Ryan turns 9

It's hard to believe this little guy was 5lbs 2oz when he was born. He has grown up so quickly. Ryan was super excited about his birthday and what to do for his party. For months he talked about what kind of birthday party he wanted to have. Everyday he had a new idea....laser quest, mini grand prix, bowling, flip n out, the lists went on and on. He was sweet to consider some of his friends who couldn't roller skate when we suggested skating and he ruled that one out. Finally we decided to do something different and have a NERF WARS party at the park. It was a total hit. The kids loved chasing after each other and playing. The work load was a little easier on me because it was outside the house, which was nice. They had pizza and cake. Ryan really wanted a pinata so the boys enjoyed doing that at the end of the party. Ryan said the best party of his day was the morning when the family woke him up to sing and open presents. He got lots of fun stuff and lots of money from his friends & family. He's buying a droid tablet with it....he's been searching on EBAY for a good deal and we finally found one. I think this boy will have a lot of Sam's talents when it comes to finding good deals :)

and on a similar note....from the VP debate...... nicely done Paul Ryan!

A Busy Day!

We had such a busy day on October 13th of this year. First we had a great family event, with Gavin getting baptized. He's such a cool kid and showed a great example to the other little kids in the family with his decision to be baptized.  Mandy had such a nice brunch for everyone after at their house.  It's always good getting together as our family and with all the Abbott family.
After that we headed to set up for the Cub Scout fundraiser at Theresa's parents ranch.  The kids played games, learned how to rope, rode horses and ate chili and treats.  They had a bake sale also which Ryan was glad to run.  I think for every cookie someone bought, he also bought a cookie......lol
Kami and I ran from the Rodeo to her Irish Dancing fundraiser at the Queen Victoria inside the Riviera.  All the dancers that compete for the school performed and then they had all the new girls go on stage to do their "hop 2, 3's"  Kami did really well and had so much fun.  She received an award and medal. We had curry & chips (fries) on the way home. 

 

 

 

Politically Charged!

Never before in my entire life have I watched, read or thought about so much politics.  I used to not care about politics, I felt my vote didn't really matter in the grand scheme.  For years I didn't have a vote in Americas elections, because I still held alien status, however, in 2008 I did vote because by then I had received my U.S. Citizenship.  I knew the 2008 election was important but this 2012 election is critical.
I might as well get it out there that I AM A REPUBLICAN.  I'm proud of that.  The values and beliefs held by most republicans fall within the parameters what I believe and what I want for my children and posterity.  I know this is a great country, founded on principles of faith, hard work, opportunity and freedom.  I see all that changing.  It's scary to think of what the future holds if we continue down this path.  I was thinking the other day how I want my children's children to know about the great choice we have this year.  We are part of making history.  Unfortunately, our current president, President Obama, has failed us.  We are so much worse off than 2008. We have become unable to support ourselves financially as a country, turning to other countries for help....CHINA?  Our financial strength has diminished. We grovel to other countries for resources such as gas,  when we have our own natural resources that the current administration refuses to tap into.  The great America of the past is weak, nations no longer fear our military, we don't stand with those begging for our help to fight for democracy throughout the world.  At home, poverty abounds -  homeless, jobless citizens loose their homes daily and cannot afford to make ends meet.  Education has suffered.... yes...you can still go to college but you may not have a job when you get out....sounds awfully familiar to reasons we immigrated from Ireland. 
The other day I paid WITH INSURANCE 61 dollars for 8 pills for Kami.  She had whopping cough.  I declined to buy post treatment medicine for my eye surgery because it totaled $220 WITH MY INSURANCE.  I actually mentioned to the pharmacist at the drive through that "it might be time to move to Canada".  I get my other regular prescriptions by mail from Canada for a 1/4 of the price.  I have insurance.  We pay our taxes.  And still we are getting screwed.  Don't get me wrong, I don't want socialized medicine either, I've seen how that worked out in Ireland and Europe, no thanks... but what about affordable health care.....and when they say everyone, how about those of us trying to earn a living, paying our taxes and not freeloading on the government.   
The kids D.A.R.E. program at school was discontinued.  DARE is a program to teach kids about drugs and to say NO to using them, but there is not enough money to pay the officers to teach the program.  THANK YOU MR OBAMA......but "no thanks" to another four years of your service.
I'm ready for a change, more than ever before.  I have heard all the analysis....umm from both sides, thank you!  You would have to be a fool to trust the liberal medias coverage of whats going on in our world.  I sincerely hope that we take a detour from destruction and vote Mitt Romney as our next president.  Please don't insult me by thinking the only reason I like him is that he's a Mormon.  He is a business man, with a proven record of success.  He is a state governor with a shining track record in bipartisan leadership.  I KNOW he is the only man for this job right now.  President Obama is spent, literally - spent everything!   I was proud of my candidate at Wednesdays 1st debate.  He was sharp, knowledgeable and presidential without being overly confident.  He was respectful of Obama even when he called him on the carpet for his failed policies.  He is the chance to turn the economy around and make America strong again......he really is.  I hope everyone that saw him in person at that debate could see that the spin from the left was totally off base.  He is on task and ready for the job!
GO MITT!!!!

