Home

Just got back this afternoon from spending the weekend with my Mom and family in Utah. It was a great weekend away and I'm feeling lucky to have spent the time with some of the most amazing people :). As always, it is nice to be HOME. There is something so comforting about HOME.

Moments like these...

Caught this quiet moment between Eric and Ethan - a quick shoe-tying lesson in the midst of Christmas Lights and bike riding. Makes me love both of them even more.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Turn of the music by pushing pause way down at the bottom.)

Did I tell you that...

Ty has a girlfriend and her name is Addi and when Eric says to Ty "Do you love Daddy?" he says "NO! I wuv Addi!"

And....

We all got to be in the Gilbert Days Parade last Saturday and the boys LOVED it - although I'm not sure that in the years to come they will agree to wearing I LOVE GILBERT tees.

And...

Did I mention that we are having PERFECT fall weather - with just enough cloud to cast the coolest shadows - the kind where you say goodbye to the sun to just say hello again.

XXOO
Jenn

A Perfect Fall Day

We are all outside now - waiting for Eric to get home from a long week of driving. The boys are all riding around on something with wheels {they don't discriminate} and I'm glad it is Friday. A perfect Fall Friday to be exact. We have a couple of things to look forward to tonight but mostly I'll just be glad when we are all together. Eric really does make everything more fun.

XXOO
Jenn

Meant to post these but....

I'm not so good at reporting on Holidays. So here's the low-down on our HALLOWEEN fanfare (PS It's one of our favorite holidays and so we try to really do it up around here.)

The Wallin-Daniels Annual Halloween Party was a smashing success - thanks to the Wallins who know how to throw a REAL party. Ryan's band, (who's name escapes me at the moment) was really good - and I hear they like to play for Weddings and Bar-Mitzvahs in case you're looking. {Almost} Everyone came in costume and the mechanical bull was a nice touch. Lots asked how we were going to out-do ourselves next year - short answer is - stay tuned - we've already started planning Halloween 2010.

Here are some of the highlights (thanks to Rob Konieczny for walking around all night and capturing the action)

Did I mention that my bro and his FIANCE came down to party with us? We had a blast with them!

Be Where Your Feet Are

I loved that quote... just thought I'd share - I'm trying really hard to live it.

P.S. Happy November!

nothing like cotton candy, curly fries, indian fry bread, funnel cakes, deep fried twinkies and chocolate dipped ice cream cones on a friday afternoon

So glad we took the time to go to the Arizona State Fair today. We had so much fun and I forgot how fun carni rides are. and the food - don't get me started on the food. I'd love to go back at night to see the lights

{but really its to people watch cuz really there is nothing like a fair to bring out EVERY walk of life}

Take it Outside

October is a near-perfect month. And so we take everything outside

- even a movie.

Where to go...

I NEED a vacaction - where should I go?

Lovin' this MELLOW Weekend

Although it may never come again, I can't help but be glad that some weekends are like this one. Very little on the "must do" list - even less on the "honey-do" list (Eric's been a bit under the weather) and whole lot on the "whatever you feel like" list. This amounted to bikerides, cinnamon roles, bubbles, forts, naps for some and folding laundry for others. Three words for a lazy weekend like this one - LIVE IT UP!

Staying up late...

Have you seen this kid lately? Probably not because this is the best picture I can get of him because he doesn't sit down or stop moving and he never, ever, not ever, stops playing.

I have four minutes until October 1st is over and I think I'll share bits and pieces of my day (cause frankly I don't think you want to know about cleaning out the fridge - but I did that too)

Took E & neighbor boy to school - they laughed hysterically as Ty pointed out the "Poo Bus" (i.e. School Bus) - Made some pumpkin cookies that didn't look that pretty but tasted very fall-ish - Colored a little boy's hair for "Blue Day" - he told me he had FIVE blue things on - "My underpants, my shirt right here, this eye, this eye and my spiky hair." - Worked a little but snuck in a mini-nap too - played at the park - rode bikes - washed out the blue & the sand - went to a meeting - came home and opened all my windows to celebrate 70 degrees and the first day of my favorite month

Been waiting for you October - so glad you're here! {Please don't bring a single heat wave}

Looking very forward to this weekend!

Oh yea... decorated last weekend for Halloween - my very most favorite holiday to decorate for. Said goodbye to sand and shells and lemons and hello to lots of orange and black and glitter. [sorry about the bad pics but you get the point]

I'm watching you...

Found this picture of Drew from our trip to Panguitch this summer... I love this picture - one of the rare times that I've caught one of the true and unaltered moments of life with my camera - and it actually turned out! In case you didn't know, Eric is the paparazzi around here. I always trick myself into thinking that I'll remember that moment - but who am I kidding - I can't remember what I ate for breakfast this morning... wait, did I even eat breakfast this morning?

And so I vow to carry the camera with me - it really does no good in the office closet.

