Whiting

Whiting Baby Shower Invite

2010-02-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

created by: Traci Smith Design Studio
www.tracismithdesignstudio.com

Baby #3 is a...

2009-11-03T09:14:00.001-08:00

Whiting Baby #3 is going to be a...

Monday November 2nd (the day that marks J & I's first date back in 2003) was the day we discovered we would be adding a sassy, spoiled, little tom-boy to our family. A perfect fit. The "Big Brothers" are ecstatic and the name tug-of-war is in full effect. Now our focus is PINK, bows, dresses 'n frills...we will leave it up to the "Bothers" to keep our buttercup from getting too girlie. More good news came at our visit when the Dr. talked to us regarding bed rest, puking, bleeding, etc. etc (our issues) and tests & ultrasounds have all come back and we are in the clear...delivery will be normal, baby is perfect, and prayers have been answered. We are truly blessed...and couldn't be more excited...can't you tell!?!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T08:33:00.003-08:00

" Trick-Or-Treat, Smell my feet, Give me something good to eat!" This tune has been ringing through our ears all month long by one little 5 year old that rules our roost. Halloween was filled with parties, cookies - caramel apples - candies, and 2 little super heroes saving the day in our house. 1st stop on Halloween- Team "Big Red's" last soccer game, 2nd stop-Sydney's 5th birthday party, 3rd stop- showing off Batman & Spider man at the Merrells house, 4th stop- the ward Trunk-Or-Treat party, and stop #5, the last stop of the night- at Grandma 'n Grandpa Smith's house for one last doorbell ring and "Trick-Or-Treat." Our Halloween equaled fun, sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Can't wait till next year...along with our new addition.

Soccer 2009

2009-11-01T08:33:00.001-08:00

Soccer 2009 existed of a team of 13 players, 3 head coaches, and a random number of winning games this season. Team "Big Red" had a fun time running, kicking, and chasing the ball up 'n down & back again on the soccer field. Mr. JCrew had more than his fair share of good times playing on the field. Whether he was positioned at forward, defender, or goalie...he came with his game face on, his dad coaching by his side, and his fan club cheering him and the rest of the team on along the sidelines. Way to go Team "Big Red" on a fun season.

Pumpkin Faces

2009-10-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when carving pumpkins is a necessity in every home and we have one 5 year old in particular that has been more than eager to cut out his pumpkin face. Our night was set for FHE, dinner gobbled up, pumpkins set out, carving utensils lined up, and away we went cutting, gutting, and detailing our "Jack-O-Lanterns." J & "The Man" worked hard (2+ hours) carving out their wicked flaming Jack and me (with an occasional interest from the little guy) carving out a smiling skeleton. The proof is in the pudding...happy faces from all, pumpkins perfectly carved, and a Family Night well spent.

Cookie Crazy

2009-10-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Cookie crazy, coo-coo, in over my head with dough. What started out as a pregnancy craving turned into a ridiculous cookie baking project. I had more than enough help with 2 little monsters that added to the "work" of making over 130+ Halloween sugar cookies...who new doubling my mother's recipe would produce me with that much dough rolling, shape stamping, and cookie baking chaos! Although it created a fun family night it also created flour covered, dough 'n cookie eatin', little messes named Crew & Trip. Next time I will remind my "craving" that doubling the sugar cookie recipe is more work than its worth...even though...they are just that good!

Pumpkin Pick'n At the Garden

2009-10-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend Grandma n Grandpa Smith invited the boys out to the garden to get thier pick of pumpkins that they grew for all the grandchildren. Crew found many that were "just perfect," Trip was a little more interested in finding the bugs in the garden rather than finding the pumpkins, and S & J snatched a couple of thier own from the patch to carve for themselves. And just before leaving, Mr. JCrew put in one request to Grandma: to turn one of her pumpkins into a pumpkin pie...just for him! Thanks Grams n Gramps for the pumpkins!!!

Perfect Pumpkin

2009-10-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

Rebel #1 went on his 1st Kindergarten field trip to the Willis Farm. Kindergartner's got the opportunity to make their merry way through the pumpkin patch and find themselves that "perfect pumpkin" to take home with them. The Rule: no pickin' pumpkins that you (the kindergartner) could not carry home &/or to the bus themselves. This I already new and prepped our little man on what and how to find his pumpkin in the patch that would be just right for him. So he was off, and I was eagerly awaiting his arrival home with his pick. 11 o'clock came and Crew climbing off the bus...with pumpkin in arms...squeals and giggles of excitement, his great pumpkin pickin' accomplishment was relayed to me, "Mom, I just did it! I found the most perfect pumpkin out there!!!" And it was just "perfect."

When life hands you lemons...

2009-09-24T10:42:00.001-07:00

When life hands us lemons, we make lemonade....gallons of it. The Whiting household has been plagued. We are down and out...S is on bed rest & has developed the flu, the "wild things" are snot stricken & sick, and the "glue" that has been holding all of us together has kidney stones. We have been hit with a ton of bricks...this is the vision of our chaos: ALL bundled up in our beds, tissues 'n puke buckets near by, loaded on meds, and waiting for this to pass us by one way or the other. We are just thankful we live near to family and have friends that are sympathetic in our distress. "This too shall pass..." and we will look back and laugh at the week from Hell in the Whiting Household :)

A Bun is in the Oven

2009-09-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

A Bun is cookin' in the oven at the Whiting house. This will make "Bun" #3 and boys are excited to have an addition to our already existing chaos. As tradition goes with my pregnancies I tend to get a little sick (that may be an understatement...I get a lot sick), so IF you haven't already suspected we have been carrying around a secret now its out in the open. I had my 1st OB/baby check up visit this week and this is our delima: those of you that have been in on our secret know I have been spotting/bleeding sporadically throughout this pregnancy along with being very very sick. In this Dr. visit we were hoping to get answers to the cause of bleeding and being reassured that everything is okay with the baby. Well...first attempts at finding the heartbeat were negative (which was a little devastating for me) they sent me right away to the ultrasound tech there in the office and she did a vag. procedure to get images and attempt to hear the heartbeat...which was an instant success and good news. Heartbeat was very strong and the baby is growing and developing fine (and we are actually a week further along in the pregnancy than we thought :) ). BUT, there was a concern that the Dr. later discussed with me...where the placenta has decided to attach and the sight of the bleed is right at my cervix...not the best place for it to be...the concerns = IF we begin bleeding continuous the chances of miscarriage are inevitable....IF I continue to carry this baby with the tear remaining were it is this makes out for a very risky c-section delivery, the Dr. will have to "make his move very fast" as he will be cutting through more tissues/and in a more dangerous area than usual (Good news is he has done this surgery before on several women and has been successful his words, "it's not easy but we will be successful.")...AND/OR... what we are praying for (and asking all of you to keep us in your prayers) is that as the baby& placenta continue to grow that the sight of the tear will be pushed upward and to the side making surgery/delivery a much better ( and less scary) experience. I have been placed on complete pelvic bed rest and may remain down for the extent of the pregnancy. We are confident in our Dr. and following his guidance to get this baby here healthy and happy. We would appreciate it if you would remember us in your prayers...and are relying on the Lord to help us(me) keep it together...we got a long 9 months(actually 6 months) ahead of us. We love you guys, Jason, Shanda, & Fam. THANKS.

100 Club

2009-09-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

Counting to 100 is a BIG accomplishment...at least in Mrs. Tanner's Kindergarten class. Mr. JCrew has been bragging since the 1st day of school that he can count to 100 and was ready to be in "The Club" (plus pick out his 100 items from the treasure box for his BIG reward). So the day finally arrived when he was given the opportunity to show his stuff...and he did. Crew is now officially a member of Mrs. Tanner's 100 Club. Their couldn't be a kid any prouder...and parents too!!!

Virgil Whiting Reunion

2009-09-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Whiting Homestead, is a place that is sacred to many and holds memories that can't be sold. Our family was found on Labor Day weekend at the Virgil Whiting Family Reunion. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, the dirt, rain, & mud were all in attendance (minus me a couple of days - I was a little too sick to rough it...wink wink. ) My "Fellas" loved the homestead, getting acquainted with cousins, the dirt, and becoming real mountain men! They had all kinds of fun, dancing a jig, listening to stories, crawdad fishing, having mud fights, launching water balloons and roughing it up with ALL the boys!!! I am so thankful to be a part of such a rich heritage of family. I know my 'Whiting Boys' can't wait to go again.

Lil' Artist

2009-09-03T11:58:00.001-07:00

It must be a right of passage in every 2 year old life to get their crafty little hands on a pair of crayons, markers, makeup, etc. and smear it along walls, legs, arms, furniture, etc. etc. - It fathoms me that our little artist will find these messy 'applicators' when these items are clearly out of sight, out of reach, and locked away!!! We got to break this bad habit of our little Picasso's coloring his legs & arms & the house before I loose all sanity scrubbing away at little scribbles.

Lucky Me

2009-08-17T12:04:00.001-07:00

So traditionally I am not one who is fortunate enough to enter into a random drawing and actually win anything. In fact, I tend to be cynical in regards to throwing my money away into a few tickets to be tossed into hundreds that then gets randomly pulled out...and as lessons have been learned...I do not EVER WIN ( I leave the luck up to Big J)!!! That is until I attended the annual Snowflake/Taylor Business Expo-Preparedness Fair and was convinced to donate my $5 into a drawing. Big J already had the stench of victory all over him after a big win on a Kurt Warner Cardinals jersey. So, a little eager for the 'wife' to gamble on a picture of Christ, he urged me to put all my tickets in to attempt to win this beautifully framed piece of art. My tickets were dropped into the jar, regretfully, and the drawing was made....I didn't believe it at first (probably because they were not pronouncing my name correctly) until fingers were all pointing at me. I was elated!!! My 1st REAL big win!!! Luck was on my side...finally!!!

Sonic Bandit

2009-08-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Plan: take the rebels to the park to celebrate our 1st days back to school. The Story: we arrive at the park, early evening, along with many other families that seemed to have the same plan as us. Kids ran around laughing, playing, and recognizing one another from classes, to the playground, to bus rides home. All is well, that is until Dun...Dun...dun...I catch a glimpse of my son, Trip, eyeing a near by picnic table loaded with an innocent families dinner from Sonic. I think nothing of it other than hmmm...we should pick up dinner after we leave. I do a double take as I hear laughter coming from Trip's recent location...our little rebel had sprinted towards the table, taken it upon himself to climb into the middle of their table to feast on their leftovers!!! Humiliated (and killing from laughter inside) I run over to table apologizing...thank goodness the victims were more than welcoming to invite the "Crasher" to dinner with them. So next time you bring your meal from Sonic to the park...beware of the "Sonic Bandit" that may be stalking the playground!!!

