AZ Finch Family

Wow...haven't blogged in a long time!!!!

2010-09-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Well, life has been busy since Christmas. Christmas day, our pipes broke under our kitchen sink. STRESS!! But we now have a new kitchen, thank you insurance company =) What else has been going on? Just getting by...hoping Aaron gets a new job soon. We have some interviews lined up. Also this summer, Aaron was training for his first "official" MMA fight. One week before the fight, he broke his leg and tore all the tendons in his knee. Lots of fun that was! So, we didn't do a garden this year because he couldn't get around....and we all know I won't do it! School has started for us. Brodey is in 2nd, Nellie is 1st. They are both doing really well. Brodey just was baptized by Aaron on his 8th birthday. What a special day! Brodey is doing football and Nellie is taking dance again this year. I'm also teaching dance at the studio...we'll see how many kids come back next year ;)

North Pole Express!

2009-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, last week we won some tickets for the family to the North Pole Express in Greer and went last night. It was amazing! Dinner at Molly Butler's, trolley ride, visit to Santa's workshop and story time with Mrs. Claus. Too bad my camera died before we met Mrs. Claus. She was so sweet and took the time to talk to all the kids. The kids loved it so much that Nellie started to cry when we left. I'm sure that had something to do with us being there until 10:30pm, but oh well. We knew a lot of the cast members, but fortunately the kids didn't recognize Santa. Why most of the elves were from Round Valley was easy to explain....They applied for the job and got it! One of Brodey's teachers was even an elf with Mrs. Claus! Jax made everyone crack up when they were playing Elf, Elf, Santa (Duck, Duck, Goose,) and Nellie was so excited her dress matched Mrs. Claus'. The kids got to make toys with the elves, eat cookies and drink snow man soup ( hot cocoa.) We saw the elf school and where they sleep, Santa's map room, and pictures with Santa. I have a ton of pics below...kinda boring, but oh well!

Pics from North Pole Experience

2009-12-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

pics..

2009-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

NPX pics

2009-12-18T09:30:00.001-08:00

More North Pole pics..

2009-12-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

More North Pole Experience pics....

2009-12-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Blog problems and I LOVE Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to write posts or captions for my pics...so sorry the last two blogs are so boring. Who knows if I'll figure it out...but who cares..blogs are for pics, right??!! =) Halloween was a lot of fun...candy, corndogs, ice cream, and bronchitis..doesn't get any better. Aaron went trick or treating with us...can't remember the last time he's been able to do that. I'm so glad he did, because Jaxie does NOT listen to me at all. Some meanie teenager poked Jax with a fake knife in the rump...and he's still talking about it. "Sa knife, in da hiney, sa ghost, mean boy." Brodey really liked having a mask on...no on knew who he was. He's turning in to a shy little guy. Nellie was the ultimate Dorothy...with ruby slippers and everything. She wanted to be Dorothy after she got her hair done in the Emerald City. And I was glad, because I can't do french braid piggie tails!!
The kids got to go on temple grounds when Ammon was going through the temple. Brodey was very mad that he could not go in. "I've been in there before, Mom!!" Jaxie liked to walk on the edge of the reflecting pool, pondering life...yeah right.
Nellie really liked all the flowers...and she is really excited to go to the open house for the temples being built in AZ.
I LOVE Turkey Day! It's just a day to be with family and not worry about presents. I'm so sick of all the gift giving of Christmas. One of these years, i'm not going to buy one present!! =)

Some pics of the kids at the Mesa Temple.

2009-11-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-11-01T09:25:00.001-08:00

More pics..

2009-10-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Family pics...

2009-10-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Is it too much to ask that my kids open their eyes and smile all together for a pic? So, Aaron and I have decided that what matters is how we look right?? =) Jax, my love, you are little and it doesn't matter what you look like in the picture....you are a goof! Our friend Becky took these pics up by Pat's Knoll. I hate having my picture taken because I am not photogenic...but she made it fun. And may I add that this was the kids second photo session of the day...they had their pics taken with Brooklee and Brinley earlier in the day.

Busy Busy Busy...

2009-10-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously the cutest cowboy ever

Eventhough he is the royal poops sometimes, I love this little guy to pieces!!

Doesn't he look so grown up??

