Oh, Is It Really Almost MARCH Already!?! {mobile monday}

So YES, I'm a slacker!!! I can't believe it's nearly March and I haven't shared anything of this year yet.  We've had A LOT going on... and I've more pictures to share, but for now - mobile phone pics will have to do as I haven't much time to spare lately.  I'll squeeze some more sharing in over the next couple of weeks... just know we are LOVING our beautiful sunny and warm Arizona winter, and enjoying every moment we get to share here.
Later,
Jess xo

* Sahuarita NJROTC whooped some butt at Moon Valley HS in Phoenix at the Valley of the Sun meet in January - took first in state, and secured their invitation to regional competition at Camp Pendleton in February!
* It's been very, very warm here and we've enjoyed soaking up the sunshine - including making 'snow angels' in the sand on New Year's Day.
* Buggy and BFF Hannah have been faithful in their stake dance attendance, haha!  Their favorites have been the 50's Night here in Sahuarita and the Valentine's Sweetheart dance in Rincon.
* Jess had a nice break from working and mom-duties painting for dear friend Cindy & Ken's upcoming wedding mural wall of canvases... it was fun, and therapeutic, I'd forgot how much I enjoyed painting.
* Freckle Face finally got in to the Tucson Orthopedic Institute for evaluation and has begun physical therapy in Green Valley (thankfully - because it's much closer to home than traveling to mid-town Tucson twice a week).
* Sahuarita NJROTC drill teams ranked second at their competition last weekend, which Buggy says was just a 'dress rehearsal' for this week's California trip.  Everyone is excited and nervous - counting down the days!!!
* Oh, and mom found a new favorite Saturday morning recipe to spoil the kids and their friends with: Homemade Nutella Poptarts... simply delicious!

First Formal, NJROTC Navy Ball

Our Cr-Azy Fun Fall Break {mobile monday}

Ok... so I guess it's safe to say that 2015 is NOT going to be a big blogging year for me.  It's October for crying out loud - Fall Break, even.  The time has passed us by and I've not kept up with sharing all of our busy Brunette happenings like I used to.  Here's a quick run down of what's been going on via mobile phone pics.  I'll get back to regular posting - I just can't make any promises for the near future.

* We've had a great time this season sharing the bleachers with family and friends cheering on Sahuarita Mustangs Varsity football.  The biggest celebration game was the SHS vs. WGHS - our small town's only two high schools on one field, we had friends on both sides ...it was quite a fun night!

* Buggy took off with her BFF Hannah to the Gulf of Mexico over the fall break week.  A week of camping on the beach... swimming in the ocean, building sand castles, roasting s'mores in the campfire, watching fireworks, collecting sea shells and dodging sting rays.  She came back home with sand in every-single-thing she took with her, a rat's nest hair-do and a perfectly bronzed tan.

* She also left me a large note on the fridge reminding me to PLEASE REMEMBER to feed her frog and fish while she was away.  This comes after the small panic attack I had when she was gone to Utah for three weeks this summer and I completely FORGOT about feeding the frog.  Poor little guy was so happy to see her when she got home... oops!  I can't believe he was still alive, but I'm very thankful he was okay and lived to see me feed him this vacation time.

* Freckle Face's BFF Lauren (and her twin sister Maddie) came down from Montana to stay with us for the whole week.  It was a joyous reunion.  I didn't see much of them unless they needed a ride somewhere, ha ha!  They spent a lot of time chatting, swimming, playing games, hanging out at the mall, and all that other fun teenage stuff.

* Monkey Boy enjoyed some time playing basketball and video games with Chris and Caitlyn, playing street hockey and making meals with Nick, going to the movies and visiting the Reid Park Zoo with the Facklers... and so much more.

*  He also enjoyed his first temple trip to Mesa with a few of the youth from our ward.  He was recently called as Deacon's Quorum president and has been prayerfully weighing his options for who to call as his counselors.

