officially a family. He moved with us from Albany to Miami to Nashville to Phoenix. He saved me when I was unbearably lonely, snuggled me when I was cold, shunned me when I was pregnant, pooped on the carpet, spread litter to every corner of our homes, played fetch, wrestled with lizards, tormented Jack, tolerated our kids, and loved us unconditionally everyday even when we weren't very lovable.

Thank you Frasier for bringing me so much joy and love, and I hope you are now without pain in a place with plenty of tuna and ice cold milk. I love you sweet boy and I will miss you.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our Halloween celebrations have been plentiful this year. I've never been a huge Halloween fan, I'll dress the kids up, we trick or treat, but nothing extravagant. But we have fallen into such a fabulous group of friends here, and it seems each holiday has taken on a life of it's own!

We started with the pumpkin patch. We went to the same place as last year, and never before has it been so apparent that my baby boy HAS CHANGED! Lets review...last year...

This year!

But Parker isn't the only one who has grown up. Last year...

This year...

Of course, Lisa and I haven't aged a bit :)

Irresistible

2010-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken a few days after Parker's birthday party when we still had the slide and gator pool out back.

I double dog dare you not to fall in love with this man...

The Big Little Man

2010-09-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is a post I have been working on since Sept 27th, its only been a month, but I haven't been able to load pictures until today. Either way, he still is adorable :)

Parker is two. Did you hear that? I said, Parker is TWO! How on earth did that happen?!? He is two and adorable and fabulous and a handful and dramatic and little and lovable and OH-SO-BLONDE! He is a whopping 26 pounds (25 percentile) and 35 inches (50 percentile), but his great curls add at least 2 inches. And I love him. I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM. His smile is contagious, he sings Twinkle Twinkle and he talks back to Diego and Dora like their lives depend on his every move.

We had a party at the house to celebrate his big day. It was a grand success even if he was a little annoyed about sharing his brand new toys. I found myself inspired by my friend Debbie, who recently had a party for her son's first birthday. As it turns out, I am no Debbie. She comments repeatedly on the ease of making her own amazingly fabulous party decor...mine were not easy but I like to think we had our own fabulousness going on!

I made these pinwheels. And for every father at the party who felt compelled to remind me over and over that they didn't spin up to the standards of a...well...anyone really, they were a royal pain in the rear end to make! Jona quit not even halfway through. I did not enjoy constructing them, or even duct taping them together in the end, but I did INDEED make them and I was giving them out darn it. So there.

These were my other super-cute-and-crafty party favor idea. And while they did turn out super-cute-and-crafty, the names started popping off the balls well before a single guest arrived. I didn't let anyone touch them until every single guest had arrived so everyone could see the cuteness!! And then everyone took home a perfectly plain beach ball...yippie.

There was digging...

driving....

sliding and splashing!

Chicken wings for all, because as it turns out, while Parker wants to be a vegetarian he is a chicken wang lover!

And sweets, my oh my there were sweets. Parker believes with all his heart that birthdays mean cake, nothing but cake, cake cake cake...and M&Ms!

These were also inspired by Debbie, and they turned out PERFECT!

My Big Little Man loved every second of it. I love you my precious little boy, you are such a gift and I thank my lucky stars everyday to have you as my son!

It was WAY to hard to pick a few...Cape Cod was AMAZING!

2010-09-16T21:36:00.001-07:00

I'm such a big boy...

2010-09-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hi! My mom is super lazy and hasn't managed to blog in FOREVER which is really sad cause we've done some pretty awesome stuff this summer. But whatever. I just wanted you all to know THAT I'M TWO!

I'll try to light a fire under mama's bum and get her going on this blog thing.

Love,

Parker

HAPPY DAD'S DAY

2010-06-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hailey picked out her own special outfit to help Jona celebrate Father's Day. Ain't she somethin'? "But mooooom, there's pink here and here (skirt and small flower on shirt), purple here and here (shirt and small flower on skirt), and blue here and here (socks and stitching on skirt)." She really does have so much in common with her daddy.

Happy Father's Day Jona- we are so lucky to have you!

Happy Father's Day Daddy/Grampy- wish we were there to give you big hugs and bake you something chocolate!

Happy Father's Day Tony/Papa- so glad Jona and the kids got to spend some fun time with you, so sorry about the plague!

Splish Splash

2010-06-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Splash pad season is upon us once again in Arizona. Daily temperatures are reaching the 100's with a couple of oh-so-enjoyable 110's this past week. And while the "dry heat" has nothing on Miami's steam bath, 100 degrees is hot no matter how you slice it. So Phoenix hits the splash pads. Located in most parks, sprinklers and fountains and puddles keep kids happy and parents happier.

