Camping...Well the closest we've come to it this Summer!

With Jarrod working all summer long, we haven't been on any camping trips yet this summer. The kids have been missing out, so we set up the tent and they have spent the last two nights out on the porch. They think it's the coolest thing ever! May just be all the camping they get this summer. Except maybe in September. We do have a family reunion planned then.

It's a Zoo Around Here!

This Summer, all kinds of fun things 'hopping up'! The kids have been into sleeping out in the tent on the porch and helping with projects around the house. Yesterday, we were installing rain gutters on the back patio and decided we better check out the birds nest under the eves. We haven't seen the birds coming and going much lately, so I was sure the nest had been abandoned, but to our suprise, we found 3 tiny little bird eggs. The kids wanted to break them! I couldn't believe what little hooligans I'd raised. After I told them there were little birds inside though, they decided we would let them stay intact. Then last night, as the kids were preparing for another night out in the tent, the little guy in the picture above came hoping by. Took Karter a few minutes to get the nerve, but he finally cornered him and caught him. Fun times around the Lampsa house.

No Relaxing Weekend

So, one of the things I admire most about Jarrod is that he is so driven. He never stops until he accomplishes what he wants. This weekend was a good example of that! He was so determined to get projects done around the house that we hardly had a moments rest. Friday night, after a long, exhausting day shopping at Home Depot, we came home and started painting the kitchen. The kids decided they didn't want to help, so they took off to spend the night at Grandma's. Jarrod started taping and prepping the kitchen around 6:30 and we painted until midnight. The next morning, he had me up bright and early. Saturday's project was painting the Master bedroom. That took all morning and into the early afternoon. I pooped out way early! It was a good thing that my mother in law came down and helped, or Jarrod might have noticed that I kept slipping away to go check facebook, or just sit down and take a break. That man about wore me out this weekend!


Guess maybe I should have put away the laundry, or cleared the couters before I took pictures, but like I said, I was pooped! These pictures will just have to do.

This weekend we went to Snowflake and played in one of the coolest parks around. Pioneer Park in Snowflake has always been one of my favorites. I love the grassy hills and the huge shade trees. My kids loved it too! Kinsley was more than willing to pose for a few pictures. Karter was doing what he does best..climbing and sliding. Kamryn, would have spent hours digging in the sand. We stayed and played for about an hour and a half. We would have stayed longer, but see what rolled in? There were a few sprinkles at first and then within seconds, we were running to the car for shelter. The storm didn't last long, but by the time it stopped, we were already on our way. Have so much fun playing with the kids. The simplest things really make them happy.

Kinsley made me a new pair of 'slippers'. And we had all kinds of fun sculpting a volleyball out of the sand. After the park, we headed to Showlow for a quick trip to Home Depot (home improvement post to follow).

So for some crazy reason, I decided to take the kids school shopping today without Jarrod. Don't know how he dodged that one, but he did. We had a lot of success shopping and finding some cute stuff for the upcoming school year, but I about went bonkers on Kamryn today. She was very umm..Challenging today to say the least. When we finally made it home tonight, Kinsley and Kamryn decided they were going to try on their new bathing suits. But before Kamryn tries hers on, she had to try to beat her brother with it first. As she is swinging the hanger and all at her brother, the two peices seperated (its a tankini), and I hear this blood curdling scream come from the other room...not from Karter either (even though he was the one being attacked with the hanger). No, it was from Kamryn! She comes running into the kitchen holding the two seperate peices of her bathing suit and crying, "Mommy, I broke my swim suit!" Apparently she didn't look too closely at it when we bought it. I had to explain to her that she hadn't broke it, but that it was supposed to be in two peices. Just when that little turkey about has me pulling my hair out, she does something cute like that to redeem herself.

Eclipse

This is old news, but I have to post it! Last November, a bunch of us girls got together and went to the midnight premier of New Moon. It was so much fun that we decided to make it a tradition. So with the release of Eclipse, we headed to the theatre again, only this year everything was bigger and better. We even had a friend make t-shirts for all of us to wear (Look how cute we all are). We all met at Eva's for dinner in Snowflake before heading to the movies in Show Low. Just like last year, we were able to watch the previous movies before the premier of the new one. It was so much fun hanging out with all the girls. Can't wait to do it all over again when Breaking Dawn comes out.

