THS Class of '88

This weekend we attended Steve's 20 year high school reunion. It was a lot of fun meeting his high school "buddies" and hearing all sorts of stories. It really was quite revealing!

The boys had a great time at the family picnic portion of the festivities. Brock loved going up everything backwards!"Jman" & "Paco" having a blast on the bounce thing. Notice the Tempe High School campus in the background.

Maddox just chillin' and takin in all the chaos.

Steve with high school buddy Troy Turley.
The boys loved touring the campus. Their favorite part was playing basketball in the gym where their dad played many games as a young "stud".
What a GREAT LOOKIN BUNCH!

Thanks Grandma Ford!

We have a long, (and I mean very long), list of people to thank for all that they have done for our family during the past couple of months. And 1st on that list is Grandma Ford. She has spent many hours, days, and weeks taking care of my children for me. She arrives before Steve leaves for work and stays until everyone is in bed. Her help has been such a blessing for us and a "dream" for the boys! Thanks a million Grandma Ford. We love you!

My kids have the best dad in the world!!!

My boys have the best dad in the world. This year we had a great Father's Day!

Later on in the day we went over to visit my dad (better known as "PaPa").

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you!

We spent the day before with Steve's dad (also known as "Grandpa Ford") and family for swimming and fun! It was a great time. We love you Jer!

Easter at Grandma & Grandpa Fords slideshow (finally)

my baby turns one!!!!!

MADDOX celebrates his 1st birthday today! I can't believe it has been a year since we welcomed him into our family. He seems so much older since he's been walking for 2 months (none of my kids have ever walked prior to 12-13 months), knows how to manipulate his brothers into getting his way, and has seemed to have mastered his own little language (and speaks it so often it won't be long before our family will have mastered it as well)! He knows how to say "mom" (of course), "dad" and genuinely tries to copy words we say by studying our lips as we speak. The best part is that he finds humor in everything and always has an absolutely adorable smile on his face! We love you Maddox!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

those big brown eyes ......

My adorable little man is so sweet and I just love looking into his BIG BROWN EYES! I would just love to know how he "views" life through them. For now I'll have to settle for knowing that he thinks eating NESTLE CRUNCH candy bars is AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!!!!

headline: "11 MONTH OLD WALKS BETTER THAN MOM"

Okay, so most of you are probably noticing the recent flood of postings and must be thinking that I have become incredibly efficient or somehow stumbled upon the "fountain of time". NO SUCH LUCK! In recent weeks I have had the unfortunate happen and have been bed-ridden for almost 3 weeks. Before your minds wander tooooo far let me clear the air...No, I'm not pregnant. I just herniated a disc in my lower back and it is severely lodged into the nerves that control my left leg. So at this point the only way I can escape the pain is to revert to the fetal position. I've tried steroids and cortisone injections and apparently my case is so severe I am headed for surgery on Friday to correct the problem. It has been very difficult since I am useless as a mom, wife, taxi driver, housekeeper, chef, professional shopper, baseball cheerleader, and so many more volunteer positions that I hold. But I must say that I have never felt so blessed than I do now. So many family and friends have stepped up and taken over every need that has come up. And I especially don't want to leave out my husband. He has become a real Mr. Mom and if it weren't for the fact that we kind of really need his income to survive...I think we might be onto something with him spending so much time at home. The other night he looked really, really tired and I asked him if he was going to bed and he said "No, I have to go check homework and get backpacks ready for school". I must admit that it was actually a pretty pleasing moment for me as a mom (just wish it was under different circumstances). Anyways, they say my recovery time will be 6-8 weeks. So that can only mean one thing: check back often for frequent "posts". (at least for the next 6-8 weeks).

"Happy Birthday Jman"

Today is a very special day. On this day six years ago, my "Jman " was born. It has been a wonderful 6 years and we look forward to sooooo many more. Steve & I are so proud of Jackson and the young man he is becoming. He is very thoughtful, sweet, talented, sensitive, energetic, full of life, very handsome, stronger than his mom, and can hit a baseball into the bleachers! I think he had a good birthday. Besides having a birthday party coming up in a week or so, he had cupcakes with his class at school, his favorite McDonalds for dinner and thanks to Nana, he had an awesome homemade cake. He got to go for an afternoon swim with his brothers and open presents (can't go wrong there). We can't imagine our life without the Jman and love him very much! Happy Birthday!

new camera....YEAH!!!

