The Bushman Bunch

The Wright team, and Right Coach

2009-05-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Former Cardinal Player (sorry I didn't get his name), Coach Alex Jacobson and Toby Wright
Coach and Linda Murphy talking with players and parents

Thank you Toby for coming back and inspiring our kids! Dobson is his home, he told me.

Timing is everything, and luck, too. We asked him before he agreed to help at Hamilton

(they asked him and would pay him, those evil, breaking-AIA rules sharks)!

Coach Jacobson, his wife, Brie, Garrett, and Kyle. They are so awesome.

We are glad that they are going to move to Arizona

Our Boosters - Alyssa Hardman, Linda Sachs, Lori Avena, me, Michelle DeMetz,

Tamara Salinas, Linda Murphy, Jonelle Johnson--what a night!

Football season is going to start again. This will be my third year of helping with the Booster club. I really enjoying being part of something and trying to make it a better experience for the boys and for our Dobson Community. I have worked many hours launching a Golf Tournament, getting colored programs started, like other schools, getting banners, working with the marching band, too (Amanda is in that)and copying ideas from other Booster Presidents who have a great system. Thanks to Kristi Brake for all of her great ideas that we are using next Fall.

Tonight was an amazing turn-out for our new season. The reason it is new is because we have a new head coach from Utah, Alex Jacobson. He was the head coach of Jordan High, and is now moving with his family to Arizona. He is so motivating and is bringing hope, commitment, and a complete sense of community to our area. Many families have moved and have lost faith in our system. He is not only incorporating football, but also service that these players are going to do. In Utah the players read to the Elementary kids, and cleaned up their stadium after a game

He went to one of our Jr. high's, Hendrix, and invited them to come. They said that they have never had a Dobson Coach visit them! They have always felt like the forgotten step-child of Dobson, and they are closer to Dobson, then Rhodes Jr.

We had the best turn-out ever at our Kick-off meeting. I met a former Dobson High Football player, Toby Wright, who has played Pro Football and has his own gym. He is awesome and I asked him if he would come back and help our boys, and he is!

Our booster team is awesome. They are organized, and have made our transition great.

These moms are not afraid to speak out, and get the job done, and they have!

Look out Dobson, here we come!!!!

Want-to-be-a-red-head?

2009-04-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'm trying a new hair color-red. Of course, it's not a true red. I tried , dark brown, and light brown, then after my hair breaking off, I can now put color over my black hair. My kids don't like it, my husband didn't really notice and doesn't care, and doesn't want to hear about it. A few people commented positively and others say nothing- which means-yuck!!! What do you think?

Star Struck

2009-04-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

When I was out getting sponsors for all of the Golf Tournament I'm launching, I met up with athe manager of Chandler Harkins. (He and a friend in our ward have created "Locker 13" which is a series of short films. They are soon to release one, Staring Ricky Schroeder). He gave me a pass to go see a movie that has not been released at the Phoenix Film Festival. David and I went last year with his group. It is fun seeing movies and seeing all of the aspiring people trying to get into the filming industry. Many actors like doing independent movies because there is more freedom to do a film that they want to do, less pressure, They may read a script that maybe a non-famous person sends in and they agree to do it.Anyway, David and I went to "Love and Dancing," which will be released in May 2009. The theature was packed and before the show started two of the writers, producers and actors of the show introduced themselves, and sat in the audience. I didn't recognize them. They were wearing hats to protect their identity? It was a great movie and how cool was it that they were in the audience! Well, afterwards, we were invited to come back and listen to their question and answer session for the aspiring hopefulls.
I was star struck!!! Just like Lucille Ball, in an episode of "I Love Lucy," I had to get closer. His co-star in this movie is Billy Zane, who has been in over 75 movies and tv shows. He was even in Back to the Future. I know him most from his leading role in Titanic, as the mean fiance, Caledon Hockley, of Rose! I sat in the front row and took tons of photos. Then afterwards, asked a manager if I could take a photo with him. They said he was done with photos. Knowing how well I take no for an answer, I gave David the camera and we followed him and I asked him for a picture and he agreed! Here it is!

I put my arm around his waist and he put his arm around mine, and here's our picture!

Billy Zane talking to the audience about how to get started
He was so casual, and funny, and never mentioned any of his many lead roles in movies

Tim Malloy wrote the script for "Love and Dancing"

He has been in tv series, but this is his first big movie

He played an awesome role as a swing dance instructor.

He can really dance. If you like "Dancing with the Stars" you will love this movie.

In this movie he was playing a casual, goofy, cute, guy obsessed with his career,

who didn't want to spend time with his fiance.

In most of his movies, he the bad guy trying to kill someone,

or hunted for something. He is making several movies soon to be released.

No More "Brace Face"

2009-04-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, today, March 31, 2009, I get these off
No more 'metal mouth'

After 5 years of braces, we can now see her beautiful smile!