Kindergarten's Here!

2009-08-10T14:30:00.002-07:00

Well, the day has come. The tears have been shed (All by me, of course. Didn't you know, "Kindergartner's don't cry when they go to school."), his shoes tied tight, back-pack strapped on, and the much anticipated day of attending Kindergarten has arrived. Our little boy (excuse me, Big Boy) is off on a new adventure...new school, new friends to meet, new things to learn. What Fun! Almost makes me want to go back to Kindergarten...almost, I said ;) I can't wait to hear the stories of his 1st day of school!!!

New Church Calling

2009-08-10T14:30:00.001-07:00

2+ years walking through the halls of church, enjoying Relief Society, chatting it up with the ladies in the lounge, and now the day has come when I have yet again been assigned a "Calling." Always a little nervous when the Bishop calls you into his office not knowing what he will ask of you....BUT, I couldn't have been more excited when he uttered the words Primary. I love the primary kids and was assigned to teach the 7-8year olds (such a fun age and always fun to celebrate and witness their baptisms). I am thrilled to take on the new challenge of 13+ boys and girls to teach in primary.

Retirement

2009-08-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

After 40+ years (43 to be exact) of doing "A big ol' pile of shift work" Pop's actually retired (to many peoples surprise) from the Paper Mill in Snowflake. The fam threw him a surprise retirement party in red, white, and blue...in celebration of his "Sweet Freedom" from work. There were over a hundred people who showed up to support him and celebrate his retirement. I think we all laughed and cried at the stories that MANY felt "inspired" to tell about our Dad and his selfless service he has provided throughout his life thus far. We expect him to start making the rounds to see his grand kids. NO MORE: Work seven to three - Three to eleven - Eleven to seven - A big ol' pile of shift work! Congrats Dad.

Church Talk

2009-07-27T08:46:00.003-07:00

Future missionary Mr. JCrew gave his 1st church talk in primary on Sunday. Lots of practice repeating the 2min. story was spent between BIG J, the "Man", and I all week so he could have his speech in his head and ready for his debut. Sunday morning came, his shoes were shined up, tie on straight, talk in hand, and come time for primary delivered his talk with enthusiasm (along with a little help from mom, as his assistant, holding up pics). Congratulations Crew, we are so proud of you and hope that your enthusiasm for talking in church continues throughout life.

St. Johns Pioneer Days 2009

2009-07-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

St. Johns Pioneer Days 2009 (short n sweet) = the fam, campfire cirlce, Corky's, a little service work, late night games, and enjoying the parade - the laughs of cousins playing together - and the "Stations" crushed ice.

Snowflake Pioneer Days 2009

2009-07-21T17:18:00.001-07:00

Snowflake Pioneer Days 2009 (in a "nut-shell") = family, food, parades, church softball championships, remembering our heritage, and of course wrapping up loose ends with a rodeo & fireworks show.

SHOTS

2009-07-14T13:32:00.001-07:00

The most dreaded words in our little rebel 5 year old's vocabulary is...Back to School Shots! A right of passage that we all (or most) get the dreaded opportunity to endure through before entering the long awaited journey into Kindergarten. I prepped our rebel in on the big talk of "all 'Tough Guy's' get Shots for Kindergarten speech" before heading out for the dramatic experience which was about to occur. A little paper work, a little distraction, and a quick pinch, sting, and tears later we both survived the most unfortunate duties of our back to school check list. The worst of it is over...know he's off to Kindergarten in a few short weeks!!!

Independence Day

2009-07-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

Fireworks, picnics, parades, barbecues, and rodeos are only a few of the many fun traditions tied to the 4th of July. Bright and early Independence morning a great Feast was dished at Papa & Nana Smithies house. Decorated with flags, streamers, and everything red, white, and blue, all the grand kids (and adults) were feeling the holiday spirit. The remainder of the day was spent roaming the mountain enjoying the festivities. And of course we ended the night in the best All American Spirit... BBQing with extended family, lighting off a few fireworks of our own (shhhh...), and listening to the ooh & ahhhs of the kids under the firework show. What better way to celebrate our independence than with family.

TRANSFORMERS 2

2009-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Every household that contains testosterone within its walls has been anticipating the arrival of TRANSFORMERS II (the Revenge of the Fallen). The recap of our date night went something along the lines of this: Husband + Wife + a little added baggage named Crew = a little drive to the Movie Theater, paid for our tickets, picked up our popcorn & drinks at the concession stand (a must do for any movie), staked out our seats, settled down for entertainment, watched Crew get his first on screen crush on Megan Fox, holding hands & sharing popcorn with the one I love, and feeding into the cheers of oohs & ahhs of our little 5 year old boys excitement while the "good-bots" beat up the "bad"-bots and won. I don't know who was the better date, the one who paid for it or the one that made it so entertaining...they'll have to settle for a tie.

Little Slugger

2009-06-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

T-ball season has come to an end. Mr. JCrew laced up his cleats, slapped on his ball cap, and carried his glove out on the field one last time. Although our little 5 year old got a little bored with the game halfway through the season and not to mention a little distracted while waiting to catch a ball or get a hit during games, he still loved playing with his little team-mates. He stuck with it, he loved it, and looked so handsome while hittin' dingers at the park!

Saguaro Lake Getaway

2009-06-02T17:56:00.001-07:00

The Whiting Families spent the weekend down by the river....we had a weekend planned full of sun, water, and relaxation at the SRP lake homes. Minus the boat this year, (may it rest in peace), we still had a a fun time laughing & relaxing with the kids and one another. Our days were spent watching kids splash in the pool & attempt cool new tricks on the slip and slide, driving into to town and taking the kids to the movie UP (which is definitely a new fave), late night competitive games of Mexican Domino's, a very serious game of 3 on 3 volleyball (plus a few little helpers on each team) and launching water balloons using each other as targets. It was a lot of fun and our family can't wait to go again.

Swim Lessons

2009-06-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our little Goldfish (that thinks he's the Big Kahuna) Mr. JCrew is taking the long awaited plunge for swimming lessons. It was so much fun to watch all the little kids try to prove their swimming skills in the water. Some were pros, some panicked, and others sank like rocks...thanks goodness for all the great lifeguards staked out in & around the pool. Crew will learn to swim yet...that is, IF he won't be concerned about doing the "Most Perfect Cannon Ball ever" and listen to his very patient ever so sweet Swimming Teachers. Crew, you will be a shark yet!

Preschool's Out...

2009-05-23T09:36:00.001-07:00

(Pre) School's Out Forever...for our strapping young man Mr. JCrew. He came home with his Graduation Certificate in hand, a smile on his face, and three cheers...summer is FINALLY here! These past few months of preschool have been filled with questions about Kindergarten, and how to tie his shoes so that he can graduate to go to Kindergarten, and every morning the question gets asked..."Mom, is it a Kindergarten school day yet?" 2 years in preschool has long been enough for this little rebel...he is definitely ready to enter into the Big World of Kindergarten learning....we too, are excited and nervous, for him to be a Big Kindergartener next year...what a HUGE milestone we will all get to tackle together.

Tree Monkeys

2009-05-20T08:27:00.001-07:00

Two little monkeys swinging in the tree....literally, swinging and screaming with glee. My little adventurers decided to climb the apple tree to get away from the "wild animals in the grass, aka: the dog" ...or so the story is told. And of course Crew just had to have his 2 year old partner in crime, Trip, get into the tree too, by assisting him with a chair and a little boost. It's a wonder to me that we have yet had an emergency room visit for broken bones & stitches (knock on wood). I can only imagine what these little monkeys will attempt to climb next. I'm sure it will go along the lines of this...1-bigger trees 2-the walls of my house 3-and Everest!

Crinkled Mother's Day Card

2009-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is what Rebel #1 comes home with, grasping a card in his little hands, on Mother's Day...

(All the reasons I LOVE my Mom)

My mom is special because...she always helps me be good.
My mom's the funniest when she...makes funny faces.
My mom always says...good things to me.
My mom does lots of things. She' best at...school.
My mom is smart because she knows all about...stuffs.
My mom's the prettiest when...she goes to church.
I like it when my mom...helps me with school stuffs.
My mom is special because she...loves just me.

What a sweetheart. To tell you the truth I think my little guy may have had a little help answering or, for lack of a better word, "altering" some of his replies (specifically on #'s 3, 1, and I gotta give credit to the teach on #6). All in all I couldn't be happier with my testosterone overloaded house...I love my Whiting Boys. Thanks for the Mother's Day.

Batter Up...

2009-04-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

The "Man" had his very first ever T-Ball game. Let me just say, I think us parents are into this game just as much (if not more) than our rebels that storm the field. What’s most important to me at this moment is his enjoyment (he's only 5, I can't expect him to be hitting dingers out of the park yet)…but he’s bound to get pretty good at it IF he gets a taste for it. I know he is the kind of kid, who once, hooked will not stop til he’s mastered it. Whatever it is. The entire point of him playing is so he can learn if he likes it or not. Now truthfully, I probably talked it up a bit to him…you know something along the lines of “Mommy likes to play softball …don’tcha wanna play ball like Mommy?” Because I would much rather him play something I know a little about rather than be involved in something I can’t help him with…Like Chess or Basket Weaving. However, if after the season is over he doesn’t want to play again, I won’t force him (but encourage him to try try again)...but I am sure we won't have a problem with that...the game was a success! Way to go get 'em #9.

Baseball's "Opening Day"

2009-04-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know who is more excited Mr.Crew or Big J & I. It was "Opening Day" here in Snowflake to welcome out the eager little leagers to America's favorite past time. Teams met coaches, sported out their new jerseys & hats, and got the chance to run out into the infield as their names were announced over the PA system. Crew was so excited to be a part of all the action. His little teammates practiced their team hand shake, gave eachother chest bumps, and chanted their team name. Ball park food was served, little bellies filled, & smiles were found as everyone braced themselves for the upcoming season. "Lets Go Bees!"

