A tiny visitor

Tonight brings with it another favorite tradition. As 2008 turns into 2009, Baby New Year creeps across the threshold of our front door and brings surprises for all who leave a shoe to be filled.

The children have carefully placed their shoes at the foot of the front door in hopes of a visit from Baby New Year. Their little minds haven't figured out that they should search for the biggest shoe they can find and then leave that one for Baby New Year to deposit candy and treats. So, there near the front door sit their little size 8, 11 and 12 sized sneakers. Just waiting for that special New Year's visitor.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

May 2009 be filled with the best treats and surprises ever

and may your shoe be big enough to hold it all!

Christmas Eve Gift

There's a favorite Christmas tradition that my family shares- it involves no preparation and no cost and can only be carried out on one day. But, if executed properly, you win bragging rights for the season.

For as long as I can remember we have played this game in my family. This is how it goes: as soon as it becomes Christmas Eve, you search out another family member and say, "Christmas Eve Gift!" before they can say it to you. The legend of the game says that if someone says Christmas Eve Gift to you, you owe them a gift. Of course, we have never given a Christmas Eve Gift-- the fun is in the thrill of being the first to say those special words. Often we will say the magic words to someone as the clock strikes midnight of Christmas Eve Day- and sometimes we aren't able to speak to someone until we gather for Christmas Eve dinner. But you can bet as you walk into my parents house on Christmas Eve, there is someone waiting around the corner, just inside the door to greet you with a "Christmas Eve Gift!" And then you say, "Ah, man!"

I don't know where this tradition began, just that my mom was taught this as young girl and introduced it to my father on their first Christmas together. We have been partakers in this fun tradition ever since.

This morning for the first time in our married lives, the husband "got" me before I "got" him. As I was groggily rolling over and contemplating getting out of bed I heard him say to me, "Christmas Eve Gift!" And I said, "Ah, man!" I'm so proud of him.

So, to all of you I say,

Christmas Eve Gift!!!

And, Merry Christmas tomorrow!!!

Anyway, this is definitely one of my most favorite traditions. What are some of your best Christmas traditions?

yo, peeps

don't expect to hear too much from me for the next couple of days. i asked the blog-boss for some time off and my request was granted. if i can get a doctor's note i think i can weasel out a few more days off. but then, if you do hear from me, count it as a bonus. or not. whatever.

just know this: i was stressed for a couple of days. i am no longer stressed. but i still can't find my address book- so who knows when those christmas cards will get sent out. but, remember, i am not stressing. (and if you are wondering about that address book, thinking, "when did she tell us the address book was missing? she never told me the address book was missing. i didn't take it." don't worry- i never told you about the address book. but i am telling you now. so go ahead and put away that camp chair and electric heater you have been utilizing at your vigil by the mailbox- the card may not be coming until valentine's day. bummer, too- because this year i actually had my cards ready at thanksgiving but didn't want to be a christmas geek and get them out too early.) still not stressed.

can it really be only 4 more sleeps til christmas? yikes!

see you whenever...

Rise and Shout!!

It's Las Vegas Bowl Game Day.

Do you know where your BYU Football is?

The Cougars are in Las Vegas taking on the Wildcats from the
University of Arizona.
Go Cougs!!!

yep, cougars lost.

boohoo...

Tooth Day

As soon as oldest daughter raced out to the car from school today she showed me she had lost yet another of her chewers. So help me, I don't know how she will eat with 1/4 of those things missing, but somehow she will manage.

And then she let me know that she couldn't find that tooth anywhere, and how on earth would she get a visit from the tooth fairy if she had no tooth to present? I assured her that she could jot down a little note and the tooth fairy would take her circumstance into consideration. After all, there has to be some sort of concession made for tooths lost and lost at school.

I have a brother who is a lawyer- if payment is refused, I think I'll have him check into the tooth fairy fine print. In fact, I think his law firm specializes in teeth disputes. Yes, I think that's right. Lucrative specialty.

Tonight after introducing the children (and if you can even believe it- myself) to the world of Amelia Bedelia and sharing many giggles because of that silly Amelia, oldest daughter informed me that she was feeling sad. Sad? Why? No answer was given, and then she changed her feeling statement to one that included butterflies in the tummy. What? You feel like you have butterflies in your tummy? And then it hit me: she was feeling like she had not been totally honest with me. She had been living a lie all afternoon and it was just now catching up to her.

