Fletcher Family Happenings

Oh and another pic just cause she's cute.

2012-02-19T22:49:00.001-08:00

Brighton and I delight in making hair bows and flowers for every outfit. Sometimes Kinley tries to eat them but usually she's a good sport.

Also, here we are dressed up to go to the Mo-Tab concert. Some of our friends had tickets at the last minute and we zipped out the door to meet them but not before we all color coordinated:)

Would someone remind her she's only 5 months...

2012-02-19T20:50:00.001-08:00

Would someone remind her she just turned 5 months...

I think that's way too early to be moving around so much and trying to crawl. I'm afraid the Polly Pockets and Legos and such are going to need to disappear ASAP. She sure is cute though and we enjoy her muchly!

56 Special Things about Grandpa/Dad/Don on his 56th Birthday

2012-01-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

1.He likes to read Calvin and Hobbes with us (see above.)

2.He buys fun presents that make me laugh - the latest are two little monkeys that he hides around the apartment for me to find.

3.He still loves dinky automobiles.

4.He has an amazing sport coat collection.

5.He calls me during the day no matter where I am to see how my day is going.
6.He makes it possible for me to go visit our children and never complains of the cost of air flights.
7.He has a strong desire to serve and help his patients and serve and help ward members as their Bishop.
8.He is always interested in my life (no matter what I'm doing sports, school, work etc.)

9.He strives to always listen to the Spirit and act on it.

10.He is always super nice to everyone (treats his secretaries and bosses equally well.)

11.He never gets mad.

12.He remembers us (I like the weekly thoughts.)

13.He finances and attends fun family activities.

14.He likes to go for bike rides with me.

15.He likes to go roller blading with me.

16.He brings his Ipad and lets us play on it too.

17.He gives awesome back scratches and presents, like chocolate.
18.He's a bridge builder.

19.He is an amazing grandpa to Skyler, Addy, and Jack Bauer.
20.He is amazing at keeping in touch with all the family.

21.He has an incredible knowledge of airline flight patterns.

22.He read Red Ribbon Rosey with me.

23.He made sure we always had the BEST SCIENCE PROJECTS!

24.He plays 10 good things about my day.
25.He watches sunsets with me.

26.He is extremely kind.

27.He's a good example of what a Dad should be.

28.He likes to eat grapefruit with me.

29.He can slice a mango like nobody's business.

30.He's easy to talk to.

31.He lets us drive his cars despite our track records.

32.He has a remarkable affinity for jump drives.

33.He gives good foot rubs.

34.He loves marriage and loves to share with others that marriage is a wonderful institution.
35.He has a strong testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
36.He is generous, thoughtful, compassionate and genuine.
37.He loves his children and grandchildren and and is proud of all of them.
38.He likes things that are CHOCOLATE.
39.He always loves whatever I cook for him - even if burnt, overspiced or yucky.

40.He will take a nap with me (see below.)

41.He has extensive sports knowledge even though I've hardly seen him watch a sporting event in the last 10 years.

42.He has celebrity status as champion of his new ward.

43.He went sledding down the hills with me in Missouri.

44.He gives great talks to small groups or to very large groups!
45.He is a great listener.
46.He is a patient teacher - even when I am asking the same thing over and over.
47.He thinks that I have something good to offer his patients with my schooling
48.He taught me how to make Raumen with peas.

49.He taught me how to make a cream sauce.

50.He is always positive and upbeat about life.

51.He gives lots of compliments to everyone and really means them.

52.He always tells me I'm pretty no matter how crazy my hair or clothes.

53.He likes new experiences. He's not intimidated by change.
54.He loves General Conference.

55.He doesn't waste food (he will finish the expired milk.)

56.He is a great example of how to balance family, church, and work.

And then we just got on a roll and couldn't stop so here are some more special things submitted beyond 56. Because really, can you have too many nice things said about you on your birthday?

57.He never hesitates to share with everyone that he is a religious guy and a member of the Mormon faith

58.He is very smart about the sciences and the arts

59.He has a good memory for special occasions and of our accomplishments.

60.He says "I love you" every day.

61.He's super smart and knows the answer to any question I ask him.

62.He enjoys chick flicks; he's a romantic.

Happy 56th Birthday! We sure love you lots!!

Love, All of your Family

Addy's Blessing

2012-01-17T07:54:00.001-08:00

Addy was blessed on 1/15/2012. It was such an awesome weekend spent with family. Great Grandma and Grandpa Bateman, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher, flew in for the blessing. Of course by the time that Grandma B (as Skyler likes to call her) got to Florida, I still had not touched the blessing dress that I was going to make Addy. She snapped into action and whipped up this gorgeous heirloom in less than a day! She is such an amazing sewer and we are so amazed at the gorgeous dress that Addy will be able to pass down to her daughter to be blessed in.

Addy was great for the blessing (she was a little fussy, but the cries were nothing compared to what we know she can let out!). She had a lot of family members who came to support her on her special day ... Aunt Patty, Aunt Kat, Rich, Ava, Granmommy and Grandaddy Mitchell, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa B, and Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher! Dad (Brendan) did an amazing blessing. From the blessing, it sounds like she will definitely be involved in mission work and that she will be a shining light and example of the gospel! We are so excited that we are members of this amazing church and that we have family members that are so supportive of our children :)

Here are some pictures of the beautiful day -

Family Pictures

2012-01-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

We finally made it to the photo studio and had some pictures taken of the cuties at the end of December. We had a VERY hard time with the selection process since there were so many good ones :) We hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Family Picture -

Skyler's Birthday -

Skyler and Addy for Christmas -

Skyler's Halloween -

We finally made it in for the yearly Halloween picture ... I thought I was going to have to skip this year, lol!

Addy -

Happy Birthday Auntie Tiffy!

2012-01-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Tiffany. Love, Kinley

Happy Birthday Tiffany. Love, Ellis

Happy Birthday Tiffany. Love, Fletcher and Bennon

Happy Birthday Tiffany. Love, Brighton

Thanks for being such a wonderful aunt to all my kids. We love you lots and hope it is a wonderful birthday for you today. Love, Tess and the gang

We Don't Color on the Baby

2011-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

It probably shouldn't come as any surprise that the little boy who did this and this.

Did thisKinley's first tattoos compliments of her brother. We had a discussion about not coloring the baby's leg with a ballpoint pen that evening. At least he was very honest when confronted. Crazy kid :)

"I am six rows away from the prophet!"

2011-10-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

Gotta text from Taylor yesterday saying - "I am six rows away from the Prophet!" Some friends of Taylor's from Bolivia had tickets to the Sunday afternoon session and invited him to go with them. Now that is what I call an up front and center view! Lucky Taylor to be right there hearing those wonderful messages from our church leaders.

One of my favorite moments...

2011-10-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

meeting face to face after 9(ish) long months.

Brighton

Fletcher

Bennon

Ellis

Kinley

GREEN HAIR - Must be early Halloween celebrating?

2011-10-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Tiffany sends me this pic of herself as she is jumping on the plane for meetings at Aveda Headquarters in Minneapolis. "I text Tiff and say - what is up with the green hair - early Halloween celebrating?" Tiff replies back - "Ha Ha Ha - It's just for the Aveda Fashion Show weekend. I'm the feature for the brand new Aveda color that does not launch till January -pretty exciting stuff in my industry!!

Well folks - let's all line up for the new hair color in January - then we can be hip like Tiff!

-----------Before & After---------

2011-09-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

McKinley Call Watson 8 lbs. 10 oz. Cute as she can be!

