A first- and probably a last!

A few weeks ago, I was blessed by the sale at Fry's! I was able to purchase an entire 3-month supply of food for me and my family in just a little over $100! Most of it fit in my huge pantry, and for once, it looked a little full. It didn't last long, as I used a can of cream of chicken soup and it threw off the whole balance! Oh well. I just need to keep building on it, which is my goal for the next few months and then for forever! I was so proud of my full pantry I actually cried. Yah, I'm crazy, but at least we have food!

Our First Field Trip

Hadley, Becca, and Dallin
Parker, Dallin, and McKade saying hello to a fireman all dressed up. I asked them to do this so the children would know what they look and sound like when they come into a fire in case a child is ever trapped. They look and sound scary, so we made sure the children know that they aren't a scary monster- they are our helping friends who are there to save and help us! (Some of the kids still wouldn't go near him though!)

Brad, Parker, Jake, Aiden, Dallin, Becca, Hadley, Ty, me, and McKade with all of our Firemen Friends! The kids thought this was so cool- sitting on the bumper of the fire truck!

October was deemed "Safety Month" by me for my preschool. I thought, why not- we'll be talking about being safe for Halloween anyways. We learned about Stranger Danger, water safety, Fire safety, dangerous things that could be around our houses that we should NOT touch, phone numbers, addresses, and all about 911! The kids had fun, and to top it all off, we went to the Queen Creek Fire Department for a field trip. All the kids were "shell shocked" and didn't ask the million questions we discussed before we left. They were cute, and we were lucky to have my brother-in-law, Brad, who works for the Parks and Rec for the Town of QC and Steph, and their boys join us. I could tell Parker thought it was neat! We got to see everything in and on a fire truck (the kids got to sit inside), we saw their clothing, we saw the inside of the fire station and it was funny listening to the kiddos as they discovered that the firefighters each had a bed to sleep in like they did at home and a kitchen, and a TV. The kids got coloring books and crayons and stickers. (That was the end of the tour for them, as they all sat right down to color- not hearing another word!) It was a great time overall, and I look forward to next year's field trip there. Oh, did I mention that, once again- for the second year in a row, I have the most amazing parents to these preschoolers who are and were so willing to come and help out?

WAYYYY Behind!

I have to appologize to you all, as I have not posted anything in so long. I am still here- barely ticking it feels like. I have MUCH to post about, so look for some upcoming posts. Till then!

I'm an Aunt (again)!!!!!!!!

Yay, He's finally here! Tye Christopher Johnson came into this world early this morning, uping my count of nephews to 7 (nieces 1). I couldn't be happier for Ryan and Jenn, and would like to wish my sister-in-law a speedy reccovery. I am told she did awesome (what doesn't she do that's not?) and am proud of her. I really would like to see a picture though (hint, hint!) but I understand it was a long night with MANY more to follow so I'll cut Ryan some slack. Besides, they live in the Eastern part of our country where they currently have no gas, so a trip home just to send us some pictures might not be feasible. Tye clocked in at 7 .13 lbs and 19 1/2 in. long. I can't wait to meet "TC" and niether can my Ty. (She is excited but soooo confused when we tell her, "no, Ty Ty, not you, but Aunt Jennifer's baby Tye was born today. The look on her face is priceless!) We love you guys and thanks for giving me another nephew, making me an aunt again!

It's here!

Did any of you feel it last night? I sure did! I mean, who could miss it after a very HOT, long, Arizona summer? I am talking about that really cool chill in the air- all night long! We finally were able to sleep with our window open last night, and I couldn't sleep because I was too cold! (YAY!!) Cauley frowned on me as I asked him to get me a blanket while I lay in bed earlier this morning. Autumn is my most favorite time of year. I have been in anticipation for it for about a month now, but finally experienced it these past 12 hours. I am (un)patiently waiting for my Scentsy order to get here with all my fall scents I ordered about a week ago. I love the fall, and here is why:
*The air gets cooler- you know, the chill that starts creeping in, like when we were little and would be waiting at the bus stop with as thin of a jacket as we could find so we didn't sweat to death bringing it home.
*It's football season! I know, girls aren't supposed to like football, but I always have. Plus, it brings back memories from High School, which are fun to remember sometimes. (The football season here would be a lot nicer if I didn't sweat to death at each game early on in the season!)
*The leaves change color- this I don't really get to see here in the Valley, but I can drive about an hour or less and catch the whole experience!
*Halloween- my kids favorite holiday. They have all changed their minds about what they are going to be about 53 times each already, but it's fun to hear all of their interesting choices.
*The smell!!!! This one is my favorite! There are so many smells of autumn that I don't know where to begin. First, there is the smell of the football games. Next, the smell of cooler air. Then there's the heavenly baking smells that accommodate this time of year. Finally, there is the scent of what the cooler air is going to be bringing- the Winter Holidays!

My New Background

A BIG thank you to my awesome husband for helping me make my new background! As most of you know, I can never make up my mind!