Parker and Hailey always start off unsure. Which is strange for Hailey the daredevil water lover, but not for my cautious little guy.

And then she remembers that every kid enjoys a good water enema.

Man my boys are cute!

"Hailey, smile for a picture!" Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model, no doubt!

Standing on the sprinklers is always a most entertaining pursuit. Yep, the water does indeed keep coming out, over and over and over again.

Parker's hair has taken on a life of its own. Especially when air dried by the wind. Crazy haired man and I love it!

Ghetto Gangsta P Diddy.

She is a dancing queen!

2010-06-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hailey took a dance class this past semester on the ASU campus. It was called a Ballet class, but I'm not sure how much ballet they actually learned. She loved it- surprise surprise- and leared all kinds of new moves! Hailey is the blonde in the light blue leotard. Her BFF Zoe is the brunette in the purple leotard...these girls really are entirely too cute.

The Grand Canyon

2010-05-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

These need no narration...

Grammy, Grampy, & the Grand Canyon

2010-05-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

We always love a visit from Grammy and Grampy. They were here for almost two weeks in April and it was awesome!

Backyard fun is the best.

I mentioned Rawhide Western Town in the last post. So, so, so hot. Parker had a thing for the lasso.

Now ladies and gentlemen if you look out the right side of the horse drawn carriage you will see dirt and perhaps even some rocks. Look closely and you might even catch a glimpse of a cactus.

We took a trip to Williams, AZ and from there we climbed aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. But we started the day with a classic cowboy show...fake guns, bad jokes and a couple of horses. Can't beat that first thing in the morning.

The train was great! We had a ridiculously knowledgeable tour guide named Morgan...she knew more about the railway, the Arizona desert, and the Grand Canyon than would've thought possible.

And then we arrived at the Canyon. I will post those pics on their own, they require no narration. But let me just say, it was amazing. It was awe inspiring. It made me cry.

Oh, and did I mention, it was COLD! So cold in fact that we spent most of our time there in the snow. THE SNOW!!!

Clearly the view proved too much for Parker.

Poor little guy. But seriously, this picture is hysterical!

We had a great lunch and then wandered around...IN THE SNOW!

We had to snuggle to stay warm.

Then we hiked back down to the train. Hailey's shoes were soaked to the core and yet she was eating ice cream.

But on the train ride back to Williams, we were robbed by cowboys!!!

Parker gave up all his money, mainly because he was terrified of the cowboys!

On our way back to Phoenix we stopped in Sedona for lunch with a view. Hailey grabbed the camera and took some great shots. I love this one in particular.

We wandered a little bit. And then...

we climbed back in the rented minivan and conked out. Can you see her drool?

Update #4 done...check.

Oooo Baby the Bradys

2010-05-17T11:49:00.001-07:00

In April, my friend Dionne Brady and her lovely family came to town. My parents were also here and we all had a great time! We met on Saturday at the Phoenix Zoo. We love the zoo, but good golly was it HOOOOTTTT!

I miss Dionne so much, especially in the middle of the night at work when I need her to make me laugh at random stupidity. I think we are both pretty hot mamas, but man does she make me look WHITE! Ebony and ivory, come together in perfect harmony...I dare you not to sing that all day.
Joy, her oldest and Parker's life long love, took an instant liking to Grampy and his cool wheels.

Hailey loves Joy and Dionne, always has.

Say cheeeese Brady family...can you guess who doesn't belong in this picture?

(Left to Right: MY CHILD, Joy, Dionne, Miss Lottie aka Grandma Brady, and JJ)

It really was so incredibly hot. Parker kicked Joy out of Grampy's lap and passed out cold.

Sunday we met at Rawhide Western Town. It was terribly tacky, hot, and yet fun :)

This just might be our Christmas card.

It all proved too much for Baby Jayson. Yes his binkie is indeed propping his head up. And yes, we have no idea how long he was asleep before we noticed.

Dionne and Joy decided, to make it all legal finally. The kids are so proud.

Miss you girl!

Update #3 done...check.

Kristy and Kiley Come to Town

2010-05-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

A few days before our Bisbee trip, Kristy, one of my BFFs, came to town and brought with her the beautiful Miss Kiley. Oh, and her husband too...sorry Nick!

Kiley is of course gorgeous...was there every any question?!

I mean, with all these good looking people around its a wonder we could do anything but stare at ourselves all day long?!

Hailey established herself as not only the oldest, but also a wonderful mother figure.

Mmmmm, thank you Mama Hailey.