Watsonawesome Town

2011-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

A fun labor day activity that has kept us busy all morning laboring on it. The carmat has been deemed

Watsonawesome Town by Fletcher.

Preschool Success for Ellis

2011-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

After telling me all morning that he was NOT going to preschool unless Mom came too Ellis ended up having a super time. Here is his enthusiastic interview about his day at school.

1st Day of School at the Watson House

2011-08-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is our first day of school pic. Brighton's eyes are still swollen from the morning melt down. She seemed to feel better after I assured her that I felt like throwing up every first morning of school that I had :) Ellis has his backpack on hoping he was getting on the bus. He settled for waving at bus driver Bob and came back to the house to hang out with mom in the peace and quiet. Ben and Fletch were so excited to go to school and loved all of it! Even Brighton conceded upon returning home that it was a pretty good day. Success all around. - Tess

She caught a fish!

2011-08-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

Tiff did indeed go fishing with her fishing license but she made me laugh when she sent this picture with the following words --- I caught the fish!!! But no way I was going to touch it!

Memory Lane

2011-08-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Mom and I had a fun trip down memory lane in Blue Springs MO last week. See if you recognize some of these family locations!

This is the infamous sledding hill that we all tackled in the car top carrier turned upside down. If you remember Tiffany was sure that we were going to end up in the lake. There is actually a very long flat section before the water's edge.

This was our first home on Mic-O-Say Circle. Do you remember where your rooms were? This is where Eric got a water bed but decided he liked sleeping on the floor better. This is where Tiffany did not like her room as much as wandering around to find a sibling to sleep with. This is where Mom decided to crash down the steps from our upstairs room in the middle of the night.

This is our home on Brandywine Circle. This is where Taylor decided to decorate the walls with permanent felt pen shortly after our arrival. This is where the kids TV viewing room was on the bare concrete in the basement. (to discourage too much time down there)

This is the tremendously long and steep driveway that you all liked to ride down on your bikes. It somehow does not seem as long and steep now! Mom is talking here to Mike Dinneny who bought the house from us and still lives here.

This is our back yard that seemed to go back for miles from the house. This is where we first got a trampoline and had some fun with trying to test the strength of the skeletal system. You had to forge the stream at the very back to short cut to school. The elevated garden gave us great tomotoes and lots of weeds!

This is our neighbor's garden. His name was Ron. He was still out working in the garden after all these years. Ron did not like our baseballs ending up in his garden. Eric and Brendan were too good at hitting my pitches! Mike says that he still is not too happy about invasions of his garden - now by Mike's dog!

And this is the mail box and Tessa and I tried to take out while learning to drive. It still has a little bit of a tilt to it!

We had some mighty good times as a young family.

Hope you have some good memories.

2011-08-04T21:41:00.001-07:00

SIBLINGS ARE THE BEST!

2011-08-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Siblings are the best! Tiff came and rescued Taylor at LDSBC last night, when at the end of a long school day he realized he had lost car keys and had no way to get home. Tiff rescued him just before she was leaving on a camping trip early the next morning BUT not to be outdone Tiff left without her fishing license and Taylor zipped up with it and rescued her! (I can hear you say fishing license and Tiff but yep - you heard right!) So nice to have siblings!!!

Tiff and Tay bonding last night at Cafe Rio - loved the pic they sent our way!

Would love it if all of ya would send pix my way!

Tiffany's Report Card - Exceeds Expectations!

2011-08-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Some of our grade schools had report cards that rated students according to the following scale:

Student:

1. performs below grade level

2. performs at grade level

3. EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Well, the EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS is what Tiff has been doing in her recruiting of students for the Provo Aveda Hair School. To perform at "grade level" is to have 20 new students every 10 -12 weeks BUT Tiffany consistently has numbers like this last July class - 60 students! Tiff's boss is so pleased that he gave her an $11,000 raise and is out looking for a new building. There isn't room in their present building for that many students! If you know anyone who is thinking about hair school send them Tiff's way. She'll tellem why Aveda is the best training for a career in the beauty industry.

There are FLORIDA GATORS everywhere!

2011-08-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are "Gators" that lurk everywhere not just in Florida. This is in our Wichita apt hallway- one of our neighbors is for the Florida orange and blue but we haven't figured out who it is! (Lovely sweatshirt from Brendan and Ally. Somebody always gives ya the alligator chop when u wear it no matter what city or state you are in.) Speaking of our Wichita apt, we started packing it up last weekend and will be out of by the end of August. We also move out of our Kansas City, Missouri apt this weekend - it will be SO VERY NICE to be residents in one city only - San Francisco. Too many places to set up and remember where we have what! Internship went well in Kansas City and Dad and I had fun driving to the old haunts in Blue Springs, MO.

Amusing Fashion Tip Shared by Tiffany

2011-07-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

Tiff is reading a fashion magazine. Tiff thinks the magazine shares a ridiculous idea for expanding your wardrobe if you are on a tight budget.
"Take a good look at your closet, and see if some of your simple cardigans and dresses would look cute worn backwards".
Magazine then shows a picture of Amamda Siegfried (Hollywood actress) wearing a dress backwards." Tiff thinks to self - I can't believe a serious fashion magazine is sharing an idea as LAME as this!

Next day Tiff is shopping, falls in love with the cutest top, wears it with its very fancy neckline and THEN realizes that she has been wearing the top backwards!
What - the fashion magazine was actually giving out some credible advice?

Look at the two pix of Tiff in her new top - frontwards and backwards. Not hard to tell which way is the cutest! Hmmmmm - maybe of us each should be checking our closets for the "new stylish backwards" look!

ONLY FIVE DAYS LEFT UNTIL ERIC.................

2011-07-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

5 days until Eric takes the Nevada Bar exam. Since law school graduation in May, Eric has been doing nothing but studying for the bar. Eric says he cannot wait to HAVE HIS LIFE BACK ON JULY 29th. Wish Eric the best!

Eric's Bar Review course - all set up for online lectures and studying.

Those are raindrops in the picture! It hadn't rained in Vegas since February and the one hour that we are on campus taking pictures a huge downpour starts! Unbelievable - we had to quit taking outdoor pix cuz it was raining so hard! What was up with that - Vegas, summer and the desert! Go figure.

Not near as cute a mascot as Albert the Alligator on UF's campus - a Rebel on UNLV's campus. (Eric calls him something else.)
.

Wanna see Skyler's fun summer schedule?

2011-07-17T11:28:00.001-07:00

I think Skyler and his mom and dad have been doing some pretty fun things this summer. Check out the activities below!

Mini golf pro!

Wave running at the beach

Who says you can't have fun on a rainy day?

Puddle Jumping

Watersledding

Hotel Waterpark

Wave riding!

Time for all of us to plan a Florida vacation!

Did you hear the latest on Tessa and Brighton?

2011-07-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Tessa was just called to be their ward Relief Society President. This lovely lady is expecting child #5 (7 months pregnant) and presently has four little kids 9 years and under. Doesn't that sound like a piece of cake? jkkkkkkkkking!
An awesome lady that Tessa Watson is and what a blessing to have such a supportive husband as Steve. Tessa and Steve will be an incredible Relief Society Team!

Brighton at 9 years of age just completed the entire Harry Potter series! She knows the books inside out and backwards - just ask her any question about any of the books and she can give you all the details of characters, action, plot etc. I had an amazing conversation with her the other night about the Potter gang. Talk to Brights about Harry!

Guess who returned from Mexico today?

