First Date

Well, it's happened! Heidi went on her first date last night. There would be a picture, but I was forbidden to take one. I had it all planned out, what I was going to say and do so that the least bit of embarrassment would occur. I had decided not to bring it up again until it would be too late for Heidi to say anything. You know, follow the same philosophy our children follow - If you don't ask they can't tell you no. OR It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. BUT - unfortunately, someone else in the family unknowingly ruined it for me and so I decided to keep the peace and just say "have a good time" as she was going out the door! Some teenagers have to be handled like glass! (Very carefully! FRAGILE!) You get the picture!

But this dating thing has caused me to start thinking AGAIN of the whole teen parenting thing! You know daughter grows up, daughter starts dating, rules have to be set that were never needed before, daughter falls in love, daughter gets engaged ... You get the picture! I've actually had a little "break" as our sweet Heather hasn't hit the dating scene yet! With my luck I'll have two weddings in the same month!

You know, I remember when I thought getting up in the middle of night to change diapers and nurse a baby were exhausting. I get exhausted just thinking about all the nights we will be waiting up for daughters to come home from dates! And every worry that comes with these moments! OK - deep breath! One date at a time!

You will be happy to know that Heidi came home safely and seemed to have had fun. I played it cool. I just went in her room and said, "Did you have fun?" She said, "Yes." I said, "That's nice." and I turned around and left the room. I would have loved to ask a million questions. BUT this is my private daughter. Do not enter. Do not pry. Tread very carefully! So, I expect I will learn how things went a little at a time. On her time. When she is ready! Don't you just love a good mystery! (I do!)

Happy Birthday to Hope!

My little girl is 9 years old! Right before my eyes she is growing into a beautiful young woman! Why does time go so fast the older we get!

Hope was so proud of herself because Monday night she was determined to stay up until she was officially 9 years old. (12:05 am). I alway tease my kids and tell them they are "blank age" until it's their actual birth time of day! So Hope was anxiously waiting until she was officially nine years old! Well, she stayed up until 12:05 am, but just barely!

We had a fun birthday party for Hope on her birthday Tuesday. Hope invited some friends over and we had a sub with all the fixings. We took pictures of each guest with their favorite Webkin or other stuffed animal friend. Then the girls made picture frames to put their pictures in and we played lots of games! It was a crazy good time.














After everyone left we let Hope open her presents from the family. The best moment was when Hope opened the Easy Bake Oven that I had gotten for her. Her jaw dropped to the ground and she said, "Really? For me? Thank you Mom!" I felt like the best Mom in the world at that moment. She then gave me a big hug and later in true Hope affection went around the room and hugged everyone there and said thank you! She made it all worth it with her gratitude! Cleaning up all the mess and fun became almost enjoyable after that!


Hillary gave Hope this cute Easy Bake Oven Apron, hat and cooking mit set. She totally dolled it up with flowers and bling! She used fabric paint to put Hope's name on it! It turned out SO Cute! Hope just loves it!

We sure love our Hope! She brings so much love and beauty into our lives every day! Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Blogging

I think I'm enjoying this blog thing way too much! I find myself blog lurking instead of sleeping, redesigning or adding to my blog way too often! I guess it's still a new "toy". I think I can rationalize the addiction by saying it's a lot cheaper than shopping! I've enjoyed reconnecting with friends and discovering hidden talents and being enlightened by them! This is definitely a positive addiction that I'm going to enjoy for a long time! To all my blog friends - THANKS for sharing!

Stucco

We have wanted to stucco our house forever! It's finally happening! We started the process in May! Today our house got the final coat! It looks beautiful! It makes our house look so much cleaner and up to date! Hopefully, we'll save tons on our electric bills and the house will feel cooler this summer! We had them add color to the stucco so we won't have to paint! But we do have to paint the trim, hang shutters, paint the doors and hang a light! But I just happen to know a great handyman and electrician! I'll post pictures when it's all done! (the house color is a light tan! It looks red in some of the pics because it's wet!)

My Very Best Girl Friend

I've been blessed with so many friends! Most of them I am related to! But I have a special friend who I'm not related to by birth or marriage and I consider her my very best friend in the whole world! Theresa Bitter! Thirteen years ago I started praying for a friend. OK - that sounds kind of strange, but I was feeling like I just needed a friend! Someone I wasn't related to that I could do things with! And the Lord put Theresa in my life! We had just moved Heather to a charter school and I was commenting to someone I was car pooling with that I wish Heather had some friends. She said to me, "That's funny, you're the second person that's said that to me today! Do you know Theresa Bitter?" I told her no. She told me that Theresa's daughter was in Heather's class and that she was feeling the same way! Well, I called Theresa and invited Maureen over to our house and the rest is history! Heather and Maureen became fast friends and Theresa and I formed a friendship too! I just love Theresa and all she has done for me! She has alway accepted me for who I am. She makes me glad to be me even though most of the time I'm not so sure it's a good thing! :) She gives me confidence to try new things. She helps me be the best me! Theresa is so fun! Everything is better when she is around! I have learned so much from her and really miss her when we get busy and don't have time for girl time! And for those who don't know - her son, James is now my son-in-law! I guess the Lord knew what he was doing when our two families got together! I love this beautiful lady and I am so grateful for all she has done for me! You're the best, Theresa! I love you!

