How many times were you pinched today?

I've never been a big St. Patrick's Day fan. In fact this may very well be the first year I've even remembered that today was the day. Nothing against the Irish...I'm sure they're in my blood somewhere. Somehow it just wasn't a day I took notice of...until this year (thank you Rhonda). A friend put together this "treasure" hunt and now I've officially made my kids' lives better than my own. Just don't look too closely to see there's not a speck of green on either Ellie or Charlotte. I don't think they own any green clothes, and let's face it--I'm not that good a mom to go out and buy them some.


Here they are, so excited to get going.

The hunt is on. I'm actually surprised Ellie's bum crack isn't showing here. Maybe too much info. But, seriously I can't get anything to stay on that girl.

Stealing the leprechauns hard earned jewels. (Is that how it works? This is their stuff that we're hunting for? I don't think I ever got the story straight.)

I tried to be artistic here. I think the 50 mm lens would have worked better...or maybe not.

Why does every holiday have to be about candy? Am I the only mom out there that thinks this is ridiculous??? Cause we all know who really ends up eating it :)

Tonight Jonah said, "Mom, there weren't very many leprechauns today. We didn't see any!!" I tried to explain about them being sneaky and all. Again, did I get that right? Someone please set me straight on all this leprechaun business!

Oh...and I got rear-ended today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Jonah turns FIVE!

Yikes! One in school this year. I feel official. I have to say, I was nearly on the verge of tears all day thinking about this little boy of mine who's not so little anymore. Better capture the moments now. In the morning he opened presents.

A camera...


Dueling transformers...


If you know Jonah, you know that he LOVES his "blank." Can you see the passion on his face for this thing. I know...it's really nappy. We've already begun to talk about what will happen when this one is no longer. No worries. He's found another that he really likes too. Great.


I'm no cake expert, but put some Star Wars figurines on top and you're good to go. Jonah was thrilled with it.


Ahhh...so sweet.


The only thing Jonah asked for his birthday was to go to Game Works, so we grabbed a couple cousins and family and headed down there Friday night. He pretty much stayed at this dinosaur hunting game the entire time...until he was informed there were Star Wars games as well. Where did this fascination for Star Wars come from?? Oh yeah...thank you Josh.


Char was absolutely mesmerised by this place. She mostly just stood around, eyes wide, watching all the people at their games--until she decided on one of her own.

And of course Ellie didn't lose any time spotting out the pink games.


Josh and Rob apparently were creamed by their dad. President's got skills all right.


And here are a few from his soccer game Saturday. It was a crazy busy day for him with the game, two friends' parties and a Sun's game with Josh that night. I'm pretty sure he had an awesome fifth birthday.

Pima 2009

Last Saturday we drove out to Pima to place the headstone on Dad's grave (only four years later :)) I thoroughly enjoyed every minute we had to reminisce and recall tales of Dad that still absolutely amaze me. Anyway, here are some pictures that sum it all up.

To cut, or not to cut? That was the question. $80 bucks later and still no deal.

Sweetness itself.

Cassi and Alden lookin' swell.

Kenny and Cynthia reunited after a long army absence. So cute!

Bek and Char sharing some luvs.

Lizzy's excitement for Nimbus!

Meagan and Ellie...BFF.

My G.Q. brother, Ben.

Jonah found this windmill at the cemetery. My apologies if it looks familiar to anyone.

Mom placing the flowers at Dad's headstone. The rock is significant. It was Dad's favorite and I'm not sure why, but it was lugged to every home they ever had. I think he's very happy with it.

Dad's older brother and probably best friend, Uncle Bill. They are so much alike. It was great to be around him and so well reminded of Dad again.

The original Allred clan. Only Andy is missing. Darn that army job in Georgia!

And the whole Allred clan...give or take a few. It was a little windy.

Afterward, we drove up the road to Thatcher for a picnic celebration of March/April birthdays.

Matt and Mikki looking suave as usual!

I don't know what kind of a face I'm making, but Josh sure looks content.

My only goal today was to have the kids get their rooms clean while I "supervise" (which means pretty much I clean while they play). Yet, here I am blogging instead because for probably the third day in a row now, Jonah and Ellie are playing so perfectly with one another I hate to interrupt (...and it's possible I might be a tad on the lazy side).

So, I'm on the computer getting stuff done when I hear Jonah give the pledge of allegiance for some game or the other they're playing. I love his rendition.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation...(pause)...under Heavenly Father...(pause)...and that's all!"

I'd say that about sums it up. At least he got the most important part.

Can I just say, I love my kids!!!

Re: Hijacked - Ragnar Del Sol

Just to clarify a few things. First, I didn't train daily. Second, I had by far the woosiest runs of the twelve. And third, Josh was most definitely the hero of the day, since not only did he let me run on his birthday, but he gave up a few hours of it to sit and watch only one runner come through. Probably not his most exciting birthday to date. So, thanks babe for letting me have my moments of craziness and supporting me so well through it all. You're the best and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Oh yeah, and Josh is doubly awesome because of the birthday presents he gets for "himself."

Pretty red shoes...



Wii Star Wars...



Water colors...



Is this the best dad/husband (did I mention there was a gift card to Anthropologie in the loot too?) or what? We love you Josh!!




And a few more pictures from the race.

This husband/wife couple ran together and it was so sweet to watch them cheer each other on...


A little pooped after my last run...


Can you believe these crazies??? I think they represented the "Whine, Whine, Wine?" Group...


Last runner, last run...


The kids look thrilled to have me back, don't you think?

Any takers for next year???

Hijacked - Ragnar Del Sol

Amy is amazing! Several months ago she approached me about a relay race. This was not your mom's 4X100 relay, this was a knock-em-down, barf-it-up, cry-yourself-to-sleep Ragnar relay race approximately 200 miles from Prescott to Mesa. I can vividly recall the conversation:

Amy: Do you want to run a relay race?

Josh: I think I'll pass?

Amy: It will be fun.

Josh: Fun? Where the race?

Amy: From Prescott to Mesa?

Josh: Are those streets in Gilbert?

Amy: No, they're cities?

Josh: That's about a gazillion miles. I think I'd die.

Amy: We could do it together.

Josh: I'll watch the kids.

Amy: Actually, family is going to do that. However, we need some volunteers.

Josh: Do they have to run at all?

Amy: No

Josh: Are you sure?

Amy: Yes

Josh: We'll if you really need volunteers, I guess I'll do that. Too bad we can't run together.

Amy: We can find someone else to volunteer?

Josh: No, I'm committed. I'd hate for people to think I was slacking. Maybe next year.

And with that Amy began a dedicated training regiment involving daily runs for over three months. This weekend, thanks to the help of family and dedicated volunteers (without which the race could not happen), she ran the race. They started running at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning and finished at around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Running through the night she always maintained a bright and enthusiastic outlook that is an example to us all. The kids an I are so proud. Because of her example, next year I'll see if there is a volunteer position that involves a light jog.

Congrats Amy. Congrats Yoggers. You've made us proud.