Tri Delta Alumna Cookie Exchange

All of these ladies, except myself and one other are Golden Circle Members. That means they have been Tri Deltas for 50 years! I loved hosting them in my home for this years holiday party. They drove over from Lake Havasu City with their cookies and gifts that we exchanged. I made a few appetizers and warm drinks. It was a great time. The other photo is one of the appetizers I made-a festive holiday dip. YUM!

Christmas Catch Up

Christmas is such a fun time of year that I was so busy I didn't blog about any of the activities, so read only as much as you like, because the next several post will be about all of the fun things we did this holiday season. This is a picture of B and the kids at Kingman's annual Holiday Parade. It wasn't the best parade ever, but the Coca Cola truck gave everyone a Sprite and Little Debbie's handed out cakes and cookies. That stuff is always fun!

Our First Snowman

I'm not the one that usually plays outside with the kids, that's what Brian does well. The kids were so excited about the snow and Tynli's school sent them home 2 hours early, so we had the afternoon. It was so humorous to me because we don't have any snow "equipment". Tynli lost her hat and mittens at school and we don't have any others. So I dug through Brian's fishing gear looking for warm stuff. I found a WY beannie and his fishing gloves for me. The kids wore double layers of socks for mittens and their hoods, Tynli also had our Santa hat, until she gave it to the snowman. I guess we were creative at least. We didn't last long without snow pants or snow boots, we got cold quick. It was so much fun! We let the dogs out too and they loved the snow as much as we did. They've already canceled school tomorrow. I know to most of you this seems absurd, it's just a little snow. You must know though that we are a town with NO snow removal materials. There aren't snow plows or any other type of equipment. I did notice they put a little bit of dirt on the bridge over the railroad track. Hmmm. I also learned that my BMW's not so great in the snow. I think we'll be car shopping before I move to Utah. Bummer! I never thought I'd feel so happy over a snow storm-but it truly was such a blessing for us, we made some great memories today. Tynli wants to go sledding tomorrow. I'm not sure how to accomplish that. I don't think they even sell sleds at Wal-Mart. Any good ideas?

SNOW!!!

Okay so for those of you who live in the North, you will probably think this is so silly. But my kids have grown up in Arizona. It's probably only snowed 3 times in the 5 years we've been here and it always melts by noon. Until today. This is our house, and we got a few more inches after I took this picture.

The Polar Express

Although we went a few weeks ago, I just haven't had a chance to put up the pictures. The Grand Canyon Railway hosts the Polar Express every holiday season. Brian made a special trip home so he could go with us. If any of you ever get the opportunity, it was soooo much fun. We ate dinner at the resort and enjoyed all the lights, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Clause and the cool air of the mountains. Then as soon as it was dark we boarded the train

The conductor greeted us and we were served hot cocoa and cookies by our chef and elf. We listened to the storybook version of The Polar Express. Then we traveled through a magical tunnel so that we could reach the North Pole in record speed.

Once we reached the North Pole we could see Santa and his workshop out the windows. We weren't able to get off, thinking he was so busy preparing for Christmas. So our chef and elf lead us in some Christmas carols.

Then to our surprise here came Santa, only this time he didn't choose just one child, he gave a bell to every child that could hear it ring.

I love the look Tynli has on her face. This was my best Christmas gift!


Porter liked his bell, but truly he is all boy and just LOVED being on a real train. What a special event for him.

This was such an amazing way for us to start our holiday season. Merry Christmas to all!

Thanksgiving 2008

Brian came home last weekend so that I could go to the Women of Faith Conference in Phoenix. So he wasn't able to come for Thanksgiving. Although it was lonely without him we had a nice day. My friend Leah invited us to join her family as well as another girlfriend of ours. It was a lot of people, with lots of little kids, so it was like being with family. Leah and her mother cooked. They are from Arkansas so we had a few things that were new to me. Everything was delicious and I feel so blessed to have good friends, especially when family is so far away.

Thanksgiving Events

Both kids had Thanksgiving events at school last Tuesday. The Kindergarten at Tynli's school had a Thanksgiving Concert. Each class had different types of hats and they all sang songs about turkeys, Indians and the Pilgrims. After they served pies. It was so adorable.

Porter's preschool had a special "snack" with rolls, turkey, and veggies. I had so much fun going in to help, I sometimes forget how much I loved teaching preschool.

