Workman Five

Trip to Phoenix

2010-06-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday my friends, Liberty and Becky, and I traveled to Phoenix for a few days of fun. Liberty's parents let us stay in one of their rental homes that wasn't rented at the moment. A completely empty rental home, I might add. So we packed up the cars with blankets, air mattresses, sleeping bags, food, clothes, and kids and headed that way after church. We made a stop at Makutu's island where the kids proceeded to have a complete blast. After almost every kid had a slide burn on some body part they decided it was time to go. The night was filled with fun and games and laughter.
Monday the mommies got their fix by heading to IKEA and the mall. The kids had fun, too at the wonderful play area in IKEA and at the book store at the mall. After another fast food meal we headed back to the house for more fun and games.
The trip was like camping out without the bugs, the weather, or other outdoor elements to deal with. The best part of all was we all had a blast spending time with good friends.

Will's Tubes

2010-06-25T09:34:00.001-07:00

Will had his surgery on Wednesday. He had tubes put in both ears and his adenoids out. He is doing great. In fact, it's like nothing ever happened. The worst part of the entire ordeal was him waking up from the pain medicine they gave him after his surgery. He was like a zombie. When he did finally awaken he was just fine. Kids are amazing. We even went to a movie yesterday. He's been eating just fine, and he hasn't complained once. He needs to keep his ears dry for five days, so we are using plugs in the bath. (I think we'll wait to go to the pool) After that he is good to go.

I'm so glad this entire ordeal is over. He can hear so much better now. The doctor said the fluid on his left ear was like jello. Yuck! Thank the good Lord for modern medicine!!

Four Years ago today...

2010-06-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today my baby was born. He woke up this morning, climbed in bed with me, and declared, "Mama, I'm four now. Now I can chew gum!"

He's my funny little boy. AND no matter what he will always be my sweet baby Will!

Happy Birthday, big boy!

Hilarious!!!!

2010-06-16T09:38:00.001-07:00

The funniest thing happened this morning. I mean HI-LARIOUS!!!

I decided that our coat closet by the back door needed cleaning out and organizing. This area is used as storage for our art supplies, my sewing stuff, the ironing board, the mops, our pool stuff, the wrapping paper.....Should I stop here? Yes, I think you get my drift. As my sister would say, "It was a HOT mess in there!"

So.....cleaning out I did. I moved everything out and swept and dusted and threw away and organized and moved stuff around and oh how lovely it is now! After arranging everything in the most organizingly efficient way I was finally finished. If the heavens could shine down its glory into my windowless little coat closet it would. There is now a place for everything and everything is in it's place. The art supplies now have their own organized bins. If you have a hankering for gluing puff balls on red envelopes you would be able to find the puff balls sitting in their bin next to the stickers. The red envelopes are in their bin next to the construction paper and the glue is next to the assortment of scissors. Now would you all please join me in a nice sigh of relief.

But......I did accumulate quite a bit of trash in my process. Old crayons, coloring books, paper, stickers, fuzz balls, hard play dough.....again, I think my drift is caught. So, I had a big bag full. I gathered my regular trash and then called up to John to come down and help me. He proceeded to pretend not to hear me. (I know that's what he did) So....I yelled louder! To which he replied, "What. Mama!?" So....I yelled even louder! (I know.....I'm a great role model) He finally came down and helped me haul the trash bags to the garage. He had one bag and I had one bag plus some recycling. When we came back in he tried to run back upstairs, but I said, "Wait! Can you please take this big cardboard tube (the kind that fabric comes on....like a bolt) to the recycling?" To which he responded.....

Are you ready for this?

You sure?

Ok....I'll tell you.

My dear first born son then responded,

"I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING AROUND HERE!"

Summer....

2010-06-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well....we are all still here. I've just been busy and all that jazz!

Summer is here and in full swing. We have been enjoying the pool and the warm weather. Most of all we have been enjoying not having much to do! I think having so much to do at the end of the school year just about did us all in! Now we don't have much to do except watch too much tv, swim at the pool, and visit the library. All of which we plan to do a lot!

I promise to try to be better about updating. I plan on getting some pictures on here real soon. But what I know WILL happen is a nice relaxing summer!

Mae's Valentine's Dance and her musical Bugz!

2010-02-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

On the Saturday before Valentine's day our neighborhood had a father/daughter dance. Mae and Rusty went and had the best time dancing the night away. They also had dinner. Mae got a wrist corsage and an engraved frame that the picture they took at the dance will go in. It was a precious time for them.

Here she is. Doesn't she look lovely?

I let her wear my little heart ring that I got when I was a little girl. She felt very special!

The dashing couple!

Mae also had her musical performance, Bugz last Thursday night. It was an adorable musical that the entire first grade put on. Mrs. Tenney and Mrs. Sanders, our wonderful music and PE teachers did a fantastic job with the music and choreography. There is nothing like seeing 200+ first graders in action! Each class danced to a particular song. Some kids had solos and speaking parts. Mae, the lucky and talented girl, was chosen for a speaking part! We had such a fun time!

Here's the lovely bee!

Here is a picture of the entire cast! Can you believe it? Amazing is all I can say!

Here is Mae delivering her lines! It's hard to see, but she is in the center of the picture in front of the microphone!

The Bigist Funyist Powems By Mae Workman

2010-02-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Mony

I wand mony

Give it to me

I want 70,000 dollors

for a penny

Please

Just do it!

Men

Look at the men

There are men that march in a line

Oh I think thats fine

For men that march in line

Choclet

I love choclet

Can I have a peace

I will aprishiate it

I love choclet

I shore do.

I relly do!

A day in the life

2010-02-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

I started this post yesterday, but I failed to post it due to....well....my life. Here it is in full glory.

This week Rusty is back on the road. It has been so nice having him here for the past four weeks, and we miss him. We've had a busy week. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just regular busy stuff. Take today for instance.

6:00 Wake up. Get kids up. Get breakfast ready. Make sure teeth are brushed. Brush hair. Remind children to stop fighting or they will NOT be getting any Valentines! Remind myself not to threaten anything I wasn't prepared to actually do. Pack backpacks. Get water bottles.

6:48 Head to Bus stop.

6:50 Kiss big kids at wave as the bus drives away.

6:50-10:45 Hang out with Will. Post blog post. Watch cartoons. Play with Valentines. Get dressed. Get Will Dressed. Head to story time.

11:00 Story time with friends. Will Decided that he didn't want to sit and listen. When I asked him to sit down (in my quietest room full of people voice) he screamed NO! NO! NO! As he ran around the rug.

11:45 Home for lunch and make Will take a nap!

2:05 Pick up John from school.

3:00 PTO meeting. This went rather well.

3:10 Go get Mae from after school cooking class. This was rather difficult to do because of the above task.

4:30 Go to McDonald's for dinner with too many kids to count. This, too went rather well.

5:30 Head back to school for Lighted School House night to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. This was fun. Will ate so much popcorn I thought he was going to POP!

7:30 Home

8:00 Put kids in bed. I actually got the kids in bed by 7:45! I'm good like that!

9:30 I went to bed myself! Phew...Mama was tired!

The Noise!

2010-02-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last night after we put the kids to bed Rusty and I sat down to watch a movie. We got Valkyrie from netflix and Rusty was eager to watch it. The last few we have gotten were all kind of for me. That's an entire post in itself. Anyway, I digress. Back to our night. So, we are sitting on the couch gloriously kid free watching this serious movie. I mean SERIOUS! It took me a while to get into it, but I eventually did. It was pretty good. During one scene that I'm sure was well....serious, we heard this crashing sound coming from upstairs. Now, this wasn't' your normal toy falling off the shelf or kid falling out of bed sound. It was more like a splattering almost glass tinkling sound. We both stared at each other wide eyed with horror! Let me give you a little background from where this horror originates. Will has had this cough thing going on. The kind where he seems fine during the day but coughs his head off at night. The other night he was coughing like crazy, so I went up to give him some medicine. I'm not sure if it was from all the coughing or me trying to shove the medicine dropper into his sleepy mouth, but he proceeded to gag then he threw up all over me, the bed, and himself. It wasn't pretty people! So....back to last night on the couch. After Rusty and I stared at each other wide eyed for all of .5 seconds we both dashed up the stairs. We both were thinking the same thing, Throw Up!!!! (Looking back I realize that he let me go first! You know he can run faster than me!) We ran straight to Will's room! He was sleeping soundly. I went over to him and felt all around. Nothing. So then we both headed to John's room (me first again). As we approached we noticed his light on. He does this sometimes so he can read or play in his bed. I don't worry because he seems to get enough sleep. Anyway....we enter his room rather quickly to find him sitting up in his bed with a dazed and confused look on his face. I looked at the floor and quickly saw our sound culprit. It was his stinkin' Bakugan toys! About 30 of his stinkin' bakugan toys littering the floor of his bedroomright by his bed. I realized that he had been playing with them earlier, hence the light, and he had kicked his case of them off his bunk bed while sleeping which in turn scattered the little plastic balls all over the floor making the tinkling splattering sound. Which sounds a lot like throw up! I breathed a sigh of relief, turned off John's light, and kissed him good night. Rusty still didn't trust my Nancy Drew insight and made ME go check to make sure Mae didn't throw up. She, of course, was sleeping soundly.

We then finished our very serious movie. Then all was quiet in the Workman house.

Only a Mother's Love

2010-01-31T16:58:00.001-08:00

The other day Mae and Will were sitting with me on the couch before bedtime. She was hugging and loving on him. At one point she tried to hold him like he was a baby. He was practically laying on top of her. She looked down at him with her arms around him and said, "Will, do you love your Mother?" (I knew she meant her because she is his Second Mother, you know) He quickly let out a loud poot! To which Mae replied, "I guess I'll take that as a 'yes'!

They are both so funny!

A Rainy Day.

2010-01-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today is overcast. It's not cold outside, but it looks like its cold. This makes me feel cold, so I'm constantly tucking my feet under pillows or in socks. I know that this doesn't make any sense what so ever. Maybe it has something to do with the lack of humidity. All I know is that my feet are always cold. It rained last night and there is a chance of rain later today. What does this have to do with cold feet? I'm not sure. I'm just telling you about the weather.

So we are going to hang out at home today. Will and I may venture out to go to the library for story time. Last week we tried to attend this weekly event, but Will would have none of it. Let me give you a little background on our library. It's actually a portable building consisting of one main room with several smaller rooms. One of these smaller rooms is the children's section. It's small but fun and filled with books and movies. It even has a cozy couch and a kid sized table. Well, we arrived a little early so Will and I decided to pick out some books to check out. I was busy finding the perfect books for the kids while Will browsed through the movies. When I had the books picked out (The Hardy Boys for John, Nancy Drew for Mae, and two books on snow for Will) I asked Will if he was ready to go hear the story. "I want a movie!" Will demanded. "Not today. Look at these cool snow books!" I replied. "I WANT A MOVIE!!!!!!!" Will exclaimed. And so it went. He screamed. He hollered. All the parents gave me knowing sympathetic looks. The old people on the computers gave me stern annoyed looks. I tried to coax him over to the story time carpet, but he wasn't budging. As I was trying to check out the library lady had the nerve to tell me, "Don't give in, Mama!" She was all of 21 years old. Needless to say, we did NOT attend last weeks story time. You know what happened when we got into the car? I, of course, was fuming! Will, having moved on from his previous mood, asked me if he could get a Happy Meal! A Happy Meal! For real?

We will try again today. Am I setting myself up? Will the rain give me the excuse to stay at home with my cold feet? I'll let you know!

Winter Fun!

