Shake Your Bootie!

I haven't had much time to blog, but I thought I'd post some cute videos. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween

This year the weekend before HALLOWEEN, we were at my parent's house. We were so sad that we missed our Arizona ward's annual block party, but Jace had lots of fun at the chili cook-off/trunk or treat in California! We had so much fun and it's funny how quick kids catch on to getting candy!!!! He was our little MVP this year. I was quite thrilled to find a costume that he happily wore. I suppose this was all preparation for Halloween night, which he loved! He and his friend Elliot, had fun going together but...not at first. Jace was scared of Elliot's Spiderman mask and it took him a while to realize it was his friend behind the mask!

Others are GOLD

There are just some people in your life that you'll know you'll be friends with forever. This was at my best friend's baby shower and I can't tell you how great it was to all get together! I felt right at home. So, this is a shout-out to all those T.O.friends out there, and though we may live in different places, when we get together, it's like nothing has ever changed. I love you guys! I can't believe so much time has passed since high school, and where we all are in our lives. Thanks for your friendship. I think I understood the saying a lot better after this weekend:

Make new friends but keep the old ones..some are silver and the others are gold.

P.S. Even though it looks like it, we truly didn't eat that cake by ourselves :)

Cooking with Cousins

How cute are they in their aprons!!! Sydney, Haley and Jace. I was so excited Jace actually wore it! When I first made it, he wanted nothing to do with it. Now, when he wants to cook or clean the dishes, he asks me to wear the apron!!! I couldn't be happier. They were helping grandma make banana bread! I love how intently they are watching. Jace is so funny, he tries to crack the egg by crushing it in his hands. He doesn't have the chef's touch just yet:) Some of the best parts of the weekend were seeing him interact with his couins and I found so much joy in watching them play together. Imagine what I'll feel like when he has a sibling. I just know he'll be such a good big brother when that day comes.

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

Last weekend, I went home for my best friend's baby shower. While there, I got to see one of my other best friends! I was so excited because we haven't seen eachother for 2 years and I've never seen her little boy. The second I saw Owen, I fell in love! He's so adorable! He and Jace were so cute together and strangely, they look so similar! They both have fair complexions, blue eyes, blond hair and these cute small features. Jace is a year older than him and you can tell, but they could be brothers! Oh, yeah...one more thing....neither of them ever stops! They both keep their mommy's on their toes :) Thank heaven for little boys.

Who's that Spartan...It's Me, it's Me

A few weekends ago, we had our couples Bunko Halloween party! It was quite the event! We had some fun with the Spartan Cheerleaders. Heath is such a good sport. This was pretty low-key compared to other who went all out (you know who you are Dopey :) We had so much fun that night, ate yummy food, spent time with some great friends and won certificates to Coldstone Ice Cream! (Heath's favorite, so that was nice:) The hubbys got a taste of what us girls do on Bunko night and now they can see why it's just so much fun!

YES ON 300

I wanted to post this for all to read. Most of you know that I am very active in political issues and redevelopment in our community. I really enjoy it and take pride in knowing what is going on. Most of us are so busy with our own lives that we don’t take the time to make sure we have the full truth on certain issues and just listen to hearsay. For the last year, I have been active in helping a development called Waveyard come to Mesa. This is a world-class development that does not exist in the world.

First off, for those of you who get scared every time they hear, “tax”, this is the project for you because….. this is what is called a “USER TAX” subsidy. This is not a traditional tax subsidy where the citizens give money to the developer. A User tax allows the city to sell the land for 30 million; Waveyard pays 10 mil up front and pays the remainder off with sales tax. If you do not use the facility, your money or taxes will NOT go to it, which is why it is called a user tax. Second, tourism in this state is Huge; however, not much exists in Mesa to draw tourists, which equals more $$$$$ for our city. Really, there is no reason for out of state or even other cities to come and spend their money in Mesa, which in return pays for important city services.

I have done A LOT of research on this project and have spoken with the developers and city officials numerous times concerning the issue. This is also switching one recreation use (golf) that is tax subsidized by city of Mesa tax payers for multiple recreation uses. It will use a little more than the amount of water the golf course uses right now. Waveyard will have Mesa’s first 4 Star Hotel/Conference Center, also an indoor water park, amphitheater, scuba, wake boarding, U.S. largest wave pool for surfing, kayaking, white river rafting, specialized retain that does not exist in Arizona, offices and residential all in one which makes it a true mix use project.

And I am just stating a few of the rec. uses that will be available. Just think, you could get certified for scuba diving around the corner. It will also have beautiful architecture in a beautiful Mediterranean setting and theme. Not to mention, location location, location!! This will be positioned next to Mesa Riverview, next to two major freeways, and will raise property values in the area and spur redevelopment into our community. This will finally put Mesa on the map, and bring valuable funding to our city.

I know some have family and friends here in Mesa. I hope you will educate yourself on this issue, share it with others in Mesa who you know and VOTE November 6th. Bring the Waveyard to Mesa. Vote YES on 300. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to talk to you or try to address your concerns. They also have two great web sites as resources

P.S. They aren’t tearing down the Riverview Park, and if this does pass, the city will be making improvements to the it with possible amenities such as adding splash zones, tennis courts, walking paths, etc. And the city will be in charge of relocating the softball fields to another place in West Mesa. It has to pass first to go forward with anything.

http://www.waveyard.com/
http://www.yesonwaveyard.com/