Our Trip to WY/UT June & July 2007

Last summer we took an amazing trip to see my parent on their mission at Martin's Cove, WY. It was so fun to see them and see what they do. We got to see the visitor's center and hike to Martin's Cove. Vaughan and the girls hiked to Devil's Gate and we went to Independence Rock and checked out the names inscribed on the rock there. There was such a neat spirit there. I didn't expect to feel what I did. It was so neat to be where so much history has taken place. To see the wagon ruts still on the trails that were left by so many traveling the Oregon Trial. It was neat to actually see what I've studied and learned in history classes and religion classes. Martin's Cove is a sacred place and you can't help but feel that it is hallowed ground. The girls had fun pulling a handcart on our hike to Martin's Cove. We square danced that evening and heard pioneer stories about Ephriam Hanks. That night, most of my brothers and sisters arrived and we had dinner together. The next day, Saturday, Hope was baptised in the Sweet Water River. That was so special and something she nor I will ever forget! If you haven't been to Martin's Cove you have to go there sometime. We talk alot about going to Nauvoo, Kirtland and other church historical sites. I've always wanted to go to these places. They are so far away, and I haven't made it yet! But Martin's Cove is only 5 hours from SLC, Utah! I never realized what was there! Anyway, I'm so glad our family had the opportunity
to go there and learn more about what took place there
and feel the spirit of that place!






























We left Saturday afternoon for Snowbird, Utah.We spent a week there and thoroughly enjoyed
it. We went to SLC and Temple Square, The Beehive House, Hogle Zoo and BYU! Of course, we shopped and ate Dunford Donuts. We went to Stadium of Fire on the 4th of July and enjoyed the fireworks and the performances there! It was so fun! We ate ice cream at the Creamery and shopped at my favorite place: Gardener's Village and my new favorite Ti Pan! I'm still dreaming of going back! I was in heaven! We did LOTS of driving and sight seeing! It was lots of fun.




On our way home our van decided she'd had enough and blew a head gasket in Panguitch, Utah on a Saturday afternoon! After much deliberation we decided the best thing to do was rent a UHaul and trailer and pull the van home. The problem was there were six of us and a three passenger UHaul truck! We had reservations in Page for the night, so we loaded all six of us in the truck and headed to Page! My children were amazing troupers! Because of the limited space we couldn't bring anything in the cab but bare essentials! So nothing to entertain! Vaughan drove the truck, Heather sat next to him, Heidi next to me while Holli sat in between Heidi's legs and Hope in between mine. It was quite the ride! We sang Durfee family songs most of the way, and then started singing primary songs at the end. It was actually one of the highlights of our trip. There was such a closeness (not just literally!) and a sweet feeling in the cab of that truck! Not one person complained or was unkind to each other. So we spent the night in Page and the next day we drove to Flagstaff and met my brother Marc and passed off three of our kids so we could get back to Mesa "legally"! It made an interesting end to our trip!

My Parents - Serving a mission at Martin's Cove, WY

My parents left on their mission at the end of April 2007. They spent some time at the MTC in Provo, Utah and then reported to Martin's Cove at the beginning of May. Originally, they were suppose to come home in October of 2007, but requested to stay through the winter! Their request was accepted and so they came home for 2 weeks in October to get some things worked out and prepare to stay longer. Personally, I couldn't believe they would want to stay through a WY winter! But they did it and survived! They are starting their busy season now and all the missionaries have returned and they are busy, busy! They have loved their mission! I am so proud of them! It has been such a neat experience for them and for our whole family! They have worked hard and learned so much. I wish I had their missionary pictures to post. This one was one I took when they were "off duty". But my Mom is telling us about the things they do and what they share with visitors that come to Martin's Cove. They will return to Mesa in October 2008!