2011-07-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Guess who returned from Culiacan, Mexico yesterday for the THIRD time? None other than that infamous Elder Taylor Fletcher! Taylor has been home three months from Mexico and has already made two trips back. This past weekend was a Mazatlan Stake Temple trip and 4 families that Taylor had shared the gospel with were in the temple to be sealed. Taylor was SO EXCITED to be with those families. I think the families were pretty pleased as well to have "Elder Fletchita" join them.

Friends in Mexico forever!

This was Taylor's first Homecoming from Mexico on March 29 in San Francisco.

However, Taylor was lucky enough to be first greeted by the Watson gang and Auntie Arnon in Phoenix, Arizona. Tessa and kids had snickers bars and hamburgers for Taylor and his missionary travelling companion. Phoenix was his connecting city to SFO.

Cave Creek Photo Contest

2011-07-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here is our favorite semi-finalist with some of his favorite subjects to photograph.

Steve had 2 pictures make it - an HDR photograph of Big Earl's, a local Cave Creek hamburger joint, and another in his series of self portraits.

Tonight the top awards were honored and we happen to be on a first name basis with the first place winner - Auntie Arnon!!! Congrats to both photographers on a job well done.

To the Canadian Relatives

2011-07-08T22:25:00.001-07:00

This is how we wear our sweaters in AZ :)

SKYLER - THANKS FOR THE PICTURE!

2011-07-07T18:59:00.001-07:00

We visited Brendan and Ally in Tampa and I was tending Skyler while his mom and dad were in church meetings. (Bren 1st counselor in Bishopric and Ally 1st counselor in Young Women) Skyler worked hard on this for me. THANX SKYLER FOR MY LOVELY PICTURE!

Skyler (3 years old) has been hanging at the beach with his mom and dad this summer and totally loving it! I have the pix on my phone to prove it - I just don't know how to get them off my phone and on to the blog.

Skyler is EVEN CUTER in real life - hard to believe but absolutely true!
Doesn't he have the most gorgeous hair?

The three lookalikes - Dadeo Brendan, Skyler & Grampa

Skyler preparing to drive off in Grampa's rental car. Ally tells me that Skyler thinks that the Tampa Airport is Grampa's house because that is where they go to pick up Grampa.

(Would anyone else agree that Grampa lives in airports?)

Hair is short, sassy and bleach blonde!

2011-07-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Does everyone know that Tiff is a short, sassy, bleach blonde these days? Really cute!! Just like all her other hair colors and styles have been. Tiffany and roommate Kelly

Tiff's classy business office at the Aveda Institute in Provo - drop in to say HEY anytime and take the tour. Tiff is in charge of admissions, marketing and has been an incredible salesperson for the school.

Lucky us! Another Fletcher birthday party!

2011-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Happy 27th Birthday Eric! Fun celebrating the grand occasion with ya in Vegas over the weekend. Thanks for taking time away from bar preparations so that we could shop, eat, talk, meet your friends etc. Loved the birthday weekend! Enjoy your special day today!

Doesn't look like it but the bike was in a wreck on the weekend- smunched up muffler. Without the muffler the bike sounds REALLY powerful! Thanks for taking Taylor and friends dirt biking with your friends- they LOVED it! (How random that Taylor and 3 friends decided to hit Vegas over the weekend as well - thanks for being such a great host to all of us!) Didn't even know that Eric owned such a dangerous vehicle!

Taylor, Eugene, Brace and Dan

Couldn't talk Eric into birthday cake - I thought it would have tasted good but Firehouse subs for lunch and dinner was what Eric wanted for his birthday. Are we surprised?

John, Lindsey, KB, Eric, Josh & Brett

Like that Canada flag at Eric's place Fun meeting and visiting with his young adult friends. Really liked the virtual trivia game they played - fun group game. Must ask Eric the name of the game again - I would recommend it for fun party times.

Celebrating with TWO BIRTHDAY BOYS!

2011-07-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

LUCKY US!

We were able to celebrate birthdays with both Brendan and Eric. Brendan's party was at a Brazilian Charuscaria in Tampa, Florida. For those of you who know - that means unlimited meat delivered to your table all evening long with a sumptuous salad bar as well. Bren thought a great way to celebrate his 30th!

Bren, Ally, Terri, Don and Ally's mom Priscilla - a great party group!

Skyler was pretty impressed with all of his dad's presents and did a good job of helping his Dad unwrap them all. Loved being able to be there for that Tampa, Florida birthday party!

Super Swim Team Swimmer Brighton

2011-07-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Super Swimmer Bennon

2011-07-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Super Swimmer Fletcher

2011-07-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Tessa takes pictures of the kids. I take pictures of...

2011-07-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest: I walked into the bedroom last night. Needed to go to bed. I turned around and what did I see right next to the door (I had just waked through)? I think it is a giant crab spider (wikipedia link). He looked a lot bigger all sprawled out on the wall. I hope the photos do him justice.

This is why I love living in the desert.

More pictures if after the jump.

Super Swimmer Ellis

2011-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

FIFTY FOUR YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS!

2011-06-22T20:34:00.001-07:00

June is the month that the three married "Fletcher" couples celebrate wedding anniversaries. FIFTY FOUR years of wedded bliss between all of us! WOW - impressive!

Don & Terri - 34 yrs (5 kids, ~7 grandkids) June 16
Tessa & Steve- 12 years (~ 5 kids) June 23

Bren & Ally - 8 yrs (~2 kids) June 7

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIX OF US!

Watson Museum

2011-06-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids after church Sunday standing in front of the "Watson Museum." If you look closely there are little tags identifying the items and the charge to use or touch or look at it. They made signs for the museum and put them up all over the house- front door, walls, exits and entrances, please come back, so on and so forth. It kept them quite busy for an afternoon. Pretty hot here these days so you gotta make your own indoor summer fun.

Snakes on a Plane (or in the living room)!

2011-06-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

Tessa found a snake in the house. That may be overstating things a bit. It was Southwestern Threadsnake. Little thing was cruising pretty fast side to side across the floor of the front room.

Kids were all in bed. Tessa and I were hanging out on the couch when it slithered our way. Tessa freaked out. She grabbed me a cup and we caught it. Enjoy.

Cute little bugger. Going to keep it in a jar tonight to show the kids, then let it go.

I was doing some work in the yard today, so maybe I disrupted its burrow and it wanted to come chat about the housing situation (wow, this economy seems to be affecting everyone). Wikipedia info here. Don't forget to click on the images to make them bigger ;)

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

To the BEST Mother/Grandmother EVER!!! We just wanted to take a second and tell the world about how much we love and appreciate our special mother and grandmother :) We are sorry we couldn't be there with you, but we hope you had a wonderful day!

Ten Reason's we LOVE our Mom/Grandma:

1. She reads me books - Skyler

2. She is an excellent student and a great role model - Ally

3. She always compliments you and makes you feel special - Brendan

4. She plays games with me! - Skyler

5. She has a beautiful spirit which she shares with other through her church service - Ally

6. She has the best surprises!!! - Brendan

7. I like it when grandma gives me hugs - Skyler

8. She is a great listener and wonderful friend! - Ally

9. She is a great example of living the Gospel - Brendan

10. She always sends me treats - Jack Bauer

(I think we can all agree with number 10)

P.S. Only having to come up with ten reasons was easy because the reasons to love mom/grandma are endless!

It's a...

2011-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

We had pink milkshakes to celebrate today. A baby girl will be joining our family on 9/10/11!

He's Baaa-aaaack

2011-03-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Guess who we got to see on his layover at the airport today? First, we amassed balloons and treats.