Looking Good

Last year before Karter started Kindergarten, he decided he wanted to get his hair cut in a faux hock. After the first day of school, he came home and decided he didn't want it anymore, cause there was a little girl at school that was making fun of him. I tried to convince him that it was probably just because she liked him, but he didn't want to hear it. So, I was kind of suprised yesterday when he told me that he wanted to cut his hair this way again. Way to go buddy! Who cares what the mean little girl at school thinks. You rock the faux hock!
Can't tell very well in the pictures, but they used a colored spiking gel, so his hair is 'metalic blue'. He couldn't wait to get home and show all his buddies and Grandma. He doesn't even want to swim today, cause he wants his dad to see it (and this guy loves to swim). Hopefully by the time school starts, it will grow out a little longer and we can have it cleaned up again. Looks pretty good though, and it is a huge improvement from his grown out shaggy look.

Celebrating our Independence

This year we decided we were staying in Joseph City to celbrate the 4th. We usually go out to Woodruff, but sadly there isn't much going on out there anymore. It used to be the funnest day of the year in Woodruff! The day would start with breakfast cooked and served by the Elders and then there was always a short program with patriotic songs and usually a tribute to some of the older people in the community (Kind of like a Hall of Fame thing). Then the footraces, and water balloon volleyball, softball, and volleyball or basketball inside the church when it got too warm to play outside. Then deffinently a dip in the river to cool off before heading into the fireworks. I missed seeing all the friends I grew up with though. The fourth is still the one day out of the year that almost everyone comes home to visit. So maybe next year we'll go out for breakfast and come back home for the celebration later on in the day here.

The Chamber put on a really fun celebration, with carnival/old fashioned games. The day started with a red white and blue parade. Kids, and adults too dressed up in R,W, & B or decorated their bikes or strollers and paraded down Main St. Then there was a flag raising ceremony and Melisa Farnes sang the National Anthem. There was a waterslide, dunk tank, putting green, ring toss, a game where you bounced a ping pong ball into a cup (and won a real goldfish), pony rides, horse shoes, and my favorite a sand volleyball tournament.

Jarrod, Misty, Al and I competed in the tournament. We had a lot of fun! Our first game started out a little shaky, but somehow we pulled it off. We didn't fare so well our second game. We ended up losing to team Mosier. But we had a lot of fun and that's all that matters, right?

After the tournament, it was lunch time so we all headed up to the house, ate lunch and took a dip in the pool. Wish I had gotten more pictures, but I was too busy playing and having fun.

I am so greatful to live in this wonderful country and to enjoy all the freedoms that we are blessed with. I'm proud of my roots and my upbringing in the gospel. So thankful to have the freedom to choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Can't wait until this time of year rolls around again.

Our Graduate

This month has brought all kinds of excitment! The school year has come to a close and the kids are soo..ready for summer. Wednesday night, Karter graduated from kindergarten. Here he is with one of his best buddies! Kinsley and Karter both did very good in school this year. They are good students who try their best. So fun watching them grow and learn!

My Success Story

Here's the sad before and the feeling great after photos!

I have a waist again..from a 37 1/2 to a 301/2!

A lot less junk in the trunk the back bulge is all but gone too.

After 6 weeks, I'm down several inches (mostly in my waist, but other places too)! Can't believe how incredible I feel. Down from 190.6 to 165ish. Haven't seen that number since high school. I love swimming in the am's and walking on the treadmill. Gonna start hitting the weights soon and toning.

A Happy Easter

We had so much fun this Easter weekend. Saturday, we went over to Jason and Cari Martineau's and had a lunch barbeque with all the goodies, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and fruit salad, chips, brownies, you name it, we had it. Then after lunch we took the kids to the river (sandy river bed) to hunt easter eggs. They were so excited and ready to hunt. We did the best we could to hide the eggs. Not many places to hide eggs in the sand unless you just bury them.

After the kids found all the eggs, we went over to this awesome tree swing. Jarrod and I even tried it out. It was so much fun.