2010-01-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

After the Winter storm the mountains were covered with snow. We headed up to Madera Canyon for some fun. We left a balmy Sahuarita that was in the upper fifties headed toward a winter wonderland. As we made our way up the mountain into the park the road was closed. There was about a mile left to the top so we decided to hike it! Never underestimate a mile in a half uphill on a road covered in ice. Whew! But, boy was it worth it! Where we started there wasn't much snow, if any at all. But when we reached the end of the road there was a good 6-12 inches!
Sorry for the pictures being out of order. Picking them from my flash drive is a little difficult, and my blog posts them all in reverse order.

This is the Santa Rita River. It's usually dry as a bone. Now it's filled with water from the snow from the mountains and the rain. I've never seen it this full!

This is a little gift shop that was half way up our walk up the mountain! So cute. Doesn't it look like Hansel and Gretel live there! We stopped here for some hot chocolate on our way down.

John Russel in the snow! He had so much fun sledding down the hills and throwing snowballs! He was so busy I could hardly get his picture.

Mae the snow angel!

Who needs a sled! She loved going down the hills solo!

Weee! So much fun being pulled on the boogie board (aka our sled).

Here we are at the beginning of our hike. As you can see there isn't much snow. The kids were so excited.

Here's the mountain on our way up.

We all had fun, but were exhausted. Whew!!!

Hold on to your Hats!!

2010-01-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the weather went crazy. We were under a winter storm watch. There were blizzard warnings for the mountains, high wind warnings, dust storm warnings, flood watches, and even a tornado watch! It was scary! The dust blowing around was insane! Rusty's hat even blew off his head at the bus stop and flew into the neighbors swimming pool! Oh my! The funniest part of the entire episode was the weather man. He was beside himself. Rusty and I couldn't help but laugh. We knew that it could have been a serious situation, but the poor guy was just so out of his element. If only he had Dave Brown to help calm his nerves with his Doppler and storm tracking devices. Oh well....all is good this morning. We didn't all blow away.

Another crazy thing I want to share with you is my husband's new look. I want to share a picture, but it's this long process now that I don't have my "own" computer. I have to save it to a flash drive.....and so on and so forth....that takes too much energy to explain, much less actually do! I know...I'm lazy....but that's another story.

Anyway.....back to Rusty. He's growing this grizzly adams beard. It's looking pretty good actually. AND his hair is growing out. He doesn't want me to cut it. You want to know what else? It looks pretty good too. It curls just in the right way to look cool in a rugged sort of way. Some guys at work say he looks like Wolverine. Right after he told me this we watched the movie Australia with the actor that plays Wolverine in it. Oh my! He does look like Wolverine! I like it! Ok...I'll work on getting his picture on here. If your super curious, I posted his picture on facebook.

All is well at the Workman house. We didn't blow away. Rusty will have to get his hat when the neighbors decide to fish it out of their pool. He doesn't need it anyway!

My Heart Breaks

2010-01-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

I know the news has been flooded with scenes and stories from Haiti. I'm sure you, like the rest of the world, are moved by all the horrible pictures. I don't get to watch the news much around here. When I do get to watch TV its usually to watch Oswald or Sponge Bob. (if you a do not know who these two characters are consider yourself lucky) So, when I do get to catch a glimpse of the news I'm just blown away. Yesterday I saw a piece on children. These children were orphans. Precious, precious orphan children. Children with big brown eyes with long eyelashes. Baby girls with precious pigtails. Sweet boys with tattered clothes. Their eyes haunt my soul. As I watched these babies crawl over each other as the journalist explained their story my heart broke into a million pieces.
I thanked God right then and there for my sweet healthy children and the ability to provide a warm loving home for them. Then I prayed that these sweet innocent children in Haiti could have the same.
If I could bring them all into my home I think I would. Seriously. But for now, I'll just keep praying.

Back In The Swing of Things!

2010-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Oh me. It's been a long time. I feel like I'm still getting my feet back under me from Christmas. No matter how hard I try, it knocks the breath out of me every year. It was a whirlwind of fun times. The big kids birthdays went well. Nativity Quest was beautifully delivered. The drive to Tennessee was better than expected. Although we had a few illness all went well.

Now it's back to reality. The kids are doing great. School is going great. Rusty was home last week and is home this week....so far. So, all is well. Thank the sweet Lord.

I'll try to do better in posting. Now that we are back in the swing of things....finally.

Beauty

2009-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Define Beauty.

Beauty is roaring laughter that comes from a smile. It's a sprinkling of freckles across a little nose. It's big blue eyes that dazzle. It's long legs that just learned to peddle a bike.

Beauty is a heart so big it cares for everyone. It's a spirit so loving that it befriends anyone. It's a thought for others that are younger. It's a concern for those less fortunate.

Beauty is a daughter born seven years ago today. A girl that captured the world's heart with the blink of her big blue eyes.

Beauty is my sweet big girl!

Happy Birthday Dear Mae!

Such a Big Boy!

2009-12-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

He's skinny as a rail and just tall enough to be called lanky. He's funny, good to his siblings (most of the time), and holds my heart in his hands. He's fair skinned but he's as rough as they get. He's fast, he loves to play sports, ride his bike, and make people laugh. He's my first born. He made me a mother.

Happy Birthday Dear John Russel!

Perspective

2009-12-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

Perspective....There is so much in this word. I just finished a book my mother let me borrow. She borrowed it from my brother and his wife. It's called The Noticer by Andy Andrews. It's a good book. A quick read. It makes you think about your life and the little things that we consider so big. So....Let me ask you a few things:

Does that cranky lady in the grocery store that scowls at your children make you want to say something smart back to her? Or should you just smile and think about the "real" reason she is so cranky?

Do you tell the mother that is volunteering at the 2nd grade Thanksgiving feast to stop bossing you around? Or do you just smile and be thankful that she is there making her child's school a better place?

Do you turn the TV on because your children are wrestling in the floor? Or do you pull a book out of the book basket and sit down and read to them?

Do you feel sorry for yourself because your husband is gone 5 out of the 7 days of the week? Or do you thank the Good Lord that he has a job and he is so happy to see you when he gets home?

Do you tune your children out when they talk non-stop in the backseat? Or do you patiently listen to their little stories (complete with stutters and mispronunciations) and reply with enthusiastic exclamations (even when you've heard the same story 20 times)?

Do you volunteer in the nursery at church because you feel obligated? Or do you smile, and read, and hold, and love those precious children and realize that you are doing the most important thing in the world?

What is your perspective? Where will you let your mind lead you? It's all up to you.....with a little help from Jesus.

By the way, William and Terri, I'll be returning the book this Christmas!

Disney Pictures

2009-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, friends. It has taken me so long, but I'm up and running now! Rusty got me a flash drive for all my pictures. Do you know that I had over 300 on my camera! Well....I did. Here are a few from our Disney trip. I'll be posting more from Halloween soon!

Enjoy!

Kid Funnies

2009-11-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Will: Yesterday while riding home from picking Will up at preschool I asked him to sing his song he has been practicing. He proceeded to do so..."Silent night. Home at night!"

Mae: While I was brushing Mae's hair yesterday evening she asked, "Mom, is hypotheticalosaurus a word?" I said, "No, but hypothetical is." She said, "Um, yea. I know that hypothetical is a word, but the other word I made up last night to fool John Russel."

John: I asked him if he knew what being popular meant. He replied, "Yes, that's when everybody wants to sit by you and stuff." I asked, "Are you popular?" He replied, "Of course!"

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Will: Trick or treat! Smell my feet! I don't care! I'll pull your underwear off!

Mommy: Will! That's not nice!

Will: OKAY! Trick or treat? I don't care! I'll put your underwear back on!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Musings over Breakfast

2009-10-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today at breakfast Will held up his bent arm and asked me, "Mama, what's this?"
I looked up from my breakfast preparations to reply, "Um...Your elbow."
He then said, "No, Mama! This!" as he grabbed himself under is arm.
I said, "Oh. That's your under arm."
To which he replied, " No, Mama! That's my Batman!"

It took me a few seconds to comprehend. But then I finally got it after I realized that we had watched Underdog last night!

You can't beat his favorite super hero!

Then, my sassy Mae Mae replied, "Mama! Why didn't you just call it an arm pit!"

Oh, the joys of a good, deep breakfast conversation!

The First Part of the Trip

2009-10-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

It was in the 70's and overcast, but that didn't stop us!

Having a blast at the beach!

Building a sandcastle!

I love the sand!

Look at all the crazy surfers!

Here we are at Newport Beach.

On the way to Newport Beach!

The windmills at Palm Spings.

Newport Beach Pier!

We are having such a blast! I'll post more pics soon!

Disney Wayund!

2009-10-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

We're going to Disney Land!
The kids are so excited. Well....we all are actually.
We leave tomorrow. We are going to work with Rusty, who has some stuff to do in Palm Springs, and then we're off to Anaheim!
Oh my goodness....Can we contain the excitement!
Will keeps saying, "Oh yea! We're going to Disney Wayund!"
He also keeps asking me if batman will be there.
Oh well....Mickey will have to do!

It's Been A Long Time!

2009-10-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Excuses.

My Daddy used to tell me, "No excuses!"
I guess he just didn't want to hear it, and I'm sure you don't either.
Here are a few anyway.

I've been busy with the kids' school.
I've been busy with the kids' swim team practice.
I've been busy with John's soccer and soccer practice.
Rusty is out of town most of the time.
My birthday came and went.
I've had to clean the house, do the laundry, mop the floor, fix lunches, unload the dishwasher....
The big kids and I got the swine flu.
I've been getting ready for a Women's Retreat (that I didn't get to go to...thanks Mr. Flu)

Let's see....what else...I probably could add a few more.
After all they are just excuses, and I'm sure, just like my Daddy, you just don't want to hear it!

Neither do I!

I promise I'll try to do better!

Will's New Do

2009-09-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

Ok Ya'll! I took the plunge. No more little boy hair. We decided to get Will's hair cut. After cutting it myself his entire life and almost cutting his ears off I decided to go to our friendly neighborhood hair stylist, Natasha. Will's hair is straight as a bored, and I just couldn't get it right. Also, it grows really fast....so I decided to take it to the next level.

Here He is!!!!!

Here is Will getting his hair cut by Natasha (aka Miss Tasha). She is a super sweet girl that goes to our church.

Here Will is after his bath. He loves his new "batman" haircut, as he calls it. Rusty thinks he looks like his Uncle William. What do you think?

I miss my sweet baby. I feel like he grew up a few years after he got this cut.

Oh Well.....It does grow fast!

Holy Toledo! It's Batman!!!!

2009-08-29T20:12:00.001-07:00

Well....Will finally pooped in the potty after much, prayer and bribes and prayer and threats and prayer......he finally did it! So after searching the world (well Sahuarita) over I finally found a batman suit and a wonderful friend to dress the part! So.....here he is! He finally paid us a visit tonight!

Thanks, Dan...or BatDan!

He fooled everyone! Shoot, I was almost fooled myself.

All except Mae, that is. When he left she whispered to me, "Mom, was that Mariah's Dad?" Can't fool her, Nancy Drew!

It's Batman the Brain (as Will likes to call him)

The Big Kids and Batman

Batman is awesome!

I'm a big boy, Batman!

Hello, Batman!

Have You Ever Felt This Way?

2009-08-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ok...So ya'll know I got my haircut recently. I love it. I do! It's so easy and cool. (as in temperature) Here is my problem. My haircut girl (stylist...whatever you want to call her) goes to my church. That means I have to see her every Sunday AND every Thursday because she attends my bible study.

