Aerica is 13

So it has been a year since my last post, 365 days of change. It would be fair to say I am a different person today than I was a year ago. I am now a divorced, single Mom, attempting to adjust to this new role. I resisted this route as long as possible, but found myself without another option. Over the last year I have tried to locate the remnants of the girl I was before the trials of my marriage made me unrecognizable to myself. I searched for the strengths I had lost, or the ones that had been broken and forgotten. I have found them. I have also found new undeveloped strengths, qualities that are born in times of trials. So, along with some of the former me, and some of the freshly found me, a new, strong, independent me has emerged with full force.

To those who have stood beside me, cried with me, supported me, Thank you. To those who have made me laugh, made me feel beautiful, held my hand, Thank you. The words of comfort, care and encouragement have been vital in my survival and I can never express the gratitude I feel in my heart for this. Thank you again.

Now where was I, Oh yeah, Aerica is 13. This engaging growing girl is the light of my life. She is witty, kind, and smart. She is caring, and has become one of my best friends. This past year she has endured a whirlwind of change, and has weathered it beautifully. She is an example to me every day, and I have tried to be an example to her. Her soft words of encouragment will forever be ingrained in my memory. I love you Aerica.

Aerica is the typical teen. She loves to go to the mall and "hang out" with her friends.

Her favorite car is a "slug bug". She wants a convertible one. When she saw one at the mall, she HAD to sit in it!

Aerica is 12!

My sweet Aerica is growing up! What does that mean for me? YIKES! She turned 12 today and for her birthday I got a list of what she wanted, a cell phone, a facebook, a long board, some clothes, the new Justin Bieber (spelling?) CD, and random other things I can't remember, which must mean she didn't get them!! I did get her a cell phone, heaven help me, and I haven't decided on the facebook. It may cost the least, but might end up costing me the most right?
Well, since she has volleyball games tonight (GO spikers!)and can't go somewhere, I decided to check her out of school and take her to Provo for lunch and shopping. We also took two of her best friends, Josie and Lydia, whose parents were awesome to let them come celebrate with us. I know, I'm a cool mom! I learned from the best! (Right Mom!) Anywho, I ate with them, then let them shop the mall without me, alas, I shopped alone, who am I kidding, I loved it!!
It was slightly a wake up call for me about getting close to having a teenager. We weren't 5 minutes out of Mona and I almost passed out from smelling the perfume and lotion these girls were slathering on. And I won't be able to listen to Britney Spears anymore(not admitting I do) without laughing and thinking of these crazy girls. They were listening to Britney's "CIRCUS" song, but singing "All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like asparagus", if you get a chance, listen to it, that's exactly what it sounds like. They sang and jabbered all the way there. I just laughed inside at how much fun they were having, and remembered being that young. So, happy birthday Aeri-Lou, Love you to pieces!!!

Halloween 2009, come and gone already

We had a fun halloween this year, and the kids got TONS of candy. I can't believe it's over already. Here are some of my favorite pictures.





Yes, I did dress up as Flo, the progressive insurance girl, she rocks her tricked out name tag!



Cassie, Mindy and I mummified by our kids

Nana's Annual Spooky Halloween Party 2009

The Annual party at my mom's this year topped all previous years. It was great. For those of you reading this, you may not know my Mom. She is an amazing lady, and she LOVES halloween, no doubt why I love it too. She decorates and prepares for her spooky party for weeks. She plans activities, treats, and spooky fun for all her grandkids that can make it. This year she had 10 of her 20 grandkids which isn't bad since the ones who couldn't make it live in China, Alaska, and Missouri.
We had a treasure hunt that took the kids from clue to clue, outside, to the neighbors, the backyard, then ended with a seriously grand goody bag, can you say who needs to trick or treat after that? I can't do justice in description to all the fun things we did but I will list some of them: We made magazine cut-out monsters, jack-o-lanterns with Mr Potato head pieces (so cute), had mom's infamous chili, yummy provo bakery sugar cookies, cut and tasted a spooky gummy hand, then watched a spooky movie, (Watcher in the Woods? Who knew disney could be so scary!) Two new things we did this year that were SO fun, one was when the kids got to wrap their own mommy into a mummy called "wrap your Mummy", it was hilarious and my sisters and I loved being mummified by our kids. The 2nd was a great picture background that you put your face in that was painted by Holli and Lisa, it was a crack up. All in all the party was the best day I have had in a long time. Spending time with family while laughing and enjoying each other cannot be topped. Thanks mom for an awesome night. We missed everyone far away!!

Kamryn's version of "Grand Ole Flag"

Prepare yourself for my adorable niece's version of grand Ole Flag. She sang for us last night at Nana's Spooky Halloween party. Who can deny this little mermaid has a voice, and Randy Jackson would agree with her "don't let them know you made a mistake" motto. Sorry about the side-ways picture, if anyone knows how to turn it, let me know!! Love you Kam!

Crazy Hair Day 2009

For family night we got our supplies ready for crazy hair day. We walked around Michaels looking for our goodies, then got everything ready to save time in the morning. It was alot of fun.

Pipe cleaners for the bees and the lawnmower. Flowers for Jessie's "Hive"

Green dye for Cy's "grass", bugs cause who has grass with no bugs?

Yarn also for Jessie's "Hive", Jessie doesn't have enough hair to make a big enough Hive without help!

READY,

SET,

GO!




Yes, I really did cut his hair, he was WAY overdue for a haircut anyway!


Aerica picked all her props out herself, fitting for her right?



Cy ended up winning fist place for his grassy head, he got his picture taken for the paper, he was excited. But who am I kidding, we all know I had as much fun as them.

Dear Darci,

Off entertaining flights of fancy, Be back soon.
love, Becky and Analisa