Jaxie is growing up so fast! I love this little guy. These pajamas were Brodey's when he was little and Jax just LOVES them. He calls them "My jamas me." This morning he woke up and said he was going to work. He found Brodey's boots and cowboy hat......."Ready go bye-bye mama? Go get wood?" Aaron and Nic were getting wood today and Jax wanted to go SO bad. Poor guy had to go to the laundry mat with me instead. Laundry mat you say?? Yep the washing machine is kaput. And thats not fun when I average two loads of laundry a day. What else happened this week? Let's see....Brodey played Tarzan on the trampoline and broke his wrist. He gets the cast on Tuesday and wears it for 6 weeks. Nice. No writing at school or homework for 6 weeks. No xbox for 6 weeks. No Trampoline for 6 weeks. Hopefully he'll figure out how to wipe his hiney BEFORE the 6 weeks is up!! Brodey's cat ( his baby, Tilly) got hit by a car on Thursday. This was the best kitty...he was like a little kid. Following us around, meowing whenever we walked by it, and he loved to snuggle with Brodey in bed. I know that is gross...but Brodey loves to snuggle with Tilly. We did a little funeral for him after school yesterday. The kids are so sad....and so was I, and I cried all morning just thinking about how upset the kids were going to be. Aaron built a little casket and dug a little grave for him and I think the kids really liked seeing him one more time. But I am NOT ready for another cat. Living on Main Street has been bad for us with animals. And last but not least....I spent all day last Saturday bottling apple pie filling. 14 quarts thank you! But today, I went in my pantry and 6 of those quarts decided to fall on my head and break all over the ground. It's scary when quart jars are falling on your head. And it hurts...those suckers sting when they smack!! I was a sicky mess and so is my pantry. So after I do all my normal Friday chores...floors, bathrooms, cleaning the kids room.....I have to take everything out of my jam packed pantry and clean up the STICKY mess. So why am I on this blog thing when I should be cleaning??? Oh well.....

Pictures of Brodey's cast to come.....probably Tuesday after he gets the hard one on.

M&M's, Math, and Mom's Day.

2009-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Nellie at her desk, with her crazy smile!!

Doing her M&M math.

She drew this picture of me. Notice the lips and rainbow earrings. She told me she did the rainbow earring for the other girls pictures too.

Me and my favorite little lady!

A couple of weeks ago, Nellie's class had a Mom's & Math day. Brodey was telling Nellie how much fun it was going to be, because he had the same kindergarten teacher. I'm so glad I was able to go to it! When I pulled up to the school, Nellie was standing by the fence waiting for me. She looked so worried that I wasn't going to show up, but she was so excited when she saw me. I wish I had my camera right then, but taking pics when driving is not a good idea for me! We did math with M&M's, graphing, measuring, and then I stayed for lunch with her. I'm going to brag now....Nellie is truly so smart. I'm so proud of her and how hard she works at school. She loves her class and loves to do homework. If she could sit at the table all day and do "seat work," she would be in heaven. Math is her favorite and I hope she always works as hard as she does now. Eventhough she is the sassiest little thing and she always wins in a disagreement....I love my little Nella Bella!

Early morning turkey hunt......

2009-09-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

The turkey, that was ours, but got attacked by a dog and was dying. I don't want to hear any animal rights comments, k?

Very proud of herself. Notice the uncombed hair, sandals and pajamas!

Ah Nellie, she's a perfect mixture of tomboy and princess!

So, mornings around here are always pretty hectic. I get up at 4:30am to exercise with friends, and I am in the door by 6:00am. At 6:00am, I have to pry Brodey off the XBox, drag Nellie out of bed, DISCUSS the outfits and hair for the day ( Yes, we set out clothes the night before, but sometimes kids change their minds on what they want to wear ), force Brodey to eat his breakfast ( he could be playing XBox right now,) brush teeth, and handle Jax. All this by 7:00am....thats when some babysitting kids start coming over. Out the door to the bus by 7:10am. So, busy mornings just like everyone else.

On one morning, Aaron decides that we need to take one of our turkeys up to the mountain to shoot it, because it was attacked by a dog and is sick and dying. Could we do it after school?? NO. Right now, has to be done. So, Nellie wants to go shoot it. I'm like....no way...don't have time...she'll be dirty. But I didn't win this fight. She got it in 3 shots with my .22. Home at 7:15 am.....threw my schedule off and I don't like that. She barely made it to school on time. Anyways, she is so proud that she shot it all by herself in 3 shots.

School pics

2009-08-12T10:23:00.001-07:00

Seriously, the cutest kid there!

So glad she found her friend, Taelynn.

Look at the camera!

Leave mom!

Go be with Nellie, mom!

Brodey is going to have a great day, because I FINALLY let him wear his new jeans and sneakers!

More school pics.

2009-08-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Walking up the steps very carefully, because she knows this is where Brodey hurts himself (stitches!)

Posing....Brodey waving to someone.

At her desk

My tummy hurts!

I totally did these posts out of order, but oh well!

First day of school.....lots of pictures.

2009-08-12T08:54:00.001-07:00

These pics are totally out of order! Walking up to the school!

Getting ready to leave for school.

Brodey and Jayden going to their classrooms.

Such cuties!

First bit of nerves for Nellie.

Wow, first day of school! We stayed up late last night shopping for school supplies, trying on outfits ( Brodey and Nellie ), ironing clothes, painting nails, organizing our school supplies in our backpacks 500 times, and dealing with the "tummy aches." I can't believe I have a 1st grader and Kindergartner. It's going to be a great year. The kids have great teachers and are really excited to be at school......even Brodey! Brodey is usually up at 4:30-5am everyday, but I had to pull him out of bed at 6:45am! He didn't want to get up. I don't think he has ever slept in, since birth. The cinnamon rolls wouldn't even get him out of bed!! I woke Nellie up at 6am, and she said, " Daddy kept me up too late last night arm wrestling." Yep, that sounds like Daddy! But she "beat him two times, so I'm getting stronger ."=) It took us a little bit to agree on a hair style....we decided on half up with a bow.

