Week 34

These kiddos sure keep life fun, busy, and constant.

Hunter earned a spot in the “100 Club” for receiving “Playa Pride” tickets. I even received a phone call from the school to share the news with me! We’re so proud of our little man—he’s shining bright solo at his elementary school.

The girls sported their “J.Starr shirts” for “twins” day at school. Meanwhile, Emma has been practicing the “worm” for her upcoming school dance. I love how she never takes herself too seriously.

When Hannah Bear is feeling a bit anxious, she’s good about going on walks with me. The physical movement paired with good life chats always seems to help. Hannah also loves a good monsoon storm.

The girls experienced their 1st Junior High Dance!

Friday was spent with Chase—we had an interesting lunch at “Urban Fraiche Restaurant,” followed by a productive work session. The weekend was filled with basketball, pool time, brunch at “Snooze” in downtown Gilbert,

and Hunter playing poker with his favorite buddy.

Week 33

One afternoon, while on a sales call, I looked down and realized my diamond was missing. My heart sank. I searched frantically—still managing to book the client—but no luck. To make matters worse, our house had just been deep cleaned, and I feared it had been swept away by the vacuum.

After hours of searching, I left to pick up the kids. While chatting with Hunter about his laundry, he asked, “Mom, did you look in the dirty clothes hamper?” Instantly, I felt a strong sense of calm. Sure enough, when I got home and dumped the clothes on the bed, there it was—my diamond.

The joy was indescribable. It isn’t the monetary value that makes it so special, but the sentimental one. Finding it felt like the luckiest moment—truly a diamond in the rough.

Starbucks runs for my after-school crew.

Lunch with April at ChopShop.

Attended the MJHS PTSO meeting

Thankfully, both girls were accepted into the Student Council.

Dad came up—apparently for a manicure, pancakes, and to watch

Hunter’s (and Justin’s) basketball game.

I picked up the kids from Mom and Dad’s a little earlier on Sunday so I could take Mom shopping and out to lunch. She doesn’t come up as often as she used to because of her lupus, so we sneak in an outing anytime she’s feeling well enough. We browsed Dollar Tree and then grabbed lunch at Barro’s.

Meanwhile, Justin reassembled our cabana outside—after it had been sitting in our front room for the past two years—and it was such a nice change.

4th Fun!

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4th of July, 2018.

No big plans, just some good ole family fun. Our day started with breakfast at “The Hangar Cafe.” After breakfast we went up to the deck to watch the planes land & take off. Before leaving, we took a mini tour around the hangar.

It was nuts with Hunter Roo~ he’s just currently at that age. The age where dining in restaurants just isn’t realistic. But, being that it was a holiday we preserved, for the sake of the family.
The rest of the day was spent at home. We made thematic ice cubes and ate “firecracker” popsicles, while jamming out to good music all day long.

And it wouldn’t be “The 4th” in Arizona without some water festivities. So out came the slip and slide & inflatable pools. It was so darn hot, by the end of the day Justin & I both ended up in the pools ourselves.

We ended the night with our typical crockpot chili & cornbread. Finishing the party off with putting on our very own firework display out in the street in front of our home.

HIGHLIGHTS: 

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Brunch at the Hanger Café 

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Best Buddies~ one day Emma’s hair will grow.  

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3 Little Firecrackers in all their Glory. 

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Hunter Roo, Living his best life. 

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Hannah Jane, trying to keep her siblings out of “her” pool. 

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Emmie Lou, scheming her next big idea.  

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Young, Wild and Free..

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Daddy and his fan club. 

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