Crazy 8 Tag

8 TV shows that I watch
1-Grey's Anatomy
2-Brothers and Sisters
3-Army Wives
4-Jon and Kate plus 8
5-90210
6-ER
7-Lipstick Jungle
8-Lost

8 Things I did Yesterday
1-Said goodbye to Brian for a few weeks
2-Went to Ty's birthday dinner
3-Checked my email
4-Checked my Facebook
5-Held a baby
6- Bathed my kids
7-Listened to Tynli read :)
8- Cleaned the house up

8 Places I Love to Eat
1-Calicos
2-El Palacio
3-Johnny Carinos
4- Red Lobster
5-Cracker Barrel
6-Mom's house
7-Mimi's Cafe
8-Olive Garden

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1-Moving to Utah
2-Decorating for Christmas
3-Shopping for Christmas
4-Christmas
5-Seeing Twilight
6-Cleaning out my house
7-Tynli reading
8-Porter's speech improving more

8 Things on My Wishlist
1-Selling my house
2-Finding a new house
3-Having my Family together again
4- Scrapbooking More
5- Planning a vacation
6-Celebrating our 10th Anniversary
7-Running a 10K
8-A bigger, less expensive car

Tea Party

The Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center here in Kingman had a Tea Party Benefit to raise funds for their center. The center helps families with unplanned pregnancy in so many ways. Tynli and I were given tickets by a great friend of mine. We enjoyed dressing up and enjoying some Mommy/Daughter time.

Miss Madeline and her dog Spot

We had a lot of fun this Halloween. Tynli was so adorable as Madeline and Porter liked being a puppy. He really liked Trick-or-Treating too.

October Highlights (a little late)

We spent a fun day at a pumpkin patch in Chino Valley. I was a little disappointed that the pumpkins weren't actually grown there. But the kids loved the barrel train ride, bounce houses, food and fun.

Tynli was so happy to draw the face on our jack-o-latern and both kids enjoyed carving it with Daddy.

Mom

Just a quick update-it's been too long. My mom came through her surgery well. It looks like all of the cancer was in her kidney and the doctors removed it all. She is on the mend and hopefully that will be it. As of now she will not need further treatment. Her recovery will take a while from such a big surgery, but she is a trooper. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, cards and kind words. And Candice thank you so much for the rosary, prayers and note. My mom was deeply touched and that means so much to me. She says it is so beautiful.
I have a ton of pictures to upload, but I am a single mom right now and just don't have as much time on my hands. I want to put Halloween pictures up and it's already almost Thanksgiving-yikes. I'll get to it soon! Again thanks everyone for everything. It was a tough week and I appreciate all of your support!---By the way B is liking his new job as well.

Husband Tag

Yesterday's post about my mom is so serious so I thought I 'd do a fun one tonight. I tag anyone who reads this-it's fun to think about the one you love.

1-What is his name? Brian Keith Moore
2-Who eats more? Embarassingly ME
3-Who said I love you first? I think it was me.
4-Who's taller?-Brian, but just barely
5-Who's smarter? Depends on what-math, him,
6-Who's more sensitive? Me, I get excited, or hurt easily.
7-Who does laundry? Me, except now Brian will have to start doing his own, poor guy.
8-Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are looking at it, he does.
9-Who pays the bills? Me
10-Who cooks more?Me
11-Who's more stubborn? This might be a tie
12-Who's the first to admit they are wrong? I think we trade off on this, sometimes me, sometimes him.
13- Who has more siblings? Brian
14-Who wears the pants in the relationship? It depends on the subject, so I guess we both do.
15-What do you like to do together? Spend time with the kids, go out to eat, watch tv.
16-Who eats more sweets? probably me
17-How did you meet? My sister introduced us.
18-Who asked who out first? Brian asked my sister to bring me to his graduation party, does that count?
19-Who kissed who first? Brian kissed me.
20-Who proposed? Brian
21-His best features and qualities are: He's handsome and gentle, funny,yet reserved. He's strong, but kind and always sincere.
22-Who will you tag?

My Mom

Wow life has been wild the past few weeks. With preparing for our move and the big changes we face, we received another twist. My mother has been diagnoised with kidney cancer. She will be having surgery to remove it on November 4. Brian is starting his new job at this same time so the kids and I will travel with him to be with my family at this time. Please keep our entire family in your prayers. Some of you have met my mom and know her as the quiet, calm presence that she is and many of you don't know her at all. But all of you are either my family or my friend and I appreciate your support. I will try to update my blog to keep you all informed.

UTAH!!!

