Rocky Point with the Cousins

This year all the kids had their fall break during the same week. It was HEAVEN!  This summer Michele and Bryce had mentioned they would like to take a family trip to Rocky Point and would love if we could go.  So we booked one of the Casita's at Las Palmas for the first weekend of our fall break. The kids we looking forward to the experience of spending a vacation with their cousins.   I was looking forward to the sand between my toes, the massage, and getting away from it all!
We pulled our kids out of school at noon on Friday, because their kids had a half day.   We set "sail" for Rocky Point about 12:45.  We made good time and got in at 5:00.  The House we booked was AWESOME!  It's going to be hard to go back to the condo for sure.  It had four big room, 3 bathrooms,and an huge kitchen and family room.  The master had it's own bathroom.  Bryce and Michelle graciously gave us that room, and they took the other room with a king, but shared a bathroom with the boys, who all shared a room with 2 twin over full, bunk beads.  The girls had their own room with two queen beds, and their own bathroom.  Perfect for our two families.  It also had a huge stair cased balcony.  The boys found that out immediately, and were in trouble within minutes of getting there, for climbing all over the roof.   Once we got all settled, I started dinner while everyone hit the beach.  The kids had fun jumping the waves, and hitting the hot tub.  I was in charge of the first dinner and made Jerk Chicken Pasta, with salad, grapes and bread.  It was delish as always.   We then headed into town for ice cream!  When we got back we played games, and watched tv a bit before bed.  We were all tired.
The following morning, Bryce made a big breakfast.  I contributed my yummy buttermilk syrup.  After breakfast we hit the beach.  It was strange that the banana boats and wave runners weren't out that day. We spent our time floating int he water with the floaties we brought, laying in the sun.  The kids spent their time going back and forth to the slide and hot tub.   That night we went into town for dinner.  We finally asked a local where the best place to eat was, and went there for dinner.  Of course, I can't remember the name, but I remember how to get there.   It was really good!  We knew it would be when the place was mainly filled with locals.   Finally good Mexican food in Mexico!   After dinner we went into town for ice cream and trinket shopping.  The kids all got these clacker balls that drove us CRAZY the rest of the time.  When we were shopping there was some mariachi band playing in the plaza down by the shoreline.   People were watching, and then one couple started dancing.  The next thing we know Boston gets out there and starts dancing.  He starts doing all these hilarious moves, and pretending like he is singing along to the music.  He was cracking us up.  After the son was over he took off his hat and walked it around like he was pan handling.  I love that kids sense of humor, and how it had developed into a "I don't care what people think" secure in himself attitude.  We stuck around for some more songs and entertainment, and the kids and I joined in with the dancing.   After that, we headed home.  The older kids went to the beach to hang out, an after awhile I decided to go check on them.  We all ended up parking it on the sand and enjoying the evening.
The following day was Sunday, Conference Sunday.  I watched the first session, and the kids (of their own free will) watched the first couple of talks before they headed to the beach.  Sunday on the beach was so nice.  It wasn't busy, and the banana boats and wave runners were out.   When we did the banana boats the kids told Michele and I to take the front.  That was the worst spot!  I almost flew off a few times.  I had to squeeze my thighs so tight to hold on, that my legs were sore for days that followed.  To make things worse I had all the water splashing in my face, so I couldn't even see where we were going and when we were going to hit a wave.  The whole family thought it was a riot!  I'm so glad I could provide them with entertainment.   Later, Aubrie and Boston went on the Wave Runner.  Aubrie had it full throttle, of course, and Ben was sore the next day also.  Boston had a good time too, but was a little more cautious.   Sophia and Kaylee enjoyed a ride on the horses.  So they all got to do a big thing that day!   My big thing that day was my massage.  It was so HEAVENLY!  The best one there yet.  It was so good I was wishing I would have done an  hour.  I told her to be there the next day early, so I could get one before we left.   Ethan really wanted to get a massage before we even went on the trip.  He was asking me if they massaged kids.  Boston and Ethan ended up getting 15 minute massages.  They are hooked.
For dinner Michele was in charge.  She made yummy fried chicken, jello salad, amazing corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. Bryce also picked up some fresh shrimp the night before and made these amazing shrimp appetizers with cream cheese and jalapeno!  They were to die for!   Dessert was a confetti cake.  She went all out!
After dinner came one of the most memorable parts of the trip.  Hide and Go seek!!!  It's no secret that our family loves to play, and so a dark unfamiliar house with cousins to boot made it even more exciting.  The first round people didn't have much time to hide and so it went fast, but I was still the last to be found.  I hid behind a tall floor vase,  up to a curtain.   When the kids finally spotted me it looked like a huge shadow, and they freaked as I jumped out from behind the vase.  Round two was the BEST!!  Aubrie hid in a the same closet as Jayden, but she picked a spot way in the back behind a rolled up rug.   This closet is HUGE and deep, and since they weren't familiar with it, no one wanted to go in there.  Jayden even hid in there, and couldn't find her.   Boston and Cassidy hid together in an entertainment center on the side where the door was latched shut, and Ben pushed me up so I could hide on top.  Michelle and Bryce went through that room a million times and could not find us.  Finally I heard Bryce say "I could see Rachel hiding up here", as he reached up his hand.  At that point I had been up there so long I was laying next to the edge instead of up against the wall where he wouldn't be able to touch me.  Since I didn't have time to move, I grabbed his hand instead and scared the life out of him.  They still hadn't found Aubrie yet, and there was a lot of freaking out, as no one wanted to go in the close.  Finally one of the little kids turned on a light and when they did that they saw Aubries hair and eyes peeking out from the rug.  The screamed in horror, and later said it looked like a scene from the Grudge.   Boston and Cassidy were finally found when again someone turned on a phone light just as they were opening the entertainment door for the umpteen time.  It was fun round.  Ben and I volunteered as seekers for round three.  Most everyone was easy to find, but Aubrie.  Jayden had cleverly hidden her behind an opening in the brick shelving that went behind the TV.  That was the best spot of the night!  I would have never found her without some "hot and cold" type body reactions! To top off those memories we also added three rounds of ultimate spoons.   At one point it was so heated that Aubrie slipped and fell and Bryce jumped right over her instead of checking on her, as did I.  We were cracking up at our competitiveness after the round was over.
The following moring I woke up early to pack things up and go get my message.  The lady didn't show up until it was too late.  At least I was able to enjoy a few last hours on the beach.  I really love that place!   It was so much fun to share it with Bryce and Michelle.  The kids rarely fought, and we had a fun time in that house and making life long memories.  It definitely feel a tradition coming on!