Then we waited, and waited and waited while Auntie Arnon shot pics.
Finally, Elder Fletcher and Hawkins found us. We'd been looking the wrong way.
We requainted Ellis and Uncle Taylor and fed the Elders ice cream snickers, airheads, McDonalds hamburgers and chocolate milk. If that doesn't say welcome to the US I don't know what would:)
Auntie Arnon who'd been playing photogapher finally made a shot. Thank goodness for her or we never would have found our car in that parking garage!

After a quick hour we sent him back on the plane to Mom and Dad to see what awaits him there. So good to have you back Taylor. Love you!!

Blank Canvas

2011-03-01T18:56:00.001-08:00

Why on earth would you bother with a coloring book when there is a perfectly good blank canvas right there on your face? Beats the walls, I suppose.

Skyler Update!

2011-01-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

We had Skyler's pictures taken last weekend ... something which was LONG overdue! We were surprised to see how cute the pictures turned out since he was rocking his best impression of, "I am a toddler, hear me ROAR!" I hope you guys enjoy :)

An Inappropriate Snowman

2011-01-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

The kindergarten classes have a monthly family project they send home for us to work on together and then we send it in to be displayed. This month it is a snowman. I sat Bennon down after school to work on it. Fletcher was watching over his shoulder and I heard him scoff that the snowman had no clothes on. Apparently, Ben decided to take it one step further. Over dinner I heard Fletcher say what about the green thing on your snowman and point down his pants. As I am saying the phrase I am really doing my best to not absolutely bust up laughing, "Ben, did you draw a p*nis on your school snowman? We do not draw p*nises on our snowmen. You need to draw him some green shorts to cover that up." Seriously, the things that you never imagined you would get to say as a parent! Tell me I'm not the only mother to have this type of conversation.

Partners in crime on their 6th birthday.

Welcome Vanilla Jean, Niki, Gurvey Giever & Firefighterbear!

2010-12-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you Brendan, Ally & Skyler! We LOVE our new Build a Bears. Here's how it went down. Bennon decided first which animal he wanted and handed the bear over to be stuffed.

All the kids looked and thought hard to choose just the right animal.

Fletcher with his floppy unstuffed dog waiting patiently.

Bennon making a wish on his heart before it goes in.

Rubbing the little cloth heart to warm it up before putting it inside.

Brighton and Fletcher amazed by the stuffing machine.

All the boys watching as Ellis dresses his bear in fire fighter clothes.

Tessa helping Brighton type up her birth certificate.

Ben chose video gaming pajamas for his bear.

Bennon is showing his bear how he looks in the dressing room mirror.

Brighton chose pink pajamas for her bear.

The lovely finished products. Brighton with Vanilla Jean, Bennon with Gurvey Giever, Fletcher wtih Niki and Ellis with (say it as one word really fast) Firefighterbear.

Thank you Fletchers. They had SO MUCH fun making their build a bears. We went on F & B's birthday as a special family fun trip and they just loved all of it! I think this was definitely their favorite Christmas present. The bears now go with us everywhere. Ellis has a spot on the armrest next to his car seat that he calls FFBear's car seat. We hope you get to come out and meet the 4 newest members of the family soon. We love you.

Merry Christmas!

PS We were so excited to get out the door we forgot the real camera but the Iphone came to the rescue. They're not super quality but we wanted you to see the awesome experience as it happened.

Are you Smarter than a 3rd Grader?

2010-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Arnon asked if the scorpion had scared me away from my own blog and updating. No, but I am still having camera issues and a non-stop fun December. So, for Auntie Arnon here is an update.

I volunteer over at the school in the 3rd grade and kindergarten classrooms. This week when I walked into Brighton's class her teacher said, "Oh great you can go over to the math center and help the kids with the activity. The wording can be a little tricky." Red flags went up in my head, tricky and math? We were off to a bad start. What else to do though? I jumped in and did pretty well until question number 4. Using the table above see if you can answer this question.

4. Color squares in your multiplication table. Color 1 in the first and last row of products and 2 in every other row to form diagonal pairs of equal products. Write the factors of each product you color. What pattern do you notice?

What...? I didn't even know where to start. I asked the teacher. I'm not so sure she understood it either and after she finished "explaining" it to the kids and left I asked them if they got it now. They (the advanced math group) looked at me quizzically and said, "Nope!" We skipped #4 on the remaining groups.

So, any math genius' that read this blog want to leave me a comment with some insight? Apparently, I have reached the threshold of my math skills and topped out in 3rd grade:) Oh and I should add that Brighton's teacher is excellent and generally good at explaining things so I think it was a poorly worded question. What say you?

I thought about waiting...

2010-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

I thought about posting this after our guests have come and gone after Thanksgiving, but it might be something to which they can look forward.

We have found several dead scorpions in our pool. We know they are around. Outside, the other day, I saw a pretty big one (like maybe the biggest I have ever seen - couldn't catch it - it was too fast - and I won't tell you where it ran away to).

Well, last night I found the first scorpion inside the house. He was at the base of the stairs by the front door. Good thing I didn't step on him. Here he is in all his glory. I will have to start placing a ruler in the pictures of all the critters we photograph. Coincidentally, it is the same jar we had Tessa's centipede in.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2010-11-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a little song from Skyler ... Sorry it is a little late :)

We love Grandma and we are sorry we couldn't spend the special day with you! We can't wait to see you in December and celebrate (with a special treat we will have waiting here for you)!

Side Note: To get Skyler to say happy birthday to Grandma was a challenge because he has been running around the house singing Happy Birthday to himself for the last couple of weeks. He is so excited about his birthday and keeps asking every day : "is it my birthday Mommy?"

He talks about having a party and apparently he is inviting everyone we meet because he keeps saying, " ____ is coming to my birthday party."

Happy Birthday Mama!

2010-11-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Mama that I love sooo much! Thank you for listening to me and always being so excited for my life! Being able to chat with you sure makes my commutes back and forth from work most enjoyable. Hope you have a special day! Love you Mama:)

I heard a shriek and...

2010-11-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

Tessa and I had been sitting outside talking and hanging out. We moved into the kitchen, where I was eating the kids halloween candy. Across the kitchen Tessa screamed and jumped. This little guy (5 inches long) was crawling up the inside of her pant leg. Here is what he looked like before the poor visitor had to go away... far away. Make sure to click for a bigger picture ;) You can find out more about centipedes here.

Eric's Halloween Costume w roommates too!

2010-11-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey - I still love to see what my kids create each year for their Halloween costumes.

Don't you just love Eric's Buzz Light Year ensemble complete with snowboard for props?

(Eric - remember how much you liked your Buzz Lightyear figure/doll when Toy Story I came out?)

Thanks Eric for sending pix my way and once again thanks to Watsons too for their wonderful family Halloween pix too!

For Grandma!

2010-10-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the requested pictures, Grandma. Glad you asked for them. We were so busy chasing kids (brought our neighbors too) that we wouldn't have remembered if you hadn't asked.

The kids decorated the trunk all by themselves for the trunk or treat. You can kind of see it in the background as Ellis is doing his best to climb in there and get some more candy.

Also, lest you think my costume boring, I did have striped tights. You just can't see them in the other picture. And here is Ellis trying to climb again. He tucked his duck costume in to bed with him tonight. He LOVES it.

My Letter to Station #49

2010-10-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

To the Firefighter Heroes at Station #49,

This morning I buckled my 2 year old in his car seat and then inadvertently locked my only car keys in with him. I so much appreciate your kind and prompt attention to the matter.

What was initially a VERY stressful situation for us was handled so quickly, efficiently and patiently. We are all recovered now thanks to your expertise. It makes us feel safe and sound knowing you are just a phone call away in our community. Keep up the great work and thank you so very much!