It was a wonderful visit. I loved seeing Spadely, and it was a neat change for us to have girl time together while being moms together. Such a gift. Kiley is a doll, but she was not a fan of Jona. Cried every time he entered the room, which is NOT something he is used to. Luckily, in Bisbee Jenna adopted him as her own and spent most of the time in his arms or his lap or fighting over him with Parker. It was good for his self esteem!

Update #2 done...check.

Bisbee, AZ

2010-05-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

I'm way behind on the blogging. So I'm going to catch up you up in pictures and a tad of narration.

In March we went to Bisbee, a weird, hippie little border town. We went with the Walkers, who have become our good friends. Anne takes care of Parker a couple of days a week while I sleep off the night shift. We love her. I mean she is one of the greatest blessings our family has had in our lives since we moved here. Parker loves her, loves her house, loves her daughter, loves her. There has not been a single day of separation anxiety. In fact, the other day when he was getting so sick, I said "are you going to have so much fun at Anne's today?" And despite the fact that he was still in his PJs and hadn't had breakfast, he grabbed his blankie, popped in his binkie, and walked out to the garage to wait by the car. We love her. And she's a super cool girlfriend of mine..the whole package.

We hiked even though we couldn't find the trail.

Hailey and Mikayla became fast friends and loved each other's company. I don't think they stopped talking the ENTIRE three days. I'm not even sure they ever listened to each other, they just talked and talked and talked.

Parker and Jenna continued their bonding over bowls and bowls of blueberries and hummus and snap peas and dried strawberries and everything else they could eat. And you've seen them dancing.

Love the hip swing attitude in this one.

Scott, Anne, Mikayla and Jenna (she's there on her mom's back I promise) Walker.

Ok, one update done...check.

Jenna and Parker Rock Out

2010-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

I took this during our March trip to Bisbee, AZ. I dare you not to laugh at Parker's smooth moves and Jenna's saucy style!!

Started Strong...

2010-04-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY took the kids for professional pictures. The ones we took a year ago are still on my badge at work. New mothers ask me all the time about my cute baby...most of the time I don't admit that my "baby" is now 19 months old!

We started off strong...

They really are so stinking cute.
I mean, this face! THIS face wins me over time and again. THIS face smiles and his whole body lights up. THIS face babbles and giggles and makes my heart sing.

And this beauty! THIS beauty has a smile that shines through any crowd. THIS beauty is brilliant. THIS beauty is sassy and smart mouthed and so incredibly funny. THIS beauty runs the roost and we all know it!

The photo shoot went something like this...

Great job Hailey!

Parker, can you lay down next to Hailey and say cheese?

Please?

For just a second?

How about by yourself?

Say cheeeeessssse?

C'mon Parker!

Ok, that isn't working. How about you two hold hands.

Pretend like you like each other...seriously.

A little closer maybe?

Good job Hailey!

Parker, smile your big smile!

Okay, this isn't working either.

Hailey, let's do a few more of just you. You are doing such a great job!

Ok Parker, now its your turn again!

No, no, stand still!

C'mon Parker, just a couple more.

STOOOOOPPPP!!!!

And that was that!

Hailey's Birthday PartIES

2010-03-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

Jona is in Mexico for a conference and he took the laptop...turd. So I am stuck with our desktop which moves at the speed of molasses going uphill in the winter. Lucky for you, that means I can post pics from Hailey's multiple birthday celebrations...

Sean, Shawna and Hayden were here for New Year's and Hailey's birthday. We had a great visit and Hailey loved playing with her cousin! On New Year's Eve we headed to the Phoenix Zoo.

We love our zoo and invested in a membership. We've been at least twice a month since then!

Hailey and Hayden rode a camel. Oh the thrill.

On New Year's Eve, Shawna's parents (who winter in Phoenix) came over for a BBQ and s'more fest!

Parker was determined to light himself on fire. Mommy was very nervous.

Hailey had her first fire grilled s'more and she is hooked ladies and gentlemen.

January 1st, 2006 little miss Hailey Beth made her debut.

Can it be that she is actually FOUR?

Luckily she is not at all spoiled.

And she definitely didn't start the day by licking the beaters I was using to make her cake. That would be unhealthy.

She is officially a big girl in her BIG GIRL bed. This has lead to me falling asleep with her almost nightly when I tuck her in. I think I love it as much as she does.

Her birthday outing lead us to the Arizona Science Center. Very cool, interactive, educational. Got a membership there too!

They learned how to build damn and, well, get wet and dirty inside.

Parker went to space.

And then that weekend we had yet ANOTHER party at Chuck E Cheese.

Again, not at all spoiled.

(Bianca, Hailey, Ella)

Another cake. This one brought to you by Spongebob Squarepants.

