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!

Buggy's Surprise Birthday Party!

Super sweet BFF Hannah came to me with an extraordinary idea for a surprise party for Bug's 14th birthday and of course I couldn't say no.  She planned the whole thing and rounded up some very cute friends to surprise Bug and later welcome her along to her first Stake Dance (at the Tucson East Stake).  It was a memorable day and I am thankful Buggy has such amazing and thoughtful friends to enjoy her teenage years with.

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}

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

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

Our Summer, Week 4 {mobile monday}

The girls spent an amazing week at Camp Zion on Mount Lemmon with our Stake, hiking, crafting, sharing, growing, and working on their community service projects.  This snapshot is of the girls and their beloved youth leaders from our ward.  They came home dirty, tired and full of the spirit.

Meanwhile, Monkey Boy and I spent the week watching Ancient Aliens and Star Wars, playing video games and staying out of the dreaded Arizona summer heat.  We took him and best bud Christopher to Rocks + Ropes, an indoor rock climbing adventure in Tucson... wore them right out!

- Jess

Buggy's End of Year Celebrations

What can I say about this little go-getter of mine? Well, for one, she's not so little anymore! This is a quick compilation of her end of middle school celebrations. She had an amazing orchestra concert and spent her finaal first chair performance as a middle schooler. She said farewell to her beloved teacher Miss Blass. She had a blast with her friends and leaders in National Jr. Honor Society and Student Council preparing for the school-wide play day, Wowapalooza. Then she was presented with the Principal's Honor Roll for three years of all "A" grades and the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Well done Bug, we are so proud of your determination, big heart and amazing achievements.

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

Monkey Boy's Big Birthday

Monkey Boy turned 12 last week... he's been such a joy having around, keeping us smiling and moving in the right direction.  His special day [finally] came and he was sustained and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by his dad and advance to the office of Deacon on Mother's Day.  He was able to pass the sacrament for the first time the following Sunday, which he was so excited about. 

xo - 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

Oklahoma City Memorial

Red Nose Day 2015 {mobile monday}

We didn't prepare to fundraiser for Comic Relief this year as we were in new territory struggling to find some normalcy... but we just couldn't break tradition. So we threw on our noses for a quick mobile phone snapshot of our tenth year celebrating Red Nose Day.

Cheers!
- Jess

Eva Visits Us in Oklahoma

Eva came to visit us in Oklahoma, and although weather prevented us from doing much else from staying in, it was wonderful to have her come stay for a few days and spoil everyone.

- Jess

Our Time in Ardmore, Oklahoma {mobile monday}

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

Blurred Days, turned to months {mobile monday}

WOW!!! I can't believe it's been a month since my last post, and even the last few have been far between.  We've taken the usual "BUSY" to a whole new level with SO MUCH going on here at the Brunette house, it's getting hard to keep track of what day - or even what week - it is.   So here it is... another quick post until I can catch my breath, a {mobile monday} post with snapshots from my iphone.  Happy Monday folks - hope you're all staying warm and enjoying the season wherever you may be.
xoxo - Jess

* After four long months in the job hunt, Military Man accepted a job offer and will be leaving us in just a few days.  The kids and I will follow just as soon as our house here in sunny AZ sells and the semester is over at school.

* The kids weren't too happy about the news.  We HAD planned to make this our permanent home, but plans change and we're no stranger to sudden and abrupt moves.  We promised the kids that for sure this next place will be their last home with us (before college).

* We made a spur of the moment trip out to have a look around the place we plan to call home for awhile.  It's a nice place and we're looking forward to the move... it's just all the in between stuff that needs to be taken care of that's going to be stressful.  There's a "Festival of Lights" in the center of town at the park that Military Man and I were able to go through on the night we were in town, it definitely made it feel like Christmas.  (Wow!  I can't believe it's already December!?!)

* We set out getting things around our home here in order, including home repairs and painting.  Daisy was not too happy about the fact that it took me four days to paint the master bedroom and put it back to something she recognized.  Look at that sad face she gave me when I sat down to take a quick break.

*  We just reunited with some dear friends (the Buchi family) that recently moved to Tucson from Montana.  It will be hard to say goodbye knowing they just got here and we now leave after seven years since our last duty station together.

*  Thanksgiving was wonderful - yummy food galore! and I even made rolls... which rarely happens.  The kids love them though, so I guess it was worth it.  We were so happy to have the Buchis join us for dinner at Grandma Brunettes house along with Beau and Danika and their adorable boys who drove down from Utah for the weekend.  We each got to steal some sweet baby snuggles too!