The Hunter Moore Family

Dance Studio Fall 2011 Recital

2011-12-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hunter MC'd the show and ended up being the talk of the town! He was amazing! Hunter made more costume changes than any of our dancers :-). He also gave away about $100 worth of t-shirts, pies, candy, gift certificates, etc...it's no wonder EVERYONE LOVED HIM!! By popular demand, he will be the MC for our recitals from now on!

What a fabulous group of young women. Mariah and Amber have surrounded themselves with the salt of the earth. These girls (and their families) are very dear to us. They raise 'em well! It's so wonderful to be in such good company here in Snowflake, AZ!

In preparation for the recital, the Int. Ballet class met together at our church building to polish their routines in a bigger space. You can see how much fun these girls have together :-).

Amber and Mariah had a great time this semester. They improved day after day. I am so proud of them.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to have the extended MOORE GANG join us for Thanksgiving!! We were joined by Poppy and Nanna Moore, Uncle Nate (Hunter's brother) and his family, Uncle Kyle (Hunter's brother), and Uncle Jeff (my brother). GREAT FOOD! GREAT COMPANY!! What an amazing Thanksgiving! We have so much to be grateful for. My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is going around the dinner table and hearing the things that our family members are grateful for. The lists went on and on this year. LOVE IT! Thanks be to God :-).

Baby Sabrie

2011-12-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Sterling just loves Sabrie. He can't help but MAUL her every time he's around her. He calls her "his baby". He has to kiss her head each time he walks past her. We are very grateful that he's such a loving big brother. He scares us at times!!! BUT, we're grateful that his intentions are always good :-)

This little girl has chunked up FAST! She is oh so kissable!! Unfortunately, she has struggled with tummy issues, as have all of our children. BUT--she gives us plenty of little smiles here and there to let us know that she's still happy she's here. WE LOVE HER!!

Sabrie Ann Moore HAS ARRIVED!!!

2011-10-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sabrie Ann Moore made her debut appearance on Tuesday October 11, 2011, at 5:59 pm. She was 6 lb. and 5 oz. Her head was bruised pretty badly at first because of her fast entrance into the world. The bruising disappeared quickly, though, and Sabrie is just as beautiful as can be!

I had gone into early labor a week and a half earlier--and had been sent home still in labor! My doctor and hospital staff weren't going to allow Sabrie to be born too early. I took nefedimine (sp?) to keep Sabrie in for as long as possible. Hard labor began Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The contractions were intense and painful and came faster and faster until there wasn't time to breathe in between them. Because of the low-pressure and unremitting contractions, I worried that we were going to have the baby right there on the side of the road! Fortunately, we arrived at the Show Low Summit Hospital just in time :-)!!

I had pre-determined that I would have a natural delivery--without an epidural (because of my 3 BAD experiences w/ epidurals in the past), but I was insisting on an epidural when I hit the transition period (dilation from 6-10 centimeters, which took only a half hour of time). I was shocked by the uncontrollable, inhuman amount of pain! Hunter was good NOT to allow me to have an epidural, but at the time, I was about to show him just how bad it hurt, and demand that I get some relief!!

My doctor came at that moment, and she too explained that I was beyond the point of medicinal help. Fortunately, just a few minutes later, I was pushing. Sabrie's arm was lodged beside her face, so she was stuck momentarily. At that moment, like many of the deliveries in the movies, I was screaming! Trying to breathe the pain away, I began hyperventilating, which caused my arms and my face to go numb. Of course, that scared me even more, and I panicked. Hunter coached me all the while, reminding me that our little girl needed me to fight through the pain. Because of the ever proliferating pain, I had forgotten about Sabrie, but Hunter's reminder was just what I needed to get through the final minutes. Sabrie was worth fighting for.

AND HERE SHE IS!! OUR 3rd MOORE PRINCESS!!!


Granny Jo and Poppy Keith

EARLY LABOR! Oh no!!!

2011-10-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, I went into labor this past Thursday afternoon. Jeff (my brother) took over the dance studio and made me get home (which was a darn good thing!!) I had a babysitter already watching my kids, so I was able to leave. Hunter hurried home and started timing my contractions. When the contractions were coming 3-4 minutes apart, we made our way to the Show Low Hospital (30 minutes away). By the time I arrived, my contractions were coming every two minutes.

Unfortunately, I was only 35 weeks and 5 days along--not far enough along for my doctor or my nurses to be willing to let me have my baby! AGH!!! They did everything in their power to stop my labor. They filled me full of 8 bags of water, shot me full of trubudaline (sp?) and muscle relaxants/sleep medicine. 12 hours later, my contractions finally died down to every 8 minutes or so. They wanted the baby to get two doses of steriods to make sure her lungs were fully developed--just in case my labor wouldn't slow down. After many needle pokes and "check-ups", they medicated me with nefedimine (sp?), a hard core drug that keeps labor away. I didn't sleep a wink, and I think I took more bathroom breaks in that 12 hour period than I had any prior WEEK before!!

Needless to say, this hospital experience was just plain TORTURE!! I am now at home--trying to deal with the side effects of this medication. I'm hoping I'll be allowed to have my baby within a few more days. I have always gone into early labor, but NEVER have I been in the White Mountains, where the altitude plays the biggest role in a pre-term delivery. I am grateful, however, that this little girl will now have a better opportunity at breathing normally. So, despite it all--this little girl was worth it.

She will be here soon enough :-). We will keep you all posted---with lots of pics to come!!!

Pool Day with the Dixon Family

2011-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Woody, Nichol, Carver, and Marina Dixon flew into Phoenix and invited our family to join them at their hotel, the JW Marriott. Hunter and the kids had a blast circling around the grounds in the Lazy River, and they enjoyed sliding down the water slide. We ate a tasty lunch with the Dixons and then said our goodbyes. What a relaxing day! Thanks for visiting us Dixons!!

Julie's Baby Shower

2011-09-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

My good mother put together a baby shower for me last week. So many of my favorite people came to celebrate the upcoming birth of Sabree Ann Moore. We had great food, conversation, games, and gift unwrapping. SUCH A FABULOUS TIME!!! Thank you, MOM!!!!

Gotta Love 'em :-)

2011-09-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

We are never sure what expressions we're gonna get when the camera comes out, but these faces fully express the mood in our home that day :-).

Mariah's Trampoline Back Flip

2011-09-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Mariah loves to learn new things. Her Uncle Jeff taught her this move in just 15 minutes!! GO MARIAH!

Music Theater Class Time

2011-09-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

There are 25 energetic, talented performers in our 8-10 year old program. This is just a brief glimpse of "It's On" chorus. Enjoy!!

SHS Football Tailgating with our minivan...LOL :-)

2011-09-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Joni Reed and her kids came to watch the SHS game with us this past Friday night. We giggled through most of the game. Joni has the most well-mannered, respectful, fabulous children. She is one of the best mothers I know.

The football game was AWESOME!! Snowflake beat Show Low! GO LOBOS!

Home Improvement Projects

2011-09-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

The landscaping projects have been fun to watch! The cement truck rolled up at the crack of dawn last week, and we had a 3 car carport by the end of the afternoon. YEAH!!!!

Julie at 30 weeks into the pregnancy...

2011-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is a 30 week snapshot.

I am now 35 weeks along. Sabree Ann will be here soon!

Cody--Our FOOTBALL STUD!!!

2011-09-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was Cody's 1st TOUCHDOWN!!! WOO HOO CODY!! He was the quarterback in this play. He snapped the ball, found the hole and ran a 45 yard touchdown. What a guy!

In the picture above, Cody caught his opponent and saved a touchdown for the other team.

Hunter Moore

Cody's BIGGEST fan!!

Pioneer Day Celebration Activities

2011-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Rodeos and Parades are always part of the Pioneer Day Celebration in Snowflake, AZ. We met up with Granny Jo/Poppy Keith/Natalie to enjoy the big Rodeo. We love the Barrel Racing, Grocery Race and Chicken Chase. This year, Cody joined all the other kids in the arena and rolled around in the dirt before they were aloud to chase their chickens. We also were given a free pizza to share among the group from Little Ceasar's Pizza. GREAT TIME!!

Dance Studio FUN!!

2011-09-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

Shooting with Poppy and Nanna Moore

2011-09-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Poppy Moore and Hunter are expert gunsman. They are also amazing teachers! They patiently taught the kids all about the guns themselves and then how to properly hold the guns, aim and SHOOT! I was impressed with not only the thoughtful instruction but the kids follow-through and performance at the end. It was a very hot day, but well worth the sweat :-). Thank you Poppy and Nanna Moore for making the trip to Snowflake, AZ. We love it when you come to see us!

A day at Fool's Hollow Lake

2011-09-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

Sterling Edward Moore...what a KID!!

2011-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Sterling loves dressing up in Cody's clothes! When Cody brought home his football pads, Sterling made sure to get them on his shoulders as soon as Cody took them off! Cody's helmet didn't fit Sterling's head, however. So, Sterling had to improvise. How about this Star Wars Football Player??!!! HAHA! What a great kid :-).

This young boy is so much fun! He is smiling 98% of the day!! Like all little boys, the other 2% is tired time and whining about not having everything else he wants. He is energetic, aggressive, communicative, and a BLAST to be around!! He's really good at saying, "Please and Thank you!" He loves the movie "Cars" and "Tangled". He's a perfect little boy during haircuts. He surprised us the other day when he said, "Me save you...me SUPERMAN!" He has a great imagination and even better sound effects. He's generally the one trying to beat up his older siblings--just because he loves to play! He's got a contagious laugh and a fabulous smile! WE LOVE YOU STERLING!

Quality Family Memories

2011-09-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Father and Son Hunting

2011-09-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

Cody's new neighborhood buddies :-)

2011-09-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Seein' the AZ sights with the Moore Gang

2011-09-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

First days of school 2011...

2011-09-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Visit to the Snowflake LDS Temple

2011-09-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and Casey Stinett's Wedding Reception

2011-09-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Natalie (my half sister) and Amber

Cody Moore

Mariah and Momma

Julie and Angie Jeppesen (good friend)

Cambrie Palmer and Bryli Reed are two of Mariah's best friends. They are very sweet girls. They make us all very happy!

(My brother) Travis and his fiance, Ashleigh Palmer

Chelsea Palmer Stinnett and Amber

Visit from Family and Friends

2011-09-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Jamie Alston and I have been best of friends for YEARS! Love you girl!!

Nanna and Poppy Moore are always fun to have around. We love when they come to visit!!

