I don't know what to title this.

So I have been in a "funk" lately. I don't really know why to be honest. I was looking at all these pictures lately and so much has happened great in the last few weeks. For some reason I keep dwelling on the negative and the things that I can't change. Our house is for sale here in Maricopa... and we don't know when we are moving and where for sure. I guess I just don't like this stage, where I feel unsettled and uneasy. Tracy just moved. I was just released. School was a HUGE stress. Weston was not doing well so he is going to be home this year (which was not even contemplated before now)...so we have a lot of changes going on around here....but still; I don't like being in a funk. Starting today I am going to "let go" of what I have no control over. I am starting to realize, there is a lot. But I am going to TAKE CHARGE of what I can change. Like I told Aubrey today when she said she doesn't like school..."Well you have two choices, either go and be SAD....or go and be HAPPY." I need to take my own advice. I am here in Maricopa for now. I can't change that I don't know where we will end up or how many schools my kids will go to this year. I can't change that our home is for sale. I can't will my best friend to come home or all the Petersons to move to Arizona....



I just lost the hopeful part. What can I change again?



I think I will bake some cookies with my adorable...but extremely CRAZY son who is now being "homeschooled." Then I will do something DRASTIC with my hair...that usually helps when you are in a funk...



Then... who knows what!





Here by the way are some pictures that I was going to post about.



Spencer fell off a chair and ended up in the Emergency room on the kids first day of school. He had a minor concussion. He threw up and then fell asleep....it did scare me. He is fine now, but it was scary and sure reminded me of what could really go wrong in life. Makes you count your blessings.
Then on Tuesday of last week I got to go to Benihanas with my good ol' friends Jen and Stephanie to celebrate Steph's b-day! It was so nice to get out with them. I haven't had girl time with them in what seems like forever...plus, I have never been to Benihanas either. Fun night!Here are some bittersweet pictures of Aubrey and Weston's first day of school. They were so cute that morning getting ready. Aubrey is just devastated that Weston is no longer going. She was really looking forward to keeping a watchful eye out for her little bro!
And finally, he is Aubrey on a "mommy, daddy, daughter date." She eared "build a bear" because she went to school. Weston missed out of course. He only made it through Wed. I think. It was so great to spend the evening with Aubrey. She really is so talkative and funny. Her Dad and I are so proud of her. She is bright, kind and just great....love you girl!

Happy Anniversary!

I loved our Anniversary this year. It reminded me how much I love Jake and how far we have come. There was NO drama or frustration that it was going to be simple. Never has any drama been on the part of Jake by the way...just me in the past. So this year we both wanted to just be together. It think when you are married and have children right away, it is just so nice to get away and do what maybe we haven't always had time to do before. First, we went to Los Taquitos in Chandler. It was off one of Jake's favorite shows "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." The food didn't disappoint. Just simple, yummy, casual Mexican food. Then in typical Watkins' fashion (meaning our Watkins' family...not all of course) we didn't have much else planned. We tried the movies, but with only "Eat, Pray, Love" playing...I just couldn't make Jake suffer on such a great level. So we went shopping! Jake got a few work shirts and I was completely overwhelmed and didn't find anything. Do you ever feel like the styles have changed so much that you would need a whole new wardrobe just to "fit in." Well, that is how I felt, so nothing for me. All in all it was a great night. It was topped off with YOGURT! (We are in LOVE with yogurt these days!) So there you have it...we laughed, talked and enjoyed each other. I married a wonderful guy who is always made my day.

Mikayla our sitter even babysat for free....thanks sweetheart! Of course the night didn't end without some kid having DRAMA when they went to bed. I won't say who.... :)

Jacob Dear.

Dear Jacob,

I don't think you ever read our blog

In fact, REALLY I don't think you do...

However on this special day, I want it to honor you!

A dad that serves and loves his kids

is hard to find these days...

But you my dear, love them TRUE in many special ways.

Donny adores you, Aubrey, she just emulates...

Spencer has so MANY or your extraordinary traits.