At school, we all took Nellie to her class first, then the playground. She couldn't find any friends she knew....so she started to get worried. Then Taelynn showed up! Thank goodness! I told her I had to take Brodey and Jayden to class, then I'd be right back. The other two were fine, Brodey just wanted to sit at his desk and organize his school supplies. Who is this kid??? Sleeping in and not wanting to play on the playground?? He pretty much pushed me out the door. He told me to go back and see Nellie, "She needs you." Ouch Brod!

I get back to the Kindergarten playground, and all the kids are lining up. I couldn't even find Nellie, it was so chaotic! So, I'm standing there by some friends, looking for Nellie, and I see here in line staring at me, lip quivering, tears running down her cheeks! She tries to be such a big girl all the time. When I went up to her, she said, " I didn't think this would be so hard." Oh boy, I knew it would be!

Jax turns 2 !!

2009-06-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Mr. Jax turned 2 . I can't believe how fast time has gone by..... seems just yesterday I was at Show Low's fine hospital. Ahhh what a night!! Aaron and the kids are telling me I have to stop calling him "baby" now...but he'll always be my baby. He still needs me to sing to him at bedtime and read him his two favorite books, "Hop on Pop" and "Fox in Socks." He loves Nemo...we watch it everyday. He is Mr. Independant though. I can't help him eat, drink, brush his teeth, or put his shoes on. He'll do it by himself, thank you.

This is one of his bday presents, "MY BIKE." If you come over, please don't look at or touch this bike....it causes a meltdown. You might be tempted to ring the bell......just don't! And he is still running around the house saying "Birthday." Right now, he's saying it!! Poor kid, thinks it is still his special day. I do like to celebrate birthdays in weeks, but the rest of the humbugs around here only celebrate days. Nellie and Brodey have been so nice to let Jax know his day is over!!!!

Blowing out the candles on his cake. He'd been sneaking in the fridge to see this mess of a cake all day.

Nellie was so kind to let Jax wear her special hat, but had a breakdown that night when some of the feathers started to come off .

Uh, the pictures look gross, but the cake was cute and the kids loved it!! Ironman and Hulk are all we talk about. Brodey is already lobbying for his Captain America shield cake. I don't know if I'm up for it!!

All in all it was a fun day....thanks to the family for coming over to celebrate and for the presents!!

More random pics..

2009-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Let's not talk about how bad the lighting is in the Dome?!
This pic is of my little brother in law's highschool graduation.
I just can't believe he was in 4th grade when Aaron and I got
married. The graduation was nice, except for the monsoon storm !
The kids had fun running the track on the field. I had fun waiting for
Aaron to talk to every person at the graduation!! =)

I put up a tent in the living room a couple of weeks ago to entertain the kids while I was SICK . Brodey was supposed to go on a Father's and Son's campout, but that was postponed for a mandatory Diamondbacks game in the valley with Aaron, his dad and brothers. Let's just say Brodey was mad that he wasn't going to camp. So I decided to be an awesome mom and have a campout in the living room. This tent was evil. It laughed at me when I opened the bag. I read the instructions like a good girl and eventhough it said 2 people needed to put it up, I was up for the challenge. How long did it take me to put it up? 1 hour.....almost taking a knife to it because I was frustrated and with bathroom stops every 10 minutes because I had Enteritis. What is Enteritis? A NASTY stomach bug that people get when they go on some crazy, remote vacation. Did you go on vacation Jane? No, no I didn't. Eagar sometimes feels like a foreign country though....

Well, the kids had fun in the tent, thats what matters right. And I shouldn't complain about being sick....the doctor's thought it was my appendics (Springerville hospital did something right I guess!) ...so i'm grateful I didn't have surgery. Things get a little nutty around here if I am down for the count. So glad it is summer time !!

Nellie's dance recital.

2009-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been a very busy week for all of us! Last week of school, babysitting, Ammon's graduation, planting the garden, irrigation, 500 trips to Show Low because Aaron refuses to shop at True Value, STILL remodeling the living room, ME trying to clean up the remodeling and irrigation mess, recital practice, and FINALLY, the BIG Recital! Well, today is Sunday, so it's my day of rest, right? Nope, have to catch up on all the laundry i've been neglecting. Oh well, it's summer right!
Please don't mind the crazy mom talking and cheering in the background!!

Nellie's tap dance. She is in the front row, second from left. Yes, she bows at the end!

The Jazz dance. She is in the same spot in this one. Her hat c0mes undone, and she almost starts crying during the dance....but she recovers!

And finally the big ballet number!

The Zoo

2009-04-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Not happy in his stroller all day.

Such a little cowboy

This is "the" goat Jax talked to for a long time.

Getting ready to go into the zoo.

We went to the zoo while down in the valley and it was so hot!! Brodey's little head was so sweaty from his trusty cowboy hat! Jax spent about 20 minutes talking to one little goat....no hitting or chasing them . Nellie was the "teacher" for the day and told us about all the animals. Out of all the animals, the birds were the favorite. Fun times!

Nellie turns 5 !!!

2009-04-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Opening gifts once we got home.