Josh Groban Concert

Whoo hoo! I got to go to the Josh Groban Concert in April 2007! He came to Phoenix but it was on a Sunday! So Hillary and I decided we would not be defeated! If he wouldn't come to us on a day we could go we would go to him! So we went to San Diego! It was SO MUCH fun! My mom and sister came too! It was about 3 weeks before my parents left on their mission so it was a very special time to spend with Mom! The concert was amazing! If you enjoy Josh Groban's music - hereafter referred to as JG, you would love it! It's worth every penny spent! I must admit I have every cd he has put out, even the repeats that are live concerts! I have 3 dvd's too! Ew Ah! I'm not obsessed! I just appreciate good music! In our house JG music is known as Mom's happy music! It makes everything calm, cool and no stress! I've told Vaughan many times his music has kept me out of therapy and he owes JG much thanks! It was a quick trip, but so much fun! We got to San Diego and checked in our hotel. Ate dinner, window shopped, went to the concert and ate again! We laughed and cried (from laughing) and talked tons! The next day we checked out of our hotel and drove to Coronado Island! That was way fun! We went to the beach, drove around and walked through some little shops to get gifts for our families! Then we ate lunch at a cafe had ice cream at Cold Stone and drove back home! It was one of the best times I've ever had! So many memories! Thanks Hillary, Mom and Cindi for making it the best trip ever!

Hillary's wedding

Hillary's wedding is definitely a highlight in our lives! One of the things I will always remember is the sweet spirit in the temple that day and knowing that was the most important part of everything that was happening! I didn't care about the reception- if the lights didn't work, the flowers drooped! What was most important was the sealing that had took place in the temple! I am grateful for a son-in-law who treats my daughter like a queen and loves her as much as we do! As a bonus he is a return missionary (he served in the Tucson, AZ mission as an ASL missionary working with the hearing impaired.) and honors his priesthood just like he should! We are so proud of both of them and how hard they work in their life!

The wedding reception was beautiful and everything was perfect in my opinion! There was standing room only! And the line never stopped! We appreciate the support and love our friends and family showed us! And especially all the help we received from family and friends! Just to name a few - Tiffany, Michelle, Karen and Russ! I couldn't have done it without you guys! You saved me! Anyway, it will always be a beautiful memory of a special day!

a little about each of us

Our oldest daughter is Hillary. She married James Bitter on January 6, 2006. They were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. We are so proud of her and the example she and James set for the rest of the family. Hillary is finishing her Montessori Training. She is an awesome Montessori teacher and has enjoyed working with the children these past two years. Recently, she made a job change and went back to work for my brother Marc at MPT -Moore Physical Therapy. She loves this job and is having fun there. James works for two of my other brothers, Brian and Randy at Wesmor Inc. and is going to school. He is working to get his ASL certificate so he can interpret for the hearing impaired. He is getting close and I know he will achieve his goal soon! Then they can work on their next goal! Giving me grandchildren! :)




Heather is 19! She just completed her first year of college at Chandler/Gilbert Community College. She works 30 hrs a week or more for A Child's Place at the Ranches. A daycare facility in Gilbert. She loves her job! It was quite a highlight for all of us when she graduated from Mountain View last May 2007. She has worked so hard these past 12 years! We are so proud of her and the efforts she puts into her school work! Heather also graduated from seminary and earned her Young Women's medallion! She is paying her way through college and working hard! Heather teaches primary in our ward and loves her little class. It's been fun to watch her grow and learn this year! Heather got her braces off this year after nearly 5 years! She has taken over our little purple car and does very well! She had a small accident shortly after receiving her driver's license so the car is sporting a nice white stripe from backing into a garbage can, but lessons were learned and she was fine! Which is the important part! We are so proud of her and the things she has accomplished this year!

Heidi is 16! Yep! That's right! She just completed her sophmore year at Mountain View H.S. Heidi got her braces off this year too! She is anxious to get her learner permit to drive. She earned her Young Womens medallion and has had fun taking piano lessons, dance and playing the violin! Heidi likes to write music. She wrote a song called "Martin's Cove - 1856" which was inspired by our trip to Martin's Cove, Wyoming this past summer. My parents are serving a mission there and we got to go visit them and experience that amazing place! The song is very special and I am touched each time I hear it and think of the saints that crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley by handcart! If I could only use one word to describe Heidi it would be -creative! Everything Heidi does has a creative flair to it! Even walking through the house she is usually doing some dance moves! Heidi is also very good at babysitting and enjoys earning money this way. This summer she and Holli have put together "Heidi and Holli's Summer Fun Camp". They are entertaining kids from 21/2-8 years of age on Tues and Thurs in June. They started this week and is was so fun to watch them plan and prepare. Tuesday was "Under the Sea" and they did lots of fun crafts and activities with the kids! They did a great job with very little help from me or Hillary! I'm proud of Heidi and the beautiful young lady she is becoming!