Egg Hunting

2009-04-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

* EGG HUNTING 2009 *

Easter Sunday at Papa & Nana Smith's House = food, family, and the annual "Golden Egg Challenge." Dinner is eaten, desert devoured, eggs are hidden, and eager giggles bound as the flood gates open to the hunt. Eggs hidden in & over, on top & under every surface of Papa's backyard. Grand kids ran with smiles plastered on their faces fighting for the chance to claim the title of "Winner of the Hunt" BUT this year there was a twist in the egg hunting game. There was not just one golden egg to be sought after but 2 golden eggs AND a bonus silver egg. Competition was fierce, drive was high, and a little help from Grandpa with the rebels led to Trip with loads of eggs & Mr. JCrew to digging up (literally digging the egg out of the ground...we take our egg hunt seriously) the valued "Silver Egg". Thanks for the fun hunting Grandma & Grandpa Smith!

Easter thought

2009-04-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe I am posting something on a blog but I guess I can take comfort in the fact I am not creating my own blog just posting a thought and saying thank you on my wife’s blog. This Easter season I want to say thank you to each of you for being a friend and supporting me and my family. I want to thank my family members for being a strong support system and pulling together and becoming closer each day. I want to thank my wife for being all I have ever needed her to be and standing by my side through the good and the bad. I want to thank my savior for understanding what no one else ever could but him. For lifting me up on days I struggle and for filling me with hope and a desire to do better.
Times are tough for most of us right now, financially, mentally, and sometimes spiritually. “WHY” I have a hard time with this word, it demands so much and yet warrants little thought or action on behalf of the person asking the question. Trust me I get that it would be nice to know exactly why something had to happen the way it did. I still ask “why” most days and I wish the desire to know “why” would go away. Ultimately I am learning that “why” does not matter. It is not the answer to why but rather the question “How” that matters. How can I pick myself up and change for the better, financially, mentally, and spiritually?
I miss my mother no doubt. I find my self often wanting to pick up the phone and call her for advice or direction. I find that I start to look forward to a holiday like Easter as I think about the great traditions my mom and dad taught me and that we cherish at holidays. Picnics at the park or in the woods, Easter egg hunts, and small but meaningful present’s mom would put together for us on Easter morning, time together laughing and having a good time together with each other. Church on Easter Sunday in our new church clothes and a lesson or conversation about the meaning of Easter. This year will be different for sure and I have been dreading Easter a little as mom won’t be physically here with us. I found that I have been too caught up in asking that dang word “why.” How sad right…. No not that I miss my mom but that I have been missing “it” and “it” was right in front of me. This holiday we celebrate the fact that Christ lives. He broke the chains of death and lives and loves us and that because of this “why” does not really matter. Making good choices and asking my self “how” each day and working to become a better man, friend, worker, dad, husband, and son of God will allow me to focus on “how” rather than “why.”
Mom I miss you, I love you, and I think about you each and every day. Often I wish you where here and sometimes I know you are. I want you to be proud of your son and the man I am trying to become. I want to do all I can to prepare to see you again. I want to thank you and dad for sharing the gospel with me. For being the missionaries who worked so hard with the lord to convert me. I pray I do the same for my kids and family. I am so grateful for my savior Jesus Christ and his eternal sacrifice. I am thankful for his individual concern for me and my family and know he works with my family as we come to him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit because that is what he requires of each of us. Thank you for all I have and thank you for teaching me the importance of “how” rather than “why”

Check out this great clip put together on Easter. Well worth you time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

Baby Shower

2009-03-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Here is the Shower invite for Jaymi Davis...sorry IF you didn't get an invitation (we didn't have every ones addresses, etc.-) BUT we want everyone to know so spread the word!!! Thanks

A giggle, a coo, a sweet little smile.

A baby boy will be here in just a short while.

It's a Baby Shower in Honor of...

Jaymi Davis

Thurs. 19th March 2009

Shanda Whiting's Home

(for directions please send me an email @ shandawhiting@hotmail.com )
6-8pm (come & go)

Given by:

Shanda Whiting & Julie Nielsen

(PLEASE contact us @ shandawhiting@hotmail.com or julienielsen55@frontiernet.net )

Hope to see you all there!!!

Go. Going. Gone.

2009-03-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

There are 3 ways a man wears his hair

- parted - unparted - or departed.

Go. Going. Gone. Sunday morning the boys in the house where in desperate need of a hair-cuts and so our story begins...Crew-snip, snip, snip, done. Trip-snip, snip, snip, done. Big J, snip, snip, snip...thought I was done...then the question was asked, "how big is the bald spot on top of my head?" The next thing we know the clippers are going and...buzz, buzz, buzz...we buzz his head...then out came the razor and shave, shave, shave...our end result = Big J with a sexy, round, bald head! Bald is Better...we love it.

Keep Moving Forward...

2009-02-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Despite all grief, sadness, & mourning we come to one realization: life moves on. The world does not stop its rotation. The hands on the clock tick on. We pick ourseleves up and keep moving forward. So in the gap of time that has passed this is has been our life:

Saying Goodbye-

We just want you all to know how much we love and appreciate you, your kind actions, your thoughts, and your prayers. It means so much to our family. You all impacted our lives and made it easier to have so many people we love there to support us in this difficult time. She was such an amazing woman and will be dearly missed. She will be watching over us...there isn't a better gaurdian angel out there.

Sending the "Elders" back to their missions to fullfill their work-

Jason & I at: The Lion King-

Taking a little getaway vaca. w/ the Davis Family to Disney Land (SuperBowl weekend...we didn't think that one through...thank goodness for TiVo) -

“Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things.” – Walt Disney

She Will be Missed...

2009-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

On January 19, 2009, Nanette Stradling Whiting was welcomed home to live with her Father in Heaven.
She was born to Larry and Peggy Stradling on April 20, 1954, in St. Johns, Arizona, and was the second of four children, Virginia Butler , Larry Von Stradling, and Tanya Clines.

On November 12, 1977, she married the love of her life, Edwin Marion Whiting. They started their life in Salt Lake City then moved back to their hometown of St. Johns where they raised five children, Jason, Jaymi, Julie, Tyson, and Cord Whiting. She loved life and loved being a mother. She spent much time in teaching her children to work, play, to enjoy family, respect others, to be Christ-like, but most importantly she taught them to love and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nanette loved her Savior and family. Her life was dedicated to serving those around her, and above all, her family. More than anything in this world she loved her husband, her kids and especially her grand kids. She was a talented woman who loved life and excelled at whatever she did.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served unconditionally in all her callings as well as in her community. She touched many peoples’ lives through her example, her love, and her generosity. She will be sorely missed by her husband Edwin Marion Whiting, her five children Jason (Shanda) Whiting, Jaymi (Dallas)Davis, Julie (Butch) Nielsen, James Tyson Whiting, and Joseph Cord Whiting ; her Father, Larry Stradling and Step-mother , Laura Stradling; her brother Larry Von (Rhonda) Stradling and two sisters Virginia (Butch) Butler and Tanya (John) Clines.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Stradling.

Nanette was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. We will always cherish and remember her in our lives.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday the 24Th of January at 11:00 am at the St. Johns Stake Center. There will also be a viewing on Friday, Jan 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Burnham Mortuary in St. Johns, Arizona.

Cardinals Mania

2009-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

Finally the Arizona Cardinals got their "cold day in hell" and are going to the Super Bowl. OK, so it was a very exciting weekend here in the Whiting household. The rebels and I have caught the "Bird Fever" that has been radiating from Big J all month long and can't wait for Bowl number XLIII....BUT...dun..dun.dun...this family is trading in the sofa, the big screen, the great commercials, and football party for a road trip to Cali and spending the rest of game day with Mickey Mouse at Disney Land! To my poor husband: Do not worry we can listen to sports radio for the entire trip, and you wont miss a thing because when we get home it will be recorded on our TV thanks to TiVo, we will ALL dress up in "Cardinals Drag" (and even go the distance and paint our faces IF you would like), we will bring our Cardinals towells and wave them around in the car, we will hoot & hauler when Fitzgerald scores a touchdown, and don't forget Disney Land has the ESPN Zone that we can celebrate and catch glimpses' of the game. Get ready America its time for the Revenge of the Arizona "Birds"!!!

The Standoff = Jason VS. Trip

2009-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

The "Standoff" began at 11:00pm last night when Jason and I where flabbergasted when a little 2 year old marched his way right into our room threw his bottle on the bed and gave his demand for another "BA BA!" Jason turned stern then yelled at him to, "go to bed now!!!!" He just decided to plug his ears and stand his ground at the foot of our bed and repeated his demand. Stubborn kid I wonder where he gets that from?

Happy Birthday Jason

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

Happy 30Th Big J. Or should I say Triple X..X..x..with the dramatics!?! Isn't this the coolest birthday comic ever!?! I just wanted to wish you the best on living your "three decades of death-defying experience" (especially the last 5 with me & the rebels). The "fellas" and I love & appreciate all you do for our little family. Hope you enjoy the Cardinals Game and don't forget to...#1-Go Crazy, #2-Wave your Cardinals towel with pride, and #3-don't forget to high-five the drunks around you!!! Love Ya, Me & the Boys.

I am Officially "BUGGED"

2009-01-05T09:52:00.001-08:00

I am officially "BUGGED." Jason surprised me Christmas morning with this little device that I have coveted since seeing it modeled on the contestants of The Biggest Loser. Now the bug is my constant companion attached to me 24/7 reminding me to THINK before I take a bite into something that will grace my hips with another 5+lbs. Having this little companion tag along with me is a lifesaver. Thanks Jason...I love you too! Check out what this "BUG" can do: http://bodybugg.com/

New Years Re-Cap & Joining the "Holidays Recovery Program"

2009-01-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

This year we traded in our annual "Whiting New Years Eve Party Bash" for a dinner date at Molly Butlers in Greer, AZ. A nice little get away with friends and family without getting our hands dirty with cooking, game planning, entertaining, & cleaning up at 2am when the party is over.

(Sorry, to all those who where disappointed we didn't party our way out of 2008...the "Whiting Party Bash" is coming back for 12/31/2009....details coming this fall.)

Our New Years checklist was simple this year.

*dinner reservations-check. *babysitter-check.

*handsome date-check.

*friends, family, & good laughs-check. *midnight kiss-check.

We had a great time ringing in 2009 effortlessly and now can begin our recovery process from the holiday burnout that Big J & I experience year after year with ALL our holiday parties, birthdays, and more. Happy New Year!!!

And a HUGE thanks to Dallas for "wetting his pants" and being such a good sport and providing laughs for the entire night...you now this pic was going to be shared with everyone. Details to the "Wet Pants" story below:

At first glance you think this poor soul has peed his pants. Its not necessarily the case. Dallas was a victim of "Spilt Milk." While we were all laughing and having a good time Jason's hand reached out to shake another's and Dun...Dun...dun...a glass tipped over, the drink made its decent onto Dallas chair, and from there Dallas attempted to run from the fluid only to find he was too late, thus creating his "wet pants" look. And what a good sport he was to let me capture his "pee pants" on film. Thanks for providing laughs for the rest of the night Dallas!!!