Here's some exciting news. We're moving!---To Utah. Brian has accepted a new job with an engineering firm in a town about 25 miles south of Salt Lake City. He is really looking forward to a new start and will be returning to highway/transportation type work. I am excited for a variety of reason. First it is very close to a great Catholic School. Although we may not be able to get Tynli in right away, my hope is for both kids to attend there. I am also excited about all that the city has to offer, restaurants, SHOPPING, museums, arts etc. . . Finally we will be about an hour and half or so away from our families. That truly is the icing on the cake. Our children will finally get to see their grandparents and aunts, uncles and cousins often. We have some amazing friends in Kingman that I will be sad to say goodbye, but I really think this is a positive thing for our family.
So Brian has about 3 weeks left here, and hopefully we will be following soon, we have a house to sell. Please pray for our family during this time I know we are going to need the support.

Porter's New School

Porter started a new preschool last week. Although I loved the Christian School for Tynli, I really like Manzanita's Little Dragons. Porter was evaluated and it was determined that he is delayed in his Language Development. This wasn't surprising to us, he has been in Speech Therapy for almost a year. He did not qualify in Articulation, which did surprise me, but his therapist at preschool added an artic goal to his IEP so he will receive help with that too. He goes Mon-Thurs, so I have 4 free mornings. It's actually odd, but I think I'll get used to it. He's sad when I leave, but I have been getting great reports, which is so nice to hear!

This picture is from his birthday. He got the Geo Tracks train set and plays with it everyday. He also got a big boy hair cut and had a photo shoot for turning three. When I recieve the CD I'll post some of his pictures. We took him out to an old general store on Route 66. The photographer has toddlers of her own, and she did awesome!

He Asked and I said YES!

Ten years ago today Brian proposed and of course I said yes. I have such fond memories of that day. He sent me a dozen roses at work and we went out to dinner. I did know he was going to propose, so there wasn't that element of surprise. And we picked out my ring together-this is Brian we're talking about. But even without the surprise it was a wonderful day and he was just as sweet and loving as he could be. I also remember that I was getting sick that day. I felt dizzy and had a fever. But I refused to be sick because I was going to get engaged! (By Sunday I ended up in a clinic with strep throat). It's funny to me how I always think I am too busy to be sick and then I end up really really sick! Anyway I feel so blessed to be his wife and so grateful to share my life with him.

Happy Mother's Day

Okay, so I know it's the start of October tomorrow, but my family gave me a gift certificate to a (then) new salon called Zen. Today I finally used part of it and I had a wonderful pedicure. I love pedicures. I love them more than chocolate, and I mean that! The girl that did mine was just wonderful and I feel so pretty, just because my toes, well actually my feet look so good. I'm sure this isn't my most interesting post, but anyone who needs to relax should really take some time for themselves and enjoy a spa pedicure. Aaah!

A game of Tag

20 Years ago. . .
1. I was 12 and lived in Mtn. View, WY
2. I still played with Barbies
3. I liked to run sprints in track.

10 years ago. . .
1. I had just graduated from college and moved to Cheyenne, WY
2. I got engaged to Brian
3. I started teaching preschool

5 years ago. . .
1. I became a Mommy
2. I moved to Kingman, AZ
3. I finished my elementary teaching certification

3 Years ago. . .
1. Porter was born
2. We bought a new SUV
3. I joined the Tri Delta alumni group in Lake Havasu

1 Year ago. . .
1. I started working at Huntington Learning Center
2. B and I hiked to Havasupai
3. We went to Disneyland

So far this year. . .
1. Tynli started Kindergarten
2. Porter started Preschool
3. I ran 100 miles (not in one day)

Yesterday I. . .
1. Volunteered at Kindergarten
2.. Took Porter to an evaluation at Manzanita Preschool
3. Went to game night at the Burgess's

Today I. . .
1. Went to work
2. Watched Friends
3. Had a scrapbooking workshop

In the next year I'll. . .
1. Start weight training again
2. Run a 10K
3. Add the finishing touches in my scrapbook room

This is fun, but I won't tag anyone except Tana-:)

Barbies

This afternoon Tynli asked why I always have to do scrapbooking. Honestly I didn't think I did it that much while she is awake. But it was her perspective not mine. So I asked what she'd like to do and she just wanted me to play with her. So much that she let me pick. I picked Barbies. This was the first time we played Barbies that it was actual Barbies (not the Disney Princess Dolls). I had so much fun! So did she. It just brought back so many childhood memories of playing Barbies with my sister. I am truely blessed to now create these memories with my daughter. I'm sure we'll be playing a lot more. We had to run from the giant man chasing us with a dump truck (Porter). Hey he wants to play too. ;)

Look at Me, I'm Three!