Some things I miss...Some things I don't

Had our carpets cleaned last week - we've only had it done 2x in the 4+ years we've lived here {gross I know} - we like to wait until we really can't stand it anymore, until we're ready to tear out the carpet and get the memory foam carpet pad that we dream about {nevermind that we'd have to take out a second mortgage} and then we spend a small fraction of that pricetag and get them cleaned and everything seems right {and clean} again in the world.

We moved all the furniture, paid Ethan $2 to clean ALL the baseboards {money well spent I might add} and took apart all the cords for the tv/cable/dvd. It has been nearly a week and those cords are still left dangling. I haven't missed that tv/cable/dvd mess one single second {take that back, for one second when Ty was crying and I knew the Monster Truck DVD would do the trick, I did miss it} but our house has been eerily silent of something that brings big smiles and lost of stress relief - MUSIC!!!

Oh how I've missed my music - the songs the kids really dance to, the songs that make me feel like I'm making a *delicious-unmicrowaved-dinner* for my family, that songs that get my bootie going when I MUST, MUST, MUST clean up our messes and then the songs that I play when the kids are asleep and the house seems calm and then so do I.

So today, I'll be reconnecting the speakers but I think I'll just ignore the tv/cable/dvd mess and we'll go ride bikes in our FALL 96 degree weather instead. Sounds like a plan.

How to be Creative...

I'm no expert. I actually covet other's creativity since I seem to be lacking in this department since...well...forever. The good news is that I am an excellent copy-cat. And so I am taking Rhonna Farer's 21-day Challenge. Come along if you feel like it.

{21 days from now is actually conference weekend so you can bet that I'll be catching up while filling up my spiritual well}

Is there a rule that the creative juices won't kick in unless it is after 10pm, 44oz. Diet Coke and some form of real sugar/chocolate closeby? Let's just hope I can avoid the late-nite run to Circle K!

A day or two at HOME

Happy 4th of July - What do you mean that was almost two months ago????

I needed a day or two at home to get myself out of crazy mode and into organized-happy (those two words are actually interchangeable for me) sane mode. Too bad Ty had to be sick for me to cancel appointments and make myself actually realize that my priorities need a-fixin'. My excuse is a good one and so far, the results are just what we needed around here. I'm spending the day cleaning out files, checking a few things off the LLLLOOOONNNNGGGG to do list and realizing exactly what's been missing for the last few weeks/months. Thought I'd take a sec to post a few pictures too. Trip to Iowa, 1st day of school, Erin's wedding party, a birthday or two and some randoms that at one point I thought would be a good idea...poor follow through :)

I've been feeling the need to be a little more creative in my life - so don't be surprised if you end up with a handmade {but let's be real - prob only half-finished} Christmas present this year. Always the best of intentions...

Important Lessons from a Professional

I taught my son how to impulse buy today. It is a lost art you know...

Went to Toys R Us so that Drew - now four - could spend some of his birthday money. He picked up a killer Batman guy with looming alien and then on the way to check out spotted these BATMAN shades that he couldn't live without - and I completely understood.

These other guys are pretty cute too...

It's Official!

I got sworn in tonight and now all complaints, comments, problems (and solutions!) can officially come to me! Thank you GILBERT! I'm feeling like one lucky girl! Pictures coming soon...

It's time...

I can't believe how long it has been - sorta kinda busy lately - I almost forgot my username and password it has been so long. I'll put up the update tomorrow, complete with pics, and then we'll move forward - since life obviously is moving forward at a pace I simply can't ignore.

I'VE MISSED YOU TOO!

Family Pics

Took some pictures with the family when Joel came home and just got my CD in the mail. Dion Seneca was the photographer - she is super talented and made it easy so if you are in the St. George area and need a good picture, check out her blog and get in touch with her.

And the WINNER is...

What a great Tuesday we had. I'm feeling terrible that I haven't posted the results and I know that there may be a few of you out there who just might be afraid to ask...you know, for fear that it will make me start crying or something.

I will keep you in suspense no longer...SUCCESS!!! I received the 2nd most votes out of the seven candidates which means that I go on to the General Election on May 17th. It was great day and I am just thrilled with the results. Less you think I will now have time for scrapbooking and more blog posts, I must dissapoint. We now have 9 MORE weeks of campaigning and NOW the REAL WORK begins. I am not afraid. I am not discouraged. I have more resolve than ever that this is something I NEED to be doing. But... I also know that I cannot do it alone. I do know that WE {that means me + all of you} can do it together!!!

So...thank you for all the support and WE will keep working HARD!

Can't Hardly Wait till Tuesday

It is 11:11pm as I write this. In less than 24 hours I will have a pretty good idea if I'm still going to be a candidate for Gilbert Town Council. TOMORROW {actually in 48 minutes} it will be Election Day and I'm very excited about the day, the voting, the unknown opportunities, all to be born on March 10th. You see, I've never been to the polling place to vote for myself - it is a bit surreal, a bit overwhelming, and a bit nail-biting jump up and down exciting!