Birthday breakfast at Aunt Annie's

Waking up birthday morning.

Posing for pictures at the Chinese Cultural Center.

Lets not talk about the cake. It tasted good though.

Well, I've been a bad blogger!
I can't believe my Nells just turned 5 ! We kind of ruined her birthday by being in the valley for all of Aaron's testing, but we had a lot of fun. We stayed with Aunt Annie, went to the zoo, to the IMAX a couple of times, to the park, and to the mall. We were supposed to be home on her birthday, so when we found out we had to stay in the valley, she was upset. All her presents were at home and her party had to be cancelled =( But Aunt Annie's made Nells her favorite breakfast ( waffles, strawberries, whipped cream, and sausage ! ) and took Brodey to get her a present. Thanks so much guys! Anyways, when we got home, we went to Grandma's for cupcakes and presents, and then we went home to wrap her presents really fast! It was a crazy week, but we all had fun!

One wish for the Valentine's fairy...

2009-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Is to get a new camera. My house is TOTALLY under construction and I want to take some pictures ( I know, just buy a disposable one). Aaron did so much work on the house during his 2 week vacation. He got up early everyday and worked so hard! It was a challenge with lots of kids running around, but he did it ! I know I should just buy a disposable camera...but I refuse!! =) New floors everywhere, office almost done, more walls down, tile just sitting there ready to be put in, laundry room getting ready to be torn down and rebuilt ( but much bigger! ), and my kitchen....let's just not talk about it! Thats going to have to wait a little longer. It's so nice to finally see the light at the end of this long construction tunnel!

My little Jax!

2009-01-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

So, today Jax poured a whole box of Cocoa puffs all over the carpet. He also tore up two rolls of toilet paper all over the bathroom floor. Then he poured a whole bowl of rice ( with sauce ) on his head!
The lessons I learned from today are:
1.) Don't leave a box of cereal on the counter....he grew two inches over night!
2.) My vaccum stinks...it just pushed all the cereal around..then I got to pick it all up by
hand....a whole box of cereal!
3.) Jax is very good at tearing up paper....in tiny pieces...and he has a great attention span....I
would have quit after the first roll.
4.) Jax is not ready for spoons...or bowls....or eating when I'm out of sight.
5.) Jax is a ladies man and likes to make three little girls sitting at the table laugh!
6.) Rice sticks to everything and I need a camera...NOW !

My camera!

2008-12-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

What happens whenever I let Aaron take my digital camera to a cage fight? It comes home broken. I've gone through 2 cameras in the past 2 years. It's ok.....because Aaron always goes up in quality when he buys me a new one! So, no camera = no blog posts.

Disneyland!

2008-12-29T19:52:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah...Jax just loved being in his stroller
all day!

Met with Santa and saw all his reindeer.

Of course I can't figure out how to rotate it!

Perfect picture

Meeting Goofy right when we walked through

the gates!

Right before Christmas, me, the kids, and my mom went to Disneyland! We had soooo much fun! Lots of long lines, saw some celebrities, waited in more lines, ate lots of goodies, went on everything but Space Mountain and Matterhorn! Nellie and I waited in line for 1 hour to meet the Princesses. Well, we only got to meet Cinderella, Snow White, and Minnie Mouse, but it was so exciting to see Nellie talk to them. She got to talk to them alone for about 5 minutes each and have pictures taken. Well, right after the photo session, all the princesses came out for Courtney Cox and David Arquett's kid. Their kids about knocked me over, and Courtney Cox told me sorry. I just stood there like a nerd, being all star struck....but it was pretty cool. They were heading to Pixie Hollow after the princesses...so I decided to follow them. We just followed like we were with them. Oh well, it was funny! We also saw that giant guy from Happy Gilmore, the guy who gets shot in the head with a nail gun. He had a whole entourage with him. I'm missing my famous people and Pixie Hollow pics, but i'll put them up when I find them!

Some Disneyland pics.

2008-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Waiting in line

Riding the tram to Disneyland.

Jax was not digging the hat! But he's still a

cutie!

Enough pictures....let's go on some

rides!

In Toon Town. Dad would be proud of his

little jail birds.

Just some random pics..

2008-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

He's just growing up too fast.

He looks cute, but he's really throwing a fit.

Crazy Brodey and the little elf.

Up to no good, probably.

Part of his fit....smiling because the cameras out!

Live Nativity...

2008-12-15T19:22:00.001-08:00

Joseph, Mary, and the Angel

Here comes the shepherd....beating baby Jesus
and the Christmas tree.

Comic relief

Brodey and Nellie practiced their lines for me

all day.

Mary, baby Jesus, and the proud Joseph.

After the fashion show, the cousins performed

the Nativity for us. They did a great job! And Wednesday

they will be "performing" again at the ward Christmas party.

Nellie will be Mary and Brodey will be a shepherd. Jax will not

be carrying a shepherd's crook in public!

Fashion show...

2008-12-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Nellie, Brodey, Brooklee, and Jax! These cousins
really love each other.

Brodey and his girls.

Jax and Brooklee parading out.