Zachary's first pinewood derby

2009-04-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

This was Zachary's first and our fourth, Matthew did three when he was younger. Zachary drew out his design, David had cut it on Sunday, two days before the race. He didn't want to ask to borrow anything, so he took a sharp knife and just did it and then smoothed it out for Zachary. I went to Michaels and Zachary picked out the paint color and stickers. Luckily, I bought weights, because it weighed only 3.5 ounces, and was suppose to be five ounces. He was proud of it and raced against 30 kids. The unexpected part he took second place out of all of the racers! Way to go for your first race!

Role

2009-03-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Matthew has mowed our lawn for five years without pay! Some may think it is cruel, not to pay a child to do chores. After seeing programs about chores, and copying David's sister's family's patterns, David and I decided not to pay for chores. He has hardly missed a Saturday, and has even learned how to edge and trim, which is awesome, too. We give him money for things that he needs and wants, so he is not deprived. Several Saturday's ago, I heard him telling Zachary, that he needs how to learn how to mow the grass really soon, since it will be his turn. Matthew will be leaving in a few years, and here he is showing Zachary how to mow the grass, how awesome is this!!! I appreciate him teaching his younger brother responsiblity. Zachary actually enjoyed pushing the lawn mower.

President Obama visiting in my neighborhood

2009-02-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

My mom called Sunday night and told me that Obama was coming to Dobson Highschool, which is where my son, Matthew attends. The school is only two blocks from my house. We drove by the school around 9:00pm and there were tons of people camping out. I thought about camping out but was not able to pull it off. I read that only 400 tickets were going to be given out and by seeing the crowd, chances were slim. So, Monday morning, I got up early, like I always do, put on my running stuff and ran over to the school to check out the scene, I'm always curious. I stood in the back of the line around 5:30am. By 6:00 am, there were another 100 people. I didn't think I even had a chance and wasn't sure if it was worth it. I wasn't planning on staying, but made friends in line, they saved my place while I ran home and brought a chair for a person sitting on the ground. I gave my cell phone number for a lady to call while I ran home, changed and got into warmer clothes. I had to figure out how I was going to manage the kids while I waited. Matthew had wrestling, Amanda went to the temple with her class, Zachary and friends were invited to go to Phoenix MBA Jamz, and Jeremy would have to wait with me. We waited until almost 12:00 pm. They gave Jeremy a ticket with our address on it. David was so lucky I had Jeremy with me. They only gave out 20 more tickets to the people behind me My friend was intending on picking him up last minute, but couldn't. I felt so guilty when friends called and asked why I didn't call them to let them know. They would have waited with me! I've called them for dumb things like waiting in line to catch a deal after Thanksgiving. I felt like everything was crazy and happening at once. I still have horrible guilt and hopefully someday will be able to find out something interesting first and make it up to them.

His plane landed (photo from the paper)

S Security was everywhere

Our school!!! So unreal that Dobson was picked out of the other highschools. It might be because Harry Mitchell is in our district (head of the Democratic party), also it could have been that our school buildings set back around 50 yards from the street and our school can be completly secured without cutting off all of the access roads, or it could have been that our school colors are blue, Matthew says that is a democrat color and wore red in protest. Mr. Gehrman our principal, asked all students on Tuesday to not park on campus, busses will be provided, and to wear blue, to show our school spirit for the potential Media, or could it just be that our school rocks!! I bragged about our school to Tim and Willey on the radio.

Here is the all of the escorting done on Alma School Road. Conservative talk radio said he was a coward, by not driving south on Dobson, where thousands of protestors were lined up. The Democrats praised him for being safe and driving south down the unexpected street, Alma School. What do you think? It was cool, that our local Street, Rogers, made the paper.

Entering into our parking lot, on the East side by our football field

They had security scan everything, and didn't allow anything that couldn't fit inside a pocket. Everyone, including us, had to lock up our camcorder, bummer

The crowd that had tickets and camped out Tuesday night right by the stoplight on Longmore and Dobson. They had to sleep on the sidewalk, since no one was allowed to set foot on the campus. I'm sure the grass would have been much nicer. My husband, David,

around 8:oopm went out to the crowd and met the lady who made the news

for being the first in line to be seated.

Protestors on the corner of Longmore and Guadalupe.

I took a picture of them while I was walking home

Wow, George W. Bush was present, too?

I did vote for him last time and did vote for McCain,

for those who are worried that I'm becoming Democrat

The paper took this, it was my friend's favorite

The people who hate Sherrif Joe, who has been elected for the fourth time.

Guess he's doing something right? We met him at our church's 4th of July breakfast.

He is quite hillarious and has reduced our crime rate.

Jan Brewer our Govenor, that replace Janet Napolotano.

We thought we had bad seats, sitting on the top row looking at the right side of Obama's face, but the flag was a great picture for the paper, and here we are trying to get seated.