*  The kids finished out the first quarter with all A's and a couple of B's on their report cards.  They're doing very well in school and their teachers all had really great (and sweet) things to say about them at parent-teacher conferences.  I'm so proud of them... they're such great kiddos and I'm always glad to hear they're working hard and doing their best. 

Camping Over Labor Day Weekend

Weekend Activities

Weekends take on a whole different meaning once school starts back up.  We definitely enjoy that break away from school and work and try to relax and enjoy the little things in life.  Like sleepovers, football games, and making meals together.  Buggy has taken to the kitchen lately - her surprise schedule meant a reluctant culinary class, but I really think she's going to enjoy it.  She made everyone omelets this weekend - it was great!

- Jess

Our Last Week of Summer

Our last week of summer was jam-packed with back-to-school shopping, get-togethers, and all sorts of fun!  Here's some of our highlights:

* Freshman orientation for Bug (pictured above with her friend Tianna).  She was nervous but so excited to be able to see her friends she hadn't seen all summer and to see what her schedule was going to be like.

* Unfortunately for the girls, the schedules still had not been made and no one was able to see what classes they had for a few more days... they were still in the process of hiring counselors, so they had to be patient for a few days longer.

* I was asked to come in for a job interview at SMS with Project Inspire... hoping that goes well although I do have an offer for a job in the downtown Tucson area if this doesn't work out.  I really want to stay around Sahuarita and work the same hours that the kids will be in school, so this would be the ideal job for me.

* 7th Grade open house for Monkey Boy... he was none too thrilled, but we made an appearance just long enough to say hello to a few friends and pick up his schedule for the coming school year.

* Freckle Face was scheduled for her ortho surgery (anchor implants) but luckily for her, that ended up not happening since her roots are still not ready for them to be in place.

* NJROTC early morning orientation all week for Bug... MSGT even invited Freckle Face to come join in the fun for one of the days.  They had a lot of fun together... and it was not nearly as bad as Buggy thought it was going to be.  She didn't even throw up on the first day!

* Monkey Boy and BFF Christopher went canoeing and camping with the scouts at Patogonia Lake, they had a lot of fun - got dirty and REALLY sunburned!!!

* Enjoyed a few good monsoon storms - LOVE this time of year here in southern Arizona.

* Ran into Ronald McDonald as we were out doing some last minute school supply shopping... he was happy to give us a smile and a wave while we were waiting in front of him at a traffic light.  Buggy was all too embarrassed to turn around and take a picture, but she was glad she mustered the courage.

* She also took the opportunity to sneak in some selfies while her big sister was sound asleep on the way home.  Girl's asking for trouble!!!

* The kids all had a blast at the end of summer youth lake trip on Saturday too.  They spent the whole day diving, swimming and canoeing on Patagonia Lake with the young men and young women and leaders from the ward.

xo - Jess

Camping + Learning How to Drive Manual {mobile monday}

Corral Canyon / Mowry Trail - Arizona Jeep Adventures

We had an amazing time exploring some trails in the Sonoita/Patagonia area of southern Arizona this weekend.  Monsoon season was in full effect and really came down on us a few times... as you can see from the sheer darkness of the clouds - it was the real deal.  We were bombarded with hail and heavy rains through much of the rough areas in the Corral Canyon - unfortunately I was a little afraid of being struck by lightening and didn't want to drown my expensive camera so I wasn't able to get out and shoot the Jeeps climbing the rocks and navigating the mine pits... maybe next time - because it really is one of my favorite trails here in southern AZ.  I took most of the pictures out the window from the safety of the passenger seat.

As Military Man says: now, on the the next!

xo - Jess

Our Summer, Week 5 {mobile monday}

I've gotten a bit out of order here... so for today's pics we're backing up to a month ago - Monkey Boy spent a week at Camp Lawton with his Scout Troop.  They had a lot of fun and didn't mind escaping the desert summer heat for the much cooler temps atop Mount Lemmon.