She's a super sweet girl. I love her and the way she does my hair. What's the problem, you may be asking? Well, I'm so self conscious about how I look when I see her. I feel like my hair must look perfect. The way she so expertly styles my locks. When I expressed this to her she called me silly and told me how cute it looks. This loving comment, did not seem to relieve the stress.

So...tomorrow is Thursday. I have to go work in John Russel's class in the morning before bible study. There will be no time for primping before I head to my lessons and fellowship with the other ladies of the church.

Please join me in prayer for a good hair day that can withstand second graders in centers. I may just have to add this to my bible study groups' prayer requests!

Mae the Funny Girl

2009-08-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rusty got home just after the kids got off the bus. We were all very excited and happy to see him, as he was us. The kids rushed to him squealing with delight and tackled him as soon as he walked in the door.
Then it was my turn.
He hugged me and gave me a big long kiss and hug.
Mae then said, "Ewwww! You guys are getting married!"
We both informed her that, in fact, we already were married.
Which she replied, "Well, it looks like ya'll are doing it again!"

She is so hilarious, my girl!

Sorry

2009-08-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, faithful readers (I know I have too many to count)! I am so sorry. I know that you have been sitting on the edge of your seat awaiting the latest in the Workman Five Saga. We've just been so busy lately. Busy, busy, busy I say! And what do I have to show for it? Well.....nothing!

We have been busy adjusting to life back at school and with Rusty traveling with his new job. When school starts back around here we take on an entirely different life and routine. I know all you mama's out there know what I'm talking about. New dinner times, homework times, bed times, wake up times, breakfast times. Throw soccer times, and no daddy times in there and you pretty much have it.

Funny thing happens during these adjustments. My mind starts blanking out, and I become extremely forgetful. I forget all kinds of things....like my phone number and if I took the trash down or not. You see, these two things are kind of important, don't you think? So...I've put my blog on the back burner. It's not that I've forgotten. It's just that I was trying to make room in my head for important stuff. Stuff like....Did I put both peanut butter sandwiches I just made in Mae's lunch box? Oh....let me check.

I did do something that you may think is exciting. I got my hair cut off! The picture isn't wonderful, but I'll post it anyway.

Sorry. You only get a shot of the back. I couldn't take a good one from the front. It was too hard to take it on my own.

Anyway. I promise to do my best in posting more of our goings on.

I know ya'll are dying to know!

The First Day of School

2009-08-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here they are! The big kids are ready for school!

Mrs. Steward, the principal, is ready for a super fun day!

This is Mrs. Burke, Mae's first grade teacher. She was John's teacher last year.

(Notice Will. He is wearing his backpack and carrying his folder. He's ready too)

Our school. Sahuarita Primary School!

After school we invited friends over to share in our traditional first day of school cupcake celebration. We all had a good first day!

Growin' Up!

2009-07-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

The other day we were leaving a friends house after a much needed play date. We were saying our goodbyes at the door. It was taking longer than need be standing at my neighbors door in the desert heat, so I said, "Say goodbye friend!" We then walked on down the walk as John mumbles, "Bye, AJ." He then quickly says to me, "Mom! Don't say that! Goodbye friend!" (In his most mocking voice)

At that very moment I realized that I embarrassed him. I did something too babyish. I then said, "Oh! I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." I really meant it too. I have felt the same emotions more times than I can count.

Then the sweet boy said, "Oh, Mama. It's ok," as he ran up to put his skinny arm around my waist.

You see. He really felt bad for me for being so lame. He felt the sweeping emotions of being embarrassed of me and then feeling sorry for me in less than a minute.

Oh, the pains of growing up.

Here's the rub.

It's so much more painful for me!

Uncle William has a farm..eieio!

2009-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

*Happy Birthday Will and MarySelle*

*Kiss this fish*

*Run, Run, Run*

*Sweet MarySelle*

Hello People!!! It's been awhile! We've been settling back in after our trip southeast. We've had swim practice and dental visits and pto stuff. You get the picture, right? Ok. So, I've tried to figure out how to post on my trip. I could just post all the pics, but I find that a tad boring. I think I'm going to try and do several little entries on a few of our jaunts while down in the deep south. I hope you find them as amusing and fun as they actually were!

Here goes....

Will and my niece MarySelle share a birthday. My sister in law Terri and I thought it would be fun to celebrate together, although it was after their actual special day. So we planned a day at their house.

Let me give you a little background. My brother William and his wife Terri teach Ag at the local high school. This involves all kinds of things that I'm so unfamiliar with, one of which is raising and showing sheep. They had some of these creatures at the high school, which is just down the road from their house. We just HAD to go see us some sheep! Off we go! My mother, aka. Mimi, my four city kids, and my brother's family head on over to the high school for some sheep schoolin'!

Oh My, did we have some fun. And we learned so much.

Such as...

Sheep poop little brown balls on the ground. Everywhere!

Sheep actually say BAAAAA! (This fact confirmed by Will by squatting in front of the sheep and encouraging her by yelling, "Say Baaaa! Say BAAAA, sheep!!")

Chickens can run very fast!

Uncle William has found the perfect job for himself!

Mae wishes she could live with Uncle William!

Then we all headed on over to Uncle William and Aunt Terri's house for some good ol' birthday party fun! My sister Selle, niece Elizabeth, and my friend Lisa and her two kids met us there. We jumped on the trampoline, we played with dogs...country dogs...that live in the country...there's a big difference if you didn't already know this, and we fished!

Oh Boy, did we fish. We had some bait, but we really didn't need any. As soon as the hook was placed in the water a fish jumped up to bite it. Now, these were little tiny fish, but the kids didn't care. I think we caught about 70 all together. It was crazy fun!

After fishing we had birthday cake, popsicles and watermelon because what's a day in the country without some watermelon!

William, Terri, and their girls live in the perfect most beautiful spot. Their house is just perfect sitting amidst soft rolling hills and beautiful natural landscaping. The field behind their home that leads to the pond is overflowing with gorgeous wildflowers. It was a glorious setting for the perfect day.

Thank you Uncle William, Aunt Terri, Conlee and MarySelle! We had a blast!!!

A few differences.

2009-07-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ok...so we've been back in the south for a little over a week now. We've all had so much fun we can't stand it. We've eaten and played and eaten and swam and eaten and visited friends and eaten......get the picture. I'm sure I've gained at least 10 pounds.
Anyway.... I wanted to share with you some of the things about my former home that I took for granted. I hardly noticed these little differences while living here in the deep south until I moved away and came back to visit. Here are a few.

The First has to do with the humidity. Now, I knew that this existed. I knew I was going to be slapped in the face by it as soon as I stepped off the airplane. What I didn't realize is the little tricks it plays. Humidity holds smells in the air. It amplifies them. I never noticed this before. It also puts a little spin on smells like mildew and perfume. I know this sounds crazy, but old buildings take on a new life with humidity, and ladies at church can be smelled miles away.

The second thing is the trees. Of course there are a million more trees here in the south then the southwest, and these trees are much much taller and bigger. It took a year of living in the desert to point out the magic that the sun and these trees can create. The sun passes through all of these limbs and leaves dappling the ground and various objects with the most glorious light. It's simple beauty high lighting all of God's glorious creations. I know you may find this silly that I'm just now noticing this. It's not that I'm just noticing it, I guess I've just missed seeing it for a year or so.

Again...we have all had so much fun. We have almost one more week until we head back to the desert. I'm going to go for now so I can watch the sun break through the trees as the humidity holds the smells of summer in the air for me.

Tennessee.....Here We Come!!!

2009-06-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

The bags are almost packed. We are itching to go! Tomorrow the kids and I are heading to Tennessee. We will be visiting friends and relatives all over west Tennessee. We can't wait!

Did you know that Memphis is mentioned more than any other city in music. Isn't that fascinating! I looked over some of the lyrics on the Internet. Some songs I know...some, well, I've never heard before. My favorite song about Memphis is one that was popular when I was a little girl. (I know...very sad) It may have been a commercial...not quite sure. It goes a little something like this.

My radio's picking up FM100.
I hear Memphis calling me home.

Do you remember it?

Relationship

2009-06-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here on the couch working on schedules for the children's ministry at church. John is playing his DS and Mae and Will are in the chair playing their own little games. As I finish my schedule I pay more attention to the younger two. They are so funny. I love watching these two play. Mae proclaims that she is Will 2nd Mommy.

Will is yelling Upsy Daisy! Upsy Daisy! Upsy Daisy! Mae is flitting around behind the couch. She says, "Mama, when he says that he's really calling me. That's what he calls me sometimes." Will then grabs her arm to turn her around and says, "Mae! Go put this up for me!" as he hands her his sippy cup. He's so bossy! She lets him get away with so much. They then go back to their chair and proceed to play their game of sitting upside down and falling into the floor.

Ahhhh! The priceless relationship that these two have. I hope that it continues forever.

Three Years Ago Today

2009-06-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

William Lea Workman

June 21, 2006

10lbs 3oz

I can't believe it.

Where has the time gone.

What happened.

Oh Yea!

I blinked.

A Fashion Statement

2009-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

So...What do you think?

An Adjustment

2009-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Rusty got a promotion at work. He is now a field service engineer something or the other. Basically he will be visiting the golf courses and commercial sites to help them out with their problems instead of talking with them on the phone. This is the job that has been wanting and waiting for. He is excited and we are all proud of him.
There is one thing, however. He has to travel a lot to get to all these golf courses and commercial sites. Travel all over the country.

So...he started this Monday and Wednesday he headed to Palm Springs to visit a commercial site. He'll be home Friday.

Now, when he first started his new job last year he moved here without us. We were apart for two months. He did come home on weekends, but we adjusted to his absence. So, I thought it would be easier for me this time around. I knew that I would have to take the garbage down, and I wouldn't have my right hand man to help with baths and bedtime. I realized that dinner time would be different. (ok...we wouldn't always have a hot meal...cereal is great for dinner) I also knew that we would all miss him terribly but would be so happy when he came home.

Yesterday was our first day without him. Add that fact to the neediness of kids in the summer and you get a frazzled, tired, annoyed mama!

The day started out well. Will woke up fairly early with his calls of "Mamamamamamamama!" This is normal. I stretch out of bed as quickly as I can to get him on the potty. He's been doing so well, that I can't mess it up. Mae had a friend over to spend the night, and they woke up around the same time. I fixed them a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and hot chocolate.

Now...let me interrupt this play by play of my day to tell you that meal times around here are...well...nuts. Let's just say I have much sympathy for diner waitresses. I feel exhausted after each meal after getting refills, napkins, cleaning up spills, getting something else because someone doesn't like strawberries, etc., and I'm really not sure what I've eaten.

After breakfast the girls began doing art projects. I let them do whatever they wanted. So after much cutting, coloring, and play dough playing I realized that if I was going to get my Wal-Mart trip in we really needed to go. So off we went. That trip went well as far as Wal-Mart shopping goes with 4 kids. I was pleasantly surprised.

After Mae's friend went home another friend called me in a bind and needed someone to watch her 3 year old. So a little while later our new friend came over. This was fun. He and Will both are newly potty trained! 'Nuff said on that one!

Later on that evening, after all friends had gone home, my kids decided it was time to play WWF or jump and run around screaming, or whatever that game is called. I know you know it. Anyway, after another meal that consisted of salad, pizza, and cereal (it is a diner when Daddy is gone, after all) I seriously considered moving bedtime up to 5:30. I quickly dismissed this idea. My kids are early enough risers already!

So...after baths and snacks of ice cream and teeth brushing and one more drinks of waters and using the bathroom one more time everyone was finally in bed.

Whew!!!!!