Typical Teenagers photo bombing my phone with about 50 of these pics!

The silliness continues even after the dancing...what was in that Thrifty's Cotton Candy ice cream?

No Soliciting necessary!

Ethan's first Massage!

No Wins....but Great Soccer!

This week we only had 3 soccer games.  Ethan’s was the first in the morning.  He played well, and his team did much better than I expected.  They really have some potential, if they can hold their positions.  Ethan played forward the whole time.  They lost, but it was a high scoring game.  

 

Aubrie’s Cheetah Bears game was intense. A girl on the opposing team (number 10 ) is really good, so Aubrie was moved from forward to defend her.  That girl didn’t score or assist a goal the whole game.  Aubrie shut her down every time.  The girl was VERY frustrated because she isn’t used to being shut down.  All that time with Andy, and playing defense on the boys indoor team really made Aubrie tough and good.  I know she likes scoring goals, but defender is definitely her strength!  They tied 2-2, but I was happy with that, because they are the toughest team in the league.  

 This team has been really good for Aubrie.  They all appreciate her, and she is one of the stars.   Coming from doing well in gymnastics, to nothing, she needed this!  I’m so glad it worked out that she is on the Cheetah Bears, and also still with Andy.   She also picked up a tumbling class.  I really saw that gymnastic light in her eye when she was there, especially when they moved her up a class within the first 10 minutes.  The owners of Desert Tumbling use to coach at Sunrays, so Aubrie already got  their attention and feels so welcome and at home.  I’m so glad I decided to put her there!
Aubrie also had an indoor game.  They lost, but she played well, and pulled a calve muscle the last minute of the game.  She hit the ground and no one new what had happened.  We thought she broke or sprung an ankle at first.  She rested and iced, and medicated in time to babysit that night. 