Our tranformed Gymnasium. It use to smell with nasty bathrooms. It's amazing on how much money was spent cleaning and fixing the bathrooms, and making it look spotless. I couldn't find any dust, anywhere. Who paid for that? We even had sod rolled out over most of the gravel, making our school look spotless for the most famous person to ever visit.

He read the Pledge of Alligence

She had an amazing voice. She is blind, but could sing the Star Spangled Banner like no other.

Dobson Dacapo, the highest acapella choir were chosen to sing for the event.

We know half of the students, one got to shake Obama's hand

The picture we took with our camera.

The media got this when he said "Welcome Arizona"

We were sitting directly under the stars. I'm sitting by the guy standing up,

and the person in front of me has their flash on. Not bad seats.

A Football Booster mom, Linda Murphy and I posing.

She and her entire family camped out to get tickets.

The seal was placed on the front of the podium after the invocation.

The crowd roared in excitement when it is placed. About 10 minutes after he spoke it was removed. Isn't it awesome?

What a week for our principal, Mr.Matt Gehrman! Here he is with his wife and two girls and David and I. We had a football 'met the new coach' meeting the previous Friday and talked with Mr. Gehrman until 8:30 pm. Apparently, he was called at 10:00 pm and told that Dobson will be the site. His wife said he was so busy pulling this huge event off. A week ago, he was first on an accident scene, and broke the window of a car that had driven into the canal, then this!! He is such a great principal, full of spirit and really cares about his students

David and I talking a picture by the podium after he spoke.

She MadeIt!!!

2009-02-12T09:02:00.002-08:00

Amanda tried out for High School Regionals and competed against 45 other Alto Saxophone players and made the 6th and last spot. A friend called at 10:30pm, telling me her son made it and I asked her to check to see if Amanda was on the list, not expecting her to be, and she was!! I was so amazed. I didn't want to wake her up since we have early church in the morning, but when her Marching Band Section Leader called at 12:00 am, I let him tell her. She was so happy, practically screaming. I had to take her into the laundry room, while she calmed down.

She MadeIt!!!

2009-02-12T09:02:00.001-08:00

Just Horsing Around

2009-02-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

I took Jeremy, Kelsey and Brenlie Wiles over to Cindy Tucker's to see all of her animals. She has two horses, two dogs, had a cool cat, chickens, had a goose, birds, fish and a ferret? and the cutest new puppy. They all held the new puppy and were impressed with the horses. Brenlie didn't want to get too close. Kelsey and Jeremy climbed up on the fence to pet one of them and Jeremy was picking out junk from the Horse's eye! It was gross but he said "The horse had stuff in his eye" He loves animals! They were all so cute--thanks Cindy!

Heartbreaking and then Hope

2009-02-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Arizona was glued to their tv sets on Sunday. What a close game! The Cardinals only had 2 minutes and 37 seconds to claim their first Superbowl Title and they almost did it! However, tragedy hit and the Steelers with only 1 minute left made the most unbelivable touchdown!
It was such a heart breaker! This week has been sad. However, I felt a such pride and hope when the news showed all of the fans waiting for our team to exit the plane. I was so impressed that 4,000 fans rallied and praised the Cardinals! What hope, what support, we love our Cardinals. I spoke to a former Cardinals player, Dr. Ray Perkins, and he said that this year really helped the team being taken seriously. Maybe next year?

Heartbreaking

2009-02-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Go Cardnials!!

2009-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

I enjoy watching a good game of football. I love the season of Friday night games and have liked it more when someone in my household is into too. I know it sounds weird to all of those women who wish their husbands liked it less. I guess if my husband was obessed, I might not like it too much. My son, Matthew really enjoys college ball and has followed his favorite teams, especially BYU. I grew up watching Pro Football every Sunday. I would attend church with my family on Sundays, then we would usually end up at my Aunt Maida's house, watching Football with the cousins, eating Red Velvet Cake, and drinking Pepsi. We loved the Dallas Cowboys and hated the Steelers. My dad knew one of the players and loved the coach so that was my team, too. That was our Sunday.
Well, we try not to watch too much Football on Sunday, but have made an exception, the Cardinals!!!! I loved that last game and really enjoyed it watching it on a friend's 96 inch tv! I'm impressed with the talent, and amazed at how Kurt Warner married a woman who had a special needs son from a previous marriage in which her husband left. Kurt and his wife have two more kids, too. I steel dislike the Steelers and hope the Cardinals win the superbowl tomorrow.

Gun Control

2009-01-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

My kids and I had a blast doing one of Matthew's favorite activities

Shooting guns. Wayne Clement (now our bishop), invited several families

to join him at Mesquite Wash, shoot away and we did.