Trip to Idaho for Troy and Emily's Wedding

2011-09-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

My brother (Jeremy) and his best friend (Spencer). I think of Spencer as a brother, too! These guys keep us laughing 24/7. Such great men!!

Zach, Michelle & Luke, Grandma Cindy & Grandpa Rod. LOVE YOU ALL!

On the left (Emily) is my new sister in law!! SHE ROCKS!! To say that she is multi-talented is truly an understatement. I don't think there is anything Emily CAN'T do!! Her best friend and bridesmaid in on the right.

Amber and Michayla (my brother Brent's daughter) are best of friends. They love when they are able to meet in the same state and spend time together.

We women had quite the assembly line going!! Check it out--4 generations!!

Grandmother and I

Oak Creek Canyon Campout

2011-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun camping in Oak Creek Canyon! Our campsite was about a 1/4 mile from Granny Jo's campsite, and we were able to eat and play with her and Grandmother, Travis, Jeff, and Troy & his new wife Emily. Hunter took the boys fishing and we played a game of baseball. Campfire conversations about Jesus Christ and a few games of horseshoes topped off the experience. We all waded into the creek and sat around mingling before it was time to leave. A FABULOUS camping trip!

Catch up!! May-September...

2011-09-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, so much happened over the last few months!

SUMMER
The kids were so excited to be out of school! However, by August, they were missing all of their friends. In the meantime, they spent a lot of time doing a whole lot of nothing!! Mostly watching movies, competing on the Wii, and playing with friends. They also helped their mommy open a dance studio. And of course, as often as I could, I put them to work :-).

DANCE STUDIO
What a crazy adventure owning your own business can be! Far more time consuming than a 9-5 job--FOR SURE! Thanks to my step-father, Keith Flake (who owns the strip-mall next door to McDonalds), we were able to open the dance studio at a central location in Snowflake--right on Main St.. We were planning to open the studio in our own basement, but the reconstruction was not complete. Keith allowed us to use an unrented space in his strip-mall. Fortunately, we had a wonderful turnout at registration, and the numbers increased each week. We ran a 6 week summer camp, and everything ran smoothly. WHEW!

SCHOOL
YEAH!!! I know there are many mommies out there who greatly miss their children when they go back to school, but I was READY! Without a landscaped front or back yard for the kids to play in, my kids were cooped up inside the house far too long! They were at each others throats by lunchtime every day!

I was very grateful to Angie and Tom Caldwell for having the coolest "hangout" ever! Cody and Amber called Angie almost every day during the summer to see if she would allow them to come play at her home. Generously, she accepted them every time!! Amber and Cody swam at the Caldwell's pond enough times to tan their bodies at least 4-5 shades darker than when they began! They loved the zip-line, trampoline, and playrooms at the Caldwell's too. Cody also took up hunting with Angie's son, Gavin. With all the desert land between our two homes, Gavin and Cody were in HUNTING HEAVEN!! Cody and Gavin, with bb-guns in hand, disappeared into the wild for hours at least a few times a week. Thanks to Angie's blow-horn, we were able to retrieve the boys at dinnertime :-).

We were all very excited for school to begin. The one change-up was that Mariah decided to attend an online school rather than the public school. I was apprehensive--mostly because I had never had a child attend an online school before. The "unknown" can be SCARY! Plus, I was running a dance studio, and I was sick and pregnant! I wasn't sure how much aid I would be to her at home, while wrangling a two year old (Sterling) and keeping him entertained. Just to make matters a lot more difficult, we were having MAJOR problems with our internet connection. You CAN'T run online school without an online connection! The first week was a tad bit stressful, to say the least, as I discarded one internet provider for another. EXPENSIVE, too! Cancellation fees and start-up fees are hard on the checkbook! Finally, we were online and ROLLING! Mariah worked hard to catch up with all of her classes. We were very pleased with AZ Connections Academy and the entertaining curriculum. I was also very proud of Mariah for all of her hard work! Sitting at a computer for hours on end can be a difficult thing to do!

So--the "brick and mortar" public school kids, Cody and Amber, were very happy with their teachers and their new friend relationships. Sterling was faring pretty well with Mommy as Mariah's Learning Coach and as a full-time business owner.

FALL DANCE SEMESTER BEGINS!!
220 slots were filled within the first week of classes! UNBELIEVABLE! We also added many new facets to the basic dance studio. Katrina Palmer agreed to be my costume director, and she advised me to begin accepting Bulk Orders from our customers so that they could gain access to all their dance-wear needs right from our studio. Also, I began selling boutique items in our studio, so that my teachers could raise $$ for their children's costumes. We set to perfecting a studio website and Facebook page--along with a monthly newsletter and regular email updates and texts for important information. LOTS to do all the time! In fact, sleep became a thing of the past! I quickly came to understand that my time was no longer my own. Just to keep up with all the emails, phone calls, and texts that came in each hour, I had to give up life as I knew it!! Of course, it all comes with the territory, but I had a new appreciation for all the dance studio owners I had known over the years. I really had not understood the life commitment that went into their work! Trying to juggle mommy-ing, housework, church callings, wife-time, and dance studio work was an adventure! I was also teaching classes, so there were many hours of choreographing and preparation. Fun, fun!!!

As we entered September, we were finding our groove. Cody began football. Mariah and Amber were loving their song/dance classes. Sterling was very accepting of babysitters and new playmates. Hunter was lending a hand whenever his work would permit. I was just trying to keep afloat!!

Looking forward...we will be adding a baby girl to our family in just a few weeks! We don't know when she'll arrive, as I have tended to have my babies a few weeks early, but we are THRILLED to add Sabree Anne Moore to the group! We'll keep you posted as to when she finally makes her debut entrance into the world!

Even though we've been stretched to the max, we've been extremely blessed. We are constantly aware of God's hand moving us in his paths and molding us along the way. We are trying to do our best, though we do make mistakes here and there. Paying bills, raising a family, working until we feel we can't work any more, and trying to keep relationships alive...have stretched us physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally!! We do love life, though...despite the occasional ROUGH days! We know to expect them. We are really taking to Snowflake, AZ. We are enjoying all the new people we are meeting, and we feel very grateful for our current situation. Life is good :-).

April Update

2011-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

So--we are doing well. Hunter is working like a mad-man for the county. He spends many of his days and nights in the AZ valley, meeting with many of the state's politicians, trying to convince them to make legislation that will be in our county's best interests. Hunter lobby's for our good. He is basically on call all the time, which can be trying, but he seems to handle the stress well. When he is home, he is trying to catch up on much-needed sleep, help me with domestic duties that only a man can do, and play with the kids as much as possible. Hunter has been loving our "canyon style" back yard :-). He and Cody practiced bow shooting over the weekend, and he bought dollar store kites that all the kids ran into the ground. We're planning on roasting marshmallows over a fire-pit tonight for FHE. So fun!

So--I am prego! YEAH! Life is good--despite the nausea. I absolutely LOVE my primary chorister calling. Also, I am teaming up with 2 other dance instructors, and we will be opening our summer dance camp June 13. I keep busy with mommy chores and taxi-ing, and I have been having fun with play dates. There are many mommy's here in Snowflake who like to get together and gab while the kiddos play. It's been wonderful!

The kids are doing really well. Mariah enjoys orchestra and school. She's also made some close friends--which is awesome! She's really excited for dance to start, too. Amber was the first girl in her class to reach 50% in AR--so she gets a date night with her daddy as a reward. She, too, has made some great friends. We had three of them over this last week to play Dance Wii. They boogied for two hours! Cody is starting t-ball this week, and he's pretty stoked! Sterling is SO ACTIVE! It's hard for me to keep up with him. I actually look forward to his naps--just so I can take a breath!!!

We are all good. Life is extremely busy, but we are loving our new home, and our new life. We love you all and hope things are going equally well for you!

Roasting Marshmallows in our backyard!!

2011-04-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

These were the most enormous marshmallows I've ever seen. It took some roastin' skill to get the inside ooey-gooey. But, oh, how very tastey!

Amber and Cody were so excited when I told them to build a fire pit in our backyard. Even Sterling helped out. What a great place to live!

Pics from March and April 2011

2011-04-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is my Grandmother, Dixie Rose Amberson. She is such a fun, charasmatic, ambitious, wonderful woman! LOVE HER!!!!

Hunter had fun taking the kids to the Snowflake High School BBall game. The team rocked this year!

Sterling--getting a hair cut :-).

Basketball practice with dad.

Mariah was selected to play in the All State 6th Grade Orchestra! Her Nanna, Poppy Moore, and Uncle Kyle all came to support her.

Poppy Rod, Grandma Cindy, Uncle Jerrod, Uncle Jonathan, and Uncle Joseph all came to see her perform, too!. All three of these "uncles" are younger than Mariah...hehehe.

We all were so proud of Mariah.

Sterling got a plastic golf club set for his b-day.

We had 6 turkeys in our backyard last weekend! These turkeys actually came toward us, and one even jumped/flew all the way up to our 2nd story porch. Beautiful from a distance--SCARY up close!

Hunter, Cody, Mariah and Amber worked together to create this masterpiece. Cody was to build a T-rex for his class. Isn't this AWESOME!!

We now just remove Sterling's clothes when he eats. He won't allow us to put bibs on him anymore, and his messes are even more messy than before!! What to do???

Granny Jo and Poppy Keith are such great grandparents. We LOVE them!

Sterling in Nursery

2011-04-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sterling just loves Nursery. The bubbles, the singing, the snacks, the toys...he gets so excited to go each week. Gotta love it!

BCS Championship Party at the Phoenician

2011-04-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Woody and Nicole Dixon are to of our closest friends. They invited Hunter and I to eat lunch with them and join them for the BCS Football Championship Party at the Phoenician in Scottsdale. It was wonderful to see them and to experience the glamor and elegance of a 5 star party!

The Heissman (sp?) trophy.

Woody and Nicole Dixon

It may be poor picture lighting, but the sparkling football didn't loose any of it's luster :-).

3 Kid B-day BASH!

2011-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough to be joined by the Johnstons, Moores, Brooks, Neffs, Palmers, Ballards, and ALL their kids for this 3-kid-b-day-BASH! What a blast!

This is Jonathan, one of my step brothers. He's a cutie!

This is Joseph, another one of my step brothers. Doesn't he look just like Jonathan??

I was grateful for the company. It was a good distraction from my pregnancy nausea :-).

Mariah was so excited to see all of her friends. She was also excited for all of the incredible gifts she received. She actually got MAKE-UP!! She's growing up so fast! 12 years old!