Sophia's Restaurant

Sophia loves imaginative play.  This weekend this is what she came up with...Sophia’s resturant.  I love her creativity.  Boston was a great brother and humered her.  He ordered Chubby Hubby (the last of hers), and she gave him a mini massage, and he relaxed in the tent!  He paid her 3 dollars.  What a great brother he is to her! 

I Can Relate!

As a reward for good grades I have been giving the kids their own carton of Chubby Hubby.   Sophia finally earned hers, and her response, “I just can’t stop eating this!”  I hear ya girl, thats why I don’t start!  Chubby Hubby Ben and Jerry's has become eveyone's favorite (it's been mine for years).....I've brought them over to the dark side of fatness!  I might be regretting this someday!

Another Last Primary Program

This Sunday was Boston's last Primary Program.  I was grateful to Susan Allen, who is my partner in crime in teaching the 4 year olds, for offering to sit with our kids on the stand so I could watch ours from the second row!  The Program theme was "I am a Child of God".  The kids new and sang all the songs.  But no longer is Sophia the energetic singer she once was.  She didn't want us watching her sing, so she positioned herself so we couldn't see her.  Boston had the closing talk.  He did well. He was calm and collected and gave a great message.  Here was his talk.  A great way to say goodbye to Primary!  It's weird to even say that, as it seems like yesterday he was 3 and grabbing the sacrament tray and passing it to the family individually, like he was a deacon, because he wanted to pass the sacrament so badly...fast forward to him almost a Deacon!

I know I am a child of God (Boston Pribyl)

Today I have been asked to speak on how I know I’m a Child of God.   When thinking about this talk, I had to really think about how I KNOW I am his Child.  We sing the song and I am taught that I am his Child and believe I am his child, but I never really thought about reasons why I know.  I started comparing similarities between my earthly Father and my Heavenly Father to help me realize how I truly know that God is my Father. 

First I know that I am a Child of God because I am created in his image.  I know this because it is in the scriptures.  In Moses 2:27 it reads  

“And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.”

By reading this scripture I know that he is my father and I was created in his likeness.  I also know this to be true because of Joseph Smiths first Vision.  Joseph saw the Father and the Son, and that we are created in the Father’s  likeness. The Father called the Savior his son, and Christ is our brother, so therefore we are children of God.  

Secondly, I know I’m God’s child because like my  earthly Father , He wants my  Happiness.  In second Nephi 2:25 it says, “^aAdam  fell that men might be; and men ^care, that they might have ^djoy.   He provides many ways for us to be happy.  These include our family, church programs, leaders, prophets, and commandments that bring us happiness.   

Like our Earthly Father we can talk to God whenever we want, through prayer.  Also, no matter what I do He is always there for me, and forgives me.  

Knowing that I am a Child of God helps me become a better person throughout life.  I know that I have great potential and divine qualities from my Heavenly Father,   and know  that He is always there for me and always wants what is best for me in my life.    