Sincerely,

Tessa & Ellis

Great way to start your Monday morning, eh? Once we had been rescued I took the single key and drove to the Honda dealership and happily dropped $236 on 2 spares.

He Likes to Help with the Decorating

2010-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

At breakfast this morning I reminded Brighton she is having a new friend over after school to play. She had forgotten and was concerned her room wasn't clean enough. She looked so worried I said I'd help her out. As I was upstairs (with a shovel:) cleaning I thought well, I might as well do all the rooms while I'm up here. I could hear Ellis downstairs puttering around but didn't check on him since he was happy. A little time went by and I carried a basket of stuff down to put away. This is what I found. He decided that it would be a great idea to TP all around the kitchen table and chairs, the living room, shred a roll for good measure then scatter the pieces. He left no room untouched and used every roll for underneath the guest bath sink. After that he moved onto scattering wipes one by one, stripping the couch and tossing the basket of markers. He is thorough when he helps out with the decorating. And he is very proud of himself. Can you hear him saying cheese for the camera?

PS That's why the lack of posts. My camera is broken but I got out one of Steve's 500 lb ones, switched it on to auto and got a shot. Aren't posts more fun with pics?

Notice anything different about Eric?

2010-09-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Can you pinpoint the diff?
It is a $4000.00 difference and Eric is most pleased & even paid for it himself!
Hint! Hint! Ya just gotta luv that smile!
(For a cute story, ask Eric why it didn't happen when he was a teenager.)

Old Eric pix

Gotta love these perks working in the hair industry!

2010-08-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Gotta love those perks working in the hair industry!
I can do fun things like this because I work for Aveda and one of the requirements of my job is a hair appointment every 6 weeks. It never gets expensive for me cuz Aveda covers all my hair costs. Now how fun is that!

Tiffany

What's your favorite - blonde or brunette? Ideas for the next apppointment?

Move Day for Skyler Fletcher!

2010-08-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

It was soo cute this summer when Bren and Ally moved. They had Skyler well prepared for the relocation- drove him over to their new place a few times before they moved, talked alot about the move and on the day of the move, one of the first things to be moved over was Skyler's little kitchen set along with their adult kitchen stuff. As Ally and her mom were unpacking things for the "big people" kitchen , Skyler was setting up his kitchen in his new playroom. Such smart parents - won't be a traumatic adjustment for Mr. Skyler at all! Their new home is absolutely beautiful!

SOS, Tiffany!

2010-08-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Tiffany,

We need help. This kid's hair is out of control but I don't know how to cut it. I want you to do it again. I know his crazy curls grow fast but will you please come back for a visit and trim it up? You're so good at making him look like a boy but leaving some curls on. He's a hot sweaty mess and has taken to asking for ponytails. I think it's a sign; it's time for a Tiffany haircut!

Love, Tessa and Ellis

Heard in the van today...

2010-08-14T16:10:00.001-07:00

Brighton: "Fletcher, stop kicking the back of my seat!"

Fletcher (very innocently and calmly): "I'm not kicking the back of your seat, I'm punching it."

How do you argue with that? There was just a hint of laughter in our voices as we told him to cut it out:) He is quite the little character. I hope his kindergarten teacher is ready for him Monday.

The Latest from Los Mochis, Mexico

2010-08-05T22:03:00.001-07:00

The latest pix from Elder Fletcher:
What's your guess on the animal that rubbed up against Taylor's leg? Last week it was a turtle, this week it was a ...................................................................................?

1. Elder Tovar and I were hitch hiking again and got in the back of a truck and realized we had a friend with us, haha. ( Like last week when we were in back of the truck when something touched my leg and scared me and i found out it was a turtle, haha.)

2. Here we are Friday night because Elder Luna had his Birthday so we bought him ice cream and stuff.

3. We ate at Carls Jr after we played soccer and that was good today.

4. A neat thing about Los Mochis is that we can drink tap water in this city - the first city so far on my mission. Pretty cool eh?

Skyler swimming age 2

2010-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the amazing video clips of Skyler's 2 year old swimming expertise.

Great Visit with the Forida Fletchers!

2010-07-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

We had such a great visit last week in Florida with Brendan, Ally, Skyler and Patty Mitchell. We were able to witness first hand the TRULY AMAZING SKYLER swimming so well at only 2 years of age, see their beautiful new rental, take a quick trip to the Orlando Temple and just enjoy hanging out and visiting with them and Ally's family too. (Ally's whole family treats us sooo well - some great Patty and Priscilla recipes that we were able to glut ourselves on. Yummy!)
It was a great visit and when I can get it figured out I will load some more amazing swim videos of Skyler on the blogsite. In the mean time enjoy these pix of our fun visit.

FINALIST!

2010-07-09T19:32:00.001-07:00

I would like to take this opportunity to brag on my husband. He decided to enter his first photography competition at the Cave Creek Film & Arts Festival. The old pro, Aunt Arnon, and he were both selected as semi-finalists which was very exciting. Today we went up to see their work and the exhibition and it was announced that he was one of three finalists! First of all that is quite an honor and second of all there is a very handsome prize :) What do you think? Does he have a chance at 1st prize? If you ask me, his lovely wife, he should win, hands down.

Happy Birthday Eric Fletcher! July 7, 1984

2010-07-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Eric Fletcher is having his 26th Birthday today. As well as being a HANDSOME DUDE ERIC IS:

A Loving Grandson!

An attentive Uncle!

Ellis and ERIC

ERIC, Brendan & Skyler

A super sibling!

ERIC, Tiff and Tess

Taylor, Brendan & ERIC

A Commited Missionary!

An awesome soccer player!

A wonderful Son!

An attentive host - go visit him in Las Vegas!

A diligent Sunday School President!

A dedicated Law Student!

A crazy brother in law!

Ally, Tiff & ERIC

Steve & ERIC

May your 26th year be the best year yet! U R SO LOVED!! Happy Birthday Eric!

Yep, Got Home at 3 am last night...

2010-06-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Amanda, throws the most awesome parties, period. When an awesome party thrower is also a fanatical Twilight fan though you really get a good time. The Eclipse party may have topped her New Moon of last year but it's hard to say. The details were incredible. These pictures don't even do it justice and the life size cut outs of characters, hilarious:) So we partied playing Twilight Cranium and eating until it was time to head over for the midnight showing. Yes, it was us and the 13 year olds. Such a fun time ladies, thanks!

Skyler Swim Updates

2010-06-25T20:48:00.001-07:00

The last day of swim classes came soooo fast this year. Skyler is such a good swimmer and we are so PROUD of him. Here are some videos from today. We will try to get some better footage this weekend. It really is amazing to see.

This is a video of him floating across the pool:

This is a video of him swimming for the stairs:

This is a video of him piecing together his swim/float sequence:

Happy Father's Day to Brendan!

2010-06-25T20:47:00.001-07:00

I had wanted to top off Brendan's Father's Day with a blog all about him, but then life happened! Better late then never, so here I go!

To Brendan ... A truly AWESOME father!!!

You are the best Daddy, because: (these are not ordered by importance, because every number is as important to making you amazing as the next)

1. You totally shared nighttime feedings (which is a double bonus because you bonded with your son, and while doing so, made a very happy wife).

2. You taught your son all about the "Rays!" We all knew it was coming, but who knew it would be upon us soooo soon. Our soon begging to go to the Ray's Games! Favorite quotes about the Rays :

Skyler sees a cup in the car with the Rays logo on it : "Mommy that's Daddy's cup." "What cup Skyler?" "The Rays cup, it's Daddy's."