We are so grateful this time of year for good friends and for the knowledge of our Savoir Jesus Christ. We are thankful to be together. Loving, laughing and learning together is what life is all about.

Going Green

We had a fun St. Patricks day this year! For weeks the kids have been looking forward to the day, and reminding us all that we better wear green or get pinched. They woke up to a breakfast of green eggs and pancakes, all we were missing was the ham. It was so fun to see their excitement. They were a little worried about eating the green eggs. To tell the truth, they looked pretty unappetizing. But they tasted great! And the good news, is none of us got pinched!

A New Season, A New Goal

"To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done." -Richard G. Scott

So, I have been feeling like such a loser. I waste so much time on facebook lately, and no time updating my blog. I know that I am one of those people whose mood is affected by the weather. It seems like every winter I go through kind of a slump. I get to the point where I don't really want to go anywhere or do much if it's cold and wet outside, so I end up staying home and doing, well...not much of anything. I know! I could be updating blogs or reading or doing some worthwhile thing right, but I don't. I can't wait for Spring. Anyway, so for anyone who keeps up with our blog, I promise I am going to do much better. My goal is to update atleast once a week!

Our life is full of so many wonderful blessings. We are enjoying good health and we have a lovely home, and each other. We are so blessed!

Let's see, just some hightlights on what's been going on since I can't possibly catch up on the entire year:

Kinsley is nearing the end of her 2nd grade year. She is doing so well with her reading and math. She is her Momma's girl. She loves math and is really good at it. Even though she reads great, she has had some trouble with her comprehension which was something I always struggled with. She loves art and music. She has really grown a lot this last year, and is becoming more and more confident and beautiful.

Karter is finishing Kindergarten. He loves to be outside and run all over the hills around our house. He has a 'secret hiding place' out in the wash the runs behind the house. When he can't be found anywhere else, you can usually find him there. He is doing great in school! He has a lot of friends and enjoys having them over almost every day after school. He has enjoyed going to school early lately to eat at the cafeteria and hang out with the older kids during lunch. Makes me kinda sad because he'll make sure no one's watching when I drop him off, before he'll kiss me. He keeps us laughing.

Kamryn, just turned three in January and she is so full of energy. She loves to cuddle and spend time with her Mommy. Atleast she hasn't grown out of that yet! I have enjoyed our time together after the other kids go to school. We like to load up in the stroller and take long walks when the weather is nice. We have had a few nice days here and there lately. She is my baby, and I am just trying to hold on to that as long as I possibly can.

Jarrod has had a good year at work. He was nominated officer of the year. Also, their squad was named the number one squad in the Northern Arizona region, based on stops made, arrests, DUI's and drug seizures, something he is very proud of. He has been working out a ton lately and is nearly back to the weight he was down to after the police academy. He has amazing determination and self discipline. I am very proud of him.

I have been playing a lot of volleyball. We have a great group of ladies that meet together twice a week and play down at the church. I love, love, love being able to get out and be with friends and do something I enjoy. It's been great exercise too. I have been doing some babysitting here and there too. Jarrod and I have a vaction planned for June to the Bahama's we are soo..excited about that.

And there you have it..a quick update.

I talked to a friend today on the phone that I haven't spoke to in a long time. It was so nice to hear her voice and catch up. It made me think about how horrible I am at keeping in touch and letting the people I care about know how much I think of them. She checks out my blog occaisonally and she hadn't seen an update for months so she was concerned about us. What a sweetheart! There has been a lot happening with our family, but I just can't recall it all at the moment. Guess that is why it's so important for us to write down or record what happens, so we don't forget all the life experiences that help us learn and grow. I am hearby making a committment to do better at blogging, so that we can keep you all better up to date on what we're up to. Look for more posts to follow soon.

Fun in the Sun

Every morning when Kamryn wakes up, she heads straight out the back to door to 'Love her puppy'. They have a special relationship! She pulls his ears (kinda like she's doing in picture) and squeezes him around the neck until he nearly chokes, but he loves her anyway.
They were both hanging out by the pool today and Barkley climbed up in the wagon with her. Kamryn is such a sweet, rotten little girly. Gotta love her!