A Christmas Present from Crew

2008-12-16T09:43:00.001-08:00

A Christmas gift from our little preschooler pulls at my heart strings every time. The last day of school before the holiday break Mr. JCrew runs through the front door, as I am waiting there to great him, with his hands full of shredded wrapping paper (because he just couldn't wait) and a "special" present hidden behind his back just for his mom & dad. There was no waiting till Christmas for his present, it was to grace it presence on our Christmas Tree immediately...front & center. His little school made gifts, projects, and paintings fill my heart with an abounding love for our little rebel...thank you Crew...we love you.

The Whiting GingerBread Creation

2008-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Whiting's 1st Gingerbread Creation was set for a night full of laughs, hot chocolate, 'mellows, and getting our hands dirty creating a happy little "edible holiday house." The "rebels" were more than eager to help out (and to taste test the frosting, gum drops, & candies) while Big J and I attempted to coat our cookie house with frosting and keep Trip from biting a chunk out of the gingerbread roof!!! We finished the night off with sipping hot chocolate, eating 'mellows, & admiring (and keeping the kids from picking at ALL the candies our little abode) at our "Creation."

My 2 BIG Boys (Mr. JCrew & Big J) enjoying some nice hot Cocoa.

A Birthday Cake for Jesus

2008-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Conversation between mother and son re: Birthdays (that are just around the corner...Trip (27Th) Crew (30Th) & Big J (Jan.5Th)) and yet another very important birthday and its meaning on Christmas day. Here in the chaos of the Whiting Household we have been trying to emphasise the importance of Jesus' birth and teach the rebels that its not all about Mr. Clause and his "magic bag" full of endless toys, but of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So in explanation of all the exciting birthdays and party requests Crew asks, "Mom, what kind of cake are you going to make for Jesus' birthday!?!" (and with out any pause from his lips) "Oh, I know....I think he would really like a Transformer cake...do you think you can make a Transformer cake for Jesus!?!"..."You can make Trip a football cake, me a Mickey cake, and Jesus wants a Transformer cake!" I laughed so hard I cried!!! Then I got to thinking and decided yes, I will make a cake for Jesus too! And we will celebrate his birthday with our little fellas on Christmas day and remember His importance in our lives. A new tradition and another "birthday" will be celebrated this season...hey, as far as I see it...what's one more cake to bake for a birthday this month!?!

BIG Lights, Little City

2008-12-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights Parade checklist:

Tailgate...check.

Warm pizza & drinks...check.

Friends & Family...check.

Freezing cold weather...check.

Lots of Lights...check.

Santa making a parade appearance...check.

One Happy family bundled tight together...check.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Meeting Santa

2008-12-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

Santa made his ritual appearance to Snowflake on Dec 1st, riding in style on "The Old Town Fire Truck" decked out in lights, getting wish lists from children, and the BIG countdown to light the town tree. We bundled our family up, met up with friends, stood in line for 45 min. to make sure Mr. Clause got in the Whiting Bros. gift requests "because even naughty boys should get presents too!" The night was fun, festive, and a good kick off for this Holiday Season.

The Whiting Fam. awaiting (semi-patiently) to see the

"Jolly ole Chap"

Mom's Don't Get Sick Days

2008-11-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

Today equals a Mothers worst nightmare...I'm sick (I know, poor me), .I remember when I was younger and even up until I had children that I didn't hate being sick. Because for most people, being sick really means you get a break. For me however, now that I have little rebels of my own that I care for 24-7--being sick is a living hell. I promise that no one gets the full meaning of the cliche "Mom's don't get sick days" until they have been a sick mom. But who is going to fill in for me when I get sick? No one. Being sick means that I have to do everything I normally do while feeling like crap. I must wake up when my kids wake up, I must put food in their bellies, I must amuse them and clothe them, and get them on the bus in time for school. I still am expected to change smelly diapers even though my gag reflex is enhanced times 10... and do the dusting, the dishes,the laundry, the vacuuming, and somewhere in the mix attempting to get in a shower... and if I decide not to do them while I am sick, guess who still has to do them later? That would be Me. The mom. Only by then, the piles of housework have become mountains from avioding them earlier. And unless I want to have my title of "MOTHER" stripped from me and have my kids forcibly removed from my house and placed in foster care, I cannot neglect that aspect of my job. Not ever.Being sick no longer means that I get to take a break from the things I dread doing. So I guess what I am getting at is the fact that mothers have the ultimate sick wild card to play that trumps anyone else's sick card. Particularly those mothers who have kids at home--and the younger they are, the worse off the mother is. Which basically boils down to the fact that I absolutely HATE being sick. Looks like its time for this mom to invade the medicine cabinet.

Let it Snow

2008-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! Last night Snowflake got the 1st snow of the winter season. First it was rain...then sleet...then it turned into snow and covered the ground. Crew & I had been at Grandma Smithies and the grand kids where all squeals with excitement as the cold flakes fell. I can't believe it is already that time of year...what happened to Fall!?!?!

BIG Helpers

2008-11-05T07:58:00.001-08:00

What good little helpers I have. Crew & Trip were helping unload the dryer when Trip decided to go the extra mile and climb his way into the machine to hand us the laundry piece by piece. These little rebels can be so sweet sometimes.

Trick OR Treat Update

2008-11-05T07:57:00.001-08:00

Trick Or Treat..Smell My Feet!!! What a relief Halloween is over for another 365 days. Don't get me wrong we love Halloween BUT when you celebrate it 1-at your kids school one day 2-at the ward Trunk Or Treat the next day 3-and then when the 31st rolls around and you really celebrate by knocking door to door PLUS attend the Halloween Carnival (and not to mention my boys where "snot stricken" with cold & coughs) we where pooped and happy that this unholy holiday filled with candy that sticks to our hips, butts, and thighs is over!!! The misfits had a good time...what kid wouldn't when he gets to dress up ALL week like a superhero!?!? Crew went off to school as Batman and received the 1st of his Halloween sugar high...then came home and shared some of that high with little brother Trip who got to dress up all week too like a monkey. Then Monkey & Batman got to attend the Ward Party....sugar high #2. And of course the topper Halloween night where their sugar high peaked and Big J & I thought we would never get them to bed!!! Good Times, Good Candies....and now its time to diet!!!

Kenady, Crew, & Sydney...minus the angry little monkey Trip!!!

This is Halloween

2008-10-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Shrek Stinks

2008-10-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Crew: "Mom, ummm...I thinks Shrek stinks....he's pretty smelly."

Mom: "Why? Can you smell him???"

Crew: (sniffing the air and shaking his head yes continues on...) "because he is dirty and needs to take a bath and the dirties are making him green."

Mom: Oh, OK.

Crew: "Yeah, he needs a bath to wash the green dirties off and get human again, I thinks that will make him feel better."

Mom: (laughter)

2A.M. Play-Date

2008-10-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

12:00A.M. - Jason & Shanda roll into bed

12:01A.M. - Jason snoring

1:00A.M. - Shanda tossing and turning

1:30A.M. - Crew running through the room to go potty just making it in time.

1:50A.M. - Shanda finally doses off

2:00 Freakin' A.M. - Trip learns a new trick and climbs out of his crib stands in the doorway of my room and says "Hi, Mom!" and takes off running through the house.

2:30A.M. - Trip back in bed...Shanda thinks to self, "and so it begins..."

3:00A.M. - Crew walks in hauling everything but the bed frame itself into the room and complains, "Trip is being naughty...can I sleep with you?"

3:30A.M. - Crew is snoring in sync w/ Big J while Shanda & "The Midnight Misfit" go head to head.

4:30A.M. - Dosing off for the 2ND time sighing a breath of air into the pillow when....a little angry fist hit the bedroom door wanting "Mama!"

4:31A.M. - Jason waking up for the first time last night, puts the "misfit with a cool new trick" back to bed and FINALLY Shanda gets the blessed sleep she needs (well at least a few hours or so)....until we had to get up and get Crew to school. I am so looking forward to nap time today!

Handbag Give-away

2008-10-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

New website.. { handbagplanet.com }

Giving away pretty, pretty bags!

What girl doesn't need, want, lust after a new handbag!?!

I may just be the new hangbag whore!!! Gotta have one!!!

Love Them!!!

Come One - Come All...

2008-10-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

I am having a Scentsy Party this Thursday, October 16th at 7 pm at my house (come & go) and I want to invite everyone who might glance at my blog. I realize I am posting this a little late to really give anyone notice but better late than never, right! My friend sells these and I wanted to have an excuse to get together with the girls so I decided to have a party . . . and these are the cutest things ever! Here is a little blurb from the catalog:"Scentsy is the safest and hottest new thing in candles. The beautiful ceramic warmer houses a 25 watt light bulb that slowly melts the soft, fragrant Scentsy bar and fills your home or office full of one of more than 80 great, long-lastin scents!"You guys should check out the website!www.scentsy.com They really are way cute and fun! Hope to see you there!Oh! And if you want to come email me at shandawhiting@hotmail.com and I will give you directions!

Harvest Festival

2008-10-12T19:51:00.001-07:00

50 mph gusts of wind, dirt in our faces, chicken attacks, tractor rides, Willis Farm, & pumpkin pickin'...this was Snowflake Harvest Festival 2008. First, the wind was ridiculous...cold, blowing dirt all around us, and lets not even mention what it did to my hair. Chicken attacks...while we were waiting for our tractor ride to the farm there was a little chicken coop the boys where checkin' out when dun dun dun...Crew's little fingers looked more like tasty worms to the Big Rooster when he snapped at them....which turned into a dramatic scene of tears. Tractor ride made out to be the most exciting ride ever for our little rebels. The farm & pumpkin pickin' was a hit (besides being pasted in gusts of dirt) and 4-picks of perfect pumpkins we were out of there and home safe from the cold wind and glad that we where finally done fighting the elements at Harvest Fest.

