What's Cook ' n?

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2008-12-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

It's now Winter, I think that's what it means when there is a bunch of white cold "stuff" on the ground. The kids have had a great time playing in the snow. They wish everyday that it would snow enough to get another "snow day". It is nice to see but I am not liking the driving in it, at all! The roads around here, to the bus stop are so muddy and slippery, I am grateful we have our 4 wheel drive truck, otherwise I'd be stuck in that muddy, icy roads. this is all new to me, snow days, 2 hour delay days, ice roads, mud.... never ending mud. This makes keeping a house clean even harder. The other thing I am not used to is making our own heat. Yeah, we get to collect firewood and keep the fire going as much through the night as possible. It has been great for the kids to see how easy things were before the move. Bailey is just like the kids, wants to just play in the snow, doesn't even go inside her dog house. She now comes in at night and sleeps in the laundry room. Its all good though, I do enjoy this time and how pretty everything is dusted in white. I believe this is Winter!!

winter snow

2008-12-16T13:51:00.001-08:00

HaLLoWeeN

2008-11-24T10:12:00.001-08:00

I know this post is late, but I couldn't find my camera cord, somewhere in the midst of boxes in a storage unit... probably!! We all had a really enjoyable time at my parents house. Cheryl always doing some planning on our annual Halloween party. The kids get dressed up, as well as the adults. We normally have some pumpkin carving, games and dinner. we made a quick visit to Fun City to pick up some last minute costumes, namely mine and Jareds. Treven wanted to be a punk rock guitarist, Skylar wanted to be scream, but couldn't find the costume so he went as some living dead "thing", Noah was Venom, and Kayla was my pixie "tinkers". Jared picked up Master Chief, from Halo and I found a "sexy Bat", yep. Later after the whole party, Jared, I Cheryl, Robert, Trent, Karolann, and Mikey went to a haunted house. The Night of the Living Dead, believe that was it, I hate haunted houses, but this time it was fun just standing in line, one of the "living dead" was outside hanging around the "living" waiting to get into the haunted house. My sister Cheryl freaked.... he was right behind her and then in front of her, everywhere she didn't want him to be actually. It was quit comical. We had such a fun time. On Halloween our ward was doing a trunk or treat, the guys actually made it up here in time to go to that. Tara and I had the trunk decorated with spiders and webbing. We had done up some small things for people to feel and squirm with. we had things like dead cold hands, pieces of ears, intestines, mashed brains.... it was fun. (sorry no pics from that).

This is Halloween, Halloween

2008-11-24T10:09:00.001-08:00

What happens here... stays here in Mexico

2008-09-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

MEXICO

2008-09-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

It was another great time in Mexico. The weather was just HOT, and the air was HUMID. It was fun though. We left early Thursday morning. We, my mom, dad, Daryl, Bethany, Bret, Mindi, Cheryl, Robert, Karolann, Mikey, Trent, Bethany's dad, and step mom, and me and my kids. There were others that were already down there, like the Ray family. Its always a fun good time when we go down there. Jared hasnt been down since I was pregnant with Kayla. Thursday we got there about 10:30 am and of course set up camp as soon as possible. The kids of course want to be at the beach as soon as possible. Friday we went to market to market..... such the tourist traps. The market always has somehting somebody needs, or doesn't need. We can't leave the market without stopping at the Thrifty Ice cream shop. The ice cream shop was especially nice since it was the only building with Air Conditioning. After yummy, expensive ice cream we drove to the pharmacia. We also drove down to our old "hangout" ok well actually our old camping area, Playa Elegante. It is no longer there, so sad, the whole area has been cleared to make way for a huge sky rise condo that is to be built. when we got back to our camp it was just about cool enough to go to the beach without burning up. The ocean was soo warm felt like a spa, almost to warm cause you wanted something to cool off in. Friday night I was surprised to see Jared walk through my parents fifth wheel door. It was soo nice to see him and have him there with me and the kids. He brought two of the boys friends down with him too. Saturday was just going to other markets and beach time. That night we went out to dinner at Phat Taco. The little hole in the wall "restaurant" was good with $1 tacos. It took them a while to get our order. By Saturday night my cousins came down to hang with us too. We have such good times. The last night there is always a little sad, knowing you have to leave to go home to reality. The next time we go will not be in September, way too hot.... even October is a little too warm. The campground we stay at is The Reef. Crazy fun is what we do. I am hoping next time will be just as enjoyable.