Skyler was grumpy and had not taken an appropriate nap. Brendan got free tickets to the baseball game and wanted to take us. Mommy was sure Skyler would not make it through the game, but after some popcorn and peanuts, we made it through the game. As we are walking back to our car at 10pm, Skyler says : "Mommy, I went to the Rays Game." "You did?!" "Yes, I want to go to another one."

3. It is apparent that you guys have a connection through sports, which would come as no surprise to most! Your son knows the names of a football and a baseball. More importantly he knows the difference between the UF Gators and the Rays!

4. You take off work early on occasion to spend special time with Skyler at the park. I know how much he cherishes those moments because he always comes home telling me, "Mommy, I went to the park with Daddy!!! I had nuggets and fries!" Even weeks later, he will randomly tell me.

5. You take Skyler to school in the morning. More then just driving him to school, you take time to talk to him! This will set the stage for many important life conversations in the future.

6. You made it to almost all of his swim lessons (A.M. doctor depos aside), which showed Skyler that he has his father's support. The small cheers by the side of the pool were special to him, which was clear every time he looked up at you from the water.

7. You help me get Skyler going on Sunday mornings before church meetings. And you offer support to us at church, even if you can't sit with us.

8. You are a righteous priesthood holder who has been able to bless our family through the priesthood in soooooo many ways, that it is impossible to count.

9. Because you are a righteous priesthood holder, you have been able to give Skyler blessings, especially when he was soooo sick.

10. You are an AMAZING partner in marriage, which shows Skyler how to be a great husband.

11. You are a perfect example to Skyler on how to be a great father.

12. You work soooo hard every day at your job and in your church calling to provide for our family!

13. You do more then your share of household chores, setting an example for Skyler.

14. You play with Skyler in a way that helps him understand how to be patient! He loves the moments you take to build blocks with him. "I play with Daddy!"

"To The BEST DADDY EVER" ------- Direct quote from Skyler

My Latest - "Redken Sanctuary Shot Night"

2010-06-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

"Redken Chemistry Shot Night" was a a big promo event at my salon that I coordinated and hosted this past Friday! I spent weeks planning and needless to say, I was a bit nervous for its outcome. But after all was said and done, it was a great sucess! Thought I'd share some pics from the event.

Two sons that are great missionaries!

2010-06-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Eric is baptizing in Nevada and Elder Taylor in Mexico. Mckenzie was a snowboard customer of Eric's and while selling snowboards religion came up and ........now you can see the rest of the story in the picture below.
Elder Taylor and one of the many baptisms he has been a part of in Mazatlan . Taylor said this in one of his letters - "It is really something amazing to teach someone and watch them change before your eyes. They really change!"

Thumbs up for missionary work Elders' Fletcher!

Snew Flavey

2010-06-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

The kids were brainstorming with Grandma China (Steve's mom) and decided to open the Watson resturant when they grow up. They said since there is 4 of them they will serve 4 things. They offered a job to their parents but we told them we'd rather eat there than work. Fletch told me his original recipe. It is called Snew Flavey and he repeated the recipe multiple times with exactness.

Snew flavey

milk

cheese

a tomato (his favorite food)

banana crumbs

2 cups water

put in the fridge for 2 hours

Any takers?

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-07T00:09:00.000-07:00

We are starting anniversary month in our family. Here are the wedding pics from last year's post. Here are some pictures and favorite quotes from this year.

June 7, 2003 for Brendan and Allyson “Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.” Gordon B. Hinckley
June 16, 1977 for Don and Terri “Happiness in marriage and parenthood can exceed a thousand times any other happiness.” James E. Faust

June 23, 1999 for Steve and Tessa “A happy marriage is a long conversation, which always seems too short.” Andre Maurois

And this is not in the inspirational quote category but is funny :) "Marriage means commitment. Of course, so does insanity." ~Author Unknown

First Swims of the Season

2010-06-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

It's warming up and we're enjoying the pool. Here is Ellis' new puddle jumper float if anyone is in the market for a great floatie.

Here he is practicing his bubbles so he can be a big boy swimmer.

The boys had some friends from the ward over to play. How fun is it to have 5 year old twin boys to play with my 5 year old twin boys?

Brighton mid amazing flip.

All swimming ends with a nice warm bath!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

2010-05-30T22:09:00.001-07:00

Random Friend Pics

2010-05-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

My kids are such neat people and live in such fun places!

2010-05-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

Lucky me! Returning to San Francisco from Kansas, Dad arranged it so that I had brief layovers in Phoenix and Salt Lake. I was able to share yummy birthday cake with Steve and the Watson gang in Phoenix and then tour Tiff's new apartment and the Aveda Hair Institute in Provo where Tiffany is the new Retail Lead for the school. Such fun visits!
Party Time! Both Grammas were able to celebrate with Steve - Steve's mom Margaret with the Watsons.

Sooooooo cute cuz Tessa always dresses the 3 boys alike!

Tiff the Retail Lead at the Aveda Hair Institute. Let Tiffy take you for a tour - cool school.

Staff and students that Tiffany leads and organizes and mitigates and strives to keep all on task!

New apartment and bed and bedding - very pretty! (Do you get the feeling that Tiffany likes black - a necessity she says for the hair industry.)

My next planned stops for subsequent flights are Las Vegas and Tampa. Eric , Bren, Ally & Skyler- get ready for a whirlwind visit! (Too bad I can't slip in a visit to Mexico to see "Elder Fletcher" as well.)

I just love visiting the kids and grandkids wherever they are!

Tiff has been bitten bad by the RUNNING BUG!

2010-05-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Tiff has avoided it in the past but it has finally caught up with her - that very contagious RUNNING BUG that has frequently affected other Fletcher family members. Tiff ran her first 5K race (3 miles) and is now registered for a 10K race (6 miles) in June with a focus of a 1/2 Marathon in September. WOW - that girl has a full blown case of the running disease!
(We all gotta plan on a race together - family and friends!)

Along with 18,000 others, Tiffany "Ran for the Cure" in Salt Lake City. So neat she said to be part of all the excitement of that run!

Good News? Bad News? I can't decide.

2010-05-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

So after owning my treadmill for 3 years I figured out today that the incline works. Does that make me obligated to run uphill?

PS It was a 2nd hand craigslist find without a manual lest you think I don't know how to read :)

Our 35 favorites about our favorite 35 year old!

2010-05-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

1. He combs my hair soft.

2. He's a good cook.

3. He works hard for our family.

4. He's funny.

5. He's good looking. (Yeah, Mom said that one.)

6. He likes to go places and try new things.

7. He's a fun Daddy.

8. He makes pancakes.

9. He's kind and loving.

10. He can wiggle his ears and make us laugh.

11. He teaches us magic tricks.

12. He teaches us tricks we can do with our tongues.

13. When Mom goes places he makes breakfast and food.

14. He's sympathetic and tender when the kids have owies. (Mom not so much:)

15. He's my best friend.

16. I like to swim with him in the pool.

17. I like to watch him work in the garage.

18. He goes to work.

19. He helps us make stuff.

20. He's always ready to go get a hamburger.

21. We do jokes with him sometimes.

22. Sometimes he acts funny with us.

23. Sometimes he gives us silly names and we give him one.

24. We do puzzles and games with him.

25. Sometimes he know what clothes are ours to get dressed.

26. He watches movies with us.

27. He's the best bathtub scrubber.

28. He goes trick or treating with us.

29. He takes care of us when Mom goes on vacation.

30. He takes really good pictures.

31. He's good at Easter egg hunts.

32. He's a great thrifter.

33. He's fun.

34. He's fun to play soccer with.

35. I love him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!!

Favorite Mother's Day Present

2010-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Steve spoke in church yesterday and as an opener to his talk he asked the kids to tell him what things Mom does for them. He then read the list making the point that he did not guide any of the answers. It was what they came up with alone. Here's the list.