Wayne had it organized and was showing Zachary

how to properly shoot a .22 rifle
Wayne gave a quick discussion on how to load the guns

Luke Clement, and the group setting up targets

I was holding steady shooting a .38 revolver

Matthew shooting a .22 rifle

There was tons of power when he shot his favorite 9 mm pistol

Amanda and Natalie Clement looking tough

after they shot their revolvers

Zachary was brave and used the 9 mm pistol

hitting targets and having a blast!

Vacation in Utah

2009-01-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

My dad took us to see temple lights in Salt Lake

They were beautiful and we were freezing. It was around 20 degrees!

Spent time with my highschool friend Jenai (Schroder )Reid- and we went shopping

Jenai's husband Steve Reid, David and I

Amanda was posing like Christine in the Movie "Phantom of the Opera'
at my cousin's secret room in St. George, Utah

She has two girls, Cierra 16, Saddie 15, the same age as Matthew and Amanda and
two boys, Shay 10 and Seth 7,a little older and one younger than my boys!

My half-sisters Cara Hansen, Elise, and Natalie and my step-mom, Carol

Carol made Pajama bottoms for all of her grandkids!

She is an awesome seamstress, and a wonderful cook.

We were spoiled.

Amanda was posing in the snow outside of my

parents home in South Jordan, Utah

Zachary was so excited to play in the Snow!

Jeremy loved the snow, too

Matthew was posing before throwing a snow ball

Constructing a Snowman outside in the back yard

Amanda was wearing a really warm eskimo headdress that

my dad bought in Alaska. I tried it on and it really worked well.

Grandpa Lunt, Zachary and Jeremy finished the snowman.

We also visited my cousins in St. George, Utah.

We enjoyed staying at their beautiful home

They have a secret 'Phantom of the Oprah' room.

Zachary and Jeremy went down their slide in their home,about 100 times

We visited Church History sites.

Chuck, Chris, Paul Gunderson and our family are sitting the Tabernacle.

Chris was a wonderful hostess and she is an awesome cook, too.

We had a five star meal after church and enjoyed spending time with their family.

Our vacation was short and fun. We had the best time!

Our life this past fall--Oh, I'm back!!

2008-12-30T05:03:00.000-08:00

Little Duck -Jeremy and Zorro-Zachary

My good friend, Julie and I at our ward's 'Trunk or Treat'

I'm so sad that she and her family have moved out of our ward.

I really miss her and her family every Sunday!

My neice, Ashley Bushman got married

Amanda was in concert band and Jazz band at Rhodes

Amanda was in Choir at Rhodes

At one of Zachary's soccer games, Jeremy fell and had a

buckle fracture on his left arm

Our coaches eating too. The head coach on the right,

Coach Demassa has recently resigned after 8years at Dobson.

Crazy booster mom's getting ready to feed the Varsity players

on Thursdays. The team eats Thursday's and also Saturday mornings!

Braiding Amanda's hair before the game

Jeremy and I spent two weeks

during Dobson's lunch hour selling raffle tickets

I made Matthew pose around 10:30 pm

after a Friday night game. I started at 3:00 putting up banners,

then at 4:30 helping braid hair in the band room, then picking up babysitters for

Zachary and Jeremy, and then going to the game at 7:00, then waiting for Matthew

and Amanda after the game until around 10:00pm. These were our Fridays in Fall!

(Oh, and I had to change my hair back dark-no more blonde-bummer)

We all had football spirit. Zachary, Jeremy, a friend's dog and I,

all marched in our little Homecoming parade!

Our booster club bought a cool banner

Matthew # 72 ,played Varsity football for Dobson

playing her Alto Saxophone at a competition

at A.S.U. band day. Their show was called

"Waternight"

Amanda's joined marching band and loved it!

(She didn't like getting up at 5:00am for band practice at 6:00am four times a week)

Here is the band in formation after their half-time show, at

our Homecoming game

They were incredible and placed 2nd in state!

I'm back-----Our life this past fall

2008-12-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

I'm back!!

2008-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this isn't really Michelle...it's Julie. I'm trying to figure out why she can't post. I don't seem to be having a problem. The problem is you actually have to be home to do this not in your car or out shopping...so stay home and try blogging Michelle. I think you're up and running! You try from your end.

I'm not thirty-something anymore......

2008-07-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

My husband took our family to New York before our family reunion in Virginia and he planned the whole trip. What an awesome birthday present it was. When I came home, a day before my birthday I opened this hillarious card from Judi!

Inside reads: What are these women doing?

( cooking, baking sewing has never been my speciality -several friends and I joke about it, too) Years ago, Jodi gave me a cookbook titled, "White Trash Cooking" - and that sums it up.

I'm still working on it-and made my first pies, myself, this year-never too late, right?

I took Matthew to the highschool early and was surprised to find these in my yard.

Zachary ran inside the house and said "Dad, somethings wrong with our yard."

My mom surprised me.

My kids said "Our yard looks like Dairy Queen"
I laughed and was treated to Dairy Queen by Julie. I enjoyed my Mint Blizzard!