Chuck E. even sang and danced with her. He was a little lame but I'm pretty sure she didn't mind.

(Hailey, Ella, Bianca, Alexa, Emily, Lisa, Zoe, Me)

Hailey and Chuck E...BFF

There you go. Life is a party around here.

Crazy Kiddos

2010-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

2010 has started with a bang! Its really so fun to start every new year celebrating my daughter's birthday. Hailey Elizabeth is now officially 4 years old...HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?! She is 4, she is fabulous, she is smart, she is funny, she is beautiful, she is way too verbal, she has awesome attitude, and she is in all too many ways my daughter. And I'm lucky, and we have fun, and we fight, and I often don't win. I would post pictures from her multiple birthday celebrations, but they are all on the other computer and I can't handle how hideously slow the desktop is so just trust me, every party and happy birthday singing was super fun and exciting and worthy of my gorgeous girl.

Moving on...Hailey and I had a garage sale in January. She worked really hard, helped me decide what to sell, what to keep, which of Parker's toys were disposable, and stayed outside with me all morning while we sold off our clutter. This was her snack break in the front yard while we cleaned out the garage.

Parker has changed so much just in the past few months. He has fluffy, frizzy, curly, bleached blonde hair, and plenty of it. He sings with Hailey, dances with Hailey, follows Hailey every.where.she.goes. He really, really wants to be Hailey. See...
This time of year has shown us why people live in Phoenix. Clear skies, and I mean not a single cloud to be found, 70 degrees, gorgeous. We are outside daily, and the backyard toys that felt so much love in Nashville are finally feeling it again!

Parker, following Hailey's lead, has really taken to the Maupin family love of books. He reads all day, or begs to be read to, or carries around books, or sits with Hailey on the steps, in his rocking chair, on the couch, on the floor, wherever they stop moving and sit still, and read together.

So we've been busy. And, of course, LOUD-

Our Crazy Christmas Chaos

2010-01-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Travelling for Christmas is a challenge. Especially with two small children and a million presents. But as difficult as it occasionally seemed, it was definitely worth it! Miami was awesome and busy and exciting and exhausting and all together terrific. My entire family was there...all 23 of us!

We played in the Renfroe's new backyard.

Got some fresh air and family time.

We were able to visit with Malinda and Katie and meet Michael for the very first time!

The kids ALL looked gorgeous on Christmas Eve! What a fantastic crew they are.

(Left to Right- Parker, Shelby, Bryce, Carly, Marshall, Chloe, Payton, Hailey, Laney)

The Maupins didn't look too shabby :)

The Big Man was as handsome as ever, looking more and more like his daddy.

We woke up Christmas morning at Grammy and Grampy's house with Mom and Dad, Chris, Sarah, Carly and Laney. Santa had visited over night and left some rather fabulous goodies! He and I had chatted before the big day and arranged things so that Hailey's brand new bike would be left in Arizona but Chloe's bike would be on hand in Miami for practice riding. Little Miss Thing was overjoyed!

All of these pictures are blurry, which I don't fully understand, but I feel like they really capture the excitement of the morning!

Mr. Clean got his very own cart to cruise the house with. Why doesn't my house seem cleaner??

Spoiled, spoiled, spoiled.

Hailey is a fantastic bike rider...and Parker is a fantastic big sister follower!

I just love this picture. They look so proud and happy, and they are staring at my kids...love it!

That afternoon we all headed up to Boyton Beach, to Rick and Mef's house, for more presents, lots of food, and a sleepover. Soon after our arrival, Hailey and Jade claimed their spot in front of the tree.

Did I mention there were 23 of us??

Seriously. 23 people and 6 dogs. Good lord.

How cute is he?

This was a gift from the Renfroe's. Parker would happily spend all his time on the caterpillar, despite the fact that his feet don't touch the ground.

The girls all got matching dresses and looked so beautiful. And I love Hailey's lips in this shot. Hoochie.

This was taken the next morning after very little sleep. Don't they look happy? What you don't see is the MASSIVE tantrum that followed this joyous moment when I tried to get Hailey into jeans for our family portrait. It wasn't pretty. It all started over a wedgie and got completely out of hand from there. In all of the family pictures, you can either see the top of Hailey's head as she tries to kick and flail her way out of my arms, or her naked legs as I never actually got the jeans on her. Such a proud moment for me.

On Sunday, Grammy and Payton organized a Perrin Family Fishing Tournament. Those of you who know the Perrins, know that this is one of the things we do best! It was great- matching shirts and all!

Parker's shirt was more like a dress, but he didn't seem to mind.

Auntie Kimmie was on hand to help him reel in the big one.