Fletch Ben and Brighton say about mom:

She gets the prize bag down when I cant reach.

She lays out my clothes.

She turns on the computer for me when I want to play pbskids.

She makes cinnamon sprinkle toast when we are being too late.

She makes jam toast because I don’t know how to make it.

Sometimes she lets us watch TV.

She pours water over our hair for us when we are in the bath when we have shampoo in our hair.

She spreads soap around our hair for us when I missed a spot this morning.

She lets us find work jobs for us to do around the house.

She told me where to find some swim trunks are, because the ones I had were to big.

She lets us know when there is danger.

Sometimes she lets us walk on the jogs.

She also lets us look at the computer with her.

She plays games with us sometimes actually sometimes all the time.

She tells us when pre-school is going to start.

She drives us to preschool.

She lets us have snacks and drinks on jogs.

She rolls up my pants.

She takes me to the store.

She takes me on mommy daughter dates.

She got that bird out of the house with a broom.

Helps us when we get scared.

She helps us with the heating pad when our legs hurt.

She’s not selfish. She helps others. She gives presents for baby showers and stuff.

Sometimes she lets us help her.

A lot of times she makes dinner when dad doesn’t feel like making it.

She tucks us in at night.

She lets me unload the dishwasher, and load it one time.

She helps us clean our room, and sometimes cleans it by herself.

She is kind and loving because she… helps us out when we are hurt.

Sometimes she lets us know if we can’t go anywhere.

She tells good jokes sometimes.

She tells me what’s after a number.

She gets me a pair of flipflops when I can’t find them.

Happy Mother's Day to some wonderful mothers and "other mothers" that I know!

2010-05-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to be surrounded by many mothers - my own mother who still continues to "mother" not only me but also my kids and their kids - what an awesome Gramma and Great Gramma she is.

I just loved this quote about mothers and daughters given by Elder Ballard at last General Conference. He has captured exactly how I feel about my daughters Tess and Tiff and Ally.

Daughters, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches.

Isn't that beautiful and so true about us mothers?

Ally and Tessa as well are such incredible examples of how to love and nurture - I wanna be like them when I grow up!

Aunt Tiffy also loves to be around her niece and nephews - aren't all of us lucky to have so many "other mothers" who bless our lives?

Please vote for two.

2010-05-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

I have three images. I need to narrow them down to two. Please vote for two (and only two) in the poll at the right. Consider leaving a more detailed opinion in the comments section.

Just like Mom and Grandma

2010-05-02T21:53:00.001-07:00

So this week I had one of those moments that all mothers dread. I was waiting at the corner for Brighton's bus as usual. I watched all the kids get off as usual. I waited expectantly, no Brighton. The door shut, no Brighton. The bus started going, no Brighton. I rushed over to the moving bus, rapped on the door till it opened, marched up the stairs and shouted BRIGHTON, BRIGHTON, BRIGHTON! My mind was racing, call the police or the school first?

Suddenly, up poked a sheepish head. She had been so immersed in her book she had missed her stop. Her friends finally pointed out there was some lady at the front yelling. Poor Newman, the bus driver, was pretty sure I was insane jumping on his moving bus screaming but I was so relieved I didn't care.

I can't fault her too much though. She gets that from me and I got it from my Mom. A good book just transports you to another world and it's easy to forget about real life. I did let her know though that my nerves couldn't take it and she'd need to pay attention to her bus stop from now on. So far so good:)

Sorry that I couldn't be there but I hope that it was the best - Happy Baptism Birthday Brighton!

2010-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Look what Elder Taylor Fletcher sent for Brighton's Birthday and Baptism. Taylor was sad that he had to miss the occasion but knew Brighton would understand why he wasn't there. (Taylor did ask to have lots of pix sent his way however.) It was cool to have Steve mention Elder Fletcher in his baptism talk.

Brighton was excited about her baptism, just like this little guy was that Taylor baptized in Mexico.

Lucky Taylor has been able to attend all sorts of baptisms in Mexico! He likes baptisms and he would have loved Brighton's too!

Vegetable Temple

2010-04-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

So the boys were helping me carry in groceries and canned beans and corn were on sale. When I came into the kitchen the boys said they were building a vegetable temple. Their words not mine:)

Kids and Grandkids are SO FUN!

2010-04-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

You know what fun thing Dad and I were able to do this month in a two week period? We were able to see ALL THE KIDS AND GRANDKIDS (minus Taylor of course) and what a treat!

We were able to spend Easter Sunday with Bren, Ally and Skyler - it was cool to see how Skyler loved his "Resurrection Easter Basket" just as much as he loved his Easter candy basket. (Everybody's gotta get one of those - a really neat way to tell the Easter story at home or in a Primary class.)

Brighton was baptized this month, and all were invited for the special event in Phoenix. Neat to be there for it and to be able to visit with our Livingstone family as well!

Don't you love all those zebra prints? (It was Jessica Livingstone LeClerc who started all that striped fun! )

Thank you so much Eric and Tiffany for making the trip from Salt Lake and Vegas - we love it when you are there for these family functions.

Thank you Brendan and Ally and Tessa and Steve for welcoming us into your homes - we love coming to visit and and look so forward to the next times. We love you all so much!

So Behind But...

2010-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

So behind but I (read Steve) got the pictures hung in the front room. Here is the proof. Stay tuned for Ellis' birthday, Bri's baptism, family visit, Easter, a vegetable temple, good times.

Wanna do a 1/2 Marathon with me?

2010-03-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dad said such nice things about my race and I will just add that that 10K race is part of my preparation for the 1/2 Marathon that I wanna do. Anyone wanna do one with me?

I thought the race route was gonna be pretty flat and only the night before realized that there were BIG HILLS and a sandy beach part that I would have to run. ( I know I know - what was I thinking considering that I live in San Francisco.)

Despite the obstacles, I kept up a 14 minute mile pace and that was even stopping to dump sand out of my shoes after the beach run. (Whew - needed that break anyway!) It was such a gorgeous day running up to the Bridge and then along the beautiful cliffs. (Be sure and notice how far down the cliff Baker Beach is - see those little bitsy people in the photo? )

You know what though -I really should find a 1/2 Marathon to do in Wichita - I don't think a person could even FIND a hill to include in that race!

My time crossing the finish line.

Dad was a wonderful cheerleader and rode his bike for part of the course - next race Dad said he is gonna do some running as well!

Terri Still Setting New Records!

2010-03-30T11:26:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday my amazing wife tackled a 10K that was no easy feat. She ran in a race that started on the San Francisco Bay, ran up to the Golden Gate bridge, down to Baker Beach on the Pacific side, along the sandy beach, then U turned to return back to the starting point. 6.2 miles is long enough but throw in the hills and beach run - the thought is enough to give me another heart attack!!! After all these years she continues to amaze me.

Blue Cast, Pink Shoes, Rainbow Fingers

2010-03-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ellis in all his blue cast splendor. We've yet to get him to hold still and let us sign it.
Brighton had to have lace up shoes for field day. Pink, sparkly lace ups it was.

The boys got to make molds of their hands at Dr. Fink's dental office for a field trip. They brought them home and painted them into works of art.