She revealed that she thought she might have possibly perhaps maybe swallowed that tooth. And she was ultra-worried that it was going to make her sick. I was holding back a jack-o-lantern-sized smile as her little concerned/ ashamed expression displayed such remorse at not divulging the whole truth to her mother. As soon as she completed her confession, we discussed exactly what was going to happen to that tooth. And then a new look of concern crossed her sweet little mug. Will I have to get it out for the tooth fairy? Um, no.

So, she has written her letter. And she included extra question marks "because it's a mystery" she said. And I think she has cleared a space for that cute little note under her pillow, just waiting for compensation from the tooth fairy.




Do you wonder what that letter said? Good. I was hoping I could share it with you.

Dere tooth farey

I Lost my thooth.

Can you find it?

and if you do can you give me mony

it is in my tummy I think?????

love,

(insert name here)

The Dentist

On the way to the dentist this morning, little son said, "Sister, did you know you were in my movie last night?"

To which middle daughter replied, "Do you mean I was in your dream?"

"Yep," he answered.

And so we made our way to the dentist where middle daughter had two of her lower teeth encapsulated in shiny silver. Such a reality check for the mom. What mom is proud of that? Not this one. And a resolution has been made: there will be way fewer sweets in this household from now on and more flossing.

On the drive home I giggled as I listened to her slurred speech. Her little bottom lip fat and lazy as she talked. And she spoke of how she didn't want to miss "pweskfool" (preschool) today. The closer we got to our home, the heavier her little eyelids became and soon she was fast asleep.

She awoke when we pulled into the garage and was awake long enough to climb up on the couch, wrap her cute little self in a comfy blanket and watch a couple minutes of t.v. before she drifted off to sleep once more.

And now, with her closed eyes, she is watching her own little personal movie. Perhaps she will repay little son and he will be in her movie.

All the Answers

The children ask lots of questions about Santa this time of year. And luckily, we have all the answers. We do. Because we have The Santa Claus Book. Have you heard of it?

When I was little my parents had this book. And with all the curiosity of young minds, we would consult the book to find out how Santa makes toys. It told us the kind of games that elves play and how the elves first met Santa. And it laid out the Christmas schedule and told us about Santa's clothes. And we knew it was the truth. Because it was in the book.

The book was pure magic growing up. Because it taught us all about Santa. And answered all our questions. And we couldn't get enough.

A few years ago my mom and dad gave each of my brothers and sisters and me a copy of The Santa Claus Book for our very own. I was so excited. We brought it home and read through its pages. I was reminded of all the good memories of Christmas wonder. It took me back to snowy evenings when my dad would read to his family from its pages by the light of the twinkling Christmas tree lights.

The other night middle daughter asked how Santa makes it down the chimney. I told her I didn't know, but I knew how we could find out. And the husband read to the children from our Santa Bible. And the children marveled at all the knowledge the book contained. And he read some more. And now the children run to it multiple times each day as some new question arises. And they are intoxicated by its illustrations, just as I was as a child.

Like I said, the book is pure magic. And I'm glad we have it because it has all the answers.

Happy Birthday

Did you know that today is the husband's birthday?

It is.

And he is old.

Like 34.

(if he chooses to comment on this post,

I can already guess what his comment will be.)

Did you know that he is the most amazing man?

He is.

He knows almost everything.

Like about the gospel and technology and such things.

Did you know that his children adore him?

They do.

And they love to be with him.

And they run to the door when he walks in.

Did you know that he loves his children?

He does.

And he plays with them

with all the love of a tender father.

Did you know that he is an Eagle Scout?

He is.

And he can tie knots and put up tents and stuff.

Did you know he served a mission?

He did.

In Virginia.

And he did a great job.

And so he was blessed with a cute wife and beautiful children.

Did you know that he loves Mickey Mouse?

He does.

And his favorite Disney princess is Belle.

And when I met him he had a poster of her on his bedroom door.

Did you know he loves to wear crocs?

He does.

And he would wear them everywhere if he could.

Did you know that he had a teddy bear named Chad when he was a child?

He did.

And we still have Chad.

And Super Grover.

Did you know that he has amazing parents?

He does.

And they taught him to be amazing.

And he honors them.

Did you know he is 6'6"?

He is.

And that is one of the first things I loved about him.

Even before I knew his name.

Did you know his son idolizes him and his daughters want to marry him?

They do.

And I don't blame them.