Wearing this silly fish hat at the Fish Grotto Restaurant. Seafood is my favorite, and it was good.

(Young) Girls just want to have fun!!
Amy and Chandra surprised me and took me to dinner.
Thanks to calls, gift cards and phone seranades on my 40th.
It was a fun day, inspite of the reality, I'm not in my thirties anymore!

Bushman Family Reunion in Warrenton, Virginia,08

2008-07-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

The exciting 3 hour flight to Chicago, then two hours to New York. We then drove to Philidephia, had a Phili Cheese Steak, and tried to see sites. However, all 50 Governors were in town and everything was closed. We then drove to Virginia and meet David's sister and all of the family.

(I'll blog about New York when my photos arrive)

All of us gathering at Ann's home. One night there were 26 people staying in her home!

We love being together!

Washington, D.C. Temple (several of us did a session together)

My awesome neices and nephew. ( The other nephews not pictured)

Luray Caverns (we were 100 ft under ground)

We drove from Warrenton, VA to Shenandoah Campsite ( the remaining photos)

Swimming and having a BBQ at Ann's country club.

The view from our hotel room

Bushmans gathered for Skit night

Our family did a football skit-Amanda was a tough coach

baby deer that came close, too

I've never seen a deer this close!

Hiking in the beautiful Mountains. Our group hiked 4.2 miles. I was tired. There were beautiful sights and water falls. (left Cousin Rebecca Baird, next to her dad, married to David's sister, Dave Baird; behind him Daniel Baird;and sister Rachael Baird; Matthew Bushman; and Daniel's wife Ulianna Baird (from Romnia) and me

Matthew and Amanda doing the 'Hokey Pokey'

David and I dancing the 'Virginia Reel"

Mom (Louise) hitting her pinata
We celebrated her 80th birthday!

The Club house where we had 51 members of Louise Bushman's family gather

Our eating area at the Shenandoah Campsite in Virginia-look how green it is!

We had a blast! Zachary cried when he left his cousins and said why can't we do this next year?

EFY for Matthew and Amanda

2008-07-03T06:29:00.001-07:00

Pizza night -her roomate pictured on the very left, Jocelyn Whitneck.

Her Company

Amanda and Matthew along with 10 other kids from our ward went to EFY in Flagstaff. I drove up my kids and four others, Adam and Ben Stapley their cousin, and her friend. We had a great group, singing, talking being crazy. Matthew didn't take pictures but Amanda took around 75! Here is a photo of her group. Brandt Hansen from our ward, pictured in the first row, was also in her group. She had a blast! She now email's her group and they are planning to meet. She missed the last meeting, due to Youth Conference. Matthew enjoyed it too. He roomed with Adam Stapley and enjoyed the classes and the dances.

Zachary's 8th Birthday

2008-06-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

I brought ice-cream sandwiches for his group to enjoy at Camp Casita

Ryan carried him in his shoulders during practice so that everyone could see who the birthday boy was. Zachary felt so tall!!

14 kids in my backyard! With the help of Carey and her son Aussie, we had a balloon relay, running the balloon under your chin, and trying not to pop it.

Christian and Claire holding onto the balloon, and trying to not let it fall or pop!

The kids all got their own noodle and battled in the pool. They also had to watch our for our shark, Aussie who would try to knock them off.

IsaiahSandoval, Tyler Reed, Lee Grande Noble, Christian Sandoval, Jacob Hartwig, Jared Wright, Claire Stapley, Kelli Brown, Eliza Fuller, Cohen, Baylie Pettitt, Brielle Hansen, J.T. Roberts and Zachary all making a pose for the camera.

Happy Birthday, Zachary!!

Zachary's Baptism, June 8, 2008

2008-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Zachary got baptized and his second cousin, Zachary was ordained a Deacon the same night

Carol Hartwig gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and had Zachary open a present which had a quilt she made. She said the "Holy Ghost is a comforter just like when you put a quilt around you."

Zachary's many Lunt, and Maclay cousins

Carey Hernandez came to her first LDS baptism. She said she was impressed.

My first cousin Marvin Maclay and family

Kaitlyn Noble, Claire Stapley and Brielle Hansen enjoying doughnuts after the Baptism

Lourie Moutinho and Stephanie Walters, both workers in our Primary

My first cousin Heidi (on left) and Dianne Turley (from our ward) and Heidi's sister Kristi. Heidi and Kristi's dad and my dad are brothers. Dianne grew up with these sisters in Casa Grande,AZ

More Lunt Cousins

Adam Stapley, Michael Howden (from our ward) Ashley Maclay and Jaylin Maclay, Josh Lunt (cousins) and Ben Stapley (from our ward)

Brett and Stuart Maclay, first cousins

My step-sister Nicole Montes, and husband Hugo, Mackenna, and Trey

Ashley Culliard, Bryce Hansen, Micheal and Matt Howden (from our ward)