Regardless of the outcome, I've never been so glad that I took on such a humongous challenge. It brings new respect for that old saying, "If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it." It's TRUE!

I'm feeling like ONE lucky girl - no matter what happens tomorrow.

Lessons from Peter Pan

Just before dinner tonight, after I had called all boys to the table, told them to wash their hands, verified beverage choices and finally asked someone to give the prayer, Drew said,

"GIRLS TALK TOO MUCH."

When I gave him my dissapproving Mom look - I've been working on it a lot lately - Drew said,

"WHAT?!! IT'S FROM PETER PAN!"

The things that stick - never ceases to amaze me.

Daniels Family by the NUMBERS

{3} sick kids

{9} days till the election

{2} hours that Drew will spend in speech therapy each week starting tomorrow

{1} eighteen month old who is absolutely the

most work of any of our kids put together

{32} cadbury mini eggs consumed by Jenn just today

{11} number of projects on Eric's honey do list

{85} degrees today - the pool is heating

{217} friends Eric has on facebook

{4} average hours of sleep nightly for Jenn

{29 and a half} Jenn's age published by the East Valley Tribune - seriously

{4} dinners Jenn cooked last week

{0} dinners Jenn will cook this week

{7} loads of laundry to fold tonight

{3} baths to give, jammies to put on and kids to snuggle

{1} productive day in March so far - not bad

BIG FAVOR!

If there is anyone left who reads my blog, I'm asking for a BIG favor! Many of you know that I am running for Gilbert Town Council and one of my biggest challenges is getting my name out there. To increase my visibility in Google and other search engines, I was wondering (hoping, pleading, begging) that you might be able to put a link to my website somewhere on your own blog? Here's how it works best - if you could write in a post my name (Jenn Daniels) and then put somewhere that I am running for Gilbert Town Council - (here's the little bit tricky part) - hyperlink Gilbert Town Council with my web address www.voteforjenn.com - sounds harder than it is - (to create a hyperlink just click on the green earth symbol when you are creating a post and follow the prompts). MANY, MANY THANKS as we work to really make a big push during these last few weeks before the election.

He's Home!

My bro is home from the Philippines. We had a great weekend with him and he is officially available for dates with cute, smart, kind girls in the 20 - 25 age range. Spread the word! Just another note about Joel - some people come back from the mission a little ... how shall we say... socially inept. Not my brother. He's still funny, easy to be with, happy and a little bit cocky. Post-mission we can now add the following characteristics: smart, spiritual, hard-working and thoughful. Really - he is the new and improved version of his former self. Gotta love him!

LOVIN' AZ

Just thought I'd throw this out there...

Feb 4
Partly Cloudy
High 85°

Low 47°

Looking forward to it!

A Little Post about Eric D

While I certainly deserve to go to bed right now, my husband deserves a mighty good blogpost even more. He did in fact have a birthday this week - and now he sports the number 35! When I look at all that he has accomplished in this life I can only say "I KNEW IT!" - it has always been easy to see the potential in Eric and it must be said that he has exceeded all expectations. And I must share with you his most amazing qualities...



1. Supportive - we recently attended an event that required nametags - his read "Eric - Jenn's husband" Seriously, that is an act of solidarity.



2. Funny - he still says some funny stuff that makes me laugh until I cry, or pee, or stuff comes out of my nose. ***because it is nearly midnight I can't actually think of anything funny but I can tell you that I spent most of last night at Eric's birthday dinner with my legs crossed :)



3. Great Dad - you've never met a guy who would rather play with his kids than do ANYTHING else - it is actually hard to think of a hobby that Eric has simply because he spends any and all free time with the boys



4. Ingenious - Eric is always coming up with creative solutions to our everyday problems. Most of those solutions include zip ties, glue, duct tape or a special trip to Home Depot but they always result in problems solved. I wonder sometimes if this is why he has a hard time sleeping.



5. Totally the most observant man alive - I try to sneak stuff past him, I really do. He notices everything!!! This has its downsides - but he can remember directions anywhere, has a great eye for style and he'll tell me the honest truth when I need help with an outfit or picking out bedding.



6. Last but not least - Eric is supremely thoughtful! He'll bring me a cup of water, often stops at the grocery store or Costco without being asked, he is ALWAYS willing to watch the kids or give me a break and he is quick to respond to others in need.




Happy Birthday Eric D!


This was breakfast in bed - biscuits and gravy - at his request!




His fav is homemade blueberry pie - hence the birthday pie instead of cake!

Gotta LOVE January in AZ!

Try very hard not to be too jealous of these pictures...

Truth be told, I triple dog dared him to jump in the pool. It might be another couple of months before I can get Ethan back in the water. Moms have to have a little fun :)

I've been meaning to post pictures of this very cool FORT that spent nearly four days in my family room and was constantly being remodeled. I just couldn't take it any longer...plus there was enough food stored inside to = food storage. I was afraid we'd attract rodents if we didn't vacuum.