I share those same feelings.

Did you know he is loving and caring?

He is.

He has a genuine concern for others.

And they can feel it.

Did you know that he thinks he is losing his hair.

He may be.

But that is not what makes him who he is.

Did you know that he is fun to talk to?

He is.

And he has a lot of good insight on some things.

And he has some funny jokes, too.

Did you know he hopes to serve a mission with his wife?

He does.

And he worries about saving enough money for retirement.

Did you know that he loves a good white elephant gift exchange?

He does.

And he is always looking for the perfect white elephant gift.

All year long.

And he usually comes up with some pretty good ones.

Did you know that he dreams of owning a cabin and some mountain property?

He does.

And he has the plans for an awesome cabin.

And ideas for the property.

Did you know that he loves to read books with his wife?

He does.

And they have read many a good book together.

Over the last 12 1/2 years.

Did you know that he is a rock star at his job?

He is.

And he works hard to support his family.

And his family appreciates his hard work.

Did you know that he is completely devoted to Jesus Christ?

He is.

And he has a great love for his Older Brother.

And he helps others find the same love.

Did you know that he loves the canine?

He does.

And I think he would freely admit it now.

Did you know that he loves to work hard?

He does.

And he grows stuff in our yard.

And he mows stuff, too.

Did you know that his wife adores him?

She does.

And she is glad he was born 34 years ago.

She can't believe how blessed she is to have him in her life.

And she thanks the Lord daily for him.

Bathroom Humor

I wish I could recount the conversation I had with middle daughter this morning. However, I feel it would be a bit inappropriate. It took place in my bathroom as I was doing my hair and she was perched atop the toilet, taking care of business. I did my best to remain straight-faced and engaged as she laid out the logic that is a 4 year old's. Suffice it to say it was an enlightening conversation. The stuff that comes out of her mouth couldn't be scripted.

Since our exchange is out of the question, I will tell you of a little good news. A number of months ago I submitted an entry for a book to be compiled to benefit Stephanie and Christian Nielson- the Mesa couple who suffered critical burns as the result of a plane crash in August.

I recently found out that my entry was selected to be published in the book. I am excited, honored and turning cartwheels as you read this. I find myself in awesome company, as many of the contributors are brilliant bloggers: TAMN of Seriously So Blessed; Sue of Navel gazing at its finest, a.k.a. Cordy of My Super Hopeless Romance; Shannon of Rocks In My Dryer; Eric D. Snider- just to name a few.

I will keep you posted on the details of the book- when you can purchase, where you can purchase, how you can purchase and why you should purchase.

So- have a lovely Sabbath. See you tomorrow.

Positive Reinforcement

I'd like to thank whoever in my little family took the initiative to re-fill the soap dispenser in the downstairs bathroom. Good job. That shows a lot of responsibility. And I didn't even have to ask for it to be done.

One thing: next time, would you mind filling it with soap? Because just filling it with water doesn't really constitute a fully-functional soap dispenser. Nice thought, though. We won't be voting you off the island this week.

Run for the border...

This will shock a few of you. Especially if you knew me in the 90's.

They say that your tastes change the older you get. I fear my tastes are changing. The bad news is they are becoming less sophisticated.

The husband was out of town yesterday. (for those of you who may take that as an invitation to come and wreak havoc on my house- he is now home. It was a day trip. So don't try to come and steal from me or sneak into our backyard to frolic on our swingset or do your secret service project or whatever.)

When the husband is out of town, my domestic devotions are much more relaxed. And so, in honor of children who prefer cold cereal over cordon bleu, we hopped in the car and headed to Taco Bell. Yes, I just said we went to Taco Bell. Shocking.

I'm telling you- I used to really not love Taco Bell. In the 90's. In fact, I believe I used to call it Taco Barf. Really. In the 08's I have learned to tolerate it. And there are a couple things on the menu that I can actually handle. So, since I didn't need to prepare a meal for my hard-working hottie, we opted for the closest fast food joint.

Let me fill you in on the Taco Bell history. In high school Taco Bell sold their tacos for $0.39. (again I would love to know how to access a cents sign) So, as high school kids without unlimited cash, we often went to Taco Bell for lunch. Except I would usually head across the street to McDonald's for a 2 for $2.00 Big Mac and a chocolate shake. I'm pretty sure that I didn't eat both Big Macs. I think I probably split it with my friends.