Pedicures

I know I was long overdue! My mother in law came over with her foot spa and nail polish, and gave all us girls a pedicure tonight. Kinsley, and Kamryn love getting their nails painted. I think I own 3 dried up bottles of nail polish. I am not much of a polish girl. Guess I should get into it considering how much my girls love it. Karter is such a sport too. He got a foot soak, but no nail polish of course. He had to stick his foot in the picture too.

HUSBAND TAG!!!

1. How long did you date before you got married? We started dating the summer of '98 and were engaged by the summer of '99 married on December 10, 1999

2. How long have you been married? Just celebrated 9 wonderful years

3. What does he do that surprises you? He will fold the laundry and have it all put away in like ten minutes, something I can't get done in a whole week

4. What is his best feature? His smile and his big broad shoulders

5. What is his best quality? He is so determined and driven. If he wants something he won't stop until its his

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Pups (Don't ask why, cause I'm not really sure! We both call each other Pups)

7. What is his favorite color? Denver Blue

8. What is his favorite animal? We don't have any, but he does like dogs

9. What is his favorite food? He likes just about everything but I would say either my sweet and sour chicken or stroganoff

10. What is his favorite sport? Football

11. When and where did you first kiss? In his Mom and Dads front yard

12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? Just being together doing anything while the kids are with Grandma

13. Do you have any children? 3

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a great cook!

15. How old is he? 29

16. Who said 'I love you' first? Probably me, but who knows!

17. What is his favorite music? Alternative

18. Do you think he will read this? Not unless I tell him to. I don't think he even remebers we have a blog.

I tag Camille, Sherylee, and Kylie

Our little girl is growing up!

Kamryn had her first haircut yesterday! Her hair was getting so long and stringy in the back and I was tired of people saying she had a mullet!! So we decided to finally do something about it. We had to go pretty short just to even everything up, but she was so good for her haircut. She sat in my lap while Esmeralda cut her hair. And she really thinks she is big stuff now. We keep asking her if she is a big girl now and she just smiles and says 'yep'!

Two weeks and counting

I can't believe that Christmas is just two weeks away. Luckily, this year we are ready for it! Unlike years past, we actually have all of our Christmas shopping done and we have had it done for almost a whole week now! I am so glad, because I feel like I have more time to just enjoy the season. The kids are so excited. Last Wednesday, they stayed with Grandma while Jarrod and I went to a youth activity at the Bishop's house. The Bishop's wife made a couple of different soups and homemade bread bowls. It was so yummy! It was a nice way to kick off the holiday season. Bishop shared some thoughts and read a Christmas story that was written by his brother. The spirit of Christmas was definitely present. I love our Bishop. I think he is a wonderful, humble man. Anyway, while we were having a nice evening at Bishop's house, our kids were home making those paper chains to use to count down the days until Christmas. Every night they have been cutting a link from their chains to signify the passing of another day. Last week I had to drag Karter along with me to the grocery store (he hates shopping) and when we got there they had these gingerbread houses and gingerbread men kits that you could buy from the bakery and he had to have one. I tried and tried to talk him out of getting one because I thought they were a little pricey, but he didn't care. He had brought three pennies with him to buy a treat for everyone (how cute he thought he could actually buy something with a penny) and so he 'bought' one for everyone. So, yesterday afternoon, we decorated gingerbread men. The kids had so much fun. Oh, and yesterday was also mine and Jarrod's 9th wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything to celebrate yesterday, but we are planning on getting away to Payson on Monday. So I guess we can count that. Happy Anniversary, to us! It has been an amazing nine years. We have done a lot of growing up together and I love him more than anything. He is always there for me and he is such an amazing provider and help to me. I got a good one and I know it. Love ya, babe!

The Lampsa House

Just a quick little update on the house. It is still coming along. The siding and drywall should be completed by the end of the week. We really expect things to start taking off in the next couple of weeks. We gave the contractor our tile pick so he can get all that ordered. Jarrod is going to be doing all the tiling to try and save as much as we can on the flooring. Watch for another update at the end of the week!!