Finally! I can sit on the couch and watch what I want on TV, go to the bathroom by myself, eat without someone wanting what I'm eating, simply breath.

Then...I realized that I've got to do it all over again the next day!

Don't worry. I'll adjust soon. The kids will adjust soon.

We will all be just fine!

And let me just add....We are very proud of Rusty!

What's In A Name...Or How You Say It.

2009-06-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Since I've moved out to the southwest the people here have loved hearing me talk. I'm always being asked where I'm from. People tell me that I can say anything and it sounds pretty. Aw...how sweet!

On the other hand, people sometimes have a hard time understanding me. It may be the way I say words or it may be just the words I choose to use. Or maybe both!

A blog I read reminded me of this and I feel inspired to write about it. So....here's a list of things that I say that people find funny/adorable!

Soda is Coke. It could mean sprite, Dr. Pepper, anything carbonated and in a can. My Big Pop used to call it Co-Cola, and it never tasted better than out of those little glass bottles.

Maxi pads and tampons are kotex and tampax according to my Mama.

Hair spray is spray net according to every woman over 50 that I know from the South.

Cool whip is what I call whipped cream...always will.

Yard Sales are those things you have on Saturday mornings to get rid of all your junk, and when it's over you take it all to the Good Will.

Wal-Mart is known as THE Wal-Mart!

AND thank goodness our grocery store ends with an s, because otherwise it would get one. Just as my beloved Krogers.

Ya'll.....My favorite...which I use about 20 million times a day means you all, you guys, you people...whatever!

Now, let's get something straight... I don't use ain't, or generally use prepositions at the end of sentences, (unless I ask you where you are from...which I've started adding the word originally after living in a place where people have lived everywhere) and I don't say crick for creek. My long I's don't have that southernish sound in all of my words, but many one syllable words come out as two or three. My name included, which I always have to spell for people. I have to do the same thing when I'm giving Mae's name. People usually think I'm saying Meg.

Communicating has been very amusing here in my new southwestern home. I think it has opened many doors for me and allowed me to meet many new people who find the way I speak endearing. (Maybe they are just trying to figure out exactly what it is I'm trying to say.)

One thing is for sure...I can spot a southern accent from across a room and you can bet I'll head on over and introduce myself! There's nothing like meeting a fellow southerner I also love to call back home and listen to my family and friends.

There is nothing like listening to the lullaby of a singing southern accent! AND if you call soda a coke...well...lets just call you my new friend!

Trying For The Perfect Shot

2009-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Why does John Russel always make this silly smile?

This one, too. It looks like he's straining or something.

This is the one he gave me after I told him to open his eyes.

FFFForget it Mama! You'll never get the perfect shot!

But sometimes it just happens. When you least expect it.

Some people are just naturals.

Sometimes it's the age of the subject.

And sometimes.....well, sometimes the goofier the better...I guess!

Try looking up at me, son. Like this, Mama?

Look at me! I'm so goofy. There's nothing like being Seven!

Oh Happy Day!

2009-05-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

What do you see in this picture. Nope it's not the random grocery bag on the floor. That black thing on the rug? Oh that's just a bat man cape. That's not it either. All that junk on the coffee table? Eh Uh! That's John's Bakugon collection along with my magazines and Will's sippy cup.

Give up??

I'll give you a hint.

Look right above Will's little knock knees. (Sorry Will...It's a Lea trait inherited from your Mama and your namesake, Uncle William)

That's Right, Ya'll!

Don't adjust your screen. Your eyes are working correctly.

Will is wearing Spider man underwear, Friends!

It's a happy happy day in the Workman house!

End of The School Year Fun!

2009-05-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

*John Russel Performing in His End of The Year Program Lemonade*

*Mae with Her Owl of the Month Award and Her Friend Ninoa With His Most Improved Owl Award*

*The Entire First Grade Performing Lemonade*

*Trying to get a group shot*

*John Russel's Class*

*Getting Silly at Mae's Water Day*

*Mae and Friends at Water Day*

*Mae's End of The Year Program*

It's been a while friends. Sorry for the delay in posting. We've been so busy lately. The ending of school and beginning of summer fun has kept us all pretty nuts. Here are some pictures of our doings. Enjoy!

Just Call Her Snaggle

2009-05-18T15:26:00.001-07:00

Wiggle Wiggle

Wiggle Wiggle !!

Hanging by a thread!

It's finally out!

The tooth fairy comes tonight! Tooth fairy comes tonight! Hey!

Sock Hop!!!!

2009-05-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last night the PTO put on the last lighted school house event of the year. We had a sock hop. It was so much fun. We made popcorn and lemonade, decorated the gym, and had a dj. The kids learned dances in PE that prepared them for the fun. Some of the kids got into character by dressing in 50's clothes. We all had so much fun.

One of the highlights of the night was when Will looked up at me, grabbed my hand and said, "Come on, Mama. Let's go do the twist!"

Priceless!

The Whale Shark

2009-05-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I asked Mae to read me a book. After much deliberation (she didn't want to read a baby book) we picked out a book about sharks. It explained the differences of many kinds of sharks. So much so that it confirmed my thoughts on entering the ocean. Anyway....I digress.... We came upon a shark named the whale shark. This fish swims through the ocean with his huge mouth open. He eats little fish and plants by filtering them through his open orifice.

Hmmmm.

Interesting.

I encountered a similar animal at the pool today. This cute, cuddly, interesting creature did just what this whale shark does. Although, I don't think his intention was to eat little creatures and plants. I'm not quite sure what his intentions were.

He, however, has a name.

It's Will Workman!

Let's just call him Whale Shark from now on.

When God Gives You Lemons

2009-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Mae's little lemon tree and yes, that, my friends, is a lemon! We are so excited. A month or so ago it was filled with blooms. We had our fingers crossed for a lemon, but we didn't hold our breath. Last year it filled with blooms and nothing happened. This year it looks like one held on. So soon we'll have to make some lemonade!

What I Want to Be

2009-05-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

I want to be a Paleontologist when I grow up. I want to dig up dinosaur bones in the dirt. I will dig them up carefully because they can break. It is like a puzzle. They screw them in carefully because the screws can get loose. People come and see the creations that the Paleontologist built.

By John Russel Workman

*Written by John Russel for a school project. He got to dress like a Paleontologist and give a report to his class. (Who said he could grow up?)

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

2009-04-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

The other day was perfect Kite flying weather. Will has been dying to fly his super duper kite with super heroes on it. So, we headed to the park for some kite flying fun. It was so windy that all you had to do was hold the kite up and it would lift up into the air. Will loved flying it. Such Fun!

8 Things

2009-04-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my friend Maribeth over at Pigtails and Pj's. So I guess I'm it....Here goes!

8 things I'm looking forward to.
1. Visiting my friends and family in Memphis this summer.
2. Hanging out with my friends this summer at the pool, park, etc...
3. Joining our new church and being a charter member.
4. My children's bedtime.
5. The volunteer luncheon at school.
6. Hanging out with the kids tonight.
7. Rusty getting home from work.
8. A clean house.

8 things I did yesterday.
1. Set up the children's ministry rooms/tents for church.
2. Went to Church.
3. Took down the children's ministry rooms/tents for church.
4. Went to a new members meeting at my neighbors house.
5. Hung out with my friend Becky.
6. Bought pizzas and salads for a baby shower.
7. Helped Becky make a list of PTO events for next year.
8. Helped Rusty look for his Birth Certificate.

8 things I wish I could do.
1. Drive to Memphis in an hour.
2. Buy a new couch.
3. Calm my 2 year old down instantly.
4. Stop all whining with a look.
5. Cook delicious dinners that everyone in my family enjoys every night.
6. Get Will potty trained.
7. Never watch another Elmo movie/show.
8. Clean my house with a snap.

8 people I should tag.
Well..no one i guess. I think everyone has already been tagged.

Family Visits

2009-04-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well....Here I sit on the couch typing this post. I'm sitting with Will while he watches cartoons. We are getting back to normal. Mother and Selle came to visit. We had the most fabulous time. We toured some Tucson landmarks and spent two night in Tubac at the spa. The kids had so much fun spending time with Mimi and Aunt Selle, and then "the big girls" had fun at the spa. We were celebrating Selle's 4oth birthday. We spent almost an entire day getting pampered at the spa. We all had facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures. We also had a "spa" lunch. I don't think I've recovered from all the pampering. We also ate and relaxed and had fun and laughed. Man....I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time.

When we have visitors it always takes some time to get back into our normal life. This time is no different in that area. One big difference, though, is all the wonderful memories I have of spending time with my Mother and Sister. There is nothing like it. I think we could have fun anywhere. The normal everyday stuff turns into an adventure, and the most mundane tasks become hilarious. I swear you could make a movie out of our trips. This time was no different.

The one thing I'll take from this visit is more priceless than any treasure. The relationship that we have is absolutely the most precious thing. It gets stronger every time we see each other. I wouldn't trade it for anything. How blessed I am for having such a great Mother and Sister.

*San Xavier Mision*

*El Charro Mexican Restaurant*

*At the Spa*

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:03:00.003-07:00

*Having fun at the park*

*After Church*

*Hunting Easter Eggs*

*Look at all my eggs*

*The boys*

*Checking out the Easter Loot*

*Decorating Cupcakes*

*Decorating cupcakes with friends*

*Decorating Easter Bookmarks*

*Cheese! Happy Easter!*

Here are a few pictures from this weekend. We had such a fun Easter. We had friends over Saturday afternoon for egg decorating and BBQ! Rusty made some ribs! YUMMY! We also decorated cupcakes and made bookmarks. Sunday we woke up early to see what the Easter bunny brought. We then went to church for service and more egg hunting. After church we went on a picnic at the park. We had a fun-filled Easter. We hope you did too!

Mae's Musings

2009-04-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

My neighbor put a "No Soliciting" sign on her front door due to several people coming by trying to sell "stuff" lately. Mae and I went over the other day. As we stood at the door step waiting for a reply to our doorbell ring, she inquired about the sign. I explained to her what it meant. Simple as that, she seemed satisfied. A few days later at dinner time the phone rang. Rusty got up to answer. As he stood silently listening with phone in hand, Mae asked who it was on the line. I told her it was probably a telemarketer. "What's that?" she asked. "A person trying to sell something," I told her. "They're soliciting!" Mae replied.

I thought I was going to spit my water across the room.

When Rusty finally got off the phone he asked what all the fuss was about. I told him what Mae had just said, and he says, " Oh yea! She asked me the other day what that sign meant on the neighbors door."

Mae then quipped, " Yeah, well....Mama already told me what it meant. I was just checking to see if you knew."

She is so funny, that girl. And smart!!

Happy Days!

2009-04-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

Today the kids got to wear 50's style clothes to school. Our carnival is tomorrow and it has a 50's theme. We are all so excited and have been planning, planning, planning! Whew.....

Check us out this weekend. Rusty and I will be dressed up for the carnival. So much fun!

Also....I pulled a funny April Fool's joke on Rusty by telling him he had to dress like Elvis for the carnival. He fell for it, and boy was it Fu-un-nee!!!!

*Bus Stop Friends*

*AJ, John, and Mae*

* Mae and Jasmine*

*Heeey*

*Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee*

Makuta's Island

2009-03-27T15:01:00.001-07:00

*Having fun with Rusty-The biggest Kid of them all!*

*This is Fun*

*Which way do we go?*

*Part of the gang*

*WEEEE!*

Over Spring Break the Workman 6 went to the Grand Canyon. I, being an insanely overprotective mother, decided that we shouldn't go. Call me nuts, but taking a two year old to the biggest whole in the earth is not a good idea. Anyway, while they were away we decided to head to Phoenix with some friends to Makuta's Island.