I count myself lucky to have you in my life,

I know that I am special to be called "Jake's wife."

You are funny, witty and loyal to me

I know with out a doubt;

that my days will be filled with joy and love

"because of Jake...I shout!"

Nine happy years have come and gone,

may eternity feel this way,

Because the love that WE HAVE is strong,

and I want YOU every day!

Love ya,

Teri

Spongebob party: Birthday part 2

We went to Norm and Sue's to celebrate Weston on Sunday evening. We just thought it would be dinner, but of course they went all out and made it a huge party. I was so grateful. We decided not to do parties for the kids this year, but Weston really has been ripped off in the Birthday department...so it meant a lot to me that they made it special for him. We had games and party favors and of course a wonderful meal. Thanks guys!

Weston's Birthday part 1

On Sat we began celebrating Weston's 5th b-day. It wasn't until Sunday, but Sunday's you can't swim. First we went to Grimaldi's Pizza. We just LOVE their pizza and you get a free large pepperoni for your b-day...so you just have to go there! That afternoon we went to Gilbert to the Mesquite Groves pool and swam for about 3 hours. It is a great pool and the kids loved it.

This is just a cute picture of Weson and Spencer on his actual Birthday before we headed to church. He wasn't wanting to smile...he said this look was "cooler." As Grandpa Norm said..."he might be right."

This is just a little side note. As I was rushing that morning to get ready for church, I sprayed my just finished hair with Jake's shaving gel enstead of hairspray....needless to say...we were a little late. :) It made the kids laugh though.

Before we headed to Grandma's and Grandpa's house, we did our presents here. Weston got Indiana Jones Lego for Wii and a super big basketball hoop and a football.

First day of School

I feel like I could just cry. I uploaded this picture last week, and was waiting to write about school after we saw how the first week went. Here is Weston all ready for his first day of school. This was taken a week ago today at "meet the teacher night." He wasn't shy a bit. He bravely introduced himself and couldn't wait for school to start. Fast forward that night to today. 5 days of school, countless tears, loss of appetite, calls home from the office, 2 missed days and numerous unsuccessful bribes... I still don't know what to do with this little guy. He is just devastated and as anxious as a 5 year old could possibly be. He does NOT want to go to school!

After talking to the principle today as well as checking out another school in our district that offers half day...I still don't know what to do. I feel like maybe he really just isn't ready this year. His birthday is only a few weeks after the deadline. I know he would feel more confident next year and that is probably best. However, he is driving me CRAZY! By about 9am he is already bored and I am annoyed that he is here for another 5 hours. I feel like a horrible mother at this point...

Ahhhh, hopefully I will figure out what is best for both of us.

By the way Weston, when you are old enough to read this. I sure love you.

Here are the other cuties at meet the teacher night.

The end of an era...

Saying goodbye to friends :)

Tracy is gone and I am really missing her this week. Today I went to the temple alone for my very first time. Before she left we would go as friends and for some reason just driving there without her made me miss her all the more. Here are some pics of our last days together...

of course mutual. I haven't been released yet, but I am sure I will soon. We need a President. She was just a great President and great to work with.

Hanging out the night before the Badgers left. They spent the night.

Tracy always makes me laugh!

SURPRISE!

So we actually suprised Tracy and the Badger family for a going away party...Tracy gave us the "ugly cry" and I love her for it!!!! I can't even write about how I feel yet. I am too sad she is leaving. Isn't it great you can make friends that will last forever? The sad part is it might be forever until we see each other again.

Better late than never

I wanted to make this cake on Samantha's Birthday and we never got it done.
Tonight just seemed like a good night and blueberries were finally on sale.
I should post the recipe... It is totally the best CAKE EVER!!!

You add pumpkin and yogurt to the recipe and it is so moist.

Anyway, we sang Happy Birthday and thought of Sammie tonight! Love you girl!

Just a few more pictures from Newport.

Grandma Sue gave me a disc of more pictures...here are a few more that carry great memories.
Jumping waves with Aubrey.

Spending time with the Watkins's Fam.

Seeing my children so happy.