And while their little brother was away the girls enjoyed some relaxing afternoons with their friends.  Summer flew by so fast... the kids just returned from two weeks in Utah and now school officially starts in just two more very short, action-packed weeks!!!

Happy Monday!
xoxo - Jess

Passing through Box Canyon - Arizona Jeep Adventures

Had another fabulous Jeep adventure this weekend through Sonoita/Patagonia area and back up through Box Canyon.  Most of the pictures I shot from the passenger window as we were driving by... much of the road was rough and we were bombarded by hail and heavy rains.

...more to come!
- Jess

Old Glory Mill and Mines - Arizona Jeep Adventures {mobile monday}

Ok so after our first botched attempt to find these Old Glory Mill ruins, we set out again early last Saturday morning more determined than ever to find them.  We embarrassingly discovered that it was not five minutes from the place we were last time when we couldn't find them - we simply didn't turn up the right path the first time we were out there.  It did not disappoint - nice easy trail, cool mountain air, sunshine, plenty to explore... mission accomplished!

I was reluctant to take my 5D with us on this trail because the first time we went out that way it was terribly dusty and I don't want to risk ruining my gear... but I was able to take these with my mobile phone.

Grandpa Dan and Military Man brought along their metal detectors and found a few junk pieces while Grandma and I made a make-shift picnic under a grove of mixed mesquite and sycamore trees.  We watched some mating dragonflies and talked about geodes.

It was a lovely day - except for the blazing sunburn Sam and I got on our shoulders after I had convinced him to take the top off the Jeep... the road back through Arivaca was long, and straight sun the entire way home.

Happy Trails!
xo - Jess

Freckle Face's Mural Project on Sahuarita Road

Here's the link to the article on the PAG Youth Art Project recently published in the Sahuarita Scene.

http://sahuaritaaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1344

We are so proud of Freckle Face's hard work and dedication to this project... it looks incredible!
xo

California Gulch + a bit of Monsoon Season

Summer has been very low key around our place the last three weeks. Freckle Face started her first job working with the city through the art program at the district to create a mural for part of the underground crossing between north and south Sahuarita Road. She has enjoyed working on the project, although I suspect she is relieved to know that it doesn't go on all summer - she's realizing it's just as much work as getting up for school, if not more being up and ready super early in the morning and staying on your feet working all day measuring and cutting tiles, drawing and laying out plans, painting, etc. it really is WORK, lol!

We make a Jeep trip with the Bishops out past Arivaca to the California Gulch area near Ruby, AZ and Pena Blanca Lake. It was HOT and dusty... like really really dusty. We missed the area we were shooting for but found it on our way back from the trail. Well at least we know how to find it, so we
can go back and have a look around another time - maybe after it has rained sometime so we don't
have to breathe hot, dry desert clay-dust. It was still nice to finally get out and enjoy a little Jeep adventure, even if we couldn't find the right trail and landmarks.

Other than that, things have been fairly quiet around here. Buggy has decided she would like to follow her big sister's footsteps and join the NJROTC this coming school year... which had lead to her deciding she better start practicing her physical training NOW so that she's a little more prepared for the end of summer Hell Week that hits everyone like a ton of bricks if they're enjoying the lazy summer a little too much. She and I have started a walk-to-run program, running at 5am three days a week. It has been rough some mornings, but it feels good to get back into a routine that resembles some more of our family normalcy after the crazy year that we've already had.

Monsoon season has officially begun... temps have already reached 110 *F and we've had a few short bursts of rain. I love this time of year, even though it's insanely hot - the storms are phenomenal and there's really no words for the brilliant sunsets monsoon season brings... I can't wait to capture some this summer.

Hope you're all enjoying your summer too!
XO - Jess

That Time Grandma Broke Her Foot {mobile monday}

Grandma broke her foot while on a quick trip to Utah.... boo! Six weeks til she can maybe start walking on it. The kids do quite enjoy pushing her around in the wheelchair though.