Hailey fell in love with one poor shiner, and actually cried when it fell lifeless in her hands. I tried repeatedly to explain that it needed water, but she thought it really enjoyed her attention.

We were quite a crew.

Both Hailey and Parker almost passed out on the golf cart ride home.

Uncle Keith, aka Captain Fishing Rod.

And yes, of course there was swimming! Thank goodness for the heated Keys Gate pool, it was actually quite chilly while we were there.

All in all, it was busy and fun filled and fabulous. Don't worry, birthday pictures to follow! Yep, that's right, she is FOUR!

Hmmm...

2009-12-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

With a wink of her eye and a swagger in her step, Hailey just offered me $20 if I would let her eat her cupcake before she finished her lunch. Is it poor parenting that after my initial thought that it certainly isn't good that my 3 year old is attempting bribery, I found myself wondering if she really does have $20 and where she might be hiding it?? I mean, I REALLY need a pedicure.

Recap...

2009-12-16T10:56:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know I am a slacker. Yes, I know I haven't posted anything new since the beginning of November. So sue me. What follows will be a picture filled extravaganza with minimal narration on my part. I know you come here for the pictures and not the quick witted, always entertaining commentary anyway. Let us begin...

While Grammy's trip out west did start off a little crazy...

there was a rainbow at the end of our path.

We eventually made it to beautiful Sedona. And when I say beautiful, I don't mean "oh how pretty" beautiful, I mean "HOLY CRAP IS THAT REAL?!?" beautiful. It really is just like the postcards.

Hailey made some friends that- much to her liking- didn't even try to talk, which is good cause that meant she never had to stop.

And although it was seriously chilly, we even hiked around a little.

Hailey was a tad bummed that we didn't do the whole trail, but it started to sprinkle, and 5 miles seemed a bit beyond what we could handle.

Having Mom here was awesome, and then terrible to have her leave. But soon after our good-byes and our welcome home to daddy, we headed to Idaho for Thanksgiving. We arrived on Saturday and on Sunday we had a mega snowfall. Monday, Hailey and Jona made a tiny snowman complete with raisin eyes and mini carrot nose.

Hailey, ever searching for her next career move, tackled the role of make-up artist leaving Jona and I lookin' good.

We had a great time hanging out with the family, and I was even able to capture the elusive Gabe shot.

There was plenty of Grandma snuggles,

and an absurd amount of Wii playing (man that thing is addictive!).

Our Turkey Day feast was divine...the food was great and so was the company!

Gorging ourselves was followed with the delicate task of constructing gingerbread houses. Jona, Hailey, and Matthew made the house...really Jona made the house while Hailey decorated and Matthew ate the candy :)

While Miranda, Hayden and I made the gingerbread train. There was icing everywhere and I do believe that Hayden's tongue might still be green!

As promised, we finished the trip with a girls day out for Hailey. Little Miss Princess got her first ever professional manicure that included flowers painted on four of her nails. She didn't use her hands properly for two days because she was so worried she would mess it up, and we JUST took the polish off three weeks later!

And now Christmas is upon us. As soon as we came home from Idaho, I worked two night shifts and then Jona left for a conference in Philly. Chaos. But we finally got our tree up last week and decorated it with all of the ornaments we have collected throughout the years...

adding our Arizona 2009 chili pepper Santa last.

So that sums it up. Lots going on, lots to come. We head to M-I-A-M-I on Tuesday and I CANNOT WAIT! Santa has been informed that he will need to find us at Grammy and Grampy's house and we will ALL- and I do mean all 23 members of the Perrin clan- spend Christmas day and night at Rick's in Boyton Beach. Should be crazy...and fabulous!!

Happy Holidays everybody...I'll blog again in 2010! XOXOXO

May be a trick...sure ain't no treat

2009-11-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Is it wrong for me to wish that my kids had H1N1? That might seem cruel and cold hearted, but really I'm just trying to give us all a break. If you refer to my three previous blog entries you will be entertained with tales of our fun filled Halloween adventures. Consider this the prologue...

Every single family that we celebrated with has at least one sick child. By Tuesday, they were all sick. Ahh the power of the mighty germ. I think Alexa (aka Pirate Princess) was the first to go down, but I don't have her mom's e-mail address so I cannot be sure of the situation. Ella (aka Cinderella) was taken down next by the evil swine. Zoe fell prey to the same dark master. but not my kids. Hailey and Parker like to march to the beat of their own drummer. Sing their own tune. Follow the path less taken. Blah, blah, blah, blah...sometimes there is something to be said for going with the flow. Moving with the pack. Following the leader. Instead of just a fever and a headache (and yes I know it can be WAY worse than that, but Zoe had a fever, a high fever, but only a fever) my little unique individuals have a snot filled extravaganza. We went to the doctor today- they both have ear infections, they both are wheezing, they both were running low grade temps, the are BOTH now on antibiotics, breathing treatments, and if that doesn't work Hailey gets the added bonus of oral steroids. Rock on! Neither of them sound like they can breathe, you can hear the wheezing from across the room, and nebulizing a 14 month old is like some terrible form of torture...for both of us. Screw waterboarding. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Jona is in Guatemala for two weeks?! Thank the dear lord that Grammy is here to save the day. And we all know Grammy rocks the casbah. But she is totally getting the shaft being here for the sickos again. We WILL go to Sedona next week.

