Happy 13th Birthday Nicole!

13 years and 39 weeks ago today, I was sick as a dog, throwing up for 36 of my 39 week pregnancy. 3 days before delivery, I was going through pitocin induced contractions for all those 3 days. 3 months after, I dealt with a colicky crying baby who wouldn't let anyone else hold her and whose tummy finally settled down after discovering "magic gold" Nutramagen. Four years later, I had a little toddler who was unable to fall asleep by herself and would cry to the point of throwing up. At 6:15 p.m. today, Nicole will be turning 13 years old. Was all of this worth it! ABSOLUTELY!

Nicole, I am so proud and honored to be your Mom. You have grown up into such a responsible, respectful and compassionate young lady. Your work ethic and intelligence amazes me and I cannot even imagine what plans God has for you in this lifetime. You are beautiful on the inside and out. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. You are my breath of life and seeing you grow everyday is such a blessing.

Happy 13th Birthday and First day of School! We Love You! Mom & Dad

Speed Camp 2011 After Pool Party

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After the three week Speed Camp, Deb Martin hosted an After Pool/Pizza Party on the last evening. Campers contributed a small fee of $15 to cover the cost of pizza and a "Survivor" T-shirt. As you can see, the campers had a BLAST swimming, playing volleyball, and entering the contests. There was a watermelon eating contest, a burping contest, a cracker/whistle blowing contest and a water balloon toss. Prizes were also awarded to those campers that attended all the sessions, the youngest, and the oldest.

We can't wait until next year!

Speed Camp Summer 2011

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Every year, for the past 7 years, Deb Martin (Co-founder of Club Arrowhead and Freshman Coach for Liberty HS) hosts a speed and conditioning camp for 3 straight weeks. It started off as a camp to get volleyball players ready for school tryouts. Other family members and friends became interested in attending and has grown to well over 100 campers during the session. Deb and her son, Jake, volunteered their own time as there was no fee for the camp. Campers could come any of the 4 days each week. Sessions ran 1 1/2 hours. Nicole had many of her club volleyball player friends attend and her friend, Emma, and her brother, Jake, also went. There were children as young as 8 years old and adults over 50. There were a variety of athletes (volleyball, football, dance, cheer, basketball) that attended the camp as well as us non-athletes that just wanted to get in shape. Everyone enjoyed it and felt proud to make it through.

California

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It was great to cool down in California. Temperatures were 40 degrees cooler than in Phoenix. In fact, I was all bundled up when we were at the ocean. Nicole got stung by a bee on the beach one day and I had to scrap out the stinger. She survived. Girls loved body surfing at Huntington. They felt Laguna had too much seaweed. Emma and Nicole enjoyed all the roller coasters and thrill rides at Knotts and, especially at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Had some outstanding meals and ate well. Now to get back in a routine as school starts in one week.