On Sunday, Aaron's parents had us all over for a Christmas family home evening. These are some of the pics from the annual Grandkid Christmas fashion show. Aaron's mom made Nellie and Brooklee beautiful dresses and made bow ties for Brodey and Jax. So adorable!

Aaron and kids all dressed up.

2008-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Aaron and the kids went to his cousins funeral in Holbrook. His cousin, Jim Mitchell was a police officer for Holbrook, so Aaron had to wear his dress uniform. He looked pretty cute in it. I especially like the Dudley Do Right hat! The kids are all about anything that includes dressing up and hanging out with Grandma and Papa for the day.

Glasses for Brodey!

2008-11-14T08:42:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, the school said Brodey might need an eye exam! Boy were they right! His eyes are horrible!! Poor thing...his glasses are thicker than mine....but it can only help right! When he was having his exam, he got excited because he "could see!" Yep, that is pretty exciting! He was a little mad when I wouldn't get him the most expensive, Nike glasses, but he had fun trying on every pair. We decided on the most flexible, blue pair we could find. He loves cleaning them with the special cloth they gave us. By the way...I am taking bets on when these lovely glasses will break......any takers??!!

Halloween pics...

2008-11-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

We had lots of fun for Halloween. We had Ironman, Belle, and Pirate "Jax" Sparrow! It was a busy day....trickortreating, trunk ortreating, carnival, and visiting family! Nanny was here and sure was scary! She said she dressed up as an Old Hag for Aaron! At the trunkortreating, one of the cars had a real tarantula in the candy bowl......what kind of sicko's think that is funny!?? I sure didn't!!! The kids thought it was cool though.

Nanny's visit!

2008-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

We had lots of fun when Nanny came to visit us during Halloween! Here are some pics of cookie decorating and pumpkin carving. And I have no idea why my pictures did this...I'm done trying to figure out my computer!!!!!

The big game!

2008-10-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

Guess who did the art work?

Such a cutie!

Two good lookin' guys.

That red head in the back is Tyler....the cutie
cousin!

Round Valley played Show Low last Friday....and let me say...it was a tense game. I think Show Low brought the refs with them. Anyways...the kids had fun! Let me just say that I'm glad RV has a dome...because it was a cold night. I don't think Jax would have lasted in the cold!!

Homecoming parade

2008-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

On the way to the parade

Searching for candy

Nevermind watching the parade, where is the
candy??

Football team
Last Friday was the homecoming parade here in town. The kids love parades because parades mean CANDY!! I love parades because they bring back memories of me being in every single parade from 1992-1998 in Chandler, Arizona. Well, more than Chandler...but anyways! The kids had a blast....we got to see Aaron in his police car in the parade....and did I say CANDY!

Brodey's field trip

2008-10-06T13:18:00.001-07:00

Look at this cute guy! Just waiting to leave
for the field trip!

My little group of guys!

Kade and Brodey searching for treasures.

Brodey digging in the dirt.

Gathering up for a picture.

Last week I went with Brodey on his field trip to Greer. We had a lot of fun! I was put in charge of four little guys...Brodey, Kade, Gary, and Garrett. They were so good! We hiked on the Butler Nature Trail, looked for certain trees and leaves, and then we ate lunch by a little stream. When we got to the lunch spot, the teachers told the kids to stay away from the water. Yah right! No one fell in...but there were lots of wet shoes. I'm glad I got to go !

Pics of Catwalk.

2008-10-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Nellie was not excited about the "rickety" bridge.

Cuties

The day before she cut her hair!

This summer we took a trip to Catwalk. The kids and Aaron had a great time. I, on the other hand, should not have decided to just carry Jax up a steep mountain trail, in the rain, and in flip flops. Needless to say, I turned back half way. So what does Aaron do? Lets the kids play in a deep pond thingy, as he climbs back up the mountain to take pictures. I would have been right next to them, with floaties, reminding them they don't know how to swim. Anyways, Jax had fun crawling through the little stream in his diaper, in the freezing cold water.

Some pics of Jax

2008-09-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

I don't know why he loves this little Dora
backpack.

Obviously I can't figure out how to rotate
pictures.

This is his mean face...and no one is allowed to
sit on the chair when he is. He'll push you right
off!!

I know I've been a bad blogger! I rarely have time to get on the internet anymore.

Anyways, Jax is getting so big! I can't believe he is almost 16 months. He is my wildest kid yet. Jax is all boy and is rarely a cuddler. He tells me "poopoo"every 2 minutes and loves to look out the window, hoping to see our neighbors dog walk by. He has a mean streak in him. He's a hitter and a biter. But we love him despite the beatings!! =)

HooraySoccer time!!

2008-08-16T19:33:00.001-07:00

Soccer season has started! Brodey and Nellie are on the same team this year, the Red Hots. Aaron and I are coaching....fun fun! Our first game was today. Nellie scored a goal....she was so excited that she ran off the field....big old smile on her face. It was actually a good play. She stole the ball from the other side of the field and ran it all the way down to our goal. Brodey blocked two goals from the other team. He is mad that he didn't get a goal...but he played really well. He didn't sit down at all on the grass during the game ! =) Even though the little guys don't keep score....I think we would have won 58 to 3...something like that. We have a really cute little team. All the kids are so nice! Jax is ready for soccer....he kicks the ball around the whole time the kids are practicing. I think he is a natural.