Aunt Arnon added one more for the Birthday Guy!

2010-03-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Aunt Arnon says to include this about the birthday boy -
"Brendan is an "outstanding nephew and cool cousin!"
(Ya gotta have an outstanding uncle and aunt to be a cool nephew and cousin - waytago Aunt Arnon and Uncle Terry! )

Brendan's Birthday Tribute March 1981 - March 2010

2010-03-19T20:51:00.001-07:00

Happy 29th Birthday "Brendan Bateman Fletcher"! Because of Dad's 'adventures" right around your birthday, this birthday message is 16 days late but still want you to know how much you are loved and wished the best on your special day!
Now scroll through all the roles that wonderful Brendan fills so ably - he is quite a guy!

A LOVING HUSBAND TO ALLY - THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE!

AN INVOLVED AND EXCITED DAD TO SKYLER.

A SUPPORTIVE SON & GRANDSON TO HIS MOM & GRAMMA AND GRAMPA BATEMAN

A THOUGHTFUL SON AND SON IN LAW TO DON FLETCHER & DAN MITCHELL.

AN ATTENTIVE SON IN LAW AND BROTHER IN LAW TO THE WHOLE MITCHELL FAMILY.

A PLAYFUL UNCLE - BREN'S 28TH BRITHDAY PARTY IN PHOENIX, MARCH 2008.

A FUN LOVING BROTHER TO HIS FOUR SIBLINGS

A DEDICATED COUNSELOR IN TWO BISHOPRICS IN HIS TAMPA, FLORIDA WARD.

A CAPABLE AND RELIABLE ATTORNEY FOR BAR, MURMAN AND TONELLI, A TAMPA LAW FIRM

YOU ARE SO LOVED BY SO MANY BRENDAN BATEMAN FLETCHER.

MAY YOUR 29TH YEAR BE AS WONDERFUL AS YOU ARE!

MUM

Bet ya won't believe it - but it's 100% TRUE!

2010-03-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

When we arrived in Vegas to visit Eric, we all were hungry and Eric suggested a restaurant that he really likes. Notice the name of the place - JAPANESE SUSHI!! Who would have thought that Eric (the lover of ramen noodles and grilled cheese sandwiches only) would one day grow up and enjoy SUSHI!! (It really was delicious Eric - thanks for the recommendation.)

Eric's roomies have a big screen TV and guess what game his aprtment gets to watch over and over again - the Olympic Gold Canada vs US hockey game! Way to go TEAM CANADA - what a great game!

Eric's Soccer Adventures in Vegas!

2010-03-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just sent this link from Eric - check it out quick cuz it won't be there for long!
MUM

Thought you might get a kick out of this - in the intramural soccer playoffs - the 2 law school teams met and played each other.
Eric
http://unlv.recsportal.net/imsports/teamsports/indoorsoccer/652-boyd-triumphs-over-boyd-q2q-with-overtime-goal.html

Eric has soccer games 5 nights a week and when Dad and I were in Vegas this month, we sure enjoyed watching him play again. We have loved our boys' soccer games - Eric just keeps getting better and better!

Is it only Tuesday?

2010-03-17T00:30:00.001-07:00

So far this week:

-Brighton started at her new school. She was very nervous but success! she loves it and has 5 new friends.

-Met with the pool fence guy it will be up Thurs/Fri yay!!!

-Closed on the house today and Steve started scrubbing.

-Tessa's packing like mad over here.

-This evening Ellis fell off the bed and broke his radius and ulna (He's doing well but keeps trying to rip off his splint. Any tips, anyone?)

And it's only Tuesday. This will not be a boring spring break, I think.

P.S. Party at our house with a moving truck Saturday 9am, come one, come all. I will provide donuts:)

P.P.S. They measured him for his splint - it's 6 inches - so sad but cute.

P.P.P.S. The PCH Satellite Office across the street is great if anyone's in the market for an after hours place. We zipped in and out in no time, plus they were nice and gave E a toy.

31 Years (Total) Experience

2010-03-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Our good friend in the ward Carly has been on bed rest since October with a complicated twin pregnancy. She's doing an amazing job of growing those babies and we bring a little treat to help her celebrate each Wednesday when another week goes by. This week was 31 and we colored her a poster of the 31 things we have learned in the (combined) 31 years we have been parents and children together.

Steve – 7 Years As a Dad

1.Always put on a diaper right after they get out of the bath

2. Disney is O.K. especially on Sunday afternoon (parent naptime.)

3. It gets easier after a couple years.

4. When you see your kids born – it’s ALL worth it.

5. Accept help.

6. Spencer doesn’t know what’s going on either. It’s his 1^st time too (go easy on him.)

7. Don’t worry.

Bennon – 5 Years As a Son

8. Give the babies some drinks of milk.

9. Give them big hugs and kisses before they go to sleep.

10. Sing them a song.

11. Put pacifiers in their mouths and read them books.

12. Give them treats.

Fletcher – 5 Years As a Son

13. Feed them baby food.

14. Take them on a long car ride when they won’t go to sleep or turn on a humidifier (our kids like white noise.)

15. Brush their teeth.

16. If they’re being naughty get out their toys and distract them.

17. Don’t put the groceries on the babies when you go shopping.

Brighton – 7 years as a Daughter

18. Put them to bed early so you can get as much rest as you can.

19. Be very gentle.

20. Make sure not to drop anything on them or sit on them.

21. Take off the babies’ diapers in the bathroom for baths or you will have to clean the carpet a long time.

22. If you take them to the zoo, don’t let them stick their hand in the bars.

23. Give you kids treats after they eat their healthy food.

24. If you get them a fish don’t let them touch it.

Tessa – 7 Years as a Mom

25. Strollers are a girl’s BEST friend.

26. Having twins can make you an even better athlete and a hot mama!

27. Remember to give yourself time; muscle atrophy is real. It’s hard to not want to hit the ground running when you finally can but rest and recover.

28. 2^nd best friend? Baby swings on the highest setting – it’s the most soothing.

29. There may be days you wonder why you signed up for this but there will be more days you wonder how you enjoyed life before this.

30. Motherhood is all consuming but remember marriage came first. Together you and Spencer can do anything.

31. Listen to all advice politely and then promptly do whatever works best for you :)

P.S. Ellis also has a year's experience to contribute to this but unfortunately he doesn't speak English yet so we just let him color.

P.P.S. We can add to #2 an Iphone is almost as good as Disney movies (see picture.)

Taylor's Birthday Wishes for Brendan

2010-03-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

So last week our district meeting got moved to Tuesday so i didnt have time to write on the board for your b day, but here it is.
Hope you had a great B day and that Skyler and Bauer and Ally made it special for you!

Love,
Elder Taylor Donald Fletcher

Happy Birthday Brendan!

2010-03-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BRENDAN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

We love you and miss you and hope it is a great birthday and your

family spoils you rotten.

Lots of love, Watsons

PS Did you get your present? Your original from the 80's glow worm?

http://www.liketotally80s.com/80s-toys.html

Brothers

2010-03-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

Lovin My New Age Bracket

2010-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

You are looking at the 5th, 6th, and 7th place finishers in our age brackets for the 10K we ran this morning. I hadn't done an event since I hit my 30's and I'm liking this new bracket. I think I'll keep running. The competition in the 80 yrs+ is something to strive for. Oh and Leah would like me to mention that she spilled a cup of water down her shirt. That's not sweat. And I would like to mention that she is 21 weeks pregnant! You really aren't allowed to slow down when a girl that pregnant is running that fast! Way to go Leah, Susan, me and Kassie!