So yes, I may be a bad mother, but I wish my kids had the swine flu...and were sleeping through the night...and there wasn't a trail of snot down the cushions of my couch, and my shirt, and my pants, and a little on the floor.

_______________________________________________________________

And because I know a blog post without pictures might as well not be a blog post, I leave you with this. Go ahead and tell me I don't deserve a drink at the end of the day...

"I didn't get any candy..."

2009-10-31T21:04:00.001-07:00

The grand finale happened at our house. A bunch of friends came over for an early dinner and neighborhood looting. The kids had a blast and the parents enjoyed adult conversation!

Nothing like a princess picnic in the backyard. Munching on Dino Nuggets before the sugar induced coma could set in.

Mulan.

Tinkerbell...aka Emily

and her sister Cinderella...aka Ella.

Tink...aka Zoe.

Pirate Princess...aka Alexa.

Post dinner and lots of playing, we hit the streets. Parker didn't mind the pumpkin suit at all, seemed to pad his falls.

They attacked each door like a pack of rabid dogs. It was hysterical to watch the group try to figure out how to move out of the way of an opening door.

At one house the family was leaving and the kids marched on into the open garage with bags open, arms outstretched. Parker was actually the first one in, Hailey brought up the rear of the group. As she walked into the garage of a neighbor we haven't met, I asked "What do you say?" Did she respond "trick or treat"...NO. Did she say "happy halloween"...NO. My oh so polite and lovely Mulan held out her bag and said "I say, I didn't get any candy."

Parker the Pumpkin thought this whole idea was great. Wander the neighborhood with your friends following a pack of screaming girls and eating rocks along the way...mecca.

"I just don't get what all the hoopla is about. Tastes like paper to me. They all taste like paper. Boring. Where did I leave my rock?"

Mulan on the skids.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-31T20:51:00.001-07:00

The fun continued with a Carving Party at the Hruschka's. It was complete chaos, and we loved it! Dee LOVES Halloween and I love that she loves it so much :) Their house was decorated with all things Halloween and she even managed to make only orange food!

After dinner, half of the parents had the joy of carving pumpkins with the little people. I am happy to report that no blood was shed.

The other half of us...some might say the smarter half...chased the little people around thus avoiding pumpkin goo.

The end result was fantabulous. I love how different each pumpkin is, how they represent each family. Which one do you think is the Maupin??

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Our Halloween festivities began last weekend at Mother Nature's Pumpkin Patch. The weather is FINALLY glorious and we can enjoy outdoor activities again.

How cute are these kids? Seriously.
Hailey and Zoe are bosom buddies :)

The girls picked a pumpkin and then decorated it with stickers. Sadly we arrived after the stickers had been heavily picked over. Hailey's is covered with random letters and a dinosaur.

Parker wandered around like he owned the joint. There was sand in his diaper when I changed him that night...probably still is.

Parker and Dimitri didn't get to decorate their own pumpkins, but that didn't stop them from touching every last one of them at least once.

They had a few goats and a cow that the kids fed. Parker kept trying to kiss the goats...the goats kept trying to eat his clothes.

Hailey became one with the cow.

Once we were able to break her nature induced trance we headed over to the hay ride. The kids loved it...the view of the newly constructed strip mall followed by the empty field was indeed rather awe inspiring.

The hay maze is always a crowd favorite. And I am happy to report that everyone was able to make it out alive...even Michail (sorry man, couldn't resist!).

Fun was had by all, and the cuteness was irresistible.

Brain Lines

2009-10-26T20:50:00.001-07:00

I started my new job today. This week is hospital orientation and computer orientation. Its only been one day and I am already exhausted. Mostly because I sat on my butt, in a freezing cold room, for 8 1/2 hours...no doubt chasing Parker around is WAY more fun than that!

Parker is being taken care of by a WONDERFUL woman who brings along her 11 month old daughter. For now they are hanging at our crib but when they move into their new house, right around the corner from ASU, her crib will be where da party at.