And now he turns 6 !!

2008-08-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

Bday boy and his cake

Our big swingin' party...doesn't Aaron look
thrilled?

Nellie telling us how the party is boring and
what we are supposed to be doing!

Frosting face

My sweetheart!!

So, Brodey woke up EARLY this morning, very grumpy. I thought...it's going to be on of those days. Well, turns out that he wanted to go to school right then, at 5:30am! Guess he's liking it! Anyways, all he wanted was peach oatmeal for breakfast. Brought cookies to school for a treat, and had lunch with him. He loved that I was there and would only let certain friends sit by me. We played basketball at recess and he's really good. All the kids kept telling him how good he was. He was so happy. After school, I was getting ready to go get them from the bus stop at 3:05 like it came on the first day, but here they came walking at 2:40. What the heck? I'm glad Bailey walked them home. I'm sure the bus won't come until 3:00 tomorrow to keep me on my toes. Brodey was mad again that I wasn't there to get him. Maybe I'll get it right tomorrow !!

The first day of school....

2008-08-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

Brodey and Jayden....best buddies...not in the
same class this year. Very upset about it!

Crazy Brodey smile

Waiting in line...told me to leave after this pic.

Going to class.

Well, the first day of school has come. We woke up nice and early, had a nice "hot" breakfast, waited all morning for Jayden and Jaelynn to come over, fought over what outfit to wear, and off we went. First we walked Jayden to the playground and then we went to Brodey's class. He got upset that he couldn't go to the "big" playground, but got over it when he saw some friends. I stood out there on the playground, waiting for him to get sad and tell me not to go. Well, when he was standing in line, he told me that I could go now. And I thought to myself, thanks for tearing out my heart, turd. Act like you miss me...would ya?! Then to top the day off, at 2:40 the school called and told me Brodey was waiting to be picked up. But he was supposed to be on the bus! I checked the wrong bus on the bus paperwork. So I had to have my friend go get Brodey because I had to get Jayden off the bus. Brodey kept asking me all night long why I didn't pick him up. All in all ....it was a good day. He really likes his class and his teacher so far!
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A traumatic day for me.......

2008-08-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

The back of the hair

Nellie looks really excited in this pic....should
have taken one of my reaction.

Another back shot

Silly pic.... notice the lovely bang trim job

And this is where she stored her hair...in her
desk drawer.

Well, yesterday the kids and I had a fun day. We were at the park for 3 hours, had lunch, and played with some friends. When we got home, all of us took a nap. Nellie in here room, Jax in the crib, and Brodey and I on the couch. Anyways, I had a horrible dream that Nellie cut her hair. You know, one of those dreams that when you wake up, you have to check to make sure it wasn't real? Well, my dream came true. I wake up to find Nellie curled up in the recliner...butchered bangs and all. I'm talking, bangs to the nub and short boy hair. I had to control myself, because I knew Nellie was going to be crying for a year about her bad hair cut. (Nellie is very into hair right now. She wants it long, long, long! I'm not allowed to comb it because its "her hair." ) So, I wake her up and she is happy. Excited about her hair???!!! So I have to act excited. If she thinks I hate it, the world is over. She said she just wanted it short and she cried a little as she sat at her desk and cut it in front of the mirror. So, today I have to find someone that can fix this mess!

North Carolina pics...

2008-07-20T17:33:00.001-07:00

Brodey proving that the alligator was not real!
Notice his front two teeth are missing!

Jax being so cute!

Yep...my kids are silly.

Brodey, Nellie, and Nanny feeding the seagulls
on the ferry.

Nellie is crying in this pic because Brodey just
whipped her with a long weed. Darn brothers!

The kids and I went to NC to visit my mom and had such a relaxing time! Brodey and Nellie are still there...and I miss them very much! The flight out there was horrible....the worst turbulence ever! I really thought we were going to die. The plane kept dropping and dipping to the side!! Nellie did too..she hated the "bumps". Brodey thought it was great and kept saying we were going to crash. The worst part was that the captain didn't even tell us what was going on. Anyways...we kept busy out there. Lots of shopping....swimming..going to the ocean...feeding seagulls on the ferry...sweating like a pig...mosquitos...lizards...looking for the snake that lives in Nanny's front yard...movies..and going to the aquarium. The beach was my favorite part. I had so much fun with the kids there. It seems like its been so long since I've been able to just have fun and laugh with them. Nellie was scared of the ocean..so she sat in her sand hole and played...but Brodey and Jax were all about the water.

Pics from 2008 benefit cage fight...

2008-07-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Aaron and Everett Slade.

Raph winning his fight.

Team Devious guys cornering Jeff Soderquist.

Aaron and Armondo.
You might be asking yourself...is
Aaron really wearing a Pimp hat? Well, yes,...yes he is.
Does that really shock any of you?

Titan winning his fight. He took this
fight on like an hours notice. I think he
dislocated the guys shoulder that he
fought.