- Jess

NJROTC Banquet + Awards Cermony

After being away for three months, Freckle Face was eager to get back to NJROTC... And Commander and MSGT were also eager to have her return. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone all around. At the end of year banquet she was presented with the Daughters of American Colonists  achievement medal. We are so proud of her and all of her hard work and dedication this first year of high school. She has done very well and we are excited to see what the coming years bring.

XO - Jess

Home Sweet Home {mobile monday}

After much deliberation and prayer, we decided to pack up and last week the kids and I returned to our home in Arizona. The weather was not great as you can see, but it was still a beautiful sight - the Sonoran desert in full spring bloom! It feels good to be HOME!

XO - Jess

Saying Goodbye... Thank You Arizona!

Compilation of our Best Moments {mobile monday}

I've been unbelievably busy so it's been awhile since I've been able to share our happenings with you.  As many of you know, we are smack dab in the middle of a big move.  I have a lot to share from the last two months, but no time to sit down and sort through it all.  I'll attempt a 'catch up' this week before my computer is packed away - if possible.  (Don't hold your breath, haha!)

So here it is - another mobile phone post - a compilation of our fondest moments of the last few weeks.  Image #1 - Ah-MAZ-ing Arizona sunrise... This is one of many incredible views we've been blessed with this winter as we drop Freckle Face off for early morning Seminary at the Stake Center.

Image #2 - I can't tell you how many times I've been stuck in my desk because she lays right behind me, trapping me.  I've also lost track of the number of times I've rolled over an ear or foot.

Image #3 - This is a typical comment I find on Monkey Boy's school fliers.  He cracks me up.  Keeping it real.

Image #4 -  This Tracker parked outside the local Walmart makes the top five on my list of sah-WEET paint jobs.  Hispanics certainly know how to liven up the ride.  I mean, dogs in sombreros and serapes... that's pretty awesome.

Images 5-7 - Buggy's final orchestra performance was incredible.  I'm so proud of her willingness to develop and share her talents with everyone.  The Beehives went to the winter concert together to show their appreciation for the girls in their group that were performing.

Image #8 - Buggy hosted an epic Ugly Sweater Party with some of her friends from school and church.  They made up plates to take around to the neighborhood ...(I spent two days making 2400+ cookies while I was stuck indoors with the house being painted).

Image #9 - Monkey Boy and I at his Court of Honor - he received his Tenderfoot and First Class.  We were pretty tired that night from all the moving prep... and weren't prepared for no glamour shots, lol.

Images 10-13 - Christmas morning selfies.

 

Images 14-16 - Daisy... what can I say.  She's gonna do what she wants.  She jumped up on the bed and interrupted Freckle Face and I as we were watching YouTube videos of sassy dogs.  She also took over the GB Packer bed I made for poor Copper.  She's kind of a meana sometimes.

Image #17 - Christmas morning.  Hmmm.... can you tell which two woke the other up?  They were excited.  She just wanted to sleep in.

Image #18 - I'm not sure why we took this one, except I know we were waiting for the other two to get out to the car for church.  I think it's because we were coordinating outfits.  My closet has officially been open for business.  I'm not sure I have much left that's still 'mine' now that we've got two teenage girls that fit into my sizes.

Images 19-21 - Freckle Face set out on a solo trip to surprise best friend Lauren in Montana after Christmas.  She successfully navigated three international airports on her own, which is incredible for a 14 year old.  I am grateful for all those that helped make this trip possible for her.

Images 22-24 - Grandma Brunette graciously had Bug and Monkey Boy's friends over to make fortune cookies and watch movies on New Year's Day.  The kids had a great time and even though mom and g'ma ended up doing all the work, they still talk about how cool that was.  And delicious... they were melt-in-your mouth delectable.

Alright, that's a quick recap for now.  I promise I'll get back to blogging and photographing once we are settled into our new place in Oklahoma.  Love you all!  Stay warm this winter :)

xo - Jess