Poppy Rod and Grandma Cindy got Sterling this cool tricycle. He's been riding it around the house ever since :-).

Amber was the only child who didn't have a b-day within a few weeks of all the others. But she really enjoyed having so many of her friends and family members there.

WE LOVE GRANDMA CINDY!!!

This is Uncle Eric Brook and Poppy Moore (Hunter's Dad). They brought both their families clear from the valley to celebrate with us. THANK YOU!!!!!

2011-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the unpacking, I helped the kids to build a box house. They filled it with all kinds of toys.

Cody got his Star Wars fix for the night :-)

Sterling also played make-believe that night.

Sterling also made his way onto Cody's b-day bike--helmet and all!

Cody and Amber decorated their box house with their own artwork. BEAUTIFUL!

PREGNANT!!!!

2011-03-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's true! I am pregnant...AGAIN! When the "stomach flu" didn't go away, I knew I was pregnant. Unfortunately, I am SICK, SICK, SICK! However, we are excited to have our final baby. This is it! One final baby to add to the Hunter Moore Family. YEAH!

Then and NOW!

2011-03-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

This is an AZ sunset. BREATHTAKING!

Hunter and I took a walk with Sterling. He just loves being outside. Even when it's 30 degrees!

Mariah told me that she wants to save up to buy a horse! AGH! We don't even have a dog yet!!

BYU BALLET came to visit Snowflake, AZ. YEAH YEAH YEAH!!

They had a princess party right before the show. The girls were so excited to meet REAL ballerinas. GO BYU!

This is the view from our front porch. Can't beat this!

This is where we came from (the view from Hunter's office on the 35th floor in Century City, CA)

This is what we went through this winter :-(

This is what it looks like now :-).

I was sick this past week, and Hunter took good care of me :-)

Writer's Conference in Phoenix with my mother. TOO FUN!

March update...

2011-03-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

WOW--there's a lot to report!

Writer's Conference
I attended the ANWA Writer's Conference this past week, and I learned a ton! For starters--this was my FIRST night away...by myself...in 12 years! I was SOOOO excited to be able to be in an ADULT environment without my four kids calling out, "MOM!" I went to many different classes and learned about killer query letters, pitches, Barnes and Noble involvement, writing dialogue correctly and effectively, etc. I met literary agents, authors and editors. I was also accompanied by my good mother.

FUNNY--
So, my mom and I arrived at our Priceline.com hotel in the early afternoon. We were excited that we had gotten such a steal of a deal! We learned, however, that you DON'T want deals in downtown Phoenix! As we stood outside the filthy, locked "welcoming room", waiting for someone to come and give us our room key, a police car drove into the driveway. In just a few words, they told us to get the heck out of there! They said it was too dangerous to stay there. We ended up being late to the conference, but we bunked at the Hilton instead. GREAT decision!! For about 3 times the cost, we lived it up that night :-). I do love deals, but our Priceline.com deal was a JOKE! Sometimes you just have to pay for it!

KIDS--
Sterling actually slept with his baseball this week! I had to laugh because just last month, Mariah slept with her pointe shoes. My kids are pretty protective over the things they love..haha! I think they're worried that someone might come steal their precious items during the middle of the night. Too funny.

Cody read all the AR books in his 1st grade class! We are so proud of him :-). Amber and Mariah are going to have their last basketball games this week, and they are excited that their Nanna and Poppy Moore are coming to see the games. Mariah was just selected as 1 of 2 students in her Intermediate School to attend All State Orchestra! YEAH, Mariah!

HUNTER--
So, this man has been traveling ALL over AZ, lobbying for Navajo County citizens. He went to Washington, DC. this week, and I expect to get a full report on all the big-city hub-bub when he returns later tonight :-).

UPCOMING NEWS--
We are moving into our new home THIS NEXT WEEK!! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! Can you tell that I'm excited???? It will be wonderful to have our own home again :-). We are going to jump right into renovation on the downstairs--creating a dance studio and waiting room. YEAH!! I can finally provide supplemental income from my own home!

My mother has written a musical called ARIZONA: SOUNDS OF STATEHOOD, and I am helping her put on a preview of the show at the end of March. We have some of the most talented performers on the mountain helping out--so it should be a ton of fun! Of course, there's always a lot of work that goes into these things, but the end result is always worth it.

Life is crazy busy, but it's wonderful. I'm always aware of God's hand working miracles in our lives. It's all good :-).

2011-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is the whole MOORE FAMIILY--February, 2011

We all gathered together to celebrate Ernie (Hunter's Dad's) 60 b-day.

February Update...

2011-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Alright--I have great news! NO--I'm NOT pregnant :-). The good news I'm referring to is that Hunter has a great job, and we are going to be moving into a beautiful home around March 15th! It is a real treat to be all together again.

Hunter--working as the Navajo County Director of Affairs and the Basketball Coach for BOTH Mariah and Amber's teams. Hunter has been traveling a lot with his new job, but ANYTHING is better than sending him back and forth from LA every weekend! Hunt has been spending a ton of quality time with the kiddos. He took them shooting and to the Show Low/Snowflake Basketball game this last week. He's a fabulous daddy! Hunter has also been playing on our ward basketball team. The kids and I went to watch him play last night, and we really impressed. HUNTER HAS STILL GOT IT!!!!

Julie--working as a full-time MOMMY:-). I think that word entails SO many different jobs and responsibilities that it would take a good half a page to list them all!! I am also finishing my 1st novel--which has taken me 6 years to complete, but I'm almost to the final revision stage!!! YEAH! I am planning on attending the ANWA Writers Conference in Phoenix at the end of February. I am preparing to teach dance in Snowflake, too. I'm really excited to be able to work from my own home. Our basement is HUGE--so I plan to use the space as a dance room. I'm also going to be instructing in Show Choir again. My mother has offered to be my Show Choir Pianist, and I'm really excited to be working with her. She has also asked me to choreograph a 12-person show that will be performed in March. Lots to do! I'm the Primary Chorister for our ward, too. LOVE IT!!

Mariah--is going to be turning 12 years old on April 10th--can you believe it?? She's going to New Beginnings tonight for her entrance into Young Womens. She's thrilled! She has been the 1st chair violinist for her school orchestra, and she just loves playing on that violin. She has also been dancing with me, and she is quite a talented vocalist as well. She has been working really hard with her dad at basketball practice. She really likes learning the fundamentals. She loves spending time with friends her share her same interests, and she has become aware of personal grooming--YEAH!! She's doing fabulous in her schooling, and she is still an avid reader.

Amber--also loves basketball time with her dad. She likes sports in general! She has also really taken to art. Her daddy got her an art book for Christmas, and she has spent a lot of time perfecting her drawings. She, too, likes spending as much time with her friends as possible. At least every other day, she is begging me for playdates. She's a compassionate kid who is great with small children. She absolutely loves Sterling. It's sweet. She also likes to go shooting with her dad. She has told me that she is most excited to do gymnastics with me when we purchase our tumbling mats for the dance space in our new home. She likes a challenge.

Cody--has improved in so many ways. Cody is a brilliant little boy. He tested beyond his 1st grade curriculum the first quarter of the year. We've kept him where he's at, however, because he needs the social skills first and foremost to handle being around other kids. He's very athletic and aggressive. He, like Amber, really loves to draw and go shooting with his daddy. Cody is a Wii fanatic! Of course, he always has to do chores and homework before he gets to play, but he would be willing to do just about ANYTHING to get his half hour on the Wii! I remember my brothers loving video games as much as Cody does now. Some things never change :-). It's great leverage for a parent!

Sterling--has the greatest personality. He's almost always happy. He's a tease, and he'll make most every situation a game of some sort. He's got a fun giggle, and he's finally hit the "sit and watch a movie" stage--which all mothers greatly look forward to when laundry, dishes, and cooking must be done when the child is no longer taking 2-3 naps/day. Not only is he not taking naps anymore, but he is no longer staying in his crib! AGH! We've hit a hard stage. He doesn't like the crib for bedtime either. We're going to have to figure something out! He's just so darn cute, though...so, we get through the sleeplessness :-). His favorite movies are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Nemo, Kung Fu Panda and Cars. YEAH for Pixar!!!

All in all, we're doing well. We are extremely anxious to get into our own place, now that Hunter is with us, and he's got a great job! We know that God has been watching over us. Our prayers have been heard and answered. We feel very blessed.

CATCH-UP TIME...where to begin???

2011-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

These girls (Chelsea and Cambry Palmer, Natalie, Mariah and Amber) have so much fun together!

Courtney and Hugh Palmer invited Hunter and I to join them for New Years. We had such a good time chatting it up, playing cards, and jammin' to Rock Star Wii!

For New Years Day, Hunt and I took all the kids to see a movie. "TANGLED" was sooo cute!

We got the chance to go vist Dad and Cindy during December. YEAH! We love our time with them.

Poppy Moore came to see the girls first basketball games of the season. He helped me wrestle Sterling in the stands. We love Poppy Moore!

Hunter has been coaching Mariah and Amber's basketball teams. The girls are starting to get the fundamentals down, and they are really having a blast with their daddy.

Natalie allowed the kids to ride her pony. Cody really likes riding.

Cody is such a good big brother. He invited Sterling to join him when it was his turn.

This is the kitchen of the home we're about to move into!! YEAH!!!! HUGE, huh? WOOHOO! March 15th BABY!

This was Natalie's b-day party. Granny Jo took them all to Flagstaff to ice skate and play. They didn't get home until LATE--and they LOVE IT!

This is my mean face when the kids don't listen. They know to WATCH OUT when they get this stare down. :-)

Amber and Sterling like to just SIT on this 4-wheeler. It's kind of funny really. The bike isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but they think it's a good time to just hang out on top of it.

Hunter takes the kids shooting occasionally, and Sterling doesn't ever get to go because of the loud BOOMS! However, he likes wearing the ear-coverings every chance he gets.

Sterling is such a fun kid! He has the greatest personality. TRUE--he's driving us crazy because he won't stay inside his crib to sleep anymore, but how can you NOT love that chubby, kissable face??

Granny Jo took us all to the Snowflake Tree Lighting Ceremony in Snowflake. It was neat to see such a great tradition in this town. I had never been before, so it was a great--COLD--experience.

I think we've all been taken with Sterling. What a kid!!

Our 11 year old, Mariah, finally decided to start taking care of her hair. She fought us for YEARS every time we wanted her to bathe, groom, or brush her teeth. We have finally arrived. Personal cleanliness is now important to her! YEAH!!!!!!