Holli is our 13 year old! I can't believe it's already been 13 years! Holli is my helper! My right hand girl! She is easy going and sensitive to others. If I'm having a bad day I can always count on Holli to put a smile on my face and give me a hug! She is my ray of sunshine. Holli is the 1st counselor in her beehive class. She is very dependable and organized. She is a little list maker! I love finding her lists around the house. Holli is also good with children. She is just beginning her babysitting career and is so cute with the babies! She has been so excited to do the Summer Fun Camp that she and Heidi are doing. She could hardly sleep Monday night she was so excited. Holli started 7th grade this year at Poston Jr. High. She had a great year and really enjoyed the Jr. High life! She took choir this year! Vaughan and I were so excited to finally have a choir student! We thoroughly enjoyed her concerts! We got a bonus because my nephew Taylor Moore who was in 9th grade is also in choir so we got to watch him too! The Poston choirs were awesome! I was so impressed! Holli decided to join the ward choir too. It's been fun to hear her sing more around the house! She has a pretty voice. She is also taking piano lessons from her big sister Hillary! So we have lots of music playing at our house! Holli takes dance at the Dance Barn. They had an awesome recital at the end of April! Heidi, Holli and Hope were all in it, as well as some cousins! It was very enjoyable and it's always fun to watch the girls dance and see how each year they get better and better. A year ago in May 2007 Holli had to have surgery on her leg. She had a bone spur that her tendions kept getting hung up on and her leg would swell and be painful. So she had to have it "shaved" off. It was out patient surgery and she did great! A few days on crutches and it seems to have healed and she hasn't had any problems! Whew!



















Hope is our youngest at 8 years old! Soon to be 9 this month! Hope just finished 3rd grade at Franklin Northeast Elementary. Hope is all girl! She is hugs and smiles and tears and pouts! A few days before school got out Hillary and I went to Hope's school to have lunch with her. Everytime I looked up Hope was off hugging someone! That's our Hope! Always a hug or cuddle! She is everyone's friend! When I go pick her up from school it like pulling teeth to get her out to the car! I have to pull her by the hand as little girls are coming up to her and hugging her and saying "bye Hope!" You'd think they hadn't seen each other for months! It's nice to know she is so well liked! Hope takes piano from Hillary and dances at the Dance Barn with her two older sisters. Hope had a great year at school! Probably the greatest highlight for Hope took place last summer when she was baptised. Hope was baptised at Martin's Cove, Wyoming in the Sweet Water River. My parents are on a mission there and they allow the missionaries to have their grandchildren baptised there. It was a beautiful day and there was a very sweet spirit there! It is something I know Hope will never forget! Hope isn't old enough to babysit yet, but she loves to go babysitting with her sisters Heidi and Holli! They usually give her a little money to thank her for helping! I know by the time she's 12 she'll be a pro! She loves little children, especially, her cousins Brooke and Emma! She's cute with them, playing house, school and anything else they dream up! She thinks having a brother-in-law is the coolest thing and agrees with me that a niece or nephew would be just fine! *hint *hint *wink *wink! Hope is our "most often seen in the dentist chair" child! We could take a vacation to Hawaii on what we spend on her teeth! But she is an amazing patient! She usually just falls asleep while they work on her teeth! I've never seen anyone so relaxed in a dentist chair! Not even a dentist! We love our happy girl and think she is growing into a beautiful young woman!
















And last but not least are Vaughan and I! Vaughan works hard as an electrical contractor for Durfee Electric, LLC. New Home builds are down so he is doing lots of remodels! We are being blessed with a steady stream of work. It's been slower, but things have gotten better the last few weeks. Vaughan serves as the Elders Quorum president. He enjoys his calling, but misses serving in the primary as the chorister! Vaughan loves frisby golf, games, especially the settlers of catan, movies, music and computer games. He is a hard worker and does so much for his family! He played softball with our ward and had fun doing that! Vaughan is the life of the party at our house! He keeps the house full of laughter and good times!

I am serving as the Young Womens president in our ward. In July I will have been the president for 5 years. I love serving in the young women's organization! They are so fun! It's always different and a challenge at every turn! It's been fun being in YW's with each of our daughters and getting to go to camp with them! Right now we are working on getting ready for girls camp! We leave on July 16th. There is lots to do and we're having fun! Besides YW's I keep busy doing the general mom stuff... cleaning house, doing laundry, shopping and taking the girls where they need to be! I love to read, although I haven't done that for a few months! I love to scrapbook, although I haven't done much of that either the last few years! I love working on the computer and have improved my skills through my church calling and my job as an instructor for Coupon Sense. Coupon Sense is a subscription service that tells you what coupons are available and what is on sale at the store and then matches the coupons with whats on sale! Violla! Savings! Using Coupon Sense has saved our family so much money these past 7 years! I can't imagine not using it to shop! I love teaching others how to save money! It's been a very rewarding job!