What is Makuta's Island?

Ha Hm Hm! Well....let me just tell you. It's this huge indoor play area that makes Chuck E Cheese look miniscule! They have all these slides and tunnels and ladders and bridges and rope things and and and....... I could seriously go on for days. It was so overwhelming. It took a while to get used to. The boys in our group took off like gang busters. Mae did at first, and then she got stuck in this one area. Thank goodness I found her. It was....it was....I can't even think of an appropriate word!

After a little while we all warmed up to the Island and started to have some fun. My friend Becky told me that I "MUST" go down the Banana slide. I got John Russel to take me up. First you go into this tree thing and climb up this spiral pole thing to the next level. Then you climb this spiral ladder thing up to another level. I think I somehow climbed to another level, I'm not sure....I couldn't think for all the praying I was doing. All the while John Russel was patiently waiting on me urging me on. Then we started crossing the rope bridge. I looked down and we were at the top of the entire play area. (Imagine being at the top of a warehouse building like Wal-Mart) WHAT!!!!! It was enclosed with netting, BUT the thing was swaying and there were real planks. I felt like I was in an Indiana Jones movie. That's when I started reciting the Lord's Prayer. I wanted to turn back, but that would mean climbing down all those spirally ladders. I don't think I could have done that. So, with sweat pouring from my brow I trudged on. We made it to another play structure thing all together and that's where I had to make my decent. A few tunnels and a ladder or two later came this slide. Whew! I'm outa here! I went flying down the slide like a mad woman only to discover I had to make my way down the skinniest ladder I have ever seen. But....once I did, I was on the sweet ground floor. I could have kissed it in all it's cushy rubber glory! After my armpits dried I found out from my friend, Becky that I didn't go down the Banana slide. I had missed it somehow. She oohed and ahhed about how much fun it was. John Russel then begged me to go. So....What's a mama to do, but to do it! So off I go again into the tree from HADES! Up I go. Up the twisty poles and curvy ladders and tunnels. That's when I see the bridge. I cry....Do I have to go across THAT again?! No. John Russel points to the right up a little to the entrance to the Banana Slide. Becky's daughter Raeanna then informs me that her Mom is scared of the Banana slide. She won't even go down it again. OH REALLY! Well....I don't think I can make it down the twisty poles and curly ladders, and I'm sure not going across that swinging bridge. Ok! I can do this. So up I go. I take my seat. And off I go like a bullet from a gun! OH MEEEEEEE! I try to grab on to something....anything to keep my pants from catching fire from the speed I was building. Not a smart move. My elbow caught fire instead! Ouch!!! Down I went into a basic free fall! Was it ever going to end? That's when I saw it. The light at the end of the tunnel/slide. Oh I could taste sweet heaven. I came flying out like a bat out of a cave. That's when I saw my friend Becky standing there with camera in hand!

Oh Boy does she have it coming!!!

I don't have the picture of me coming out of the slide. I'll get it though and post it for your viewing pleasure. It's really too funny not to share.

Here are a few pics from the day. Enjoy!

Oh, by the way, they even had a toddler area just for Will. ( I won't tell you, Mimi, all the things Rusty took him up and down)

Chant Time With The Workman Girls

2009-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I almost forgot this. Do you remember being a young girl between the ages of, oh say 6 and 13? (Please forgive me male readers) Does your memory recollect making up silly songs and chants to almost everything and anything? Mine does!
Well, the Workman girls made up this cute chant for all the cousins that were in Arizona over Spring Break. You see, there is John Russel, Jack (who's middle name is Ross), Wally, Will, Mary Kate, Bea and Mae. The Chant goes like this.

JR
JR
Double Dub
Double Dub
Kate Kate
Bea Bea
Mae Mae!!!!

Oh, if you're wondering double dub is for Wally Workman and Will Workman. Get it? Double W's! AND....if you're from the south W's are pronounced Dubbya!

Isn't this just the funnest!

Again?
OK!

JR
JR
Double Dub
Double Dub
Kate Kate
Bea Bea
Mae Mae!!!!!!

Spring Break

2009-03-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely?

Round'em up and move 'em out!

Howdy Partner!

Sweet Cousins!

There was a lot of DS playing going on!

Soccer Time!

Winding down after a long day!

Mount Lemon

The Desert Museum.

The Boys at the Desert Museum.

Well....I can't believe it's over. In my nephew Jack's words, "It feels like we just got here!"

This past week has been a whirlwind of fun. Having family in town is always exciting, but the departure date is always sad. We miss the Workman 6 already. Here are a few pics of all the fun!

Another Happy Birthday!

2009-03-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Selle!
Happy Birthday to you!

I hope your day is filled with fun and laughter, dear sister. I hate that I can't wish you a happy day in person. I'm so blessed to call you sister and friend.

Love you!

Happy Birthday Mimi!!!!!

2009-03-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mimi!!!

We love you so much.

We can't wait to see you!

My Girl

2009-03-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

I've got Sunshine on a cloudy day!

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May!

I guess you'd say, What can make me feel this way?

My Girl! My Girl! My Girl! Talking 'bout My Girl!

My Girl!!!!!!!

Stong Genes!

2009-03-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

*Graci.....so sweet, but she Broke The Mold*

Why don't I have a more recent picture--Horrible, horrible Aunt

*Stinker Will....Too young for the pic below....but he could fit right in with those looks*

*Workman Cousins circa 2005*
*Will was present, but in my tummy*

Ok...So here are some Workman cousins. This picture was taken a few years ago and it is missing a cousin or two. But it doesn't matter because one particular cousin broke the mold and doesn't look like the rest....so it doesn't matter. (yes, sweet Graci, YOU matter...but not for this post) Will....you look like the rest, but I don't have a group shot including you...Gina and Nanci help a sister-in-law out will ya!

See...What I'm getting at is this....They all look so so so much alike! They could all be mistaken for siblings. A few of them maybe even twins if there wasn't such an age difference. It's downright crazy....eerie....weird!!!

I'm feeling a little nostalgic. Call it living so far away or maybe it's that some of these rugrats are coming to visit in a few weeks. I don't know, but it's made me start to thinking....

Thinking about how strong these Workman genes are!!!! Lord have mercy! Could I have married into a stronger gene pool! I can't get over it. The brothers all look alike, too. Granted...two of the four ARE twins, but my goodness they could seriously be mistaken for quads! It's downright crazy scary.....weird....eerie!

We all can't wait for the Workman 6 to come and visit. They will be here in about a week. We can't wait to show them the ways of the Wild West!

Most of all we all can't wait to see each other and have so good ol' cousin fun!

I can't wait to see who looks more like who this time!

I'm not bitter.....I promise!

All I'm sayin' is that it sure is a good thing that they are all stinkin' cute!!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

2009-03-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

It has been hot, hot, hot! We even broke a record yesterday. It was 91! We went swimming. The pool is heated so it was ok, but it was windy at when the kids got out they were a little chilly. My raccoon eyes tanline has gotten more pronounced. I've been using sunscreen, but the good ol' sun still gets through! I guess I'm going to have to brave the great outdoors without my sunglasses.....or walk around looking like a raccoon....What do you think?

We have also been busy, busy, busy! This week is reading week at school. The big kids have had lots of fun activities going on. Will and I are helping decorate doors and reading to classes! I think we have something at the school almost everyday this week!

It's crazy times, but I love it!

*I didn't take the camera to the pool yesterday. If I had to carry one more thing someone was going to cry....probably me!!

Rodeo and Zoo Days

2009-02-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

John Russel had a field trip to the zoo today, and yesterday Mae had a party for the Rodeo that's going on in town. We all had a blast!

I'm exhausted! (and more sunburned)

The big kids will be out of school the next two days for the rodeo.

It's Crazy times in the Wild Wild West!!

Can You Feel The Burn?

2009-02-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend was filled with a soccer game and a birthday party at the park. Add to that church outside by the lake, and what do you get? Well.....take a look for yourself.

*Can you see it?*

*Check out those Raccoon Eyes!*

That's right....a sunburn! I still can't believe that I actually got such a burn in February! Can you? Today Will and I went to the park and had lunch with friends. It was so hot we both actually broke a sweat! Crazy!!!!

Crazy Hair Day!!

2009-02-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

*Will had to get in on the action.*

*Side view of Will--He looks just like his cousin, Libbi!*

*Side view of Mae.*

*Side view of John Russel.*

*We're ready!*

Crazy Hair day is here. Everyone is so excited!

Now...I just hope it washes out!

Crazy Times!

2009-02-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Oh ya'll! I've been so busy. I haven't had time to breath, bathe properly (just kidding), or attend to my usual life. The PTO and my parental duties have made it basically impossible to post a blog. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy I've been busy. The PTO has raised an insane amount of money, in pennies mind you, for our playground. A playground enhancement that is planned by the PTO board (which I'm a part of by the way) These pennies had to be counted, and a classroom awarded for this insane accomplishment. Also, Will (the sweet and Innocent baby of the family) has decided that he wants to become the devil. So.....I've been a little off kilter!

Tomorrow is crazy hair day at school...AND....it's supposed to be in the 80's this weekend....so I promise to post some fun and exciting new pictures for you!

Check back soon.

Mountains

2009-02-17T06:31:00.001-08:00

Ok.... I know you can't see it well. Probably not at all. But, there's snow on the mountains! The other day we had a cold front come in. A few areas around town got a few inches that melted almost as fast as it fell. All the mountains got it, though. The good part about getting snow on the mountains is you get to enjoy the beauty of the snow without the actual mess of it. These pictures don't do it justice. The snow covered mountains were absolutely beautiful.

These mountains haven't stopped amazing me. Everyday I think I discover something I haven't seen before. The sun may shine at a different angle, snow may fall, or the moon might rise from behind. Every time it's like seeing them for the first time. My favorite is seeing the same mountain range from a different part of town. It doesn't even have to be far. It could simply be from a friends yard a few streets over. They seem to take on a different meaning for me. A different point of view sometimes shows you something totally different and surprising. Looking at these wonderful mountains that God so gloriously created is truly inspiring.

I'll try and get some better pictures. I don't think that I will ever be able to truly grasp the beauty of these mountains in a picture or with words. So.....the only way for you to experience this wonderful phenomenon is to come out for yourself.

We've got plenty of room!

Picture Time!!!!

2009-02-16T12:34:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure since I haven't posted in a while. We've been busy doing a whole lot of nothing! I'll post more soon!

*Mae loves to take a bath in my bathtub!*

*Acting crazy on the slide!*

*Look out Lightening McQueen!*

*I'm so tall!*

*I will not let go!*

Early Morning Discussions

2009-02-06T09:35:00.001-08:00

Some mornings our way to school turns into deep discussions involving many questions. This is usually by Mae, of course. This morning the discussion somehow turned to going to college. Mae has asked me about this before. She became absolutely horrified that she would have to go off and live by herself, even after my explanations that she wouldn't feel that way at the time.
This mornings discussion went something like this:

Mae: Mama, will I be able to drive when I go to college?
Me: Yes...you will be able to drive before that when you are in high school. (My stomach knotting at the thought)
Mae: Mama, where will I go to college? Will I go there? (As we pass the high school)
Me: No...that's the high school. They do have colleges here, but you can go wherever you want. There are colleges everywhere. (Silently sending up a bullet prayer for a scholarship)
Mae: Will I live at home?
Me: No. You will live in a dorm. It's so much fun.
Mae: Mama, what's a dorm.
Me: Kinda like an apartment, but it's only one room. You'll have a roommate, too. It's really a lot of fun. (Thinking...how did I have so much fun in ONE stinking room with another person)
Mae: Oh..... Mama, will my friends at school go with me.
Me: Maybe.
Mae: I think my friend, Catherine, will live with me.
Me: Maybe, so. It's fun to go to college. You can play sports and be in clubs.
Mae: Do you have to do work.
Me: Yes, you have to go to school, but you'll like it.
Mae: Mama, can me and John Russel go together?
Me: Of course you can.
Mae and John Russel: YESSSSS!