Mariah, Hunter and I all got glasses. Check Mariah's out :-).

For Granny Jo's b-day, Grandmother and I went to see her perform in her Christmas Orchestra Concert. Then we took her to a Mexican Restaurant just down the street. SO MUCH FUN!!

Each of the kids have found fun ways to entertain Sterling. This was Amber's most recent method.

This was Mariah's Orchestra Concert. I was SOOOO proud of her, as she was the 1st chair violinist. She stood and tuned the orchestra and walked in and out apart from the rest of the group. What a super star :-).

This is Katrina Palmer and my mother--Granny Jo. LOVE THESE LADIES!

If I become just a smigin' of what my mother is, I'll be quite happy :-).

Christmas cookies in Liberty, Missouri @ Brent and Michelle Johnston's home.

These next few pics are of the whole crew.

Troy

Amber and Michayla

Troy-boy again :-).

Michelle

Brent--telling the Christmas story.

Mom, Keith and Natalie

Jeff and Keith

Michelle and Luke, Ashleigh Palmer (Travis's girl friend), Granny Jo and Isaac (Jeremy and Kendra's little boy)

Troy, Jeff, and Travis

Natalie and Mariah

Jeff and Luke (Brent and Michelle's little boy)

Cody and Blake (Brent and Michelle's boy)

NATALIE

Michayla and Amber

Kendra and Summer

New Years Eve pic at Courtney and Hugh's place. We thought it was fun pretending that our ROOT BEER was a stiffer drink. HEHEHE!

Ashleigh Palmer agreed to assist me as the Choreographers for the White Mountain High School Show Choir Festival. We had a full week together. GOOD TIMES!

Hunter and I were invited to join Woody Dixon (the Pack 10 head attorney) for the game between ASU and Stanford. Hunter and I really enjoyed our night out, and Woody is always good company!

Travis serenaded Ashleigh with his self-written woo-ing song. It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Travis gave Allyson, Sterling and Isaac a blanket ride around Brent and Michelle's home. Hillarious!

Travis and Hunter

Hunter flew in from LA, and we picked him up at the Kansas City Airport late December 23. He got to spend Christmas with us, and then he had to fly back to LA to finish out his time with Seyfarth Shaw and Cohen and Lord, LLP. We were THRILLED to get him back into Snowflake for GOOD right before New Years. He started to work as the Navajo County Director of Government Affairs on Jan. 3, 2011. No time off, but that was what was needed for the check book :-). Blessings, blessings, blessings!

Sterling really like the sugar cookies!

Actually, all he ate was the frosting, as you can tell :-).

Jeremy (my brother) and Kendra, his wife.

Mariah was SO excited to get this dance DVD--and so was I!!!!! So worth the money!

Brent and Luke

This flying helicopter was THE BEST PURCHASE EVER!!! As far as toys go, this one is TOPS!!! Hunter and the other adults enjoyed this one as much as the kids! It still hasn't broken and it's already February 1st!

Hunt--what a stud. There's something wonderful about a man in the kitchen :-).

Ashleigh won Sterling over.

Here are our great friends, Hugh and Courtney. LOVE THEM! Courtney has been my saving grace here in Snowflake. I'm so grateful she's my friend.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!!

2011-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time in Liberty, Missouri

2011-01-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Halloween Fun!!!

2010-12-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hunter takes the kids shooting...

2010-12-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Moore family update...SEPTEMBER

2010-09-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's already SEPTEMBER??? Time flies, eh? Especially when you're trying to raise kids!! So, Hunter is currently working in LA for Seyfarth Shaw (a firm that represents 22 NFL teams with workers' compensation law). He is living there with one of the ward members from Westwood 2nd Ward (renting their apartment). He's making money--which is the good part :-). He greatly dislikes being away from the kids and I, but he's getting along. He loves his scout calling, and he still spends as much time as possible with friends we've made there in LA. There are great families there that we plan to keep as friends for ever! He is planning on getting the CA bar results at the end of November, which is SO unfair because most other states are relinquishing bar results this week or next.

The kids and I are living in Snowflake, AZ, with my mother, sister and step-dad, Keith Flake. They've been good enough to take us in for a short while. My mom began working as a 5th grade teacher this year--including after-school-orchestra, and Keith works half of the week in the valley, so, I pretty much get the house to myself and Sterling each day when the kids leave for school. What's even cooler, is that the busses bring my kids home each day after school! Last year, I had to walk about 3 miles a day to drop-off and retrieve my kids from school. Parking was a nightmare at Westwood Charter--so, I would just walk from home. YEAH for SNOWFLAKE BUSSING!!!!! Life has gotten much less complicated. Except, of course, that Hunt lives in another state :-).

Single-mommying has had it's trying moments, but I was reminded that Hunter is still bringing in the money, which greatly eases my stress!!! I am definitely BLESSED! I remember watching my mother work night shift to help supliment $$ when she was a single mother. She only slept a grand total of 5 hours each day...AGH!! I have NOTHING to complain about! Besides, with Sterling's sleep schedule, I get to write about 1-3 hours a day!!

The kids are doing well with their schooling. They've adjusted yet again to another state. Fortunately, they've lived in AZ before, just not in the northern part. So, with the addition of LOTS of extended family here, the kids and I are fairing quite well. Cody had a fun class activity today that I attended. They are all great kids! Mariah has entered puberty---AGH!!!!! Her emotions roller coaster some days, but she's so bright and enthusiastic about life that it makes up for the sob-sessions. Amber is making friends, which really helps here at home. She is improving her reading, too...YEAH!

We all had a fun rendezvous with Hunter this past weekend. Hunter allowed me a few hours off to go and have a "girl's get-a-way" with my buddy, Jamie Alston. We met and ate breakfast for her birthday. It was WONDERFUL to be a woman again. Sometimes, I feel like all I do is maid. I also got to read Hunger Games 3--woohoo! It was a ten hour vacation for me. Really, I read it in 10 hours! I found that I could multitask while tending to Sterling, doing the laundry, making dinner, and helping with homework.

Also, I've been offering two hours of free dance instruction for anyone who wants to come to the dance studio. It's been a blast! I had over 25 students show up for the beginning class this Tuesday night. It's great for my girls--not only do they get instruction, but they get to mingle with some of the neatest families in Snowflake. LOVE IT!! Mom watches my two boys while I'm gone with the girls. It's awesome! Mariah has turned into quite the ballerina. If only I could get her a better teacher with instruction a few times/week. If only, if only... So, Cody starts soccer at the end of the month, and we've yet to find exactly the right activity for Amber, but I'm hoping she figures it out as we're exposing her to so many different arts and such. We'll see.

So--despite the fact that we're in two different states, we're choosing happiness :-). Hunter is sending out applications left and right, so that our family can be reunited. If you know of any attorney leads...let us know :-). The economy is dying, unfortunately. But, we have faith that the Lord will help us move forward. FAITH FAITH FAITH!!!!!

Amber did kill my cell phone last week, so if you tried to call--I didn't get your message :-). I've gotten a new phone (thanks to Kyle Moore), and I'm back online. My number is 480-440-2906. Call anytime.

LOTS OF LUV,
Julie

Travis comes home from Guatemala

2010-09-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

Snowflake Adventures August 2010

2010-09-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mariah

1856 Reunion--Northern AZ

2010-09-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

LAST LA "KID MOMENTS"

2010-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Westwood Charter Graduations

2010-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Open House night at Westwood Charter Elementary

2010-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

For Westwood Charter's Open House, Amber came dressed as Betsy Ross. She looked beautiful!! Her classroom was covered with multiple art projects, self-made poetry, and pictures about famous Americans that they've studied for the past semester. Amber's creations were focused on Betsy Ross.

Mariah and Cody also had amazing art projects and displays. Mariah had completed a research project on Joseph Smith. She had made golden plates, a bucket of beans--where the plates had been hidden, and a self-made journal entry from Joseph Smith. I was sooooo impressed!! Cody made a family tree, and he too had multiple art projects displayed around the room. So many parents complimented me on my fabulous children. It was a sweet "mommy moment". I walked away feeling so proud of my kids. YEAH Mariah, Amber and Cody!! You are amazing! I love you!!

Family comes to town!!

2010-05-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

We love spending time with Granny Jo, Grandmother, and Natalie. Here are some of the pics when they were leaving us last Sunday. Thanks for coming!!!

NO GO ON THE CA BAR :-(

2010-05-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

So, the Hunt-man didn't pass. Bummer!! We've finally recovered from a week of shock, and we're ready to move forward again. We have lots of different options. We're not certain, yet, which road to take, but we're leaning toward moving to Snowflake to stay with family while Hunter prepares to take the CA Bar one more time in July. Rent is so exorbitant here that it seems ludicrous to stick around and drown in debt. So, we're aiming to be up and out of CA come June 26th. It's not concrete, yet, but it feels right. Who knows what will come next for our family. We're doing everything God's commanded us to do, so were sure it will all work out :-). We had my Grandmother, Mother, and sister here with us last Friday when the results came in. Poor Hunter was traumatized when it all went down, but he's going to take a week out with the boys, camping in Minnesota and Canada this next week. When he gets back, we're going to go crazy packing. Wish us luck.

Mother's Day "Tea Party"

2010-05-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

Today, I got to go to Cody's kindergarten class for our Mother's Day Tea Party!! This was the best school event I've been to!! We really lucked out with Cody's teacher, Mrs. Kaufman--who (in my opinion) is one of the finest teachers in the world!! Every year, she prepares the children with art projects and songs to sing for their mothers on the Friday before Mother's Day.

Each student created a paper machete hat with paper roses and all for their mothers!! They also brought food (cookies, fruit & apple juice) to our tables and had class-made gifts (wrapped and all) for all the mothers. It was a tear-jerker moment! I was so impressed with all of the children. YEAH FOR FANTASTIC TEACHERS!!

Cody sang each song to me, and he insisted that I hold his hand through the whole song. I wasn't about to let go of his hand!! I jump at every opportunity to smother him with affection :-)!! He also insisted that I look directly into his eyes (as his teacher had instructed). I JUST LOVE IT!!

April sum-up!

2010-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

LIVE ACTION DANCE CLASS PHOTO!! Fuzzy, but you get the idea :-). Each week, 5-10 girls come to the church to take dance. I love spending time with them. It's always exciting to teach those who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to learn--those who LOVE to learn!!