On one of my birthdays, my cute friends took me to Taco Bell and had already arranged for a Big Mac and chocolate shake. All set up. Waiting for me. They respected my distaste for the Bell. That is the sign of true friendship. Except it was a little anti-climatic because the car I had just gotten for my birthday had a dead battery when I went out to start it to go to lunch, so I was a bit late arriving at Taco Bell. They were probably a bit panicked.

Anyway, tonight we went to Taco Bell. Oldest daughter always gets Mexican pizza. For middle daughter, the customary two beef soft tacos were the order of the day. And a chicken quesadilla for little son. I had a zesty chicken bowl. It was pretty good. I just wish they put more cilantro in that pico de gallo. And I'm thinking I should have tried the mango strawberry smoothie.

No doubt the husband's clients treated him to a gourmet meal.

It's back to cooking tonight. What's for dinner at your house?






P.S. Tell me how funny this is: the husband actually stopped at Taco Bell to grab a bite to eat on his way home from the airport. We are one. That is all I can say.

The Desert Party

It's the most magical night of the season. We pack up the kids and the blankets, camp chairs and coats and travel many miles to the other side of the valley to the remote desert location that has become a family favorite.

When we can no longer see the lights of the city- but only the stars and the giant moon- we know we are there. Our car almost knows its own way. It pulls off the paved desert mountain road onto the bumpy dirt path with the potholes and makes its way to the desert grove where we meet cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents who are all assembled in the chill of the desert for the annual event.

Everyone huddles together in anticipation of the giant bonfire that the dads and older boys help to construct, while some of the moms set up the tables and make ready the food as other moms cuddle their little ones in bundles of blankets. The children soon begin to spread their blankets on the ground and excited giggles and little cousin sounds fill the mountain-flanked desert valley.

Once the bonfire is lit the magic begins. Smiles spread across glowing faces. Little ones scout out sticks perfect for poking the fire. Grandpa calls everyone together for a prayer of thanksgiving. And then yummy food is gobbled up. Hot chocolate is poured. Hot chocolate is spilled. Paper towels are passed. More hot chocolate is poured. The fire crackles as logs are added.

Following dinner we all listen as each family takes their turn telling a Christmas story. Usually tears are shed, and more logs are added to the fading fire. Uncle Dirk favors us with his classic "Stuff" story and then carols are sung.

The family in charge of the Yule Log passes out paper and pencils to each person so that we can write our worries and cares that we would like to get rid of. Once we have each rolled our paper and stuffed it into the log, the Yule Log is tossed onto the fire and we bid farewell to our worries. Ready to start a new year fresh.

The night air suddenly turns colder and blankets are shaken, folded and placed into cars. Little ones are made ready for the trip home. The fire is doused. Hugs are exchanged and goodbyes are made.

Our little car makes its way home. We talk of our favorite stories shared by the fire. The yummy food. The warm fire and delicious hot chocolate. The year of the perfect fire poking stick. And then one by one three tired children nod off to sleep- and dream of the desert party only 364 days away.

Sleeping Beauty, Confined

I am pleased to introduce you to my lovely guest blogger- Oldest Daughter, age 6. She is the lover of all things gentle and unthreatening. She enjoys reading, coloring and creating games and productions. She has graduated from bath-taking with middle daughter and little son and is finding the world of showers thrilling. She is able to tie her shoes, pour her own milk, and put her hair in a ponytail.

And now I give you Oldest Daughter. In her own words (and typed with her own petite hands)...

"Today I had a lockdown it was long the boys sat down at the desk and the girls sat down at the carpit and my techer got a bucket so we can go potty and three boys went potty but I did not see cuses I was asleep we had to cuvver the windos the end"

And she speaks the truth. I got to the school about 10 minutes before the bell rang- which is my custom. The bell never rang. Around 5 minutes after the bell should have sounded I began to wonder what was up. I began to wonder if maybe the school was on lockdown. Because it has happened before, and will happen again.

After talking with other parents, we found out there had been a shooting in the neighborhood and the police were still searching for the suspect. So, the school was indeed on lockdown. Does this give you a beautiful vision of the neighborhood I live in, or what? Come visit. Anytime!

We sat there for one hour and thirty-five minutes (thank goodness little son and middle daughter were the picture of patience while in the car) waiting for our children to be released from school. All with no information from the school or from any other authorities. I tried to call the school office, but they were not answering calls. After speaking with the husband, he called the city police who apprised him of the situation and assured us the children would be released within the half hour- after they were sure the suspect was apprehended and those children who walk home would be safe.