Matthew Howden and Bishop Hardy (who conducted the baptism)

Amanda played the intro music and played "When I am baptized" song and "Trying to be Like Jesus" Judi Stapley played "His Hands" after Zachary was baptized and my neice Heather Fauver (not pictured) sang. Kimberly Haig had a awesome slide show of many photos of Christ displayed, while Heather sang. Edwena Thacker, in pink, gave the Baptism talk and really emphasized how "Sacrament is no long a snack, but a real reflection about Christ we take every Sunday. Karina Fuller (not pictured), Zachary's Primary President gave him "A Faith in God" booklet and was so sweet in describing how important it is to follow it and how to accomplish goals.It was a wonderful night, and I'm thankful that we had many (over 100) cousins, friends and family, my brother David and wife Julie ( unfortunatley many I did not get a photo to post). I am especially thankful to Chandra Hansen( from our ward) and Vicki Maclay(first cousin) for all of their help with the food and clean-up, too.

I hope Zachary will always remember the special feeling that was present at his baptism.

"The Bushman Bunch"

We love the rain but not on graduation day!

2008-05-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

For the first time, I was told in twenty years, there has been rain in the Valley on Graduation. I sat in an assembly with the prinicipal talking to stafff and saying how he didn't want to put the ceremony indoors. All Seniors begged to still have it outdoors. He said he will do an all call at 5:00pm. Well, he didn't get his way and Mesa District told all to move indoors. Dobson had to split their graduation in two, A-M in gym, and L-Z in auditorium. All seniors could only give three tickets to families to attend. What about grandma and grandpa who may have come from across the country to see their grandson or what about kids with two sets of parents? They were all out-of-luck!
How does this night affect me? I don't have a senior, but Matthew and I help unload and stock 1,800 water bottles, in the hot heat, to sell at the football stadium for the event . We were permitted to sell water to guests in the gym before the ceremony and did make money for the football team. Matthew and Anthony, another player, made many runs from the soaking wet rain getting tables, carts, towels to bring into the foyer of the gym. Matthew and Anthony, trayed bottles in the gym before the ceremony and did really well. When the ceremony started, I tried to reason with the security when parents who didn't have a ticket to see their son, couldn't get into the ceremony. The security wouldn't budge. I later watch the news and felt better learning that Red Mountain only let two guests into the ceremony. Parents were mad.
In spite of the weather, it was fun seeing all the seniors we know, a kid from our ward and many football players, whose last names are A-M. And we did make some money. This will be a graduation that I and many others will never forget .

Matthew's 16!!!

2008-05-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

He got his license

His Seminary class enjoyed cookies and sang to him

He ate his favorite breakfast-Machaca burrito from Filabertos

I surprised him by baking 80 cupcakes and having kool-aid after his football practice for all of his teammates. He was surprised!

I can't belive it he is 16! I remember when I was pregnant. was in college, in my senior year, pregnant and had to take it easy, because he was going to come too soon. I had to take my finals early, and hope that I would not deliver before he was 34 weeks. My water broke and he came at 36 weeks. His liver was not as developed and he had severe Jaundice. He stay in the hospital, underweight, but improving. He was a thin little baby and cute blonde boy. Time went on and he was always accomplishing something. I remember when David use to travel and was gone over Sunday. Matthew didn't know how to tie his tie for church. He got his scout book out and after about an hour he figured it out. From playing baseball, trying basketball, playing in band, taking piano lessons, volleyball, and now his love is football, he's done a lot in 16 years. He gets good grades, earned his eagle and now driving! Wow, do I feel old! Happy 16th, Matthew.

"From Here to Maternity-Oh How We Change"

2008-05-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Jeremy is my fifth child. However, this picture reminded me of a story I put in my third child's book (Zachary) on how we change with more children. My first child, Matthew would have been in a the grocery cart seat-belt. With Jeremy, my last child, I'm glad we have good insurance.

"a column I wrote on how mothers age and each child prompted a reader from Dallas to pass this chart, written by dr. P.E. Luecke Jr. and should hang on every pediatrician's office wall nationwide:

Birthdays - First baby: Tues., Jan. 26, 1956, 7:34 a.m. Second baby: July 28, daytime. Third baby: the year the grocery store burned down.

Named after-First baby: grandmother and paternal aunt for political reasons. Second baby: Daddy. Third baby: Daddy's boss. Godparents- first baby: Bernard Ryan and Joy Smith, Second baby: Martha Dunn and either Uncle Fred or Fred the barber. Third baby: relatives.