So, life is HECTIC, but great!! We're on pins and needles waiting for the CA Bar results to come next Friday, but we've got plenty to keep us busy until then. The kids have had so much success with their schooling. They are all excelling! YEAH!!
Hunter and I are enjoying our time with the LA youth in our church callings, and we're trying to socialize more with those who live in our neighborhood. We've had some fun get-togethers with families from the kid's school. There are so many great people in this area!

We're trying to focus on all the good LA has to offer. Fortunately, we moved to an ideal location for elementary education. Amber and Cody are not as gung-ho as Mariah--as far as schooling goes, but they are really finding their niche.

Hunter is working like a mad-man lately, as work has become more intense. He's also taken on P90X!! He's been sweating up a storm!! I am so impressed with him! Of course, I haven't been inspired enough to join him, yet, but I get tired just watching him :-)!! And I am doing all that I can to just keep up with this growing family! We don't know what's going to happen once the Bar results arrive...new job, no job, move, stay, relocate to another city or state...who knows??? We'll keep you all posted. Here are some pics of our April events. Enjoy!!

Cody had his first book-share experience in Kindergarten! He had 75 different options for "sharing" his favorite book, and he chose to create a car for his costume. Both Hunter and I helped prepare him for the big day. Hunter and Cody had a blast spray-painting the box-car, creating a designer license plate, cutting out and painting the wheels and attaching rope to wear over his shoulders. Cody then told me what he wanted to say for his book-share. He read it all by himself in front of the whole class last week!! We were sooooo proud of him!
What a great kid!!

STERLING LOVES FOOD (below)--can you tell? Yes--he's still nursing--14 teeth and all!!! I love his flesh-rolls hanging over the lip of the high chair! HAHA!

Last week, the Spector/White family took us to the LA ZOO! Janet (mom), Claire and Oliver (kids), showed us around the park. It was a great day!!

Slumber parties are the best!! We had Madison Smith, Laura White, and Juliana White over to play all night long!! These girls asked for a gymnastics class around 9:30 p.m. I mustered up enough energy to spot them for an hour, but I had to hit the sack at 10:30. They stayed up and played well after 1 a.m.! They love being together.

Mariah now fits into MY clothes...AGH!! She is also donning the beautiful necklace her Grandma Lana (Nanna) gave her. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Cody (above) keeps loosing more teeth! The Tooth Fairy is going BROKE!!

Sterling (below) loves going on dates with Mommy and Daddy. He's a great 3rd wheel!!! LOL

Finding fulfillment through MOTHERHOOD

2010-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I was asked to speak for "Time Out for Women" here in LA next month. My topic is: "How do full-time mothers find fulfillment spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially?"

It's a loaded question, huh? I asked this question of my Face book Friends, my family members and Jamie Alston, who then sent it out to all the gals in her Queen Creek Babysitting Club. I have received numerous responses to this question, and the answers have truly WOWED me! Truthfully, I was expecting at least 75% of the comments to be "ME" focused--finding fulfillment by ridding one's self of one's children and focusing primarily on one's own goals, career, dreams, hobbies, etc..."filling my own cup" theory. However, I was surprised how many mothers found fulfillment by simply becoming better mothers--sacrificing MORE of their personal time and choosing to LOVE IT!! I was pleasantly surprised!! Also, many women had found ways to "kill two birds with one stone" (sometimes three!) by doing things that fulfilled them in more than one area (mental, physical, emotional, etc.).

I've thought a lot on this issue, and I've had EXTREME struggles finding fulfillment of my own--so, as I'm sure you all did--I laughed out loud when I heard the topic I was being assigned to speak on!! Of course it would be about the very thing I've struggled with the most and learned the most about this year ;-)!!

It's interesting how self-discipline plays such a HUGE role in self-fulfillment.

We are taught that happiness comes from making correct choices. If I am disciplined enough--or if I CHOOSE to...eat well, read my scriptures daily, pray and ponder privately daily, exercise daily, put aside time for: journaling, emailing, cooking and cleaning (laundry included) DAILY, and find a moment to squeeze in a personal hobby or college course and still leave plenty of time to taxi children around (or in my case, walk the children to and from school--approximately an hour and a half each day) and ensure they all have one-on-one time with me DAILY...I WILL FIND FULFILLMENT!!! WHEW!! Didn't that list seem exhausting??? Of course, I didn't add: teaching children instruments (piano, voice, trombone, etc.), teaching dance/sports courses for your children, taking children to and paying for dentist, doctor, and orthodontic appointments, and leaving at least 2-4 hours in the afternoon for homework help DAILY!! And you can't forget the extracurricular activities: gymnastics, city sports (swimming, diving, etc.), after school games or tournaments, trips to the library, or church calling preparation and completion. Also, this list DOESN'T include the extra work mothers often take on to supplement the family income--or the community service activities that are often added in order to help better the environment and governments in our local areas (which is strongly encouraged). Plus--you've got to throw in Family Home Evenings and Daily Family scriptures.

Sure--motherhood IS a matter of self discipline (scheduling, organizing, etc.)--without it, a mother couldn't possibly expect to get it all of this accomplished!! But, it's also about complete and total FLEXIBILITY!! If a mother isn't capable of dropping the calendar to rush a child to the emergency room, or cancel appointments due to a high fever or the flu, or go without sleep for one, two, three...maybe 10 nights...she may not only feel like a failure, but she may have a mental/emotional breakdown!!

I met up with a mother at my kids elementary school who was always stressed out--NOT because she had too much in her schedule, but because she had no schedule. She said that motherhood was always a chore because she had no discipline in organizing her time--she felt like she was always REACTING to what HAD to be done--instead of preparing for events ahead of time--continually scrambling like a chicken with her head cut-off because she chose not to plan better.

SO--we see the need to be organized AND flexible.

We also know that happiness comes from following God's commandments. I, in many respects, equate happiness with fulfillment. I think that I feel most happy/fulfilled when I am doing God's will--WELL! Mediocre obedience just doesn't cut it for me. It may for others, but I'm a die-hard perfectionist--which, in itself, makes happiness/fulfillment hard to achieve! This is where I believe Kendra hit the nail on the head with "unrealistic expectations". If perfection is our expectation, we are always going to fail--fulfillment will NEVER be realized (at least not in this lifetime). In this area, we find that temple attendance, continual prayer, scripture study & pondering, frequent journaling (blogging), church attendance and being worthy of the Holy Spirit truly helps mothers find spiritual fulfillment.

SO--having realistic expectations and keeping God's commandments is KEY for emotional and spiritual fulfillment!!

One of the most essential things we may have overlooked is the fact that our relationships with our husbands is most important--right after our relationship with God! If that relationship isn't good, or if we're not feeling happy with each other or ourselves--we're not going to feel emotional fulfillment.

SO--establishing a good relationship with our spouses through: good communication, service, frequent affection (hugs, kisses, touch, and YES--sex), and weekly courting MUST be done in order to find fulfillment.

Although finances haven't been discussed either, I believe they play a HUGE role in our familial relationships (especially with our spouse). Learning financial discipline, and acquiring wealth (by this I mean simply having enough money to pay bills) can greatly enhance one's fulfillment needs. Unhappiness is DEFINITELY enhanced when bad financial decisions are made--or just when basic needs cannot be met because insufficient funds.

Diet and exercise are also important for one to find physical fulfillment.

Exercising regularly not only helps mothers to stay in shape, but it also feeds their self-confidence and keeps the husband attracted! YES--exercise tends to be the "extra" thing that gets cut out of the daily schedule, but depression and anxiety can be dispelled by a healthy rush of endorphins!! Also, eating well can increase your energy and keep you feeling well. Likewise, eating poorly can drag you WAY down, and make you feel like sitting in one place ALL day long!! I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about!!

The idea that "BEING A BETTER MOTHER" can fulfill many of our basic needs...is absolutely true!! If we are spending our time loving, teaching, nurturing, and fostering growth in our children...we inevitably feel growth in ourselves!

Fraud and QUAKES!!

2010-04-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

WOW--lot's happenin' here in LA! The first thing that happened was that our debit card had been duplicated and used in 4 different grocery stores last week. AGH! Yah--you heard me right...DUPLICATED!! Pin and all. Just when you think swiping your debit card is safe---THINK AGAIN! Thank goodness I decided to check our bank account when I did! Turns out that fraudulent card duplicators had created a system where they could access all of our card information as we swiped it. We caught it in time, and we were able to get the money returned to our account. WHEW!

Then, on Sunday, right after conference...I was sitting in my chair by the computer, and my chair began to rock around. I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking that maybe I was dizzy and that I just needed to clear my head, but that didn't fix a thing! I called out to Hunter, who was in the kitchen, and I asked him if he was feeling the same thing. Sure enough--he was, too! He told me to grab Sterling and get outside to the other kids. As we all stood in silence, we watched as our neighbor's tree continued to shake. It felt like a snake was swirling beneath our feet. Once the tremor stopped, Hunter and I stared at each other in stunned fear. What would we do if the quake had been worse? What had we forgotten to do to prepare for such an event? What would happen if our family wasn't together? I could tell that Hunter was thinking all the same things.

When we felt it was again safe to go inside, we flipped on the news...and SURE enough...BREAKING NEWS 7.2 earthquake. Then, more breaking news...5.1 aftershock near Malibu/Santa Monica--just miles from our city. AGH!!!! Sacramento had been hit, too.

I had such a jolt of adrenaline running through me that I had to call my immediate family members. I'm not totally sure why, as I had nothing to report, really. But, I was scared! Unfortunately, I hadn't masked it well enough, and the children were, too. Both Cody and Amber were pretty shaken up, and we had only experienced a small rumble--in comparison to those in San Diego--and of course, those who were closer to Baha California, Mexico--where the earthquake had actually originated. The reports said that we had only felt a "1", whereas, those in Mexico felt the full 7.2! SCARY! These natural disasters are so OUT OF OUR CONTROL that you just don't know when they are going to hit or how bad they are going to be. Michelle (my sister-in-law) and my mother both asked, "So, would you prefer tornadoes or earthquakes?" With tornadoes, we had some warning with sirens and news flashes. There are no warnings with earthquakes. Basements can be a place of safety when tornadoes hit. NO PLACE is safe when an earthquake hits. I, therefore, would prefer tornadoes. Actually--I would prefer NO disasters!! BUT--that seems to be unrealistic anymore :-(.