Got home, went for a walk with the family to look at the gorgeous sunset, Jona and I made dinner, and listened to Hailey repeatedly melt down over...well...nothing really. But at some point I made a face at her and she looked at me, pulled her bangs up and asked if she had lines on her forehead too.

Thanks Hailey, I feel younger and prettier everyday.

2009-10-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Hailey- Where are you going for Christmas?

Hey Parker- Are you excited?

Ahhhh morning cartoons

2009-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Never let the TV be your babysitter...let it be your sanity.

Gateway drugs

2009-09-30T19:51:00.001-07:00

Waking up at 6am has been tough on all of us. Sadly, Parker has been hitting the hard stuff lately.

and it always ends badly.

Fun in the Perpetual SUN!

2009-09-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

We have this ongoing joke, that really isn't much of a joke but something we say and laugh at in a strange, ironic, slightly depressing way..."It never rains in Arizona." For example, I said it yesterday to Hailey when I had to throw away her Dora umbrella that had been destroyed over time and wouldn't block a sprinkle. And we say it when we are reading the signs people hang on street poles announcing garage sales and block parties and they are written with no fear of the paper wilting in the morning dew, or the ink running in the impending thunderstorm. We say it when we plan outdoor activities for the weekend and have a passing thought about the chance of bad weather. And I think it EVERY SINGLE MORNING when the glorious, life giving sun shines through the skylights that adorn the ceiling above my bed.

We have seen a grand total of 2 days of real rain since we moved here in July. TWO DAYS! And one of them was Parker's birthday. And strangely, it seemed like Mother Nature's gift to P. Diddy, a day of quiet, soothing rain. Phoenix has had 2.75 inches of rain this year. Not this month. Not this week. THIS YEAR! Apparently the heavens don't do a whole lot of crying out this direction.

So we seek out the 'rain'. Splash pads they call them. Last week I took Hailey and Parker there after picking up big sister at school.

Now that Parker is walking, he loved it! No fear for this boy.

Hailey always has great plans for running in the water and splashing around, but without fail we get there and she REFUSES to get wet. Avoids the spray at all cost.

Not Parker, he was right in the middle of things.

First you must scope it out and make a plan.

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it...vogue.

Couldn't you just eat this face?

And then....IT GOT HER! She thought she could jump up before the water started but she was outsmarted by the giant snake head. And she L-O-V-E-D it!!

Gone are the days of swimming in our backyard pool. Which is fine cause its crap anyway. But it is actually too cold to swim in. I KNOW! I NEVER thought it would happen. But we tried the other day and I never got past my feet and Hailey's lips turned blue. And today was the final day for the splash pad to be open for the season. Weird considering it was still 100 degrees today.

2009-09-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

MISSING

Have you seen me?

My owner misses me desperately and is willing to offer a reward for anyone who locates me in the general Phoenix area.

Dinner and a show

2009-09-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

On your mark, get set...

2009-09-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

GO!!!!!!!!!!

Celebrate good times- COME ON!

2009-09-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

Parker had a SUPERB first birthday this past Saturday. Grandma was here from Idaho for the weekend and the two families that we have become good friends with came over to party it up!

I dare you to tell me that this is not THE cutest little man you have ever seen!

P Diddy's day started with smiles and hugs...and of course, balloons...

I am left to wonder why we bother with presents when all he really needed was a few, strategically placed, shiny decorations.
He shopped a little...

cleaned a little...

and did a little cookin'. Such a good husband I am raising.

Grandma was the ultimate recipient of Parker lovin'- he RARELY hugs me like that!

And then the party began.

Hailey and Ella got their groove on,

while Emily made sure she was appropriately accessorized.

Parker and Dimitri cruised the strip, making sure they got some love from the ladies.

Hailey and Zoe sang a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' and earned their horribly blue cupcakes.

After a meal of his favorites- mac & cheese and avocado- the little man was given his cake. At first he was apprehensive...

but it didn't take long for the demolition to begin. And while he loved destroying the dessert, he did not eat one single bite.

The post cake sugar buzz lead to some extreme present opening...

and complete silliness.

Next year I'm teaching him how to do laundry.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARKER D!

2009-09-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

On September 5, 2008, at 6:19am, this beautiful little man entered my life...and it will never be the same. I love you so much Parker Daniel, you have changed this family forever and we are so very lucky to have been blessed with such a miracle.

Two rooms down...

2009-08-27T14:28:00.001-07:00

...only 1800 square feet left to decorate!

I put the finishing touches on Parker's room yesterday and now his jungle is complete.

His room is so much less cluttered than Hailey's...poor guy. Today he actually woke up from his morning nap and pointed towards Hailey's door and said "Dat." He knows where the cool kids hang out!