Sure enough, the children were dismissed within the half hour. Oldest daughter jumped in the car and informed us about the lockdown.

According to lockdown protocol, the windows were covered and the children were encouraged to remain calm and quiet, and the potty bucket was made available. Be assured that the potty bucket was placed in an area that was out of sight of all the other children. And eventhough she was sleeping, I want to let you know that oldest daughter's teacher gave them permission to sleep if they were tired. Because, believe me, oldest daughter would never do anything without her teacher's permission. And then after 1 1/2 hours, oldest daughter was awakened and sent home.

I'm just grateful all the children are safe- especially my sweet oldest daughter. Oh, and I'm totally glad that little son and middle daughter didn't have to use the restroom while we waited. I don't have a potty bucket in my car.

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Sidenote: Did any of you watch Chuck last night? I did. And I loved all the Back to the Future material it contained. Especially in light of yesterday's post- and the comments it elicited. DeMorgan. Cracks me up.

Dream Giveaway, Re-visited.

So sorry to bring it up again, but remember that one time I had that one Dream Giveaway? (If not, go here and then here- but don't forget to come back here to find out the rest)

Ever since I announced that silly giveaway I have had strange dreams with people of no consequence in them. It has boggled my mind. I usually have great dreams, full of people I know. Not since the giveaway announcement. That is, until Saturday! That's right, guys- I finally have a winner! My friend Carolyn was in my dream on Saturday. Believe it!

Carolyn (and whoever else might be interested)- this is how your part went down. You know how dreams are, some parts are a little sketchy- but this is what I can remember. We were friends- of course- and you were not married and neither was I. But, you did have your girls (?) and a cool pink slinky bracelet. All of a sudden one of my boyfriends from high school shows up in town. I was pretty excited to see him because he is a great catch (to the husband: don't read anything into that- just a dream).

After a few weeks I noticed that you (Carolyn) were spending a lot of time with my ex-boyfriend and so I asked you about it- and I was feeling like the girl that doesn't get picked. You were pretty shy and danced around the issue, but eventually it all came out that you and he had eloped and were married. You explained that you hadn't wanted to tell me so my feelings would be spared and that you thought you could hide your secret marriage.

But then, you guys bought a Volkswagen Bus (we call them Libyan vans) and moved into it- and parked it in my back yard.

And then I woke up.

Thanks for visiting my dream. It was way fun. And since you are the dream giveaway winner, I will be stopping by your house with a box of dreamsicles (good thing you are local). Be expecting me. And please- share them with your kiddos and Josh and tell him that I am sorry you married my ex-boyfriend. I won't let it happen again.

Any of you are welcome to stop on by my dreams in the future and I will tell you what happens when I find you in one of those dreams.

Assistance on aisle 9

I believe we had a great meeting yesterday. Wonderful input. I will review the minutes and formulate a plan moving forward. Thank you for your opinions- I love that you took me seriously and responded accordingly.

Now, I am stumped on what to post. My mind is blank. I have no thoughts. Total writer's block. Any ideas on good posts? Anything you want to know about? Is it ok to ask for help two days in a row? I have no shame. I will ask for help two days in a row. Please, help me.

That is all.

On My Mind

So, I have been wondering about a few things for a long time. I decided I'm going to just put it out there to you guys. Because I know you have an opinion. And a good one at that. My sister informs me that she enjoys reading all the comments you make- sometimes even more than the original post. I have to agree with her. I have some great readers and I love that you play along with the insanity on this blog and I love reading what you have to say. And so, here we go with our first town meeting. It's gonna be a good one. I can feel it.

How do you handle comments on your blog?

Do you answer people's comments right back in the comment section?

Do you send them a personal emailed response?

Do you answer them silently, like in your head?

And then:

Do you check back in comment sections when you have posed a question in response to a person's blog post?

Or, if you like the particularly witty comment you have left on someone's blog, do you hope they have a retort that they shoot right back in the comment section?

So, do you come back and check other people's comments to see what kind of thread is going?

And finally:

What would you like me to do?

Because I really want to respond to comments, but I'm unsure if people check back to see if there is a comment on their comment.

Tell it to me straight, people.

What would you like to see on this here blog?

Because whatever you ask for, I can provide. (in regards to comments, k?)