Formula -First baby: fortified prepared infant formula. Second baby: heated cow's mild poured from a carton. Third baby:cold milk, cokes and kool-aid. Bottles- First baby: boiled 10 minutes, removed with tongs and rubber gloves. Second baby: boiled five minutes, removed with beer-can opener. Third baby: rinsed in cold water, dried on apron. Handling- First baby: right hand behind head, left under knee, clutch baby close to body. Second baby: Place hands under armpits and lift. Third baby: one arm around stomach. Length and weight at 1 year - First baby: 15 pounds, 14 1/2 ounces, 26 1/4 inches. Second baby: 16 or 17 pounds, same height as vertical knob on TV set. Third baby: heavier than a bowling ball. Short. Sanitation - First baby: rubber gloves, face mask, scrub floors weekly, mosquito net. Second baby: use air freshener weekly, swat all flies. Third baby: keep the dog out of playpen. Baby records-First baby: detailed in gold-embossed book. Second baby: written on back of old envelopes. Third baby: Ask Grandma. The good doctor is right. As the challenges keep coming, mothers realize they can't possibly keep pace, or they'll wind up comatose under the kitchen sink. I got to the point where I was feeling sorry for the dog, and when one of the kids kissed him, I washed the dog's mouth out with soap and said " You never know where that mouth has been." It's hard to believe I needlepointed my first child's name onto a pillow. By the time the third child came along I wanted to do that name- but couldn't remember it half the time. "

( article written by Erma Bombeck in AZ Replublic in 1993)

This is her year!

2008-05-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

Amanda has had quite the year! She was awarded on Monday night at 'Rhodes Junior High school student recognition & extra Curricular achievement awards' Outstanding Musician for 8th grade band. (It was awesome to see five others from our ward receiving awards, too). She has loved playing her saxophone and has done so much since January. She went to Outdoor Education in Payson for a week, an outdoor camp in the mountains. Then she went with the band, choir and orchestra to Disneyland and competed in the forum festival. She played her saxophone in the pit for the Rhodes Jr. High musical 'Back to the 80's.' She then flew to Washington, D.C., visited Philidephia, and spent two days in New York. And now she ends her school year with an awesome award. I'm proud of her and I know that this is the year she will never forget.

Dobson Ranch 35th Anniversary

2008-04-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

After 35 years, It's still a fun place to live. We all had a great time enjoying all of the events at Dobson Ranch Park. There was a magician, booths with games, jousting inflatables, 25 ft. rock wall great music on stage, especially the Rhodes Jazz Band- (Amanda had a rockin' solo) swim team booth, and our Dobson High football booth, food and fireworks to end the night. We even had our Mustang Mascot. Matthew got talked into wearing it for a few hours( he wasn't so excited at first, but then got into it) Several football players helped throw footballs threw the horseshoe, for prizes. Zachary made it half way up the rock wall ( and my camera was out of batteries at the moment). Jeremy liked the snowcones and he loved the fireworks. He kept saying "wow!" The whether was nice and the day was fun.

Pretty and Pink

2008-04-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

I love pie and I got a "Fat Sisters cookbook" for Christmas and decided to try making homemade pie crust. Amanda wove the lattice and we all enjoyed it.

My roses are coming back, and I have a huge bush, which amazingly, hasn't died. It has for the last several years bloomed these beautiful pink roses.

I made it

2008-04-01T05:26:00.001-07:00

We have a sewing queen our ward. She moved in one year ago and loves to sew. She taught Amanda along with other girls how to make pajamas and is teaching women in our ward how to make rag quilts. The Snoopy fabric was donated to our humanitarian project, and someone knew that Jeremy liked Snoopy. The sewing queen, Carol, had the orange and blue fabric. I spent one day sewing and took the quilt home and cut the edges to have it fray. For those who might be in shock, here it is. This one is for Jeremy. Zachary now wants a leggo quilt. He might have to wait.

Tagged

2008-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!! Here are several things about me:

1. I hate messes- almost to a fault. I had a sign in my house "Blessed are they that clean up." I hardly leave a room empty handed.

2. I like having a morning routine. I like to be done with everything between 9:00-10:oo. Beds made, everything picked-up, vacuuming, dishes, simple cleaning, scriptures read, exercise done, and myself ready to go all by that time- or my day starts off bad.

3. I hate change-haircuts, etc. This stems from childhood, I hated always changing households, since my parents divorced when I was six. It takes time to adjust
.
4. I love being at fun and great places, like Disneyland, church, vacationing to CA. However,I stress about getting everything together for the event, packing, picking out outfits, making sure my kids have their junk- too bad I can just be beemed to the location.

5. I love watching my kids in their event- Band Concerts, school plays, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, wrestling and my all-time favorite to watch, football. I grew up in a small town. Everyone is at the Friday night Football game. I use to cheer at themin high school. Nothing beats the excitement.

6. I love escaping reality and watching a great movie with buttered popcorn and diet coke.

7. I like being in chaos more than having to think of what to do. Having a million things to doin one day is allright, as long as I feel I did something meaningful- like help a friend, etc.

8. I like being involved, not necessarily in complete charge of stuff. I have helped at many weddings, games, school stuff, etc. I feel like I have purpose..