This past weekend we experienced the first, of what I am sure will be MANY, trips to the Phoenix Zoo. And yes, it was hot. Really hot. REALLY REALLY hot. But we were there with our new friends Lisa, Michael, Zoe, and Dimitri (aka Little D). This is the lovely family that let us live in their home when we first arrived in Phoenix and they were in Greece. After taking over their space, it is so fun to finally meet them and I'm excited to already have new friends! They were our first dinner guests a couple of weeks ago, and from their first meeting, Hailey and Zoe have become fast friends. And while P Diddy and Little D don't exactly understand what to do with each other, I'm confident they will be rappers extraordinaire in no time.

Hailey has taking dress up to a whole new level and frequently ventures down the stairs in new and exciting princess combinations. This one is a crowd favorite.

She is also my secretary/body guard- please note the samurai sword in her "belt" while she answers a real phone call. Telemarketers beware.

And you thought I was kidding about Parker and Dimitri!

Please give a warm welcome to...

2009-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Michael David Cornelius Walsh

Born August 25, 2009

to Manus, Malinda, and Katie Walsh

at 3:39 pm in Kilkenny, Ireland

weighing 7 lb 6 oz

...perfect.

Promptly snuggled by a glowing Daddy.

And loved on by Big Sister Katie.

Dear Michael,

I'm your Auntie Leslie. I live very far away in Phoenix, where we will tell your Daddy that it is always sunny and cool and never too hot so we can convince him to move here. You are in Ireland, which feels like it is worlds away to me when all I want to do is snuggle you up and kiss your face and hug your mommy and tell her what an amazing woman she is.

You are a very lucky little guy. You have been born into a family that is loving and kind and funny and adventurous. You have a big sister named Katie- I'm sure you remember hearing her when you were in your mommy's tummy. She is beautiful and although it's been a while since I have seen her, I am sure that she is a hoot just like your parents and will take good care of you. Now, you should expect that things might be a little rough in your relationship at times- that's just how it is with brothers and sisters. And she might not like you very much for a little while since you staged a coup and she is no longer the baby of the family. But she will get over it eventually when she realizes that you idolize her.

Please be nice to your mom. Let her sleep a little here and there. Be kind to your food source, handle with care if at all possible.

I can't wait to meet you little man. You are a precious gift, even so far away. Lots of long distance hugs and kisses and a little nap snuggling on the couch with your nutty Aunt Leslie.

I love you.

Phun in Phoenix

2009-08-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

It was a long, long ride for the men, but they made it! Jona's dad flew to Nashville and helped make the drive cross country, through some barren wasteland, across bumpy Oklahoma, and finally into Phoenix. THANK YOU TONY!

Most of our stuff fit in the Budget truck, with some key items left behind in the care of our wonderful neighbors- primarily the swingset. While we are sad that it does not grace our putting green of grass in the backyard, we feel confident that River and Emilia are giving it the love and attention it so deserves. And Hailey is adequately distracted by her love for the pool so she hasn't been overly crushed to see it go.

Jona and some really great friends did an awesome job of fitting all of our junk in this thing. No space was spared, and no room for anything else. And if you think the truck looks tough to manuever in parking lots and gas stations, let me inform you that they were towing Jona's pick-up! Yes, the Ford Ranger (who really should have a name at this point) is still with this Maupin family- it just keeps on truckin'!

Speaking of truckin' along...His speed makes him appear blurry in this photo. Can you see the wind in his hair?

We have been decorating, and Hailey's room was the first room completed- and the only one to date :)

Hailey was misbehaving one morning during our unpacking extravaganza, so Parker decided to pack her up and ship her back to Nashville.

HAHAHAHAHA- the toys are MINE all MINE!!!

Hailey started school this past week at the Child Development Lab on ASU campus. We looked at several different schools and most of them made me cry when we left. Really, there is nothing here that will compete with her Vandy school and I need to just get over it. WE MISS YOU ALLISON AND MONTREIA! So, while it is not as spectacular as Vandy, this place is great and she is very, very happy there. Her teachers are tons of fun, there are a million things for her to do throughout the day, she naps like a champ, and she seems to be adjusting like a rock star. All that and it is next door to Jona's office building so he has been able to check on her daily.

When I picked her up from her first day we explored a little around campus and chowed down on some Coldstone ice cream. This is Mill Avenue which is full of cool shops and restaurants and we even found a splash pad to run in- a TOTAL necessity when it is over 100 degrees everyday!

All in all, we are doing great and making the move with grace. The kids are very happy, we are already making new friends and have even had our first family of friends over for dinner! So do we like Phoenix??

Parker says "WOO HOO!"