Locked Out

2008-10-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your 2 year old locks himself in the bedroom, cant get out....and the room key is inside that room? Well you break into your own house from the outside and call on your 4 year old to climb through the bedroom room window to save the day! So a little panic set in the other day when I came down the hall after cleaning up the kitchen and realized that Trip had locked himself in my room...and the room key was no where to be found (because it was on top of the armoire in MY ROOM!) I knocked, called his name, pounded on the door, yelled his name, considered kicking the door down on try #3 when I screamed his name and he wouldn't respond!!! Yes, hysteria was setting in and every awful unimaginable thing ran through my mind in the 5 minutes it took me to figure out how to get into that room. A light bulb went off in my head when I remembered I had left my bedroom window cracked open and I could send Crew on a Rescue Mission and boost him through and he could save the day! So we did just that...and Trip thought is was great...he laughed and laughed when he saw Crew climbing through the window...the little booger was just fine...he was entertained with his bottle, snuggled into the pillows and blankets on the bed, and kickin' back watching cartoons. Should have known...one can't get in front of a little man and his 'toons!

Why Semi's Should Really Avoid U-Turns

2008-09-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Big J's story of the day: Why semi's should really avoid u-turns even IF on a country road. On my way into work this morning I got caught for about 20 minutes at a stop light. The line moved slowly forward and I could not see why it was taking so long. Well my frustration increased as I rounded the bend and noticed a semi parked across the road. My first thought was what the ---- is this guy doing, hurry up. Then as I got closer my frustration turned to application. This guy was at a total stop and was not going any where any time soon. Apparently the driver had a high dose of intestinal fortitude and tried a U turn. That was not happening today or any day for that matter. One word came to mind as I drove past the trailer.... Classic!

Flower Power

2008-09-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sisters, mothers, granddaughters, & nieces....flowers, hot glue, clips, & beads....these are a few of my favorite things. Hot Glue is a wonderful thing... except all those wispy thread things that get everywhere! I went crazy (along with my mom, sis, & nieces) this weekend with some fake flowers and hair clips and barrettes! We all had a great time acting like we were crafty women for the night. Looks like we found a new hobby!!!

Lake Tahoe, California 2008

2008-09-15T09:02:00.001-07:00

One week at Lake Tahoe translates into: 13 hours drive time - Whiting family of 4 jam packed into "The Sardine Can" - potty pit stops in every town along the way - Staying at the "Hancock Rest Stop" in Vegas (thanks Dawn & Wyatt...with out our pit stops, both coming and going, at your fabulous su casa, Big J and I would have most likely lost ALL sanity with one another and with the little rebels) - Dawn & I waiting 45 min. in the drive though at Fat Burger while Fat Burger employees had to go out back and kill the cow - Arriving a beautiful Lake Tahoe and meeting the Ortiz Family - Climbing, dragging, and sweating our way up our 4 flights (60+ steps) of stairs to our room - Taking in the tourist scene at Inspiration Point - Daily beach visits - Swimming, goofy golfing, sand castle making, bird feeding, and snorkeling - 2mile hike to the Lake Tahoe Castle - Late nights with Morgan & Elizabeth reminiscing about Jason and his missionary days with them - Riding the Gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort up 9,000 ft - souvenir shopping - discovering my new favorite pizza place "Blue Dog Pizza" yum - running away from bees & getting stung - many many laughs, jokes about peanuts, & fireworks shopping - and unforgettable memories. Can't wait for Family trip #2 with the Ortiz Family...a great combo.

"Pioneer Facials" (achievement days)

2008-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

HOMEMADE FACIALS: We made home-made facials with our "Achievement Days Pose" from recipes I googled. The girls paired up and smeared each others faces. While we were letting the facials set, we painted our nails, talked about the importance of good grooming, & jammed out to music. The girls had a blast putting avocados all over each other's faces! Here are a couple of recipe fav's:

*Oatmeal Face Mask
1/2 cup of oatmeal
1 smashed avocado
1/3 cup of honey

In a bowl, mix smashed avocado with the honey, then continuously add oatmeal. When all ingredients are mixed well, apply to face and relax. After 10-15 minutes, wash off with warm water. Do this once a week or when you desire relaxation. You won't believe the difference!

*TIP: To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

*Breakfast Mask
1/2 cup rice krispies
1/4 cup of strawberries or strawberry juice (like Welches)
1/4 milk
2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Mix and let sit out for 10 minutes to get soggy (it'll stick better!). Put on face for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water to open the pores and splash with cool water to close them!

Sweet Corn Festival 2008

2008-09-04T08:06:00.001-07:00

A little sweet corn anyone? Labor Day weekend we stuck around town for the Sweet Corn Festivities. The parade, craft show, games, horseless rodeo, cook off, bounce castles, and of course to pick up some of that delicious sweet corn to take home with us. Good times, Good Corn, Good Memories together.

Park City Retreat for 2

2008-08-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Park City, Utah retreat for 2 = Big J & I, no little rebels, jet setting away, a 5 star resort, peace & quiet, all expenses paid, room service & blessed sleep, site seeing, and new friends. Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to accompany Big J on a business trip to Park City. This is the first time I have been on a company trip (besides tagging along w/ our business man to the Valley) and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't mind on going on a few more just like this....thanks to whomever made the decision to bring along the wives of The Mahoney Group fellas. And a HUGE THANK YOU to those who helped out with our little rebels while we played for the weekend.

Trip VS. The Family Dog

2008-08-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Clash of the Titans...at least in our home. Trip VS. Rosco, the family dog. Two little pups in the battle of the summer. The "BIG TEASE PHASE" has officially introduced itself to the Whiting Brothers. Our little rebels spent the day causing trouble, wrestling, helping mom w/ yard work....and Trip antagonizing the family dog. And so the "BIG TEASE" begins....Round #1 - Mom intervenes and catches the quarrel before it gets too heated between Trip & Rosco. Round #2 - Crew alerts Mom (annoyed at his little brother because we are "trying to get some work done around here") big brother Crew informs me, "Mom, he is really doing it again....he is pulling Rosco's tail." Mom grabs the little tease and moves him to the opposite side of the yard. Round #3 - a little growl, snap, and cry...Rosco won. And now you know my dear son Trip, that's what you get when you decide to go head to head with the family dog and pull his tail.

"Big Tease" Battle Wounds * Trip VS. Rosco

(the after math = a little nip to the forehead & a lesson well learned):

Simiply Put...This is Why we must BLOG...

2008-08-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley

Back to School..."Is it school time yet?"

2008-08-11T17:17:00.001-07:00

"Is it school time yet?" A question that we heard all to often through out our summer of 2008. Crew has been more than excited for pre-school to start up again. We are so glad he qualified for another year in his speech program (developmental class), otherwise my sanity just may have well been on the doorway out with all the bumps, bruises, and boys will be boys attitude that rules our roost here in our home. Besides, I don't know what we would do to keep this kid occupied for 1 more year before he starts the Big Kindergarten class! So finally the day came when we could tell him, "Yes, today is a "school time" day!" He has been so much fun with all the school preparations...school shopping, picking out an "awesome" new backpack, shoes that make him "run faster", and loading his pack with little treasures for "show & tell days." His first day back to pre-school went something like this (in his own words), "We did paper-works times, circles times, play-times, and go home on the bus times." These bittersweet days are coming all too fast for Jason & I. It is so fun to watch them grow into "little people" & at the same time realize that they won't stay little for long. BUT while they do we will cherish them!

"Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

- Robert Brault

Midnight Lullabies

2008-08-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Midnight lullabies, our definition: sweet soothing songs with which to lull a child to sleep amidst the dark hours of the night. One of my favorite things and one of the reasons my heart grows fonder for my husband is his ability to sooth our boys with primary songs mid-night when they wake from a bad dream, are not feeling well, or are scared when we stay in a new place. Although his pitch may be off, Big J may not be able to hit the right notes, and he may not get a golden ticket from Simon Cowell, it is his voice, his sway, his arms, that comfort is found for his family. It is another love of mine when he tells me to "just go back to sleep, I'll take care of the boys," but instead I listen for his sweet sound that omits our home with safety and slumbers our children back to the world of dreams. He has the "Golden Touch" of a fathers lullaby. Thank you for singing us to sleep. Love, Us.

Win, Win...

2008-08-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

A little "Valley" trip for shopping, DBacks game, celeb. spotting, and more shopping. A win-win weekend for the Whiting Family. Saturday our little pose was here, there, and everywhere in what turned out to be the most successful shopping experience to date, working together to get our list accomplished. Saturday = School shopping- with limited melt downs from our rebels, shopping- with limited melt downs between husband & wife, & everyone pleased w/ all our bargains. That evening we had a babysitter for the boys and tickets to the DBacks game. Plus #1- awesome seats right on the 3rd baseline behind the DBacks dug out. Plus#2 - adding Johnny & Jamie Hammond to our fun. Plus #3- getting there early to get our free t-shirts on "t-shirt day." Plus#4- celeb spotting Amari Stoudemire (he threw the 1st pitch of the game) and who sat just rows in front of us - celeb spotting #2 Anqaun Bouldin from the AZ Cardinals, again just rows in front of us - and of course the celebs' on the DBacks team!!! & Plus #5 - spending quality time with the person I love the most!!! Good Times, Good Entertainment, Good Friends, Good Kids, this is the "Good Life."

Cows, Milk, and a little Anatomy lesson.

2008-08-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Half way home from the grocery store last night we realized we had forgotten to buy milk. So the "Milk" conversation began with Mr. JCrew. We talked about Mom milking the cow (yes, I put my pioneering skills to work and milked a cow) at the Whiting Reunion and all its details then Big J asked Crew IF he could remember where milk came from & how to milk the cow?

Crew's answer: Cows make milk in its belly. And just when you thought the conversation was over he tells us, "....Yeah, you pull on its Penis!!!...and milk comes out!!!" Side splitting laughter roared in the truck while we attempted to give him the politically correct term for what mom was pulling to get the milk out, "udders." It didn't stick with him, he continued on counting his fingers, "1,2,3,4...cows have 4 Pee-nuts!!!...they squirt milk!!!" We gave up at our anatomy lesson on the cow after that...we couldn't manage to get a word out through all the laughter. So I guess IF you didn't know where milk came from before or how to milk a cow...you do now!!!

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-04T16:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am obsessed. I am admitting to my Twilight addiction. Thanks to my Husband for feeding this addiction and Pre-ordering the final book to the Vampire saga for me so that I could have it in hand the day it is released!!! Got it, Glued to it, and loving it. Cant wait to see how it all ends. Thanks Big J...my heart still belongs to you.