Is there anywhere that's safe? We've been discussing where we want to finish up raising our kiddos. We've talked a lot about the pros and cons of living and raising children in LA. Good schools are like liquid gold here. I've considered homeschooling the kids once they get to junior high--as I hear the public schools have a lot to be desired here. Mariah and I have already discussed her options for schooling next year, as junior high begins in 6h grade here. Mariah is also the only LDS gal in her entire grade! So is Amber, and Cody has just one other little boy who is LDS in his grade. It really does make a difference for these youngsters when they are unable to cling to others who believe as they do. Fortunately, there are many wonderful families of other faiths here, but it's a struggle for the kids to find good friends. There are so many more things that come into play with the area in which you live when your children are so affected by it. I want what's best for my kids--even if that means homeschooling or moving. We'll have to see what happens.

Finding the JOY!!!

2010-04-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

So, last week, when I finally opened up and spoke out about the things that were eating me up, I had an emotional breakthrough! I felt rejuvinated! Honesty is a good thing! I decided that I needed to connect with the many wonderful people in our area, and make a more concerted effort to make friends. Regardless of the fact that money is EXTREMELY tight for us right now, I began attending more events and planned a few get-togethers here in my home. Reuniting with people really helped me. I felt my burdens lifted.

Most importantly, I decided to take on Personal Progress again. Yes, I had already completed my goals as a teen, but since I am now working with the young women in our ward, I thought it would be a great way to help me and them with their current goals. And, HOLY COW!! My scripture time became so much more powerful, as I was focussing on certain subjects each time I read. I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!!

I also continued journaling my feelings--more regularly, though. I realized how Satan was working me over! I could see from a more objective perspective how deeply depressed I had become and how quickly I had despaired. I felt frustrated with myself, yet--I felt excited to be happy again! Optimism--with a realistic perspective--is my re-found approach to life :-).

I've read a lot of conference talks on faith, and I've taken a lot of time to ponder over our gospel doctrine lessons (about Abraham and Joseph of Egypt--two dudes that were tried beyond belief!). If you, too, are being worked over by Satan, check these scriptures out: Hebrews 11, Alma 32:17-43, and Ether 12:6-22. These scrip's really helped me. They lifted my soul out of the duldrums.

It's amazing how terrible Satan can make you feel--even to the point where you don't want to go on another day. I think it was a good lesson for me to learn--tough as heck, but good to learn. Our situation hasn't relented yet, but I just feel more peace. I'm recommitted to living happily, faithfully, despite our trials.

Illumination...

2010-03-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

My brother, Jeremy, sent me this youtube video called, "The Invisable Woman." It was inspiring. To all you mothers who feel invisable...this will lift your day. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

Thanks to those who respond to posts :-)

2010-03-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you who leave messages for me on this blog....THANK YOU!! You make my days, and I love you. It's fun to put my thoughts out and to actually get responses. It means the world to me. Again, thanks :-).

Family Fun

2010-03-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Mariah and Amber were invited to a slumber party, and Cody and Sterling were feeling really left out. So, it was time to put a tent up in the backyard! We had a lot of fun with the girls gone :-)!!

This is Sterling's first SWING!!! This is at the Santa Monica Beach Park.

Sterling wouldn't stop eating the sand! We tried to keep him away, but gave up! He had sand in his diapers for the next 2 days!

Hunter's boss from the Kansas City Chiefs came to visit us last week--along with my sister, Natalie. This is what our dinner was like.

Our "Happy Place"...

2010-03-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Q & A...

2010-03-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

This post is in response to many of your questions. I've been extremely general up to this point--purposefully avoiding a self-instigated mental breakdown. I often put all the positive info. out for all to see, keeping the intricate details of the many trials that are often weighing us down "close to the chest." Struggles are just not as fun to read about, right??

In all reality, LA has been chewing us up and spitting us out!! YES--there is a lot to be said for temperate weather and the TOTAL lack of seasons and snow, but I LOVE fall colors and lots of SNOW!! YES--there is excitement on the beach, but I'm not overly anxious to live on a fault-line--5 minutes from the coast--where an earthquake could flatten our home or a Tsunami could drown us all at any time. FYI--we had 3 earthquakes just last week!! AGH! Fortunately, we only had a 4.4, but REALLY???!!! And why would a $100K home in AZ cost $750K in CA? The building materials can't be that comparitively over-inflated!

Hunter's internship sounded great, but didn't pan out as expected. So, unfortunately, things have been pretty darn tough. We've learned a lot over the past year, though. We've had some really hard weeks. However, we have had some REALLY joyous days--mostly at Disneyland :-). Poppy and Nanna Moore saved up for 2 years and took our whole extended Moore clan to Disneyland for 3 days. We rolled those tickets into annual passes. Now--a day at Disneyland only costs us gas to and from Anaheim and $14 for parking---SWEEEEEEET! Thank you Poppy and Nanna Moore! Disneyland has been our "happy place"--quite literally. We try to go as often as possible.

I've really missed my friends. Terribly.

I miss nature. I've become numb to the "buzz" of the big city. I'm a country girl through and through. I don't need fine clothes or thousands of dollars to have a good time, but I've seen how the "other side" lives now.

The church is different here, too. Wealth can really change people. Views get skewed easily. Doctrine is questionned regularly, and I feel like I have to fight for simple truths to be upheld. Fortunately, I'm not alone. Others are fighting with me. It's exhausting, though. I've really found admiration for those who don't crumble under the pressure. Yet, there are days (too many days) that I just want to give up--and MOVE!!

Regardless...the waiting game persists. May 15th is D-day for the Moores...Doom/Delight--who knows which. The Bar results should arrive mid-May. Of course, they don't actual give you a day--that's all a guessing game, too. 5 years of my life has been consumed with the "unknown". Who knows which law school we'll go to? Who knows what or where the internships will take us? Who knows when or where the new jobs will come from? Who knows where the money will appear from? So many questions--and so few answers.

We've been reading about Abraham in Gospel Doctrine, and I must admit--that guy had a LOT of faith! Faith is what keeps me alive right now. I have faith that God really does know our situation and is routing our course to greener meadows. I have faith that everything will work out. I have faith that despite the hard times--light is at the end of this very long dark tunnel. Of course, my faith has seen better days, but I'm trying my best. I really do believe the doctrine, though, and that in itself means that happiness is actually obtainable--even if it comes in the next life. Time to keep on keepin' on, right??

Mommy-ing is a struggle right now, too. With just one car (that leaves with Hunter each morning), I've had to limit my activities to the square-mile around my home. And since the majority of my days are spent walking children to and from school--very little time is left after laundry, dishes, and other cleaning is completed...especially with a very active 11 month old that is like a 3-man wrecking crew.

I know all the Mormon cliches for the gloomy attitudes that I'm expressing. "This too shall pass." "Focus on the eternal perspective." "I never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it." "Count your many blessings." So, all of you that were thinking these things...I've already got it covered.

So--you weren't expecting the real truth, but there it is. CA is not my cup of tea. I don't know what Heavenly Father has planned for our family, but I hope I can get through this. I feel like I'm drowning already.

Random pics from Hunter's camera-phone...

2010-03-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken the first week Hunter and I came

to LA to find a home. This was our first trip to the LA temple. We always find answers to our prayers when we come to the temple. Sterling was so excited to get out of his car seat after viewing 30 different homes in the area. We were happy to be out of the car, too!!

YOU GUESSED IT!! This pic was taken at the hospital on Sterling's b-day.

Yup, this one, too :-).

Sterling grew FAST!

Hunter was looking through our wedding pics and added this to his phone-camera collection. It's been twelve years now. Can you believe it???

Visits from friends and family...

2010-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

So, it's SPRING BREAK for many of our AZ friends and family--which means that we get visitors! Natalie (my 9 year old sister) came to spend time with us last week while my Mom worked in Sacramento. Woody Dixon, Hunter's boss from the Kansas City Chiefs (just got a new job as head of the Pack 10) flew out to LA on Friday. He invited Hunter to watch the Pack 10 basketball game at the Staples Center and then came to our home for dinner. It was WONDERFUL to have him here. We got a brief visit from my Mom and Grandmother on Sunday. It was all too short, but it was great to see them! The next day, Hunter's mom, sister & to girls came. They hit Disneyland on Tuesday and Wednesday, and we joined them for just a few hours after the kids finished school on Wednesday. Yeah for annual Disneyland passes! We just love seeing our family and friends.

So--life is busy, expensive, and stressful...HOWEVER, we're trying to count our many blessings and enjoy all of the time we get to spend with those we love.

THANKS FOR COMING TO SEE US--YA'LL!!!!

Post Bar Phase :-)

2010-03-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

So, the Hunt-man has completed the monstrous CA BAR!!! YEAH!! He said it was a doozy! 8 hour days for three days straight--AGH!! He drove to Ontario at 5:30 am each morning, and then he drove home in two hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic each night. He called home with a big "WHAT'S UP?!" at the end of the first day. He said that a gal ran out to the parking lot to spew after the morning session on the second day. I guess the multiple choice section was too much to handle! Hunter used many descriptive words---INSANE being one of them. He was just pooped-out by day three, but he came home with a big smile. Who knows how it will all turn out, but we are soooooo proud of Hunter. He did his best--and that's good enough for us. We have to wait until May 15th to get back the results. Please add a prayer or two on our behalf that the graders will give Hunter his full points. YEAH for the next phase of life.

Badly needed TEMPLE time!!!

2010-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

YEAH!! Hunter and I were able to go to the temple together this past Saturday--thanks to Deborah, a wonderful woman in our ward. She watched the kiddos while Hunt and I escaped to the Lord's house for a while. Boy oh boy, how we needed that! I don't think there's a better place on earth to get priorities straight and to feel peace. I kept feeling like Heavenly Father was aware of our circumstances, and working things out for us--in HIS own time, of course :-). I also felt like the most important thing was to ensure that our family was taken care of spiritually. I want to make sure that we raise our kids in an environment that's best for them. I agree that the home is where they get their base values and work ethics, but when the "town" helps to raise them, I want the town to be the right one!! Of course, we'll go where God wants us to go, but it doesn't hurt to pray for specific blessings, right???!!! LA has a lot to offer, but it hasn't offered Hunter a full-time job--YET. Hunter takes the bar tomorrow and the two next days. We won't get the results back until May. Until then, we'll do a lot of praying to find out what the next step is meant to be. We're DONE with interning!! Never say never, though, right?! We just don't care to sacrifice SO much for SO little $$$. Poverty teaches a lot of valuable life lessons, but I'm ready to move on!! :-) HAHA. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way. Unfortunately saying it and doing it are two totally different things. Hunter is a very competent man, and I know things will work out. I'll keep you posted.