Isn't this just the cutest thing ever. I pray that they will go to college together and stay close forever.

Warm Days.

2009-02-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

*Fun in the Klaege's backyard!*

*Silly Will*

*Nice action shot!*

*Digging in the sand in the lot across the street.*

*Check out my Bionicle that Daddy and I built!*

Here are a few pictures I promised I would take and post. I, however, forgot to take the camera to the park where Rusty played flag football, and the kids and I ran around and played. Oh Well. I'll take some more soon! I promise.

What does this equal?

2009-01-31T17:16:00.001-08:00

This

Plus This

Equals This!

Poor Will ran behind Mae's swing and BAM! It was all over but the crying. He's perfectly fine...other than a big fat lip!

Now the poor thing looks like Angelina Jolie!

Bless His Heart!!!!

Incidents

2009-01-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

I just noticed that I haven't posted any pictures in a while. So...I'll go take some soon and post them. I need to show ya'll how warm it is here so hopefully we'll all be in our shorts.

Anyway...I wanted to tell ya'll some funny things Will has said and done lately. I feel like I talk about him a lot. I guess I'm with him more than anyone else and...well... he is funny. So, here goes.

Incident One: Today while fixing Will his lunch he said, "No, Mama. I want Santa Claus crackers!" What?! in the world are Santa Claus crackers? Well, I realized that Santa Claus crackers are plain soda crackers, not the Ritz I was about to give him. Why are they Santa Claus crackers? They are the crackers we serve to our elves at Christmas....of course!

Incident Two: This weekend Rusty came into the Kitchen to find Will up on a stool that he had pushed over to the counter leaning over a pile of gum wrappers and gum while chewing with all his might.

Incident Three: While driving the big kids to school yesterday I noticed a woman wearing all white (White coat, white little hat, white pants, white shoes) running down the sidewalk. Now, she wasn't just out for a leisurely jog, she was literally sprinting. She looked like she was running for her life. Will proclaimed in his deepest gravely voice, "OOOO! Look at that woman! She is RUNNING down that sidewalk!"

Incident Four: Now this isn't just one incident. This is something he does every time. Every time Will uses his potty he yells at the top of his lungs, "I SPRAYED IT!!!!" He's so proud. And so am I!

I'm sure I could come up with about a million incidents. He is just so funny to us.

Remember...check back soon. I'll post some sunny pictures for all of you stuck in the bitter bitter cold.

Life in the Desert

2009-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

We are all feeling good here in the Workman Five house. The kids are all running and ripping around upstairs while I sit on the couch and type this post. Life is good. It rained today bringing a break to the wonderful weather. It has been sunny and in the upper 70's for a while now. It has been so so nice. We have all really tried to take advantage of it. This is another blessing of our new home. Arizona has brought us many little gifts that have taken me by surprise. I never thought that I would begin to love our new state as much as I have.

Today I had my women's bible study. We meet at a friend's house. This little group of women has turned out to be yet another blessing. I just love it. I've enjoyed meeting new people and growing in my faith with them. Today I was asked to lead the study. I was honoured to be asked, and it was easier than I thought it would be. I really don't know why I was worried with this fabulous group of laid back women. I was definitely missing the intimate relationships that only a bible study can bring.

In a few months we will have been in Arizona for one year. It's amazing to think about this, but it's also very comforting. I know what to look forward to. I know what's getting ready to come. I also have made lots of new friends. I now can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know. It's all very refreshing. I'm slowly beginning to make this place we call the desert my home.

As I reflect on all of this I'm so glad that God led us here. Our family has grown closer as we each have expanded our horizons. We are all better people for having had this wonderful opportunity.

Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Well... Will and I are at home enjoying a lovely case of the stomach virus. Will has it. The other two children had a little diarrhea, but they are ok now. I feel a little queasy and tired, but I'm sure that's just me being a hypochondriac. I always do this with the stomach virus. Anytime anyone gets it in my family, we ALL end up getting it. So....every time one of us gets its, I immediately think,"Well, I'm next. It's all over, but the crying...or the pooping"

So...here I sit on my couch...waiting on the next diaper change....wondering if I'm getting sick....playing with stickers with Will. (Who feels and looks fine, by the way.) All while watching the Presidential Inauguration.

Well....Everyone said it was going to be a memorable one!

100

2009-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what 100 of something looks like?

The 100th day of school is coming up. The kids are so excited. They have brought home activities and are planning parties for the big day! Thrilling!!!

One of John Russel's activities is to count and glue 100 "somethings" onto a piece of paper. These "somethings" have to be small enough to fit onto a regular 8 and 1/2 by 11 piece of paper. HMMMM.....what shall we do....I'll have to think on that one.

Mae, on the other hand, who was not assigned such an endeavour from her Kindergarten teacher, couldn't resist the temptation to count out 100 things and take them to school. After much conversation and deliberation and argumation (ok...not a word...but fits perfectly) we decided to count out 100 of her favorite "things" on the face of the earth, take a picture, and she could take ONE of these "things" to school with her. (Even though she was NOT assigned to do so)

Soooo....Off we go to count. I help her as we break these "things" into groups of 10. "We need 10 groups of 10." I tell her as we count. I wasn't really sure she had 100 of these "things", but I really shouldn't have doubted. She not only had 100, she had like 115 or so. AND...I'm sure there were a few more of these "things" hiding under some one's bed or in the car or in the closet. She and I then arranged these "things" lovingly and aesthetically on her bed. She then squeezed herself into the picture and I got it!

What did we get 100 of? I know you're dying to know....

Well, 100 stuffed animals of course!

Isn't that pathetic!

Stupid?!

2009-01-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Last night around 9:00 Rusty went outside for his usual "break". He opened the door and told me to come out. He seemed rather excited so I stepped out to take a look. The following conversation followed:
(First let me describe the landscape behind our house. We have our little rock yard that has an iron fence in the back. Just beyond that is dessert. Then there is the pecan grove. Way in the distance you see mountains.)

Rusty: "What is that?" Pointing to a hazy orangy light in the distance.

Anne: "I don't know? Maybe an airplane coming over the mountain."

Rusty: "I don't think so. Maybe they are working in the pecan groves."

Anne: "This late?" Well, maybe."

Meanwhile the light is getting a little brighter and bigger. It seems to be moving towards us through the leafless pecan trees. We are both silent as we stare.

Anne: "Maybe it's E.T.!" Kidding a little, but becoming a little alarmed.

More Silence.

Rusty: "Oh, Hell.....It's the moon!"

Anne: "He, He He, well.. it is! Isn't it pretty!"

Rusty: "Man, I'm glad there is no one out here with us. We are so stupid!"

It came up so fast and was so big and orange and pretty. I wish ya'll could have seen it. There is nothing like seeing the moon rise over the desert, or, er.. Pecan Groves!

Nothing!

2009-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Well... I was going to tell you about my horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day yesterday, but I'm not. I'm tired of talking about it. I'm sure you are glad, too. No one likes a whiner!

So....What should I tell you. Let's see. What have we been up to.

Not much.

Isn't that great! We are finally settling into our normal routine. It's so nice to get up in the morning and take the kids to school. It's so nice to not have anything pressing to do. I love the fact that we don't have major plans around the corner.

I know this is a very boring post. But, I'm glad it is.

Now, let's all take a deep breath and enjoy having "nothing" to do!

Bloody Murder

2009-01-08T18:30:00.001-08:00

*Look at sweet Mae on her Birthday with her friends...Imagine the opposite for this post*

Today the two older kids had their yearly check-ups with the pediatrician. We made our long way to the doctor's office after school. During our trip I explained to the kids why they were going to the doctor. Mae quickly asked, "Do I have to get a shot?" I told her that she shouldn't because she was caught up, but that she could ask the doctor when we got there. I'm not sure if she didn't hear me or if she just wasn't satisfied with the answer I supplied because she asked me about five more times as we traveled through town. When we got to the doctor's office all was well. They each weighed, had their hearing and vision checked and loved showing off how smart they are and how well they could behave. When the appointment was drawing to a close just after the doctor gave me all of the height and weight percentages the doctor dropped the bomb. "You know....your kids are missing some shots." She proceeded to tell me that the doctor's office in Memphis probably didn't send the correct information because we had gotten into school with a shot record from the Memphis office. During our discussion the doctor and I came to the conclusion that it would be best to go ahead and get the hepatitis A shot today and if they really were missing their second chicken pox vaccine then I could come back and get it later. It wouldn't hurt to give them another hep A vaccine if they had already gotten it.

So....... I said, "Well, guys. It looks like ya'll are going to have to have a shot after all."

Oh My Lord. That's all I can say for the reaction that Mae had. That girl started screaming at the top of her lungs as she clawed at the paper on the examination table trying to climb into the wall behind it. All I could do was stare. I have NEVER seen such! I'm telling ya'll it was B-A-D. She gave to meaning to the term screaming bloody murder.

Finally after much sweet talking, threatening, and promises of ice cream was I able to calm her down. The nurse was very sweet and calm. We let John Russel go first. Don't you just know that after his shot went in and out without incident he started to cry. He, the child who has gotten an allergy shot a week for the past 2 years of his life, started to CRY, ya'll! I don't know, maybe it burned or something....who knows. All I do know is that this did NOT help matters with Miss Mae Mae Workman! This set off a new set of hysterics.

Here we went again. Promises, threats and sweet talking. I held her in my arms and made her look the other way while she screamed in my ear. (My ear is still ringing by the way) The shot went in and out and after she cried a little bit longer.Then finally it was over.

Can you believe it? I can't. I have NEVER seen such in my life.

On the way home I called Rusty to tell him about it, and I couldn't resist to call Mother and tell her. Mae told me to quit talking about her and making up stories. Oh Girl.....Making up stories....I'm sorry, I know that one day you'll probably talk about me in therapy. Better yet you'll sit around your dorm room with your friends and talk about how horrible your mother was to you. You'll even have the evidence to prove it.... The Workman Five Family Blog.....

Too Much TV?

2009-01-07T18:01:00.001-08:00

*This is a picture of Mae that I didn't mean to put on here*

*This is what the kids took pictures of when they got a chance with the camera*

TV....television....the ol' boob tube....the tele....Whatever you want to call it has become (well, let's face it, has always been) a problem in the old Workman house. John Russel and Rusty are the biggest TV heads of the family, but we all watch it way too much. It's a sin! How could I do this to my young children's' developing brains. I've probably stunted their intellectual growth by about 10 years.

Here are a few ways to know that your children are watching too much TV:

* They recite the "sayings" from fast food restaurants. Just today Rusty said that we should get Subway. John Russel pipes up from the back seat of the car. "Subway...Eat Fresh!"

* They tell their friends at birthday parties that the gift they just witnessed being opened is something they saw on TV. You look over to see printed on the side of the art supply box "As seen on TV".

* They describe to you in detail the purse that hangs over one shoulder complete with many easy to get to pockets that you "just have to have" because it would be easier to find things. Also it comes with a little gadget that records things you might need. You can take it to the grocery store so you won't forget what you came for. "Eggs, butter, milk".