Whiting Reunion 2008

2008-08-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

What other family would be willing to camp with over 1,000+ relatives in a remote part of Arizona for four days?...The Whiting's. My 1st experience into the Whiting Family Grand Reunion was more than I could fathom. It was an overwhelming experience to walk around the Whiting Village and gain a new level of appreciation for the things the Whitings did, the way they lived, and the legacy they left. Hearing and reading the stories about how hard these ancestors worked I felt the importance of being part of this family. Thank you so much for those of you who put in their precious time into planning the reunion. We enjoyed the reunion so much. It was an awesome experience. I wanted to stay longer to enjoy, I didn't want our 1 day of opportunity to attend (because our family schedule is jam packed) to end. All the little "stations" that help to reinforce and teach; the Whiting Cash Store, charming stories; train rides, pony rides, and cracking the bull whip; cookbooks, The Saloon (where the little fellas could get a shave & the ladies a new hair due), family; etc, etc. will be cherished for years as we learn about our ancestors together as a family.

"Broken Teeth"

2008-08-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday = park day at the Whiting Household. A much anticipated day for all on the premises here...the boys looking forward to the jungle gyms, swings, slides, dinosaur to ride like they are true cowboys on a bull, and endless space to run wild....and of course a day for Mom to sit, relax, and enjoy the conversation with girlfriends. On this particular Thursday we added one more kiddo to our park day fun. Little Steven. The boys had so much fun running, climbing, sliding, and doing what boys do best...I think this may have topped the list of the best park day ever for Mr. JCrew. None of them wanted to leave BUT when you have an 18 month old crying and add a couple of mischievous boys that are inimitably tired as well its time to go! So, with promises of an overnight stay we dropped lil Steven off with Grandma Flake for a little quite time and to let me get prepared for Crews 1st friend sleepover and he just had to have it be the best!!! We get home, change the "little mans" diaper, get drinks, fill a bottle, and we are good for nap time....that is until Crew begins telling me what is troubling him. Our conversation: Crew- "Mom, I am sad at Steben." Shanda - "Talk to me, why are you sad at Steven?" Crew- "I am sad at Steben because (a very worried sigh) he has broken teeth. Mom, (with a little pause then huge sigh, again) I don't want broken teeth like Steben." I just about died and then the remainder of the conversation consisted of me explaining that everyone looses their teeth and new teeth grow in and every detail there is to know about the tooth fairy. This kid kills me....he was very concerned for "Steben" and his "Broken Teeth." The innocence of children is priceless. Later that night when the boys where in the midst of their overnight party I would hear little conversations between the two of them regarding Stevens teeth....these boys are hilarious!!!

Another Year Older & Wiser Too.....

2008-07-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Birthdays....ugh. A day that was once looked forward to is now a day of self pity. Shanda and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day...the 'Terrible' = 'Mother Nature' gracing me with her presence, the 'Horrible' = another year older & not feeling much wiser too, the 'No Good' = cramping, bloating, & did I mention 'Mother Nature'!?! , and the 'Very Bad Day' = yeah, you guessed it...'Mother Nature.' (she can be so unkind). Turning 26 just happened. My poor husband was blessed with my wrath and ungraceful demeanor Wednesday morning...the poor guy didn't stand a chance!!! He had made breakfast, bought flowers, made a little coupon book to dispense at my will, had the boys dressed and ready for the day, let me sleep in, and of course the best present...$$$ to do as I pleased. BUT what did I do...no details...lets just blame good ole 'Mother Nature' for acknowledging her presence. The day went on as usual. Big J went on to work, Mom cleaning up the house & the boys destroying it in the same instant, and the hours & minutes that create our daily chaos in the Whiting Home was well under way. Until we get a knock on the door...relief was here! Jaymi and the girls came walking in the door with a HUGE bouquet of roses (from Jason) and gave me a dose of exactly what I needed....a day to myself. No kids, no crying, and no repeating myself 100+ times in a day sounding like a broken record in attempt to maintain some structure around this place. Thank you Jaymi for being inspired or crazy (you decide) for taking on our mess. The day continually got better (besides the annoyance of bathroom trips). Shopping was fabulous mainly because I wasn't having to manage a kid on my hip, the other asking to buy him everything under the sun, while attempting not to loose my marbles in public. Thanks Jaymi for my day out. Dinner was even better with friends and family and the best was coming home to even more friends, surprises, ice cream cake, and late night reminiscing and laughing about the day, the past, and good times spent together....I guess turning 26 wasn't so bad after all.

St. Johns Pioneer Days 2008

2008-07-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Days Celebration #2 for 2008 was spent in St.Johns w/ the Whitings. Saturday aka "celebration day" tolled up to be a LONG day packed full of this and that on the "to do" list for our little busy family. An early 5am wake up to have us all ready for the drive...then to hit up Main Street in St.Johns to ensure our prime parade sitting seats...bathroom break at Grandmas...Parade sittin, parade watchin, & and parade candy catchin...Discovering that the camera batteries are dead...Surprise birthday party at teh park...Crew meeting & playing his little heart out with his new BFF Harvy...Trip meeting his new lady friends and future prospects Hayden & Rylie...Naptime-Breaktime for boys & us @ The Whiting Household...dinner w/ crazy kids...the fabulous Magic Show that had everyone mystified...and a late night drive home. Just a typical day in the life of us @ Pioneer Days!!!

Working Hard & Having Fun

2008-07-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Teaching our little fellow a little work ethic. Trip was having so much fun pushing the lawn mower around the back yard last weekend after Big Cousin Dallin finished giving the grass a little trim off the top. It was so much fun watching him attempt to do as Dallin had been doing. A little example goes a long way....just hope that in the coming years he still finds pleasure in doing the Whiting Family Duties (this includes a little yard work here & there along with his partner in crime....Mr. JCrew) and the rest of the 'manly' household chores.
Francoise de Motteville:
The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure.

Snowflake Pioneer Days 2008

2008-07-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Family, friends, & laughter; Parades, craft shows, & bounce castles; Rodeos, ball-games, & fireworks....thats what Pioneer Days is made of.

Safety First

2008-07-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Crew has decided to play it safe (considering all his recent tumbles and endless tragedies he has experienced this summer.) While out in the back yard cruising on his "awesome bike" he asked for his 'helmet.' ...and so the conversation begins... My response, "You don't have a helmet." Crew: "Ya huh, mom." Me: positive there is no safety helmet in existence in our house replies to his surety, "Then go find your helmet and show me." Sure he would be in his room at least a good 5-10 min. contemplating what he could pull off as a helmet or loose his interest in the idea all together he came running out within seconds, helmet in hand....his football helmet!!! Crew: "Mom, see!?! I told ya!" It was a helmet none the least. He won, he was right....and I was happy that his bike riding experience for the day met the Mom's Safety Guidelines Regulations.

When Nature Calls....

2008-07-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

So as I was downloading pictures from the camera today this is what I happened upon...

A little bum shining in the bushes. And wondering when and where this photo took place unknown to my knowledge that someone had caught Crew's little "shiny hiney" hidden in the bushes taking care of business where a bathroom is non-existent...this photo came next....

....and now I understand. A quick fix to a little delima: Big J with our little rascals... 1 crying, the other having to pee and Mom is unavailable for assistance as she is in the middle of an intense softball game....solution = crying kid #1- content in car seat with bottle, kid#2- taking his business to the bushes, Dad catching it all on film (& getting a good laugh from it all), & Mom finding these photos today and unveiling the story.....priceless.

Out of the Mouth of Babes....

2008-07-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

"What the Hell!?!...its PINK!" As quoted by our favorite 4 year old. This past weekend Big J and I uprooted the boys from their room (along with all their valuables...cuddly blankets, Crews "special" cars, the pacifier, and ALL the things our boys just cant do without) and moved them into the guest room while we started "the project." Painting the fellas wall RED (which, those of you that have attempted this feat know it can be a long process). And of course we had two, more than eager, little boys that wanted to help splatter red over the wall. So, we let them help...more like let Crew help (supervised of course...we wouldn't let that kid loose on his own with a paint brush soaked in red paint) while Trip peeked at us through his crib. While taking a break and watching Mom & Dad paint it was sputtered from his lips.... "What the Hell...its PINK!" On the verge of laughing out loud Jason took hold of the reins, so calm and collect, while I had to hide my smile that cracked on my face from all visibility from our little man, and explained to him "don't worry it'll dry red." Clear on that confirmation (and the stern talking to about not saying the "Hell" word and why) Crew was satisfied with that answer and he continued on worry free from having a PINK wall in his room. Good Times, Good Laughs, and makes for even better Memories!!!

Independence Day

2008-07-07T14:04:00.001-07:00

July 4th came and went with a bang. We spent our Independence Day attempting to make the best of our 4 day weekend with runny noses, constant tears (from one or the other of the 2 boys), fevers that refused to break, and 2 exhausted parents that went sleepless for the weekend. Friday we thought we would lay low, skip the parade, and take the fellas to watch WALL-E at "the BIG movie show." Crew was more than excited when we told him the news...nothing else seemed to matter other than getting to "the BIG movie show" to see WALL-E!!! The movie was a HUGE success....WALL-E is the 1st movie that we, as a family, did not have to leave the theater becasue our little men have too many "ants in their pants" to be able to sit still through an entire movie. Success. We left Pinetop and made our way to St. Johns to spend some time with the Whiting Fam. and watch the fireworks over Lyman Lake. Tea parties with Grandma, playing with cousins, and Big J getting to reminisce through all High School scrapbooks & newspaper clippings of football....then off the the BIG fireworks show!!! 10 min into it and Crew was out for the count. The poor kid just had had enough and was worn out from celebrating the holiday that he didn't quite understand other than it was a "parade & fireworks day."

Saturday was a long day. Sick kids again and Big J gone for the majority of the morning playing in a golf tournament and me left home losing whats left of my mind. Although our day ended well watching Snowflakes 4th of July Firework show with glow sticks and cousins. We survived the "movie show", the fevers, the crying & whining, and survived each other!!! Lets knock on wood, wear some garlic around our necks, throw some salt over our shoulder, that this will be our last summertime sickness blues weekend for 2008.

Summertime Blues

2008-07-03T10:01:00.001-07:00

There is nothing worse than being sick during the summer. Summer 2008 just may have topped the list for the most mishaps. Bumps, bruises, sunburns, and nearly stitches poor Mr. JCrew has had them all. Now to top it all off he has encountered the monster of his 'fiets....TONSILLITIS! Poor little fella. He hasn't wanted to eat, drink, play, etc. etc. for the past few days just sleep, cry, and whine. Not exactly the picnic party we were hoping summer would bring. Our little guy was so sweet and asked when he could go to the doctor "to get the sick out" of his belly. So for the cure Big J took him to the Doctor for a fix....and an unsuspecting little poke to his BUTT to cure it all. Needless to say he did just fine getting his shot BUT pretty sure next time he won't be asking to go to the doctors office for another little stabb. At least "the sick" is going away and our "Man" is getting back to his old self again.