Summer... summertime

2008-09-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a long time. Its been kinda hard to write about things. This past summer was very emotional, what else can I say. I do know that my "trials and tribulations" aren't as bad as others so I wont go on about how dark and dreary my life has been...... enough said about that. So we had a few birthdays this summer as well. I cant believe how my kids are growing sooo fast. Its so sad(sniff, sniff)! It has been an adventure. These pictures are taken at Tempe Marketplace. We went and ate dinner at Dave and Busters.... played some games while waiting for our friends Devin and Fawn. They had a concert going on that night. We only had Kayla and Noah, the other two were up visiting grandma. The kids had lots of fun plaing in the water, as you can tell. It was a fun night. August was found trying to scramble to get ready for school. I know I didnt get any first day pictures, sorry :( The kids are all enjoying it though. This year Treven gets to go to Science camp. It is the end of October. Treven is also playing violin this year. Skylar is in 4th grade and seems to be doing well. I really like his teacher, I think it will be good for him. Noah, oh my Noah. He's just excited that his teacher wants to use the gym balls for the kids to sit on, instead of chairs. She is really big on healthy and active kids. She says the balls will help strenghten their cores and balance. ( We'll see how long that lasts;) Little miss Kayla, she stays home with me and tries to play something all day. Its kinda hard entertaining her and work at the same time, yeah, speaking of work.... My dad has moved the business to his home and I work for him. Summer was really scary as far as finances go. Jared hasn't had a job since July and my dinky pay checks were not even worth the paper they were printed on. I am so grateful now he started working about 2 weeks ago. My work had picked up a bit now. Instead of 1 or 2 orders a week, its now 5-7 a day, much better. Things are slowly coming back together....

I am definitly excited for our semi- annual Mexico trip. We didnt go down in March, but we are leaving next week I am soo really needing this vacation. I am grateful that my family gives us this opportunity to go. We usually ride down with someone and saves us cost of gas,. I really appreciate all that family do for us. Jared and I are extremely blessed to have such a wonderful family. On both sides... I really am grateful for everyones help. Thanks so much to all.

1856 Musical

2008-07-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Jared and I went and saw the "1856 the musical". We didn't get to see it 2 years ago,wanted to but things came up. My sister in law has a part in it this year as well. I really enjoyed it. We had tickets for the night showing and decided to go to Mesa a little bit early to get dinner before. The music was awsome. It was a great experience. I would highly recommend seeing this. It makes you realize what sacrifices had to made ... to leave your homes and family and travel great distances for something you have faith in to be a better place. I did cry, hard not to. The play runs through July 3rd. Like I said , go see it it is soo worth it. ( The soundtrack is great too.)

Cub scout Day Camp

2008-06-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

So, I got the priviledge of going to cub scout day camp this year. Let me tell you how HOT and tiring it is. I had no idea what I was in for. I am over the wolf den, which is Skylars group. Treven is a webelo and they divide the webelos from the rest of the boys. So since my wolf partner was there and 1 of the parents from our wolfs, I got to go with the webelos. I didnt see Skylar at all, except the first day when we had to get registered and figure out where we were going. The camp is at Heard Pueblo at south mountain. It is crazy... all the projects they have the boys do, and all the water they have going on. The boys rotate every day with which project they do....games, archery, bb shooting,arts... I did have an enjoyable time, atleast as much as you can being outdoors in the heat with 11 boys and their "attitudes". I still am trying to catch up on rest, we didnt get home till after 11 pm. The first night was almost midnight, one of the boys in our car was car sick. Next year, I think we should get the earliest possible days.

cub scout day camp

2008-06-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

Wintery wonderland in May

2008-06-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Memorial weekend was certain to be a memorable one!
How previous memorial weekends are spent.... usually going up to my grandparents cabin in Pinetop, to escape the summertime HEAT!!! This year was a big change and one that nobody can recall ever being like this one. Lots of snow!! I was looking online for weather conditions and just clicked on the weather advisory, there it was a snow warning, in May. Crazy crazy. We were planning on taking the expedition, luckily we changed our mind to taking the 4X4 dodge truck instead. Good thing cause we were hit with snow just outside of the canyon. We eventually got to the cabin, all things considered it was great timing when we had left. The weekend was a relaxingly, cold ice get away, we dont have WINTER SNOW clothes, like jackets and gloves. The Wal-Mart up there didnt have winter clothes either only summertime. There was lots of snow everytwhere a good 6-8 inches. The kids had lots of fun building snowmen and having snowball fights. We visited mom and Michael, had Sunday dinner at their place. It was nice, the weather eventually warmed up by Sunday the snow was pretty much gone. Monday we packed up and cleaned the cabin, all evidence of snow was no longer, It was actually really warm by then, okay, warm for Pinetop. We all had a really enjoyable time.