Well, the cage fight for Keaton Slade was a huge success! All of the Team Devious fighters won there matches! We had lots of things go wrong the day of the event. Fighters dropped out of matches, the cage was 6 hours late getting to the high school, a fighter got in an accident traveling to the event....but Aaron is a master at pulling things off and making it happen! Not to say he wasn't STRESSING OUT the whole week before!!! After everthing was said and done, we were able to donate over $10,000.00 to the Slade family, $1500 to Special Olympics, and $550 to the Wrestling team. We'd just like to thank all of our family and friends who helped make the show happen! It is very hard to put on an event like this, and we absolutely couldn't have done it without everyone that showed up to help! I'd like to give a special thanks to my personal body guard and money counter, Shelly Finch for helping me protect over $10,ooo.oo at the fight! =)

Jax's birthday party pics.

2008-06-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

Jax is shaking his had because he just touched
the candle.

Having some frosting..look how cute Brodey
is in the background! Brodey and Nellie
waited all day for that cake.

How did I know he was going to wait until the
day he turned one to stand up?!

Brodey the baseball player ( he's actually really good!)
Nellie and Brooklee playing in the background.

Aaron and Jax

Panama Jack

He was so happy today

Brooklee

The cake!

Jax's 1st Birthday!

2008-06-09T15:57:00.001-07:00

Proud Brodey and Nellie

Aaron w/ Jax

I'm so smiley because I was still in the ICU and
I hadn't seen myself yet!

Here I am thinking this is going to be another
smooth child birth! I love the "fatty Jane" look!

Shelly was there w/ me. This is before all the
fun started. I have a mental image of her standing
in the corner, looking a little scared! I think we
bonded this day...what do ya think Shelly?

9lbs. 12 ounces....20.5 inches

So chubby

Nanny w/ Jax

Jax @ 11 days old.

I can't believe Jax is 1 years old today! Time has gone by so fast and it seems like only yesterday that I was in the hospital "having fun!" He is such a funny baby. Brodey told me today that he is glad Jax is in our family and Nellie wants him to stay like a baby forever. The pictures above are of the Jax's birth.

This past weekend..

2008-06-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Nellie posing on the bridge

Erica walking down the aisle

Nellie loves this bridge

Nellie's friend Amilee on the right

Nellie and I went to Erica's wedding in South Fork. It was a beautiful day and everything looked perfect. Nellie was excited to see Amilee as the flower girl and teacher Erica "kiss her boyfriend!"

Just a lazy day...

2008-05-31T19:02:00.001-07:00

Boring day today...

Started out with me waking up at 6am and wondering where Aaron was ( He was supposed to be home at 2am. and snoring by now.) Went out side and tried to control the irrigation...kids played in the mud...put the baby geese in the water for the first time. Drove around until 9am looking for Aaron...all these crazy ideas about what happened to him going through my mind. Found him at Circle K when I was talking to Ethan. 10am took a cute little puppy to Nic and Shelly's in St. John's. Aaron swore to me they wanted it...I think he just wanted us out of the house. Nic said no to the dog...Old Groutch...blah blah blah...new grass...J/k!!!! Well, we now have a new puppy..Chance. Kids love him. We have 500 animals...so whats 501 right. Worked in the yard ALL DAY...listened to the neighbor complain about the fence we are going to put up....and tried to catch 6 chickens because they got out of Taj-Ma-Chicken coup again. I need to put up a picture of the new chicken coup Aaron is building.

Pictures of Hurricane

2008-05-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well, Aaron took the kids to see Hurricane and they sat on him for the first time. Brodey was a natural, but Nellie wasn't so sure about it. Aaron is doing really well training him. I think he spends more time with him than me! =)

More recital pics

2008-05-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Nellie being silly

Nellie trying to be mad

Nellie in the front

Nellie and some girls from her class.

Nellie had so much fun at her recital. She's mad that she won't have class for a while.

The big dance recital!!

2008-05-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

This pic is really blurry..but she's second from the right

Nellie had her big recital last night...and she has one more tonight. She got to wear mascara, blush, and lipstick...so exciting!!! She did really good and got lots of flowers after the show. She is really disappointed that the flowers won't live forever. She wants them for her wedding ( to Nathan.) I had to have the "flowers don't live forever" talk. She cried from 9:30pm-11pm about these silly flowers. She had mascara running all down her face. I need to teach her about not crying when she wears mascara!! =)

Pictures of Jax

2008-05-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Jax is almost one. He has grown so fast and is by far my craziest baby!

Jax loves to dig in the plants and leave dirt all over my floor. ( I know my linoleum is gross...we just bought the tile for it.)

This picture is for Nanny....I think he's going to have teeth like Brodey's ( Spongebob teeth!)

Jax loves to look out the front window at the chickens...he says "Bock" at them. One flew in the window the other day and sat on the window sill.

Jax is a monkey and loves to have his picture taken.

I love this old picture!

2008-05-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken at Nauvoo a couple of years ago....I just love this pic!

Hurricane the Horse...newest edition to the Finch Family!

2008-05-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Aaron's dream came true yesterday. We got a horse. Aaron tried to be sneaky and get it without me knowing...but I know everything. Here's how it went down yesterday....