Whiting Homestead

2008-06-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

Camping...a verb that I despise. A grin and bear it activity that I throw the towel in and let Big J win at least once a year(twice IF he is REALLY lucky). We spent the weekend at the Whiting Homestead and let my little fellas (this includes Jason) pretend to be "Mountain Men" riding around on 4-wheelers, late nights playing cards, nature walking, nature seeing, getting dirty, along with the other activities 'camping' has to offer. The boys ALL had a great time being rough and tough rendezvous "Mountain Men" for the weekend and mom hung in there on one of her last strands of sanity for the 72 hours we spent "roughing it" in the wilderness at the Homestead. My home was a great site for my sore eyes.....my shower was even better!

The Topic of Hair.

2008-06-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

So you know its been awhile when your husband asks you (on more than one occasion) "when are you going to go get your hair cut?" and even the little gestures and reminders he likes to lay out there i.e. : the mothers day coupons he created and one inparticular stood out that read:"hair cut and color of your choice and choice of salon."..... The countless ?'s of "do you want to put blonde highlights back in your hair?".... "how short do you think you will cut it?".... and the deal breaker..."do you want me to call for you?" So I FINALLY took him up on his sweet little "fake coupon book offer" he made for me and had my hair cut and colored per my choice! So there it is...my husband is pleased....nothing too drastic just a few or more inches off the length...some layers...and color. Its good to have a little change...next time I wont put him through the misery and make him wait so long. Love Ya Big J.

Vaca. to the Valley & its Hot Hot Heat

2008-06-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

Another little mini vaca. the boys & I get to take while Big J works. We spent our week in Scottsdale with a occasional trip into Mesa, out to Queen Creek, and Avondale (when the boys and I felt up to melting into puddles all for the sake of playing w/ cousins, shopping, and catching up with old friends). We all had a good time especially when 1-mom wasn't pulling her hair out from maintaining her little heat stricken monsters 2-Dad was available for a little assistance 3- no little "guys" were crying because mom wanted to shop for "girlie clothes." etc. etc. etc. 4-taking a break from being adults and going to the Jimmy Eat World concert 5-ending our stay with a train ride before getting out of the Hot Hot Heat at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad park. Good times, lots of laughs, and even better memories....I love my little Family.

Father's Day

2008-06-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

How you make me smile.....

1- My faults are made up for by his strengths and vice versa.

2-He is interested in making me happy when and where it counts the most.

3-He makes me laugh when I’m mad at him.

4-His hands are big and strong and soft

5-He has the longest battiest eyelashes (which is so unfair)

6-Even when I'm grumpy, you still like me.

7-We both really can't do without each other

8-You at least pretend you're going to do what I suggest.

9-Sometimes you call just because you're thinking about me.

10- We just fit together.
There are endless reasons why I love you but the most important is...knowing you is loving you. Thanks Big J for being my confidante, lifetime valentine, awesome father, and endless adjectives & verbs that make you who you are to our chaotic little family. We love you.

Accident Waiting to Happen

2008-06-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Poor little Mr. JCrew. Lets just chalk up injury #2 to the list of summer 2008. I am beginning to think this kid may have an injury jinx phenom awaiting him while attending Moms softball games. Thursday we played another church ball game and Crew was more than excited to go....1- he vacuumed (among many other household chores he performed throughout the day) the entire house and earned a whopping $1 that was his to get a treat at the concession stand 2-the playground equip. was awaiting his wiggles & giggles. Upon our tardy arrival unloading equipment & kids.....Crew jumped out of the truck...landed on all fours and...DUN DUN DUN....popped up and his head met the bottom corner of the back door. I hear a little cry then hear Jason proclaim to me that we have a problem while Crew is proclaiming he, "has a hole in his head!" Big J taking it out on himself (and a little sick from the site of the gushing head wound) I took over cleaned it up and made the (probably not so mother of the year) decision that he would be fine. Come on people...all a Doc. would do was maybe one stitch or just glue the thing back together....not to mention how traumatic it would be to hold the kid down for the entire process!!! Plus the our poor little guy was more concerned about missing Moms game and getting his treat at the concession stands. He is one tough hombre. So my boys all sat together, eating treats, and cheering me on....what more could I ask for!?! And one more thing...our team got our groove back...we won!!!

One Tough Cookie

2008-06-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday night I had a Church Softball game. What that translates to a little 4 year old named Crew is: cheer for mommy for 2 sec. then go play on the playground (while mom is praying our little dare devil doesn't get into too much mischief and hopes Dad doesn't get too preoccupied in the game and forget to check up on our little handful!) Needless to say, this is what I found midway through the game: Crew sitting next to Jason in the stands cheering for mom...what? That's not normal he is usually scouring playground equipment BUT it looked like dad had it under control so no worries. Game over...no need to mention the score...we got creamed....Crew came running up to me and says very calm and collect, almost as if it was an annoyance, "Mom, I think I need a band-aide." What the!?! Moms first instinct: a little panic...BUT then again this is Crew....he is as tough as rocks....Mom isn't. I felt his pain for him. We went home, got it cleaned up and he proceeds to tell me, "Mom, I don't need a band-aide...I'm a Big Boy...Trips a baby and I'm a Big Boy." (as if I needed any clarification on who was the Big Boy in the house) Crew is one tough cookie!!! My boys, what would I do without them!?!

Memorial Day Weekend (catching up)

2008-06-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Catching Up from Memorial Day Weekend.....

So here is a quick photo update of our Memorial Day Weekend we spent visiting Grandma, Grandpa, & Auntie's "Great" (as our little 4 year old calls them.) in Farmington NM.

The Boys and Grandma Smithie (who tagged along to keep us sane on a 5hr long drive & not to mention help keep the little monsters intertained). Pictures: Checking into the hotel...boys taking a break from the long drive....checking out to visit "Grams & Gramps Greats."

Grandma & Grandpa Wheelers house. Pictures: Great Aunt Kristie & Boys. Thanks Aunt Kristie for the cute gifts....the boys LOVE them....they love getting spoiled at Grandma Great's House!!!

Pictures: Grandma Great, Aunt Kathleen (who came to visit from Utah w/ her daughter and daughters husband), and Grandma Smithie. Gramps keeping us all in line with his whip...hey Gramps, I think Indiana J. is looking for his whip :) & Mom and Kathleen...sisters.

Shopping at the Farmington Mall. The boys were so excited to ride in the Fire Engine stroller....it may have been the highlight of their weekend....next to getting spoiled rotten by Grandparents and Great Aunties.

Pictures of the "guys." Big J reading ESPN mag. to Trip. Crew & Gramps having a one on one conversation about sports. Trip clinging to his new best friend Kevin.

Saying our goodbyes...Whiting Family attempting to get a 'family photo' w/ Grandma & Grandpa Great....as good as it gets. Shanda with Grandma.

Memorial Day. Back home for a BBQ with the Whiting Klan. Crew and Grandpa jumping. MMMmmm....cake! Ed & Nanette with ALL the grandkids.

Schools Out for Summer

2008-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Poof! Like a magician had waved his magic wand and moved us 10 months into the final days of school. Pre-School ended before Crew or I, for that matter, was ready to let it go for 2 short months of summer. We have been so grateful to the teachers, speech therapist, aides (not the disease people...just the teacher's assistants that help maintain the chaos of little children in a school environment!), and ALL the help they have been to help our little Mr. JCrew to #1-sit still...even IF it is only for 2 minutes...its a HUGE success #2-teaching him to "turtle talk"...thank you...know its not all gibberish & #3-for the love, patience, and time they took to focus on our little guy. Crew was so proud when he got home from school on Thursday with his little treat bag and his certificate in his hand. So I just had to take a pic of his "The Last Day of School" excitement.

Now any ideas for me to keep this kid entertained for the summer!?!

Red is my Favorite Color.

2008-05-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

Red. The choice of color that Crew is adamant about being his favorite. From sitting on the red spot at circles time at school, to the choice of his bedroom wall color that is argued with mom to be painted blue (mom's fave), to the sweet little mothers day key chain he made that he insisted to the teacher for ALL the beads to be the color red! From Popsicles, to juice, and even down to his favorite red t-shirt....I am beginning to think this kid bleeds red like his dad (Big J's fave color too)!!! So I thought to myself what do colors say about us? And I found this on the color red and couldn't argue some of the little glimpse' of what it says about my boys.

Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life

Are you my Mother?

2008-05-14T18:58:00.001-07:00

Saturday evening was our typical finishing up random work around the house day, entertaining our little monsters, and thinking about what to make for dinner. That usually consists of our typical evening in the Whiting home that is until I heard a faint cry coming from somewhere nearby in the backyard. I put it off and continued to assist Jason in hanging up the clothes line but the distress signal still was ringing and my motherly instinct new I had to find what seemed to be lost. The search was on...maybe more like Marco-Polo but it wasn't long before I found what had wandered away from its mother......inside our shed in the very back corner was 2 little kittens!!! I think Big J thought I was pulling his leg...trying to get out of being his assistant...and was making it all up BUT to his surprise I walked out of that shed with 2 little fur balls. The boys were ecstatic. It was so much fun (and work) watching our boys with these little babies BUT new we couldn't keep them 1- Honestly don't care too much for cats 2- Our dog was going Ape *you know what* and would have eatin them in one bite 3- and wouldn't you know it...they were both male kittens (I think we have enough testosterone in the Whiting household!) So yet again another search was on...to find the owners of the Mama cat or (IF they had been abandoned) finding them a home. A few phone calls later we found the kittens Mama & the kittens found a new home. They were old enough to be given away and we did both our neighbors a favor!!! It was fun while it lasted....but admit ably I was a little sad to see them go. maybe I am a cat person.....no, I think I will just blame it on my motherly instincts!!!

Mother's Day

2008-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this video: Mothers Day

*pause the music at the bottom of my blog to enjoy this video*

Added Residents of 811 S. 3rd Street

2008-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome home Davis family. Or at least Dallas (with Jaymi and the kids her and there on the weekends until their abode in Globe is taken off the market). This past week Dallas & Jaymi pulled their camp trailer up from Globe and parked it at their new residents of 811 S. 3rd St. (our driveway) and became our new addition to our home, family, and neighborhood! We couldn't be more excited to have them so close. And better yet to be looking for a place to settle in Snowflake/Taylor. Yeah! So welcome home Davis Family (even IF it is just temporarily) We love having you as a part of our chaos!