Winter Wonderland!! in May

2008-06-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

A Change will be good

2008-05-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Sooo, well after a much emotional rollercoaster ride this past week, I have come to a conclusion, things happen for a reason. I have had the hardest most emotional week, that I have ever experienced in my life. Some things have happened recently and although I never would have wanted these to happen, I am realzing it had to be in order for better things to come. I am thankful for the gospel and what it means in my life. In this new found "better" I am able to help those around me too. There has been a big step by way of my dads business as well. The company I have been working for since I was 15 is now going through major changes. My dad has now retired from the company and starting his own business. This has been really uncharterted ground for my family, especially. I am really hoping it is one of those" have to get through the crappy hard times in order to enjoy the better times to come." Although there is a light at the end of the tunnell, I just dont know how long it will take to get there. I do hope and pray that this all will work out for the best, because a Change will be good.

Happy Anniversary

2008-05-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

May 3, 1996 that was the beginning of our lives together. This is "our" story! I met Jared at Westwood. He was a grade ahead of me, and you know back then I had dating rules. The first rule was always date someone older, yes he fit the first rule, but my second rule of dating, never date a guy that goes to the same school. That was the dilemma. I liked him, but things were complicated due to my rules. I even was "hanging" out with a guy that lived with him. Then there was his girlfriend, yea she threatened to kick my butt if I even looked at him. Kinda funny we became friends that same year. That was fine I had my other guy friends and thats just how it worked out, all through my Westwood years. The same year I graduated, I was coming home from registering at MCC and had to stop to gas up my car. I had my ex- boyfriend in the car with me and guess who was at the pump next to me? none other than Jared Cook. We exchanged small talk, basically who the guy in my car was... and he gave me his number. I really hesitated calling him, in fact I think I waited 2 days to finallly call. I had just gotten out of a semi-serious relationship and really wasn't looking for a new one. That was it, after that initial call and seeing each other I don't recall a day going by that we didn't see each other. We dated for a year and then we were engaged for 9 months. I knew from the first date that he would be the one I married. I really loved our friendship and how well we got along. I loved him. I love him for so many reasons....
He was always there to cheer me up, he made me laugh, he was just the one I needed after a rocky previous relationship. He was a great friend and listener. We have our differences but I will always remember how I felt, and why I feel in love with him. Here we are 12 years later, my how time flies, but seems like just yesterday we were married. There is so much more for us to learn and to grow, I am thankful I have my best friend, my husband.
I love you Jared and happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

2008-05-02T15:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jared

2008-05-02T15:03:00.001-07:00

Camping, oh soo much fun

2008-05-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend we went camping as a family. Our friends Devin and Fawn had invited us a couple of weeks ago. It was really nice. The area we stayed at had a creek running through, in fact the turn off was just through Payson called Flowing Springs. It was a great little getaway. The kids all played well together, I dont recall any fights. Other than the little arguements that brothers so easily do, the kids were great. Devin and Fawn had invited their Friends Aileen and Kevin. They have 4 kids as well. In fact we all have just 1 girl and the rest boys. The first night there it was really cold. Okay I thought it was really cold, but the second night wasnt to bad. The only problem was sleep interruptions, like Noah throwing up all over his sleeping bag and blankets. Gotta love that sound to wake you up in the middle of the night. I had also given the only 2 spare blankets to Aileen, her kids froze the night before. Anyways, it was really nice. I cant wait to go camping again, maybe just with a different tent!

A camping we will go!

2008-05-01T22:20:00.001-07:00

Birthday and a Wedding

2008-04-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 19th was just a busy day! We had a nephews birthday party and a wedding!
Kalebs birthday was fun fun.... they did a sports theme and had different sport activities to do.