**Aaron called me and said he wanted to go for a walk after dinner. ( 1st clue something was up..because he doesn't exercise "like a girl."
**Aaron came home from work and said he needed to go help his dad with something ...then his dad came over to pick him up and he was all chipper and happy. ( He's usually not happy to see Aaron..so that was my 2nd clue.)
**Aaron came home from "helping" his dad and was outside being all secretive on his phone. ( 3rd clue...At this point I'm thinking...I'm either getting a really good mother's day present or he's doing something that is going to cost me money.)

So after all the babysitting kids went home...Aaron wants to go for a drive...and I say...Where's the horse? He's laughing...telling me how it's free...and I say "no pet is free."
We get to the field and the funny part is Aaron and his friend trying to get a 10month old horse into a horse trailer. An hour goes by and he's still not in the trailer. Aaron decides to walk the horse to the field. He starts walking the horsey and Robert Haws pulls up and tells him to take the horse back...he'll load it up for him. They go back and Robert pretty much just picks the horse up and puts it in the trailer. Aaron is strong..but Robert is freakin' strong. So we have a horse.
Here's the really funny part...Does everyone remember how windy it was yesterday?? It was like a hurricane..hence the horse's name. Anyways...when they were "trying" to load the horse up...Aaron was smiling the whole time. Big old grin. Well he gets in the car....dirt and who knows what else all over his teeth. It was nasty....but he couldn't stop smiling.
Anyways...Hurricane is a wild little horse and Aaron will be doing whatever I want for a LONG TIME!!!

2 New Temples in AZ..

2008-04-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I heard the rumor about the new temples to be built in Gilbert and the Gila Valley. It's not on LDS.org...but Desert News is reporting it. The one in Gilbert will be on Pecos and Greenfield. I'm excited and I hope the rumor is true. I can't wait to take the kids to the open houses. That will be something for them to always remember.

A funny moment yesterday...

2008-04-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I had time to take a shower, do my hair, and my makeup...I know shocker! I usually only get to do that on Sunday...if i'm lucky. Anyways, we went to pick up Brodey and Jayden from the bus stop. When they got in the car, Jayden said, "Whoa Jane...you look good..are you going on a date?" I said...yeah...I have a hot date with Aaron. Just a funny moment....I need to tell Charlotte about it...she'll laugh at Jayden.

It's been an interesting week so far...

2008-04-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

So this week has been eventful. On Monday, Aaron went cave exploring w/ his cousin Ethan up by Holbrook. Well, I guess they weren't really caves, they were huge cracks in the ground and they climbed "down" them. Lots of bats, snakes, and owls! Aaron almost got stuck down there a couple of times...but he made it home. He brought the kids arrowheads and pieces of pottery from the caves. It was Aaron and Ethan's last "bonding" trip before Ethan leaves for his mission in NYC.
Monday night, Aaron told me to keep Brodey home from school. Turns out on Tuesday, the school was on lockdown because a parent showed up w/ a gun. Or thats the rumor. The mom didn't get arrested...but i'm not going to comment on that. So , I told people that Brodey was sick, thats why I kept him home. Well, turns out he's sick now...of course. Oh..yeah..and he doesn't sleep anymore at night. He likes to stay up and turn on all the lights...eat all my food and play with Jax. 3 nights in a row now....I need to sleep too.
Wednesday was fun...I took the kids and the Hagerman girls to the St. John's vs. RV softball game. We were all dressed up in black and gold ready to see Brooklee and Shelly at the game. Well, Shelly dislocated her knee at the game. (I think thats what happened.) Seriously...the kids were freaking out in the car. Brooklee was so scared...and then the ambulance rolled up. They all were crying in the car. Nellie kept saying she was going to die. Luckily...just her knee was hurt. I hope you feel better soon! Did I mentioned that my favorite sister in law gave me 6 Gold Canyon candles on Sunday! I'm set for a while with those. Anyways...it's Thursday...and I'm curious to see what else goes on this week!

Spring break...

2008-03-30T13:11:00.001-07:00

Well, spring break is officially over and I got NOTHING done! Seriously...I had all these big plans for homework, organizing, and cleaning..but they didn't get done. The kids had fun though. We went to Flagstaff, South Fork for a long hike, the park, doctor's appointments, and lots of playing outside. The weather was perfect this week and we have the sunburns to prove it! If you see some people around town that look like tomatos...thats us! Yesterday was Aaron's day off, so he decided to tear down the old shed and chicken house. We were outside from 9:30am until 5pm. Brodey stepped on a nail and so did Aaron! We also found a family of mice living in the chicken coop. Well, I shouldn't say "we found", Aaron found them and one ran up his leg. He screamed like a girl...SHHHH...don't tell! Nellie was mortified when all the chickens attacked the family of mice. All in all, it was a fun spring break. It just made me ready for summer even more!! I found some old pics to put on here. Brodey's 4th Bday...Tire swing at our Indiana house...Brodey and Nellie LAST Easter...Nellie's 3rd Bday. The news ones will be put up when I get the film back!

First blog!

2008-03-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I've had this blog for a while now, but I am just learning how to set it up.