There and back again...

2010-02-14T17:45:00.001-08:00

"Whew!" That's the word that comes to mind when I hit my pillow each night. "Made it yet another day"--are the words that follow. Today I gave a lesson on motherhood and keeping a clean and orderly home. The lesson inspired all kinds of emotion inside of me--since I try so hard to do both well, yet I feel like I fail to hit the mark almost daily!! Anyone feel like that?

I spoke with a woman a couple months back who said, "Later in life, no one says, 'Gee...I wish I hadn't had as many children!' Nope. More times than not, older folks are wishing they had had MORE kids to keep them company in their later years."

I think motherhood/fatherhood certainly teaches life-lessons that one could not learn in any other way. Selfishness has to excuse itself completely if one is to truly parent well. Yes, it's important to "fill your own cup", but even that comes at inconvenient times!

Mariah scheduled about ten too many activities this semester, and we have since scaled back. The lesson would have never been learned the easy way, however. She had to realize that committing to too many things stretched her beyond her limits, and the only way to do WELL in anything was to do only a few things at a time. She found out that her "eyes were bigger than her stomach". She was taking private violin lessons, after school drama (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), dance, gymnastics, piano, etc.--besides being the lead in her class production, being a Student Council Representative, going to church activities, and keeping up with homework and daily chores. She wasn't finding any time to play! We agreed that play-time is just as essential as the rest, and scaling back was absolutely necessary. WHEW!! She is now wasting time more :-). She really enjoys rollerblading in our backyard. She's quite good!!

Amber--cuddles her way into your heart. Sadly, she has really struggled to find good friends at her school. There are four sweet gals in our ward that I need to schedule playdates with--so that Amber can enjoy her time in CA more. She is doing well with her scholastic work, and she enjoys math the most. She spends as much time as she can on the bars on the school yard. She will do everything in her power to be the first on the bars and the last to leave. She has brusies up and down her legs from the bars, but she's quite proud of them because she feels they show off her persistance and excellence. She is still our family entrepenuer and the wealthiest of us all--as she saves all the money she's given for b-days, christmas, etc. She is getting more beautiful every day. She's a really fun kid.

Cody has been doing so much better with his anger management. He has so many friends at school. He misses his cousin, Blake Johnston, terribly, however. He fears CA earthquakes, and he begs us to move almost daily. He loves to play every kind of sport, and he loves to ride his scooter. He climbed the tree in our backyard for the first time this week. He was soooo proud of himself. He loves to hug and kiss on Sterling. Tonight I found Cody holding Sterling on his lap, and they were both mesmerized by the Olympic scenes on the t.v. It was very cute.

Sterling continues to keep us from sleeping. And so it goes. He is the happiest baby, however, and he keeps us all smiling (until 1 am, when we're not fully coherent--but fully sleep deprived). He is clapping, waving, and saying MOM and DAD. His hair is growing out--RED! With all of my irish blood, and Hunter's Italian (Northern Italian) blood, each of our kiddos have had red tints in their hair. Sterling now has a TON of teeth, and he's biting everything--including ME!! AGH! Breast feeding is soon to be a thing of the past :-).

Hunter is preparing for the bar---STILL. He will take the bar in a week and a half!! It's here! This is such a stressful time! Hunter has made time for us all, though. He has been such an amazing husband! Really! He goes out of his way to help each of us individually. He's such a great guy. He makes me laugh every day. He's determined to give this bar the best he's got. No matter the result, Hunter is the best of the best.

I took on a video editing project for my mom this past week. I love editing! Yes, it was bad timing for me to set back to work, but it all worked out. I continue to be at the cross-roads with every member of our family. I'm doing everything I can to keep on keepin' on.

We're so grateful for generosity of friends and family who have continually helped us out during the past few months. THANK YOU!! Hopefully, we'll get to see the fruits of our 5-year-law-adventure (including LSAT, Law School, and 3 internships). Only time will tell.

What a week!

2010-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

So--our refrigerator has gone on the fritz for the 3rd time in 3 months! AGH! It hasn't actually been fixed since the first time it stopped working--so, we've been living out of ice chests for the majority of the last 3 months! EVEN during Thanksgiving and Christmas! The landlords are pretty tight with any kind of home-improvement expenditures, so we've been left to endure life in ice chests. It's difficult to find food you're looking for--shoveling handfuls of ice, and moving from chest to chest. Ice is almost $5/bag here--so we've spent the equivalant of what it would have cost to purchase another used refrigerator off Craigslist at this point!! Frustrating!

Cody is home sick with a fever today. He's a low-maintanance "sicky", though--so, no complainst there :-). Sterling continues to cry himself to sleep--sometimes up to an hour of crying. It's a little nerve-wracking. We're not sure what to do with him throughout the nights, though. Some books tell you to let them cry it out all night. We've let him cry himself to sleep, but after 4-5 hours or so later--when he wakes up, we bring him in with us, and I feed him back to sleep. It seem counterproductive. Any one have any brillant ideas?

Hunter has been trying his best to study every available minute, but inevitably--something blows up (figuratively)!! Whith one car, two callings (both in the Young Mens and Young Womens), an extrememly tight budget, and lots of children needing to be run around every day, Hunter is constantly helping me to put out all the fires. With Cody sick, someone has to be home at all times. The schedule gets discombobulated every time "life" happens. We know to expect it, but it gets to be too much to handle at times--especially when Hunter REALLY needs quiet, uninterrupted time to study, study, study. Bills have to be paid, everyone must be fed, laundry must be rotated, folded and put away, dishes have to be washed, the kids need help with hours of homework, and Sterling needs a consistant "scream-it-out" sleep schedule...LOTS to do!! Poor Mariah took on 4 hours of math yesterday--besides play practice and Achievement night at the church. Everyone's a little (a lot) on edge. Can anyone relate?

Good news!! Mariah was selected to be the lead in her class play. We get REALLY excited when casting is based on MERIT rather than SCHOOL DONATIONS!! CA has a skewed way of rewarding kids in the extracurricular drama program---so this was SOOOOO exciting! We are so proud of Mariah. She was just beaming!

I volunteer with choreography during Mariah's after-school play rehearsals, so I get to see how she interracts and responds to instruction. She is fantastic! I'm also teaching free dance classes at the church each Tuesday night before mutual, and Mariah and Amber have improved week after week. The two of them just LOVE to dance, and they are exceptional students. I'm proud of both of them. They are complimented by all of their leaders and teachers. It really makes parenting a treat when the kids do well in their various activities.

So--that's the update. Things are pretty stressful right now, but the kids are really excelling in their many activities. Additionally, our family scripture time and family home evenings have been so uplifting lately, as the kids are more conversant and are really grasping the various spiritual concepts. They really are good kids.

Innertubing in Northern AZ

2009-12-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

Amber and Cody

Hunter & the kids, & Granny Jo, Natalie, and Kristen (my cousin) went to northern AZ to go snow innertubing. They had a blast!! Thanks for fun Granny Jo!!

Cody

Amber

Natalie Rose (my sister)

Trudging up the slope--just to slide back down again!

Granny Jo and Kristen

MP3 players were Christmas HITS this year! That's what our girls asked for. As you can see--they're connected at all times now :-).

Grattitude...

2009-12-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

"A grateful man is a happy man"...or so it goes. I would also add that a grateful woman is happy, too! I feel so overwhelmingly grateful for good people, and I'm especially grateful for God--and his hand in my life. I know that there are those out there who doubt the reality of a God, but I'm not one of them!!! I am constantly reminded of his existance by His continual outpouring of blessings in my life. I also believe all the scriptures say about Jesus Christ. I believe He's the literal Son of God.

I sat with my children this morning and talked to them about faith in God and Jesus. Just talking about these two beings set my soul on fire!! I am flawed in nearly every way, but I know that because of Jesus Christ, I have a chance to live with God again--and with my family for ETERNITY!!

Granted--there are some moments when eternity sounds outright SCARY ;-)--usually when Mariah and Amber are fighting over clothes. But at this moment, I can't imagine a greater gift.

Our family received some amazing gifts this holiday!! Invaluable gifts of time, service, money, etc. There are so many individuals and families who have generosity pouring out their ears!! I am so grateful to those who constantly helped us out...THANK YOU!

We began Sterling's sleep training two days ago. He's done SOOOO much better than our other children---OR maybe---Hunter and I are finally figuring out how WE should do it!! I feel so heartbroken as I place Sterling in his crib and walk away. I feel like I'm abandoning him. He's such a peacable baby. The last thing I want to do is walk away from him. Honestly, I just want to scoop him up in my arms and kiss him until he falls asleep from all the obsessive cuddling!! It's SOOO hard! I love him so much.

I love them them all so much. It's hard to express how my heart swells with pride each time they make good decisions. And I don't think there's a graph or chart that can adequately show how my excitement bubbles over when they succeed in their various activities. No words quite fit the bill when one of them throws their arms around me and says, "I love you, Mom!" In fact, Mariah randomly listed all of my mommy-duties in her journal today--then turned to me and asked, "Mom--you don't get much time for yourself...do you? Because with all I've got written down, you take care of all the house stuff, kids, husband, bills, food, homework, and church stuff--but then, there's no time for you to do what you want to do." I watched her puzzled expression morph to a look of complete grattitude. Before I could respond, she smiled and said, "Mom---thanks for everything. I love you." Sure--there's contention and bickering that errupts at times, but those moments make mommying so worth it! Mommy-hood is a difficult job to guage success. Sometimes, you don't know if you're moving up or down! I would venture to say that it's the most trying/satisfying job I've ever had!! I've come to the realization that I am a duty-bound mommy with the intention to do good. Whether what I "intend" to happen ever happens--I'm trying my very best; I'm giving this family the best I've got--and that will have to do for now :-).

Hunter started studying for the Bar this week. So far--he's feeling good about his plight. Overwhelmed??? ABSOLUTELY! However--I see the determination in his eyes. I have faith in him, and I believe he's got a fabulous future ahead of him. He's a really wonderful man, and I'm fortunate to have lived the adventure with him these past 12 years. CRAZY how time flies, eh?? I met Hunter in January 1998--12 years ago. We've had 5 kids together and a ton of great memories! LOVE YOU BABE!!

3 Days of Disneyland with the MOORE CLAN!

2009-12-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Cody was all smiles when he jumped on his horse.

CA Adventure had a ton of great entertainment for the kids. The Brother Bear Park was just perfect for kids who needed a place to stretch their legs and run around. The older kids loved the zip-line. WOOHOO!