My sisters wedding was also this day. If you dont know how crazy nutso brides are... it makes for a long day. Chris and Nikki were so generous to let Karolann and Mikey hold their wedding ceremony and reception in their backyard. They were so awesome at making sure the lights were on the trees and that the grass was green. It was gorgeous. Kayla was the flower girl and not a day would go by without her asking when she would get to wear her white dress. I was more worried that she wouldnt be doing her job a dropping flowers. The rehearsal was good and she got to practice her routine. Everyone there was trying to get her to smile too. I said you know she is doing good just to get the flowers out of her basket and onto the ground, lets not push it! Treven was the ring bearer. he looked so handsome in his black vest. His job was to make sure Kayla was going in the right direction and to encourage her to drop the flowers. They did a great job. That night was a long night. After decorations taken down and everything put away, it was close to midnight. I had a hard time leaving that night, we made some great friends
with Nikki and Chris. Chris was ready to keep Noah. Chris took Noah and Skylar out in the backyard with a black light to catch scorpions. Nikki says last year he caught over 200 scorpions. CRAZY!! It was funny, Noah was telling Chris how one time he got lost and Chris said " well did they find you?"
Noah said " well Duh, I am here aren't I?"
oh sweet Noah. He just talks to everybody.
I wish Karolann and Mikey the best!!

My sisters wedding

2008-04-29T17:09:00.001-07:00

Springtime

2008-04-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

These pictures aren't all of swimming, I know. We have had a great Spring time. The Cook side did a kickball and Easter egg hunt at the park. That was so much fun. A friend of ours, Kevin, had his twins for the week and did a BBQ pool party in his heated pool. It was a nice day and the kids really enjoy Kevins pool. They especially the the rock waterfall and jumping from it. The pool is nice because the first few feet of it is like only a foot deep so Kayla can be in the water without actually being in over her head in the pool. The bummer part of the whole thing was Jared was in Washington visiting grandma and not able to be there with us. The happier note is that grandma Cook is doing well and we are very thankful for that. The kids and I spent the weekend at my parents house. We slept in the Fifth wheel and Skylar actually convinced my dad bright and early Saturday morning, that he needed a tether ball. Yes grandpa and Skylar went searching the stores for one. They came back and pretty much made the rest of the day a tether ball day. It was great, you never really know how out of shape you are until you play and get beat by your own sons. Ahh I miss those good ol' days of actually having "muscle". Pretty crazy. We are so glad that daddy is home now and not stuck at the airport!!

swimmin

2008-04-08T17:25:00.001-07:00

Family Fun

2008-04-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we decided to take the kids out for a fun filled day. I unfortuanetly forgot my camera so I dont have any pictures to post. I am not used to the idea that I have a nice camera that doesnt die after only 3 pictures. Thanks to my wonderful husband who got the camera for me. Love ya Dear!! Saturday I decided to take the kids to Tempe Beach park. They were supposedly doing dragon boat racing and I thought that would be fun to watch. When we finally arrived to Mill Avenue the whole place was crowded and Mill was actually blocked off. we figured there must be something more going on, especially since all the places to park were going to cost us $10. No thank you. So we went to Riverview marketplace. I had not yet been to Bass Pro Shop , we took the kids there. They seemed to enjoy it and the animals. The only problem was Skylar had a hard time dealing with the fact that those animals were once living breathing animals now stuffed and posed. I also was excited that Skylar could pass off one of his electives here. He needed to identify atleast 5 different fish. The aquarium had atleast that many different fish and you see them really well. The cinemark movie theater was right there and playing a movie that the kids had been wanting to see. Spiderwick chronicles was good all the kids enjoyed it, except for Kayla, she did not like the goblins. She sat most of the movie on her daddys lap facing away from the movie. I really had a lot of fun. That night we spent with my family at Freestone park doing a BBQ and playing volleyvball. All in all it was a great getaway day.

2008-03-25T21:33:00.001-07:00

Easter

2008-03-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

This year Easter kinda just snuck up on me. Having Easter in March just seems a bit strange to me. I would like to start some of our own traditions, like making sure we go see the Easter Pageant. It has been atleast two years since I've been to see it. I remember the good ol' days of actually being a cast member of the pageant. I tried out when I was 12 years old and from that year on I couldnt wait to "perform" in the pageant. Maybe I did have a little inside help, my aunt was an assistant director. Okay technically she was an assistant to the assistant director which was her mom. I have so many great memories of being in the cast. There was always something spiritual about reliving Christ time. So we didnt make it to the Pageant this year. I am kinda bummed. Is there any traditions your family has on Easter?

Blogging...

2008-03-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well after many months of reading others blogs, I have come to a conclusion.... I really want to try this out. I am not sure exactly all the tricks of the trade yet, and getting cute paper and what not. I am really hoping I can get some help on this in some way or form. I would like my friends and family to be able to see what chaotic lives we really have and wish things were different to be able to spend more time together. Well enjoy for now