American Idol Finale

WHO'S IT GOING TO BE??....

Seriously, call me a dork, whatever. I love this show! What incredible performers we've seen this year, as well as past years! So, it comes down to Adam & Kris tonight....who's it going to be?! Who knows! The rocker chick in me says it will be Adam; but, those girls (and I) sure like Kris too! :} And you've got to love his innocent soulful sound! But what an entertainer Adam is too! This is why I just decided not to vote last night. I could have been amongst the millions dialing away; but, how do you compare performers who each bring their own thing to the table, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Personally, I like apples as much as I like oranges! :} Either way...they are both going to do well from here no matter what! And since I will be gone all night, I'll have to rely on the good old DVR to let me know (oh, one of the best inventions ever, love that thing!). And I've warned everyone not to tell me when they know! :}

A day in the mountains

So now that it's finally warmer, it's time to get out & do all those fun outside activities! And since I finally had a free day (which unfortunately doesn't happen too often), we took advantage of it by taking a drive up the canyons. We ended going up Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is where Kaley & I were the day before. We went back up to Snowbird for a picnic & were planning a hike up that way; but, there was still too much snow on that trail, so we headed down lower & found a good little trail where you could see the valley in the distance. We're so fortunate to have these incredible mountains so close to us, it's just something not to take for granted!

Nothing like quality family time in the great outdoors!

A Girl's Slumber Party

This weekend, the big & little girls got to have a slumber party at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird, thanks to Melissa who let us share one of her nights! You know I'll never turn down a chance to have any kind of get-a-way with my girls! :} And could you ask for better scenery?

The snow is starting to melt now. It's crazy to think most of these trees are covered in snow in the midst of winter time.
Melissa's granddaughter, Eva. She is just too cute, I was getting a kick out of her!
OK, so one boy was allowed! :} Stephanie (Stewart) Stack's little guy, Peter
Mel & her daughter, Lauren
We had some fun down in the game room

Miss Kaley taking a shot at some pool

While Lauren was doing a little light-saver dance with the pool stick! :}
Despite the chill in the air, we also got in some pool/hot tub time

Stephanie's daughter, Mia & Kaley, sure had fun playing together!

The kids couldn't get enough of the hot tub at our room.
Kaley made sure to bring all the neccessities for nail painting!

Instant friends!

And what's a slumber party without a pillow fight?! :}

Peter ready for his soccor game the next morning. He's just a little stud! :}

Silly girls!

And yes, they are back in the hot tub!

We sure had a fun time! Thanks again Mel!!

The Joys Of Motherhood..

There's plenty of joys that come along with Motherhood. But, just to be able to claim these three cute little buggers, that's good enough for me! They make me very proud & getting to experience the chance to be their mother is quite an honor! (of course not an easy job though; but, worth every bit!!)Happy Mother's Day Mom!! You've been a great example to me! (though, how the heck did you raise 8 kids? 3 is hard enough!! :}) We enjoyed getting to spend the day with the family. We just kicked back on the patio, barbequed some yummy garlic burgers & enjoyed each other's company. It was a beautiful spring day, which made for a perfect Mother's Day!
Haiden cruisin' on the Big Wheel...what a stud!
Even Sherrie's dogs, Koby & Max, got to join in on the fun!
Anjila & Kaley soaking up the sun!
Now wait a minute...it's Mother's Day. How come I've not getting the back rub?! :}
It was such a peaceful & relaxing afternoon...just what I needed!
"Uncle Bug" getting his time with Haiden. Oh, that's cute! :}
How come every day can't be Mother's Day?! :}

(I guess because the rest of the days belong to the kids!)