Sterling didn't get to go on CA Soarin' but he was so excited to see the crew when they all got back! Hunter pulled him in tight for a quick embrace.

It took us a few tries before we mastered the "Monkey Walk", but the girls were quite pleased with themselves :-).

CHILLY mornings in CA---no amount of cold would have kept us out of Disneyland, though!! Nanna made sure everyone had matching sweatshirts and t-shirts. SO FUN! We pulled out our snow gear (mittens, hats, etc.) and disbursed them to make sure the kids enjoyed the cold, too.

PRICELESS :-)

It just doesn't get better than this! Nanna, Poppy Moore & Sterling.

The best part is that Nanna is the guru on all the "hidden Mickey's" around Disneyland, and when she saw this picture, she excitedly blurted, "IT'S A HIDDEN MICKEY!!" Can you see it?

Carnation Cafe--YUMMY!

Thanks Poppy Moore! WE LOVE YOU!!

SISTERS: Mariah and Amber

Uncle Nate and his girls: Tiegen and Betty

Uncle Kyle looked after our kids on more than one occassion over the 3 day trip. He was so helpful and tons of fun!! ALL SINGLE GALS--this guy is AWESOME WITH KIDS!! He's oh-so-single and lookin' for the right girl. Give me a call if you want a phone # :-)!!

Cody was thrilled when he was selected to be a JEDI in training.

It doesn't take much to make this boy smile! He is a tub of love and joy :-)!

Poppy Moore was sporting the Disney-Wizard-Cap.

WE LOVE DISNEYLAND!

We were so excited to get away from the city and spend some quality family-time at Disneyland. Truly--it's the "happiest place on earth!" By day three, we were all pooped--but happy, nonetheless :-). Nanna and Poppy Moore saved up and treated the entire family--THANK YOU!! These memories will last forever :-).

The Moore Cousins

From left to right: Cyrus, Lana, Mariah & Sterling, Amber & Betty, Cody, Tiegen, and Jaynee

Mariah and Betty (Nate's daughter)

Mariah was such a great helper with the younger kiddos. She made sure they all enjoyed themselves, too--even when they weren't tall enough to go on some of the rides.

CODY DUELED DARTH VADAR!!! No kidding! Cody and Cyrus were chosen to fight against history's #1 BAD GUY!! This is every young man's dream! About 20 kids put on Jedi robes and trained for their one-on-one against the Master of the Dark Side :-). This was truly AWESOME!

Cody was hitting every move!

Amber--cutie patootie--whooped and hollered for Cody and Cyrus as they battled against Darth Vadar.

PARTAAY!!

Girly heaven!!

Uncle Nate and Sterling

SO----The Moore gang arrived at our home prepped and ready for a three-day DISNEY ADVENTURE!! Nanna & Poppy Moore, Uncle Nate & his three kids: Cyrus, Tiegen, and Betty, & Uncle Kyle bunked out at our house. Aunt Meredith & Uncle Eric & their 2 kids: Lana and Jaynee stayed at a hotel near Disneyland. At 5 am on December 21st--Nanna made sure everyone was awake. She had bought and brought with her 8 boxes of snacks and goodies that we packed up for each person in our crew. Within an hour, we were all dressed and packed for a full day of DISNEY!! I would go as far to say that the adults were even more excited than the kids! We had a great time on all of the rides---and more importantly, we had a BLAST with each other!! The next two days were just as amazing as the first! Amber proved to be our most CRAZY thrill-rider!! She took off with the older crew--riding CA Screamin' at least 7 times--along with Tower of Terror at least four times! Mariah--more cautious (like her mommy), tried almost every ride--but opted out of repeat rides :-). She had a great attitude the whole time. She was really helpful with the younger cousins. THANKS MARIAH!! Cody was pretty pumped-up about Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear ride and Space Mountain, but wasn't willing to look up at all during the Indiana Jones ride. He was certain that "looking into the eyes" of the woman at the beginning of the ride would doom him for life. Amazingly, he joined those who ventured onto Tower of Terror because he was tall enough for the ride--and quite proud of that!! I explained how frightening the ride would be, but he was determine. YES--as expected, he was utterly terrorized and will NEVER try that one again!! Sterling spent most of his time helping Poppy Moore and Mommy/Daddy save seats for parades and watch over the strolers, but he had smiles for everyone that came to love on him. He was quite the chubby-child-novelty :-).

Poppy Moore and Sterling

Everyone wants to kiss on Sterling's chubby cheeks. You just can't help it!

Hunter, Sterling & Julie, & Nanna

Riverboat

Poppy Moore, Hunter & Sterling

This show--"Billy and the Hillbillies"--is a definite family favorite!! We watch it every time we go! With a Christmas-Elvis-spin, the Hillbillies had us all laughing!

The Jungle Cruize

The gal who "wo-manned" our boat was hillarious! We thought seriously about getting her number for Kyle!

Tiegen (Uncle Nate's daughter), Uncle Kyle & Amber

Uncle Nate, Uncle Kyle, Aunt Meredith

(Hunter's siblings)

TEA CUPS!
Truth is--I'm not in this picture for a reason. I get soooo sick spinning in these tea cups!! However, the rest of the crew went three times each!

Betty (Nate's daughter)

I think this was the first and only time I was alone for the whole week!

Amber and Tiegen
Dumbo

This was monumental--getting 17 family members to the front gates of Disneyland before 8 am when the park opens!! We're all die-hards :-)! Each morning after, we were at least 15-20 minutes later. Waking up got harder and harder. I thought Hunter was going to cry when we arrived at 8:15 am on the third day. There's something magical about being there the moment the park opens.

Hunter and I managed to take the longest every morning. It was a feit to get the baby and all of the kids geared up for the chill. Still--the rest of the family didn't grumble a bit--THANKS EVERYONE!

The kids just love Uncle Kyle. He's so much fun!

Poppy Moore

I just love this picture. Poppy Moore keeps everyone safe. He's earned the endearment "SAFETY NAZI". He takes care of us all :-)

Cody on the Brother Bear Zip-line.

We kept finding Uncle Nate on the phone with his girl-friend, Kelsey. We finally got to meet her when we arrived in AZ for Christmas just a few days later. SHE ROCKS!! GO NATE!!

Mariah is so tall now! She has lifted beyond my shoulders now! AGH! I'm afraid she's going to pass me up soon. I bet her that it wouldn't be until she was twelve, but it may just be eleven!

Kyle and Nate-bros.

Kyle and Nanna

Kyle is hillarious! He's usually crackin' some joke about this or that. He's great company.

I love these guys! Hunter is the man of my dreams! He's such a great dad and husband. So glad we're together. He makes life good.

It was so sunny we closed our eyes until the photographer counted to three :-).

The Matterhorn (sp?)

Cody LOVED this ride!!

The MOORE Gang

Billy and the Hillbillies Show

WE'RE THEIR #1 FANS!

DUMBO RIDE

We never know what Betty's doing--but it's usually funny!

All the kids piled ontop of Kyle just before the parade began--looks like he faired alright :-).

Nanna, Mariah, & Cody

Uncle Kyle

Mariah Danae

Cyrus and Cody--buds!

Meredith, Eric, Jaynee and Lana

Nate, Cyrus, Tiegen & Betty

The ORIGINAL Moore Family--ALL GROW(ED) UP :-)

FAMILY BLISS--DISNEY STYLE!!

A special day...

2009-12-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've had a thousand reasons to be grateful this holiday season. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I know he's always looking after our family--even when we're not so smart. His love is unconditional.

Today is my son's birthday! Rodney Coy Moore would have been five years old today! I miss him, and I wish that I could have a couple minutes (or years) with him again. I wish that I could have seen him interract with his other brothers and sisters. I wish...I wish... I've had such peace today--thinking about him, thinking about all that happened to me and our family when we learned that I was to deliver him still-born. I had so many wonderful friends rally to my side...silent, but supportive...true friends. I will forever be grateful for the family members and friends who knew how and when to come to my aid. THANK YOU!! I have had many moments when I've wondered if Rodney was right by my side--helping me along. I can't wait until that glorious day when I will see him again.

I am grateful for the children I have. Truth is--I've had a hard time adjusting to the CA mentality--that 1-2 children are PLENTY--and more than that is just STUPIDITY! I think there's a lot to be learned from these great kids! They teach me more about humility and forgiveness than any other ADULT I've known! They teach me more about unconditional acceptance and love than any other "career woman" out there!! There are so many SMART reasons to have children--LOTS of them!! I am soooo grateful God allowed me to raise these 4 kids. They really are my life, and my joy.

Amber's Baptism

2009-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

Natalie Rose (my sister--Mariah's best buddy)

Uncle Jeff, Uncle Troy, Uncle Nate, Grandpa Moore, Uncle Kyle

Grandpa Moore

Nanna and Uncle Kyle

Sterling, Maddison Smith, Julianna White, Suzanne White, Laura White

These are our dear friends who drove back early from San Jose to see Amber's baptism. THANK YOU!!

Suzanne White & Laura, Linda Smith (offered to prepare ALL of the refreshments--THANK YOU!!!)

Jean Jasinski and her three kiddos; Eva, Jacob & Leah

WE LOVE THIS FAMILY!!!

Rebecca and Ashlee

Amber's Primary Teachers :-)

What a beautiful experience. The talks (given by Nanna Moore and Granny Jo) were so well-prepared and Spirit-filled. The welcomes from the Bishop and Primary President were also beautiful and brought tears to all of our eyes. We were so grateful for all the family and friends who were able to attend this wonderfully memorable event. We LOVE you. Amber--you are such a glorious young girl. You are SOOOOO special.

Trip to the Santa Monica Beach

2009-11-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

Granny Jo and Jules

Cody, Mariah, Natalie, Amber, Granny Jo and Sterling

Granny Jo and Sterling.

This trip to the beach was more of a "told-ya-so" to the kiddos who were bound and determined to venture into the waves regardless of the arctic temperatures. They wanted, desperately, to say that they had taken Granny Jo and Natalie to the beach. SO--we DID take Granny Jo and Natalie to the beach. However, the COLD wind and COLD water dampened their spirits about 30 minutes later. Sterling was quite content, though, because of all the sand he successfully piled into his mouth :-).

Turkey Bowl--Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Uncle Nate and Cody

Nanna and Poppy Moory

All the football players

Hunter and Nate

Troy (my brother)

HIKE!!!!!!

Family Comes To Town :-)

2009-11-28T14:38:00.000-08:00