Ladies Man

2008-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

The sweetest thing happened yesterday. As if I couldn't imagine my little man to be any more butch, Mr. JCrew learned a way to a woman's heart. I was at my wits end trying to maintain the quietness of our home while Trip was taking his afternoon nap BUT two boys (the infamous Crew and best bud Tanner) insisted on fighting, wrestling, karate chopping/kicking, and screaming out an occasional warrior cry. On the brink of losing my insanity and saying "SHHHH" "Be quite" and countless bargaining chips and threats, my discipline failed me. So I ordered them outside to regain what sanity I had left in me. I sat on the couch holding my breath for the moment they would come barrelling through the back door. 10 minuets of peace went by and then it happened...the back door flung open and Crew was yelling "Mom". My silence was broken. Just as I was jumping up from my seat my little man came running around the corner with a handful of dandelions.

Crew: Look mom! I picks them! I picks them for you!

Shanda: You picked them for me!?!

Crew: Yeah, I get you flowers.....just like dad.

Shanda: Oh they are perfect. I love them!

On the brink of tears I sucked that boy up in my arms and thanked heaven that he has picked up at least one gentlemen like habit from his dad. And it doesn't end with just one bundle of flowers....every time he see's a dandelion out in our yard while playing he has brought it in for me. Who knew I was raising a little ladies man!?!

Bowling, Ball-Games, & More....

2008-04-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

The "Valley". That's where we go shopping, that's were Steven's house is, and that's where we get to go to Chuckie Cheeses. That is what the "Valley" of the sun means to our little Crew. To Mom (that rarely steps out of her cubicle) the "valley" takes on a whole new meaning.....it is her release from the norm, a break from the 4 walls that contain all my insanity (even though I load some of it up into little car seats). We spent last weekend making memories. Jason had meetings Friday so that left me with our two precious little trouble makers to do some shopping on our own. 1st stop Old Navy....we were done within 5 minutes of hitting the store ( I will spare you ALL the details BUT it involves 2 little boys, a stack of t-shirts nicely folded and a mannequin). Stop #2, Target. I took a little breath from our first incident of the day and said a little prayer pleading the remainder of the day wouldn't be spent cleaning up after little 'spills' my boys could conjure up and marched my way on into the store. Success....2hrs later (with everything I was looking for plus two happy little monsters that managed to still have smiles on their faces) we were out of there in perfect timing to pick up Big J and catch a bite to eat. Dinner may have not been as successful as our Target experience BUT at least I had the 'law' with me this time around to tame our wild beasts. Little Mr. JCrew, our little Wii champ, proclaimed he had finished his food and was ready to go play "rolling ball". Even though it was late we couldn't resist his pleas of wanting to go bowling. Crew's 1st bowling experience was endearing. Jason & I were on our toes all night....making sure he wouldn't throw it down another lane, throw it behind him, and keep him from running down the lane to make his ball go faster....while in the mean time passing Trip back in forth to one another taking shifts handling our bowling addict. Needless to say we all slept well that night and slept in the next morning. Day 2 we did our usual shopping run...Sam's Club, Costco, mall shopping. Somewhat uneventful besides the little temper tantrums that boys pull when they don't want to look at the "girl shopping stuff". Later that afternoon we did another Whiting first. We took our little monsters to the D-Backs game. Needless to say it was interesting. Crew was in ahhh of everything around him (for about the first 10 minutes) and Trip loved clapping along with the crowd when the D-Backs made a good play. All interest in the game was lost when Crew realized his neighbor next to him had a HUGE ice-cream cone and he had to have one. So we bargained a deal with Crew that IF he would sit still until the teams changed sides we would take him for a walk around the park! Teams changed sides and we were out of there. I think he had a better time walking around looking at all the vender's than watching the game. We went into the team shop to look for a hat (souvenir from the game) and showed Crew a D-Backs hat. He tells us "But mom, I got a hat see!?! I don't need a 'D' hat! My 'B' (Boston) hat is cooler, its like dads." And it was cooler so we left it at that. Two rambunctious little boys were ready to get out of there and ready for bed! It was nice going back to Aunt Claudia's, always so welcoming and comfortable, not to mention our boys love being there. Jason and I got our guys to bed and plopped down on the couch when Aunt Claudia & Jason's Dad (who was in the Valley for the weekend too) struck up a deal w/ us. She needed potatoes for Sunday, Ed needed a sugar fix, and we got an evening out to ourselves (minus a little grocery & dessert run). Thank you, thank you, thank you....we needed that. The next morning was busy, getting up, getting ready, packing our suitcase, double checking to make sure we got everything, and cleaning up our messes so we are welcome back when we come again. My least favorite part of getting away...coming back to my cubicle of insanity. Thank goodness for a husband who works here, there, and everywhere...and likes the company of his chaotic little family while traveling.

The Biggest Loser 2008

2008-04-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

Truly inspiring. Those are the words that come to mind EVERY season while I sit (and then feel guilty while I am eating ice cream or some other ungodly junk food item that I am fattening my body up with so when it is over the guilt ridden me attempts to sweat my extra humps off on the elliptical for an hour!) and watch the contestants of "The Biggest Loser." While my attempts of joining the next season have become a bust I have been so touched and motivated by the comments of this seasons winner Ali. A home town girl and the first female biggest loser. She has become a role model for women and certainly one of mine. I can relate to her comments before the show during casting when she said, [I]“literally got fat five pounds at a time.” And that's me....I catch a whiff of something tasty and that's it...there is 5+ more lbs added somewhere unflattering to my body. Her undaunting determination has inspired me to become that person that I have lost. Mind, Body, & Soul. “I was like, ‘Nobody can take this away from me,’ ” she recalled. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to go back there and I’m going to stand on that stage, even if it’s with the at-home people, and I am going to be the Biggest Loser.” With Big J behind me and long for the ride we are "going to do it, nobody can take this away from [us]."

BEFORE:

234lbs

AFTER:
112lbs

“I’m going to continue to go for what I want,” she said. “My physical being is a direct representation of what I feel inside, which is strong and confident and beautiful.”

-Ali Vincent-

Viva Las Vegas

2008-03-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

On March 21st Big J & I tucked year number 5 under our belt. Where has the time gone...I think I have an idea...its rushed away with losing loved ones & bringing new bundles into the world, its filled with meaningless arguments & sweet little glimpse's of why we love each other, unforgettable memories, laughter, 'pillow talk', winks from across the room, Jason's endless determination to never let a 'girl' (named Shanda) beat him in any game (or its a re-due, malfunction, or some other foul play), finally perfecting 'the kiss', and so much more. 5 years came and went in a blink of an eye. We celebrated our union by having honeymoon #2 back in the place where it all started. LasVegas. Big J planned a little recreation of our 1st honeymoon. Everything kept the same except the entertainment. Day 1, 1st show - The Price is Right. Every small town girls dream to have her name called to "Come on down!" BUT unfortunately luck wasn't with us Thursday afternoon. A little disappointed and spirits dampened we moved on to the next priority.....going out with one of my favorite girls (and letting the boys tag a long behind us). Dawn & Wyatt came to pick us up and away we went to fill our bellies with The Cheesecake Factory. Its always a good time when you don't get to see friend (but only a couple of times a year) and you know that the two of you can always pick up where you left off like you never skipped a beat. That's why your the best Dawn. Good times, good laughs, and Dawns cutest prego belly, ended our night of day 1. Day #2, actually getting a chance to sleep in without 2 little boys coming in to tell you to Rise & Shine. Although, kind of missed (and a phone call later to check on the normally rascally boys) we were off to the top of the Stratosphere tower to check out the view and 'think' about whether or not "the BIG shot" was the ride for us. 10 min. later and a little weak kneed after seeing the rides (and thinking that you would have to be ridiculously out of your mind to go on them) we headed out to the "strip" to take in the scene. Fast forward to night and out and about the town we headed to the Venetian for show #2, the Blue Man Group, all to find out when arriving to pick up our tickets that our show wasn't until Saturday night. With no time to make it back to our hotel room to grab the tickets for the show that we were supposed to be at, at another venue (The Ultimate Variety Show) Big J asked what the chances where to get Phantom tickets for the night. Thinking we didn't have a chance the little box office man said I have 2 tickets for the Phantom of the Opera tonight. A swipe of the card and 2 tickets later we where seated in the Opera house ready for the show. The night was ended with tears on my face and a grin that could stretch for miles. Day 3, another wake less morning and having no time restrictions we decided to hit the top of the tower for one more look of the city.....and to be one of those ridiculously silly persons and ride "The BIG Shot." A little green in the face, and wobbly kneed we made our way back down from the ride. Glad we can say we did it, not likely to do it again. A little over exuberated from the ride we took a little afternoon nap to fade any, if not all, the green faced Jason & Shanda to our regular being. Hours later. Primped and poised we headed out for our final show....The Blue Man Group. So excited for the show I stole a few snap-shots of Jason & I in our seats before the show....an usher approached us and before he could get a word out I began babbling that I am sorry, I am putting my camera away BLAH BLAH BLAH.... making an idiot of myself I realized that the camera is not why he came to talk to us!!! He wanted Jason to be a part of the show!!! He handed Big J a HUGE candy bar and told us that one of the "Blue Men" was going to climb up the latter over the balcony and come find the candy bar!!! The close encounter with the BLUE MAN was so much fun....IF only I could have taken a picture!!! Such a fun show!!! We headed back to the Stratosphere to catch a few winks of the eye before we set out on the next endeavor....driving to St. Johns at 2:00 in the morning to make it back to spend Easter with the boys and for Tyson's farewell. I think we were both relieved that night to get our rowdy little monsters to sleep and hit the sack ourselves. Its good to be home, even better 5 years, and this time around we didn't come home with an unexpected 'bun in the oven'!

Early Easter Activities

2008-03-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Rewind to last Monday....F.H.E. we decided (since it was St. Patties day and that coming weekend was Easter & our anniversary & the fact that 3 months ago we didn't know our anniversary would fall on Easter weekend so we blindly booked a little getaway for 2 to Vegas...) that Big J & I had better create a little Easter/Clover Day fun with our rowdy little boys to redeem ourselves for our lack of better planning. So in our defeat to make us feel somewhat less guilty for not spending the 'holiday' with our 'guys' we (Jason) had the BIG idea to make green eggs & pancakes (in honor of the Irish holiday) And I had the duty of coloring Easter Eggs with 2 boys that have ants in their pants. 2 egg dye spills later and 4 full bellies of GREEN pancakes made up our night of fun...BUT we still felt bad that we wouldn't get to share in the little squeals of "the Easter Bunny came!"