* They know all the words to every commercial and theme song on noggin or nick.

* They don't respond or even break their glare from the screen when you talk to them. You could be saying anything. Even, "Who want marshmallows and candy canes for supper?" It doesn't matter....They won't break their stare.

* They put on their little brother's clothes thinking they are their own because they can't take their little eyes away from the screen for one second. They don't even know they've done this. You have to tell them.

I could go on and on....But, I'm afraid you might turn me into the Department of Human Services.

This is something we will work on. I promise! We do spend lots of time reading, and playing, and spending time outside. The TV no longer gets turned on in the mornings and it can't be turned on until after homework is completed. Hey, some days it doesn't get turned on at all.

Oh well.....I can't believe I'm admitting it, but it's a GREAT babysitter. Hey, a mama's got to take a shower once in a while without fear that the house will come tumbling down. I know, I know, it's terrible. I can practically hear all of you gasping all the way over here.

This year we will resolve to watch less TV.

I'm sure next year we will resolve to play less video games.

Does it really ever end?

Goodbye Pass!

2009-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

We've done it! I can't believe it. After 2 and 1/2 years we did it! Will no longer has his pacifier, or pass as he so lovingly calls it!

We were down to two. I refused to buy another one. I think we left one in Tennessee, or on the airplane, or maybe it's in the bottom of my diaper bag...who knows. Anyway, we lost the last one Sunday night. Soooo... we had no choice but to put Will to bed without it. He cried for a little while. I went in and gave him his blanket and put the nose up to his nose.(Ok... the "nose" is what he calls the tag on his blanket. He likes to rub it on his nose and smell it) He stopped crying. I left, and he started crying again, but only for a few minutes. And that was it! Monday at nap he did pretty well. He cried and I went in and traded one Elmo for another. That seemed to do the trick. When Rusty put him to bed last night there was no crying at all!

Hooray! I think we've done it. I'm almost afraid to talk about it for fear it will all backfire on me.

I'll tell you this, though. I thought Will talked a lot before all this taking the pass away. Man, I can't even think straight for all the chatter going on. He talks about anything to anyone in earshot. We went to Wal-Mart yesterday and he proclaimed, "Hello, Wal-Mart! Hello, Friends!" as we walked up to the store. None of the customers entering or exiting seemed interested in conversing with this talkative little guy. I guess the roll back prices had their attention. He wished everyone a good-morning at the club house where I go work out, and he analyzed every car, bird, tree, house, and lack of Christmas decorations on our journeys throughout the day.

Oh well! I'll take it. I'm so glad this transition that I've dreaded for so long has been so easy.

Now...it's on to potty training. I'll let ya'll know how that's going later! Let's all pray that it will be just as easy!

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well... It's another year. I can't believe how fast 2008 went. So much has happened this past year, it makes my head spin just to think about it.

This Christmas was quite the whirlwind, too. After Santa arrived we made our way to the airport to head to Tennessee. We had so much planned I could hardly catch my breath. Rusty got an ear infection, and we all had a touch of some kind of virus. This, however, didn't slow us down much. Seeing all my friends and family was wonderful. It's amazing how much children can change in nine months. My nephew Joseph is practically grown. He towers over me. All of my nieces on both sides are blossoming into beautiful young ladies. Seeing everyone in person was just priceless. We laughed and hugged and celebrated Christmas together. What a wonderful blessing. I got to see many friends. It was so fun hanging out. Just like "old times". Visiting our old church was fantastic. I didn't know I could miss something so much. Even though we have finally found a church we like here....well, as the old saying goes "there's no place like home!"

What I wasn't counting on was how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. One week is just not long enough to visit and catch up. Nine months is just too long to be gone away from the one's you love. Although the time away made it that much sweeter to see everyone the bitterness of leaving was that much harder. I don't know. Maybe I'm too much of a "family girl" for this kind of life. I thought I could do it. The time away healed all those feelings of missing my family and friends for a while. I just didn't realize how hard it would be to visit and have to leave again. It was like ripping a scab off an old wound.

I know that God has put me here for a reason. There are so many wonderful things about being away with my little family. We are growing and expanding our horizons in so many ways. I often think that I have been given this wonderful gift and wonder what others in my family would do with such a present. What kind of person would they be? How would this experience have changed them? What would they have learned? How would they have grown?

Thinking of these things makes me realize how truly blessed I am. The greatest of these is having wonderful friends and family that miss me as much as I miss them.

So...Let's all reflect on all of our wonderful blessings this year. Let's all resolve to hold what's dearest to our hearts a little closer.

Here's to a wonderful 2009!

Christmas Eve Blessings

2008-12-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve! I can't believe it's finally here. We are all so thrilled. During the holiday season I love to think about all of my many many blessings. This year being so far away from family makes me realize how truly blessed I am. It has brought things into focus. Here is a small list of things I'm most thankful for at this very moment:

*God, and the amazing way he loves me even though I don't deserve it.

*My husband and our wonderful relationship.

*My children. Enough said.

*My family. I have such a big one and for this I'm so thankful.

*My house.

*My car.

*The sunshine shining on the mountains I can see out my window.

*Airplanes that get my little family home to Tennessee.

*Friends. Oh, I have so many wonderful ones.

*The food waiting to be cooked in my refrigerator.

*The good health that we all are in.

*Christmas carols.

*My clean house all decorated for Christmas.

*My bags that are almost packed ready to come home.

Oh, I could go on and on. God has blessed me in so many ways. I hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Tennessee Here We Come!!!

2008-12-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

We are packing our bags. We are almost ready. We can't wait!!! Santa is coming. Our stockings are hung. The Christmas Eve dinner is almost complete. We are having the neighbors over for a nice lunch and then we will go to church for a nice Christmas Eve celebration. Then it's off to bed to wait for good ol' saint nick. We will then leave Arizona for Tennessee!

Our plans are made. Our bags are almost packed. We can't wait. Tennessee here we come!!!

There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays!

2008-12-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

*The Christmas Card that Wasn't*

We are all so excited around here. Christmas is in the air! We are ready for Santa, our bags are almost packed, and the kids are out of school. I don't really have any "big" thing left to do. I have to pick up one last item tomorrow, and that's it. I need to clean my house, and pack. We are ready, ready, ready. We are coming HOME!

I haven't been homesick in quite a while. We've all been so busy with school, soccer, holidays....well life I guess. Don't get my wrong, I'm absolutely ecstatic about visiting the south, but I've been just busy. I thought I was over it. I thought, "Hey, this is easy. Being away from all my friends and family isn't as bad as I thought. With the telephone, facebook, blogs....it's practically like I'm still there. Plus I've made all these cool new friends."

Well, let me tell you. I was WRONG...big fat wrong!

It all came to a head today as I was on my way back from the grocery store. Mae and I were singing along to the Christmas carols playing on the radio when "There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays" came on. I cried like a baby. That song is so right. I can't wait to see all my friends, hang out with my family, eat Bar-b-que (I mean REAL bbq...the pork kind), feel the humidity in the air, smell the good ol' southern cookin'....Oh, I could go on and on!!

Oh, Me!!! Ya'll I can't wait!

Only three more days! Can I stand it! Can you!

Holiday Humor

2008-12-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

OK.... I'm totally stealing this from a blog that I just love, love, love. Even though I only have three children, their proximity in age has elicited many of these comments. I thought this was too funny not to share. Please enjoy this holiday humor!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaD8xat6VDw

Jingle Bells....Desert Style!!!

2008-12-17T20:34:00.001-08:00

Here's a new Christmas song for ya'll! Mae is having a Christmas program at school tomorrow night. She was singing the songs that the kindergartners will be performing for me tonight. This one in particular is so cute I want to share it with ya'll!

Jingle bells!

Lizard tails!

Hot and sunny days!

Santa's here in desert town,

But he cannot stay

Hey!

Jingle bells!

Lizard tails!

Hot and sunny days!

Santa's here in desert town,

But he cannot stay.

Hey!

Most towns have white snow

But here we have hot sand

That won't stop old Santa Clause

Four Wheeling is his plan!

Hey!

Jingle bells!

Lizard tails!

Hot and sunny days!

Santa's here in desert town,

But he cannot stay.

Hey!

Don't you love it! I can't wait to see the entire program.

Yay!!

2008-12-16T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yay! I'm up and running again. Thank you thank you, Rusty's friend Josh from work. I will no longer refer to you as a computer nerd! You are now a genius savior in my book! Yay, yay, and yay!

Farewell My Friend

2008-12-13T22:00:00.001-08:00

You wouldn't believe what has happened! I knew it was coming. My dear old friend is sick,deathly sick. She probably can't be revived. My computer has finally bit the bullet. The poor old dusty thing was on her last leg. Although she was missing the letter "x" she was a dear, dear friend of mine. We have been through so much together. So many memories. So many e-mails. So many blogs. So many searches. Oh well.... I guess it was her time. Rusty thinks he can revive her. If he can't he's going to take her into work to the computer nerds to see if they can resesitate her. Who knows? Do I hold out hope? Of course. There's always hope, right?

Well.. He assures me he can retrieve my pictures. (The main thing I want out of her.) I'll pray for at least that. Maybe soon she'll be replaced for a new shinier model. I'll always remember her though. My heart will always have a place for her.

Listen to me.... I speak as if she's already gone. Maybe Rusty will be able to do some magic (or at least the nerds he works with will). Who knows.

In the meantime, I'll have to wait until the evenings when Rusty gets home with his computer and it's high RAM....whatever that means...(show-off) to check my e-mail, look at facebook, and to write my blogs. It will be a sad, sad time.

But, let's all hold out hope and pray for a miracle as Rusty and his nerd friends to work their magic on my dear old "x" missing friend.

Just in Time!

2008-12-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

Today was a very eventful day. We had the big kids birthday party today. We were all so excited because the sun was shining. The rain held off! Well.... as we made our way to the park we noticed how windy it was. John Russel said, "Well, I prayed for no rain, but who prayed for wind?" Tumble weeds were blowing everywhere! When we got to the park the wind was practically whipping the hair off our heads. We could hardly make our way to the playground. I thought Will was going to blow off the play equipment. Literally. Oh No! What in the world were we going to do. The party was going to start in an hour. There was no way we could hang the decorations, much less eat cake off of flying plates! Rusty suggested we move the party to our house. Well, this would sound OK to a man, but as a woman I was thinking of the dust bunnies hiding in all my corners. "No Way!" I quickly replied, as I also thought of my house being torn to shreds by many kindergartners and 1st graders. We both then thought of the brand new McDonald's just down the street! Rusty tried to call, but the number hadn't even been published yet. So he got into the van and headed just down the street to ask the manager of the McDonald's if we could move the party there. The kids and I braved the wind while he was gone. My mind was contemplating all the alternatives the entire time he was away. He made it back shortly and told us the good news that we could move the party there. Thank the Lord! We loaded up and headed to Mickey D's. Rusty stayed at the park to direct the party goers towards our new location. We had a great turn out. Around 2o kids in attendance. They all had a blast playing on the new indoor play equipment. The people at McDonald's were so nice and accommodating.

We all had a good time. I wasn't even that stir crazy. (Well....maybe a little) It was a great day. The kids had fun. We have more toys than we know what to do with. All in all it was a great party.

All I can say is Thank you Lord for opening letting that Micky D's open up just in time!

Uh Oh!

2008-12-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

*My little elves*

*Close up view....It says sorry*

*Those silly elves!*

Last night the elves didn't wake up! When I went to get John Russel and Mae up for school, John Russel informed me that they didn't "do" anything! Oh No!! When they got downstairs they found a note from the elves. They explained that they were so tired from running to the store the night before (they brought candy) that they just couldn't get up!