If you need to register to vote and want to register by mail or online, the last day you can do so is tomorrow, October 6th. Click here for all details on how to register to vote in Nevada by mail or online: http://nvsos.gov/index.aspx? page=703.

Girls Roadtip to Beverley

Beverley graduated nursing school, no small feat, so we took a girls road trip down to San Diego to celebrate with her and be there for her pinning. It was so fun just hanging out and catching up. Trudi and Layla flew in from Idaho and then we all drove from Vegas....laughing and yaking the whole way!  No girls trip would be complete without a 2 hour stop into Ross....we all have the same weakness when it comes to Ross. Next time we might have to stop into a Ross anonymous class before....but I do think we should make this a yearly tradition.  It was really fun & memorable.  Love you gals xo

 

 

Irish Dancing

Kami started an Irish Dance class a couple of weeks ago at Carrolier Academy of Irish Dance.  I know I am biased but she is the cutest thing!  She took to it right away and loves it.   The two girls that own the studio are from Ireland and danced with the LORD of the DANCE for years.  When we were walking out the door after the first class, Kami said "I love it. I want to come back forever" 
After just three weeks, Kami is doing her basic step almost to speed and Shelly & Debbie both say in their Northern Ireland accent, "well its in her blood, isn't it"  hahaha.... I think they're right. 

Back To School

Our summer was awesome. We got to do a lot of fun things, relax and do nothing when we wanted, hang out with friends, go to the Golden Nugget, have 4th of July fun, Stake Pioneer Day and top it all off with a family reunion in Florida. The kids were excited to go back to school at the end of August. Its Jacobs last year at Bilbray (5th grade). He was happy to be in Ms Lane's class again with his best friend Tyson. Ryan was a little skeptical of having MR. Fitzgerald (his first time having a male teacher) for 3rd grade but he really likes him and says he's funny but strict *a perfect combination if you ask me*
Kami has Mrs Karzmarzick for 2nd grade and is happy to have her friend Jenna Layton in her class.
I still can't believe Baili is in 7th grade at Cadwallader.  She is growing up too fast.  She came home the first day and announced she was in accelerated English, Reading and History.  She's in advanced orchestra this year playing cello.  This little lady is amazing.  She is so talented in so many ways and it's truly a pleasure for us to watch her grow up and learn about life and all the things she has to offer the world.

First day back to school

Baili - 7th Grade

Jacob - 5th Grade

Ryan - 3rd Grade

Kami - 2nd Grade

Daisey misses the kids so much during the day:(

Baili & best friend Jenna on 1st day back to Cadwallader

Florida Friends

Growing up in Florida, Sam's family always were blessed to go to the beach for weeks during the summer. I've heard story after story about THE REEDS, a family that they met at the beach and eventually became lifelong friends with.  Every year they met up with The Reeds and hung out and played their whole vacation.  To this day we usually catch up with at least Mr & Mrs Reed during our family reunion in New Smryna Beach.  We love going to the beach and love catching up year after year with our friends out there.  A couple of years ago the kids became friends with the kids in this cute family from Canada. Every year we meet up with them.  They're super fun and we love seeing them year after year. 

I also love seeing my Zumba peeps in Florida.  I'm able to transfer my Y membership to Edgewater and go to classes there.  It's fun to see people year after year.  I've known Yana for a couple of years, she's an amazing Zumba instructor but her passion is bellydance, and she has natural talent for it.
 I met Vanessa two years ago in Yana's class.  I noticed how well she moved and actually said to her that she should teach.  This year she has her own classes at the Y and shes also amazing.  It's so nice to get to know people from other parts of the world and to build friendships and share memories :)