Soccer Season 2013

Well it's official...all four kids are in soccer.  I swore it would never happen, but they all gravitated toward it and here were are.  Boston, Ethan and Sophia are all club, and Aubrie is doing  rec with the Cheetah-Bears (she is so excited its the on year with them and to be with her friends) and another indoor season with Andy's team.  The first official game of the season was this weekend, and we were spread thin!  Boston had a game in Tuscon, Ethan's was at Cactus Shadows, and the girls were at CCV and Aubrie's indoor is luckily predictable..same place and time  most of the season.  Since there isn't three of us, the Murphey's were kind enough to take Boston to Tuscon with them.  He was sad we couldn't be there, but we had just went to San Diego for his tournament so we didn't feel too bad about missing.  We hate to miss a game, because we love watching them.  However, with four kids, it's the reality.
          Before our day of soccer even began, I was up and hiking with Joe.  We did the full Sunrise Mountain Loop, something I have never done before.  It was great exercise and a nice visit with Joe.  He stayed for a hour afterward to visit while we busied ourselves with morning chores.  (My shins are feeling the hike now.  So stretching is important I guess)
The first game of the day was Boston's.  His team did well with a 4-1 win to start the season. Wish we could have been there-his coach said he did great!
 Aubrie's was the next with a 5-2 victory.  She had an awesome goal.  She was right in the box and followed up on a kick the goalie deflected.   Even the Ref. mentioned it was one of the best follow ups he has seen.  She needed that boost after being away for a year.   Unfortunately Ethan's game wasn't as good.  They got blown out.  Our frustrations with this age group in this league is beyond description.   The talent is not the greatest.  Ethan was trying to tell boys where their positions were, and they wouldn't listen.  They were all bunched up on the field and running around like Sophia's age.  We are hoping to see some improvement, or we will have to make some changes.  Aubrie's indoor game went well.  We couldn't be there to watch it, because Sophia's game was only a half an hour later.
      Sophia has been so excited for her soccer game. She was up first thing dressed to go.  Soccer for her age is taking a turn to a four on four with no goalie, type of game.  It's new, but it really gets all the girls moving.  Sophia had a great time.  The games are so encouraging and there is no animosity between the teams.  Honestly I don't even know the score.  Both teams made several goals, and neither one was counting.  It was enjoyable and Sophia enjoyed herself on the field, but was upset when the game was over because she didn't have a goal.  She was great at defending, passing and assisting but it's hard for her to see the value in that.
       Our day of soccer was over by 3.  We were all so tired, and rested up for the evening activities.  Aubrie had another babysitting job (she is rolling in the dough), and Ben and I got dinner at Salsa Blancha and hit the mall for some light shopping.  We came home early, because I was so tired.  I can tell I'm getting old because walking the mall tires me out quickly!  Twenty years ago I would have never believed that!!!

Flashing the double "I Love You's"

LOVE her enthusiasm!

More than a Place to Rest!

So after a year long of sleeping on a broken bed, and Boston complaining his back hurt, I decided that after many years, it was time to buy the boys new beds.  I had my eyes on these several years ago.  This weekend Ben and I took the boys beds down and just put the mattresses on the floor.  We told the boys nothing, except that Boston couldn’t sleep on the broken bed, and we wanted a uniform look.  The beds came today, and I spent my whole day organizing the drawers, and shelves...a total rehaul.  When the boys came home from school they had a big surprise.  I LOVE them.  The drawers, and bookshelf over the bed add so much storage, and give them a place to put their stuff...books, ipods, etc. Ben was happy that part of my reorganization included a BYU section in the room.  Boston was happy to see his favorite flag finally hung!  (He is still wishing to live there!)   Hope they hold up!:) 

A Flat Blessing!

Today was interesting, inspiring, frustrating and a blessing.  This morning on the way home from Candeo drop off, I had a strong feeling I needed to get gas.  I had enough for the few places I needed to go that evening, but I felt so strongly about it, I turned around and got gas.  Fast forward to after Kumon, coming home on 83rd.  I heard a huge pop,  and before I knew it I had a flat.  Luckily I had enough gas to get me through an hour of waiting.  And luckily I had friends who were there to help pick up my kids and take them where they needed to go while I waited.  And fortunately I set up my SOS roadside button on my car, so it was only a push of a button that I received help.  And how lucky that I received a brand new 250 dollar tire through our extended warranty, especially since we are due for new tires very soon.   Heavenly Father is always watching and he knows whats going to happen.  We need to trust him and our feelings!  

This is what was in my tire! 

Reading and Writing

Sophia got a chapter book about a cat last year, and she wouldn't put that down.  Since then, she hasn't been that into chapter books. She likes the fast reads.  When her tooth became loose, she decided to read the Junie B. Jones, Toothless Wonder.  She read that book on her own, and when she finished it late one night, she came in our room all excited over it.  The following day I printed this up while she was at school and put it on her bed.  She thought a Reading Fairy left it.  She was so excited.  I couldn't squash that dream so I went with it.  Ever since she got this she has been reading more than ever.  I should have thought of this for Aubrie and Boston!

The same night Ethan asked to get on the  computer.  I checked on him and found him looking at Chinese writing.  Later he came to me with some symbols  he had written,  and asked me to guess what they said.  They said "I Love You"!   Then I found him working on this.  I asked him why he was doing this, and he said, "I'm trying to get ready for my mission!"  Does he know something I don't?