Porter's birthday is today, but we had a transportation themed party on Saturday afternoon. He had several friends "STOP" by to celebrate with him. They played on the trampoline, in the sand and water table, on the swing set and with a train set up on a play mat. They also made their own licence plates out of craft foam. I made his cake, which was actually several little cakes, both trains and cars. He made sure to let Tynli know that it was his cake and not her's. He has just grown up so fast! Today Porter and I set up his GeoTracks, it's a really neat train set. He loves it and couldn't wait to show Daddy and Tynli. Tonight we will have a cake and celebrate just the four of us.

Busy doing Nothing

Life seems so busy right now, and yet I can't exactly put my finger on what it is exactly we are so busy doing. Both kids are in the full swing of school, and their adjustments have been difficult. Porter doesn't want to sit in circle time, but loves to play. Tynli's had a hard time with the full day. It is a long day for her, but she had made new friends and loves her teacher. Brian is very busy at work and seems to be getting home later each night. I am trying to clean out the house and garage and have a yard sale this Friday. So I guess all the little things compiled add up. But all is well. Porter's birthday is coming quickly. I'll definately share after his celebration.

Preschool

Porter started preschool last week, I just haven't had a chance to post. He really likes his new backpack, but other than that he wasn't very cooperative with the photo shoot. He was so excited to finally go to school, he's been so sad that he can't stay with Tynli at her school. He's so little, not even 3 yet, I know if it weren't for Tynli already attending Grace Lutheran Preschool I wouldn't have been able to let him go. He was so happy to be there though I don't think he even noticed that I left. We are really hoping that preschool will help PoBo with his speech and language delays. He was recently screened at the developmental preschool and is now scheduled to have further evaluation. He is talking so much more, but he is missing some of his sounds and dropping some as well. Often people ask why worry about it now, he is so young. Our theory is that early intervention never hurt anyone and we see his progress all the time. I am also enjoying our afternoons together. We both miss Tynli so much, but it has given us time to be together. I love that I can actually listen to what he has to say, without Tynli interrupting, or speaking for him. He is such a precious boy!

KINDERGARTEN!

Tynli started Kindergarten on Thursday. I could hardly believe it. She was nervous, but excited. And she was ready to go back the next day. She came home sooo tired and very hungry. It's just crazy, I wonder where the past five years have gone,

and how this happend so fast. I did good while dropping her off and Porter seemed to know I had an ache in my heart because he asked to be held and gave me a big hug! Precious boy. I held it together until I got to the car and the tears finally fell. It all seemed so cliche, thinking about bringing her home from the hospital, her first steps, words, etc. But it did all run through my head. Then I thought if this hurts so much how will I ever send her to college?

Libby Lu

Here's Tynli's makeover shots. They start from the bottom up-oops! :)

School Shopping

Tynli is starting Kindergarten in a few days, so she and I went to Las Vegas shopping. We had lunch just the two of us and hit the mall. It was a fun day, and I am cherishing this last little bit of time I have with her before sending her off to the "big girl" world. I also took her to "Libby Lu". She had a blast getting a make-over and just loved feeling pretty! I will try to post those pictures too, but I'm not sure how to rotate them so they aren't sideways. Anyway send warm thoughts and prayers our way as our family goes through this big step in our little girl's life. Next week Porter starts preschool. Then I'll really need a hug!

"Twighlight" to "Breaking Dawn"

Okay so my girlfriends finally convinced me to read the "Twighlight" series. I wasn't convinced I was going to like vampire books. Oh my word they are so good!So I got back into town from our WY trip just in time to go with them to the Midnight party for the release of the last book "Breaking Dawn". We had so much fun. What a great girls night!

Moore Family Reunion

So we survived another trip to Wyoming. We're home now trying to get ready for school to start-yes so soon! We had a nice time seeing both families. I loved the cooler weather and all the beautiful greens of summer in the mountains. The kids really enjoyed the Family Reunion camping trip. Tynli loved playing with all her cousins, especially her new cousin Aubrey-who's magic. (She's not really new, we just don't get to see her that often, but maybe she is magic.) Porter chased after all the little kids trying to keep up and play too. It's a blessing to be a part of such a big family that still makes it a priority to get together.