Okay. So for about the last year I have been using Braden's camera because our "family camera" broke and, well, let's just say that it hasn't been at the top of the list as far as priorities go. But for my birthday I am proud to say I got a new camera! And not just any camera either. It is one of those SLR's. I am so excited! I can't wait to take a class by a good friend of mine so I can learn how to really take awesome pics. So until then, I'm still on automatic mode. And here is one of the first pictures. Too Cool! (by the way...this is a very chilled out Maddox w/ Grandpa Ford).

Easter day at "our house"

This year for Easter we had Grandma Becky, Uncle Josh & Aunt Elena over for dinner and egg hunt. I love this time of the year. The weather is gorgeous and I just can't get enough of the outdoors!

I can't believe there's four

There seriously are some days where it hits me that I have FOUR boys! I can't believe it! Right now it is just mass chaos. And I'm sure it will be for quite some time. But even though you probably won't see me at the dance studio, planning princess parties, or making special trips centered around the American Doll Store.........you will definitely find me at the ball fields, sporting good store, playing catch in the park, and quite often in the kitchen trying to keep up with growing boys appetites. And though I feel a lot of pressure to raise good boys that will make great husbands and dads and men ...... to be perfectly honest ...... I wouldn't want it any other way!!! I am so blessed!

catchin' a little Devils baseball

Over the kids spring break we went to an ASU baseball game. We got lawn seats and had a great time! (I'm so glad my boys like baseball!)

Tender moments

The other day I heard one of the kids pounding on the piano and was getting ready to remind them of the rules, when I came around the corner to find this.... what a tender moment for a mother. Braden is just so loving and helpful towards Maddox. It almost makes me want to have more........wait...REALITY CHECK. I'm good!!!!

Dream on.......

One of the perks to having the Superbowl in your state, is getting to go to events such as the NFL Experience. We were able to go with some friends and the boys had a great time with all the different drills and activities.

The first of many......

We experienced our 1st Pinewood Derby and, yes, survived! I actually think it was a great experience for both father & son. Braden had fun, his car competed well, and best of all .... he has an awesome new "car" to go on his shelf! I am a very proud mom!

Braden's Baptism

Braden has had many memorable moments lately. With turning 8, came being baptized. This special day was Saturday, February 2. He was baptized and confirmed by his dad. It was a great day and topped off with lunch at "family favorite" El Rico's with family.

Braden's Birthday Bowl Bash!

For Braden's 8th birthday we decided to have a football party at the park. It was complete with drills, skills competition, flag football game, concessions, and, of course, LOTS OF FAMILY, FRIENDS & FUN! I'll hope to have a slide show soon (if I can ever figure it out...Paula, you may be getting a call soon).

Finally...The Salt Cellar

For Braden's 8th birthday he got to go to dinner at The Salt Cellar with mom & dad. He had been looking forward to it for a very long time. Steve and I were a little worried that it might not live up to all he imagined. But after a an appetizer, salad, Filet Mignon, King crab legs and a special dessert........I think we were okay! He is already planning a second visit! We had a great time!

Father & Son

Steve and Braden having an important conversation about ASU football. I just love this picture of father and son! Braden is growing so fast, he can hardly fit on Steve's lap anymore. He will be turning 8 years old in a few weeks. Where does the time go?

additional pictures from Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve @ the Ford's

Every year we try to get a picture of the family in front of the Christmas tree before we get started. I really cherish these pictures that capture us before all the chaos breaks out! We started out the festivities with a traditional Christmas dinner (thanks to Grandma Becky) including, but not limited to, turkey, stuffing, brocolli casserole, etc... In the past, we have always had this traditional dinner, however in the past couple of years, due to giving birth in December or being pregnant, we have resorted to take-out from http://someburros.com (can't complain, it's a favorite). But I must say that it was very nice to go back to tradition!

We always have a great time on Christmas Eve with Grandma Becky, Uncle Josh & Aunt Elena, and this year was no exception! As usual they all go way over board with their gift giving for Steve & I, and especially the boys. The night is always full of lots of food, laughs, empty boxes, wrapping paper everywhere, and did I mention food? When it is all over we start looking forward to the next year!