And please chime in- that's what town meetings are all aboutl. I know you know that. I'm just rambling at this point. And I can't stop. But I will.

You're welcome.

It's All Geography

My apologies, Hawaii.

Oldest daughter was explaining to me

the fundamentals of Christmas.

Basically, it's like this:

the bigger the state you live in,

the bigger the present you get from Santa.

So, she taught me that Alaska is really lucky.

And bummer for Hawaii.

(her own words)

She informed me that since we are in Arizona

we should expect medium-sized gifts

from ol' Kris Kringle.

The children are feeling pretty lucky.

Good thing we aren't in Rhode Island.

Can you imagine how cool Russia must feel?

Wow.

How would it be?

And since it is December,

we talk about Christmas all the time.

And not just Santa.

We get to talk about Jesus.

Because they ask about if Santa knows Jesus.

And what I think Santa brought Jesus for Christmas.

And does Mrs. Claus get to go with Santa when he delivers Jesus' present?

I think so.

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And since we're on the subject of presents,

a very warm ♥Happy Birthday♥ to my youngest sister!

I l♥ve you.

Have an Alska-sized celebration! (or Russian-sized if you're feeling international.)

Clothes Encounters

a while ago i wrote a post about the contents in my dryer that were not supposed to be there (to tell you the truth, i have been so tempted to start a "what i found in the dryer today" column- because i find things daily- and when i say daily, i mean everyday). one of my commenters picked up on the fact that my washing machine looks like a space ship. she is smart as a whip, that one. i don't know how she caught on, but it was like she knew i was crying out for help. and so now i feel that it is time you know that my family and i were the victims of an attempted alien abduction.

i'll just give you a moment to process this.









you know how you go throughout your day- EVERY day- wondering how you would react in the event of an attempted alien abduction? i am here to tell you that how you actually react is nothing like how you imagined you would react. trust me!

we are lucky because we have wormboy at our house. his jedi/darth vader, batman, spider/superman, pilgrim, pirate, wormlike powers are truly what saved us in this situation. i can't go into details for a couple of reasons: 1) because those aliens performed a partial-mind wipe and 2) they told us they would harm all our blog/twitter followers if we revealed certain things. and i totally cannot have that happen. but i will say that i have a brilliant husband who was able to re-work some of what wormboy beat out of those aliens and craft it into a fine washing machine that really does a nice job with our clothes. and i'm especially glad they had a ton of vinyl lettering in a really small font so we could label the different cycles the husband programmed. brilliant!

i'm hoping we are done with the aliens, but you never know. sometimes they come back. or so i have heard. but then, maybe they already have and they performed a total mind-wipe this time. i kinda hope they come back- i could use a freezer.

Thanksgiving Surprise

We returned home late Thursday night from celebrating Thanksgiving at my parents' home. It was a lovely day filled with good food, crazy cousins, entertainment, Christmas card and logo creating with Photoshop, turtles and snails, flowers from Dad, laughter and a lightning and thunder-filled rainstorm as we walked around the neighborhood. We got a bit wet, but enjoyed the crisp air and the scent of burning logs. Middle daughter suffered a fall, little son basked in the attention of the older cousin he idolizes and oldest daughter ran ahead with the throng of girl cousins lead by the eager canine.

But the day had to come to an end and we reluctantly left for home. We rolled into the neighborhood with two slumbering children and a third on the verge. As we pulled into the driveway the husband stopped the car short of the garage and opened his door, leaned out and scooped up something from the ground. It took a moment for me to register what he was showing me. Hail. We had hail in our front yard. And not just a little bit of hail. It was a lot of hail.

As we got out and surveyed our yard and the neighbors' yards we could see that we missed quite a storm. I have to admit that I was a little bummed out. We rarely have weather in Arizona. We spent a few moments playing and enjoying the little ice pebbles. And then got out the camera to snap a few pics.

And then we scooped up a few bagfuls of the pellets so that the 2 sleeping babes would be able to join in the wonder that fell in our yard while we were away.

Our neighbors told us that around 8:00 p.m. there was a 20 minute hail storm. No joke. Hail for 20 minutes. And it was close to 3 inches deep by the time it finished. Most of it had melted by the time we got home. I would have loved to see it at 3 inches. It seems it was a pretty isolated storm, because in talking to friends, some of them had no hail at their houses- houses only minutes from ours. Strange weather. Still bummed we missed it.