9.I love hanging out with my family, friends, visiting family and staying in touch with cousins.

10. I appreciate how my husband doesn't complain about spending about 10 hours a week doing church stuff, and tudoring nephews and nieces.

11. I hate getting older. I don't want to have kids leave, and get old and gray, it bothers me.

Jeremy loves riding the bus

2008-03-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Jeremy began preschool last November. He is not speaking as well as he should and gets to go to Alma School Mon, Tues, and Thurs. He has improved since he began. He loves riding the bus, which comes to the house, how easy for me! His teachers are great and I get to have several hours free. During his absence I have enjoyed going into Zachary's classroom and making copies for her and other teachers. I have also been able to go to the temple, doctors, and do other things without dragging Jeremy along. The bus drivers are so cool, even when they have to wait for me to get home (giving candy bars sure smooth over my tardiness).

Wrestling Banquet

2008-03-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Matthew enjoyed wrestling, and loved his coaches. Matthew was able to wrestle in a tournament, but injured his knee, and had to go to physical therapy. The head coach Tannebaum (pictured on left in grey) is everyone's favorite and really inspires boys to improve. The assistant coach (behind Matt) can doesn't loose against wrestler. Looks can be deceiving. He is in his 60's and was an Olympic Alternate. Coach Collete, is always making Matt laugh. The Varisty team took 3rd in 5A State this year.

Tannebaum recognized each one individually, and said that Matthew always worked so hard, and was respectfull, and had a great attitude, and was willing to learn and never gave up. He was proud to have Matt on his team and is looking forward to working with Matt next year in football. I'm proud of him, too.

Sweet Smoothies

2008-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Matthew makes the best smoothies! He has the knack. He combines about a handful of Costco mixed frozen fruit, a little sugar, milk and a little yogurt. I think they taste better than Jamba Juice. A few of his friends have been impressed. He cooks other foods quite well. He can make a great omelette, hash browns, and other food. One person commented several years ago how lucky I am to have kids who liked cooking. At that time, when Matthew was 11, I laughed and said it's either a skill or out of desperation. I didn't cook very well, so they adjusted and I've enjoyed the benefits. You will have to try one of his smoothies!

2008-02-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day - A day a of small disappointment and simple joys

2008-02-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

The day started out really hopeful. I had envisioned making tons of delicious sugar cookies, perfectly decorated, and complimented by starving Dobson High Wrestling team. I got a cookbook for Christmas titled “The Fat Sisters Cookbook’ (never trust a skinny cook). There are a lot of great homemade and family tested recipes How could I go wrong? After my four kids were all off to school, I started this soft dough cookie recipe. All was going so well, just like I could be happily casting for one of Rachael Ray’s guests. I followed the recipe exactly, and began to prepare the counter to knead the dough, with really high hopes….Now, before I finish my experience, I need to let you know my prior baking history. I have finally learned after 17 years how to make a loaf of bread. I was excited to have accomplished such a feat. The second time I made bread, it wasn’t light a fluffy, but rather small and crunchy, like hard French bread. I have tried every chocolate-chip recipe and they almost always turn out like I made little chocolate-chip cakes. I’ll have to entertain you with my many cooking failures next time…..However, this time I knew it was going to be different…..The beautiful soft dough ran through my fingers like old Elmer’s glue. I was crushed, and added more flour. I finally got the dough off my fingers and added more to the pathetic form on the counter. The entire batch stuck to the marble-rolling pin. I added more flour and my vision had to change. I remembered I had a heart-shaped pan and scraped the glob in the pan. I made a heart that looked like my preschooler made in class, but it tasted good, and I did save the cookie and had our friend’s daughter decorate it and she happily gave it to her dad for Valentine’s day. Moral of this disappointing story…don’t try new recipes on a Holiday.
The Simple joys of the day were going to the temple and doing work. I feel closer to our baby daughter, Amber, who was only with us for a short time. I also remember how much service my grandmother Viva Lunt gave at the temple.
Another Simple Joy is seeing 30 second-graders decorate little bags with their names on them and passing out Valentines to their classmates. Remember how much fun it was to pick out those cheesy-phrased Valentines and write your name on everyone of them? Just look at their faces. Zachary is on her right.
Another happy moment is visiting with my 94-year-old grandmother. An over-energetic toddler is truly welcomed amongst the Elderly at her Nursing home the Citadel. Here they are enjoying a Disney episodes.
I enjoyed the cute e-card my husband sent, and my kids liked their simple surprised in their backpacks.
As far as the starving Wrestling team is concerned, they didn’t get to enjoy my cookies, but did get to devour all of Zachary’s class party’s left-overs. My son, a JV wrestler was sad to see the Varsity team not make it to the final two teams. Dobson did get third in 5A state division, and I did enjoy watching the met, wearing my proud ‘Dobson High Mustang’ shirt, never yelling at the refs---(oh another story)….a simple joy on this Valentine’s day.