Potty Training, Company and Packing

Wow, what a week. Porter decided last Sunday that he needed to go pee, in the middle of church. I didn't really believe him, but for some reason indulged him. He actually went! I wanted to do a cartwheel, but since he doesn't have aim, I spent the few minutes I had washing my white, linen pants off and trying to dry them before returning to our pew!
My sister arrived on Tuesday and brought her daughters as well as my brother's kids. We had a busy week taking the kids to the community pool, Bullhead City, Oatman and the Las Vegas Strip. They headed home yesterday and we head up there tomorrow night. It's that time of year, the Moore's annual Family Reunion. So we will drive 10 hours to spend 4 days camping with B's family. I'm sure it will be fun for everyone. Who knows maybe one of us will become the Holey Board Champion. Cross your fingers!

Another year, another t-shirt, another picture

Fourth of July already. Didn't we just celebrate Christmas. I can't seem to catch up, which is why we had a very low key day. We went to the store for a few supplies and had a simple lunch of bbq pork sandwiches. I had good intentions of having a triple berry shortcake dessert before we went to watch the fireworks, but the Schwan's man accidentally forgot to give us our berries. Such is life-good thing we also bought ice cream! We watched the fireworks from the parking lot at B's office. They shoot them off at the fairgrounds, which is just a few blocks away. PoBo was so tired he just kept asking to go home, until the sky lit up with colors. Both kids loved watching the fireworks, and I enjoyed watching them. It has been another year and they are just growing up so fast. I know all parents say that, but now I truely understand what it means. So next year I think we're due to wear red. . .

Six months 100 miles plus

Well as of June 30, 2008 my running mile log is 105.14 miles! I am now a hundreds club member! It took six months, but I did it. I ran a 100 miles. I celebrated by buying a new pair of running shoes. Anyone want to join me in the next 100?

Kids times 2

Well most of you in Kingman know that I had my friend's Melissa's children for the past three days while she is at her fitness competition. Whew! I did it, a five year old, four year old and two two year olds. We survived, and honestly I enjoyed it. The kids were all so good. I mean I won't lie we had a few melt downs around bedtime and a few fights, but it went so well. I had help from my husband and I had my babysitter Haley for a few hours on Friday too. The biggest challenge-going places, getting 4 children in carseats was interesting. I'd say we all had a lot of fun. The kids thought they were so big having their first "sleep over". When family is all so far away, I'm grateful that I have friends that are willing to share their lives (and children) with me!

Becca

I didn't forget myself, but I couldn't continue at 1:00 am. So here it goes. About Becca: I love being a mother, I love being a wife. I love working out, right now my favorite is Yoga with Stephanie. I love to scrapbook. Right now I am also working at Huntington Learning Center 3 days a week. I enjoy teaching so much and this is a great way for me to work, without "working". I also am an independant consultant for Steel My Heart-check out my website: beccamoore.yoursmh.com And I sell scrapbooking and stamping products for a company called Close To My Heart. Recently I started having a workshop once a month where I design a 2 page layout and my friends come and make them. It is fun "girl" time. Lastly I've been running again and am about to reach my goal of 100 miles. It's taken six months, but I will officially be the first member of the 100s club .

Porter

Porter is a ball of energy. He loves to play cars and trains. He is still attending speech therapy sessions weekly and we have seen great improvements in his vocabulary. He is still dropping many sounds off the ends of his words, but we know he'll get there. He is signed up to start preschool in the Fall although he does miss the deadline by about 2 weeks. Hopefully he'll be potty trained by then. He recently got new "chonies" like Daddy (boxer briefs). We'll see if that works! He is a dare devil and will try anything. He is also stubborn and strong willed. Hopefully these traits will help him go far in life.

Tynli

Tynli just finished preschool and is gearing up for Kindergarten. She has a very busy summer schedule with tee-ball and soccer camps. She also takes swimming lessons twice a week. She just started stroking both freestyle and underwater. It was such a great accomplishment after a year of lessons. We are so excited for her. She also takes gymnastics and ballet. We have been working on site words and she is learning them quickly. She reads them easily in books and on signs. She is a very girly-girl with painted fingernails and dresses that turn. Hopefully she won't be too upset when school starts and she's put in her uniform shirt.

Brian

Brian is still working at Mohave Engineering. Things have slowed down and yet he is still so busy. This spring he helped coach a little league baseball team and he is playing softball too. He is such a wonderful Daddy, our children adore him, as do all of their little friends. He's called Tynli's Daddy, Porter's Daddy, and to two of their friends he is Mr. Beebs.

BMoore4Family debut

Many of my friends blog, and many have baby websites. I liked the idea of our friends and family having a place to go to see our children grow and keep in touch with our daily lives. Not all can be shared in phone calls and emails. So here we are, our little family of 4 and our new place to share our news. Stayed tuned for all our updates.