"Takin' It Easy" with the Eagles

The Legendary Eagles: Don Henley, Glenn Frey & Joe Walsh You know that life list you have (and I hope you all have one! :})...how often do you check things off? Atleast once a year? Well, I just believe you should take a look. It can be simple things, big dreams, things you want to learn, whatever. Just know how good it feels when you get to check one off! So, why do I say that? Well, something as simple as seeing the Eagles live in concert has been on mine for probably 25 years or so. I did have the chance years ago & just couldn't do it at the time. I promised if I ever got the chance again, I wouldn't miss it no matter what! There's something about seeing legends in person! We've been to a lot of great concerts over the years; but, that had to be one of the best ever. They were AMAZING!! (and whoever the idiot was who gave them a bad review in the paper, he apparently wasn't paying attention!) I think most people can sign along to at least one Eagles song (I know you are in your head now, aren't you?). And you've got to love sing-alongs (even when you can't really sing like me :}). I'm surprised I still had a voice the next morning really! And it was the first concert at our new soccer field, Rio Tinto Stadium, which made for a great set up to an outside concert! And, as a bonus, we just happened to run into old friends, Christina (Hyte) & Jim Tallitsch. It's been a long time. I played softball with Chris since the beginning. It was great to see them! What a fun night that was!!

We got to share the experience with long time friends, Mellisa & Lori, and friends

Without a doubt, they've still got it!

Taking a trip to "Hotel California"

SEEING THE ONE & ONLY EAGLES IN CONCERT....CHECK!! :}

Continuing the race for the cure...

Once again we participated in the Annual Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. It's amazing to see it grow every year! I remember the 1st year we started doing it, there was just over 2000 people I believe. This year it hit over 18,000! I can only imagine, as a survivor, how good it feels to know all these people are helping you fight the battle! It's sad at the same time to know how many people this effects. Even though it's been a cause I've tried to stand for for many years, this year it unfortunately gave a new perspective. Our good friend from school, Natalie Avery, has had to face the battle herself this year. She was fortunate to find it early & get right on the treatment. She's just finished chemo & radiation & is doing well! I realize it's a daily battle; but, she has an amazing outlook on life & what she's had to face. It made me proud to know I could help in some way. I was SO proud of our team, which has also continue to grow & raise more money every year. Our team successfully raised over $2400...which is more than double what we did last year!! I couldn't be more thankful to our team who really stepped up & got the word out! Every bit adds up!

A portion of "Team Jazzerbabes & Friends", who are all awesome people in doing thier part!

Our honoree this year, Natalie, & I. She's a strong woman all right...so glad we can be there for her!

So glad Anji joined us this year! She was kind enough to run with the boys (and stay with Dylan while Bradon took off at lightening speed! :})

Tracy & Kaley, who got a hold of Deb's silly glasses

Long time students, Shelly & Ashley Baxter. Such a cute Mom & Daughter team those two are!

Of course we were thrilled that Nat was back in town this week & got to join us!

Her adorable little Jonah, growing up fast! Friends & Family coming together for the cause!

Let the race begin! Fun to have our cute student, Jeannette, join us too!

It always amazes me to walk around the corner & see these thousands & thousands of people far down the road!

My cute silly girl, who was given these pom-poms along the way

The back of our shirts (reminding you Early Detection is Key & that we are the cure). If you ever watch 'The Office", which is a show I just love, you will get it.

It's always fun to see all kind of different shirts & themes going on each year. Like these ones, "Kickin' Cancer's Butts" for one.

I was even more thrilled to finally get some of our Bonko Girls to join us this year! In the picture is myself, Tracy, Deanna, Suzanne with her daughter, Megan, & Jules (and Tina was there too...just not for this picture time :})

Kaley was glad to have Aleaha there too!

Our Deb will always find the music & dance! (atleast if she's lost, we know where to look! :})

I was also very thrilled to have Melissa & family join us! She alone did an incredible job at raising funds with more than 1/3 of our total donations. Way to go Mel!

I love to be able to share this with my family each year. I think it's good to get them involved in activities around the city, especially when it's for a good cause! They're always good sports! :}

We ran into some more team mates after from the Herriman Jazzercise. Sean Wilson with her kids, and other students. Glad to have them join us too!

Together, we ARE the cure!!