They must have felt pretty bad about it. Today when I went to get the big kids from school, the elves were up to their old antics. Just look what they did!

They must have felt terrible!

Mae Mae is Six!!

2008-12-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the day. It's finally here. She's been waiting Oh so long. Today is Mae's birthday! I can't believe it. She is getting so big. I just bought her some new pants and they are almost too short! Her legs are so long. Last night she jumped in her bed, and she said, "Mama, look how high I jumped!" I said, "Yep! And you'll be able to jump even higher tomorrow because you'll be six!" She loved this. She feels so Big Girl!

I can't believe how fast time flies by. It seems like only yesterday when I held my sweet girl in my arms for the first time. I will never forget that precious moment. She looked up at me with those big blue eyes....and that was it. I had just seen the most beautiful girl in the world.

I try to slow down and savor every minute of her life. But, as time goes by I realize my fingers just can't hold onto all those moments that take my breath away. At the same time, I don't want to hold her back either. She continues to grow into the most remarkable person. It's hard to believe that I would find her more beautiful today than I did when I held that sweet infant in my arms. That's just the way with my sweet Mae Mae. She continues to take my breath away every single day.

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet girl!

It's Christmas Time in the Desert....

2008-12-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

*OK...Nothing to do with the post, but isn't this a funny Picture?*

It's Christmas time! The tree is up, the lights are shining, the elves have come.....So what's missing? Well, let's see. I'm as crazy as ever. Birthday party next weekend. Christmas parties coming up. Christmas cards almost finished. Hmmmm? What is it?

I'll tell you what. I'm not at HOME!!

This Christmas season contains all the usual merriness, it's just plain weird having Christmas in the desert! I miss all the usual sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas at home. Making new traditions with my family is great, but being away from all that says Christmas to me is just a little bit different.

Oh well... It's not about me anyway...is it? The kids are having a blast. That's all that really matters to me.

And as Scarlet Ohara would say....After all, I'm coming home to Tara (I mean Memphis) soon!!!

Silly Elves!

2008-12-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

*Silly elves checking out John Russel's birthday presents*

*Loving the Christmas Nick Nacks*

* OOO! Conner Playing John Russel's new DS*

*Jensen and Irma Lovin' Santa*

Our elves have come.

"Come?" you may ask.

Well, you see every child has their own elf at the north pole. All you have to do is write a letter to Santa and see if your elf is finished with their Christmas chores and they will be allowed to come stay with you until Christmas Eve, when they have to go back to the North Pole with Santa. They come with magic sprinkles that you put on them at night before bedtime. You leave them crackers and water to eat. They like this because crackers sound like crunching snow and the water is melted snow. The sprinkles make them come to life at night. They play around the house often doing naughty things. They sometimes leave small treats. They LOVE Jesus, so they love to remind you that this is the real reason for Christmas.

The children are so excited. Our elves, Conner (John Russel's elf), Irma (Mae's), and Jensen (Will's) have been with us since Thanksgiving night. They have been very mischievous during their stay this year. They have toilet papered the bathroom, rolled aluminum foil down the stairs making a slide, and they have hidden in the freezer. Last night, however, they stole MY camera and took all kinds of pictures of their shenanigans. How Dare They!!!

The kids were elated. They loved looking at the pictures again and again. Over breakfast Mae asked me if the elves looked the same when they came to life. "Hmmm. I don't know, Mae." I answered. "Well, they look like it in the Pictures," replied my little observant one, a little too forlornly. I then quickly replied, "I bet they only look that way because they were in a picture. I'm sure they turn into 'real live' elves when they are running around." She was happy with this explanation as she nodded her head in agreement.

Now....I wonder what those silly elves will be up to tonight!

Seven Years....

2008-12-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago today I became a new person. God gave me this perfect little miraculous gift. He was pink and perfect. It was John Russel. Today is his seventh birthday! Today is his day. All about him. He woke with a perfect smile today as Rusty and I sang Happy Birthday to him. He was elated over the presents he got to open. He skipped giddily into school. Big Big Boy!

But.... I can't help make this day a little bit about me. You see, seven years ago God created a new person along with that precious newborn. He created a Mother. It's just as amazing as that newborn's first breath. It happened just that fast. My life changed forever. Thank you, thank you dear Lord for entrusting me with the awesome responsibility.

Happy Happy Birthday my sweet John Russel!!!!

Favorite Christmas Memories

2008-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas is the time for memories, right? Oh, I have so, so many good ones. I can think back to when I was a child and remember the feeling of waiting for Santa to come. I think of the Christmas plays my nieces , nephews, and my own children have played in. Christmas in Kansas City come to mind with more cousins and the Nutcracker. Such good memories fill my mind this time of year.

But then it wouldn't be Christmas without those other memories, too. You know what I'm talking about. Taking the Christmas card photo, dealing with ALL the family at once, screaming over-tired sugar induced children, pictures with Santa......Wait!! Pictures with Santa.....Maybe some of those crazy memories are funnier than I realized.

Get comfortable, grab your cocoa and let me tell you one of my favorite Christmas memories.

Last year we met my sister and her family at a restaurant near her house. We were celebrating Mae's birthday with a birthday dinner. After dinner we all thought it would be so fun to go and see Santa. Why not! It's always fun, right? Well this mall had it's own store sight just for Santa and getting your picture made with him. Mrs. Claus was there as well. My sister and my niece Elizabeth and nephew Joseph joined us for the fun. Even though they were a little to old to sit on dear Santa's knee they wanted to see their cousins tell ol' Saint Nick what they wanted for Christmas. There was a small line that weaved in and out of those silly belt like divider things. Joseph, being 13, got rather bored while watching the kids wait in line. While I was looking over the ridiculous price lists for pictures he proceeded to play with one of the belts. Well, as Mrs. Claus was mingling with all her guests he slipped one of the belts off the pole it was attached to. The belt came reeling back with the speed of lightening making a horrible racket and causing Mrs. Claus to scream in shock! He was then directed by his mother out of the line to stand by the windows in the front of the store. Getting bored again, like any 13 year old would at this point, he decides to do a little drumming on the windows. The girl at the desk taking the million dollars that the pictures cost stated, "Is it raining already?" He was then directed over to the bench by a lovely reindeer made of pine. ( I know it sounds crazy, and I wish I had a picture, but imagine a Christmas tree reindeer complete with lights) We were finished with our Santa pic at this point and as we made our way to the door we thought it would make a wonderful picture to have all the kids sit on the bench with the reindeer tree thing. So as we tried to arrange all the kids on the bench Joseph simply touched one of the lights on our reindeer friend and POOF all of the lights went out! My sister wanted to wring his neck, and Rusty and I could hardly contain our laughter. I'm still laughing about it actually. I can hardly type this post!

Leave it the children in our life to bring us back to reality....and always with laughter!

This is what Christmas is all about!

Miracle Feet!

2008-12-02T11:57:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share this wonderful discovery that I've found with all of you. Many of you may have already seen this because my friend Carrie told me about it after seeing it on Oprah.

If you have dry, scaly, crusty heels there is something simple that you can do to solve it! You take an acne pad (you know, the kind that you may have used as a teenager--I use Clearasil) and rub your feet with it. Then you put lotion on your feet like you normally would. The acid in the acne pad is supposed to eat away the dead skin on your feet. I've been trying this simple technique at night or before I go work out. I haven't done it every day. I also still use my pumice stone in the bath.

It's a miracle, y'all! My normally scaly, dry, crusty heels are now smooth!

Try it and let me know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving From the Workman Five!

2008-11-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

*Thanksgiving Desert Style*

*What a lovely dinner*

*MMMM. This looks good! *

*Fine China*

*Happy Thanksgiving From The Workman Five*

We had a great day today. The Thanksgiving dinner I prepared was lovely. We even ate off the fine China. Mae helped me set the table and get everything ready. Rusty and I are stuffed. Notice how I didn't include the kid's here. Thanksgiving food isn't their favorite. Oh well. We all had a good time and are so so thankful for all of our many many blessings.

Happy Thanksgving Ya'll!

New Traditions!

2008-11-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

I've been cooking all day so far. I've made the asparagus casserole, the sweet potato casserole and most of the dressing. I've cooked my hen. She's ready to go. I'm on my way. I'll be pretty much finished up tonight. Corn pudding...finish the dressing.... then wait until tomorrow to do the green beans and heat everything up. Oh, and the rolls. I can't forget to do them. Thanks to Sister Schubert we will be having some nice homemade tasting rolls.

This is the first Thanksgiving the Workman Five will be without the extended family. How weird, a little sad, and a HUGE job! We are looking forward to just being with our little family, though. This is actually the second time I've spent Thanksgiving away. I was in England one year. Now, that was weird! Weird and sad because no one was celebrating. My students bought me a bottle of wine and a pecan danish (the only thing they could find with pecans---my favorite Thanksgiving treat) This was all so thoughtful, but I missed home. This year being "alone" for Thanksgiving won't really be "alone". I have my little family.

We are going to have a blast. I may even make everyone dress up. We may even eat at the dining room table. We may even break out the fine china. Come to think of it.... I've never actually eaten off of it.

What a time to start!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Crazy!!

2008-11-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

All of you who know me know how crazy this time of year is for me. With three people in my little family of five having birthdays in December plus Christmas plus Thanksgiving makes me a crazy person. I vow every year to try and scale down, to not get stressed out, and to just relax and enjoy the holidays.

Well... I'm not off to a good start. Every year at this time something happens to my brain. Call it information overload or whatever you want, but I seem to get overwhelmed to the point of forgetting things and becoming all panicky. Everything always, always works out. I just need to learn to relax.

This year we are having Thanksgiving on our own. Simple? Right? Well... Not really. Having Thanksgiving on our own means I (little Ol' me) has to cook the ENTIRE dinner on my OWN! Not only do I have to prepare all this food, but my little family doesn't even like half of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Oh Well....too bad! I'm cooking it anyway. It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it. I guess I'll just have tons of delicious leftovers to feast on till, till....well, Christmas I guess!

Then there's the birthdays. John Russel, Mae, and Rusty are all a week apart. The two children each wanted their own parties this year. I was going to oblige, much to my dismay, but, thank goodness that the park we are going to have the parties in is totally booked the first weekend so too bad! One party it is. (Thank the Good Lord) We will have the kids' party on the 13th! (Choir sings)

We are also flying back to the south on Christmas day. I'm stewing over luggage and packing gifts and buying gifts that will fit in a suitcase. I'm also concerned about flying with three young children and all the gear that this entails, and worrying about layovers, and ears hurting, and..... I could go on, but I'll spare you my craziness!

We will make it. I will survive. Please pray that I hold it together and realize the real reason for this wonderful time of the year. I can't wait to see all my family. I can't wait to see all my friends. I can't wait to eat food that I don't have to cook. I can't wait to have a free BABY SITTER! I could go on and on.

The season is here. I meeting it heads on. Crazy or not, here I come!!!

Volunteering

2008-11-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

I just got home from volunteering in Mae's class. They had a Fun Fall Day. Her class and three others took turns going from class to class to do fun Fall Projects. I helped in her classroom making fall wreaths. Will came also. He just played around the classroom very well. It was so fun. It reminded me of my teaching days. I enjoyed conversing with the other teachers. I enjoyed helping the children with their craft. I enjoyed seeing all the finished products. I enjoyed seeing all of their sweet happy faces.

You want to know what I enjoyed the most?

--Being able to come home with the realization that I don't have to go back tomorrow!

I loved being a teacher, but boy does it wear you out!!